UPS Q4 2019 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
UPS's Q4 2019 results showed strong U.S. domestic volume growth and margin improvements across all segments. While GAAP EPS was negative due to non-cash charges, adjusted EPS increased by 8.8%. The company is focusing on SMB initiatives and network improvements to drive future growth.
Operating profit grew and margins expanded in all segments.
Positive operating leverage was achieved due to lower unit costs in the U.S. Domestic segment.
Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 8.8% to $2.11.
U.S. daily volume grew nearly 9%, with Next Day Air volume up nearly 26%.
UPS
UPS
UPS Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
UPS anticipates adjusted, diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $7.76 to $8.06 for 2020. The guidance includes forecasted weakness on the industrial side of the U.S. and global economies as well as spending on SMB initiatives that will significantly increase UPS competitiveness and will be EPS accretive in 2021.
Positive Outlook
- Adjusted, diluted earnings per share are expected to be in a range of $7.76 to $8.06.
- Capital expenditures are planned to be around $6.7 billion, primarily to support global facility and automation expansions.
- Cash from operations is expected to be around $10 billion.
- Free cash flow is anticipated to be between $4.3 and $4.7 billion.
- SMB initiatives will significantly increase UPS competitiveness and will be EPS accretive in 2021.
Challenges Ahead
- Guidance includes forecasted weakness on the industrial side of the U.S. economy.
- Guidance includes forecasted weakness on the industrial side of the global economy.
- Spending on SMB initiatives will impact 2020 earnings.
- Transformation charges are excluded from guidance.
- It is not possible to predict or provide a reconciliation reflecting the impact of future pension mark-to-market adjustments or other unanticipated events.
Revenue & Expenses
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income