10-K 1 fdx-10k_20190531.htm 10-K fdx-10k_20190531.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2019.

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission file number 1-15829

FEDEX CORPORATION

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

62-1721435

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee

38120

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(ZIP Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 818-7500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title of each class

 

Trading Symbol

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share

 

FDX

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.500% Notes due 2020

 

FDX 20A

 

New York Stock Exchange

0.700% Notes due 2022

 

FDX 22B

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.000% Notes due 2023

 

FDX 23A

 

New York Stock Exchange

1.625% Notes due 2027

 

FDX 27

 

New York Stock Exchange

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. Yes  No

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  No

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. Yes  No

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). Yes  No

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer             

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company 

Emerging growth company 

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 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, 2018, was approximately $55.2 billion. The Registrant has no non-voting stock.

As of July 12, 2019, 260,808,410 shares of the Registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be delivered to stockholders in connection with the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders to be held on September 23, 2019 are incorporated by reference in response to Part III of this Report.


 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

PART I

 

 

 

ITEM 1. Business

3

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

21

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

21

ITEM 2. Properties

21

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

25

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

25

               Information about our Executive Officers

26

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

28

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

29

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

29

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

29

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

29

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

29

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

29

ITEM 9B. Other Information

29

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

30

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

30

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

30

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

30

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

30

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

31

ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary

46

 

 

FINANCIAL SECTION

 

 

 

Table of Contents

49

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

50

Consolidated Financial Statements

100

Other Financial Information

148


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EXHIBITS

 

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Exhibit 10.12

 

Exhibit 10.53

 

Exhibit 10.54

 

Exhibit 10.55

 

Exhibit 10.202

 

Exhibit 10.203

 

Exhibit 10.204

 

Exhibit 10.205

Exhibit 10.206

Exhibit 10.207

 

Exhibit 21

 

Exhibit 23

 

Exhibit 24

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT

 

EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT

 

EX-101 CALCULATION LINK BASE DOCUMENT

 

EX-101 DEFINITIONS LINK BASE DOCUMENT

 

EX-101 LABELS LINK BASE DOCUMENT

 

EX-101 PRESENTATION LINK BASE DOCUMENT

 

 


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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 a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services through companies competing collectively, operating independently and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. These companies are included in the following reportable business segments:

 

FedEx Express: Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx Express”), including TNT Express B.V. (“TNT Express”), is the world’s largest express transportation company, offering time-definite delivery to more than 220 countries and territories, connecting markets that comprise more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product.

 

FedEx Ground: FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (“FedEx Ground”) is a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services. FedEx Ground provides low-cost, day-certain service to any business address in the U.S. and Canada, as well as residential delivery to 100% of U.S. residences through its FedEx Home Delivery service. FedEx SmartPost is a FedEx Ground service that specializes in the consolidation and delivery of high volumes of low-weight, less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages primarily using the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) for last-mile delivery to residences.

 

FedEx Freight: FedEx Freight Corporation (“FedEx Freight”) is a leading North American provider of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) freight services across all lengths of haul, offering: FedEx Freight Priority, when speed is critical to meet a customer’s supply chain needs; and FedEx Freight Economy, when a customer can trade time for cost savings. FedEx Freight also offers freight delivery service to most points in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

FedEx Services: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (“FedEx Services”) provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our transportation segments. The FedEx Services segment includes FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (“FedEx Office”), which provides document and business services and retail access to our package transportation businesses.  

Additionally, the FedEx Logistics, Inc. (“FedEx Logistics” (formerly FedEx Trade Networks, Inc.)) operating segment provides customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc. (“FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage”); cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions through FedEx Cross Border Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiary P2P Mailing Limited (“FedEx Cross Border”); integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain Distribution System, Inc. (“FedEx Supply Chain”); time-critical shipment services through FedEx Custom Critical, Inc. (“FedEx Custom Critical”); and critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing and technology repair through FedEx Forward Depots, Inc. (“FedEx Forward Depots”). FedEx Logistics is included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” in our segment reporting. For more information about FedEx Logistics, please see “FedEx Logistics Operating Segment.”

For more information about our reportable segments, please see “Business Segments.” For financial information concerning our reportable segments, refer to the accompanying financial section, which includes management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition and our consolidated financial statements.

Our website is located at fedex.com. Detailed information about our services, e-commerce tools and solutions, and citizenship efforts 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 amendments to such reports available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Investor Relations section of our website, http://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 our Investor Relations 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 on Form 10-K.

Except as otherwise specified, any reference to a year indicates our fiscal year ended May 31 of the year referenced. References to our transportation segments include, collectively, the FedEx Express segment, the FedEx Ground segment, and the FedEx Freight segment.

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Strategy

FedEx has developed a unique business strategy whereby our companies compete collectively, operate independently and manage collaboratively, which allows us to provide a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services to our customers. Our companies compete collectively by standing as one brand worldwide and speaking with one voice; they operate independently by focusing on our independent networks to meet distinct customer needs; and they manage collaboratively by working together to sustain loyal relationships with our workforce, customers and investors.  

Our “compete collectively, operate independently, manage collaboratively” strategy allows us to manage our business as a portfolio, in the long-term best interest of the enterprise, not a particular operating company. As a result, we base decisions on capital investment, expansion of delivery, information technology and retail networks, and service additions or enhancements upon achieving the highest overall long-term return on capital for our business as a whole. For each FedEx company, we focus on making appropriate investments in the technology and assets necessary to optimize our long-term earnings performance and cash flow. Our business strategy also provides flexibility in sizing our operating companies to align with varying macroeconomic conditions and customer demand for the market segments in which they operate, allowing us to leverage and manage change. Volatility, uncertainty and evolution 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, including the continued growth of e-commerce. To that end, we continue to modernize our aircraft fleet with more fuel efficient and lower-emission aircraft, expand our operations at FedEx Ground where we continue to see growing package volumes, realign our systems and develop new innovative service offerings.

While our business strategy guides our operating companies to compete collectively and manage collaboratively, we continue to believe that operating independent networks, each focused on its own respective markets, enhances service quality and reliability from each business unit. Each FedEx company focuses exclusively on the market sectors in which it has the most expertise and can be independently enhanced and managed to provide outstanding service to our customers. Each company’s operations, cost structure and culture are designed to serve the unique customer demands of a particular market segment and as a result, we are able to adapt our networks in response to changing needs.

Our business strategy allows us to respond to our current and potential customers’ evolving needs that are shaped by the following four key trends that are driving global commerce:

 

Growth of e-commerce: E-commerce continues to be a catalyst for the other trends below and is a vital growth engine for businesses, as the internet is increasingly being used to purchase goods and services. While our residential e-commerce revenues are much smaller than our business-to-business revenues, it is the fastest growing market and requires constant innovation to make delivery to consumers more flexible, convenient, efficient and cost-effective. Through our global transportation and technology networks, we contribute to and benefit from the growth of e-commerce.

 

Globalization of trade: As the world’s economy has become more fully integrated, companies are sourcing and selling globally. With customers in more than 220 countries and territories, we facilitate this supply chain through our global reach, delivery services and information capabilities. Despite the recent trade tensions, we continue to believe that globalization will drive international volume growth over the long term.

 

Faster, more efficient supply chains: Companies of all sizes continue to depend on the delivery of just-in-time inventory to help them compete. We have taken advantage of the move toward more efficient supply chains by helping customers obtain more visibility into their supply chains and near real-time information to manage inventory in motion, thereby reducing overhead and obsolescence and speeding time-to-market.

 

Influx of high-tech businesses and high-value-added goods: High-tech and high-value-added goods have increased as a percentage of real economic output, and our various operating companies offer a unique menu of services to fit virtually all shipping needs of high-tech and high-value-added industries.

These trends have produced an unprecedented expansion of customer access — to goods, services and information. Through our global transportation, information technology and retail networks, we help to make this access possible. We believe it would be extremely difficult, costly and time-consuming to replicate our global network, which 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 companies to facilitate and capitalize on this access and to achieve stronger long-term growth, productivity and profitability.

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During 2019, we introduced a number of innovative solutions, advanced important long-term business initiatives and made other important investments that benefit our customers, employees and communities, including:

 

Increasing capacity at FedEx Ground by expanding operations throughout the FedEx Ground U.S. network to six days per week year-round, and announcing that in January 2020 FedEx Ground will expand residential delivery operations to seven days per week year-round for the majority of the U.S. population.

 

Making additional strategic investments to grow our FedEx Ground network to effectively handle e-commerce growth, manage costs, and increase productivity. For example, in 2019 we opened two new major FedEx Ground hubs in Pennsylvania and Connecticut to serve some of the busiest transportation corridors in the U.S. and began a transformation in FedEx Ground operations that will allow us to increasingly integrate FedEx SmartPost packages given to the USPS into FedEx Ground standard operations and improve our capabilities for handling large and heavy items.

 

Substantially integrating the sales forces of FedEx Express and TNT Express and completing key projects that enable the injection of FedEx Express shipments into the TNT Express European road network.

 

Developing the FedEx SameDay Bot, an autonomous delivery device which represents the next chapter in our long legacy of innovation and offering new solutions for our customers. We plan to begin testing the SameDay Bot in select markets in the summer of 2020.

 

Continuing our multi-year investments to modernize the FedEx Express World Hub in Memphis through investments in new sort systems and automation and expand the FedEx Express hub in Indianapolis as part of our continued investment in technology and operations to meet growing customer demand.

 

Expanding 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 FedEx Express, with next-day local delivery and two-day shipping to any address in the continental United States. FedEx Extra Hours is currently available to select customers.

 

Continuing our successful aircraft fleet modernization strategy, which has helped us greatly improve fuel efficiency and fleet reliability in recent years, by entering into agreements to purchase 12 incremental Boeing 777 Freighter (“B777F”) aircraft and 12 incremental Boeing 767-300 Freighter (“B767F”) aircraft.

 

Progressing the nationwide expansion of the FedEx retail channel with companies such as Walgreens and Walmart. Additionally, during June 2019 we formed a strategic alliance with Dollar General that will provide access to FedEx drop-off and pickup services at more than 8,000 Dollar General stores by the end of calendar 2020, which will give customers in rural locations easy access to FedEx drop-off and pickup services.

 

Significantly advancing 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.

 

Applying the most up-to-date safety technology for our transportation equipment, facilities and yards to protect our employees, customers and communities. For example, during 2019 we tested the platooning of our highway trucks, which allows drivers to follow each other in a safe, controlled manner, and piloted virtual reality training modules to make dock activities and large-package lifting at FedEx Ground safer.

 

Completing our investment of over $200 million in more than 200 global communities through our global giving platform, FedEx Cares.

 

Rebranding FedEx Trade Networks, Inc. as FedEx Logistics and announcing the consolidation of its corporate team members into a new global headquarters in downtown Memphis over the next several years.

Reputation and Responsibility

By competing collectively under the FedEx brand, our operating companies benefit from one of the world’s most recognized brands. 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 2019, FedEx ranked 10th in FORTUNE magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list — the 19th 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. FedEx was also included on the Forbes/Reputation Institute 2019 “World’s Most Reputable Companies” list, which measures the reputations of thousands of the world’s most prestigious companies, and was named to Forbes 2019 list of the “World’s Most Valuable Brands.” Additionally, FedEx was named one of America’s 2018 “Most JUST Companies” by JUST Capital and Forbes based on an evaluation of a variety of environmental, social and governance factors.

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FedEx is well recognized as a leader, not only in the transportation industry and for technological innovation, but also in global citizenship. We understand that a sustainable global business is tied to our global citizenship, and we are committed to connecting the world responsibly and resourcefully. Our latest published update to our global citizenship report is available at http://csr.fedex.com. This report describes how we think about our responsibilities in the area of global citizenship and includes important goals and metrics that demonstrate our commitment to fulfilling these responsibilities.

Our People

Along with a strong reputation among customers and the general public, FedEx is widely acknowledged as a great place to work. For example, FedEx was named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the U.S. and listed as one of the “World’s Best Employers” by Forbes in their latest surveys. FedEx was also included on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Workplaces for Millennials” list for 2018. During 2019 we made voluntary contributions totaling $1.0 billion to our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans to ensure our retirement program remains one of the best funded programs in the country.

FedEx also supports an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to the education, recruitment, development and advancement of diverse team members worldwide, and we are recognized for our commitment to those efforts. For instance, in 2019 FedEx was named one of Black Enterprise magazine’s “50 Best Companies for Diversity,” one of the “Best Workplaces for Diversity” by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and FORTUNE magazine, and one of the “Best Employers for Diversity” in the U.S. by Forbes. Additionally, FedEx was named a 2019 “Best-of-the-Best Corporation for Inclusion” by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the National Business Inclusion Consortium. A key driver of our commitment to diversity and inclusion is the FedEx Corporate Diversity Council, in which members collaborate across the enterprise to motivate and inspire each other, share best practices and support multicultural programs within the company and communities we serve.

At FedEx, it is our people — our greatest asset — that give us our strong reputation. In addition to superior physical and information networks, FedEx has an exemplary human network, with more than 450,000 team members who are focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their customers and communities. Consistent with this philosophy, FedEx Express has created Purple Runway—A FedEx Pathways Program, an industry-leading pilot-development program, as well as a related aviation scholarship program. FedEx Express has also partnered with the University of Memphis to provide FedEx Express team members in Memphis, Indianapolis, Oakland, Los Angeles and Newark the chance to earn a tuition-free online degree. Additionally, through our internal Purple Promise and Humanitarian Award programs, we recognize and reward employees who enhance customer service and promote human welfare. For additional information on our people-first philosophy and workplace initiatives, see http://csr.fedex.com.

Our Community

FedEx is committed to actively supporting the communities we serve worldwide through the strategic investment of our people, resources and network. One way FedEx works to connect people and possibilities is through FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. We provide financial contributions, in-kind charitable shipping services and volunteer efforts by our team members to help a variety of non-profit organizations achieve their goals and make a measurable impact on the world. We focus our effort in the following areas:

 

Global Entrepreneurship: Empowering women and minority entrepreneurs everywhere by providing the tools they need to succeed.

 

Delivering for Good: Lending our global network and our unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with mission-critical needs, especially in times of disaster, and to help communities heal, learn and thrive.

 

Sustainable Transportation: Scaling solutions and investing in new ideas to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and decrease pollution in communities around the world.

 

Employment Pathways: Connecting young adults in underserved communities to skills and career training that lead to greater access to jobs and opportunity, especially in the fields of technology and logistics.

 

Road Safety: Leveraging our safety expertise to reduce road crash fatalities by improving road conditions and educating drivers and pedestrians – especially child pedestrians – around the world.

 

Diversity & Inclusion: Promoting inclusion, celebrating culture and history, and empowering young people from diverse backgrounds.

 

Volunteerism: Dedicating their time around the world, FedEx team members play a visible and meaningful role in addressing social issues by creating connections with community leaders and supporting the non-profit organizations that make our communities great places to live and work.

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Between 2016 and 2019, FedEx invested over $200 million in over 200 global communities through FedEx Cares. FedEx also supports communities throughout the U.S. with its annual FedEx Cares United Way giving campaign. Additionally, FedEx team members provided over 81,000 volunteer hours during 2018. For additional information on our community involvement and our FedEx Cares strategy, visit http://fedexcares.com.

The Environment

Our “Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize” approach to FedEx aircraft, vehicles, facilities and materials guides our environmental efforts to drive efficient use of resources and cost savings. In furtherance of our commitment to protecting the environment, in 2017 we announced a new goal to increase FedEx Express vehicle fuel efficiency 50% from a 2005 baseline by calendar 2025, after achieving our previous goal of a 30% improvement five years early. Through 2018, our efforts collectively resulted in a 40% improvement in FedEx Express vehicle fuel efficiency from our 2005 baseline. We also continue to work towards our goal to reduce aircraft emissions intensity by 30% from a 2005 baseline by calendar 2020, a goal that we increased from 20% in 2012. In 2018, we achieved a 23% reduction in aircraft emissions intensity since 2005 through a combination of our aircraft fleet modernization and operational programs. We have also established a goal of obtaining 30% of our jet fuel from alternative fuels by calendar 2030.

To reduce the cost of fuel use and associated greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, we have implemented efficiencies in flight operations through our global FedEx Fuel Sense program, and we are replacing many of our older airplanes with more fuel-efficient models. These two initiatives saved more than 204 million gallons of jet fuel and avoided nearly 2.0 million metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2018, over 15% more emissions avoided than 2017. We have an impressive global alternative fuel fleet with more than 3,800 alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid, electric, compressed or liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In 2018 we placed a reservation for 20 fully electric semi trucks which will be operated by FedEx Freight, and FedEx Express expects to add 1,000 Chanje V8100 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet by the end of 2020. Additionally, we expect the zero-emission, battery-powered FedEx SameDay Bot, which is discussed in more detail below under “FedEx Services Segment —FedEx Services — Customer-Driven Technology,” to be an environmentally friendly alternative to delivering small payloads in large vehicles.

Across the enterprise, we work to utilize the emission technology available in each market for our vehicles, which enables us to reduce emissions and minimize the impact of the remaining legacy vehicles in the fleet. Innovative approaches such as vehicle platooning offer the potential to increase truck fuel efficiency while enhancing safety.

Twenty-three of our facilities around the world now generate renewable energy, which collectively avoided more than 12,000 metric tons of CO2 e emissions in 2018. In addition, 19 FedEx Express facilities in the U.S. have received certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), the U.S. Green Building Council’s system for rating the environmental performance of buildings. FedEx Express has made LEED certification the standard for newly built U.S. facilities. In addition, FedEx Express also has three LEED-certified facilities outside the U.S., while FedEx Ground has six LEED-certified facilities and FedEx Office has one, all of which are in the U.S. Over 560 FedEx Express facilities and three FedEx Logistics facilities are certified to the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard. In Europe, FedEx Express uses the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) as the standard for all new buildings. For offices, its minimum building standard is BREEAM Excellent, and for warehouses, its minimum standard is BREEAM Good.

We also continue to evaluate the environmental impacts of our packaging and copy and print services, and minimize waste generation through efforts that include recycling and the use of copy paper with recycled content, among other environmentally responsible available choices. In 2018, over 99% of paper purchased for use by FedEx Office was Forest Stewardship Council or other third-party-certified as sustainably sourced. We also use FedEx-branded cardboard packaging at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground, which is 100% recyclable and made from over 50% recycled content. The longstanding paper shredding and recycling service at FedEx Office allows customers to bring any documents, including sensitive items such as tax returns, to a FedEx Office location and have them securely and confidentially shredded, then recycled. During 2018, almost 9.9 million pounds of paper were shredded and recycled through the service.

As our business grows to meet the accelerating demands of e-commerce and other shipping needs, our waste management strategies help ensure we recycle more of our own waste and encourage customers to recycle our packaging. In 2018, 78% of the solid waste generated in our operations was sent to recyclers. One example of our environmentally-responsible activities is the Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council, a U.S. nonprofit organization that supports and recognizes sustainable procurement of which we are a founding member. We continue to support the Council by participating in technical advisory groups and applying best practice guidance to our own supply chain sustainability initiatives. For additional information on the ways we are minimizing our impact on the environment, see http://csr.fedex.com.

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Governance

FedEx has an independent Board of Directors 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 and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, 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, which apply to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, are available on the Governance & Citizenship page of the Investor Relations section of our website at http://investors.fedex.com. We will post on the Governance & Citizenship page of the Investor Relations section of our website information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the provisions of the Code to the extent such disclosure is required.

Business Segments

The following describes in more detail the operations of each of our principal operating segments:

FedEx Express Segment

Overview

FedEx Express invented express distribution over 45 years ago in 1973 and remains the industry leader, providing rapid, reliable, time-definite delivery of packages and freight to more than 220 countries and territories through an integrated global network. In May 2016, we acquired TNT Express, a leading international express transportation, small-package ground delivery and freight transportation company.

FedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight, connecting markets that generate more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product through door-to-door, customs-cleared service, with a money-back guarantee. FedEx 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. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Express employed approximately 239,000 employees (including approximately 47,000 employees at TNT Express) and had approximately 103,000 drop-off locations (including FedEx Office stores and FedEx OnSite locations, such as nearly 9,000 Walgreens stores, and approximately 27,000 TNT Express drop-off locations), 681 aircraft and approximately 91,000 vehicles (including approximately 27,000 owner-operated vehicles that support TNT Express) in its global network.

Services

FedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight. All FedEx Express services are backed by a money-back guarantee. FedEx 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. FedEx Express also offers U.S. express overnight and deferred freight services backed by a money-back guarantee to handle the needs of the time-definite freight market.

International express and deferred package delivery with a money-back guarantee is available to more than 220 countries and territories, with a variety of time-definite services to meet distinct customer needs. FedEx International Priority provides time-definite delivery typically within one, two or three business days. 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 20 key global markets, with delivery to select U.S. ZIP Codes as early as 8:00 a.m. from more than 90 countries in one or two business days, delivery by 10:00 a.m. in one business day to Canada and by 11:00 a.m. in one business day to Mexico. FedEx 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, FedEx Express offers comprehensive international express and deferred freight services, backed by a money-back guarantee, real-time tracking and advanced customs clearance.

We also provide FedEx Delivery Manager, which 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. By signing up at fedex.com, customers can receive notification of FedEx Express packages en route to their homes, and can choose various delivery options.

For information regarding FedEx Express e-shipping tools and solutions, see “FedEx Services Segment — FedEx Services — Customer-Driven Technology.”

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TNT Express provides two types of express services — Express and Economy Express. The Express services are day-definite and delivered next-day or fastest-by-air for distances for which next-day is not possible. The Economy Express services are also day-definite and are delivered fastest-by-road, except for intercontinental deliveries which depend on air. For both Express and Economy Express services, TNT Express has time-definite options for customers requiring delivery before a certain time. TNT Express also provides specialized or extremely urgent deliveries which include products such as same-day, value-added and non-standard freight services.

International Expansion

In 2016 we acquired TNT Express, which is the largest acquisition in FedEx history. This acquisition rapidly accelerates our European and global growth, substantially enhances our global footprint through TNT Express’s lower-cost road networks in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and expands our capabilities and solutions for our customers. The integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express is complex as it spans over 200 countries and territories and involves combining our pickup-and-delivery operations at a local level, our global and regional air and ground networks, and our extensive operations, customs clearance, sales and back-office information technology systems.

Significant progress on the integration was made during 2019. We have completed the operational integration in the U.S., Canada and Middle East, and the sales forces are substantially integrated. The sales force integration allows both the FedEx Express and TNT Express sales teams to sell our full suite of services to customers. A significant milestone in the integration includes key projects that enable the injection of FedEx Express shipments into the TNT Express European road network. This integration milestone will allow FedEx Express customers to benefit from transit time improvements for their intra-European shipments. We began rolling out this service in Europe in February 2019 and completed the service improvement in June 2019. In addition, by the end of 2020, we expect to complete projects across our European hub and station locations that will allow interoperability between networks for both FedEx Express and TNT Express packages, which will further lower costs as the related FedEx Express linehaul operations are optimized. In 2019, we began the operational network integration process for the key countries in Europe, which represent a significant percentage of international revenue, workforces and facilities. Integration activities in Europe are complex and require consultations with works councils and employee representatives in a number of countries. While we expect to make significant progress on integration activities in 2020, particularly in Europe, integration work will continue thereafter. For more information about the integration, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”).

On May 1, 2019, we acquired the international express business of FC (Flying Cargo) Express Ltd., which was formerly a FedEx Express Global Service Participant, in Israel. These acquisitions give us more robust global transportation networks and added capabilities in important international markets. In recent years, we also have expanded our capabilities in the Asia-Pacific markets, including through the establishment of: our Asia-Pacific hub at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in southern China, which began operations in 2009; our North Pacific regional hub at the Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, which opened in 2014 and serves as a consolidation point for shipments from northern Asia to the U.S.; and our new International Express and Cargo Hub in Shanghai, which opened in 2018 at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. Additionally, during 2019 we introduced a new flight connecting the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi to our Asia-Pacific hub and increased the frequency of our flight from Memphis to Dubai. These developments allow us to continue to better serve our global customers doing business in the Asia-Pacific markets.

To facilitate the use of our growing international network, we offer a full range of international trade consulting services and a variety of online tools that enable customers to more easily determine and comply with international shipping requirements.

U.S. Postal Service Agreement

In 2013, FedEx Express entered into a new seven-year agreement with the USPS under which FedEx Express provides airport-to-airport transportation of USPS First Class Mail, Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail within the United States. In February 2017, the parties entered into an amendment to the agreement whereby the initial renewal period provided in the agreement was exercised in part and the agreement’s period of performance was extended through September 29, 2024. FedEx Express also provides transportation and delivery for the USPS’s international delivery service called Global Express Guaranteed under a separate agreement. For more information about our relationship with the USPS, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”).

Pricing

FedEx 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, destination zone, weight, size, any ancillary service charge and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. As previously announced, on January 7, 2019, FedEx Express implemented a 4.9% average list price increase for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. FedEx Express also applied peak holiday season surcharges from November 19, 2018 through December 24, 2018 for shipments that were oversized or required additional handling and, effective September 3, 2018, made general changes to surcharges for certain packages requiring additional handling.

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FedEx 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. FedEx Express fuel surcharges are adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two weeks prior to the week in which it is assessed. Some FedEx Express international fuel surcharges incorporate a timing lag of approximately six to eight weeks. On March 18, 2019, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges for FedEx Express U.S. domestic services. On September 10, 2018, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Express. The weighted-average U.S. domestic and outbound fuel surcharges for the past three years were: 2019 — 7.5%; 2018 — 4.8%; and 2017 — 2.5%. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Fuel” section of Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition”) for a description and discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

TNT Express periodically updates list prices for the majority of its services. In general, shipping rates are based on the selected service, destination zone, (volumetric) weight, and any ancillary service charge. TNT Express offers its customers discounted prices generally based on actual or potential volumes and/or revenue. TNT Express has an indexed fuel surcharge that varies by region or country and by product. The fuel surcharge percentage is subject to monthly adjustment based upon the price of a designated fuel type.

If a customer has requirements that fall outside of TNT Express’s standard service levels, but are acceptable under its standard operating procedures, TNT Express will provide the service with an additional charge to cover the additional costs incurred. For instance, collections and deliveries in certain remote and less accessible locations will incur an out-of-area charge.

Operations

FedEx Express’s primary sorting facility, located in Memphis, serves as the center of the company’s multiple hub-and-spoke system. A second national hub facility is located in Indianapolis. We are making investments over multiple years in our facilities of approximately $1.5 billion to significantly expand the Indianapolis hub and approximately $1.5 billion to modernize the Memphis World Hub. In addition to these national hubs, FedEx Express operates regional hubs in Fort Worth, Newark, Oakland and Greensboro and major metropolitan sorting facilities in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Facilities 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, Stansted Airport outside London and Pearson Airport in Toronto. The facilities in Paris, Cologne, Guangzhou and Osaka are also designed to serve as regional hubs for their respective market areas. A facility in Miami — the Miami Gateway Hub — serves our South Florida, Latin American and Caribbean markets.

Throughout its worldwide network, FedEx 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. TNT Express also relies upon subcontractors and agents to conduct certain of its pickup-and-delivery and linehaul operations. For more information about our sorting and handling facilities, see Part I, Item 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Properties”) under the caption “FedEx Express Segment.”

FedEx Office offers retail access to FedEx Express shipping services at all of its retail locations. FedEx Express also has alliances with certain other retailers to provide in-store drop-off sites, including at nearly 9,000 Walgreens stores. Our unmanned FedEx Drop Boxes provide customers the opportunity to drop off packages in office buildings, shopping centers and corporate or industrial parks.

Services are delivered by TNT Express through a combination of physical infrastructures such as hubs, depots and vehicles, and electronic infrastructures such as track-and-trace systems. TNT Express operates road networks in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and South America. TNT Express’s unique European road network connects more than 40 countries through 19 road hubs and over 540 depots.

Fuel Supplies and Costs

During 2019, 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. Because of our indexed fuel surcharge, we do not have any jet fuel hedging contracts. See “Pricing” above.

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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 (amounts for 2017 to 2019 include TNT Express):

 

Fiscal Year

 

Total Jet

Fuel Cost

(in millions)

 

 

Percentage of Consolidated

Revenues

 

2019

 

$

2,847

 

 

 

4.1

%

2018

 

 

2,460

 

 

 

3.8

 

2017

 

 

1,999

 

 

 

3.3

 

2016

 

 

1,726

 

 

 

3.4

 

2015

 

 

2,816

 

 

 

5.9

 

 

Most of FedEx Express’s vehicle fuel needs are satisfied by retail purchases with various discounts.

Competition

As described in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”), the express package and 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, capacity and speed of scheduled service, ability to track packages, extent of geographic coverage, reliability, 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. FedEx Express’s and TNT 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. We also compete 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 for deliveries, and may be considered competitors. For example, Amazon.com is investing significant capital to establish a network of hubs, aircraft and vehicles. Many of FedEx 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 FedEx Express.

Employees

Donald F. Colleran is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express, which is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Express employed approximately 177,000 permanent full-time and approximately 62,000 permanent part-time employees (including approximately 38,000 permanent full-time employees and approximately 8,000 permanent part-time employees at TNT Express). Including the employees of TNT Express, FedEx Express’s international employees represent approximately 53% of all employees.

The pilots of FedEx 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 on November 2, 2015. The collective bargaining agreement is scheduled to become amendable in November 2021. In addition to our pilots at FedEx Express, certain of FedEx Express’s non-U.S. employees are unionized.

Attempts by other labor organizations to organize certain other groups of FedEx Express employees occur from time to time. Although these organizing attempts have not resulted in any certification of a U.S. domestic collective bargaining representative of FedEx Express employees (other than ALPA), we cannot predict the outcome of these labor activities or their effect, if any, on FedEx Express or its employees. For more information, see “Risk Factors” below. FedEx Express believes its employee relations are excellent.

FedEx Ground Segment

Overview

By leveraging the FedEx brand, maintaining a low cost structure and efficiently using information technology and advanced automation systems, FedEx Ground continues to enhance its competitive position as a leading provider of business and residential money-back guaranteed ground package delivery services. FedEx Ground serves customers in the North American small-package market, focusing on business and residential delivery of packages weighing up to 150 pounds. Ground service is provided to 100% of the continental U.S. population and overnight service of up to 400 miles to nearly 100% of the continental U.S. population. Service is also provided to nearly 100% of the Canadian population. In addition, FedEx Ground offers service to Alaska and Hawaii through a ground and air network operation coordinated with other transportation providers.

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In January 2019, we expanded operations throughout the FedEx Ground U.S. network to six days per week year-round, and in January 2020, FedEx Ground will expand residential delivery operations to seven days per week year-round for the majority of the U.S. population.

FedEx Ground continues to improve the speed, reach and service capabilities of its network, by reducing transit time for many of its lanes and introducing and expanding overnight ground service in many metropolitan areas. FedEx Ground’s network expansion has substantially increased the company’s daily pickup capacity through the addition of new hubs featuring the latest automated sorting technology and the expansion or relocation of existing hubs and other facilities. FedEx Ground is also making significant operational enhancements to ensure safe and reliable handling of large and heavy items. These changes include designing new facilities, adding equipment to certain facilities and making other operational adjustments.

The company offers our FedEx Home Delivery service, which reaches 100% of U.S. residences. FedEx Home Delivery is dedicated to meeting the delivery needs of residential customers and provides routine Saturday and evening delivery and premium options such as day-specific, appointment and signature delivery. FedEx Home Delivery brings unmatched services to residential shippers and their customers and is the first residential ground package delivery service to have offered a money-back guarantee. The FedEx SmartPost service specializes in the consolidation and delivery of high volumes of low-weight, less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages primarily using the USPS for final delivery to any residential address or PO Box in the U.S. In May 2019, we announced that FedEx SmartPost packages given to the USPS will be increasingly integrated into FedEx Ground standard operations.

Additionally, 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. By signing up at fedex.com, customers can receive notification of FedEx Ground packages en route to their homes and can choose various delivery options.

Pricing

FedEx Ground periodically publishes updates to the list prices for the majority of its services in its Service Guide. In general, U.S. shipping rates are based on the service selected, destination zone, weight, size, any ancillary service charge and whether the customer charged the shipment to a FedEx account. As previously announced, on January 7, 2019, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery average list prices increased by an average of 4.9%. FedEx SmartPost average list prices also increased. Additionally, FedEx Ground applied peak holiday season surcharges from November 19, 2018 through December 24, 2018 for shipments that were oversized, unauthorized, or required additional handling and, effective September 3, 2018, made general changes to surcharges on unauthorized shipments and for certain packages requiring additional handling.

FedEx Ground has an indexed fuel surcharge, which is adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two weeks prior to the week in which it is assessed. On March 18, 2019 and September 10, 2018, respectively, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Ground. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results —Fuel” section of Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition”) for a description and discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

Operations

FedEx Ground operates a multiple hub-and-spoke sorting and distribution system which consisted of 619 facilities, including 39 hubs, in the U.S. and Canada as of May 31, 2019. FedEx Ground conducts its operations primarily with approximately 69,000 vehicles owned or leased by separate service providers. To provide FedEx Home Delivery service and FedEx SmartPost Service, FedEx Ground leverages its pickup operation and hub and linehaul network.

Advanced automated unloading and sorting technology is used to streamline the handling of millions of packages daily. FedEx Ground yard management systems, which interact with GPS tags on each trailer and create geofences around FedEx Ground facilities, automatically notify the control 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. Autonomous, driverless tugger technologies enable FedEx Ground to handle large, non-conveyable packages. Software systems and internet-based applications are also deployed to offer customers new ways to connect internal package data with external delivery information. FedEx Ground provides shipment tracing and proof-of-delivery signature functionality through the FedEx website, fedex.com. For additional information regarding FedEx Ground e-shipping tools and solutions, see “FedEx Services Segment — FedEx Services — Customer-Driven Technology.”

FedEx Office offers retail access to FedEx Ground shipping services at all of its retail locations. FedEx Ground is also available as a service option at all FedEx Authorized ShipCenters and other FedEx OnSite locations, including at nearly 9,000 Walgreens stores, located in the U.S.  

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As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Ground employed approximately 31,000 permanent full-time and approximately 79,000 permanent part-time employees. In addition, FedEx Ground relies on independent small businesses to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, as the use of these service providers is well suited to the needs of the ground delivery business and its customers. Henry J. Maier is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Ground. FedEx Ground is headquartered in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and its primary competitors are UPS, the USPS and regional delivery carriers. We also compete 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 for deliveries, and may be considered competitors. For example, Amazon.com is investing significant capital to establish a network of hubs and vehicles.

Independent Contractor and Independent Service Provider Models

FedEx Ground is involved in lawsuits and administrative proceedings claiming that owner-operators engaged under operating agreements no longer in place should have been treated as employees of FedEx Ground, rather than independent contractors. In addition, we are defending joint-employer cases where it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer of the drivers employed by owner-operators engaged by FedEx Ground. These cases are in varying stages of litigation. We will continue to vigorously defend ourselves in these proceedings and continue to believe that owner-operators engaged by FedEx Ground are properly classified as independent contractors and that FedEx Ground is not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent contractors. For a description of these proceedings, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”) and Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

FedEx Ground previously announced plans to implement the Independent Service Provider (“ISP”) model throughout its entire U.S. pickup-and-delivery network. The transition to the ISP model is being accomplished on a district-by-district basis and we are now targeting the transition to be completed during the second quarter of 2020. As of May 31, 2019, over two-thirds of standard FedEx Ground volume (excluding FedEx SmartPost volume) was being delivered by small businesses operating under the ISP model. The costs associated with these transitions will be recognized in the periods incurred and are not expected to be material to any future quarter.

FedEx Freight Segment

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 supply chain needs, and FedEx Freight Economy, when time can be traded for cost savings. 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, which has the fastest published transit times of any nationwide LTL service, offers a no-fee money-back guarantee on eligible shipments. 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 Canada and the U.S. In addition, FedEx Freight serves 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, FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. These solutions make freight shipping easier and provide customers easy access to their account information. The FedEx Freight Advance Notice feature available on FedEx Freight Priority shipments uses the company’s innovative technology systems to proactively notify FedEx Freight customers via the internet, e-mail or fax when a shipment may be delayed beyond its estimated delivery date, providing customers with greater visibility and control of their LTL freight shipments. Customers can also process 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 Ship Manager Server and FedEx Web Services. Additionally, FedEx Freight A.M. Delivery offers freight delivery by 10:30 a.m. within and between the U.S. and Canada, backed by a money-back guarantee.

FedEx Freight further simplifies LTL shipping with the FedEx Freight box, which offers improved flexibility, increased security, better shipment integrity and no freight classification. The FedEx Freight box comes in two sizes: a standard freight box that requires a pallet to ship and a smaller freight box with an integrated pallet. The ability to choose between freight boxes makes freight shipping accessible to any business. With a distance-based pricing structure, the FedEx Freight box allows customers to ship LTL with flat rates.

FedEx Freight also offers LTL Select, 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.

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As of May 31, 2019, the FedEx Freight segment was operating approximately 28,000 vehicles from a network of 373 service centers and had approximately 49,000 employees. John A. Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Freight, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. FedEx Freight’s primary competitors are YRC Worldwide Inc. (which includes YRC Regional Transportation and YRC Freight), XPO Logistics, Inc., UPS Freight, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., ABF Freight (an ArcBest company) and SAIA, Inc.

In 2014 and 2015, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (“Teamsters”) petitioned for National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) elections at sixteen FedEx Freight facilities. The Teamsters lost the vote or withdrew the petition prior to the election at twelve facilities and won the vote at four facilities. To date, at three of the four FedEx Freight facilities that originally voted for Teamster representation, the Teamsters have either been decertified by employee vote or voluntarily withdrawn as bargaining representative. We are currently bargaining with the union at the other facility. Additionally, a union has been certified to represent owner-drivers at a FedEx Freight Canada, Corp. facility.

FedEx Services Segment

FedEx Services

FedEx Services provides our other companies with sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain other back-office support. Through FedEx Services, we provide a convenient single point of access for many customer support functions, enabling us to more effectively sell the entire portfolio of transportation services and to help ensure a consistent and outstanding experience for our customers.

Rajesh Subramaniam and Robert B. Carter each serve as the Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Services, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2019, the FedEx Services segment had approximately 30,000 employees (including approximately 15,000 at FedEx Office).

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. Innovation at FedEx is the foundation of our relations with customers. We strive to build technology solutions that will solve our customers’ business problems with simplicity, convenience, speed and reliability. Robert B. Carter, Executive Vice President — FedEx Information Services and Chief Information Officer of FedEx, won the 2019 Forbes CIO Innovation Award for the development of FedEx OnSite, our retail convenience network that utilizes third-party retailers such as Walgreens to receive and hold packages for FedEx customers. Additionally, during 2019 we significantly advanced 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.

The focal point of our strategy is our award-winning website, together with our customer integrated solutions. The fedex.com website was launched nearly 25 years ago, and during that time, customers have shipped and tracked billions of packages at fedex.com. 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. 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. International Shipping Assist on fedex.com uses artificial intelligence to continually improve the process of completing the complicated paperwork required for international shipping. Additionally, our state-of-the-art Packaging Lab designs innovative custom packaging solutions to keep shipments protected through transit, and SenseAware®, a FedEx innovation currently available in 26 markets 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 and shock events.

We stand at the nexus of virtual and physical networks, a crucial intersection for the success of e-commerce deliveries. We design our e-commerce tools and solutions to be easily integrated into our customers’ applications, as well as into third-party software developed by leading e-procurement, systems integration and enterprise resource planning companies. 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. FedEx Returns Technology, a comprehensive solution for returns management, provides high-volume merchants and e-tailers complete visibility into returns, giving them an easy way to track shipments, manage inventory, analyze returns trends and make more informed decisions based on shoppers’ returns behaviors.

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In December 2018, we 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 FedEx Express, with next-day local delivery and two-day shipping to any address in the continental United States. 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 February 2019, we announced the development through a partnership of the FedEx SameDay Bot, an autonomous delivery device designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers. With the SameDay Bot, retailers will be able to accept orders from nearby customers and deliver them directly to homes or businesses the same day. We plan to begin testing the SameDay Bot in select markets in the summer of 2020 and are collaborating with companies such as AutoZone, Lowe’s, Pizza Hut, Target, Walgreens and Walmart to help assess retailers’ autonomous delivery needs.

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, get quick rates and estimated delivery times, quickly find the nearest FedEx location and easily access FedEx Delivery Manager to customize home deliveries. It is available on Android™ and Apple devices. The FedEx mobile website has expanded to more than 195 countries and territories and 35 languages. FedEx Mobile allows customers to track packages, create shipping labels, view account-specific rate quotes and access drop-off location information. SMS Notifications allows customers to track or follow a package via text messaging, and it is currently available in five countries.

With FedEx Office Print Online and proprietary iPhone and Android mobile apps, customers can use their laptops or mobile devices, accessing 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. Accessing files using popular cloud providers Google Drive™, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft OneDrive® and from FedEx Office’s own My Online Documents is easy. If customers have their files on a mobile device or laptop, they can email them to printandgo@fedex.com and with the retrieval code they receive they can conveniently print the files at the self-serve kiosks in any FedEx Office location. FedEx Office provides options for customers to choose the best access method they need for quick service or more robust printing projects. FedEx also uses wireless data collection devices to scan bar codes on shipments, thereby enhancing and accelerating the package information available to our customers.

During 2018, we joined the Blockchain in Transportation Alliance to explore this chain-of-custody technology within the logistics sector, which we believe can significantly improve worldwide supply chains and add value to our products, services and processes. By giving more visibility to everyone involved in the logistics process, we believe blockchain technology can reduce customer claims, increase customer satisfaction and reduce our costs.

Marketing

The FedEx brand name is symbolic of outstanding service, reliability and speed. Emphasis is 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 FedExCup on the PGA TOUR.

 

The FedEx St. Jude Invitational, a PGA TOUR event that has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will become one of four World Golf Championships events on the PGA TOUR schedule beginning in July 2019.

 

The National Football League (NFL), as its “Official Delivery Service Sponsor” and “Official Office Services Provider of the NFL,” as well as sponsor of the “FedEx Air & Ground®” NFL Players of the Week and Players of the Year Awards.

 

FedExField in Washington, DC.

 

The #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry driven by Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

 

The UEFA Europa League, a major European soccer cup competition that spans 192 teams across 54 European nations.

 

ATP World Tour men’s professional tennis circuit and French Open tennis tournament.

 

FedExForum in Memphis, TN.

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Information Security

FedEx Services 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 — including, for example, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a set of comprehensive requirements for enhancing payment account data security developed by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council, as well as compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which enforces the security and confidentiality of employee health information. For a description of risks related to information security, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”).

Global ISO 9001 Certification

FedEx Services provides our customers with a high level of service quality, as evidenced by our ISO 9001 certification for our global express and ground operations. ISO 9001 registration is required by thousands of customers around the world. FedEx’s global certification, encompassing the processes of FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Services, enhances our single-point-of-access strategy and solidifies our reputation as the quality leader in the transportation industry. ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems. ISO standards were developed by the International Organization for Standardization in Geneva, Switzerland to promote and facilitate international trade. Approximately 170 countries, including European Union (“EU”) members, the U.S. and Japan, recognize ISO standards.

FedEx Office

As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Office operated approximately 2,100 customer-facing stores, providing convenient access to printing and shipping expertise with reliable service. The FedEx Office network features retail stores, centralized production centers, corporate on-site print centers, and on-site business centers at colleges and universities, hotels, convention centers, corporate campuses and health care 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. Services include digital printing, professional finishing, document creation, direct mail, signs and graphics, copying, computer rental, free Wi-Fi and corporate print solutions. To meet the evolving needs of print customers, FedEx Office has made significant investments in new machines and technology, enhancing capabilities in narrow format color, large format, color management and other technologies. Additional investments in grand format, large format, enhanced finishing and other print capabilities are planned.

FedEx Office also provides customers convenient access to the full range of FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping services. Customers may have their FedEx Express and FedEx Ground 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 AutoRedirect to Hold. Additionally, FedEx SameDay City is available in over 1,900 cities in 34 markets across the U.S., offering door-to-door residential and business delivery of time-sensitive parcels within hours by FedEx Office uniformed team members in branded FedEx Office delivery vehicles. Increasingly, industries such as health care, life sciences, manufacturing, finance, perishables, travel and automotive are relying on same-day services for critical delivery needs.

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 using FedEx Ground day-definite shipping and time-definite global FedEx Express shipping services, FedEx Office offers a 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.  

During 2018, we entered into an agreement to place up to 500 new FedEx Office locations within select U.S. Walmart stores nationwide. The agreement is part of the nationwide expansion of the FedEx retail channel, and as of May 31, 2019 we have opened over 200 FedEx Office locations inside Walmart stores.

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FedEx Logistics Operating Segment

The FedEx Logistics operating segment leverages the power of the extensive international FedEx transportation network to provide specialty solutions that complete a simple, seamless and powerful global trade experience for FedEx customers around the world, including customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage; cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions through FedEx Cross Border, including its subsidiary P2P Mailing Limited; integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain; time-critical shipment services through FedEx Custom Critical; and critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing and technology repair through FedEx Forward Depots.

Additionally, FedEx Logistics provides international trade advisory services, including assistance with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program and, through WorldTariff, publishes customs duty and tax information for approximately 200 customs areas worldwide.

Richard W. Smith is the President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Logistics, which is based in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2019, the FedEx Logistics organization had approximately 20,000 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 Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage

FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage provides international trade services, specializing in customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding. Additionally, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage provides customs clearance services for FedEx Express at its major U.S. hub facilities.

As trade throughout the world grows, so does the FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage solutions portfolio. As of May 31, 2019, value-added services of FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage included approximately 130 freight forwarding offices in 30 countries and Global Trade Data, an information tool that allows customers to track and manage imports. In total, as of May 31, 2019, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage had approximately 150 offices in 130 service locations throughout North America and in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and Australia. FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage 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.

On October 31, 2018, we acquired Manton Air-Sea Pty Ltd, a leading provider of logistics services, including freight forwarding and customs brokerage solutions, with operations across Australia.

FedEx Cross Border

FedEx Cross Border is an e-commerce enabler that provides international cross-border enablement and technology solutions such as duty calculations, package tracking, international shipping costs and currency conversion calculations. The offerings of FedEx Cross Border strategically fit into our global portfolio by allowing us to help retailers and e-tailers reach international e-commerce customers.

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 more than 12,000 employees at approximately 110 facilities as of May 31, 2019, 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.

In 2017, FedEx Supply Chain launched FedEx Fulfillment, 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.

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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; White Glove Services, for shipments that require extra care in handling, temperature control or specialized security; and managed transportation. 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 Forward Depots

FedEx Forward Depots has responsibility for critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing and technology repair. FedEx Forward Depots leverages innovative packing solutions, on-demand additive manufacturing and customer-driven design within the structure of FedEx Logistics.

Trademarks

The “FedEx” trademark, service mark and trade name are essential to our worldwide business. FedEx, FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight, FedEx Office, FedEx Services, FedEx Logistics, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, FedEx Cross Border, FedEx Supply Chain, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Forward Depots and TNT Express, among others, are trademarks, service marks and trade names of Federal Express Corporation or the respective companies for which registrations, or applications for registration, are on file, as applicable. We have authorized, through licensing arrangements, the use of certain of our trademarks, service marks and trade names by our contractors and Global Service Participants to support our business. In addition, we license the use of certain of our trademarks, service marks and trade names on promotional items for the primary purpose of enhancing brand awareness.

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 FedEx Express.

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 FedEx Express to operate its aircraft in the most efficient manner. FedEx 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 FedEx Express maintains its standards of safety and meets the operational requirements of the regulations.

In September 2010, the FAA proposed rules that would significantly reduce the maximum number of hours on duty and increase the minimum amount of rest time for our pilots, and thus require us to hire additional pilots and modify certain of our aircraft. When the FAA issued final regulations in December 2011, all-cargo carriers, including FedEx Express, were exempt from these new pilot fatigue requirements, and instead required to continue complying with previously enacted flight and duty time rules. In December 2012, the FAA reaffirmed the exclusion of us from the new rule. It is reasonably possible, however, that future security or flight safety requirements could impose material costs on us. See Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”) for additional discussion of regulations related to pilots, including the FAA’s mandatory retirement age of 65, that could affect our business.

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. FedEx Express holds various certificates issued by the DOT, authorizing FedEx Express to engage in U.S. and international air transportation of property and mail on a worldwide basis.

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 FedEx 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.

FedEx 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 FedEx Express’s wide-bodied aircraft in the event of a declared need, including a national emergency. FedEx 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, FedEx Express is entitled to bid on peacetime military cargo charter business. FedEx Express, together with a consortium of other carriers, currently contracts with the U.S. government for such charter flights.

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Ground. The ground transportation performed by FedEx 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. FedEx Express is registered in those states that require registration.

The operations of FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight and FedEx Custom Critical in interstate commerce 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 intrastate freight transportation.

Like other interstate motor carriers, our operations, including those at FedEx Express, 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. FedEx 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 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 FedEx 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 FedEx 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 FedEx Express’s growing 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 Express to compete effectively in parts of the international domestic transportation and logistics market.

Communication. Because of the extensive use of radio and other communication facilities in its aircraft and ground transportation operations, FedEx Express is subject to the Federal Communications Commission Act of 1934, as amended. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission regulates and licenses FedEx Express’s activities pertaining to satellite communications.

Environmental. 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. FedEx Express’s aircraft fleet is in compliance with current noise standards of the federal aviation regulations. In addition to federal regulation of aircraft noise, certain airport operators have local noise regulations, which limit aircraft operations by type of aircraft and time of day. These regulations have had a restrictive effect on FedEx Express’s aircraft operations in some of the localities where they apply but do not have a material effect on any of FedEx Express’s significant markets. Congress’s passage of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 established a National Noise Policy, which enabled FedEx Express to plan for noise reduction and better respond to local noise constraints. FedEx Express’s international operations are also subject to noise regulations in certain of the countries in which it operates.

Concern over climate change, including the impact 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 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. For example, the EU has established the Emissions Trading System (“ETS”) to regulate GHG emissions in the EU and adopted a directive in 2008 requiring each EU member state to extend the ETS to aviation operations. Efforts by the EU in 2009 to regulate flights arriving from or departing for airports outside of the EU were postponed. The EU extended its stay on the extra-territorial application of the EU ETS as applied to international flights to and from the European Economic Area (“EEA”) through the end of calendar 2023, contingent on successful implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (“CORSIA”).

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In 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) passed a resolution adopting CORSIA, which is a global, market-based measure for purchasing credits to offset carbon dioxide emissions and intended to aid in meeting the ICAO’s goal of carbon-neutral growth starting in calendar 2020 by complementing industry efforts in technology, operations, infrastructure and sustainable aviation fuels. In June 2018, the ICAO adopted standards pertaining to country-by-country implementation including the collection and reporting of information on international aviation emissions beginning in calendar 2019. In furtherance of these efforts, in March 2019 the FAA issued notice of a CORSIA program permitting U.S. carriers to submit emissions data on a voluntary basis. Data reported during calendar 2019 and 2020 will be used to set the calendar 2020 emissions baseline, and beginning in calendar 2021 carriers subject to the requirements of CORSIA will be responsible for purchasing and retiring carbon credits to offset emissions in excess of the calendar 2020 baseline. In response to the creation of the CORSIA program, in December 2017, the EU adopted a proposal which indefinitely excludes from the ETS flights operating fully or partly outside the EU and gradually reduces the number of aviation allowances from calendar 2021. The EU has indicated that it will assess CORSIA implementation and determine the future status of the ETS as applied to international aviation to and from the EEA. We expect compliance with CORSIA to increase FedEx operating expenses beginning in calendar 2021. The amount of such increase will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the number of our flights subject to CORSIA, 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 ICAO-eligible emission units or offsets required to be purchased by FedEx.

Additionally, in calendar 2016, the EPA issued a finding that aircraft engine GHG emissions cause or contribute to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. In March 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 current in-production aircraft types from calendar 2023. Additionally, a cutoff date of calendar 2028 for production of aircraft that do not comply with proposed standards was adopted. These standards are considered to be especially stringent for larger aircraft weighing over 60 tons. The calendar 2016 EPA finding is a regulatory prerequisite to the adoption of the new certification standard for new aircraft emissions, expected in calendar 2019 or 2020. 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. However, in calendar 2017 the U.S. withdrew from the Paris climate accord, an agreement among 196 countries to reduce GHG emissions, and that withdrawal’s effect on future U.S. policy regarding GHG emissions and on other GHG regulation is uncertain. Nevertheless, the extent to which other countries implement that agreement could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business.

We are also subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations relating to, among other things, the shipment of dangerous goods and contingency planning for spills of petroleum products. Additionally, we are subject to numerous regulations dealing with underground fuel storage tanks, hazardous waste handling, vehicle and equipment emissions and noise and the discharge of effluents from our properties and equipment. We have environmental management programs designed to ensure compliance with these regulations.

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 is permitted to transport for or deliver 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 of $300,000 (or twice the value of the transaction) per individual violation. FedEx is investing 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. See “Recent Developments” below for information regarding a lawsuit recently filed by FedEx against the U.S. Department of Commerce relating to the enforcement of prohibitions contained in the EARs.

Customs. Our activities, including customs brokerage and freight forwarding, are subject to regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the TSA within the Department of Homeland Security (customs brokerage and security issues), the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (ocean freight forwarding) and the DOT (air freight forwarding). Our offshore operations are subject to similar regulation by the regulatory authorities of foreign jurisdictions.

Labor. All U.S. employees at FedEx 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 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.

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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 the dominant national transportation systems of today. As an air express carrier with an integrated air/ground network, FedEx Express and its employees have been covered by the RLA since the founding of the company in 1971. 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 FedEx 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 FedEx Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA, thereby exposing the FedEx Express network to sporadic labor disputes and the risk that small groups of employees could disrupt the entire air/ground network. In addition, federal and state governmental agencies, such as the National Mediation Board and the NLRB, have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees to organize under the RLA or NLRA. For a description of these potential labor law changes, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”).

Data Protection. Recently, there has been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus on data protection in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and abroad. For example, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became effective in May 2018, greatly increases the jurisdictional reach of EU law and adds a broad array of requirements related to personal data, including individual notice and opt-out preferences and the public disclosure of significant data breaches. Additionally, violations of the GDPR can result in fines of as much as 4% of a company’s annual revenue. Other governments have enacted or are enacting similar data protection laws, and are considering data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders. For more information regarding data protection regulation, see Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Risk Factors”).

Recent Developments

 

On June 24, 2019, FedEx filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the EARs against FedEx. FedEx believes that the EARs violate common carriers’ rights to due process under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as they unreasonably hold common carriers strictly liable for shipments that may violate the EARs without requiring evidence that the carriers had knowledge of any violations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We present information about our risk factors on pages 85 through 95 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

FedEx Express Segment

FedEx 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.

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Aircraft and Vehicles

As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Express’s aircraft fleet consisted of the following:

 

Description

 

Owned

 

 

Leased

 

 

Total

 

 

Maximum Gross

Structural Payload

(Pounds per Aircraft)

 

Boeing B777F

 

 

35

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

38

(1)

 

 

233,300

 

Boeing MD11

 

 

47

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

192,600

 

Boeing MD10-30

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

175,900

 

Boeing MD10-10

 

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

137,500

 

Boeing 767F

 

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

73

(1)

 

 

127,100

 

Airbus A300-600

 

 

39

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

106,600

 

Airbus A310-300

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

83,170

 

Boeing B757-200

 

 

119

 

 

 

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

63,000

 

ATR-72

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

17,970

 

ATR-42

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

12,070

 

Cessna 208B

 

 

237

 

 

 

 

 

 

237

 

 

 

2,830

 

Total

 

 

639

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

681

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes one aircraft not currently in operation and undergoing pre-service modification.

At May 31, 2019, FedEx Express operated approximately 91,000 vehicles (including approximately 27,000 owner-operated vehicles that support TNT Express) in its global network.

Aircraft Purchase Commitments

The following table is a summary of the number and type of aircraft we were committed to purchase as of May 31, 2019, with the year of expected delivery:

 

 

 

Cessna

SkyCourier 408

 

 

ATR 72-600F

 

 

B767F(1)

 

 

B777F(2)

 

 

Total

 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

22

 

2021

 

 

12

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

37

 

2022

 

 

12

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

33

 

2023

 

 

12

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

28

 

2024

 

 

14

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

24

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

9

 

Total

 

 

50

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

153

 

(1)

As of May 31, 2019, our obligation to purchase five B767F aircraft was conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the RLA.

(2)

As of May 31, 2019, our obligation to purchase six B777F aircraft was conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the RLA.

As of May 31, 2019, we had $1.1 billion in deposits and progress payments on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related transactions. See Note 17 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information about our purchase commitments and options.

On June 24, 2019, FedEx Express exercised options to purchase an additional six B767F aircraft for delivery in 2022.  

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Sorting and Handling Facilities

At May 31, 2019, FedEx Express operated the following major sorting and handling facilities:

 

Location

 

Acres

 

 

Square

Feet

 

 

Sorting

Capacity

(per hour)(1)

 

 

Lessor

 

Lease

Expiration

Year

Primary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memphis, Tennessee

 

 

800

 

 

 

3,607,973

 

 

 

484,000

 

 

Memphis-Shelby County

Airport Authority

 

2036

National

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indianapolis, Indiana

 

 

452

 

 

 

2,509,000

 

 

 

184,000

 

 

Indianapolis Airport

Authority

 

2028

Miami, Florida(2)

 

 

29

 

 

 

143,322

 

 

 

7,000

 

 

Aero Miami FX, LLC

 

2028

Regional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fort Worth, Texas

 

 

168

 

 

 

948,000

 

 

 

76,000

 

 

Fort Worth Alliance Airport

Authority

 

2021

Newark, New Jersey

 

 

70

 

 

 

595,000

 

 

 

156,000

 

 

Port Authority of New York

and New Jersey

 

2030

Oakland, California

 

 

75

 

 

 

448,935

 

 

 

63,000

 

 

City of Oakland

 

2036

Greensboro, N. Carolina

 

 

165

 

 

 

593,000

 

 

 

23,000

 

 

Piedmont Triad Airport

Authority

 

2031

Metropolitan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chicago, Illinois

 

 

54

 

 

 

481,350

 

 

 

23,000

 

 

City of Chicago

 

2028

Los Angeles, California

 

 

34

 

 

 

305,300

 

 

 

57,000

 

 

City of Los Angeles

 

2021/2025(3)

International

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anchorage, Alaska(4)

 

 

64

 

 

 

332,000

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

State of Alaska,

Department of

Transportation and

Public Facilities

 

2023

Paris, France(5)

 

 

111

 

 

 

1,238,000

 

 

 

63,000

 

 

Aeroports de Paris

 

2048

Cologne, Germany(5)

 

 

11

 

 

 

325,000

 

 

 

20,000

 

 

Cologne Bonn Airport

 

2040

Guangzhou, China(6)

 

 

155

 

 

 

873,006

 

 

 

56,000

 

 

Guangdong Airport

Management Corp.

 

2029

Osaka, Japan(6)

 

 

17

 

 

 

425,206

 

 

 

9,000

 

 

Kansai Airports

 

2024

Toronto, Canada(7)

 

 

29

 

 

 

341,881

 

 

 

13,000

 

 

Greater Toronto Airports

Authority

 

2022

(1)

Documents and packages.

(2)

Handles international express package and freight shipments to and from Latin America and the Caribbean.

(3)

Property is held under two separate leases — the lease for the sorting and handling facility expires in 2021, and the lease for the ramp expansion expires in 2025.

(4)

Handles international express package and freight shipments to and from Asia, Europe and North America.

(5)

Handles intra-Europe express package and freight shipments, as well as international express package and freight shipments to and from Europe.

(6)

Handles intra-Asia express package and freight shipments, as well as international express package and freight shipments to and from Asia.

(7)

Handles intra-Canada express package and freight shipments, as well as international express package and freight shipments to and from Canada.

FedEx Express’s primary sorting facility, which serves as the center of its multiple hub-and-spoke system, is located at the Memphis International Airport. FedEx Express’s facilities at the Memphis International Airport also include aircraft hangars, aircraft ramp areas, vehicle parking areas, flight training and fuel facilities, the FedEx Cold Chain Center, administrative offices and warehouse space.

- 23 -


 

FedEx Express leases these facilities from the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (the “Authority”). The lease obligates FedEx Express to maintain and insure the leased property and to pay all related taxes, assessments and other charges. The lease is subordinate to, and FedEx Express’s rights thereunder could be affected by, any future lease or agreement between the Authority and the U.S. government.

FedEx Express has additional major international sorting-and-handling facilities located at Narita Airport in Tokyo and Stansted Airport outside London. FedEx Express also has a substantial presence at airports in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Dubai.

TNT Express operates a central air hub near Liege, Belgium and a central European road hub in Duiven, The Netherlands.

Administrative and Other Properties and Facilities

The World Headquarters of FedEx Express is located in southeastern Shelby County, Tennessee. FedEx Express international headquarters are located in Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Express owned or leased 656 facilities for city station operations in the U.S. In addition, 521 city stations are owned or leased throughout FedEx Express’s international network. The majority of these leases are for terms of five to ten years. City stations serve as a sorting and distribution center for a particular city or region. We believe that suitable alternative facilities are available in each locale on satisfactory terms, if necessary.

As of May 31, 2019, TNT Express had over 780 facilities worldwide, including road hubs, air hubs, depots and office facilities. These facilities are strategically located to cover the geographic areas served by TNT Express.

As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Express had approximately 36,000 Drop Boxes. FedEx Express customers can also ship from approximately 31,000 staffed drop-off locations, including FedEx Office stores and FedEx Authorized ShipCenters. Internationally, FedEx Express had approximately 48,000 drop-off locations, including approximately 27,000 TNT Express drop-off locations.

FedEx Ground Segment

FedEx Ground’s corporate offices are located in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Ground owned or leased 619 facilities, including 39 hubs. In addition, approximately 69,000 vehicles owned or leased by service providers support FedEx Ground’s business. Of the 421 facilities that supported FedEx Home Delivery as of May 31, 2019, 388 were co-located with existing FedEx Ground facilities. Leased facilities generally have terms of five years or less. The 39 hub facilities are strategically located to cover the geographic area served by FedEx Ground. The hub facilities average approximately 483,000 square feet and range in size from approximately 107,000 to 1,054,000 square feet.

FedEx Freight Segment

FedEx Freight’s corporate headquarters are located in Memphis, Tennessee, with some administrative offices in Harrison, Arkansas. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Freight operated approximately 28,000 vehicles and 373 service centers, which are strategically located to provide service throughout North America. These facilities range in size from approximately 1,000 to 273,000 square feet of office and dock space.

FedEx Services Segment

FedEx Services’ corporate headquarters are located in Memphis, Tennessee. FedEx Services leases state-of-the-art technology centers in Collierville, Tennessee and Colorado Springs, Colorado. These facilities house personnel responsible for strategic software development and other functions that support FedEx’s technology and e-commerce solutions.

FedEx Office’s corporate headquarters are located in Plano, Texas in leased facilities. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Office operated approximately 2,100 customer-facing stores and also operated 31 centralized production centers. Substantially all FedEx Office stores are leased, generally for terms of five to ten years with varying renewal options. FedEx Office stores are generally located in strip malls, office buildings or stand-alone structures and customer-facing stores average approximately 3,300 square feet in size.

The FedEx Authorized ShipCenter program offers U.S. domestic and international FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping and drop-off services through a network of over 5,000 franchised and independent “pack and ship” retail locations. Additionally, FedEx Services has an agreement with Office Depot, Inc. to offer U.S. domestic and international FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping and drop-off services at Office Depot and OfficeMax retail locations (approximately 1,300 locations).

During 2018, we entered into an agreement to place up to 500 new FedEx Office locations within select U.S. Walmart stores nationwide. As of May 31, 2019, we have opened over 200 FedEx Office locations inside Walmart stores.

- 24 -


 

FedEx Logistics

FedEx Logistics’ corporate headquarters are located in Memphis, Tennessee. As of May 31, 2019, FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage had approximately 150 offices in 130 service locations throughout North America and in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America and the Middle East. In addition, as of May 31, 2019, FedEx Supply Chain had approximately 110 facilities through which it operates its supply chain logistics services.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

FedEx and its subsidiaries are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of their business. For a description of certain pending legal proceedings, see Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


- 25 -


 

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Information regarding executive officers of FedEx is as follows:

 

Name and Office

 

 Age 

 

Positions and Offices Held and Business Experience

 

Frederick W. Smith

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

74

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx since January 1998; Chairman of FedEx Express since 1975; President of FedEx from January 1998 to January 2017; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express from April 1983 to January 1998; Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express from 1977 to January 1998; and President of FedEx Express from June 1971 to February 1975.

 

 

 

Mark R. Allen

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

63

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of FedEx since October 2017; Executive Vice President, General Counsel — Select of FedEx from September 2017 to October 2017; Senior Vice President, Legal International of FedEx Express from July 2010 to September 2017; Vice President, Legal — Europe, Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent Region of FedEx Express from October 2000 to July 2010; Vice President, Legal — Asia Pacific of FedEx Express from 1996 to October 2000; and various legal positions with FedEx Express from 1982 to 1996.

 

 

 

Jill C. Brannon

Executive Vice President — Chief Sales Officer

55

Executive Vice President — Chief Sales Officer of FedEx since March 2019; Senior Vice President, Sales — Europe, Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent Region of FedEx Express from May 2016 to March 2019; Senior Vice President — Sales of FedEx Services from July 2006 to May 2016; Vice President — Sales of FedEx Services from July 2003 to June 2006; Vice President — Solutions of FedEx Services from July 2002 to June 2003; Vice President — Marketing of FedEx Services from June 2001 to June 2002; and various positions in sales, operations, marketing and strategic planning from 1985 to May 2002.

 

 

 

Brie A. Carere

Executive Vice President — Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

41

Executive Vice President — Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of FedEx since January 2019; Senior Vice President, Global Portfolio Marketing of FedEx Services from October 2016 to December 2018; Vice President, Marketing, Customer Experience and Corporate Communications for FedEx Express Canada from October 2010 to October 2016; and various positions in marketing, customer experience and strategy with FedEx Express Canada from 2001 to October 2010.

 

 

 

Robert B. Carter

Executive Vice President — FedEx Information Services and Chief Information Officer

60

Executive Vice President — FedEx Information Services and Chief Information Officer of FedEx since January 2007; Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of FedEx from June 2000 to January 2007; Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of FedEx from February 1998 to June 2000; Vice President — Corporate Systems Development of FedEx Express from September 1993 to February 1998; and Managing Director — Systems Development of FedEx Express from April 1993 to September 1993. Mr. Carter serves as a director of New York Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company.

 

 

 

Donald F. Colleran

President and Chief Executive Officer, FedEx Express

63

President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express since March 2019; Executive Vice President — Chief Sales Officer of FedEx from January 2017 to March 2019; Executive Vice President — Global Sales of FedEx Services from 2006 to January 2017; Senior Vice President — International Sales from 2003 to 2006; Senior Vice President — Canada of FedEx Express from 2000 to 2003; Vice President — Sales/APAC from 1997 to 2000; and various management positions in sales with FedEx Express from 1989 to 1997. Mr. Colleran serves as a director of ABM Industries Incorporated, a provider of facility solutions, and as a director of EastGroup Properties, Inc., an equity real estate investment trust.

 

 

 

- 26 -


 

Name and Office

 

 Age 

 

Positions and Offices Held and Business Experience

 

Alan B. Graf, Jr.

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

65

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FedEx since January 1998; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FedEx Express from February 1996 to January 1998; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FedEx Express from December 1991 to February 1996; Vice President and Treasurer of FedEx Express from August 1987 to December 1991; and various management positions in finance and a senior financial analyst at FedEx Express from 1980 to 1987. Mr. Graf serves as a director of Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc., a real estate investment trust that focuses on acquiring, constructing, developing, owning and operating apartment communities, and as a director of NIKE, Inc., a designer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for sports and fitness activities.

 

 

 

Henry J. Maier

President and Chief Executive Officer, FedEx Ground

65

President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Ground since June 2013; Executive Vice President — Strategic Planning and Communications of FedEx Ground from September 2009 to June 2013; Senior Vice President — Strategic Planning and Communications of FedEx Ground from December 2006 to September 2009; Vice President — Marketing of FedEx Services from March 2000 to December 2006; Vice President — Marketing and Communications of FedEx Ground from June 1999 to March 2000; and various management positions in logistics, sales, marketing and communications with RPS, Inc. and Caliber Logistics, Inc. from 1986 to 1999. Mr. Maier serves as a director of Kansas City Southern, a transportation holding company that has railroad investments in the U.S., Mexico and Panama.

 

 

 

John A. Smith

President and Chief Executive Officer, FedEx Freight Corporation

57

President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Freight since August 2018; President and Chief Executive Officer — Select of FedEx Freight from May 2018 to August 2018; Senior Vice President — Operations of FedEx Freight from May 2015 to May 2018; Vice President — Safety, Fleet Maintenance and Facilities Services of FedEx Freight from June 2011 to May 2015; Vice President — Operations of FedEx National LTL, Inc. from April 2010 to June 2011; Vice President — Transportation/Fleet Maintenance of FedEx National LTL, Inc. from March 2008 to April 2010; and various management positions at FedEx Freight from 2000 to 2008.

 

 

 

Rajesh Subramaniam

President and Chief Operating Officer

53

President and Chief Operating Officer since March 2019; President and Chief Executive Officer of FedEx Express from January 2019 to March 2019; Executive Vice President — Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of FedEx from January 2017 to December 2018; Executive Vice President — Marketing & Communications of FedEx Services from 2013 to January 2017; Senior Vice President — Marketing from 2006 to 2013; Senior Vice President — Canada of FedEx Express from 2003 to 2006; Vice President — Marketing/APAC of FedEx Express from 2000 to 2003; Vice President — APAC, EC & CS of FedEx Express from 1999 to 2000; and various management and marketing analyst positions at FedEx Express from 1991 to 1999. Mr. Subramaniam serves as a director of First Horizon National Corporation, a financial services holding company.

 

Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors. There is no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer and any person, other than a director or executive officer of FedEx or of any of its subsidiaries acting in his or her official capacity, pursuant to which any executive officer was selected. There are no family relationships between any executive officer and any other executive officer or director of FedEx, or any person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer.

- 27 -


 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

FedEx’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FDX.” As of July 12, 2019, there were 11,882 holders of record of our common stock.

We expect to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors. We evaluate our dividend payment amount on an annual basis. There are no material restrictions on our ability to declare dividends, nor are there any material restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

The following table provides information on FedEx’s repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2019.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

 

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

 

 

Average Price

Paid per Share

 

 

Total Number of

Shares  Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced

Programs

 

 

Maximum

Number of

Shares That May

Yet Be Purchased

Under the

Programs

 

Mar. 1-31, 2019

 

 

210,000

 

 

$

177.75

 

 

 

210,000

 

 

 

5,527,200

 

Apr. 1-30, 2019

 

 

210,000

 

 

 

190.59

 

 

 

210,000

 

 

 

5,317,200

 

May 1-31, 2019

 

 

220,000

 

 

 

174.54

 

 

 

220,000

 

 

 

5,097,200

 

Total

 

 

640,000

 

 

$

180.86

 

 

 

640,000

 

 

 

 

 

The repurchases were made under the stock repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors and announced on January 26, 2016 and through which we are authorized to purchase, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, up to an aggregate of 25 million shares of our common stock. As of July 12, 2019, 5.1 million shares remained authorized for purchase under the January 2016 stock repurchase program, which is the only such program that currently exists. The program does not have an expiration date.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected financial data as of and for the five years ended May 31, 2019 is presented on pages 149-150 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

Management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition is presented on pages 50 through 96 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Quantitative and qualitative information about market risk is presented on page 148 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

FedEx’s consolidated financial statements, together with the notes thereto and the report of Ernst & Young LLP dated July 16, 2019 thereon, are presented on pages 100 through 147 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of FedEx, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to FedEx management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of May 31, 2019 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is presented on page 97 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The report of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to our internal control over financial reporting is presented on page 98 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During our fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2019, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.  

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information regarding members of the Board of Directors and certain other aspects of FedEx’s corporate governance (such as the procedures by which FedEx’s stockholders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors and information about the Audit Committee, including its members and our “audit committee financial expert”) will be presented in FedEx’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 23, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding executive officers of FedEx is included above in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Information About Our Executive Officers” pursuant to the Instruction to Item 401 of Regulation S-K and General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K. Information regarding FedEx’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is included above in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Reputation and Responsibility — Governance.”

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information regarding director and executive compensation will be presented in FedEx’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 23, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters, as well as equity compensation plan information, will be presented in FedEx’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 23, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information regarding certain relationships and transactions with related persons (including FedEx’s policies and procedures for the review and preapproval of related person transactions) and director independence will be presented in FedEx’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 23, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding the fees for services provided by Ernst & Young LLP during 2019 and 2018 and the Audit Committee’s administration of the engagement of Ernst & Young LLP, including the Committee’s preapproval policies and procedures (such as FedEx’s Policy on Engagement of Independent Auditor), will be presented in FedEx’s definitive proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be held on September 23, 2019, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1) and (2) Financial Statements; Financial Statement Schedules

FedEx’s consolidated financial statements, together with the notes thereto and the report of Ernst & Young LLP dated July 16, 2019 thereon, are listed on page 49 and presented on pages 100 through 147 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. FedEx’s “Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts,” together with the report of Ernst & Young LLP dated July 16, 2019 thereon, is presented on pages 151 through 152 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All other financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is included in FedEx’s consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

(a)(3) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description of Exhibit

 

 

 

 

 

Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession

 

 

 

       *2.1

 

Commitment Agreement dated as of May 3, 2018, by and among FedEx, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and State Street Global Advisors Trust Company, in its capacity as the independent fiduciary of the FedEx Corporation Employees’ Pension Plan and the FedEx Freight Pension Plan. Schedules and other attachments to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally copies of such attachments to the SEC or its staff upon request. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 

 

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

 

 

         3.1

 

Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of FedEx. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 26, 2011 and filed September 28, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of FedEx. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed March 11, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt Instruments

 

 

 

    ** 4.1

 

Description of Capital Stock and Debt Securities.

 

 

 

         4.2

 

Indenture, dated as of August 8, 2006, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (formerly, The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A.), as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to FedEx’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on September 19, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.3

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of July 27, 2012, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to FedEx’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on September 19, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.4

 

Form of 2.625% Note due 2022. (Included in Exhibit 4.5 to FedEx’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on September 19, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.5

 

Form of 3.875% Note due 2042. (Included in Exhibit 4.5 to FedEx’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on September 19, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.6

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of April 11, 2013, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.7

 

Form of 2.70% Note due 2023. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.8

 

Form of 4.10% Note due 2043. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.9

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of January 9, 2014, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

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         4.10

 

Form of 4.000% Note due 2024. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.11

 

Form of 4.900% Note due 2034. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.12

 

Form of 5.100% Note due 2044. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.13

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of January 9, 2015, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.14

 

Form of 2.300% Note due 2020. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.15

 

Form of 3.200% Note due 2025. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.16

 

Form of 3.900% Note due 2035. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.17

 

Form of 4.100% Note due 2045. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.18

 

Form of 4.500% Note due 2065. (Included in Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 9, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.19

 

Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2015, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 23, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.20

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 1, dated as of October 23, 2015, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 23, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.21

 

Form of 4.750% Note due 2045. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 23, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.22

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 2, dated as of March 24, 2016, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed March 24, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.23

 

Form of 3.250% Note due 2026. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed March 24, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.24

 

Form of 4.550% Note due 2046. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed March 24, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.25

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 3, dated as of April 11, 2016, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, and Elavon Financial Services Limited, UK Branch, as paying agent. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.26

 

Form of 0.500% Note due 2020. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.27

 

Form of 1.000% Note due 2023. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.28

 

Form of 1.625% Note due 2027. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed April 11, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.29

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 4, dated as of January 6, 2017, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 6, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.30

 

Form of 3.300% Note due 2027. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 6, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 32 -


 

         4.31

 

Form of 4.400% Note due 2047. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 6, 2017, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.32

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 5, dated as of January 31, 2018, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 31, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.33

 

Form of 3.400% Note due 2028. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 31, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.34

 

Form of 4.050% Note due 2048. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 31, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.35

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 6, dated as of October 17, 2018, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 17, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.36

 

Form of 4.200% Note due 2028. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 17, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.37

 

Form of 4.950% Note due 2048. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed October 17, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.38

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 7, dated as of January 16, 2019, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 16, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.39

 

Form of 3.400% Note due 2022. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 16, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.40

 

Supplemental Indenture No. 8, dated as of January 18, 2019, between FedEx, the Guarantors named therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, and Elavon Financial Services DAC, UK Branch, as paying agent. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 18, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

         4.41

 

Form of 0.700% Note due 2022. (Included in Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed January 18, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 

 

Facility Lease Agreements

 

 

 

        10.1

 

Composite Lease Agreement dated May 21, 2007 (but effective as of January 1, 2007) between the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and FedEx Express (the “Composite Lease Agreement”). (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY07 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.2

 

First Amendment dated December 29, 2009 (but effective as of September 1, 2008) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY10 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.3

 

Second Amendment dated March 30, 2010 (but effective as of June 1, 2009) and Third Amendment dated April 27, 2010 (but effective as of July 1, 2009), each to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY10 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.4

 

Fourth Amendment dated December 22, 2011 (but effective as of December 15, 2011) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY12 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.5

 

Fifth Amendment dated December 19, 2012 (but effective as of January 1, 2013) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY13 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.6

 

Sixth Amendment dated September 19, 2013 (but effective as of July 1, 2014) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY14 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.7

 

Seventh Amendment dated June 1, 2016 (but effective as of April 1, 2016) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

        10.8

 

Eighth Amendment dated July 29, 2016 (but effective as of April 1, 2017) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.14 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 33 -


 

        10.9

 

Ninth Amendment dated August 14, 2017 (but effective as of September 1, 2017) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

       10.10

 

Tenth Amendment dated May 22, 2018 (but effective as of May 1, 2018) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

       10.11

 

Eleventh Amendment dated January 22, 2019 (but effective as of January 1, 2019) to the Composite Lease Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   **10.12    

 

Twelfth Amendment dated April 9, 2019 (but effective as of April 1, 2019) to the Composite Lease Agreement. Attachments to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally copies of such attachments to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft-Related Agreements

 

 

 

     *10.13

 

Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement dated as of November 7, 2006 between The Boeing Company and FedEx Express (the “Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement”). (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY07 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

       10.14

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 1 dated as of June 16, 2008, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to FedEx’s FY08 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

       10.15

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 2 dated as of July 14, 2008 to the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY09 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.16

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 3 dated as of December 15, 2008 (and related side letters) to the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY09 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.17

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 4 dated as of January 9, 2009 (and related side letters) to the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY09 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.18

 

Side letters dated May 29, 2009 and May 19, 2009, each amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.17 to FedEx’s FY09 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.19

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 5 dated as of January 11, 2010 to the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY10 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.20

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 6 dated as of March 17, 2010, Supplemental Agreement No. 7 dated as of March 17, 2010, and Supplemental Agreement No. 8 (and related side letters) dated as of April 30, 2010, each amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.22 to FedEx’s FY10 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.21

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 9 dated as of June 18, 2010, Supplemental Agreement No. 10 dated as of June 18, 2010, Supplemental Agreement No. 11 (and related side letter) dated as of August 19, 2010, and Supplemental Agreement No. 13 (and related side letter) dated as of August 27, 2010, each amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY11 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.22

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 12 (and related side letter) dated as of September 3, 2010, Supplemental Agreement No. 14 (and related side letter) dated as of October 25, 2010, and Supplemental Agreement No. 15 (and related side letter) dated as of October 29, 2010, each amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY11 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.23

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 16 (and related side letters) dated as of January 31, 2011, and Supplemental Agreement No. 17 dated as of February 14, 2011, each amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY11 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.24

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 18 (and related side letter) dated as of March 30, 2011, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to FedEx’s FY11 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 34 -


 

     *10.25

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 19 (and related side letter) dated as of October 27, 2011, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY12 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.26

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 20 (and related side letters) dated as of December 14, 2011, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY12 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.27

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 21 dated as of June 29, 2012, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY13 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.28

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 22 (and related side letters) dated as of December 11, 2012, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY13 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.29

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 23 (and related side letters) dated as of December 10, 2013, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY14 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.30

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 24 (and related side letters) dated as of May 4, 2016, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.31

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 25 (and related side letters) dated as of June 10, 2016, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.32

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 26 (and related side letter) dated as of February 10, 2017, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.33

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 27 (and related side letter) dated as of October 12, 2017, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.34

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 28 (and related side letter) dated as of January 26, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.35

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 29 (and related side letters) dated as of February 2, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.36

 

Letter Agreement dated as of March 16, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.37

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 30 (and related side letters) dated as of June 18, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.38

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 31 dated as of September 14, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.39

 

Letter Agreement dated as of September 14, 2018, amending the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     *10.40

 

Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement dated as of December 14, 2011 between The Boeing Company and FedEx Express (the “Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement”). (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY12 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.41

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 1 (and related side letters) dated as of June 29, 2012, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY13 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 35 -


 

    *10.42

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 2 dated as of October 8, 2012, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY13 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.43

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 3 (and related side letters) dated as of December 11, 2012, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY13 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.44

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 4 (and related side letter) dated as of December 10, 2013, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY14 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.45

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 5 (and related side letters) dated as of September 29, 2014, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.46

 

Letter Agreement dated as of January 22, 2015, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY15 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.47

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 6 (and related side letters) dated as of July 21, 2015, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY16 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.48

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 7 dated as of April 18, 2016, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.49

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 8 (and related side letters) dated as of June 10, 2016, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.50

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 9 dated as of February 16, 2017, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.51

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 10 dated as of May 10, 2017, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to FedEx’s FY17 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.52

 

Supplemental Agreement No. 11 (and related side letters) dated as of June 18, 2018, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

**^10.53

 

Letter Agreement dated as of May 10, 2019, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

**^10.54

 

Letter Agreement dated as of May 29, 2019, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

**^10.55

 

Letter Agreement dated as of May 29, 2019, amending the Boeing 767-3S2 Freighter Purchase Agreement and the Boeing 777 Freighter Purchase Agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Postal Service Agreements

 

 

 

   *10.56

 

Transportation Agreement dated April 23, 2013 between the USPS and FedEx Express (the “USPS Transportation Agreement”). (Filed as Exhibit 10.52 to FedEx’s FY13 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.57

 

Amendment dated May 28, 2013, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.53 to FedEx’s FY13 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.58

 

Amendment dated June 24, 2013, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY14 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.59

 

Amendment dated October 10, 2013 (but effective as of September 30, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY14 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1), and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.60

 

Amendment dated October 15, 2013 (but effective as of October 10, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY14 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 36 -


 

  *10.61

 

Amendment dated November 7, 2013 (but effective as of October 1, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY14 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1), and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.62

 

Amendment dated November 7, 2013 (but effective as of December 15, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY14 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1), and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.63

 

Amendment dated December 16, 2013 (but effective as of November 4, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY14 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.64

 

Amendment dated December 16, 2013 (but effective as of December 2, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY14 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.65

 

Amendment dated March 27, 2014 (but effective as of January 6, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.38 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.66

 

Amendment dated March 27, 2014 (but effective as of February 3, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.39 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.67

 

Amendment dated March 27, 2014 (but effective as of March 3, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.68

 

Amendment dated April 16, 2014 (but effective as of March 31, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.41 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.69

 

Amendment dated May 27, 2014 (but effective as of April 28, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.42 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.70

 

Amendment dated May 27, 2014 (but effective as of May 14, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.43 to FedEx’s FY14 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.71

 

Amendment dated June 25, 2014 (but effective as of June 2, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY15 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.72

 

Amendment dated June 25, 2014 (but effective as of June 2, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY15 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.73

 

Amendment dated September 9, 2014 (but effective as of June 27, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.74

 

Amendment dated September 9, 2014 (but effective as of September 30, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.75

 

Amendment dated September 9, 2014 (but effective as of June 27, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.76

 

Amendment dated September 24, 2014 (but effective as of June 30, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.77

 

Amendment dated September 30, 2014 (but effective as of July 28, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 37 -


 

  *10.78

 

Amendment dated October 1, 2014 (but effective as of September 1, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.79

 

Amendment dated September 30, 2014 (but effective as of September 29, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.80

 

Amendment dated November 4, 2014 (but effective as of September 29, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.81

 

Amendment dated November 4, 2014 (but effective as of December 1, 2013), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to FedEx’s FY15 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.82

 

Amendment dated December 23, 2014 (but effective as of October 27, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY15 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.83

 

Amendment dated December 10, 2014 (but effective as of November 24, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY15 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.84

 

Amendment dated December 23, 2014 (but effective as of January 5, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY15 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.85

 

Amendment dated February 19, 2015 (but effective as of December 1, 2014), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY15 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.86

 

Amendment dated June 12, 2015 (but effective as of January 5, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY16 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.87

 

Amendment dated June 16, 2015 (but effective as of February 2, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY16 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.88

 

Amendment dated June 23, 2015 (but effective as of March 2, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY16 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.89

 

Amendment dated August 31, 2015 (but effective as of January 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY16 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.90

 

Amendment dated September 15, 2015 (but effective as of June 29, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY16 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.91

 

Amendment dated September 1, 2015, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY16 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.92

 

Amendment dated October 15, 2015 (but effective as of March 30, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY16 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.93

 

Amendment dated November 9, 2015 (but effective as of January 4, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY16 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.94

 

Amendment dated November 9, 2015 (but effective as of January 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY16 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 38 -


 

  *10.95

 

Amendment dated January 12, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.96

 

Amendment dated January 28, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.97

 

Amendment dated January 28, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.98

 

Amendment dated January 29, 2016 (but effective as of January 31, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.99

 

Amendment dated February 11, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.100

 

Amendment dated February 16, 2016 (but effective as of August 31, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.101

 

Amendment dated February 11, 2016 (but effective as of February 10, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.102

 

Amendment dated February 29, 2016 (but effective as of September 28, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY16 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 *10.103

 

Amendment dated March 7, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.83 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.104

 

Amendment dated March 7, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.84 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.105

 

Amendment dated March 7, 2016 (but effective as of November 28, 2015), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.85 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.106

 

Amendment dated April 5, 2016 (but effective as of January 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.86 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.107

 

Amendment dated April 5, 2016 (but effective as of January 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.87 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.108

 

Amendment dated April 11, 2016 (but effective as of February 1, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.88 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.109

 

Amendment dated April 11, 2016 (but effective as of February 29, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.89 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.110

 

Amendment dated April 12, 2016 (but effective as of April 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.90 to FedEx’s FY16 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 *10.111

 

Amendment dated June 2, 2016 (but effective as of May 2, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.112

 

Amendment dated June 2, 2016 (but effective as of May 2, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.113

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2016 (but effective as of May 30, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 39 -


 

  *10.114

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.115

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2016, amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.116

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2016 (but effective as of May 2, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.117

 

Amendment dated July 18, 2016 (but effective as of June 27, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.118

 

Amendment dated July 7, 2016 (but effective as of July 6, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.119

 

Amendment dated July 26, 2016 (but effective as of May 30, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.120

 

Amendment dated August 4, 2016 (but effective as of August 1, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.121

 

Amendment dated August 9, 2016 (but effective as of June 27, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to FedEx’s FY17 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 *10.122

 

Amendment dated September 8, 2016 (but effective as of August 23, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.123

 

Amendment dated September 8, 2016 (but effective as of August 19, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.124

 

Amendment dated September 8, 2016 (but effective as of August 29, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.125

 

Amendment dated September 15, 2016 (but effective as of August 18, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.126

 

Amendment dated September 15, 2016 (but effective as of September 6, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.127

 

Amendment dated October 6, 2016 (but effective as of October 3, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.128

 

Amendment dated October 24, 2016 (but effective as of September 21, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.129

 

Amendment dated October 24, 2016 (but effective as of October 17, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.130

 

Amendment dated October 24, 2016 (but effective as of October 4, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

  *10.131

 

Amendment dated November 8, 2016 (but effective as of October 31, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY17 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 40 -


 

  *10.132

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of October 31, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.133

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 28, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.134

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 21, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.135

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 21, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.136

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 21, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.137

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 28, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.138

 

Amendment dated December 1, 2016 (but effective as of November 28, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.139

 

Amendment dated January 12, 2017 (but effective as of January 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.140

 

Amendment dated January 12, 2017 (but effective as of October 31, 2016), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.141

 

Amendment dated February 24, 2017 (but effective as of January 30, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.142

 

Amendment dated February 22, 2017 (but effective as of February 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to FedEx’s FY17 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.143

 

Amendment dated March 30, 2017 (but effective as of January 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.129 to FedEx’s FY17 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.144

 

Amendment dated April 17, 2017 (but effective as of April 3, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.130 to FedEx’s FY17 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.145

 

Amendment dated May 18, 2017 (but effective as of January 30, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.131 to FedEx’s FY17 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.146

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2017 (but effective as of May 1, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

   *10.147

 

Amendment dated June 20, 2017 (but effective as of June 5, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.148

 

Amendment dated August 25, 2017 (but effective as of July 3, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

   *10.149

 

Amendment dated August 25, 2017 (but effective as of February 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 41 -


 

   *10.150

 

Amendment dated August 17, 2017 (but effective as of July 31, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.151

 

Amendment dated August 25, 2017 (but effective as of April 3, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

      10.152

 

Amendment dated August 25, 2017 (but effective as of November 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.153

 

Amendment dated August 28, 2017 (but effective as of November 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY18 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.154

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of May 1, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.155

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of June 5, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.156

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of July 3, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.157

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of August 28, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.158

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of July 31, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.159

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of August 28, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.160

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2017 (but effective as of January 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.161

 

Amendment dated November 7, 2017 (but effective as of October 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

      10.162

 

Amendment dated November 7, 2017 (but effective as of October 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.163

 

Amendment dated November 7, 2017 (but effective as of October 30, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.164

 

Amendment dated December 8, 2017 (but effective as of August 28, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.165

 

Amendment dated December 8, 2017 (but effective as of November 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.166

 

Amendment dated December 8, 2017 (but effective as of October 2, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.167

 

Amendment dated January 8, 2018 (but effective as of January 1, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 42 -


 

    *10.168

 

Amendment dated January 11, 2018 (but effective as of October 30, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.169

 

Amendment dated January 26, 2018 (but effective as of November 27, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.170

 

Amendment dated February 16, 2018 (but effective as of January 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY18 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.171

 

Amendment dated March 18, 2018 (but effective as of December 28, 2017), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.162 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.172

 

Amendment dated March 20, 2018 (but effective as of February 26, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.163 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.173

 

Amendment dated March 21, 2018 (but effective as of January 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.164 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.174

 

Amendment dated April 10, 2018 (but effective as of January 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.165 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.175

 

Amendment dated May 17, 2018 (but effective as of April 2, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.166 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.176

 

Amendment dated May 17, 2018 (but effective as of April 30, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.167 to FedEx’s FY18 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.177

 

Amendment dated July 17, 2018 (but effective as of February 26, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.178

 

Amendment dated July 17, 2018 (but effective as of February 26, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.179

 

Amendment dated July 17, 2018 (but effective as of April 2, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.180

 

Amendment dated June 29, 2018 (but effective as of June 4, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.181

 

Amendment dated July 17, 2018 (but effective as of April 2, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.182

 

Amendment dated August 1, 2018 (but effective as of June 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY19 First Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.183

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of May 30, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.184

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of April 30, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.185

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of July 2, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 43 -


 

    *10.186

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of June 4, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.187

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of July 2, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.188

 

Amendment dated September 11, 2018 (but effective as of July 30, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.189

 

Amendment dated September 27, 2018 (but effective as of August 27, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.190

 

Amendment dated October 18, 2018 (but effective as of September 3, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.191

 

Amendment dated October 16, 2018 (but effective as of November 24, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.192

 

Amendment dated October 26, 2018 (but effective as of July 30, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.193

 

Amendment dated November 20, 2018 (but effective as of October 1, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to FedEx’s FY19 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.194

 

Amendment dated December 11, 2018 (but effective as of October 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.195

 

Amendment dated December 20, 2018 (but effective as of September 3, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.196

 

Amendment dated December 20, 2018 (but effective as of November 26, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.197

 

Amendment dated January 3, 2019 (but effective as of October 1, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.198

 

Amendment dated January 15, 2019 (but effective as of October 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.199

 

Amendment dated January 15, 2019 (but effective as of October 29, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.200

 

Amendment dated January 29, 2019 (but effective as of December 31, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    *10.201

 

Amendment dated February 7, 2019 (but effective as of November 26, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to FedEx’s FY19 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

**^10.202

 

Amendment dated April 16, 2019 (but effective as of January 28, 2019), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. An attachment to this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally a copy of the attachment to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

- 44 -


 

**^10.203

 

Amendment dated April 16, 2019 (but effective as of December 31, 2018), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. An attachment to this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally a copy of the attachment to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

**^10.204

 

Amendment dated May 14, 2019 (but effective as of March 4, 2019), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. An attachment to this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally a copy of the attachment to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

**^10.205

 

Amendment dated May 14, 2019 (but effective as of January 28, 2019), amending the USPS Transportation Agreement. An attachment to this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally a copy of the attachment to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Agreement

 

 

 

**10.206

 

Five-Year Credit Agreement dated as of March 22, 2019, among FedEx, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and other financial institutions. Certain attachments to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally copies of such attachments to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

**10.207

 

364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of March 22, 2019, among FedEx, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and other financial institutions. Certain attachments to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K because the information contained therein is not material and is not otherwise publicly disclosed. FedEx will furnish supplementally copies of such attachments to the SEC or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

Management Contracts/Compensatory Plans or Arrangements

 

 

 

     10.208

 

FedEx 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-100572 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.209

 

Form of Stock Option Agreement pursuant to the FedEx 2002 Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-100572 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.210

 

Amendment to the 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2002 Stock Incentive Plans and the 2001 Restricted Stock Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to FedEx’s FY04 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.211

 

FedEx Incentive Stock Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-156333 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.212

 

Amendment to the FedEx Incentive Stock Plan, as amended, and the 1997, 1999 and 2002 Stock Incentive Plans. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-156333 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.213

 

Form of Terms and Conditions of stock option grant pursuant to the FedEx Incentive Stock Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-156333 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.214

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the FedEx Incentive Stock Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-156333 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.215

 

FedEx Incentive Stock Plan 2005 Inland Revenue Approved Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom. (Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-130619 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.216

 

Form of Share Option Agreement pursuant to the FedEx Incentive Stock Plan 2005 Inland Revenue Approved Sub-Plan for the United Kingdom. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-130619 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.217

 

Amendments to the 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2002 Stock Incentive Plans, as amended, the 2001 Restricted Stock Plan, as amended, and the Incentive Stock Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.48 to FedEx’s FY10 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.218

 

Amendments to the 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2002 Stock Incentive Plans, the 2001 Restricted Stock Plan and the Incentive Stock Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY11 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.219

 

FedEx 2010 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2010 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan”). (Filed as Exhibit 10.12 to FedEx’s FY18 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

- 45 -


 

     10.220

 

Form of Terms and Conditions of stock option grant pursuant to the 2010 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.4 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-171232 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.221

 

Form of Terms and Conditions of restricted stock grant pursuant to the 2010 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-171232 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.222

 

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement pursuant to the 2010 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to FedEx’s Registration Statement No. 333-192957 on Form S-8, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.223

 

Amended and Restated FedEx Retirement Parity Pension Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to FedEx’s FY08 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.224

 

FedEx Express Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan and Amendment to the Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.56 to FedEx’s FY11 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.225

 

FedEx’s Amended and Restated Retirement Plan for Outside Directors. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to FedEx’s FY09 Second Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.226

 

Form of Management Retention Agreement between FedEx and each of Frederick W. Smith, Mark R. Allen, Jill C. Brannon, Brie A. Carere, Robert B. Carter, Donald F. Colleran, Alan B. Graf, Jr., Henry J. Maier, John A. Smith and Rajesh Subramaniam. (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to FedEx’s FY10 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

     10.227

 

Separation and Release Agreement, dated December 3, 2018, between FedEx Express and David L. Cunningham, Jr. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 3, 2018 and filed December 7, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

    10.228

 

Separation and Release Agreement, dated February 13, 2019, between FedEx and David J. Bronczek. (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to FedEx’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 13, 2019 and filed February 14, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

 

 

 

 

Other Exhibits

 

 

 

   **21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

 

 

 

   **23

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

 

 

   **24

 

Powers of Attorney (presented on the signature pages of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

 

 

 

   **31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

   **31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

   **32.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

   **32.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

  **101.1

 

Interactive Data Files.

 

*

Confidential treatment has been granted for confidential commercial and financial information in this exhibit identified by brackets, pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

**

Filed herewith.

^

Information in this exhibit identified by brackets is confidential and has been excluded pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K because it (i) is not material and (ii) would likely cause competitive harm to FedEx if publicly disclosed.

 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.  

 

- 46 -


 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

  

FEDEX CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

Dated: July 16, 2019

By:

/s/ Frederick W. Smith 

 

 

 

Frederick W. Smith

 

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Power of Attorney. KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Frederick W. Smith, Alan B. Graf, Jr. and John L. Merino, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with any and all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 Signature

 

Capacity

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Frederick W. Smith

 

Chairman and Chief Executive

 

July 16, 2019

Frederick W. Smith

 

Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Alan B. Graf, Jr.

 

Executive Vice President and

 

July 16, 2019

Alan B. Graf, Jr.

 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John L. Merino

 

Corporate Vice President and Principal

 

July 16, 2019

John L. Merino

 

Accounting Officer

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John A. Edwardson

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

John A. Edwardson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Marvin R. Ellison

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Marvin R. Ellison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Susan Patricia Griffith

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Susan Patricia Griffith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John C. (“Chris”) Inglis

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

John C. (“Chris”) Inglis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kimberly A. Jabal

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Kimberly A. Jabal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Shirley Ann Jackson

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Shirley Ann Jackson

 

 

 

 

- 47 -


 

 Signature

 

Capacity

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ R. Brad Martin

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

R. Brad Martin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Joshua Cooper Ramo

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Joshua Cooper Ramo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Susan C. Schwab

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Susan C. Schwab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David P. Steiner

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

David P. Steiner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul S. Walsh

 

Director

 

July 16, 2019

Paul S. Walsh

 

 

 

 

 

- 48 -


 

FINANCIAL SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

PAGE

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

 

 

 

Overview of Financial Section

50

 

 

Results of Operations and Outlook

52

 

 

Recent Accounting Guidance

63

 

 

Reportable Segments

64

 

 

FedEx Services Segment

64

 

 

FedEx Express Segment

65

 

 

FedEx Ground Segment

69

 

 

FedEx Freight Segment

71

 

 

Financial Condition

73

 

 

Liquidity

73

 

 

Capital Resources

74

 

 

Liquidity Outlook

74

 

 

Contractual Cash Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

77

 

 

Other Business Matters

78

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

78

 

 

Retirement Plans

78

 

 

Income Taxes

81

 

 

Self-Insurance Accruals

82

 

 

Long-Lived Assets

82

 

 

Legal and Other Contingencies

84

 

 

Risk Factors

85

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

96

 

 

Effective Tax Rate Prior to MTM Retirement Plans Accounting Adjustment

96

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

97

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

98

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets May 31, 2019 and 2018

100

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

102

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

103

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

104

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Stockholders’ Investment Years Ended May 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

105

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

106

 

 

Other Financial Information

 

 

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

148

 

 

Selected Financial Data

149

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

151

 

 

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

152

- 49 -


 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND

FINANCIAL CONDITION

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL SECTION

The financial section of the FedEx Corporation (“FedEx” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”) consists of the following: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition (“MD&A”), the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and Other Financial Information, all of which include information about our significant accounting policies and practices and the transactions that underlie our financial results. The following MD&A describes the principal factors affecting the results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, contractual cash obligations and critical accounting estimates of FedEx. The discussion in the financial section should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report, particularly “Item 1. Business” and our detailed discussion of risk factors included in this MD&A.

ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION

Our MD&A is composed of three major sections: Results of Operations and Outlook, Financial Condition and Critical Accounting Estimates. These sections include the following information:

 

Results of operations includes an overview of our consolidated 2019 results compared to 2018 results, and 2018 results compared to 2017 results. This section also includes a discussion of key actions and events that impacted our results, as well as our outlook for 2020.

 

The overview is followed by a financial summary and analysis (including a discussion of both historical operating results and our outlook for 2020) for each of our transportation segments.

 

Our financial condition is reviewed through an analysis of key elements of our liquidity, capital resources and contractual cash obligations, including a discussion of our cash flows and our financial commitments.

 

Critical accounting estimates discusses those financial statement elements that we believe are most important to understanding the material judgments and assumptions incorporated in our financial results.

 

We conclude with a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may impact our financial condition and operating results.

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

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

Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our transportation segments. The FedEx Services segment also provides customers with retail access to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping services through FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (“FedEx Office”). See “Reportable Segments” for further discussion and refer to “Item 1. Business” for a more detailed description of each of our operating companies.

- 50 -


 

The key indicators necessary to understand our operating results include:

 

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

 

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

 

the mix of services purchased by our customers;

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 or ended May 31 of the year referenced and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year. References to our transportation segments include, collectively, the FedEx Express segment, the FedEx Ground segment and the FedEx Freight segment.

- 51 -


 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND OUTLOOK

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

The following table compares summary operating results (dollars in millions, except per share amounts) for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

 

2019(1)

 

 

2018(2)

 

 

2017(3)

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

Consolidated revenues

 

$

69,693

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

9

 

 

Operating income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express segment

 

 

2,123

 

 

 

2,105

 

 

 

2,380

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(12

)

 

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

2,640

 

 

 

2,529

 

 

 

2,243

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

13

 

 

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

615

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

32

 

 

Corporate, other and eliminations

 

 

(912

)

 

 

(852

)

 

 

(428

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(99

)

 

Consolidated operating income

 

 

4,466

 

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

4,566

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(6

)

 

Operating margin:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express segment

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

5.8

%

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

(10

)

bp

 

(120

)

bp

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

12.9

%

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

13.6

%

 

 

(80

)

bp

 

10

 

bp

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

8.1

%

 

 

7.2

%

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

90

 

bp

 

110

 

bp

Consolidated operating margin

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

6.5

%

 

 

7.6

%

 

 

(10

)

bp

 

(110

)

bp

Consolidated net income(4)

 

$

540

 

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

2,997

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

53

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

2.03

 

 

$

16.79

 

 

$

11.07

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

52

 

 

 

The following table shows changes in revenues and operating income by reportable segment for 2019 compared to 2018 and 2018 compared to 2017 (in millions):

 

 

Year-over-Year Changes

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

Operating Income

 

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

2019/2018(1)(2)

 

 

2018/2017(2)(3)

 

FedEx Express segment

 

$

1,159

 

 

$

2,348

 

 

$

18

 

 

$

(275

)

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

2,127

 

 

 

1,892

 

 

 

111

 

 

 

286

 

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

770

 

 

 

742

 

 

 

125

 

 

 

119

 

FedEx Services segment

 

 

41

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate, other and eliminations

 

 

146

 

 

 

120

 

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(424

)

 

 

$

4,243

 

 

$

5,131

 

 

$

194

 

 

$

(294

)

(1)

Operating income in 2019 includes TNT Express integration expenses, business realignment costs and costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground.

(2)

Operating income in 2018 includes TNT Express integration expenses, goodwill and other asset impairment charges associated with FedEx Supply Chain Distribution System, Inc. (“FedEx Supply Chain”) and charges for legal reserves related to certain U.S. Customs Border and Protection (“CBP”) matters involving FedEx Logistics, Inc. (“FedEx Logistics” (formerly FedEx Trade Networks, Inc.)).

(3)

Operating income in 2017 includes TNT Express integration expenses, as well as charges for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics and charges in connection with the settlement of and certain expected losses relating to independent contractor litigation matters at FedEx Ground.

(4)

Consolidated net income includes a net loss in 2019, and net gains in 2018 and in 2017, associated with our mark-to-market (“MTM”) retirement plans accounting adjustment. Consolidated net income in 2019 includes a tax benefit primarily related to a lower statutory tax rate attributable to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) and a benefit from the reduction of a valuation allowance on certain tax loss carryforwards, partially offset by a tax expense related to a lower tax rate applied to our deferred taxes in the Netherlands. Consolidated net income in 2018 includes the following attributable to the enactment of the TCJA: benefits related to the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability; a lower statutory income tax rate on 2018 earnings; and a one-time benefit from a $1.5 billion contribution to our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans (“U.S. Pension Plans”). In addition, we recognized a net benefit from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express and a benefit from foreign tax credits associated with distributions to the U.S. from our foreign operations.

- 52 -


 

A summary of the effects of the (costs) benefits described above on our financial results (in millions) for the years ended May 31 follows:

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Items affecting Operating Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TNT Express integration expenses

 

$

(388

)

 

$

(477

)

 

$

(327

)

Business realignment costs

 

 

(320

)

 

 

 

 

 

Litigation and legal matters

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(61

)

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

(380

)

 

 

 

 

$

(754

)

 

$

(865

)

 

$

(388

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items affecting Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment, net of tax

 

$

(2,981

)

 

$

9

 

 

$

6

 

Items affecting income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits attributable to enactment of the TCJA:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remeasurement of net U.S. deferred tax liability

 

 

(4

)

 

 

1,150

 

 

 

Lower statutory tax rate

 

 

40

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

Pension contribution

 

 

 

 

204

 

 

 

Reduction in valuation allowance

 

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax impact from Netherlands rate reduction

 

 

(50

)

 

 

 

 

Corporate structuring transactions

 

 

 

 

255

 

 

 

Foreign tax credits generated by distributions from foreign operations

 

 

8

 

 

 

225

 

 

 

 

 

$

(2,897

)

 

$

2,108

 

 

$

6

 

Pension Accounting Change

As of June 1, 2018, we adopted new accounting guidance that changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present net periodic benefit cost in their income statement. This new guidance requires us to report only the service cost component in the “Salaries and employee benefits” line item. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement in other income, outside of income from operations. This new guidance impacts operating income and margin but has no impact on net income or earnings per share. We have applied these changes retrospectively.

Overview

Our operating income improved in 2019 primarily due to volume growth, the favorable net impact of fuel at all of our transportation segments, increased yields at FedEx Freight and FedEx Ground and lower variable incentive compensation expenses. Lower variable incentive compensation expenses benefited our results by approximately $485 million in 2019. However, softening global economic conditions negatively impacted International Priority package and freight volumes at FedEx Express, and we experienced a product mix shift to lower yielding services due in part to an increase in e-commerce traffic at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. Higher purchased transportation costs at FedEx Ground, resulting from increased contractor settlement rates and expanding operations to six days per week year-round starting in January 2019, also negatively affected our results.

Comparables for 2019 are affected by the direct and indirect effects at FedEx Express of the NotPetya cyberattack on June 27, 2017, which negatively impacted earnings in 2018 by approximately $400 million ($1.19 per diluted share), primarily from loss of revenue associated with decreased shipments in the TNT Express network, as well as incremental costs to restore information-technology systems. All of TNT Express’s critical operational systems were fully restored, critical business data was recovered and shipping services and solutions were back in place as of the second quarter of 2018. During 2019, we purchased insurance coverage designed to address certain aspects of cyber risks.

Our 2019 results include business realignment costs of $320 million ($243 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share), primarily related to our U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program (see “Business Realignment Costs” below for additional information). In addition, our 2019 results include $46 million ($43 million, net of tax, or $0.16 per diluted share) of costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground. These items are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations.”

- 53 -


 

The comparison of net income between 2019 and 2018 is also significantly affected by a provisional benefit of $1.15 billion ($4.22 per diluted share) specifically related to the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability recognized during 2018 as a result of the enactment of the TCJA. Net income for 2019 includes a tax benefit of $40 million ($0.15 per diluted share) primarily related to a lower statutory income tax rate under the TCJA and $90 million ($0.34 per diluted share) from the reduction of a valuation allowance on certain tax loss carryforwards. These items were partially offset by a tax expense of $50 million ($0.19 per diluted share) related to a lower tax rate in the Netherlands applied to our deferred tax balances. See the “Income Taxes” section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  

Consolidated net income in 2019 includes a pre-tax noncash loss of $3.9 billion ($3.0 billion, net of tax, or $11.22 per diluted share) associated with our fourth quarter MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment. See the “Retirement Plans MTM Adjustment” section of this MD&A and Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.  

We incurred TNT Express integration expenses totaling $388 million ($314 million, net of tax, or $1.18 per diluted share) in 2019, an $89 million decrease from 2018. The integration expenses are predominantly incremental costs directly associated with the integration of TNT Express, including professional and legal fees, salaries and wages, travel and advertising expenses, and include any restructuring charges at TNT Express. Internal salaries and wages are included only to the extent the individuals are assigned full-time to integration activities. These costs were recognized at FedEx Express and FedEx Corporation. The identification of these costs as integration-related expenditures is subject to our disclosure controls and procedures.

Our operating results declined in 2018 as a result of the NotPetya cyberattack at TNT Express, a fourth quarter goodwill impairment charge at FedEx Supply Chain and increased TNT Express integration expenses. These negative factors were partially offset by increased yields, volume growth at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight and a favorable net impact of fuel at all of our transportation segments.

Our results for 2018 included a tax benefit of $204 million ($0.75 per diluted share) from a $1.5 billion contribution to our U.S. Pension Plans in 2018 and a benefit of approximately $265 million ($0.97 per diluted share) related to a lower statutory income tax rate under the TCJA on 2018 earnings. In addition, we recognized a net benefit of $255 million ($0.94 per diluted share) from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express. We also recognized a $225 million benefit ($0.83 per diluted share) from foreign tax credits generated by distributions to the U.S. from our foreign operations. See the “Income Taxes” section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We incurred TNT Express integration expenses totaling $477 million ($372 million, net of tax, or $1.36 per diluted share) in 2018, a $150 million increase from 2017. In addition, consolidated net income in 2018 includes a net $10 million gain ($9 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) associated with our fourth quarter MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment, which includes a $210 million charge related to an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to purchase a group annuity contract representing the transfer of $6 billion of pension obligations. Our 2018 results also include $380 million ($379 million, net of tax, or $1.39 per diluted share) of goodwill and other asset impairment charges related to FedEx Supply Chain and $8 million ($6 million, net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) of charges for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics.

In addition to TNT Express integration expenses totaling $327 million ($245 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share), consolidated net income in 2017 includes a net $24 million gain ($6 million, net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) associated with our fourth quarter MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment. Our 2017 results also include $39 million ($24 million, net of tax, or $0.09 per diluted share) of charges for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics and $22 million ($13 million, net of tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) of charges related to the settlement of and certain expected losses relating to independent contractor litigation matters involving FedEx Ground. These items are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations.”

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The following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight show selected volume trends (in thousands) for the years ended May 31:

 

(1)

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

 

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The following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight show selected yield trends for the years ended May 31:

 

(1)

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

Revenue

Revenues increased 6% in 2019 due to higher volumes at all of our transportation segments and increased yields at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight. At FedEx Ground, revenues increased 12% in 2019 due to volume growth and increased yields. Revenues at FedEx Express increased 3% in 2019 primarily due to U.S. domestic package volume growth and international package and freight volume recovery from the NotPetya cyberattack, partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates. FedEx Express revenue was negatively impacted by an overall product mix shift from international package volume to international freight volume as well as softness in International Priority package and freight volumes resulting from weakening global economic conditions. FedEx Freight revenues increased 11% in 2019 due to higher revenue per shipment and average daily shipments. Higher fuel surcharges had a positive impact on revenues at all of our transportation segments in 2019.

Revenues increased 9% in 2018 due to improved performance at all of our transportation segments. Revenues at FedEx Express increased 7% in 2018 due to improved base yields and favorable exchange rates, despite impacts from the NotPetya cyberattack. At FedEx Ground, revenues increased 11% in 2018 due to volume growth and increased yields. FedEx Freight revenues increased 12% in 2018 due to higher revenue per shipment and average daily shipments. Higher fuel surcharges had a positive impact on revenues at all of our transportation segments in 2018.

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Business Realignment Costs

In December 2018, we announced cost-reduction programs primarily through initiatives at FedEx Services and FedEx Express in response to current business and economic conditions that included the following:

 

A U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program for eligible employees;

 

Limited hiring in staff functions; and

 

Reductions in discretionary spending.

During 2019, we conducted a program to offer voluntary cash buyouts to eligible U.S.-based employees in certain staff functions. The U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program includes voluntary severance payments and funding to healthcare reimbursement accounts, with the voluntary severance payment calculated based on four weeks of gross base salary for every year of continuous service up to a maximum payment of two years of pay. This program was completed in the fourth quarter of 2019, and approximately 1,500 employees have left or will be leaving during 2020. Approximately 85% of the employees who were granted these severance agreements departed on May 31, 2019. Costs of the benefits provided under the U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program were recognized as special termination benefits in the period that eligible employees accepted their offers.

We incurred costs of $320 million ($243 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share) during 2019 associated with our business realignment activities. These costs related primarily to severance for employees who accepted voluntary buyouts in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. Payments are made at the time of departure. Approximately $220 million was paid under this program during 2019. The cost of the U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program is included in the caption “Business realignment costs” in our consolidated statements of income. Also included in that caption are other incremental, external costs directly attributable to our business realignment activities, such as professional fees.  

Goodwill and Other Asset Impairment Charges

In 2018, we incurred goodwill and other asset impairment charges of $380 million related to FedEx Supply Chain, eliminating substantially all of the goodwill attributable to this reporting unit. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the FedEx Supply Chain business during 2018, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of acquisition. For additional information regarding these impairment charges, see the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this MD&A and Note 4 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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Operating Expenses

The following tables compare operating expenses expressed as dollar amounts (in millions) and as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

2019(1)

 

 

2018(1)

 

 

2017(1)

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

$

24,776

 

 

$

23,795

 

 

$

21,989

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

8

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

16,654

 

 

 

15,101

 

 

 

13,630

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

11

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

3,360

 

 

 

3,361

 

 

 

3,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,353

 

 

 

3,095

 

 

 

2,995

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

3

 

Fuel

 

 

3,889

 

 

 

3,374

 

 

 

2,773

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

22

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

2,834

 

 

 

2,622

 

 

 

2,374

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

10

 

Business realignment costs(2)

 

 

320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges(3)

 

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

 

 

NM

 

 

NM

 

Other(4)

 

 

10,041

 

 

 

9,450

 

 

 

8,752

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

8

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

65,227

 

 

 

61,178

 

 

 

55,753

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

10

 

Total operating income

 

$

4,466

 

 

$

4,272

 

 

$

4,566

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

Percent of Revenue

 

 

 

2019(1)

 

 

2018(1)

 

 

2017(1)

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

35.6

%

 

 

36.4

%

 

 

36.5

%

Purchased transportation

 

 

23.9

 

 

 

23.1

 

 

 

22.6

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

5.3

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

4.7

 

 

 

5.0

 

Fuel

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

4.6

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

4.0

 

 

 

3.9

 

Business realignment costs(2)

 

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges(3)

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

Other(4)

 

 

14.4

 

 

 

14.4

 

 

 

14.5

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

93.6

 

 

 

93.5

 

 

 

92.4

 

Operating margin

 

 

6.4

%

 

 

6.5

%

 

 

7.6

%

 

(1)

Includes TNT Express integration expenses of $388 million in 2019, $477 million in 2018 and $327 million in 2017.

(2)

Includes costs predominantly associated with our U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program in 2019.

(3)

Includes goodwill and other asset impairment charges in 2018 associated with our FedEx Supply Chain business.

(4)

Other expenses in 2019 include $46 million of costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground. Other expenses also include $8 million in 2018 and $39 million in 2017 of charges related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics. Also included in 2017 is $22 million of charges in connection with the settlement of and certain expected losses relating to independent contractor litigation matters involving FedEx Ground.

Our 2019 operating income improved primarily due to increased revenue, including recovery from the NotPetya cyberattack discussed above, and lower variable incentive compensation expenses. These benefits were partially offset by higher purchased transportation costs at FedEx Ground, driven primarily by increased contractor settlement rates and expansion of network operations to six days per week year-round in January 2019, and higher salaries and employee benefits. In addition, decreased yields at FedEx Express and the impact of business realignment costs negatively affected operating margin in 2019. An overall product mix shift at FedEx Express from international package volume to international freight volume, growth in U.S. deferred services driven by e-commerce, as well as softness in International Priority package and freight volumes at FedEx Express resulting from weakening global economic conditions, also negatively impacted operating margins during 2019.

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Purchased transportation costs increased 10% in 2019 primarily due to higher volumes at all of our transportation segments and increased rates, including fuel costs, at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, reflecting the inflationary impact of the tight labor market on our rates. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 4% in 2019 primarily due to higher staffing to support volume growth and annual merit increases, partially offset by lower variable incentive compensation expenses at all of our transportation segments. Other operating expenses increased 6% in 2019 primarily due to a gain on the sale of a non-core business of TNT Express benefiting results in 2018 and increased outside service contracts at FedEx Express. Currency exchange rates had a negative impact on revenues and a positive impact on expenses at FedEx Express but did not have an impact on consolidated operating income in 2019.

In 2018, our operating income and margin declined primarily due to the NotPetya cyberattack at TNT Express, fourth quarter goodwill and other asset impairment charges and increased TNT Express integration expenses.

In 2018, salaries and employee benefits expense increased 8% due to merit increases at all of our transportation segments, unfavorable exchange rates at FedEx Express and higher staffing at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight. Purchased transportation costs increased 11% in 2018 due to higher volumes at all of our transportation segments, increased transportation rates and higher fuel expenses at FedEx Ground and unfavorable exchange rates at FedEx Express. Other operating expenses increased 8% in 2018 primarily due to increased outside service contracts and unfavorable exchange rates at FedEx Express and higher TNT Express integration expenses.

Fuel

The following graph for our transportation segments shows our average cost of jet and vehicle fuel per gallon for the years ended May 31:

 

 

Fuel expense increased 15% during 2019 due to higher fuel prices. However, fuel prices represent only one component of the factors we consider meaningful in understanding the impact of fuel on our business. Consideration must also be given to the fuel surcharge revenue we collect. Accordingly, we believe discussion of the net impact of fuel on our results, which is a comparison of the year-over-year change in these two factors, is important to understand the impact of fuel on our business. In order to provide information about the impact of fuel surcharges on the trend in revenue and yield growth, we have included the comparative weighted-average fuel surcharge percentages in effect for 2019, 2018 and 2017 in the accompanying discussions of each of our transportation segments.

Most of our fuel surcharges are adjusted on a weekly basis. The fuel surcharge is based on a weekly fuel price from two weeks prior to the week in which it is assessed. Some FedEx Express international fuel surcharges incorporate a timing lag of approximately six to eight weeks.

The manner in which we purchase fuel also influences the net impact of fuel on our results. For example, our contracts for jet fuel purchases at FedEx Express are tied to various indices, including the U.S. Gulf Coast index. While many of these indices are aligned, each index may fluctuate at a different pace, driving variability in the prices paid for jet fuel. Furthermore, under these contractual arrangements, approximately 70% of our jet fuel is purchased based on the index price for the preceding week, with the remainder of our purchases tied to the index price for the preceding month, rather than based on daily spot rates. These contractual provisions mitigate the impact of rapidly changing daily spot rates on our jet fuel purchases.

Because of the factors described above, our operating results may be affected should the market price of fuel suddenly change by a significant amount or change by amounts that do not result in an adjustment in our fuel surcharges, which can significantly affect our earnings either positively or negatively in the short-term. For more information, see “Risk Factors” below.

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We routinely review our fuel surcharges. On March 18, 2019, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges for FedEx Express U.S. domestic services and at FedEx Ground. On September 10, 2018, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground.

The net impact of fuel had a significant benefit to operating income in 2019 as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices.

The net impact of fuel on our operating results does not consider the effects that fuel surcharge levels may have on our business, including changes in demand and shifts in the mix of services purchased by our customers. In addition, our purchased transportation expense may be impacted by fuel costs. While fluctuations in fuel surcharge percentages can be significant from period to period, fuel surcharges represent one of the many individual components of our pricing structure that impact our overall revenue and yield. Additional components include the mix of services sold, the base price and extra service charges we obtain for these services and the level of pricing discounts offered.

Fuel expense increased 22% during 2018 due to higher fuel prices. The net impact of fuel had a significant benefit to operating income in 2018 as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices.

Other Income and Expense

Interest expense increased $30 million in 2019 primarily due to U.S. debt issuances during the year. Interest expense increased $46 million in 2018 primarily due to U.S. debt and commercial paper issuances during the year.

Retirement Plans MTM Adjustment

We incurred a pre-tax noncash MTM net loss of $3.9 billion in 2019 ($3.0 billion, net of tax, or $11.22 per diluted share), a net gain of $10 million in 2018 ($9 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) and a net gain of $24 million in 2017 ($6 million, net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) from actuarial adjustments to pension and postretirement healthcare plans related to the measurement of plan assets and liabilities. The net loss in 2019 is attributable to a significantly lower discount rate, changes in actuarial estimates regarding rates of retirement, disability and salary increases and lower than expected asset returns. The net gain in 2018 is attributable to an increased discount rate, which more than offset losses from demographic experience. The net gain for 2018 includes a $210 million loss from the purchase of a group annuity contract from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company that transferred approximately 20% of our U.S. Pension Plan liabilities. The net gain in 2017 reflects higher-than-expected pension asset returns, particularly in the equity markets. For more information, see the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section of this MD&A and Note 1 and Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

The following table sets forth our income tax expense (benefit) and the effective tax rates for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Taxes computed at federal statutory rate(1)

 

$

138

 

 

$

1,271

 

 

$

1,603

 

Increases (decreases) in income tax from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-deductible expenses

 

 

79

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

76

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(79

)

 

 

31

 

 

 

44

 

TCJA

 

 

(71

)

 

 

(1,354

)

 

 

 

Foreign tax rate enactments

 

 

50

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

 

44

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

99

 

Benefits from share-based payments

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(55

)

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

8

 

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax credits from distributions

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(225

)

 

 

 

Foreign operations

 

 

(1

)

 

 

25

 

 

 

(5

)

Corporate structuring transactions

 

 

 

 

 

(255

)

 

 

(68

)

Goodwill impairment charge

 

 

 

 

 

109

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(27

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(112

)

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

 

$

115

 

 

$

(219

)

 

$

1,582

 

Effective Tax Rate

 

17.6%

 

 

 

(5.0

)%

 

 

34.6

%

 

 

(1)

2019 includes the fully phased-in TCJA rate of 21%, 2018 includes a blended TCJA/pre-TCJA rate of 29.2% and 2017 includes the pre-TCJA rate of 35%.

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The 2019 tax rate includes a benefit of $90 million from the reduction of a valuation allowance on tax loss carryforwards due to certain business operational changes from the integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express in a local jurisdiction, which impacted our determination of the realizability of the deferred tax asset in that jurisdiction and an expense of $50 million from the impact on our deferred taxes attributable to a lower tax rate in the Netherlands. The 2019 tax rate was favorably impacted by the TCJA, which resulted in benefits of $75 million from accelerated deductions claimed on our 2018 U.S. income tax return filed in 2019 and approximately $40 million from the lower statutory tax rate on fiscal 2019 earnings.

The 2018 tax rate was favorably impacted by the TCJA, which resulted in a provisional benefit of $1.15 billion from the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability, a benefit of approximately $265 million related to the lower statutory income tax rate and a one-time benefit of $204 million from a $1.5 billion contribution to our U.S. Pension Plans in 2018. Our 2018 tax rate also included a net benefit of $255 million from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express and a benefit of $225 million from foreign tax credits generated by distributions to the U.S. from our foreign operations. The 2018 tax rate was negatively impacted by an increase in uncertain tax positions for income tax audits. Our 2017 tax rate was favorably impacted by $62 million as a result of new U.S. foreign currency tax regulations.

The TCJA, enacted on December 22, 2017, significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax system in multiple ways such as (1) reducing our U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% (due to our May 31 fiscal year-end, the lower rate was phased in, resulting in a U.S. statutory federal rate of 29.2% for 2018 and a statutory federal rate of 21% for 2019 and subsequent years); (2) requiring us to calculate a one-time U.S. tax on earnings which have not previously been repatriated to the U.S. (transition tax); and (3) introducing new provisions that took effect in 2019, including but not limited to, a tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), a tax deduction for foreign-derived intangible income, additional limitations on tax deductions for executive compensation and a minimum base erosion and anti-abuse tax based on certain payments from a U.S. company to foreign related parties. We included the impact of the above provisions in the computation of our effective tax rates, as applicable.

During 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations covering the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the TCJA. Certain guidance included in these final regulations is inconsistent with our interpretation that led to the recognition of a $225 million benefit in 2018 and an additional $8 million benefit in 2019. Notwithstanding this inconsistency, we remain confident in our interpretation of the TCJA and intend to defend this position through litigation, if necessary. However, if we are ultimately unsuccessful in defending our position, we may be required to reverse the $233 million benefit previously recorded.

During 2019, we completed our accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA within the one-year measurement period allowed under Staff Accounting Bulletin 118. As a result, we recorded an adjustment to tax expense of $4 million recognized in 2019 as a revision of the provisional benefit associated with the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability.

For more information on income taxes, see the Critical Accounting Estimates section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Business Acquisitions

On May 1, 2019, we acquired the international express division of FC (Flying Cargo) Express Ltd. for $67 million in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided.

On October 1, 2018, we acquired the controlling interest in an existing joint venture with Swiss Post, which operates a Swiss-wide transport system with connections to TNT Express’s global network. The controlling interest was acquired through the noncash contribution of a complementary Swiss business into the venture, resulting in the recognition of an immaterial gain. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and other intangibles. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided. 

On March 23, 2018, we acquired P2P Mailing Limited (“P2P”), a leading provider of worldwide, low-cost e-commerce transportation solutions, for £92 million ($135 million) in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Logistics operating segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations.

On October 13, 2017, we acquired Northwest Research Inc., a leader in inventory research and management, for $50 million in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Services segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations.

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Outlook

During 2020, we expect volume growth at FedEx Ground and FedEx Express to drive higher revenues and expect improved operating income at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight. We expect operating income to decline at FedEx Express in 2020 due to macroeconomic weakness and trade uncertainty, continued mix shift to lower-yielding services and a strategic decision not to renew a customer contract. During 2020, we will continue to implement actions to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and adjust our network cost structure to align with forecasted volume. However, we will continue to execute on the strategic initiatives we have in process to position us to capitalize on e-commerce growth and other market opportunities we see for the future.

While FedEx Ground revenue is expected to grow in 2020, higher operating costs are expected to continue to negatively impact operating margin, as we continue to focus on investments that increase our ability to meet the demands of e-commerce. During 2019, FedEx Ground expanded operations throughout the U.S. network to six days per week year-round, and in January 2020, FedEx Ground will expand residential delivery operations to seven days per week year-round for the majority of the U.S. population. To support these operational changes, FedEx Ground is making strategic investments to modernize and optimize its network to improve scheduling and productivity at its hubs and stations. The integration of FedEx SmartPost packages into standard FedEx Ground operations continues, and the vast majority of this volume is expected to be integrated by the end of calendar 2020, which will improve last-mile efficiency through increased delivery density. In addition, FedEx Ground is investing in technology, and taking other strategic actions, to improve safety throughout its network. Costs associated with these FedEx Ground initiatives are expected to be a headwind in 2020; however, we believe they will allow for the more efficient use of our existing assets, which will drive improved performance and enhance our competitive position over the long term.

At FedEx Freight, we expect to increase operational efficiency in 2020 by continuing our focus on optimizing our network. FedEx Freight is investing in upgraded dock equipment and vehicle technology that will modernize our operations and position us to realize increasing benefits in 2021. In addition, safety initiatives will continue to be a top priority at FedEx Freight in 2020.

Our outlook for 2020 assumes we will not incur year-over-year expense increases in variable incentive compensation. Additionally, our expectations for 2020 are dependent on key external factors, including stable fuel prices, moderate U.S. economic growth, no further weakening in international economic conditions from our current forecast and no additional adverse developments in international trade policies and relations.

During 2020, we will continue to execute our TNT Express integration plans and are focused on completing projects across our European hub and station locations that will allow interoperability between networks for both FedEx Express and TNT Express packages, which will further lower costs as the related FedEx Express linehaul operations are optimized. In addition, we will continue to focus on the operational network integration process for the key countries in Europe, which represent a significant percentage of international revenue, workforces and facilities. Integration activities in Europe are complex and require consultations with works councils and employee representatives in a number of countries. While we expect to make significant progress on integration activities in 2020, particularly in Europe, integration work will continue thereafter. We expect to incur approximately $350 million of integration expenses in 2020 in the form of professional fees, outside service contracts, salaries and wages and other operating expenses. We expect the aggregate integration program expenses, including restructuring charges at TNT Express, to be approximately $1.7 billion through 2021, and we may incur additional costs, including investments that will further transform and optimize the combined businesses. The timing and amount of integration expenses and capital investments in any future period may change as we revise and implement our plans.

Our capital expenditures for 2020 are expected to be approximately $5.9 billion and include FedEx Express investments in aircraft fleet modernization and the Memphis and Indianapolis hub modernization and expansion programs, as well as the investments at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight discussed above.

Our aircraft fleet modernization and hub modernization and expansion programs at FedEx Express are multi-year programs that will entail significant investments over the next several years. See the “Contractual Cash Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” section of this MD&A for details of our capital commitments for 2020 and beyond. We will continue to evaluate our investments in critical long-term strategic projects to ensure our capital expenditures are expected to generate high returns on investment and are balanced with our outlook for global economic conditions. For additional details on key 2020 capital projects, refer to the “Financial Condition – Capital Resources” and “Financial Condition – Liquidity Outlook” sections of this MD&A.

We expect our effective tax rate for 2020 to be between 23% and 25%, prior to any MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment. However, substantial activities and corporate structuring transactions are ongoing with respect to the integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express. As we continue to integrate these businesses, there could be material favorable and unfavorable impacts to our effective tax rate during this period.

Our outlook is dependent upon a stable pricing environment for fuel, as volatility in fuel prices impacts our fuel surcharge levels, fuel expense and demand for our services.

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See “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of these and other potential risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our future performance.

Seasonality of Business

Our businesses are cyclical in nature, as seasonal fluctuations affect volumes, revenues and earnings. Historically, the U.S. express package business experiences an increase in volumes in late November and December. International business, particularly in the Asia-to-U.S. market, peaks in October and November in advance of the U.S. holiday sales season. Our first and third fiscal quarters, because they are summer vacation and post winter-holiday seasons, have historically experienced lower volumes relative to other periods. Normally, the fall is the busiest shipping period for FedEx Ground, while late December, June and July are the slowest periods. For FedEx Freight, the spring and fall are the busiest periods and the latter part of December through February is the slowest period. Shipment levels, operating costs and earnings for each of our companies can also be adversely affected by inclement weather, particularly the impact of severe winter weather in our third fiscal quarter. See “Risk Factors” below for more information.

RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

See Note 2 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting guidance.

- 63 -


 

REPORTABLE SEGMENTS

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

 

FedEx Express Segment

FedEx Express (express transportation)

 

TNT Express (international express transportation, small-package ground delivery and freight transportation)

 

 

FedEx Ground Segment

FedEx Ground (small-package ground delivery)

 

 

FedEx Freight Segment

FedEx Freight (LTL freight transportation)

 

 

FedEx Services Segment

FedEx Services (sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services and back-office functions)

 

FedEx Office (document and business services and package acceptance)

 

FEDEX SERVICES SEGMENT

The operating expenses line item “Intercompany charges” on the accompanying consolidated financial statements of our transportation segments reflects the allocations from the FedEx Services segment to the respective transportation segments. The allocations of net operating costs are based on metrics such as relative revenues or estimated services provided.

The FedEx Services segment provides direct and indirect support to our transportation businesses, and we allocate all of the net operating costs of the FedEx Services segment (including the net operating results of FedEx Office) to reflect the full cost of operating our transportation businesses in the results of those segments. Within the FedEx Services segment allocation, the net operating results of FedEx Office, which are an immaterial component of our allocations, are allocated to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. We review and evaluate the performance of our transportation segments based on operating income (inclusive of FedEx Services segment allocations). For the FedEx Services segment, performance is evaluated based on the impact of its total allocated net operating costs on our transportation segments. We believe these allocations approximate the net cost of providing these functions. Our allocation methodologies are refined periodically, as necessary, to reflect changes in our businesses.

Effective in 2020, the results of FedEx Office will be included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” instead of the FedEx Services segment. This change was made to reflect our internal management reporting structure. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, prior year amounts will be revised to reflect this presentation.

CORPORATE, OTHER AND ELIMINATIONS

Corporate and other includes corporate headquarters costs for executive officers and certain legal and finance functions, as well as certain other costs and credits not attributed to our core business. These costs are not allocated to the other business segments.

Also included in corporate and other is the FedEx Logistics operating segment, which provides customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc.; cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions through FedEx Cross Border Technologies, Inc., including its subsidiary P2P; integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain; time-critical shipment services through FedEx Custom Critical, Inc.; and, effective September 1, 2018, critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing and technology repair through FedEx Forward Depots, Inc.

The comparison of operating loss between 2019 and 2018 at “Corporate, other and eliminations” is significantly affected by the costs associated with our business realignment activities of $320 million during 2019 and by goodwill and other asset impairment charges at FedEx Supply Chain of $380 million recognized during 2018. In addition, the operating loss increase reflects higher operating losses at FedEx Logistics due in part to lower transportation volumes from weakness in the global economy and costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground, including certain professional fees. The decrease in TNT Express integration expenses discussed above positively impacted this category during 2019.

Certain FedEx operating companies provide transportation and related services for other FedEx companies outside their reportable segment. Billings for such services are based on negotiated rates, which we believe approximate fair value, and are reflected as revenues of the billing segment. These rates are adjusted from time to time based on market conditions. Such intersegment revenues and expenses are eliminated in our consolidated results and are not separately identified in the following segment information because the amounts are not material.

- 64 -


 

FEDEX EXPRESS SEGMENT

FedEx Express offers a wide range of U.S. domestic and international shipping services for delivery of packages and freight including priority, deferred or economy services, which provide delivery on a time-definite or day-definite basis. Prior year amounts have been revised to conform to the current year presentation, including revised statistical information. The following tables compare revenues, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Package:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. overnight box

 

$

7,663

 

 

$

7,273

 

 

$

6,955

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

5

 

 

U.S. overnight envelope

 

 

1,829

 

 

 

1,788

 

 

 

1,750

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

2

 

 

U.S. deferred

 

 

4,225

 

 

 

3,738

 

 

 

3,526

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

6

 

 

Total U.S. domestic package revenue

 

 

13,717

 

 

 

12,799

 

 

 

12,231

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

5

 

 

International priority

 

 

7,405

 

 

 

7,461

 

 

 

7,045

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

6

 

 

International economy

 

 

3,446

 

 

 

3,255

 

 

 

2,876

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

13

 

 

Total international export package revenue

 

 

10,851

 

 

 

10,716

 

 

 

9,921

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

8

 

 

International domestic(1)

 

 

4,540

 

 

 

4,637

 

 

 

4,277

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

8

 

 

Total package revenue

 

 

29,108

 

 

 

28,152

 

 

 

26,429

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

7

 

 

Freight:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

 

3,025

 

 

 

2,797

 

 

 

2,527

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

11

 

 

International priority

 

 

2,070

 

 

 

2,105

 

 

 

1,836

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

15

 

 

International economy

 

 

2,123

 

 

 

1,916

 

 

 

1,738

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

10

 

 

International airfreight

 

 

314

 

 

 

368

 

 

 

356

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

3

 

 

Total freight revenue

 

 

7,532

 

 

 

7,186

 

 

 

6,457

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

11

 

 

Other

 

 

691

 

 

 

834

 

 

 

938

 

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(11

)

 

Total revenues

 

 

37,331

 

 

 

36,172

 

 

 

33,824

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

7

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

13,748

 

 

 

13,522

 

 

 

12,636

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

7

 

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

5,186

 

 

 

5,109

 

 

 

4,721

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

8

 

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

1,908

 

 

 

1,987

 

 

 

1,947

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

2

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1,801

 

 

 

1,679

 

 

 

1,662

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

1

 

 

Fuel

 

 

3,310

 

 

 

2,889

 

 

 

2,378

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

21

 

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

1,888

 

 

 

1,753

 

 

 

1,553

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

13

 

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

2,092

 

 

 

2,092

 

 

 

1,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

Other

 

 

5,275

 

 

 

5,036

 

 

 

4,630

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

9

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

35,208

 

 

 

34,067

 

 

 

31,444

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

8

 

 

Operating income

 

$

2,123

 

 

$

2,105

 

 

$

2,380

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(12

)

 

Operating margin

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

5.8

%

 

 

7.0

%

 

 

(10

)

bp

 

(120

)

bp

 

(1)

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

 

 

 

Percent of Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

36.8

%

 

 

37.4

%

 

 

37.3

%

Purchased transportation

 

 

13.9

 

 

 

14.1

 

 

 

14.0

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

5.5

 

 

 

5.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

4.6

 

 

 

4.9

 

Fuel

 

 

8.9

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

7.0

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

5.1

 

 

 

4.9

 

 

 

4.6

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

5.6

 

 

 

5.8

 

 

 

5.7

 

Other

 

 

14.1

 

 

 

13.9

 

 

 

13.7

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

94.3

 

 

 

94.2

 

 

 

93.0

 

Operating margin

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

5.8

%

 

 

7.0

%

- 65 -


 

The following table compares selected statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts) for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

Package Statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average daily package volume (ADV):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. overnight box

 

 

1,285

 

 

 

1,252

 

 

 

1,265

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

(1

)

U.S. overnight envelope

 

 

539

 

 

 

549

 

 

 

561

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

U.S. deferred

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

928

 

 

 

900

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

3

 

Total U.S. domestic ADV

 

 

2,901

 

 

 

2,729

 

 

 

2,726

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

International priority

 

 

538

 

 

 

535

 

 

 

537

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

International economy

 

 

293

 

 

 

268

 

 

 

254

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

6

 

Total international export ADV

 

 

831

 

 

 

803

 

 

 

791

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

2

 

International domestic(1)

 

 

2,471

 

 

 

2,454

 

 

 

2,424

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

Total ADV

 

 

6,203

 

 

 

5,986

 

 

 

5,941

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

1

 

Revenue per package (yield):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. overnight box

 

$

23.38

 

 

$

22.80

 

 

$

21.57

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

6

 

U.S. overnight envelope

 

 

13.31

 

 

 

12.77

 

 

 

12.24

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

4

 

U.S. deferred

 

 

15.39

 

 

 

15.79

 

 

 

15.36

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

3

 

U.S. domestic composite

 

 

18.54

 

 

 

18.40

 

 

 

17.60

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

5

 

International priority

 

 

53.96

 

 

 

54.71

 

 

 

51.44

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

6

 

International economy

 

 

46.16

 

 

 

47.63

 

 

 

44.41

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

7

 

International export composite

 

 

51.21

 

 

 

52.35

 

 

 

49.18

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

6

 

International domestic(1)

 

 

7.20

 

 

 

7.41

 

 

 

6.92

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

7

 

Composite package yield

 

 

18.40

 

 

 

18.44

 

 

 

17.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

Freight Statistics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average daily freight pounds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

 

8,577

 

 

 

8,362

 

 

 

8,185

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

2

 

International priority

 

 

5,250

 

 

 

5,345

 

 

 

5,168

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

3

 

International economy

 

 

14,347

 

 

 

12,603

 

 

 

12,274

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

3

 

International airfreight

 

 

1,644

 

 

 

1,938

 

 

 

1,901

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

2

 

Total average daily freight pounds

 

 

29,818

 

 

 

28,248

 

 

 

27,528

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

3

 

Revenue per pound (yield):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

1.38

 

 

$

1.31

 

 

$

1.21

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

8

 

International priority

 

 

1.55

 

 

 

1.55

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

International economy

 

 

0.58

 

 

 

0.60

 

 

 

0.56

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

7

 

International airfreight

 

 

0.75

 

 

 

0.75

 

 

 

0.73

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

Composite freight yield

 

 

0.99

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

 

0.92

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

9

 

(1)

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

FedEx Express Segment Revenues

FedEx Express segment revenues increased 3% in 2019 primarily due to higher fuel surcharge revenue resulting from increased fuel prices, U.S domestic package volume growth and international package and freight volume recovery from the NotPetya cyberattack, partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates. An overall product mix shift from international package volume to international freight volume and softness in International Priority package and freight volumes resulting from weakening global economic conditions negatively impacted revenues in 2019.

U.S. domestic package average daily volumes increased 6% in 2019 led by deferred services, as e-commerce continued to drive growth. U.S. domestic package yields increased 1% in 2019 primarily due to higher fuel surcharges, partially offset by base yield declines due to increased deferred volume and lower package weights. Average daily freight pounds increased 6% in 2019 primarily due to higher volume in international freight services, reflecting recovery from the NotPetya cyberattack and an overall product mix shift from package to freight. Freight yields decreased 1% in 2019 primarily due to unfavorable exchange rates, partially offset by higher fuel surcharges. International export average daily volumes increased 3% primarily due to the recovery from the NotPetya cyberattack. However, international package volume growth has slowed across most regions, as noted above. International export package yields decreased 2% in 2019 driven by unfavorable exchange rates and base yield declines, partially offset by higher fuel surcharges.

- 66 -


 

FedEx Express segment revenues increased 7% in 2018 primarily due to improved base rates, higher fuel surcharges and favorable exchange rates, despite impacts from the NotPetya cyberattack.

FedEx Express’s U.S. domestic and outbound fuel surcharge and international fuel surcharges ranged as follows for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

U.S. Domestic and Outbound Fuel Surcharge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low

 

 

5.5

%

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

1.0

%

High

 

 

10.8

 

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

3.4

 

Weighted-average

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

 

2.5

 

International Fuel Surcharges:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low

 

 

6.6

 

 

 

3.4

 

 

 

1.2

 

High

 

 

18.8

 

 

 

16.7

 

 

 

11.3

 

Weighted-average

 

 

16.0

 

 

 

11.1

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

On March 18, 2019, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges for FedEx Express U.S. domestic services. On January 7, 2019, FedEx Express implemented a 4.9% average list price increase for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. On September 10, 2018, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Express. On January 1, 2018, FedEx Express implemented a 4.9% average list price increase for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. Effective February 6, 2017, FedEx Express fuel surcharges began adjusting on a weekly basis compared to the previous monthly adjustment. On January 2, 2017, FedEx Express implemented a 3.9% average list price increase for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services and a change to the U.S. domestic dimensional weight divisor.

FedEx Express Segment Operating Income

Comparables for 2019 are affected by the impact of the NotPetya cyberattack, which reduced earnings in 2018 by approximately $400 million, the sale of a non-core business of TNT Express, which benefited FedEx Express results in 2018 by $85 million, and lower TNT Express integration costs in 2019. FedEx Express segment operating income increased 1% in 2019 due to increased volume, the favorable net impact of fuel and lower variable incentive compensation expenses, partially offset by higher operating costs in salaries and employee benefits, maintenance and repairs and depreciation and amortization, as well as lower yields. Lower variable incentive compensation expenses benefited operating income by approximately $285 million in 2019. An overall product mix shift from international package volume to international freight volume, growth in U.S. deferred services driven by e-commerce and softness in International Priority package and freight volumes negatively impacted operating income and operating margin in 2019.

FedEx Express segment results include approximately $325 million of TNT Express integration expenses in 2019, a $55 million decrease from 2018.

Other operating expenses increased 5% in 2019 primarily due to the gain on sale recorded in 2018 discussed above and higher outside service contract expenses in 2019. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 2% in 2019 primarily due to higher staffing to support volume growth and merit increases, partially offset by lower variable incentive compensation expenses. Maintenance and repairs expense increased 8% in 2019 primarily due to higher aircraft engine maintenance expense. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 7% in 2019 primarily due to continued investment in aircraft and related equipment. Currency exchange rates had a negative impact on revenues and a positive impact on expenses but did not have an impact on operating income in 2019.

Fuel expense increased 15% in 2019 due to increased fuel prices. However, the net impact of fuel had a significant benefit to operating income in 2019, as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook – Consolidated Results – Fuel” section of this MD&A for a description and additional discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

FedEx Express segment operating income and margin decreased in 2018 primarily due to the impacts from the NotPetya cyberattack and higher TNT Express integration expenses, partially offset by yield growth and the positive net impact of fuel. FedEx Express results in 2018 include $380 million of TNT Express integration expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 7% in 2018 primarily due to merit increases and unfavorable exchange rates. Other operating expenses increased 9% in 2018 primarily due to increased outside service contracts, unfavorable exchange rates and TNT Express integration expenses. Purchased transportation expense increased 8% in 2018 due to unfavorable exchange rates and increased international volume. Maintenance and repairs expense increased 13% in 2018 due to the timing of aircraft engine maintenance events, coupled with higher non-aircraft maintenance and repairs associated with vehicles and trailers, equipment and facilities.

- 67 -


 

Fuel expense increased 21% in 2018 due to increased fuel prices. The net impact of fuel had a significant benefit to operating income in 2018 as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook – Consolidated Results – Fuel” section of this MD&A for a description and additional discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

FedEx Express Segment Outlook

Revenues are expected to increase at FedEx Express in 2020 primarily due to higher international volumes. Operating income is expected to decline in 2020 due to macroeconomic weakness and trade uncertainty, continued mix shift to lower-yielding services and a strategic decision not to renew a customer contract. During 2020, FedEx Express will continue to implement actions to reduce costs to serve, improve efficiencies and adjust its air and ground network cost structure to align with forecasted volume.

During 2020, we will continue to execute our TNT Express integration plans, and we will be focused on completing projects across our European hub and station locations that will allow interoperability between networks for both FedEx Express and TNT Express packages, which will further lower costs as the related FedEx Express linehaul operations are optimized. In addition, we will continue to focus on the operational network integration process for the key countries in Europe, which represent a significant percentage of international revenue, workforces and facilities. Integration activities in Europe are complex and require consultations with works councils and employee representatives in a number of countries. While we expect to make significant progress on integration activities in 2020, particularly in Europe, integration work will continue thereafter. In connection with this, we expect the FedEx Express segment to incur approximately $275 million of integration expenses in 2020.

Capital expenditures at FedEx Express are expected to increase in 2020, primarily related to long-term facility investments. We are making investments over multiple years in our facilities of approximately $1.5 billion to significantly expand the Indianapolis hub and approximately $1.5 billion to modernize the Memphis World Hub.

- 68 -


 

FEDEX GROUND SEGMENT

FedEx Ground service offerings include day-certain delivery to businesses in the U.S. and Canada and to 100% of U.S. residences. The following tables compare revenues, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected package statistics (in thousands, except yield amounts) and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

20,522

 

 

$

18,395

 

 

$

16,503

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

11

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

3,413

 

 

 

3,003

 

 

 

2,627

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

9,174

 

 

 

7,936

 

 

 

7,177

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

11

 

 

Rentals

 

 

791

 

 

 

754

 

 

 

696

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

8

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

728

 

 

 

681

 

 

 

627

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

9

 

 

Fuel

 

 

14

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

20

 

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

336

 

 

 

309

 

 

 

293

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

5

 

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

1,544

 

 

 

1,471

 

 

 

1,335

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

10

 

 

Other

 

 

1,882

 

 

 

1,700

 

 

 

1,495

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

14

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

17,882

 

 

 

15,866

 

 

 

14,260

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

11

 

 

Operating income

 

$

2,640

 

 

$

2,529

 

 

$

2,243

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

13

 

 

Operating margin

 

 

12.9

%

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

13.6

%

 

 

(80

)

bp

 

10

 

bp

Average daily package volume

 

 

8,952

 

 

 

8,336

 

 

 

7,896

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

6

 

 

Revenue per package (yield)

 

$

8.97

 

 

$

8.63

 

 

$

8.18

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

16.6

%

 

 

16.4

%

 

 

15.9

%

Purchased transportation

 

 

44.7

 

 

 

43.1

 

 

 

43.5

 

Rentals

 

 

3.9

 

 

 

4.1

 

 

 

4.2

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3.5

 

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

3.8

 

Fuel

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

 

0.1

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

1.6

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

1.8

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

7.5

 

 

 

8.0

 

 

 

8.1

 

Other

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

9.2

 

 

 

9.0

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

87.1

 

 

 

86.3

 

 

 

86.4

 

Operating margin

 

 

12.9

%

 

 

13.7

%

 

 

13.6

%

FedEx Ground Segment Revenues

FedEx Ground segment revenues increased 12% in 2019 due to volume growth and increased yields. Average daily volume increased 7% in 2019 primarily due to continued growth in residential services driven by e-commerce. FedEx Ground yields increased 4% in 2019 primarily due to higher fuel surcharges, product mix, extra services and base yields.

FedEx Ground segment revenues increased 11% in 2018 due to volume growth and increased yields. Average daily volume increased 6% in 2018 primarily due to continued growth in our residential services. Yield increased 6% in 2018 driven by higher base rates and higher fuel surcharges.

The FedEx Ground fuel surcharge is based on a rounded average of the national U.S. on-highway average price for a gallon of diesel fuel, as published by the Department of Energy. The fuel surcharge ranged as follows for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Low

 

 

6.3

%

 

 

4.0

%

 

 

3.3

%

High

 

 

7.8

 

 

 

6.3

 

 

 

4.5

 

Weighted-average

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

5.2

 

 

 

4.0

 

- 69 -


 

On March 18, 2019, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Ground. On January 7, 2019, FedEx Ground implemented a 4.9% average list price increase. On September 10, 2018, we updated the tables used to determine our fuel surcharges at FedEx Ground. Effective January 22, 2018, dimensional weight pricing was applied to the majority of FedEx SmartPost shipments. On January 1, 2018, FedEx Ground implemented a 4.9% average list price increase. Effective February 6, 2017, FedEx Ground fuel surcharges began adjusting on a weekly basis compared to the previously monthly adjustment. On January 2, 2017, FedEx Ground implemented a 4.9% average list price increase and a change to the U.S. domestic dimensional weight divisor.

FedEx Ground Segment Operating Income

FedEx Ground segment operating income increased 4% in 2019 due to volume growth, increased yields and the favorable net impact of fuel. In addition, lower variable incentive compensation expenses benefited operating income by approximately $100 million in 2019. Higher purchased transportation costs, resulting from increased contractor settlement rates and expanding operations to six days per week year-round starting in January 2019, and increased staffing and network expansion costs contributed to the operating margin decline in 2019.

Purchased transportation expense increased 16% in 2019 due to higher volumes, increased contractor settlement rates, including expanding to six-day operations year-round, and higher fuel costs. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 14% in 2019 due to additional staffing to support volume growth, merit increases and network expansion, partially offset by lower variable incentive compensation expenses.

The net impact of fuel had a significant benefit to operating income in 2019, as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook – Consolidated Results – Fuel” section of this MD&A for a description and additional discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

FedEx Ground segment operating income increased 13% in 2018 due to volume growth and increased yields. Higher purchased transportation, staffing and network expansion costs partially offset these benefits.

Purchased transportation increased 11% in 2018 due to higher volumes, increased rates and higher fuel expenses. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 14% in 2018 due to additional staffing to support volume growth and network expansion and merit increases. Other expenses increased 14% in 2018 primarily due to higher property taxes, retail sales commissions and security and facility services. Intercompany charges increased 10% in 2018 due to higher allocated information-technology and marketing costs. Rentals and depreciation and amortization expense increased 8% in 2018 due to network expansion.

FedEx Ground Segment Outlook

We expect FedEx Ground segment revenues and operating income to increase in 2020, reflecting continued volume growth in our residential services and commercial business. We anticipate results in 2020 will continue to be negatively impacted by higher operating costs required to service increased residential volumes driven by expected growth in e-commerce. During 2019, FedEx Ground expanded operations throughout the U.S. network to six days per week year-round, and in January 2020, FedEx Ground will expand residential delivery operations to seven days per week year-round for the majority of the U.S. population. To support these operational changes, FedEx Ground is making strategic investments to modernize and optimize its network to improve scheduling and productivity at its hubs and stations. The integration of FedEx SmartPost packages into the standard FedEx Ground operations continues and the vast majority of this volume is expected to be integrated by the end of calendar 2020, which will improve last mile efficiency through increased delivery density. In addition, FedEx Ground is investing in technology, and taking other strategic actions, to improve safety throughout its network. Costs associated with these FedEx Ground initiatives are expected to be a headwind in 2020; however, we believe they will allow for the more efficient use of our existing assets, which will drive improved performance and enhance our competitive position over the long term.

Capital expenditures at FedEx Ground are expected to increase in 2020 primarily due to additional trailer purchases and land acquisitions.

FedEx Ground previously announced plans to implement the Independent Service Provider (“ISP”) model throughout its entire U.S. pickup-and-delivery network. The transition to the ISP model is being accomplished on a district-by-district basis and we are now targeting the transition to be completed during the second quarter of 2020. As of May 31, 2019, over two-thirds of standard FedEx Ground volume (excluding FedEx SmartPost volume) was being delivered by small businesses operating under the ISP model. The costs associated with these transitions will be recognized in the periods incurred and are not expected to be material to any future quarter.

See “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of these and other potential risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our future performance.

- 70 -


 

FEDEX FREIGHT SEGMENT

FedEx Freight LTL service offerings include priority services when speed is critical and economy services when time can be traded for savings. The following table compares revenues, operating expenses, operating income (dollars in millions), operating margin, selected statistics and operating expenses as a percent of revenue for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

 

Revenues

 

$

7,582

 

 

$

6,812

 

 

$

6,070

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

12

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

3,639

 

 

 

3,307

 

 

 

3,018

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

10

 

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

932

 

 

 

847

 

 

 

717

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

18

 

 

Rentals

 

 

172

 

 

 

153

 

 

 

134

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

14

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

332

 

 

 

296

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

12

 

 

Fuel

 

 

563

 

 

 

471

 

 

 

384

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

23

 

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

245

 

 

 

227

 

 

 

214

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

6

 

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

535

 

 

 

514

 

 

 

488

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

5

 

 

Other

 

 

549

 

 

 

507

 

 

 

479

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

6

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

6,967

 

 

 

6,322

 

 

 

5,699

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

11

 

 

Operating income

 

$

615

 

 

$

490

 

 

$

371

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

32

 

 

Operating margin

 

 

8.1

%

 

 

7.2

%

 

 

6.1

%

 

 

90

 

bp

 

110

 

bp

Average daily shipments (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priority

 

 

78.4

 

 

 

74.5

 

 

 

70.6

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

6

 

 

Economy

 

 

34.3

 

 

 

31.9

 

 

 

31.0

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

3

 

 

Total average daily shipments

 

 

112.7

 

 

 

106.4

 

 

 

101.6

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

5

 

 

Weight per shipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priority

 

 

1,207

 

 

 

1,213

 

 

 

1,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

Economy

 

 

1,064

 

 

 

1,134

 

 

 

1,129

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

Composite weight per shipment

 

 

1,164

 

 

 

1,190

 

 

 

1,161

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

2

 

 

Revenue per shipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priority

 

$

250.95

 

 

$

236.78

 

 

$

221.67

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

7

 

 

Economy

 

 

300.02

 

 

 

286.85

 

 

 

265.77

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

8

 

 

Composite revenue per shipment

 

$

265.98

 

 

$

251.93

 

 

$

235.20

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

7

 

 

Revenue per hundredweight:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Priority

 

$

20.78

 

 

$

19.52

 

 

$

18.85

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

4

 

 

Economy

 

 

28.19

 

 

 

25.29

 

 

 

23.55

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

7

 

 

Composite revenue per hundredweight

 

$

22.85

 

 

$

21.18

 

 

$

20.25

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Revenue

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

48.0

%

 

 

48.6

%

 

 

49.7

%

Purchased transportation

 

 

12.3

 

 

 

12.4

 

 

 

11.8

 

Rentals

 

 

2.3

 

 

 

2.2

 

 

 

2.2

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

4.4

 

 

 

4.4

 

Fuel

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

6.9

 

 

 

6.3

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

3.2

 

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

3.6

 

Intercompany charges

 

 

7.1

 

 

 

7.6

 

 

 

8.0

 

Other

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

7.4

 

 

 

7.9

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

91.9

 

 

 

92.8

 

 

 

93.9

 

Operating margin

 

 

8.1

%

 

 

7.2

%

 

 

6.1

%

 

FedEx Freight Segment Revenues

FedEx Freight segment revenues increased 11% in 2019 primarily due to higher revenue per shipment and average daily shipments. Revenue per shipment increased 6% in 2019 primarily due to higher base rates, reflecting our ongoing yield management initiatives, and higher fuel surcharges. Average daily shipments increased 6% in 2019 due to higher demand for our service offerings.

- 71 -


 

FedEx Freight segment revenues increased 12% in 2018 primarily due to higher revenue per shipment and average daily shipments. Revenue per shipment increased 7% in 2018 primarily due to higher base rates, driven by our ongoing yield management initiatives, higher fuel surcharges and higher weight per shipment. Average daily shipments increased 5% in 2018 due to higher demand for our service offerings.

The weekly indexed fuel surcharge is based on the average of the U.S. on-highway prices for a gallon of diesel fuel, as published by the Department of Energy. The indexed FedEx Freight fuel surcharge ranged as follows for the years ended May 31:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Low

 

 

23.4

%

 

 

20.9

%

 

 

20.2

%

High

 

 

25.6

 

 

 

25.0

 

 

 

21.6

 

Weighted-average

 

 

24.5

 

 

 

22.9

 

 

 

21.0

 

On January 7, 2019, FedEx Freight implemented a 5.9% average list price increase in certain U.S. and other shipping rates. On January 1, 2018, FedEx Freight implemented a 4.9% average increase in certain U.S. and other shipping rates. On January 2, 2017, FedEx Freight implemented a 4.9% average increase in certain U.S. and other shipping rates.

FedEx Freight Segment Operating Income

FedEx Freight segment operating income increased 26% and operating margin improved 90 basis points in 2019 primarily due to higher revenue per shipment. In addition, lower variable incentive compensation expenses benefited operating income by approximately $60 million in 2019. Salaries and employee benefits increased 10% in 2019 reflecting higher staffing levels to support volume growth and merit increases, partially offset by lower variable incentive compensation expenses. Purchased transportation increased 10% in 2019 due to increased rates, including higher fuel surcharges, and higher volumes.

Fuel expense increased 20% in 2019 due to higher fuel prices and higher mileage. The net impact of fuel had a moderate benefit to operating income in 2019 as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook – Consolidated Results – Fuel” section of this MD&A for a description and additional discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

FedEx Freight segment operating income increased 32% and operating margin improved 110 basis points in 2018 primarily due to higher revenue per shipment. Salaries and employee benefits increased 10% in 2018, driven by higher staffing levels to support volume growth, merit increases and higher incentive compensation accruals. Purchased transportation increased 18% in 2018 due to higher volumes and increased rates, including higher fuel surcharges.

Fuel expense increased 23% in 2018 due to higher fuel prices. The net impact of fuel had a moderate benefit to operating income in 2018 as higher fuel surcharges more than offset increased fuel prices. See the “Results of Operations and Outlook – Consolidated Results – Fuel” section of this MD&A for a description and additional discussion of the net impact of fuel on our operating results.

FedEx Freight Segment Outlook

We expect FedEx Freight segment average daily shipment volumes and weight per shipment growth rates to moderate in 2020. We anticipate operating income and operating margin improvement at FedEx Freight in 2020 as we continue our focus on yield management, profitable growth primarily from small and mid-sized customers, and improving our operational productivity and efficiency. FedEx Freight will continue to leverage new technology to modernize our operations during 2020 and we expect to realize increasing benefits from these investments in 2021.

Capital expenditures at FedEx Freight are expected to increase in 2020 due to continued investments in vehicles and trailers, equipment and technology, which are expected to contribute to efficiency improvements.

- 72 -


 

FINANCIAL CONDITION

LIQUIDITY

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.3 billion at May 31, 2019, compared to $3.3 billion at May 31, 2018. The following table provides a summary of our cash flows for the years ended May 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

540

 

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

2,997

 

Retirement plans mark-to-market adjustment

 

 

3,882

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(24

)

Gain from sale of business

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(85

)

 

 

 

Gain from sale of investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(35

)

Business realignment costs

 

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

 

Other noncash charges and credits

 

 

3,589

 

 

 

3,277

 

 

 

4,194

 

Changes in assets and liabilities

 

 

(2,491

)

 

 

(3,460

)

 

 

(2,202

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

5,613

 

 

 

4,674

 

 

 

4,930

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(5,490

)

 

 

(5,663

)

 

 

(5,116

)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(66

)

 

 

(179

)

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of business

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from asset dispositions and other

 

 

83

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

135

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(5,473

)

 

 

(5,677

)

 

 

(4,981

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(1,480

)

 

 

(1,017

)

 

 

(509

)

Principal payments on debt

 

 

(1,436

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(82

)

Proceeds from debt issuances

 

 

2,463

 

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

1,190

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(683

)

 

 

(535

)

 

 

(426

)

Other

 

 

97

 

 

 

337

 

 

 

355

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(1,039

)

 

 

227

 

 

 

528

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(47

)

 

 

72

 

 

 

(42

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(946

)

 

$

(704

)

 

$

435

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

2,319

 

 

$

3,265

 

 

$

3,969

 

 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Cash flows from operating activities increased $939 million in 2019 primarily due to lower pension contributions, partially offset by higher tax payments, higher variable incentive compensation payments and lower net income (net of noncash items).

 

Cash flows from operating activities decreased $256 million in 2018 primarily due to $500 million of additional voluntary pension contributions and $500 million of payments related to previously accrued legal settlements, partially offset by lower net tax payments.

Cash Used in Investing Activities. Capital expenditures were 3% lower in 2019 primarily due to lower spending on aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express, as well as lower spending related to facilities, equipment and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Ground, partially offset by increased spending related to facilities, equipment and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Express. Capital expenditures were 11% higher in 2018 largely due to increased spending at FedEx Express for aircraft and related equipment as part of our fleet modernization program. See “Capital Resources” below for a more detailed discussion of capital expenditures during 2019 and 2018.

Financing Activities. We issued various senior unsecured debt in 2019 and 2018. See Note 6 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information on these issuances. We used the net proceeds of our 2019 debt issuances to redeem the $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% notes due January 15, 2019, pay the €500 million aggregate principal amount of floating-rate notes that matured on April 11, 2019 and for general corporate purposes. We utilized the net proceeds of our 2018 debt issuance for a voluntary incremental contribution to our U.S. Pension Plans in 2018.

- 73 -


 

The following table provides a summary of repurchases of our common stock for the periods ended May 31 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

 

 

Average

Price Paid

per Share

 

 

Total

Purchase

Price

 

 

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

 

 

Average

Price Paid

per Share

 

 

Total

Purchase

Price

 

Common stock repurchases

 

 

6,640,000

 

 

$

222.94

 

 

$

1,480

 

 

 

4,282,800

 

 

$

237.45

 

 

$

1,017

 

 

On January 26, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to 25 million shares. Shares under this repurchase program may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and volume of repurchases are at the discretion of management, based on the capital needs of the business, the market price of FedEx common stock and general market conditions. No time limit was set for the completion of the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. See additional information on the stock repurchase program in Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of May 31, 2019, 5.1 million shares remained under the current stock repurchase authorization.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

The following table compares capital expenditures by asset category and reportable segment for the years ended May 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent Change

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019/2018

 

 

2018/2017

 

Aircraft and related equipment

 

$

2,202

 

 

$

2,483

 

 

$

1,808

 

 

 

(11

)

 

 

37

 

Package handling and ground support equipment

 

 

777

 

 

 

814

 

 

 

1,093

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(26

)

Vehicles and trailers

 

 

982

 

 

 

954

 

 

 

895

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

7

 

Information technology

 

 

751

 

 

 

600

 

 

 

594

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

1

 

Facilities and other

 

 

778

 

 

 

812

 

 

 

726

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

12

 

Total capital expenditures

 

$

5,490

 

 

$

5,663

 

 

$

5,116

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express segment

 

$

3,550

 

 

$

3,461

 

 

$

2,725

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

27

 

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

808

 

 

 

1,178

 

 

 

1,490

 

 

 

(31

)

 

 

(21

)

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

544

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

431

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

14

 

FedEx Services segment

 

 

528

 

 

 

477

 

 

 

416

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

15

 

Other

 

 

60

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

6

 

Total capital expenditures

 

$

5,490

 

 

$

5,663

 

 

$

5,116

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

11

 

 

Capital expenditures decreased slightly during 2019 primarily due to lower spending on aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express, as well as lower spending related to facilities, equipment and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Ground, partially offset by increased spending related to facilities, equipment and vehicles and trailers at FedEx Express. Capital expenditures during 2018 were higher than the prior year primarily due to increased spending at FedEx Express for aircraft and related equipment, partially offset by lower spending related to package handling and ground support equipment at FedEx Ground.

LIQUIDITY OUTLOOK

We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, which totaled $2.3 billion at May 31, 2019, cash flow from operations and available financing sources will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, including working capital, capital expenditure requirements, debt payment obligations, pension contributions, TNT Express integration expenses and the remaining payments for the U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program. Our cash and cash equivalents balance at May 31, 2019 includes $1.1 billion of cash in foreign jurisdictions associated with our permanent reinvestment strategy. We are able to access the majority of this cash without a material tax cost, as the enactment of the TCJA significantly reduced the cost of repatriating foreign earnings from a U.S. tax perspective. We do not believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds impairs our ability to meet our U.S. domestic debt or working capital obligations.

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Our capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $5.9 billion in 2020. We anticipate that our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures in 2020, which will include spending for aircraft and hub modernization at FedEx Express, investments that increase our efficiency in handling large packages at FedEx Ground and investments in technology across all transportation segments that will further optimize our networks and improve our competitiveness. We are making investments over multiple years in our facilities of approximately $1.5 billion to significantly expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub and approximately $1.5 billion to modernize the FedEx Express Memphis World Hub. We expect approximately 40% of capital expenditures in 2020 to be designated for growth initiatives. Our expected capital expenditures for 2020 include $1.6 billion for delivery of aircraft and related equipment and progress payments toward future aircraft deliveries at FedEx Express.

We have several aircraft modernization programs underway that are supported by the purchase of Boeing 777 Freighter (“B777F”) and Boeing 767-300 Freighter (“B767F”) aircraft. These aircraft are significantly more fuel-efficient per unit than the aircraft types previously utilized, and these expenditures are necessary to achieve significant long-term operating savings and to replace older aircraft. Our ability to delay the timing of these aircraft-related expenditures is limited without incurring significant costs to modify existing purchase agreements.

During 2019, FedEx Express entered into agreements to purchase 12 incremental B777F aircraft and 12 incremental B767F aircraft. Six of the B777F and one of the B767F aircraft purchases are conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended (“RLA”). The B777F aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2021 and 2025. The B767F aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2020 and 2022. As part of these agreements, one B777F and one B767F aircraft delivery were accelerated from 2020 to 2019.

On June 24, 2019, FedEx Express exercised options to purchase an additional six B767F aircraft for delivery in 2022.  

FedEx Express now has a total of 20 firm orders for B777F aircraft scheduled for delivery during 2020 through 2025 (one of which was delivered in June 2019) and a total of 59 firm orders for B767F aircraft for delivery during 2020 through 2023 (one of which was delivered in June 2019 and one in July 2019). Six of the B777F orders and five of the B767F orders are conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the RLA.

During 2019, FedEx Express also acquired options to purchase an additional 14 B777F aircraft and an additional six B767F aircraft, and the delivery dates of 11 existing B777F option aircraft were rescheduled.

FedEx Express now has options to purchase a total of 25 B777F aircraft for delivery through 2028 and a total of 50 B767F aircraft for delivery through 2026.

During 2018, FedEx Express entered into an agreement to purchase 50 Cessna SkyCourier 408 aircraft with options to purchase up to 50 additional Cessna SkyCourier 408 aircraft. The 50 firm-order Cessna SkyCourier 408 aircraft are expected to be delivered from 2021 through 2024. FedEx Express also entered into an agreement to purchase 30 ATR 72-600F aircraft with options to purchase up to 20 additional ATR 72-600F aircraft. The 30 firm-order ATR 72-600F aircraft are expected to be delivered from 2021 through 2026. Additionally, FedEx Express entered into an agreement to accelerate the delivery of two B777F aircraft from 2021 to 2020, one B777F aircraft from 2021 to 2019, and one B777F aircraft from 2022 to 2020.

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

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we replaced our $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility with a $2.0 billion five-year credit agreement (the “Five-Year Credit Agreement”) and a $1.5 billion 364-day credit agreement (the “364-Day Credit Agreement” and, together with the Five-Year Credit Agreement, the “New Credit Agreements”). The Five-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2024 and includes a $250 million letter of credit sublimit. The 364-Day Credit Agreement expires in March 2020. The New Credit Agreements are available to finance our operations and other cash flow needs. The New Credit Agreements contain a financial covenant requiring us to maintain a ratio of debt to consolidated earnings (excluding noncash retirement plans MTM adjustments and noncash asset impairment charges) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) of not more than 3.5 to 1.0, calculated as of the end of the applicable quarter on a rolling four-quarters basis. The ratio of our debt to adjusted EBITDA was 2.25 to 1.0 at May 31, 2019. We believe this covenant is the only significant restrictive covenant in our New Credit Agreements. Our New Credit Agreements contain other customary covenants that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially restrict the conduct of our business. We are in compliance with the financial covenant and all other covenants in our New Credit Agreements and do not expect the covenants to affect our operations, including our liquidity or expected funding needs. If we failed to comply with the financial covenant or any other covenants in our New Credit Agreements, our access to financing could become limited. We do not expect to be at risk of noncompliance with the financial covenant or any other covenants in our New Credit Agreements. We had a total of $53 million in letters of credit outstanding at May 31, 2019, with $197 million of the letter of credit sublimit unused under our revolving credit facility.

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As of May 31, 2019, no commercial paper was outstanding.

For 2020, we anticipate making voluntary contributions of $1.0 billion to our U.S. Pension Plans through available debt financing sources. As noted in our discussion of critical accounting estimates, we do not anticipate contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans will be required for the foreseeable future based on our funded status and the fact we have a credit balance related to our cumulative excess voluntary pension contributions over those required that exceeds $3 billion. The credit balance is subtracted from plan assets to determine the minimum funding requirements. Therefore, we could eliminate all required contributions to our principal U.S. Pension Plans for several years if we were to choose to waive part of that credit balance in any given year. Our U.S. Pension Plans have ample funds to meet expected benefit payments.

On June 10, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on July 8, 2019 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 24, 2019. Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors, and we evaluate our dividend payment amount on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year.

Standard & Poor’s has assigned us a senior unsecured debt credit rating of BBB, a commercial paper rating of A-2 and a ratings outlook of “stable.” Moody’s Investors Service has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of Baa2, a commercial paper rating of P-2 and a ratings outlook of “stable.” If our credit ratings drop, our interest expense may increase. If our commercial paper ratings drop below current levels, we may have difficulty utilizing the commercial paper market. If our senior unsecured debt credit ratings drop below investment grade, our access to financing may become limited.

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CONTRACTUAL CASH OBLIGATIONS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of May 31, 2019. Certain of these contractual obligations are reflected in our balance sheet, while others are disclosed as future obligations under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Except for the current portion of interest on long-term debt, this table does not include amounts already recorded in our balance sheet as current liabilities at May 31, 2019. We have certain contingent liabilities that are not accrued in our balance sheet in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These contingent liabilities are not included in the table below. We have other long-term liabilities reflected in our balance sheet, including deferred income taxes, qualified and nonqualified pension and postretirement healthcare plan liabilities and other self-insurance accruals. Unless statutorily required, the payment obligations associated with these liabilities are not reflected in the table below due to the absence of scheduled maturities. Accordingly, this table is not meant to represent a forecast of our total cash expenditures for any of the periods presented.

 

 

 

Payments Due by Fiscal Year (Undiscounted)

(in millions)

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2021

 

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

 

2024

 

 

Thereafter

 

 

Total

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

$

2,497

 

 

$

2,263

 

 

$

2,028

 

 

$

1,779

 

 

$

1,486

 

 

$

8,062

 

 

$

18,115

 

Non-capital purchase obligations and other

 

 

781

 

 

 

630

 

 

 

413

 

 

 

281

 

 

 

179

 

 

 

2,647

 

 

 

4,931

 

Interest on long-term debt

 

 

620

 

 

 

609

 

 

 

609

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

558

 

 

 

9,951

 

 

 

12,927

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft and aircraft-related capital

   commitments

 

 

1,461

 

 

 

2,387

 

 

 

1,808

 

 

 

1,528

 

 

 

452

 

 

 

204

 

 

 

7,840

 

Other capital purchase obligations

 

 

48

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

126

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt

 

 

961

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,217

 

 

 

1,590

 

 

 

750

 

 

 

13,190

 

 

 

17,708

 

Total

 

$

6,368

 

 

$

5,914

 

 

$

6,099

 

 

$

5,781

 

 

$

3,426

 

 

$

34,059

 

 

$

61,647

 

 

Open purchase orders that are cancelable are not considered unconditional purchase obligations for financial reporting purposes and are not included in the table above. Such purchase orders often represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. See Note 17 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information on such purchase orders.

Operating Activities

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, future contractual payments under our operating leases (totaling $18.1 billion on an undiscounted basis) are not recorded in our balance sheet. Credit rating agencies routinely use information concerning minimum lease payments required for our operating leases to calculate our debt capacity. The amounts reflected in the table above for operating leases represent undiscounted future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases (principally facilities and aircraft) with an initial or remaining term in excess of one year at May 31, 2019. Under the new lease accounting rules, the majority of these leases will be required to be recognized at the net present value on the balance sheet as a liability with an offsetting right-to-use asset effective in 2020.

The amounts reflected for purchase obligations represent noncancelable agreements to purchase goods or services that are not capital-related. Such contracts include those for printing and advertising and promotions contracts.

Included in the table above within the caption entitled “Non-capital purchase obligations and other” is our estimate of the current portion of the liability ($126 million) for uncertain tax positions. We cannot reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments or the amount by which the liability will increase or decrease over time; therefore, the long-term portion of the liability ($38 million) is excluded from the table. See Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information.

The amounts reflected in the table above for interest on long-term debt represent future interest payments due on our long-term debt.

Investing Activities

The amounts reflected in the table above for capital purchase obligations represent noncancelable agreements to purchase capital-related equipment. Such contracts include those for certain purchases of aircraft, aircraft modifications, vehicles and trailers, facilities, computers and other equipment. 

