We scoured the nation to identify the best stock in every state. Union Pacific (symbol UNP) is the publicly traded company we picked in Nebraska. The company headquarters is located in Omaha.
A word of caution: Since we selected a single stock from each state (plus one from D.C), and choices in some states are sparse, a few of our picks are best suited to investors comfortable with a higher degree of risk. This is not necessarily one of our 51 favorite stocks in the entire U.S., in other words.
Union Pacific by the Numbers
- Headquarters: Omaha
- Share price: $107.39
- Market value: $86.7 billion
- Price-earnings ratio: 19
(Prices and data are as of June 22, 2017)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Shares of Union Pacific have been ho-hum this year, returning only 5% as the company has struggled with inconsistent shipping volumes and weak pricing due to competition from truckers and other railroads. But the country’s biggest railroad is barreling full-steam into the second half of 2017. Analysts at Credit Suisse say shipping volume is picking up, and Union Pacific’s transport prices have likely bottomed.
Factoring in productivity gains and increased demand for transported goods, including coal and “fracking” sand used in oil and natural gas production, Credit Suisse sees earnings per share up 14% this year, followed by a 14% boost in 2018. Income-oriented investors should note that the company more than tripled its dividend from 2010 to 2016. The stock currently yields 2.3%. Credit Suisse analysts are bullish on the stock, believing it can appreciate 22%, to $131, over the next 12 months.
-
Do You Really Need That Wine Cellar?Home Features Wine cellars are a popular feature in high-end houses. Will installing one in your home increase its value, or would you be better off with a cheaper solution?
-
Think a Repeal of the Estate Tax Wouldn't Affect You? WrongThe wording of any law that repeals or otherwise changes the federal estate tax could have an impact on all of us. Here's what you need to know, courtesy of an estate planning and tax attorney.
-
My Three-Day Rule for Investing: And If it Applies NowStock Market I've seen a lot in my career. Here's what I see now in the stock market.
-
Is It Time to Invest in Europe?Stock Market Europe is being shaken out of its lethargy, militarily and otherwise, by Donald Trump's changes in U.S. policy. Should investors start buying?
-
Why Is Warren Buffett Selling So Much Stock?Berkshire Hathaway is dumping equities, hoarding cash and making market participants nervous.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Google Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayGoogle parent Alphabet has been a market-beating machine for ages.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Retreat Ahead of Nvidia EarningsMarkets lost ground on light volume Wednesday as traders keyed on AI bellwether Nvidia earnings after the close.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Edge Higher With Nvidia Earnings in FocusNvidia stock gained ground ahead of tomorrow's after-the-close earnings event, while Super Micro Computer got hit by a short seller report.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Hits New Record Closing HighThe Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 finished in the red as semiconductor stocks struggled.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Pop After Powell's Jackson Hole SpeechFed Chair Powell's Jackson Hole speech struck a dovish tone which sent stocks soaring Friday.
