FedEx highlighted potential cost cuts of up to $2.7 billion after falling demand hurt the company’s results in its first fiscal quarter, but analysts remain wary of the company.
At around 11:45 am, FedEx stock was down 2.5% to $150.78.
The company’s earnings per share fell 21.3% in the quarter ended Aug. 31, in line with the warning issued last week by the company.
FedEx blamed a rapidly deteriorating global economy and the company’s chief financial officer said he expects weak trends to persist in most regions for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
On the earnings call, analysts asked FedEx executives whether they believe they have the right team to put the company back on track and why it underperformed rival United Parcel Service.
FedEx has committed to repurchasing $1.5 billion worth of common stock this fiscal year, including $1 billion in the current quarter, even as it confirmed investors and analysts’ suspicions that it did not cut costs fast enough to offset the impact on demand.
“The impact of cost-line measures delayed the decline in volume and operating expenses remained high relative to demand,” FedEx said in a statement detailing its plans to cut costs by $2.2 billion to $2.7 billion. billion in fiscal year 2023.
“Eliminating costs quickly is my priority. We want to get ahead,” said Chief Executive Raj Subramaniam. He assured analysts that he is confident in his team and his experience.
FedEx said it set aside $300 million in savings in the fiscal first quarter and plans to cut expenses by $700 million in the current second quarter.
On the revenue side, the company announced plans to raise average rates by 6.9% starting January 2.
Executives defended the move, even as analysts questioned whether it would be a good idea to deliver the company’s biggest-ever increase in a period of cooling demand.
FedEx last week withdrew its 12-month forecast, blaming macroeconomic weakness in Asia, service challenges in Europe and weak revenue at its US ground delivery unit.
“They have a lot to overcome, but at least it’s a start,” said Gary Bradshaw, a portfolio manager at Hodges Capital Management, which owns FedEx shares in Dallas.
Source: CNN Brasil
Joe Jameson, a technology journalist with over 2 years of experience, writes for top online news websites. Specializing in the field of technology, Joe provides insights into the latest advancements in the industry. Currently, he contributes to covering the world stock market.
