UNITED PARCEL SERVICE-CL B (NYSE:UPS) stands out as a compelling choice for dividend investors, according to our Best Dividend screen. The company combines a strong dividend profile with solid profitability and reasonable financial health, making it a candidate for income-focused portfolios.
Dividend Strength
Attractive Yield: UPS offers a 6.52% dividend yield, well above the S&P 500 average of 2.42% and outperforming 95% of its industry peers.
Reliable Growth: The company has increased its dividend at an average annual rate of 11.18% over the past five years, demonstrating a commitment to rewarding shareholders.
Long Track Record: UPS has paid dividends consistently for at least 10 years without reductions, reinforcing its reliability for income investors.
Profitability Supports Payouts
Strong Margins: UPS maintains a profit margin of 6.44%, ranking better than 86% of competitors in the air freight and logistics sector.
High Returns: The company’s return on equity (37.39%) and return on invested capital (12.73%) are among the best in its industry.
Consistent Earnings: Despite a slight dip in recent EPS growth, UPS has remained profitable over the past five years, supporting its dividend sustainability.
Financial Health Considerations
Solvency: UPS has a Debt-to-Equity ratio of 1.25, indicating higher leverage, but its Altman-Z score (3.15) suggests low near-term bankruptcy risk.
Cash Flow Coverage: The company’s free cash flow covers its debt obligations, with a Debt-to-FCF ratio of 3.98, better than 73% of peers.
Valuation
UPS trades at a P/E ratio of 12.96, below the S&P 500 average (27.15) and reasonably priced compared to industry peers.
UPS (NYSE:UPS) offers a strong 6.52% dividend yield, reliable growth, and solid profitability, making it a candidate for dividend investors. The stock is reasonably valued with manageable financial risks.