Quarterlytics / Industrials / Integrated Freight & Logistics / FedEx

FedEx

fdx · NYSE Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker fdx
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Integrated Freight & Logistics
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2014 Annual Report · FedEx
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
The strength of our people 
powers the strength of our results.

F
E
d
E
x
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
t
O
n

i

A
n
n
u
A
l

R
e
p
o
R
T

2
0
1
4

Solutions 
for a more sustainable world.

Our commitment to connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways is getting results.  

In 2013, we efficiently reduced CO2 emissions intensity while increasing business revenue.

GOAL

GOAL

30%

Reduction in aircraft 
emissions intensity 
by 2020 from a 
2005 baseline.  

30%

Increase in FedEx 
Express vehicle fuel 
efficiency by 2020 
from a 2005 baseline.  

GOAL
Expand on-site 
generation 
and continuing 
procurement of 
renewable energy 
for our facilities.  

GOAL
Seek Leadership 
in Energy & 
Environmental Design 
(LEED) certification 
on all new U.S. FedEx 
Express buildings.  

PROGRESS

22.3%

since 2005

PROGRESS

27.0%

since 2005

PROGRESS

27gigawatt hours

since 2005

PROGRESS

10 LEED

 certified buildings

To learn more, read the 2013 FedEx Global Citizenship Report at csr.fedex.com.

Fedex CoRpoRAtion
942 South Shady Grove Road
Memphis, tennessee 38120
fedex.com

In line with our commitment to sustainability, the FedEx Annual Report was produced using environmentally and socially responsible 
procurement and manufacturing practices to ensure a minimized environmental impact. See page 80 for more details.

Fedex AnnuAl RepoR t 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The strength of our purpose.

Good things happen when FedEx connects people and possibilities. Our customers find opportunity 
in new markets and, in turn, give back to their communities. In the West African nation of Togo,  
more children are graduating because they can get to school, thanks to 5,700 bikes donated by 
Alaffia, an Olympia, Wash.–based company that depends on FedEx for global supply chain solutions. 

More than a decade ago, Alaffia started a business with Togolese women to traditionally harvest  
and process shea tree nuts. It’s the key ingredient used in the fair trade body care products Alaffia  
sells through major retailers. Since 2003, the company has created hundreds of new jobs — and  
a growing community of kids on wheels.  fedex.com/access

Strength  
in numbers.

More than 300,000 FedEx team 

members worldwide work tirelessly 

to serve our customers and create 

value for shareowners. Thanks to their 

extraordinary efforts, FY14 returns to 

investors outperformed the S&P 500 and 

the Dow Jones Transportation Average. 

31%

19%

— The Purple Promise

50%

FY2014

S&P 500

Dow Jones 
Transportation 
Average

FedEx 
Corporation

Letter from the Chairman

Decisive actions. Superior returns.

To our 
shareowners,
In FY14 we acted 
decisively to boost 
shareowner value, 
and we are proud of 
our accomplishments 
during the year. 

demonstrated our ongoing commitment 
to deliver value to our shareowners. 

•	We are aggressively managing costs, and 
our balance sheet remains strong, giving 
us the flexibility to carry out the stock 
repurchase program while continuing 
to execute our strategic initiatives.

•	Returns to investors outperformed 
the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones 
Transportation Average, and our market 
capitalization increased significantly. 

•	The historic stock buyback we  

announced in October reaffirmed our 
confidence in the company’s strategy  
and long-term growth potential. It also 

These initiatives are designed to ensure 
the near- and long-term success of FedEx, 
including superior financial returns for 
shareowners. As a result, we believe 
FedEx is well positioned for stronger 
growth in earnings and cash flow 
despite a sluggish global economy and 
dramatic changes in supply chains.

The strength of our people powers the 
strength of our results. That is embodied 
in our People-Service-Profit culture and our 
Purple Promise: “I will make every FedEx 
experience outstanding.” For proof, look no 
further than our team members’ extraordinary 
efforts this past winter and holiday season. 
Despite the toughest winter FedEx 
has ever experienced, team members 
delivered record volumes, and service 
metrics were among our best ever for a 
peak season. In fact, many team members 
volunteered to work on Christmas Day. It’s 
no coincidence that FedEx was once again 
recognized by Fortune magazine as one of 
the world’s 10 most admired companies 
and No. 1 in the delivery industry.  

more > fedex.com/annualr eport2014      1

Letter from the Chairman

CusTomers define us
As persistently high fuel prices continue 
to add costs to long-range supply chains, 
customers are seeking innovative and 
flexible solutions to stay competitive. We’ve 
seen this coming for a long time, which is 
why we enhanced and diversified our suite 
of services over the last several years. 

fedex Ground played a leading role in 
our success during FY14. We again led the 
industry in revenue-share growth, which has 
now increased for more than 14 consecutive 
years. The company’s strategic investments 
in both the network and technology began 
16 years ago and continue today. They’ve led 
us to gain a significant share of the market 
growth that’s fueled in part by e-commerce. 
In FY14, FedEx invested nearly $1 billion in 
FedEx Ground — 90 percent to support growth 
initiatives by expanding the network’s capacity.

fedex express continues to align 
international operations to ensure we 
exactly match customer needs in terms of 
service and price. Our global door-to-door 
priority express network is without peer 
and was further enhanced in FY14 with hub 
openings in Osaka and Mexico City. At the 
same time, expanded FedEx Trade Networks 
global ocean and air freight forwarding 
systems are providing customers with more 
flexibility for their shipping needs. The 
Express European growth strategy reached a 

milestone when we opened our 100th new 
station in fewer than three years. FedEx 
One RateSM — in less than a year after it was 
launched — is performing impressively, giving 
U.S. customers simple, predictable flat rate 
shipping options for their Express packages.

fedex freight, the industry leader in 
market share and volume, is growing by 
making less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping 
easier than ever. In an industry where many 
LTL transactions are manual and pricing is 
complicated, our newly improved FedEx online 
shipping tools help customers process more 
shipments in less time. We’re also the only 
LTL carrier to offer two options — Priority 
and Economy — and about 87 percent of 
customers use both. Our increasing use of rail 
for many FedEx Freight® Economy shipments 
also lowers our costs while maintaining 
our service reliability to customers.

fedex services excels at building robust 
technology and solutions that can uniquely 
meet customers’ global transportation and 
supply chain challenges. The FedEx® portfolio 
creates significant value, generating about 
96 percent of U.S. revenue from customers 
who use two or more FedEx operating 
companies. For shippers needing an extra hand 
packing, we’re rolling out Pack Plus services 
at FedEx Office locations across the United 
States. Features include a larger selection 
of boxes, as well as custom packaging. 

2

innovaTion drives us
As baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra put it: 
“The future ain’t what it used to be.” Just 
look at how online shopping has exploded 
around the world. Forrester Research 
predicts that worldwide B2C online sales will 
reach $1.33 trillion in 2017, up from $656 
billion in 2012. U.S. e-commerce sales in 
the 2013 five-day period from Thanksgiving 
through Cyber Monday jumped 26 percent 
year over year — truly astounding.   

Without question, such volume numbers 
point to strong opportunities. But as the past 
peak shipping season showed, residential 
delivery also poses many challenges. 
Carriers and retailers alike must agree on 
new ways of thinking or risk disappointing 
customers. Residential package recipients 
have high expectations for service, 
but FedEx must also carefully manage 
delivery costs to ensure profitability.  

We created our E-commerce Center of 
Excellence with that in mind. The center 
orchestrates efforts across FedEx to grow our 
e-commerce business by giving customers 
more tools and delivery options. FedEx Delivery 
ManagerSM is an example of innovation that 
allows customers to personalize their delivery 
experience. FedEx Ship&Get® is a new 
shipping and delivery option we’re piloting 
at select retail locations. Customers can use 
these stand-alone kiosks and lockers to ship 
or pick up packages at their convenience.  

Today, e-commerce is a bright spot and an 
important driver of the global economy. 
For e-commerce to realize its full potential, 
however, international trade rules must 
be modernized. For this internet-based 
economy to grow on a global basis, 
customs procedures and clearance must 
be simplified and red tape eliminated. 

flexibiliTy differenTiaTes us
Despite many political challenges, the world 
is becoming more connected. Markets, 
technologies and social trends often shift 
with little warning. Businesses must navigate 
rapid change or risk becoming obsolete. At 
FedEx, flexibility is a core strategic advantage, 
and we move quickly in response to new 

our independent networks and  
multiple hubs give fedex the flexibility 
we need to serve customers under  
changing conditions.

customer needs in a dynamic marketplace. We 
constantly strive to help our customers become 
more efficient with new FedEx solutions.  

The FedEx strategy of Compete Collectively, 
Operate Independently and Manage 
Collaboratively is based on maintaining 
separate FedEx Express, FedEx Ground 
and FedEx Freight networks. Our Express 
system, which has multiple hubs, proved to 
be an especially important advantage for our 
customers during the severe weather that 
hit during the peak shipping season. This 
flexible network allowed us to quickly shift 
volume to adjust to changing circumstances. 

Our strategy above is at the heart of the 
speed advantage FedEx Ground has over 
other ground carriers on thousands of U.S. 
routes. We are continually fine-tuning the 
Ground network to deliver faster transit 
times. In the same vein, FedEx Freight® 
Priority service boasts the fastest published 
times of any nationwide LTL carrier. 
Our ability to quickly adjust international 
capacity to demand has been key to the FedEx 
Express profit improvement program. We’re 
successfully transitioning lower-yielding 
FedEx International Economy® shipments 
to low-cost passenger aircraft underbellies. 
We’re also building out our freight forwarding 
capabilities for bulk shipments through FedEx 
Trade Networks® air and ocean services. 

our purpose inspires us
At FedEx, we believe that when we connect 
people and possibilities, innovation soars, 
businesses create jobs that improve lives, 
and people thrive in communities rich with 
opportunity and hope for a better future. 

We aspire to connect the world in more 
environmentally friendly and resourceful ways. 
This in turn has made us a stronger and more 
efficient company. We also recognize that 
being a more responsible corporate citizen is 
increasingly important to many customers  
who decide to do business with FedEx based 
on our sustainability goals and progress. Our 
efforts are well ahead of plan. For example,  
we recently revised both our FedEx Express 
vehicle fuel efficiency and aircraft carbon 
emissions improvement goals from 20 percent 
to 30 percent by 2020 from 2005 baselines. 
Modernizing our aircraft fleet has significantly 
improved efficiency and reduced emissions 
while saving millions of dollars annually in  
fuel and maintenance costs.  

FedEx has many competitive advantages, but 
none more important than the quality and 
integrity of our team members. I can think of 
no better examples than two FedEx Express 
executives who will be retiring in FY15 — 
40-year veteran Mike Ducker, Chief Operating 
Officer and President of FedEx International, 

and Cathy Ross, Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer, who has been with 
the company 30 years. We thank them for 
their leadership and countless contributions 
to FedEx and wish them well in the future.

We also welcome two new Board members — 
Marvin Ellison, who has extensive operations 
and logistics experience, and Kimberly Jabal, 
with a background in information technology, 
social media, finance and operations.

Each FedEx team member is committed to 
building value for shareowners, connecting 
customers to global opportunities, and 
championing policies that create prosperity. 

Based on our progress last year, FY15 
should be exciting on all these fronts.  

Frederick W. Smith 
Chairman, President and CEO

more > fedex.com/annualr eport2014      3

the strength of 
our global networks.

With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, FedEx 
has been investing in countries where business is growing. FY14 was no exception. 
Strategic acquisitions, new hubs and enhanced services strengthen the link between 
emerging economies and the global marketplace. As a result, customers have better 
access to opportunities than ever, and local economies are enjoying strong growth.   

FedEx customers in Mexico can 
now access local markets and 
global opportunities faster and 
easier than ever.

4

momentum in mexico
In April, FedEx opened the most advanced 
FedEx Express distribution center in Latin 
America, just outside Mexico City. As the 
centerpiece of our domestic operations in 
Mexico, the hub is already infusing vitality into 
the country’s economy by driving trade and 
creating jobs. A greatly expanded range of 
solutions and more than 800 shipping locations 
across Mexico give customers more direct 
access to markets within their country and 
faster access to opportunities worldwide. 

FedEx now enjoys a strong position in Mexico, 
thanks to our recent integration of MultiPack. 
The 2011 acquisition signaled our commitment 
to the fast-growing region where daily two-
way trade between Mexico and the U.S. 
alone totals $1.35 billion.1 As a U.S. trading 
partner, Mexico ranks as the third largest, 
accounting for 13.5 percent of total trade.2

“We are witnessing a key moment in the 
growth of FedEx in Latin America,” said 
Juan N. Cento, Regional President of FedEx 
Express, Latin America and the Caribbean. 
The new Mexico hub will accelerate 
Latin American domestic revenues, which 
are already growing substantially.

open borders boost trade
Removing barriers to trade has propelled 

intraregional trade flows since the North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)        
was signed two decades ago. In October 2013, 
U.S. trade with NAFTA partners Canada and 
Mexico was $103.1 billion, up 4.5 percent 
from the previous year and exceeding $100 
billion per month for the first time, according 
to Bureau of Transportation Statistics. For 
perspective, the U.S. trades more in goods 
and services with Mexico and Canada than 
it does with Japan, South Korea, Brazil, 
Russia, India and China combined. 

As the near-shoring trend continues, many 
Latin American countries, including Mexico, 
stand to benefit from a growing manufacturing 
industry. Companies also have the opportunity 
to market their products to the growing 
consuming class within Mexico by moving 
their manufacturing closer to U.S. markets. 

focused on growing markets
FedEx strategy to provide domestic service 
in Mexico is the same driving force behind 
acquisitions of domestic transportation 
companies in other key markets around 
the world, including the United Kingdom, 
Hungary, India, China, Poland, France, Brazil 
and Southern Africa. The growth plan is 
working — international domestic revenue 
has more than doubled from $653 million 
in FY11 to about $1.4 billion in FY14.

fedex is expanding services in key high-growth countries. The chart below 
reflects projected population growth from 2010 to 2030.

4%

14%

19%

24%

China 
+50 million people3

brazil
+25 million people3

mexico 
+22 million people3

india 
+300 million people3

Grow Globally, 
operaTe loCally.

A few years ago, FedEx participated 
in a $30 billion global export express 
market. We’ve worked hard to expand 
our portfolio to include domestic services 
in international markets, value-added 
logistics and freight forwarding. New 
investments, including those in Mexico, 
now position us to pursue a much 
larger logistics and transportation 
marketplace worth $300 billion. 

•	 asia. The same week the Mexico 
City hub opened, we celebrated 
the opening of our Northern Pacific 
hub in Osaka, Japan. The facility is 
a consolidation and transshipment 
point for shipments between Asia and 
the U.S., giving customers greater 
access to and from markets in Asia-
Pacific, the Americas and Europe. 

•	 europe. FedEx continues to make 
progress in our plans to expand our 
footprint in Europe. FedEx Express 
has opened 100 stations across 11 
European countries since 2011.

•	 southern africa. FedEx recently 
finalized the acquisition of its global 
service provider in seven Southern 
African countries, directly connecting 
it with the FedEx international 
network serving more than 220 
countries and territories worldwide.

•	 Global freight forwarding. 

International customers can find the 
right balance between speed and 
service by using FedEx Express and 
FedEx Trade Networks, our ocean and 
air freight forwarding arm. Expanding 
our presence to 27 countries with more 
than 70 offices outside the U.S. has 
resulted in strong growth in the $163 
billion global freight forwarding market.4

1. U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2014
2. U.S. Census Bureau, Top Trading Partners, March 2014
3. United Nations Population Fund
4. Global Industry Analysts Research Reports

more > fedex.com/annualr eport2014      5

the strength  
of our portfolio.

When it comes to shoes, FedEx helps Allen Edmonds put its best foot 
forward with a sophisticated global sourcing and distribution network 
powered by the FedEx portfolio of solutions.

“The breadth and depth of  
the fedex portfolio makes my  
job easier,” said Terry Howell, 
allen edmonds’ supply chain 
manager. “it’s hard to think of  
a supply chain challenge that 
fedex can’t help me solve.”

Enter FedEx District Sales Manager 
John Whittington and an entire team of 
FedEx logistics and automation experts. 
“If Allen Edmonds could source a raw 
material anywhere in the world, we knew 
we could get it to Port Washington in 
two to three days,” Whittington said.

In 2012, the Port Washington, Wisconsin–
based manufacturer asked FedEx what it 
could do to streamline the shoemaker’s 
supply chain. The company had to get 
its products to market faster. Through an 
expanded retail network and aggressive 
export strategy, demand was surging — 
especially in China, Europe and South Africa, 
where Made in America goods are hot.

“With our more aggressive growth strategy, 
we needed a more aggressive shipping 
strategy,” Howell said. “With our prior 
carrier, there was a set shipping schedule, 
and we had to organize our production 
facility around it,” said Dave Barber, vice 
president of Systems and Technology at 
Allen Edmonds. “FedEx created a shipping 
program to meet our schedule.”

The Allen Edmonds Port Washington 
factory now echoes with nearly relentless 
noise and activity. Jobs there are growing 
at a 50 percent annual clip — since 
2010 the company added more than 300 
cobblers. Craftspeople carefully inspect 
leather, fasten shoe uppers to lasts, 
and attach Allen Edmonds’ famous cork 
footbed to each Goodyear-welted shoe, 
all before final packaging and shipping.

The result of this productivity? Twenty percent  
year-over-year revenue growth. As men 
around the world continue to dress better, 
Allen Edmonds is well positioned for  
the future.

6

FedEx 
Ground

FedEx 
Express

75%

FedEx 
Freight

a bundle of value

Customers using all three FedEx 
transportation companies account  
for 75 percent of U.S. revenues.  
About 96 percent of U.S. revenues is 
generated by customers who use two  
or more transportation companies.

Like Allen Edmonds, more customers than 
ever rely on FedEx for multiple solutions 
ranging from air to ground to ocean. As 
a result, our portfolio is a competitive 
advantage for a customer and adds 
tremendous value for FedEx.

•	By operating independently, our focused 
networks can fine-tune their operations 
to deliver the best service and reliability 
for customers. 

•	By managing our solutions as a portfolio, 
we make it easy for customers to meet 
any global business challenge that 
comes their way.  

Online shoppers can have 
their Allen Edmonds shoes 
delivered by FedEx Home 
Delivery® or FedEx Express.

fedex soluTions aT every sTep of THe supply CHain

raw materials
The world’s finest leathers 
and other components arrive 
from multiple ports around 
the world, such as Germany, 
Italy and India, via fedex 
Trade networks and 
fedex freight.

manufacturing
Allen Edmonds crafts 
more than 90 percent  
of its shoes in Wisconsin 
in a 212-step process.

distribution
Allen Edmonds relies 
on fedex Ground 
for weekly merchandise 
deliveries to its 50 U.S. 
retail locations. 

e-commerce
For its exploding 
e-commerce business, 
growing 60 percent 
year over year, Allen 
Edmonds uses fedex 
Home delivery® 
and fedex express 
— the latter popular with 
Allen Edmonds’ more 
demanding customers,  
who frequently want  
their footwear delivered  
by the next morning.

more > fedex.com/annualr eport2014      7

2014

2013(1)

Percent 
Change

Revenue (in billions)

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011(3)

2012(2)

2013(1)

2014

2010

2011(3)

2012(2)

2013(1)

2014

2010

2011(3)

2012(2)

2013(1)

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Operating Margin

Diluted Earnings Per Share

Return on Average Equity

Debt to Total Capitalization

Stock Price (May 31 close) 

$34.7

$39.3

$42.7

$44.3

$45.6

5.8%

6.1%

7.5%

5.8%

7.6%

$3.76

$4.57

$6.41

$4.91

$6.75

8.6%

10.0%

13.6%

9.7%

12.8%

12.3%

10.0%

10.2%

14.7%

31.0%

$83.49

$93.64

$89.14

$96.34

$144.16

finanCiaL highLightS

(in millions, except earnings per share)
Operating Results
  Revenues
  Operating income
  Operating margin
  Net income
  Diluted earnings per common share
   Average common and common 

  equivalent shares
  Capital expenditures

Financial Position
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Total assets 
  Long-term debt, including  
    current portion
  Common stockholders’ investment

$ 45,567 
 3,446 

$ 44,287 
 2,551 

7.6%

5.8%

 2,097 
 6.75 

 310 
 3,533 

 1,561 
 4.91 

 317 
 3,375 

$ 2,908 
33,070 

$ 4,917 
33,567 

 4,737 
 15,277 

 2,990 
 17,398 

3 
35 
180bp
34 
37 

(2)
17 

(41)
(1)

58 
(12)

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return*

5/09

5/10

5/11

5/12

5/13

5/14

FedEx Corporation

S&P 500

Dow Jones Transportation Average

* $100 invested on 5/31/09 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year 
ending May 31.

(1)  Results for 2013 include $560 million ($353 million, net of tax or $1.11 per diluted share) of 
business realignment costs and a $100 million ($63 million, net of tax, or $0.20 per diluted 
share) impairment charge resulting from the decision to retire 10 aircraft and related engines 
at FedEx Express. 

(2)  Results for 2012 include a $134 million ($84 million, net of tax or $0.26 per share) impairment 
charge resulting from the decision to retire 24 aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express 
and the reversal of a $66 million legal reserve associated with the ATA Airlines lawsuit which 
was initially recorded in the second quarter of 2011.

(3)  Results for 2011 include charges of approximately $199 million ($104 million, net of tax 

and applicable variable incentive compensation impacts, or $0.33 per diluted share) for the 
combination of our FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL operations and a reserve associated 
with a legal matter at FedEx Express.

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

8

OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL SECTION

The financial section of the FedEx Corporation (“FedEx”) Annual  
Report (“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, 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 the critical accounting estimates  
of FedEx. The discussion in the financial section should be read in 
conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report 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, Financial Condition and Critical Accounting Estimates. 
These sections include the following information:

>  Results of operations includes an overview of our consolidated 2014 
results compared to 2013, and 2013 results compared to 2012. This 
section also includes a discussion of key actions and events that 
impacted our results, as well as our outlook for 2015. 

>  The overview is followed by a financial summary and analysis 
(including a discussion of both historical operating results and our 
outlook for 2015) for each of our reportable 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 important to understanding certain of 
the material judgments and assumptions incorporated in our 
financial results.

>  We conclude with a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may 
impact our financial 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”), 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, Inc. (“FedEx Freight”), a leading 
U.S. provider of less-than-truckload (“LTL”) freight services. These 
companies represent our major service lines and, along with FedEx 
Corporate Services, Inc. (“FedEx Services”), form the core of our 
reportable segments. 

Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information 
technology, communications and certain back-office support to our 
transportation segments. 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”) and provides customer service, technical support and 
billing and collection services through FedEx TechConnect, Inc. (“FedEx 
TechConnect”). See “Reportable Segments” for further discussion.

The key indicators necessary to understand our operating results 
include:

>  the overall customer demand for our various services based on 
macro-economic factors and the global economy;

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

> 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 hundredweight and 
shipment 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.

The majority of our operating expenses are directly impacted by 
revenue and volume levels. Accordingly, we expect these operating 
expenses to fluctuate on a year-over-year basis consistent with the 
change 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 volume. The 
line item “Other operating expenses” includes costs predominantly 
associated with outside service contracts (such as security and facility 
services), insurance, uniforms, professional fees and advertising.

Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal 
year ended May 31, 2014 or ended May 31 of the year referenced  
and comparisons are to the prior year. References to our transportation 
segments include, collectively, our FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and 
FedEx Freight segments.

PB

 9

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  Of rESULTS Of OPErATIONS AND fINANCIAL CONDITION RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

 Percent Change

2013/2012
4 
Revenues
(20 )
Operating income
(170 )bp
Operating margin
(23 )
Net income
(23 )
Diluted earnings per share
(1)  Operating expenses include $560 million for business realignment costs and a $100 million impairment charge resulting from the decision to retire 10 aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express.
(2)  Operating expenses include an impairment charge of $134 million resulting from the decision to retire 24 aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express and the reversal of a $66 million legal reserve 

2014/2013
3 
35 
180 bp
34 
37 

2012(2)
$  42,680 
3,186 

2013(1)
$  44,287 
2,551 

2014
$  45,567  
3,446  

$    2,032 
$      6.41 

$    1,561 
$      4.91 

$    2,097  
$      6.75  

7.5%

5.8%

7.6%

that was initially recorded in 2011 at FedEx Express.

The following table shows changes in revenues and operating income by reportable segment for 2014 compared to 2013, and 2013 compared to 
2012 (dollars in millions):

FedEx Express segment(1)
FedEx Ground segment(2)
FedEx Freight segment(3)
FedEx Services segment
Other and eliminations 

Revenues

Operating Income

Dollar Change

   Percent Change

 Dollar Change

2014/2013
 $      (50)
 1,039 
 356 
 (44)
 (21)
$  1,280 

2013/2012
$     656 
1,005 
119 
(91)
(82)
$  1,607 

2014/2013
– 
10 
7 
(3)
NM
3 

2013/2012
2 
10 
2 
(5)
NM
4 

2014/2013
 $  617 
 167 
 111 
 – 
 – 
$  895 

2013/2012
$  (705 )
24 
46
– 
 – 
$  (635 )

  Percent Change
2014/2013
111 
9 
53 
 – 
 – 
 35 

2013/2012
(56 )
1 
28
 – 
 – 
 (20 )

(1)  FedEx Express segment 2013 operating expenses include $405 million of direct and allocated business realignment costs and an impairment charge of $100 million resulting from the decision  
to retire 10 aircraft and related engines. Additionally, FedEx Express segment 2012 operating expenses include an impairment charge of $134 million resulting from the decision to retire  
24 aircraft and related engines and the reversal of a $66 million legal reserve that was initially recorded in 2011.

(2)  FedEx Ground segment 2013 operating expenses include $105 million of allocated business realignment costs.
(3)  FedEx Freight segment 2013 operating expenses include $50 million of direct and allocated business realignment costs.  

10

 11

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
10

2,700

2,600
2,700

2,500
2,600

2,400
2,500

2,400

5,000

4,500

4,000
5,000
3,500
4,500
3,000
4,000
2,500
3,500
2,000
3,000
1,500
2,500
1,000
2,000

1,500

1,000

12,000

11,500

11,000
12,000
10,500
11,500
10,000
11,000
9,500
10,500
9,000
10,000
8,500
9,500

9,000

8,500

$19.00

$18.00

$19.00

$17.00

$18.00

$16.00

$17.00

$15.00

$16.00

$14.00

$15.00

$14.00

$10.00

$8.00

$10.00

$6.00

$8.00

$4.00

$6.00

$2.00

$4.00

$0

$2.00

$0

$250.00

$240.00

$250.00

$230.00

$240.00

$220.00

$230.00

$210.00

$220.00

$200.00

$210.00

$200.00

Overview
Our revenues and earnings for 2014 increased due to improved 
performance of all our transportation segments. In addition, our 2014 
results benefited from lower pension expense, our voluntary employee 
severance program and reduced variable incentive compensation, 
partially offset by the significant negative net impact of fuel, an 
estimated $70 million year-over-year negative impact of severe 
weather and one fewer operating day. Our year-over-year earnings 
comparisons benefited from the inclusion in the prior year results of 
business realignment costs and an aircraft impairment charge 
(described below).

In 2014, we repurchased an aggregate of $4.9 billion of our common 
stock through open market purchases and through accelerated share 
repurchase (“ASR”) agreements with two banks. Share repurchases  
in 2014 had a modest positive impact on earnings per diluted share. 

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 
Average Daily Package Volume

2,700

See additional information on the share repurchase program in Note 1 
of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Our 2013 results include business realignment costs of $560 million, 
primarily related to our voluntary cash buyout program. Furthermore, 
in 2013, we retired from service 10 aircraft and related engines, which 
resulted in a noncash asset impairment charge of $100 million. These 
items negatively impacted our earnings by $1.31 per diluted share. 
Beyond these factors, our results for 2013 benefited from the strong 
performance of FedEx Ground, which continued to grow market share, 
and ongoing profit improvement at FedEx Freight. However, a decline 
in profitability was experienced at our FedEx Express segment 
resulting from ongoing shifts in demand from our priority international 
services to economy international services which could not be fully 
FedEx Express International(1) 
offset by network cost and capacity reductions in 2013.  
Average Daily Package Volume

1,000

FedEx Express International(1) 
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 
The following graphs for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight show selected volume trends (in thousands) for the years ended May 31:
Average Daily Package Volume
Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express International(1) 
Average Daily Package Volume

785

800

819

2,684
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 
Average Daily Package Volume

1,000

800
1,000

600
800

400
600

200
400

200

90.0

90.0

80.0

80.0

70.0

70.0

FedEx Express International(1) 
Average Daily Package Volume

575
FedEx Express International(1) 
819
Average Daily Package Volume

576

600

559

580
819

785

785

576

785

495

559

2012
495

International export

576

559

580
819

576
785
2013

580
819

2014

580

576

International domestic

580

2013

495
2012

2014

2013

2014

348

575

2011

348
575

2011
348

International export

International export

International domestic

International domestic

200
2012

International export

90.0

2013

FedEx Freight
2011
2014
Average Daily LTL Shipments
International domestic

International export

2012

2013

2014

International domestic

FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight
86.0
Average Daily LTL Shipments
Average Daily LTL Shipments

85.7

84.9

FedEx Freight
FedEx Freight
90.6
86.0
86.0
Average Daily LTL Shipments
Average Daily LTL Shipments

85.7

85.7

90.0
80.0

84.9

84.9

1,000

800
1,000
400

559

600
800
200

495

400
600

559

200
400

495
2012

575

348
575

2011
348

2011

86.0

2011

90.0

80.0
70.0

84.9

80.0

70.0

2012

86.0

85.7

2011

84.9
2012

90.6

85.7

2013

90.6

90.6

90.6

2014

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

70.0

2012

2011

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

(1) International domestic average daily package volume represents our  
international intra-country express operations, including countries such as  
India, Mexico and Brazil.

