Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) reported earnings on Jan. 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Union Pacific met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded slightly and GAAP earnings per share grew.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Union Pacific recorded revenue of $5.25 billion. The 20 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $5.31 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.8% higher than the prior-year quarter's $5.11 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $2.19. The 27 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $2.16 per share. GAAP EPS of $2.19 for Q4 were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.98 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 45.0%, 150 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 32.9%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 19.7%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $5.25 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.99.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $22.08 billion. The average EPS estimate is $9.40.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,308 members out of 1,354 rating the stock outperform, and 46 members rating it underperform. Among 374 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 365 give Union Pacific a green thumbs-up, and nine give it a red thumbs-down.

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