Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

GENERAL

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”) describes the principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, and critical accounting estimates of FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying quarterly unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Our Annual Report includes additional information about our significant accounting policies, practices, and the transactions that underlie our financial results, as well as a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties associated with our financial condition and operating results.

We provide a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services, offering integrated business solutions through operating companies competing collectively, operating collaboratively, and innovating digitally as one FedEx. Our primary operating companies are Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx Express”), the world’s largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (“FedEx Ground”), a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services; and FedEx Freight Corporation (“FedEx Freight”), a leading North American provider of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) freight transportation services. These companies represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (“FedEx Services”), constitute our reportable segments.

Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our operating segments. For the international regions of FedEx Express, some of these functions are performed on a regional basis and reported by FedEx Express in their natural expense line items. See “Reportable Segments” for further discussion. Additional information on our businesses can be found in our Annual Report.

Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ending May 31, 2024 or ended May 31 of the year referenced, and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year. References to our transportation segments include, collectively, the FedEx Express segment, the FedEx Ground segment, and the FedEx Freight segment.

The key indicators necessary to understand our operating results include:

the overall customer demand for our various services based on macroeconomic factors and the global economy;

the volumes of transportation services provided through our networks, primarily measured by our average daily volume and shipment weight and size;

the mix of services purchased by our customers;

the prices we obtain for our services, primarily measured by yield (revenue per package or pound or revenue per shipment or hundredweight for LTL freight shipments);

our ability to manage our cost structure (capital expenditures and operating expenses) to match shifting volume levels; and

the timing and amount of fluctuations in fuel prices and our ability to recover incremental fuel costs through our fuel surcharges.

Trends Affecting Our Business

The following trends significantly affect the indicators discussed above, as well as our business and operating results. See the risk factors identified under Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, for more information. Additionally, see “Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Business Optimization and Realignment Costs and – Outlook” and “Financial Condition – Liquidity Outlook” below for additional information on efforts we are taking to mitigate adverse trends.

Macroeconomic Conditions

While macroeconomic risks apply to most companies, we are particularly vulnerable. The transportation industry is highly cyclical and especially susceptible to trends in economic activity. Our primary business is to transport goods, so our business levels are directly tied to the purchase and production of goods and the rate of global trade growth. Our results for the second quarter and first half of 2024 were negatively affected by continued weak global economic conditions.

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Inflation and Interest Rates

During the second quarter and first half of 2024, global inflation decelerated year over year but continues to be above historical levels. Additionally, global interest rates continued to rise in an effort to curb inflation. We are experiencing a decline in demand for our transportation services as elevated inflation and interest rates are negatively affecting consumer and business spending. We expect inflation and high interest rates to continue to negatively affect our results of operations for the remainder of 2024.

Fuel

We must purchase large quantities of fuel to operate our aircraft and vehicles, and the price and availability of fuel is beyond our control and can be highly volatile. The timing and amount of fluctuations in fuel prices and our ability to recover incremental fuel costs through our fuel surcharges can significantly affect our operating results either positively or negatively in the short-term. Lower fuel prices negatively affected yields through lower fuel surcharges and drove a decrease in fuel expense during the second quarter and first half of 2024 at all of our transportation segments.

Geopolitical Conflicts

Given the nature of our global operations, geopolitical conflicts may adversely affect our business and results of operations. While we do not expect ongoing geopolitical conflicts to have a direct material effect on our business or results of operations, the broader consequences are adversely affecting the global economy and may also have the effect of heightening other risks disclosed in our Annual Report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Many of our operating expenses are directly affected by revenue and volume levels, and we expect these operating expenses to fluctuate on a year-over-year basis consistent with changes in revenue and volumes. Therefore, the discussion of operating expense captions focuses on the key drivers and trends affecting expenses other than those factors strictly related to changes in revenue and volumes. The line item “Other operating expense” includes costs associated with outside service contracts (such as temporary labor, security, and facility services and cargo handling), insurance, professional fees, and operational supplies.

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

The following tables compare summary operating results and changes in revenue and operating results (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Revenue$22,165$22,814(3)$43,846$46,056(5)
Operating income (loss):
FedEx Express segment137341(60)342515(34)
FedEx Ground segment900598512,0031,29255
FedEx Freight segment487440119681,091(11)
Corporate, other, and eliminations(248)(203)(22)(552)(531)(4)
Consolidated operating income1,2761,17692,7612,36717
Operating margin:
FedEx Express segment1.3%3.1%(180)bp1.7%2.3%(60)bp
FedEx Ground segment10.4%7.1%330bp11.7%7.8%390bp
FedEx Freight segment20.6%17.9%270bp20.8%21.1%(30)bp
Consolidated operating margin5.8%5.2%60bp6.3%5.1%120bp
Consolidated net income$900$78814$1,978$1,66319
Diluted earnings per share$3.55$3.0716$7.79$6.4122
Year-over-Year Changes
RevenueOperating Results
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedSix Months Ended
FedEx Express segment$(610)$(1,652)$(204)$(173)
FedEx Ground segment246506302711
FedEx Freight segment(94)(526)47(123)
FedEx Services segment(3)(1)——
Corporate, other, and eliminations(188)(537)(45)(21)
$(649)$(2,210)$100$394

Overview

Operating income improved 9% in the second quarter and 17% in the first half of 2024 due to execution of our DRIVE program initiatives and our continued focus on revenue quality, partially offset by reduced demand, driven by challenging macroeconomic conditions, and lower fuel surcharges. Our DRIVE initiatives included increasing linehaul efficiencies and improving dock productivity at FedEx Ground, as well as optimizing the air network at FedEx Express through structural flight takedowns, improving hub sort efficiency, and international route optimization.

Operating income includes expenses of $145 million ($110 million, net of tax, or $0.44 per diluted share) in the second quarter and $250 million ($191 million, net of tax, or $0.75 per diluted share) in the first half of 2024 associated with our business optimization strategy announced in 2023. We recognized $36 million ($27 million, net of tax, or $0.11 per diluted share) in the second quarter and $60 million ($46 million, net of tax, or $0.18 per diluted share) in the first half of 2023 under this program. Operating income includes business realignment costs of $14 million ($11 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) in the first half of 2023 associated with our workforce reduction plan in Europe previously announced in 2021. No business realignment costs were incurred in the second quarter of 2023. See the “Business Optimization and Realignment Costs” section of this MD&A for more information.