2,684

2011

2011

3,746

1,432

2011

2,684
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 
Average Daily Package Volume

2,684
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 
Average Daily Package Volume

2,543

2,577

2,571

2,684

2011

2,543

2,543

2,577

2,571

2012
2,577

2,571

2,543

2013

2,543

2,571

2014
2,571

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

FedEx Ground 
2011
2014
Average Daily Package Volume

2013

2012

2013

2014

4,588

FedEx Ground 
FedEx Ground 
3,746
Average Daily Package Volume
Average Daily Package Volume

4,000

3,907

4,222

FedEx Ground 
FedEx Ground 
Average Daily Package Volume
Average Daily Package Volume
3,746
3,746

3,000
4,500

4,222

3,907

4,222

3,907

2,186

4,588

4,588

2,058

1,692

4,588

3,907

2,186

2012
1,692

4,222

2,058

1,432
3,746

2011

1,432

FedEx Ground

4,222

2,058
2013

4,588

2,186
2014

FedEx SmartPost

2,058
2013

2011

2,186

2014

2,058
2013

2012
1,692

2,186

2014

1,432

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx SmartPost

2013

2012

2011
2014
FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
FedEx SmartPost
Total Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Ground

2013

2014

1,432

FedEx Ground
1,500

2011

1,000

2012

FedEx Ground

12,000

11,500

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
Total Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
10,744
Total Average Daily Package Volume

11,000

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
Total Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground
Total Average Daily Package Volume

11,500
10,000

10,184

10,744

10,744

9,230

2012
9,230

10,744

10,184

2013

10,184

8,785

10,184

2011

10,184

8,785

2,600
2,700

2,500
2,600
2,700

2,577

2,400
2,500
2,600

2,577

2,400
2,500

2012

2,400

2012

5,000

4,500

3,500
5,000

2,500
4,000
5,000
2,000
3,500
4,500
1,500
3,000
4,000
1,000
2,500
3,500
2,000
3,000
1,500
2,500
1,000
2,000

3,907

1,692

2012
1,692

12,000
10,500

11,000
9,500
12,000
10,500
9,000
11,500
10,000
8,500
11,000
9,500
10,500
9,000
10,000
8,500
9,500

2013

2013

9,230

2012
9,230

2012
9,230

2011
2014
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic
8,785
Revenue per Package – Yield

9,000

8,500

$19.00

2012

$19.00

$17.00

$18.00

$16.00

$14.00

$17.00

$15.00

$16.00

$14.00

2012

$15.00

$10.00

$14.00

$8.00

$10.00

$6.00

$8.77

$10.00

$8.77

$6.00

$2.00

$8.00

$4.00

$0

$6.00

$1.81

$2.00

$4.00

$0

2012

$1.81

10,744
2014

2014

2014

$17.42

 11

FedEx Express International
Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Express International

FedEx Express International

$56.08

$60.00

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

$50.00

$60.83

$58.72

$58.92

FedEx Express International

FedEx Express International

$58.72

$58.92

$58.72

$58.92

$56.08

$56.08

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

$60.83

$7.38

$56.08

$58.72

$60.83

$6.74

$58.92

$6.99

$58.72

$58.92

$6.95

2011

2012

2013

2014

International export composite

International domestic

$7.38

$6.99

$6.74

$6.95

$6.99

$6.95

$70.00

$70.00

$40.00

$60.83

$60.83

$60.00

$30.00

$50.00

$20.00

$70.00

$40.00

$10.00

$60.00

$30.00

$50.00

$0

$20.00

$40.00

$6.74

$10.00

$30.00

$0

$20.00

2012

$0

2012

$70.00

$60.00

$50.00

$70.00

$40.00

$60.00

$30.00

$50.00

$20.00

$40.00

$10.00

$30.00

$0

$20.00

$10.00

$0

$56.08

$7.38

2011

2011

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

$7.38

International export composite

$6.74

$10.00

$7.38

International export composite

International domestic

$6.74

$6.95

$6.99

$6.99

International domestic

$6.95

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

International export composite

International export composite

International domestic

International domestic

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

$17.33

$18.00

$17.12

$17.12

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

$18.00

$16.00

$17.42

$17.42

$17.33

$17.33

$17.12

$19.00

$17.00

$15.00

$15.59

$17.33

$17.42

$17.12

2011

$17.12

2012

$17.33

2013

$17.42

2014

$15.59

$15.59

2011

$15.59

FedEx Ground

2011

2013

2012

2014

$15.59

Revenue per Package – Yield

2013

2014

2011

FedEx Ground

2012

2011

FedEx Ground

2012

2013

2014

$8.17

$8.77

$8.94

2013

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Ground

$8.17

FedEx Ground

$8.17

$8.94

$8.77

$9.10

$8.94

Revenue per Package – Yield

Revenue per Package – Yield

$8.00

$4.00

$9.10

2014

$9.10

$8.94

$1.81

$8.77

$9.10

$1.77

$8.94

$9.10

$1.78

$1.72

$8.17

2011

$1.72

2012

2014

$1.77

FedEx Ground

$1.81

$1.78

FedEx SmartPost

$1.78

2013

$1.77

FedEx Freight 

2012

2013

2011

$1.77

$1.81

2014

$1.78

2013

$1.77

LTL Revenue per Shipment

$1.72

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx SmartPost

2014

$1.78

$2.00

FedEx Ground

$250.00

$0

2012

2011

FedEx Freight 

$240.00

LTL Revenue per Shipment

LTL Revenue per Shipment

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

$231.52

2011

2013

FedEx Freight 

2012

2014

2013

2014

$234.23

$250.00

$230.00

$226.24

FedEx Freight 

FedEx Freight 

LTL Revenue per Shipment

LTL Revenue per Shipment

$240.00

$220.00

$234.23

$234.23

$231.52

$231.52

$208.63

2011

$231.52

$234.23

$231.52

2013

$234.23

2014

$226.24

2012

$226.24

2012

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

$250.00

$230.00

$210.00

$226.24

$240.00

$220.00

$200.00

$230.00

$226.24

$210.00

$220.00

$200.00

$210.00

$200.00

$208.63

$208.63

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

$4.00

$3.76

$3.80

$3.81

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

$3.81

$3.80

$3.80

$3.81

$3.76

$3.31

$3.22

$5.00

$5.00

$3.00

$4.00

$5.00

$2.00

$3.00

$3.31

$3.80

$4.00

$1.00

$2.00

$3.00

$3.31

$1.00

2012

$2.00

$1.00

2012

$3.25

$2.66

$3.25

2011

$2.66

$3.25

$2.66

2011

$3.22

$3.81

$3.31

$3.80

2012

$3.13

$3.76

$3.22

Vehicle

$3.31

$3.13

$3.22

$3.81

2013

Jet

$3.22

2013

2012

2014

2013

Vehicle

Jet

Vehicle

Jet

Vehicle

Jet

Vehicle

Jet

$3.13

$3.76

$3.13

$3.76

2014

$3.13

2014

$5.00

$4.00

$5.00

$3.00

$4.00

$2.00

$3.00

$1.00

$2.00

$1.00

$3.25

$2.66

$3.25

$2.66

2011

2012

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

2011

2011

2013

2012

2014

2013

2014

8,785

2011

8,785

2011

$8.17

$1.72

2011

$1.72

$208.63

2011

$208.63

2011

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis2011

2012

2013

2014

2011

2012

2013

2014

International export

International domestic

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 

Average Daily Package Volume

2,684

2,577

2,571

2,543

559

575

575

3,907

495

348

348

2012

2011

2011

1,692

FedEx Express International(1) 

FedEx Express International(1) 

Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express International(1) 

Average Daily Package Volume

Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Ground 

Average Daily Package Volume

819

785

785

4,588

580

576

576

819

819

580

580

785

576

4,222

559

559

495

495

2013

2,058

2012

2012

2,186

2014

2013

2013

2014

2014

International export

International export

International domestic

International domestic

International export

International domestic

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight

FedEx Freight

Average Daily LTL Shipments

Average Daily LTL Shipments

Average Daily LTL Shipments

86.0

86.0

85.7

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

84.9

86.0

84.9

Total Average Daily Package Volume

84.9

90.6

85.7

85.7

90.6

90.6

1,000

1,000

800

800

600

600

400

400

200

200

90.0

90.0

80.0

80.0

2011

70.0

70.0

2012

2011

2011

9,230

10,184

2013

2012

2012

10,744

2014

2013

2013

2014

2014

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

Revenue per Package – Yield

$17.33

$17.42

$17.12

575

3,746

348

2011

1,432

2011

8,785

2011

$15.59

2011

2012

2013

2014

2,700

2,600

2,500

2,400

1,000

800

5,000

600

4,500

4,000

400

3,500

3,000

200

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

90.0

12,000

80.0

11,500

11,000

10,500

70.0

10,000

9,500

9,000

8,500

$19.00

$18.00

$17.00

$16.00

$15.00

$14.00

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 

Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 

Average Daily Package Volume

Average Daily Package Volume

2,684

2,700

2,700

2,684

2,684

2,577

2,577

2,577

2,543

2,571

2,543

2,543

2,571

2,571

2011

2,400

2,400

2012

2011

2011

2013

2012

2012

2014

2013

2013

2014

2014

FedEx Ground 

FedEx Ground 

Average Daily Package Volume

Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Ground 

Average Daily Package Volume

4,588

4,222

4,222

2,186

2,058

2,058

4,588

4,588

2,186

2,186

4,222

3,907

3,907

2,058

1,692

1,692

3,746

3,907

3,746

3,746

1,432

2011

1,692

1,432

1,432

2012

2011

2011

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Ground

2013

2012

2012

2014

2013

2013

2014

2014

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx SmartPost

2,600

2,600

2,500

2,500

5,000

5,000

4,500

4,500

4,000

4,000

3,500

3,500

3,000

3,000

2,500

2,500

2,000

2,000

1,500

1,500

1,000

1,000

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

Total Average Daily Package Volume

Total Average Daily Package Volume

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

Total Average Daily Package Volume

12,000

12,000

11,500

11,500

11,000

11,000

10,500

10,500
10,000
10,000
9,500
9,500
9,000
9,000
8,500
8,500

8,785

2011

9,230

8,785
8,785

2012

2011
2011

10,744

10,744

10,744

10,184
10,184

10,184

9,230
9,230

2013

2012
2012

2014

2013
2013

2014
2014

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

FedEx Express International(1) 

Average Daily Package Volume

785

576

819

580

575

400

348

559

495

FedEx Freight

Average Daily LTL Shipments

86.0

84.9

85.7

90.6

2011

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Express International

Revenue per Package – Yield

$60.83

$58.72

$58.92

$56.08

$7.38

2011

$6.74

2012

$6.99

$6.95

2013

2014

International export composite

International domestic

1,000

800

600

200

90.0

80.0

70.0

$70.00

$60.00

$50.00

$40.00

$30.00

$20.00

$10.00

$0

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic
Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic
FedEx Express U.S. Domestic
Revenue per Package – Yield
Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Express International
FedEx Ground
Revenue per Package – Yield
Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Express International
FedEx Express International
Revenue per Package – Yield
Revenue per Package – Yield

$70.00
$70.00
$60.00
$60.00
$50.00
$50.00
$40.00
$40.00
$30.00
$30.00
$20.00
$20.00
$10.00
$10.00
$0
$0

$8.17
$56.08

$7.38
$1.72

2011
2011

$60.83
$8.77

$56.08
$56.08

$8.94
$58.72

$60.83
$60.83

$9.10
$58.92

$58.72
$58.72

$58.92
$58.92

$1.81
$6.74

$7.38
$7.38

$1.77
$6.99

$6.74
$6.74

$1.78
$6.95

$6.99
$6.99

$6.95
$6.95

International export composite

FedEx Ground

2012
2012

2013
2013

2011
2011
International export composite
International export composite

2012
2012

International domestic
FedEx SmartPost

2013
2014
2013
2014
International domestic
International domestic

2014
2014

$19.00
$19.00

$18.00
$18.00

$17.00
$17.00

$16.00
$16.00

$15.00
$15.00

$14.00
$14.00

$15.59

2011

$10.00
$10.00

$8.17

$8.00
$8.00

$6.00
$6.00

$4.00
$4.00

$2.00
$2.00

$0
$0

$1.72

2011

$17.12

$17.33

$17.12
$17.12

$17.42

$17.33
$17.33

$17.42
$17.42

$15.59
$15.59

2012

2011
2011

2013

2012
2012

2014

2013
2013

2014
2014

FedEx Ground
Revenue per Package – Yield

FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground
Revenue per Package – Yield
Revenue per Package – Yield

$8.77

$8.17
$8.17

$8.94

$8.77
$8.77

$9.10

$8.94
$8.94

$9.10
$9.10

$1.81

$1.72
$1.72

$1.77

$1.81
$1.81

$1.78

$1.77
$1.77

$1.78
$1.78

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

2012

2011
2011

2013

2012
2012

FedEx Ground
FedEx Ground

2014

2013
2013

2014
2014
FedEx SmartPost
FedEx SmartPost

$70.00
$10.00

$60.00
$8.00
$50.00

$40.00
$6.00

$30.00
$4.00
$20.00

$2.00
$10.00

$0
$0

$250.00

$240.00

$230.00

$220.00

$210.00

$200.00

FedEx Freight 
LTL Revenue per Shipment

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

$231.52

$234.23

$226.24

$208.63

2011

2012

2013

2014

$5.00

$4.00

$3.00

$2.00

$1.00

$3.25

$2.66

$3.80

$3.81

$3.76

$3.31

$3.22

$3.13

2011

2012

2014

2013

Jet

Vehicle

$231.52

$234.23

$226.24

$234.23
$234.23

$226.24
$226.24

$231.52
$231.52

$240.00
$240.00

$250.00
$250.00

$230.00
$230.00

$220.00
$220.00

FedEx Freight 
FedEx Freight 
FedEx Freight 
LTL Revenue per Shipment
LTL Revenue per Shipment
LTL Revenue per Shipment

Revenue
Revenues increased 3% in 2014, primarily due to higher volumes 
at FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight and yield increases at FedEx 
Ground. Revenues at all of our transportation segments in 2014 were 
negatively impacted by one fewer operating day and unusually severe 
weather. At our FedEx Ground segment, revenues increased 10% in 
2014 due to higher volume from market share gains and increased 
yields as a result of rate increases. Revenues at FedEx Freight 
increased 7% during 2014 primarily due to higher average daily LTL 
shipments and revenue per LTL shipment. At FedEx Express, revenues 
were flat as lower fuel surcharges and lower freight revenue were 
offset by revenue growth in our base U.S. and international export 
package business and growth in our freight-forwarding business  
at FedEx Trade Networks. The continuing demand shift from our 
priority international services to our economy international services 
dampened revenue growth at FedEx Express.

$208.63
$208.63
2011
2011

$200.00
$200.00

$210.00
$210.00

2014
2014

2013
2013

2012
2012

$208.63

2012

2011

2014

2013

$3.25

$3.80

$3.81

$3.76

$4.00

$3.00

$5.00

$3.80
$3.80

$3.81
$3.81

$4.00
$4.00

$5.00
$5.00

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon
Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon
Revenues increased 4% in 2013 primarily driven by increases in 
international domestic revenue at FedEx Express and volume growth 
at FedEx Ground. At FedEx Ground, revenues increased 10% in 2013 
primarily due to volume growth from market share gains. At FedEx 
Express, revenues increased 2% due to increases in international 
$3.25
$3.25
domestic revenues from recent acquisitions and growth in our freight-
$3.13
forwarding business at FedEx Trade Networks. Base revenue growth 
$3.13
$2.66
at FedEx Express in 2013 was constrained by global economic condi-
$2.66
tions as shifts in demand from our priority international services to our 
economy international services and lower rates resulted in declines 
2011
in international export package yields. At FedEx Freight, revenues 
2011
Vehicle
increased 2% in 2013 as a result of higher yield and average daily  
LTL shipments.

2013
2013
Jet
Jet

Vehicle
Vehicle

$1.00
$1.00

$2.00
$2.00

$3.00
$3.00

$3.22
$3.22

$3.31
$3.31

$3.76
$3.76

2012
2012

2014
2014

$3.13

$2.00

$1.00

$3.22

$3.31

$2.66

2014

2013

2012

2011

Jet

 13

2,700

2,600

2,500

2,400

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

12,000

11,500

11,000

10,500

10,000

9,500

9,000

8,500

$19.00

$18.00

$17.00

$16.00

$15.00

$14.00

$10.00

$8.00

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

$0

$250.00

$240.00

$230.00

$220.00

$210.00

$200.00

12

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis2011

2012

2013

2014

2011

2012

2013

2014

International export

International domestic

2,700

2,600

2,500

2,400

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

12,000

11,500

11,000

10,500

10,000

9,500

9,000

8,500

$19.00

$18.00

$17.00

$16.00

$15.00

$14.00

$10.00

$8.00

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

$0

$250.00

$240.00

$230.00

$220.00

$210.00

$200.00

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic 

Average Daily Package Volume

2,684

2,577

2,571

2,543

FedEx Ground 

Average Daily Package Volume

3,746

3,907

4,588

4,222

2,058

2,186

1,692

1,432

2011

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Ground

FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

Total Average Daily Package Volume

10,744

10,184

9,230

8,785

2011

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Express U.S. Domestic

Revenue per Package – Yield

$17.33

$17.42

$17.12

$15.59

2011

2012

2013

2014

FedEx Ground
Revenue per Package – Yield

$8.77

$8.94

$8.17

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

$9.10

2014
$1.78

2013

2012

FedEx SmartPost

2013

2011

$1.72

$1.77

FedEx Freight 
LTL Revenue per Shipment

$1.81
Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
2012
  Purchased transportation
FedEx Ground
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment 
    and other charges
$226.24
  Other
    Total operating expenses

$231.52

$ 16,555 
2014
8,011 
2,622 
2,587 
4,557 
1,862 

$234.23

 – 
5,927 
$ 42,121 

$ 16,570  $ 16,099 
6,335 
2,487 
2,113 
4,956 
1,980 

7,272 
2,521 
2,386 
4,746 
1,909 

 660 (1)
5,672 

 134 (2)
5,390 
$ 41,736  $ 39,494 

$208.63

    Percent of Revenue
2014
2014

2013

2012

2013

2011

36.3 %
17.6 
5.7 
5.7 
10.0 
4.1 

2012
Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment 
    and other charges
  Other
    Total operating expenses
Operating margin
(1)  Includes predominantly severance costs associated with our voluntary buyout program 

37.4 %
16.4 
5.7 
5.4 
10.7 
4.3 

1.5 (1)
12.8 
94.2 
5.8 %

 –
13.0 
92.4 
7.6 %

37.7 %
14.9 
5.8 
5.0 
11.6 
4.6 

0.3 (2)
12.6 
92.5 
7.5 %

and charges resulting from the decision to retire 10 aircraft and related engines at FedEx 
Express.

(2)  Represents charges resulting from the decision to retire 24 aircraft and related engines at 

FedEx Express.

Operating income increased in 2014 primarily as a result of increased 
yields and higher volumes at FedEx Ground and FedEx Express and 
improved volumes, revenue per shipment and operational efficiencies 
at FedEx Freight. Our results for all our transportation segments were 
positively impacted by the inclusion in 2013 of costs associated with 
our business realignment program and an aircraft impairment charge 
as described below. Operating income in 2014 included a significant 
negative net impact of fuel, one fewer operating day and year-over-year 
impact of unusually severe weather. 

Purchased transportation costs increased 10% in 2014 due to volume 
growth at FedEx Ground, higher utilization of third-party transportation 
providers at FedEx Express, including recent business acquisitions at 
FedEx Express, higher utilization of third-party transportation providers 
at FedEx Freight and the expansion of our freight-forwarding business 
at FedEx Trade Networks. Depreciation and amortization expense 
increased 8% in 2014 primarily due to accelerated depreciation on 

FedEx Express International(1) 

Average Daily Package Volume

785

576

819

580

575

400

348

559

495

FedEx Freight

Average Daily LTL Shipments

86.0

84.9

85.7

90.6

2011

2012

2013

2014

1,000

800

600

200

90.0

80.0

70.0

$70.00

$60.00

$50.00

$40.00

$30.00

$20.00

$10.00

$0

FedEx Express International

Revenue per Package – Yield

$60.83

$58.72

$58.92

$56.08

$7.38

2011

$6.74

2012

$6.99

$6.95

2013

2014

International export composite

International domestic

certain aircraft scheduled for retirement, and aircraft recently placed  
in service at FedEx Express. Salaries and employee benefits expense  
in 2014 was flat due to the benefits from our voluntary employee buyout 
program, lower pension expense, the delayed timing or absence of merit 
increases for many of our employees and reduced variable incentive 
compensation. Maintenance and repairs decreased 2% in 2014 due to 
network adjustments at FedEx Express and the continued modernization 
of our aircraft fleet, which impacted the timing of certain maintenance 
events.

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

Average Fuel Cost per Gallon

$3.80

$3.81

$3.76

$3.31

$3.22

$3.13

$5.00

$4.00

$3.00

$2.00

$1.00

$3.25

$2.66

2011

2012

Vehicle

2013

Jet

2014

Fuel expense decreased 4% during 2014 primarily due to lower average 
price per gallon of jet fuel and lower aircraft fuel usage. Our fuel 
surcharges, which are more fully described in the “Quantitative and 
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” section of this MD&A, 
have a timing lag and are designed to pass through the price of fuel 
not included in our base shipping rates to our customers. Our results 
are affected by the net impact of fuel, which is the fuel surcharge 
timing lag that exists between when fuel prices change and when 
indexed fuel surcharges automatically adjust. Based on a static analysis 
of the impact to operating income of year-over-year changes in fuel 
prices compared to year-over-year changes in fuel surcharges, fuel 
had a significant negative impact on operating income in 2014.

Our analysis considers the estimated impact of the reduction in fuel 
surcharges included in the base rates charged for FedEx Express and 
FedEx Ground services. However, this analysis does not consider the 
negative effects that fuel surcharge levels may have on our business, 
including reduced demand and shifts by our customers to lower-
yielding services. While fluctuations in fuel surcharge rates 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. In order to 
provide information about the impact of fuel surcharges on the trend 
in revenue and yield growth, we have included the comparative fuel 
surcharge rates in effect for 2014, 2013 and 2012 in the accompanying 
discussions of each of our transportation segments.

In 2013, our operating income and operating margin decreased 
primarily due to the impact of business realignment costs, aircraft 
impairment charges and accelerated aircraft depreciation. Beyond 
these factors, operating income was positively impacted in 2013 by 
higher volumes and increased yields at our FedEx Ground segment and 

12

 13

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
by increased yields and higher volumes at our FedEx Freight segment. 
However, the ongoing shifts in demand from priority international 
services to economy international services and lower rates resulted in 
a substantial decline in profitability at FedEx Express. 

Purchased transportation increased 15% in 2013 due to volume 
growth at FedEx Ground, international business acquisitions during 
the year and the expansion of our freight forwarding business at 
FedEx Trade Networks. Salaries and benefits increased 3% in 2013 
primarily due to increases in pension and group health insurance 
costs, partially offset by lower incentive compensation accruals. Other 
expenses increased 5% in 2013 primarily due to the impact of interna-
tional acquisitions and the reversal in 2012 of a legal reserve.

Fuel expense decreased 4% during 2013 primarily due to lower jet 
fuel prices and lower aircraft fuel usage. Based on a static analysis 
of the impact to operating income of year-over-year changes in fuel 
prices compared to year-over-year changes in fuel surcharges, fuel 
had a negative impact on operating income in 2013.

Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $78 million in 2014 primarily due to 
increased interest expense from our January 2014 debt offering, 
2013 debt issuances and a reduction in capitalized interest. Interest 
expense increased $30 million in 2013 primarily due to a reduction  
in capitalized interest and increased interest expense from 2013  
debt issuances. 

Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 36.3% in 2014, 36.4% in 2013 and 35.3% in 
2012. Our 2012 rate was favorably impacted by the conclusion of the 
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of our 2007-2009 consolidated 
income tax returns. Our permanent reinvestment strategy with respect 
to unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries provided a 1.2% 
benefit to our 2014 effective tax rate. Our cumulative permanently 
reinvested foreign earnings were $1.6 billion at the end of 2014 and 
$1.3 billion at the end of 2013.   

The components of the provision for federal income taxes for the 
years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

Current
Deferred
Total Federal Provision

2014
$ 624 
238 
$ 862 

2013
$ 512 
175 
$ 687 

2012
$ (120 )
947 
$ 827 

Our current federal income tax expenses in 2012, and to a lesser 
extent 2013 and 2014, were significantly reduced by accelerated 
depreciation deductions we claimed under provisions of the American 
Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013 and the Tax Relief and the Small Business 
Jobs Acts of 2010. Those Acts, designed to stimulate new business 
investment in the U.S., accelerated our depreciation deductions for 
qualifying investments, such as our Boeing 777 Freighter (“B777F”) 
aircraft. These were timing benefits only, in that depreciation benefits 
accelerated into an earlier year are foregone in later years. 

For 2015, we expect our effective tax rate to be between 36.0% and 
37.0%. The actual rate, however, will depend on a number of factors, 
including the amount and source of operating income. We also expect 
our current federal income tax expense to increase in 2015 due to 
expected higher earnings, along with other items such as lower accel-
erated depreciation benefits. 

Additional information on income taxes, including our effective tax 
rate reconciliation, liabilities for uncertain tax positions and our global 
tax profile can be found in Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements.

Business Acquisitions
On May 1, 2014, we expanded the international service offerings  
of FedEx Express by completing our acquisition of the businesses 
operated by our previous service provider Supaswift (Pty) Ltd. in seven 
countries in Southern Africa, for $36 million in cash from operations. 
A significant amount of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill, 
which was entirely attributed to our FedEx Express reporting unit.  
This acquisition gives us an established regional ground network  
and extensive knowledge of the Southern African region. 

In 2013, we completed our acquisitions of Rapidão Cometa Logística 
e Transporte S.A., a Brazilian transportation and logistics company, 
for $398 million; TATEX, a French express transportation company, for 
$55 million; and Opek Sp. z o.o., a Polish domestic express package 
delivery company, for $54 million.

In 2012, we completed our acquisition of Servicios Nacionales Mupa, 
S.A. de C.V. (MultiPack), a Mexican domestic express package delivery 
company, for $128 million.

These acquisitions were completed using cash from operations. The 
financial results of these acquired businesses are included in the 
FedEx Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not 
material, individually or in the aggregate, to our results of operations 
and therefore, pro forma financial information has not been presented. 

Profit Improvement Programs
During 2013, we announced profit improvement programs primarily 
through initiatives at FedEx Express and FedEx Services targeting 
annual profitability improvement of $1.6 billion at FedEx Express. 
We expect the majority of the benefits from our profit improvement 
programs to occur in 2015 and 2016 as our various cost reduction and 
efficiency initiatives gain traction. Our plans position FedEx Express to 
exit 2016 with a run rate of $1.6 billion in additional operating profit 
from the 2013 base business. Our ability to achieve the profit improve-
ment target and other benefits from these programs is dependent 
upon a number of factors, including the health of the global economy 
and future customer demand. 

During 2014, we completed a program to offer voluntary cash buyouts 
to eligible U.S.-based employees in certain staff functions. As a result 
of this program, approximately 3,600 employees left the company. 
Costs of the benefits provided under the voluntary employee sever-
ance program were recognized in 2013 when eligible employees 
accepted their offers. Payments under this program were made at the 
time of departure and totaled approximately $300 million in 2014 and 
$180 million in 2013. 

14

 15

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisThe cost of the program is included in the caption “Business realign-
ment, impairment and other charges” in our consolidated statements 
of income. Also included in that caption are other external costs 
directly attributable to our business realignment activities, such as 
professional fees. See Note 1 of the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements for further discussion of the voluntary employee 
severance program.

In addition, see the “Long-lived Assets” section of our “Critical 
Accounting Estimates” for a discussion of fleet modernization actions 
taken in 2013 and 2012.

Outlook 
We anticipate revenue and earnings growth in 2015 driven by ongoing 
improvements in the results of all of our transportation segments as 
our expectations for moderate global economic growth drive vol-
ume and yield improvements. Our results in 2015 will benefit from 
continued execution of the profit improvement programs noted above, 
including our voluntary employee severance program. This program 
provided a modest benefit in 2014 due to the staggered nature of the 
employee departure dates. However, the full benefit of the voluntary 
severance program will be realized in 2015. Our earnings per share 
results for 2015 will also benefit from our share repurchase program 
announced in 2014 (a benefit of approximately $0.45 per diluted 
share) and lower pension expense due to strong asset returns in 2014. 
Our expectations for earnings growth in 2015 are dependent on key 
external factors including fuel prices and the pace of improvement in 
the global economy. 

