UPS (UPS) reported a resilient first quarter in 2024, with both earnings and revenue surpassing Wall Street estimates, despite a YoY decline. The company's stock responded positively, rising 2.5% as investors welcomed the better-than-expected results.
For the first quarter, UPS announced adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, which was $0.12 higher than the analysts' consensus of $1.31. Revenue reached $21.7 billion, slightly below the consensus estimate of $21.84 billion but down 5.3% from the $22.9 billion reported in the same quarter last year. The company's consolidated operating margin stood at 7.4%, with an adjusted margin of 8.0%.
CEO Carol Tomé expressed satisfaction with the company's performance, stating, "Our financial performance in the first quarter was in line with our expectations, and average daily volume in the U.S. showed improvement through the quarter. Looking ahead, we expect to return to volume and revenue growth."
In the U.S. Domestic Segment, revenue decreased by 5.0%, attributed to a 3.2% drop in average daily volume. The International Segment saw a 6.3% revenue decrease and a 5.8% fall in average daily volume. The Supply Chain Solutions faced a 5.3% revenue decline, mainly due to market rate declines in forwarding.
Looking forward, UPS reaffirmed its full-year 2024 financial guidance, expecting consolidated revenue to range from approximately $92.0 billion to $94.5 billion, with the midpoint slightly below the analysts' consensus of $93.03 billion. The company anticipates a consolidated adjusted operating margin between 10.0% and 10.6%, with capital expenditures around $4.5 billion.
The first-quarter GAAP results included a charge of $110 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, related to transformation and other charges, as well as a non-cash impairment charge due to plans to consolidate certain acquired brands within UPS's healthcare portfolio.
UPS's ability to outperform analysts' expectations for adjusted EPS and revenue amid a challenging economic environment underscores the company's operational resilience and has instilled a renewed sense of optimism among investors.