The chart below shows how UNP performed 10 days before and after its earnings report, based on data from the past quarters. Typically, UNP sees a -2.05% change in stock price 10 days leading up to the earnings, and a +1.47% change 10 days following the report. On the earnings day itself, the stock moves by +0.74%. This data can give you a slight idea of what to expect for the next quarter's release.
Positive
Net Income Increase: Union Pacific reported a 9% increase in net income to $1.7 billion for Q3 2024, alongside a 10% improvement in earnings per share, reaching $2.75.
Q3 2024 Revenue Increase: Operating revenue for Q3 2024 was $6.1 billion, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year, driven by a 6% increase in volume and a 4% rise in freight revenue.
Operating Ratio Improvement: The operating ratio improved by 310 basis points to 60.3%, demonstrating enhanced operational efficiency despite a challenging business mix.
Cash Flow Improvement: Year-to-date cash from operations totaled $6.7 billion, up $700 million from the previous year, with free cash flow nearly doubling, increasing by over $900 million.
Shareholder Returns Overview: Shareholder returns reached $3.2 billion year-to-date through dividends and share repurchases, including $738 million in repurchases during Q3.
Negative
Revenue Growth Slowdown: Operating revenue increased only 3% year-over-year, indicating a slowdown in growth despite a 6% increase in volume, suggesting potential challenges in pricing power.
Freight Revenue Challenges: Freight revenue growth was negatively impacted by a business mix shift, resulting in a 75 basis point reduction in revenue, highlighting margin pressures from lower average revenue per car in international intermodal shipments.
Other Revenue Decline: Other revenue declined by $73 million or 18%, driven by lower accessorials and reduced demand for auto parts shipments, indicating weakness in certain segments of the business.
Compensation Expense Increase: Compensation and benefits expense increased by 2% year-over-year, driven by wage inflation and higher workforce costs, which could pressure margins going forward.
Rising Tax Burden Impact: Income tax expense rose by 23% due to higher pre-tax income, indicating that while net income increased, the effective tax burden is also rising, potentially impacting future profitability.
Earnings call transcript: Union Pacific Q3 2024 earnings beat expectations
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