FedEx (NYSE: FDX) delivered an earnings beat in a tricky working atmosphere. Traders are happy with the outcomes, sending FedEx shares up 8% as of 10 a.m. ET.Improved earnings in a troublesome environment2023 was a difficult yr for the delivery trade. Issues in regards to the economic system prompted massive producers and retailers to take a cautious strategy to inventories, which ate into demand for transportation companies.In response, FedEx and different shippers have been targeted on prices.That focus paid off in the latest quarter. FedEx posted a fiscal third-quarter revenue of $3.86 per share, properly forward of Wall Avenue’s $3.45-per-share estimate, regardless of income that at $21.7 billion was about $300 million in need of expectations. The corporate’s working margin for the quarter was 6.2%, an enchancment from 5.3% in the identical interval a yr in the past.FedEx stated its “DRIVE” value slicing marketing campaign will contribute $1.8 billion in annual financial savings within the present fiscal yr, and one other $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025.”FedEx delivered one other quarter of improved profitability in what stays a troublesome demand atmosphere, reflecting excellent service and continued advantages from DRIVE,” CEO Raj Subramaniam stated in a press release. “I’ve by no means been extra assured in our path forward as we construct a extra versatile, environment friendly, and clever community.”Is FedEx a purchase after its earnings beat?Income is more likely to stay pressured within the present quarter, however FedEx is demonstrating its means to ship outcomes all through the financial cycle. That is essential, as the character of this enterprise means the corporate needs to be prepared for demand to ebb and circulation.FedEx affords the prospect of modest progress at a charge just like that of the worldwide economic system, with a powerful means to return money to buyers by way of share repurchases and dividends. The inventory affords a 1.7% yield at its present worth, and the corporate’s board simply licensed a brand new $5 billion share buyback program.Story continuesOver the previous decade, FedEx has diminished its share depend by 14%.FedEx is a horny choice for income-focused buyers in search of some alternative for upside.Do you have to make investments $1,000 in FedEx proper now?Before you purchase inventory in FedEx, take into account this:The Motley Idiot Inventory Advisor analyst group simply recognized what they consider are the 10 greatest shares for buyers to purchase now… and FedEx wasn’t considered one of them. The ten shares that made the reduce may produce monster returns within the coming years.Inventory Advisor gives buyers with an easy-to-follow blueprint for achievement, together with steerage on constructing a portfolio, common updates from analysts, and two new inventory picks every month. The Inventory Advisor service has greater than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the ten shares*Inventory Advisor returns as of March 21, 2024Lou Whiteman has no place in any of the shares talked about. The Motley Idiot has positions in and recommends FedEx. The Motley Idiot has a disclosure coverage.Why FedEx Inventory Is within the Quick Lane At present was initially printed by The Motley Idiot