UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the fiscal year ended
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For the transition period from to .
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Accelerated filer ☐ |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the closing price as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, November 30, 2023, was approximately $
As of July 11, 2024,
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders to be held on September 23, 2024 are incorporated by reference in response to Part III of this Report.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”), including (but not limited to) those contained in “Item 1. Business”; “Item 1A. Risk Factors”; “Item 1C. Cybersecurity”; “Item 2. Properties”; “Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities”; the “Trends Affecting Our Business,” “Business Optimization and Realignment Costs,” “Income Taxes,” “Outlook,” “Reportable Segments,” “Liquidity Outlook,” and “Critical Accounting Estimates” sections of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition”; and the “Description of Business Segments and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” “Leases,” “Income Taxes,” “Retirement Plans,” “Business Segments and Disaggregated Revenue,” “Commitments,” and “Contingencies” notes to the consolidated financial statements in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” 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. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “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, the risk factors identified above and the other risks and uncertainties you can find in our press releases and other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings.
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I |
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PART II |
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ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition |
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ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
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ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
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ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections |
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PART III |
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ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance |
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ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
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PART IV |
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) was incorporated in Delaware on October 2, 1997 to serve as the parent holding company and provide strategic direction to the FedEx portfolio of companies. FedEx provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services, offering integrated business solutions utilizing its flexible, efficient, and intelligent global network.
Our website is located at fedex.com. Detailed information about our services, e-commerce tools and solutions, and environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) initiatives can be found on our website. In addition, we make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all exhibits and amendments to such reports available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable on the day they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. The Investor Relations page of our website, investors.fedex.com, contains a significant amount of information about FedEx, including our SEC filings and financial and other information for investors. The information that we post on the Investor Relations page of our website could be deemed to be material information. We encourage investors, the media, and others interested in FedEx to visit this website from time to time, as information is updated and new information is posted. The information on our website, however, is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this Annual Report. Except as otherwise specified, any reference to a year in this Annual Report indicates our fiscal year ended May 31 of the year referenced.
One FedEx Consolidation and New Reportable Segments
In the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to bring FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (“FedEx Ground”) and FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (“FedEx Services”) into Federal Express Corporation (“Federal Express”), becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground express network under the respected FedEx brand. On June 1, 2024, FedEx Ground and FedEx Services were merged into Federal Express. FedEx Freight, Inc. (“FedEx Freight”) continues to provide less-than-truckload (“LTL”) freight transportation services as a separate subsidiary. Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, Federal Express and FedEx Freight will represent our major service lines and constitute our reportable segments. FedEx Custom Critical, Inc. (“FedEx Custom Critical”) will be included in the FedEx Freight segment instead of the Federal Express segment beginning in 2025.
Additionally, the FedEx Dataworks, Inc. (“FedEx Dataworks”) operating segment is focused on creating solutions to transform the digital and physical experiences of our customers and team members. The FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (“FedEx Office”) operating segment provides document and business services and retail access to our package transportation businesses and the FedEx Logistics, Inc. (“FedEx Logistics”) operating segment provides customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding, as well as integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain Distribution System, Inc. (“FedEx Supply Chain”). FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Office, and FedEx Logistics are included in “Corporate, other, and eliminations” in our segment reporting. There will be no changes to “Corporate, other, and eliminations” in 2025 following the one FedEx consolidation. For more information about FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Office, and FedEx Logistics, please see “FedEx Dataworks Operating Segment,” “FedEx Office Operating Segment,” and “FedEx Logistics Operating Segment” under “Business Segments” below. For more information about our new reportable segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025, please see “Business Segments” below.
During 2024 and 2023, our reportable segments were FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground, a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services; FedEx Freight Corporation, a leading North American provider of LTL freight transportation services; and FedEx Services, which provided sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that supported our operating segments. For financial information concerning our reportable segments in place during 2024 and 2023, refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report. Part I of this Annual Report contains certain references to the financial and operational performance of our reportable segments in place during 2024 and 2023. Additional information regarding our reportable segments in place during 2024 and 2023 can be found in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 2. Properties” of our Annual Report for the year ended May 31, 2023. Certain statistical information in Part I of this Annual Report is presented as of June 7, 2024, the earliest practicable date following the one FedEx consolidation.
Strategy
The collective FedEx brand gives us our competitive edge. Further, our strategy allows us to manage our business as a portfolio, in the long-term best interest of the enterprise. As a result, we base decisions on capital investment and service additions or enhancements upon achieving the highest overall long-term return on invested capital for our business as a whole. We focus on making appropriate
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investments in the technology and assets necessary to optimize our long-term earnings performance and cash flow. Our business strategy also provides flexibility in structuring our network to align with varying macroeconomic conditions and customer demand for the market segments in which the customer operates, allowing us to leverage and manage change. Volatility, uncertainty, and innovation have become the norms in the global transportation market, and we are able to use our flexibility to accommodate changing conditions in the global economy.
For more than 50 years, we built networks that have created a differentiated and unmatched portfolio of services while continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers and the market. With the recent significant growth of e-commerce and as our service mix continues to shift to deferred services, we are continuing to evolve to improve our operational efficiency and enhance profitability through one FedEx, Network 2.0 (our multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which FedEx picks up, transports, and delivers packages in the U.S. and Canada), and DRIVE (our comprehensive program to improve long-term profitability). We are building a simplified experience to better serve our customers with enhanced capabilities and transforming to operate with more flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence.
We have implemented Network 2.0 in more than 50 locations in the U.S. and began the phased transition of all legacy FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to Federal Express surface operations in April 2024. As we optimize our network under Network 2.0, Federal Express will continue to utilize both employee couriers and contracted service providers in U.S. surface operations using a market-by-market approach. Additionally, in 2024 we announced Tricolor, the redesign of the Federal Express international air network as part of the DRIVE program to improve efficiency and asset utilization. See “Business Segments” below, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information on one FedEx, Network 2.0, and DRIVE. One FedEx and Network 2.0 will leverage the strength of our networks, people, and assets in more efficient ways, enabling a distinct focus on air and international volume while facilitating a more holistic approach to how we move packages on the ground.
Innovation inspired our start at FedEx over 50 years ago, and it is fueling our future as we combine logistics with digital intelligence. Leveraging the capabilities of FedEx Dataworks, developments in data and technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, are facilitating the execution of our DRIVE transformation by creating new opportunities to improve our operational efficiency. See “Business Segments” below for more information. The size and scale of our global network gives us key insights into global supply chains and trends. This foundation provides an immense amount of data we can use to build better insights, improve the customer experience, and differentiate our service offerings. To fully harness the power of this data, FedEx Dataworks is focused on putting our data into context and using it to enhance the efficiency of the FedEx network and the end-to-end experience of our customers by making supply chains smarter for everyone.
In January 2024, we announced fdx, a fully integrated data-driven commerce platform that connects the entire customer journey. See “Federal Express Segment — Customer-Driven Technology — E-Commerce and Digital Solutions” below for more information. In early 2025 we formed a new enterprise-wide Data & Technology team, which is focused on initiatives to streamline the technology used during the package delivery lifecycle; establish global standards across pickup-and-delivery, linehaul, sort, and clearance operations; and improve digital products and experiences for the FedEx enterprise and our customers.
“Safety Above All” is the first and foremost value in every aspect of our business. We are committed to making our workplaces and communities safer for our team members, customers, and the public. This philosophy is embedded in our day-to-day work through rigorous policies, continual education and engagement, and investments in technology designed to prevent accidents.
Through our global transportation, information technology, and retail networks, we help to facilitate an ongoing and unprecedented expansion of customer access — to goods, services, and information. We believe it would be extremely difficult, costly, and time-consuming to replicate our global network, which reflects decades of investment, innovation, and expertise, includes the world’s largest all-cargo air fleet, and connects more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product. We continue to position our company and team members to facilitate and capitalize on this access and to achieve stronger long-term growth, productivity, and profitability.
During 2024 and early 2025, we introduced and expanded a number of innovative solutions, advanced important long-term business initiatives, and made other important investments that benefit our customers, team members, communities, and other stakeholders, including:
Completing our one FedEx consolidation plan to bring FedEx Ground and FedEx Services into Federal Express, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground express network.
Continuing DRIVE, our comprehensive program to improve our long-term profitability.
Implementing Network 2.0 in more than 50 locations in the U.S. and beginning the phased implementation in Canada.
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Announcing Tricolor, the redesign of the Federal Express international air network to improve efficiency and asset utilization of the entire FedEx system.
Introducing fdx, a fully integrated data-driven commerce platform that connects the entire customer journey.
Opening our first Advanced Capability Community in India, which will create employment opportunities and help meet the technological and digital requirements of FedEx operations worldwide.
Further strengthening our customer offerings through digital and data-driven solutions, such as enhancements to our healthcare services with more powerful capabilities to prioritize critical shipments and provide monitoring and intervention.
Leveraging the power of our digital insights and predictive capabilities through FedEx Dataworks to proactively divert storm-bound volumes across our networks during severe winter weather in the third quarter of 2024.
In June 2024, we announced that FedEx’s management and Board of Directors are conducting an assessment of the role of FedEx Freight in the company’s portfolio structure.
Business Segments
The following describes in more detail the operations of each of our principal operating segments beginning in the first quarter of 2025:
Federal Express Segment
Overview
Federal Express pioneered the express transportation industry over 50 years ago in 1973 and remains the industry leader today, providing a range of rapid, reliable, time- and day-definite delivery services to more than 220 countries and territories through an integrated air-ground express network. In connection with our one FedEx consolidation, on June 1, 2024 FedEx Ground and FedEx Services were merged into Federal Express.
As of June 7, 2024, Federal Express employed approximately 430,000 employees and had approximately 64,000 drop-off locations (including FedEx Office stores and FedEx OnSite locations, such as nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores), nearly 700 aircraft, and over 175,000 motorized vehicles in its global network. Federal Express contracts with approximately 6,000 independent small businesses to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations. See “Operations” below for information regarding the consolidation of these operations into the surface operations of Federal Express. Federal Express also provides cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions.
U.S. and Canadian Services
Federal Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and Canadian shipping services for delivery of packages and freight. Federal Express offers three U.S. domestic overnight package delivery services: FedEx First Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx Standard Overnight. FedEx SameDay service is available 365 days a year throughout all 50 states for urgent shipments up to 150 pounds. Federal Express also offers U.S. express overnight and deferred freight services to handle the needs of the time-definite freight market.
Federal Express is also a leading provider of day-definite business and residential package delivery services for packages weighing up to 150 pounds. Federal Express service reaches 100% of the continental U.S. population and nearly 100% of the Canadian population. Federal Express offers residential delivery service to 99% of the U.S. population on Saturdays and more than half of the U.S. population on Sundays. Federal Express also offers an economy service that is available for the consolidation and delivery of high volumes of low-weight, less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages to any residential address or P.O. Box in the U.S.
International Services
Federal Express offers a wide range of international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight, connecting markets that generate more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product. FedEx international package services include a money-back guarantee. Federal Express’s unmatched air route authorities and extensive transportation infrastructure, combined with leading-edge information technologies, make it the world’s largest express transportation company.
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International express and deferred package delivery is available to more than 220 countries and territories, with a variety of time-definite services to meet distinct customer needs. FedEx International Economy provides time-definite delivery typically in two to five business days. FedEx International First provides time-definite delivery to select postal codes in more than 25 countries and territories, with delivery to select U.S. ZIP Codes as early as 8:00 a.m. from more than 90 countries and Caribbean islands in one or two business days, delivery by 10:00 a.m. in one business day from the U.S. to Canada, and by 11:00 a.m. in one business day from the U.S. to Mexico. Federal Express also offers domestic pickup-and-delivery services within certain non-U.S. countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Poland, India, China, and South Africa. In addition, Federal Express offers comprehensive international express and deferred freight services, real-time tracking, and advanced customs clearance.
Our FedEx International Priority service provides end-of-day time-definite delivery in one to three business days to more than 220 countries and territories, and our FedEx International Priority Express service provides midday time-definite delivery in one to three business days to more than 25 countries and territories. Additionally, FedEx International Connect Plus, a contractual e-commerce service currently available from nearly 60 origin countries to over 190 destination countries, provides day-definite delivery typically within two to five business days.
Operations
Federal Express’s largest sorting facility, located in Memphis, serves as the center of the company’s multiple hub-and-spoke system and worldwide air network. A second national air hub facility is located in Indianapolis. We are making investments over multiple years in our facilities to expand and modernize our Indianapolis hub and modernize our Memphis hub. See the “Financial Condition — Liquidity Outlook” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information. In addition to these national air hubs, Federal Express operates regional air hubs in Fort Worth, Newark, Oakland, and Greensboro and major metropolitan sorting facilities at airports in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Facilities at airports in Anchorage, Paris, Cologne, Guangzhou, and Osaka serve as sorting facilities for express package and freight traffic moving to and from Asia, Europe, and North America. Additional major sorting and freight handling facilities are located at Narita Airport in Tokyo and Stansted Airport outside London. The facilities in Paris, Cologne, Guangzhou, and Osaka are also designed to serve as regional air hubs for their respective market areas. A facility in Miami serves our South Florida, Latin American, and Caribbean markets. A central air hub near Liege, Belgium connects specific large European markets. In addition to its worldwide air network, Federal Express operates road networks in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and South America. Federal Express’s unique European road network connects more than 45 countries and territories through 28 transit hubs and more than 600 stations.
With the recent significant growth of e-commerce and as our service mix continues to shift to deferred services, we are fundamentally redesigning our international air network in connection with our DRIVE transformation program. The redesigned network will continue to deploy FedEx-owned aircraft in the delivery of International Priority parcel shipments using our existing hub-and-spoke model. Additionally, a portion of our owned aircraft fleet will be retimed to operate off-cycle, allowing us to build density, decongest hubs, and connect our global surface networks. Finally, we will continue to leverage our global partner network as an adaptive capacity layer, particularly on imbalanced trade lanes, to move e-commerce and deferred volumes.
Throughout its worldwide network, Federal Express operates city stations and employs a staff of customer service agents, cargo handlers, and couriers who pick up and deliver shipments in the station’s service area. In some international areas, independent agents (“Global Service Participants”) have been selected to complete deliveries and to pick up packages. For more information about our sorting and handling facilities, see “Item 2. Properties” of this Annual Report under the caption “Federal Express Segment.”
Federal Express also operates a highly flexible surface network of over 700 legacy FedEx Ground sortation and distribution facilities, including 165 fully automated stations, as of June 7, 2024. Federal Express conducts these operations in the U.S. primarily with more than 95,000 motorized vehicles owned or leased by independent service providers. Through Network 2.0, the multi-year effort to improve the efficiency with which we pick up, transport, and deliver packages in the U.S. and Canada, these operations are being consolidated into the surface operations of Federal Express. We have implemented Network 2.0 in more than 50 locations in the U.S. and began the phased transition of all legacy FedEx Ground operations and personnel in Canada to Federal Express surface operations in April 2024. Under Network 2.0, Federal Express will continue to utilize both its employee couriers and contracted service providers in U.S. surface operations using a market-by-market approach. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information on Network 2.0.
Federal Express continues to maximize the use of existing U.S. surface facilities through Network 2.0. Many of these facilities utilize advanced automated unloading and sorting technology to streamline the handling of millions of packages daily. This technology includes a yard management system in many facilities which interacts with GPS tags on trailers to automatically notify the control
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center when a trailer arrives and departs. Using overhead laser and six-sided camera-based bar code scan technology, hub conveyors electronically guide packages to their appropriate destination chute where they are loaded for transport to their respective destination stations for local delivery.
Through collaboration with FedEx Dataworks, Federal Express is also implementing dynamic scheduling tools at many U.S. surface facilities to match sort staffing with volumes and is introducing capabilities to allow certain packages to bypass station sortation and proceed directly to vehicles, which helps to maximize station capacity. In addition, dock modernization efforts enabled by FedEx Dataworks, including a network operating plan that uses machine learning and algorithms to develop more detailed and accurate volume forecasts, are enhancing productivity at these facilities in furtherance of our DRIVE initiatives. Federal Express is also testing autonomous, driverless technologies in the handling of large, non-conveyable packages, as well as artificial intelligence-enabled robotic product sortation systems to sort small packages. During the third quarter of 2024, Federal Express leveraged the power of our digital insights and predictive capabilities through FedEx Dataworks to proactively divert storm-bound volumes during severe winter weather.
Federal Express offers service providers advanced route optimization technology supported by the capabilities of FedEx Dataworks that includes near real-time data that service providers may use to plan efficient delivery routes and vehicle mix. To promote safe operations, service providers contracting with Federal Express agree to use certain safety-related vehicle technologies and satisfy certain driver standards. Additionally, software systems and internet-based applications are deployed to offer customers new ways to connect internal package data with external delivery information. In 2024 we introduced a new tool to Federal Express service providers to track and drive improvement across key operating metrics tied to demand, safety, service, and productivity. Federal Express provides shipment tracing and proof-of-delivery signature functionality through the FedEx website, fedex.com. For additional information regarding FedEx e-commerce tools and solutions, including FedEx Delivery Manager and FedEx Returns, see “Customer-Driven Technology — E-Commerce Solutions” below.
