Union Pacific Shares Surge on Strong Earnings and Lower Fuel Costs
Union Pacific (UNP) shares rose nearly 5% on Thursday after the freight carrier reported strong fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations, driven by falling fuel costs and operational improvements.
Earnings per share (EPS) increased 7% year-over-year to $2.91, surpassing forecasts, while operating revenue dipped slightly by 1% to $6.12 billion. The company benefited from a 23% drop in fuel costs, which fell to $581 million, with the average fuel price per gallon consumed declining 24% to $2.41.
Operational metrics also showed improvement, with freight car velocity rising 1% to 219 daily miles per car and workforce productivity increasing 6% to 1,118 car miles per employee.
Looking ahead, Union Pacific expects full-year EPS to align with its three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of high-single-digit to low-double-digit percentages. However, it cautioned that mixed economic conditions, coal demand, and year-over-year intermodal comparisons may impact volumes.
Union Pacific shares have gained over 8% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's ability to manage costs and improve productivity despite economic headwinds.
Union Pacific (UNP) shares rose nearly 5% on Thursday after the freight carrier reported strong fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations, driven by falling fuel costs and operational improvements.
Earnings per share (EPS) increased 7% year-over-year to $2.91, surpassing forecasts, while operating revenue dipped slightly by 1% to $6.12 billion. The company benefited from a 23% drop in fuel costs, which fell to $581 million, with the average fuel price per gallon consumed declining 24% to $2.41.
Operational metrics also showed improvement, with freight car velocity rising 1% to 219 daily miles per car and workforce productivity increasing 6% to 1,118 car miles per employee.
Looking ahead, Union Pacific expects full-year EPS to align with its three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of high-single-digit to low-double-digit percentages. However, it cautioned that mixed economic conditions, coal demand, and year-over-year intermodal comparisons may impact volumes.
Union Pacific shares have gained over 8% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's ability to manage costs and improve productivity despite economic headwinds.