FedEx continues to bleed even after beating Q2 estimates

FedEx (FDX) reported its second quarter 2019 earnings results. The company beat Street’s views by posting non-GAAP EPS of $4.03 on revenue of $17.8 billion. However, FedEx stock tumbled about 4% as the company lowered its FY19 outlook and its comments on near-term outlook. CFO Alaf Graf said, “Global trade has slowed in recent months and leading indicators point to ongoing deceleration in global trade near-term.”

Analysts had expected the logistics giant to post earnings of $3.95 per share on revenues of $17.76 billion. FedEx lowered its earnings outlook for fiscal 2019, hurt by the weakness in Europe.

Currently, FedEx expects FY19 earnings of $12.65 to $13.40 per share before year-end MTM retirement plan accounting adjustments, down from the prior forecast of $15.85 to $16.45 per share.

The current earnings target of $15.50 to $16.60 per share before year-end MTM retirement plan accounting adjustments and certain other charges is down from the prior forecast of $17.20 to $17.80 per share.

In addition to lowering variable compensation, FedEx announced other cost-cutting measures to mitigate the below plan performance, which include a voluntary buyout program for eligible employees, international network capacity reductions at FedEx Express, limited hiring in staff functions and reductions in discretionary spending.

The transporting bellwether expects a pre-tax cash charge $450 million to $575 million related to the voluntary buyout program for U.S.-based employees to occur in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Savings from this program are expected to be $225 million to $275 million in fiscal 2020.

FedEx misses Q1 profit estimates, stock slides

The negative sentiment of FedEx also dragged down its peer United Parcel Service (UPS) during the extending trading hours. UPS stock, which hit a fresh yearly low ($96.36) on Tuesday, was down about 4% after the bell.

FedEx got increased attention in the Wall Street recently as the stock continued to plunge to its new 52-week lows daily during last week. The pressure continued on Monday and the shares registered a fresh yearly low ($181.28). FedEx stock, which increased by 1.55% to $185.01 at the end of Tuesday’s trading session, had tumbled 24% both in the last three months and the past one year periods.

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