Longleaf Partners Comments on FedEx

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Jan 24, 2017

FedEx (NYSE:FDX) (26%; 2.16 %), the global transportation and logistics company, was also a leading contributor for 2016 after gaining 7% in the fourth quarter. The company raised guidance for fiscal year 2017 and continued to buy back its discounted shares. Our appraisal increased as expense reductions in Express over the last several years helped raise margins. Investing in growth at Ground depressed margins in that division but should have meaningful payoff longer term. The TNT acquisition, finalized in May, should materially benefit profitability by increasing the final mile density of FedEx’s business across Europe. Management indicated that the integration of TNT should generate at least $750 million of annual synergies across its network over the next few years. We believe that CEO Fred Smith and his capable leadership team will continue to drive value growth for shareholders.

From Longleaf Partners' fourth quarter 2016 commentary.