FedEx is portending global trade tensions and a slowing of economic growth to dampen its business in 2019.
Lowering its profit projection for the full fiscal year (ending May 30) by 7-10%, the courier delivery services company said that its international business especially in Europe faltered over the last three months. FedEx’s U.S. business, however, is relatively strong.
FedEx has indicated plans to offer buyouts to it U.S. employees and to slow down new hiring. Job cuts are expected to reduce the company’s costs by $225 million to $275 million per year. The company hopes that the buyouts would boost productivity, as indicated by CEO Fred Smith in a call with investors (as reported by CNN).
However, the company’s recent performance has been quite strong. It expects to have record shipments during the ongoing holiday period. It registered positive growth in revenue and profit for its fiscal second quarter, ending November 30. But its profit margin was slightly lower than a year ago.
Also, despite the job cuts, FedEx hopes to have an overall expansion in employment “over the next several years, again, assuming moderate economic growth," as mentioned by Smith.