In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $5 billion of FedEx common stock. As part of the repurchase program, we completed an accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreement with a bank during the second quarter of 2024 to repurchase an aggregate of $500 million of our common stock. During the six months ended November 30, 2023, we repurchased 3.9 million shares of FedEx common stock under ASR agreements at an average price of $256.33 per share for a total of $1.0 billion. Share repurchases had a benefit of $0.05 per diluted share for the second quarter and $0.07 per diluted share for the first half of 2024. See Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, “Financial Condition – Liquidity and – Liquidity Outlook” below, and Part II, Item 2. “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” of this Form 10-Q for additional information on our repurchase program.

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The following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight show selected volume trends (in thousands) over the five most recent quarters:

img166732527_0.jpg

(1)

International domestic average daily package volume relates to our international intra-country operations. International export average daily package volume relates to our international priority and economy services.

(2)

Ground commercial average daily package volume is calculated on a 5-day-per-week basis, while home delivery and economy average daily package volumes are calculated on a 7-day-per-week basis.

(3)

International average daily freight pounds relate to our international priority, economy, and airfreight services.

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The following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight show selected yield trends over the five most recent quarters:

img166732527_1.jpg

(1)

International export revenue per package relates to our international priority and economy services. International domestic revenue per package relates to our international intra-country operations.

(2)

International freight revenue per pound relates to our international priority, economy, and airfreight services.

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Revenue

Revenue decreased 3% in the second quarter and 5% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower fuel surcharges at all of our transportation segments and volume declines at FedEx Express and FedEx Freight, partially offset by base yield improvement at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight.

FedEx Express revenue decreased 6% in the second quarter and 8% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower volume, lower fuel surcharges, reduced demand surcharges, and unfavorable international service mix. Revenue at Corporate, other, and eliminations decreased during the second quarter and first half of 2024 primarily due to lower yields at FedEx Logistics, Inc. (“FedEx Logistics”). FedEx Freight revenue decreased 4% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower shipments, fuel surcharges, and weight per shipment, partially offset by base yield improvement. FedEx Ground revenue increased 3% during the second quarter and first half of 2024 primarily due to base yield improvement and higher volumes, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges.

Operating Expenses

The following table compares operating expenses expressed as dollar amounts (in millions) and as a percent of revenue for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits$7,833$7,7921$15,618$15,651—
Purchased transportation5,3955,665(5)10,43111,432(9)
Rentals and landing fees1,1381,195(5)2,2892,354(3)
Depreciation and amortization1,0401,046(1)2,1112,0702
Fuel1,3281,593(17)2,4293,415(29)
Maintenance and repairs854882(3)1,6781,786(6)
Business optimization and realignment costs1453630325074238
Other3,1563,429(8)6,2796,907(9)
Total operating expenses20,88921,638(3)41,08543,689(6)
Operating income$1,276$1,1769$2,761$2,367$17
Percent of Revenue
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
2023202220232022
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits35.3%34.1%35.6%34.0%
Purchased transportation24.324.823.824.8
Rentals and landing fees5.15.25.25.1
Depreciation and amortization4.74.64.84.5
Fuel6.07.05.67.4
Maintenance and repairs3.93.93.83.9
Business optimization and realignment costs0.70.20.60.2
Other14.215.014.315.0
Total operating expenses94.294.893.794.9
Operating margin5.8%5.2%6.3%5.1%

Operating income increased 9% in the second quarter and 17% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to our DRIVE program initiatives and base yield improvements at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, partially offset by lower volumes at FedEx Freight and FedEx Express, driven primarily by challenging macroeconomic conditions, and lower fuel surcharges.

Purchased transportation decreased 5% in the second quarter and 9% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower volumes and fuel prices, and a shift from third-party over-the-road transportation to rail usage. Fuel expense decreased 17% in the second quarter and 29% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower fuel prices and usage. Other operating expenses decreased 8% in the second quarter and 9% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower bad debt expense and outside service contracts expense. Maintenance and repairs decreased 3% in the second quarter and 6% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower aircraft maintenance resulting from an increase in temporarily parked aircraft.

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Business Optimization and Realignment Costs

In the second quarter of 2023, FedEx announced DRIVE, a comprehensive program to improve the company’s long-term profitability. This program includes a business optimization plan to drive efficiency among our transportation segments, lower our overhead and support costs, and transform our digital capabilities. We plan to consolidate our sortation facilities and equipment, reduce pickup-and-delivery routes, and optimize our enterprise linehaul network by moving beyond discrete collaboration to an end-to-end optimized network through Network 2.0.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. FedEx Freight, Inc. will continue to provide LTL freight transportation services as a stand-alone and separate company under Federal Express Corporation. The organizational redesign will be implemented in phases with the new legal structure complete by June 2024. One FedEx will help facilitate our DRIVE transformation program to improve long-term profitability, including Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada.

We have announced the implementation of Network 2.0 in more than 20 markets, including the phased transition of all FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to FedEx Express beginning in April 2024. Under Network 2.0, FedEx will continue to utilize both employee couriers and contracted service providers.

We incurred costs associated with our business optimization activities of $145 million ($110 million, net of tax, or $0.44 per diluted share) in the second quarter and $250 million ($191 million, net of tax, or $0.75 per diluted share) in the first half of 2024. These costs were primarily related to professional services and severance. We recognized $36 million ($27 million, net of tax, or $0.11 per diluted share) in the second quarter, including idling our operations in Russia, and $60 million ($46 million, net of tax, or $0.18 per diluted share) in the first half of 2023 under this program. These costs were primarily related to consulting services. Business optimization costs are included in Corporate, other, and eliminations, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Express. The identification of these costs as business optimization-related expenditures is subject to our disclosure controls and procedures. We expect the pre-tax cost of our business optimization activities to be approximately $550 million in 2024 and approximately $2.0 billion through 2025. The timing and amount of our business optimization expenses may change as we revise and implement our plans.

In 2021, FedEx Express announced a workforce reduction plan in Europe related to the network integration of TNT Express. The plan affected approximately 5,000 employees in Europe across operational teams and back-office functions and was completed during 2023. No business realignment costs were incurred in the second quarter of 2023. We incurred costs associated with our business realignment activities of $14 million ($11 million, net of tax, or $0.04 per diluted share) in the first half of 2023. These costs were related to certain employee severance arrangements. The pre-tax cost of our business realignment activities through 2023 was approximately $430 million.

Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 25.1% for the second quarter and 24.6% for the first half of 2024, compared to 25.6% for the second quarter and 24.9% for the first half of 2023. The 2024 tax rates were favorably affected by an increase in consolidated earnings, primarily in the U.S.

We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various U.S. state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2016 through 2019 tax years. It is reasonably possible that certain income tax return proceedings will be completed during the next 12 months and could result in a change in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits. However, we believe we have recorded adequate amounts of tax, including interest and penalties, for any adjustments expected to occur.

During 2021, we filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee challenging the validity of a tax regulation related to the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Our lawsuit seeks to have the court declare this regulation invalid and order the refund of overpayments of U.S. federal income taxes for 2018 and 2019 attributable to the denial of foreign tax credits under the regulation. We have recorded a cumulative benefit of $226 million through the second quarter of 2024 attributable to our interpretation of the TCJA and the Internal Revenue Code. In March 2023, the District Court ruled that the regulation is invalid and contradicts the plain terms of the tax code. We continue to work towards obtaining a final judgment for the applicable refund amounts due to the regulation being invalid. Once the District Court enters a final judgment, the U.S. government could file an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. If we are ultimately unsuccessful in defending our position, we may be required to reverse the benefit previously recorded.

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Outlook

In the remainder of 2024, we expect revenue will continue to be pressured by volatile macroeconomic conditions negatively affecting customer demand for our services across our transportation companies. At FedEx Express, we expect a continued shift in service mix to negatively affect revenue and operating income in 2024.

Operating income is expected to improve in the remainder of the year as a result of our DRIVE program initiatives focused on aligning our cost base with demand, reducing our permanent cost structure, and increasing the flexibility of our network. We will also continue to execute on our revenue quality strategy to mitigate yield pressures through surcharge management and optimizing our customer and service mix. We expect the benefits from DRIVE and revenue quality initiatives to be partially offset by the effect of macroeconomic pressures on revenue, as well as expense headwinds related to higher global inflation and variable incentive compensation.

See the “Business Optimization and Realignment Costs” section of this MD&A for additional information.

Our capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $5.7 billion, a decrease of $0.5 billion from 2023, as we continue to reduce our capital intensity relative to revenue. We expect lower aircraft spend and reduced investments in capacity projects to be partially offset by investments to optimize our networks and modernize our facilities.

We will continue to evaluate our investments in critical long-term strategic projects to ensure our capital expenditures are expected to generate high returns on investment and are balanced with our outlook for global economic conditions. For additional details on key 2024 capital projects, refer to the “Financial Condition – Capital Resources” and “Financial Condition – Liquidity Outlook” sections of this MD&A.

The uncertainty of a slowdown in the global economy, global inflation, geopolitical challenges, and the effect these factors will have on the rate of growth of global trade, supply chains, fuel prices, and our business in particular, make any expectations for the remainder of 2024 inherently less certain. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for more information.

See the “Trends Affecting Our Business,” “Critical Accounting Estimates,” and “Forward-Looking Statements” sections of this MD&A for additional information.

RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

See Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting guidance.

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REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and FedEx Freight represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx Services, constitute our reportable segments. Our reportable segments include the following businesses:

FedEx Express SegmentFedEx Express (express transportation, small-package ground delivery, and freight transportation)
FedEx Custom Critical, Inc. (time-critical transportation)
FedEx Ground SegmentFedEx Ground (small-package ground delivery)
FedEx Freight SegmentFedEx Freight (LTL freight transportation)
FedEx Services SegmentFedEx Services (sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and back-office functions)

In the fourth quarter of 2023, FedEx announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. The organizational redesign will be implemented in phases with the new legal structure complete by June 2024. During the implementation process in 2024, each of our current reportable segments will continue to have discrete financial information that will be regularly reviewed when evaluating performance and making resource allocation decisions, and aligns with our management reporting structure and our internal financial reporting. In the first quarter of 2025, when the consolidation plan has been completed, we expect to begin reporting a new segment structure that will align with an updated management reporting structure and how management will evaluate performance and make resource allocation decisions under one FedEx.

FEDEX SERVICES SEGMENT

The FedEx Services segment provides direct and indirect support to our operating segments, and we allocate all of the net operating costs of the FedEx Services segment to reflect the full cost of operating our businesses in the results of those segments. We review and evaluate the performance of our transportation segments based on operating income (inclusive of FedEx Services segment allocations). For the FedEx Services segment, performance is evaluated based on the effect of its total allocated net operating costs on our operating segments.

Operating expenses for each of our transportation segments include the allocations from the FedEx Services segment to the respective transportation segments. These allocations include charges and credits for administrative services provided between operating companies. The allocations of net operating costs are based on metrics such as relative revenue or estimated services provided. We believe these allocations approximate the net cost of providing these functions. Our allocation methodologies are refined periodically, as necessary, to reflect changes in our businesses.

CORPORATE, OTHER, AND ELIMINATIONS

Corporate and other includes corporate headquarters costs for executive officers and certain legal and finance functions, including certain other costs and credits not attributed to our core business, as well as certain costs associated with developing our “innovate digitally” strategic pillar through our FedEx Dataworks, Inc. (“FedEx Dataworks”) operating segment. FedEx Dataworks is focused on creating solutions to transform the digital and physical experiences of our customers and team members.

Also included in Corporate and other are the FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (“FedEx Office”) operating segment, which provides an array of document and business services and retail access to our customers for our package transportation businesses, and the FedEx Logistics operating segment, which provides integrated supply chain management solutions, specialty transportation, customs brokerage, and global ocean and air freight forwarding.

The results of Corporate, other, and eliminations are not allocated to the other business segments.

