RBC Keeps Outperform on Union Pacific (UNP), Flags Higher Q1 EPS and Approval Risk

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) is included among the Dividend Stock Portfolio for Income: 15 Stocks to Invest In.

On March 26, RBC Capital Markets lowered its price recommendation on Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) to $273 from $280. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares.  The update came as part of a broader research note previewing Q1 results for Class I railroads. The firm raised its Q1 EPS estimate by $0.06 to $2.90, pointing to volumes that are running well ahead of consensus expectations. At the same time, the analyst noted there is an increased risk around deal approvals.

On March 19, Evercore ISI upgraded Union Pacific to Outperform from In Line and lifted its price target to $262 from $260. The analyst said that even though merger-related “trading purgatory” may still be in place, the company is operating “at an elite level.” That performance is showing up in strong volume growth and solid margins, while the stock still trades at a discount to most peers. The firm added that the merger deal is either going to fall apart, which it views as “highly unlikely,” or the stock will be seen as “a premier growth Industrials equity deserving of a premium multiple” once there is better visibility on closing. The analyst described the stock as a “heads you win, tails you win” idea within the group.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP), through its main operating unit, Union Pacific Railroad Company, connects more than 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States by rail. It plays a key role in the global supply chain.

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