This Industrial Stock Pays a 6.6% Dividend Yield (and It's Safe)

Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) has shown signs of recovery, making it an attractive investment opportunity despite concerns about its high dividend yield potentially being a yield trap [2][4]. Financial Performance - UPS experienced record highs in sales and profitability during the early pandemic e-commerce boom, but has since faced challenges such as higher labor costs, softening demand, and tariffs impacting its financial performance [4]. - The company has increased its dividend modestly, resulting in a current ultra-high forward dividend yield of 6.6% [4]. - The dividend payout ratio stands at 87%, but recent developments suggest that the dividend is secure [5]. Stock Performance - As of the latest data, UPS shares are priced at $101.02, with a market capitalization of $86 billion and a gross margin of 18.48% [7]. - The stock has been trending higher since October, following better-than-expected Q3 2025 results [7][8]. Future Outlook - UPS is focusing on cost-cutting measures and shifting towards higher-margin customers in sectors like healthcare [8]. - Wall Street analysts project a conservative earnings growth of 4% for the next year, but there is potential for the stock to rally if UPS continues to exceed expectations [8][9]. - The stock may also experience a rerating as investors could be willing to pay more, aligning its valuation closer to competitor FedEx's forward P/E of 16 [9].