Union Pacific Corporation $UNP is RDST Capital LLC’s Largest Position

RDST Capital LLC reduced its stake in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) by 30.6% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 291,615 shares of the railroad operator’s stock after selling 128,480 shares during the quarter. Union Pacific makes up 6.8% of RDST Capital LLC’s investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. RDST Capital LLC’s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $70,752,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of UNP. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. SWAN Capital LLC increased its holdings in Union Pacific by 2,575.0% during the 4th quarter. SWAN Capital LLC now owns 107 shares of the railroad operator’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. Rachor Investment Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Union Pacific during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. High Point Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, Scarborough Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Union Pacific during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. 80.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Insider Buying and Selling at Union Pacific

In other news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 2,991 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.96, for a total value of $789,504.36. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 43,012 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $11,353,447.52. This trade represents a 6.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.22% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on UNP shares. Evercore reiterated an “outperform” rating and issued a $294.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, June 25th. Wells Fargo & Company restated an “overweight” rating and set a $335.00 price target (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday. UBS Group restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $310.00 price objective (up from $286.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday. Citizens Jmp assumed coverage on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Wednesday, July 15th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $350.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $326.00 to $349.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, July 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $320.89.

Union Pacific Stock Down 1.6%

Shares of Union Pacific stock opened at $294.48 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The company has a market cap of $174.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.84, a PEG ratio of 3.08 and a beta of 0.96. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $276.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $259.46. Union Pacific Corporation has a 52-week low of $210.84 and a 52-week high of $315.99.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.26 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $6.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.72 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 28.85% and a return on equity of 38.46%. Union Pacific’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.03 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 12.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Union Pacific Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 29th were issued a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 29th. Union Pacific’s dividend payout ratio is currently 44.70%.

Union Pacific News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Union Pacific this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted additional customer protections to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), including expanded gateway pricing and temporary access to competing rail service if performance deteriorates. The commitments are intended to address shipper concerns and improve the merger’s chances of regulatory approval. Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern add new customer protections as STB merger review advances
• Positive Sentiment: Canadian National reportedly will not oppose the transaction under the revised arrangement, which would give CN access to certain shipper facilities facing fewer Class I railroad options. Reduced opposition may help the regulatory review advance. Canadian National won’t fight UP-NS merger under new deal
• Positive Sentiment: Robert W. Baird raised its Union Pacific price target to $344 from $311 and maintained an “outperform” rating, citing potential upside from the company’s operating outlook. Baird raises Union Pacific price target
• Positive Sentiment: Unusual options activity and recent analyst commentary point to continued investor interest in Union Pacific’s service-led growth strategy, margin improvement potential and standalone earnings prospects.
• Neutral Sentiment: Union Pacific’s second-quarter results exceeded expectations, with earnings of $3.41 per share and revenue of $6.86 billion. Revenue increased 11.5% year over year, providing fundamental support for the stock, although valuation remains elevated at roughly 24 times earnings.
• Negative Sentiment: The merger remains subject to STB approval, and the new customer guarantees could increase execution obligations and limit some of the anticipated financial benefits. Investors are also comparing UNP’s operating growth with Norfolk Southern’s more event-driven merger valuation, contributing to near-term uncertainty. Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern file supplemental information to STB on merger

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.