As of May 31, 2019, we had $1.1 billion in deposits and progress payments on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related transactions.

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Financing Activities

We have certain financial instruments representing potential commitments, not reflected in the table above, that were incurred in the normal course of business to support our operations, including standby letters of credit and surety bonds. These instruments are required under certain U.S. self-insurance programs and are also used in the normal course of operations. The underlying liabilities insured by these instruments are reflected in our balance sheets, where applicable. Therefore, no additional liability is reflected for the letters of credit and surety bonds themselves.

The amounts reflected in the table above for long-term debt represent future scheduled payments on our long-term debt.

OTHER BUSINESS MATTERS

On June 24, 2019, FedEx filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the Export Administration Regulations (the “EARs”) against FedEx. FedEx believes that the EARs violate common carriers’ rights to due process under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as they unreasonably hold common carriers strictly liable for shipments that may violate the EARs without requiring evidence that the carriers had knowledge of any violations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

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

The estimates discussed below include the financial statement elements that are either the most judgmental or involve the selection or application of alternative accounting policies and are material to our financial statements. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and with our independent registered public accounting firm.

RETIREMENT PLANS

OVERVIEW. 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 and are described in Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The rules for pension accounting are complex and can produce volatility in our earnings, financial condition and liquidity.

We are required to record annual year-end adjustments to our financial statements for the net funded status of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans. The funded status of our plans also impacts our liquidity; however, the cash funding rules operate under a completely different set of assumptions and standards than those used for financial reporting purposes. As a result, our actual cash funding requirements can differ materially from our reported funded status.

Over the past several years, we have taken numerous actions to reduce pension-related risk and expense, including the introduction of our portable pension account benefit, freezing our traditional pension benefit, employing a liability-driven investment strategy and permitting former employees with a traditional pension benefit to make a one-time, irrevocable election to receive their benefits in a lump-sum distribution. In May 2018, we entered into an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to purchase a group annuity contract representing the transfer of approximately $6 billion of our U.S. Pension Plan obligations. The transaction transferred responsibility for pension benefits to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for approximately 41,000 of our retirees and beneficiaries who satisfied certain conditions and were receiving a monthly benefit from participating U.S. Pension Plans. There was no change to the pension benefits for any plan participants as a result of this transaction. The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the U.S. Pension Plans. The group annuity contract reduced the size of our U.S. Pension Plans, reduced our exposure to market risk and associated balance sheet volatility and eliminated the investment, administrative and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”) premium expenses for approximately 41,000 retirees. We recognized a $210 million one-time settlement loss in connection with this transaction, which was included in our 2018 year-end MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment.

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The “Salaries and employee benefits” caption of our consolidated income statements includes expense associated with service costs. The “Other retirement plans (expense) income” caption of our consolidated income statements includes our fourth quarter MTM adjustment, expense associated with prior service and interest costs, the expected return on assets (“EROA”) and settlements. A summary of our retirement plans costs over the past three years is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Defined benefit pension plans

 

$

111

 

 

$

150

 

 

$

234

 

Defined contribution plans

 

 

561

 

 

 

527

 

 

 

480

 

Postretirement healthcare plans

 

 

75

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

76

 

Retirement plans mark-to-market loss (gain)

 

 

3,882

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

$

4,629

 

 

$

741

 

 

$

766

 

The components of the MTM adjustments are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Discount rate change

 

$

1,780

 

 

$

(613

)

 

$

266

 

Demographic experience:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Current year actuarial loss

 

 

739

 

 

 

419

 

 

 

268

 

   Change in future assumptions

 

 

887

 

 

 

(37

)

 

 

182

 

Actual versus expected return on assets

 

 

476

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

(740

)

Annuity contract purchase

 

 

 

 

 

210

 

 

 

 

Total mark-to-market loss (gain)

 

$

3,882

 

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(24

)

2019

The weighted-average discount rate for all our pension and postretirement healthcare plans decreased from 4.11% at May 31, 2018 to 3.69% at May 31, 2019. The demographic experience in 2019 reflects updates to several forward-looking assumptions, including retirement rates, disability incidence rates and salary increase assumptions and a current-year actuarial loss due to unfavorable experience compared to various demographic assumptions. The actual rate of return, which is net of all fees and expenses, on our U.S. Pension Plan assets of 4.05% was lower than our expected return of 6.75%, as lower than expected equity returns negatively impacted return-seeking assets while fixed-income assets performed as expected due to declining interest rates.

2018

The weighted-average discount rate for all of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans increased from 3.98% at May 31, 2017 to 4.11% at May 31, 2018. The demographic experience in 2018 reflects a liability loss due to unfavorable results related to various demographic assumptions. The annuity contract purchase loss relates to the contract with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as discussed above. The actual rate of return, which is net of all fees and expenses, on our U.S. Pension Plan assets of 6.30% was slightly lower than our expected return of 6.50% primarily due to generally flat returns in the long-duration fixed-income portfolio partially offset by strong returns from global equities.

2017

The actual rate of return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets, which is net of all fees and expenses, of 9.2% was higher than our expected return of 6.50% primarily due to a rise in the value of global equity markets in addition to favorable credit market conditions. The weighted-average discount rate for all of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans decreased from 4.04% at May 31, 2016 to 3.98% at May 31, 2017. The demographic experience in 2017 reflects an update in mortality tables for U.S. pension and other postemployment benefit plans.

DISCOUNT RATE. The discount rate is the interest rate used to discount the estimated future benefit payments that have been accrued to date (the projected benefit obligation or “PBO”) to their net present value and to determine the succeeding year’s ongoing pension expense (prior to any year-end MTM adjustment). The discount rate is determined each year at the plan measurement date. The discount rate for our U.S. Pension Plans at each measurement date was as follows:

 

Measurement

Date

 

Discount Rate

5/31/2019

 

 

3.85

%

 

 

5/31/2018

 

 

4.27

 

 

 

5/31/2017

 

 

4.08

 

 

 

5/31/2016

 

 

4.13

 

 

 

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We determine the discount rate with the assistance of actuaries, who calculate the yield on a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds (rated Aa or better). In developing this theoretical portfolio, we select bonds that match cash flows to benefit payments, limit our concentration by industry and issuer, and apply screening criteria to ensure bonds with a call feature have a low probability of being called. To the extent scheduled bond proceeds exceed the estimated benefit payments in a given period, the calculation assumes those excess proceeds are reinvested at one-year forward rates.

The measurement of our PBO and the related impact on our annual MTM adjustment is highly sensitive to the discount rate assumption. For our largest pension plan, a 50-basis-point increase in the discount rate would have decreased our 2019 PBO by approximately $1.7 billion and a 50-basis-point decrease in the discount rate would have increased our 2019 PBO by approximately $1.9 billion. However, our annual segment-level pension expense is less sensitive to changes in the discount rate. For example, a one-basis-point increase in the discount rate for our largest pension plan would have a $34 million effect on the fourth quarter MTM adjustment but only a net $140,000 impact on segment-level pension expense.

PLAN ASSETS. The expected average rate of return on plan assets is a long-term, forward-looking assumption that affects our segment-level pension expense. It is required to be the expected future long-term rate of earnings on plan assets. Our pension plan assets are invested primarily in publicly tradable securities, and our pension plans hold only a minimal investment in FedEx common stock that is entirely at the discretion of third-party pension fund investment managers. As part of our strategy to manage pension costs and funded status volatility, we follow a liability-driven investment strategy to better align plan assets with liabilities.

Establishing the expected future rate of investment return on our pension assets is a judgmental matter, which we review on an annual basis and revise as appropriate. Management considers the following factors in determining this assumption:

 

the duration of our pension plan liabilities, which drives the investment strategy we can employ with our pension plan assets;

 

the types of investment classes in which we invest our pension plan assets and the expected compound geometric return we can reasonably expect those investment classes to earn over time, net of all fees and expenses; and

 

the investment returns we can reasonably expect our investment management program to achieve in excess of the returns we could expect if investments were made strictly in indexed funds.

For consolidated pension expense, we assumed a 6.75% expected long-term rate of return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets in 2019 and 6.50% in 2018 and 2017. We increased our EROA assumption in 2019 to 6.75% as the decrease in the number of retirees in payment status due to the purchase of a group annuity contract in May 2018 (discussed above) is expected to reduce our short-term future cash outlays and allow the remaining assets to be placed in longer-duration investments, which will increase the rate of return on assets. Also, the reduction of PBGC fixed- and variable-rate premiums should increase the net return on assets. The actuarial historical annual return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets, calculated on a compound geometric basis, was 7.5%, net of all fees and expenses, for the 15-year period ended May 31, 2019. For our U.S. Pension Plans, a one basis-point change in our EROA would impact our 2020 pension expense by $2.3 million.

FUNDED STATUS. The following is information concerning the funded status of our pension plans as of May 31 on a financial reporting basis (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Funded Status of Plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Projected benefit obligation (PBO)

 

$

28,855

 

 

$

24,820

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

 

24,898

 

 

 

23,566

 

Funded status of the plans

 

$

(3,957

)

 

$

(1,254

)

Cash Amounts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash contributions during the year

 

$

1,125

 

 

$

2,631

 

Benefit payments during the year

 

$

806

 

 

$

1,103

 

FUNDING. The funding requirements for our U.S. Pension Plans are governed by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which has aggressive funding requirements in order to avoid benefit payment restrictions that become effective if the funded status determined under Internal Revenue Service rules falls below 80% at the beginning of a plan year. All of our U.S. Pension Plans have funded status levels in excess of 80% and our plans are fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Additionally, current benefit payments do not materially impact our total plan assets (benefit payments for our U.S. Pension Plans for 2019 were approximately $720 million, or 3.1% of plan assets). Benefit payments were lower in 2019 due to the annuity purchase in 2018 (discussed above).

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Over the past several years, we have made voluntary contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans in excess of the minimum required contributions. For 2020, no pension contributions are required for our U.S. Pension Plans as they are fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. However, we expect to make voluntary contributions of $1.0 billion to these plans in 2020.

See Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information about our retirement plans.

INCOME TAXES

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our income taxes are a function of our income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Further, the acquisition of TNT Express in 2016 expanded our foreign operations significantly and increased the complexity of our global operations from an income tax perspective. The tax laws in the various jurisdictions are complex and subject to different interpretations by us and the respective governmental taxing authorities. As a result, significant judgment is required in determining our tax expense and in evaluating our tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties. Also, our effective tax rate is significantly affected by the earnings generated in each jurisdiction, so unexpected fluctuations in the geographic mix of earnings could significantly impact our tax rate. Our intercompany transactions are based on globally accepted transfer pricing principles, which align profits with the business operations and functions of the various legal entities in our international business.  

We evaluate our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balances as new information becomes available. These evaluations are based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax laws or their interpretations, audit activity and changes in our business. In addition, management considers the advice of third parties in making conclusions regarding tax consequences.

Tax contingencies arise from uncertainty in the application of tax rules throughout the many jurisdictions in which we operate. Despite our belief that our tax return positions are consistent with applicable tax laws, taxing authorities could challenge certain positions. We record tax benefits for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s evaluation of the information available at the reporting date. To be recognized in the financial statements, a tax benefit must be at least more likely than not of being sustained based on technical merits. The benefit for positions meeting the recognition threshold is measured as the largest benefit more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Significant judgment is required in making these determinations and adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits may be necessary to reflect actual taxes payable upon settlement.

Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates to make this determination so there is a risk that these estimates will have to be revised as new information is received. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established. We believe we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets that are not subject to valuation allowances.

Our income tax positions are based on currently enacted tax laws. On December 22, 2017, the United States government enacted comprehensive tax legislation through the TCJA, which significantly changes the U.S. corporate income tax system and includes, among other things, a permanent reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, and new taxes on certain foreign source earnings and certain related party payments, which are referred to as the global intangible low-taxed income tax and the base erosion and anti-abuse tax. The TCJA requires complex computations to be performed that were not previously required in U.S. tax law, significant judgments, estimates and calculations to be made in interpreting its provisions, and the preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced. The U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the TCJA will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation. In addition, further legislative action could be taken to address questions or issues caused by the TCJA. As we continue our ongoing analysis of the TCJA’s related interpretations, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance, we may be required to make adjustments to amounts that we have recorded that may materially impact our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, state and foreign governments may issue guidance and enact tax laws in response to the TCJA or other global initiatives that could result in further changes to our taxation and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

For more information, including impacts from the TCJA, see the “Income Taxes” section of this MD&A and Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

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SELF-INSURANCE ACCRUALS

We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, vehicle accidents and general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee healthcare and disability programs. Our reserves are established for estimates of loss on reported claims, including incurred-but-not-reported claims. Self-insurance accruals reflected in our balance sheet were $3.0 billion at May 31, 2019 and $2.7 billion at May 31, 2018. Approximately 35% of these accruals were classified as current liabilities.

Our self-insurance accruals are primarily based on the actuarially estimated cost of claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. These estimates include consideration of factors such as severity of claims, frequency and volume of claims, healthcare inflation, seasonality and plan designs. Cost trends on material accruals are updated each quarter. We self-insure up to certain limits that vary by type of risk. Periodically, we evaluate the level of insurance coverage and adjust insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense. Where estimable, losses covered by insurance are recognized on a gross basis with a corresponding insurance receivable.

We believe the use of actuarial methods to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these highly judgmental accruals. 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. We believe our recorded obligations for these expenses are consistently measured on a conservative basis. Nevertheless, changes in healthcare costs, accident frequency and severity, insurance retention levels and other factors can materially affect the estimates for these liabilities.

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

USEFUL LIVES AND SALVAGE VALUES. Our business is capital intensive, with approximately 56% of our total assets invested in our transportation and information systems infrastructures.

The depreciation or amortization of our capital assets over their estimated useful lives, and the determination of any salvage values, requires management to make judgments about future events. Because we utilize many of our capital assets over relatively long periods (the majority of aircraft costs are depreciated over 15 to 30 years), we periodically evaluate whether adjustments to our estimated service lives or salvage values are necessary to ensure these estimates properly match the economic use of the asset. This evaluation may result in changes in the estimated lives and residual values used to depreciate our aircraft and other equipment. For our aircraft, we typically assign no residual value due to the utilization of these assets in cargo configuration, which results in little to no value at the end of their useful life. These estimates affect the amount of depreciation expense recognized in a period and, ultimately, the gain or loss on the disposal of the asset. Changes in the estimated lives of assets will result in an increase or decrease in the amount of depreciation recognized in future periods and could have a material impact on our results of operations (as described below). Historically, gains and losses on disposals of operating equipment have not been material. However, such amounts may differ materially in the future due to changes in business levels, technological obsolescence, accident frequency, regulatory changes and other factors beyond our control.

IMPAIRMENT. As of May 31, 2019, the FedEx Express global air and ground network included a fleet of 681 aircraft (including approximately 300 supplemental aircraft) that provide delivery of packages and freight to more than 220 countries and territories through a wide range of U.S. and international shipping services. While certain aircraft are utilized in primary geographic areas (U.S. versus international), we operate an integrated global network, and utilize our aircraft and other modes of transportation to achieve the lowest cost of delivery while maintaining our service commitments to our customers. Because of the integrated nature of our global network, our aircraft are interchangeable across routes and geographies, giving us flexibility with our fleet planning to meet changing global economic conditions and maintain and modify aircraft as needed.

Because of the lengthy lead times for aircraft manufacture and modifications, we must anticipate volume levels and plan our fleet requirements years in advance, and make commitments for aircraft based on those projections. Furthermore, the timing and availability of certain used aircraft types (particularly those with better fuel efficiency) may create limited opportunities to acquire these aircraft at favorable prices in advance of our capacity needs. These activities create risks that asset capacity may exceed demand. At May 31, 2019, we had two purchased aircraft that were not yet placed into service.

The accounting test for whether an asset held for use is impaired involves first comparing the carrying value of the asset with its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the asset must be adjusted to its current fair value. We operate integrated transportation networks, and accordingly, cash flows for most of our operating assets are assessed at a network level, not at an individual asset level for our analysis of impairment. Further, decisions about capital investments are evaluated based on the impact to the overall network rather than the return on an individual asset. We make decisions to remove certain long-lived assets from service based on projections of reduced capacity needs or lower operating costs of newer aircraft types, and those decisions may result in an impairment charge. Assets held for disposal must be adjusted to their estimated fair values less costs to sell when the decision is made to dispose of the asset and certain other criteria are met. The fair value determinations for such aircraft may require management estimates, as there may not be active markets for some of these aircraft. Such estimates are subject to revision from period to period.

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In the normal management of our aircraft fleet, we routinely idle aircraft and engines temporarily due to maintenance cycles and adjustments of our network capacity to match seasonality and overall customer demand levels. Temporarily idled assets are classified as available-for-use, and we continue to record depreciation expense associated with these assets. These temporarily idled assets are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis. The criteria for determining whether an asset has been permanently removed from service (and, as a result, is potentially impaired) include, but are not limited to, our global economic outlook and the impact of our outlook on our current and projected volume levels, including capacity needs during our peak shipping seasons; the introduction of new fleet types or decisions to permanently retire an aircraft fleet from operations; and changes to planned service expansion activities. At May 31, 2019, we had seven aircraft temporarily idled. These aircraft have been idled for an average of 23 months and are expected to return to revenue service in order to meet expected demand.

SALE. On April 30, 2018, we sold a non-core business of TNT Express and recorded a gain of $85 million in the FedEx Express segment.

LEASES. We utilize operating leases to finance certain of our aircraft, facilities and equipment. Such arrangements typically shift the risk of loss on the residual value of the assets at the end of the lease period to the lessor. As disclosed in “Financial Condition –Contractual Cash Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” and Note 7 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, at May 31, 2019, we had approximately $18.1 billion (on an undiscounted basis) of future commitments for payments under operating leases. The weighted-average remaining lease term of all operating leases outstanding at May 31, 2019 was approximately six years. The future commitments for operating leases are not yet reflected as a liability in our balance sheet until the new rules on lease accounting issued in 2016 become effective in 2020 as described below.

The determination of whether a lease is accounted for as a capital lease or an operating lease requires management to make estimates primarily about the fair value of the asset and its estimated economic useful life. In addition, our evaluation includes ensuring we properly account for build-to-suit lease arrangements and making judgments about whether various forms of lessee involvement during the construction period make the lessee an agent for the owner-lessor or, in substance, the owner of the asset during the construction period. We believe we have well-defined and controlled processes for making these evaluations, including obtaining third-party appraisals for material transactions to assist us in making these evaluations.

On February 25, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new lease accounting standard. Based on the new lease accounting standard and our lease portfolio, we anticipate recognizing a lease liability and related right-of-use asset on the balance sheet of approximately $14 billion, with an immaterial impact on our income statement compared to the current lease accounting model. These changes are effective June 1, 2019 (fiscal 2020). See Note 2 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information on this recent accounting guidance.

GOODWILL. As of May 31, 2019, we had $6.9 billion of recorded goodwill from our business acquisitions, representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. As of May 31, 2018, we had $7.0 billion of recorded goodwill from our business acquisitions, representing the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. During 2017, we recorded $407 million in additional goodwill associated with the completion of the purchase price allocation related to the TNT Express acquisition. Several factors give rise to goodwill in our acquisitions, such as the expected benefit from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business.

Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we perform a qualitative assessment that requires management judgment and the use of estimates to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. An entity has an unconditional option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit and proceed directly to performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. We performed both qualitative and quantitative assessments of goodwill as of May 31, 2019. This included comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). Fair value is estimated using standard valuation methodologies (principally the income or market approach) incorporating market participant considerations and management’s assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and expected capital expenditures. Estimates used by management can significantly affect the outcome of the impairment test. Changes in forecasted operating results and other assumptions could materially affect these estimates. We perform our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter unless circumstances indicate the need to accelerate the timing of the tests.

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Since the beginning of 2018, the financial reporting of TNT Express has been fully integrated into the FedEx Express segment and a separate reporting unit does not exist for this entity. While there are several factors negatively impacting near-term results at FedEx Express, including softening global economic conditions, a product mix shift to lower yielding services due in part to an increase in e-commerce traffic, and the timing and amount of TNT Express integration program expenses, FedEx Express continues to be an established profitable business with a fair value that significantly exceeds its carrying value based on our valuation performed during the fourth quarter of 2019. In addition, our other reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight and FedEx Office (reported in the FedEx Services segment). We evaluated these reporting units during the fourth quarters of 2019 and 2018. The estimated fair value of each of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values as of the end of 2019 and 2018; therefore, we do not believe that any of these reporting units were impaired as of the balance sheet dates.

In connection with our annual impairment testing of goodwill conducted in the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge of $374 million for substantially all of the goodwill attributable to our FedEx Supply Chain reporting unit. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the FedEx Supply Chain business during 2018, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of acquisition. Based on these factors, our outlook for the business and industry changed in the fourth quarter of 2018.

LEGAL AND OTHER CONTINGENCIES

We are subject to various loss contingencies in connection with our operations. Contingent liabilities are difficult to measure, as their measurement is subject to multiple factors that are not easily predicted or projected. Further, additional complexity in measuring these liabilities arises due to the various jurisdictions in which these matters occur, which makes our ability to predict their outcome highly uncertain. Moreover, different accounting rules must be employed to account for these items based on the nature of the contingency. Accordingly, significant management judgment is required to assess these matters and to make determinations about the measurement of a liability, if any. Certain pending loss contingencies are described in Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, of individual matters or groups of related matters not specifically described in Note 18 is not expected to be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The following describes our methods and associated processes for evaluating these matters.

Because of the complex environment in which we operate, we are subject to other legal proceedings and claims, including those relating to general commercial matters, governmental enforcement actions, employment-related claims and FedEx Ground’s owner-operators. Accounting guidance for contingencies requires an accrual of estimated loss from a contingency, such as a non-income tax or other legal proceeding or claim, when it is probable (i.e., the future event or events are likely to occur) that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This guidance also requires disclosure of a loss contingency matter when, in management’s judgment, a material loss is reasonably possible or probable.

During the preparation of our financial statements, we evaluate our contingencies to determine whether it is probable, reasonably possible or remote that a liability has been incurred. A loss is recognized for all contingencies deemed probable and estimable, regardless of amount. For unresolved contingencies with potentially material exposure that are deemed reasonably possible, we evaluate whether a potential loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Our evaluation of these matters is the result of a comprehensive process designed to ensure that accounting recognition of a loss or disclosure of these contingencies is made in a timely manner and involves our legal and accounting personnel, as well as external counsel where applicable. The process includes regular communications during each quarter and scheduled meetings shortly before the completion of our financial statements to evaluate any new legal proceedings and the status of existing matters.

In determining whether a loss should be accrued or a loss contingency disclosed, we evaluate, among other factors:

 

the current status of each matter within the scope and context of the entire lawsuit or proceeding (e.g., the lengthy and complex nature of class-action matters);

 

the procedural status of each matter;

 

any opportunities to dispose of a lawsuit on its merits before trial (i.e., motion to dismiss or for summary judgment);

 

the amount of time remaining before a trial date;

 

the status of discovery;

 

the status of settlement, arbitration or mediation proceedings; and

 

our judgment regarding the likelihood of success prior to or at trial.

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In reaching our conclusions with respect to accrual of a loss or loss contingency disclosure, we take a holistic view of each matter based on these factors and the information available prior to the issuance of our financial statements. Uncertainty with respect to an individual factor or combination of these factors may impact our decisions related to accrual or disclosure of a loss contingency, including a conclusion that we are unable to establish an estimate of possible loss or a meaningful range of possible loss. We update our disclosures to reflect our most current understanding of the contingencies at the time we issue our financial statements. However, events may arise that were not anticipated and the outcome of a contingency may result in a loss to us that differs materially from our previously estimated liability or range of possible loss.

Despite the inherent complexity in the accounting and disclosure of contingencies, we believe that our processes are robust and thorough and provide a consistent framework for management in evaluating the potential outcome of contingencies for proper accounting recognition and disclosure.

RISK FACTORS

A wide range of factors could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and the price of our common stock. The most significant of these factors include the following:

We are directly affected by the state of the economy and anti-trade measures. 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 — key macroeconomic measurements. When individuals and companies purchase and produce fewer goods, we transport fewer goods, and as companies expand the number of distribution centers and move manufacturing closer to consumer markets, we transport goods shorter distances. In addition, we have a relatively high fixed-cost structure, which is difficult to quickly adjust to match shifting volume levels. Moreover, as we continue to grow our international business, we are increasingly affected by the health of the global economy, the rate of growth of global trade, world trade policies, international taxes, government-to-government relations and the typically more volatile economies of emerging markets. For instance, anti-trade and protectionist measures adopted by the U.S. or other countries in which we do business, such as trade controls, tariffs, quotas, embargoes, sanctions, or retaliation by another country against such measures, could result in economic uncertainty and instability, resulting in fewer goods being transported globally. In 2019, we saw a customer preference for slower, less costly shipping services. Additionally, during 2019 weakness in the global economy adversely affected our results of operations, and we expect such weakness to continue to be present during 2020.

A significant data breach or other disruption to our technology infrastructure could disrupt our operations and result in the loss of critical confidential information, adversely impacting our reputation, business or results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain customers, to efficiently operate our businesses, and to compete effectively depends in part upon the sophistication 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 package level information in advance of physical receipt of packages, to track items that move through our delivery systems, to efficiently plan deliveries, 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, including through cyberattack or cyber-intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, cyber terrorists, cyber criminals and malicious employees or other insiders. Data breaches of companies and governments have increased in recent years 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 platform, data leakage and human error pose a direct threat to our products, services 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.

 

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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 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.

 

A disruption to our complex, global technology infrastructure, including those impacting our computer systems and websites, 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 impact our operations, 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 impacts 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.

 

Recently, there has also been heightened regulatory and enforcement focus on data protection in the U.S. (at both the state and federal level) and abroad, and an actual or alleged failure to comply with applicable U.S. or foreign data protection regulations or other data protection standards may expose us to litigation (including, in some instances, class action litigation), fines, sanctions or other penalties, which could harm our reputation and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. This regulatory environment is increasingly challenging and may present material obligations and risks to our business, including significantly expanded compliance burdens, costs and enforcement risks. For example, the European Union’s (“EU”) General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became effective in May 2018, greatly increases the jurisdictional reach of EU law and adds a broad array of requirements related to personal data, including individual notice and opt-out preferences and the public disclosure of significant data breaches. Additionally, violations of the GDPR can result in fines of as much as 4% of a company’s annual revenue. Other governments have enacted or are enacting similar data protection laws, including data localization laws that require data to stay within their borders. 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.

 

We have invested and continue to invest in technology security initiatives, information-technology risk management 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 intense and sophisticated. Despite our efforts, we are not fully insulated from data breaches, technology disruptions or data loss, which could adversely impact our competitiveness and results of operations. For instance, in June 2017 TNT Express worldwide operations were significantly affected due to the infiltration of an information-technology virus known as NotPetya. In May 2017 FedEx was one of many companies attacked by the rapidly spreading ransomware described as WannaCry that exploited vulnerability in a third-party software program and infected computers using that program, encrypting files and holding them for ransom. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2018 we discovered an unsecured server hosted by one of our third-party cloud service providers, which exposed some archived account information related to a service discontinued after our 2015 acquisition of Bongo International, LLC. The server has been secured, and we have found no indication that any information has been misappropriated in connection with the incident. Neither the WannaCry ransomware attack or unsecured server caused a material disruption to our systems or resulted in any material costs to FedEx.

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. Additionally, while we have insurance coverage designed to address certain aspects of cyber risks in place, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses or all types of claims that may arise.

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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 made significant changes in U.S. trade policy and has taken certain actions that have negatively impacted U.S. trade, including imposing tariffs on certain goods imported into the United States. To date, several governments, including the EU, China and India, have imposed tariffs on certain goods imported from the United States. These actions contributed to weakness in the global economy that adversely affected our results of operations during 2019, and we expect such weakness to continue to be present during 2020. Any further changes in U.S. or international trade policy 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 those tariffs increase their prices, or in trading partners limiting their trade with countries that impose anti-trade measures. Political uncertainty surrounding international trade and other disputes could also have a negative effect on 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 recently taken action to limit the ability of domestic companies to engage in commerce with certain foreign entities under certain circumstances. 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.

The failure to successfully integrate the businesses and operations of FedEx Express and TNT Express in the expected time frame and at the expected cost may adversely affect our future results. Prior to FedEx’s acquisition of TNT Express in 2016, FedEx Express and TNT Express operated as independent companies. There can be no assurances that these businesses can be integrated successfully. Expected integration costs have increased significantly since the acquisition was completed, and parts of the integration have taken longer than initially expected. It is possible that the integration process could result in higher than currently expected integration costs, the loss of customers, the disruption of ongoing businesses, unexpected integration issues, or the loss of key historical FedEx Express or TNT Express employees. It is also possible that the overall integration process will take longer than currently anticipated.

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Specifically, the following issues, among others, must be addressed as we integrate the operations of FedEx Express and TNT Express in order to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction:

 

combining the companies’ operations and corporate functions;

 

combining the businesses of FedEx Express and TNT Express and meeting the capital requirements of the combination in a manner that permits us to achieve the operating and financial results we anticipated from the acquisition, the failure of which could result in the anticipated benefits of the transaction not being realized in the time frame currently anticipated, or at all;

 

integrating and consolidating the companies’ administrative and information-technology infrastructure and computer systems, and modernizing certain TNT Express systems which suffered from underinvestment prior to the acquisition;

 

integrating and restructuring the corporate entities;

 

integrating workforces and consulting with works councils and employee representatives while continuing to provide consistent, high-quality service to customers;

 

integrating and unifying the offerings and services available to historical FedEx Express and TNT Express customers;

 

harmonizing the companies’ operating practices, employee development and compensation programs, integrity and compliance programs, terms and conditions of contracts of carriage, internal controls and other policies, procedures and processes;

 

integrating the companies’ financial reporting and internal control systems;

 

maintaining existing agreements with customers and service providers and avoiding delays in entering into new agreements with prospective customers and service providers;

 

addressing possible differences in business backgrounds, corporate cultures and management philosophies;

 

addressing employee social issues so as to maintain efficient and effective labor and employee relations;

 

coordinating rebranding and marketing efforts;

 

managing the movement of certain positions to different locations;

 

managing potential unknown and unidentified liabilities, including liabilities that are significantly larger than currently anticipated, and unforeseen increased expenses or delays associated with the integration process; and

 

managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger, more complex company.

All of these factors could dilute FedEx’s earnings per share, delay or decrease the expected accretive effect of the acquisition and negatively impact the price of our common stock. The expected financial benefits of the acquisition may also be delayed or decreased by reductions in our base business levels due to economic weakness in Europe or other factors. In addition, at times the attention of certain members of our management may be focused on the integration of the businesses of FedEx Express and TNT Express and diverted from day-to-day business operations, which may disrupt our business. Further, we may not achieve the expected financial benefits from any costs incurred in addition to our integration program expenses related to investments to further transform and optimize the combined business.

Failure to successfully implement our business strategy and effectively respond to changes in market dynamics will cause our future financial results to suffer. We are making significant investments and other decisions in connection with our long-term business strategy which includes our ability to meet the demands of e-commerce, such as aircraft fleet modernization and hub modernization and expansion at FedEx Express and expansion of FedEx Ground residential delivery operations to seven days per week year-round for the majority of the U.S. population. We are also implementing various cost-containment actions, including limited hiring and discretionary spending and a U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program. Such initiatives and enhancements may require us to make significant capital expenditures. Additionally, 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, competition and the global economy; and actual market, economic and other conditions may be different from our assumptions. As technology, 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 market dynamics, our future financial results will suffer.

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The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the EU could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. There is substantial uncertainty surrounding the United Kingdom’s 2016 vote to leave the EU (“Brexit”), which is scheduled for October 31, 2019. The suspension or further delay of Brexit beyond October 31, 2019 requires the unanimous agreement of all remaining EU member states. Any impact of Brexit depends on the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, if it ultimately occurs. The ongoing uncertainty within the United Kingdom’s government and Parliament on the status of a withdrawal agreement could lead to economic stagnation until an ultimate resolution with respect to Brexit occurs. Such uncertainty also sustains the possibility of a “hard Brexit,” in which the United Kingdom leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement and associated transition period in place. The outcome of recent European Parliament elections, and potentially the outcome of the July 2019 election to determine the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, could increase the likelihood of a hard Brexit. A hard Brexit would likely cause significant market and economic disruption and negatively impact customer experience and service quality, and could depress the demand for our services.

Even if an agreement setting forth the terms of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU is approved, the withdrawal could result in a global economic downturn. The United Kingdom also could lose access to the single EU market and to the global trade deals negotiated by the EU on behalf of its members, depressing trade between the United Kingdom and other countries, which would negatively impact our international operations. Additionally, we may face new regulations regarding trade, aviation, security and employees, among others, in the United Kingdom. Compliance with such regulations could be costly, negatively impacting our business, results of operations and financial condition. Brexit could also adversely affect European and worldwide economic and market conditions and could contribute to instability in global financial and foreign exchange markets, including volatility in the value of the euro and the British pound.

Our businesses depend on our strong reputation and the value of the FedEx brand. The FedEx brand name symbolizes high-quality service, reliability and speed. 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. In addition, we have a strong reputation among customers 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 and marketing tools, and we devote significant resources to promoting and protecting them. Adverse publicity (whether or not justified) relating to activities by our employees, contractors, agents or others with whom we do business, such as customer service mishaps, accidents, catastrophes or incidents involving aircraft or vehicles operated by us, data breaches or technology infrastructure disruptions, noncompliance with laws or the shipment of certain items pursuant to our obligation as a common carrier operating under federal law, could tarnish our reputation and reduce the value of our brand. With the increase in the use of social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter, adverse publicity can be disseminated quickly and broadly, making it increasingly difficult for us to effectively respond. Damage to our reputation and loss of brand equity could reduce demand for our services and thus have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.

Our transportation businesses are impacted 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 may be impacted by fuel costs. To date, we have been mostly successful in mitigating over time the expense impact 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 impact our operating results. As of May 31, 2019, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations, and we currently have no plans to use derivative financial instruments for this purpose in the future. 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 impact on our ability to operate our transportation networks. 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 and other unpredictable events may impact fuel supply and could result in shortages in the future.

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, copy equipment and other assets to support our transportation and business networks. We also make significant investments to rebrand, integrate and grow the companies that we acquire. 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 impact operating margins, and undercapacity could negatively impact service levels.

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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, 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 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 reduce our revenues and market share. For example, Amazon.com is investing significant capital to establish a network of hubs, aircraft and vehicles.

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 not only to maintain or increase our prices (including our fuel surcharges in response to rising fuel costs), but also to maintain or grow our revenues and market share. 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, more effectively bundle their services, or offer services at lower prices, it could impede our ability to maintain or grow our market share. Moreover, if customers, such as Amazon.com, further develop or expand internal capabilities for the services we provide, it will reduce our revenue and could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. News regarding such developments or expansions could also negatively impact the price of our common stock. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as advanced safety systems, automated package sorting, handling and delivery, 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.

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 and state and non-U.S. regulations, laws, and policies. There can be no assurance that such regulations, laws and policies 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, harming our financial results. In particular, legislative, regulatory or other actions that U.S. and non-U.S. governments have undertaken or are considering in areas such as data privacy and sovereignty, 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, export controls, additional security requirements, additional requirements on employees and benefits, environmental standards, tax reform and accounting may have an adverse effect on our operations, liquidity, capital requirements, effective tax rate and performance. For additional discussion, see Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Regulation.”

We could be subject to adverse changes in regulations and interpretations or challenges to our tax positions relating to the TCJA. 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 liability. In December 2017, the United States government enacted comprehensive tax legislation through the TCJA, which significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax system. The TCJA requires complex computations to be performed that were not previously required in U.S. tax law, significant judgments, estimates and calculations to be made in interpreting its provisions, and the preparation and analysis of information not previously relevant or regularly produced.

The U.S. Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the TCJA will be applied or otherwise administered that is different from our interpretation. As we continue our ongoing analysis of the TCJA’s related interpretations, collect and prepare necessary data, and interpret any additional guidance, we may be required to make adjustments to amounts that we have recorded that may adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. For example, on January 15, 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations covering the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the TCJA. Certain guidance included in these final regulations is inconsistent with our interpretation that led to the recognition of benefits of $233 million. If we are ultimately unsuccessful in defending our position with respect to our interpretation of the TCJA, we may be required to reverse these benefits. In addition, further legislative action could be taken to address questions or issues caused by the TCJA. State and foreign governments may also issue guidance and enact tax laws in response to the TCJA or other global initiatives that could result in further changes to our taxation and adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

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If we do not successfully execute or effectively operate, integrate, leverage and grow acquired businesses, our financial results and reputation may suffer. Our strategy for long-term growth, productivity and profitability depends in part on our ability to make prudent strategic acquisitions and to realize the benefits we expect when we make those acquisitions. In furtherance of this strategy, in addition to TNT Express, we have acquired businesses in Europe, Latin America, Africa, the U.S., Asia and Australia over the past several years. Acquisitions involve special accounting, regulatory, compliance, information technology, human resources and other risks. While we expect our past and future acquisitions to enhance our value proposition to customers and improve our 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 these acquired businesses, including their goodwill or other intangible assets. For example, in 2018 we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $374 million related to FedEx Supply Chain, eliminating substantially all of the goodwill attributable to this reporting unit. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the FedEx Supply Chain business during 2018, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of the acquisition.

Labor organizations attempt to organize groups of our employees from time to time, and potential changes in labor laws could make it easier for them to do so. If we are unable to continue to maintain good relationships with our employees and avoid having labor organizations organize groups of our employees, our operating costs could significantly increase and our operational flexibility could be significantly reduced. Despite continual organizing attempts by labor unions, other than the pilots at FedEx Express and drivers at one FedEx Freight, Inc. facility, our U.S. employees have thus far chosen not to unionize (we acquired FedEx Supply Chain in 2015, which already had a small number of employees who are members of unions). Additionally, certain of FedEx Express’s non-U.S. employees are unionized, and a union has been certified to represent owner-drivers at a FedEx Freight Canada, Corp. facility.

The U.S. Congress has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws, however, 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 FedEx Express employees from the jurisdiction of the RLA. For additional discussion of the RLA, see Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Regulation.” Such legislation 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 companies, such as FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight, whose employees are governed by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, as amended (“NLRA”). In addition, federal and state governmental agencies, such as the National Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Board, have and may continue to take actions that could make it easier for our employees to organize under the RLA or NLRA. Finally, changes to federal or state laws governing employee classification could impact the status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators as independent employers of drivers. If FedEx Ground is deemed to be an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent contractors, labor organizations could more easily organize these individuals, our operating costs could increase materially and we could incur significant capital outlays.

FedEx Ground relies on owner-operators to conduct its linehaul and pickup-and-delivery operations, and the status of these owner-operators as independent contractors and direct employers of drivers providing these services is being challenged. FedEx Ground’s use of independent contractors is well suited to the needs of the ground delivery business and its customers, as evidenced by the strong growth of this business segment. We are involved in lawsuits and administrative proceedings that claim the company’s owner-operators engaged under operating agreements no longer in place should have been treated as our employees, rather than independent contractors. In addition, we are defending joint-employer cases where it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer of the drivers employed by owner-operators engaged by FedEx Ground. We incur certain costs, including legal fees, in defending the status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators as independent contractors and as direct employers of their drivers.

We continue to believe that owner-operators engaged by FedEx Ground are properly classified as independent contractors and that FedEx Ground is not an employer or joint employer of the drivers of these independent contractors. However, adverse determinations in these matters could, among other things, entitle certain of our owner-operators to the reimbursement of certain expenses and their drivers to certain wage payments from the owner-operators and FedEx Ground, and result in employment and withholding tax and benefit liability for FedEx Ground. Changes to state laws governing the definition of independent contractors, or employees of independent contractors, could also impact the status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators.

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Disruptions or modifications in service by the USPS or changes in its business or financial soundness could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results. The U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) is a significant customer and vendor of FedEx. In particular, the USPS is the largest customer of FedEx Express, which provides domestic air transportation services for the USPS’s First Class Mail, Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail and transportation and delivery for the USPS’s international delivery service. Disruptions or modifications in service by the USPS as a result of financial difficulties or changes in its business, including any structural changes to its operations, network, service offerings or pricing, could adversely affect our operations, negatively impacting our revenue, results of operations and financial condition.  

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. For example, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) requires FedEx Express to comply with a Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Plan, which contains evolving and strict security requirements. Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organization currently allows a member state to permit carriers and other entities to determine, without government oversight, which shippers and shipments are secure for purposes of putting those shipments on all-cargo aircraft. This allowance will be removed by calendar 2021 and may require us to undergo additional screening and oversight by the TSA and similar government agencies internationally. Security requirements such as these 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. Thus, 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 impact 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 impact demand for our services.

The regulatory environment for global aviation or other transportation rights may impact 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 Department of Transportation 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 Express’s growing 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 Express 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.

We are subject to other extensive regulatory and legal compliance requirements that may result in significant costs. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (“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 impact 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 impacted when government agencies cease to operate as expected, including due to partial shutdowns, sequestrations or similar events, which may result in, among other things, disruption in the ability of government agencies to grant required regulatory approvals. For additional discussion, see Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Regulation.”

We may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regulatory or market responses to such change. Concern over climate change, including the impact 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. Increased regulation regarding GHG emissions, especially aircraft or vehicle engine emissions, could impose substantial costs on us, especially at FedEx Express. These costs include an increase in the cost of the fuel and other energy we purchase and capital costs associated with updating or replacing our aircraft or vehicles 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 instituted. For additional discussion of regulatory responses to climate change, including the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation and the Paris climate accord, see Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Regulation.”

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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 and reduce customer demand for our services, especially our air express services. 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.

Our failure to attract or retain employee talent or maintain our company culture could adversely impact our business. Our success depends upon the efforts and abilities of our high-quality employees, many of whom are longstanding FedEx team members. Difficulties in recruiting, motivating, rewarding and retaining employee talent, including successors to members of senior management, or the unexpected loss of such individuals resulting in the depletion of our institutional knowledge base, could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, reputation and the price of our common stock. Additionally, our company culture is important to providing high quality customer service and having a productive workforce and could be adversely affected by our growing operations and other factors. If we fail to maintain the strength of our company culture, our competitive ability and our business may be harmed.

Increasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension and healthcare benefits, could adversely impact 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, retirement ages, government regulations, and the frequency and amount of our required or voluntary contributions made to the plans. 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 2019 MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment resulted in a pre-tax noncash $3.9 billion loss ($3.0 billion, net of tax, or $11.22 per diluted share) and reduced the funded status of our tax qualified U.S. domestic pension plans. For additional information on our MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition—Results of Operations and Outlook—Retirement Plans MTM Adjustments” and Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

A higher than normal number of pilot retirements across the industry, increased flight hour requirements to achieve a commercial pilot’s license, reductions in the number of military pilots entering the commercial workforce and other factors have caused a shortage of pilots that could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Large numbers of pilots in the industry are approaching the FAA’s mandatory retirement age of 65. Commencing in 2013, the minimum flight hour requirement to achieve a commercial pilot’s license in the United States increased from 250 to 1,500 hours, thereby significantly increasing the time and cost commitment required to become licensed to fly commercial aircraft. Additionally, the number of military pilots being trained by the U.S. armed forces and available as commercial pilots upon their retirement from military service has been decreasing. These and other factors have contributed to a shortage of qualified, entry-level pilots, and the companies with which we contract to fly smaller regional “feeder” aircraft are having difficulty attracting and retaining pilots. If the companies with which we contract become unable to hire adequate numbers of pilots to meet their needs, we could experience a reduction of service offered to certain locations, service disruptions, increased costs of operations and other difficulties that could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Additionally, although we are not currently having difficulty staffing FedEx pilots to operate our primary FedEx Express fleet, such a difficulty may arise in the future, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our inability to quickly and effectively restore operations following adverse weather or a localized disaster or disturbance in a key geography could adversely impact our business and results of operations. While we operate several integrated networks with assets 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, 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. Prolonged interruptions or disruptions at a key location such as our Memphis World Hub or one of our information-technology centers could adversely impact 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 impact demand for our services resulting in an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

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Our autonomous delivery strategy is dependent upon our ability to successfully mitigate unique technological, operational and regulatory risks. In 2019 we announced the development through a partnership of an autonomous delivery device designed to help retailers make same-day and last-mile deliveries to their customers. Autonomous delivery is a new and evolving market, which makes it difficult to predict its acceptance, growth, the magnitude and timing of necessary investments and other trends. This aspect of our business strategy is subject to a variety of risks inherent with the development of new technologies, including: the ability to continue to develop autonomous delivery software and hardware; access to sufficient capital; our ability to develop and maintain necessary partnerships; risks related to the manufacture of autonomous devices; and significant competition from other companies, some of which may have more resources and capital to devote to autonomous technologies than we do.

