Earnings Preview: Union Pacific Revenue Expected to Rise

Now's the time to start prepping for Union Pacific UNP! Don't be caught off-guard: The company releases its next round of earnings this Thursday, July 21, 2011.

Wondering what to expect from this Thursday's announcement? Don't worry. Here's your essential guide to Union Pacific's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Analysts are looking ahead to a positive EPS reading of $1.58 per share and revenues of $4.74 billion. Can Union Pacific manage the estimated 130% rise in EPS and 113% increase in revenues as analysts are predicting? We'll have to wait until Thursday to find out.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	$1.31	$1.48	$1.50	$1.21
EPS Actual	$1.29	$1.56	$1.56	$1.40

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of Union Pacific were trading at $100.74. Shares are up 9.7% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 22.3%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Union Pacific is a Moderate Buy. The strength of this rating has crept upwards over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other industrials companies are doing? Here are a few of Union Pacific's peers in that sector.

• Canadian National Railway CNI: Hold with a $0.85 recent quarter EPS
• Canadian Pacific Railway Limited CP: Hold with a $0.19 recent quarter EPS
• CSX CSX: Moderate Buy with a $0.35 recent quarter EPS
• Kansas City Southern KSU: Moderate Buy with a $0.58 recent quarter EPS

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: Union Pacific links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country through its operating company, Union Pacific Railroad Company.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at Union Pacific's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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