By Mitch Rice
For businesses that sell their products online, shipping is an integral part of the sales process. The ability to offer fast delivery services is crucial in creating customer satisfaction and ensuring repeat sales. Volusion provides several shipping options for its clients both domestically and internationally. This article will examine the different Volusion shipping options available for domestic and international orders as well as provide a brief explanation on how they work. 3pl logistics knows all this and provides you the best services.
Domestic Shipping Methods
Volusion offers three basic options for handling domestic shipments: Ground, 3-Day Select, or Express Saver (2nd Day Air). The following table explains each option’s features:
The aforementioned rates do not include additional carrier fees which are assessed by Volusion based on the order’s weight, size, and destination. These additional fees will be shown during checkout.
International Shipping Methods
Volusion ships to over 200 countries around the world, including:
This article addresses shipping options for countries within the United States’ borders (e.g., Hawaii and Alaska) as well as for international orders. Volusion offers eight International shipping methods: Economy Free, Economy Plus, Expedited Price/Duty Paid, Expedited Price/Duty Unpaid*, Standard Price/Free**, 3-Day Price Paid/Weight Paid*, 3-Day Free Zone (Australia Only), 5-8 Day Ground** **** *****: Express services are not available for this option **: Weight limits apply ***: Does not include brokerage fee which is 1.5% for both buy and sell, courtesy of Scottrade:
Estimated dividend is computed by annualizing last four quarters earnings per share with the most recent trailing 12-month earnings not used in the estimate. For the most recent quarter, I use actual earning from the call report.
P/E = Price to earnings ratio. E=Market value of equity, same as market cap (total number of shares outstanding * price per share)
EPS ‘ = Earnings Per Share; EPS ‘ Last Quarter = Trailing 12 month diluted average shares outstanding, the basis for the P/E Ratio
Forward P/E Ratio = Estimated P/E based on expected forward earnings
An adjusted PEG ratio is calculated that takes into account the current year’s growth rate in dividends and the dividend payout ratio. A higher yield typically means a lower stock price with respect to its earnings per share. So, if company XYZ has an adjusted PEG ratio less than 1, it probably means that the stock price does not really reflect the company’s growth potential.
Price to Sales Ratio = current stock price / last year revenue per share
VALUE STOCKS WITH ADJUSTED PE RATIO LESS THAN 1 & DIVIDEND YIELD MORE THAN 2%:
At Home Corporation (ATHM)
Market Cap=$1,396 million P/E Ratio=13.33 Forward P/E Ratio=10.89 EPS ‘ =$ 0.42 EPS ‘ Last Quarter =$0.50 Trailing 12 month diluted average shares outstanding =31 million; based on TTM earnings report Forward Dividends=$1.32
PEG Ratio=0.57 DIVIDEND RATE =$1.20/share; payout ratio=54%
The adjusted PEG ratio is great, considering the stock yield is over 2%. However, it might be hard to believe that the company’s revenue could grow at the rate of 30% every year for next couple of years. But you cannot argue with its recent growth rate in earnings per share (EPS ‘). Right now, I think this stock looks attractive for dividend income investors. The other thing about ATHM is that you virtually own all the TLC shopping networks (Trading Places, Corner Store TV, JTV, etc.) in the United States. It is a great cash cow and it will be for a long time. I’m sure management has some ideas on how to exploit this cash flow potential going forward.
URS Corp (URS)
Market Cap=$7,957 million P/E Ratio=11.95 Forward P/E Ratio=9.69 EPS ‘ =$1.25 EPS ‘ Last Quarter =$0.72 Trailing 12 month diluted average shares outstanding =26 million; based on TTM earnings report Forward Dividends=$1.04
PEG Ratio=0.48 DIVIDEND RATE =$1.04/share; payout ratio=52%
URS is a URS, doing a lot of government contract engineering and construction work. The last couple of years have been really tough for defense contractors due to cut backs in the federal budget for infrastructure related projects. Basically, that means it has been a very lousy business environment for this company. I’m sure management is looking forward to when they can bid more contracts from different government agencies for non-defense related projects again. But it does not look like this company has been sitting idle waiting around during these lean times. In fact, its latest earning report shows the revenue actually grew 5%, even though its net income came in much lower than the same quarter last year. This company could be a great investment if its earnings grow or even maintain for the next couple of years. Although, I have to admit that the stock has been on a continued uptrend since 2009 and it might not get any cheaper anytime soon.
