Ingalls & Snyder LLC Adjusts Stake in Union Pacific Co.

Ingalls & Snyder LLC has reduced its stake in Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP) by 3.7% during the fourth quarter, as stated in its latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After selling 1,916 shares during this period, the institutional investor now holds 50,510 shares of the railroad company's stock, which are valued at approximately $11,518,000 as of the end of the most recent quarter.

Many other hedge funds have also adjusted their positions in Union Pacific Co. Consolidated Planning Corp increased its holdings by 3.5% in the fourth quarter and now owns 25,813 shares valued at $5,886,000 after acquiring an additional 867 shares. Similarly, Naples Global Advisors LLC raised its stake by 1.6%, resulting in ownership of 9,808 shares worth $2,237,000 after buying 153 more shares in the last quarter. Values First Advisors Inc. made a significant move, boosting its holding by 217.8%, now totaling 1,341 shares valued at $306,000 after acquiring 919 shares. Other investments included Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC, which raised its stake by 21.7% with 77,383 shares worth $17,729,000 after purchasing an additional 13,818 shares, and Avidian Wealth Enterprises LLC, which lifted its stake by 6.9%, now owning 3,936 shares valued at $898,000 after buying 254 more shares. Overall, institutional investors now collectively own 80.38% of the company’s shares.

Union Pacific Stock Performance

As of Thursday, Union Pacific's shares opened at a price of $248.49. The company boasts a market capitalization of $150.65 billion and has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.41, along with a price-to-earnings-growth (PEG) ratio of 2.11. The stock's beta stands at 1.06, indicating a moderate level of volatility compared to the market. Union Pacific has seen a 1-year low of $218.55 and a high of $258.66. The 50-day simple moving average is $235.43, while the 200-day simple moving average is $240.31. The company reports a current ratio of 0.77, a quick ratio of 0.63, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76.

Recent Earnings Announcement

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) recently released its quarterly earnings on January 23rd. The railroad company reported earnings of $2.91 per share, exceeding analysts' expectations of $2.76 by $0.15. The company recorded a remarkable return on equity of 41.12% and a net margin of 27.82%. This performance marks an increase from $2.71 earnings per share posted in the same quarter of the previous year. Analysts predict that Union Pacific Co. will achieve earnings of approximately $12.01 per share for the current fiscal year.

Dividend Information

In addition, Union Pacific has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.34 per share, which is scheduled for payment on Monday, March 31st. Shareholders on record by Friday, February 28th, will qualify for this dividend. The ex-dividend date is also set for February 28th. This results in an annualized dividend of $5.36, yielding 2.16%. The company's payout ratio is 48.33%, indicating a sustainable dividend policy.

Analyst Ratings Updates

Several analysts have made updates concerning Union Pacific shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its target price from $263.00 to $252.00 and assigned a "neutral" rating in a report dated October 25th. In contrast, Guggenheim increased its target from $266.00 to $275.00, categorizing the stock as a "buy" on January 24th. Barclays also raised its target from $275.00 to $285.00, giving Union Pacific an "overweight" rating in a report issued on November 13th. Benchmark similarly increased its target price on January 24th, raising it from $266.00 to $275.00 while maintaining a "buy" rating. BMO Capital Markets followed suit, adjusting their target from $275.00 to $277.00 with an "outperform" rating on the same date. Currently, the consensus is that one analyst rates the stock as a sell, seven analysts suggest holding, twelve recommend buying, and one indicates a strong buy. The average rating rests at "Moderate Buy" with an estimated price target of $261.40 according to MarketBeat.com data.

Insider Trading Activity

In related news, Union Pacific’s EVP Craig V. Richardson sold 6,495 shares on January 27th, at an average price of $252.00, totaling approximately $1,636,740.00. Following the transaction, he holds 26,319 shares valued at about $6,632,388, indicating a 19.79% decrease in his ownership. President Elizabeth F. Whited also sold 7,500 shares on January 24th for an average price of $250.00, amounting to $1,875,000.00, and now retains 64,960 shares worth approximately $16,240,000, reflecting a 10.35% reduction in her ownership. Company insiders currently own 0.28% of Union Pacific's stock.

About Union Pacific Corporation

Union Pacific Corporation operates primarily through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, providing vital transportation services across the United States. The company specializes in transporting a variety of goods including grain and grain products, fertilizers, food items, coal, and other materials essential for different industries, including agriculture and construction.

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