FedEx(FDX) - 2026 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2, the company achieved a 7% year-over-year revenue growth, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increasing by 19% to $4.82 [25][29] - Adjusted operating income grew by 17%, supported by margin expansion of 60 basis points [25][29] - The company raised its adjusted EPS outlook for the fiscal year to a range of $17.80-$19, reflecting strong operational execution and revenue quality actions [8][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - FedEx Express (FEC) revenue increased by 8% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income growing by 24% [7][25] - FedEx Freight revenue declined by 2%, primarily due to lower average daily shipments, with adjusted operating income decreasing by $70 million [17][26] - B2B services contributed nearly half of the revenue growth, with significant wins in healthcare and automotive sectors [20][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International export volumes declined, particularly on the China to U.S. lane, but were partially offset by growth in U.S. international outbound revenue [18][19] - The company reduced its trans-Pacific capacity by about 25% year-over-year and decreased third-party capacity by nearly 35% [9][10] - The company is experiencing a challenging environment in the LTL sector, consistent with broader industry trends [26][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is on track to spin off FedEx Freight as a separately listed public company by June 1, 2026, with a strong belief in the value that will be unlocked from this separation [6][34] - A focus on high-value segments, particularly B2B and healthcare, is driving growth and offsetting headwinds from global trade policy changes [13][20] - The company is scaling AI adoption across its workforce to enhance operational efficiency and customer service [14][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate external headwinds, including the grounding of the MD-11 fleet and global trade policy changes [5][16] - The company anticipates continued revenue momentum in the second half of the fiscal year, despite challenges in the LTL market and the impact of MD-11 groundings [29][31] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining high service levels and operational integrity during peak season [11][12] Other Important Information - The company has closed more than 150 facilities as part of its ongoing transformation efforts [12] - Capital expenditures for the fiscal year are targeted at $4.5 billion, focusing on fleet maintenance and facility enhancements [27] - The company plans to implement a fuel surcharge adjustment to mitigate costs associated with maintaining service quality [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics of volume share and pricing in domestic U.S. business - Management confirmed capturing profitable market share and emphasized a focus on B2B strategies and rate discipline [37][38] Question: Breakdown of B2B revenue growth - Management indicated that B2B contributed nearly half of the revenue growth, driven by new business acquisition and revenue quality strategies [39][40] Question: Cost of service and Network 2.0 transformation - Management acknowledged additional costs associated with service improvements but emphasized the long-term benefits of quality service [41][42] Question: Impact of spin-off costs on financial outlook - Management clarified that a portion of the EBIT decline is due to separation costs, with ongoing costs being a factor as well [43][45] Question: MD-11 aircraft return to service - Management expects the MD-11 aircraft to return to service in Q4, with incremental costs anticipated in Q3 due to peak season [46][47] Question: Breakdown of $600 million headwind in the second half - Management detailed the components of the headwind, including LTL softness, MD-11 grounding costs, and increased variable compensation [48][49] Question: Future growth prospects in the domestic parcel market - Management expressed confidence in maintaining growth in high-value segments, viewing competitive threats as manageable [55][56] Question: Consolidation in the LTL sector - Management noted potential consolidation in the truckload business, which could benefit the LTL sector in the long run [58][60]