Better Dividend Stock: UPS vs. Ford

Group 1: Dividend Risks - Both Ford and UPS are at risk of cutting their dividends due to challenging financial conditions, with UPS planning to pay out about $5.5 billion in dividends in 2025 and Ford potentially using up to 89% of its free cash flow (FCF) on dividends in 2025 [4][6] - UPS aims to pay out approximately 50% of its earnings in dividends, while Ford targets 40% to 50% of its FCF [2][4] - The trading environment has deteriorated, leading both companies to suspend or not update their guidance, with UPS experiencing a 9% decline in average daily volumes in the second quarter [5][6] Group 2: Company Performance - Ford's transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is progressing slowly, with significant losses in its EV segment, reporting a loss of$ 5.1 billion in 2024 [10] - UPS is shifting its revenue mix from low-profitability business-to-consumer deliveries to higher-margin deliveries in small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and healthcare, which is expected to improve its financial performance [11][12] - UPS has seen impressive growth in its SMB segment, increasing its share of U.S. volume from 27% in 2021 to 28.9% in 2024, with a goal of reaching 40% [13] Group 3: Strategic Outlook - UPS is investing in productivity-enhancing technologies, which are expected to lead to cost reductions and improved returns on assets [12] - Ford faces significant challenges in the EV market, particularly with competition from Tesla, while UPS is on a better strategic trajectory despite near-term headwinds [14]