In addition, we face risks related to the commercial deployment of autonomous delivery devices on our targeted timeline or at all, including consumer acceptance, achievement of adequate safety and other performance standards and compliance with uncertain, evolving and potentially conflicting federal and state regulations. To the extent accidents, cybersecurity breaches or other adverse events associated with our autonomous delivery devices occur, we could be subject to liability, government scrutiny, further regulation and reputational damage. Any of the foregoing could adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects.

Volatility or disruption in the debt capital markets or our failure to maintain our current credit ratings and commercial paper ratings could adversely affect our liquidity, increase our interest expense and limit our financing options. Historically, we have relied on the public debt capital markets to fund portions of our capital investments and other expenditures and access to the commercial paper market as part of our working capital management strategy. Our continued access to these markets, and the terms of such access, depend on multiple factors including the condition of the debt capital markets, our operating performance and our credit ratings. Standard & Poor’s has assigned us a senior unsecured debt credit rating of BBB, a commercial paper rating of A-2 and a ratings outlook of “stable.” Moody’s Investors Service has assigned us an unsecured debt credit rating of Baa2, a commercial paper rating of P-2 and a ratings outlook of “stable.” These ratings are based on a number of factors, including assessments of our financial strength and financial policies. If our credit ratings drop, our interest expense may increase and our access to financing may become limited. If our commercial paper ratings drop below current levels, we may have difficulty utilizing the commercial paper market. In addition, increased volatility or disruption in the debt capital markets could adversely affect our ability to refinance existing debt.

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We are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including:

 

changes in our ability to attract and retain drivers and package and freight handlers;

 

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

 

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

 

market acceptance of our new service and growth initiatives;

 

any liability resulting from and the costs of defending against class-action and other litigation, such as wage-and-hour, joint employment, securities and discrimination and retaliation claims, and any other legal or governmental proceedings, including the matters discussed in Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements;

 

the outcome of future negotiations to reach new collective bargaining agreements — including with the union that represents the pilots of FedEx Express (the current pilot agreement is scheduled to become amendable in November 2021), with the union elected in 2015 to represent drivers at a FedEx Freight, Inc. facility in the U.S., and with the union certified in 2019 to represent owner-drivers at a FedEx Freight Canada, Corp. facility;

 

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

 

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

 

widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis;

 

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; and

 

the alternative interest rates we are able to negotiate with counterparties pursuant to the relevant provisions of our credit agreements in the event the London Interbank Offered Rate or the euro interbank offered rate cease to exist and we make borrowings under the agreements.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this Annual Report, including (but not limited to) those contained in the “Business” section of Part I, the “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” section of Part II, the “Income Taxes,” “Outlook” (including segment outlooks), “Recent Accounting Guidance,” “Liquidity Outlook,” “Contractual Cash Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements,” “Critical Accounting Estimates” and “Risk Factors” sections of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition,” and the “Recent Accounting Guidance,” “Income Taxes,” “Retirement Plans,” “Commitments” and “Contingencies” notes to the consolidated financial statements, are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “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 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.

EFFECTIVE TAX RATE PRIOR TO MTM RETIREMENT PLANS ACCOUNTING ADJUSTMENT

We are unable to predict the amount of the 2020 year-end MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment, as it is significantly impacted by changes in interest rates and the financial markets. For this reason, a full reconciliation of our 2020 effective tax rate forecast to the most directly comparable accounting principle generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) measure is impracticable.

We have provided a 2020 effective tax rate forecast prior to year-end MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments to facilitate analysis and comparisons of our ongoing business operations by excluding an item that is unrelated to our core operating performance, and to assist investors with comparisons to prior periods and assessing trends in our underlying businesses. This adjustment is consistent with how management views our businesses. Management uses this non-GAAP financial measure in making financial, operating and planning decisions and evaluating the company’s ongoing performance.

This non-GAAP measure is intended to supplement and should be read together with, and is not an alternative or substitute for, and should not be considered superior to, our reported financial measures. Accordingly, users of our financial statements should not place undue reliance on this non-GAAP financial measure. Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare this non-GAAP measure with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. While we are unable to predict the amount of the 2020 year-end MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment, it is reasonably possible that such adjustment could have a material impact on our 2020 effective tax rate.

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MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL

CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our internal control over financial reporting includes, among other things, defined policies and procedures for conducting and governing our business, sophisticated information systems for processing transactions and a properly staffed, professional internal audit department. Mechanisms are in place to monitor the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and actions are taken to correct all identified deficiencies. Our procedures for financial reporting include the active involvement of senior management, our Audit Committee and our staff of highly qualified financial and legal professionals.

Management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 31, 2019.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Ernst & Young LLP’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

FedEx Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited FedEx Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, FedEx Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in common stockholders’ investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2019, and the related notes and our report dated July 16, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

July 16, 2019

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

FedEx Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FedEx Corporation (the Company) as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in common stockholders’ investment and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at May 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated July 16, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

Memphis, Tennessee

July 16, 2019

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FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,319

 

 

$

3,265

 

Receivables, less allowances of $300 and $401

 

 

9,116

 

 

 

8,481

 

Spare parts, supplies and fuel, less allowances of $335 and $268

 

 

553

 

 

 

525

 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

 

1,098

 

 

 

1,070

 

Total current assets

 

 

13,086

 

 

 

13,341

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft and related equipment

 

 

22,793

 

 

 

20,749

 

Package handling and ground support equipment

 

 

10,409

 

 

 

9,727

 

Information technology

 

 

6,268

 

 

 

5,794

 

Vehicles and trailers

 

 

8,339

 

 

 

7,708

 

Facilities and other

 

 

11,702

 

 

 

11,143

 

 

 

 

59,511

 

 

 

55,121

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

29,082

 

 

 

26,967

 

Net property and equipment

 

 

30,429

 

 

 

28,154

 

OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

6,884

 

 

 

6,973

 

Other assets

 

 

4,004

 

 

 

3,862

 

Total other long-term assets

 

 

10,888

 

 

 

10,835

 

 

 

$

54,403

 

 

$

52,330

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 100 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

964

 

 

$

1,342

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

 

1,741

 

 

 

2,177

 

Accounts payable

 

 

3,030

 

 

 

2,977

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

3,278

 

 

 

3,131

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

9,013

 

 

 

9,627

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION

 

 

16,617

 

 

 

15,243

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

2,821

 

 

 

2,867

 

Pension, postretirement healthcare and other benefit obligations

 

 

5,095

 

 

 

2,187

 

Self-insurance accruals

 

 

1,899

 

 

 

1,784

 

Deferred lease obligations

 

 

531

 

 

 

551

 

Deferred gains, principally related to aircraft transactions

 

 

99

 

 

 

121

 

Other liabilities

 

 

571

 

 

 

534

 

Total other long-term liabilities

 

 

11,016

 

 

 

8,044

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.10 par value; 800 million shares authorized; 318 million shares

   issued as of May 31, 2019 and 2018

 

 

32

 

 

 

32

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

3,231

 

 

 

3,117

 

Retained earnings

 

 

24,648

 

 

 

24,823

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(865

)

 

 

(578

)

Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

(9,289

)

 

 

(7,978

)

Total common stockholders’ investment

 

 

17,757

 

 

 

19,416

 

 

 

$

54,403

 

 

$

52,330

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 101 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

 

 

Years ended May 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

REVENUES

 

$

69,693

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

24,776

 

 

 

23,795

 

 

 

21,989

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

16,654

 

 

 

15,101

 

 

 

13,630

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

3,360

 

 

 

3,361

 

 

 

3,240

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,353

 

 

 

3,095

 

 

 

2,995

 

Fuel

 

 

3,889

 

 

 

3,374

 

 

 

2,773

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

2,834

 

 

 

2,622

 

 

 

2,374

 

Business realignment costs

 

 

320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

10,041

 

 

 

9,450

 

 

 

8,752

 

 

 

 

65,227

 

 

 

61,178

 

 

 

55,753

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

4,466

 

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

4,566

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(588

)

 

 

(558

)

 

 

(512

)

Interest income

 

 

59

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

33

 

Other retirement plans (expense) income

 

 

(3,251

)

 

 

598

 

 

 

471

 

Other, net

 

 

(31

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

(3,811

)

 

 

81

 

 

 

13

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

655

 

 

 

4,353

 

 

 

4,579

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (BENEFIT)

 

 

115

 

 

 

(219

)

 

 

1,582

 

NET INCOME

 

$

540

 

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

2,997

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

$

2.06

 

 

$

17.08

 

 

$

11.24

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

 

$

2.03

 

 

$

16.79

 

 

$

11.07

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 102 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

 

Years Ended May 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

NET INCOME

 

$

540

 

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

2,997

 

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of $29 in

   2019, tax expense of $16 in 2018 and tax expense of $52 in 2017

 

 

(195

)

 

 

(74

)

 

 

(171

)

Amortization of prior service credit and other, net of tax benefits of $28 in

   2019, $37 in 2018 and $43 in 2017

 

 

(92

)

 

 

(89

)

 

 

(75

)

 

 

 

(287

)

 

 

(163

)

 

 

(246

)

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

$

253

 

 

$

4,409

 

 

$

2,751

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 103 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

 

Years ended May 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

540

 

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

2,997

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating

   activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,353

 

 

 

3,095

 

 

 

2,995

 

Provision for uncollectible accounts

 

 

295

 

 

 

246

 

 

 

136

 

Deferred income taxes and other noncash items

 

 

(233

)

 

 

(231

)

 

 

909

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

174

 

 

 

167

 

 

 

154

 

Retirement plans mark-to-market adjustment

 

 

3,882

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(24

)

Gain from sale of business

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(85

)

 

 

 

Gain from sale of investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(35

)

Business realignment costs

 

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(873

)

 

 

(1,049

)

 

 

(556

)

Other current assets

 

 

(25

)

 

 

(135

)

 

 

78

 

Pension and postretirement healthcare assets and liabilities, net

 

 

(909

)

 

 

(2,345

)

 

 

(1,688

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

 

(571

)

 

 

141

 

 

 

103

 

Other, net

 

 

(113

)

 

 

(72

)

 

 

(139

)

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

5,613

 

 

 

4,674

 

 

 

4,930

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(5,490

)

 

 

(5,663

)

 

 

(5,116

)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(66

)

 

 

(179

)

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of business

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from asset dispositions and other

 

 

83

 

 

 

42

 

 

 

135

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(5,473

)

 

 

(5,677

)

 

 

(4,981

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

 

(1,436

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(82

)

Proceeds from debt issuances

 

 

2,463

 

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

1,190

 

Proceeds from stock issuances

 

 

101

 

 

 

327

 

 

 

337

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(683

)

 

 

(535

)

 

 

(426

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(1,480

)

 

 

(1,017

)

 

 

(509

)

Other, net

 

 

(4

)

 

 

10

 

 

 

18

 

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(1,039

)

 

 

227

 

 

 

528

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(47

)

 

 

72

 

 

 

(42

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(946

)

 

 

(704

)

 

 

435

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

3,265

 

 

 

3,969

 

 

 

3,534

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

2,319

 

 

$

3,265

 

 

$

3,969

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

- 104 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

 

 

 

Common

Stock

 

 

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

 

 

Retained

Earnings

 

 

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Loss

 

 

Treasury

Stock

 

 

Total

 

Balance at May 31, 2016

 

$

32

 

 

$

2,892

 

 

$

18,371

 

 

$

(169

)

 

$

(7,342

)

 

$

13,784

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,997

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(246

)

 

 

 

 

 

(246

)

Purchase of treasury stock (3.0 million shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(509

)

 

 

(509

)

Cash dividends declared ($1.60 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(426

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(426

)

Employee incentive plans and other

   (3.5 million shares issued)

 

 

 

 

 

113

 

 

 

(109

)

 

 

 

 

 

469

 

 

 

473

 

Balance at May 31, 2017

 

 

32

 

 

 

3,005

 

 

 

20,833

 

 

 

(415

)

 

 

(7,382

)

 

 

16,073

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,572

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(163

)

 

 

 

 

 

(163

)

Purchase of treasury stock (4.3 million shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,017

)

 

 

(1,017

)

Cash dividends declared ($2.00 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(535

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(535

)

Employee incentive plans and other

   (3.1 million shares issued)

 

 

 

 

 

112

 

 

 

(47

)

 

 

 

 

 

421

 

 

 

486

 

Balance at May 31, 2018

 

 

32

 

 

 

3,117

 

 

 

24,823

 

 

 

(578

)

 

 

(7,978

)

 

 

19,416

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

540

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

540

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(287

)

 

 

 

 

 

(287

)

Purchase of treasury stock (6.6 million shares)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,480

)

 

 

(1,480

)

Cash dividends declared ($2.60 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(683

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(683

)

Employee incentive plans and other

   (1.3 million shares issued)

 

 

 

 

 

114

 

 

 

(32

)

 

 

 

 

 

169

 

 

 

251

 

Balance at May 31, 2019

 

$

32

 

 

$

3,231

 

 

$

24,648

 

 

$

(865

)

 

$

(9,289

)

 

$

17,757

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

- 105 -


 

FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS. FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) provides a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services through companies competing collectively, operating independently and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Our primary operating companies are Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx Express”), the world’s largest express transportation company; FedEx Ground Package System, Inc. (“FedEx Ground”), a leading North American provider of small-package ground delivery services; and FedEx Freight Corporation (“FedEx Freight”), a leading North American provider of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) freight transportation. These companies represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx Corporate Services, Inc. (“FedEx Services”), constitute our reportable segments. Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services, and certain back-office functions that support our transportation segments (FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight) and other business units. In addition, the FedEx Services segment provides customers with retail access to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground shipping services through FedEx Office and Print Services, Inc. (“FedEx Office”).

FISCAL YEARS. Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ended May 31, 2019 or ended May 31 of the year referenced.

RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FedEx and its subsidiaries, substantially all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We are not the primary beneficiary of, nor do we have a controlling financial interest in, any variable interest entity. Accordingly, we have not consolidated any variable interest entity.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Satisfaction of Performance Obligation

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the basis of revenue recognition in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, we evaluate whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined or single contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation. For most of our contracts, the customer contracts with us to provide distinct services within a single contract, such as transportation services. The majority of our contracts with customers for transportation services include only one performance obligation, the transportation services themselves. However, if a contract is separated into more than one performance obligation, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation in an amount based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or services underlying each performance obligation. We frequently sell standard transportation services with observable standalone sales prices. In these instances, the observable standalone sales are used to determine the standalone selling price.

For transportation services, revenue is recognized over time as we perform the services in the contract because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Our customers receive the benefit of our services as the goods are transported from one location to another. If we were unable to complete delivery to the final location, another entity would not need to reperform the transportation service already performed. As control transfers over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the products or services to be provided. We use the cost-to-cost measure of progress for our package delivery contracts because it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer which occurs as we incur costs on our contracts. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Revenues, including ancillary or accessorial fees and reductions for estimated customer incentives, are recorded proportionally as costs are incurred. Costs to fulfill include labor and other direct costs and an allocation of indirect costs. For our freight and freight forwarding contracts, an output method of progress based on time-in-transit is utilized as the timing of costs incurred does not best depict the transfer of control to the customer.

- 106 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

We also provide customized customer-specific solutions, such as supply chain management solutions and inventory and service parts logistics, through which we provide the service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single capability. For these arrangements, the majority of which are conducted by our FedEx Logistics, Inc. (“FedEx Logistics” (formerly FedEx Trade Networks, Inc.)) operating segment, the entire contract is accounted for as one performance obligation. For these performance obligations, we typically have a right to consideration from customers in an amount that corresponds directly with the value to the customers of our performance completed to date, and as such we recognize revenue in the amount to which we have a right to invoice the customer.

Contract Modification

Contracts are often modified to account for changes in the rates we charge our customers or to add additional distinct services. We consider contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new enforceable rights and obligations or alters the existing arrangement. Contract modifications that add distinct goods or services are treated as separate performance obligations. Contract modifications that do not add distinct goods or services typically change the price of existing services. These contract modifications are accounted for prospectively as the remaining performance obligations are executed.

Variable Consideration

Certain contracts contain customer incentives, guaranteed service refunds and other provisions that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. These incentives are generally awarded based upon achieving certain performance metrics. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled. We include estimated amounts of revenue, which may be reduced by incentives or other contract provisions, in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Our estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based on an assessment of anticipated customer spending and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to us.

Principal vs. Agent Considerations

Transportation services are provided with the use of employees and independent businesses that contract with FedEx. GAAP requires us to evaluate whether our businesses themselves promise to transfer services to the customer (as the principal) or to arrange for services to be provided by another party (as the agent) using a control model. Based on our evaluation of the control model, we determined that FedEx is the principal to the transaction for most of these services and revenue is recognized on a gross basis based on the transfer of control to the customer. Costs associated with independent businesses providing transportation services are recognized as incurred and included in the caption “Purchased transportation” in the consolidated statements of income.

Our contract logistics, global trade services and certain transportation businesses engage in certain transactions wherein they act as agents. Revenue from these transactions is recorded on a net basis. Net revenue includes billings to customers less third-party charges, including transportation or handling costs, fees, commissions and taxes and duties.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets include billed and unbilled amounts resulting from in-transit packages, as we have an unconditional right to payment only once all performance obligations have been completed (e.g., packages have been delivered). Contract assets are generally classified as current and the full balance is converted each quarter based on the short-term nature of the transactions. Our contract liabilities consist of advance payments and billings in excess of revenue. The full balance of deferred revenue is converted each quarter based on the short-term nature of the transactions.

Gross contract assets related to in-transit packages totaled $533 million and $542 million at May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively. Contract assets net of deferred unearned revenue were $364 million and $363 million at May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively. Contract assets are included within current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Contract liabilities related to advance payments from customers were $11 million and $13 million at May 31, 2019 and May 31, 2018, respectively. Contract liabilities are included within current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Payment terms

Certain of our revenue-producing transactions are subject to taxes, such as sales tax, assessed by governmental authorities. We present these revenues net of tax. Under the typical payment terms of our customer contracts, the customer pays at periodic intervals (e.g., every 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, etc.) for shipments included on invoices received. It is not customary business practice to extend payment terms past 90 days, and as such, we do not have a practice of including a significant financing component within our revenue contracts with customers.

- 107 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Disaggregation of Revenue

See Note 14 for disclosure of disaggregated revenues for the periods ended May 31. This presentation is consistent with how we organize our segments internally for making operating decisions and measuring performance.

CREDIT RISK. We routinely grant credit to many of our customers for transportation and business services without collateral. The risk of credit loss in our trade receivables is substantially mitigated by our credit evaluation process, short collection terms and sales to a large number of customers, as well as the low revenue per transaction for most of our services. Allowances for potential credit losses are determined based on historical experience and the impact of current economic conditions. Historically, credit losses have been within management’s expectations.

ADVERTISING. Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred and are classified in other operating expenses. Advertising and promotion expenses were $468 million in 2019, $442 million in 2018 and $458 million in 2017.

CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, interest-bearing instruments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase and is stated at cost, which approximates market value.

SPARE PARTS, SUPPLIES AND FUEL. Spare parts (principally aircraft-related) are reported at weighted-average cost. Allowances for obsolescence are provided for spare parts currently identified as excess or obsolete as well as expected to be on hand at the date the aircraft are retired from service. These allowances are provided over the estimated useful life of the related aircraft and engines. The majority of our supplies and fuel are reported at weighted-average cost.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT. Expenditures for major additions, improvements and flight equipment modifications are capitalized when such costs are determined to extend the useful life of the asset or are part of the cost of acquiring the asset. Expenditures for equipment overhaul costs of engines or airframes prior to their operational use are capitalized as part of the cost of such assets as they are costs required to ready the asset for its intended use. Maintenance and repairs costs are charged to expense as incurred, except for certain aircraft engine maintenance costs incurred under third-party service agreements. These agreements result in costs being expensed based on cycles or hours flown and are subject to annual escalation. These service contracts transfer risk to third-party service providers and generally fix the amount we pay for maintenance to the service provider as a rate per cycle or flight hour, in exchange for maintenance and repairs under a predefined maintenance program. We capitalize certain direct internal and external costs associated with the development of internal-use software. Gains and losses on sales of property used in operations are classified within operating expenses and historically have been nominal.

For financial reporting purposes, we record depreciation and amortization of property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the asset’s service life or related lease term, if shorter. For income tax purposes, depreciation is computed using accelerated methods when applicable.

The depreciable lives and net book value of our property and equipment are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Net Book Value at May 31,

 

 

 

Range

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Wide-body aircraft and related equipment

 

15 to 30 years

 

$

11,975

 

 

$

10,463

 

Narrow-body and feeder aircraft and related equipment

 

5 to 18 years

 

 

2,696

 

 

 

2,908

 

Package handling and ground support equipment

 

3 to 30 years

 

 

4,157

 

 

 

4,028

 

Information technology

 

2 to 10 years

 

 

1,553

 

 

 

1,277

 

Vehicles and trailers

 

3 to 15 years

 

 

4,042

 

 

 

3,747

 

Facilities and other

 

2 to 40 years

 

 

6,006

 

 

 

5,731

 

 

Substantially all property and equipment have no material residual values. The majority of aircraft costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 15 to 30 years. We periodically evaluate the estimated service lives and residual values used to depreciate our property and equipment. 

Depreciation and amortization expense, excluding gains and losses on sales of property and equipment used in operations, was $3.4 billion in 2019, $3.1 billion in 2018 and $2.9 billion in 2017. Depreciation and amortization expense includes amortization of assets under capital lease.

- 108 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

CAPITALIZED INTEREST. Interest on funds used to finance the acquisition and modification of aircraft, including purchase deposits, construction of certain facilities, and development of certain software up to the date the asset is ready for its intended use, is capitalized and included in the cost of the asset if the asset is actively under construction. Capitalized interest was $64 million in 2019, $61 million in 2018 and $41 million in 2017.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, an impairment is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

We operate integrated transportation networks, and accordingly, cash flows for most of our operating assets to be held and used are assessed at a network level, not at an individual asset level, for our analysis of impairment.

In the normal management of our aircraft fleet, we routinely idle aircraft and engines temporarily due to maintenance cycles and adjustments of our network capacity to match seasonality and overall customer demand levels. Temporarily idled assets are classified as available-for-use, and we continue to record depreciation expense associated with these assets. These temporarily idled assets are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis. The criteria for determining whether an asset has been permanently removed from service (and, as a result, is potentially impaired) include, but are not limited to, our global economic outlook and the impact of our outlook on our current and projected volume levels, including capacity needs during our peak shipping seasons; the introduction of new fleet types or decisions to permanently retire an aircraft fleet from operations; and changes to planned service expansion activities. At May 31, 2019, we had seven aircraft temporarily idled. These aircraft have been idled for an average of 23 months and are expected to return to revenue service.

SALE OF BUSINESS. On April 30, 2018, we sold a non-core business of TNT Express B.V. (“TNT Express”) and recorded a gain of $85 million in the FedEx Express segment.

GOODWILL. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of businesses acquired. Several factors give rise to goodwill in our acquisitions, such as the expected benefits from synergies of the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. In our evaluation of goodwill impairment, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, we proceed to test goodwill for impairment, including comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). Fair value for our reporting units is determined using an income or market approach incorporating market participant considerations and management’s assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and expected capital expenditures. Fair value determinations may include both internal and third-party valuations. Unless circumstances otherwise dictate, we perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Intangible assets primarily include customer relationships, technology assets and trademarks acquired in business combinations. Intangible assets are amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 15 years, either on a straight-line basis or on a basis consistent with the pattern in which the economic benefits are realized.

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTHCARE PLANS. Our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are measured using actuarial techniques that reflect management’s assumptions for discount rate, investment returns on plan assets, salary increases, expected retirement, mortality, employee turnover and future increases in healthcare costs. We determine the discount rate (which is required to be the rate at which the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) could be effectively settled as of the measurement date) with the assistance of actuaries, who calculate the yield on a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds (rated Aa or better) with cash flows that are designed to match our expected benefit payments in future years. We use the fair value of plan assets to calculate the expected return on assets (“EROA”) for interim and segment reporting purposes. Our EROA is a judgmental matter which is reviewed on an annual basis and revised as appropriate.

The accounting guidance related to employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans requires recognition in the balance sheet of the funded status of these plans. We use “mark-to-market” or MTM accounting and immediately recognize changes in the fair value of plan assets and actuarial gains or losses in our results annually in the fourth quarter each year. The annual MTM adjustment is recognized at the corporate level and does not impact segment results. The remaining components of pension and postretirement healthcare expense, primarily service and interest costs and the EROA, are recorded on a quarterly basis.

- 109 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

INCOME TAXES. Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. The liability method is used to account for income taxes, which requires deferred taxes to be recorded at the statutory rate expected to be in effect when the taxes are paid.

Deferred income tax assets represent amounts available to reduce income taxes payable on taxable income in future years. Such assets arise because of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, as well as from net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the adequacy of future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates to make this determination and, thus, there is a risk that these estimates will have to be revised as new information is received. To the extent we do not consider it more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will be recovered, a valuation allowance is established. We believe we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets that are not subject to valuation allowances.

We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step requires us to estimate and measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we must determine the probability of various possible outcomes. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis or when new information becomes available to management. These reevaluations are based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, successfully settled issues under audit and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement could result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an increase to the related provision.

We classify interest related to income tax liabilities as interest expense, and if applicable, penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. The income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties that are due within one year of the balance sheet date are presented as current liabilities. The noncurrent portion of our income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties are recorded in the caption “Other liabilities” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

SELF-INSURANCE ACCRUALS. We are self-insured for costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, vehicle accidents and general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee healthcare and disability programs. Accruals are primarily based on the actuarially estimated cost of claims, which includes incurred-but-not-reported claims. Current workers’ compensation claims, vehicle and general liability, employee healthcare claims and long-term disability are included in accrued expenses. We self-insure up to certain limits that vary by operating company and type of risk. Periodically, we evaluate the level of insurance coverage and adjust insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium expense.

LEASES. We lease certain aircraft, facilities, equipment and vehicles and trailers under capital and operating leases. The commencement date of all leases is the earlier of the date we become legally obligated to make rent payments or the date we may exercise control over the use of the property. In addition to minimum rental payments, certain leases provide for contingent rentals based on equipment usage, principally related to aircraft leases at FedEx Express. Rent expense associated with contingent rentals is recorded as incurred. Certain of our leases contain fluctuating or escalating payments and rent holiday periods. The related rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The cumulative excess of rent payments over rent expense is accounted for as a deferred lease asset and recorded in “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cumulative excess of rent expense over rent payments is accounted for as a deferred lease obligation. Leasehold improvements associated with assets utilized under capital or operating leases are amortized over the shorter of the asset’s useful life or the lease term.

DEFERRED GAINS. Gains on the sale and leaseback of aircraft and other property and equipment are deferred and amortized ratably over the life of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Substantially all of these deferred gains are related to aircraft transactions.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. Our risk management strategy includes the select use of derivative instruments to reduce the effects of volatility in foreign currency exchange exposure on operating results and cash flows. In accordance with our risk management policies, we do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. All derivative instruments are recognized in the financial statements at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them.

When we become a party to a derivative instrument and intend to apply hedge accounting, we formally document the hedge relationship and the risk management objective for undertaking the hedge, which includes designating the instrument for financial reporting purposes as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a net investment hedge.

- 110 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

If a derivative is designated as a cash flow or net investment hedge, changes in its fair value are considered to be effective and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) until the hedged item is recorded in income. Any portion of a change in the fair value of a derivative that is considered to be ineffective, along with the change in fair value of any derivatives not designated in a hedging relationship, is immediately recognized in the income statement. We do not have any derivatives designated as a cash flow or net investment hedge for any period presented. Accordingly, additional disclosures about these types of financial instruments are excluded from this report.

For derivative instruments designated as hedges, we assess, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items. In addition, when we determine that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gains or losses existing in AOCI at that time remain there until the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognized in the income statement. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gains or losses that were reported in AOCI are immediately recognized in the income statement. The financial statement impact of derivative transactions was immaterial for each period presented. Accordingly, additional disclosures have been excluded from this report.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. Translation gains and losses of foreign operations that use local currencies as the functional currency are accumulated and reported, net of applicable deferred income taxes, as a component of AOCI within common stockholders’ investment. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local currency are included in the caption “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and were immaterial for each period presented.

EMPLOYEES UNDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ARRANGEMENTS. The pilots of FedEx Express, who are a small number of its total employees, are employed under a collective bargaining agreement that took effect on November 2, 2015. The collective bargaining agreement is scheduled to become amendable in November 2021. Other than the pilots at FedEx Express and drivers at one FedEx Freight facility, our U.S. employees have thus far chosen not to unionize (we acquired FedEx Supply Chain Distribution System, Inc. (“FedEx Supply Chain”) in 2015, which already had a small number of employees that are members of unions). Additionally, certain of FedEx Express’s non-U.S. employees are unionized, and a union has been certified to represent owner-drivers at a FedEx Freight Canada, Corp. facility.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. The accounting guidance related to share-based payments requires recognition of compensation expense for stock-based awards using a fair value method. We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options. The value of restricted stock awards is based on the stock price of the award on the grant date. We record stock-based compensation expense in the “Salaries and employee benefits” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. We issue new shares or treasury shares from stock repurchases to cover employee stock option exercises and restricted stock grants.

TREASURY SHARES. In January 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to 25 million shares. During 2019, we repurchased 6.6 million shares of FedEx common stock at an average price of $222.94 per share for a total of $1.5 billion. As of May 31, 2019, 5.1 million shares remained under the stock repurchase authorization. Shares under the current repurchase program may be repurchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and volume of repurchases are at the discretion of management, based on the capital needs of the business, the market price of FedEx common stock and general market conditions. No time limit was set for the completion of the program, and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

In 2018, we repurchased 4.3 million shares of FedEx common stock at an average price of $237.45 per share for a total of $1.0 billion. In 2017, we repurchased 3.0 million shares of FedEx common stock at an average price of $172.13 per share for a total of $509 million. 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE. On June 10, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share of common stock. The dividend was paid on July 8, 2019 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 24, 2019. Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors, and we evaluate our dividend payment amount on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year. There are no material restrictions on our ability to declare dividends, nor are there any material restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.

- 111 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT COSTS. In December 2018, we announced cost-reduction programs primarily through initiatives at FedEx Services and FedEx Express in response to current business and economic conditions that included the following:

 

A U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program for eligible employees;

 

Limited hiring in staff functions; and

 

Reductions in discretionary spending.

During 2019, we conducted a program to offer voluntary cash buyouts to eligible U.S.-based employees in certain staff functions. The U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program includes voluntary severance payments and funding to healthcare reimbursement accounts, with the voluntary severance payment calculated based on four weeks of gross base salary for every year of continuous service up to a maximum payment of two years of pay. This program was completed in the fourth quarter of 2019, and approximately 1,500 employees have left or will be leaving during 2020. Costs of the benefits provided under the U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program were recognized as special termination benefits in the period that eligible employees accepted their offers.

We incurred costs of $320 million ($243 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share) during 2019 associated with our business realignment activities. These costs related primarily to severance for employees who accepted voluntary buyouts in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. Payments are made at the time of departure. Approximately $220 million was paid under this program during 2019. The cost of the U.S.-based voluntary employee buyout program is included in the caption “Business realignment costs” in our consolidated statements of income. Also included in that caption are other incremental, external costs directly attributable to our business realignment activities, such as professional fees.

USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Management makes its best estimate of the ultimate outcome for these items based on historical trends and other information available when the financial statements are prepared. Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include: self-insurance accruals; retirement plan obligations; long-term incentive accruals; tax liabilities; loss contingencies; litigation claims; impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill); and purchase price allocations.

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly impact our reported results and the comparability of our financial statements. We believe the following new accounting guidance is relevant to the readers of our financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and International Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting standard that supersedes virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The fundamental principles of the new guidance are that companies should recognize revenue in a manner that reflects the timing of the transfer of services to customers and the amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration that a company expects to receive for the goods and services provided. The new guidance establishes a five-step approach for the recognition of revenue. We adopted this standard as of June 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) using the modified retrospective method of adoption as permitted by the standard. The new guidance did not have an impact on our revenue recognition policies, practices or systems; therefore, there was no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of June 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2017-07) that changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. This new guidance requires entities to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component outside of income from operations. This standard impacts our operating income but has no impact on our net income or earnings per share. We adopted this standard effective June 1, 2018 (fiscal 2019) and applied these changes retrospectively. As such, prior year financial results are recast to conform to these new rules.

- 112 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table presents our results under our historical method of accounting and as adjusted to reflect our adoption of ASU 2017-07 (in millions):

 

 

May 31, 2018

 

 

May 31, 2017

 

 

 

Reported

 

 

Effect of Adoption of ASU 2017-07

 

 

As Adjusted

 

 

Reported

 

 

Effect of Adoption of ASU 2017-07

 

 

As Adjusted

 

Revenue

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

 

$

 

 

$

60,319

 

Operating income

 

 

4,870

 

 

 

(598

)

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

5,037

 

 

 

(471

)

 

 

4,566

 

Other income (expense), net

 

 

(517

)

 

 

598

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

(458

)

 

 

471

 

 

 

13

 

Net income

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,997

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2018-14) that modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans. The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This new guidance had a minimal impact on our financial reporting. We adopted these new rules in the fourth quarter of 2019 and applied them retrospectively.

New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In 2016, the FASB issued a new lease accounting standard which requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize the expenses in their income statements in a manner similar to current practice. The new standard states that a lessee will recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. Expenses related to leases determined to be operating leases will be recognized on a straight-line basis, while those determined to be financing leases will be recognized following a front-loaded expense profile in which interest and amortization are presented separately in the income statement. The new standard will also require disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements as well as additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements.

We are adopting the new leasing standard using a modified retrospective transition method as of the beginning of the period of adoption; therefore, we will not adjust the comparative periods presented but will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings effective as of June 1, 2019. We will elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carry forward the historical accounting relating to lease identification and classification for existing leases upon adoption and to not separate lease and non-lease components for certain classes of assets. We will make an accounting policy election not to recognize leases with an initial term of 12 months or less on the consolidated balance sheets.

Based on our lease portfolio, we anticipate recognizing a lease liability and related right-of-use asset on our balance sheet of approximately $14 billion, with an immaterial impact on our income statement compared to the current lease accounting model. In addition, we expect to de-recognize existing deferred gains on sale leasebacks of aircraft of approximately $56 million as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings effective as of June 1, 2019. The majority of our existing lease arrangements are classified as operating leases, which will continue to be classified as operating under the new standard. In connection with the adoption of these new rules, we implemented changes to our policies, processes, information systems and internal controls to ensure we meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2016-13) that changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. These changes will be effective June 1, 2020 (fiscal 2021). We are assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2018, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2018-02) that will permit companies to reclassify the income tax effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) on items within AOCI to retained earnings. We are adopting this standard as of June 1, 2019 (fiscal 2020) and are electing to reclassify these tax effects, which are immaterial to our financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2018-15) that reduces the complexity for accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the accounting for capitalizing implementation costs of hosting arrangements, regardless of whether they convey a license to the hosted software. These changes will be effective June 1, 2020 (fiscal 2021). We are assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

- 113 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 3: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On May 1, 2019, we acquired the international express division of FC (Flying Cargo) Express Ltd. (“Flying Cargo”) for $67 million in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided.

On October 1, 2018, we acquired the controlling interest in an existing joint venture with Swiss Post, which operates a Swiss-wide transport system with connections to TNT Express’s global network. The controlling interest was acquired through the noncash contribution of a complementary Swiss business into the venture, resulting in the recognition of an immaterial gain. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill and other intangibles. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided. 

On March 23, 2018, we acquired P2P Mailing Limited (“P2P”), a leading provider of worldwide, low-cost e-commerce transportation solutions, for £92 million ($135 million) in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Logistics operating segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided.

On October 13, 2017, we acquired Northwest Research, Inc. (“Northwest Research”), a leader in inventory research and management, for $50 million in cash from operations. The majority of the purchase price was allocated to property and equipment. The financial results of this acquired business are included in the FedEx Services segment from the date of acquisition and were not material to our results of operations. Therefore, pro forma financial information has not been provided.

NOTE 4: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL. The carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each reportable operating segment and changes therein are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

FedEx Express

Segment

 

 

FedEx Ground

Segment

 

 

FedEx Freight

Segment

 

 

FedEx Services

Segment

 

 

Corporate, Other and Eliminations

 

 

Total

 

Goodwill at May 31, 2017

 

$

4,953

 

 

$

827

 

 

$

764

 

 

$

1,525

 

 

$

395

 

 

$

8,464

 

Accumulated impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(133

)

 

 

(1,177

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,310

)

Balance as of May 31, 2017

 

 

4,953

 

 

 

827

 

 

 

631

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

395

 

 

 

7,154

 

Goodwill acquired(1)

 

 

76

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

125

 

Purchase adjustments and other(2)

 

 

71

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

68

 

Impairment charges(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(374

)

 

 

(374

)

Balance as of May 31, 2018

 

 

5,100

 

 

 

840

 

 

 

634

 

 

 

348

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

6,973

 

Goodwill acquired(4)

 

 

126

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

126

 

Purchase adjustments and other(2)

 

 

(210

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5

)

 

 

(215

)

Balance as of May 31, 2019

 

$

5,016

 

 

$

840

 

 

$

634

 

 

$

348

 

 

$

46

 

 

$

6,884

 

Accumulated goodwill impairment charges

   as of May 31, 2019

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(133

)

 

$

(1,177

)

 

$

(374

)

 

$

(1,684

)

 

 

(1)

Goodwill acquired relates to the acquisitions of Northwest Research and P2P. See Note 3 for more information.

 

(2)

Primarily purchase price allocation-related adjustments, currency translation adjustments and acquired goodwill related to immaterial acquisitions.

 

(3)

Impairment charges related to the goodwill impairment of FedEx Supply Chain described below.

 

(4)

Goodwill acquired relates to the acquisitions of Flying Cargo and the controlling interest in an existing joint venture with Swiss Post. See Note 3 for more information.

Our reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Freight and FedEx Office (reported in the FedEx Services segment). We evaluated these reporting units during the fourth quarter of 2019. The estimated fair value of each of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values in 2019, and we do not believe that any of these reporting units were impaired as of May 31, 2019.

- 114 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

In 2018, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $374 million related to FedEx Supply Chain, eliminating substantially all of the goodwill attributable to this reporting unit. In our evaluation of the goodwill of this reporting unit, we compared the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable goodwill). Fair value was estimated using standard valuation methodologies (principally the income and market approach) incorporating market participant considerations and management’s assumptions on revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates and expected capital expenditures. The key factors contributing to the goodwill impairment were underperformance of the FedEx Supply Chain business during 2018, including base business erosion, and the failure to attain the level of operating synergies and revenue and profit growth anticipated at the time of the acquisition. Based on these factors, our outlook for the business and industry changed in the fourth quarter of 2018. No other impairments of goodwill were recognized during 2019, 2018 or 2017.

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. The summary of our intangible assets and related accumulated amortization at May 31, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net Book

Value

 

 

Gross

Carrying

Amount

 

 

Accumulated

Amortization

 

 

Net Book

Value

 

Customer relationships

 

$

685

 

 

$

(293

)

 

$

392

 

 

$

676

 

 

$

(250

)

 

$

426

 

Technology

 

 

66

 

 

 

(51

)

 

 

15

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

(39

)

 

 

29

 

Trademarks and other

 

 

137

 

 

 

(128

)

 

 

9

 

 

 

141

 

 

 

(116

)

 

 

25

 

Total

 

$

888

 

 

$

(472

)

 

$

416

 

 

$

885

 

 

$

(405

)

 

$

480

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets was $82 million in 2019, $87 million in 2018 and $91 million in 2017.

Expected amortization expense for the next five years is as follows (in millions):

 

2020

$

64

 

2021

 

52

 

2022

 

45

 

2023

 

43

 

2024

 

42

 

 

 

NOTE 5: SELECTED CURRENT LIABILITIES

The components of selected current liability captions at May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Accrued Salaries and Employee Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries

 

$

425

 

 

$

498

 

Employee benefits, including variable compensation

 

 

552

 

 

 

933

 

Compensated absences

 

 

764

 

 

 

746

 

 

 

$

1,741

 

 

$

2,177

 

Accrued Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Self-insurance accruals

 

$

1,104

 

 

$

957

 

Taxes other than income taxes

 

 

304

 

 

 

334

 

Other

 

 

1,870

 

 

 

1,840

 

 

 

$

3,278

 

 

$

3,131

 

 

- 115 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 6: LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

The components of long-term debt (net of discounts and debt issuance costs), along with maturity dates for the years subsequent to May 31, 2019, are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Interest Rate%

 

 

Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior unsecured debt:

 

 

8.00

 

 

2019

 

$

 

 

$

750

 

 

 

 

2.30

 

 

2020

 

 

400

 

 

 

399

 

 

 

 

3.40

 

 

2022

 

 

497

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.625-2.70

 

 

2023

 

 

747

 

 

 

746

 

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

2024

 

 

746

 

 

 

746

 

 

 

 

3.20

 

 

2025

 

 

696

 

 

 

695

 

 

 

 

3.25

 

 

2026

 

 

745

 

 

 

744

 

 

 

 

3.30

 

 

2027

 

 

446

 

 

 

445

 

 

 

 

3.40

 

 

2028

 

 

495

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

 

4.20

 

 

2029

 

 

396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.90

 

 

2034

 

 

495

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

 

3.90

 

 

2035

 

 

494

 

 

 

493

 

 

 

3.875-4.10

 

 

2043

 

 

984

 

 

 

983

 

 

 

 

5.10

 

 

2044

 

 

742

 

 

 

742

 

 

 

 

4.10

 

 

2045

 

 

641

 

 

 

640

 

 

 

4.55-4.75

 

 

2046

 

 

2,460

 

 

 

2,459

 

 

 

 

4.40

 

 

2047

 

 

735

 

 

 

735

 

 

 

 

4.05

 

 

2048

 

 

986

 

 

 

986

 

 

 

 

4.95

 

 

2049

 

 

835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.50

 

 

2065

 

 

246

 

 

 

246

 

 

 

 

7.60

 

 

2098

 

 

237

 

 

 

237

 

Euro senior unsecured debt:

 

floating-rate

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

582

 

 

 

 

0.50

 

 

2020

 

 

559

 

 

 

581

 

 

 

 

0.70

 

 

2022

 

 

713

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.00

 

 

2023

 

 

836

 

 

 

869

 

 

 

 

1.625

 

 

2027

 

 

1,387

 

 

 

1,442

 

Total senior unsecured debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,518

 

 

 

16,510

 

Other debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

4

 

Capital lease obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,581

 

 

 

16,585

 

Less current portion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

964

 

 

 

1,342

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

16,617

 

 

$

15,243

 

 

Interest on our U.S. dollar fixed-rate notes is paid semi-annually. Interest on our euro fixed-rate notes is paid annually. The weighted average interest rate on long-term debt was 3.5% as of May 31, 2019. Long-term debt, including current maturities and exclusive of capital leases, had estimated fair values of $17.8 billion at May 31, 2019 and $16.6 billion at May 31, 2018. The estimated fair values were determined based on quoted market prices and the current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of our long-term debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. This classification is defined as a fair value determined using market-based inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the liability, either directly or indirectly.

