Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) Sets New 1-Year High – Here’s What Happened

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)’s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $267.88 and last traded at $262.0880, with a volume of 397124 shares. The stock had previously closed at $266.66.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on UNP shares. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed a “strong-buy” rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $267.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 target price on Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, December 18th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a “market perform” rating and set a $295.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, TD Cowen decreased their price objective on Union Pacific from $257.00 to $255.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Union Pacific presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $260.14.

Union Pacific Stock Down 1.0%

The firm has a market cap of $156.73 billion, a PE ratio of 22.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.88 and a beta of 0.98. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $240.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $230.69. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.92 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $6.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.15 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 40.89% and a net margin of 29.12%.Union Pacific’s revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.91 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 EPS for the current year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Union Pacific’s payout ratio is 46.12%.

Institutional Trading of Union Pacific

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of UNP. Rachor Investment Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Union Pacific in the fourth quarter valued at $25,000. SWAN Capital LLC boosted its stake in Union Pacific by 2,575.0% in the fourth quarter. SWAN Capital LLC now owns 107 shares of the railroad operator’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. High Point Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, Caitlin John LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. 80.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services.

Union Pacific’s core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western two‑thirds of the United States.