United Parcel Service (UPS) shares are plummeting in Tuesday's session, with the logistics giant heading toward its biggest one-day loss ever, according to MarketWatch. Sparking the selloff in UPS stock is the company's disappointing Q2 earnings results and downwardly revised full-year outlook.
For the three months ended June 30, UPS reported a 1% year-over-year decline in revenue to $21.8 billion, due in part to a 2% decline in its domestic segment. The company's earnings per share (EPS) declined 30% from the year-ago period to $1.79.
"This quarter was a significant turning point for our company as we returned to volume growth in the U.S., the first time in nine quarters," UPS CEO Carol Tomé said in a statement. "As expected, our operating profit declined in the first half of 2024 from what we reported last year. Going forward we expect to return to operating profit growth."
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results came up well short of analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $22.2 billion and earnings of $1.99 per share, according to CNBC.
As a result of its performance in the first half of the year, United Parcel Service updated its full-year outlook. Here's what the company expects to achieve now versus its previous guidance:
| Metric | New outlook | Previous outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Consolidated revenue | Approximately $93 billion | Approximately $92 billion to $94.5 billion |
| Consolidated adjusted operating margin | Approximately 9.4% | Approximately 10% to 10.6% |
| Capital expenditures | Approximately $4 billion | Approximately $4.5 billion |
On a positive note, UPS said it is restarting its stock buyback program and is targeting around $500 million in share repurchases in 2024. Stock buybacks can boost value for shareholders.
Is UPS stock a buy, sell or hold?
Wall Street is bullish on the industrial stock despite underperformance in recent years, including a more than 19% decline on a price basis so far in 2024. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for UPS stock is $161.53, representing implied upside of nearly 30% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
However, it could take time for UPS to find its footing operationally.
"The current overcapacity situation is putting significant pressure on carriers, and one of our experts thinks shippers have renegotiated contract rates with the likes of UPS and FedEx (FDX), reducing rates by 14-17%," Third Bridge analyst Anthony DeRuijter said in an emailed statement. "It could take six quarters before demand catches up to capacity, given the investments made during the pandemic boom era."
Related Content
-
Are You a Retirement Millionaire Too Scared To Spend?If you are too scared to spend money in retirement, you may be saddled with regret. Here are three ways to safely enjoy your sizable retirement nest egg.
-
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social SecurityTreasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
-
Seven Questions to Ask When Evaluating Personal Loan OptionsTaking out a personal loan too hastily could lock you into unfavorable terms with an untrustworthy lender. Ask these questions before signing anything.
-
How Much Does Being Rich Matter in Retirement?After a certain point, having more money in retirement won't make you any happier, new research shows. Instead, physical health, a sense of purpose, and a minimal amount of non-mortgage debt are more relevant.
-
The Three Biggest Fears Keeping Retirees Up at NightHere are the steps you can take to put those fears to rest and retire with confidence so you can relax and enjoy the life you've planned.
-
What Can a Donor-Advised Fund Do for You? (A Lot)DAFs and private foundations go about helping charities (and those who donate) in different ways. Each comes with its own benefits and restrictions to navigate.
-
Estate Planning When You Have International AssetsEstate planning gets tricky when you have assets and/or beneficiaries outside the U.S. To avoid costly inheritance mistakes, it pays to understand the basics.
-
Microsoft Stock: Innovation Spurs Its 100,000% ReturnMicrosoft's ability to recognize the "next big thing" has allowed sales – and its share price – to grow exponentially over the years.
-
Three Essential Estate Planning Steps to Protect Your Nest EggAfter dedicating years to building your wealth and securing your future, make sure your assets are protected and your loved ones are provided for in the future.
-
Is Chasing the American Dream Ruining Your Financial Life?Too many people focus on visible affluence as a marker of success. Here's how to avoid succumbing to the pressure and driving yourself into debt.
