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Union Pacific Corp. (UNP)
NYSE:UNP

Union Pacific (UNP) AI Stock Analysis

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Union Pacific

(NYSE:UNP)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$247.00
▲(4.54%Upside)
Union Pacific exhibits solid financial performance with strong cash flow and profitability, although moderate leverage is a concern. Technical analysis indicates stable momentum, while valuation metrics suggest the stock is fairly valued. Earnings call insights highlight operational strengths but caution against external risks, resulting in a balanced overall outlook.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Union Pacific's execution has improved, positioning it better than most peers to weather demand challenges and capitalize on recovery.
Strategic Opportunities
Union Pacific has signaled openness to strategic opportunities and believes a transcontinental merger would be beneficial for customers.
Volume Growth
Union Pacific carloads are up 4% year-over-year, driven by strong performance in coal and grain sectors.
Negative Factors
Earnings
Union Pacific's 1Q EPS of $2.70 fell short of the $2.74 consensus and $2.78 estimate due to a lower top line.
Regulatory Challenges
Union Pacific sees significant political hurdles and regulatory issues due to 2001 STB merger rules requiring acquisitions to enhance competition and be in public interest.
Revenue Impact
Despite strong pricing and 2.7% growth in RTMs, revenues were flat year-over-year due to the negative impact from lower fuel revenues and mix.

Union Pacific (UNP) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Union Pacific Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionUnion Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, and other agricultural users; petroleum, and liquid petroleum gases; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers. As of December 31, 2021, its rail network included 32,452 route miles connecting Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast ports with the Midwest and Eastern United States gateways. The company was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
How the Company Makes MoneyUnion Pacific makes money through its core business of rail transportation. The company's revenue is primarily derived from the transportation of freight across its extensive rail network. Key revenue streams include the shipment of goods in sectors such as agricultural products (grains, food, and beverages), automotive (finished vehicles and parts), chemicals (industrial chemicals and plastics), coal (for utilities and industrial customers), and industrial products (construction materials, metals, and forest products). Additionally, its intermodal segment, which combines rail and trucking services to transport shipping containers, plays a significant role in revenue generation. Union Pacific also benefits from strategic partnerships with key players in various industries, enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach. The company's profitability is supported by its focus on operational efficiency, cost management, and investment in infrastructure improvements.

Union Pacific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Locomotive Productivity
Locomotive Productivity
Measures the efficiency of locomotive usage, indicating how well the company utilizes its fleet to transport goods. Higher productivity suggests better asset utilization and cost management, impacting profitability.
Chart InsightsUnion Pacific's locomotive productivity has shown a notable recovery from its 2022 lows, rebounding to pre-pandemic levels by late 2023. This improvement suggests operational efficiencies are being realized, potentially driven by strategic investments in technology and infrastructure. However, the slight dip in early 2024 indicates ongoing challenges, possibly from supply chain disruptions or workforce constraints. Investors should monitor how these factors influence future productivity gains and the company's ability to sustain its operational momentum.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Union Pacific Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 24, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 8.16%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mix of positive operational performance and pricing gains, offset by flat earnings, business mix challenges, and significant uncertainties in the economic environment and international trade. While the company achieved record operational metrics and maintained strong shareholder returns, the future outlook remains uncertain due to external factors.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record First Quarter Operating Performance
Union Pacific reported record first quarter operating performance, with the strongest carload growth among Class 1s, and freight revenue growth of 1%. Excluding the impact from fuel surcharge, freight revenue increased 4%, both first quarter records.
Strong Core Pricing Gains
The company achieved the highest core pricing gains in over ten years, driving a 4% increase in freight revenue excluding fuel surcharges.
Cash from Operations and Shareholder Returns
First quarter cash from operations totaled $2.2 billion, up 4% versus last year. The company initiated an accelerated share repurchase program for $1.5 billion and returned $2.5 billion to shareholders in the first quarter.
Improvements in Operational Metrics
Freight car velocity improved 6% to 215 miles per day, and terminal dwell improved 6% year over year. The company achieved record workforce productivity, limiting first quarter cost per employee to a 2% increase.
New Business Developments
Union Pacific secured new business, including onboarding a new coal customer and maintaining an open pipeline of 200 construction projects for future growth.
Negative Updates
Flat Earnings and Operating Income
First quarter 2025 earnings per share of $2.70 and net income of $1.6 billion were essentially flat versus last year, impacted by a $0.19 or 7% headwind from fuel and the leap year.
Business Mix Challenges
Quarterly business mix combined with price resulted in a 250 basis point drag on freight revenue, with lower volumes in higher revenue per car businesses such as petroleum, soda ash, and finished vehicles.
Uncertain Economic and Market Conditions
The company noted significant uncertainties related to tariffs, the economy, consumer behavior, and interest rates, impacting the predictability of future performance.
Potential Impact of International Trade Tariffs
Concerns about the impact of tariffs on Chinese goods and potential changes in international trade dynamics, particularly affecting West Coast import demand.
Company Guidance
During Union Pacific Corporation's first quarter 2025 earnings call, the company provided several key metrics and guidance. The operating ratio remained flat year-over-year at 60.7%, despite a 90 basis point headwind from fuel and leap year impacts. Earnings per share for the quarter were $2.70, reflecting a $0.19 impact from fuel and leap year. Net income was $1.6 billion, consistent with the previous year. Freight revenue increased by 1% and 4% when excluding fuel surcharge impacts, both setting first-quarter records. Strong core pricing gains and a 7% volume growth were highlighted, although challenges persisted due to business mix and fuel costs. Looking ahead, Union Pacific aims to maintain its focus on service and operational excellence, with expectations of EPS growth consistent with their three-year CAGR target of high single to low double digits, despite uncertainties in the marketplace.