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

During January 2019, we issued $1.2 billion of senior unsecured debt under our current shelf registration statement, comprised of €640 million of 0.7% fixed-rate notes due in May 2022 and $500 million of 3.4% fixed-rate notes due in January 2022. We used the net proceeds to pay the €500 million aggregate principal amount of floating-rate notes that matured on April 11, 2019, and for general corporate purposes.

- 116 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During October 2018, we issued $1.25 billion of senior unsecured debt under our current shelf registration statement, comprised of $400 million of 4.20% fixed-rate notes due in October 2028 and $850 million of 4.95% fixed-rate notes due in October 2048. We used the net proceeds to redeem the $750 million aggregate principal amount of 8.00% notes due January 15, 2019, and for general corporate purposes.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, we replaced our $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility with a $2.0 billion five-year credit agreement (the “Five-Year Credit Agreement”) and a $1.5 billion 364-day credit agreement (the “364-Day Credit Agreement” and, together with the Five-Year Credit Agreement, the “New Credit Agreements”). The Five-Year Credit Agreement expires in March 2024 and includes a $250 million letter of credit sublimit. The 364-Day Credit Agreement expires in March 2020. The New Credit Agreements are available to finance our operations and other cash flow needs. The New Credit Agreements contain a financial covenant requiring us to maintain a ratio of debt to consolidated earnings (excluding noncash retirement plans MTM adjustments and noncash asset impairment charges) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“adjusted EBITDA”) of not more than 3.5 to 1.0, calculated as of the end of the applicable quarter on a rolling four-quarters basis. The ratio of our debt to adjusted EBITDA was 2.25 to 1.0 at May 31, 2019. We believe this covenant is the only significant restrictive covenant in our New Credit Agreements. Our New Credit Agreements contain other customary covenants that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially restrict the conduct of our business. We are in compliance with the financial covenant and all other covenants in our New Credit Agreements and do not expect the covenants to affect our operations, including our liquidity or expected funding needs. If we failed to comply with the financial covenant or any other covenants in our New Credit Agreements, our access to financing could become limited. We had a total of $53 million in letters of credit outstanding at May 31, 2019, with $197 million of the letter of credit sublimit unused under our revolving credit facility.

As of May 31, 2019, no commercial paper was outstanding.

NOTE 7: LEASES

We utilize certain aircraft, land, facilities, retail locations and equipment under capital and operating leases that expire at various dates through 2051. We leased 6% of our total aircraft fleet under operating leases as of May 31, 2019 and 7% as of May 31, 2018. A portion of our supplemental aircraft are leased by us under agreements that provide for cancellation upon 30 days’ notice. Our leased facilities include national, regional and metropolitan sorting facilities, retail facilities and administrative buildings.

Rent expense under operating leases for the years ended May 31 was as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Minimum rentals

 

$

2,875

 

 

$

2,913

 

 

$

2,814

 

Contingent rentals(1)

 

 

222

 

 

 

194

 

 

 

178

 

 

 

$

3,097

 

 

$

3,107

 

 

$

2,992

 

(1)

Contingent rentals are based on equipment usage.

A summary of future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases with an initial or remaining term in excess of one year at May 31, 2019 is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Operating Leases

 

 

 

Aircraft

and Related

Equipment

 

 

Facilities

and Other

 

 

Total

Operating

Leases

 

2020

 

$

288

 

 

$

2,209

 

 

$

2,497

 

2021

 

 

230

 

 

 

2,033

 

 

 

2,263

 

2022

 

 

212

 

 

 

1,816

 

 

 

2,028

 

2023

 

 

154

 

 

 

1,625

 

 

 

1,779

 

2024

 

 

58

 

 

 

1,428

 

 

 

1,486

 

Thereafter

 

 

85

 

 

 

7,977

 

 

 

8,062

 

Total

 

$

1,027

 

 

$

17,088

 

 

$

18,115

 

Property and equipment recorded under capital leases and future minimum lease payments under capital leases are immaterial. The weighted-average remaining lease term of all operating leases outstanding at May 31, 2019 was approximately six years. While certain of our lease agreements contain covenants governing the use of the leased assets or require us to maintain certain levels of insurance, none of our lease agreements include material financial covenants or limitations.

- 117 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FedEx Express makes payments under certain leveraged operating leases that are sufficient to pay principal and interest on certain pass-through certificates. The pass-through certificates are not direct obligations of, or guaranteed by, FedEx or FedEx Express.

We are the lessee under certain operating leases covering a portion of our leased aircraft in which the lessors are trusts established specifically to purchase, finance and lease these aircraft to us. These leasing entities are variable interest entities. We are not the primary beneficiary of the leasing entities, as the lease terms are at market at the inception of the lease and do not include a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar feature that obligates us to absorb decreases in value or entitles us to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. Therefore, we are not required to consolidate any of these entities as the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure under these leases is included in the summary of future minimum lease payments.

NOTE 8: PREFERRED STOCK

Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors, at its discretion, to issue up to 4,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The stock is issuable in series, which may vary as to certain rights and preferences, and has no par value. As of May 31, 2019, none of these shares had been issued.

NOTE 9: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table provides changes in AOCI, net of tax, reported in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended May 31 (in millions; amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Foreign currency translation loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

(759

)

 

$

(685

)

 

$

(514

)

Translation adjustments

 

 

(195

)

 

 

(74

)

 

 

(171

)

Balance at end of period

 

 

(954

)

 

 

(759

)

 

 

(685

)

Retirement plans adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period

 

 

181

 

 

 

270

 

 

 

345

 

Prior service credit and other arising during period

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

1

 

Reclassifications from AOCI

 

 

(92

)

 

 

(85

)

 

 

(76

)

Balance at end of period

 

 

89

 

 

 

181

 

 

 

270

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period

 

$

(865

)

 

$

(578

)

 

$

(415

)

 

The following table presents details of the reclassifications from AOCI for the years ended May 31 (in millions; amounts in parentheses indicate debits to earnings):

 

 

 

Amount Reclassified from

AOCI

 

 

Affected Line Item in the

Income Statement

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

Amortization of retirement plans prior service

   credits, before tax

 

$

120

 

 

$

121

 

 

$

120

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

Income tax benefit

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(36

)

 

 

(44

)

 

Provision for income taxes

AOCI reclassifications, net of tax

 

$

92

 

 

$

85

 

 

$

76

 

 

Net income

 

NOTE 10: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Our total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended May 31 was as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

$

174

 

 

$

167

 

 

$

154

 

We have two types of equity-based compensation: stock options and restricted stock.

STOCK OPTIONS. Under the provisions of our incentive stock plan, key employees and non-employee directors may be granted options to purchase shares of our common stock at a price not less than its fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting requirements are determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Option-vesting periods range from one to four years, with 82% of our options vesting ratably over four years. Compensation expense associated with these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.

- 118 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

RESTRICTED STOCK. Under the terms of our incentive stock plan, restricted shares of our common stock are awarded to key employees. All restrictions on the shares expire ratably over a four-year period. Shares are valued at the market price on the date of award. The terms of our restricted stock provide for continued vesting subsequent to the employee’s retirement. Compensation expense associated with these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the requisite service period or the stated vesting period.

ASSUMPTIONS. The key assumptions for the Black-Scholes valuation method include the expected life of the option, stock price volatility, a risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The following table includes the weighted-average Black-Scholes value of our stock option grants, the intrinsic value of options exercised (in millions) and the key weighted-average assumptions used in the valuation calculations for options granted during the years ended May 31, followed by a discussion of our methodology for developing each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Weighted-average Black-Scholes value

 

$

61.42

 

 

$

55.72

 

 

$

43.99

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised

 

$

122

 

 

$

359

 

 

$

274

 

Black-Scholes Assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected lives

 

6.4 years

 

 

6.5 years

 

 

6.5 years

 

Expected volatility

 

 

21

%

 

 

23

%

 

 

25

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

 

2.94

%

 

 

2.07

%

 

 

1.64

%

Dividend yield

 

 

0.935

%

 

 

0.796

%

 

 

0.719

%

The expected life represents an estimate of the period of time options are expected to remain outstanding, and we examine actual stock option exercises to determine the expected life of the options. Options granted have a maximum term of 10 years. Expected volatilities are based on the actual changes in the market value of our stock and are calculated using daily market value changes from the date of grant over a past period equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate is the U.S. Treasury Strip rate posted at the date of grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. The expected dividend yield is the annual rate of dividends per share over the exercise price of the option.

The following table summarizes information regarding stock option activity for the year ended May 31, 2019:

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Exercise

Price

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term

 

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

(in millions)(1)

 

Outstanding at June 1, 2018

 

 

12,984,917

 

 

$

147.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

2,383,158

 

 

 

244.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

(1,112,160

)

 

 

91.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(633,400

)

 

 

212.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at May 31, 2019

 

 

13,622,515

 

 

$

166.89

 

 

 

6.1

 

 

$

260

 

Exercisable

 

 

8,344,344

 

 

$

134.70

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

$

260

 

Expected to vest

 

 

4,950,924

 

 

$

217.78

 

 

 

8.3

 

 

$

 

Available for future grants

 

 

13,894,509

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Only presented for options with market value at May 31, 2019 in excess of the exercise price of the option.

The options granted during 2019 are primarily related to our principal annual stock option grant in June 2018.

- 119 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table summarizes information regarding vested and unvested restricted stock for the year ended May 31, 2019:

 

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Weighted-

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

 

Unvested at June 1, 2018

 

 

337,590

 

 

$

185.16

 

Granted

 

 

149,579

 

 

 

253.28

 

Vested

 

 

(153,734

)

 

 

180.65

 

Forfeited

 

 

(8,957

)

 

 

218.08

 

Unvested at May 31, 2019

 

 

324,478

 

 

$

217.76

 

During the year ended May 31, 2018, there were 155,624 shares of restricted stock granted with a weighted-average fair value of $212.60 per share. During the year ended May 31, 2017, there were 153,984 shares of restricted stock granted with a weighted-average fair value of $166.12 per share.

Stock option vesting during the years ended May 31 was as follows:

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

 

Vested during

the year

 

 

Fair value

(in millions)

 

2019

 

 

2,249,301

 

 

$

115

 

2018

 

 

2,465,493

 

 

 

112

 

2017

 

 

2,427,837

 

 

 

104

 

As of May 31, 2019, there was $221 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This compensation expense is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately two years.

Total shares outstanding or available for grant related to equity compensation at May 31, 2019 represented 10% of the total outstanding common and equity compensation shares and equity compensation shares available for grant.

NOTE 11: COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended May 31 was as follows (in millions, except per share amounts):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings allocable to common shares(1)

 

$

539

 

 

$

4,566

 

 

$

2,993

 

Weighted-average common shares

 

 

262

 

 

 

267

 

 

 

266

 

Basic earnings per common share

 

$

2.06

 

 

$

17.08

 

 

$

11.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings allocable to common shares(1)

 

$

539

 

 

$

4,566

 

 

$

2,993

 

Weighted-average common shares

 

 

262

 

 

 

267

 

 

 

266

 

Dilutive effect of share-based awards

 

 

3

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

4

 

Weighted-average diluted shares

 

 

265

 

 

 

272

 

 

 

270

 

Diluted earnings per common share

 

$

2.03

 

 

$

16.79

 

 

$

11.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anti-dilutive options excluded from diluted earnings per common share

 

 

5.4

 

 

 

2.5

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

(1)

Net earnings available to participating securities were immaterial in all periods presented.

- 120 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 12: INCOME TAXES

The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Current provision (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

$

(107

)

 

$

(540

)

 

$

269

 

State and local

 

 

64

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

88

 

Foreign

 

 

243

 

 

 

461

 

 

 

285

 

 

 

 

200

 

 

 

(36

)

 

 

642

 

Deferred provision (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal

 

 

(61

)

 

 

271

 

 

 

989

 

State and local

 

 

(7

)

 

 

125

 

 

 

59

 

Foreign

 

 

(17

)

 

 

(579

)

 

 

(108

)

 

 

 

(85

)

 

 

(183

)

 

 

940

 

 

 

$

115

 

 

$

(219

)

 

$

1,582

 

 

Pre-tax earnings of foreign operations for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $929 million, $958 million and $919 million, respectively. These amounts represent only a portion of total results associated with international shipments and do not represent our international results of operations.

A reconciliation of total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (21% in 2019, 29.2% in 2018 and 35% in 2017) to income before taxes for the years ended May 31 is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Taxes computed at federal statutory rate

 

$

138

 

 

$

1,271

 

 

$

1,603

 

Increases (decreases) in income tax from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-deductible expenses

 

 

79

 

 

 

81

 

 

 

76

 

Valuation allowance

 

 

(79

)

 

 

31

 

 

 

44

 

TCJA(1)

 

 

(71

)

 

 

(1,354

)

 

 

 

Foreign tax rate enactments

 

 

50

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit

 

 

44

 

 

 

119

 

 

 

99

 

Benefits from share-based payments

 

 

(18

)

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(55

)

Uncertain tax positions

 

 

8

 

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

Foreign tax credits from distributions

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(225

)

 

 

 

Foreign operations

 

 

(1

)

 

 

25

 

 

 

(5

)

Corporate structuring transactions(2)

 

 

 

 

 

(255

)

 

 

(68

)

Goodwill impairment charge

 

 

 

 

 

109

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(27

)

 

 

(53

)

 

 

(112

)

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

 

$

115

 

 

$

(219

)

 

$

1,582

 

Effective Tax Rate

 

 

17.6

%

 

 

(5.0

)%

 

 

34.6

%

(1)

Primary components in 2018 were a $1.15 billion benefit from the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability and a $204 million one-time benefit from a contribution to our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans (“U.S. Pension Plans”) in 2018.

(2)

The 2018 and 2017 net benefits consist of foreign deferred tax benefits of $434 million and $94 million, respectively, which were partially offset by U.S. deferred tax expenses of $179 million and $26 million, respectively.   

The 2019 tax rate includes a benefit of $90 million from the reduction of a valuation allowance on tax loss carryforwards due to certain business operational changes from the integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express in a local jurisdiction, which impacted our determination of the realizability of the deferred tax asset in that jurisdiction and an expense of $50 million from the impact on our deferred taxes attributable to a lower tax rate in the Netherlands. The 2019 tax rate was also favorably impacted by the TCJA, which resulted in benefits of approximately $75 million from accelerated deductions claimed on our 2018 U.S. income tax return filed in 2019 and approximately $40 million from the lower statutory tax rate on fiscal 2019 earnings.

- 121 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The 2018 tax rate was favorably impacted by the TCJA, which resulted in a provisional benefit of $1.15 billion from the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability. In addition, we recognized a benefit of approximately $265 million related to the lower statutory income tax rate and a one-time benefit of $204 million from a $1.5 billion contribution to our U.S. Pension Plans in 2018. Our 2018 tax rate also included a net benefit of $255 million from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express and a benefit of $225 million from foreign tax credits generated by distributions to the U.S. from our foreign operations. The 2018 tax rate was negatively impacted by an increase in uncertain tax positions for income tax audits. Our 2017 tax rate was favorably impacted by $62 million as a result of new U.S. foreign currency tax regulations.  

The TCJA, enacted on December 22, 2017, significantly changed the U.S. corporate income tax system in multiple ways such as (1) reducing our U.S. statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% (due to our May 31 fiscal year-end, the lower rate was phased in, resulting in a U.S. statutory federal rate of 29.2% for 2018 and a statutory federal rate of 21% for 2019 and subsequent years); (2) requiring us to calculate a one-time U.S. tax on earnings which have not previously been repatriated to the U.S. (transition tax); and (3) introducing new provisions that took effect in 2019, including but not limited to, a tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI), a tax deduction for foreign-derived intangible income, additional limitations on tax deductions for executive compensation and a minimum base erosion and anti-abuse tax based on certain payments from a U.S. company to foreign related parties. We included the impact of the above provisions in the computation of our effective tax rates, as applicable.  

As provided for in the TCJA, our historical earnings were subject to the one-time transition tax and can be repatriated to the U.S. with a de minimis tax cost. We continue to assert that both our historical and current earnings in our foreign subsidiaries are permanently reinvested and therefore no deferred taxes or withholding taxes have been provided, including deferred taxes on any additional outside basis difference (e.g., stock basis differences attributable to acquisition or other permanent differences).

During 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department issued final regulations covering the one-time transition tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings, which was enacted as part of the TCJA. Certain guidance included in these final regulations is inconsistent with our interpretation that led to the recognition of a $225 million benefit in 2018 and an additional $8 million benefit in 2019. Notwithstanding this inconsistency, we remain confident in our interpretation of the TCJA and intend to defend this position through litigation, if necessary. However, if we are ultimately unsuccessful in defending our position, we may be required to reverse the $233 million benefit previously recorded.

In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 to provide guidance to registrants in accounting for income taxes under the TCJA. In accordance with SAB 118, we made reasonable estimates and recorded provisional amounts for the TCJA during 2018. Under the transitional provisions of SAB 118, we had a one-year measurement period to complete the accounting for the initial tax effects of the TCJA. Our accounting is complete for the tax effects of the TCJA, including the following elements initially recorded on a provisional basis:

 

In 2018, we recognized a provisional benefit related to the revaluation of U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities. During 2019, we revised the provisional benefit associated with the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability. As a result, we recognized a $4 million tax expense, which decreased the $1.15 billion provisional benefit recorded in 2018.

 

In 2018, we previously recognized an immaterial provisional benefit from foreign tax credits exceeding the one-time transition tax on previously deferred foreign earnings. No adjustments were made to the provisional estimate during the remeasurement period.

 

We have determined to record the taxes for GILTI as a period cost.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

 

Deferred Tax

Assets

 

 

Deferred Tax

Liabilities

 

 

Deferred Tax

Assets

 

 

Deferred Tax

Liabilities

 

Property, equipment, leases and intangibles

 

$

592

 

 

$

4,633

 

 

$

752

 

 

$

3,663

 

Employee benefits

 

 

1,256

 

 

 

 

 

 

595

 

 

 

31

 

Self-insurance accruals

 

 

585

 

 

 

 

 

 

494

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

510

 

 

 

340

 

 

 

416

 

 

 

602

 

Net operating loss/credit carryforwards

 

 

1,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,146

 

 

 

 

Valuation allowances

 

 

(590

)

 

 

 

 

 

(711

)

 

 

 

 

 

$

3,492

 

 

$

4,973

 

 

$

2,692

 

 

$

4,296

 

 

- 122 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The net deferred tax liabilities as of May 31 have been classified in the balance sheets as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Noncurrent deferred tax assets(1)

 

$

1,340

 

 

$

1,263

 

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities

 

 

(2,821

)

 

 

(2,867

)

 

 

$

(1,481

)

 

$

(1,604

)

 

(1)

Noncurrent deferred tax assets are included in the line item “Other Assets” in our consolidated balance sheets.

We have approximately $3.4 billion of net operating loss carryovers in various foreign jurisdictions and $780 million of state operating loss carryovers. The valuation allowances primarily represent amounts reserved for operating loss carryforwards, which expire over varying periods starting in 2020. Therefore, we establish valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that deferred income tax assets will not be realized. We believe that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 1 above for more information on our policy for assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets and valuation allowances.

We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various U.S. state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Internal Revenue Service is currently auditing our 2016 and 2017 tax returns. We will also be commencing an appeals proceeding in September 2019 with respect to our 2014 and 2015 U.S. federal income tax returns. It is reasonably possible that certain income tax return proceedings will be completed during the next 12 months and could result in a change in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits. The expected impact of any changes would not be material to our consolidated financial statements.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

161

 

 

$

67

 

 

$

49

 

Increases for tax positions taken in the current year

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

Increases for tax positions taken in prior years

 

 

31

 

 

 

103

 

 

 

8

 

Increase for business acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

Decreases for tax positions taken in prior years

 

 

(4

)

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(1

)

Settlements

 

 

(21

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(4

)

Decreases from lapse of statute of limitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

Changes due to currency translation

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

164

 

 

$

161

 

 

$

67

 

 

Our liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions include $141 million at May 31, 2019 and $142 million at May 31, 2018 associated with positions that, if favorably resolved, would provide a benefit to our income tax expense. We classify interest related to income tax liabilities as interest expense and, if applicable, penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. The balance of accrued interest and penalties was $38 million on May 31, 2019 and $35 million on May 31, 2018. Total interest and penalties included in our consolidated statements of income are immaterial.

It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for tax positions. Changes may result from the conclusion of ongoing audits, appeals or litigation in state, local, federal and foreign tax jurisdictions, or from the resolution of various proceedings between U.S. and foreign tax authorities. Our liability for uncertain tax positions includes no matters that are individually or collectively material to us. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease within the next 12 months, but an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible changes cannot be made. However, we do not expect that the resolution of any of our uncertain tax positions will have a material effect on us.

NOTE 13: RETIREMENT PLANS

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 accounting guidance related to postretirement benefits requires recognition in the balance sheet of the funded status of defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and the recognition in either expense or AOCI of unrecognized gains or losses and prior service costs or credits. We use MTM accounting for the recognition of our actuarial gains and losses related to our defined benefit pension and postretirement healthcare plans as described in Note 1. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets and the PBO of the plan.

- 123 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

A summary of our retirement plans costs over the past three years is as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Defined benefit pension plans

 

$

111

 

 

$

150

 

 

$

234

 

Defined contribution plans

 

 

561

 

 

 

527

 

 

 

480

 

Postretirement healthcare plans

 

 

75

 

 

 

74

 

 

 

76

 

Retirement plans mark-to-market loss (gain)

 

 

3,882

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

(24

)

 

 

$

4,629

 

 

$

741

 

 

$

766

 

 

The components of the MTM adjustments are as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Discount rate change

 

$

1,780

 

 

$

(613

)

 

$

266

 

Demographic experience:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Current year actuarial loss

 

 

739

 

 

 

419

 

 

 

268

 

   Change in future assumptions

 

 

887

 

 

 

(37

)

 

 

182

 

Actual versus expected return on assets

 

 

476

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

(740

)

Annuity contract purchase

 

 

 

 

 

210

 

 

 

 

Total mark-to-market loss (gain)

 

$

3,882

 

 

$

(10

)

 

$

(24

)

 

2019

The weighted-average discount rate for all our pension and postretirement healthcare plans decreased from 4.11% at May 31, 2018 to 3.69% at May 31, 2019. The demographic experience in 2019 reflects updates to several forward-looking assumptions, including retirement rates, disability incidence rates and salary increase assumptions and a current-year actuarial loss due to unfavorable experience compared to various demographic assumptions. The actual rate of return, which is net of all fees and expenses, on our U.S. Pension Plan assets of 4.05% was lower than our expected return of 6.75%, as lower than expected equity returns negatively impacted return-seeking assets while fixed-income assets performed as expected due to declining interest rates.

 

2018

The weighted-average discount rate for all of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans increased from 3.98% at May 31, 2017 to 4.11% at May 31, 2018. The demographic experience in 2018 reflects a liability loss due to unfavorable results related to various demographic assumptions. The annuity contract purchase loss relates to the contract with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as discussed below. The actual rate of return, which is net of all fees and expenses, on our U.S. Pension Plan assets of 6.30% was slightly lower than our expected return of 6.50% primarily due to generally flat returns in the long-duration fixed-income portfolio partially offset by strong returns from global equities.

 

2017

The actual rate of return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets, which is net of all fees and expenses, of 9.2% was higher than our expected return of 6.50% primarily due to a rise in the value of global equity markets in addition to favorable credit market conditions. The weighted-average discount rate for all of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans decreased from 4.04% at May 31, 2016 to 3.98% at May 31, 2017. The demographic experience in 2017 reflects an update in mortality tables for U.S. pension and other postemployment benefit plans.

PENSION PLANS. Our largest pension plan covers certain U.S. employees age 21 and over, with at least one year of service. Pension benefits for most employees are accrued under a cash balance formula we call the Portable Pension Account (“PPA”). Under the PPA, the retirement benefit is expressed as a dollar amount in a notional account that grows with annual credits based on pay, age and years of credited service, and interest on the notional account balance. The PPA benefit is payable as a lump sum or an annuity at retirement at the election of the employee. The plan interest credit rate varies from year to year based on a U.S. Treasury index. Prior to 2009, certain employees earned benefits using a traditional pension formula (based on average earnings and years of service). Benefits under this formula were capped on May 31, 2008 for most employees.

We also sponsor or participate in nonqualified benefit plans covering certain of our U.S. employee groups and other pension plans covering certain of our international employees. The international defined benefit pension plans provide benefits primarily based on earnings and years of service and are funded in compliance with local laws and practices. The majority of our international obligations are for defined benefit pension plans in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

- 124 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

During 2017, our U.S. Pension Plans were amended to permit former employees with a vested traditional pension benefit to make a one-time, irrevocable election to receive their benefits in a lump-sum distribution. Approximately 18,300 former employees elected to receive this lump-sum distribution and a total of approximately $1.3 billion was paid by the plans in May 2017.

In May 2018, we entered into an agreement with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to purchase a group annuity contract and transfer approximately $6 billion of our U.S. Pension Plan obligations. The transaction transferred responsibility for pension benefits to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company for approximately 41,000 of our retirees and beneficiaries who satisfied certain conditions and were receiving a monthly benefit from participating U.S. Pension Plans. There was no change to the pension benefits for any plan participants as a result of this transaction. The purchase of the group annuity contract was funded directly by assets of the U.S. Pension Plans. We recognized a $210 million one-time settlement loss in connection with this transaction, which was included in our 2018 year-end MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment.

POSTRETIREMENT HEALTHCARE PLANS. Certain of our subsidiaries offer medical, dental and vision coverage to eligible U.S. retirees and their eligible dependents and a small number of international employees. U.S. employees covered by the principal plan become eligible for these benefits at age 55 and older, if they have permanent, continuous service of at least 10 years after attainment of age 45 if hired prior to January 1, 1988, or at least 20 years after attainment of age 35 if hired on or after January 1, 1988. Postretirement healthcare benefits are capped at 150% of the 1993 per capita projected employer cost, which has been reached under most plans, so these benefits are not subject to future inflation.

Effective January 1, 2018, certain of our U.S. postretirement healthcare benefits were converted to a lump-sum benefit in a notional retiree health reimbursement account (HRA) for eligible participants. The HRA is available to reimburse a participant for qualifying healthcare premium costs and limits the company liability to the HRA account balance. The amount of the credit is based on age at January 1, 2018 or upon age at retirement thereafter. In connection with this change, retiree health coverage was closed to most new employees hired on or after January 1, 2018.

PENSION PLAN ASSUMPTIONS. The accounting for pension and postretirement healthcare plans includes numerous assumptions, such as: discount rates; expected long-term investment returns on plan assets; future salary increases; employee turnover; mortality; and retirement ages.  

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost of our plans are as follows:

 

 

 

U.S. Pension Plans

 

 

International Pension Plans

 

 

Postretirement Healthcare Plans

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Discount rate used to determine benefit

   obligation

 

 

3.85

%

 

 

4.27

%

 

 

4.08

%

 

 

1.92

%

 

 

2.37

%

 

 

2.43

%

 

 

3.70

%

 

 

4.33

%

 

 

4.32

%

Discount rate used to determine net periodic

   benefit cost

 

 

4.27

 

 

 

4.08

 

 

 

4.13

 

 

 

2.34

 

 

 

2.43

 

 

 

2.46

 

 

 

4.33

 

 

 

4.32

 

 

 

4.43

 

Rate of increase in future compensation

   levels used to determine benefit obligation

 

 

5.10

 

 

 

4.43

 

 

 

4.47

 

 

 

2.27

 

 

 

2.26

 

 

 

2.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate of increase in future compensation levels

   used to determine net periodic benefit cost

 

 

4.43

 

 

 

4.47

 

 

 

4.46

 

 

 

2.22

 

 

 

2.42

 

 

 

2.82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected long-term rate of return on assets

 

 

6.75

 

 

 

6.50

 

 

 

6.50

 

 

 

3.12

 

 

 

3.09

 

 

 

3.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest crediting rate used to determine net

   periodic benefit cost

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

2.20

 

 

 

2.20

 

 

 

2.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest crediting rate used to determine

   benefit obligation

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

2.20

 

 

 

2.20

 

 

 

2.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our U.S. Pension Plan assets are invested primarily in publicly tradable securities, and our pension plans hold only a minimal investment in FedEx common stock that is entirely at the discretion of third-party pension fund investment managers. As part of our strategy to manage pension costs and funded status volatility, we follow a liability-driven investment strategy to better align plan assets with liabilities.

- 125 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Establishing the expected future rate of investment return on our pension assets is a judgmental matter, which we review on an annual basis and revise as appropriate. Management considers the following factors in determining this assumption:

 

the duration of our pension plan liabilities, which drives the investment strategy we can employ with our pension plan assets;

 

the types of investment classes in which we invest our pension plan assets and the expected compound geometric return we can reasonably expect those investment classes to earn over time, net of all fees and expenses; and

 

the investment returns we can reasonably expect our investment management program to achieve in excess of the returns we could expect if investments were made strictly in indexed funds.

For consolidated pension expense, we assumed a 6.75% expected long-term rate of return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets in 2019, and 6.50% in 2018 and 2017. We increased our EROA assumption in 2019 to 6.75% as the decrease in the number of retirees in payment status due to the purchase of a group annuity contract in May 2018 (discussed above) is expected to reduce our short-term future cash outlays and allow the remaining assets to be placed in longer-duration investments, which will increase the rate of return on assets. Also, the reduction of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation fixed- and variable-rate premiums should increase the net return on assets. For the 15-year period ended May 31, 2019, our actual return was 7.5%, net of all fees and expenses.    

The investment strategy for our U.S. Pension Plan assets is to utilize a diversified mix of public equities and fixed-income and alternative investments to earn a long-term investment return that meets our pension plan obligations. Our largest asset classes are Corporate Fixed Income Securities and Government Fixed Income Securities (which are largely benchmarked against the Barclays Long Government, Barclays Long Corporate or the Citigroup 20+ STRIPS indices), and U.S. and non-U.S. Equities (which are mainly benchmarked to the S&P 500 Index and MSCI indices). Accordingly, we do not have any significant concentrations of risk. Active management strategies are utilized within the plan in an effort to realize investment returns in excess of market indices. Our investment strategy also includes the limited use of derivative financial instruments on a discretionary basis to improve investment returns and manage exposure to market risk.

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for investments measured at fair value:

 

Cash and cash equivalents. These Level 1 investments include cash, cash equivalents and foreign currency valued using exchange rates. These Level 2 investments include short-term investment funds which are collective funds priced at a constant value by the administrator of the funds.

 

Domestic, international and global equities. These Level 1 investments are valued at the closing price or last trade reported on the major market on which the individual securities are traded.

 

Fixed income. We determine the fair value of these Level 2 corporate bonds, U.S. and non-U.S. government securities and other fixed income securities by using bid evaluation pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics.

 

Alternative Investments. The valuation of these Level 3 investments requires significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. Investments in private equity, debt, real estate, hedge funds and other private investments are valued at estimated fair value based on quarterly financial information received from the investment advisor and/or general partner. These estimates incorporate factors such as contributions and distributions, market transactions, market comparables and performance multiples.

- 126 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The fair values of investments by level and asset category and the weighted-average asset allocations for our U.S. Pension Plans and our most significant international pension plans at the measurement date are presented in the following table (in millions):

 

 

 

Plan Assets at Measurement Date

 

 

 

2019

 

Asset Class (U.S. Plans)

 

Fair Value

 

 

Actual %

 

 

Target

Range

%(1)

 

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets

Level 1

 

 

Other Observable

Inputs

Level 2

 

 

Unobservable

Inputs

Level 3

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

570

 

 

 

2

%

 

0 - 5%

 

$

50

 

 

$

520

 

 

 

 

 

Equities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 - 50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. large cap equity(2)

 

 

2,546

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International equities(2)

 

 

3,306

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

2,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global equities(2)

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. SMID cap equity

 

 

731

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

730

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 - 70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

6,794

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,794

 

 

 

 

 

Government(2)

 

 

5,384

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,742

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and other(2)

 

 

622

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

175

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative investments(2)

 

 

1,963

 

 

 

9

 

 

0 - 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

302

 

Other

 

 

(47

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(45

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

Total U.S. plan assets

 

$

23,320

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

$

4,310

 

 

$

11,230

 

 

$

302

 

Asset Class (International Plans)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

57

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

$

57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International equities(2)

 

 

72

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Global equities(2)

 

 

206

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate(2)

 

 

322

 

 

 

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government(2)

 

 

438

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and other(2)

 

 

167

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other(2)

 

 

112

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

Total international plan assets

 

$

1,374

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

$

357

 

 

$

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Target ranges have not been provided for international plan assets as they are managed at an individual country level.

 

(2)

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy but are included in the total.

- 127 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

 

Plan Assets at Measurement Date

 

 

 

2018

 

Asset Class (U.S. Plans)

 

Fair Value

 

 

Actual %

 

 

Target

Range

%(1)

 

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets

Level 1

 

 

Other Observable

Inputs

Level 2

 

 

Unobservable

Inputs

Level 3

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

714

 

 

 

3

%

 

0 - 5%

 

$

19

 

 

$

695

 

 

 

 

 

Equities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 - 50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. large cap equity(2)

 

 

2,449

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

840

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International equities(2)

 

 

3,506

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

2,681

 

 

 

172

 

 

 

 

 

Global equities(2)

 

 

1,772

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. SMID cap equity

 

 

780

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 - 70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate

 

 

5,834

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,834

 

 

 

 

 

Government(2)

 

 

4,872

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,345

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and other(2)

 

 

626

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

125

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative investments(2)

 

 

1,573

 

 

 

7

 

 

0 - 10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

209

 

Other

 

 

(69

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(62

)

 

 

(7

)

 

 

 

 

Total U.S. plan assets

 

$

22,057

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

$

4,258

 

 

$

10,164

 

 

$

209

 

Asset Class (International Plans)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

24

 

 

 

2

%

 

 

 

$

2

 

 

$

22

 

 

 

 

 

Equities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International equities(2)

 

 

146

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

Global equities(2)

 

 

228

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed income securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate(2)

 

 

306

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

 

 

Government(2)

 

 

452

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

108

 

 

 

256

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed and other(2)

 

 

168

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative investments

 

 

19

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

(23

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(17

)

 

 

 

 

Total international plan assets

 

$

1,320

 

 

 

100

%

 

 

 

$

104

 

 

$

418

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Target ranges have not been provided for international plan assets as they are managed at an individual country level.

 

(2)

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy but are included in the total.

The change in fair value of Level 3 assets that use significant unobservable inputs is shown in the table below (in millions):

 

 

 

U.S. Pension Plans

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

209

 

 

$

129

 

Actual return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets held during current year

 

 

11

 

 

 

8

 

Assets sold during the year

 

 

13

 

 

 

4

 

Purchases, sales and settlements

 

 

69

 

 

 

68

 

Balance at end of year

 

$

302

 

 

$

209

 

 

- 128 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the pension and postretirement healthcare plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets over the two-year period ended May 31, 2019 and a statement of the funded status as of May 31, 2019 and 2018 (in millions):

 

 

 

U.S. Pension Plans

 

 

International

Pension Plans

 

 

Postretirement Healthcare Plans

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Accumulated Benefit Obligation (“ABO”)

 

$

25,915

 

 

$

22,029

 

 

$

2,084

 

 

$

1,956

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation (“PBO”)

   and Accumulated Postretirement Benefit

   Obligation (“APBO”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBO/APBO at the beginning of year

 

$

22,653

 

 

$

27,870

 

 

$

2,167

 

 

$

2,043

 

 

$

955

 

 

$

927

 

Service cost

 

 

689

 

 

 

679

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

97

 

 

 

35

 

 

 

36

 

Interest cost

 

 

951

 

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

39

 

Actuarial loss

 

 

3,016

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

127

 

 

 

(34

)

 

 

266

 

 

 

(9

)

Benefits paid

 

 

(755

)

 

 

(854

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(123

)

 

 

(80

)

Settlements

 

 

 

 

 

(6,178

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(85

)

 

 

63

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

42

 

PBO/APBO at the end of year

 

$

26,554

 

 

$

22,653

 

 

$

2,301

 

 

$

2,167

 

 

$

1,221

 

 

$

955

 

Change in Plan Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of year

 

$

22,057

 

 

$

24,933

 

 

$

1,509

 

 

$

1,379

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

984

 

 

 

1,609

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company contributions

 

 

1,034

 

 

 

2,547

 

 

 

91

 

 

 

84

 

 

 

73

 

 

 

42

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(755

)

 

 

(854

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(123

)

 

 

(80

)

Settlements

 

 

 

 

 

(6,178

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(5

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

48

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

38

 

Fair value of plan assets at the end of year

 

$

23,320

 

 

$

22,057

 

 

$

1,578

 

 

$

1,509

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Funded Status of the Plans

 

$

(3,234

)

 

$

(596

)

 

$

(723

)

 

$

(658

)

 

$

(1,221

)

 

$

(955

)

Amount Recognized in the Balance Sheet at May 31:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noncurrent asset

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

82

 

 

$

73

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Current pension, postretirement healthcare and

   other benefit obligations

 

 

(70

)

 

 

(22

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

(87

)

 

 

(62

)

Noncurrent pension, postretirement healthcare

   and other benefit obligations

 

 

(3,164

)

 

 

(574

)

 

 

(789

)

 

 

(715

)

 

 

(1,134

)

 

 

(893

)

Net amount recognized

 

$

(3,234

)

 

$

(596

)

 

$

(723

)

 

$

(658

)

 

$

(1,221

)

 

$

(955

)

Amounts Recognized in AOCI and not yet reflected

   in Net Periodic Benefit Cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service (credit) cost and other

 

$

(173

)

 

$

(292

)

 

$

(6

)

 

$

(10

)

 

$

1

 

 

$

2

 

 

Our pension plans included the following components at May 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

PBO

 

 

Fair Value of

Plan Assets

 

 

Funded Status

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualified

 

$

26,300

 

 

$

23,320

 

 

$

(2,980

)

Nonqualified

 

 

254

 

 

 

 

 

 

(254

)

International Plans

 

 

2,301

 

 

 

1,578

 

 

 

(723

)

Total

 

$

28,855

 

 

$

24,898

 

 

$

(3,957

)

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualified

 

$

22,413

 

 

$

22,057

 

 

$

(356

)

Nonqualified

 

 

240

 

 

 

 

 

 

(240

)

International Plans

 

 

2,167

 

 

 

1,509

 

 

 

(658

)

Total

 

$

24,820

 

 

$

23,566

 

 

$

(1,254

)

 

- 129 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The table above provides the PBO, fair value of plan assets and funded status of our pension plans on an aggregated basis. The following tables present our plans on a disaggregated basis to show those plans (as a group) whose assets did not exceed their liabilities. The fair value of plan assets for pension plans with a PBO or ABO in excess of plan assets at May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

PBO Exceeds the Fair Value

of Plan Assets

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

U.S. Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

$

23,320

 

 

$

22,057

 

PBO

 

 

(26,554

)

 

 

(22,653

)

Net funded status

 

$

(3,234

)

 

$

(596

)

International Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

$

1,125

 

 

$

1,060

 

PBO

 

 

(1,929

)

 

 

(1,791

)

Net funded status

 

$

(804

)

 

$

(731

)

 

 

 

 

ABO Exceeds the Fair Value

of Plan Assets

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

U.S. Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABO(1)

 

$

(25,915

)

 

$

(1,134

)

Fair value of plan assets

 

 

23,320

 

 

 

859

 

PBO

 

 

(26,554

)

 

 

(1,214

)

Net funded status

 

$

(3,234

)

 

$

(355

)

International Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABO(1)

 

$

(1,709

)

 

$

(1,581

)

Fair value of plan assets

 

 

1,120

 

 

 

1,060

 

PBO

 

 

(1,925

)

 

 

(1,791

)

Net funded status

 

$

(805

)

 

$

(731

)

(1)

ABO not used in determination of funded status.

Contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans for the years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Required

 

$

 

 

$

22

 

Voluntary

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

2,478

 

 

 

$

1,000

 

 

$

2,500

 

 

For 2020, no pension contributions are required for our U.S. Pension Plans as they are fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. However, we expect to make voluntary contributions of $1.0 billion to these plans in 2020.

Net periodic benefit cost for the three years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

U.S. Pension Plans

 

 

International Pension Plans

 

 

Postretirement Healthcare Plans

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Service cost

 

$

689

 

 

$

679

 

 

$

638

 

 

$

94

 

 

$

97

 

 

$

83

 

 

$

35

 

 

$

36

 

 

$

36

 

Interest cost

 

 

951

 

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

1,128

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

40

 

 

 

39

 

 

 

39

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(1,505

)

 

 

(1,624

)

 

 

(1,501

)

 

 

(47

)

 

 

(46

)

 

 

(38

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 

(118

)

 

 

(118

)

 

 

(118

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

Actuarial losses (gains) and other

 

 

3,537

 

 

 

37

 

 

 

(95

)

 

 

80

 

 

 

(38

)

 

 

87

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(14

)

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

3,554

 

 

$

89

 

 

$

52

 

 

$

174

 

 

$

60

 

 

$

173

 

 

$

340

 

 

$

65

 

 

$

61

 

 

- 130 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income were primarily related to amortization of prior service cost in our U.S. Pension Plans of $118 million in 2019 and 2018 ($91 million, net of tax, in 2019 and $83 million, net of tax, in 2018).

 

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending May 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

U.S. Pension Plans

 

 

International

Pension Plans

 

 

Postretirement

Healthcare Plans

 

2020

 

$

1,027

 

 

$

45

 

 

$

87

 

2021

 

 

971

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

98

 

2022

 

 

1,051

 

 

 

47

 

 

 

109

 

2023

 

 

1,138

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

117

 

2024

 

 

1,230

 

 

 

61

 

 

 

121

 

2025-2029

 

 

7,515

 

 

 

396

 

 

 

473

 

 

These estimates are based on assumptions about future events. Actual benefit payments may vary significantly from these estimates.

Future medical benefit claims costs are estimated to increase at an annual rate of 6.00% during 2020, decreasing to an annual growth rate of 4.50% in 2037 and thereafter.

- 131 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 14: BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND DISAGGREGATED REVENUE

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

 

FedEx Express Segment

FedEx Express (express transportation)

 

TNT Express (international express transportation, small-package ground delivery and freight transportation)

 

 

FedEx Ground Segment

FedEx Ground (small-package ground delivery)

 

 

FedEx Freight Segment

FedEx Freight (LTL freight transportation)

 

 

FedEx Services Segment

FedEx Services (sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services and back-office functions)

 

FedEx Office (document and business services and package acceptance)

FedEx Services Segment

The FedEx Services segment operates combined sales, marketing, administrative and information-technology functions in shared services operations that support our transportation businesses and allow us to obtain synergies from the combination of these functions. For the international regions of FedEx Express, some of these functions are performed on a regional basis and reported by FedEx Express in their natural expense line items. The FedEx Services segment includes: FedEx Services, which provides sales, marketing, information technology, communications, customer service, technical support, billing and collection services for U.S. customers of our major business units and certain back-office support to our other companies; and FedEx Office, which provides an array of document and business services and retail access to our customers for our package transportation businesses.

