Sone Capital Management LLC Makes New $26.06 Million Investment in Union Pacific Corporation $UNP

Sone Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 95,813 shares of the railroad operator’s stock, valued at approximately $26,061,000. Union Pacific accounts for approximately 2.0% of Sone Capital Management LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 12th largest position.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of UNP. Van Hulzen Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Union Pacific during the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,554,000. Peak Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the second quarter worth approximately $3,790,000. Fiduciary Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Union Pacific in the second quarter worth approximately $145,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter valued at approximately $127,000. Finally, Hyperion Capital Advisors LP purchased a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter valued at approximately $245,000. 80.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Union Pacific Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE UNP opened at $309.83 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $287.14 and a 200 day moving average of $268.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.99, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $184.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 0.96. Union Pacific Corporation has a 12-month low of $210.84 and a 12-month high of $315.99.

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.41 EPS 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 business had revenue of $6.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $6.72 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.03 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Union Pacific Corporation will post 12.93 earnings per share for the current year.

Union Pacific Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 31st will be paid a $1.42 dividend. This is a positive change 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 1.8%. Union Pacific’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.99%.

Insider Activity at Union Pacific

In related news, EVP Eric J. Gehringer sold 2,991 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.96, for a total value of $789,504.36. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 43,012 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $11,353,447.52. This trade represents a 6.50% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.22% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $339.00 target price (up from $289.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, July 24th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an “overweight” rating and set a $335.00 target price (up from $315.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Union Pacific from $304.00 to $334.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday, July 24th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a “market perform” rating and issued a $320.00 price objective (up from $285.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, July 24th. Finally, TD Cowen reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $325.00 price objective (up from $282.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Friday, July 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $320.89.

Union Pacific Company 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.