Pricing
Federal Express periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its Service Guides. In general, shipping rates are based on the service selected, origin, destination, weight, size, any ancillary service charge, and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. On January 1, 2024, a 5.9% average list price increase was implemented in the U.S. for domestic and international services. List prices also increased for contractual services and in international markets at this time.
Federal Express implements and adjusts demand surcharges (previously known as peak surcharges) from time to time based on assessments of shipment volume and capacity in our network. For U.S. domestic services, demand surcharges historically have applied to shipments that are oversized, unauthorized, or require additional handling; to residential packages for customers meeting a certain volume threshold; and to FedEx Ground Economy shipments. Demand surcharges on U.S. domestic services initially implemented beginning in 2020 remained in effect for the first half of 2024. Higher surcharges were applied during the 2024 holiday shipping season, after which time the U.S. domestic demand surcharges were reduced or suspended. Demand surcharges on international services initially implemented beginning in 2020 were reduced for select lanes in September 2023, October 2023, and January 2024 and remained in effect for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and African region until June 3, 2024, and for all other international markets until April 29, 2024.
Federal Express has an indexed fuel surcharge for U.S. domestic and U.S. outbound shipments and for shipments originating internationally, where legally and contractually possible, which is adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from roughly two weeks prior to the week in which it is assessed. Effective December 11, 2023 and May 6, 2024, the tables used to determine fuel surcharges for U.S. domestic services were updated. The tables used to determine fuel surcharges for international services were updated in November 2023. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Fuel” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information.
Retail Access Network
FedEx Office offers retail access to Federal Express shipping services at all of its retail locations. Federal Express also has alliances with certain other retailers to provide in-store drop-off sites, including at more than 19,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores. Our unstaffed FedEx Drop Boxes provide customers the opportunity to drop off packages in office buildings, shopping centers, and corporate or industrial parks. In total, Federal Express has approximately 64,000 drop-off locations.
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U.S. Postal Service Agreement
Federal Express’s agreement with the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) to provide airport-to-airport transportation of USPS First Class Mail, Priority Mail Express, and Priority Mail within the U.S will expire by its terms on September 29, 2024. Federal Express will continue to provide air transportation services domestically and to Puerto Rico through the contract’s expiration. Federal Express also provides transportation and delivery for the USPS’s international delivery service called Global Express Guaranteed under a separate agreement. For more information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report.
Fuel Supplies and Costs
During 2024, FedEx Express purchased jet fuel from various suppliers under contracts that vary in length and which provide for estimated amounts of fuel to be delivered. The fuel represented by these contracts is purchased at market prices. We do not have any jet fuel hedging contracts. See “Pricing” above.
The following table sets forth FedEx Express’s costs for jet fuel and its percentage of FedEx Corporation consolidated revenues for the last five fiscal years:
Fiscal Year |
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Total Jet |
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Percentage of Consolidated |
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2024 |
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$ |
3,598 |
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4.1 |
% |
2023 |
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4,515 |
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5.0 |
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2022 |
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3,867 |
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4.1 |
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2021 |
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2,065 |
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2.5 |
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2020 |
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2,265 |
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3.3 |
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Most of Federal Express’s vehicle fuel needs are satisfied by retail purchases with various discounts.
Competition
As described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report, the U.S. domestic and international package and the U.S. domestic freight and international freight markets are both highly competitive and sensitive to price and service, especially in periods of little or no macroeconomic growth. The ability to compete effectively depends upon price, frequency, reliability, capacity and speed of scheduled service, ability to track packages, extent of geographic coverage, innovative service offerings, and the fit within the customer’s overall supply chain.
Competitors within the U.S. include other package delivery concerns, principally United Parcel Service, Inc. (“UPS”), passenger airlines offering express package services, regional delivery companies, air freight forwarders, and the USPS. Federal Express’s principal international competitors are DHL, UPS, DPD (a subsidiary of France’s La Poste’s GeoPost), General Logistics Systems (a Royal Mail-owned parcel delivery group), foreign postal authorities, passenger airlines, air freight forwarders, regional carriers, and all-cargo airlines. Federal Express also competes with startup companies that combine technology with crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs. In addition, some high-volume package shippers, such as Amazon.com, are developing and implementing in-house delivery capabilities and utilizing independent contractors and delivery service providers for deliveries, and may be considered competitors. For example, Amazon.com has established a network of hubs, aircraft, and vehicles and has expressed an intention to offer its internal delivery capabilities broadly to third parties. Many of Federal Express’s international competitors are government-owned, -controlled, or -subsidized carriers, which may have greater resources, lower costs, less profit sensitivity, and more favorable operating conditions than Federal Express. For more information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Employees and Service Providers
Rajesh Subramaniam is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Express, John A. Smith is the Chief Operating Officer – United States and Canada, and Richard W. Smith is the Chief Operating Officer – International and Chief Executive Officer – Airline. As of June 7, 2024, Federal Express employed approximately 241,000 permanent full-time and approximately 189,000 permanent part-time employees. In addition, Federal Express contracts with approximately 6,000 independent small businesses to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations.
The pilots at Federal Express, who are a small number of its total employees, are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (“ALPA”) and are employed under a collective bargaining agreement that took effect in November 2015. The collective bargaining agreement became amendable in November 2021. Bargaining for a successor agreement began in May 2021, and in
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November 2022 the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) began actively mediating the negotiations. In July 2023, Federal Express’s pilots failed to ratify the tentative successor agreement that was approved by ALPA’s FedEx Master Executive Council the prior month. Bargaining for a successor agreement continues. In April 2024, the NMB rejected ALPA’s request for a proffer of arbitration. FedEx will continue to bargain in good faith and the ongoing bargaining process has no effect on our operations. In addition to our pilots, certain of FedEx’s non-U.S. employees are unionized. FedEx believes its employee relations are excellent. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report for more information.
Federal Express, as successor to FedEx Ground, is defending against lawsuits in which it is alleged that Federal Express should be treated as an employer or joint employer of drivers employed by service providers engaged by Federal Express. We continue to believe that Federal Express is not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent businesses. The status of the drivers employed by these service providers could be further challenged in connection with the recent one FedEx consolidation and Network 2.0. For information regarding these proceedings, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of this Annual Report and Note 20 of the consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Customer-Driven Technology
FedEx is a world leader in technology, and FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith’s vision that “the information about a package is as important as the delivery of the package itself” remains at the core of our comprehensive technology strategy. We strive to build technology solutions that will solve our customers’ business problems with simplicity, convenience, speed, and reliability. Additionally, FedEx stands at the nexus of digital and physical networks, a crucial intersection for the success of e-commerce deliveries. We continue to expand our e-commerce convenience network and explore innovative alternatives to help customers and businesses deliver. During 2024 we continued to advance a major information technology transition from traditional mainframe computing to cloud-based systems, which is delivering significant benefits in terms of flexibility, security, speed to market, and resiliency. See “FedEx Dataworks Operating Segment” below for more information on the solutions we are creating to enhance the end-to-end experience of our customers by making supply chains smarter for everyone.
Shipping Management and Precision Tracking
The fedex.com website is widely recognized for its speed, ease of use, and customer-focused features. The advanced tracking capability within FedEx Tracking provides customers with a consolidated view of inbound and outbound shipments. Additionally, an advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence model developed by FedEx Dataworks has enhanced tracking capabilities on fedex.com, delivering greater estimated delivery date accuracy, including updates for early or delayed shipments. FedEx Virtual Assistant on fedex.com is an artificial-intelligence-enabled service that provides answers to customer shipping questions, allowing our customer service representatives and sales professionals to focus on higher-value customer interactions.
SenseAware Mobile, a FedEx innovation currently available in over 130 countries worldwide, allows customers to stay connected to their critical shipments by providing real-time updates regarding current location, precise temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure readings, light exposure, shock events, tilt beyond a certain angle, and healthcare subsampling. Additionally, FedEx SenseAware ID is a lightweight sensor-based logistics device that delivers a new level of precision tracking. The enhanced location visibility provided by FedEx SenseAware ID is creating opportunities for FedEx customers to reimagine their supply chains through real-time updates on a package’s location within the Federal Express network. FedEx is currently expanding access to FedEx SenseAware ID and plans to eventually make FedEx SenseAware ID available for a broad range of premium Federal Express services.
FedEx Mobile is a suite of solutions including the FedEx mobile application, FedEx mobile website, and SMS text messaging. The FedEx Mobile app provides convenience for recipients to track packages and access FedEx Delivery Manager to customize home deliveries. Shippers can easily get rates and estimated delivery times and swiftly create a shipping label. All users can quickly find the nearest FedEx location for Hold at Location or drop-off. It is available on Android and Apple devices. The FedEx Mobile app has expanded to more than 220 countries and territories and 40 languages.
FedEx Surround Select is a visibility platform that allows customers to view and manage shipments in one place. The tool provides global visibility into shipments with package-level insights in near real-time. Advanced features include predictive delay notifications, weather advisories, and customizable views and reports.
In 2023, FedEx announced the launch of Picture Proof of Delivery for express and ground residential deliveries in the U.S. and Canada that are released without a signature. The capability has since expanded to 60 countries globally.
Additionally, our FedEx Ship Manager suite of solutions offers a wide range of options to help our customers manage their parcel and LTL shipping and associated processes.
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E-Commerce and Digital Solutions
FedEx Delivery Manager allows our U.S. residential customers to customize home deliveries to fit their schedule by providing a range of options to schedule dates, locations, and times of delivery. Additionally, FedEx Returns Technology, a comprehensive solution for returns management, provides high-volume merchants and e-tailers complete visibility into returns and an easy way to track shipments, manage inventory, analyze returns trends, and make more informed decisions based on shoppers’ returns behaviors. In 2023 we launched FedEx Consolidated Returns in the U.S., a low-priced, easy e-commerce solution for low-weight returns facilitated through supply chain services offered by FedEx Supply Chain and FedEx Office. Through FedEx Consolidated Returns, shoppers who purchased from participating merchants can drop off the items they wish to return with no box or label required at approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations. The returned items will then be consolidated with other returns and processed through FedEx Supply Chain and sent back to the merchants via an LTL option.
The FedEx retail convenience network also utilizes third-party retailers to receive and hold packages for FedEx customers. The U.S. retail convenience network has grown to include nearly 17,000 Walgreens, Dollar General, and Albertsons stores in addition to our approximately 2,000 FedEx Office locations and over 600 FedEx Ship Centers. In addition to allowing for an easy returns and drop-off experience for shoppers, the retail convenience network is well positioned to serve as a “buy online, pickup in store” network for small and medium merchants without brick-and-mortar locations. We have also added FedEx Returns Technology at Walgreens locations, which allows for in-store printing of return shipping labels and eliminates the need to include a return label in every package. Additionally, FedEx offers drop off and sold shipping services at nearly 1,000 Office Depot and Office Max locations and over 4,000 FedEx Authorized Ship Centers.
We have expanded e-commerce delivery options for retailers with FedEx Extra Hours, a service that enables participating retailers to fulfill e-commerce orders into the evening and receive late pickups by Federal Express, with next-day local delivery and two-day shipping to any address in the continental U.S. FedEx Extra Hours, which is currently available to select customers, allows retailers to extend evening order cutoff times by five to eight hours, with some as late as midnight, depending on their current order fulfillment process.
In January 2024, FedEx announced fdx, a fully integrated data-driven commerce platform that connects the entire customer journey. Enabled by FedEx Dataworks and by providing data and insights that improve visibility and connected capabilities across the customer journey, fdx will help merchants make more strategic logistics decisions from point of demand to delivery and returns. The fdx platform is currently available as a private preview upon request, with the official launch planned for the second quarter of 2025.
My FedEx Rewards allows businesses in the U.S. to earn rewards for their loyalty in shipping and printing with FedEx.
Through innovative partnerships, FedEx Dataworks seeks to open pathways to e-commerce and empower customers with differentiated insights and tools. In 2022, we announced a multi-year partnership with Salesforce that integrates Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Salesforce Order Management with innovative capabilities from FedEx and ShopRunner. We will leverage our relationship with Salesforce to pursue additional innovations and provide customers a more informed, efficient, and personalized FedEx experience. Additionally, in 2023 FedEx and FourKites announced a strategic alliance to provide businesses with new, more robust real-time supply chain visibility capabilities. In 2023, we also announced a strategic alliance with Cart.com to create integrated solutions that help address some of the biggest e-commerce challenges.
ShopRunner is a consumer membership program that provides benefits such as easy order tracking at hundreds of retailers, free two-day shipping and returns, and other benefits.
See “The Environment” below for information about our FedEx® Sustainability Insights tool, which gives customers and suppliers access to estimated CO2e emission data associated with FedEx shipments.
Autonomous Solutions
FedEx is exploring the use of autonomous delivery technology within its operations. In 2022, we announced a multi-year, multi-phase agreement to test Nuro’s next-generation autonomous delivery vehicle within FedEx operations. The collaboration with Nuro will explore various use cases for on-road autonomous vehicle logistics such as multi-stop and appointment-based deliveries.
In 2022, we began a pilot program with Aurora Innovation, Inc. (“Aurora”) and PACCAR Inc. (“PACCAR”) to test Aurora’s autonomous driving technology in PACCAR autonomous vehicle platform-equipped trucks within FedEx linehaul operations. Additionally, Federal Express is developing plans to test Elroy Air’s autonomous air cargo system within the company’s middle-mile logistics operations, moving shipments between sortation locations.
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Marketing
The FedEx brand name symbolizes outstanding service, reliability, and speed. Emphasis is continually placed on promoting and protecting the FedEx brand, one of our most important assets. As a result, FedEx is one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. In addition to television, print, and digital advertising, we promote the FedEx brand through sponsorships and special events. For example, FedEx sponsors:
The UEFA Champions League, which is broadcast in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The season-long FedExCup competition on the PGA Tour, and the FedEx St. Jude Championship, a PGA Tour event that has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and is one of three annual FedExCup playoff events.
The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry driven by Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Cup Series.
FedExForum in Memphis, the arena in which the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis men’s basketball team play their respective home games.
Additionally, FedEx is the “Official Delivery Service Sponsor” and “Official Office Services Provider” of the NFL, through which we conduct events and other activities to promote the FedEx brand, such as the “FedEx Air & Ground” NFL Players of the Week and Players of the Year Awards.
Information Security
FedEx has a team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to securing information about our customers’ shipments and protecting our customers’, vendors’, and employees’ privacy, and we strive to provide a safe, secure online environment for our customers. We are committed to compliance with applicable information security laws, regulations, and industry standards. For more information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 1C. Cybersecurity” of this Annual Report.
FedEx Freight Segment
Overview
FedEx Freight is a leading North American provider of LTL freight services, offering choice, simplicity, and reliability to meet the needs of LTL shippers — FedEx Freight Priority, when speed is critical to meet a customer’s supply chain needs; FedEx Freight Economy, when a customer can trade time for cost savings; and FedEx Freight Direct, a service to meet the needs of the growing e-commerce market for delivery of big and bulky products to or through the door for residences and businesses. Through one comprehensive network of service centers and advanced information systems, FedEx Freight provides service to virtually every U.S. ZIP Code (including Alaska and Hawaii) with industry-leading transit times. FedEx Freight Priority has the fastest published transit times of any nationwide LTL service.
Internationally, FedEx Freight Canada offers FedEx Freight Priority service, serving most points in Canada, as well as FedEx Freight Priority and FedEx Freight Economy service between the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, FedEx Freight A.M. Delivery offers freight delivery by 10:30 a.m. within and between the U.S. and Canada. FedEx Freight Mexico offers FedEx Freight Priority to deliver cross-border and intra-Mexico LTL shipments door-to-door. Customers receive support from the FedEx Freight International Services team to monitor LTL freight shipments, review customer paperwork, and follow up to avoid shipping delays when shipments are crossing borders. FedEx Freight provides additional service to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands via alliances.
Through its many service offerings, FedEx Freight can match customers’ time-critical needs with industry-leading transit times. With the expansion of FedEx electronic solutions, LTL shippers have the convenience of a single shipping and tracking solution for FedEx Freight and Federal Express. These solutions make freight shipping easier and provide customers easy access to their account information. Customers can also process domestic and cross-border LTL shipments to and from Canada and Mexico, as well as intra-Canada and -Mexico shipments, through FedEx Ship Manager at fedex.com, FedEx Ship Manager Software, FedEx Web Services, FedEx API, and LTL Select. LTL Select is a free cloud-based, multi-carrier transportation management system that provides customers with visibility into all available carriers and their pricing in one location, as well as the ability to book service and make payments. FedEx Freight uses radio frequency identification technology and customized software to improve shipment visibility on its docks and enhance custodial control at the handling unit level.
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FedEx Freight Direct addresses the growing e-commerce market for big and bulky products. It has four delivery service levels to meet customer needs, with basic and basic by appointment to-the-door services and standard through-the-door service available to nearly 100% of the U.S. population. Premium through-the-door service with packaging removal is available to 90% of the continental U.S. population. The services include flexible delivery windows, end-to-end visibility, proactive notifications, and returns services with flexible pickup windows and label-less options.
