Stock Analysis on Net

Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE:UNP)

$24.99

Return on Assets (ROA)
since 2005

Microsoft Excel

Calculation

Union Pacific Corp., ROA, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).

1 US$ in millions


The Return on Assets (ROA) exhibited a generally positive trend over the period from 2005 to 2025, although with notable fluctuations. Initial values were in the low single digits, increasing consistently through the late 2000s and early 2010s before experiencing a significant peak and subsequent moderation.

Initial Growth (2005-2012)
From 2005 to 2012, ROA demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory, increasing from 2.88% to 8.36%. This period reflects improving profitability relative to the asset base. The increase suggests enhanced efficiency in utilizing assets to generate earnings.
Peak and Subsequent Adjustment (2013-2018)
ROA reached a peak of 18.53% in 2017, a substantial increase from the prior year’s 10.09%. This outlier performance was followed by a decline to 10.09% in 2018. The dramatic increase in 2017 warrants further investigation to understand the underlying drivers, while the subsequent decrease suggests a return to more typical performance levels.
Stabilization and Recent Performance (2019-2025)
Following the peak in 2017, ROA stabilized within a range of approximately 8.57% to 10.69% between 2019 and 2023. The most recent observation in 2025 shows a slight increase to 10.24%, indicating continued solid performance. This suggests a mature and relatively consistent level of asset utilization and profitability.
Relationship to Net Income and Total Assets
The ROA trend generally aligns with the trends in net income and total assets. Increases in net income, particularly the substantial increase in 2017, directly contributed to higher ROA values. While total assets consistently increased over the period, the ROA demonstrates that the growth in net income often outpaced the growth in assets, leading to improved returns.

Overall, the ROA indicates a company that has generally become more effective at generating profits from its assets over the analyzed timeframe. The exceptional performance in 2017 represents a significant deviation from the norm and requires further scrutiny, but the subsequent years demonstrate a return to a stable and healthy level of profitability relative to asset investment.


Comparison to Competitors

Union Pacific Corp., ROA, long-term trends, comparison to competitors

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).


Comparison to Sector (Transportation)


Comparison to Industry (Industrials)