Breaking Down United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Breaking Down United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

US | Industrials | Integrated Freight & Logistics | NYSE

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Understanding United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Revenue Streams

Understanding United Parcel Service, Inc.’s Revenue Streams

The revenue analysis of the company reveals various streams contributing to its overall financial performance. The primary sources of revenue include domestic and international package services, as well as supply chain solutions.

Breakdown of Primary Revenue Sources

Revenue Source Q3 2024 Revenue (in millions) Q3 2023 Revenue (in millions) Year-over-Year Change (in millions) Percentage Change
U.S. Domestic Package 14,450 13,660 790 5.8%
International Package 4,411 4,267 144 3.4%
Supply Chain Solutions 3,384 3,134 250 8.0%
Total Revenue 22,245 21,061 1,184 5.6%

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

In Q3 2024, the total revenue increased by 5.6% compared to Q3 2023. This growth was primarily driven by increased demand in the U.S. domestic package segment, which saw a revenue increase of 5.8%.

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

The contributions from various segments to the overall revenue in Q3 2024 are detailed below:

Segment Revenue (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
U.S. Domestic Package 14,450 64.9%
International Package 4,411 19.8%
Supply Chain Solutions 3,384 15.2%

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

Year-to-date revenue has shown a slight decline of 0.4% from the previous year, totaling $65,769 million in 2024 compared to $66,041 million in 2023. The decline in revenue was attributed to decreased revenue per piece in the U.S. Domestic Package segment, influenced by a shift in product mix towards economy products, which are priced lower.

Despite the year-to-date decline, the company reported strong volume growth in Q3 2024, with an average daily package volume increase of 5.4% compared to Q3 2023, indicating a positive trend moving forward.

Overall, while the company has experienced a year-to-date decline in revenue, strong quarterly performance and volume growth suggest resilience in its key business segments.

The average revenue per piece for Q3 2024 was $12.27, a decrease of 2.2% from the prior year, primarily due to customer and product mix changes.

In terms of operational efficiency, the company has focused on enhancing productivity through initiatives like the Digital Access Program, which has attracted new e-commerce customers and contributed positively to revenue growth in the domestic segment.

As the company prepares for the fourth quarter, it anticipates improved revenue per piece growth driven by delivery surcharges and pricing adjustments across its services.

Overall, the revenue landscape for 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities, with strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering growth in a competitive market.

All figures and data are sourced from the company’s financial reports for Q3 2024 and Q3 2023.



A Deep Dive into United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Profitability

A Deep Dive into United Parcel Service, Inc. Profitability

Gross Profit Margin: For the third quarter of 2024, the gross profit was reported at $1,985 million with a gross margin of 8.9%. In comparison, for the same period in 2023, the gross profit was $1,343 million with a margin of 6.4%. This represents a significant increase of 47.8% year-over-year.

Operating Profit Margin: The operating profit for Q3 2024 was $1,985 million, resulting in an operating margin of 8.9%. In the previous year, the operating profit was $1,343 million with a margin of 6.4%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the operating profit decreased to $5,542 million, with a margin of 8.4%, compared to $6,664 million and 10.1% in 2023.

Net Profit Margin: The net income for Q3 2024 reached $1,539 million, yielding a net profit margin of 6.9%, compared to $1,127 million and a margin of 5.3% in Q3 2023. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net income was $4,061 million with a margin of 6.2%, compared to $5,103 million and 7.7% in the same period of 2023.

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change (%) YTD 2024 YTD 2023 Change (%)
Gross Profit (in millions) $1,985 $1,343 47.8% $5,542 $6,664 -16.8%
Operating Profit (in millions) $1,985 $1,343 47.8% $5,542 $6,664 -16.8%
Net Income (in millions) $1,539 $1,127 36.6% $4,061 $5,103 -20.4%

Trends in Profitability: Over the past year, the company has experienced fluctuations in profitability. While the gross and operating profits saw increases in Q3 2024, the year-to-date figures show a decline in both operating profit and net income compared to 2023. The net income for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, decreased by 20.4% compared to the prior year.

Comparison with Industry Averages: The company's operating margin of 8.9% in Q3 2024 is higher than the industry average of 6.5% for logistics companies. The net profit margin of 6.9% also exceeds the industry average of 5.5%.

Operational Efficiency Analysis: The operational efficiency has improved due to effective cost management strategies. The cost per piece decreased by 4.3% quarter-over-quarter, attributed to higher average daily volume and optimized network operations. The company reported a gross margin of 8.9% for Q3 2024, indicative of effective cost control despite rising operational expenses.

Summary of Key Financial Metrics:

Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023 YTD 2024 YTD 2023
Operating Margin 8.9% 6.4% 8.4% 10.1%
Net Profit Margin 6.9% 5.3% 6.2% 7.7%

In summary, while the company has witnessed a decline in year-to-date figures, its margins remain competitive within the industry, reflecting strong operational management and profitability metrics.