As of June 7, 2024, the FedEx Freight segment was operating nearly 30,000 motorized vehicles from a network of approximately 360 service centers and had approximately 40,000 employees. Lance D. Moll is the President of FedEx Freight, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. FedEx Freight’s primary competitors are XPO Logistics, Inc., Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., ABF Freight (an ArcBest company), SAIA, Inc., and TFI International Inc. In connection with the one FedEx consolidation, FedEx Freight Corporation merged into FedEx Freight on June 1, 2024. We are currently bargaining with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at one FedEx Freight facility.
In June 2024, we announced that FedEx’s management and Board of Directors are conducting an assessment of the role of FedEx Freight in the company’s portfolio structure. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Strategic Risks — Our ongoing assessment of the role of FedEx Freight in our portfolio structure may not result in any consummated transaction or other outcome and could adversely affect our business, and there is no guarantee that any transaction resulting from the assessment will ultimately benefit our stockholders” for more information.
Pricing
FedEx Freight periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its 100 Rules Tariff. In general, shipping rates are based on the service selected, origin, destination, weight, class, any ancillary service charge, and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. On January 1, 2024, FedEx Freight implemented a 5.9% average list price increase for customers who use FXF PZONE and FXF EZONE rates and a 6.9% average list price increase for customers who use FXF 1000 and FXF 501. These increases apply for shipments within the U.S. and between the contiguous U.S. and Canada.
FedEx Freight implements and adjusts demand surcharges from time-to-time based on assessments of shipment volume and capacity in our network. Beginning in July 2021 FedEx Freight implemented a demand peak surcharge applying to specific delivery points within the U.S. The demand peak surcharge has been adjusted periodically since implementation. Effective November 15, 2021, FedEx Freight increased applicable length surcharges. Effective January 17, 2022, FedEx Freight added a surcharge that applies when a pickup is performed and no shipment is tendered to the carrier. Effective January 16, 2023, FedEx Freight changed the extreme length surcharge to a tier-based length structure. The company continues to explore ways to modernize freight pricing including through dimension-in-motion technology, which more accurately captures freight profile and improves its ability to cost and price shipments.
FedEx Freight has an indexed fuel surcharge, which is adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two days prior to the day in which it is assessed. Effective July 1, 2024, the tables used to determine fuel surcharges at FedEx Freight were updated. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Fuel” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” for more information.
FedEx Custom Critical
FedEx Custom Critical provides a range of expedited, time-specific freight-shipping services throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Among its services are Surface Expedite, providing exclusive-use shipping and time-definite services; Air Expedite, offering an array of expedited air solutions to meet customers’ critical delivery times; and White Glove Services, for shipments that require extra care in handling, temperature control, or specialized security. Service from FedEx Custom Critical is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. FedEx Custom Critical continuously monitors shipments through an integrated proprietary shipment-control system, including two-way satellite communications on exclusive-use shipments.
FedEx Dataworks Operating Segment
The FedEx Dataworks operating segment is focused on putting our data into context and using it to enhance the efficiency of the FedEx network and our customers’ supply chains, as well as the end-to-end experience of our customers. The size and scale of our global network gives us a bird’s-eye view of global supply chains and trends and provides an immense amount of data. As the digital twin of our physical network and a key enabler of our DRIVE transformation, FedEx Dataworks leverages this information to allow us to work differently through a more technology-enabled, data-driven approach. See “Federal Express Segment — Operations” above for information regarding how FedEx Dataworks is enabling the transformation of our physical network.
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FedEx Dataworks is working to centralize data onto a single enterprise platform. By adopting this single platform — where machine learning models are reusable and self-learning — we are able to solve problems and deliver value to stakeholders at speed, scale, and with the right economics. This enterprise data platform serves as the foundation for our data science and machine learning practice and houses a common set of models and insights that can be reused across different use cases. Focusing on design principles that embrace simplification, our teams are working to enhance efficiencies and value across our operational portfolio. As we move forward as one FedEx, FedEx Dataworks is playing a critical role in creating data-driven solutions.
For more information regarding FedEx Dataworks’ e-commerce partnerships, tools, and solutions, see “Federal Express Segment — Customer-Driven Technology — E-Commerce and Digital Solutions.”
Sriram Krishnasamy is the Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Dataworks, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of June 7, 2024, FedEx Dataworks had approximately 600 employees. FedEx Dataworks is an operating segment that is included in “Corporate, other, and eliminations” in our segment reporting.
FedEx Office Operating Segment
As of June 7, 2024, FedEx Office operated approximately 2,000 customer-facing stores and manages the relationship and strategy for all on-site, owned, and third-party retail channel locations, providing convenient access to printing and shipping expertise with reliable service.
The FedEx Office brick-and-mortar network features retail stores, FedEx Office locations inside Walmart stores, manufacturing plants, corporate on-site print centers, and on-site business centers at colleges and universities, hotels, convention centers, corporate campuses, and healthcare campuses. Many of these locations are open later in the evenings to accommodate urgent printing projects and delivery drop-offs. FedEx Office has designed a suite of printing and shipping management solutions that are flexible and scalable, allowing customers to meet their unique printing and shipping needs. The network provides an adaptable cost model helping to save time, labor, and overhead by freeing up resources and avoiding fixed costs associated with large-scale printing and e-commerce parcel volumes. This is especially valuable to our enterprise customers looking to outsource their print supply chain. Services include digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, design services, direct mail, signs and graphics, custom-printed boxes, copying, computer rental, free Wi-Fi, corporate print solutions, expedited U.S. passport processing and renewal through a collaboration with a registered U.S. passport agency, and fully digital notarization services through FedEx Office Online Notary.
With the FedEx Office Print On Demand solution, customers can use their laptops or mobile devices to design their print needs or access their personal cloud accounts, and print directly to any FedEx Office location in the U.S., or have their order delivered right to their door. Customers also have the flexibility of using FedEx Office’s Print & Go solutions to print at self-serve locations from USBs, the cloud, or through email. Print & Go solutions allow customers to access files using popular cloud providers Google Drive, Box, Microsoft OneDrive®, and from FedEx Office’s own My Online Documents, making printing easy.
FedEx Office has prioritized e-commerce and digital offerings as a growth opportunity for the enterprise/large, medium, and small business customers we serve. FedEx Office has partnered with a content and creative design platform to form a digital design-to-print marketplace offering millions of images and illustrations, an extensive library of templates, and a simple drag-and-drop interface to create custom business materials from fedex.com on any device, with next-day printing on many requests available at FedEx Office stores. Additionally, FedEx Office has partnered with a leading marketing solutions company to introduce an online branded promotional products marketplace that allows businesses to customize and purchase high-quality promotional products. FedEx Office has also made investments in new machines and technology, enhancing capabilities in narrow format color, grand format, large format, color management, enhanced finishing, and other technologies.
FedEx Office provides customers convenient access to the full range of Federal Express shipping services. Customers may have their Federal Express packages delivered to any FedEx Office customer-facing location nationwide through the Hold at FedEx Location service, free of charge, and may redirect packages to these locations through Redirect to Hold or AutoRedirect to Hold services. FedEx Office offers the Ship and Go kiosk, a convenient self-serve shipping kiosk in approximately 1,300 locations. The Ship and Go kiosk allows customers to generate a label via a mobile label or QR code and drop off packages in a secure drop bin for a seamless and efficient customer experience. FedEx Office facilitates e-commerce and returns through FedEx Returns Technology, which allows for in-store printing of return shipping labels. Through FedEx Consolidated Returns, shoppers who purchased from participating merchants can drop off the items they wish to return with no box or label required at a FedEx Office location. For information regarding FedEx Consolidated Returns, see “Federal Express Segment — Customer-Driven Technology — E-Commerce and Digital Solutions.”
FedEx Office also offers packing services, and packing supplies and boxes are included in its retail offerings. By allowing customers to have items professionally packed by specially trained FedEx Office team members and then shipped, FedEx Office offers a
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complete “pack-and-ship” solution. FedEx Office also offers FedEx Pack Plus, which includes custom box building capabilities and techniques; a robust assortment of specialty boxes; and additional packing supplies, equipment, and tools to serve our customers’ needs.
Almost all FedEx Office locations provide local pickup-and-delivery service for print jobs completed by FedEx Office. A FedEx courier picks up a customer’s print job at the customer’s location and then returns the finished product to the customer. Options and services vary by location.
Brian D. Philips is the President of FedEx Office, which is based in Plano, Texas. As of June 7, 2024, FedEx Office had approximately 13,000 employees. FedEx Office is an operating segment that is included in “Corporate, other, and eliminations” in our segment reporting.
FedEx Logistics Operating Segment
The FedEx Logistics operating segment plays a key role within the FedEx portfolio with a comprehensive suite of integrated logistics solutions, providing air and ocean cargo transportation, specialty transportation, customs brokerage, and trade management tools and data, as well as third party logistics and supply chain solutions through FedEx Supply Chain. FedEx Logistics has the unique ability to leverage the power of the FedEx transportation networks as well as its global network of service providers. Additionally, FedEx Logistics provides international trade advisory services.
Patrick Moebel is the President of FedEx Logistics, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. Scott M. Temple is the President of FedEx Supply Chain, which is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As of June 7, 2024, the FedEx Logistics organization (including FedEx Supply Chain) had more than 18,000 employees. FedEx Supply Chain has a small number of employees who are members of unions. FedEx Logistics is an operating segment that is included in “Corporate, other, and eliminations” in our segment reporting.
FedEx Logistics provides international trade services, specializing in customs brokerage, global ocean and air freight forwarding, and managed transportation. Additionally, FedEx Logistics provides customs clearance services at its major U.S. air hub facilities and border customs clearance for U.S. surface operations, and FedEx Logistics also offers global door-to-door air charter solutions collaborating with Federal Express and U.S. import door-to-door less-than-container-load ocean solutions collaborating with FedEx Freight.
As trade throughout the world grows, so does the FedEx Logistics solutions portfolio. As of June 7, 2024, FedEx Logistics operated approximately 115 offices and facilities in 34 countries and territories throughout North America and in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East, and Australia/New Zealand. FedEx Logistics maintains a network of air and ocean freight-forwarding service providers and has entered into strategic alliances to provide services in certain countries in which it does not have owned offices.
FedEx Logistics offers customized trade solutions that enable improved compliance practices through FedEx Trade Solutions.
FedEx Supply Chain
FedEx Supply Chain is a supply chain solutions provider specializing in Product Lifecycle Logistics® for technology, retail, consumer and industrial goods, and healthcare industries. With approximately 13,000 employees at nearly 80 facilities as of June 7, 2024, FedEx Supply Chain provides a comprehensive range of integrated logistics services to enable growth, minimize cost, mitigate supply chain risk, and improve customer services. Service offerings include inbound logistics, warehousing and distribution, fulfillment, contract packaging and product configuration, systems integration, returns process and disposition, test, repair, refurbishment, and product liquidation.
FedEx Fulfillment is an e-commerce solution that helps small and medium-sized businesses fulfill orders from multiple channels, including websites and online marketplaces, and manage inventory for their retail stores. The FedEx Fulfillment platform is designed to be an easy-to-use and all-in-one logistics solution through which customers have complete visibility into their products, giving them an easy way to track items, manage inventory, analyze trends, and make more informed decisions by better understanding shoppers’ spending behaviors.
Seasonality
For information on the seasonality of our business, see the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Seasonality of Business” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report.
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Trademarks
Federal Express owns numerous trademarks and intellectual property rights relating to the “FedEx” trademark. Those trademarks, service marks, and trade names are essential to our worldwide business, and include FedEx, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Services, FedEx Office, FedEx Logistics, FedEx Dataworks, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, FedEx Supply Chain, FedEx Custom Critical, and ShopRunner. Federal Express licenses the use of certain trademarks to support our business, and takes active measures to enforce its intellectual property rights where appropriate.
Regulation
Air. Under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended (the “Federal Aviation Act”), both the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) exercise regulatory authority over Federal Express’s air operations.
The FAA’s regulatory authority relates primarily to operational aspects of air transportation, including aircraft standards and maintenance, as well as personnel and ground facilities, which may from time to time affect the ability of Federal Express to operate its aircraft in the most efficient manner. Federal Express holds an air carrier certificate granted by the FAA pursuant to Part 119 of the federal aviation regulations. This certificate is of unlimited duration and remains in effect so long as Federal Express maintains its standards of safety and meets the operational requirements of the regulations.
The DOT’s authority relates primarily to economic aspects of air transportation. The DOT’s jurisdiction extends to aviation route authority and to other regulatory matters, including the transfer of route authority between carriers. Federal Express holds various certificates issued by the DOT authorizing the company to engage in U.S. and international air transportation of property and mail on a worldwide basis. These certificates remain in effect as we maintain our economic fitness to perform all-cargo services following the one FedEx consolidation.
Under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, as amended, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security, has responsibility for aviation security. The TSA requires Federal Express to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. These requirements are not static, but change periodically as the result of regulatory and legislative requirements, imposing additional security costs and creating a level of uncertainty for our operations. It is reasonably possible that these rules or other future security requirements could impose material costs on us.
Federal Express participates in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (“CRAF”) program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Defense may requisition for military use certain of Federal Express’s wide-bodied aircraft in the event of a declared need, including a national emergency. Federal Express is compensated for the operation of any aircraft requisitioned under the CRAF program at standard contract rates established each year in the normal course of awarding contracts. Through its participation in the CRAF program, Federal Express is entitled to bid on peacetime military cargo charter business. Federal Express, together with a consortium of other carriers, currently contracts with the U.S. government for such charter flights.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report for discussion of regulations related to pilots, including the proposed pilot flight and duty time regulations, that could affect our business.
Ground. The ground transportation performed by employees of Federal Express is integral to its air transportation services. The enactment of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 abrogated the authority of states to regulate the rates, routes, or services of intermodal all-cargo air carriers and most motor carriers. States may now only exercise jurisdiction over safety and insurance. Federal Express is registered in those states that require registration.
The interstate operations of Federal Express that utilize contracted service providers to conduct certain linehaul operations, as well as the interstate operations of FedEx Freight and FedEx Custom Critical, are currently regulated by the DOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which retain limited oversight authority over motor carriers. Federal legislation preempts regulation by the states of rates, routes, and services in interstate freight transportation.
Like other interstate motor carriers, our operations are subject to certain DOT safety requirements governing interstate operations. In addition, vehicle weight and dimensions remain subject to both federal and state regulations.
International. Federal Express’s international authority permits it to carry cargo and mail from points in its U.S. route system to numerous points throughout the world. The DOT regulates international routes and practices and is authorized to investigate and take action against discriminatory treatment of U.S. air carriers abroad. The right of a U.S. carrier to serve foreign points is subject to the
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DOT’s approval and generally requires a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and the foreign government. In addition, the carrier must then be granted the permission of such foreign government to provide specific flights and services. The regulatory environment for global aviation rights may from time to time impair the ability of Federal Express to operate its air network in the most efficient manner, and efficient operations often utilize open skies provisions of aviation agreements. Additionally, global air cargo carriers, such as Federal Express, are subject to current and potential additional aviation security regulation by U.S. and foreign governments.
Our operations outside of the U.S., such as Federal Express’s international domestic operations, are also subject to current and potential regulations, including certain postal regulations and licensing requirements, that restrict, make difficult, and sometimes prohibit, the ability of foreign-owned companies such as Federal Express to compete effectively in parts of the international domestic transportation and logistics market.
Environmental.
Noise: Pursuant to the Federal Aviation Act, the FAA, with the assistance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), is authorized to establish standards governing aircraft noise. Federal Express’s aircraft fleet is in compliance with current FAA noise standards. Although the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 established a National Noise Policy that enables certain airport operators to implement noise abatement programs, it created an opportunity for Federal Express to plan for noise reduction and better respond to local noise constraints. Additionally, certain U.S. airport operators have implemented local noise regulations, and certain foreign jurisdictions impose noise-based limitations on airline operations. Neither the National Noise Policy nor any domestic or foreign local noise regulations have a material effect in any of Federal Express’s significant markets.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Concern over climate change, including the effect of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, including our aircraft and vehicle engine emissions. Increasingly, state and local governments are also considering GHG regulatory requirements. Compliance with such regulation and the associated potential cost is complicated by the fact that various countries and regions are following different approaches to the regulation of climate change. In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) formally adopted a global, market-based emissions offset program known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (“CORSIA”). This program established a goal for the aviation industry to achieve carbon neutral growth in international aviation beginning in calendar 2021. Any growth above a global industry emissions baseline would need to be addressed using either eligible carbon offset credits or qualifying sustainable aviation fuel purchases. The baseline was originally set as an average of calendar 2019 and calendar 2020 emissions. In 2023, due to the effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry, the ICAO adopted a new baseline of 85% of calendar 2019 emissions. The U.S. has not fully implemented CORSIA to date. In the interim, we continue to voluntarily report our emissions data to the FAA.
Other ICAO member states are moving forward with implementing CORSIA and have taken additional action to reduce aircraft GHG emissions. For example, both the EU and the United Kingdom have implemented regulations to include aviation in the Emissions Trading Scheme (“ETS”). For the EU, under these regulations any airline with flights originating or landing in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) is subject to the ETS. Beginning in calendar 2012, airlines including Federal Express were required to purchase emissions allowances or, alternatively, purchase qualifying sustainable aviation fuel if they exceeded the number of free allowances allocated under the ETS. While the current scope of ETS has been limited to apply only to flights within the EEA through calendar 2026, the EU adopted legislation in 2023 requiring that a study be conducted in July 2026 reassessing whether the European Commission should propose to expand the scope of ETS to include international flights from the EEA based on CORSIA implementation and performance.
