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Buy, Hold or Sell UPS Stock? Key Tips Ahead of Q2 Earnings
ZACKS· 2025-07-22 17:36
Core Insights - United Parcel Service (UPS) is expected to report Q2 2025 earnings of $1.56 per share, reflecting a 12.9% decrease year-over-year [1] - Revenue estimates for the same quarter are projected at $20.85 billion, indicating a 4.4% decline from the previous year [3] Financial Performance - UPS has a history of earnings surprises, with an average surprise of 2.42% across recent quarters [4] - The company's Earnings ESP is currently -1.00%, suggesting a lower likelihood of beating earnings estimates this quarter [9] Operational Challenges - Shipping volumes are anticipated to be negatively impacted by geopolitical uncertainties and high inflation [4] - Labor costs are expected to be high, prompting UPS to implement cost-cutting measures, including offering buyouts to delivery drivers for the first time [5] - UPS aims to reduce its workforce by 20,000, approximately 4% of its global workforce, and close 73 facilities to streamline operations [6] Customer Dynamics - UPS is reducing business with its largest customer, Amazon, which is expected to lower volume by over 50% by June 2026 [7] - The decision to cut ties with Amazon is partly due to the realization that it was not the most profitable customer for UPS [7] Market Conditions - Low fuel costs are projected to benefit UPS, with expenses expected to decrease by 10.3% from Q2 2024 [8] - However, weak demand and tariff risks continue to pose significant challenges to UPS's outlook [6] Stock Performance - UPS shares have declined by 26% over the past six months, underperforming the Zacks Transportation—Air Freight and Cargo industry's decline of 21.3% [11] - In terms of valuation, UPS shares are trading in line with the industry average based on the forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) ratio [13] Long-term Outlook - Despite current challenges, UPS has the brand and network to generate steady cash flows in the long run, making it a compelling long-term investment [19] - However, near-term headwinds and uncertainties surrounding trade policy and economic slowdown warrant caution for potential investors [19]
UPS vs. FDX: Which Parcel Delivery Company Has an Edge Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-09 14:15
Core Insights - FedEx (FDX) and United Parcel Service (UPS) are leading global package delivery companies, each offering a variety of shipping services and logistics solutions [1][2] - The analysis aims to determine which company currently holds a competitive edge and represents a smarter investment opportunity [2] FedEx (FDX) Overview - FDX is focusing on cost-cutting measures due to declining package volumes, influenced by geopolitical uncertainties, tariffs, and high inflation [3][4] - The company has shelved its revenue and earnings forecast for fiscal 2026, following three consecutive quarters of lowered outlooks for fiscal 2025 [4] - FDX's DRIVE initiatives have resulted in savings of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 and $1.8 billion in fiscal 2024, with an expectation of $1 billion in transformation-related savings for fiscal 2026 [5] - In June 2025, FDX increased its quarterly dividend by 5.1% to $1.45 per share, and repurchased $3 billion worth of shares in fiscal 2025, returning a total of $4.3 billion to shareholders [6] - FDX's liquidity position is strong, with a current ratio of 1.19 at the end of fiscal 2025, indicating sufficient assets to cover short-term obligations [7] United Parcel Service (UPS) Overview - UPS is experiencing a decline in package volumes due to economic uncertainty and high labor costs, prompting the company to implement cost-cutting measures [8][9] - UPS plans to reduce its workforce by 20,000, approximately 4% of its global workforce, and shut down 73 facilities to streamline operations [10] - The company has agreed to reduce its business with Amazon by over 50% by June 2026, as Amazon was not its most profitable customer [12] - UPS announced a 0.6% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.64 per share, but concerns about the sustainability of this dividend arise due to an elevated payout ratio of 84% [13] - UPS's long-term debt burden was $19.5 billion at the end of Q1 2025, with a long-term debt-to-capitalization ratio of 55.4%, higher than the industry average [14] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, UPS shares have declined by 18.8%, while FDX shares have decreased by 15.2%, indicating better performance for FDX [16] - In terms of valuation, UPS has a forward P/E ratio of 13.66, compared to FDX's 12.76, suggesting that UPS is more expensive relative to its earnings [19] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 4.2% decline in UPS's 2025 sales and a 9.2% drop in earnings, while FDX is expected to see a 1.6% increase in revenues and a 1.3% growth in earnings for fiscal 2026 [23][24] - FDX is projected to have a higher earnings growth rate of 10.4% over the next five years compared to UPS's 7.4% [26] - Overall, FDX appears to be a more attractive investment option than UPS based on valuation, price performance, and financial leverage [26]
