FedEx stock target cut on demand concerns, retains buy rating By Investing.com

On Friday, TD Cowen took a cautious stance on FedEx Corp (NYSE:) shares by reducing its price target to $328 from $334, while still recommending the stock as a buy. The adjustment follows FedEx’s first-quarter financial results, which did not meet the analyst’s projections or the broader market consensus. The report highlighted ongoing challenges in the parcel market, including customers opting for cheaper shipping options and a general decline in demand.

FedEx’s Freight segment has been under pressure due to difficulties in industrial end markets. TD Cowen anticipates that a comprehensive review of this business division will be concluded by December 31. The firm has expressed concerns regarding the current market trends and the emphasis on the latter half of the year for earnings performance, leading to a projection below the lower end of FedEx’s updated earnings per share guidance.

FedEx has been navigating a complex operating environment, with the recent earnings report shedding light on the headwinds faced by the company. The revised price target of $328 reflects a nuanced perspective on the company’s prospects, balancing the immediate concerns with the recognition of its longer-term potential. The ongoing review of the Freight division could be a pivotal factor in the company’s future performance and strategy.

In other recent news, FedEx’s first-quarter earnings for fiscal year 2025 fell short of market expectations, leading to a series of price target revisions by financial firms. Jefferies, Susquehanna, Stifel, and Baird have all lowered their price targets for FedEx, citing weaker than anticipated margins and a significant year-over-year decline in adjusted operating profit. Despite these revisions, most firms retain a positive or neutral rating on the stock, with Morgan Stanley being an exception, downgrading FedEx stock from Equalweight to Underweight.

FedEx’s earnings shortfall was attributed to a shift in the types of shipments handled, resulting in higher costs and impacting the company’s blended yield. However, FedEx management intends to increase cost savings sequentially throughout the year, with revenue management initiatives in place to mitigate pressure on yields. These cost-saving measures are part of the company’s DRIVE initiative, designed to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs across various business units.

The firms’ analyses suggest that FedEx’s first-half performance has led to skepticism regarding the company’s ability to meet its earnings guidance for the year. While the DRIVE initiative is expected to generate savings, the benefits are not anticipated to be significant enough to offset the increased expenses.

In addition to the earnings report, FedEx has adjusted its revenue growth expectations for fiscal 2025 to a low single-digit percentage, a downward revision from its previous estimate. The company’s full-year adjusted operating income forecast now stands between $20 and $21 per share, compared to the prior range of $20 to $22 per share. These are recent developments for FedEx.

InvestingPro Insights

As FedEx Corp (NYSE:FDX) grapples with the challenges highlighted in its latest earnings report and the subsequent price target adjustment by TD Cowen, it’s valuable to consider additional insights provided by InvestingPro. The company has demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns, raising its dividend for 3 consecutive years and maintaining dividend payments for 23 consecutive years. This track record suggests a stable financial policy which could be reassuring for investors concerned about the company’s near-term headwinds.

InvestingPro data shows that FedEx has a market capitalization of $73.58 billion and trades at a P/E ratio of 17.26, which might be considered high relative to near-term earnings growth. However, the company has shown resilience with a strong return over the last three months, amounting to a 19.31% increase. This performance could indicate underlying strength in the company’s operations despite the reported revenue decline of -2.73% over the last twelve months as of Q4 2024.

For investors looking for more depth, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available that could provide further context on FedEx’s financial health and market position. These tips, along with comprehensive real-time metrics, are accessible for those considering the stock’s potential value. For more detailed analysis, visit InvestingPro.

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