We expect compliance with CORSIA and the ETS to increase FedEx operating expenses. The amount of such increase will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the number of our flights subject to CORSIA and the ETS, the fuel efficiency of our fleet, the average growth of the aviation sector, our ability to utilize sustainable aviation fuels in the future and the price of such fuels, the availability of free allowances (which will be eliminated entirely by the end of calendar 2026), and the price of eligible emission units, offsets, or allowances required to be purchased by FedEx.
Additionally, in 2017, ICAO adopted new carbon dioxide emissions standards that would apply not only to new aircraft types as of calendar 2020, but also to new deliveries of currently in-production aircraft types from calendar 2023. ICAO established a production cutoff date of January 1, 2028 for aircraft that do not comply with these standards. The standards are considered to be especially stringent for larger aircraft weighing over 60 tons. In 2021, the EPA adopted its own aircraft and aircraft engine GHG emissions standards, which are aligned with the 2017 ICAO emissions standards, and the FAA finalized its own conforming rulemaking to implement the standards through its aircraft certification process which went into effect on April 16, 2024. In the past, the U.S. Congress has also considered bills that would regulate GHG emissions, and some form of federal climate change legislation is possible in the future. In 2021 the U.S. reentered the Paris climate accord, an agreement among 197 countries to reduce GHG emissions. The effect of the reentry on future U.S. policy regarding GHG emissions and on other GHG regulation is uncertain.
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Additionally, the extent to which other countries implement that agreement could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Environmental, Climate, and Weather Risks — We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change” for information on disclosure requirements regarding GHG emissions and other environmental matters.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels: On October 18, 2023, the EU adopted its Refuel EU regulation requiring fuel producers at certain EU airports to supply a minimum percentage of blended sustainable aviation fuel to aircraft operators beginning January 1, 2025. The mandate requires that, beginning in calendar 2025, two percent of the jet fuel supplied in certain EU airports must qualify as sustainable aviation fuel, and the percentage increases incrementally to 70% in calendar 2050. Fuel suppliers have incorporated a sustainable aviation fee into future uptake agreements for their compliance costs related to the Refuel EU regulation. A similar mandate is expected to go into effect in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2025.
Hazardous Substances: Although a petition for review was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in June 2024, the EPA rule designating certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) became effective July 8, 2024. Numerous U.S. states have adopted additional regulations governing these substances. PFAS are used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, including the firefighting foams approved for use by the FAA to extinguish fuel-based fires at airports and refineries. The EPA rule could subject airlines and refineries to potential liability for cleanup of historical PFAS contamination. We could incur remediation costs for currently and formerly operated facilities. While the impact of this rulemaking on our business and results of operations cannot currently be predicted, we remain committed to transitioning to PFAS-free materials for fire suppression in accordance with the framework outlined by the FAA in May 2023.
Vehicle Emissions Regulations: In October 2023, the California Air Resources Board’s (“CARB”) Advanced Clean Fleets (“ACF”) rule requiring subject companies to adopt an increasing percentage of medium and heavy duty zero emission trucks (“ZEVs”) became effective. While the rule is currently subject to litigation, FedEx selected the ZEV milestones option to meet its compliance obligation under the rule. This option requires that we continuously meet or exceed certain scheduled ZEV fleet milestone percentage requirements, as outlined in the regulation. The ZEV milestones option ultimately requires fleets to transition to 100% ZEVs by a target date according to vehicle type. While the ACF rule may permit companies to seek exemptions or relief in certain instances, there are no assurances that relief from the regulation will be obtained. At this point, there are virtually no ZEVs widely available that are suitable replacements for vehicles currently used, and there does not appear to be sufficient infrastructure in place to support an electric vehicle fleet operation throughout our current terminal network. Further, additional states have adopted rules similar to CARB’s ACF rule with more expected to follow. To address these regulatory requirements, FedEx has made investments in capital equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure.
We are also subject to other U.S. and international environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the shipment of dangerous goods, the management of underground storage tanks, the discharge of effluents from our properties and equipment, and contingency planning for spills of petroleum products. Additionally, certain contractual and lease agreements governing regulated substances could trigger investigation and remediation obligations if sites become affected. Federal Express has an environmental management system based on International Standardization 14001 designed to maintain compliance with these regulations and minimize our operational environmental footprint and certified all U.S. airport locations in 2022.
Export Controls. In recent years, the U.S. government has increased the number of companies and persons subject to U.S. export control regulations. Such regulations can restrict the types of items that FedEx customers are permitted to ship to certain entities, and in some instances may prohibit FedEx from serving certain entities altogether. Violations of these regulations can result in significant monetary and other penalties. For example, the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (the “ECRA”) and its implementing regulations, the Export Administration Regulations (the “EARs”), hold carriers such as FedEx strictly liable for shipments that may violate the EARs without requiring evidence that the carriers had knowledge of any violations. Violations of the ECRA can result in criminal penalties of up to $1 million and civil penalties up to $365,000 (or twice the value of the transaction) per individual violation. FedEx continues to invest in improvements and updates to its export control compliance programs. However, the heightened focus on export controls by the U.S. government increases FedEx’s exposure to potential regulatory penalties and could result in higher compliance costs.
Customs Clearance, Customs Brokerage, and Freight Forwarding. Our customs clearance activities, including customs brokerage, are subject to regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other partner government agencies (for example, the Food and Drug Administration) that regulate the importation and exportation of specific products. Our freight forwarding activities are regulated by the Transportation Security Administration within the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (ocean freight forwarding), and the Department of Transportation (air freight forwarding). Our offshore operations are subject to similar regulation by the regulatory authorities of foreign jurisdictions.
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Labor. All U.S. employees at Federal Express are covered by the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended (the “RLA”), while labor relations within the U.S. at our other companies are governed by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, as amended (the “NLRA”). Under the RLA, groups that wish to unionize must do so across nationwide classes of employees. The RLA also requires mandatory government-led mediation of contract disputes supervised by the National Mediation Board (“NMB”) before a union can strike or an employer can replace employees or impose contract terms. This part of the RLA helps minimize the risk of strikes that would shut down large portions of the economy. Under the NLRA, employees can unionize in small localized groups, and government-led mediation is not a required step in the negotiation process.
The RLA was originally passed to govern railroad and express carrier labor negotiations. As transportation systems evolved, the law expanded to cover airlines, which are now the dominant national transportation systems. As an air express carrier with an integrated air/ground network, Federal Express and its employees have been covered by the RLA since the founding of the company. The purpose of the RLA is to offer employees a process by which to unionize (if they choose) and engage in collective bargaining while also protecting global commerce from damaging work stoppages and delays. Specifically, the RLA ensures that an entire transportation system, such as at Federal Express, cannot be shut down by the actions of a local segment of the network.
The U.S. Congress has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws that would make it easier for unions to organize units of our employees. For example, there is always a possibility that Congress could remove most Federal Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA, thereby exposing the Federal Express network to sporadic labor disputes and the risk that small groups of employees could disrupt the entire air/ground express network. This jurisdiction could be challenged in connection with our one FedEx consolidation and Network 2.0. In addition, the NMB and the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees, and employees of service providers contracting with Federal Express to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, to organize under the RLA or NLRA. For a description of these and other potential labor law changes, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Data Protection. There has recently been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus relating to the collection, use, retention, transfer, and processing of personal data in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and internationally. For more information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report.
Reputation and Responsibility
FedEx is one of the most trusted and respected companies in the world, and the FedEx brand name is a powerful sales and marketing tool. Among the many reputation awards we received during 2024, FedEx ranked 17th in FORTUNE magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list — the 24th consecutive year FedEx has ranked among the top 20 in the FORTUNE Most Admired Companies list, with 15 of those years ranking among the top 10. We also retained our position as the highest ranked delivery company on the “World’s Most Admired Companies” list. Additionally, in 2024 Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, named FedEx as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® for the second year in a row. Along with a strong reputation among customers and the general public, FedEx is widely acknowledged as a great place to work. For example, in 2023 FedEx was named the 21st best workplace overall in FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “World’s Best Workplaces.”
The success of our efforts is built on our sound ESG practices, which are aligned with our strategic focus. Our 2024 ESG Report is available at fedex.com/en-us/sustainability/reports.html. This report details progress toward our ESG strategies, goals, and initiatives and our approach toward industry leadership in ESG to support our strategy and values. Information in our ESG Report is not incorporated by reference in, and does not form part of, this Annual Report.
We remain committed to helping lift local economies by investing in people and communities where we live and work. In the U.S., this includes seeking diverse suppliers and strengthening our supply chain by sourcing from small, minority-, and women-owned businesses. We have a history of supporting diverse and inclusive nonprofit and community empowerment organizations to create greater economic opportunity, help amplify diverse voices, and provide access to leadership, educational, and employment opportunities that inspire people to succeed.
Human Resource Management
Our Culture
At FedEx, our people are at the heart of our success and are the foundation of our strong reputation. Our exceptional human network shapes our identity, reputation, and the type of business we strive to be. Ultimately, our success depends on the talent, dedication, and well-being of our people—our greatest asset. As we continue to grow globally, we remain dedicated to continuously recruiting, retaining, nurturing, and providing unwavering support to our team members and making FedEx an inclusive, equitable, and
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growth-focused workplace. We also conduct periodic audits of our labor practices to assess compliance with regulatory requirements. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee of our Board of Directors reviews and discusses with management our key human resource management strategies and programs, including company culture and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity (“DEI&O”).
For over 50 years, our culture has not only served as a unifying force across our entire company, but also enabled us to drive progress and uphold our principles. Our five culture values—take care of each other, commit to do good, drive business results, own outstanding, and create what’s next—unify our enterprise and empower us to support our strategy and values. These values are grounded in our People–Service–Profit philosophy, the Purple Promise to make every FedEx experience outstanding, and our Quality Driven Management approach, which we bring to life by:
Prioritizing safety.
Taking care of our team members.
Embracing DEI&O so everyone feels appreciated and valued.
Delivering excellence and value for our customers and stockholders.
Acting with integrity in all that we do.
Supporting our communities.
Helping shape a better world.
Growing profitably to reinvest in our team members and business.
Health and Safety
Upholding the health, safety, and well-being of our team members and contractors is a foundational value in every aspect of our business. Our commitment is rooted in our culture of “Safety Above All.” At FedEx, we integrate safety into everything we do to protect our workforce, business partners, and the communities we serve. Our detailed safety policies, education, and technology investments are embedded into our day-to-day work and help us follow through on our commitment to make our workplaces and communities safer for our team members, customers, and communities. The Governance, Safety, and Public Policy Committee of our Board of Directors oversees our safety strategies, policies, programs, developments, and practices.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Creates Opportunity
As a company operating in over 220 countries and territories, we understand the strengths that come from fostering a global culture of DEI&O. It is a foundational value that fuels collaboration; enables us to attract, retain, and nurture a skilled workforce; and drives our business performance and sustainability. We foster diverse perspectives in leadership and decision-making, which is reflected in our business strategies.
Opportunity is at the forefront of our commitment to excellence. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive culture where everyone is treated with respect and has an opportunity for advancement and promotion. At every level of the enterprise, everyone plays a role in building a more inclusive and equitable FedEx. This commitment is conveyed through our DEI&O framework, supported by four strategic pillars: Opportunities for Our People; Opportunities for Education and Engagement; Opportunities for Our Communities, Customers, and Suppliers; and Opportunities to Tell Our Story. We continue to roll out programs to ensure our people are engaged and can develop at FedEx. FedEx has successfully launched a program in 14 U.S. markets to make our hiring process more inclusive for Spanish-speaking candidates, and we provide team members with English as a Second Language courses through this program. Additionally, FedEx has a dedicated recruitment plan for U.S. military veterans transitioning to the private sector.
To further our transparency efforts regarding our workforce composition, we report the prior year’s gender, racial, and ethnic composition of our U.S. workforce by EEO-1 job category, as set forth in the consolidated EEO-1 Reports filed by FedEx and its operating subsidiaries with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These reports can be found at fedex.com/en-us/about.html.
Quality of Life
Our integrated benefits offerings are designed to invest in the health, well-being, and productivity of our people to allow them to lead fulfilling lives, both inside and outside of work. We provide all eligible full- and part-time team members with a comprehensive set of competitive benefits, including healthcare, wellness initiatives, flexible paid time off (for sick leave and other absences), and other benefits. To help ensure our benefits and compensation packages remain competitive, we routinely conduct peer benchmarking and internal pay equity analyses. |
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In the U.S., we cover approximately 70% of the total eligible health, wellness, and disability costs at the plan level for approximately 215,000 participating employees as of January 2024. Our health benefits package offers flexibility in medical, behavioral, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage, coupled with enhanced member support services. Our time-off benefits are thoughtfully tailored based on input from our team members, helping ensure they meet the needs of individuals. We also provide dedicated paid sick and parental leave to eligible full- and part-time employees. Recognizing the importance of supporting the mental health of our team members, we offer 24/7 confidential counseling services through our Employee Assistance Program, which is accessible to team members and their household members. We frequently communicate with employees on how to access these resources to promote their use across the enterprise.
At FedEx, we are dedicated to nurturing the growth and career development of our team members, which enables them to better deliver on the Purple Promise. Our recently completed one FedEx consolidation will make it easier for FedEx team members to manage their careers. To align with emerging trends, we adapt our learning frameworks to cover existing competencies and any future capabilities we may need. Our suite of learning and development opportunities is designed to enhance team member engagement, improve retention, and strengthen our employee value proposition. All new employees complete our Core New Employee Orientation, which is tailored to the specific responsibilities of team members within their local workplaces. This comprehensive onboarding experience encompasses key topics such as safety, security, compliance, sustainability, and DEI&O. After orientation, we implement a range of programs and initiatives across our global operations to foster an environment of continuous learning and career development. Team members can access the FedEx Learning Center, a vast library of nearly 16,000 online courses that deliver an efficient and convenient learning experience.
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We are committed to supporting team members who wish to pursue higher education in a variety of ways. The Learning inspired by FedEx (LiFE) program—a collaborative initiative between the company and The University of Memphis—offers tuition-free, fully online degree options spanning 30 associate’s and bachelor’s programs to eligible FedEx employees. FedEx maintains a robust performance management process to support ongoing dialogue and career growth for our team members.
Talent Acquisition, Engagement, and Turnover
We shape our recruitment practices to build a highly skilled workforce that mirrors the diverse communities we serve. We are focused on intentional, effective recruitment strategies that enable us to simplify the application process and hire quality candidates. We strive to retain team members through engagement, competitive wages, enhanced benefits, flexible scheduling, and career development programs. Our team members’ feedback is integral to understanding engagement and our human resource management approach and strategy. We provide a range of avenues for engagement, including annual surveys, employee networks, and direct channels for feedback. These methods allow us to better understand employee concerns and expectations, and results from these engagements inform our future strategies. Annually, we conduct an engagement survey to measure employee insights on our culture, engagement, and inclusion.
We continually monitor and adjust our workplace strategy by incorporating current best practices and using survey data at the local, national, and enterprise levels to guide our approach. We also encourage meaningful in-person work, including important team meetings, planning sessions, and engaging office events.
Globally, in 2024, we hired over 487,000 full- and part-time team members. Turnover for part-time team members, primarily package handlers at our sorting locations, was 195%, while full-time team member turnover was 26%, in 2024. Turnover rates among part-time frontline workers in a number of industries are historically higher than among other employee groups. Within the ground transportation industry, many part-time workers pursue temporary employment opportunities that allow them to exit and re-enter the workforce more frequently based on their needs. These traditionally higher rates have recently been further exacerbated by elevated hiring volumes.
Other Information
As of May 31, 2024, FedEx employed approximately 306,000 permanent full-time and approximately 199,000 permanent part-time employees and utilized approximately 6,000 contracted service providers to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations.
See “Business Segments — Federal Express Segment — Employees and Service Providers” for information regarding our continued bargaining efforts to reach an agreement with the union representing our pilots. A small number of our other employees are members of unions. For additional information, see “Business Segments” and “Regulation” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Our Community
FedEx is committed to actively supporting the communities we serve worldwide through the strategic investment of our people, resources, and network. Through FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program, we support non-profit organizations working to solve social challenges relevant to our business, customers, and team members. We pair donations with charitable shipping and access to our global network, team member volunteers, subject matter expertise, influence, and connections to meet social and business goals. We make our biggest investments in areas where we can address significant issues and apply our unique business capabilities. Real change takes significant investment, authentic support for communities, and a commitment to continuous learning. FedEx Cares focuses on three major giving pillars:
Delivering for Good: Mobilizing FedEx’s passionate team members, global network, and best-in-class logistics expertise to support humanitarian relief, respond to disasters, and help non-profit organizations make complex shipments to benefit our communities.
Global Entrepreneurship: Equipping entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with the training, connections, and other resources they need to compete in the global marketplace more effectively, expand their customer base, generate new jobs, and create a better life for themselves and their communities.
Sustainable Logistics: To help deliver a better future, we support sustainable transportation in cities, research and technology to scale climate solutions, and conservation in local communities.
Additionally, our commitments to DEI&O and team member volunteerism are foundational to FedEx Cares. In response to our “Drive Forward. Give Back.” call to action, team members around the world volunteer and provide acts of caring throughout the year.
