MEMPHIS, Tenn.--March 17, 2005-- FedEx Corporation today reported earnings of $1.03 per diluted share for the third quarter ended February 28, compared to $0.68 per diluted share a year ago, a year-over-year increase of 51%. FedEx Corp. reported the following consolidated results for the third quarter: Revenue of $7.34 billion, up 21% from $6.06 billion the previous year Operating income of $552 million, up 48% from $372 million a year ago Operating margin of 7.5%, up from last year's 6.1% Net income of $317 million, up 53% from $207 million the previous year "We have solid momentum in the business and customer demand is strong," said Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Economic conditions remain favorable, and we are optimistic about future growth prospects. We are executing our plans very well and our unique business strategy is paying off." Total average daily package volume at FedEx Express and FedEx Ground combined grew more than 10% year over year for the quarter, led by double-digit growth in ground and FedEx International Priority shipments. FedEx Freight average daily less-than-truckload (LTL) shipment volume increased 9%. FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight each reported solid yield improvement. Third quarter revenues included $499 million from FedEx Kinko's, which was acquired in February 2004, compared to approximately $100 million in revenue last year. Last year's third quarter included $14 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, of business realignment expenses associated with voluntary early retirement and severance programs. During the quarter, operating income benefited from the timing of adjustments to the company's indexed fuel surcharges, as fuel costs declined from second quarter levels. However, should the recent trend of fuel cost increases continue, fourth quarter margins could be negatively impacted. FedEx ranked in the "Top 10" of FORTUNE magazine's most recent "America's Most Admired Companies" and "World's Most Admired Companies" lists. The company also ranked first in the "Delivery" industry in the FORTUNE survey. FedEx continues to place in the FORTUNE "100 Best Companies to Work For" list and has the largest employee base on that list. Outlook Earnings are expected to be $1.40 to $1.50 per diluted share in the fourth quarter. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2005 are expected to be approximately $2.3 billion. "Customer demand is driving additional investment in aircraft, facilities and technology," said Alan B. Graf, Jr., executive vice president and chief financial officer. "We remain diligent in allocating our capital expenditures to the fastest growing and most profitable opportunities. This investment positions us well to capitalize on additional future growth and we expect to generate a solid return on our investment." FedEx Express Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Express segment reported: Revenue of $4.92 billion, up 12% from last year's $4.37 billion Operating income of $340 million, up 56% from $218 million a year ago Operating margin of 6.9%, up from 5.0% the previous year FedEx International Priority (IP) revenue continued its strong growth, increasing 19% for the quarter. IP average daily package volume grew 11%, with strong growth in U.S. export, Asia and Europe. IP revenue per package grew 9%, primarily due to fuel surcharges, an increase in average weight per package and favorable exchange rate differences. U.S. domestic express package revenue increased 9%, as average daily package volume increased 6%. U.S. domestic express revenue per package increased 5% due to higher fuel surcharge revenue and increases in average weight per package and average rate per pound. Operating income improved dramatically year over year despite one fewer operating day in the quarter, benefiting from revenue growth and the timing of adjustments to fuel surcharges, ongoing cost control efforts and savings from business realignment programs. FedEx Express recently launched the express industry's first direct flight from mainland China to Europe. The westbound around-the-world flight is the initial phase of a plan which extends the company's global connectivity leadership and will be followed by a second around-the-world flight on an eastbound pattern later this calendar year. Both flights will further enhance FedEx Express' service offerings between the fastest growing economies in Europe and Asia, providing daily service from Shanghai, China to Cologne, Germany. FedEx Express also received tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation for three new flight frequencies into China, effective March 2006. This will provide the company a total of 26 weekly flights to China. In February, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the favorable ruling previously received by FedEx in a lawsuit filed by the company over the tax treatment of jet engine maintenance costs. This decision did not have any impact on the company's financial condition, results of operations or tax rate during the third quarter. FedEx Ground Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Ground segment reported: Revenue of $1.20 billion, up 25% from last year's $960 million Operating income of $149 million, up 33% from $112 million a year ago Operating margin of 12.4%, up from 11.6% the previous year FedEx Ground average daily package volume grew 16% year over year in the third quarter, consistent with first half growth rates. Yield improved 4% primarily due to an increase in extra services revenue and general rate increases, partially offset by a lower average weight per package. In addition, FedEx Ground reintroduced a fuel surcharge on January 3, 2005. The operating margin for the FedEx Ground segment increased year over year because of excellent revenue growth, aided by one more operating day in this year's quarter for the Ground package unit, and significantly improved field productivity. FedEx Freight Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Freight segment reported: Revenue of $747 million, up 19% from last year's $630 million Operating income of $54 million, up 46% from $37 million a year ago Operating margin of 7.2%, up from 5.9% the previous year Average daily LTL shipments increased 9% year over year due to market-share gains and continued strong demand for services. LTL yield improved 9% year over year reflecting incremental fuel surcharges, growth in interregional freight service and higher rates. Operating margin was up significantly compared to the previous year due to LTL volume and yield growth and productivity gains. FedEx Kinko's Segment For the third quarter, the FedEx Kinko's segment reported: Revenue of $499 million Operating income of $11 million Operating margin of 2.2% FedEx Kinko's revenue and operating margin during the third quarter reflect a decrease in business levels as compared to the second quarter due to the slower winter months. The operating margin for the third quarter was adversely impacted by integration activities, including facility rebranding expenses, ramp-up costs associated with the offering of packaging and shipping services at its U.S. locations and the centralization of the FedEx Kinko's corporate support operations.