OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) announced that its Board of Directors voted today to increase the quarterly dividend on the company's common shares by 15 percent, or 12 cents, to 91 cents per share. The increased dividend is payable April 1, 2014, to shareholders of record on February 28, 2014. Union Pacific has paid dividends on its common stock for 115 consecutive years.

The Board also approved the Company's 2014 capital spending plan of approximately USD 3.9 billion, up about USD 300 million versus 2013, driven primarily by the acquisition of 200 locomotives compared to 100 locomotives purchased in 2013, and somewhat higher capacity investments. Spending on Positive Train Control is also expected to increase to USD 450 million, versUSD 420 million in 2013.

“This dividend increase demonstrates our confidence in Union Pacific's continued ability to generate growing cash returns on our diverse franchise opportunities,” said Rob Knight, Union Pacific chief financial officer. “Our capital investments serve a critical role in supporting future cash generation and returns. The increased capital spending plan for 2014 also highlights our expectation of future volume growth across a wide range of markets in 2014 and beyond.”

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2013, Union Pacific invested more than USD 21.6 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.