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Why I Just Bought This Badly Beaten-Down, 6.6%-Yielding Dividend Stock and Plan to Buy Even More
UPSUPS(US:UPS) The Motley Foolยท2025-06-11 08:34

Core Viewpoint - UPS is facing significant challenges due to tariffs, slowing economic growth, and low margins from its largest customer, Amazon, leading to a decline in revenue and cash flow, which has negatively impacted its share price [1][4]. Financial Performance - UPS's revenue decreased by 0.7% in the first quarter to $21.5 billion, while earnings per share increased by 4.2%. Free cash flow was $1.5 billion, barely covering the dividend payment of $1.3 billion for the quarter [4]. - The company's non-GAAP operating margin fell from 10.9% in 2023 to 9.8% in 2024, and further declined to 8.2% in Q1 2025, indicating a challenging profit environment [5]. Strategic Adjustments - UPS plans to reduce its shipping volume with Amazon by over 50% by next June, focusing on more profitable business lines and cutting back on less profitable deliveries [7]. - The company is implementing a cost-reduction initiative aimed at saving $3.5 billion this year through operational adjustments [8]. Growth Initiatives - UPS is focusing on expanding its healthcare logistics and small to mid-sized business segments, having made acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in these areas, including a recent agreement to buy Andlauer Healthcare Group for $1.6 billion [9]. - The capital spending plan for the year is approximately $3.5 billion, down from $3.9 billion last year, providing more financial flexibility for the turnaround strategy [10]. Financial Position - UPS entered the year with a strong financial position, having paid off $3.8 billion in debt, reducing its leverage ratio to 2.25 times. This financial strength allowed the company to buy back $1 billion of its stock in Q1 [11]. - The company has maintained or increased its dividend payout every year since going public in 1999, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [11]. Investment Potential - UPS presents a unique investment opportunity with a high-yielding dividend that is expected to be sustainable during its turnaround phase, alongside significant upside potential as it executes its strategy [12].