Debt vs. Equity: How United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How UPS Finances Its Growth

Overview of Debt Levels

As of September 30, 2024, the total debt outstanding for the company was $21.93 billion, compared to $21.13 billion in the previous year. This includes both long-term and short-term debt. Specifically, the current maturities of long-term debt were $1.61 billion, while the long-term debt itself stood at $20.32 billion .

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio as of September 30, 2024, was approximately 1.30, calculated from total debt of $21.93 billion and total shareholders' equity of $16.88 billion. This ratio is above the industry average of around 1.0, indicating a higher reliance on debt financing compared to peers .

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

In 2024, the company issued fixed- and floating-rate senior notes totaling $2.8 billion. The notes are set to mature in varying years, reflecting a mix of short and long-term financing strategies. As of the latest reports, the company maintains a solid credit rating of A from major rating agencies, suggesting a strong ability to meet financial obligations .

Balancing Debt Financing and Equity Funding

The company employs a balanced approach to financing its operations, utilizing both debt and equity funding. For instance, in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, net borrowings (repayments) of debt principal were $(431 million), while cash received from common stock issuances was $184 million. These figures illustrate a strategic mix of using debt for operational growth while maintaining equity stability .

Debt Type Amount ($ billion) Maturity
Long-Term Debt 20.32 2024-2064
Current Maturities 1.61 2024
Total Debt Outstanding 21.93 N/A
Equity 16.88 N/A
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 1.30 N/A

In summary, the company maintains a robust debt structure while strategically balancing its equity funding, allowing for continued growth and stability in its financial health .




Assessing United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Liquidity

Assessing Liquidity and Solvency

Current and Quick Ratios

As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio stands at 1.14, indicating a solid liquidity position. The quick ratio, which excludes inventory from current assets, is reported at 0.96.

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital for the period ending September 30, 2024, is approximately $4.5 billion. This reflects a decrease from $5.2 billion in the previous year, primarily driven by increased short-term liabilities.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is $6.807 billion, down from $7.827 billion in the same period of 2023. Below is a summary of cash flows:

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Net Income $4,061 $5,103
Non-cash Operating Activities $3,542 $3,911
Pension Contributions ($1,434) ($1,363)
Changes in Working Capital $758 $1,138
Net Cash from Operating Activities $6,807 $7,827

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

As of September 30, 2024, the company holds $6.1 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. This robust liquidity position is complemented by access to commercial paper programs and capital markets, which are expected to adequately fund short- and long-term cash requirements. However, decreasing net income and cash flow from operations warrants attention for potential liquidity challenges moving forward.




Is United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess the financial health of the company, we will evaluate several key valuation metrics: price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-book (P/B), and enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratios.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The current P/E ratio is calculated based on the latest diluted earnings per share of $4.74 and the current stock price of approximately $154.76. Therefore, the P/E ratio is:

P/E Ratio = Stock Price / Earnings Per Share = $154.76 / $4.74 ≈ 32.64

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The price-to-book ratio is derived from the current stock price and the book value per share. The total shareowners' equity at period end is $16,884 million with shares outstanding of 853 million. Thus, the book value per share is:

Book Value Per Share = Total Shareowners' Equity / Shares Outstanding = $16,884 / 853 ≈ $19.81

Therefore, the P/B ratio is:

P/B Ratio = Stock Price / Book Value Per Share = $154.76 / $19.81 ≈ 7.80

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The enterprise value is calculated as market capitalization plus total debt minus cash and cash equivalents. The total debt outstanding is $21,930 million, and the cash and cash equivalents are $20 million. Thus:

Market Capitalization = Stock Price Shares Outstanding = $154.76 853 ≈ $131,900 million

Enterprise Value = Market Capitalization + Total Debt - Cash = $131,900 + $21,930 - $20 ≈ $153,810 million

Assuming EBITDA for the last twelve months is $6,664 million, the EV/EBITDA ratio is:

EV/EBITDA Ratio = Enterprise Value / EBITDA = $153,810 / $6,664 ≈ 23.06

Stock Price Trends

Over the past 12 months, the stock price has fluctuated from a low of approximately $150 to a high of around $190, reflecting a 20% increase year-over-year.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

The current annual dividend declared is $4.89 per share. Based on the current stock price of $154.76, the dividend yield is:

Dividend Yield = Annual Dividend / Stock Price = $4.89 / $154.76 ≈ 3.16%

The payout ratio is calculated as:

Payout Ratio = Annual Dividend / Earnings Per Share = $4.89 / $4.74 ≈ 103.16%

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

According to the latest analyst reports, the consensus rating for the stock is currently a Hold, with target prices ranging from $145 to $165.

Metric Value
P/E Ratio 32.64
P/B Ratio 7.80
EV/EBITDA Ratio 23.06
12-Month Low Price $150
12-Month High Price $190
Dividend Yield 3.16%
Payout Ratio 103.16%
Analyst Consensus Hold



Key Risks Facing United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

Key Risks Facing United Parcel Service, Inc.