UPS Trades at Premium Valuation: Should Investors Buy the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-06-26 16:16
Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) is currently viewed as relatively overvalued, trading at a forward 12-month price to earnings (P/E) of 13.15X, which exceeds the industry average of 12.72X and is higher than rival FedEx Corporation (FDX) [1][10]. Financial Performance - UPS has maintained or increased its dividend each year since going public in 1999, currently offering a dividend yield of 6.6%, surpassing the industry average of 4.8% [5][6]. - The company has increased its dividend five times in the past five years, indicating strong year-over-year dividend growth potential [6]. - UPS's board approved a $5 billion share repurchase program in 2023, with $500 million worth of shares bought in 2024 and $1 billion in the first quarter of 2025 [7]. - UPS generated $6.3 billion in free cash flow in 2024, with $1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 [8]. Market Conditions - UPS is facing revenue weakness due to geopolitical uncertainty and high inflation, which negatively impact consumer sentiment and growth expectations [12]. - The decline in online sales in the U.S. and soft global manufacturing activity are contributing to reduced package shipment volumes [13]. - Labor costs are high due to agreements with the Teamsters union, which limits bottom-line growth [13]. - UPS anticipates a second-quarter adjusted operating margin of 9.3% and revenues of $21 billion, with a projected 9% decline in average daily volume for the U.S. Domestic segment [14]. Stock Performance - Year-to-date, UPS shares have underperformed, declining 26.8%, compared to a 24% drop in the industry and a 3.9% decline in rival GXO Logistics [15][18]. - Over the past 60 days, earnings estimates for UPS's second and third quarters of 2025 have decreased, indicating a negative trend in earnings expectations [19][20].
FedEx (FDX) Q4 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-06-24 22:25
分组1 - FedEx reported quarterly earnings of $6.07 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.93 per share, and up from $5.41 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +2.36% [1] - The company posted revenues of $22.22 billion for the quarter ended May 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.24%, compared to year-ago revenues of $22.11 billion [2] - FedEx has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times over the last four quarters and has topped consensus revenue estimates two times as well [2] 分组2 - The stock has underperformed the market, losing about 18.5% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 2.4% [3] - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for investors, as it includes current consensus earnings expectations for upcoming quarters and any recent changes to those expectations [4] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $4.05 on revenues of $21.63 billion, and $19.60 on revenues of $89.41 billion for the current fiscal year [7] 分组3 - The Zacks Industry Rank indicates that the Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo sector is currently in the top 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for stocks in this sector [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5] - The estimate revisions trend for FedEx was mixed ahead of the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6]
GXO Logistics (GXO) Soars 12.1%: Is Further Upside Left in the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-06-23 08:15
Company Overview - GXO Logistics (GXO) shares increased by 12.1% to close at $47.97, with notable trading volume compared to typical sessions, and a 5.8% gain over the past four weeks [1] - The company appointed Patrick Kelleher as the new CEO, who has 33 years of global supply chain experience, previously working with DHL Supply Chain [2] Financial Performance - GXO is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.50 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 9.1%, while revenues are projected to be $3.08 billion, an increase of 8.1% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for GXO has been revised slightly higher in the last 30 days, indicating a potential for price appreciation [4] Industry Context - GXO operates within the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry, where FedEx (FDX) also operates, closing 1.2% higher at $226.04, with a 2.1% return over the past month [4] - FedEx's consensus EPS estimate has decreased by 1.3% to $5.94, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.8%, and currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [5]
