RNC Capital Management LLC Purchases 30,196 Shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS)

RNC Capital Management LLC grew its position in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) by 10.5% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 318,713 shares of the transportation company’s stock after acquiring an additional 30,196 shares during the period. United Parcel Service accounts for approximately 3.0% of RNC Capital Management LLC’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position. RNC Capital Management LLC’s holdings in United Parcel Service were worth $50,111,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. ARK Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in United Parcel Service by 11.5% in the fourth quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 13,323 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $2,095,000 after purchasing an additional 1,369 shares during the period. Monarch Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in United Parcel Service by 9.6% during the 4th quarter. Monarch Capital Management Inc. now owns 18,662 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $2,934,000 after acquiring an additional 1,642 shares during the period. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in United Parcel Service by 8.5% during the 4th quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,483 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $1,177,000 after acquiring an additional 586 shares during the period. Vision Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in United Parcel Service by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Vision Capital Management Inc. now owns 30,101 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $4,733,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares during the period. Finally, Keystone Wealth Services LLC acquired a new stake in United Parcel Service during the 4th quarter worth about $201,000. 60.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

United Parcel Service Price Performance

United Parcel Service stock opened at $147.33 on Thursday. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 52 week low of $133.68 and a 52 week high of $197.80. The company’s 50 day moving average price is $150.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $152.28. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09. The stock has a market cap of $125.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.91, a P/E/G ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.05.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The transportation company reported $2.47 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.01. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 7.37% and a return on equity of 39.46%. The firm had revenue of $24.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $25.40 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.62 EPS. The company’s quarterly revenue was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 8.29 earnings per share for the current year.

United Parcel Service Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, March 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th were given a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 16th. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.43%. This is a boost from United Parcel Service’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.62. United Parcel Service’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 83.70%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on United Parcel Service from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Evercore ISI reiterated an “in-line” rating and set a $154.00 price target on shares of United Parcel Service in a report on Wednesday. Barclays decreased their price target on United Parcel Service from $150.00 to $145.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on United Parcel Service from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on United Parcel Service from $165.00 to $156.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have issued a hold rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $166.81.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Eva C. Boratto purchased 1,400 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were bought at an average price of $142.30 per share, with a total value of $199,220.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 1,400 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $199,220. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

United Parcel Service Profile

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.