10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2023

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2023

Filed May 3, 2023For Securities:UPS

Summary

United Parcel Service (UPS) reported a revenue of $22.9 billion for the first quarter of 2023, a decrease of 6.0% compared to the same period in the prior year. This decline was primarily driven by lower average daily package volumes across its U.S. Domestic and International segments, reflecting challenging macroeconomic conditions such as high inflation and slowing consumer spending. Despite the revenue dip, operating expenses saw a reduction of 3.5% due to lower purchased transportation costs and efficiency initiatives, though increased labor and facility costs partially offset these savings. Operating profit declined by 21.8% to $2.54 billion, with operating margins narrowing from 13.3% to 11.1%. Diluted earnings per share decreased by 27.7% to $2.19. The company continued its capital return strategy, repurchasing shares and paying dividends, and maintained a strong liquidity position with $9.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. Management anticipates these macroeconomic headwinds to persist through the remainder of 2023, also noting the ongoing labor contract negotiations with the Teamsters as a potential factor.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$22.93B
Operating Expenses$20.38B
Operating Income$2.54B
Interest Expense$188.00M
Net Income$1.90B
EPS (Basic)$2.20
EPS (Diluted)$2.19
Shares Outstanding (Basic)862.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)865.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue for Q1 2023 was $22.9 billion, down 6.0% year-over-year, primarily due to a 5.5% decrease in average daily package volume.
  • 2Operating profit decreased by 21.8% to $2.54 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 11.1%, down from 13.3% in Q1 2022.
  • 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) declined by 27.7% to $2.19 compared to $3.03 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 4Operating expenses decreased by 3.5% to $20.4 billion, driven by lower purchased transportation costs, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits.
  • 5The U.S. Domestic Package segment saw a 0.9% revenue decline, while the International Package segment experienced a 6.8% revenue decrease.
  • 6Supply Chain Solutions segment revenue fell significantly by 22.5%, largely due to a sharp decline in the Forwarding business.
  • 7The company returned $750 million to shareholders through share repurchases and $1.35 billion in dividends during the quarter, while maintaining $9.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of UPS's revenue decline in Q1 2023 was a decrease in average daily package volume across its U.S. Domestic and International segments. This was attributed to challenging macroeconomic conditions, including high inflation, slowing consumer spending, and reduced industrial production, which negatively impacted demand for shipping services.

UPS managed to decrease its operating expenses by 3.5% year-over-year. This was primarily achieved through a significant reduction in purchased transportation costs, particularly within the Supply Chain Solutions segment, and the implementation of efficiency initiatives across its network. However, these savings were partially offset by increased costs related to compensation, benefits, and facility operations.

UPS anticipates that the macroeconomic headwinds experienced in Q1 2023 will continue to impact the business throughout the remainder of the year. Management also noted the ongoing labor contract negotiations with the Teamsters as a significant factor that could affect future operations. The company plans to continue investing in its strategic initiatives, managing its network efficiently, and controlling costs.

In the first quarter of 2023, UPS returned capital to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. The company repurchased approximately $750 million worth of its common stock and paid $1.35 billion in dividends. UPS ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position, holding $9.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.