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Operating results in Corporate, other, and eliminations declined in the second quarter and first half of 2024. The decline in operating results in the second quarter of 2024 was primarily due to increased business optimization expenses at FedEx Corporate and a decline in operating results at FedEx Logistics, primarily driven by decreased revenue partially offset by lower operating expenses. The lower operating expenses at FedEx Logistics were primarily due to lower purchased transportation, salaries and employee benefits, and outside service contracts expense. The decrease in operating results in the first half of 2024 was primarily due to increased business optimization expenses at FedEx Corporate, partially offset by improved operating results at FedEx Logistics and FedEx Office. The improved operating results at FedEx Logistics were primarily due to lower purchased transportation, bad debt, outside service contracts, and salaries and employee benefits expense, which more than offset decreased revenue. The improved operating results at FedEx Office were primarily due to lower salaries and employee benefits expense, which more than offset decreased revenue.

Certain FedEx operating companies provide transportation and related services for other FedEx companies outside their reportable segment in order to optimize our resources. For example, during the second quarter and first half of 2024 FedEx Ground provided delivery support for certain FedEx Express packages as part of our last-mile optimization efforts, and FedEx Freight provided road and intermodal support for both FedEx Ground and FedEx Express. In addition, FedEx Express is working with FedEx Logistics to secure air charters and other cargo space for U.S. customers. Billings for such services are based on negotiated rates, which we believe approximate fair value, and are reflected as revenue of the billing segment. These rates are adjusted from time to time based on market conditions. Such intersegment revenue and expenses are eliminated in our consolidated results and are not separately identified in the following segment information because the amounts are not material.

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FEDEX EXPRESS SEGMENT

FedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight including priority, deferred, and economy services, which provide delivery on a time-definite or day-definite basis. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Revenue:
Package:
U.S. overnight box$2,158$2,237(4)$4,3464,553(5)
U.S. overnight envelope447474(6)932999(7)
U.S. deferred1,2081,253(4)2,3952,540(6)
Total U.S. domestic package revenue3,8133,964(4)7,6738,092(5)
International priority2,3902,823(15)4,7175,720(18)
International economy1,088711532,1091,41849
Total international export package revenue3,4783,534(2)6,8267,138(4)
International domestic(1)1,0861,03652,1102,0105
Total package revenue8,3778,534(2)16,60917,240(4)
Freight:
U.S.584784(26)1,1661,580(26)
International priority569811(30)1,1221,699(34)
International economy422388984776511
International airfreight2939(26)6180(24)
Total freight revenue1,6042,022(21)3,1964,124(23)
Other273308(11)534627(15)
Total revenue10,25410,864(6)20,33921,991(8)
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits3,9643,93817,9477,988(1)
Purchased transportation1,4581,43222,8322,910(3)
Rentals and landing fees515586(12)1,0511,163(10)
Depreciation and amortization54252041,0801,0335
Fuel1,1551,372(16)2,1092,956(29)
Maintenance and repairs494534(7)9901,096(10)
Business optimization and realignment costs41112735125104
Intercompany charges469477(2)9619610
Other1,4791,653(11)2,9763,344(11)
Total operating expenses10,11710,523(4)19,99721,476(7)
Operating income$137$341(60)$342$515(34)
Operating margin1.3%3.1%(180)bp1.7%2.3%(60)bp

(1)

International domestic revenue relates to our international intra-country operations.

Percent of Revenue
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
2023202220232022
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits38.7%36.3%39.1%36.3%
Purchased transportation14.213.213.913.2
Rentals and landing fees5.05.45.25.3
Depreciation and amortization5.34.85.34.7
Fuel11.312.610.413.5
Maintenance and repairs4.84.94.95.0
Business optimization and realignment costs0.40.10.20.1
Intercompany charges4.64.44.74.4
Other14.415.214.615.2
Total operating expenses98.796.998.397.7
Operating margin1.3%3.1%1.7%2.3%

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The following table compares selected statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts) for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Package Statistics
Average daily package volume (ADV):
U.S. overnight box1,2451,283(3)1,2361,284(4)
U.S. overnight envelope431458(6)442471(6)
U.S. deferred1,0091,042(3)9891,057(6)
Total U.S. domestic ADV2,6852,783(4)2,6672,812(5)
International priority673736(9)666718(7)
International economy3732853135327230
Total international export ADV1,0461,02121,0199903
International domestic(1)1,9071,950(2)1,8231,826—
Total ADV5,6385,754(2)5,5095,628(2)
Revenue per package (yield):
U.S. overnight box$27.50$27.69(1)$27.47$27.71(1)
U.S. overnight envelope16.4816.44—16.4916.55—
U.S. deferred19.0219.06—18.9218.771
U.S. domestic composite22.5522.61—22.4822.48—
International priority56.3660.87(7)55.3762.28(11)
International economy46.2739.581746.6940.6615
International export composite52.7654.93(4)52.3656.33(7)
International domestic(1)9.038.4379.048.605
Composite package yield$23.58$23.54—$23.56$23.93(2)
Freight Statistics
Average daily freight pounds:
U.S.5,6817,503(24)5,4977,406(26)
International priority4,4725,757(22)4,4315,902(25)
International economy10,35011,668(11)10,00110,928(8)
International airfreight698948(26)701952(26)
Total average daily freight pounds21,20125,876(18)20,63025,188(18)
Revenue per pound (yield):
U.S.$1.63$1.66(2)$1.66$1.67(1)
International priority2.022.24(10)1.982.25(12)
International economy0.650.53230.660.5520
International airfreight0.650.65—0.680.663
Composite freight yield$1.20$1.24(3)$1.21$1.28(5)

(1)

International domestic statistics relate to our international intra-country operations.

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FedEx Express Segment Revenue

FedEx Express segment revenue decreased 6% in the second quarter and 8% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to volume declines, lower fuel surcharges, reduced demand surcharges, and a decline in international package and freight base yields, partially offset by favorable exchange rates.

Global average daily freight pounds decreased 18% in the second quarter and the first half of 2024 primarily as a result of weak macroeconomic conditions as well as lower volume from the U.S. Postal Service. U.S. domestic average daily package volumes declined 4% in the second quarter and 5% in the first half of 2024 as macroeconomic factors led to reduced demand for our services. These declines were partially offset by an increase in international export package volume of 2% in the second quarter and 3% in the first half of 2024.

Lower fuel surcharges had a significant negative effect on yield across all package and freight services during the second quarter and first half of 2024. In addition, international export composite package yield decreased 4% in the second quarter and 7% in the first half of 2024 driven by reduced demand surcharges, a larger mix of e-commerce volume, and an increase in lower-yielding deferred volume related to the full reopening of the international economy service. Composite freight yield decreased 3% in the second quarter and 5% in the first half of 2024 due to reduced demand surcharges and an increased mix of deferred freight, also driven by the reopening of international economy service. Favorable currency exchange rates positively affected all international package and freight yields.

