Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. Increases Stake in United Parcel Service, Inc.

Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. has significantly increased its investment in United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) during the last quarter, raising its stake by 68.1%. According to their latest disclosure to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the institutional investor now owns 12,937 shares after adding 5,241 new shares during this period. As of the end of the recent reporting cycle, these holdings were valued at approximately $1,631,000.

Furthermore, several other hedge funds and institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in United Parcel Service. For instance, True Wealth Design LLC boosted its stake by a remarkable 397.7% in the third quarter, owning 214 shares valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Similarly, PSI Advisors LLC increased its holdings by 408.2%, now owning 249 shares worth $34,000 after purchasing 200 more shares. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC made an impressive increase of 720.0%, acquiring a total of 246 shares valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 216 shares. Additionally, FSA Wealth Management LLC entered a new position in UPS valued at around $36,000 during the same quarter. Winch Advisory Services LLC also increased its holdings by 98.8% in the fourth quarter, bringing their total to 322 shares worth about $41,000 after buying 160 more shares. Currently, institutional investors and hedge funds own approximately 60.26% of United Parcel Service’s stock.

Performance of United Parcel Service Stock

As of Friday, UPS's stock opened at $129.77. The company has experienced a 52-week low of $121.56 and a high of $161.35. Its 50-day moving average stands at $128.95, while the 200-day moving average is $130.93. Currently, United Parcel Service has a market capitalization of $110.74 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 19.60 and a P/E growth (P/E/G) ratio of 1.73, indicating solid growth prospects. The company’s beta is 1.00, suggesting its stock is moving in line with the market, along with a quick ratio and current ratio both at 1.14, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20.

Recently, United Parcel Service announced its quarterly earnings, which were reported on October 24th. The company achieved earnings of $1.76 per share, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.63 by $0.13. The firm generated $22.20 billion in revenue during the quarter, which was slightly above the anticipated $22.10 billion. Their net margin was reported at 6.25%, while the return on equity stood at 37.38%, with revenues growing 5.4% year-over-year. For the current year, analysts predict United Parcel Service will report earnings of $7.49 per share.

Dividend Information

In addition, the company has recently declared its quarterly dividend, which was paid on December 5th, with an amount of $1.63 per share being distributed to investors who were on record by November 18th. This equates to an annualized dividend of $6.52, resulting in a yield of 5.02%. The ex-dividend date fell on November 18th, and the company’s dividend payout ratio is currently at 98.49%.

Insider Transactions

In other news, Norman M. Brothers, Jr., an insider at United Parcel Service, sold 7,325 shares on November 25th at an average price of $138.57, totaling around $1,015,025.25. Post-transaction, Brothers now retains 45,098 shares in the company, valued at about $6,249,229.86, marking a 13.97% decrease in his holdings. This transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC. Currently, corporate insiders hold 0.13% of the stock.

Recent Analyst Comments

United Parcel Service has been the subject of several recent research reports. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target from $151.00 to $156.00, maintaining a “buy” rating on the stock. Likewise, Susquehanna increased its target price from $135.00 to $140.00, giving a rating of “neutral”. On November 6th, StockNews.com shifted their rating from “hold” to “buy”. Similarly, Argus upgraded their rating from “hold” to “buy” on November 5th. However, The Goldman Sachs Group reduced its target price from $165.00 to $162.00 and continues to endorse a “buy” rating. Currently, analysts have given the stock an average rating of “Moderate Buy,” with a typical price target of $151.10. The ratings range from two sell ratings, five hold ratings, fifteen buy ratings, to two strong buys.

Company Overview

United Parcel Service, Inc., commonly known as UPS, is a leading package delivery and supply chain management company. It provides a wide variety of transport and logistics services, operating mainly through two segments: U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The Domestic Package segment focuses on express delivery of letters, documents, and small packages via air and ground services within the United States.

Hennion, Walsh, UPS