Our capital expenditures for 2015 are expected to increase to approxi-
mately $4.2 billion for additional aircraft deliveries in 2015 to support 
our fleet modernization program and continued expansion of the FedEx 
Ground network. We will continue to evaluate our investments in 
critical long-term strategic projects to ensure our capital expenditures 
generate high returns on investments and are balanced with our 
outlook for global economic conditions. For additional details on key 
2015 capital projects, refer to the “Capital Resources” and “Liquidity 
Outlook” sections of this MD&A.

Our outlook assumes no year-over-year net fuel impact and 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. Historically, our fuel surcharges have largely offset incremental 
fuel costs; however, volatility in fuel costs may impact earnings because 
adjustments to our fuel surcharges lag changes in actual fuel prices 
paid. For example, we purchase jet fuel on a global basis with pricing 
terms correlated to four primary jet fuel indices. Therefore, the trailing 
impact of adjustments to our fuel surcharges can significantly affect our 
earnings either positively or negatively in the short-term.

As described in Note 18 of the accompanying consolidated finan-
cial statements and the “Independent Contractor Model” section 
of our FedEx Ground segment MD&A, we are involved in a number 
of lawsuits and other proceedings that challenge the status of 
FedEx Ground’s owner-operators as independent contractors. FedEx 
Ground anticipates continuing changes to its relationships with its 
owner-operators. The nature, timing and amount of any changes are 
dependent on the outcome of numerous future events. We cannot 
reasonably estimate the potential impact of any such changes or a 

meaningful range of potential outcomes, although they could be mate-
rial. However, we do not believe that any such changes will impair our 
ability to operate and profitably grow our FedEx Ground business. 

See “Risk Factors” 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 pack-
age 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. holi-
day 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. For FedEx Office, the summer 
months are normally the slowest periods. 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.

Recent Accounting Guidance
New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly 
impact our reported results and the comparability of our financial 
statements. 

On June 1, 2013, we adopted the authoritative guidance issued by the 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requiring additional 
information about reclassification adjustments out of accumulated 
other comprehensive income, including changes in accumulated 
other comprehensive income balances by component and significant 
items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. 
We have adopted this guidance by including expanded accumulated 
other comprehensive income disclosure requirements in Note 9 of our 
consolidated financial statements.

On May 28, 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards 
Board issued a new accounting standard that will supersede virtu-
ally all existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP (and 
International Financial Reporting Standards). This standard will be 
effective for us beginning in fiscal 2018. 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 consid-
eration 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. Based on our preliminary assessment, we do 
not anticipate that the new guidance will fundamentally change our 
revenue recognition policies, practices or systems.

We believe that no other new accounting guidance was adopted or 
issued during 2014 that is relevant to the readers of our financial 
statements. However, there are numerous new proposals under devel-
opment which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on 
our financial reporting. 

14

 15

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisReportable Segments
FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight represent our major 
service lines and, along with FedEx Services, form the core of our 
reportable segments. Our reportable segments include the following 
businesses: 

FedEx Express Segment

FedEx Ground Segment

FedEx Freight Segment

FedEx Services Segment

>  FedEx Express  
(express transportation) 
>  FedEx Trade Networks  
(air and ocean freight forwarding  
and customs brokerage) 
> FedEx SupplyChain Systems  
  (logistics services)
> FedEx Ground  
  (small-package ground delivery)  
> FedEx SmartPost  
  (small-parcel consolidator)

> FedEx Freight  
  (LTL freight transportation)  
> FedEx Custom Critical  
  (time-critical transportation)
>  FedEx Services  
(sales, marketing, information  
technology, communications and  
back-office functions)
> FedEx TechConnect  
  (customer service, technical support,  
  billings and collections)  
>  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 ser-
vices 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 by FedEx Express and reported in 
the FedEx Express segment in their natural expense line items. The 
FedEx Services segment includes: FedEx Services, which provides 
sales, marketing, information technology, communications and certain 
back-office support to our other companies; FedEx TechConnect, which 
is responsible for customer service, technical support, billings and 
collections for U.S. customers of our major business units; 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.

The operating expenses line item “Intercompany charges” on the 
accompanying unaudited financial summaries of our transportation 
segments reflects the allocations from the FedEx Services segment to 
the respective transportation segments. The “Intercompany charges” 
caption also includes charges and credits for administrative services 
provided between operating companies and certain other costs 
such as corporate management fees related to services received for 
general corporate oversight, including executive officers and certain 
legal and finance functions. 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 and our allocation methodologies are refined 
as necessary to reflect changes in our businesses.

Other Intersegment Transactions
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 identi-
fied in the following segment information, because the amounts are 
not material.

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 
services, which provide time-definite delivery within one, two or three 
business days worldwide, and deferred or economy services, which 
provide time-definite delivery within five business days worldwide. 

16

 17

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis Percent of Revenue
2013 

2014 

2012 

 36.4 %
 6.9 
 6.3 
 4.4 
 16.2 
 5.0 

 36.5 %
 9.3 
 6.3 
 5.5 
 14.5 
 4.4 

 37.0 %
 8.6 
 6.2 
 5.0 
 15.2 
 4.6 

Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment  
    and other charges(3)
  Intercompany charges(4)
  Other(5)
    Total operating expenses
Operating margin(6)
(1)  International domestic revenues represent our international intra-country express operations 

 0.9 
 8.7 
 11.8 
 98.0 
 2.0 %

 – 
 7.5 
 11.7 
 95.7 
 4.3 %

 0.5 
 8.3 
 11.2 
 95.2 
 4.8 %

including countries such as Mexico and Brazil.

(2)  Includes FedEx Trade Networks and FedEx SupplyChain Systems.
(3)  2013 includes $143 million of predominantly severance costs associated with our voluntary 
buyout program and a $100 million impairment charge resulting from the decision to retire 
10 aircraft and related engines. 2012 represents impairment charges resulting from the 
decision to retire 24 aircraft and related engines.

(4)  Includes allocations of $262 million in 2013 for business realignment costs.
(5)  Includes predominantly costs associated with outside service contracts (such as security, 

facility services and cargo handling), professional fees, uniforms, insurance and advertising. 
2012 includes reversal of a $66 million legal reserve that was initially recorded in 2011.  
(6)  The direct and indirect charges described in notes (3) and (4) above reduced 2013 operating 
margin by 190 basis points. The charges and credit described in notes (3) and (5) above 
reduced 2012 operating margin by 20 basis points.

The following tables compare revenues, operating expenses,  
operating expenses as a percent of revenue, operating income and 
operating margin (dollars in millions) for the years ended May 31:

Percent 
Change

2014 
2013

/ 
/  2013 
2012

2014

2013

2012

11,379 
 6,451 
 2,229 

Revenues:
  Package:
    U.S. overnight box
    U.S. overnight envelope  1,636 
 3,188 
    U.S. deferred
    Total U.S. domestic 
      package revenue
  International priority
  International economy
    Total international  
      export package   
 8,680 
      revenue
  International domestic(1)
 1,446 
      Total package revenue 21,505 
Freight:
  U.S.
  International priority
  International airfreight
      Total freight revenue
Other(2)
          Total revenues
Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee  
 9,914 
    benefits
  Purchased transportation  2,511 
  Rentals and landing fees  1,705 
  Depreciation and    
    amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment,  
    impairment and other  
    charges(3)
  Intercompany charges(4)
  Other(5)
          Total operating 
             expenses
Operating income
Operating margin(6)

 2,355 
 1,594 
 205 
 4,154 
 1,462 
27,121

 – 
 2,027 
 3,179 

 1,488 
 3,943 
 1,182 

$  6,555  $  6,513  $  6,546 
 1,747 
 1,705 
 3,001 
 3,020 

 1 
 (4)
 6 

 1 
 (2)
 9 

 1 
 3 
 1 

 (8)
 (5)
 (26)
 (8)
 5 
 – 

 (1)
 8 
 1 

 10 
 (5)
 (5)

 (1)
 (2)
 1 

 – 
 (4)
 10 

(1)
64
 2

3
(8)
(10)
(3)
35
2

4
28
–

15
(4)
(7)

11,238 
 6,586 
 2,046 

11,294 
 6,849 
 1,859 

8,632
1,398
21,268 

8,708
853
20,855

 2,562 
 1,678 
 276 
 4,516 
 1,387 
27,171

10,045 
 2,331 
 1,684 

 1,350 
 4,130 
 1,244 

 2,498 
 1,827 
 307 
 4,632 
 1,028 
26,515

 9,657 
 1,828 
 1,680 

 1,169 
 4,304 
 1,332 

 243 
 2,379 
 3,210 

134 NM  NM
8
 (15)
9
 (1)

2,193
2,958

25,949 
$  1,172  $
4.3%

26,616

25,255
555 $ 1,260
2.0%

 (3)
 111 

5
(56)

4.8% 230bp (280)bp

16

 17

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FedEx Express Segment Revenues
FedEx Express segment revenues were flat in 2014. Lower fuel 
surcharges, lower freight revenue, lower exchange rates and one 
fewer operating day were offset by revenue growth in our U.S. and 
international export package base business and the growth of our 
freight-forwarding business at FedEx Trade Networks. In addition, the 
continuing demand shift from our priority international services to our 
economy international services dampened revenue growth. 

Freight yields decreased 7% in 2014 due to lower fuel surcharges and 
lower rates. Freight average daily pounds decreased by 1% in 2014 due 
to weakness in global economic conditions and capacity reductions. 
U.S. domestic yields increased 1% in 2014 primarily due to higher 
rates and weight per package, partially offset by lower fuel surcharges. 
International export package revenues increased 1% in 2014 as base 
business growth was offset by lower fuel surcharges and the demand 
shift to our lower-yielding economy services. International priority yields 
increased 1% in 2014, while international priority volumes declined 3%. 
Within this category, volumes for lower-yielding distribution services 
declined, while international priority volumes, excluding these distribu-
tion services, increased 1%. International domestic average daily 
volumes increased 4% in 2014 primarily due to prior year international 
business acquisitions.

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

Percent 
Change

2014 
2013

/ 
/  2013 
2012

2014 

2013 

2012 

Package Statistics(1)
  Average daily package  
  volume (ADV): 
    U.S. overnight box 
    U.S. overnight envelope 
    U.S. deferred 
      Total U.S. domestic ADV
    International priority 
    International economy
      Total international export  
        ADV
    International domestic(2)
      Total ADV
  Revenue per package (yield):
    U.S. overnight box 
    U.S. overnight envelope 
    U.S. deferred 
      U.S. domestic composite
    International priority 
    International economy
      International export  
        composite
    International domestic(2)
      Composite package yield
Freight Statistics(1)
  Average daily freight pounds:
    U.S. 
    International priority 
    International airfreight 

538 
869 

1,164  1,134 
574 
835 
2,571  2,543 
421 
155 

410 
170 

580 
819 

576 
785 
3,970  3,904 

1,146 
586 
845 
2,577 
421 
138 

559
495
3,631 

$  22.18 $  22.52  $ 22.31 
 11.65 
 11.66 
 13.87 
 14.18 
 17.12 
 17.33 
 63.47 
 61.28 
 52.77 
 51.77 

 11.97 
 14.44 
 17.42 
 61.88 
 51.75 

 58.92 
 6.95 
 21.32 

 58.72 
 6.99 
 21.36 

60.83
6.74
 22.44 

 3 
 (6)
 4 
 1 
 (3)
 10 

 1 
 4 
 2 

 (2)
 3 
 2 
 1 
 1 
– 

 – 
 (1)
– 

 7,854 
 2,922 
 798 

 7,612 
 3,048 
 1,066 

 7,487 
 3,303 
 1,171 

 3 
 (4)
 (25)

 (1)

 11,574   11,726   11,961 

      Total average daily  
        freight pounds
Revenue per pound (yield):
    U.S. 
$    1.18 $    1.32  $   1.30 
    International priority 
 2.16 
 2.16 
    International airfreight 
 1.02 
 1.01 
 1.51 
      Composite freight yield
 1.51 
(1)  Package and freight statistics include only the operations of FedEx Express.
(2)  International domestic statistics represent our international intra-country express  

 2.15 
 1.01 
 1.41 

 (11)
– 
 – 
 (7)

 (1)
 (2)
 (1)
 (1)
– 
 12 

3
59
 8 

 1 
 – 
 2 
 1 
 (3 )
 (2)

(3)
4
 (5 )

 2 
 (8 )
 (9)

 (2 )

 2 
 – 
 (1 )
 – 

operations, including countries such as Mexico and Brazil.

18

 19

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FedEx Express segment revenues increased 2% in 2013 primarily due  
to the impact of international acquisitions during the year and growth  
in our freight-forwarding business at FedEx Trade Networks. Revenue 
growth was constrained by global economic conditions as revenue 
growth from higher international export volume was offset by decreased 
yields due to shifts in demand from our priority international services  
to our economy international services, as well as lower rates. In 2013, 
international domestic revenues increased 64% due to acquisitions  
in Brazil, France and Poland. International export revenues were down  
in 2013 as revenue per package decreased 3% due to the demand shift 
to our lower-yielding economy services and lower rates, while volume 
increased 3% driven by our economy services. A decrease in U.S. 
domestic package volumes more than offset an increase in U.S. 
domestic package yield, resulting in slightly lower U.S. domestic 
package revenues in 2013. Total average daily freight pounds decreased 
2% in 2013 due to weakness in economic global conditions.

Our fuel surcharges are indexed to the spot price for jet fuel. Using this 
index, the U.S. domestic and outbound fuel surcharge and the interna-
tional fuel surcharges ranged as follows for the years ended May 31:

2014

2013

2012

U.S. Domestic and Outbound Fuel Surcharge:
  Low
  High
  Weighted-average
International Fuel Surcharges:
  Low
  High
  Weighted-average

 8.00 %  10.00 %  11.50 %
 10.50 
 9.47 

 14.50 
 11.84 

 16.50 
 14.23 

 12.00 
 19.00 
 16.26 

 12.00 
 20.50 
 17.02 

 13.50 
 23.00 
 17.45 

In January 2014, we implemented a 3.9% average list price increase 
for FedEx Express U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. 
In January 2013, we implemented a 5.9% average list price increase 
for FedEx Express U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services, 
while we lowered our fuel surcharge index by two percentage points.

FedEx Express Segment Operating Income
FedEx Express operating income and operating margin in 2014 were 
positively impacted by the inclusion in 2013 of costs associated with 
our business realignment program and an aircraft impairment charge as 
discussed below. In addition, FedEx Express results in 2014 benefited 
from the revenue growth in our U.S. and international export package 
business, lower pension expense, our voluntary employee severance 
program and lower maintenance expense. These factors were partially 
offset by lower freight revenues, a significant negative net impact of 
fuel and higher depreciation expense. In addition, operating income 
in 2014 reflects one fewer operating day and year-over-year negative 
impact of severe weather. 

In 2014, salaries and employee benefits decreased 1% due to lower 
pension expense, the delayed timing or absence of annual merit 
increases for many of our employees, benefits from our voluntary 
employee severance program and lower variable incentive compensa-
tion. Intercompany charges decreased 15% in 2014 due to the inclusion 
in the prior year results of costs associated with the business realign-
ment program at FedEx Services, as well as lower allocated sales and 
information technology costs. Purchased transportation costs increased 
8% in 2014 due to higher utilization of third-party transportation 
providers, including recent business acquisitions, and costs associated 
with the expansion of our freight-forwarding business at FedEx Trade 
Networks. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 10% during 
2014 as a result of $74 million of year-over-year incremental accelerated 
depreciation due to the shortened life of certain aircraft scheduled for 
retirement, and aircraft recently placed into service. 

FedEx Express aircraft maintenance and repairs costs are largely driven 
by aircraft utilization and required periodic maintenance events. When 
newer aircraft are introduced into our operating fleet, less maintenance 
costs are incurred. As a part of our fleet modernization program, FedEx 
Express has retired older, less efficient aircraft prior to required periodic 
maintenance events and has introduced newer aircraft into the fleet. 
FedEx Express maintenance and repairs costs decreased 5% in 2014 
due to network reductions and the benefits from the retirement of 
aircraft and related engines as well as the timing of major maintenance 
events. Maintenance and repairs costs decreased 7% in 2013 due to the 
benefits from the retirement of aircraft and related engines, as well as 
the timing of major maintenance events.

18

 19

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
FedEx Express Segment Outlook
We expect revenues and earnings to increase at FedEx Express during 
2015 primarily due to improved U.S. domestic and international export 
package yields, as we continue to focus on revenue quality while 
managing costs. In addition, we expect operating income to improve 
through ongoing execution of our profit improvement programs, includ-
ing managing network capacity to match customer demand, reducing 
structural costs, modernizing our fleet and driving productivity increases 
throughout our U.S. and international operations. These benefits will 
be partially offset by higher maintenance expense due to the timing of 
engine maintenance events, higher salaries and wages as we reinstate 
merit increases for many employees, and higher depreciation expense 
driven by ongoing accelerated depreciation due to fleet modernization. 

Capital expenditures at FedEx Express are expected to increase in 2015 
driven by our aircraft fleet modernization programs. In connection with 
our profit improvement program, we will continue to modernize our 
aircraft fleet at FedEx Express during 2015 by adding newer aircraft that 
are more reliable, fuel-efficient and technologically advanced, and 
retiring older, less-efficient aircraft. 

FedEx Ground Segment
FedEx Ground service offerings include day-certain service delivery to 
businesses in the U.S. and Canada and to nearly 100% of U.S. 
residences. FedEx SmartPost consolidates high-volume, low-weight, 
less time-sensitive business-to-consumer packages and utilizes the 
United States Postal Service (“USPS”) for final delivery. 

Fuel costs decreased 5% in 2014 due to lower aircraft fuel prices and 
usage. Based on a static analysis of the net impact of year-over-year 
changes in fuel prices compared to year-over-year changes in fuel sur-
charges, fuel had a significant negative impact on operating income in 
2014. This analysis considers the estimated impact of the reduction in 
fuel surcharges included in the base rates charged for FedEx Express 
services.

FedEx Express segment operating results in 2013 were negatively 
impacted by $405 million of costs associated with our business 
realignment program, both directly and through intercompany alloca-
tions. Additionally, results for 2013 were negatively impacted by a    
$100 million impairment charge as a result of the decision to retire  
10 aircraft and related engines from service. FedEx Express incurred  
$69 million in year-over-year incremental accelerated depreciation 
costs in 2013 due to the decision in 2012 to shorten the lives of 
certain aircraft scheduled for retirement. Operating income and 
operating margin also decreased in 2013 due to the demand shift 
toward lower-yielding international services. Operating comparisons 
were also impacted by an aircraft impairment charge in 2012 and  
a reversal of a legal reserve that was initially recorded in 2011.

Purchased transportation costs increased 28% in 2013 due to 
international acquisitions during the year and costs associated with 
the expansion of our freight forwarding business at FedEx Trade 
Networks. Salaries and benefits increased 4% in 2013 due to interna-
tional acquisitions and higher pension costs, partially offset by lower 
incentive compensation accruals. Other operating expenses increased 
9% due to the impact of international acquisitions and the negative 
year-over-year comparison of the legal reserve accrual reversal in 
2012. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 15% in 2013 
as a result of additional aircraft placed into service and accelerated 
depreciation due to the shortened life of certain aircraft.

Fuel costs decreased 4% in 2013 due to lower jet fuel prices and lower 
aircraft fuel usage. Based on a static analysis of the net impact of year-
over-year changes in fuel prices compared to year-over-year changes in 
fuel surcharges, fuel had a slightly positive impact in 2013. 

20

 21

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisFedEx Ground Segment Revenues
FedEx Ground segment revenues increased 10% in 2014 due to both 
volume and yield growth at FedEx Ground and volume growth at FedEx 
SmartPost. In addition, 2014 revenues were negatively impacted by 
one fewer operating day, unusually severe weather and lower fuel 
surcharges.

Average daily volume at FedEx Ground increased 9% during 2014 
due to market share gains resulting from continued growth in our 
FedEx Home Delivery service and commercial business. FedEx Ground 
yield increased 2% during 2014 primarily due to rate increases and 
higher residential surcharges, partially offset by lower fuel surcharge 
revenue. 

FedEx SmartPost volumes grew 6% during 2014 primarily due to 
growth in e-commerce. Yields at FedEx SmartPost increased 1% 
during 2014 primarily due to rate increases and change in service mix, 
partially offset by higher postage costs and lower fuel surcharges. 
FedEx SmartPost yield represents the amount charged to customers 
net of postage paid to the USPS.

During 2013, FedEx Ground segment revenues increased 10% due to 
volume increases at both FedEx Ground and FedEx SmartPost, as well 
as yield growth at FedEx Ground. 

FedEx Ground average daily package volume increased 8% during 
2013 due to market share gains from continued growth in our FedEx 
Home Delivery service and increases in our commercial business. 
FedEx Ground yield increased 2% in 2013 primarily due to increased 
rates and higher residential surcharge revenue, partially offset by 
lower fuel surcharges and package weights.

FedEx SmartPost average daily volume grew 22% during 2013 primar-
ily as a result of growth in e-commerce. Yields at FedEx SmartPost 
decreased 2% during 2013 primarily due to higher postage costs, 
partially offset by increased rates. 

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. Our fuel surcharge ranged 
as follows for the years ended May 31:

Low
High
Weighted-average

2012

2013
2014
 6.50 %  6.50 %  7.50 %
 8.50 
7.00 
 7.60 
6.66 

 9.50 
 8.46

The following tables compare revenues, operating expenses, 
operating expenses as a percent of revenue, operating income and 
operating margin (dollars in millions) and selected package statistics 
(in thousands, except yield amounts) for the years ended May 31: 

Percent 
Change

2014 
2013

/ 
/  2013 
2012

2014 

2013 

2012 

$ 10,634 $ 9,652  $ 8,791 
 782 
9,573 

 983 
 11,617 

 926 
10,578

 1,586 
 4,191 
 331 

1,451 
3,762 
 284 

 389 
 434 
 14 
 17 
 176 
 190 
 978 
 1,148 
 755 
 893 
7,809 
8,790 
$ 1,955  $ 1,788  $ 1,764 

 1,756 
 4,635 
 402 

Revenues: 
  FedEx Ground 
  FedEx SmartPost 
    Total revenues 
Operating expenses: 
  Salaries and employee  
    benefits
  Purchased transportation 
  Rentals 
  Depreciation and    
 468 
    amortization 
 17 
  Fuel 
 222 
  Maintenance and repairs 
  Intercompany charges(1) 
 1,154 
  Other(2) 
 1,008 
    Total operating expenses  9,662 
Operating income 
Operating margin(1) 
Average daily package  
  volume: 
  FedEx Ground 
  FedEx SmartPost
Revenue per package (yield): 
  FedEx Ground 
  FedEx SmartPost 

 4,588 
 2,186 

$  9.10  $ 8.94 $ 8.77
$  1.78  $ 1.77 $ 1.81

 4,222 
 2,058 

 3,907 
 1,692 

 10 
 6 
 10 

 11 
 11 
 21 

 8 
 – 
 17 
 1 
 13 
 10 
 9

 10 
 18 
 10 

 9 
 11 
 17 

 12 
 21 
 8 
 17 
 18 
 13 
1

9
6

2
1

8
22

2
(2)

 16.8 % 16.9%  18.4 % (10 )bp (150)bp

Percent of Revenue 
2013 

2014 

2012 

Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits 
  Purchased transportation 
  Rentals 
  Depreciation and amortization 
  Fuel 
  Maintenance and repairs 
  Intercompany charges(1) 
  Other(2) 
    Total operating expenses
Operating margin(1)
(1)  Includes allocations of $105 million in 2013 for business realignment costs, which reduced 

15.1 %
39.9 
3.5 
4.0 
0.2 
1.9 
9.9 
8.7 
83.2 
16.8 %

15.0 %
39.6 
3.1 
4.1 
0.2 
1.8 
10.9 
8.4 
83.1 
16.9 %

15.2 %
39.3 
3.0 
4.1 
0.1 
1.8 
10.2 
7.9 
81.6 
18.4 %

20

 21

operating margin by 100 basis points.

(2)  Includes predominantly costs associated with outside service contracts (such as security and 

facility services), insurance and professional fees.

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
 
 
 
In January 2014, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery implemented 
a 4.9% increase in average list price. FedEx SmartPost rates also 
increased. In January 2013, FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery 
implemented a 4.9% increase in average list price. The full average rate 
increase of 5.9% was partially offset by adjusting the fuel price thresh-
old at which the fuel surcharge begins, reducing the fuel surcharge by 
one percentage point. FedEx SmartPost rates also increased.

FedEx Ground Segment Operating Income
FedEx Ground segment operating income increased 9% in 2014 driven 
by higher volumes and yields. Operating income comparisons were also 
positively impacted by the inclusion in 2013 of costs associated with 
our business realignment program as discussed below. The increase 
to operating income in 2014 was partially offset by higher network 
expansion costs, as we continue to invest heavily in the growing FedEx 
Ground and FedEx SmartPost businesses, and the net negative impact 
of fuel. In addition, operating income in 2014 was negatively affected 
by year-over-year impact of unusually severe weather and one fewer 
operating day. The decline in operating margin for 2014 is primarily 
attributable to the negative net impact of fuel and network expansion 
costs. Operating margin in 2014 benefited from the inclusion in 2013 of 
costs associated with our business realignment program.

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased 11% during 2014 
primarily due to additional staffing to support volume growth and higher 
healthcare costs. Other expense increased 13% primarily due to higher 
self-insurance costs and credit card fees. Rentals expense increased 
21% in 2014 due to network expansion. Depreciation and amortization 
expense increased 8% in 2014 due to network expansion and trailer 
purchases.

FedEx Ground segment operating income increased 1% during 2013 
primarily due to volume growth and higher yields. However, operating 
margin decreased as the benefit of higher volume and revenue per 
package was more than offset by intercompany charges of $105 million 
associated with the business realignment program and a favorable self-
insurance adjustment in 2012. Purchased transportation costs increased 

11% in 2013 primarily as a result of volume growth and higher rates 
paid to our independent contractors. Other operating expenses 
increased 18% primarily due to a favorable self-insurance adjustment 
in 2012 and higher legal expenses. Salaries and employee benefits 
expense increased 9% in 2013 primarily due to increased staffing to 
support volume growth.

Independent Contractor Model
Although FedEx Ground is involved in numerous lawsuits and other 
proceedings (such as state tax or other administrative challenges) 
where the classification of its independent contractors is at issue, a 
number of recent judicial decisions support our classification, and we 
believe our relationship with the contractors is generally excellent. For 
a description of these proceedings, see “Risk Factors” and Note 18 of 
the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

FedEx Ground Segment Outlook 
FedEx Ground segment revenues and operating income are expected 
to continue to grow in 2015, led by volume growth across all our major 
services due to market share gains. We also anticipate yield growth 
in 2015 through yield management programs including our recently 
announced dimensional weight rating changes. We will continue to 
make investments to grow our highly profitable FedEx Ground network 
through facility expansions and equipment purchases, and the impact 
of these investments on our cost structure will partially offset earnings 
growth in 2015.

We will continue to vigorously defend various attacks against our 
independent contractor model and incur ongoing legal costs as a part of 
this process. While we believe that FedEx Ground’s owner-operators are 
properly classified as independent contractors, it is reasonably possible 
that we could incur a material loss in connection with one or more of 
these matters or be required to make material changes to our contractor 
model. However, we do not believe that any such changes will impair 
our ability to operate and profitably grow our FedEx Ground business.

22

 23

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis Percent of Revenue
2013 

2014 

2012 

43.4 %
16.0 
2.2 
4.0 
11.1 
3.5 

42.5 %
17.1 
2.3 
4.0 
10.3 
3.1 

Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits 
  Purchased transportation 
  Rentals 
  Depreciation and amortization 
  Fuel 
  Maintenance and repairs 
  Business realignment, impairment  
    and other charges(1)
  Intercompany charges(2)
  Other(3) 
    Total operating expenses 
Operating margin(4) 
(1) 2013 includes severance costs associated with our voluntary buyout program.  
(2) Includes allocations of $47 million in 2013 for business realignment costs.
(3)  Includes predominantly costs associated with insurance, professional fees and outside 

 – 
 8.0 
 7.2 
94.5 
5.5%

 – 
 9.0 
 6.9 
96.1 
3.9%

43.9 %
16.1 
2.2 
3.5 
12.0 
3.6 

 – 
8.2 
7.4 
96.9 
3.1%

service contracts (such as security and facility services).

(4)  The direct and indirect charges disclosed in notes (1) and (2) above reduced 2013 operating 

margin by 90 basis points.

