After Union Pacific (UNP) announced that it has named Jim Vena, who most recently served as EVP and COO at Canadian National (CNI), as its new Chief Operating Officer, Stephens analyst Justin Long said he views the hiring positively and believes it will help ease concerns of those who were skeptical about Union's ability to successfully execute its new plan. Long, who said Vena's hiring increase his confidence that Union Pacific can deliver on its new Unified Plan 2020, keeps an Overweight rating and $170 price target on the stock, which he maintains as his 2019 Best Idea.

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The company said, "CN reaffirms its 2024 outlook and expects to deliver adjusted diluted EPS growth of approximately 10% and expects to invest approximately C$3.5 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers. The Company also expects return on invested capital (ROIC) to be within the targeted range of 15%-17%. CN reiterates its longer-term financial perspective and continues to target compounded annual diluted EPS growth in the range of 10%-15% over the 2024-2026 period driven by growing volumes more than the economy, pricing above rail inflation and incrementally improving efficiency, all of which assumes a supportive economy."

Reports Q1 revenue C$4.25B vs. C$4.31B last year. "Our team of railroaders delivered to plan in the first quarter and our scheduled operating model continued to enhance our service to customers. Looking forward, we are confident for 2024. We are seeing the expected improvements in the economy, and our CN-specific growth opportunities are materializing. We remain committed to delivering on our growth agenda and powering the economy," Tracy Robinson, president and CEO, CN.

Deutsche Bank placed a "Catalyst Call: Buy" on shares of Union Pacific (UNP) as a short-term investment idea. With all the attention Norfolk Southern (NSC) is getting in recent months, it is easy to overlook developments at other railroads, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm says Union Pacific is now the worst performing pail stock year-to-date. However, operating metrics "clearly show that UNP's renewed efforts on operations are gaining traction," contends Deutsche Bank. It keeps a Buy rating on the shares with a $266 price target.