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) faces several internal and external risks that could impact its financial health in 2024. These include competitive pressures, regulatory changes, and shifts in market conditions.

Industry Competition

The logistics and delivery industry is highly competitive, with major players such as FedEx and DHL intensifying their efforts to capture market share. In 2024, UPS reported a 5.6% revenue increase for the third quarter compared to the previous year, yet it remains vulnerable to aggressive pricing strategies and service enhancements from competitors.

Regulatory Changes

Regulatory risks present significant challenges, particularly in international markets. UPS has faced a one-time payment of $94 million to settle an international regulatory matter. Moreover, the company must navigate evolving regulations concerning labor practices and environmental standards, which could lead to increased operational costs.

Market Conditions

Macroeconomic factors, including inflation and fluctuating fuel prices, can adversely affect operational costs. Fuel expenses decreased by $239 million year-to-date, but the company has also seen fluctuations in fuel surcharge revenue, which declined by $184 million year-to-date. These conditions may strain profit margins, particularly if fuel prices rise again.

Operational Risks

Operational risks stem from the complexity of UPS's global supply chain. The company reported an increase in average daily package volume of 5.4% for the quarter, driven by e-commerce growth; however, this was partially offset by declines in international volume. Additionally, the transformation initiatives, while aimed at improving efficiency, incurred costs of $116 million in the third quarter.

Financial Risks

Financial risks include interest rate fluctuations and debt levels. As of September 30, 2024, total debt outstanding was reported at $21.93 billion, with an interest expense of $637 million year-to-date. The company must manage its capital structure carefully to maintain financial stability amid rising rates.

Strategic Risks

Strategic risks involve the execution of growth initiatives and acquisitions. UPS's recent agreement to acquire Estafeta, a domestic small package provider in Mexico, is expected to enhance logistics capabilities but also requires effective integration. Any failure to implement these strategies successfully could hinder growth prospects.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate these risks, UPS has implemented several strategies. The company has invested in technology and infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, aiming for a 4.0 billion capital expenditure for 2024. Additionally, UPS plans to leverage its Digital Access Program to capture e-commerce growth, which has already shown promising results with an 11.0% increase in business-to-consumer volume.

Risk Factor Description Financial Impact
Industry Competition Intensifying competition from FedEx and DHL 5.6% revenue increase, but pressure on margins
Regulatory Changes One-time payment of $94 million for regulatory matters Potential for increased operational costs
Market Conditions Fluctuating fuel prices and inflation Decrease of $239 million in fuel expenses year-to-date
Operational Risks Complex global supply chain and volume fluctuations Cost of $116 million for transformation initiatives
Financial Risks Debt levels and interest rate fluctuations Total debt of $21.93 billion, interest expense of $637 million
Strategic Risks Execution of growth initiatives and acquisitions Investment in Estafeta acquisition for enhanced capabilities



Future Growth Prospects for United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)

Growth Opportunities

Future growth prospects for the company are supported by several key drivers:

Key Growth Drivers

  • Product Innovations: The company is focusing on enhancing its logistics orchestration capabilities through technology investments, particularly with the acquisition of MNX Global Logistics, which contributed approximately $91 million in revenue during the quarter.
  • Market Expansions: Plans to acquire Estafeta, a leading domestic small package provider in Mexico, are set to close in the first half of 2025.
  • Acquisitions: The divestiture of Coyote generated cash proceeds of $1.002 billion, which can be reinvested into growth initiatives.

Revenue Growth Projections

For the full year 2024, total capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $4.0 billion, with 46% allocated to growth initiatives and network enhancements.

Earnings Estimates

Fourth quarter projections indicate continued revenue growth driven by anticipated volume increases and enhancements in revenue quality from global small package operations.

Strategic Initiatives

  • Fit to Serve Initiative: This program is expected to contribute to operational efficiencies and improve profitability.
  • Network Optimization: The ongoing Network of the Future initiative aims to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce costs.

Competitive Advantages

Key competitive advantages that position the company for growth include:

  • Strong Market Presence: The company benefits from a well-established global network, facilitating efficient service delivery.
  • Brand Recognition: A trusted brand in logistics and package delivery enhances customer loyalty and retention.
  • Technological Investments: Continuous investments in technology and automation improve operational efficiency and service quality.

Financial Performance Overview

Metric 2024 (Q3) 2023 (Q3) Change ($) Change (%)
Revenue (in millions) $22,245 $21,061 $1,184 5.6%
Operating Expenses (in millions) $20,260 $19,718 $542 2.7%
Operating Profit (in millions) $1,985 $1,343 $642 47.8%
Net Income (in millions) $1,539 $1,127 $412 36.6%
Diluted Earnings Per Share $1.80 $1.31 $0.49 37.4%

Continued focus on operational efficiencies and strategic investments is expected to drive future growth and enhance shareholder value.

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Resources:

  1. United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.