On Wednesday, FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) saw its shares surge in after-hours trading following the company's announcement that it is considering strategic alternatives for its less-than-truckload (LTL) business. Jefferies maintained a Hold rating on FedEx shares with a steady price target of $300.00.
The logistics giant reported its fourth-quarter results, which aligned with analysts' expectations, and also issued guidance for fiscal year 2025 that met the anticipated earnings per share (EPS) range of $20 to $22. This guidance brackets the $21 EPS forecast established before the earnings release.
The potential reevaluation of FedEx's LTL division has sparked considerable interest among investors, as the company's stock price climbed by approximately 15% after the market closed. Jefferies suggests that the FedEx Freight segment could be valued at around $30 billion.
In light of the possible strategic changes, Jefferies also pointed to a $350 bull-case price target for FedEx, while reiterating the current Hold position on the stock. The firm's analysis indicates that the exploration of strategic options for the LTL business is a significant development for FedEx, although the firm has not altered its rating or price target at this time.
In other recent news, FedEx Corporation has seen a series of notable developments.
The company's fourth-quarter earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal year 2024 reached $5.41, slightly surpassing analysts' expectations. This performance was attributed to the stronger-than-expected results from the company's Freight segment and a slightly higher Ground margin. Furthermore, FedEx has set a fiscal 2025 earnings target between $20 to $22 per share, surpassing Wall Street's expectations.
To enhance profitability, FedEx also announced plans to cut between 1,700 and 2,000 jobs in Europe over the next 18 months. This move is expected to result in annual savings of $125 million to $175 million starting in fiscal year 2027.
In terms of analyst feedback, JPMorgan upgraded FedEx stock from Neutral to Overweight, adjusting the price target upward to $359. The firm's stance was influenced by FedEx's ongoing execution of its DRIVE savings program and the successful consolidation of its Ground and Express operations.
Similarly, Evercore ISI raised its price target for FedEx to $339.00, maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. However, Wells Fargo initiated an Equal Weight rating, citing uncertainties surrounding the company's fiscal 2025 guidance and the recent loss of a USPS contract.
These recent developments underscore FedEx's strategic moves to navigate a challenging market environment and enhance profitability.
InvestingPro Insights
As FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX) explores strategic alternatives for its LTL business, investors may find additional context through key metrics and insights. According to real-time data from InvestingPro, FedEx boasts a market capitalization of $63.09B and trades at a P/E ratio of 14.57, which is attractive considering its near-term earnings growth potential. The company's adjusted P/E ratio over the last twelve months as of Q3 2024 stands at 12.94, with a PEG ratio of 0.29, indicating potential undervaluation relative to its earnings growth.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that FedEx has not only raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years but has also maintained dividend payments for an impressive 23 consecutive years. The company's dividend yield as of the latest data point is 2.15%, with a 20.0% dividend growth in the last twelve months as of Q3 2024. Moreover, FedEx is recognized as a prominent player in the Air Freight & Logistics industry and is predicted by analysts to be profitable this year, having been profitable over the last twelve months.
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