FedEx Express Segment Operating Income

FedEx Express segment operating income decreased 60% in the second quarter and 34% in the first half of 2024 due to reduced revenue, partially offset by operating expense improvements resulting from lower volumes, as well as DRIVE initiatives which drove a reduction in our permanent cost structure. These initiatives include optimizing the air network and improving hub sort efficiency and international pickup-and-delivery route optimization.

Fuel expense decreased 16% in the second quarter and 29% in the first half of 2024 due to decreases in fuel prices and total fuel gallons. Other operating expense decreased 11% in the second quarter and the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower bad debt expense and lower outside service contracts expense resulting from a decrease in temporary labor usage, partially offset by unfavorable currency exchange rates. Rentals and landing fees decreased 12% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to fewer aircraft leases. Maintenance and repairs decreased 7% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower aircraft maintenance resulting from an increase in aircraft temporarily parked. Purchased transportation increased 2% in the second quarter primarily due to unfavorable currency exchange rates. Purchased transportation decreased 3% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower volume, partially offset by unfavorable currency exchange rates. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 1% in the second quarter primarily due to higher wage rates, increased variable incentive compensation, and unfavorable currency exchange rates, partially offset by decreased staffing to align with lower volume.

FedEx Express segment results include business optimization costs of $41 million in the second quarter and $51 million in the first half of 2024 associated with our plan to drive efficiency and lower our overhead and support costs. Additionally, FedEx Express segment results include business optimization costs of $11 million in the second quarter and first half of 2023, which includes costs associated with idling our business in Russia.

We incurred costs associated with our business realignment activities of $14 million in the first half of 2023 associated with our workforce reduction plan in Europe. No business realignment costs were incurred in the second quarter of 2023.

During the first quarter of 2024, FedEx Express’s pilots failed to ratify the tentative successor agreement that was approved by the Air Line Pilots Association, International’s FedEx Express Master Executive Council in June 2023. Bargaining for a successor agreement continues. The conduct of mediated negotiations has no effect on our operations. See Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

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FEDEX GROUND SEGMENT

FedEx Ground service offerings include day-certain delivery to businesses in the U.S. and Canada and to 100% of U.S. residences. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected package statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts), and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Revenue$8,639$8,3933$17,059$16,5533
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits1,7391,72713,4063,3641
Purchased transportation3,6823,828(4)7,1097,541(6)
Rentals43341458568046
Depreciation and amortization2792491255249512
Fuel910(10)1619(16)
Maintenance and repairs17316273323175
Business optimization and realignment costs36—NM53—NM
Intercompany charges489493(1)9979831
Other899912(1)1,7351,738—
Total operating expenses7,7397,795(1)15,05615,261(1)
Operating income$900$59851$2,003$1,29255
Operating margin10.4%7.1%330bp11.7%7.8%390bp
Average daily package volume (ADV)(1):
Ground commercial4,6094,52324,5434,4452
Home delivery4,0764,084—3,9603,997(1)
Economy87482868047783
Total ADV9,5599,43519,3079,2201
Revenue per package (yield)$11.69$11.551$11.74$11.522

(1)

Ground commercial ADV is calculated on a 5-day-per-week basis, while home delivery and economy ADV are calculated on a 7-day-per-week basis.

Percent of Revenue
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
2023202220232022
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits20.2%20.6%20.0%20.3%
Purchased transportation42.645.641.745.6
Rentals5.04.95.04.9
Depreciation and amortization3.23.03.23.0
Fuel0.10.10.10.1
Maintenance and repairs2.01.92.01.9
Business optimization and realignment costs0.4—0.3—
Intercompany charges5.75.95.85.9
Other10.410.910.210.5
Total operating expenses89.692.988.392.2
Operating margin10.4%7.1%11.7%7.8%

FedEx Ground Segment Revenue

FedEx Ground segment revenue increased 3% in the second quarter and the first half of 2024 primarily due to yield improvement and higher volumes. FedEx Ground yield increased 1% in the second quarter and 2% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to base yield improvement, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges. Total average daily volume increased 1% in the second quarter and the first half of 2024 primarily due to increased demand for our commercial services related to changing market conditions.

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FedEx Ground Segment Operating Income

FedEx Ground segment operating income increased 51% in the second quarter and 55% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to yield improvement, lower purchased transportation expense, and higher volumes. We lowered our costs in the second quarter and first half of 2024 through DRIVE initiatives focused on increasing linehaul efficiencies and improving dock productivity. In addition, we also continued to realize benefits from consolidated sort operations and reduced Sunday deliveries during the first half of 2024.

Purchased transportation expense decreased 4% in the second quarter and 6% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower fuel prices and a shift to increased third-party rail usage, partially offset by higher volume. Depreciation and rentals expense increased 12% and 5%, respectively, in the second quarter and 12% and 6%, respectively, in the first half of 2024 primarily due to the completion of previously committed multi-year expansion projects. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 1% in the second quarter and the first half of 2024 primarily due to higher wage rates, increased variable incentive compensation, and increased staffing to align with volume levels, partially offset by an increase in productivity.

FedEx Ground segment results include business optimization costs of $36 million in the second quarter and $53 million in the first half of 2024 associated with our plan to drive efficiency and lower our overhead and support costs.

