Group 1 - United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) is considered one of the best beaten down stocks to buy according to hedge funds, despite a price target reduction from $92 to $86 by Stephens analyst Reed Seay, who maintains an "Equal Weight" rating [1] - The company is winding down its volumes from Amazon, which is expected to continue to pressure small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and B2B customers due to macroeconomic headwinds [1] - UPS and American Express have announced an expanded agreement to support SMBs, offering exclusive savings on shipping options during the busy holiday season [2] Group 2 - River Road Asset Management's Q4 2024 investor letter indicates that while UPS is acknowledged as a potential investment, certain AI stocks are viewed as having greater upside potential and less downside risk [3] - The investment management company established five new positions and eliminated one position in its portfolio, with a notable increase in the industrials sector [3]

Core Viewpoint - United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) is currently viewed unfavorably by analysts due to concerns over its high dividend yield of 7.76%, which may indicate potential financial instability in the event of an economic slowdown [1] Company Overview - UPS provides a range of services including package and freight delivery through express, ground, and international shipping, as well as logistics, customs brokerage, distribution, and specialized healthcare supply chain solutions [1] Dividend Concerns - The high dividend yield of 7.76% is seen as a red flag, raising concerns that a significant economic slowdown could lead to a dividend cut [1] Competitive Landscape - UPS operates in a duopoly with FedEx, which is considered a trusted brand in the logistics industry [1] Investment Alternatives - While UPS has potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are suggested to offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, particularly in the context of current market trends [1]

Core Insights - FedEx Corporation is a global leader in logistics and transportation, operating the world's largest cargo airline and managing a fleet of over 200,000 vehicles and nearly 700 aircraft, handling over 16 million shipments daily [1][2] Financial Performance - FedEx reported strong fiscal Q1 results on September 18, 2025, with adjusted EPS of $3.83, surpassing estimates of $3.66, marking a 6.4% year-over-year increase [5] - Revenue reached $22.2 billion, exceeding forecasts of $21.9 billion, reflecting a 2.8% growth from the prior year, driven by robust U.S. domestic package volume and pricing strength [5] - Operating income rose 7.4% year-over-year to $1.3 billion, supported by $200 million in transformation savings, while net income increased to $824 million from $794 million a year earlier [6] - The company ended the quarter with $6.2 billion in cash and equivalents, maintaining strong liquidity while repurchasing $500 million in shares and declaring a quarterly dividend of $1.45 per share [6] Future Outlook - FedEx reiterated its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting adjusted EPS between $17.20 and $19.00, alongside projected revenue growth of 4% to 6% [7] - The company expressed confidence in continued cost optimization and pricing power while navigating trade headwinds and investing in network transformation programs [7] Stock Performance - FedEx stock has struggled recently, falling 8.1% over the last five days and 0.3% in the past month, with a year-to-date performance down about 20% and a 52-week loss close to 15% [3] - In contrast, the S&P 500 Index has gained roughly 14% year-to-date, indicating significant underperformance by FedEx [3]