Union Pacific (UNP) Beats on Q1 Earnings

UNP

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2018 earnings per share of $1.68 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.65. Moreover, earnings increased 27.3% on a year-over-year basis.

How Was the Estimate Revision Trend?

Investors should note that the earnings estimate revisions for Union Pacific depicted a disappointing picture prior to the current earnings release. The stock had seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings being revised 1.2% downward over the last 30 days

Prior to the earnings beat in the first-quarter, the company delivered positive surprises in three of the last four quarters. The average earnings beat was 3.3%.

 

Revenues Better Than Expected

Union Pacific recorded operating revenues of $5,475 million, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5,370.8 million. Moreover, revenues increased 6.7% year over year. Higher freight revenues boosted the top line.

Key Statistics:  Adjusted operating ratio (defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues) came in at 64.6%, reflecting an increase of 0.6 points. During the quarter, the company bought back 9.3 million shares for $1.2 billion.

Zacks Rank: Currently, Union Pacific carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which is subject to change following the earnings announcement. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Check back later for our full write up on this Union Pacific earnings report later!

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