Union Pacific Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Union Pacific demonstrates strong financial performance with robust profitability and cash flow metrics. The income statement shows efficient cost management and stable margins, though revenue growth has been inconsistent. The balance sheet indicates moderate leverage, requiring monitoring of debt levels. Overall, effective operational efficiency and strong cash flow generation highlight financial stability.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Union Pacific shows strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin and net profit margin. The TTM gross profit margin is 45.57%, and the net profit margin is 28.02%, indicating efficient cost management. However, revenue growth has been somewhat inconsistent, with a slight decline in the latest period compared to previous years. Despite this, EBIT and EBITDA margins remain robust, highlighting stable operational efficiency.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The company's balance sheet reflects moderate leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19 in the TTM period. ROE is strong at 31.84%, indicating effective use of equity. However, the equity ratio of 23.42% suggests a reliance on debt financing. Overall, the balance sheet shows a mix of strengths in profitability but potential risk from leverage.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Union Pacific's cash flow is robust, with a TTM free cash flow of $4.57 billion, reflecting strong cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 1.41, demonstrating efficient conversion of profits to cash. The free cash flow to net income ratio is favorable at 0.90, indicating healthy cash retention post-capital expenditures.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue24.25B24.25B24.12B24.88B21.80B19.53B
Gross Profit11.03B11.04B10.53B11.21B10.51B9.18B
EBITDA12.48B12.50B11.93B12.64B11.84B10.33B
Net Income6.73B6.75B6.38B7.00B6.52B5.35B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets68.49B67.72B67.13B65.45B63.52B62.40B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.41B1.04B1.07B1.02B1.01B1.86B
Total Debt33.90B32.46B34.18B34.63B31.16B28.01B
Total Liabilities52.45B50.83B52.34B53.29B49.36B45.44B
Stockholders Equity16.04B16.89B14.79B12.16B14.16B16.96B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow5.87B5.89B4.77B5.74B6.10B5.61B
Operating Cash Flow9.43B9.35B8.38B9.36B9.03B8.54B
Investing Cash Flow-3.46B-3.33B-3.67B-3.47B-2.71B-2.68B
Financing Cash Flow-5.49B-6.07B-4.63B-5.89B-7.16B-4.90B

Union Pacific Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price236.28
Price Trends
50DMA
222.68
Positive
100DMA
228.22
Positive
200DMA
231.57
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.30
Negative
RSI
67.27
Neutral
STOCH
90.87
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For UNP, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 236.28 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 226.98, above the 50-day MA of 222.68, and above the 200-day MA of 231.57, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.30 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 67.27 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.87 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for UNP.

Union Pacific Risk Analysis

Union Pacific disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Union Pacific reported the most risks in the "Macro & Political" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Union Pacific Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (67)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
NSNSC
78
Outperform
$59.18B17.9324.52%2.06%0.70%135.08%
77
Outperform
$48.96B42.5832.35%4.12%3.08%-0.76%
UPUPS
74
Outperform
$88.18B15.1935.96%6.21%1.30%-0.76%
CSCSX
73
Outperform
$63.12B20.0226.13%1.55%-2.39%-7.80%
72
Outperform
$35.89B31.8426.59%0.66%-2.63%-6.12%
UNUNP
71
Outperform
$141.17B21.2942.47%2.26%0.63%5.93%
67
Neutral
€8.39B18.636.19%2.67%2.39%-39.55%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
UNP
Union Pacific
236.28
17.88
8.19%
CSX
CSX
33.60
0.71
2.16%
FAST
Fastenal Company
43.13
12.40
40.35%
NSC
Norfolk Southern
262.50
51.71
24.53%
ODFL
Old Dominion Freight
171.03
-8.97
-4.98%
UPS
United Parcel
104.13
-24.09
-18.79%

Union Pacific Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Union Pacific Announces Leadership Changes in May 2025
Neutral
May 9, 2025

Union Pacific announced that its President, Elizabeth F. Whited, will transition to a strategic advisor role effective July 1, 2025, after serving as the company’s first female president. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding the company through transformative changes and historic initiatives. Additionally, Todd M. Rynaski will transition to Senior Vice President-Strategy, and Carrie J. Powers has been appointed as the new Vice President, Controller, and Chief Accounting Officer, effective immediately.

Shareholder Meetings
Union Pacific Shareholders Approve Key Proposals at Annual Meeting
Neutral
May 9, 2025

At Union Pacific Corporation’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 8, 2025, shareholders voted on several key proposals. The election of directors for a one-year term was approved, with all nominated directors elected. Deloitte & Touche LLP was ratified as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025. Additionally, the advisory vote on executive compensation was approved, while a shareholder proposal for an amended clawback policy was rejected.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 24, 2025