Buy, Hold or Sell FedEx Stock? Key Tips Ahead of Q4 Earnings
ZACKS· 2025-06-19 14:36
Core Viewpoint - FedEx Corporation (FDX) is expected to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on June 24, 2025, with earnings estimated at $5.94 per share, reflecting a 9.8% increase year-over-year, while revenues are projected at $21.7 billion, indicating a 1.9% decline from the previous year [1][2][8]. Earnings Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FDX's fourth-quarter earnings has been revised downward by 1.5% in the past 60 days [2]. - FDX has a mixed earnings surprise history, with an average surprise of -5.79% across recent quarters [3][4]. Revenue and Demand Factors - Average daily shipments are expected to be negatively impacted by weak demand, adverse weather conditions, and recession fears due to tariff-related tensions [5]. - The Express unit, FDX's largest segment, is projected to see a revenue decline of 3.2% compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 [6][8]. Cost Management Initiatives - Cost-reduction initiatives under the DRIVE program are anticipated to lower salary and operating expenses by 2.1% and 4.4%, respectively, compared to the previous year [7][8]. - The DRIVE program aims for $4 billion in cost savings by fiscal 2025 through improved efficiencies and technology-focused consolidation [16]. Stock Performance and Valuation - FDX shares have declined 17.1% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, slightly underperforming the Zacks Transportation—Air Freight and Cargo industry's decline of 16.9% [11]. - FDX is trading at a discount based on forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) compared to the industry average and UPS, with a Value Score of B [13]. Shareholder Returns - In June 2025, FedEx raised its quarterly dividend by 5.1% to $1.45 per share, indicating a commitment to rewarding shareholders despite current challenges [17]. Long-term Outlook - The company has a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.7%, which is higher than the industry's 9.1%, suggesting strong potential despite current market uncertainties [18].
Should You Buy FDX Stock Now After Recent Dividend Hike?
ZACKS· 2025-06-17 15:51
Core Insights - FedEx Corporation has announced a 5.1% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to $1.45 per share, marking the fifth consecutive year of dividend hikes [1][9] - The company has executed $2.52 billion in share repurchases in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, surpassing the total for the entire fiscal year 2024 [5][9] - FedEx's stock is currently trading at a low price/sales ratio of 0.6, indicating potential undervaluation compared to the sector average of 0.96 [7][8] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - The quarterly dividend will be paid on July 8, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 23, 2025 [2] - Dividends have increased significantly from $793 million in 2022 to $1.26 billion in 2024, with $1.01 billion already distributed in the first three quarters of fiscal 2025 [3] Capital Allocation Strategy - FedEx's aggressive capital allocation strategy aims to enhance shareholder returns through both dividends and share repurchases [3][5] - The company’s buyback program suggests management views its stock as undervalued and aims to improve per-share metrics [5] Market Position and Performance - The recent multi-year delivery deal with Amazon is expected to provide a significant boost to FedEx's domestic market presence and operational efficiency [10][11] - Despite the positive impact of the Amazon deal, FedEx shares have faced declines, although they have outperformed rival UPS over the past year [12] Financial Outlook and Challenges - FedEx is experiencing weak EPS forecasts and rising costs due to macroeconomic pressures, which are affecting its Freight segment [9][15] - The company has issued a lackluster revenue forecast for fiscal 2025, projecting flat or slightly declining revenues year over year [16] - Operating expenses increased by 2% year-over-year in Q3 fiscal 2025, driven by a 57% rise in business optimization costs [17] Investor Sentiment - Analysts have revised earnings estimates downward due to ongoing challenges, leading to negative sentiment surrounding FedEx stock [19][20] - The combination of weak current performance and uncertain future prospects raises concerns for potential investors [20]
How to Play UPS Stock Now as Signs of Easing Trade Tensions Emerge
ZACKS· 2025-05-14 15:45