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Together, we multiply our impact to improve the communities where we live and work. FedEx Cares manages the FedEx Founder’s Fund — a philanthropic endowment honoring Frederick W. Smith and his legacy as a business leader and changemaker in communities around the world. Additionally, FedEx supports communities throughout the U.S. with its FedEx Cares Employee Giving program.
We believe the investments we make in our communities today, combined with team member engagement, set the stage for a brighter tomorrow. For additional information on our community involvement and our FedEx Cares strategy, visit fedexcares.com.
The Environment
At FedEx, managing our environmental impact to create meaningful change requires strategic investment and action. Building on many years of sustainability progress, in 2024 we evolved and broadened our strategic approach of Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize to focus on the principles of Decarbonize what’s possible, Co-create with purpose, and Neutralize what’s left, which cover the comprehensive actions needed to not only achieve carbon neutrality in our own operations, but also to support the transition of the transportation and logistics industry as a whole. Our philosophy of Practical Sustainability drives us toward responsible business stewardship, innovation for products and operational solutions, and transparency for our stakeholders.
We align our assessment and reporting approach with the recommendations from the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Evaluation of climate-related physical and transition risk is integrated into our enterprise risk management process, which identifies and reports top enterprise risks in the short-, medium-, and long-term through industry research, surveys, and workshops with business leaders. Based on the risks identified, specific contingency plans and strategies are formulated to minimize potential adverse effects on our business.
In 2021 we announced our goal to achieve carbon neutrality by calendar 2040 across our global operations’ Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions and our Scope 3 contracted transportation emissions. To help reach this goal, we designated $2.0 billion of initial investment towards vehicle electrification, sustainable energy, and carbon sequestration, including a pledge of $100 million to Yale University to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. In addition, we continue to leverage other approaches to reduce aircraft and vehicle emissions, such as increased interline usage and intermodal rail usage across Federal Express.
Our investment in and pursuit of a more efficient network and operations, including Network 2.0 and our ongoing air network redesign, support our efforts to create a more connected and sustainable future. For over 50 years, we have demonstrated our capabilities to reduce environmental impacts by achieving operational synergies such as improving the efficiency of our fleet, reducing miles driven, and minimizing route redundancies.
Vehicle Electrification
Across FedEx, we aim to create an efficient and sustainable fleet tailored to our operational needs. Our global fleet comprises over 200,000 motorized vehicles, across various vehicle classes, including pickup-and-delivery vehicles, long-haul trucks, forklifts, airport ground services equipment, and other off-road vehicles. Electrifying each class of vehicles brings unique opportunities and challenges driven by performance and operational requirements, as well as supply chain, infrastructure, and availability considerations. We also recognize the need for further technological advances, such as commercial use electric vehicles, battery enhancements, and smart charging software, to enable large-scale fleet electrification.
We plan to transition the entire FedEx parcel pickup-and-delivery fleet to zero tailpipe emissions electric vehicles by calendar 2040, using a phased approach to replace existing vehicles. Network 2.0 and one FedEx will require a significantly altered pickup-and-delivery vehicle mix to meet the operational needs of the new network service model. Accordingly, we may not be able to achieve our previously disclosed goal of 50% of owned Federal Express pickup-and-delivery fleet purchases being electric by calendar 2025. However, we remain committed to our goal of 100% of owned Federal Express pickup-and-delivery fleet purchases being electric by 2030. We continue to review our owned Federal Express pickup-and-delivery purchase goals to determine our best path towards carbon neutral operations in calendar 2040.
As we work to transition our entire pickup-and-delivery fleet to zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, we are collaborating with local equipment manufacturers to introduce electric vehicles into new markets while deploying additional electric vehicles in existing markets. In 2023, we expanded our use of electric vehicles to make deliveries in Malaysia, Chile, Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates, and conducted electric vehicle trials in Singapore. We are working with strategic regional manufacturers to expand electric vehicle deployment to new markets across our global operations as part of our phased pickup-and-delivery electrification approach.
As we work toward electrifying our vehicle fleet, making sure we can have adequate charging infrastructure available at our facilities is a priority. Our vehicles and facilities teams are working with power utilities, government officials at all levels, and regulatory
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agencies to plot a path forward. We have already built over 1,000 charging stations across our global facilities to support the electrification of our own pickup-and-delivery fleet and the electric vehicle transition of contracted service providers. Additionally, we are crafting a comprehensive strategy to expedite the transition to electric vehicles for contracted service providers while rolling out essential infrastructure at our facilities to meet their charging needs. To implement the large-scale charging infrastructure required for our operations, we are collaborating closely with local utility companies and regulators to strategically plan for and meet the additional grid capacity challenges.
The electrification of our long-haul fleet poses unique challenges since these vehicles travel long distances and need to be recharged at our centers and potentially in multiple locations along a route, which can require a significant amount of time and energy at facility charging stations.
Federal Express has established a goal to increase vehicle fleet efficiency by 50% from a 2005 baseline by calendar 2025. Through 2023, our efforts collectively resulted in a 38% improvement in Federal Express vehicle fleet efficiency from our 2005 baseline.
Sustainable Fuels
We maintain a global fleet of 9,800 alternative fuel and electric vehicles, including hybrid, electric, and natural gas- and liquified petroleum gas-powered vehicles. To drive widespread alternative fuel production, we are collaborating with government agencies, academic institutions, and suppliers, and are a vocal advocate for policies to support the commercial deployment of alternative fuel vehicles. Our commitment to exploring alternative fuels extends to vehicles that are not easily electrified. For example, heavyweight transportation poses unique challenges due to mileage requirements and the need for timely refueling or recharging. While the technologies and infrastructure needed to shift heavy goods vehicles away from fossil fuels are still developing, we are dedicated to piloting alternative fuels and solutions that can achieve more immediate reductions in the emissions of heavy goods transport. Additionally, we implement fuel-saving measures within our current fleet to help reduce our environmental impact.
The majority of our emissions footprint is associated with FedEx jet fuel usage, and we have established a goal of obtaining 30% of our annual jet fuel usage from blends of alternative fuel by calendar 2030. While FedEx works extensively to conserve jet fuel and modernize our air fleet, our carbon neutral ambition relies on reducing emissions with sustainable aviation fuel and carbon sequestration to remove and store excess carbon. Advancing these nascent technologies and markets requires extensive collaboration with industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and governments.
To accelerate sustainable aviation fuel solutions, we are proud members of the Aviation Sector working group of the First Movers Coalition, a global initiative dedicated to decarbonizing challenging industrial sectors, including the aviation industry. We also advocate for responsible policies and incentives to advance alternative fuel technologies, expedite global sustainable aviation fuel production, and enhance the availability and affordability of low-carbon fuel. We acknowledge the complexities faced by the aviation industry in achieving large-scale sustainable aviation fuel deployment and recognize the potential need for additional solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.
Aircraft Fuel Conservation and Aircraft Fleet Modernization
At FedEx, we are working to minimize the environmental footprint of our aircraft fleet through fuel conservation, airline route optimization, and the exploration of more sustainable or efficient transportation options within our extensive network. Since 2005, we reduced our overall aircraft emissions intensity by 29%, primarily due to our ongoing FedEx Fuel Sense and aircraft modernization initiatives. Overall, in 2023, the Fuel Sense program achieved savings of over 11 million gallons of jet fuel and our modernization initiatives resulted in savings of 136 million gallons of jet fuel.
We are dedicated to modernizing our fleet of nearly 700 aircraft to reduce costs, enhance reliability and operational adaptability, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize emissions. We continue to replace older aircraft with more fuel-efficient models to reduce GHG emissions, air pollution, and local noise pollution. We are currently scheduled to take delivery of two Boeing 777F, 14 Boeing 767F, 10 ATR-72 600F, and 31 Cessna 408 aircraft by the end of 2026. Delays could impact these timelines. We plan to retire our entire MD-11 fleet by the end of 2028. Additionally, in 2024 we made the decision to permanently retire from service 22 Boeing 757-200 aircraft and seven related engines to align with the plans of Federal Express to modernize its aircraft fleet, improve its global network, and better align air network capacity to match current and anticipated shipment volumes. For more information about our expected future aircraft deliveries, see “Item 2. Properties” of this Annual Report under the caption “Federal Express Segment” and Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
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Facilities
We work to support the long-term health and well-being of our business, the planet, and the communities in which we operate through the sustainable operations of our more than 5,000 air and ground hubs, local stations, freight service centers, and retail locations.
As we support electric vehicle deployment and charging infrastructure, our energy demand will increase. In response to this challenge, we are intensifying our efforts to responsibly manage our facility energy use and procure off-site renewable energy. Our approach to innovating operations involves continued investments in energy efficiency and management, renewable energy procurement, facility resiliency, environmental compliance and waste reduction, among other initiatives. For new facilities, we integrate energy efficiency specifications and explore on-site renewable energy generation options into the design. We adopt the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) standard in the U.S. and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (“BREEAM”) in Europe as guiding principles for designing efficient facilities when appropriate. In total FedEx has 46 LEED-certified facilities and 13 BREEAM-certified facilities across our global operations.
FedEx invests in both on-site renewable energy generation and external procurement of renewable energy, which enables us to execute larger projects. Given the complexity of grid systems, different real estate models, utility markets, and a varied regulatory landscape, the viability of on-site renewable energy differs by facility.
The importance of facility resiliency is increasing due to the physical risks of climate change and the strain of electrification on the grid. FedEx is conducting pilot tests of various technologies to provide backup power to our facilities. Natural gas generators, combined heat and power systems, and fuel cell technologies can be used to create microgrids that support building resiliency.
We strive to reduce the waste we generate and recycle waste when possible, and we enforce standardized waste and recycling management processes throughout the U.S.
Sustainable Customer Solutions
We recognize that transporting goods for our customers can lead to environmental impacts through emissions and waste generation. Our more sustainable packaging choices, such as a Reusable Pak, give our customers more choice and control in reducing the waste associated with their shipping, while still offering the protection and performance they expect from FedEx supplied packaging. FedEx-branded cardboard packaging is almost 100% recyclable and composed of 9% to 23% recycled content. During 2023, 45% of FedEx-branded packaging was third-party certified, and 99% of all paper purchased by FedEx Office was from vendors with responsible forest-management practices.
Our FedEx® Sustainability Insights (“FSI”) tool gives our customers and suppliers access to estimated CO2e emissions data associated with their FedEx shipments, from the individual package to account levels, enabling them to understand their environmental impact and drive informed supply chain decisions. Internally, we use this data to assess progress and identify improvement areas. FSI is third-party verified to adhere to the GHG Protocol and Global Logistics Emissions Council framework. In 2024, FSI launched globally and is currently available in over 100 markets and translated in 34 languages. Additionally, U.S.-based customers can now forecast future emissions using FSI through a new commercialized portal. This enables customers to estimate their potential CO2e emissions through predictive modeling capabilities and helps inform customers about their carbon footprint so they can make more sustainable choices.
For additional information on the ways we are minimizing our impact on the environment, see fedex.com/en-us/sustainability.html. For additional information regarding environmental, climate, and weather-related regulation and risks, see “Regulation” above and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” under “Environmental, Climate, and Weather Risks.”
Governance
The FedEx Board of Directors is comprised of a majority of independent directors and is committed to the highest quality corporate governance and accountability to stockholders. Our Board of Directors periodically reviews all aspects of our governance policies and practices, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and our Code of Conduct, in light of best practices and makes whatever changes it deems appropriate to further our longstanding commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance. The Guidelines and the Code of Conduct, which apply to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, are available under the ESG heading under “Governance” on the Investor Relations page of our website at investors.fedex.com. We will post under the ESG heading on the Investor Relations page of our website information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the provisions of the Code of Conduct to the extent such disclosure is required.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Annual Report, you should carefully consider the following factors, which could materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the price of our common stock. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the price of our common stock.
Macroeconomic and Market Risks
We are directly affected by the state of the global economy and geopolitical developments. 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 — key macroeconomic measurements influenced by, among other things, inflation and deflation, supply chain disruptions, interest rates and currency exchange rates, labor costs and unemployment levels, fuel and energy prices, inventory levels, spending patterns (including shifts from goods to services and vice versa), disposable income, debt levels, credit availability, and public health crises. When individuals and companies purchase and produce fewer goods, we transport fewer goods, and as companies move manufacturing closer to consumer markets and expand the number of distribution centers, we transport goods shorter distances, which adversely affects our yields and results of operations. Certain manufacturers and retailers are making investments to produce and store goods in closer proximity to supply chains and consumers in connection with recent macroeconomic, geopolitical, and public health developments. Additionally, in 2024 we continued to see customer preference for slower, less costly shipping services and experienced lower fuel surcharges at all of our transportation segments and reduced demand surcharges at FedEx Express. We expect service mix to shift further toward deferred service offerings in 2025. Further, the scale of our operations and our relatively high fixed-cost structure, particularly with respect to our air network, make it difficult to quickly adjust to match shifting volume levels. For more information, see “Our businesses are capital intensive, and we must make capital decisions based upon projected volume levels.” below.
The decline in U.S. imports of consumer goods that started in late 2022, along with slowed global industrial production, has contributed to weakened economic conditions for the transportation industry. Consequently, this environment has led to lower freight and package volumes at FedEx Express and FedEx Freight, negatively affecting our results in 2024. We are experiencing a decline in demand for our transportation services as inflation and high interest rates are negatively affecting consumer and business spending. We expect inflation and high interest rates to continue to negatively affect our results in 2025. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for additional information.
Moreover, given the nature of our business and our global operations, political, economic, and other conditions in foreign countries and regions, including international taxes, government-to-government relations, the typically more volatile economies of emerging markets, and geopolitical risks such as the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, may adversely affect our business and results of operations. We have suspended all services in Ukraine and Belarus. We also temporarily idled our operations in Russia and reduced our presence to the minimum required for purposes of maintaining a legal presence with active transport licenses. While these conflicts have not had, and we do not expect these conflicts to have, a direct material effect on our business or results of operations, the broader consequences of these conflicts, which may include further sanctions, embargoes, regional instability, and geopolitical shifts; airspace bans relating to certain routes, or strategic decisions to alter certain routes; potential retaliatory action by foreign governments and other groups against us; increased tensions between the United States and countries in which we operate; and the extent of the conflict’s effect on our business and results of operations as well as the global economy, cannot be predicted. Geopolitical uncertainty negatively affected our results of operations in recent years.
To the extent the continued conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East, or subsequent similar conflicts, adversely affect our business, they may also have the effect of heightening many other risks disclosed in this Annual Report, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Such risks include, but are not limited to, disruptions to our global technology infrastructure, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion, ransomware attack, or malware attack; adverse changes in international trade policies; increased costs and unavailability of fuel; our ability to implement and execute our business strategy, particularly with regard to our international business; 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 and could affect our ability to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040; our ability to maintain our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand; terrorist activities targeting transportation infrastructure; our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations; and constraints, volatility, or disruption in the capital markets.
Additional changes in international trade policies and relations could significantly reduce the volume of goods transported globally and adversely affect our business and results of operations. The U.S. government has taken certain actions that have negatively affected U.S. trade, including imposing tariffs on certain goods imported into the U.S. Additionally, several foreign
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governments have imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the U.S. These actions contributed to weakness in the global economy that adversely affected our results of operations in recent years. Any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy, including tariffs, export controls, quotas, embargoes, or sanctions, could trigger additional retaliatory actions by affected countries, resulting in “trade wars” and further increased costs for goods transported globally, which may reduce customer demand for these products if the parties having to pay tariffs or other anti-trade measures increase their prices, or in trading partners limiting their trade with countries that impose such measures. Political uncertainty surrounding international trade and other disputes could also have a negative effect on business and consumer confidence and spending. Such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common stock.
Additionally, the U.S. government has taken action to limit the ability of domestic companies to engage in commerce with certain foreign entities under certain circumstances, and foreign governments may investigate our compliance with these restrictions. Furthermore, given the nature of our business and our global recognizability, foreign governments may target FedEx by limiting the ability of foreign entities to do business with us in certain instances, imposing monetary or other penalties or taking other retaliatory action, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common stock.
Our transportation businesses are affected by the price and availability of jet and vehicle 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. In addition, our purchased transportation expense is affected by fuel costs. To date, we have been mostly successful in mitigating over time the expense effect of higher fuel costs through our indexed fuel surcharges, as the amount of the surcharges is closely linked to the market prices for fuel. If we are unable to maintain or increase our fuel surcharges because of competitive pricing pressures or some other reason, fuel costs could adversely affect our operating results. Lower fuel prices negatively affected yields through lower fuel surcharges at all of our transportation segments during 2024. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information. As of May 31, 2024, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.
Even if we are able to offset the cost of fuel with our surcharges, high fuel surcharges could move our customers away from our higher-yielding express services to our lower-yielding deferred or ground services or even reduce customer demand for our services altogether. In addition, disruptions in the supply of fuel could have a negative effect on our ability to operate our transportation networks. The following factors may affect fuel supply and could result in shortages and price increases in the future: weather-related events; natural disasters; political disruptions or wars involving oil-producing countries; economic sanctions imposed against oil-producing countries or specific industry participants; changes in governmental policy concerning fuel production, transportation, taxes, or marketing; changes in refining capacity; environmental concerns; cyberattacks; and public and investor sentiment.