FedEx Freight Segment
FedEx Freight 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, operat-
ing expenses as a percent of revenue, operating income (dollars in 
millions), operating margin and selected statistics for the years ended 
May 31:

Percent 
Change

2014 
2013 
7

/ 
/  2013 
2012
2

 4 
 13 
 11 

 6 
 (1)
 (6)

 1 
 2 
 4

 17
 (6 )
 (1 )

 –  NM  NM
 12 
 (5)
 433 
 (5 )
 11 
 393 
 1 
 5 
5,120 
28
53
162
3.1% 160bp 80bp

2014 

2012 
$ 5,757  $ 5,401 $ 5,282

2013 

 2,444 
 981 
 131 

 231 
 595 
 179 

 _
 461 
 416 
5,438 
 319 $
 5.5 %

 2,342 
 865 
 118 

 2,316 
 851 
 114 

 185 
 636 
 192 

 217 
 598 
 191 

 3 
 484 
 375 
5,193 

208 $
3.9%

 62.9 

 27.7 

 59.3 

 26.4 

60.4

24.5

 90.6 

 85.7 

84.9

 1,262 
 1,000 

1,237
 990 

1,202 
1,045 

 1,182 

 1,161 

1,156 

$ 223.61  $ 220.32 $ 216.47
250.30
256.38

 258.05 

$ 234.23  $

231.52  $ 226.24

$  17.73  $  17.80  $ 18.02
23.96

 25.80 

 25.90 

$  19.82  $  19.94  $  19.57 

(1)

6

5

6

2
1

2

1
1

1

–
–

(2)

8

1

3
(5)

–

2
2

2

(1)
8

2

Revenues
Operating expenses:
  Salaries and employee  
    benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals
  Depreciation and    
    amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment,  
    impairment and other  
    charges(1)
  Intercompany charges(2)
  Other(3)
    Total operating expenses
Operating income
Operating margin(4)
Average daily LTL shipments  
  (in thousands)
  Priority

$

  Economy
    Total average daily LTL  
      shipments
Weight per LTL shipment 
  Priority
  Economy
    Composite weight per  
      LTL shipment
LTL revenue per shipment
  Priority
  Economy
    Composite LTL revenue  
      per shipment
LTL revenue per  
  hundredweight
  Priority
  Economy
    Composite LTL revenue  
      per hundredweight

22

 23

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
 
FedEx Freight Segment Revenues 
FedEx Freight segment revenues increased 7% during 2014 due to 
higher average daily LTL shipments and revenue per LTL shipment. 
Revenues in 2014 were negatively impacted by one fewer operating 
day. Average daily LTL shipments increased 6% in 2014 due to higher 
demand for our FedEx Freight Priority and FedEx Freight Economy 
service offerings. LTL revenue per shipment increased 1% in 2014 due 
to changes in shipment characteristics, primarily higher weight per 
LTL shipment. LTL revenue per hundredweight decreased 1% during 
2014 due to changes in shipment characteristics, primarily higher 
weight per LTL shipment. Changes in weight per shipment generally 
have an inverse effect on revenue per hundredweight, as an increase 
in weight per shipment will typically cause a decrease in revenue per 
hundredweight.

During 2013, FedEx Freight segment revenues increased 2% due to 
higher LTL revenue per hundredweight and average daily LTL ship-
ments. LTL revenue per hundredweight increased 2% in 2013 due to 
improvements in FedEx Freight Economy service offerings resulting 
from higher rates and lower weight per LTL shipment. Average daily 
LTL shipments increased 1% in 2013 driven by our FedEx Freight 
Economy services offering, partially offset by transitional challenges 
encountered by some customers in the second half of 2013 while 
migrating FedEx Freight functionality to the FedEx enterprise auto-
mated platform.

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

Low

High

Weighted-average

2014

2013

2012

 22.70 %  21.80 %  19.80 %

23.70 

23.20 

 24.40 

24.30 

 23.38 

 22.90 

In March 2014, FedEx Freight increased certain U.S. and other 
shipping rates by an average of 3.9%. In July 2013, FedEx Freight 
increased certain U.S. and other shipping rates by an average of 4.5%. 
In July 2012, FedEx Freight increased certain U.S. and other shipping 
rates by an average of 6.9%.

FedEx Freight Segment Operating Income 
FedEx Freight segment operating income and operating margin 
increased in 2014 due to the positive impacts of higher average daily 
LTL shipments, higher LTL revenue per shipment and greater network 
efficiency. Operating income comparisons also benefited from the 
inclusion in 2013 of costs associated with our business realignment 
program as discussed below. Operating income in 2014 was nega-
tively impacted by higher depreciation and amortization expense, 
the negative year-over-year impact of severe weather and one fewer 
operating day. 

Purchased transportation expense increased 13% in 2014 due to 
increased use of rail and road third-party transportation providers and 
higher rates. Salaries and employee benefits increased 4% in 2014 
primarily due to a volume-related increase in labor hours and higher 
healthcare costs. Other operating expenses increased 11% in 2014 
due to higher self-insurance costs, bad debt expense and real estate 
taxes. Intercompany charges decreased 5% in 2014 primarily due to 
the inclusion in the prior year results of costs associated with the 
business realignment program at FedEx Services, partially offset by 
higher allocated sales costs.

Based on a static analysis of the net impact of year-over-year changes 
in fuel prices compared to year-over-year changes in fuel surcharges, 
fuel had a minimal impact on operating income in 2014. 

During 2013, the FedEx Freight segment operating results improved 
as a result of LTL revenue per hundredweight growth and increased 
average daily LTL shipments, along with ongoing improvement in 
operational efficiencies in our integrated network. However, operat-
ing results for 2013 were negatively impacted by $50 million of costs 
associated with our business realignment program both directly and 
through intercompany allocations.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 17% due to contin-
ued investment in replacement transportation equipment. Salaries and 
employee benefits increased 1% in 2013 primarily due to increases 
in volume and higher healthcare, workers’ compensation and pension 
costs, partially offset by operational efficiencies and lower incen-
tive compensation. Purchased transportation costs increased 2% in 
2013 due to increased utilization of rail and higher rates, partially 
offset by a lower cost per mile due to our ability to optimize mode of 
transportation.

Fuel costs decreased 6% in 2013 due to increased utilization of rail 
and fuel efficiency improvements. Based on a static analysis of the 
net impact of year-over-year changes in fuel prices compared to year-
over-year changes in fuel surcharges, fuel had a minimal impact on 
operating income in 2013.

24

 25

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisCASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Cash flows from 
operating activities decreased $424 million in 2014 primarily due to 
voluntary employee severance program payouts, an income tax refund 
received in the prior year, higher income tax payments and higher 
pension contributions, partially offset by higher net income. Cash 
flows from operating activities decreased $147 million in 2013 
primarily due to decreased earnings and higher tax, variable compen-
sation and voluntary buyout payments, partially offset by a decrease 
in pension contributions. We made contributions of $660 million to  
our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans (“U.S. Pension Plans”) 
during 2014 and contributions of $560 million in 2013 and $722 million 
in 2012.

CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES. Capital expenditures were 
5% higher in 2014 largely due to increased spending at FedEx Ground 
and FedEx Express and 16% lower in 2013 largely due to decreased 
spending at FedEx Express. See “Capital Resources” for a discussion 
of capital expenditures during 2014 and 2013. 

FedEx Freight Segment Outlook 
We expect continued revenue and operating income growth at the 
FedEx Freight segment in 2015 driven by volume and revenue per 
shipment increases from our differentiated LTL services, as well as 
continued improvement in network and operational optimization. The 
recently announced increase to our fuel surcharge rates for certain LTL 
shipments will benefit yields in 2015. Capital expenditures in 2015 are 
expected to increase, with the majority of our spending for replace-
ment of vehicles.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.9 billion at May 31, 2014, com-
pared to $4.9 billion at May 31, 2013. The following table provides a 
summary of our cash flows for the periods ended May 31 (in millions):

Operating activities:
  Net income
  Business realignment, impairment 
    and other charges
  Other noncash charges and credits
  Changes in assets and liabilities
    Cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities:
  Capital expenditures
  Business acquisitions, net of 
    cash acquired
  Proceeds from asset dispositions  
    and other
    Cash used in investing activities
Financing activities:
  Purchase of treasury stock, including  
    ASRs
  Principal payments on debt
  Proceeds from debt issuances
  Dividends paid
  Other
    Cash (used in) provided by  
      financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net (decrease) increase in cash and  
  cash equivalents

2014 

2013 

2012 

$  2,097  $  1,561  $ 2,032 

 – 
 3,415 
 (1,248)
 4,264 

 479 
 3,183 
 (535)
 4,688 

 134 
 3,504 
 (835)
 4,835 

(3,533)

 (3,375)

 (4,007)

 (36)

 (483)

 (116)

 18 
(3,551)

 55 
 (3,803)

 74 
 (4,049)

(4,857)
 (254)
 1,997 
 (187)
 582 

 (2,719)
(3)

 (246)
 (417)
 1,739 
 (177)
 285 

 1,184 
5

 (197)
 (29)
–
 (164)
 146 

 (244)
(27)

$ (2,009) $ 2,074 $

515

24

 25

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisFINANCING ACTIVITIES. The following table provides a summary of 
our senior unsecured debt issuances for the periods ended May 31  
(in millions): 

Senior unsecured debt issued:  
  Interest Rate % Issuance Date
 January 2014
 January 2014
 January 2014
  April 2013
  April 2013
July 2012
July 2012

4.00
4.90
5.10
2.70
4.10
2.625
3.875

Total senior unsecured debt issued

Maturity
2024 
2034 
2044 
2023 
2043 
2023 
2043 

2014

2013

$

 750 
 500 
 750 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
$  2,000 

$

 – 
 – 
 – 
 250 
 500 
 500 
 500 
$  1,750 

The senior unsecured debt was issued under shelf registration state-
ments current at the time of issuance. Interest on these notes is paid 
semiannually. We utilized the net proceeds of the 2014 debt issuance 
to finance the ASR agreements as discussed below. We utilized the 
net proceeds of the 2013 debt issuances for working capital and 
general corporate purposes. 

During 2014, we repaid our $250 million 7.38% senior unsecured 
notes that matured on January 15, 2014. During 2013, we made prin-
cipal payments of $116 million related to capital lease obligations 

and repaid our $300 million 9.65% unsecured notes that matured in 
June 2012 using cash from operations. 

In October 2013, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repur-
chase program of up to 32 million shares of common stock. These 
shares augmented the 10.2 million shares remaining on our previous 
share repurchase authorizations at May 31, 2013. Shares may be 
purchased from time to time in the open market or in privately negoti-
ated transactions. Repurchases are made at the company’s discretion, 
based on ongoing assessments of the capital needs of the business, 
the market price of its common stock and general market conditions. 
No time limit was set for the completion of the repurchase program, 
and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. 

In January 2014, we entered into ASR agreements with two banks to 
repurchase an aggregate of $2.0 billion of our common stock. During 
the third quarter of 2014, 11.4 million shares were initially delivered 
to us based on then-current market prices. During the fourth quarter 
of 2014, the ASR transactions were completed and we received  
3.4 million additional shares. The final number of shares delivered 
upon settlement of each ASR agreement was determined based on 
a discount to the volume-weighted average price of our stock during 
the term of the respective transaction. In total, 14.8 million shares 
were delivered under the ASR agreements. See Note 1 of the accom-
panying consolidated financial statements for additional information 
regarding the ASR agreements. In addition, in 2014 and 2013, we 
repurchased shares of our common stock in the open market. 

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

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased
36,845,590

2014

Average  
Price Paid  
per Share
$ 131.83

Total  
Purchase  
Price
 $ 4,857

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased
2,700,000

2013

Average  
Price Paid  
per Share
$ 90.96

Total  
Purchase  
Price
$ 246

Common stock purchases

As of May 31, 2014, 5.3 million shares remained under our share repurchase authorizations. 

26

 27

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALySIS

Capital Resources
Our operations are capital intensive, characterized by significant 
investments in aircraft, vehicles, 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 expan-
sion 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):

Liquidity Outlook
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents, which totaled  
$2.9 billion at May 31, 2014, cash flow from operations and available 
financing sources will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs, 
including working capital, capital expenditure requirements and  
debt payment obligations. Our cash and cash equivalents balance at 
May 31, 2014 includes $471 million of cash in offshore jurisdictions 
associated with our permanent reinvestment strategy. We do not 
believe that the indefinite reinvestment of these funds offshore 
impairs our ability to meet our U.S. domestic debt or working  
capital obligations. 

Percent 
Change

2014 
2013
 12  
 13  
 7  

/ 
/  2013 
2012
 (37)
 14 
 2 

2014 

2012 
Aircraft and related equipment $ 1,327  $  1,190  $ 1,875 
 638 
Facilities and sort equipment
 723 

 819 
 784 

 727 
 734 

2013 

Vehicles
Information and technology  
  investments

Other equipment

  Total capital expenditures

FedEx Express segment

FedEx Ground segment

FedEx Freight segment

FedEx Services segment

Other

  Total capital expenditures

 403 
 200 

 452 
 272 

 541 
 230 
$ 3,533  $  3,375  $ 4,007 
$ 1,994  $  2,067  $ 2,689 
 536 
 340 
 437 

 850 
 325 
 363 
 1 

 555 
 326 
 424 
 3 

 (16)
 (11)
 18 
 (26) 
 (16)
 5  
 (23)
 (4)
 4 
 53 
 (4)
 –  
 (3)
(14)
 5  NM   NM
 (16)
5  

$ 3,533  $  3,375  $ 4,007 

Capital expenditures during 2014 were higher than the prior year 
primarily due to increased spending for sort facility expansion and 
equipment at FedEx Ground and aircraft and related equipment at 
FedEx Express. Aircraft and related equipment expenditures at FedEx 
Express during 2014 included the delivery of 17 Boeing 757 (“B757”) 
aircraft, four Boeing 767-300 Freighter (“B767F”) aircraft and two 
Boeing 777 Freighter (“B777F”) aircraft, as well as the modification of 
certain aircraft before being placed into service. Capital expenditures 
during 2013 were lower than the prior year primarily due to decreased 
spending for aircraft and related equipment at FedEx Express. Aircraft 
and aircraft-related equipment purchases at FedEx Express during 
2013 included the delivery of 16 B757s to be modified for cargo  
transport and four B777Fs. 

Our capital expenditures are expected to be $4.2 billion in 2015. We 
anticipate that our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to  
fund our increased capital expenditures in 2015, which will include 
spending for aircraft modernization and re-fleeting at FedEx Express and 
network expansion at FedEx Ground. We expect approximately 40% of 
capital expenditures in 2015 to be designated for growth initiatives, 
predominantly at FedEx Ground, and 60% dedicated to maintaining our 
existing operations. Our expected capital expenditures for 2015 include  
$1.6 billion in investments for delivery of aircraft and progress payments 
toward future aircraft deliveries at FedEx Express. 

We have several aircraft modernization programs underway that are 
supported by the purchase of B777F, B767F and B757 aircraft. These air-
craft 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 2014, FedEx Express entered into an agreement to 
purchase two B767F aircraft, the delivery of which will occur in 2016 
and 2017. FedEx Express also deferred 11 existing options to purchase 
B777F aircraft by two years. Additionally in 2014, we entered into 
supplemental agreements to purchase 16 B757 option aircraft pursuant 
to an agreement originally entered into in March 2013, the delivery of 
which began in 2014 and will continue through 2015.

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. 

A $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to finance our opera-
tions and other cash flow needs and to provide support for the issuance 
of commercial paper. The revolving credit agreement expires in March 
2018. The agreement contains a financial covenant, which requires us to 
maintain a leverage ratio of adjusted debt (long-term debt, including the 
current portion of such debt, plus six times our last four fiscal quarters’ 
rentals and landing fees) to capital (adjusted debt plus total common 
stockholders’ investment) that does not exceed 70%. Our leverage ratio 
of adjusted debt to capital was 57% at May 31, 2014. We believe the 
leverage ratio covenant is the only significant restrictive covenant in 

26

 27

our revolving credit agreement. Our revolving credit agreement contains 
other customary covenants that do not, individually or in the aggregate, 
materially restrict the conduct of our business. We are in compliance 
with the leverage ratio covenant and all other covenants of our revolving 
credit agreement and do not expect the covenants to affect our opera-
tions, including our liquidity or expected funding needs. As of May 31, 
2014, no commercial paper was outstanding, and the entire $1 billion 
under the revolving credit facility was available for future borrowings.

For 2015, we anticipate making required contributions totaling approxi-
mately $580 million to our U.S. Pension Plans. Our U.S. Pension Plans 
have ample funds to meet expected benefit payments.

Standard & Poor’s has assigned us a senior unsecured debt credit rating 
of BBB and commercial paper rating of A-2 and a ratings outlook of 
“stable.” Moody’s Investors Service has assigned us a senior unsecured 
debt credit rating of Baa1 and commercial paper rating of P-2 and a rat-
ings 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.

Contractual Cash Obligations and  
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The following table sets forth a summary of our contractual cash 
obligations as of May 31, 2014. Certain of these contractual obliga-
tions 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, 2014. 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. 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.

(in millions)
Operating activities: 
  Operating leases 
  Non-capital purchase obligations and other 
  Interest on long-term debt 
  Contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans
Investing activities: 
  Aircraft and aircraft-related capital commitments 
  Other capital purchase obligations 
Financing activities: 
  Debt 
    Total 

 2015

$  2,062 
 433 
 232 
 580 

Payments Due by Fiscal Year (Undiscounted)
2018

2017

2019

Thereafter

2016

Total

$  1,903 
 274 
 231 
 – 

$  1,932 
 123 
 231 
–

$  1,455 
 58 
 231 
 – 

$  1,228  
 19 
 231 
 – 

  $  6,814 
 101 
 3,925 
 – 

$  15,394  
 1,008 
 5,081 
 580 

 1,147 
 185 

 1,248 
–

956 
–

 1,368  
–

 859 
–

 4,498 
–

 10,076 
 185 

–
$  4,639 

–
$  3,656 

–
$  3,242 

–
$  3,112 

 750 
$  3,087 

3,990
  $ 19,328 

 4,740 
 $  37,064  

28

 29

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisOpen purchase orders that are cancelable are not considered uncon-
ditional 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.

The amounts reflected in the table above for interest on long-term 
debt represent future interest payments due on our long-term debt,  
all of which are fixed rate.

We had $396 million in deposits and progress payments as of  
May 31, 2014 on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related 
transactions. 

Investing Activities
The amounts reflected in the table above for capital purchase obliga-
tions represent noncancelable agreements to purchase capital-related 
equipment. Such contracts include those for certain purchases of 
aircraft, aircraft modifications, vehicles, facilities, computers and 
other equipment. Commitments to purchase aircraft in passenger 
configuration do not include the attendant costs to modify these 
aircraft for cargo transport unless we have entered into noncancelable 
commitments to modify such aircraft. 

Financing Activities 
We have certain financial instruments representing potential com-
mitments, 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 international operations. The underlying liabili-
ties 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. In 2015, we have 
no scheduled debt payments.

Operating Activities
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States, future contractual payments under our operating leases 
(totaling $15 billion on an undiscounted basis) are not recorded in our 
balance sheet. Credit rating agencies routinely use information con-
cerning minimum lease payments required for our operating leases to 
calculate our debt capacity. The amounts reflected in the table above 
for operating leases represent future minimum lease payments under 
noncancelable operating leases (principally aircraft and facilities) with 
an initial or remaining term in excess of one year at May 31, 2014. 
Under the proposed new lease accounting rules, the majority of these 
leases will be required to be recognized on the balance sheet as a 
liability with an offsetting right-to-use asset. In the past, we financed 
a significant portion of our aircraft needs (and certain other equipment 
needs) using operating leases (a type of “off-balance sheet financ-
ing”). At the time that the decision to lease was made, we determined 
that these operating leases would provide economic benefits favor-
able to ownership with respect to market values, liquidity or after-tax 
cash flows.

The amounts reflected for purchase obligations represent noncan-
celable agreements to purchase goods or services that are not 
capital-related. Such contracts include those for printing and advertis-
ing 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 ($1 million) for uncertain tax positions. We cannot rea-
sonably 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 ($37 million) is excluded from the 
table. See Note 12 of the accompanying consolidated financial state-
ments for further information.

28

 29

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with account-
ing 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 appropriate-
ness 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 ele-
ments 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 develop-
ment 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 pen-
sion plans, defined contribution plans and postretirement healthcare 
plans and are described in Note 13 of the accompanying consolidated 
financial statements. 

The current rules for pension accounting are complex and can produce 
tremendous volatility in our results, financial condition and liquidity. Our 
pension expense is primarily a function of the value of our plan assets 
and the discount rate used to measure our pension liabilities at a single 
point in time. These factors are significantly influenced by the financial 
markets, which in recent years have experienced substantial volatility.

In addition to expense volatility, we are required to record year-end 
adjustments to our balance sheet on an annual basis for the net funded 
status of our pension and postretirement healthcare plans. These 
adjustments have fluctuated significantly over the past several years 
and like our pension expense, are a result of the discount rate and value 
of our plan assets at the measurement date. The funded status of our 
plans also impacts our liquidity, and 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. 

Our retirement plans cost is included in the “Salaries and Employee 
Benefits” caption in our consolidated income statements. A summary 
of our retirement plans costs over the past three years is as follows (in 
millions):

U.S. domestic and international  
  pension plans 
U.S. domestic and international defined 
  contribution plans 
U.S. domestic and international 
  postretirement healthcare plans 

2014 

2013 

2012 

$     484  $     679 

$  524 

 363 

 354 

 338 

 78 

 78 
$     925  $  1,111 

 70 
$  932 

Total retirement plans cost decreased $186 million in 2014 due to 
the favorable impact of higher discount rates at our May 31, 2013 
measurement date and higher returns on plan assets. Total retirement 
plans cost increased $179 million in 2013 driven by lower discount 
rates used to measure our benefit obligations at our May 31, 2012 
measurement date. 

Amounts recognized in our balance sheet reflect a snapshot of the 
state of our long-term pension liabilities at the plan measurement 
date and the effect of year-end accounting on plan assets. Cumulative 
unrecognized actuarial losses were $6.6 billion through May 31, 2014, 
compared to $7.0 billion through May 31, 2013. These unrecognized 
losses reflect changes in the discount rates and other assumptions 
and differences between expected and actual asset returns, which 
are being amortized over future periods. These unrecognized losses 
may be recovered in future periods through actuarial gains. However, 
unless they are below a corridor amount, these unrecognized actuarial 
losses are required to be amortized and recognized in future periods. 
Our U.S. Pension Plans expense includes amortization of these  
actuarial losses of $363 million in 2014, $496 million in 2013 and  
$291 million in 2012.

PENSION COST. The accounting for pension and postretirement 
healthcare plans includes numerous assumptions, including the dis-
count rate and expected long-term investment returns on plan assets. 
These assumptions most significantly impact our U.S. Pension Plans. 

Following is a discussion of the key estimates we consider in deter-
mining our U.S. Pension Plans cost:

DISCOUNT RATE. This is the interest rate used to discount the esti-
mated 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 pension expense. The discount 
rate is determined each year at the plan measurement date. A 
decrease in the discount rate increases pension expense. The discount 
rate affects the PBO and pension expense based on the measurement 
dates, as described below.

Measurement  
Date
5/31/2014 
5/31/2013 
5/31/2012 
5/31/2011 

Amounts Determined by 
Measurement Date and  
Discount  
Discount Rate
Rate
4.60 % 2014 PBO and 2015 expense
2013 PBO and 2014 expense
4.79 
2012 PBO and 2013 expense
4.44 
2011 PBO and 2012 expense
5.76 

30

 31

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis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 discount rate assumption is highly sensitive. A one-basis-point 
change in the discount rate for our largest pension plan would have a 
$2.1 million effect on 2015 and 2014 pension expense.

At our May 31, 2014 measurement date, a 50-basis-point increase 
in the discount rate would have decreased our 2014 PBO by approxi-
mately $1.5 billion and a 50-basis-point decrease in the discount rate 
would have increased our 2014 PBO by approximately $1.7 billion. 
From 2010 to 2014, the discount rate used to value our liabilities has 
declined by over 170 basis points, which increased the valuation of 
our liabilities by over $4.6 billion.

PLAN ASSETS. The estimated average rate of return on plan assets is 
a long-term, forward-looking assumption that also materially affects 
our pension cost. 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 tradeable 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 vola-
tility, we have transitioned to 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 invest-
ment 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 reason-
ably expect those investment classes to earn over time; 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.

We assumed a 7.75% expected long-term rate of return on our U.S. 
Pension Plan assets in 2014 and 8% in 2013 and 2012. The actual 
returns during each of the last three fiscal years have exceeded those 
long-term assumptions. For 2014, we lowered our expected return on 
plan assets assumption for long-term returns on plan assets to 7.75% 
as we refined our asset and liability management strategy. In lowering 
this assumption we considered our historical returns, our investment 
strategy for our plan assets, including the impacts of the duration of 
our plan liability, and the relatively low annual draw on plan assets on 
that investment strategy. A one-basis-point change in our expected 
return on plan assets impacts our pension expense by $2.1 million. 
The actual historical annual return on our U.S. Pension Plan assets, 
calculated on a compound geometric basis, was 7.0%, net of invest-
ment manager fees and administrative expenses, for the 15-year 
period ended May 31, 2014, and 6.9%, net of investment manager  
fees and administrative expenses, for the 15-year period ended  
May 31, 2013. 

Pension expense is also affected by the accounting policy used to 
determine the value of plan assets at the measurement date. We 
use a calculated-value method to determine the value of plan assets, 
which helps mitigate short-term volatility in market performance (both 
increases and decreases) by amortizing certain actuarial gains or 
losses over a period no longer than four years. Another method used 
in practice applies the market value of plan assets at the measure-
ment date. For purposes of valuing plan assets for determining 2015 
pension expense, the calculated value method resulted in the same 
value as the market value.

Our retirement plans costs are expected to decrease approximately 
$215 million in 2015 as strong returns on our pension plan assets 
more than offset the negative impact of a decrease in our discount 
rate at our May 31, 2014 measurement date.

FUNDED STATUS. Following is information concerning the funded 
status of our pension plans as of May 31 (in millions):

Funded Status of Plans: 
Projected benefit obligation (PBO)  
Fair value of plan assets  
Funded status of the plans
Cash Amounts:
Cash contributions during the year
Benefit payments during the year

2014 

2013 

$ 24,578 
21,907 
$  (2,671)

$ 22,600 
 19,433 
$ (3,167)

$
$

727 
801 

$
$

615 
589 

30

 31

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis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 IRS 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 remain 
adequately funded to provide benefits to our employees as they come 
due. Additionally, current benefit payments are nominal compared to our 
total plan assets (benefit payments for our U.S. Pension Plans for 2014 
were approximately $749 million or 3.5% of plan assets). 

During 2014, we made $645 million in required contributions to our U.S. 
Pension Plans. Over the past several years, we have made voluntary 
contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans in excess of the minimum 
required contributions. Amounts contributed in excess of the minimum 
required can result in a credit balance for funding purposes that can be 
used to reduce minimum contribution requirements in future years. Our 
current credit balance exceeds $2.5 billion at May 31, 2014. For 2015, 
we anticipate making required contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans 
totaling approximately $580 million.

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

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 long-term 
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 $1.8 billion at 
May 31, 2014 and $1.7 billion at May 31, 2013. Approximately 41% 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 operating company and 
type of risk. Periodically, we evaluate the level of insurance cover-
age and adjust insurance levels based on risk tolerance and premium 
expense. Historically, it has been infrequent that incurred claims 
exceeded our self-insured limits. 

We believe the use of actuarial methods to account for these liabili-
ties 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 59% 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 esti-
mates 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 recog-
nized 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.

In 2013, FedEx Express made the decision to accelerate the retirement 
of 76 aircraft and related engines to aid in our fleet modernization and 
improve our global network. In 2012, we shortened the depreciable 
lives for 54 aircraft and related engines to accelerate the retirement 
of these aircraft, resulting in a depreciation expense increase of  
$69 million in 2013. As a result of these accelerated retirements,  
we incurred an additional $74 million in year-over-year accelerated 
depreciation expense in 2014. 

IMPAIRMENT. The FedEx Express global air and ground network 
includes a fleet of 650 aircraft (including approximately 300 supple-
mental 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 main-
taining our service commitments to our customers. Because of the 
integrated nature of our global network, our aircraft are interchange-
able 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 

32

 33

ManageMent’s discussion and analysiscreate risks that asset capacity may exceed demand and that an 
impairment of our assets may occur. Aircraft purchases (primarily 
aircraft in passenger configuration) that have not been placed in 
service totaled $82 million at May 31, 2014 and $129 million at  
May 31, 2013. We plan to modify these assets in the future and  
place them into operations.

The accounting test for whether an asset held for use is impaired 
involves first comparing the carrying value of the asset with its esti-
mated 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. 

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 deter-
mining whether an asset has been permanently removed from service 
(and, as a result, 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; or changes to 
planned service expansion activities. At May 31, 2014, we had 10 
aircraft temporarily idled, one of which was fully depreciated. These 
aircraft have been idled for an average of three months and are 
expected to return to revenue service.

In 2013, we retired from service two Airbus A310-200 aircraft and 
four related engines, three Airbus A310-300 aircraft and two related 
engines and five Boeing MD10-10 aircraft and 15 related engines, to 
align with the plans of FedEx Express to modernize its aircraft fleet 
and improve its global network. As a consequence of this decision, a 
noncash impairment charge of $100 million ($63 million, net of tax, 
or $0.20 per diluted share) was recorded in 2013. All of these aircraft 
were temporarily idled and not in revenue service. 

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 “Contractual Cash Obligations” 
and Note 7 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, at 

May 31, 2014 we had approximately $15 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, 2014 was approximately six years. The future 
commitments for operating leases are not reflected as a liability in our 
balance sheet under current U.S. accounting rules. 

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.

Under a proposed revision to the accounting standards for leases, we 
would be required to record an asset and a liability for our outstanding 
operating leases similar to the current accounting for capital leases.  
Notably, the amount we record in the future would be the net present 
value of our future lease commitments at the date of adoption.  This 
proposed guidance has not been issued and has been subjected to 
numerous revisions, most recently in May 2013. While we are not 
required to quantify the effects of the proposed rule changes until 
they are finalized, we believe that a majority of our operating lease 
obligations reflected in the contractual cash obligations table would be 
required to be reflected in our balance sheet were the proposed rules 
to be adopted. Furthermore, our existing financing agreements and the 
rating agencies that evaluate our creditworthiness already take our 
operating leases into account. 

