One railroad has the fatter yield, the other has the safer-looking payout cushion, and a pending megamerger clouds the picture. Three tests of income, coverage, and risk reveal which stock deserves a spot in a retiree's portfolio.

Union Pacific's revenue growth accelerated sharply from 3.2% in 2026Q1 to 15.3% in 2026Q3 ($7.2B), with operating leverage lifting operating income 20.8% sequentially to $2.9B and EPS growth reaching 15.9%.
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue growth surged to 15.3% in 2026Q3 with operating income rising to $2.9B (40.9% margin), yet gross margin compressed to 40.9% from the 45-46.5% range held over the prior eight quarters as COGS grew 30.3% year-over-year, suggesting input cost pressure or a potential expense reclassification given zero reported SG&A.
Union Pacific has exceeded earnings per share expectations and maintains a high return on equity, reflecting effective management.
The stock is near its 52-week high, indicating strong market performance, with some metrics suggesting it may be modestly undervalued.
Inflation and tariff headwinds could boost goods movement, supported by a resilient economy and increased capital expenditure.
Union Pacific's debt-to-equity ratio is 1.53, indicating potential liquidity issues and higher debt risks.
Discounted cash flow analyses suggest UNP may be overvalued, with a PEG ratio of 3.7x indicating potential overvaluation.
Projected slower global economic growth could dampen industrial production and consumer demand, impacting freight volumes.
Trailing total returns as of 11/7/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q4 2026Latest Oct 22, 2026 | $3.53+1.7% vs $3.47 | $7.2B+0.5% vs $7.2B |
Q3 2026 Jul 23, 2026 | $3.41+4.6% vs $3.26 | $6.9B+2.2% vs $6.7B |
Q2 2026 Apr 23, 2026 | $2.93+2.4% vs $2.86 | $6.2B-0.2% vs $6.2B |
Q1 2026 Jan 27, 2026 | $2.86+0.0% vs $2.86 | $6.1B-0.4% vs $6.1B |
One railroad has the fatter yield, the other has the safer-looking payout cushion, and a pending megamerger clouds the picture. Three tests of income, coverage, and risk reveal which stock deserves a spot in a retiree's portfolio.

Boston Trust Walden Corp cut its holdings in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) by 6.3% in the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 279,870 shares of the railroad operator's stock after selling 18,787 shares during
Aware Super Pty Ltd as trustee of Aware Super increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) by 1,063.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 72,346 shares of the railroad operator's stock after acquiring an
Union Pacific and United Parcel beat Q3 earnings estimates, but differences in share price performance, valuation and growth strategies tilt the scales in one stock's favor.
Benchmark UNP against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Union Pacific Corporation (UNP)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $290.16 | $172.38B | 22.64 | 1.07% | 28.9% | 37.82% | 1.88% | |
| $49.12 | $90.99B | 25.42 | -3.08% | 23.97% | 25.94% | 1.06% | |
| $319.94 | $71.86B | 26.84 | 0.47% | 20.71% | 16.69% | 1.69% | |
| $92.17 | $81.02B | 29.55 | 3.66% | 24.14% | 8.19% | 0.67% | |
| $124.06 | $75.04B | 21.98 | 1.43% | 26.42% | 22.18% | 2.02% | |
| $217.55 | $20.51B | 30.46 | -0.73% | 5.07% | 18.71% | 0.8% |
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Oct 22, 2026·SEC
Oct 16, 2026·SEC
Jul 23, 2026·SEC
Feb 6, 2026·SEC
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Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) reported $26.36B in revenue over the trailing twelve months. Revenue was $24.51B in fiscal year 2025. That is 179% more than the $8.79B of fiscal year 1996.
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) grew revenue by 7.4% over the trailing twelve months, compared with the twelve months before.
Yes. Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) earned $7.62B in net income over the trailing twelve months (a 28.9% net margin).
Yes. Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) pays a dividend that yields 1.88% at the current price, a moderate yield.
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) had a return on equity (ROE) of 37.8% over the trailing twelve months. That is well above the market's typical 10-15%.
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) generated $6.69B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months.