FEDEX FREIGHT SEGMENT

FedEx Freight LTL service offerings include priority services when speed is critical and economy services when time can be traded for savings. The following table compares revenue, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected statistics, and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the periods ended November 30:

Three Months EndedPercentSix Months EndedPercent
20232022Change20232022Change
Revenue$2,360$2,454(4)$4,651$5,177(10)
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits1,0071,039(3)1,9802,098(6)
Purchased transportation163187(13)312408(24)
Rentals686631361314
Depreciation and amortization81103(21)188209(10)
Fuel165211(22)303439(31)
Maintenance and repairs93886168168—
Intercompany charges130130—2652621
Other166190(13)331371(11)
Total operating expenses1,8732,014(7)3,6834,086(10)
Operating income$487$44011$968$1,091(11)
Operating margin20.6%17.9%270bp20.8%21.1%(30)bp
Average daily shipments (in thousands):
Priority68.573.3(7)67.374.8(10)
Economy30.531.0(2)29.531.6(7)
Total average daily shipments99.0104.3(5)96.8106.4(9)
Weight per shipment (lbs):
Priority9751,029(5)9821,042(6)
Economy880940(6)878939(6)
Composite weight per shipment9461,002(6)9501,011(6)
Revenue per shipment:
Priority$365.55$361.571$359.24$365.76(2)
Economy415.82415.35—411.95419.64(2)
Composite revenue per shipment$381.05$377.531$375.30$381.74(2)
Revenue per hundredweight:
Priority$37.48$35.147$36.58$35.104
Economy47.2644.21746.9344.705
Composite revenue per hundredweight$40.29$37.667$39.49$37.745

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Percent of Revenue
Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
2023202220232022
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits42.7%42.3%42.6%40.5%
Purchased transportation6.97.66.77.9
Rentals2.92.72.92.5
Depreciation and amortization3.44.24.14.0
Fuel7.08.66.58.5
Maintenance and repairs4.03.63.63.2
Intercompany charges5.55.35.75.1
Other7.07.87.17.2
Total operating expenses79.482.179.278.9
Operating margin20.6%17.9%20.8%21.1%

FedEx Freight Segment Revenue

FedEx Freight segment revenue decreased 4% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower shipments, fuel surcharges, and weight per shipment, partially offset by base yield improvement.

Average daily shipments decreased 5% in the second quarter and 9% in the first half of 2024 due to reduced demand for our services, primarily resulting from macroeconomic conditions. Revenue per shipment increased 1% in the second quarter primarily due to base yield improvement resulting from our continued focus on revenue quality, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges. Revenue per shipment decreased 2% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower fuel surcharges, partially offset by base yield improvement.

FedEx Freight Segment Operating Income

FedEx Freight segment operating income increased 11% in the second quarter and decreased 11% in the first half of 2024. The second quarter increase was driven primarily by base yield improvement, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges and shipments. The first half decrease was driven primarily by lower fuel surcharges and shipments, partially offset by base yield improvement.

Fuel expense decreased 22% in the second quarter and 31% in the first half of 2024 due to lower fuel prices and decreased shipments. Salaries and benefits decreased 3% in the second quarter and 6% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower staffing to align with decreased shipments and an increase in productivity, partially offset by higher wage rates and variable incentive compensation. Purchased transportation expense decreased 13% in the second quarter and 24% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to decreased shipments and lower fuel prices. Other operating expense decreased 13% in the second quarter and 11% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to lower self-insurance accruals in the second quarter, and lower self-insurance accruals, bad debt expense, and outside service contracts expense in the first half of 2024. Depreciation expense decreased 21% in the second quarter and 10% in the first half of 2024 primarily due to a gain on the sale of certain of our facilities during the first half of 2024.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIQUIDITY

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $6.7 billion at November 30, 2023, compared to $6.9 billion at May 31, 2023. The following table provides a summary of our cash flows for the six-month periods ended November 30 (in millions):

20232022
Operating activities:
Net income$1,978$1,663
Business optimization and realignment costs, net of payments(28)(40)
Other noncash charges and credits3,8504,192
Changes in assets and liabilities(1,796)(2,690)
Cash provided by operating activities4,0043,125
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures(2,595)(3,142)
Purchase of investments(75)(78)
Proceeds from asset dispositions and other6220
Cash used in investing activities(2,608)(3,200)
Financing activities:
Principal payments on debt(94)(32)
Proceeds from stock issuances21189
Dividends paid(635)(598)
Purchase of treasury stock(1,000)(1,500)
Other, net—1
Cash used in financing activities(1,518)(2,040)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(5)(136)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents$(127)$(2,251)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period$6,729$4,646

Cash flows from operating activities increased $879 million in the first half of 2024 primarily due to working capital changes, driven by an increase in accounts payable, accrued incentive compensation, and other liabilities, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable from the first half of 2023. Capital expenditures decreased during the first half of 2024 due to decreased spending on package handling equipment at FedEx Ground, information technology at FedEx Services and FedEx Express, facilities and other at FedEx Ground and FedEx Express, and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Freight. These decreases were partially offset by increased spending on aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express. See “Capital Resources” for a discussion of capital expenditures during 2024 and 2023.

In December 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $5 billion of FedEx common stock. As part of the repurchase program, we completed an ASR transaction during the second quarter of 2024 with a bank to repurchase an aggregate of $500 million of our common stock. During the six months ended November 30, 2023, we repurchased 3.9 million shares of FedEx common stock under ASR agreements at an average price of $256.33 per share for a total of $1.0 billion. See Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, “Liquidity Outlook” below, and Part II, Item 2 “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” for additional information. As of November 30, 2023, $1.6 billion remained available for repurchases under the current stock repurchase program. Shares under the current repurchase program may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and volume of repurchases are at the discretion of management based on the capital needs of the business, the market price of FedEx common stock, and general market conditions. No time limits were set for the completion of the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

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CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our operations are capital intensive, characterized by significant investments in aircraft, package handling and sort equipment, vehicles and trailers, technology, and facilities. The amount and timing of capital investments depend on various factors, including pre-existing contractual commitments, anticipated volume growth, domestic and international economic conditions, new or enhanced services, geographical expansion of services, availability of satisfactory financing, and actions of regulatory authorities.

The following table compares capital expenditures by asset category and reportable segment for the periods ended November 30 (in millions):

Percent Change
Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree MonthsSix Months
2023202220232022EndedEnded
Aircraft and related equipment$601$671$1,155$874(10)32
Package handling and ground support equipment209505427941(59)(55)
Vehicles and trailers129132296349(2)(15)
Information technology142248295449(43)(34)
Facilities and other224302422529(26)(20)
Total capital expenditures$1,305$1,858$2,595$3,142(30)(17)
FedEx Express segment$871$994$1,753$1,524(12)15
FedEx Ground segment2865724781,013(50)(53)
FedEx Freight segment5090141240(44)(41)
FedEx Services segment77168175297(54)(41)
Other21344868(38)(29)
Total capital expenditures$1,305$1,858$2,595$3,142(30)(17)

Capital expenditures decreased in the second quarter of 2024 primarily due to decreased spending on package handling equipment at FedEx Ground, information technology at FedEx Services and FedEx Express, facilities and other at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, and aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express. Capital expenditures decreased in the first half of 2024 primarily due to decreased spending on package handling equipment at FedEx Ground, information technology at FedEx Services and FedEx Express, facilities and other at FedEx Ground and FedEx Express, and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Freight. These decreases were partially offset by increased spending on aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express.