GOODWILL. As of May 31, 2014, we had $2.8 billion of recorded good-
will from our business acquisitions, representing the excess of the 
purchase price over the fair value of the net assets we have acquired.  
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. 

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. If the qualitative 
assessment is not conclusive, we proceed to a two-step process to 
test goodwill for impairment, including comparing the fair value of 
the reporting unit to its carrying value (including attributable good-
will). 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.

32

 33

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisOur reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include FedEx 
Express, FedEx Freight and FedEx Office (reported in the FedEx 
Services segment). We evaluated these reporting units during the 
fourth quarters of 2014 and 2013. The estimated fair value of each of 
these reporting units exceeded their carrying values in 2014 and 2013, 
and we do not believe that any of these reporting units were at risk  
as of May 31, 2014. 

Contingencies
We are subject to various loss contingencies, including tax proceed-
ings and litigation, 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 determina-
tions about the measurement of a liability, if any. Our material 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 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.

TAX CONTINGENCIES. We are subject to income and operating tax 
rules of the U.S., its states and municipalities, and of the foreign 
jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in 
determining income tax provisions, as well as deferred tax asset and 
liability balances and related deferred tax valuation allowances, if 
necessary, due to the complexity of these rules and their interaction 
with one another. We account for income taxes by recording both 
current taxes payable and deferred tax assets and liabilities. Our 
provision for income taxes is based on domestic and international 
statutory income tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate, 
applied to taxable income, reduced by applicable tax credits.

Tax contingencies arise from uncertainty in the application of tax 
rules throughout the many jurisdictions in which we operate and are 
impacted by several factors, including tax audits, appeals, litigation, 
changes in tax laws and other rules and their interpretations, and 
changes in our business. We regularly assess the potential impact 
of these factors for the current and prior years to determine the 
adequacy of our tax provisions. We continually evaluate the likelihood 
and amount of potential adjustments and adjust our tax positions, 
including the current and deferred tax liabilities, in the period in which 
the facts that give rise to a revision become known. In addition, man-
agement considers the advice of third parties in making conclusions 
regarding tax consequences.

We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a 
two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for rec-
ognition 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 real-
ized 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 posi-
tions 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 remaining portion of our 
income tax liabilities and accrued interest and penalties are presented 
as noncurrent liabilities because payment of cash is not anticipated 
within one year of the balance sheet date. These noncurrent income 
tax liabilities are recorded in the caption “Other liabilities” in the 
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

We account for operating taxes based on multi-state, local and 
foreign taxing jurisdiction rules in those areas in which we operate. 
Provisions for operating taxes are estimated based upon these rules, 
asset acquisitions and disposals, historical spend and other variables. 
These provisions are consistently evaluated for reasonableness 
against compliance and risk factors.

We measure and record operating tax contingency accruals in 
accordance with accounting guidance for contingencies. As discussed 
below, this guidance requires an accrual of estimated loss from a 
contingency, such as a tax or other legal proceeding or claim, when it 
is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount of the loss can 
be reasonably estimated.

OTHER CONTINGENCIES. 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 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. 

34

 35

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisDuring the preparation of our financial statements, we evaluate our 
contingencies to determine whether it is probable, reasonably pos-
sible 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 communica-
tions 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 (i.e., the lengthy and complex nature of 
class-action matters);

>  the procedural status of each matter; 

>  any opportunities to dispose of the 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. 

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 disclo-
sures 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.

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 because the interest 
rates are fixed on all of 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 estimated fair values of $5.0 billion at May 31, 2014 and  
$3.2 billion at May 31, 2013. Market risk for fixed-rate, long-term  
debt is estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting  
from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates and amounts to 
$165 million as of May 31, 2014 and $77 million as of May 31, 2013. 
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 postre-
tirement benefit obligations. Changes in interest rates impact our 
liabilities associated with these benefit 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 con-
tributions to the plans. Substantial investment losses on plan assets 
will also increase pension expense in the years following the losses. 

FOREIGN CURRENCY. While we are a global provider of transporta-
tion, e-commerce and business services, the substantial majority 
of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. The principal 
foreign currency exchange rate risks to which we are exposed are in 
the Chinese yuan, euro, Brazilian real, British pound and the Canadian 
dollar. 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. During 2014, foreign currency 
fluctuations had a slightly negative impact on operating income. The 
impact of foreign currency fluctuations was slightly positive in 2013. 
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, 2014, 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 $23 million for 2015. This theoreti-
cal 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.

34

 35

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisoutlets such as YouTube and Twitter, adverse publicity can be dis-
seminated quickly and broadly, making it increasingly difficult for us 
to defend against. 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. 

We rely heavily on information and technology to operate our 
transportation and business networks, and any disruption to our 
technology infrastructure or the Internet could harm our opera-
tions and our reputation among customers. Our ability to attract 
and retain customers and to compete effectively depends in part upon 
the sophistication and reliability of our technology network, includ-
ing our ability to provide features of service that are important to our 
customers. External and internal risks, such as malware, code anoma-
lies, “Acts of God,” attempts to penetrate our networks, 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. Any disruption to the 
Internet or our complex, global technology infrastructure, including 
those impacting our computer systems and fedex.com, could adversely 
impact our customer service, volumes and revenues and result in 
increased costs. 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. While we have invested and continue to 
invest in technology security initiatives, information technology risk 
management and disaster recovery plans, these measures cannot fully 
insulate us from technology disruptions or data loss and the resulting 
adverse effect on our operations and financial results. Additionally, 
the cost and operational consequences of implementing further data 
or system protection measures could be significant.

Our transportation businesses are impacted by the price and 
availability of fuel. We must purchase large quantities of fuel to 
operate our aircraft and vehicles, and the price and availability of 
fuel can be unpredictable and beyond our control. 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. 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 sup-
ply of fuel could have a negative impact on our ability to operate our 
transportation networks. 

COMMODITY. While we have market risk for changes in the price of 
jet and vehicle fuel, this risk is largely mitigated by our variable fuel 
surcharges because our fuel surcharges are closely linked to market 
prices for fuel. Therefore, a hypothetical 10% change in the price of 
fuel would not be expected to materially affect our earnings over the 
long term. 

However, our fuel surcharges for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground 
have a timing lag of approximately six to eight weeks before they 
are adjusted for changes in fuel prices. Our fuel surcharge index also 
allows fuel prices to fluctuate approximately 2% for FedEx Express 
and approximately 4% for FedEx Ground before an adjustment to 
the fuel surcharge occurs. Therefore, our operating income may be 
affected should the spot price of fuel suddenly change by a significant 
amount or change by amounts that do not result in an adjustment in 
our fuel surcharges. 

OTHER. We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instru-
ments for trading purposes.

RISK FACTORS

Our financial and operating results are subject to many risks and 
uncertainties, as described below.

We are directly affected by the state of the economy. While 
macro-economic 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 macro-economic measure-
ments. 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 and the typically more 
volatile economies of emerging markets. In 2014, we saw a continued 
customer preference for slower, less costly shipping services —  
particularly for international shipments — which had a negative 
impact on profitability at FedEx Express. 

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 or agents, such as customer service mishaps 
or noncompliance with laws, could tarnish our reputation and reduce 
the value of our brand. With the increase in the use of social media 

36

 37

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisOur businesses are capital intensive, and we must make capital 
decisions based upon projected volume levels. We make signifi-
cant investments in aircraft, vehicles, technology, package handling 
facilities, 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 vari-
ous 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 require-
ments 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 asset dis-
positions or write-downs and undercapacity could negatively impact 
service levels. For example, in 2013, we made a decision to retire from 
service certain aircraft and excess aircraft engines and thus recorded 
a noncash impairment charge of $100 million. 

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 macro-economic 
growth. Some of our competitors have more financial resources than 
we do, or they are 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. In addition, high volume 
package shippers are developing in-house ground delivery capabili-
ties, which would in turn reduce our revenues and market share. We 
believe we compete effectively with these companies — for example, 
by providing more reliable service at compensatory prices. However, 
an irrational pricing environment can limit our ability not only to main-
tain or increase our prices (including our fuel surcharges in response 
to rising fuel costs), but also to maintain or grow our market share. 
While we believe we compete effectively through our current service 
offerings, if our current competitors or potential future competitors 
offer a broader range of services or more effectively bundle their ser-
vices or our current customers become competitors, it could impede 
our ability to maintain or grow our market share. 

If we do not 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 acquisi-
tions. In furtherance of this strategy, over the past three years, we 
have acquired businesses in Europe, Latin America and Africa. 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. 

Labor organizations attempt to organize groups of our employ-
ees 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 prevent labor 
organizations from organizing 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 of FedEx Express, all of our U.S. 
employees have thus far chosen not to unionize. The U.S. Congress 
has, in the past, considered adopting changes in labor laws, how-
ever, 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 purview of the 
Railway Labor Act of 1926, as amended (the “RLA”). 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 (the “NLRA”). In addition, federal and state governmental 
agencies, such as 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 contractors. If FedEx 
Ground is compelled to convert its independent contractors to employ-
ees, 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, rather than 
employees, 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 busi-
ness segment. We are involved in numerous lawsuits and state tax 
and other administrative proceedings that claim that the company’s 
owner-operators or their drivers should be treated as our employees, 
rather than independent contractors. We incur certain costs, including 
legal fees, in defending the status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators 
as independent contractors. We believe that FedEx Ground’s owner-
operators are properly classified as independent contractors and 
that FedEx Ground is not an employer of the drivers of the company’s 
independent contractors. However, adverse determinations in these 
matters could, among other things, entitle certain of our owner-
operators and their drivers to the reimbursement of certain expenses 
and to the benefit of wage-and-hour laws and result in employment 
and withholding tax and benefit liability for FedEx Ground, and could 
result in changes to the independent contractor status of FedEx 
Ground’s owner-operators. Changes to state laws governing the defini-
tion of independent contractors could also impact the status of FedEx 
Ground’s owner-operators. 

36

 37

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisWe may be affected by global climate change or by legal, regula-
tory 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 green-
house gas (“GHG”) emissions, including our aircraft and diesel engine 
emissions. For example, during 2009, the European Commission 
approved the extension of the European Union Emissions Trading 
Scheme (“ETS”) for GHG emissions, to the airline industry. Under this 
decision, all FedEx Express flights that are wholly within the European 
Union are now covered by the ETS requirements, and each year we 
are required to submit emission allowances in an amount equal to 
the carbon dioxide emissions from such flights. In addition, the U.S. 
Congress has, in the past, considered bills that would regulate GHG 
emissions, and some form of federal climate change legislation is 
possible in the future. Increased regulation regarding GHG emissions, 
especially aircraft or diesel engine emissions, could impose substan-
tial 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 
regulation becomes known, we cannot predict its effect on our cost 
structure or our operating results. It is reasonably possible, however, 
that it could impose material costs on us. 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 macro-economic trends, we are par-
ticularly vulnerable to the physical risks of climate change that could 
affect all of humankind, such as shifts in weather patterns and world 
ecosystems. 

A localized disaster in a key geography could adversely impact 
our business. 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 localized 
risks from natural or manmade disasters such as tornados, floods, 
earthquakes or terrorist attacks. The loss of a key location such as 
our Memphis super hub or one of our information technology centers 
could cause a significant disruption to our operations and cause us 
to 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. 

We may not be able to achieve our profit improvement goal by 
the end of 2016. In 2013, we announced profit improvement programs 
primarily through initiatives at FedEx Express and FedEx Services that 
include cost reductions, modernization of our aircraft fleet, trans-
formation of the U.S. domestic operations and international profit 
improvements at FedEx Express, and improved efficiencies and lower 
costs of information technology at FedEx Services. To this end, we 
retired from service 10 aircraft and related engines, and we shortened 
the depreciable lives of an additional 76 aircraft and related engines, 
in an effort to modernize our aircraft fleet and improve our global 
network. Additionally, during 2014, we completed a voluntary buyout 
program offering cash buyouts to eligible U.S.-based employees. We 
will continue to work towards our goal of annual profitability improve-
ment at FedEx Express of $1.6 billion by the end of 2016. Our ability to 
achieve this objective is dependent on a number of factors, includ-
ing the health of the global economy and future customer demand, 
particularly for our priority services. In light of these factors, we may 
not be able to achieve our goal.

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 continues 
to require 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. Thus, it is reasonably possible that these rules or 
other future security requirements could impose material costs on 
us. 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 transpor-
tation rights may impact our operations. 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 United States and foreign 
governments. In addition, we must obtain the permission of foreign 
governments to provide specific flights and services. Our opera-
tions outside of the United States, such as FedEx Express’s growing 
international domestic operations, are also subject to current and 
potential regulations, including certain postal regulations and licens-
ing 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 transporta-
tion and logistics market. Regulatory 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. 

38

 39

ManageMent’s discussion and analysisFORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this report, including (but not limited to) those 
contained in “Outlook” (including segment outlooks), “Liquidity,” 
“Capital Resources,” “Liquidity Outlook,” “Contractual Cash 
Obligations” and “Critical Accounting Estimates,” and the “Retirement 
Plans” and “Contingencies” notes to the consolidated financial state-
ments, 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, objec-
tives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements 
include those preceded by, followed by or that include the words 
“may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “antici-
pates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “intends” or 
similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks 
and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those con-
templated (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.

Our business may be adversely impacted by disruptions or modi-
fications in service by the USPS. The USPS is a significant customer 
and vendor of FedEx, and thus, disruptions or modifications in services 
by the USPS as a consequence of the USPS’s current financial difficul-
ties or any resulting structural changes to its operations, network, 
service offerings or pricing could have an adverse effect on our opera-
tions and financial results. 

We are also subject to other risks and uncertainties that affect 
many other businesses, including: 

>  increasing costs, the volatility of costs and funding requirements 
and other legal mandates for employee benefits, especially pension 
and healthcare benefits; 

>  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;  

>  the impact of any international conflicts on the United States and 
global economies in general, the transportation industry or us in 
particular, and what effects these events will have on our costs or 
the demand for our services; 

>  any impacts on our businesses resulting from new domestic or 
international government laws and regulation; 

>  changes in foreign currency exchange rates, especially in the 
Chinese yuan, euro, Brazilian real, British pound and the Canadian 
dollar, 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 litigation, such as wage-and-hour and discrimination and 
retaliation claims, and any other legal or governmental proceedings; 

>  the outcome of future negotiations to reach new collective bargain-
ing agreements — including with the union that represents the 
pilots of FedEx Express (the current pilot contract became amend-
able in March 2013, and the parties are currently in negotiations); 

>  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; and 

>  availability of financing on terms acceptable to us and our ability 
to maintain our current credit ratings, especially given the capital 
intensity of our operations.

38

 39

ManageMent’s discussion and analysis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 transac-
tions 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, 2014, 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 (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). 

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 31, 2014. 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2014, 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.  
Ernst & Young LLP’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is included in this Annual Report.

40

 41

fedeX corporationREPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
FedEx Corporation

We have audited FedEx Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO 
criteria). FedEx Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assess-
ment 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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.

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.

In our opinion, FedEx Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2014, 
based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated 
balance sheets of FedEx Corporation as of May 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income 
(loss), changes in stockholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2014 of FedEx Corporation 
and our report dated July 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Memphis, Tennessee 
July 14, 2014

40

 41

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 

(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment and other charges
  Other

Operating Income
Other Income (Expense):
  Interest expense
  Interest income
  Other, net

Income Before Income Taxes
Provision For Income Taxes
Net Income
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2014
$ 45,567  

    Years ended May 31,
2013
$ 44,287 

2012
$ 42,680 

 16,555 
 8,011 
 2,622 
 2,587 
 4,557 
 1,862 
 – 
 5,927 
 42,121 
3,446 

 (160)
 18 
 (15)
 (157)
 3,289 
 1,192 
$  2,097 
6.82 
$
6.75 
$

16,570 
7,272 
2,521 
2,386 
4,746 
1,909 
 660 
 5,672 
41,736 
 2,551 

(82)
 21 
 (35)
 (96)
2,455 
 894 
$  1,561 
4.95 
$
4.91 
$

16,099 
 6,335 
 2,487 
 2,113 
 4,956 
 1,980 
 134 
 5,390 
39,494 
 3,186 

 (52)
 13 
 (6)
 (45)
 3,141 
 1,109 
$ 2,032 
6.44 
$
6.41 
$

42

 43

fedeX corporation 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREhENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in millions)
Net Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
  Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit of $1, $12 and $26
  Amortization of unrealized pension actuarial gains (losses) and other, net of tax expense   
    of $104 and $677 in 2014 and 2013 and tax benefit of $1,369 in 2012

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

2014
$  2,097 

    Years ended May 31,
2013
$ 1,561 

(25

)

41

 151 
 126 
$  2,223 

1,092 
1,133
$ 2,694 

2012
$ 2,032 

(95)

(2,308 )
(2,403)
(371 )

$

42

 43

fedex corporation 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE ShEETS

(in millions, except share data)
Assets
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Receivables, less allowances of $164 and $176
  Spare parts, supplies and fuel, less allowances of $212 and $205
  Deferred income taxes
  Prepaid expenses and other
    Total current assets
Property and Equipment, at Cost
  Aircraft and related equipment
  Package handling and ground support equipment
  Computer and electronic equipment
  Vehicles
  Facilities and other

  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    Net property and equipment
Other Long-Term Assets
  Goodwill
  Other assets
    Total other long-term assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Investment
Current Liabilities
  Current portion of long-term debt
  Accrued salaries and employee benefits
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses
    Total current liabilities
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
Other Long-Term Liabilities
  Deferred income taxes
  Pension, postretirement healthcare and other benefit obligations
  Self-insurance accruals
  Deferred lease obligations
  Deferred gains, principally related to aircraft transactions
  Other liabilities
    Total other long-term liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies
Common Stockholders’ Investment
  Common stock, $0.10 par value; 800 million shares authorized; 318 million shares issued  
    as of May 31, 2014 and 2013
  Additional paid-in capital
  Retained earnings
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  Treasury stock, at cost
    Total common stockholders’ investment

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

44

     May 31,

2014

2013

$  2,908 
 5,460 
 463 
 522 
 330 
 9,683 

 15,632 
 7,196 
 5,169 
 4,400 
 8,294 
 40,691 
 21,141 
 19,550 

 2,790 
 1,047 
 3,837 
$  33,070 

$

 1 
 1,277 
 1,971 
 2,063 
 5,312 
 4,736 

 2,114 
 3,484 
 1,038 
 758 
 206 
 145 
 7,745 

 32 
 2,643 
 20,429 
 (3,694)
 (4,133)
 15,277 
$  33,070 

$ 4,917 
5,044 
457 
533 
323 
 11,274 

 14,716 
 6,452 
 4,958 
 4,080 
 7,903 
 38,109 
 19,625 
18,484 

 2,755 
 1,054 
 3,809 
$ 33,567 

$

 251 
 1,688 
 1,879 
 1,932 
 5,750 
2,739 

 1,652 
3,916 
 987 
 778 
 227 
 120 
 7,680 

 32 
 2,668 
 18,519 
 (3,820)
 (1)
 17,398 
$  33,567 

 45

fedeX corporation 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASh FLOWS

(in millions)
Operating Activities
Net Income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization
  Provision for uncollectible accounts
  Deferred income taxes and other noncash items
  Business realignment, impairment and other charges
  Stock-based compensation
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    Receivables
    Other current assets
    Pension and postretirement healthcare assets and liabilities, net
    Accounts payable and other liabilities
    Other, net
Cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities
  Capital expenditures
  Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  Proceeds from asset dispositions and other
Cash used in investing activities

Financing Activities
  Principal payments on debt
  Proceeds from debt issuances
  Proceeds from stock issuances
  Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options
  Dividends paid
  Purchase of treasury stock, including accelerated share repurchase agreements
  Other, net
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Years ended May 31,
2013

2014

2012

$  2,097 

$ 1,561 

$ 2,032 

 2,587 
 130 
 581 
– 
 117 

 (516)
(22)
 (453)
 (235)
 (22)
 4,264 

(3,533)
 (36)
 18 
(3,551)

 (254)
 1,997 
 557 
 44 
 (187)
(4,857)
 (19)
 (2,719)
(3 )
(2,009)
 4,917 
$ 2,908

2,386 
 167 
 521 
 479 
 109 

 (451)
 257 
 (335)
 10 
 (16)
4,688 

(3,375)
 (483)
 55 
(3,803)

 (417)
1,739 
 280 
 23 
 (177)
 (246)
 (18)
1,184 
5 
2,074 
2,843 
$ 4,917 

2,113 
 160 
1,126 
 134 
 105 

 (254)
 (231)
 (453)
 144 
 (41)
4,835 

(4,007)
(116)
 74 
(4,049)

 (29)
– 
128
 18 
(164)
(197)
– 
 (244)
 (27)
 515 
2,328 
$ 2,843 

44

 45

fedex corporation 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ChANGES IN  
STOCKhOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

Common 
Stock
  $  32 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

(in millions, except share data)
Balance at May 31, 2011
Net income
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $1,395
Purchase of treasury stock (2.8 million shares)
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)
Employee incentive plans and other 
  (2.4 million shares issued)
Balance at May 31, 2012
Net income
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax of $665
Purchase of treasury stock (2.7 million shares)
Cash dividends declared ($0.56 per share)
Employee incentive plans and other 
  (4.2 million shares issued)
Balance at May 31, 2013
Net income
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax of $103
Purchase of treasury stock (36.8 million shares)
Cash dividends declared ($0.60 per share)
Employee incentive plans and other
  (6.7 million shares issued)
Balance at May 31, 2014
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 –
32 
 – 
 – 
 – 
– 

– 
32 
 – 
 – 
 – 
– 

– 
$  32

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital
 $ 2,484 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

111 
2,595 
 – 
 – 
 – 
– 

73 
 2,668 
 – 
 – 
 – 
– 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)
 $ (2,550)
 – 
 (2,403 )
 –
 –

 –
(4,953 )
 – 
 1,133 
 – 
– 

– 
 (3,820)
 – 
126
 – 
– 

Retained  
Earnings
 $ 15,266 
 2,032
 – 
 – 
 (164 )

– 
17,134 
 1,561
 – 
 – 
 (176 )

– 
 18,519 
 2,097 
 – 
 – 
 (187 )

Treasury 
Stock
 $       (12)
 – 
 – 
 (197 )
 –

128 
 (81)
 – 
 – 
(246 )
 –

326 
 (1)
 – 
 – 
(4,857 )
 –

Total
$ 15,220 
2,032
 (2,403 )
 (197)
(164 )

 239 
 14,727
 1,561
 1,133 
 (246 )
(176 )

 399 
 17,398 
 2,097 
 126 
 (4,857)
 (187)

(25 )
$ 2,643 

– 
$ 20,429 

– 
$ (3,694)

725 
$  (4,133)

700
$ 15,277 

46
46

 47

 47

fedeX corporation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, Inc. (“FedEx Freight”), a leading U.S. provider of less-
than-truckload (“LTL”) freight services. These companies represent 
our major service lines and, along with FedEx Corporate Services, 
Inc. (“FedEx Services”), form the core of our reportable segments. 
Our FedEx Services segment provides sales, marketing, information 
technology, communications and certain back-office support to our 
transportation segments. 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”) and provides customer service, technical support and 
billing and collection services through FedEx TechConnect, Inc. (“FedEx 
TechConnect”). 

FISCAL YEARS. Except as otherwise specified, references to years 
indicate our fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 or ended May 31 of the 
year referenced.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial state-
ments 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. We recognize revenue upon delivery of 
shipments for our transportation businesses and upon completion 
of services for our business services, logistics and trade services 
businesses. Transportation services are provided with the use of 
employees and independent contractors. FedEx is the principal to 
the transaction for most of these services and revenue from these 
transactions is recognized on a gross basis. Costs associated with 
independent contractor settlements are recognized as incurred and 
included in the caption “Purchased transportation” in the accompa-
nying consolidated statements of income. For shipments in transit, 
revenue is recorded based on the percentage of service completed 
at the balance sheet date. Estimates for future billing adjustments 
to revenue and accounts receivable are recognized at the time of 
shipment for money-back service guarantees and billing corrections. 
Delivery costs are accrued as incurred. 

Our contract logistics, global trade services and certain transportation 
businesses, such as FedEx SmartPost, engage in some 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.

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. 

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 transac-
tion for most of our services. Allowances for potential credit losses 
are determined based on historical experience and the impact of 
current economic factors on the composition of accounts receiv-
able. 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 $407 million in 2014, $424 million in 
2013 and $421 million in 2012.

CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash in excess of current operating require-
ments 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 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. Additionally, allowances for obsolescence are provided for 
spare parts currently identified as excess or obsolete. These allow-
ances are based on management estimates, which are subject to 
change, although historically changes in these estimates have been 
minimal. The majority of our supplies and our 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 equip-
ment 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, which became effective June 1, 
2014, will 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.

46

46

 47
 47

notes to consolidated financial statementsFor financial reporting purposes, we record depreciation and amor-
tization 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,
2014

2013

Range

15 to 30 years

Wide-body aircraft and  
  related equipment
Narrow-body and feeder  
  aircraft and related equipment 5 to 18 years
Package handling and ground  
  support equipment
Vehicles
Computer and electronic  
  equipment
Facilities and other

2 to 10 years
2 to 40 years

3 to 30 years
3 to 15 years

$ 7,223 

$ 7,191 

 2,639 

 2,284 

 2,676 
 1,963 

 940 
 4,109 

 2,311 
 1,748 

993 
3,957 

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. This evaluation may result in changes in the estimated 
lives and residual values as it did in 2013 and 2012 with certain 
aircraft. In May 2013, FedEx Express made the decision to accelerate 
the retirement of 76 aircraft and related engines to aid in our fleet 
modernization and improve our global network. In May 2012, we 
shortened the depreciable lives for 54 aircraft and related engines to 
accelerate the retirement of these aircraft, resulting in a deprecia-
tion expense increase of $69 million in 2013. As a result of these 
accelerated retirements, we incurred an additional $74 million in 
year-over-year depreciation expense in 2014. 

Depreciation expense, excluding gains and losses on sales of  
property and equipment used in operations, was $2.6 billion in 2014,  
$2.3 billion in 2013 and $2.1 billion in 2012. Depreciation and amortiza-
tion expense includes amortization of assets under capital lease.

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 construc-
tion. Capitalized interest was $29 million in 2014, $45 million in 2013 
and $85 million in 2012.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS. Long-lived assets are 
reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carry-
ing 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 val-
ues 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 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 deter-
mining whether an asset has been permanently removed from service 
(and, as a result, 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; or changes to 
planned service expansion activities. At May 31, 2014, we had 10 
aircraft temporarily idled, one of which was fully depreciated. These 
aircraft have been idled for an average of three months and are 
expected to return to revenue service. 

In 2013, we retired from service two Airbus A310-200 aircraft and 
four related engines, three Airbus A310-300 aircraft and two related 
engines and five Boeing MD10-10 aircraft and 15 related engines. 
As a consequence of this decision, a noncash impairment charge of 
$100 million ($63 million, net of tax, or $0.20 per diluted share) was 
recorded in 2013. All of these aircraft were temporarily idled and not 
in revenue service.

In 2012, we retired from service 18 Airbus A310-200 aircraft and 
26 related engines, as well as six Boeing MD10-10 aircraft and 17 
related engines. As a consequence of this decision, a noncash impair-
ment charge of $134 million ($84 million, net of tax, or $0.26 per 
diluted share) was recorded in 2012. 

48

 49

notes to consolidated financial statements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 benefit from synergies of 
the combination and the existing workforce of the acquired business. 
Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. In our evalua-
tion 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 a two-step process 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 circum-
stances otherwise dictate, we perform our annual impairment testing 
in the fourth quarter. 

PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTHCARE PLANS. Our defined 
benefit plans are measured using actuarial techniques that reflect 
management’s assumptions for discount rate, expected long-term 
investment returns on plan assets, salary increases, expected retire-
ment, 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 could be effectively 
settled as of the measurement date) with the assistance of actuar-
ies, 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. A calculated-
value method is employed for purposes of determining the asset 
values for our tax-qualified U.S. domestic pension plans (“U.S. Pension 
Plans”). Our expected rate of return 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 defined benefit pension 
and other postretirement benefit plans, and the recognition in other 
comprehensive income (“OCI”) of unrecognized gains or losses and 
prior service costs or credits. 

We recorded a decrease to equity through OCI of $11 million (net of 
tax) at our May 31, 2014 measurement date. We recorded an increase 
to equity through OCI of $861 million (net of tax) at our May 31, 2013 
measurement date.

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.

We recognize liabilities for uncertain income tax positions based on a 
two-step process. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for rec-
ognition 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 real-
ized 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 posi-
tions 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 associ-
ated with workers’ compensation claims, vehicle accidents and 
general business liabilities, and benefits paid under employee 
healthcare and long-term 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.

48

 49

notes to consolidated financial statementsLEASES. We lease certain aircraft, facilities, equipment and vehicles 
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 and copier usage at FedEx 
Office. Rent expense associated with contingent rentals is recorded as 
incurred. Certain of our leases contain fluctuating or escalating pay-
ments 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 use-
ful 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. 

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 accumulated other comprehensive 
income 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 state-
ments of income and were immaterial for each period presented. 

