Thursday, February 20, 2014

United Parcel Service (UPS) 2014 Review


United Parcel Service (UPS) is the world’s largest integrated air and ground package delivery service, operating in over 200 countries. The company also offers specialized transportation and logistics services. UPS had grown its dividends and profits at a 7-11% pace in the last ten years earning a 20%+ return on equity.  UPS should be able to generate above earnings growth as a result of:

(1) new, innovative delivery solutions,

(2) price increases,

(3) its continued investment in technology and service enhancements,

(4) its effort to raise its health care distribution business which is expected to grow at a well above average pace,

(5) an ongoing share repurchase program.

Negatives:

(1) it is in a highly competitive industry,

(2) approximately 60% of its work force in unionized subjecting it to the risks of work stoppages and slowdowns,

(3) its international exposure increases the risks of economic difficulty from both the EU and the more volatile emerging markets,

(4) rising pension and healthcare costs.

UPS is rated A by Value Line, has a 75% debt to equity ratio and its stock currently yields about 2.5%.

   Statistical Summary

                  Stock      Dividend         Payout      # Increases  
                  Yield      Growth Rate     Ratio       Since 2004

UPS           2.5%          8%               50%              10
Ind Ave      1.2             12                 21                 NA 

                Debt/                        EPS Down       Net        Value Line
                Equity         ROE      Since 2004      Margin       Rating

UPS           75%           41%           2                 9%            A
Ind Ave      53              13            NA                7             NA

*many companies in UPS industry do not pay dividends

     Chart

            Note: UPS stock made great progress off its March 2009 low, quickly surpassing the downtrend off its October 2007 high (straight red line) and the November 2008 trading high (green line).  Long term, it is in an uptrend (blue lines).  Intermediate term, it is in an uptrend (purple lines).  Short term, it is in an uptrend (brown line).  The wiggly red line is the 50 day moving average.  The Dividend Growth Portfolio owns a 75% position in UPS.  The upper boundary of its Buy Value Range is $71; the lower boundary of its Sell Half Range is $96.




02/14

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