FedEx quarterly profits drop 54%

FedEx the world's largest air-express package shipper, said today economic weakness knocked down its fiscal fourth-quarter net…

FedEx the world's largest air-express package shipper, said today economic weakness knocked down its fiscal fourth-quarter net earnings 54 per cent to $113 million, below trimmed Wall Street forecasts.

The Memphis-based company known for its overnight deliveries said per-share profits were 38 cents, including unusual charges. Excluding charges, the company earned 64 cents a share. That was down from 85 cents, or $245 million, in the same three months a year earlier.

Revenues for the fourth quarter, ended May 31st, were $5.12 billion up 6 per cent from a year earlier.

"Continuing weak economic conditions, particularly in the high-tech and durable-goods sectors, sharply reduced demand for our express services," Mr Alan Grafexecutive vice presidentsaid in a news release.