EMPLOYEES UNDER COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ARRANGEMENTS. 
The pilots of FedEx Express, which represent a small number of FedEx 
Express’s total employees, are employed under a collective bargaining 
agreement. The contract became amendable in March 2013, and the 
parties are currently in negotiations. In addition to our pilots at FedEx 
Express, certain non-U.S. employees are unionized.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. We recognize compensation 
expense for stock-based awards under the provisions of the account-
ing guidance related to share-based payments. This guidance requires 
recognition of compensation expense for stock-based awards using a 
fair value method. We issue new shares or repurchase shares on the 
open market to cover employee share option exercises and restricted 
stock grants.

TREASURY SHARES. In October 2013, our Board of Directors autho-
rized a new share repurchase program of up to 32 million shares 
of common stock. These shares augmented the 10.2 million shares 
remaining on our previous share repurchase authorizations at May 31, 
2013. Shares may be purchased from time to time in the open market 
or in privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases are made at the 
company’s discretion, based on ongoing assessments of the capital 
needs of the business, the market price of its common stock and 
general market conditions. No time limit was set for the completion 
of the repurchase program, and the program may be suspended or 
discontinued at any time. 

In January 2014, we entered into accelerated share repurchase 
(“ASR”) agreements with two banks to repurchase an aggregate of 
$2.0 billion of our common stock. During the third quarter of 2014, 
11.4 million shares were initially delivered to us based on then-
current market prices. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the ASR 
transactions were completed and we received 3.4 million additional 
shares. The final number of shares delivered upon settlement of each 
ASR agreement was determined based on a discount to the volume-
weighted average price of our stock during the term of the respective 
transaction. In total, 14.8 million shares were delivered under the 
ASR agreements. The repurchased shares were accounted for as a 
reduction to common stockholders’ investment in the accompany-
ing consolidated balance sheet and resulted in a reduction of the 
outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common 
shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. 

During 2014, including the ASR transactions, we repurchased  
36.8 million shares of FedEx common stock at an average price of 
$131.83 per share for a total of $4.9 billion. As of May 31, 2014,  
5.3 million shares remained under our share repurchase authorizations. 

DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE. On June 9, 2014, our 
Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share of 
common stock, an increase of $0.05 per common share from the prior 
quarter’s dividend. The dividend was paid on July 3, 2014 to stock-
holders of record as of the close of business on June 19, 2014. 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.

BUSINESS REALIGNMENT COSTS. During 2013, we announced profit 
improvement programs primarily through initiatives at FedEx Express 
and FedEx Services and completed a program to offer voluntary cash 
buyouts to eligible U.S.-based employees in certain staff functions. As 
a result of this program, approximately 3,600 employees had left the 
company by the end of 2014. Costs of the benefits provided under the 
voluntary employee severance program were recognized as special 
termination benefits in the period that eligible employees accepted 
their offers. Payments under this program were made at the time  
of departure and totaled approximately $300 million in 2014 and  
$180 million in 2013. 

50

 51

notes to consolidated financial statementsThe voluntary buyout program included voluntary severance payments 
and funding to healthcare reimbursement accounts, with the voluntary 
severance calculated based on four weeks of gross base salary for every 
year of FedEx service up to a maximum payment of two years of pay.  
Of the total population leaving the company, approximately 40% of the 
employees vacated positions on May 31, 2013. An additional 35% 
departed throughout 2014 and approximately 25% of this population 
remained until May 31, 2014. 

We incurred costs of $560 million ($353 million, net of tax, or $1.11 
per diluted share) during 2013 associated with our business realign-
ment activities. These costs related primarily to severance for 
employees who accepted voluntary buyouts in the third and fourth 
quarters of 2013. The cost of the buyout program is included in the 
caption “Business realignment, impairment and other charges” in our 
consolidated statements of income. Also included in that caption are 
other 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 avail-
able 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 contin-
gencies; litigation claims; and impairment assessments on long-lived 
assets (including goodwill).

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING 
GUIDANCE

New accounting rules and disclosure requirements can significantly 
impact our reported results and the comparability of our financial 
statements.

On June 1, 2013, we adopted the authoritative guidance issued by the 
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requiring additional 
information about reclassification adjustments out of accumulated 
other comprehensive income, including changes in accumulated 
other comprehensive income balances by component and significant 
items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. 
We have adopted this guidance by including expanded accumulated 
other comprehensive income disclosure requirements in Note 9 of our 
consolidated financial statements.

On May 28, 2014, the FASB and International Accounting Standards 
Board issued a new accounting standard that will supersede virtu-
ally all existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP (and 
International Financial Reporting Standards). This standard will be 
effective for us beginning in fiscal 2018. 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 consid-
eration 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. Based on our preliminary assessment, we do 
not anticipate that the new guidance will fundamentally change our 
revenue recognition policies, practices or systems. 

We believe that no other new accounting guidance was adopted or 
issued during 2014 that is relevant to the readers of our financial 
statements. However, there are numerous new proposals under devel-
opment which, if and when enacted, may have a significant impact on 
our financial reporting.

NOTE 3: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

On May 1, 2014, we expanded the international service offerings of 
FedEx Express by completing our acquisition of the businesses operated 
by our previous service provider Supaswift (Pty) Ltd. in seven countries 
in Southern Africa, for $36 million in cash from operations. A significant 
amount of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill, which was 
entirely attributed to our FedEx Express reporting unit. This acquisition 
gives us an established regional ground network and extensive knowl-
edge of the Southern African region. 

During 2013, we completed our acquisitions of Rapidão Cometa 
Logística e Transporte S.A., a Brazilian transportation and logistics com-
pany, for $398 million; TATEX, a French express transportation company, 
for $55 million; and Opek Sp. z o.o., a Polish domestic express package 
delivery company, for $54 million.

In 2012, we completed our acquisition of Servicios Nacionales Mupa, 
S.A. de C.V. (MultiPack), a Mexican domestic express package delivery 
company, for $128 million. 

These acquisitions were completed using cash from operations. The 
financial results of these acquired businesses are included in the FedEx 
Express segment from the date of acquisition and were not material, 
individually or in the aggregate, to our results of operations and there-
fore, pro forma financial information has not been presented. 

50

 51

notes to consolidated financial statements 
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): 

Goodwill at May 31, 2012
Accumulated impairment charges 
Balance as of May 31, 2012 
Goodwill acquired(1)
Purchase adjustments and other(2)
Balance as of May 31, 2013
Goodwill acquired(1)
Purchase adjustments and other(2)
Balance as of May 31, 2014
Accumulated goodwill impairment  
  charges as of May 31, 2014
(1)  Goodwill acquired relates to the acquisitions of transportation companies in Poland, France and Brazil in 2013 and the acquisition of transportation companies in Southern Africa in 2014.  

$ (1,177)

$        – 

$ (133)

$   – 

FedEx Ground 
Segment
$ 90 
 – 
 90 
 – 
 – 
 90 
 – 
 – 
$ 90 

FedEx Freight 
Segment
$  735 
 (133)
 602 
 – 
 – 
 602 
 – 
–
$  602 

FedEx Services 
Segment
$  1,528 
 (1,177)
 351 
 – 
 (3 )
 348 
 – 
– 
$     348 

FedEx Express 
Segment
$ 1,344 
 – 
 1,344 
 351 
20
 1,715 
 24 
11 
$ 1,750 

Total
$  3,697 
 (1,310)
 2,387 
 351 
17
 2,755 
 24 
11 
$  2,790 

$ (1,310)

See Note 3 for related disclosures.

(2)  Primarily currency translation adjustments and acquired goodwill related to immaterial acquisitions.

Our reporting units with significant recorded goodwill include FedEx 
Express, FedEx Freight and FedEx Office (reported in the FedEx 
Services segment). We evaluated reporting units for impairment 
during the fourth quarter of 2014. The estimated fair value of each 
of these reporting units exceeded their carrying values in 2014 and 
2013, and we do not believe that any of these reporting units were 
at risk as of May 31, 2014. 

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. The net book value of our other 
intangible assets was $57 million at May 31, 2014 and $72 million 
at May 31, 2013. Amortization expense for intangible assets was 
$23 million in 2014, $27 million in 2013 and $18 million in 2012. 
Estimated amortization expense is expected to be immaterial in 
2015 and beyond.

NOTE 5: SELECTED CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

The components of selected current liability captions at May 31 were 
as follows (in millions): 

Accrued Salaries and Employee Benefits
  Salaries
  Employee benefits, including 
    variable compensation
  Compensated absences

Accrued Expenses
  Self-insurance accruals
  Taxes other than income taxes
  Other

2014

2013

$

267 

$

489 

 434 
 576 
$ 1,277 

$  811 
 339 
 913 
$ 2,063 

 615 
 584 
$  1,688 

$  796 
 368 
 768 
$  1,932 

NOTE 6: LONG-TERM DEBT 
AND OThER FINANCING 
ARRANGEMENTS

The components of long-term debt (net of discounts), along with  
maturity dates for the years subsequent to May 31, 2014, are as  
follows (in millions):

Senior unsecured debt: 
  Interest Rate %
7.38 
8.00 
2.625 
2.70 
4.00 
4.90 
3.875 
4.10 
5.10 
7.60 
  Total senior unsecured debt
Capital lease obligations

Maturity
2014
2019
2023
2023
2024
2034
2043
2043
2044
2098

    Less current portion

   May 31,

2014

2013

$

 – 
 750 
 499 
 249 
 749 
 499 
 493 
 499 
 749 
 239 
 4,726 
 11 
 4,737 
 1 
$ 4,736 

$  250 
 750 
 499 
 249 
 – 
 – 
 493 
 499 
 – 
 239 
 2,979 
 11 
 2,990 
 251 
$ 2,739 

52

 53

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on our fixed-rate notes is paid semi-annually. Long-term debt, 
exclusive of capital leases, had estimated fair values of $5.0 billion at 
May 31, 2014 and $3.2 billion at May 31, 2013. 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 that allows us to sell, in one or more future offer-
ings, any combination of our unsecured debt securities and common stock.

In January 2014, we issued $2 billion of senior unsecured debt under our 
current shelf registration statement, comprised of $750 million of 4.00% 
fixed-rate notes due in January 2024, $500 million of 4.90% fixed-rate 
notes due in January 2034 and $750 million of 5.10% fixed-rate notes due 
in January 2044. Interest on these notes is paid semiannually. We utilized 
the net proceeds to make payments under the ASR agreements discussed 
in Note 1. During 2014, we repaid our $250 million 7.38% senior unse-
cured notes that matured on January 15, 2014. 

A $1 billion revolving credit facility is available to finance our operations 
and other cash flow needs and to provide support for the issuance of com-
mercial paper. The revolving credit agreement expires in March 2018. The 
agreement contains a financial covenant, which requires us to maintain 
a leverage ratio of adjusted debt (long-term debt, including the current 
portion of such debt, plus six times our last four fiscal quarters’ rentals 
and landing fees) to capital (adjusted debt plus total common stockhold-
ers’ investment) that does not exceed 70%. Our leverage ratio of adjusted 
debt to capital was 57% at May 31, 2014. We believe the leverage ratio 
covenant is our only significant restrictive covenant in our revolving credit 
agreement. Our revolving credit agreement contains other customary 
covenants that do not, individually or in the aggregate, materially restrict 
the conduct of our business. We are in compliance with the leverage ratio 
covenant and all other covenants of our revolving credit agreement and do 
not expect the covenants to affect our operations, including our liquidity 
or expected funding needs. As of May 31, 2014, no commercial paper was 
outstanding, and the entire $1 billion under the revolving credit facility 
was available for future borrowings. 

We issue other financial instruments in the normal course of business  
to support our operations, including standby letters of credit and surety 
bonds. We had a total of $538 million in letters of credit outstanding at 
May 31, 2014, with $149 million unused under our primary $500 million 
letter of credit facility, and $531 million in outstanding surety bonds 
placed by third-party insurance providers. These instruments are required 
under certain U.S. self-insurance programs and are also used in the 
normal course of international 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.

NOTE 7: LEASES

We utilize certain aircraft, land, facilities, retail locations and equip-
ment under capital and operating leases that expire at various dates 
through 2046. We leased 10% of our total aircraft fleet under operat-
ing leases as of May 31, 2014 and May 31, 2013. 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):

Minimum rentals
Contingent rentals(1)

2014
 $ 2,154 
 197 
 $ 2,351 
(1) Contingent rentals are based on equipment usage.

2013
 $ 2,061 
 192 
 $ 2,253 

2012
 $ 2,018 
 210 
 $ 2,228 

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, 2014 is as follows (in millions): 

Aircraft and 
Related 
Equipment 
$    448 
 453 
 392 
 326 
 273 
 550 
$ 2,442 

 Operating Leases

Facilities and 
Other
$   1,614 
 1,450 
 1,540 
 1,129 
 955 
 6,264 
$ 12,952 

Total Operating 
Leases
$   2,062 
 1,903 
 1,932 
 1,455 
 1,228 
 6,814 
$ 15,394 

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total

Property and equipment recorded under capital leases and future 
minimum lease payments under capital leases were immaterial at 
May 31, 2014 and 2013. The weighted-average remaining lease term 
of all operating leases outstanding at May 31, 2014 was approxi-
mately 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.

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 in a series of operating leases covering a portion 
of our leased aircraft. The lessors are trusts established specifically 
to purchase, finance and lease aircraft to us. These leasing entities 
meet the criteria for variable interest entities. We are not the primary 
beneficiary of the leasing entities, as the lease terms are consistent 
with market terms at the inception of the lease and do not include 
a residual value guarantee, fixed-price purchase option or similar 

52

 53

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
feature that obligates us to absorb decreases in value or entitles us 
to participate in increases in the value of the aircraft. As such, we are 
not required to consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary. Our 
maximum exposure under these leases is included in the summary of 
future minimum lease payments shown above. 

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, 2014, none of these 
shares had been issued. 

NOTE 9: ACCUMULATED OThER COMPREhENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table provides changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax, reported in our financial statements 
for the years ended May 31 (in millions; amounts in parentheses indicate debits to AOCI):

Foreign currency translation gain (loss):
  Balance at beginning of period
  Translation adjustments
  Balance at end of period
Retirement plans adjustments:
  Balance at beginning of period
   Net (loss) gain and other arising during period
  Reclassifications from AOCI
  Balance at end of period
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period

$

2014

 102 
 (25)
 77 

 (3,922)
 (11)
 162 
 (3,771)
$ (3,694)

$

2013

 61 
 41 
 102 

 (5,014)
 861 
 231 
 (3,922)
$ (3,820)

$

2012

 156 
 (95)
 61 

 (2,706)
 (2,432)
 124 
 (5,014)
$ (4,953)

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
2013

2014

2012

Affected Line Item in the  
Income Statement

Retirement plans:
  Amortization of actuarial losses and other
  Amortization of prior service credits
Total before tax
  Income tax benefit
AOCI reclassifications, net of tax

$  (382 )
115
 (267 )
105
$ (162)

$ (516 )
 114 
 (402 )
171
$ (231)

$ (310 )
113
 (197 )
73
$ (124)

Salaries and employee benefits
Salaries and employee benefits

Provision for income taxes
Net income

54

 55

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
NOTE 10: STOCK-BASED 
COMPENSATION

Our total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended  
May 31 was as follows (in millions):

Stock-based compensation expense

2014
$ 117 

2013
$ 109 

2012
$ 105 

We have two types of equity-based compensation: stock options and 
restricted stock.

STOCK OPTIONS. Under the provisions of our incentive stock plans, key 
employees and non-employee directors may be granted options to pur-
chase 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 83% of our 
options vesting ratably over four years. Compensation expense associ-
ated with these awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 
requisite service period of the award.

RESTRICTED STOCK. Under the terms of our incentive stock plans, 
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 
remaining service or vesting period. 

VALUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS. 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 consoli-
dated statements of income.

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. Following is a table of 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 the options granted during the years 
ended May 31, and then a discussion of our methodology for developing 
each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:

Weighted-average  
  Black-Scholes value
Intrinsic value of options exercised
Black-Scholes Assumptions:
  Expected lives
  Expected volatility
  Risk-free interest rate
  Dividend yield

2014

2013

2012

$ 35.79 
$    347 

$ 29.20 
$    107 

$ 29.92 
$      67 

6.2 years

6.1 years

6.0 years

35 %
1.47%
0.561 %

35 %
0.94 %
0.609 %

34 %
1.79 %
0.563 %

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 about stock option activity for the year ended May 31, 2014:

Stock Options

Outstanding at June 1, 2013
  Granted
  Exercised
  Forfeited
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
Exercisable
Expected to vest
Available for future grants
(1) Only presented for options with market value at May 31, 2014 in excess of the exercise price of the option. 

Shares
19,135,434 
 3,482,179 
 (6,468,517)
 (514,240)
 15,634,856 
 8,913,173 
 6,318,382 
 13,108,873 

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price
 $ 87.62 
 103.83 
 86.15 
 91.61 
$ 91.71 
$ 88.81 
$ 95.56 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining  
Contractual Term

Aggregate  
Intrinsic Value 

(in millions)(1)

6.0 years
4.3 years
8.3 years

 $ 820 
 $ 493 
 $ 307 

54

 55

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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):

2014

2013

2012

Basic earnings per common share: 
Net earnings allocable to common shares(1)
Weighted-average common shares 
Basic earnings per common share 

 $ 2,093  $ 1,558   $ 2,029 
 315 
 $   6.82  $   4.95   $   6.44 

 315 

 307 

Diluted earnings per common share: 
Net earnings allocable to common shares(1)
Weighted-average common shares 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards 
Weighted-average diluted shares 
Diluted earnings per common share 
Anti-dilutive options excluded from  
  diluted earnings per common share
(1) Net earnings available to participating securities were immaterial in all periods presented.

 $ 2,093  $ 1,558   $ 2,029 
 315 
 2 
 317 
 $   6.75  $   4.91   $   6.41 

 315 
 2 
 317 

 307 
 3 
 310 

 11.1 

 12.6 

 3.3 

The options granted during the year ended May 31, 2014 are primarily 
related to our principal annual stock option grant in June 2013.

The following table summarizes information about vested and 
unvested restricted stock for the year ended May 31, 2014:

Restricted Stock

Shares
529,334 
191,964 
(239,716)
(1,425)
 480,157 

Weighted-Average  
Grant Date Fair Value
$   80.86 
 100.80 
 75.48 
 100.46 
$   91.46 

Unvested at June 1, 2013
  Granted
  Vested
  Forfeited
Unvested at May 31, 2014

During the year ended May 31, 2013, there were 220,391 shares of 
restricted stock granted with a weighted-average fair value of $85.45. 
During the year ended May 31, 2012, there were 214,435 shares of 
restricted stock granted with a weighted-average fair value of $88.95.

The following table summarizes information about stock option  
vesting during the years ended May 31:

2014 
2013 
2012 

Stock Options

Vested during 
the year
2,408,179 
2,824,757 
 2,807,809 

Fair value 
(in millions)
 $ 65 
 81 
 70 

As of May 31, 2014, there was $159 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 remain-
ing weighted-average vesting period of approximately two years.

Total shares outstanding or available for grant related to equity com-
pensation at May 31, 2014 represented 8% of the total outstanding 
common and equity compensation shares and equity compensation 
shares available for grant.

56

 57

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):

2014

2013

2012

Our 2012 rate was favorably impacted by the conclusion of the 
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of our 2007-2009 consolidated 
income tax returns. 

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of 
May 31 were as follows (in millions):

Current provision (benefit) 
  Domestic:
    Federal
    State and local 
  Foreign

Deferred provision (benefit)
  Domestic:
    Federal
    State and local 
  Foreign

$    624 
 56 
 194 
 874 

 238 
 62 
 18 
 318 
$ 1,192 

$ 512 
 86 
 170 
 768 

 175 
 (7)
 (42)
 126 
$ 894 

$  (120)
 80 
 181 
 141 

 947 
 21 
 – 
 968 
$ 1,109 

Our current federal income tax expenses in 2012, and to a lesser 
extent, 2013 and 2014, were significantly reduced by accelerated 
depreciation deductions we claimed under provisions of the American 
Taxpayer Relief Act of 2013 and the Tax Relief and the Small Business 
Jobs Acts of 2010. Those Acts, designed to stimulate new business 
investment in the U.S., accelerated our depreciation deductions 
for new qualifying investments, such as our Boeing 777 Freighter 
(“B777F”) aircraft. These were timing benefits only, in that deprecia-
tion accelerated into an earlier year is foregone in later years.

Pre-tax earnings (loss) of foreign operations for 2014, 2013 and 2012 
were $412 million, $(55) million and $358 million, respectively. These 
amounts represent only a portion of total results associated with 
international shipments and accordingly, do not represent our interna-
tional results of operations.

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effec-
tive income tax rate for the years ended May 31 was as follows:

Statutory U.S. income tax rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
  State and local income taxes,  
    net of federal benefit
  Other, net
Effective tax rate

2014
 35.0 %

2013
 35.0 %

2012
 35.0 %

 2.3 
 (1.0)
 36.3 %

 2.1 
 (0.7)
 36.4 %

 2.1 
 (1.8)
 35.3 %

2014

2013

Deferred 
Tax  
Assets

Deferred 
Tax 
Liabilities

Deferred 
Tax  
Assets

Deferred 
Tax 
Liabilities

Property, equipment,  
  leases and intangibles
Employee benefits
Self-insurance accruals
Other
Net operating loss/credit  
  carryforwards
Valuation allowances

 $    120 
 1,464 
 555 
 292 

 333 
 (245)
 $ 2,519 

$ 3,730 
 11 
 – 
 290 

 $    157 
 1,771 
 533 
 251 

 –
 – 
 $ 4,031 

 298 
 (204)
 $ 2,806 

$ 3,676 
 11 
 – 
 238 

 –
 – 
 $ 3,925 

The net deferred tax liabilities as of May 31 have been classified in 
the balance sheets as follows (in millions):

Current deferred tax assets
Noncurrent deferred tax assets(1)
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities

2014
$     522 
80
 (2,114)
$ (1,512)

2013
$     533 
–
 (1,652)
$ (1,119)

(1)  Noncurrent deferred tax assets are included in the line item Other Assets in our 

Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We have $1.0 billion of net operating loss carryovers in various for-
eign jurisdictions and $515 million of state operating loss carryovers. 
The valuation allowances primarily represent amounts reserved for 
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which expire over varying 
periods starting in 2015. As a result of this and other factors, we 
believe that a substantial portion of these deferred tax assets may not 
be realized. We establish valuation allowances if it is not likely we 
will realize our deferred income tax assets. In making this deter-
mination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence 
and make certain assumptions. We consider, among other things, 
our future projections of sustained profitability, deferred income tax 
liabilities, the overall business environment, our historical financial 
results and potential current and future tax planning strategies. If we 
were to identify and implement tax planning strategies to recover 
these deferred tax assets or generate sufficient income of the appro-
priate character in these jurisdictions in the future, it could lead to 
the reversal of these valuation allowances and a reduction of income 
tax expense. We believe that we will generate sufficient future tax-
able income to realize the tax benefits related to the remaining net 
deferred tax assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

56

 57

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Permanently reinvested earnings of our foreign subsidiaries amounted 
to $1.6 billion at the end of 2014 and $1.3 billion at the end of 2013. 
We have not recognized deferred taxes for U.S. federal income tax 
purposes on those earnings. In 2014, our permanent reinvestment 
strategy with respect to unremitted earnings of our foreign subsid-
iaries provided a 1.2% benefit to our effective tax rate. Were the 
earnings to be distributed, in the form of dividends or otherwise, these 
earnings could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and non-U.S. 
withholding taxes. Unrecognized foreign tax credits potentially could 
be available to reduce a portion of any U.S. tax liability. Determination 
of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not 
practicable due to uncertainties related to the timing and source of 
any potential distribution of such funds, along with other important 
factors such as the amount of associated foreign tax credits. Cash in 
offshore jurisdictions associated with our permanent reinvestment 
strategy totaled $471 million at the end of 2014 and $420 million at 
the end of 2013.

In 2014, approximately 90% of our total enterprise-wide income was 
earned in U.S. companies of FedEx that are taxable in the United 
States. As a U.S. airline, our FedEx Express unit is required by Federal 
Aviation Administration and other rules to conduct its air operations, 
domestic and international, through a U.S. company. However, we 
serve more than 220 countries and territories around the world, and 
are required to establish legal entities in many of them. Most of our 
entities in those countries are operating entities, engaged in picking 
up and delivering packages and performing other transportation 
services. We are continually expanding our global network to meet 
our customers’ needs, which requires increasing investment outside 
the U.S. We typically use cash generated overseas to fund these 
investments and have a foreign holding company which manages our 
investments in several foreign operating companies.

We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various U.S. state, local and 
foreign jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its examination of our 
2010 and 2011 federal income tax returns with insignificant adjust-
ments taken to appeals. The IRS is currently examining our 2012 and 
2013 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):

Balance at beginning of year
  Increases for tax positions taken in  
    the current year
  Increases for tax positions taken in  
    prior years
  Decreases for tax positions taken in  
    prior years
  Settlements
  Increases due to acquisitions
  Decrease from lapse of statute  
    of limitations
  Changes due to currency translation
Balance at end of year

2014
$ 47 

2013
$ 51 

2012
$ 69 

 1 

 3 

 (3)
 (6)
_

(3)
(1)
$ 38 

 1 

 3 

 (3)
 (9)
4

(2)
2
$ 47 

 2 

 4 

 (35)
 (3)
15

–
(1)
$ 51 

Our liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions include $33 million 
at May 31, 2014 and $42 million at May 31, 2013 associated with 
positions that if favorably resolved would provide a benefit to our 
effective tax rate. 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 $19 million on May 31, 2014 and $29 million on 
May 31, 2013. Total interest and penalties included in our consoli-
dated 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 
the 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 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. These assumptions most 
significantly impact our U.S. Pension Plans. 

58

 59

notes to consolidated financial statementsThe accounting guidance related to postretirement benefits requires 
recognition in the balance sheet of the funded status of defined bene-
fit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, and the recognition 
in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) of unrecognized 
gains or losses and prior service costs or credits. The funded status is 
measured as the difference between the fair value of the plan’s assets 
and the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) of the plan. We recorded 
a decrease to equity of $11 million (net of tax) at May 31, 2014, and 
an increase to equity of $861 million (net of tax) at May 31, 2013, 
attributable to changes in the funded status of our plans. 

The plan interest credit rate varies from year to year based on a 
U.S. Treasury index and corporate bond rates. 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 ser-
vice and are funded in compliance with local laws and practices.  

A summary of our retirement plans costs over the past three years is 
as follows (in millions): 

U.S. domestic and international  
  pension plans
U.S. domestic and international defined  
  contribution plans
U.S. domestic and international  
  postretirement healthcare plans

2014

2013

2012

 $    484   $    679 

 $ 524 

 363 

 354 

 338 

 78 

 78 
$    925  $ 1,111 

 70 
$ 932 

Total retirement plans costs in 2014 were lower than 2013 due to 
the favorable impact of a higher discount rate at our May 31, 2013 
measurement date and higher returns on plan assets.

POSTRETIREMENT HEALTHCARE PLANS. Certain of our subsidiaries 
offer medical, dental and vision coverage to eligible U.S. retirees and 
their eligible dependents. U.S. employees covered by the princi-
pal 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 and, 
therefore, these benefits are not subject to additional future inflation.

PENSION PLAN ASSUMPTIONS. Our pension cost is materially 
affected by the discount rate used to measure pension obligations, 
the level of plan assets available to fund those obligations and the 
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.

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. Under the Portable 
Pension Account, 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 Portable Pension Account benefit is payable as a 
lump sum or an annuity at retirement at the election of the employee. 

We use a measurement date of May 31 for our pension and postre-
tirement healthcare plans. Management reviews the assumptions 
used to measure pension costs on an annual basis. Economic and 
market conditions at the measurement date impact these assumptions 
from year to year. Actuarial gains or losses are generated for changes 
in assumptions and to the extent that actual results differ from those 
assumed. These actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the 
remaining average service lives of our active employees if they exceed 
a corridor amount in the aggregate.

Weighted-average actuarial assumptions for our primary U.S. retirement plans, which represent substantially all of our PBO and accumulated 
postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”), are as follows:

Discount rate used to determine benefit obligation 
Discount rate used to determine net periodic  
  benefit cost
Rate of increase in future compensation levels  
  used to determine benefit obligation
Rate of increase in future compensation levels  
  used to determine net periodic benefit cost

Expected long-term rate of return on assets 

Pension Plans 
2013 

 4.79 %

2014 

 4.60 %

2012 

 4.44 %

Postretirement Healthcare Plans
2012 
2013 
2014 

4.70%

4.91%

4.55 %

 4.79 

 4.44 

 5.76 

4.91

4.55

5.67 

4.56

4.54 

7.75 

4.54

4.62 

8.00 

4.62

4.58 

8.00 

 – 

 – 

 – 

– 

– 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 

58

 59

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The estimated average rate of return on plan assets is the expected 
future long-term rate of earnings on plan assets and is a forward-look-
ing assumption that materially affects our pension cost. Establishing 
the expected future rate of investment return on our pension assets is 
a judgmental matter. We review the expected long-term rate of return 
on an annual basis and revise it as appropriate. Management consid-
ers the following factors in determining this assumption:

>  the duration of our pension plan liabilities, which drives the invest-
ment 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 reason-
ably expect those investment classes to earn over time; 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.

