Associated Banc Corp Purchases New Position in United Parcel Service, Inc. $UPS

Key Points

• Associated Banc Corp initiated a position in UPS, buying 10,733 shares worth approximately $1.0 million in the third quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own about 60.26% of UPS shares.
• UPS reported quarterly earnings of $1.69 per share on $22.85 billion in revenue. Analysts’ consensus rating is “Hold,” with an average price target of $118.45.
• UPS shares opened at $114.29, within a 52-week range of $90.84 to $122.41. The article also notes weak package volumes and dividend-coverage concerns as potential headwinds.

Associated Banc Corp purchased a new stake in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS - Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 10,733 shares of the transportation company's stock, valued at approximately $1,003,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of UPS. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in shares of United Parcel Service by 23.3% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,728,123 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $957,053,000 after buying an additional 1,836,651 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in United Parcel Service by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,037,626 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $495,411,000 after purchasing an additional 271,646 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in United Parcel Service by 2.1% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,639,324 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $456,417,000 after buying an additional 97,582 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in United Parcel Service by 37.4% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,631,133 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $357,231,000 after purchasing an additional 988,442 shares during the period. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 8.2% during the 1st quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 3,510,630 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $345,376,000 after buying an additional 266,396 shares during the period. 60.26% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

United Parcel Service Stock Performance

Shares of UPS opened at $114.29 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.24. United Parcel Service, Inc. has a 1 year low of $90.84 and a 1 year high of $122.41. The stock has a market capitalization of $97.24 billion, a PE ratio of 21.98, a PEG ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.98. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $99.65 and a 200-day simple moving average of $104.68.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 4th. The transportation company reported $1.69 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $22.85 billion for the quarter. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 4.84% and a return on equity of 37.78%. On average, analysts predict that United Parcel Service, Inc. will post 7.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on UPS. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $124.00 to $125.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 28th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on United Parcel Service from $114.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 29th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a "market perform" rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 29th. BNP Paribas Exane dropped their price objective on shares of United Parcel Service from $90.00 to $85.00 and set an "underperform" rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded United Parcel Service from a "sell (d+)" rating to a "hold (c-)" rating in a research report on Monday, August 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $118.45.

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Matthew Guffey sold 8,318 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.39, for a total transaction of $876,634.02. Following the transaction, the insider owned 271 shares of the company's stock, valued at $28,560.69. This trade represents a 96.84% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Trending Headlines about United Parcel Service

Here are the key news stories impacting United Parcel Service this week:

• Positive Sentiment: UPS reported quarterly earnings of $1.69 per share on $22.85 billion in revenue. Recent coverage points to profit growth, cost savings, and a raised outlook as drivers of the stock’s strength. UPS quarterly earnings
• Positive Sentiment: Margin expansion in U.S. domestic packages is a potential growth driver: UPS says it met its third-quarter margin target and expects sequential improvement in the fourth quarter, following its reduction of Amazon delivery volumes. Fool article on UPS growth
• Positive Sentiment: UPS declared its regular quarterly dividend of $1.64 per share, payable December 3. The continued payout may appeal to income-focused investors. UPS dividend announcement
• Negative Sentiment: The dividend has remained at $1.64 for seven quarters, while reports flag that payouts consume a large share of free cash flow—and may have exceeded it. That raises concerns about dividend growth and coverage, even though UPS has maintained its payout. Article on UPS dividend concerns
• Negative Sentiment: Weak package volumes remain a near-term headwind that could limit the benefit of cost savings and improving margins. Article on UPS outlook and risks

United Parcel Service Profile

United Parcel Service, Inc NYSE: UPS is a global package delivery and logistics company. Its services include the transportation and delivery of packages and freight, time-definite express delivery, supply chain management, customs brokerage, and logistics consulting. UPS serves businesses and consumers through ground, air, and international delivery networks.

The company operates across the United States and in international markets throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Canada, and other regions.

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