GUARANTOR FINANCIAL IN****FORMATION

We are providing the following information in compliance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X, “Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities” with respect to our senior unsecured debt securities and Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2020-1AA (the “Certificates”).

The $19.2 billion principal amount of the senior unsecured notes were issued by FedEx under a shelf registration statement and are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of FedEx (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). FedEx owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of each Guarantor Subsidiary. The guarantees are (1) unsecured obligations of the respective Guarantor Subsidiary, (2) rank equally with all of their other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and (3) are full and unconditional and joint and several. If we sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all of the capital stock or all or substantially all of the assets of a Guarantor Subsidiary to any person that is not an affiliate of FedEx, the guarantee of that Guarantor Subsidiary will terminate, and holders of debt securities will no longer have a direct claim against such subsidiary under the guarantee.

Additionally, FedEx fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment obligation of FedEx Express in respect of the $814 million principal amount of the Certificates. See Note 4 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and Note 6 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report for additional information regarding the terms of the Certificates.

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The following tables present summarized financial information for FedEx (as Parent) and the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis after transactions and balances within the combined entities have been eliminated.

Parent and Guarantor Subsidiaries

The following table presents the summarized balance sheet information as of November 30, 2023 and May 31, 2023 (in millions):

November 30, 2023May 31, 2023
Current Assets$10,856$10,758
Intercompany Receivable3,7393,566
Total Assets84,75789,947
Current Liabilities10,4759,933
Intercompany Payable——
Total Liabilities54,36559,837

The following table presents the summarized statement of income information for the six-month period ended November 30, 2023 (in millions):

Revenue$32,867
Intercompany Charges, net(1,881)
Operating Income2,280
Intercompany Charges, net101
Income Before Income Taxes2,041
Net Income$1,586

The following tables present summarized financial information for FedEx (as Parent Guarantor) and FedEx Express (as Subsidiary Issuer) on a combined basis after transactions and balances within the combined entities have been eliminated.

Parent Guarantor and Subsidiary Issuer

The following table presents the summarized balance sheet information as of November 30, 2023 and May 31, 2023 (in millions):

November 30, 2023May 31, 2023
Current Assets$4,052$4,408
Intercompany Receivable——
Total Assets72,23170,016
Current Liabilities6,4765,100
Intercompany Payable10,57011,011
Total Liabilities50,22448,246

The following table presents the summarized statement of income information for the six-month period ended November 30, 2023 (in millions):

Revenue$11,103
Intercompany Charges, net(1,132)
Operating Income(361)
Intercompany Charges, net14
Income Before Income Taxes588
Net Income$669

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LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK

In response to current business and economic conditions as referenced above in the “Outlook” section of this MD&A, we are continuing to actively manage and optimize our capital allocation in response to the slowdown in the economy, inflationary pressures, rising fuel prices, and geopolitical conflicts. We have $6.7 billion in cash at November 30, 2023 and $3.5 billion in available liquidity under our $1.5 billion three-year credit agreement (the “Three-Year Credit Agreement”) and $2.0 billion five-year credit agreement (the “Five-Year Credit Agreement” and together with the Three-Year Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”), and we believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash from operations, and available financing sources will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, which include operational requirements, expected capital expenditures, and dividend payments.

The Three-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2025. The Five-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2026 and includes a $250 million letter of credit sublimit. The Credit Agreements are available to finance our operations and other cash flow needs.

We executed an ASR agreement in September 2023 to repurchase an aggregate of $500 million of our common stock that was completed in October 2023. See Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information. We expect to repurchase an additional $1.0 billion of our common stock in 2024.

Our cash and cash equivalents balance at November 30, 2023 includes $3.1 billion of cash in foreign jurisdictions associated with our permanent reinvestment strategy. We are able to access the majority of this cash without a material tax cost and do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds impairs our ability to meet our U.S. domestic debt or working capital obligations.

Our capital expenditures for 2024 are expected to be approximately $5.7 billion, a decrease of $0.5 billion from 2023, as we continue to reduce our capital intensity relative to revenue. We expect lower aircraft spend and reduced capacity investment to be partially offset by investments to optimize our networks and modernize our facilities.

There have been no material changes to the contractual commitments described in Part II, Item 7 in our Annual Report. We do not have any guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, which we believe could have a material effect on our financial condition or liquidity.

We have several aircraft modernization programs under way that are supported by the purchase of Boeing 777 Freighter and Boeing 767-300 Freighter aircraft. These aircraft are significantly more fuel-efficient per unit than the aircraft types previously utilized, and these expenditures are necessary to achieve significant long-term operating savings and to replace older aircraft. Our ability to delay the timing of these aircraft-related expenditures is limited without incurring significant costs to modify existing purchase agreements.

We have a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that allows us to sell, in one or more future offerings, any combination of our unsecured debt securities and common stock and allows pass-through trusts formed by FedEx Express to sell, in one or more future offerings, pass-through certificates.

During the first half of 2024, we made voluntary contributions totaling $400 million to our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plan (“U.S. Pension Plan”). We anticipate making $400 million of additional voluntary contributions during the remainder of 2024. There are currently no required minimum contributions to our U.S. Pension Plan, and we maintain a credit balance related to our cumulative excess voluntary pension contributions over those required that exceeds $3.0 billion. The credit balance is subtracted from plan assets to determine the minimum funding requirements. Therefore, we have the flexibility to eliminate all required contributions to our principal U.S. Pension Plan for several years. Our U.S. Pension Plan has ample funds to meet expected benefit payments.

Standard & Poor’s has assigned us a senior unsecured debt credit rating of BBB, a Certificates rating of AA-, a commercial paper rating of A-2, and a ratings outlook of “stable.” Moody’s Investors Service has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of Baa2, a Certificates rating of Aa3, a commercial paper rating of P-2, and a ratings outlook of “stable.” Our interest expense may increase in the event of a reduction in our credit rating. If our unsecured debt or commercial paper ratings are reduced to below investment grade, our access to the capital markets may become limited.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. We maintain a thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements of a complex, global corporation. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and new or better information.