Our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 7.75% in 
2014 and 8% in 2013 and 2012. Our actual return in each of the past 
three years exceeded those amounts for our principal U.S. domestic 
pension plan. For 2014, we lowered our expected return on plan 
assets assumption for long-term returns on plan assets to 7.75% as 
we refined our asset and liability management strategy. In lowering 
this assumption we considered our historical returns, our investment 
strategy for our plan assets, including the impacts of the duration of 
our plan liability and the relatively low annual draw on plan assets on 
that investment strategy. For the 15-year period ended May 31, 2014, 
our actual annual returns were 7%. 

Pension expense is also affected by the accounting policy used to 
determine the value of plan assets at the measurement date. We 
use a calculated-value method to determine the value of plan assets, 
which helps mitigate short-term volatility in market performance (both 
increases and decreases) by amortizing certain actuarial gains or 
losses over a period no longer than four years. Another method used 
in practice applies the market value of plan assets at the measure-
ment date. For purposes of valuing plan assets for determining 2015 
pension expense, the calculated value method resulted in the same 
value as the market value, as it did in 2014 and 2013.

The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to utilize a diversi-
fied mix of global public and private equity portfolios, together with 
fixed-income portfolios, to earn a long-term investment return that 
meets our pension plan obligations. Our pension plan assets are 
invested primarily in publicly tradeable 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. Our largest holding classes are Corporate Fixed Income 
Securities and Government Fixed Income Securities (which are largely 
benchmarked against the Barclays Long Government/Long Corporate 
Index), and U.S. Large Cap Equities (which are mainly indexed to the 
S&P 500 Index). Accordingly, we do not have any significant concen-
trations of risk. Active management strategies are utilized within the 
plan in an effort to realize investment returns in excess of market 
indices. As part of our strategy to manage pension costs and funded 
status volatility, we have transitioned to a liability-driven investment 
strategy to better align plan assets with liabilities. Our investment 
strategy also includes the limited use of derivative financial instru-
ments on a discretionary basis to improve investment returns and 
manage exposure to market risk. In all cases, our investment manag-
ers are prohibited from using derivatives for speculative purposes and 
are not permitted to use derivatives to leverage a portfolio. 

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. The Level 2 investments include commingled funds valued 
using the net asset value. 

>  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. 
The Level 2 investments are commingled funds valued using the net 
asset value.

>  Private equity. 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 are valued based upon recommendations of our 
investment managers incorporating factors such as contributions 
and distributions, market transactions, market comparables and 
performance multiples.

>  Fixed income. We determine the fair value of these Level 2 corpo-
rate 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.

60

 61

notes to consolidated financial statementsThe fair values of investments by level and asset category and the weighted-average asset allocations for our domestic pension plans at the 
measurement date are presented in the following table (in millions):

Asset Class
Cash and cash equivalents
Equities
  U.S. large cap equity
  International equities
  Global equities
  U.S. SMID cap equity
  Private equities
Fixed income securities
  Corporate
  Government
  Mortgage backed and other
Other

Asset Class
Cash and cash equivalents
Equities
  U.S. large cap equity
  International equities
  U.S. SMID cap equity
  Private equities
Fixed income securities
  Corporate
  Government
  Mortgage backed and other
Other

Plan Assets at Measurement Date
2014

Target 
Range%
0-5 %

35-55 

45-65 

Target 
Range %
0-5 %

35-55 

45-65 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
Level 1
 $       55 

Other Observable 
Inputs  
Level 2
 $       258 

Unobservable 
Inputs  
Level 3 

 55 
 2,206 

 886 

 5,141 
 446 
 1,367 

 5,758 
 4,782 
 275 

$ 276 

 (61)
 $ 3,141 

 $ 18,027 

$ 276

2013

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
Level 1
 $       15 

Other Observable 
Inputs  
Level 2
 $       441 

Unobservable 
Inputs  
Level 3 

 37 
 1,904 
1,741

 (83)
 $ 3,614 

 5,227 
367 

4,972 
 3,888 
200 
 6
 $ 15,101 

$ 332 

$ 332

Fair Value
$      313 

Actual  %
2 %

 5,196 
 2,652 
 1,367 
 886 
 276 

 5,758 
 4,782 
 275 
 (61)
  $ 21,444 

 24 
 12 
 7 
 4 
 1 

 27 
 22 
 1 
 – 
 100 %

Fair Value
$      456 

Actual %
2 %

5,264 
 2,271 
1,741
332 

4,972 
3,888 
200 
(77)
$ 19,047 

28 
12 
9
2 

26 
20 
1 
 – 
100 %

The change in fair value of Level 3 assets that use significant unobservable inputs is shown in the table below (in millions):

Balance at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets:
  Assets held during current year
  Assets sold during the year
Purchases, sales and settlements
Balance at end of year

2014
$ 332

2013
$ 402

(17)
53
(92)
$ 276

(29)
55
(96)
$ 332

60

 61

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
The following table provides 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, 2014 and a statement of the funded status as of May 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):

Accumulated Benefit Obligation ("ABO")
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation (“PBO”) and 
  Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (“APBO”)
PBO/APBO at the beginning of year
  Service cost
  Interest cost
  Actuarial loss (gain)
  Benefits paid
  Other
PBO/APBO at the end of year
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of year
  Actual return on plan assets
  Company contributions
  Benefits paid
  Other
Fair value of plan assets at the end of year
Funded Status of the Plans
Amount Recognized in the Balance Sheet at May 31:
  Noncurrent asset
  Current pension, postretirement healthcare and other  
    benefit obligations
  Noncurrent pension, postretirement healthcare and other 
    benefit obligations
Net amount recognized
Amounts Recognized in AOCI and not yet reflected in  
  Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
  Net actuarial loss (gain)
  Prior service (credit) cost and other
Total
Amounts Recognized in AOCI and not yet reflected in 
  Net Periodic Benefit Cost expected to be amortized in 
  next year’s Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
  Net actuarial loss 
  Prior service credit and other
Total

Pension Plans

2014
$ 23,805 

2013
$ 21,958 

Postretirement 
Healthcare Plans

2014

2013

$ 22,187 
692 
968 
(652)
(589)
(6)
$ 22,600 

$ 17,334 
2,081 
615 
(589)
(8)
$ 19,433 
$ (3,167)

$ 22,600 
 657 
 1,055 
 1,021 
 (801)
 46 
$ 24,578 

$ 19,433 
 2,509 
 727 
 (801)
 39 
$ 21,907 
$ (2,671)

$

5

(41)

$

(48)

 (2,635)
$ (2,671)

(3,119)
$ (3,167)

$  6,633 
 (670)
$  5,963 

$

$

300 
(115)
185

$ 6,993 
(781)
$ 6,212 

$

$

378 
(114)
264

$ 828 
38 
40 
5
(62)
34 
$ 883

$

– 
  – 
28 
(62)
34
– 
$
$ (883)

$ (41)

(842)
$ (883)

$

$

$

$

2 
 1 
3

–  
– 
–

$ 790 
42 
36 
(17)
(54)
31 
$ 828

$

– 
  – 
27 
(54)
27
– 
$
$ (828)

$ (39)

(789)
$ (828)

$

$

$

$

(4 )
 2 
(2)

–  
– 
–

62

 63

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our pension plans included the following components at May 31,  (in millions):

2014
  Qualified
  Nonqualified
  International Plans
  Total
2013
  Qualified
  Nonqualified
  International Plans
  Total

PBO

   $ 23,439 
 280 
 859 
   $ 24,578 

$ 21,532 
 322 
 746 
  $ 22,600 

Fair Value of  
Plan Assets

 $ 21,444 
 – 
 463 
 $ 21,907 

 $ 19,047 
 – 
386 
 $ 19,433 

Funded  
Status

 $ (1,995)
 (280)
 (396)
 $ (2,671)

 $ (2,485)
 (322)
 (360)
 $ (3,167)

The table above provides the PBO, fair value of plan assets and funded status of our pension plans on an aggregated basis. The following table 
presents our plans on a disaggregated basis to show those plans (as a group) whose assets did not exceed their liabilities. These plans are 
comprised of our unfunded nonqualified plans, certain international plans and our U.S. Pension Plans. 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):

Pension Benefits 
  Fair value of plan assets 
  PBO 
  Net funded status 

Pension Benefits
  ABO(1)
  Fair value of plan assets 
  PBO 
  Net funded status 
(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):

Required
Voluntary

PBO Exceeds the Fair Value  
of Plan Assets

2014

2013

 $  21,543 
 (24,219)
 $   (2,676)

$  19,433 
 (22,600)
$   (3,167)

ABO Exceeds the Fair Value  
of Plan Assets

2014

2013

$ (23,447)
 21,542 
 (24,218)
 $   (2,676)

2014
$ 645 
15 
 $ 660 

$ (21,930)
19,404 
 (22,570)
$   (3,166)

2013
$ 560 
– 
 $ 560 

 63

62

For 2015, we anticipate making required contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans totaling approximately $580 million.

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost for the three years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Recognized actuarial losses (gains) and other
Net periodic benefit cost

2014
657 
 1,055 
(1,495)
 267 
484 

$

$

$

Pension Plans
2013
692 
 968 
(1,383)
 402 
679 

$

2012
593 
 976 
(1,240)
 195 
524 

$

$

2014
$  38 
 40 
–
–
$  78 

Postretirement 
Healthcare Plans
2013
$  42 
 36 
–
–
$  78 

2012
$  35 
 36 
–
(1)
$  70 

Amounts recognized in OCI for all plans for the years ended May 31 were as follows (in millions):

2014

2013

  Pension Plans
Gross 
Amount

Net of Tax 
Amount

$      7

$      8 

115 
(382)
 $ (260 )

69 
(231)
$ (154 )

     Postretirement  
      Healthcare Plans

Gross 
Amount

Net of Tax 
Amount

   Pension Plans
Gross 
Amount

Net of Tax 
Amount

  Postretirement  
  Healthcare Plans

Gross 
Amount

Net of Tax 
Amount

$ 5 

– 
– 
$ 5 

$ 3 

$ (1,350)

$    (840 )

$ (17 )

$ (21 )

– 
– 
$ 3 

114 
(516)
 $ (1,752 )

66 
(297)
$ (1,071 )

– 
– 
$ (17 )

– 
– 
$ (21 )

Net (gain) loss and other arising  
  during period
Amortizations:
  Prior services credit
  Actuarial losses and other
Total recognized in OCI

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected 
to be paid as follows for the years ending May 31 (in millions):

These estimates are based on assumptions about future events.  
Actual benefit payments may vary significantly from these estimates.

2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020–2024

Pension Plans
$    912 
 870 
 954 
 1,015 
 1,120 
 7,398 

Postretirement  
Healthcare Plans
$   41 
 42 
 44 
 45 
 46 
 267 

Future medical benefit claims costs are estimated to increase at an 
annual rate of 7.5% during 2015, decreasing to an annual growth rate 
of 4.5% in 2029 and thereafter. A 1% change in these annual trend 
rates would not have a significant impact on the APBO at May 31, 
2014 or 2014 benefit expense because the level of these benefits is 
capped.

64

 65

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The FedEx Services segment provides direct and indirect support to 
our transportation businesses, and we allocate all of the net operat-
ing 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 transporta-
tion 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 com-
panies and certain other costs such as corporate management fees 
related to services received for general corporate oversight, including 
executive officers and certain legal and finance functions. The alloca-
tions 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 and our alloca-
tion methodologies are refined as necessary to reflect changes in our 
businesses.

Other Intersegment Transactions
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 identi-
fied in the following segment information, because the amounts are 
not material.

NOTE 14: BUSINESS SEGMENT 
INFORMATION

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

FedEx Express Segment

FedEx Ground Segment

FedEx Freight Segment

FedEx Services Segment

>  FedEx Express  
(express transportation) 
>  FedEx Trade Networks  
(air and ocean freight forwarding  
and customs brokerage) 
> FedEx SupplyChain Systems  
  (logistics services)
> FedEx Ground  
  (small-package ground delivery)  
> FedEx SmartPost  
  (small-parcel consolidator)

> FedEx Freight  
  (LTL freight transportation)  
> FedEx Custom Critical  
  (time-critical transportation)
>  FedEx Services  
(sales, marketing, information  
technology, communications and  
back-office functions)
> FedEx TechConnect  
  (customer service, technical support,  
  billings and collections)  
>  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 ser-
vices 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 by FedEx Express and reported in 
the FedEx Express segment in their natural expense line items. The 
FedEx Services segment includes: FedEx Services, which provides 
sales, marketing, information technology, communications and certain 
back-office support to our other companies; FedEx TechConnect, which 
is responsible for customer service, technical support, billings and 
collections for U.S. customers of our major business units; and FedEx 
Office, which provides an array of document and business services 
and retail access to our customers for our package transportation 
businesses. 

64

 65

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment revenues, depreciation and amortization, operating income and segment 
assets to consolidated financial statement totals for the years ended or as of May 31 (in millions):

FedEx Express 
Segment(1)

FedEx Ground 
Segment(2)

FedEx Freight 
Segment(3)

FedEx Services 
Segment

Other and 
Eliminations

Consolidated  
Total

 $ 5,757 
 5,401 
 5,282 

 $ 1,536 
 1,580 
 1,671 

 $    (464)
 (443)
 (361)

 $   1,488 
 1,350 
 1,169 

 $ 27,121 
 27,171 
 26,515 

 $ 11,617 
 10,578 
 9,573 

 $ 45,567 
 44,287 
 42,680 

 Revenues 
 2014 
 2013 
 2012 
 Depreciation and amortization 
 2014 
 2013 
 2012 
 Operating income 
 2014 
 2013 
 2012
 Segment assets(4)
 $ 33,070 
 2014
 33,567 
 2013 
 29,903 
 2012 
(1)  FedEx Express segment 2013 operating expenses include $405 million of direct and allocated business realignment costs and an impairment charge of $100 million resulting from the decision to 
retire 10 aircraft and related engines.  FedEx Express segment 2012 operating expenses include an impairment charge of $134 million resulting from the decision to retire 24 aircraft and related 
engines and a reversal of a $66 million legal reserve that was initially recorded in 2011.

 $ 19,901 
 18,935 
 17,981 

 $   3,446 
 2,551 
 3,186 

 $   2,587 
 2,386 
 2,113 

 $   8,466 
 7,353 
 6,154 

 $   1,955 
 1,788 
 1,764 

 $   1,172 
 555 
 1,260 

 $      468 
 434 
 389 

 $ (3,699)
 (553)
 (1,585)

$         – 
– 
– 

$          1 
1
1

 $ 3,216 
 2,953 
 2,807 

 $ 5,186 
 4,879 
 4,546 

 $    319 
 208 
 162 

 $    399 
 384 
 369 

 $    231 
 217 
 185 

$        – 
– 
– 

(2) FedEx Ground segment 2013 operating expenses include $105 million of allocated business realignment costs.
(3)  FedEx Freight segment 2013 operating expenses include $50 million in direct and allocated business realignment costs.  
(4) Segment assets include intercompany receivables.

The following table provides a reconciliation of reportable segment capital expenditures to consolidated totals for the years ended May 31  
(in millions):

 2014 
 2013 
 2012 

FedEx Express 
Segment
 $ 1,994 
 2,067 
 2,689 

FedEx Ground 
Segment
 $ 850 
 555 
 536 

FedEx Freight 
Segment
 $ 325 
 326 
 340 

FedEx Services 
Segment
 $ 363 
 424 
 437 

Other
 $ 1 
 3 
 5 

Consolidated  
Total
 $ 3,533 
 3,375 
 4,007 

66

 67

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):

2014

2013

2012

NOTE 15: SUPPLEMENTAL CASh 
FLOW INFORMATION

Revenue by Service Type
FedEx Express segment: 
  Package: 
    U.S. overnight box 
    U.S. overnight envelope 
    U.S. deferred 
      Total U.S. domestic package revenue 
    International priority
    International economy
      Total international export  
        package revenue
    International domestic(1)
      Total package revenue 
  Freight: 
    U.S. 
    International priority 
    International airfreight
      Total freight revenue 
  Other(2)
      Total FedEx Express segment 
FedEx Ground segment: 
  FedEx Ground
  FedEx SmartPost
    Total FedEx Ground segment
FedEx Freight segment 
FedEx Services segment 
Other and eliminations 

Geographical Information(3)
Revenues: 
  U.S. 
  International: 
    FedEx Express segment 
    FedEx Ground segment 
    FedEx Freight segment 
    FedEx Services segment 
      Total international revenue 

Noncurrent assets: 
  U.S. 
  International 

Cash paid for interest expense and income taxes for the years ended 
May 31 was as follows (in millions):

Cash payments for:
  Interest (net of capitalized interest)
  Income taxes
  Income tax refunds received
  Cash tax payments, net

2014

2013

2012

$ 131
$ 820 
 (54)
$ 766 

$   80
$ 687 
 (219)
$ 468 

$   52
$ 403 
 (146)
$ 257 

NOTE 16: GUARANTEES AND 
INDEMNIFICATIONS 

In conjunction with certain transactions, primarily the lease, sale or 
purchase of operating assets or services in the ordinary course of 
business, we may provide routine guarantees or indemnifications 
(e.g., environmental, fuel, tax and software infringement), the terms 
of which range in duration, and often they are not limited and have 
no specified maximum obligation. As a result, the overall maximum 
potential amount of the obligation under such guarantees and indem-
nifications cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not 
been required to make significant payments under our guarantee or 
indemnification obligations and no amounts have been recognized 
in our financial statements for the underlying fair value of these 
obligations.

Special facility revenue bonds have been issued by certain municipali-
ties primarily to finance the acquisition and construction of various 
airport facilities and equipment. These facilities were leased to us and 
are accounted for as operating leases. FedEx Express has uncondition-
ally guaranteed $528 million in principal of these bonds (with total 
future principal and interest payments of approximately $649 million 
as of May 31, 2014) through these leases. 

 $   6,555  $   6,513  $   6,546 
1,747 
3,001 
11,294 
 6,849 
1,859

 1,636 
 3,188 
 11,379 
 6,451 
 2,229 

1,705 
3,020 
11,238 
6,586 
2,046 

 8,680 
 1,446 
 21,505 

8,632 
1,398 
21,268 

8,708
 853 
 20,855 

 2,355 
 1,594 
 205 
 4,154 
 1,462 
 27,121 

2,562 
1,678 
276 
4,516 
1,387 
27,171 

2,498 
 1,827 
 307 
 4,632 
 1,028 
 26,515 

 10,634 
 983 
 11,617 
 5,757 
 1,536 
 (464)

8,791 
 782 
 9,573 
 5,282 
 1,671 
 (361)
$ 45,567   $ 44,287  $ 42,680 

9,652 
926 
10,578 
5,401 
1,580 
(443)

$ 32,901  $ 31,550  $ 29,837 

 12,274 
 248 
 130 
 14 
 12,666 

12,370 
12,357 
 216 
234 
 101 
112 
 156 
34 
 12,843 
12,737 
 $ 45,567  $ 44,287  $ 42,680 

 $ 20,658  $ 19,637  $ 18,874 
 1,973 
 $ 23,387  $ 22,293  $ 20,847 

 2,729 

2,656 

66

 67

(1)  International domestic revenues represent our international intra-country express  

operations, including countries such as Mexico and Brazil.
(2) Includes FedEx Trade Networks and FedEx SupplyChain Systems.
(3)  International revenue includes shipments that either originate in or are destined to locations 
outside the United States. 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.

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 17: COMMITMENTS

The following table is a summary of the key aircraft we are committed 
to purchase as of May 31, 2014, with the year of expected delivery:

Annual purchase commitments under various contracts as of May 31, 
2014 were as follows (in millions):

Aircraft and 
Aircraft Related 
 $   1,147 
2015 
 1,248 
2016 
 956 
2017 
 1,368 
2018 
 859 
2019 
 4,498 
Thereafter
  $ 10,076 
Total
(1)  Primarily equipment, advertising contracts and in 2015, approximately $580 million of 

Other(1)
 $ 1,197 
 274 
 123 
 58 
 19 
 101 
 $ 1,772 

Total 
 $   2,344 
 1,522 
 1,079 
 1,426 
 878 
 4,599 
 $ 11,848 

quarterly contributions to our U.S. Pension Plans.

The amounts reflected in the table above for purchase commitments 
represent noncancelable agreements to purchase goods or services. 
As of May 31, 2014, our obligation to purchase four Boeing 767-300 
Freighter (“B767F”) aircraft and nine 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. 
Commitments to purchase aircraft in passenger configuration do not 
include the attendant costs to modify these aircraft for cargo transport 
unless we have entered into noncancelable commitments to modify 
such aircraft. 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 which are 
supported by the purchase of B777F, B767F and Boeing 757 (“B757”) 
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 2014, FedEx Express 
entered into an agreement with The Boeing Company for the purchase 
of two B767F aircraft, the delivery of which will occur in 2016 and 
2017. FedEx Express also deferred 11 existing options to purchase 
B777F aircraft by two years. Additionally in 2014, we entered into  
supplemental agreements to purchase 16 B757 option aircraft 
pursuant to an agreement originally entered into in March 2013, the 
delivery of which began in 2014 and will continue through 2015.

We had $396 million in deposits and progress payments as of May 31, 
2014 on aircraft purchases and other planned aircraft-related transac-
tions. These deposits are classified in the “Other assets” caption of 
our consolidated balance sheets. In addition to our commitment to 
purchase B777Fs and B767Fs, our aircraft purchase commitments 
include the B757 aircraft in passenger configuration, which will 
require additional costs to modify for cargo transport. Aircraft and 
aircraft-related contracts are subject to price escalations. 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter
Total

B757
 13 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 13 

B767F
 12 
 11 
 11 
 10 
 4 
 – 
 48 

B777F
 – 
 2 
 – 
 2 
 2 
 12 
 18 

Total
 25 
 13 
 11 
 12 
 6 
 12 
 79 

NOTE 18: CONTINGENCIES 

WAGE-AND-HOUR. We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits 
containing various class-action allegations of wage-and-hour 
violations. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege, 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. The complaints 
generally seek unspecified monetary damages, injunctive relief, or 
both. We do not believe that a material loss is reasonably possible 
with respect to any of these matters.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR — LAWSUITS AND STATE 
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS. FedEx Ground is involved in 
numerous class-action lawsuits (including 26 that have been certified 
as class actions), individual lawsuits and state tax and other adminis-
trative proceedings that claim that the company’s owner-operators 
should be treated as employees, rather than independent contractors.

Most of the class-action lawsuits were consolidated for administration 
of the pre-trial proceedings by a single federal court, the U.S. District 
Court for the Northern District of Indiana. The multidistrict litigation 
court granted class certification in 28 cases and denied it in 14 cases. 
On December 13, 2010, the court entered an opinion and order 
addressing all outstanding motions for summary judgment on the status 
of the owner-operators (i.e., independent contractor vs. employee). In 
sum, the court has now ruled on our summary judgment motions and 
entered judgment in favor of FedEx Ground on all claims in 20 of the 28 
multidistrict litigation cases that had been certified as class actions, 
finding that the owner-operators in those cases were contractors as a 
matter of the law of 20 states. The plaintiffs filed notices of appeal in all 
of these 20 cases. The Seventh Circuit heard the appeal in the Kansas 
case in January 2012 and, in July 2012, issued an opinion that did not 
make a determination with respect to the correctness of the district 
court’s decision and, instead, certified two questions to the Kansas 
Supreme Court related to the classification of the plaintiffs as indepen-
dent contractors under the Kansas Wage Payment Act. The Kansas 
Supreme Court heard oral argument on November 5, 2013. The other 19 
cases that are before the Seventh Circuit remain stayed pending a 
decision of the Kansas Supreme Court. 

68

 69

notes to consolidated financial statementsThe multidistrict litigation court remanded the other eight certified 
class actions back to the district courts where they were originally 
filed because its summary judgment ruling did not completely dispose 
of all of the claims in those lawsuits. Three of those cases are now on 
appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and one is on 
appeal with the Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The other 
four remain pending in their respective district courts, but three of 
these four matters have been settled for immaterial amounts. The 
courts have granted final approval of two of the three settlements, 
while the other settlement remains subject to court approval.

While the granting of summary judgment in favor of FedEx Ground by 
the multidistrict litigation court in 20 of the 28 cases that had been 
certified as class actions remains subject to appeal, we believe that it 
significantly improves the likelihood that our independent contractor 
model will be upheld. Adverse determinations in matters related to 
FedEx Ground’s independent contractors, however, could, among other 
things, entitle certain of our owner-operators and their drivers to the 
reimbursement of certain expenses and to the benefit of wage-and-
hour laws and result in employment and withholding tax and benefit 
liability for FedEx Ground, and could result in changes to the indepen-
dent contractor status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators in certain 
jurisdictions. We believe that FedEx Ground’s owner-operators are 
properly classified as independent contractors and that FedEx Ground 
is not an employer of the drivers of the company’s independent 
contractors. While it is reasonably possible that potential loss in some 
of these lawsuits or such changes to the independent contractor 
status of FedEx Ground’s owner-operators could be material, we 
cannot yet determine the amount or reasonable range of potential 
loss. A number of factors contribute to this. The number of plaintiffs in 
these lawsuits continues to change, with some being dismissed and 
others being added and, as to new plaintiffs, discovery is still ongoing. 
In addition, the parties have conducted only very limited discovery into 
damages, which could vary considerably from plaintiff to plaintiff. 
Further, the range of potential loss could be impacted considerably by 
future rulings on the merits of certain claims and FedEx Ground’s 
various defenses, and on evidentiary issues. In any event, we do not 
believe that a material loss is probable in these matters. 

In addition, we are defending contractor-model cases that are not or 
are no longer part of the multidistrict litigation, two of which have 
been certified as class actions. These certified class actions were 
settled for immaterial amounts in the first quarter of 2014 and have 
received final court approval. The other cases are in varying stages of 
litigation, and we do not expect to incur a material loss in any of these 
matters.

CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK CIGARETTE SUIT. On December 30, 
2013, the City of New York filed suit against FedEx Express and FedEx 
Ground arising from our alleged shipments of cigarettes to New York 
City residents. The claims against FedEx Express were subsequently 
dismissed. On March 30, 2014, the complaint was amended adding 
the State of New York as a plaintiff. Beyond the addition of the State 
as a plaintiff, the amended complaint contains several amplifications 
of the previous claims. First, the claims now relate to four shippers, 
none of which continues to ship in our network. Second, the amended 
complaint contains a count for violation of the Assurance of 
Compliance (“AOC”) we had previously entered into with the State of 

New York, claiming that since 2006, FedEx has made shipments of 
cigarettes to residences in New York in violation of the AOC. Lastly, 
the amendment contains new theories of Racketeer Influenced and 
Corrupt Organizations Act violations. In May 2014, we filed a motion 
to dismiss almost all of the claims. Loss in this matter is reasonably 
possible, but the amount of any loss is expected to be immaterial. 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. SEC regulations require disclosure of 
certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a 
party to the proceedings and the proceedings involve potential 
monetary sanctions that management reasonably believes could 
exceed $100,000. 

In February 2014, FedEx Ground received oral communications from 
District Attorneys’ Offices (representing California’s county environ-
mental authorities) and the California Attorney General’s Office 
(representing the California Division of Toxic Substances Control) that 
they were seeking civil penalties for alleged violations of the state’s 
hazardous waste regulations. Specifically, the California environmen-
tal authorities alleged that FedEx Ground improperly generates and/or 
handles, stores and transports hazardous waste from its stations to its 
hubs in California. In April 2014, FedEx Ground filed a declaratory 
judgment action in the United States District Court for the Eastern 
District of California against the Director of the California Division of 
Toxic Substances Control and the county District Attorneys with whom 
we have been negotiating. In June 2014, the California Attorney 
General filed a complaint against FedEx Ground in Sacramento County 
Superior Court alleging violations of FedEx Ground as described 
above. The County District Attorneys filed a similar complaint in 
Sacramento County Superior Court in July 2014. Loss in this matter is 
reasonably possible, however, the amount of any loss is expected to 
be immaterial.

On January 14, 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) issued a 
Grand Jury Subpoena to FedEx Express relating to an asbestos matter 
previously investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 
On May 1, 2014, the DOJ informed us that it had determined to 
continue to pursue the matter as a criminal case, citing seven 
asbestos-related regulatory violations associated with removal of roof 
materials from a hangar in Puerto Rico during cleaning and repair 
activity, as well as violation of waste disposal requirements. Loss is 
reasonably possible, however, the amount of any loss is expected to 
be immaterial.

OTHER MATTERS. In August 2010, a third-party consultant who works 
with shipping customers to negotiate lower rates filed a lawsuit in 
federal district court in California against FedEx and United Parcel 
Service, Inc. (“UPS”) alleging violations of U.S. antitrust law. This 
matter was dismissed in May 2011, but the court granted the plaintiff 
permission to file an amended complaint, which FedEx received in 
June 2011. In November 2011, the court granted our motion to dismiss 
this complaint, but again allowed the plaintiff to file an amended 
complaint. The plaintiff filed a new complaint in December 2011, and 
the matter remains pending before the court. In February 2011, shortly 
after the initial lawsuit was filed, we received a demand for the 
production of information and documents in connection with a civil 
investigation by the DOJ into the policies and practices of FedEx and 
UPS for dealing with third-party consultants who work with shipping 
customers to negotiate lower rates. In November 2012, the DOJ 

68

 69

notes to consolidated financial statementsserved a civil investigative demand on the third-party consultant 
seeking all pleadings, depositions and documents produced in the 
lawsuit. We are cooperating with the investigation, do not believe 
that we have engaged in any anti-competitive activities and will 
vigorously defend ourselves in any action that may result from the 
investigation. While the litigation proceedings and the DOJ investiga-
tion move forward, and the amount of loss, if any, is dependent on a 
number of factors that are not yet fully developed or resolved, the 
amount of any loss is expected to be immaterial.