Operating Risks
The failure to successfully execute our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, in the expected time frame and at the expected cost may adversely affect our future results. In the first quarter of 2023, FedEx announced 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. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we announced one FedEx, a consolidation plan to bring FedEx Ground and FedEx Services into Federal Express. Additionally, in 2024 we announced Tricolor, the redesign of the Federal Express international air network as part of the DRIVE program to improve efficiency and asset utilization.
While the new legal structure was completed in June 2024, network integration and optimization are ongoing. See “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information. These entities historically operated as separate and independent businesses and networks. There can be no assurances that these businesses and networks can successfully be fully integrated as planned. It is possible that the integration process could result in higher than currently expected costs, less-than-expected savings, the loss of customers, the disruption of ongoing businesses, union organizing, litigation, government agency challenges, the loss of key employees or service providers, or other unexpected issues. It is also possible that the overall process will take longer than currently anticipated. Additionally, the following issues, among others, must be addressed in order to realize the anticipated timing and projected benefits of our DRIVE transformation:
our ability to maintain coverage of U.S. employees at Federal Express under the RLA and manage challenges to the employment status of drivers employed by service providers utilized in certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, in addition to other labor-related risks;
combining the Federal Express and legacy FedEx Ground physical networks and operations, including consolidating or optimizing pickup-and-delivery and linehaul operations;
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integrating, consolidating, and implementing new administrative and back-office support functions, information-technology infrastructure, and computer systems of the respective companies;
integrating and unifying the offerings and services available to FedEx customers;
harmonizing certain operating practices; human resource management practices such as employee recruitment, development, and compensation programs; internal controls; and other policies, procedures, and processes;
maintaining existing agreements with customers and service providers and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers and service providers;
legal challenges by service providers or government agencies seeking to slow or stop plans related to Network 2.0;
addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures, and management philosophies;
addressing employee issues so as to promote retention and maintain efficient and effective labor and employee relations;
maintaining access to ports of call and railroads for intermodal support;
managing the movement of certain positions to different locations;
obtaining any required regulatory licenses, operating authority, or contractual consents; and
managing unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the integration process.
We may be unable to 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 from our DRIVE transformation. The actual amount and timing of costs to be incurred and related cost savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure resulting from these initiatives and enhancements may differ from our current expectations and estimates. These initiatives and enhancements could also result in asset impairment charges and changes to our tax liabilities and deferred tax balances and subject us to litigation. If we are not able to successfully implement our DRIVE transformation our future financial results will suffer and we may not be able to achieve our financial performance goals.
All of these factors could adversely affect FedEx’s results of operations and negatively affect the price of our common stock. In addition, at times the attention of certain members of our management may be focused on the DRIVE transformation and diverted from day-to-day business operations, which may disrupt our business.
A significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure could disrupt our operations and result in the loss of critical sensitive or confidential information, adversely affecting our reputation, business, or results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain customers, efficiently operate our businesses, execute our DRIVE transformation, and compete effectively increasingly depend in part upon the sophistication, security, and reliability of our technology network, including our ability to provide features of service that are important to our customers, to protect our confidential business information and the information provided by our customers, and to maintain customer confidence in our ability to protect our systems and to provide services consistent with their expectations. For example, we rely on information technology to receive shipment information in advance of physical receipt of packages, to track items that move through our delivery systems, to efficiently plan deliveries, to clear shipments through customs, to execute billing processes, and to track and report financial and operational data. We are subject to risks imposed by data breaches and operational disruptions, both random and targeted, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion, ransomware attack, malware attack, or denial of service attack by computer hackers, foreign governments and state-sponsored actors, cyber terrorists and hacktivists, cyber criminals, malicious employees or other insiders of FedEx or third-party service providers, and other groups and individuals. Data breaches and other technology disruptions of companies and governments continue to increase as the number, intensity, and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased and we, our customers, and third parties increasingly store and transmit data by means of connected information technology systems. Additionally, risks such as code anomalies, “Acts of God,” transitional challenges in migrating operating company functionality to our FedEx enterprise automation platforms, data leakage, cyber-fraud, and human error pose a direct threat to our products, services, systems, and data and could result in unauthorized or block legitimate access to sensitive or confidential data regarding our operations, customers, employees, and suppliers, including personal information.
The technology infrastructure of acquired businesses, as well as their practices related to the use and maintenance of data, could also present issues that we were not able to identify prior to the acquisition. For example, ShopRunner, which we acquired in 2021, collects
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and stores certain personal data of its merchants and their buyers, its partners, consumers with whom it has a direct relationship, and users of its applications. Additionally, it uses third-party service providers and subprocessors to help deliver services to merchants and their buyers. These service providers and subprocessors may store or access personal data and/or other confidential information. The foregoing factors increase the risk of data incidents and the amount of potential exposure in the event of a data breach.
We also depend on and interact with the technology and systems of third parties, including our customers and third-party service providers such as cloud service providers and delivery services. Such third parties may host, process, or have access to information we maintain about our company, customers, employees, and vendors or operate systems that are critical to our business operations and services. Like us, these third parties are subject to risks imposed by data breaches, cyberattacks, and other events or actions that could damage, disrupt, or close down their networks or systems. We have security processes, protocols, and standards in place, including contractual provisions requiring such security measures, that are applicable to such third parties and are designed to protect information that is held by them, or to which they have access, as a result of their engagements with us. Nevertheless, a cyberattack could defeat one or more of such third parties’ security measures, allowing an attacker to obtain information about our company, customers, employees, and vendors or disrupt our operations. These third parties may also experience operational disruptions or human error that could result in unauthorized access to sensitive or confidential data regarding our operations, customers, employees, and suppliers, including personal information. See “Failure of third-party service providers to perform as expected, or disruptions in our relationships with those providers or their provision of services to FedEx, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations” below for more information.
From time to time we experience disruptions to our complex, global technology infrastructure, including our computer systems and websites. Such events could result in the loss of confidential business or customer information; require substantial repairs or replacements, resulting in significant costs; and lead to the temporary or permanent transfer by customers of some or all of their business to our competitors. The foregoing could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, customer service, and results of operations. Additionally, a security breach could require us to devote significant management resources to address the problems created. These types of adverse effects could also occur in the event the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of company and customer information was compromised due to a data loss by FedEx or a trusted third party.
We or the third parties with which we share information may not discover any security breach and loss of information for a significant period of time after the security breach occurs. Even if we detect a cybersecurity incident, the nature and extent of the incident may not be immediately clear. It may also not be clear how best to contain and remediate any harm caused by the cybersecurity incident, and certain errors or actions could be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and remediated. Based on the sophistication of threat actors and the size and complexity of our information systems and network environment, among other factors, an investigation into a cybersecurity incident could take a significant amount of time to complete. In addition, while the investigation of a cybersecurity incident is ongoing, we may not know the full extent of the harm caused by a threat actor, and such harm may spread both internally and to certain customers, vendors, or other third parties. Additionally, our logging capabilities and the logging capabilities of third parties are not always complete or sufficiently detailed, which could affect our ability to fully investigate and understand the scope of security events. Given the age, size, and complexity of our computer systems and network environment, patches for certain vulnerabilities may not exist and, even where patches or other risk-mitigating activities are available, the development of patches or execution of risk-mitigating actions may not occur before an underlying vulnerability is exploited or results in the compromise of our information systems or data. A significant number of our employees as well as customers and others with whom we do business continue to work remotely or in hybrid models, which may heighten these risks. These risks may also be heightened by our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0 and our recently completed one FedEx consolidation.
Furthermore, we are subject to an increasing number of cybersecurity reporting obligations in different jurisdictions that vary in their scope and application, creating conflicting reporting requirements. These factors and the time spent to comply may inhibit our ability to quickly provide complete and reliable information about the cybersecurity incident to customers, counterparties, and regulators, as well as the public. Any or all of these factors could further increase the costs and consequences of a cybersecurity incident on our business and results of operations. See “Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding data protection.” below for additional information on risks related to legal and regulatory developments with respect to data protection.
We have invested and continue to invest in technology security initiatives, information-technology risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans, including investments to retire and replace end-of-life systems. The development and maintenance of these measures is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security measures become increasingly more frequent, intense, and sophisticated. Despite our efforts, we are not fully insulated from data breaches, technology disruptions, data loss, and cyber-fraud, which could adversely affect our competitiveness and results of operations. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2021 for information regarding the 2017 NotPetya cyberattack at TNT Express and immaterial cyber incidents we experienced in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, we and our third-party service providers, vendors, and suppliers have experienced repeated attempts by cyber
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criminals, some of which have been successful, to gain access to customer accounts for the purposes of fraudulently diverting and misappropriating items being transported in our network, fraudulently charging shipment fees to customer or franchisee accounts, and fraudulently sending e-mails to recipients purporting to be from FedEx. None of these fraudulent cyber activities have caused a material disruption to our systems or resulted in any material costs to FedEx.
Our security processes and initiatives may be unable to detect or prevent a breach or disruption in the future. Additionally, the rapid ongoing evolution and increased adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning may make it more difficult to anticipate and implement protective measures to recognize, detect, and prevent the occurrence of any of the cyber events described above. While we have insurance coverage designed to address certain aspects of cyber risks in place, we cannot be certain that such coverage will be sufficient to cover claims, that we will continue to be able to obtain such coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, that our insurance carriers will pay on our insurance claims, or that we will not experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.
Failure to adjust our air network to remove costs related to services currently provided to the USPS could adversely affect our profitability. The contract for Federal Express to provide the USPS transportation services within the United States will expire by its terms on September 29, 2024. Federal Express will continue to provide air transportation services domestically and to Puerto Rico through the contract’s expiration. If we are unable to adjust our air network to remove costs related to the services currently provided to the USPS following expiration of the contract, our profitability could be negatively affected.
We are self-insured for certain costs associated with our operations, and insurance and claims expenses could have a material adverse effect on us. We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, vehicle accidents, property and cargo loss, general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee disability programs. Our self-insurance accruals are primarily based on estimated costs determined by actuarial methods. Estimated costs include consideration of a variety of factors and related assumptions such as the severity of claims, frequency and volume of claims, healthcare inflation, seasonality, and plan designs, which may be subject to a high degree of variability. However, the use of any estimation technique in this area is inherently sensitive given the magnitude of claims involved and the length of time until the ultimate cost is known, which may be several years. Material increases in the magnitude of claims, changes to healthcare costs, accident frequency and severity, insurance retention levels, judgment and settlement amounts, associated legal expenses, and other factors could result in unfavorable differences between actual self-insurance costs and our reserve estimates. As a result, our insurance and claims costs could increase materially in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
As a supplement to our self-insurance program, we maintain coverage with excess insurance carriers for potential losses that exceed the amounts we self-insure. Periodically, we evaluate the level of insurance coverage and adjust insurance levels based on risk tolerance, risk volatility, and premium expense. Although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic claims amounts, the commercial trucking industry has experienced a wave of blockbuster or so-called “nuclear” verdicts, including some instances in which juries have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to those injured in accidents and their families. See Note 9 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in “Item 1. Financial Statements” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended August 31, 2022 for information regarding the 2015 jury award of approximately $160 million in compensatory damages in a lawsuit related to a vehicle accident involving a driver employed by a service provider engaged by FedEx Ground, subsequent court affirmation of the award in 2018 and 2022, and our pursuit of reimbursement from insurers of our payment of approximately $210 million of pre- and post-judgment interest. Given this recent trend, it is possible that additional claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. If another claim were to exceed our aggregate insurance coverage, we would bear the excess in addition to our exposure not covered by excess insurance carriers.
Given the current claims environment, the amount of coverage available from excess insurance carriers is decreasing, the premiums for this excess coverage are increasing significantly, and excess insurance carriers are challenging insurance claims more frequently. Accordingly, our excess insurance and claims expenses may continue to increase, or we could further increase our exposure not covered by excess insurance carriers as policies are renewed or replaced. Our results of operations and financial condition could continue to be adversely affected if our costs or losses significantly exceed our aggregate coverage limits, we are unable to obtain excess insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, our insurance carriers fail to pay on our insurance claims, or we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.
The transportation infrastructure continues to be a target of terrorist activities. Because transportation assets continue to be a target of terrorist activities, governments around the world are adopting or are considering adopting stricter security requirements that will increase operating costs and potentially slow service for businesses, including those in the transportation industry. These security requirements are not static, but change periodically as the result of regulatory and legislative requirements, imposing additional security costs and creating a level of uncertainty for our operations. For example, the TSA requires FedEx to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. It is reasonably possible that these rules or other future security requirements could impose material costs on us or slow our service to our customers. The
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effects on our operations of avoiding areas of the world, including airspace, in which there are geopolitical conflicts and the targeting of aircraft by parties to those conflicts can also be significant. Moreover, a terrorist attack directed at FedEx or other aspects of the transportation infrastructure could disrupt our operations and adversely affect demand for our services.
Failure of third-party service providers to perform as expected, or disruptions in our relationships with those providers or their provision of services to FedEx, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. FedEx has engaged third-party service providers to perform certain functions that are integral to our business, including the provision of information technology infrastructure, application development, maintenance and support, and end-user support services. There can be no assurance that our third-party service providers will adhere to contractual service performance or compliance requirements, and such service providers may suffer disruptions to their systems, labor groups, or supply chains that could adversely affect their services. We may also have disagreements with such service providers, and related contracts may be terminated or may not be extended or renewed. Additionally, from time to time such service providers have engaged in fraudulent activities in the course of their business relationships with FedEx. Any of the foregoing could disrupt our operations and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, or results of operations.
The effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis on our business, results of operations, and financial condition are highly unpredictable. A widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis could have varying effects on the demand for our services, our business operations, and the global economy and supply chains. The extent of the effect of such an event on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as the global economy, will be dictated by developments that cannot be predicted, such as its duration and spread; the success of efforts to contain it and treat its effects, such as travel bans and restrictions, quarantines, shelter-in-place orders, business and government shutdowns, and other restrictions; the possibility of additional subsequent widespread outbreaks and variant strains and the effect of actions taken in response; and the resulting effects on the economic conditions in the global markets in which we operate.
Our business is labor and capital intensive in nature, which may require us to incur higher costs to operate our networks during such an event. If we are unable to remain agile and flex our networks to align with shipping volumes, customer needs, disrupted global supply chains and other network inefficiencies, market demands, and operating conditions, or are unable to continuously respond to evolving governmental policies, our business operations could be negatively affected, which could have a further adverse effect on our results of operations. Further, due to the size, scope, and geographically dispersed nature of our operations, the expenses we incur to protect the health and safety of our team members and customers may be higher than similar expenses incurred by companies in other industries.
To the extent a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease or public health crisis adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many other risks described in this section, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Such risks include, but are not limited to, additional changes in the state of the global economy and international trade policies and relations; our ability to execute our DRIVE transformation, implement our business strategy, and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences; our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand; our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs; our ability to achieve our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040; and the effect of litigation or claims from customers, team members, suppliers, regulators, or other third parties relating to the crisis or our actions in response.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended May 31, 2020, May 31, 2021, May 31, 2022, and May 31, 2023 for information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Strategic Risks
Failure to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and customer preferences will cause our future financial results to suffer. We are making significant investments and other decisions in connection with our long-term business strategy, such as those related to our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0. See “The failure to successfully execute our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, in the expected time frame and at the expected cost may adversely affect our future results.” above and “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for additional information.
Such initiatives and enhancements may require us to make significant capital expenditures or incur significant expenses. We have also incurred, and may continue to incur, increased operating expenses in connection with certain changes to our business strategy. We may not be able to derive the expected operational efficiencies and network flexibility, alignment of our cost base with demand, cost
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savings and reductions to our permanent cost structure, and other benefits from our strategic investments and other decisions. For example, in June 2024 we announced a workforce reduction plan in Europe. The execution of the plan is subject to a consultation process that is expected to occur over an 18-month period in accordance with local country processes and regulations. The actual amount and timing of business optimization costs and related cost savings resulting from the workforce reduction plan are dependent on local country consultation processes and regulations and negotiated social plans and may differ from our current expectations and estimates. If we are not able to successfully implement this plan, our future financial results may suffer.
Further, in developing our business strategy, we make certain assumptions including, but not limited to, those related to customer demand and the mix of services to be purchased by our customers, the future rate of e-commerce growth and inventory restocking, passenger airline cargo capacity, competition, and the global economy, and actual market, economic, and other conditions may be different from our assumptions. As technology (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), customer behavior, and market conditions continue to evolve, it is important that we maintain the relevance of our brand and service offerings to our customers. If we are not able to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in technology, customer preferences, and market dynamics, our future financial results will suffer. For additional discussion, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Strategy.”
Our ongoing assessment of the role of FedEx Freight in our portfolio structure may not result in any consummated transaction or other outcome and could adversely affect our business, and there is no guarantee that any transaction resulting from the assessment will ultimately benefit our stockholders. In June 2024, we announced that FedEx’s management and Board of Directors are conducting an assessment of the role of FedEx Freight in the company’s portfolio structure. There is no assurance that the assessment will result in the approval or completion of any specific transaction or other outcome. The assessment could be costly and time-consuming; a significant distraction for our Board of Directors, management, and employees; and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management from the pursuit of our business strategy and long-term planning. Additionally, perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, our ability to execute on our strategy, or the composition of our senior management team may lead to the perception of a change in the direction of our business, instability or lack of continuity which may be exploited by our competitors, result in the loss of potential business opportunities and current or potential customers, or make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified employee talent. Our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be harmed by any of these factors or the assessment and its ultimate outcome, among other things.
