01:23 PM EDT, 09/12/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Union Pacific ( UNP ) might not provide precise earnings per share and operating revenue forecasts next week when it hosts its Investor Day, but will focus on performance, RBC Capital Markets said Thursday.

However, the company is anticipated to announce sufficient detail to support RBC's outlook for the rail carrier that is already above consensus.

In particular, the RBC analysts are looking for Union Pacific ( UNP ) management to highlight its recent increase in freight car velocity, which is the average distance a train car travels daily over its network. According to the company, railcar velocity grew to 216 miles during the week ended Sept. 6, compared with 209 miles the prior week.

"We view velocity trends as an indicator of how well the company is performing from a service perspective, which we see as a driver of share gain and volume growth looking ahead," the RBC analysts said.

RBC cautioned, however, coal shipments at Union Pacific ( UNP ) have faced headwinds recently, falling 18% year-to-date. The management likely will address the issue.

RBC had an outperform rating for Union Pacific ( UNP ) and a $275 price target.

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