FedEx founder saved company with last $5,000 by winning $27,000 in Vegas for jet fuel in 1970s.

In the early 1970s, FedEx was down to its last $5,000 in cash, which founder Fred Smith took to Las Vegas and turned into $27,000 to pay for one week of jet fuel, keeping the company operational. This gamble bought FedEx crucial time as it struggled through early losses, delayed paychecks, and funding challenges. While Smith viewed the win as a minor sign rather than a defining moment, it helped the company survive until new investments arrived. Over five decades, FedEx grew into a global logistics giant, and Smith amassed a $5.3 billion fortune before his death in 2025.

FedEx currently has a market cap of $69.47 billion and a dividend yield of 1.66% as of Oct 18, 2026, 20:41 WIB. The stock price stands at USD 293.55, down 0.67% on the day, with a typical hold time of 87 days on Pluang. Despite the early financial struggles highlighted in the story, FedEx remains a major player in the industrial sector with strong investor interest, as reflected by 100% buy order activity on Pluang.