Any potential transaction or other outcome would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control including, among other things, market conditions, industry trends, regulatory approvals, and the availability of financing on favorable terms. There can be no assurance that any potential transaction or other outcome would be successfully implemented, achieve the intended benefits, or provide greater value to our stockholders than that reflected in the current price of our common stock. In addition, the market price of our common stock could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the uncertainties described above.
We depend on our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand. FedEx is one of the most widely recognized, trusted, and respected brands in the world, and the FedEx brand is one of our most important and valuable assets. The FedEx brand name symbolizes high-quality service, reliability, and speed. In addition, we have a strong reputation among customers, team members, and the general public for high standards of social and environmental responsibility and corporate governance and ethics. The FedEx brand name and our corporate reputation are powerful sales, marketing, and recruitment tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity (whether or not justified) relating to activities by our team members or others with whom we do business, such as customer service mishaps, accidents, catastrophes, or incidents involving aircraft, vehicles, or facilities operated by us or our service providers; low safety or service levels; data breaches or technology infrastructure disruptions; utilization of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence; noncompliance with laws and allegations or claims that result in litigation; the shipment of certain items pursuant to our obligation as a common carrier operating under federal law; labor relations and workforce reductions; our advertising campaigns, sponsorship arrangements, or marketing programs; our ESG goals and related progress; our political activities and expenditures; or our executive compensation practices could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand and goodwill.
With the increase in the use of artificial intelligence and social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and other platforms, adverse publicity, whether warranted or not, can be disseminated quickly and broadly without context, making it increasingly difficult for us to effectively respond. Certain forms of technology such as artificial intelligence also allow users to alter images, videos, and other information relating to FedEx and present the information in a false or misleading manner. Further, our actual or perceived position, lack of position, or perceived lack of transparency on environmental, social, political, public policy, labor relations, or other sensitive issues could harm our reputation with certain groups, including our customers, stockholders, team members, advocacy groups, government representatives, and regulatory bodies. Expectations regarding these matters continue to evolve and are not uniform. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity could reduce demand for our services and/or create difficulties in retaining and recruiting employee talent, and thus have an adverse effect on our financial
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condition and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand and goodwill.
We face intense competition. The transportation and business services markets are both highly competitive and sensitive to price and service, especially in periods of little or no macroeconomic growth. Some of our competitors have more financial resources and competitive advantages than we do, appear willing to operate at little or no margin to gain market share, or they are owned, controlled, or subsidized by foreign governments, which enables them to raise capital more easily. We also compete with regional transportation providers that operate smaller and less capital-intensive transportation networks and startup companies that combine technology with flexible labor solutions such as crowdsourcing to focus on local market needs. In addition, some high-volume package shippers are developing and implementing in-house delivery capabilities and utilizing independent contractors for deliveries, which could in turn adversely affect our results of operations. For example, Amazon.com has established a network of hubs, aircraft, and vehicles and has expressed an intention to offer its internal delivery capabilities broadly to third parties. See “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report for additional information.
We believe we compete effectively with these companies — for example, by providing more reliable service at compensatory prices. However, the existence of an irrational pricing environment could limit our ability to maintain or increase our prices (including our fuel surcharges in response to rising fuel costs), which could adversely affect our results of operations. While we believe we compete effectively through our current and planned service offerings, if our current competitors or potential future competitors offer a broader range of services or better service levels, more effectively bundle their services, or offer services at lower prices, it could adversely affect our results of operations. Continued transportation industry consolidation may further increase competition. Moreover, if high-volume package shippers further develop or expand internal capabilities for the services we provide, it may reduce our revenue and could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. These effects could be exacerbated if high-volume package shippers offer such capabilities to third parties. News regarding such developments or expansions could also negatively affect the price of our common stock.
Our industry may be affected by changes in technology and our competitors may implement emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence applications, more quickly and more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Advancements in technology, such as advanced safety systems; automated package sorting, handling, and delivery; autonomous delivery; third-party supply chain insight and management; artificial intelligence; vehicle platooning; alternative fuel vehicles; and digitization of freight services, may necessitate that we increase investments in order to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher rates to cover the cost of these investments. See “We may be unable to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040.” below for additional information.
Our businesses are capital intensive, and we must make capital decisions based upon projected volume levels. We make significant investments in aircraft, package handling facilities, vehicles, technology, sort equipment, acquired companies, and other assets to support our transportation and business networks. The amount and timing of capital investments depend on various factors, including our anticipated volume growth. We must make commitments to purchase or modify aircraft years before the aircraft are actually needed. We must predict volume levels and fleet requirements and make commitments for aircraft based on those projections. Missing our projections could result in too much or too little capacity relative to our shipping volumes. Overcapacity could lead to below-market asset dispositions or write-downs, as well as negatively affect operating margins, and undercapacity could negatively affect service levels. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges” of this Annual Report for information regarding the noncash impairment charges recorded in 2024 and 2023 in connection with our decision to permanently retire certain aircraft and related engines from service.
Our inability to execute and effectively operate, integrate, leverage, and grow acquired businesses and realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic alliances and investments could materially adversely affect us. Our strategy for long-term growth, productivity, and profitability depends in part on our ability to make prudent strategic acquisitions and investments, form joint ventures or strategic alliances, and realize the expected benefits from these transactions. We regularly acquire businesses, enter into strategic alliances, and make investments across the more than 220 countries and territories in which we provide services.
Acquisitions and other strategic transactions involve special commercial, customer, accounting, regulatory, compliance, information technology, human resources, cultural, and other risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies. Additionally, we may be required to make significant capital expenditures and/or incur certain operating expenses following the completion of certain transactions, which may be higher than initially expected. For example, existing and future customer data and processes in the systems of FedEx and ShopRunner may require significant added expense to integrate.
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While we expect our past and future acquisitions and strategic transactions to enhance our value proposition to customers and improve our business and long-term profitability, there can be no assurance that we will realize our expectations within the time frame we have established, if at all, or that we can continue to support the value we allocate to acquired businesses, including their goodwill or other intangible assets. We have previously incurred goodwill impairment charges related to certain of our acquisitions, some of which have been material, and may incur additional goodwill impairment charges in the future.
Human Resource Management Risks
Labor-related disruptions and potential changes in labor laws may adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our business is labor intensive in nature, utilizing large numbers of numerous classes of employees and service providers. Despite continual organizing attempts by labor unions, other than our pilots, our employees in the U.S. and Canada have chosen not to unionize (we acquired FedEx Supply Chain in 2015, which already had a small number of unionized employees). Additionally, certain of our employees outside of the U.S. and Canada are unionized. For information regarding our continued bargaining efforts to reach an agreement with the union representing our pilots, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Federal Express Segment — Employees.” If we are unable to reach an agreement with any of our unionized work groups in future negotiations regarding the terms of their collective bargaining agreements, or if additional groups within our workforce become unionized, we may be subject to work interruptions or stoppages, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Labor unions have recently attempted to organize employees at businesses and in industries that have not traditionally been unionized, and in certain instances have been successful. Such attempts could continue in 2025. Additionally, the U.S. Congress has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws that would make it easier for unions to organize units of our employees. For example, there is always a possibility that legislative or administrative actions, or judicial decisions, could attempt to remove Federal Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA. Additionally, this jurisdiction could be challenged in connection with our recently completed one FedEx consolidation and ongoing Network 2.0 transformation. For additional discussion of the RLA, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Regulation.” Such legislation or challenge could expose our customers to the type of service disruptions that the RLA was designed to prevent — local work stoppages in key areas that interrupt the timely flow of shipments of time-sensitive, high-value goods throughout our global network. Such disruptions could threaten our ability to provide competitively priced shipping options and ready access to global markets.
There is also the possibility that Congress could pass other labor legislation that could adversely affect our operations with employees governed by the NLRA. In addition, the NMB and the NLRB have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees, as well as vendor, service provider, and supplier workforces, to organize under the RLA or NLRA. Finally, changes to federal or state laws, regulations, rules, judicial or administrative precedent, or guidance governing employee classification could affect the status of service providers as independent employers of drivers. If we are deemed to be an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these service providers, labor organizations could more easily organize these individuals, our operating costs could increase materially, and we could incur significant capital outlays and experience adverse effects to service levels.
Our failure to attract and retain employee talent, meet our purchased transportation needs, or maintain our company culture, as well as increases in labor and purchased transportation costs, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Our success depends upon the efforts and abilities of our high-quality employees, many of whom are longstanding FedEx team members. Difficulties in motivating, rewarding, recruiting, and retaining employee talent, including members of senior management and successors to members of senior management; the unexpected loss of such individuals resulting in the depletion of our institutional knowledge base; and/or our inability to successfully transition key roles could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, reputation, and the price of our common stock. We also regularly seek to hire a large number of part-time and seasonal workers, and utilize contracted service providers to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations.
Certain positions at FedEx have historically experienced high turnover rates, which can lead to increased recruiting, training, and retention costs. Additionally, our company culture is important to providing high-quality customer service and having a productive workforce and could be adversely affected by our evolving operations and other factors. If we fail to maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and our business may be harmed.
Our business is labor intensive, and our ability to meet our labor and purchased transportation needs while controlling related costs is generally subject to numerous external factors, including the availability of qualified service providers and persons in the markets where we and our contracted service providers operate and unemployment levels within these markets, prevailing and competitive wage rates and other benefits, health and other insurance costs, inflation, fuel and energy prices and availability, behavioral changes, adoption of new or revised employment and labor laws and regulations (including increased minimum wage requirements) or government programs, safety, and security levels of our operations, our reputation within the labor and transportation markets, changes in the business or financial soundness of service providers, interest in contracting with FedEx, and the effect of a widespread
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public health crisis. Additionally, certain service providers (acting collectively or in coordination in some instances) may seek to increase financial rates or modify contract terms and may refuse to provide service to FedEx.
Our inability to effectively meet our labor and purchased transportation needs can increase our costs, hinder our ability to execute our business strategy, negatively affect service levels, and adversely affect our business and results of operations. Certain of these risks may be heightened by our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0.
We contract with service providers to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, and the status of these service providers as direct and exclusive employers of drivers providing these services is being challenged. We are defending joint-employer cases where it is alleged that we should be treated as an employer or joint employer of the drivers employed by service providers with whom we contract to conduct certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations. We incur certain costs, including legal fees, in defending the status of service providers as direct and exclusive employers of their drivers. We continue to believe that we are not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent businesses. However, adverse determinations in these matters or regulatory developments could, among other things, entitle service providers’ drivers to certain wage payments and penalties from the service providers and FedEx, and result in employment and withholding tax and benefit liability for FedEx. The status of the drivers employed by these service providers could be further challenged in connection with Network 2.0.
Potential changes to pilot flight and duty time regulations could impair our operations and impose substantial costs on us. In 2010, the FAA proposed regulations that would change the flight and duty time rules applicable to all-cargo air carriers. When the FAA issued final regulations in 2011 (the “2011 regulations”), all-cargo carriers, including FedEx, were exempt from these new requirements. Instead, all-cargo carriers were required to continue complying with previously enacted flight and duty time rules and allowed to pursue the development of fatigue risk management systems to develop fatigue mitigations unique to each operation. In 2012, the FAA reaffirmed the exclusion of all-cargo carriers from the 2011 regulations, and litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the FAA’s decision. However, this issue remains a policy priority for certain labor groups, and the U.S. Congress periodically considers legislation that, if adopted, would require all-cargo carriers to comply with the 2011 regulations. Required compliance with the 2011 regulations would make it more difficult to avoid pilot fatigue and could impose substantial costs on us in order to maintain operational reliability.
Increasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements, and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension and healthcare benefits, could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. We sponsor programs that provide retirement benefits to most of our employees. These programs include defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, and postretirement healthcare plans. The costs of providing pension and other retirement benefit plans are dependent on numerous assumptions, such as discount rates, expected long-term investment returns on plan assets, future salary increases, employee turnover, mortality, and retirement ages. Changes in actuarial assumptions and differences between the assumptions and actual values, as well as significant declines in the value of investments that fund our pension and other postretirement plans, if not offset or mitigated by a decline in plan liabilities, could increase pension and other postretirement expense, and we could be required from time to time to fund the pension plans with significant amounts of cash. Such cash funding obligations could adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity. Additionally, the rules for pension and retirement benefit plan accounting are complex, involve numerous assumptions, and can produce volatility in our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. For example, our fourth quarter 2024 mark-to-market (“MTM”) retirement plans accounting adjustment resulted in a pre-tax, noncash MTM gain of $561 million ($426 million, net of tax, or $1.69 per diluted share), and in 2023 we recognized a pre-tax, noncash MTM gain of $650 million ($493 million, net of tax, or $1.92 per diluted share). For additional information on our MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition — Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Retirement Plans MTM Adjustments” and Note 13 of the consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report.
Environmental, Climate, and Weather Risks
We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory, or market responses to such change. Concern over climate change, including the effect of global warming, has led to significant U.S. and international legislative and regulatory efforts to limit GHG emissions, including our aircraft and vehicle engine emissions. Increasingly, state and local governments are also considering environmental-related regulatory and reporting requirements. Compliance with such regulation and the associated potential cost is complicated by the fact that various countries and regions are following different approaches to the regulation and reporting of climate change and other environmental matters. Increased regulation and reporting obligations regarding GHG emissions, especially aircraft or vehicle engine emissions, could impose substantial taxes, fees, and other costs on us. These include an increase in the cost of the fuel and other energy we purchase, investments required to obtain electricity capacity, and capital and impairment costs associated with updating or replacing our aircraft, vehicles, or infrastructure prematurely. Until the timing, scope, and extent of such possible regulation becomes known, we cannot predict its effect on our cost structure or our operating results. It is reasonably possible, however, that it could materially increase our operating expenses and have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business, if
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instituted. For additional discussion of regulatory responses to climate change, including CORSIA and the Paris climate accord, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Regulation.”
We may also incur additional expenses as a result of U.S. and international regulators requiring additional disclosures regarding GHG emissions and other environmental matters including, but not limited to, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the final rules adopted by the SEC in March 2024. Furthermore, many countries and U.S. states in which we operate or are subject to regulation have adopted, or are expected to adopt, additional requirements related to the disclosure of GHG emission and related matters. In many cases these requirements differ and may conflict from country to country, increasing our costs or requiring significant management time and attention. Additionally, we could be subject to climate litigation or regulatory enforcement actions, as groups, individuals, and governmental authorities affected by climate change seek to recover climate-related damages from entities they perceive as being partially responsible for human-induced climate change because of the emission of GHGs from their operations.
Moreover, even without such regulation, increased awareness and any adverse publicity in the global marketplace about the GHGs emitted by companies in the airline and transportation industries could harm our reputation, reduce customer demand for our services, especially our air express services, and increase our liability. Finally, given the broad and global scope of our operations and our susceptibility to global macroeconomic trends, we are particularly vulnerable to the physical risks of climate change that could affect all of humankind, such as shifts in weather patterns and world ecosystems.
We may be unable to achieve or demonstrate progress on our goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040. In 2021, we announced a goal to achieve carbon neutrality for our global operations by calendar 2040. Achievement of this goal depends on our execution of operational strategies relating to vehicle electrification; sustainable fuel procurement; fuel conservation and aircraft modernization; facilities; sustainable customer solutions; and potentially voluntary carbon offset credits.
Execution of these strategies, as well as demonstrable progress on and achievement of our calendar 2040 goal, is subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control. See “The Environment” under “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report for information on our review of our previously disclosed Federal Express pickup-and-delivery purchase goals. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, effectively respond to changes in market dynamics and achieve the anticipated benefits and associated cost savings of such strategies and actions; the availability and cost of, and our ability to acquire, alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels, fuel-efficient aircraft, global electrical charging infrastructure and requisite power grid capacity, off-site renewable energy, and other materials and components, many of which are not presently in existence or available at scale to meet the required global and regulatory demand creating intense competition that may significantly increase the costs; unforeseen production, design, operational, and technological difficulties; the outcome of research efforts and future technology developments, including the ability to scale projects and technologies on a commercially competitive basis such as carbon sequestration and/or other related processes; compliance with, and changes or additions to, global and regional regulations, taxes, charges, mandates, or requirements relating to GHG emissions, carbon costs, or climate-related goals; labor-related regulations and requirements that restrict or prohibit our ability to impose requirements on third parties who provide contracted transportation for our transportation networks; the availability of incentives to enhance the production and affordability of alternative fuel vehicles, alternative fuels, global electrical charging infrastructure and requisite power grid capacity, and other materials and components; adapting products to customer preferences and customer acceptance of sustainable supply chain solutions and potentially increased prices for our services; and the actions of competitors and competitive pressures. Purchase of carbon offset credits to meet our 2040 carbon neutrality goal could add significant fluctuating annualized costs due to the uncertain price of carbon and any voluntary or regulatory schemes to offset emissions, lead to increased regulatory attention, and inhibit the development of other carbon reduction approaches that we may otherwise pursue. There also is a risk that any voluntary carbon offset credits purchased, even if accepted by regulators, could be viewed by third parties as not sufficiently reflecting real, verifiable, and additional GHG reductions, leading to reputational harm.
