United Parcel ServicesUPSPAST TOP PICKJun 14, 2018Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 10, 2026. Market Open.
Struggling for a long time. Capital intensive. Had to raise wages a lot. Behind the 8 ball compared to, say, AMZN (a more efficient logistics business). Competitive industry. Higher energy prices a problem, as are tariffs. One of those cases where it's fallen a lot, but that doesn't make it a good business.
You want to buy stocks when they're down. A deal at 10.5x PE with 11% growth. Don't have to jump in right now, but he'd sell puts ~$75.
Bad year, tariff uncertainty, high labour costs, elevated capex, high debt. Market didn't like reduction in business with AMZN, but it's a low-margin business. E-commerce continues to grow, looking to expand in Mexico. Thinks earnings will inflect this year. Loves the dividend of 7%.
A dividend pick for 2025. Is down a lot from their highs. A contrarian play. It pays around a 5% dividend yield. It trades at a reasonable valuation and offers decent earnings growth in 2025 of 5-7%. Collect the dividend and enjoy a little capital appreciation on top. You won't shoot the lights out, but you can relax with this steady earner.
(A Top Pick Sept 27/17, up 1%). The largest small parcel company in the world. Amazon will not crush them. They have large economies of scale. Amazon needs UPS and FedEx. Is cheap at 14X next year’s earnings and thinks it is going higher.