Old West Investment Management LLC Increases Stock Holdings in Union Pacific Corporation $UNP

Old West Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) by 43.2% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 52,870 shares of the railroad operator’s stock after purchasing an additional 15,945 shares during the period. Union Pacific comprises about 1.5% of Old West Investment Management LLC’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest position. Old West Investment Management LLC’s holdings in Union Pacific were worth $14,381,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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

Union Pacific Stock Performance

NYSE:UNP opened at $299.10 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $177.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.22, a P/E/G ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. Union Pacific Corporation has a 12-month low of $210.84 and a 12-month high of $315.99. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $284.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $266.34.

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

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 31st will be given a dividend of $1.42 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 31st. This represents a $5.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. This is an increase from Union Pacific’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.38. Union Pacific’s dividend payout ratio is currently 44.70%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Union Pacific news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 2,991 shares of Union Pacific stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $263.96, for a total value of $789,504.36. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly 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 sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.22% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on UNP shares. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Union Pacific from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “buy (b)” rating in a research note on Friday, July 24th. UBS Group restated a “neutral” rating and issued a $310.00 price objective (up from $286.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and issued a $335.00 target price (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, July 24th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a “market perform” rating and set a $320.00 target price (up from $285.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Friday, July 24th. Finally, Barclays reissued an “overweight” rating and set a $350.00 price target (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, July 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Union Pacific 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.