United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) Announces Earnings Results

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The transportation company reported $1.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 37.78% and a net margin of 4.84%. The business had revenue of $22.85 billion during the quarter.

United Parcel Service Trading Up 4.7%

NYSE UPS traded up $5.12 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $114.29. 7,873,827 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,621,632. The stock has a market cap of $97.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.97 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.24 and a quick ratio of 1.18. United Parcel Service has a one year low of $90.84 and a one year high of $122.41. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $99.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $104.66.

Key Stories Impacting United Parcel Service

Here are the key news stories impacting United Parcel Service this week:

• Positive Sentiment: UPS reported quarterly earnings of $1.69 per share on $22.85 billion in revenue. Recent coverage attributes the stock’s gains to profit growth and cost savings, and says the company beat estimates and raised its full-year outlook for a second consecutive quarter. UPS quarterly results UPS stock outlook
• Positive Sentiment: Margin improvement could provide a further earnings catalyst: UPS has completed a voluntary reduction in Amazon delivery volumes, met its U.S. domestic package margin target in the third quarter, and expects sequential improvement in the fourth quarter, with further gains projected over the coming years. UPS margin outlook
• Neutral Sentiment: UPS has kept its $1.64 dividend unchanged for seven quarters. That consistency may appeal to income investors, but the reported high share of free cash flow going to dividends leaves less room for flexibility. UPS dividend coverage
• Negative Sentiment: Weak package volumes remain a near-term risk, and separate coverage says UPS’s $5.4 billion dividend bill exceeded free cash flow, raising questions about how comfortably the payout is supported. The articles flag a concern, not a confirmed dividend cut. UPS dividend risk

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings raised United Parcel Service from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Monday, August 17th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of United Parcel Service from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Saturday. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $128.00 to $132.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 29th. Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $117.00 to $119.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 28th. Finally, Evercore lifted their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $117.00 to $118.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $118.45.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Matthew Guffey sold 8,318 shares of United Parcel Service stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.39, for a total value of $876,634.02. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 271 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $28,560.69. This trade represents a 96.84% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.19% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Parcel Service

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA grew its holdings in United Parcel Service by 2.1% during the third quarter. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA now owns 312,924 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $29,240,000 after purchasing an additional 6,289 shares during the period. Leelyn Smith LLC increased its position in United Parcel Service by 2.8% in the third quarter. Leelyn Smith LLC now owns 29,829 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $2,787,000 after buying an additional 803 shares in the last quarter. Verus Capital Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 22.8% in the third quarter. Verus Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,437 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $321,000 after buying an additional 639 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 10.2% in the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 115,000 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $11,050,000 after buying an additional 10,633 shares during the period. Finally, Cowa LLC lifted its position in shares of United Parcel Service by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter. Cowa LLC now owns 26,466 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $2,473,000 after buying an additional 2,820 shares in the last quarter. 60.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

United Parcel Service Company Profile

United Parcel Service, Inc (NYSE: UPS) is a global package delivery and logistics company. Its services include the transportation and delivery of packages and freight, time-definite express delivery, supply chain management, customs brokerage, and logistics consulting. UPS serves businesses and consumers through ground, air, and international delivery networks.

The company operates across the United States and in international markets throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Canada, and other regions.