Question 1
Listen (or read the transcript) to Fedex's most recent earnings call and consider the following and respond to the proft margin question.
Have you ever listened to an earnings call?
What topics were included? Which were most helpful or insightful? Were there topics you wished were included or expanded upon?
There is likely a discussion of the Profit Margin results. Was there an increase or decrease in Profit Margin and by how many basis points? Explain what this implies, what is the driving force, and what actions would you recommend?
Were the analysts' questions aggressive and challenging or supportive and respectful? How well did management respond to the questions?
What additional insights were you able to gain in regards to the company's financial health, forward guidance, and strategic financial decisions?
Was there any information or perspective shared that a competitor could benefit from?
How will this additional information support your effectiveness within the organization?
Question2
Consider your current organization, describe how costing is used or could be used to better understand the financial breakdown of products and/or services delivered. Would this information support you in your current role and/or aspired-to role? Have you seen instances where costing is not used effectively or could be better leveraged?