Brokerages Set Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) Price Target at $264.86

Shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) have been given a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” by the twenty-four ratings firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, fifteen have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $264.8636.

A number of brokerages have recently commented on UNP. Barclays reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and set a $285.00 price objective (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Robert W. Baird set a $311.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, March 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Union Pacific from $270.00 to $265.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a “neutral” rating and set a $267.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th.

Union Pacific Stock Performance

Shares of UNP stock opened at $239.06 on Tuesday. Union Pacific has a 52-week low of $204.66 and a 52-week high of $268.14. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. The stock has a market cap of $141.86 billion, a PE ratio of 19.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.95. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $248.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $235.05.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) last announced 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). Union Pacific had a net margin of 29.12% and a return on equity of 40.89%. The company had revenue of $6.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.15 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.91 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Union Pacific will post 11.99 EPS for the current year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a $1.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. Union Pacific’s dividend payout ratio is presently 46.12%.

Institutional Trading of Union Pacific

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rachor Investment Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position 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 4th quarter worth $25,000. SWAN Capital LLC increased its holdings in Union Pacific by 2,575.0% in the 4th quarter. SWAN Capital LLC now owns 107 shares of the railroad operator’s stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. High Point Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Union Pacific during the fourth quarter worth $26,000. Finally, Caitlin John LLC acquired a new position in Union Pacific during the third quarter worth $27,000. 80.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Union Pacific Company Profile

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.