Core Viewpoint - The recent temporary reduction of tariffs between the United States and China has raised hopes for easing global trade tensions, which is beneficial for United Parcel Service (UPS) [1] Financial Performance - UPS reported Q1 2025 earnings of $1.49 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44, marking a 4.2% year-over-year improvement [3] - Revenues for Q1 2025 reached $21.5 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.1 billion, but showed a 0.7% decline year-over-year [3] - U.S. Domestic Package revenues slightly increased to $14.46 billion despite a decline in volume, while International Package revenues rose 2.7% year-over-year to $4.37 billion due to a 7.1% increase in average daily volume [4] - Supply Chain Solutions revenues fell 14.8% year-over-year to $2.71 billion, primarily due to the divestiture of Coyote Logistics [4] Future Guidance - UPS anticipates a second-quarter adjusted operating margin of approximately 9.3% and revenues around $21 billion [5] - The effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 23-23.5% [5] - Average daily volume for the U.S. Domestic segment is projected to decline by 9% in the June quarter, with International Package revenues expected to decrease roughly 2% year-over-year [5] Market Challenges - UPS faces revenue weakness due to geopolitical uncertainty and high inflation, negatively impacting consumer sentiment and growth expectations [7] - A slowdown in online sales and soft global manufacturing activity further complicate the situation [8] - High labor costs from agreements with the Teamsters union and rising capital expenses are expected to limit profit margins [8] - UPS shares have underperformed compared to the Zacks Transportation—Air Freight and Cargo industry, with a year-to-date decline of 32.6%, which is steeper than the industry's 25.5% drop [12] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UPS' second-quarter and third-quarter 2025 earnings, as well as full-year 2025 and 2026 earnings, has decreased over the past 60 days [13] - The current estimate for Q2 2025 earnings is $1.67, down from $1.84 30 days ago, reflecting a downward trend in earnings revisions [14] Valuation - UPS is trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 0.97X, slightly lower than the industry's 0.98X, indicating it may be undervalued compared to peers [14]
UPS Q1 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
ZACKS· 2025-04-29 19:05
Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.49 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 and showing a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [1] - Revenues for the quarter were $21.5 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21.1 billion but reflecting a 0.7% decline year over year [1] Financial Performance - U.S. Domestic Package revenues reached $14.46 billion, a 1.4% year-over-year increase, driven by air cargo growth and a 4.5% rise in revenue per piece, despite a decline in volume [3] - The segment's operating profit (adjusted) grew 19.3% year over year to $1.01 billion, with an adjusted operating margin of 7% [3] - International Package division revenues totaled $4.37 billion, up 2.7% year over year, supported by a 7.1% increase in average daily volume, although adjusted operating profit fell 4.1% to $654 million, with a 15% operating margin [4] - Supply Chain Solutions revenues decreased 14.8% year over year to $2.71 billion due to the divestiture of Coyote, with adjusted operating profit down 55% to $98 million and an adjusted operating margin of 3.6% [5] - The overall adjusted operating margin for UPS was 8.2% [5] Strategic Outlook - CEO Carol Tomé emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging its integrated network and trade expertise to navigate the dynamic trade environment, while also focusing on cost reduction and network reconfiguration [2] - UPS is not providing updates to its previously issued consolidated full-year outlook due to macroeconomic uncertainties [6] Industry Context - UPS holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a neutral outlook in the current market [8] - The company is positioned to benefit from increased e-commerce, automation, and outsourcing trends, which may enhance its performance [7]
United Parcel Service (UPS) Q1 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-04-29 12:10
Group 1 - UPS reported quarterly earnings of $1.49 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 per share, and showing an increase from $1.43 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 3.47% [1] - The company posted revenues of $21.55 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.30%, although this is a decrease from year-ago revenues of $21.71 billion [2] - UPS has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times over the last four quarters, but has only topped consensus revenue estimates once in the same period [2] Group 2 - The stock has underperformed, losing about 23% since the beginning of the year, compared to a decline of 6% in the S&P 500 [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.84 on revenues of $21.34 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $7.68 on revenues of $87.9 billion [7] - The Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry, to which UPS belongs, is currently ranked in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook compared to the bottom 50% [8]