
FedEx has a history of using stock buybacks to boost its share price. This strategy has been effective in increasing investor confidence and driving up the stock value.
In 2018, FedEx announced a $5 billion stock buyback plan, which was its largest to date. This move was aimed at returning value to shareholders and reducing the number of outstanding shares.
By reducing the number of shares on the market, FedEx can make its remaining shares more valuable. This can lead to an increase in the stock's price and make it more attractive to investors.
The stock buyback program has been a key component of FedEx's capital allocation strategy.
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FedEx Stock Buyback Plans
FedEx announced a new $5 billion share buyback program, in addition to its existing plans to buy back $2.5 billion in shares for fiscal 2024.
The company's net income climbed 14% YoY to $879 million, up from around $771 million in Q3 2023. FedEx's revenue, however, fell 2% year over year from $22.2 billion to $21.7 billion.
FedEx's DRIVE program, a multi-year cost-cutting initiative, is having a real impact, supporting both operating income growth and margin expansion. The company plans to reduce its capital spending for fiscal 2024 to $5.4 billion, down from its prior forecast of $5.7 billion.
FedEx expects to repurchase an additional $500 million of common stock during the fiscal fourth quarter, bringing the fiscal 2024 buyback total to $2.5 billion. The company's board of directors also authorized a new $5 billion share repurchase program.
The total buyback amount for fiscal 2024 will be $2.5 billion, combining the existing $2 billion with the new $500 million purchase. FedEx's new $5 billion share repurchase program is in addition to an existing $600 million that remains under its 2021 initiative.
FedEx plans to prioritize investments to improve efficiency, including fleet and facility modernization, network optimization, and automation. The company is focused on continuing to deliver on its DRIVE program and commitments to support long-term shareholder returns.
FedEx Share Buyback
FedEx announced a $5 billion share buyback program, which is in addition to the $1 billion in shares it already purchased this past quarter.
The company plans to reduce its capital spending for fiscal 2024 to $5.4 billion, down from its prior forecast of $5.7 billion.
FedEx expects to repurchase an additional $500 million of common stock during the fiscal fourth quarter, bringing the fiscal 2024 buyback total to $2.5 billion.
The company's board of directors also authorized a new $5 billion share repurchase program, which is in addition to an existing $600 million that remains under its 2021 initiative.
FedEx plans to buy back $5 billion of its stock as part of its long-term cost-cutting and restructuring program, known as DRIVE, which aims to reduce expenses by $4 billion in 2025.
The company's DRIVE program is already showing results, with permanent cost reductions of $1.8 billion expected this year and a real impact on operating income growth and margin expansion.
FedEx's improved profitability in the quarter was also helped by parking several older, more expensive-to-fly aircraft, reducing some flight hours and flying fewer but fuller aircraft.
Industry Reaction
Industry Reaction was swift, with analysts praising FedEx's commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Many analysts saw the buyback as a sign of confidence in the company's future prospects, with one analyst noting that it was a "positive signal" for investors.
FedEx's stock price increased significantly after the buyback announcement, with some analysts attributing the surge to the perceived value of the buyback.
The company's decision to invest in its own stock was seen as a vote of confidence in its ability to generate cash and drive growth.
Investors welcomed the move, with one analyst stating that it was a "clear indication" of FedEx's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.
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Analysis and Opinion
FedEx Corporation has been adjusting to the economic climate, which has had a significant impact on their stock buyback program. The company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions is crucial for its long-term success.
In 2020, FedEx reported a net income of $3.5 billion, which was a 25% decrease from the previous year. This decline in profitability has likely influenced their decision to adjust their stock buyback program.
FedEx's stock price has been volatile in recent years, with a 52-week high of $290.92 and a 52-week low of $143.62. This volatility may have led to a reevaluation of their stock buyback strategy.
As a result of their adjustments, FedEx has been able to maintain a strong financial position, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.23. These metrics suggest that the company has a solid foundation to support its stock buyback program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did FedEx buy back stock before it plunged?
Yes, FedEx repurchased 2.7 million shares in July and 670,975 shares in August, spending a total of $1 billion at an average price of $295.99 per share. This significant stock buyback occurred before FedEx's stock price plunged.
Is FedEx stock a good buy right now?
FedEx stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy, with a strong average price target of $334.61 based on analyst predictions. However, it's essential to consider multiple factors and do your own research before making a buying decision.
Do I have to sell my shares in a buyback?
No, you're not obligated to sell your shares in a buyback. The company will buy back shares from willing sellers, not force existing investors to sell.
Sources
- https://www.cfobrew.com/stories/2024/03/22/fedex-announces-usd5-billion-share-buyback-program
- https://qz.com/fedex-q3-earnings-report-buyback-1851357331
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FEDEX-CORPORATION-12585/news/FedEx-Sets-1-Billion-Accelerated-Stock-Buyback-45634808/
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/FDX/fed-ex-initiates-1-0-billion-accelerated-share-repurchase-agreement-ceiggrxax04w.html
- https://www.ttnews.com/articles/fedex-earnings-q3-2024
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