Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service (UPS) is expected to report a decline in both earnings and revenues for the first quarter of 2025, with earnings estimated at $1.42 per share, a 0.7% decrease from the previous year, and revenues projected at $21.06 billion, indicating a 3% decline from the same quarter last year [1][2]. Earnings and Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UPS's earnings is $1.42 per share, reflecting a downward revision of seven cents over the past 60 days [1]. - Revenue estimates stand at $21.06 billion, which is a 3% decline compared to the year-ago quarter [2]. Earnings Surprise History - UPS has a history of earnings surprises, with an average surprise of 3.43% across the last four quarters [3]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current Earnings ESP for UPS is -4.08%, indicating a lower likelihood of an earnings beat this quarter [5][6]. - UPS holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a bearish outlook [6]. Factors Influencing Q1 Results - Geopolitical uncertainties and high inflation are expected to negatively impact shipping volumes [7]. - Labor costs are anticipated to be high, while low fuel costs may provide some relief, with a projected 5.1% decrease in fuel expenses compared to Q1 2024 [8]. Stock Performance - UPS stock has declined by 32.9% over the past year, underperforming its industry, which saw a 29.7% decline, while the S&P 500 rose by 7% [10]. Valuation Metrics - UPS is trading at a forward sales multiple of 0.96, which is higher than its industry peers, indicating a stretched valuation [13]. Investment Thesis - A decline in shipping demand is expected, with average daily volumes projected to decrease by 8.5% in 2025 compared to 2024 [16]. - Recent easing signals in the U.S.-China trade tensions may provide some optimism, but concerns over dividend sustainability amid demand weakness remain [18]. Long-term Outlook - Despite near-term challenges, UPS's strong brand and network position it as a compelling long-term investment in the transportation sector [19].

Company Overview - Veho is a logistics and technology company operating one of the largest parcel delivery platforms in the U.S. [1] - The company aims to transform shipping from a cost center into a value driver by leveraging purpose-built technology and a scalable delivery network [4]. Leadership Addition - Alex Estevez, a veteran finance executive with over 25 years of experience in scaling technology businesses, has joined Veho's Board [2][3]. - Estevez has held key financial leadership roles at notable companies such as Atlassian, Datastream Systems, and BigFix, and has been an advisor to various tech firms [2]. Strategic Vision - Veho's co-founder and CEO, Itamar Zur, emphasized that Estevez's financial expertise will be crucial as the company aims to become the delivery platform partner of choice for leading brands [3]. - Estevez highlighted the importance of operational discipline and financial control in executing Veho's strategy, which is centered on customer-centric operational excellence [3]. Performance Metrics - Veho boasts impressive operational metrics, including a 99% on-time delivery rate, a customer satisfaction score of 4.9/5, 71% fewer delivery-related refunds, and a 41% increase in customer lifetime value [4]. - The company currently serves over 113 million Americans across 50 markets and continues to grow [4].

Core Viewpoint - FedEx has revised its full-year profit and revenue guidance downward, indicating ongoing struggles in its recovery and raising concerns for both the company and the broader U.S. economy [1][3]. Financial Performance - FedEx now expects adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2025 to be between $18 and $18.60, down from a previous range of $19 to $20 and significantly below the original target of $20 to $22 [2]. - Revenue for the year ending in May is expected to be flat or slightly down year over year, a downgrade from earlier forecasts that anticipated flat revenue [2][10]. - In the fiscal third quarter, adjusted earnings were reported at $4.51 per share, an increase from $3.86 in the same quarter last year, although it fell slightly below analysts' expectations [8]. Economic Context - The company is facing challenges due to continued weakness in the U.S. industrial economy, which is impacting demand for its business-to-business services [4][10]. - The industrial economy is crucial for FedEx's high-volume shipments, but it has been struggling while e-commerce demand, which is lower-margin, continues to dominate [5][10]. - External factors such as proposed tariffs and fears of a trade war are adding to the uncertainty, potentially affecting U.S. manufacturers and shipping demand [7][10]. Strategic Initiatives - FedEx is actively pursuing a stock buyback program, having repurchased $500 million worth of shares in the latest quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to $2.5 billion, signaling management's confidence in its long-term transformation plan [9]. - The company aims to achieve permanent cost reductions of $2.2 billion in fiscal 2025 to bolster profitability in the coming years [10]. Market Implications - FedEx's struggles may serve as a bellwether for the overall U.S. economy, with its performance potentially indicating broader economic trends [11].