The FedEx Services segment provides direct and indirect support to our transportation businesses, and we allocate all of the net operating costs of the FedEx Services segment (including the net operating results of FedEx Office) to reflect the full cost of operating our transportation businesses in the results of those segments. Within the FedEx Services segment allocation, the net operating results of FedEx Office, which are an immaterial component of our allocations, are allocated to FedEx Express and FedEx Ground. We review and evaluate the performance of our transportation segments based on operating income (inclusive of FedEx Services segment allocations). For the FedEx Services segment, performance is evaluated based on the impact of its total allocated net operating costs on our transportation segments.

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

Other Intersegment Transactions

Corporate and other includes corporate headquarters costs for executive officers and certain legal and finance functions, as well as certain other costs and credits not attributed to our core business. These costs are not allocated to the other business segments.

Also included in corporate and other is the FedEx Logistics operating segment, which provides customs brokerage and global ocean and air freight forwarding through FedEx Trade Networks Transport & Brokerage, Inc.; cross-border enablement and technology solutions and e-commerce transportation solutions through FedEx Cross Border Technologies, Inc., including its subsidiary P2P; integrated supply chain management solutions through FedEx Supply Chain; time-critical shipment services through FedEx Custom Critical, Inc.; and, effective September 1, 2018, critical inventory and service parts logistics, 3-D printing and technology repair through FedEx Forward Depots, Inc.

Certain FedEx operating companies provide transportation and related services for other FedEx companies outside their reportable segment. Billings for such services are based on negotiated rates, which we believe approximate fair value, and are reflected as revenues of the billing segment. These rates are adjusted from time to time based on market conditions. Such intersegment revenues and expenses are eliminated in our consolidated results and are not separately identified in the following segment information, because the amounts are not material.

- 132 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment revenues, depreciation and amortization, operating income (loss) and segment assets to consolidated financial statement totals (in millions) for the years ended or as of May 31:

 

 

 

FedEx

Express

Segment

 

 

FedEx

Ground

Segment

 

 

FedEx

Freight

Segment

 

 

FedEx

Services

Segment

 

 

Corporate, other and eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

Total

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

37,331

 

 

$

20,522

 

 

$

7,582

 

 

$

1,691

 

 

$

2,567

 

 

$

69,693

 

2018

 

 

36,172

 

 

 

18,395

 

 

 

6,812

 

 

 

1,650

 

 

 

2,421

 

 

 

65,450

 

2017

 

 

33,824

 

 

 

16,503

 

 

 

6,070

 

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

2,301

 

 

 

60,319

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

1,801

 

 

$

728

 

 

$

332

 

 

$

424

 

 

$

68

 

 

$

3,353

 

2018

 

 

1,679

 

 

 

681

 

 

 

296

 

 

 

382

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

3,095

 

2017

 

 

1,662

 

 

 

627

 

 

 

265

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

70

 

 

 

2,995

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019(1)

 

$

2,123

 

 

$

2,640

 

 

$

615

 

 

$

 

 

$

(912

)

 

$

4,466

 

2018(2)

 

 

2,105

 

 

 

2,529

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

 

 

 

(852

)

 

 

4,272

 

2017(3)

 

 

2,380

 

 

 

2,243

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

 

 

 

(428

)

 

 

4,566

 

Segment assets(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

33,247

 

 

$

17,561

 

 

$

4,736

 

 

$

6,972

 

 

$

(8,113

)

 

$

54,403

 

2018

 

 

31,753

 

 

 

15,458

 

 

 

4,251

 

(5)

 

6,377

 

 

 

(5,509

)

(5)

 

52,330

 

2017

 

 

31,307

 

 

 

12,969

 

 

 

3,740

 

(5)

 

5,682

 

 

 

(5,146

)

(5)

 

48,552

 

(1)

Includes TNT Express integration expenses and restructuring charges of $388 million. These expenses are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” and the FedEx Express segment. Also includes business realignment costs of $320 million and costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground of $46 million.

(2)

Includes TNT Express integration expenses and restructuring charges of $477 million. These expenses are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” and the FedEx Express segment. Also includes goodwill and other asset impairment charges of $380 million.

(3)

Includes TNT Express integration expenses and restructuring charges of $327 million. These expenses are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” and the FedEx Express segment. Also includes $39 million of charges for legal reserves related to certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) matters involving FedEx Logistics and $22 million of charges in connection with the settlement of and certain expected losses relating to independent contractor litigation matters at FedEx Ground.

(4)

Segment assets include intercompany receivables.

(5)

Amounts revised for reclassification of eliminations.

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment capital expenditures to consolidated totals for the years ended May 31 (in millions):

 

 

 

FedEx

Express

Segment

 

 

 

FedEx

Ground

Segment

 

 

FedEx

Freight

Segment

 

 

FedEx

Services

Segment

 

 

Other

 

 

Consolidated

Total

 

2019

 

$

3,550

 

 

 

$

808

 

 

$

544

 

 

$

528

 

 

$

60

 

 

$

5,490

 

2018

 

 

3,461

 

 

 

 

1,178

 

 

 

490

 

 

 

477

 

 

 

57

 

 

 

5,663

 

2017

 

 

2,725

 

 

 

 

1,490

 

 

 

431

 

 

 

416

 

 

 

54

 

 

 

5,116

 

 

- 133 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The following table presents revenue by service type and geographic information for the years ended or as of May 31 (in millions):

 

 

2019

 

 

2018(1)

 

 

2017(1)

 

REVENUE BY SERVICE TYPE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Package:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. overnight box

 

$

7,663

 

 

$

7,273

 

 

$

6,955

 

U.S. overnight envelope

 

 

1,829

 

 

 

1,788

 

 

 

1,750

 

U.S. deferred

 

 

4,225

 

 

 

3,738

 

 

 

3,526

 

Total U.S. domestic package revenue

 

 

13,717

 

 

 

12,799

 

 

 

12,231

 

International priority

 

 

7,405

 

 

 

7,461

 

 

 

7,045

 

International economy

 

 

3,446

 

 

 

3,255

 

 

 

2,876

 

Total international export package revenue

 

 

10,851

 

 

 

10,716

 

 

 

9,921

 

International domestic(2)

 

 

4,540

 

 

 

4,637

 

 

 

4,277

 

Total package revenue

 

 

29,108

 

 

 

28,152

 

 

 

26,429

 

Freight:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

 

3,025

 

 

 

2,797

 

 

 

2,527

 

International priority

 

 

2,070

 

 

 

2,105

 

 

 

1,836

 

International economy

 

 

2,123

 

 

 

1,916

 

 

 

1,738

 

International airfreight

 

 

314

 

 

 

368

 

 

 

356

 

Total freight revenue

 

 

7,532

 

 

 

7,186

 

 

 

6,457

 

Other

 

 

691

 

 

 

834

 

 

 

938

 

Total FedEx Express segment

 

 

37,331

 

 

 

36,172

 

 

 

33,824

 

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

20,522

 

 

 

18,395

 

 

 

16,503

 

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

7,582

 

 

 

6,812

 

 

 

6,070

 

FedEx Services segment

 

 

1,691

 

 

 

1,650

 

 

 

1,621

 

Other and eliminations(3)

 

 

2,567

 

 

 

2,421

 

 

 

2,301

 

 

 

$

69,693

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

47,584

 

 

$

43,581

 

 

$

40,269

 

International:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express segment

 

 

20,424

 

 

 

20,417

 

 

 

18,817

 

FedEx Ground segment

 

 

467

 

 

 

407

 

 

 

331

 

FedEx Freight segment

 

 

207

 

 

 

181

 

 

 

149

 

FedEx Services segment

 

 

1

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

10

 

Other

 

 

1,010

 

 

 

861

 

 

 

743

 

Total international revenue

 

 

22,109

 

 

 

21,869

 

 

 

20,050

 

 

 

$

69,693

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

Noncurrent assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

33,189

 

 

$

30,362

 

 

$

28,141

 

International

 

 

8,128

 

 

 

8,627

 

 

 

7,783

 

 

 

$

41,317

 

 

$

38,989

 

 

$

35,924

 

(1)

Prior year amounts have been revised to conform to the current year presentation.

(2)

International domestic revenues relate to our intra-country operations.

(3)

Includes the FedEx Logistics operating segment.

(4)

International revenue includes shipments that either originate in or are destined to locations outside the United States, which could include U.S. payors. Noncurrent assets include property and equipment, goodwill and other long-term assets. Our flight equipment is registered in the U.S. and is included as U.S. assets; however, many of our aircraft operate internationally.

- 134 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 15: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid for interest expense and income taxes for the years ended May 31 was as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Cash payments for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (net of capitalized interest)

 

$

617

 

 

$

524

 

 

$

484

 

Income taxes

 

$

407

 

 

$

760

 

 

$

397

 

Income tax refunds received

 

 

(36

)

 

 

(571

)

 

 

(20

)

Cash tax payments, net

 

$

371

 

 

$

189

 

 

$

377

 

 

NOTE 16: GUARANTEES AND INDEMNIFICATIONS

In conjunction with certain transactions, primarily the lease, sale or purchase of real estate, operating assets or services in the ordinary course of business and in connection with business acquisitions, we may provide routine guarantees or indemnifications (e.g., environmental, fuel, tax and intellectual property infringement), the terms of which range in duration, and often they are not limited and have no specified maximum obligation. As a result of the TNT Express acquisition, we have assumed a guarantee related to the demerger of TNT Express and PostNL Holding B.V., which occurred in 2011, for pension benefits earned prior to the date of the demerger. The risk of making payments associated with this guarantee is remote. The overall maximum potential amount of the obligation under such guarantees and indemnifications cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not been required to make significant payments under our guarantee or indemnification obligations and no material amounts have been recognized in our financial statements for the underlying fair value of these obligations.

NOTE 17: COMMITMENTS

Annual purchase commitments under various contracts as of May 31, 2019 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Aircraft and

Aircraft Related

 

 

Other(1)

 

 

Total

 

2020

 

$

1,518

 

 

$

898

 

 

$

2,416

 

2021

 

 

2,455

 

 

 

587

 

 

 

3,042

 

2022

 

 

1,862

 

 

 

383

 

 

 

2,245

 

2023

 

 

1,569

 

 

 

263

 

 

 

1,832

 

2024

 

 

492

 

 

 

140

 

 

 

632

 

Thereafter

 

 

2,456

 

 

 

400

 

 

 

2,856

 

Total

 

$

10,352

 

 

$

2,671

 

 

$

13,023

 

(1)

Primarily equipment and advertising contracts.

The amounts reflected in the table above for purchase commitments represent noncancelable agreements to purchase goods or services. As of May 31, 2019, our obligation to purchase five Boeing 767-300 Freighter (“B767F”) aircraft and six Boeing 777 Freighter (“B777F”) aircraft is conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended (“RLA”). Open purchase orders that are cancelable are not considered unconditional purchase obligations for financial reporting purposes and are not included in the table above.

We have several aircraft modernization programs underway that are supported by the purchase of B777F and B767F aircraft. These aircraft are significantly more fuel-efficient per unit than the aircraft types previously utilized, and these expenditures are necessary to achieve significant long-term operating savings and to replace older aircraft. Our ability to delay the timing of these aircraft-related expenditures is limited without incurring significant costs to modify existing purchase agreements.

During 2019, FedEx Express entered into agreements to purchase 12 incremental B777F aircraft and 12 incremental B767F aircraft. Six of the B777F and one of the B767F aircraft purchases are conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees not to be covered by the RLA. The B777F aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2021 and 2025. The B767F aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2020 and 2022. As part of these agreements, one B777F and one B767F aircraft delivery were accelerated from 2020 to 2019.

- 135 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of May 31, 2019, we had $1.1 billion in deposits and progress payments on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related transactions. These deposits are classified in the “Other assets” caption of our consolidated balance sheets. Aircraft and aircraft-related contracts are subject to price escalations. The following table is a summary of the key aircraft we are committed to purchase as of May 31, 2019, with the year of expected delivery:

 

 

 

Cessna SkyCourier 408

 

 

ATR 72-600F

 

 

B767F

 

 

B777F

 

 

Total

 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

22

 

2021

 

 

12

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

37

 

2022

 

 

12

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

33

 

2023

 

 

12

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

28

 

2024

 

 

14

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

24

 

Thereafter

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

9

 

Total

 

 

50

 

 

 

30

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

153

 

 

On June 24, 2019, FedEx Express exercised options to purchase an additional six B767F aircraft for delivery in 2022.

 

FedEx Express now has a total of 20 firm orders for B777F aircraft scheduled for delivery during 2020 through 2025 (one of which was delivered in June 2019) and a total of 59 firm orders for B767F aircraft for delivery during 2020 through 2023 (one of which was delivered in June 2019 and one in July 2019). Six of the B777F orders and five of the B767F orders are conditioned upon there being no event that causes FedEx Express or its employees to be covered by the RLA.

During 2019, FedEx Express also acquired options to purchase an additional 14 B777F aircraft and an additional six B767F aircraft, and the delivery dates of 11 existing B777F option aircraft were rescheduled.

 

FedEx Express now has options to purchase a total of 25 B777F aircraft for delivery through 2028 and a total of 50 B767F aircraft for delivery through 2026.

NOTE 18: CONTINGENCIES

Independent Contractor — Lawsuits and Administrative Proceedings. FedEx Ground is involved in lawsuits and administrative proceedings claiming that owner-operators engaged under operating agreements no longer in place should have been treated as employees of FedEx Ground, rather than independent contractors. In addition, we are defending joint-employer cases where it is alleged that FedEx Ground should be treated as an employer of the drivers employed by service providers engaged by FedEx Ground. These cases are in varying stages of litigation, and we are not currently able to estimate an amount or range of potential loss in all of these matters. However, we do not expect to incur, individually or in the aggregate, a material loss in these matters. Nevertheless, adverse determinations in matters related to owner-operators or service providers engaged by FedEx Ground could, among other things, entitle former owner-operators to the reimbursement of certain expenses, and service providers’ drivers to certain wage payments from the service providers and FedEx Ground, and result in employment and withholding tax and benefit liability for FedEx Ground. We continue to believe that owner-operators engaged by FedEx Ground were properly classified as independent contractors and that FedEx Ground is not an employer or joint employer of the service providers’ drivers.

Federal Securities Litigation. On June 26, 2019 and July 2, 2019, FedEx and certain present and former officers were named as defendants in two putative class action securities lawsuits filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaints allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder relating to alleged misstatements or omissions in FedEx’s public filings with the SEC and other public statements during the period from September 19, 2017 to December 18, 2018. We are not currently able to estimate the probability of loss or the amount or range of potential loss, if any, at this stage of the litigation.

Other Matters. FedEx and its subsidiaries are subject to other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, including certain lawsuits containing various class-action allegations of wage-and-hour violations in which plaintiffs claim, among other things, that they were forced to work “off the clock,” were not paid overtime or were not provided work breaks or other benefits. In the opinion of management, the aggregate liability, if any, with respect to these other actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

- 136 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 19: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Frederick W. Smith, currently holds an approximate 10% ownership interest in the National Football League Washington Redskins professional football team and is a member of its board of directors. FedEx has a multi-year naming rights agreement with Washington Football, Inc. granting us certain marketing rights, including the right to name the stadium where the team plays and other events are held “FedExField.”

- 137 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 20: SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

 

First

Quarter

 

 

Second

Quarter

 

 

Third

Quarter

 

 

Fourth

Quarter

 

2019(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

17,052

 

 

$

17,824

 

 

$

17,010

 

 

$

17,807

 

Operating income

 

 

1,071

 

 

 

1,168

 

 

 

911

 

 

 

1,316

 

Net income (loss)(2)

 

 

835

 

 

 

935

 

 

 

739

 

 

 

(1,969

)

Basic earnings (loss) per common share(3)

 

 

3.15

 

 

 

3.56

 

 

 

2.83

 

 

 

(7.56

)

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share(3)

 

 

3.10

 

 

 

3.51

 

 

 

2.80

 

 

 

(7.56

)

2018(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

15,297

 

 

$

16,313

 

 

$

16,526

 

 

$

17,314

 

Operating income

 

 

971

 

 

 

1,115

 

 

 

858

 

 

 

1,328

 

Net income (5)

 

 

596

 

 

 

775

 

 

 

2,074

 

 

 

1,127

 

Basic earnings per common share(3)

 

 

2.22

 

 

 

2.89

 

 

 

7.74

 

 

 

4.23

 

Diluted earnings per common share(3)

 

 

2.19

 

 

 

2.84

 

 

 

7.59

 

 

 

4.15

 

(1)

The fourth quarter, third quarter, second quarter and first quarter of 2019 include $84 million, $69 million, $114 million and $121 million, respectively, of TNT Express integration expenses (including any restructuring charges). The fourth quarter and third quarter of 2019 include business realignment costs of $316 million and $4 million, respectively. The fourth quarter includes a net loss of $3.9 billion related to the annual MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment. The second quarter of 2019 includes costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground of $46 million.

(2)

The income tax benefit for the fourth quarter of 2019 was unfavorably impacted by $200 million due to the lower statutory tax rate under the TCJA on fiscal 2019 earnings and the annual retirement plans accounting MTM adjustment. The third quarter, second quarter and first quarter of 2019 include $60 million, $150 million and $135 million, respectively, of tax benefits primarily from the lower statutory tax rate under the TCJA on fiscal 2019 earnings. The third quarter of 2019 includes a tax benefit of $90 million from the reduction of a valuation allowance on certain tax loss carryforwards and a tax expense of $50 million related to a lower tax rate in the Netherlands applied to our deferred tax balances. The second quarter of 2019 includes a tax benefit of approximately $60 million from accelerated deductions claimed on our 2018 U.S. income tax return. In addition, we recognized a tax expense of $4 million in the second quarter of 2019 as a revision of the provisional benefit associated with the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability upon completion of the accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA.   

(3)

The sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal annual amounts due to differences in the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods.

(4)

The fourth quarter, third quarter, second quarter and first quarter of 2018 include $136 million, $106 million, $122 million and $112 million, respectively, of TNT Express integration expenses (including any restructuring charges). The fourth quarter of 2018 includes goodwill and other asset impairment charges related to FedEx Supply Chain of $380 million and a net gain of $10 million related to the annual MTM retirement plans accounting adjustment. The fourth quarter and first quarter of 2018 include charges for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics of $1 million and $7 million, respectively.

(5)

The fourth quarter of 2018 includes a $255 million net tax benefit from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express. The fourth quarter, third quarter, and second quarter of 2018 include $133 million, $12 million, and $80 million, respectively, of tax benefits from foreign tax credits associated with distributions to the U.S. from foreign operations. The fourth quarter and third quarter of 2018 include $100 million and $165 million, respectively, of tax benefits related to a lower statutory income tax rate on fiscal 2018 earnings. In addition, the third quarter of 2018 includes the following TCJA-related items: a provisional benefit of $1.15 billion related to the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability and a one-time benefit of $204 million from a $1.5 billion contribution to our U.S. Pension Plans.

- 138 -


FEDEX CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 21: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We are required to present condensed consolidating financial information in order for the subsidiary guarantors of our public debt to continue to be exempt from reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The guarantor subsidiaries, which are 100% owned by FedEx, guarantee $17.5 billion of our public debt. The guarantees are full and unconditional and joint and several. Our guarantor subsidiaries were not determined using geographic, service line or other similar criteria, and as a result, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries” and “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries” columns each include portions of our domestic and international operations. Accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for subsidiary guarantor reporting.

 

 

- 139 -


 

Condensed consolidating financial statements for our guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the following tables (in millions):

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

May 31, 2019

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

826

 

 

$

158

 

 

$

1,381

 

 

$

(46

)

 

$

2,319

 

Receivables, less allowances

 

 

56

 

 

 

5,603

 

 

 

3,684

 

 

 

(227

)

 

 

9,116

 

Spare parts, supplies, fuel, prepaid expenses and other,

   less allowances

 

 

366

 

 

 

953

 

 

 

332

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,651

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,248

 

 

 

6,714

 

 

 

5,397

 

 

 

(273

)

 

 

13,086

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST

 

 

25

 

 

 

55,341

 

 

 

4,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

59,511

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

17

 

 

 

27,066

 

 

 

1,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,082

 

Net property and equipment

 

 

8

 

 

 

28,275

 

 

 

2,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,429

 

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

(405

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,472

)

 

 

 

GOODWILL

 

 

 

 

 

1,589

 

 

 

5,295

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,884

 

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

33,725

 

 

 

5,449

 

 

 

 

 

 

(39,174

)

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

995

 

 

 

1,811

 

 

 

1,789

 

 

 

(591

)

 

 

4,004

 

 

 

$

38,853

 

 

$

43,433

 

 

$

14,627

 

 

$

(42,510

)

 

$

54,403

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

959

 

 

$

2

 

 

$

3

 

 

$

 

 

$

964

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

 

143

 

 

 

1,100

 

 

 

498

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,741

 

Accounts payable

 

 

16

 

 

 

1,469

 

 

 

1,808

 

 

 

(263

)

 

 

3,030

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

521

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

 

914

 

 

 

(10

)

 

 

3,278

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,639

 

 

 

4,424

 

 

 

3,223

 

 

 

(273

)

 

 

9,013

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION

 

 

16,322

 

 

 

287

 

 

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,617

 

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,472

 

 

 

(2,472

)

 

 

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

2,832

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

(591

)

 

 

2,821

 

Other liabilities

 

 

3,135

 

 

 

3,965

 

 

 

1,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,195

 

Total other long-term liabilities

 

 

3,135

 

 

 

6,797

 

 

 

1,675

 

 

 

(591

)

 

 

11,016

 

COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

17,757

 

 

 

31,925

 

 

 

7,249

 

 

 

(39,174

)

 

 

17,757

 

 

 

$

38,853

 

 

$

43,433

 

 

$

14,627

 

 

$

(42,510

)

 

$

54,403

 

 

- 140 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

May 31, 2018

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,485

 

 

$

257

 

 

$

1,538

 

 

$

(15

)

 

$

3,265

 

Receivables, less allowances

 

 

3

 

 

 

4,970

 

 

 

3,586

 

 

 

(78

)

 

 

8,481

 

Spare parts, supplies, fuel, prepaid expenses and other,

   less allowances

 

 

425

 

 

 

878

 

 

 

292

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,595

 

Total current assets

 

 

1,913

 

 

 

6,105

 

 

 

5,416

 

 

 

(93

)

 

 

13,341

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST

 

 

21

 

 

 

51,232

 

 

 

3,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,121

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

17

 

 

 

25,111

 

 

 

1,839

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,967

 

Net property and equipment

 

 

4

 

 

 

26,121

 

 

 

2,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,154

 

INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLE

 

 

1,487

 

 

 

924

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,411

)

 

 

 

GOODWILL

 

 

 

 

 

1,709

 

 

 

5,264

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,973

 

INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

33,370

 

 

 

4,082

 

 

 

 

 

 

(37,452

)

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

75

 

 

 

1,854

 

 

 

1,829

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

3,862

 

 

 

$

36,849

 

 

$

40,795

 

 

$

14,538

 

 

$

(39,852

)

 

$

52,330

 

LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

1,332

 

 

$

1

 

 

$

9

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,342

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

 

65

 

 

 

1,506

 

 

 

606

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,177

 

Accounts payable

 

 

16

 

 

 

1,332

 

 

 

1,719

 

 

 

(90

)

 

 

2,977

 

Accrued expenses

 

 

460

 

 

 

1,778

 

 

 

896

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

3,131

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,873

 

 

 

4,617

 

 

 

3,230

 

 

 

(93

)

 

 

9,627

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT PORTION

 

 

14,942

 

 

 

288

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,243

 

INTERCOMPANY PAYABLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,411

 

 

 

(2,411

)

 

 

 

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

2,626

 

 

 

137

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

2,867

 

Other liabilities

 

 

619

 

 

 

3,432

 

 

 

1,126

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,177

 

Total other long-term liabilities

 

 

619

 

 

 

6,058

 

 

 

1,263

 

 

 

104

 

 

 

8,044

 

COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

 

 

19,415

 

 

 

29,832

 

 

 

7,621

 

 

 

(37,452

)

 

 

19,416

 

 

 

$

36,849

 

 

$

40,795

 

 

$

14,538

 

 

$

(39,852

)

 

$

52,330

 

 

- 141 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year Ended May 31, 2019

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

REVENUES

 

$

 

 

$

50,431

 

 

$

19,643

 

 

$

(381

)

 

$

69,693

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

138

 

 

 

19,055

 

 

 

5,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

24,776

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

 

 

 

10,344

 

 

 

6,494

 

 

 

(184

)

 

 

16,654

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

6

 

 

 

2,582

 

 

 

779

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

3,360

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,877

 

 

 

475

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,353

 

Fuel

 

 

 

 

 

3,587

 

 

 

302

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,889

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,475

 

 

 

360

 

 

 

(2

)

 

 

2,834

 

Business realignment costs

 

 

320

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

320

 

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

(765

)

 

 

(861

)

 

 

1,626

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

299

 

 

 

6,674

 

 

 

3,256

 

 

 

(188

)

 

 

10,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,733

 

 

 

18,875

 

 

 

(381

)

 

 

65,227

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

3,698

 

 

 

768

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,466

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

540

 

 

 

174

 

 

 

 

 

 

(714

)

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

(586

)

 

 

54

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

(529

)

Other retirement plans expense

 

 

 

 

 

(2,675

)

 

 

(576

)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,251

)

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

606

 

 

 

(442

)

 

 

(164

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(20

)

 

 

53

 

 

 

(64

)

 

 

 

 

 

(31

)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

540

 

 

 

862

 

 

 

(33

)

 

 

(714

)

 

 

655

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

115

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

540

 

 

$

785

 

 

$

(71

)

 

$

(714

)

 

$

540

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

453

 

 

$

838

 

 

$

(324

)

 

$

(714

)

 

$

253

 

 

- 142 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year Ended May 31, 2018

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

REVENUES

 

$

 

 

$

48,601

 

 

$

17,256

 

 

$

(407

)

 

$

65,450

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

149

 

 

 

18,380

 

 

 

5,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

23,795

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

 

 

 

9,134

 

 

 

6,191

 

 

 

(224

)

 

 

15,101

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

5

 

 

 

2,587

 

 

 

776

 

 

 

(7

)

 

 

3,361

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,644

 

 

 

450

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,095

 

Fuel

 

 

 

 

 

3,077

 

 

 

297

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,374

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,294

 

 

 

327

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,622

 

Goodwill and other asset impairment charges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

380

 

 

 

 

 

 

380

 

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

(437

)

 

 

(125

)

 

 

562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

281

 

 

 

6,227

 

 

 

3,118

 

 

 

(176

)

 

 

9,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,218

 

 

 

17,367

 

 

 

(407

)

 

 

61,178

 

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

4,383

 

 

 

(111

)

 

 

 

 

 

4,272

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

62

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,634

)

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

(541

)

 

 

46

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

 

 

 

(510

)

Other retirements plans income

 

 

 

 

 

547

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

598

 

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

544

 

 

 

(296

)

 

 

(248

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(3

)

 

 

(120

)

 

 

116

 

 

 

 

 

 

(7

)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

4,622

 

 

 

(207

)

 

 

(4,634

)

 

 

4,353

 

Provision for income taxes (benefit)

 

 

 

 

 

309

 

 

 

(528

)

 

 

 

 

 

(219

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

4,572

 

 

$

4,313

 

 

$

321

 

 

$

(4,634

)

 

$

4,572

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

4,489

 

 

$

4,263

 

 

$

291

 

 

$

(4,634

)

 

$

4,409

 

 

- 143 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Year Ended May 31, 2017

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

REVENUES

 

$

 

 

$

44,823

 

 

$

15,798

 

 

$

(302

)

 

$

60,319

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

 

 

123

 

 

 

17,137

 

 

 

4,729

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,989

 

Purchased transportation

 

 

 

 

 

8,260

 

 

 

5,495

 

 

 

(125

)

 

 

13,630

 

Rentals and landing fees

 

 

5

 

 

 

2,517

 

 

 

724

 

 

 

(6

)

 

 

3,240

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,538

 

 

 

456

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,995

 

Fuel

 

 

 

 

 

2,476

 

 

 

297

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,773

 

Maintenance and repairs

 

 

1

 

 

 

2,086

 

 

 

287

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,374

 

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

(434

)

 

 

179

 

 

 

255

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

304

 

 

 

5,734

 

 

 

2,885

 

 

 

(171

)

 

 

8,752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,927

 

 

 

15,128

 

 

 

(302

)

 

 

55,753

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

670

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,566

 

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,065

)

 

 

 

Interest, net

 

 

(507

)

 

 

27

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

(479

)

Other retirements plans (expense) income

 

 

 

 

 

516

 

 

 

(45

)

 

 

 

 

 

471

 

Intercompany charges, net

 

 

508

 

 

 

(299

)

 

 

(209

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other, net

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(134

)

 

 

156

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

4,074

 

 

 

573

 

 

 

(3,065

)

 

 

4,579

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

1,439

 

 

 

143

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,582

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

2,997

 

 

$

2,635

 

 

$

430

 

 

$

(3,065

)

 

$

2,997

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

$

2,922

 

 

$

2,580

 

 

$

314

 

 

$

(3,065

)

 

$

2,751

 

 

- 144 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended May 31, 2019

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING

   ACTIVITIES

 

$

66

 

 

$

4,885

 

 

$

693

 

 

$

(31

)

 

$

5,613

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(6

)

 

 

(4,920

)

 

 

(564

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,490

)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

(9

)

 

 

(57

)

 

 

 

 

 

(66

)

Proceeds from asset dispositions and other

 

 

(45

)

 

 

101

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(51

)

 

 

(4,828

)

 

 

(594

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,473

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net transfers from (to) Parent

 

 

193

 

 

 

(259

)

 

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment on loan between subsidiaries

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

(51

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany dividends

 

 

 

 

 

106

 

 

 

(106

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

 

(1,310

)

 

 

(117

)

 

 

(9

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,436

)

Proceeds from debt issuances

 

 

2,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,463

 

Proceeds from stock issuances

 

 

101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(683

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(683

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(1,480

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,480

)

Other, net

 

 

(9

)

 

 

127

 

 

 

(122

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4

)

CASH USED IN FINANCING

   ACTIVITIES

 

 

(674

)

 

 

(143

)

 

 

(222

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,039

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(34

)

 

 

 

 

 

(47

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(659

)

 

 

(99

)

 

 

(157

)

 

 

(31

)

 

 

(946

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,485

 

 

 

257

 

 

 

1,538

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

3,265

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

826

 

 

$

158

 

 

$

1,381

 

 

$

(46

)

 

$

2,319

 

 

- 145 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended May 31, 2018

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING

   ACTIVITIES

 

$

(2,837

)

 

$

6,767

 

 

$

712

 

 

$

32

 

 

$

4,674

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(5,299

)

 

 

(363

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,663

)

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

(44

)

 

 

(135

)

 

 

 

 

 

(179

)

Proceeds from sale of business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

123

 

Proceeds from asset dispositions and other

 

 

(6

)

 

 

33

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

 

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

(7

)

 

 

(5,310

)

 

 

(360

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,677

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net transfers from (to) Parent

 

 

1,529

 

 

 

(1,612

)

 

83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment on loan between subsidiaries

 

 

663

 

 

 

 

 

 

(663

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany dividends

 

 

 

 

 

98

 

 

 

(98

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

 

 

 

 

(22

)

 

 

(16

)

 

 

 

 

 

(38

)

Proceeds from debt issuance

 

 

1,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,480

 

Proceeds from stock issuances

 

 

327

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

327

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(535

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(535

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(1,017

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,017

)

Other, net

 

 

3

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING

   ACTIVITIES

 

 

2,450

 

 

 

(1,529

)

 

 

(694

)

 

 

 

 

 

227

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(5

)

 

 

4

 

 

 

73

 

 

 

 

 

 

72

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(399

)

 

 

(68

)

 

 

(269

)

 

 

32

 

 

 

(704

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,884

 

 

 

325

 

 

 

1,807

 

 

 

(47

)

 

 

3,969

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1,485

 

 

$

257

 

 

$

1,538

 

 

$

(15

)

 

$

3,265

 

 

- 146 -


 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended May 31, 2017

 

 

 

Parent

 

 

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Non-

guarantor

Subsidiaries

 

 

Eliminations

 

 

Consolidated

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING

   ACTIVITIES

 

$

(1,155

)

 

$

5,254

 

 

$

835

 

 

$

(4

)

 

$

4,930

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

 

 

 

(4,694

)

 

 

(422

)

 

 

 

 

 

(5,116

)

Proceeds from asset dispositions and other

 

 

34

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

 

 

 

135

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

34

 

 

 

(4,669

)

 

 

(346

)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,981

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net transfers from (to) Parent

 

 

421

 

 

 

(518

)

 

 

97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment on loan between subsidiaries

 

 

41

 

 

 

(15

)

 

 

(26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intercompany dividends

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

 

 

 

 

(55

)

 

 

(27

)

 

 

 

 

 

(82

)

Proceeds from debt issuances

 

 

1,190

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,190

 

Proceeds from stock issuances

 

 

337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

337

 

Dividends paid

 

 

(426

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(426

)

Purchase of treasury stock

 

 

(509

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(509

)

Other, net

 

 

(12

)

 

 

(13

)

 

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING

   ACTIVITIES

 

 

1,042

 

 

 

(600

)

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

 

528

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

(11

)

 

 

14

 

 

 

(45

)

 

 

 

 

 

(42

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(90

)

 

 

(1

)

 

 

530

 

 

 

(4

)

 

 

435

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,974

 

 

 

326

 

 

 

1,277

 

 

 

(43

)

 

 

3,534

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1,884

 

 

$

325

 

 

$

1,807

 

 

$

(47

)

 

$

3,969

 

 

- 147 -


 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

INTEREST RATES. While we currently have market risk sensitive instruments related to interest rates, we have no significant exposure to changing interest rates on our long-term debt. As disclosed in Note 6 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we had outstanding fixed-rate long-term debt (exclusive of capital leases) with an estimated fair value of $17.8 billion at May 31, 2019 and outstanding fixed- and floating-rate long-term debt (exclusive of capital leases) with an estimated fair value of $16.6 billion at May 31, 2018. Market risk for long-term debt is estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and amounts to approximately $390 million as of May 31, 2019 and approximately $430 million as of May 31, 2018. The underlying fair values of our long-term debt were estimated based on quoted market prices or on the current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities.

We have interest rate risk with respect to our pension and postretirement benefit obligations. Changes in interest rates impact our liabilities associated with these retirement plans, as well as the amount of pension and postretirement benefit expense recognized. Declines in the value of plan assets could diminish the funded status of our pension plans and potentially increase our requirement to make contributions to the plans. Substantial investment losses on plan assets would also increase net pension expense.

FOREIGN CURRENCY. While we are a global provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services, the majority of our transactions during the periods presented in this Annual Report are denominated in U.S. dollars. The principal foreign currency exchange rate risks to which we are exposed are in the euro, Chinese yuan, British pound, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and Mexican peso. Historically, our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is more significant with respect to our revenues than our expenses, as a significant portion of our expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, such as aircraft and fuel expenses. Foreign currency fluctuations had a slightly positive impact on operating income in 2019 and a slightly negative impact on operating income in 2018. However, favorable foreign currency fluctuations also may have had an offsetting impact on the price we obtained or the demand for our services, which is not quantifiable. At May 31, 2019, the result of a uniform 10% strengthening in the value of the dollar relative to the currencies in which our transactions are denominated would result in a decrease in operating income of $63 million for 2020. This theoretical calculation required under SEC guidelines assumes that each exchange rate would change in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar, which is not consistent with our actual experience in foreign currency transactions. In addition to the direct effects of changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in exchange rates also affect the volume of sales or the foreign currency sales price as competitors’ services become more or less attractive. The sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency prices.

We maintain derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency fluctuations related to probable future transactions and cash flows denominated in currencies other than the currency of the transacting entity which impacts our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and are accounted for at fair value with any profit or loss recorded in income, which was immaterial for 2019 and 2018.

COMMODITY. While we have market risk for changes in the price of jet and vehicle fuel, this risk is largely mitigated by our indexed fuel surcharges. For additional discussion of our indexed fuel surcharges, see the “Results of Operations and Outlook — Consolidated Results — Fuel” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.”

 

 

 

- 148 -


 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth (in millions, except per share amounts and other operating data) certain selected consolidated financial and operating data for FedEx as of and for the five years ended May 31, 2019. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, MD&A and other financial data appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

 

 

2019(1)(2)(3)

 

 

2018(2)(3)(4)

 

 

2017(2)(3)(5)

 

 

2016(3)(6)

 

 

2015(3)(7)

 

Operating Results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

69,693

 

 

$

65,450

 

 

$

60,319

 

 

$

50,365

 

 

$

47,453

 

Operating income(8)

 

 

4,466

 

 

 

4,272

 

 

 

4,566

 

 

 

4,168

 

 

 

3,407

 

Income before income taxes

 

 

655

 

 

 

4,353

 

 

 

4,579

 

 

 

2,740

 

 

 

1,627

 

Net income

 

 

540

 

 

 

4,572

 

 

 

2,997

 

 

 

1,820

 

 

 

1,050

 

Per Share Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

2.06

 

 

$

17.08

 

 

$

11.24

 

 

$

6.59

 

 

$

3.70

 

Diluted

 

$

2.03

 

 

$

16.79

 

 

$

11.07

 

 

$

6.51

 

 

$

3.65

 

Average shares of common stock outstanding

 

 

262

 

 

 

267

 

 

 

266

 

 

 

276

 

 

 

283

 

Average common and common equivalent shares

   outstanding

 

 

265

 

 

 

272

 

 

 

270

 

 

 

279

 

 

 

287

 

Cash dividends declared

 

$

2.60

 

 

$

2.00

 

 

$

1.60

 

 

$

1.00

 

 

$

0.80

 

Financial Position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

$

30,429

 

 

$

28,154

 

 

$

25,981

 

 

$

24,284

 

 

$

20,875

 

Total assets(9)

 

 

54,403

 

 

 

52,330

 

 

 

48,552

 

 

 

45,959

 

 

 

36,469

 

Long-term debt, less current portion(9)

 

 

16,617

 

 

 

15,243

 

 

 

14,909

 

 

 

13,733

 

 

 

7,187

 

Common stockholders’ investment

 

 

17,757

 

 

 

19,416

 

 

 

16,073

 

 

 

13,784

 

 

 

14,993

 

Other Operating Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FedEx Express aircraft fleet

 

 

681

 

 

 

670

 

 

 

657

 

 

 

643

 

 

 

647

 

(1)

Results for 2019 include business realignment charges of $320 million ($243 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share), costs incurred in connection with the settlement of a legal matter involving FedEx Ground of $46 million ($43 million, net of tax, or $0.16 per diluted share) and a net U.S. deferred tax liability remeasurement of $4 million ($0.02 per diluted share) for lower tax rates.

(2)

Results include TNT Express integration expenses and restructuring charges of $388 million ($314 million, net of tax, or $1.18 per diluted share) in 2019, $477 million ($372 million, net of tax, or $1.36 per diluted share) in 2018 and $327 million ($245 million, net of tax, or $0.91 per diluted share) in 2017. These expenses are included in “Corporate, other and eliminations” and the FedEx Express segment.

(3)

Results include the following: MTM retirement plans accounting adjustments: net loss of $3.9 billion ($3.0 billion, net of tax, or $11.22 per diluted share) in 2019; net gains of $10 million ($9 million, net of tax, or $0.03 per diluted share) in 2018 and $24 million ($6 million, net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) in 2017; and net losses of $1.5 billion ($946 million, net of tax, or $3.39 per diluted share) in 2016 and $2.2 billion ($1.4 billion, net of tax, or $4.81 per diluted share) in 2015. See Note 1 and Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information.

(4)

Results for 2018 include tax benefits of $2.1 billion ($7.71 per diluted share), which includes benefits of $1.6 billion related to the TCJA as follows: a provisional benefit of $1.15 billion ($4.22 per diluted share) for the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax liability for lower tax rates; a benefit of $204 million ($0.75 per diluted share) from an incremental pension contribution made in the third quarter and deductible against prior year taxes at 35%; and a benefit of approximately $265 million ($0.97 per diluted share) for the phase-in of the reduced tax rate applied to 2018 earnings. The remaining 2018 tax benefits include a net benefit of $255 million ($0.94 per diluted share) from corporate structuring transactions as part of the ongoing integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express and a benefit of $225 million ($0.83 per diluted share) from foreign tax credits associated with distributions to the U.S. from foreign operations. In addition, 2018 results include $380 million ($379 million, net of tax, or $1.39 per diluted share) of goodwill and other asset impairment charges related to FedEx Supply Chain and charges of $8 million ($6 million, net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics.

(5)

Results for 2017 include charges for legal reserves related to certain CBP matters involving FedEx Logistics for $39 million ($24 million, net of tax, or $0.09 per diluted share) and charges in connection with the settlement of and certain expected losses relating to independent contractor litigation matters at FedEx Ground in the amount of $22 million ($13 million, net of tax, or $0.05 per diluted share).

- 149 -


 

(6)

Results for 2016 include provisions related to independent contractor litigation matters at FedEx Ground for $256 million, net of recognized immaterial insurance recovery ($158 million, net of tax, or $0.57 per diluted share), and expenses related to the settlement of a CBP notice of action involving FedEx Logistics in the amount of $69 million, net of recognized immaterial insurance recovery ($43 million, net of tax, or $0.15 per diluted share). Total transaction, financing and integration-planning expenses related to our TNT Express acquisition, as well as TNT Express’s immaterial financial results from the time of acquisition, were $132 million ($125 million, net of tax, or $0.45 per diluted share) during 2016. In addition, 2016 results include a $76 million ($0.27 per diluted share) favorable tax impact from an internal corporate legal entity restructuring to facilitate the integration of FedEx Express and TNT Express.

(7)

Results for 2015 include impairment and related charges of $276 million ($175 million, net of tax, or $0.61 per diluted share) resulting from the decision to permanently retire and adjust the retirement schedule of certain aircraft and related engines. Additionally, results for 2015 include a charge of $197 million ($133 million, net of tax, or $0.46 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter to increase the legal reserve associated with the settlement of a legal matter at FedEx Ground to the amount of the settlement.

(8)

Includes reclassifications to conform to the current year presentation of newly adopted pension guidance which requires us to report only the service cost component in the “Salaries and employee benefits” line item. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement in other income, outside of income from operations.

(9)

Includes adjustments in 2015 and 2016 related to our adoption of an accounting standard that requires us to classify debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, rather than as an asset.

 

- 150 -


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

FedEx Corporation

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of FedEx Corporation (the Company) as of May 31, 2019 and 2018, and for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2019, and have issued our report thereon dated July 16, 2019 included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K (the “schedule”). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s schedule, based on our audits.  

In our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

July 16, 2019

 

- 151 -


 

SCHEDULE II

FEDEX CORPORATION

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED MAY 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017

(IN MILLIONS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDITIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DESCRIPTION

 

BALANCE

AT

BEGINNING

OF YEAR

 

 

CHARGED

TO

EXPENSES

 

 

CHARGED

TO

OTHER

ACCOUNTS

 

 

DEDUCTIONS

 

 

BALANCE

AT

END OF

YEAR

 

Accounts Receivable Reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

199

 

 

$

295

 

 

$

 

 

$

373

 

(a)

$

121

 

2018

 

 

115

 

 

 

246

 

 

 

 

 

 

162

 

(a)

 

199

 

2017

 

 

73

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

94

 

(a)

 

115

 

Allowance for Revenue Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

202

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,192

 

(b)

$

1,215

 

(c)

$

179

 

2018

 

 

137

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,173

 

(b)

 

1,108

 

(c)

 

202

 

2017

 

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

941

 

(b)

909

 

(c)

 

137

 

Inventory Valuation Allowance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

$

268

 

 

$

28

 

 

$

75

 

 

$

36

 

 

$

335

 

2018

 

 

237

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

268

 

2017

 

 

218

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

237

 

(a)

Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries, and other adjustments.

(b)

Principally charged against revenue.

(c)

Service failures, rebills and other.

 

- 152 -