United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Intrinsic Value & DCF Valuation
Integrated Freight & Logistics · NYSE
Current Price
$108.10
Intrinsic Value
$142.61
+24.2% margin of safety
What Is United Parcel Service, Inc.'s Intrinsic Value?
As of 2026-06-12, our base-case DCF model estimates the intrinsic value of United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) at $142.61 per share, compared with a market price of $108.1, a margin of safety of +24.2%. The base case assumes 11.7% annual free cash flow growth and a 10.0% discount rate.
Across the sensitivity grid the estimate spans $115.49 to $173.62. Intrinsic value is an estimate built on assumptions, not a fact. A higher discount rate or slower growth pushes the estimate down, while stronger cash flow growth lifts it.
How our DCF works · Recalculate with your own assumptions · What is intrinsic value?
Is United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Undervalued?
At $108.1, UPS trades about 24.2% below our base-case intrinsic value estimate. That is a real discount, but it stays short of the 30% margin of safety we require before calling a stock undervalued.
COMPETITIVE MOAT
↑Network Density & Scale
UPS's extensive global network of hubs, vehicles, and personnel creates significant barriers to entry. This scale allows for unparalleled efficiency and reach in package delivery.
↑Brand & Customer Loyalty
Decades of reliable service have built a strong brand reputation and deep customer loyalty, particularly among businesses relying on consistent delivery. This trust is hard for competitors to replicate.
↑Technological Integration
Sophisticated tracking, route optimization, and data analytics systems enhance operational efficiency and provide valuable insights. This technological edge improves service and reduces costs.
INVESTMENT RISKS
↓Labor Relations
UPS's reliance on a large unionized workforce presents ongoing risks of labor disputes and contract negotiations. These can lead to disruptions and increased operating costs.
↓Competition Intensifies
The logistics industry faces increasing competition from established players and agile new entrants, including e-commerce giants. This can pressure pricing and market share.
↓Economic Sensitivity
Package volumes are closely tied to overall economic activity. A significant economic downturn could lead to reduced demand for UPS's services.
Base case
UPS base case valuation
Intrinsic Value
$142.61
Margin of safety
+24.2%
Expected annual return
+5.7%
Base case assumptions: 11.7% annual growth, 10.0% discount rate, 20x exit multiple, 5 year projection. Data as of 2026-06-12.
This base case uses default assumptions and is not financial advice. The intrinsic value changes significantly when the growth rate or discount rate changes. Open the calculator to set your own assumptions and see the full sensitivity range.
Customize the UPS valuation
Adjust the growth rate, discount rate, and exit multiple to see how the intrinsic value and margin of safety for United Parcel Service, Inc. respond.
Open DCF Calculator for UPSCompany Overview
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) stands as a leading global entity in shipping and logistics, delivering an extensive array of services such as parcel and document conveyance, transportation of goods, and supply chain management. The corporation structures its widespread operations into two principal divisions: U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. Within the United States, its Domestic Package unit specializes in time-guaranteed delivery for a range of items, including correspondence, critical paperwork, smaller parcels, and palletized cargo, utilizing both air and surface transportation methods. Conversely, the International Package division ensures reliable, precise-time international shipping services across extensive geographical areas, encompassing Europe, the Asia Pacific region, Canada, Latin America, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East, and Africa. This segment notably features guaranteed express options for urgent consignments. Beyond core package services, UPS extends its reach to roughly 200 nations and jurisdictions, offering international air and sea cargo forwarding, expert customs clearance, distribution and after-sales support, alongside postal and advisory solutions. Furthermore, its diversified portfolio includes truckload transport brokering; tailored supply chain management for the healthcare and life sciences sectors; sophisticated shipping, tracking, and invoicing technologies; and a suite of financial and insurance offerings. Supporting these extensive operations is an impressive operational fleet of around 121,000 vehicles, comprising package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles. Additionally, it possesses 59,000 specialized containers integral for cargo transport aboard its aircraft. Established in 1907, United Parcel Service, Inc. has its corporate headquarters situated in Atlanta, Georgia.
Financial Metrics — UPS Stock Valuation Data
Revenue/Share (TTM)
$103.90
FCF/Share (TTM)
$5.31
ROIC (TTM)
9.9%
ROE (TTM)
33.0%
P/FCF
20.3x
EV/EBITDA
9.6x
FCF Yield
4.91%
Debt/Equity
1.59x
Based on trailing twelve-month data, UPS shows a free cash flow per share of $5.31 and a ROIC of 9.9%, key inputs for stock valuation using the DCF method. The P/FCF ratio of 20.3x and FCF yield of 4.91% are important context metrics when evaluating UPS's stock valuation relative to peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the intrinsic value of UPS?
United Parcel Service, Inc. currently generates $5.31 in free cash flow per share. At the current price of $108.10, a DCF model would discount these cash flows at an appropriate WACC and apply a terminal growth rate to arrive at an intrinsic value. The result depends heavily on your growth and discount rate assumptions — a 1% change in WACC typically shifts the fair value estimate by 10-15%. In MiniValuator the model uses a single discount rate that you can edit directly, 10% by default, rather than a computed WACC.
Is UPS undervalued?
UPS trades at a P/FCF ratio of 20.3x with a free cash flow yield of 4.91%. This P/FCF is in a moderate range. However, whether UPS is truly undervalued requires comparing the DCF intrinsic value to the current market price and evaluating whether the margin of safety is sufficient for your risk tolerance.
How do I value UPS stock using DCF?
To perform a DCF valuation on United Parcel Service, Inc.: (1) Start with the trailing free cash flow per share ($5.31) as the base, (2) project future FCF growth over 5-10 years based on Integrated Freight & Logistics industry trends and company fundamentals, (3) apply a discount rate (WACC) reflecting UPS's risk profile — with a debt-to-equity of 1.59x, capital structure is an important factor, and (4) add a terminal value for cash flows beyond the projection period.
What is DCF valuation and how does it apply to UPS?
DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) estimates what a company is worth today based on its future cash generation. For United Parcel Service, Inc., this means projecting how much free cash flow the company will produce over the next 5-10 years, shaped by Integrated Freight & Logistics trends, then discounting those amounts to today's dollars. UPS's ROIC of 9.9% shows moderate capital returns.
How does WACC affect UPS stock valuation?
WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) is the discount rate in a DCF model — it reflects the minimum return investors require. For UPS, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59x, the capital structure directly influences WACC. A 1% increase in WACC typically reduces the intrinsic value by 10-15%. At an EV/EBITDA of 9.6x, the market's implied discount rate can be reverse-engineered for comparison. In MiniValuator you set this discount rate yourself as a single editable number, 10% by default, instead of computing a formal WACC.
Learn More
- See UPS PE Valuation → — Earnings-based stock valuation using PE ratio analysis
- DCF Methodology — Step-by-step guide to discounted cash flow analysis
- PE Methodology — Guide to PE ratio stock valuation
- WACC — Understanding the discount rate used in DCF
- Margin of Safety — How to evaluate downside protection
- Intrinsic Value — How to evaluate stock fair value
- How to Calculate Intrinsic Value — Complete guide for investors
Related Valuations
All Industrials valuationsDCF and P/E value UPS with different methods and assumptions, so the two conclusions can differ. Compare the P/E fair value.
Price as of 2026-06-12. Financial data from Financial Modeling Prep (trailing twelve months) · Valuation methodology by Charlie Wang.
This is an estimate, not investment advice.