United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) Trading 0.6% Higher After Better-Than-Expected Earnings

Shares of United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) rose 0.6% during mid-day trading on Friday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The company traded as high as $140.33 and last traded at $139.17. Approximately 1,214,618 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 71% from the average daily volume of 4,203,362 shares. The stock had previously closed at $138.35.

The transportation company reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $22.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $22.10 billion. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 35.27% and a net margin of 5.87%. United Parcel Service’s quarterly revenue was up 5.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.57 EPS.

United Parcel Service Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th were given a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.74%. United Parcel Service’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.36%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on UPS shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of United Parcel Service from $134.00 to $142.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Barclays restated an “underweight” rating and set a $120.00 price target on shares of United Parcel Service in a research report on Monday, October 21st. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on United Parcel Service from $169.00 to $155.00 and set a “market perform” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Stephens reduced their target price on United Parcel Service from $168.00 to $140.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on United Parcel Service in a research note on Wednesday, October 9th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $162.00 price target on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $151.43.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Parcel Service

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of UPS. TruNorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in United Parcel Service during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Stephens Consulting LLC boosted its holdings in United Parcel Service by 869.6% in the first quarter. Stephens Consulting LLC now owns 223 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new position in United Parcel Service during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. Centerpoint Advisors LLC increased its holdings in United Parcel Service by 291.7% during the 2nd quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 235 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares during the period. Finally, Tortoise Investment Management LLC raised its position in United Parcel Service by 168.5% in the 2nd quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 247 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 60.26% of the company’s stock.

United Parcel Service Stock Down 0.6 %

The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $130.73 and a 200-day moving average price of $136.17. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18. The firm has a market cap of $117.75 billion, a PE ratio of 22.42, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.99.

United Parcel Service Company 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.