FedEx reports third quarter profit up but lower revenue

US package delivery firm FedEx on Thursday reported a profit for its third quarter that increased from last year.

The company's earnings totalled $879 million, or $3.51 per share. This compares with $771 million, or $3.05 per share, in last year's third quarter.

Excluding items, FedEx Corporation reported adjusted earnings of $966 million or $3.86 per share for the period.

The company's revenue for the quarter dipped to $21.7 billion, from $22.2 billion last year.