On June 30, 2014, we received a Statement of Objections from the 
French Competition Authority (“FCA”) addressed to FedEx Express 
France, formerly known as TATEX, regarding an investigation by the 
FCA into anticompetitive behavior that is alleged to have occurred 
primarily in the framework of trade association meetings that included 
the former general managers of TATEX prior to our acquisition of that 
company in July 2012. Given the early stage of this matter, we cannot 
yet determine the amount or range of potential loss; however, it is 
reasonably possible that it could be material.

We have received requests for information from the DOJ in the 
Northern District of California in connection with a criminal investiga-
tion relating to the transportation of packages for online pharmacies 
that may have shipped pharmaceuticals in violation of federal law. We 
responded to grand jury subpoenas issued in June 2008 and August 
2009 and to periodic subsequent requests for additional information 
related to those subpoenas, and we continue to respond and 
cooperate with the investigation. We believe that our employees have 
acted in good faith at all times. We do not believe that we have 
engaged in any illegal activities and will vigorously defend ourselves 
in any action that may result from the investigation. The investigation 
may lead to a criminal indictment and, if we are convicted, remedies 
could include fines, penalties, financial forfeiture and compliance 
conditions. We cannot estimate the amount or range of loss, if any, as 
such analysis would depend on facts and law that are not yet fully 
developed or resolved.

FedEx and its subsidiaries are subject to other legal proceedings that 
arise in the ordinary course of their business. 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.

NOTE 19: RELATED PARTy 
TRANSACTIONS 

Our Chairman, President 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.”

NOTE 20: SUMMARy OF QUARTERLy OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

 (in millions, except per share amounts)
 2014
 Revenues 
 Operating income 
 Net income 
 Basic earnings per common share(1)
 Diluted earnings per common share(1) 

First 
Quarter

 $ 11,024 
 795 
 489 
 1.54 
 1.53 

Second 
Quarter

 $ 11,403 
 827 
 500 
 1.58 
 1.57 

Third 
Quarter

 $ 11,301 
 641 
 378 
 1.24 
 1.23 

Fourth 
Quarter

 $ 11,839 
 1,183 
 730 
 2.49 
 2.46 

 2013(2) 
 Revenues 
 Operating income 
 Net income 
 Basic earnings per common share(1)
 Diluted earnings per common share(1)
(1)  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.
(2)  The fourth quarter of 2013 includes $496 million of business realignment costs and an impairment charge of $100 million resulting from the decision to retire 10 aircraft and related engines  

 $ 10,792 
 742 
 459 
 1.46 
 1.45 

 $ 10,953 
 589 
 361 
 1.14 
 1.13 

 $ 11,107 
 718 
 438 
 1.39 
 1.39 

 $ 11,435 
 502 
 303 
 0.96 
 0.95 

at FedEx Express. The third quarter of 2013 includes $47 million of business realignment costs. The second quarter of 2013 includes $13 million of business realignment costs.

70

 71

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 (other than FedEx Express) 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 wholly owned by FedEx, guarantee $4.5 billion of our 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.

Condensed consolidating financial statements for our guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented in the following 
tables (in millions):

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

Parent

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

May 31, 2014

Assets
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Receivables, less allowances
   Spare parts, supplies, fuel, prepaid expenses  

  and other, less allowances

  Deferred income taxes
    Total current assets
Property and Equipment, at Cost
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    Net property and equipment
Intercompany Receivable
Goodwill
Investment in Subsidiaries
Other Assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Investment
Current Liabilities
  Current portion of long-term debt
  Accrued salaries and employee benefits
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses
    Total current liabilities
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
Intercompany Payable
Other Long-Term Liabilities
  Deferred income taxes
  Other liabilities
    Total other long-term liabilities
Stockholders’ Investment

 $   1,756 
 2 

 59 
 – 
 1,817 
 28 
 22 
 6 
 – 
 – 
 20,785 
 2,088 
$ 24,696  

 $          – 
 55 
 2 
 405 
 462 
 4,487 
 2,323 

 – 
 2,147 
 2,147 
 15,277 
$ 24,696  

$      441 
 4,338 

 674 
 501 
 5,954 
 38,303 
 19,899 
 18,404 
 1,058 
 1,552 
 3,754 
 747 
$ 31,469  

$          1 
 1,042 
 1,530 
 1,444 
 4,017 
 249 
 – 

 4,059 
 3,230 
 7,289 
 19,914 
$ 31,469  

  $    861 
 1,151 

$        (150)
 (31)

 60 
 21 
 2,093 
 2,360 
 1,220 
 1,140 
 1,265 
 1,238 
 – 
 250 
$ 5,986  

$        – 
 180 
 620 
 214 
 1,014 
 – 
 – 

 93 
 254 
 347 
 4,625 
$ 5,986  

 – 
 – 
 (181)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (2.323)
 – 
 (24,539)
 (2,038)
$ (29,081)

$          – 
 – 
 (181)
 – 
 (181)
 – 
 (2,323)

 (2,038)
 – 
(2,038)
 (24,539)
$ (29,081)

$   2,908 
 5,460 

 793 
 522 
 9,683 
 40,691 
 21,141 
 19,550 
 – 
 2,790 
 – 
 1,047 
$ 33,070  

 $          1 
 1,277 
 1,971 
 2,063 
 5,312 
4,736 
 – 

 2,114 
 5,631 
 7,745  
  15,277  
$ 33,070  

 71

70

notes to consolidated financial statementsCondensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

Assets
Current Assets
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Receivables, less allowances
   Spare parts, supplies, fuel, prepaid expenses  

  and other, less allowances

  Deferred income taxes
    Total current assets
Property and Equipment, at Cost
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    Net property and equipment
Intercompany Receivable
Goodwill
Investment in Subsidiaries
Other Assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Investment
Current Liabilities
  Current portion of long-term debt
  Accrued salaries and employee benefits
  Accounts payable
  Accrued expenses
    Total current liabilities
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
Intercompany Payable
Other Long-Term Liabilities
  Deferred income taxes
  Other liabilities
    Total other long-term liabilities
Stockholders’ Investment

Parent

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Consolidated

May 31, 2013

$   3,892 
 – 

 45 
 – 
 3,937
 27 
 21 
 6 
 – 
 – 
18,739
 2,187 
$ 24,869 

$      250
 82 
 4 
 355 
 691 
2,489
 1,642 

 – 
 2,649 
 2,649 
 17,398 
$ 24,869 

$      405 
 3,989 

 681 
 518 
 5,593 
 35,915 
 18,469 
 17,446 
 439 
 1,552
 3,347 
822
$ 29,199 

$          1 
 1,402 
 1,392 
 1,366 
 4,161 
 250 
 – 

 3,798 
 3,133 
 6,931 
 17,857 
$ 29,199 

  $    717 
 1,084 

 54 
 15 
 1,870 
 2,167 
 1,135 
 1,032 
 1,203 
  1,203  
 – 
 191 
$ 5,499 

$        – 
 204 
 609 
 211 
 1,024 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 246 
 246 
 4,229 
$ 5,499 

$        (97)
 (29)

 – 
 – 
 (126)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (1,642)
 – 
 (22,086)
 (2,146)
$ (26,000)

$          – 
 – 
 (126)
 – 
 (126)
 – 
 (1,642)

 (2,146)
 – 
 (2,146)
 (22,086)
$ (26,000)

$   4,917 
 5,044 

 780 
 533 
 11,274 
 38,109 
 19,625 
 18,484 
 – 
 2,755 
 – 
 1,054 
$ 33,567 

$      251 
 1,688 
 1,879 
 1,932 
 5,750 
2,739 
 – 

 1,652 
 6,028 
 7,680 
 17,398 
$ 33,567 

72

 73

notes to consolidated financial statementsCondensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

Revenues
Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other

Operating Income
Other Income (Expense):
  Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  Interest, net
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other, net
Income Before Income Taxes
  Provision for income taxes
Net Income
Comprehensive  Income

Year Ended May 31, 2014

Parent
$        –

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 38,088  

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 7,820  

Eliminations
 $    (341)

Consolidated
$ 45,567  

 99 
 – 
 5 
 1 
 – 
 1 
 (209)
 103 
 – 
–

 2,097 
 (167)
 172 
 (5)
 2,097 
 – 
$ 2,097 
$ 2,251  

 14,303 
 5,374 
 2,282 
 2,379 
 4,460 
 1,734 
 (125)
 4,823 
 35,230 
 2,858 

 411 
 16 
 (194)
 (14)
 3,077 
 1,004 
$   2,073 
$   2,072 

 2,153 
 2,796 
 340 
 207 
 97 
 127 
 334 
 1,178 
 7,232 
588

 – 
 9 
 22 
 4 
 623 
 188 
$    435 
$    408 

 – 
 (159)
 (5)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (177)
 (341)
–

 (2,508)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (2,508)
 – 
$ (2,508)
$ (2,508)

 16,555 
 8,011 
 2,622 
 2,587 
 4,557 
 1,862 
 – 
 5,927 
 42,121 
3,446 

 – 
 (142)
 – 
 (15)
 3,289 
 1,192 
$   2,097 
$   2,223  

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

Revenues
Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment and other charges
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other

Operating Income
Other Income (Expense):
  Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  Interest, net
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other, net
Income Before Income Taxes
  Provision for income taxes
Net Income
Comprehensive Income

Year Ended May 31, 2013

Parent
$        –

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 37,073 

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 7,543 

Eliminations
 $    (329)

Consolidated
$ 44,287 

 103 
 – 
 5 
 1 
 – 
 1 
 21 
 (227)
 96 
 – 
–

1,561
 (108)
 113 
 (5)
1,561
 – 
$ 1,561 
$ 2,622 

 14,375 
 4,839 
 2,198 
 2,200 
 4,650 
 1,791 
 639 
 (329)
 4,565 
 34,928 
2,145

 253 
 42 
 (131)
 (20)
 2,289
 710 
$   1,579
$   1,618

 2,092 
 2,574 
 324 
 185 
 96 
 117 
 – 
 556 
 1,193 
 7,137 
406

 – 
 5 
 18 
 (10 )
 419 
 184 
$    235 
$    268 

 – 
 (141)
 (6)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (182)
 (329)
–

 (1,814)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (1,814)
 – 
$ (1,814)
$ (1,814)

 16,570 
 7,272 
 2,521 
 2,386 
 4,746 
 1,909 
 660 
 – 
 5,672 
 41,736 
2,551

 – 
 (61)
 – 
 (35)
 2,455 
894
$   1,561 
$   2,694 

 73

72

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Year Ended May 31, 2012

Revenues
Operating Expenses:
  Salaries and employee benefits
  Purchased transportation
  Rentals and landing fees
  Depreciation and amortization
  Fuel
  Maintenance and repairs
  Business realignment, impairment and other charges
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other

Operating Income
Other Income (Expense):
  Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
  Interest, net
  Intercompany charges, net
  Other, net
Income Before Income Taxes
  Provision for income taxes
Net Income
Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Parent
$        –

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 36,412 

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$ 6,569 

Eliminations
 $    (301)

Consolidated
$ 42,680 

 114 
 – 
 5 
 1 
 – 
 1 
 – 
 (218)
 97 
 – 
–

 2,032 
 (75)
 80 
 (5)
 2,032 
 – 
$ 2,032 
$   (120)

 14,153 
 4,509 
 2,221 
 1,962 
 4,877 
 1,882 
 134 
 (323)
 4,482 
 33,897 
 2,515 

 395 
 31 
 (102)
 (10)
 2,829
 875 
$   1,954
$   1,796

 1,832 
 1,944 
 267 
 150 
 79 
 97 
 – 
 541 
 988 
 5,898 
 671 

 – 
 5 
 22 
 9 
 707 
 234 
$    473 
$    380 

 – 
 (118)
 (6)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (177)
 (301)
–

 (2,427)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (2,427)
 – 
$ (2,427)
$ (2,427)

 16,099 
 6,335 
 2,487 
 2,113 
 4,956 
 1,980 
 134 
 – 
 5,390 
 39,494 
 3,186

 – 
 (39)
 – 
 (6)
 3,141 
 1,109 
$   2,032 
$     (371 )

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Investing activities
  Capital expenditures
  Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  Proceeds from asset dispositions and other
Cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
  Net transfers from (to) Parent
  Payment on loan between subsidiaries
  Intercompany dividends
  Principal payments on debt
  Proceeds from debt issuance
  Proceeds from stock issuances
  Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options
  Dividends paid
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Other, net
Cash used in financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

74

Year Ended May 31, 2014

Parent
 $       (8 )

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
 $ 3,790 

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$  535 

Eliminations
$   (53)

Consolidated
 $  4,264 

 (1)
 – 
 – 
 (1)

 588 
–
 – 
(250)
 1,997 
 557 
 44 
 (187)
 (4,857)
 (19)
 (2,127 )
 – 
 (2,136 )
 3,892 
$ 1,756 

 (3,230)
 (36)
 37 
 (3,229)

 (546)
 (4)
 54 
 (4)
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 (16)
 (516)
 (9)
 36 
 405 
$     441 

 (302)
– 
 (19 )
 (321)

 (42 )
4
 (54)
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 16 
 (76)
 6 
 144 
 717 
$  861 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
–
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
(53)
 (97)
$ (150)

 (3,533)
 (36)
 18 
 (3,551)

 – 
–
–
 (254)
1,997
 557 
 44 
 (187)
 (4,857)
(19)
(2,719)
(3)
 (2,009 )
 4,917 
 $  2,908 

 75

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities
  Capital expenditures
  Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  Proceeds from asset dispositions and other
Cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
  Net transfers from (to) Parent
  Payment on loan between subsidiaries
  Intercompany dividends
  Principal payments on debt
  Proceeds from debt issuances
  Proceeds from stock issuances
  Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options
  Dividends paid
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Other, net
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Year Ended May 31, 2013

Parent
 $    247 

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
 $ 3,936 

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$  486 

Eliminations
$    19

Consolidated
 $  4,688 

 (3)
 – 
 – 
 (3)

 141 
–
 – 
–
1,739
280
 23 
 (177)
(246)
(18)
 1,742 
 – 
 1,986 
 1,906 
$ 3,892 

 (3,029)
 –
 49 
 (2,980)

 (58)
(385)
 21 
 (417)
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 (119)
 (958)
 (10 )
 (12 )
 417 
$     405 

 (343)
 (483 )
 6 
 (820)

 (83 )
385
 (21)
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 119 
 400
 15 
 81 
636 
$  717 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
–
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
19
 (116)
$   (97)

 (3,375)
 (483)
 55 
 (3,803)

 – 
–
–
 (417)
1,739
 280 
 23 
 (177)
 (246)
(18)
1,184
5
 2,074 
 2,843 
 $  4,917 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Investing activities
  Capital expenditures
  Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
  Proceeds from asset dispositions and other
Cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
  Net transfers from (to) Parent
  Intercompany dividends
  Principal payments on debt
  Proceeds from stock issuances
  Excess tax benefit on the exercise of stock options
  Dividends paid
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Other, net
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

Year Ended May 31, 2012

Parent
 $     (88 )

Guarantor 
Subsidiaries
 $  4,383 

Non-guarantor 
Subsidiaries
$  570 

Eliminations
$   (30)

Consolidated
 $  4,835 

 (5)
 – 
 – 
 (5)

 625 
–
–
 128 
 18 
 (164)
(197)
–
 410 
 – 
 317 
 1,589 
$ 1,906 

 (3,792)
 –
 74 
 (3,718)

 (550)
 76
 (29)
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 (19)
 (522)
 (5 )
 138 
 279 
$     417 

 (210)
 (116 )
 – 
 (326)

 (75 )
 (76)
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 19 
 (132)
 (22 )
 90 
 546 
$  636 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 
–
 – 
 – 
 – 
 (30)
 (86)
$ (116)

 (4,007)
 (116)
 74 
 (4,049)

 – 
 –
 (29)
 128 
 18 
 (164)
 (197)
–
 (244)
 (27 )
 515 
 2,328 
 $  2,843 

 75

74

notes to consolidated financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders  
FedEx Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FedEx Corporation as of May 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ investment, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended May 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion 
on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstate-
ment. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also 
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of FedEx 
Corporation at May 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended May 31, 2014, 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), FedEx Corporation’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of May 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated July 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

Memphis, Tennessee 
July 14, 2014

76
76

 77

 77

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, 2014. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, MD&A and other financial data appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

2014(1)

2013(2)

2012(3)

2011(4)

2010(5)

Operating Results
Revenues
Operating income
Income before income taxes
Net income

Per Share Data
Earnings per share:
  Basic
  Diluted
Average shares of common stock outstanding
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
Cash dividends declared

Financial Position
Property and equipment, net
Total assets
Long-term debt, less current portion
Common stockholders’ investment

$ 45,567  
 3,446 
 3,289 
 2,097 

 $     6.82 
 $     6.75 
307
310
$     0.60

$ 19,550 
 33,070 
 4,736 
 15,277 

$ 44,287 
 2,551 
 2,455 
 1,561 

 $     4.95 
 $     4.91 
315
317
$     0.56

$ 18,484 
 33,567 
 2,739 
 17,398 

$ 42,680
3,186
3,141
2,032

$     6.44
$     6.41
315
317
$     0.52

$ 17,248
29,903
1,250
14,727

$ 39,304
2,378
2,265
1,452

$     4.61
$     4.57
315
317
$     0.48

$ 15,543
27,385
1,667
15,220

$ 34,734
1,998
1,894
1,184

$     3.78
$     3.76
312
314
$     0.44

$ 14,385
24,902
1,668
13,811

Other Operating Data
FedEx Express aircraft fleet
(1)  Common stockholders’ investment includes an other comprehensive income decrease of $11 million, net of tax, for the funded status of our retirement plans at May 31, 2014.
(2)  Results for 2013 include $560 million ($353 million, net of tax, or $1.11 per diluted share) of business realignment costs and a $100 million ($63 million, net of tax, or $0.20 per diluted share) 
impairment charge resulting from the decision to retire 10 aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express. See Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Additionally,  
common stockholders’ investment includes an other comprehensive income increase of $861 million, net of tax, for the funded status of our retirement plans at May 31, 2013.

647

650

660

688

667

(3)  Results for 2012 include a $134 million ($84 million, net of tax or $0.26 per diluted share) impairment charge resulting from the decision to retire 24 aircraft and related engines at FedEx Express 
and the reversal of a $66 million legal reserve initially recorded in 2011. See Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Additionally, common stockholders’ investment 
includes an other comprehensive income charge of $2.4 billion, net of tax, for the funded status of our retirement plans at May 31, 2012.

(4)  Results for 2011 include charges of approximately $199 million ($104 million, net of tax and applicable variable incentive compensation impacts, or $0.33 per diluted share) for the combination 
of our FedEx Freight and FedEx National LTL operations and a $66 million reserve associated with a legal matter at FedEx Express. Additionally, common stockholders’ investment includes an 
other comprehensive income charge of $350 million, net of tax, for the funded status of our retirement plans at May 31, 2011.

(5)  Common stockholders’ investment includes an other comprehensive income charge of $1.0 billion, net of tax, for the funded status of our retirement plans at May 31, 2010.

76

76

 77
 77

fedex corporationR. Brad Martin(1) (3)
Chairman 
RBM Venture Company
Private investment company

Joshua Cooper Ramo(1) (3)
Vice Chairman 
Kissinger Associates, Inc.
Strategic advisory firm

Susan C. Schwab(2) (3)
Professor
University of Maryland
School of Public Policy
Former U.S. Trade Representative

Frederick W. Smith
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Corporation

David P. Steiner(4*) (5)
Chief Executive Officer
Waste Management, Inc.
Integrated waste management services company

Paul S. Walsh(2) (4)
Chairman
Compass Group PLC
Food service and support services company

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James L. Barksdale(3*) (4)
Chairman and President
Barksdale Management Corporation
Investment management company

John A. Edwardson(1*)
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
CDW Corporation
Technology products and services company

Marvin R. Ellison(2) 
Executive Vice President — U.S. Stores 
The Home Depot, Inc.
Home improvement specialty retailer

Kimberly A. Jabal(3) 
Chief Financial Officer 
Path, Inc.
Social networking company

Shirley Ann Jackson(2) (4)
President
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Technological research university

Steven R. Loranger(2*)
Former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
ITT Corporation
Water technology company

Gary W. Loveman(1)
Chairman, President and 
Chief Executive Officer
Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Branded gaming entertainment company

(1)  Audit Committee
(2)  Compensation Committee
(3)  Information Technology Oversight Committee
(4)  Nominating & Governance Committee
(5)  Lead Independent Director
 *  Committee Chair

78

 79

fedeX corporationEXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

FedEx Corporation 
Frederick W. Smith
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Alan B. Graf, Jr.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Robert B. Carter
Executive Vice President,  
FedEx Information Services and Chief Information Officer

Christine P. Richards
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

T. Michael Glenn
Executive Vice President,
Market Development and Corporate Communications

John L. Merino
Corporate Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer 

FedEx Express Segment
David J. Bronczek
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Express

FedEx Ground Segment
Henry J. Maier
President and Chief Executive Officer 
FedEx Ground

Michael L. Ducker
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 
FedEx Express

Ward B. Strang
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
FedEx Ground

James R. Parker
Executive Vice President, Air Operations
FedEx Express

James R. Muhs, Sr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Trade Networks

Craig M. Simon
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx SupplyChain Systems

FedEx Freight Segment
William J. Logue
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Freight

Donald C. Brown
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration 
and Chief Financial Officer
FedEx Freight

Patrick L. Reed
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
FedEx Freight

Virginia C. Albanese
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Custom Critical

Barbara B. Wallander
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx SmartPost

FedEx Services Segment
Donald F. Colleran
Executive Vice President, Global Sales
FedEx Services

Rajesh Subramaniam
Executive Vice President, Global Marketing
FedEx Services

Brian D. Philips
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx Office

Cary C. Pappas
President and Chief Executive Officer
FedEx TechConnect

78

 79

fedex corporation 
CORPORATE INFORMATION 

FEDEX CORPORATION: 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, 
Tennessee 38120, (901) 818-7500, fedex.com

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREOWNERS: Monday, September 29, 2014,  
8:00 a.m. local time, FedEx Express World Headquarters, 3670 Hacks 
Cross Road, Building G, Memphis, Tennessee 38125.

STOCK LISTING: FedEx Corporation’s common stock is listed on the 
New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FDX.

SHAREOWNERS: As of July 11, 2014, there were 12,877 shareowners  
of record.

MARKET INFORMATION: Following are high and low sale prices and 
cash dividends paid, by quarter, for FedEx Corporation’s common stock  
in 2014 and 2013:

First  
Quarter

Second  
Quarter

Third  
Quarter

Fourth  
Quarter

FY2014
High
Low
Dividend
FY2013
High
Low
Dividend

$ 113.34
94.60
0.15

$   93.17
83.80
0.14

$ 140.55
106.38
0.15

$   94.26
83.92
0.14

$ 144.39
128.17
0.15

$ 107.50
87.99
0.14

$ 144.85
130.64
0.15

$ 109.66
90.61
0.14

FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Copies of FedEx Corporation’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, other documents filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC) and other financial and statistical 
information are available through our Web site at fedex.com. Company 
documents filed electronically with the SEC can also be found at the 
SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov. You will be mailed a copy of the  
Form 10-K upon request to: FedEx Corporation Investor Relations,  
942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120,  
(901) 818-7200, e-mail: ir@fedex.com.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM:  
Ernst & Young LLP, Memphis, Tennessee

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Call 1-800-Go-FedEx or visit fedex.com.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Jess Bunn, Manager, Investor Relations, FedEx 
Corporation, 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120, 
(901) 818-7463, e-mail: mediarelations@fedex.com

SHAREOWNER ACCOUNT SERVICES: Computershare Investor Services, 
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210, College Station, Texas 77845,  
(800) 446-2617, www.computershare.com

DIRECT STOCK PURCHASE AND DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT: For 
information on the direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment  
plan for FedEx Corporation common stock, call Computershare at  
(800) 446-2617 or visit their direct stock purchase plan Web site at 
www.computershare.com. This plan provides an alternative to  
traditional retail brokerage methods of purchasing, holding and  
selling FedEx common stock. This plan also permits shareowners to 
automatically reinvest their dividends to purchase additional shares  
of FedEx common stock.

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Mickey Foster, Vice President, Investor 
Relations, FedEx Corporation, 942 South Shady Grove Road, Memphis, 
Tennessee 38120, (901) 818-7200, e-mail: ir@fedex.com

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Our greatest asset is our 
people. We are committed to providing a workplace where our 
employees and contractors feel respected, satisfied and appreciated. 
Our policies are designed to promote fairness and respect for 
everyone. We hire, evaluate and promote employees, and engage 
contractors, based on their skills and performance. With this in mind, 
we will not tolerate certain behaviors. These include harassment, 
retaliation, violence, intimidation and discrimination of any kind 
involving race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, 
veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal,  
state or local law.

For more detail on the information in this report,  
visit http://investors.fedex.com.

Our latest Global Citizenship Report is available  
at http://csr.fedex.com.

In line with FedEx’s commitment to sustainability, our Annual Report was produced using 
environmentally and socially responsible procurement and manufacturing practices to ensure  
a minimized environmental impact. This report was printed at EarthColor on FSC® certified  
paper containing 10% recycled PCW fiber. Printing plant utilized 100% renewable wind power  
(RECs) and lean manufacturing principles, including green chemistry principles, the recycling of 
residual materials as well as the use of low VOC inks and coatings. In addition, carbon and VOC 
reduction strategies were employed to destroy residual VOCs via bio-oxidation. Carbon offsets  
were purchased where carbon could not be eliminated rendering this report carbon-balanced.

> 114 trees preserved for the future

> 50 million BTUs of energy conserved

> 4,734 kWh of electricity offset

> 9,771 pounds of greenhouse gas reduced

> 52,994 gallons of water waste eliminated

> 3,548 pounds of solid waste eliminated

Sources: Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Paper Network 
Paper Calculator and the U.S. EPA ‘s power profiler.

.
c
n

I

r
o

l

o
C
h
t
r
a
E

y
b

g
n

i
t
n

i
r
P

.

N
M

,
s
i
l
o
p
a
e
n
n
i
M

,
.
c
n
I

,
g
n
i
t
e
k
r
a
M
d
o
o
W

y
e
l
n
a
H
y
b

n
g
i
s
e
d

d
n
a

g
n
i
t
i
r

w

,
y
g
e
t
a
r
t
S

80

 PB

fedeX corporation 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The strength of our purpose.

Good things happen when FedEx connects people and possibilities. Our customers find opportunity 
in new markets and, in turn, give back to their communities. In the West African nation of Togo,  
more children are graduating because they can get to school, thanks to 5,700 bikes donated by 
Alaffia, an Olympia, Wash.–based company that depends on FedEx for global supply chain solutions. 

More than a decade ago, Alaffia started a business with Togolese women to traditionally harvest  
and process shea tree nuts. It’s the key ingredient used in the fair trade body care products Alaffia  
sells through major retailers. Since 2003, the company has created hundreds of new jobs — and  
a growing community of kids on wheels.  fedex.com/access

Strength  
in numbers.

More than 300,000 FedEx team 

members worldwide work tirelessly 

to serve our customers and create 

value for shareowners. Thanks to their 

extraordinary efforts, FY14 returns to 

investors outperformed the S&P 500 and 

the Dow Jones Transportation Average. 

31%

19%

— The Purple Promise

50%

FY2014

S&P 500

Dow Jones 
Transportation 
Average

FedEx 
Corporation

The strength of our people 
powers the strength of our results.

F
E
d
E
x
C
O
R
P
O
R
A
t
O
n

i

A
n
n
u
A
l

R
e
p
o
R
T

2
0
1
4

Solutions 
for a more sustainable world.

Our commitment to connect the world in responsible and resourceful ways is getting results.  

In 2013, we efficiently reduced CO2 emissions intensity while increasing business revenue.

GOAL

GOAL

30%

Reduction in aircraft 
emissions intensity 
by 2020 from a 
2005 baseline.  

30%

Increase in FedEx 
Express vehicle fuel 
efficiency by 2020 
from a 2005 baseline.  

GOAL
Expand on-site 
generation 
and continuing 
procurement of 
renewable energy 
for our facilities.  

GOAL
Seek Leadership 
in Energy & 
Environmental Design 
(LEED) certification 
on all new U.S. FedEx 
Express buildings.  

PROGRESS

22.3%

since 2005

PROGRESS

27.0%

since 2005

PROGRESS

27gigawatt hours

since 2005

PROGRESS

10 LEED

 certified buildings

To learn more, read the 2013 FedEx Global Citizenship Report at csr.fedex.com.

Fedex CoRpoRAtion
942 South Shady Grove Road
Memphis, tennessee 38120
fedex.com

In line with our commitment to sustainability, the FedEx Annual Report was produced using environmentally and socially responsible 
procurement and manufacturing practices to ensure a minimized environmental impact. See page 80 for more details.

Fedex AnnuAl RepoR t 2014