There is no assurance that we will be able to successfully execute our strategies and achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal of carbon neutrality for our global operations. Additionally, we may determine that it is in our best interests to prioritize other business, social, governance, or sustainable investments and/or initiatives (such as our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0) over the achievement of our calendar 2040 goal based on economic, regulatory, or social factors, business strategy, or other reasons. Failure to achieve or demonstrate progress on our calendar 2040 goal could damage our reputation and customer and other stakeholder relationships. Further, given investors’ and other stakeholders’ increased focus related to ESG matters, such a failure could cause large stockholders to reduce their ownership of FedEx common stock and limit our access to financing. Such conditions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as on the price of our common stock.
Our inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography could adversely affect our business and results of operations. While we operate several integrated networks with assets
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distributed throughout the world, there are concentrations of key assets within our networks that are exposed to adverse weather conditions or localized risks from natural or manmade disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, severe winter weather, heat waves, extended droughts, conflicts or unrest, terrorist attacks, or other disturbances, actual or threatened. Additionally, shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change could increase the frequency, severity, or duration of certain adverse weather conditions. We may experience reduced availability and/or increases in the cost of insurance due to such changes. Prolonged interruptions or disruptions at a key location such as our FedEx Memphis World Hub or one of our information-technology centers could adversely affect our business and results of operations. We also may incur significant costs to reestablish or relocate these functions. Moreover, resulting economic dislocations, including supply chain and fuel disruptions, could adversely affect demand for our services resulting in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Other Legal, Regulatory, and Miscellaneous Risks
Government regulation and enforcement are evolving and unfavorable changes could harm our business. We are subject to regulation under a wide variety of U.S. federal, state, and local and non-U.S. government regulations, laws, policies, and actions. There can be no assurance that such regulations, laws, policies, and actions will not be changed in ways that will decrease the demand for our services, subject us to escalating costs, or require us to modify our business models and objectives (such as our DRIVE transformation program, including Network 2.0), harming our financial results. In particular, legislative, regulatory, or other actions that U.S. and non-U.S. governments have undertaken or could take in areas such as data privacy and sovereignty, the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, taxes, foreign exchange intervention in response to currency volatility, currency controls that could restrict the movement of liquidity from particular jurisdictions, trade controls, tariffs, quotas, embargoes, or sanctions in the U.S. or other countries, complex economic sanctions, import and export controls, customs standards, additional security or workplace and transportation health and safety requirements, labor and employment standards (including with respect to our pilots), worker classification, joint employment and benefits, government contracting, antitrust, regulated commodities, environmental, climate-related, or emission standards, and accounting may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, effective tax rate, and service levels. Furthermore, some of our operations are in high-risk legal compliance environments, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”), similar anti-bribery laws in non-U.S. jurisdictions, and other compliance-related laws or regulations could result in litigation, assessment of damages, imposition of penalties, or other consequences. For additional discussion, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Regulation.” Additionally, in light of the recently held and upcoming elections in the U.S. and various international jurisdictions, there is considerable uncertainty regarding reforms of various aspects of existing laws, regulations, and enforcement priorities and strategies that could affect trade policies, labor matters, taxes, and technological advancements, among other areas, and have a material effect on our business and results of operations, as well as on the price of our common stock.
We could be subject to adverse changes in regulations and interpretations or challenges to our tax positions. We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. From time to time, changes in tax laws or regulations may be enacted that could significantly affect our overall tax liabilities and our effective tax rate. U.S. and foreign governmental agencies maintain focus on the taxation of multinational companies, including statutory tax rates, digital taxes, global minimum taxes (such as the framework agreed to by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), and transactions between affiliated companies. Such changes may require new and complex computations to be performed, significant judgments, estimates, and calculations to be made, and the preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced.
Standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of certain tax laws and regulations will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation, and we may be required to make adjustments to amounts that we have recorded that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition—Results of Operations and Outlook—Consolidated Results—Income Taxes” of this Annual Report for additional information regarding ongoing tax examinations and challenges. Additionally, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition—Critical Accounting Estimates—Income Taxes” of this Annual Report for information regarding estimates and potential adjustments related to our tax positions.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving U.S. and foreign laws and regulations regarding data protection. There has recently been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus relating to the collection, use, retention, transfer, and processing of personal data in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and internationally, including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, the California Privacy Rights Act, the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act, and other similar laws that have been or will be enacted by other jurisdictions. In addition, in the U.S. and internationally, there has been increased legislative and regulatory activity related to artificial intelligence and the risks and challenges artificial intelligence poses, including the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act and the current U.S. presidential administration’s executive order to, among other things, establish artificial intelligence safety and security. Also, China and certain other jurisdictions have enacted more stringent data localization requirements. An actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable U.S. or foreign data protection laws, regulations, or other data protection standards may expose us to litigation (including, in some instances, class action litigation), fines, sanctions, or other penalties, which
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could harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. This regulatory environment is increasingly challenging, based on discretionary factors, and difficult to predict. Consequently, compliance with all applicable regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we do business may present material obligations and risks to our business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs, and enforcement risks; require us to make extensive system or operational changes; or adversely affect the cost or attractiveness of the services we offer. All of these evolving compliance and operational requirements, as well as the uncertain interpretation and enforcement of laws, impose significant costs and regulatory risks that are likely to increase over time. Developing privacy legislation within the U.S. may also create limitations or added requirements on the use of personal data by FedEx Dataworks and the other FedEx operating companies.
The regulatory environment for global aviation or other transportation rights may affect our operations and increase our operating costs. Our extensive air network is critical to our success. Our right to serve foreign points is subject to the approval of the DOT and generally requires a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and foreign governments. In addition, we must obtain the permission of foreign governments to provide specific flights and services. Our operations outside of the U.S., such as FedEx’s international domestic operations, are also subject to current and potential regulations, including certain postal regulations and licensing requirements, that restrict, make difficult, and sometimes prohibit, the ability of foreign-owned companies such as FedEx to compete effectively in parts of the international domestic transportation and logistics market. Regulatory or executive actions affecting global aviation or transportation rights or a failure to obtain or maintain aviation or other transportation rights in important international markets could impair our ability to operate our networks. Further, our ability to obtain or maintain aviation or other transportation rights internationally may be adversely affected by changes in international trade policies and relations.
We are subject to other extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that may result in significant costs. For instance, the FAA from time-to-time issues directives and other regulations relating to the maintenance and operation of aircraft that require significant expenditures in order to comply. High-profile accidents, catastrophes, or incidents involving aircraft may trigger increased regulatory and legal compliance requirements. These requirements can be issued with little or no notice, or can otherwise affect our ability to efficiently or fully utilize our aircraft, and in some instances have resulted in the temporary grounding of aircraft types altogether. Further, our business may be adversely affected when government agencies and air traffic control and other systems they oversee cease to operate as expected, including due to partial shutdowns, sequestrations, or similar events. Lapses in government operations may result in, among other things, disruptions in the ability of government agencies to grant required regulatory approvals. For additional discussion, see “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report under the caption “Regulation.”
We are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including:
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 FCPA 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, Australian dollar, Mexican peso, Hong Kong dollar, and Japanese yen, 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 ESG topics, and any other legal or governmental proceedings, including the matters discussed in Note 20 of the consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this Annual Report;
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 (including artificial intelligence and machine learning) 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;
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;
stockholder activism, which could divert the attention of management and our Board of Directors from our business, hinder execution of our business strategy, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, and cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly;
successful completion of our planned stock repurchases; and
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.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
Our ability to attract and retain customers, efficiently operate our businesses, execute our DRIVE transformation, including Network 2.0, and compete effectively increasingly depend in part upon the sophistication, security, and reliability of our technology network, including our ability to provide features of service that are important to our customers, to protect our confidential business information and the information provided by our customers, and to maintain customer confidence in our ability to protect our systems and to provide services consistent with their expectations.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
FedEx has an information technology (“IT”) risk management process designed to identify and manage risk within its IT environment, including cybersecurity. The IT risk management process is based on an established framework for identification, measurement, and monitoring of cybersecurity and other risk areas and supplements our Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) process and framework. Our IT risk management, ERM, and compliance teams collaborate to regularly evaluate and manage cybersecurity-related risks using various tools and services. Leveraging components from multiple industry frameworks and best practices such as the International Organization for Standardization 27001 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”) standards, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, our cybersecurity program prioritizes governance, identification, protection, detection, response, and remediation measures.
We regularly assess our cybersecurity program’s capabilities and tools to help us enhance reliability and scan our environment for vulnerabilities. Our IT risk management team, including our Corporate Vice President – Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), communicates with senior management on the cybersecurity risk posture of our IT assets, strives to ensure consistent risk remediation activities, and monitors the effectiveness of our IT-related controls. In addition, our internal audit team performs reviews of our information security organization to help ensure controls are operating effectively and as designed.
Enterprise-wide information security training (including with respect to cybersecurity), supplemented by awareness programs, is crucial for risk reduction and safeguarding customer, employee, and company information. We provide training to employees and certain third-party contractors based on access to our network, risk, roles, policies, standards, and behaviors, which is updated to address emerging technology and security issues.
We periodically engage with assessors, consultants, auditors, and other third parties to review and improve our cybersecurity program. Compliance with regulatory requirements involves regular third-party assessments. Our processes are also designed to address cybersecurity risks associated with third-party service providers, including risk assessment and due diligence during selection and oversight. Key third parties undergo regular assessments to gauge cybersecurity control effectiveness, with heightened review of those with access to non-public data.
- 37 -
We conduct table-top simulation exercises to regularly test our cybersecurity incident response processes with the aim of enhancing effectiveness against evolving threats. Our incident response procedures guide our preparedness, detection, response, and recovery actions. Additionally, we maintain cyber insurance designed to address certain aspects of cyber risks.
In the last three fiscal years to date, we are not aware of any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition. While we have significant security processes and initiatives in place, we may be unable to detect or prevent a breach or disruption in the future. For more information about cybersecurity-related risks, please see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2021, for information regarding the 2017 NotPetya cyberattack at TNT Express.
Cybersecurity Governance
The FedEx Board of Directors has delegated to the Cyber and Technology Oversight Committee of the Board of Directors (“CyTOC”) responsibility for overseeing the company’s cyber and technology-related risks, including network security, information and digital security, data privacy and protection, and risks related to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning; the technologies, policies, processes, and practices for managing and mitigating such risks; and the company’s cyber incident response and recovery plan. The CyTOC also oversees the cybersecurity, cyber-resiliency, and technology aspects of the company’s business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities and contingency plans. Several of our Board members, including certain members of our CyTOC, have technological, digital, and/or cybersecurity experience.
The CyTOC receives regular updates from our CISO, Executive Vice President – Chief Digital and Information Officer and Chief Transformation Officer, and other members of management on risks related to these matters. Specific topics may include updates to FedEx’s cyber risks and threats, the status of existing or new strategies and associated projects intended to strengthen FedEx’s information security systems, assessments of FedEx’s cybersecurity program, and the emerging threat landscape. The CyTOC also receives regular updates on key metrics related to our cybersecurity-related risks. The results of the IT risk management process are also presented annually to the CyTOC. Additionally, members of the CyTOC participate in certain of the simulation exercises conducted by management. The Chair of the CyTOC briefs the full Board on certain of these matters. In addition, the Board periodically receives cybersecurity updates directly from management. Separately, through our ERM program, risks appropriate for Board-level awareness, including with respect to cybersecurity, are communicated to the Board and its Audit and Finance Committee at least annually, while significant risks are reported on a quarterly basis.
Our CISO, who reports to the Executive Vice President – Chief Digital and Information Officer and Chief Transformation Officer, leads our information security team and has responsibility for overseeing FedEx’s cybersecurity program. The CISO, who has over 25 years of experience at FedEx and has received industry-recognized information security certifications, oversees an information security organization of more than 400 security, risk, and compliance professionals based in the U.S. and internationally across the FedEx enterprise. The leadership team of our information security organization has extensive experience in IT and cybersecurity and possess certifications in cybersecurity and related fields.
The FedEx Information Technology Risk Council (“ITRC”), which is sponsored by the CISO, oversees the execution of FedEx’s comprehensive IT risk management program. The ITRC, which receives quarterly reports on FedEx’s IT risk management, is responsible for assessing the overall risk framework on an annual basis, setting acceptable risk tolerance levels, approving risk prioritization and associated risk mitigation activities, and monitoring the changing risk landscape and posture.
Both our CISO and other members of our cybersecurity leadership team participate in threat intelligence briefings provided by various government and industry entities. Moreover, our Executive Vice President – Chief Digital and Information Officer and Chief Transformation Officer is a member of the FedEx Executive Committee, which oversees our business risk, with cybersecurity threat risks being a regular topic of discussion. Our cybersecurity incident response plan includes processes for communicating cybersecurity incidents to relevant levels of management, including the ITRC, Executive Committee, the CyTOC, and the full Board of Directors, as appropriate.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Federal Express Segment
Federal Express’s principal owned and leased properties include its aircraft, vehicles, major sorting and handling facilities, administration buildings, FedEx Drop Boxes, and data processing and telecommunications equipment. In connection with our one FedEx consolidation, on June 1, 2024 FedEx Ground and FedEx Services were merged into Federal Express.
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Aircraft and Vehicles
As of June 7, 2024, Federal Express’s aircraft fleet consisted of the following:
Description |
|
Owned |
|
|
|
Leased |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Maximum Gross |
|
|
||||||||
Boeing B777F |
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
233,300 |
|
|
Boeing MD11 |
|
|
|
36 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
|
|
192,600 |
|
|
Boeing 767F |
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
138(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
127,100 |
|
|
|
Airbus A300-600 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
|
|
106,600 |
|
|
Boeing 757-200 |
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
92 |
|
|
|
|
|
63,000 |
|
|
ATR-72 600F |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,290 |
|
|
ATR-72 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
17,970 |
|
|
ATR-42 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
12,070 |
|
|
Cessna 408 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
19(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
Cessna 208B |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,830 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
692 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2024, we made the decision to permanently retire from service 22 Boeing 757-200 aircraft and seven related engines to align with the plans of Federal Express to modernize its aircraft fleet, improve its global network, and better align air network capacity to match current and anticipated shipment volumes. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” of this Annual Report for more information regarding the retirements, and the “Federal Express Segment — Operations” section of “Item 1. Business” for information regarding the ongoing redesign of the Federal Express international air network to improve efficiency and asset utilization.
As of June 7, 2024, Federal Express operated more than 87,000 motorized vehicles in its global network and also conducts certain linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations primarily with more than 95,000 motorized vehicles owned or leased by independent service providers.
Aircraft Purchase Commitments
The following table is a summary of the number and type of aircraft we were committed to purchase as of June 7, 2024, with the year of expected delivery:
|
|
Cessna |
|
|
ATR 72-600F |
|
|
B767F |
|
|
B777F |
|
|
Total |
|
|||||
2025 |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
37 |
|
2026 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
20 |
|
2027 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
2028 |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
2029 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Thereafter |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
— |
|
Total |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
As of June 7, 2024, we had $611 million in deposits and progress payments on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related transactions. See Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information about our purchase commitments and options.
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Sorting and Handling Facilities
At June 7, 2024, Federal Express operated the following major air sorting and handling facilities:
Location |
|
Acres |
|
|
Square |
|
|
Sorting |
|
|
Lessor |
|
Lease |
|||
Primary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Memphis, Tennessee |
|
|
916 |
|
|
|
3,671,859 |
|
|
|
484,000 |
|
|
Memphis-Shelby County |
|
2036 |
National |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Indianapolis, Indiana(2) |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
3,002,925 |
|
|
|
140,000 |
|
|
Indianapolis Airport |
|
2053 |
Miami, Florida(3) |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
284,809 |
|
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
Aero Miami FX, LLC |
|
2041 |
Regional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Fort Worth, Texas |
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
987,388 |
|
|
|
76,000 |
|
|
Fort Worth Alliance Airport |
|
2041 |
Newark, New Jersey |
|
|
70 |
|
|
|
634,193 |
|
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
Port Authority of New York |
|
2030 |
Oakland, California |
|
|
75 |
|
|
|
587,700 |
|
|
|
63,000 |
|
|
Port of Oakland |
|
2036 |
Greensboro, N. Carolina |
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
595,000 |
|
|
|
23,000 |
|
|
Piedmont Triad Airport Authority |
|
2031 |
Metropolitan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Chicago, Illinois |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
481,350 |
|
|
|
24,000 |
|
|
City of Chicago |
|
2028 |
Los Angeles, California |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
305,300 |
|
|
|
23,000 |
|
|
City of Los Angeles |
|
2025(4) |
Atlanta, Georgia |
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
291,525 |
|
|
|
22,600 |
|
|
City of Atlanta |
|
2030 |
International |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Anchorage, Alaska(5) |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
375,300 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
State of Alaska, |
|
2078 |
Paris, France(6) |
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
1,798,368 |
|
|
|
59,000 |
|
|
Aeroports de Paris |
|
2048 |
Cologne, Germany(6) |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
731,267 |
|
|
|