Union Pacific Corporation $UNP Position Raised by Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co.

Key Points

• Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management increased its Union Pacific stake by 1.9% in the second quarter, bringing its holdings to 280,437 shares valued at approximately $76.3 million. Institutional investors collectively own 80.38% of the company.
• Union Pacific reported quarterly EPS of $3.41, beating estimates of $3.26, while revenue rose 11.5% year over year to $6.86 billion. The company also raised its quarterly dividend to $1.42, representing a 2.0% annual yield.
• Analyst sentiment remains positive, with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating and an average price target of $320.89, above the stock’s reported $290.29 opening price.

Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its position in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP - Free Report) by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 280,437 shares of the railroad operator's stock after acquiring an additional 5,351 shares during the quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co.'s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $76,279,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Cambient Family Office LLC acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $1,319,000. First National Bank of Omaha lifted its position in Union Pacific by 35.8% in the fourth quarter. First National Bank of Omaha now owns 54,635 shares of the railroad operator's stock worth $12,665,000 after purchasing an additional 14,399 shares during the period. North Dakota State Investment Board bought a new position in Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at $4,746,000. Sage Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at $997,000. Finally, National Pension Service increased its position in shares of Union Pacific by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. National Pension Service now owns 1,316,496 shares of the railroad operator's stock valued at $304,532,000 after purchasing an additional 15,785 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 80.38% of the company's stock.

Union Pacific Trading Down 3.5%

NYSE:UNP opened at $290.29 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. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1-year low of $210.84 and a 1-year high of $315.99. The firm has a market capitalization of $172.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.96. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $292.52 and a 200 day simple moving average of $270.39.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.26 by $0.15. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 38.46% and a net margin of 28.85%.The firm had revenue of $6.86 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.03 EPS. The business's revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Union Pacific Corporation will post 13.02 earnings per share for the current year.

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Investors of record on Monday, August 31st will be given a $1.42 dividend. This is a boost from Union Pacific's previous quarterly dividend of $1.38. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 31st. This represents a $5.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Union Pacific's payout ratio is currently 45.99%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Barclays reaffirmed an "overweight" rating and set a $350.00 target price (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $317.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a report on Thursday, July 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and issued a $339.00 price objective (up from $289.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Erste Group Bank started coverage on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Thursday, August 27th. They issued a "buy" rating on the stock. Finally, TD Cowen reissued a "buy" rating and set a $325.00 target price (up from $282.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of $320.89.

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.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.

Continue following MarketBeat

Add MarketBeat as your preferred source on Google to see our latest stories in your feed.

Add As Preferred Source