Vazirani Asset Management LLC Makes New $680,000 Investment in Union Pacific Corporation $UNP

Vazirani Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 2,500 shares of the railroad operator’s stock, valued at approximately $680,000. Union Pacific comprises about 0.0% of Vazirani Asset Management LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in UNP. Rachor Investment Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Tucker Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Union Pacific in the fourth quarter worth about $25,000. SWAN Capital LLC boosted its stake in Union Pacific by 2,575.0% during the fourth quarter. SWAN Capital LLC now owns 107 shares of the railroad operator’s stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the period. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC purchased a new stake in Union Pacific during the fourth quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the first quarter worth about $27,000. Institutional investors own 80.38% of the company’s stock.

Union Pacific Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE UNP traded up $0.15 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $307.82. The stock had a trading volume of 1,717,018 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,086,185. Union Pacific Corporation has a twelve month low of $210.84 and a twelve month high of $315.99. The company has a 50 day moving average of $290.07 and a two-hundred day moving average of $269.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.99. The firm has a market cap of $182.87 billion, a PE ratio of 24.92, a PEG ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.96.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.26 by $0.15. Union Pacific had a net margin of 28.85% and a return on equity of 38.46%. The firm had revenue of $6.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.72 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.03 earnings per share. Union Pacific’s quarterly revenue was up 11.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 12.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 31st will be given a dividend of $1.42 per share. This represents a $5.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 31st. This is a positive change from Union Pacific’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.38. Union Pacific’s dividend payout ratio is presently 45.99%.

Insider Transactions at Union Pacific

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

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

UNP has been the subject of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $317.00 price objective on Union Pacific and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an “overweight” rating and issued a $335.00 price objective (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Union Pacific from $301.00 to $334.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 23rd. Citigroup upped their target price on Union Pacific from $326.00 to $349.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, July 24th. Finally, Citizens Jmp initiated coverage on Union Pacific in a research report on Wednesday, July 15th. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $350.00 target price for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $320.89.

Key Stories Impacting Union Pacific

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

• Positive Sentiment: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern defended their proposed merger before the Surface Transportation Board, arguing that their application satisfies the threshold requirements for a full regulatory review. Advancing to the next stage could preserve the deal’s potential strategic and financial benefits. Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern defend rail merger application as STB review advances
• Positive Sentiment: Erste Group Bank AG initiated coverage of UNP with a “buy” rating, adding fresh institutional support to the stock’s outlook.
• Positive Sentiment: Union Pacific continues to attract attention as a dividend-growth railroad stock. Analysts highlighted its five-year dividend growth record, supporting the investment case for income-oriented shareholders. 2 Dividend-Paying Stocks From the Railroad Industry to Consider
• Positive Sentiment: Recent second-quarter earnings and dividend support have helped reinforce the company’s outlook. Union Pacific previously exceeded quarterly earnings and revenue expectations, providing a favorable fundamental backdrop.

Union Pacific 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.