WallStSmart

United Parcel Service Inc (UPS)vsZTO Express (Cayman) Inc (ZTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

United Parcel Service Inc generates 80% more annual revenue ($88.32B vs $49.10B). ZTO leads profitability with a 18.5% profit margin vs 5.9%. ZTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. ZTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

UPS

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.21

ZTO

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

UPSUndervalued (+35.8%)

Margin of Safety

+35.8%

Fair Value

$187.03

Current Price

$107.57

$79.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $187.03Overvalued
ZTOUndervalued (+81.1%)

Margin of Safety

+81.1%

Fair Value

$131.93

Current Price

$25.14

$106.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $131.93Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

UPS4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Market CapQuality
$91.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.19B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

ZTO5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$11.97B10/10

Generating 12.0B in free cash flow

Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.3%

Areas to Watch

UPS4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.634/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.993/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ZTO0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : UPS

The strongest argument for UPS centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio.

Bull Case : ZTO

The strongest argument for ZTO centers on Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 22.3%. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : UPS

The primary concerns for UPS are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.99 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : ZTO

No major red flags identified for ZTO, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

UPS profiles as a value stock while ZTO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

UPS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.10 — expect wider price swings.

ZTO is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.

ZTO generates stronger free cash flow (12.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ZTO scores higher overall (72/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 18.5% margins and 12.3% revenue growth. UPS offers better value entry with a 35.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

United Parcel Service Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

United Parcel Service is an American multinational shipping & receiving and supply chain management company founded in 1907.

Visit Website →

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · China

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?