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GOODWILL. Goodwill is tested for impairment between annual tests whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit has fallen below its carrying value. We do not believe there has been any change of events or circumstances that would indicate that a reevaluation of the goodwill of our reporting units is required as of November 30, 2023, nor do we believe the goodwill of our reporting units is at risk of failing impairment testing. For additional details on goodwill impairment testing, refer to Note 1 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report.

Information regarding our critical accounting estimates can be found in our Annual Report, including Note 1 to the financial statements therein. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors and with our independent registered public accounting firm.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including (but not limited to) those contained in “Trends Affecting Our Business,” “Business Optimization and Realignment Costs,” “Income Taxes,” “Outlook,” “Liquidity Outlook,” “Critical Accounting Estimates,” and “Legal Proceedings,” and the “General,” “Financing Arrangements,” “Retirement Plans,” “Commitments,” and “Contingencies” notes to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans, objectives, future performance, and business and the assumptions underlying such statements. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “forecasts,” “projects,” “intends,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated (expressed or implied) by such forward-looking statements because of, among other things, potential risks and uncertainties, such as:

economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate;

significant changes in the volumes of shipments transported through our networks, customer demand for our various services, or the prices we obtain for our services;

geopolitical developments and additional changes in international trade policies and relations;

the price and availability of jet and vehicle fuel;

failure to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences;

our ability to execute our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0, and one FedEx consolidation plan in the expected time frame and at the expected cost and achieve the expected operational efficiencies and network flexibility, alignment of our cost base with demand, cost savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure, and other benefits while managing the potential risks associated with DRIVE and the one FedEx consolidation plan;

a significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure;

the future rate of e-commerce growth and our ability to successfully expand our e-commerce services portfolio;

increased insurance and claims expenses related to vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation claims, property and cargo loss, general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee disability programs;

failure to receive or collect expected insurance coverage;

the effect of any international conflicts or terrorist activities on the United States and global economies in general, the transportation industry, or FedEx in particular;

widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or any other public health crisis, including the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic;

our ability to manage our network capacity and cost structure for capital expenditures and operating expenses, and match it to shifting and future customer volume levels;

damage to our reputation or loss of brand equity;

changes in the business or financial soundness of the USPS, including strategic changes to its operations to reduce its reliance on the air network of FedEx Express, or our relationship with the USPS;

the effect of intense competition on our ability to maintain or increase our prices (including our fuel surcharges) or to maintain or grow our revenue and market share;

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our ability to execute and effectively operate, integrate, leverage, and grow acquired businesses, and to continue to support the value we allocate to these acquired businesses;

noncash impairment charges related to our goodwill and certain deferred tax assets;

failure to attract and retain employee talent and our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs and maintain our company culture;

our ability to maintain good relationships with our employees and avoid attempts by labor organizations to organize groups of our employees, which could significantly increase our operating costs and reduce our operational flexibility, as well as the outcome of negotiations to reach new collective bargaining agreements (including with the pilots of FedEx Express);

the effect of costs related to lawsuits in which it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer of drivers employed by service providers engaged by FedEx Ground;

increasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements, and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension and healthcare benefits;

the effects of global climate change;

our ability to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040;

our ability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography;

any effects on our businesses resulting from evolving or new U.S. domestic or international government regulations, laws, policies, and actions, which could be unfavorable to our business, including regulatory or other actions affecting data protection; global aviation or other transportation rights; increased air cargo, pilot flight and duty time, and other security or safety requirements; import and export controls; the use of new technology and accounting; trade (such as protectionist measures or restrictions on free trade); foreign exchange intervention in response to currency volatility; labor (such as joint employment standards or changes to the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended, affecting FedEx Express employees); environmental (such as global climate change legislation); or postal rules;

adverse changes in tax laws, regulations, and interpretations or challenges to our tax positions;

increasing costs related to changing and heightened regulations and enforcement related to data protection;

our ability to mitigate the technological, operational, legal and regulatory, and reputational risks related to autonomous technology and artificial intelligence;

the increasing costs of compliance with federal, state, and foreign governmental agency mandates (including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act) and defending against inappropriate or unjustified enforcement or other actions by such agencies;

changes in foreign currency exchange rates, especially in the euro, Chinese yuan, British pound, Canadian dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, and Mexican peso, which can affect our sales levels and foreign currency sales prices;

loss or delay in the collection of accounts receivable;

any liability resulting from and the costs of defending against class-action, derivative, and other litigation, such as wage-and-hour, joint employment, securities, vehicle accident, and discrimination and retaliation claims, claims related to our reporting and disclosure of climate change and other environmental, social, and governance topics, and any other legal or governmental proceedings, including the matters discussed in Note 9 of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements;

adverse rulings on appeals and in other future judicial decisions, subsequent adverse jury findings, and changes in judicial precedent;

the sufficiency of insurance coverage we purchase;

the effect of technology developments on our operations and on demand for our services, and our ability to continue to identify and eliminate unnecessary information-technology redundancy and complexity throughout the organization;

disruptions in global supply chains, which can limit the access of FedEx and our service providers to vehicles and other key capital resources and increase our costs;

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difficulties experienced by the companies with which we contract to fly smaller regional “feeder” aircraft in attracting and retaining pilots, which could cause a reduction of service offered to certain locations, service disruptions, increased costs of operations, and other difficulties;

the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU (“Brexit”), including the economic, operational, regulatory, and financial impacts of any post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and EU;

governmental underinvestment in transportation infrastructure, which could increase our costs and adversely affect our service levels due to traffic congestion, prolonged closure of key thoroughfares, or sub-optimal routing of our vehicles and aircraft;

successful completion of our planned stock repurchases;

constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets, our ability to maintain our current credit ratings, commercial paper ratings, and senior unsecured debt and pass-through certificate credit ratings, and our ability to meet Credit Agreement financial covenants; and

other risks and uncertainties you can find in our press releases and SEC filings, including the risk factors identified under Part I, Item IA. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report, as updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

As a result of these and other factors, no assurance can be given as to our future results and achievements. Accordingly, a forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances and those future events or circumstances may not occur. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We are under no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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