Union Pacific 2Q Earnings Pregame Scorecard

Last quarter Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP) topped estimates by 15 cents per share, and it is scheduled to report again on Thursday.

Expectations

Analysts currently expect Union Pacific to come in with earnings of $1.95 per share on revenues of $5.23 billion. Analyst estimates range from $1.89 per share to $2.08 per share. Over the past three months, the average estimate has moved down from $2.

Last Quarter's Results

In the first quarter, profit rose 35.1% to $863 million ($1.79 a share) from $639 million ($1.29 a share) the year earlier, exceeding analyst expectations. Revenue rose 13.9% to $5.11 billion from $4.49 billion.

Stock Ratings

Analysts are bullish on the stock as 19 analysts rate it as a buy and there are no sell ratings. Analyst sentiment has been improving recently, as the average rating risen slightly over the past three months.

Stock Movement

The biggest recent change for the stock came on June 29, 2012, when it rose $3.99 per share to $119.31. Looking at change over the last three months, from April 18, 2012 and July 13, 2012, the stock price is up $8.50 (7.8%), from $109.65 to $118.15.

Company Fundamental Trends With double-digit revenue growth the past four quarters, this earnings release is a chance to keep that positive trend going. The company has averaged year-over-year revenue growth of 15.4% over the last four quarters. The company will look to keep the its run of success flowing with earnings announcement, after experiencing income increases the last three quarters. Net income rose 16.2% in the third quarter of the last fiscal year and 24.4% in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year before increasing again in the first quarter.

Summary

Reporting Period: 2Q

Date of Release: Thursday, July 19, 2012 before market open

EPS: $1.95

Revenue Estimate: $5.23 billion

(Company fundamentals by Xignite Financials. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks)