Union Pacific (UNP)
Market Price (11/20/2025): $221.73 | Market Cap: $131.4 BilSector: Industrials | Industry: Rail Transportation
Union Pacific (UNP)
Market Price (11/20/2025): $221.73Market Cap: $131.4 BilSector: IndustrialsIndustry: Rail Transportation
Investment Highlights
Why It Matters
Which of these 2 stories sounds closer for this stock?
1. Generates cash flow
The stock generated 4% or more of the share price (called cash flow yield), and shows moderate 10-15% or more growth.
2. Riding a trend
Think Tesla during the pandemic of 2020 when EVs were riding a cultural high, or Nvidia in the current AI boom, or even Figma. These companies don’t have enough yield, or, enough growth, or both - however - they are riding a trend. They have momentum. These can be more volatile - they don’t have the floor of strong cash flow
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 7.8%, Dividend Yield is 2.5%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 3.8% | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -41%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -58% | Weak revenue growthRev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is 0.2% |
| Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 41% | ||
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 40%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 24%, CFO LTM is 9.7 Bil, FCF LTM is 6.0 Bil | ||
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 23% | ||
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Future of Freight, E-commerce Logistics & Data Centers, Automation & Robotics, E-commerce & DTC Adoption, Show more. |
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 7.8%, Dividend Yield is 2.5%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 3.8% |
| Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 41% |
| Attractive cash flow generationCFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 40%, FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 24%, CFO LTM is 9.7 Bil, FCF LTM is 6.0 Bil |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 23% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Future of Freight, E-commerce Logistics & Data Centers, Automation & Robotics, E-commerce & DTC Adoption, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -41%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -58% |
| Weak revenue growthRev Chg 3Y AvgRevenue Change % averaged over trailing 3 years is 0.2% |
Market Valuation & Key Metrics
UNP Stock
Why The Stock Moved
Qualitative Assessment
AI Generated Analysis | Feedback
Here are the key points for why Union Pacific (UNP) stock moved by 0.3% during the approximate time period from July 31, 2025, to November 20, 2025:
1. Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Report
Union Pacific reported strong third-quarter 2025 financial results on October 23, 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.08, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.99. The company's operating revenue for the quarter was $6.24 billion, and its net income increased to $1.8 billion, or $3.01 per diluted share, from $1.7 billion in the prior year. This robust performance showcased increased revenue, operational efficiency, and a 2.5% year-over-year revenue growth.
2. Shareholder Approval of Norfolk Southern Merger
Union Pacific shareholders approved a proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, a strategic move aimed at creating America's first transcontinental railroad. This decision, with 99.5% approval from participating shareholders, demonstrates strong investor confidence in the company's long-term strategic direction and potential for future growth.
Stock Movement Drivers
Return vs. Risk
Price Returns Compared
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| UNP Return | 18% | 23% | -16% | 22% | -5% | -1% | 39% |
| Peers Return | 26% | 19% | -9% | 10% | -7% | 4% | 44% |
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 13% | 106% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| UNP Win Rate | 58% | 50% | 42% | 50% | 33% | 60% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 70% | 50% | 37% | 52% | 45% | 52% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| UNP Max Drawdown | -37% | -7% | -25% | -9% | -9% | -8% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -33% | -6% | -20% | -12% | -11% | -10% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] Peers: CSX, NSC, CP, CNI, UNP. See UNP Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2025 data is for the year up to 11/19/2025 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
| Event | UNP | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock | ||
| % Loss | -32.6% | -25.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 48.4% | 34.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | Not Fully Recovered days | 464 days |
| 2020 Covid Pandemic | ||
| % Loss | -39.1% | -33.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 64.1% | 51.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 141 days | 148 days |
| 2018 Correction | ||
| % Loss | -22.3% | -19.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 28.7% | 24.7% |
| Time to Breakeven | 50 days | 120 days |
| 2008 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -59.9% | -56.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 149.6% | 131.3% |
| Time to Breakeven | 578 days | 1480 days |
Compare to CSX, NSC, CP, CNI, UNP
In The Past
Union Pacific's stock fell -32.6% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 3/30/2022. A -32.6% loss requires a 48.4% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth over time.
Asset Allocation
Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.
Latest Trefis Analyses
Trade Ideas
Select past ideas related to UNP. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10312025 | GEO | GEO | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | -12.2% | -12.2% | -14.1% |
| 10312025 | RUN | Sunrun | Special | Short Squeeze PotentialShort Squeeze PotentialHas potential for a short squeeze. High short interest, rising short interest and high debt. | -8.7% | -8.7% | -17.5% |
| 10312025 | PLPC | Preformed Line Products | Quality | Q | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and UpsideBuying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run | -8.9% | -8.9% | -9.7% |
| 10172025 | VRSK | Verisk Analytics | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | -3.2% | -3.2% | -10.5% |
| 10102025 | CARR | Carrier Global | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | -9.2% | -9.2% | -9.2% |
| 12312022 | UNP | Union Pacific | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 0.2% | 21.6% | -9.7% |
| 06302022 | UNP | Union Pacific | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | -0.7% | -1.6% | -12.1% |
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10312025 | GEO | GEO | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | -12.2% | -12.2% | -14.1% |
| 10312025 | RUN | Sunrun | Special | Short Squeeze PotentialShort Squeeze PotentialHas potential for a short squeeze. High short interest, rising short interest and high debt. | -8.7% | -8.7% | -17.5% |
| 10312025 | PLPC | Preformed Line Products | Quality | Q | Momentum | UpsideQuality Stocks with Momentum and UpsideBuying quality stocks with strong momentum but still having room to run | -8.9% | -8.9% | -9.7% |
| 10172025 | VRSK | Verisk Analytics | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | -3.2% | -3.2% | -10.5% |
| 10102025 | CARR | Carrier Global | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | -9.2% | -9.2% | -9.2% |
| 12312022 | UNP | Union Pacific | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 0.2% | 21.6% | -9.7% |
| 06302022 | UNP | Union Pacific | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | -0.7% | -1.6% | -12.1% |
Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
Wealth Management
Peer Comparisons for Union Pacific
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 93.56 |
| Mkt Cap | 63.2 |
| Rev LTM | 15,029 |
| Op Inc LTM | 5,556 |
| FCF LTM | 2,393 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 2,524 |
| CFO LTM | 5,489 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 5,086 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 0.5% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 0.2% |
| Rev Chg Q | 1.7% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 0.4% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 37.7% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 38.4% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | 0.3% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 36.5% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 36.9% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 17.2% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 17.3% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 63.2 |
| P/S | 4.5 |
| P/EBIT | 12.7 |
| P/E | 18.6 |
| P/CFO | 13.5 |
| Total Yield | 7.8% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.2% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 3.9% |
| D/E | 0.3 |
| Net D/E | 0.3 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | -2.8% |
| 3M Rtn | -1.4% |
| 6M Rtn | 0.1% |
| 12M Rtn | -2.9% |
| 3Y Rtn | 12.7% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | -1.0% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | -5.5% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | -13.5% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | -17.0% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | -58.4% |
Returns Analyses
Earnings Returns History
Expand for More| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 10/23/2025 | -2.3% | -3.9% | |
| 7/24/2025 | -4.5% | -2.5% | -2.5% |
| 4/24/2025 | -2.0% | -1.9% | 1.4% |
| 1/23/2025 | 5.2% | 5.8% | 4.1% |
| 10/24/2024 | -4.4% | -3.8% | -1.0% |
| 7/25/2024 | -0.9% | 3.9% | 2.9% |
| 4/25/2024 | 5.0% | 1.3% | 0.3% |
| 1/25/2024 | -0.3% | 0.7% | 6.0% |
| ... | |||
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 11 | 12 | 16 |
| # Negative | 13 | 12 | 8 |
| Median Positive | 2.9% | 2.4% | 4.5% |
| Median Negative | -2.4% | -3.1% | -2.5% |
| Max Positive | 10.4% | 10.8% | 12.8% |
| Max Negative | -6.8% | -13.1% | -12.4% |
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 9302025 | 10232025 | 10-Q 9/30/2025 |
| 6302025 | 7242025 | 10-Q 6/30/2025 |
| 3312025 | 4242025 | 10-Q 3/31/2025 |
| 12312024 | 2072025 | 10-K 12/31/2024 |
| 9302024 | 10242024 | 10-Q 9/30/2024 |
| 6302024 | 7252024 | 10-Q 6/30/2024 |
| 3312024 | 4252024 | 10-Q 3/31/2024 |
| 12312023 | 2092024 | 10-K 12/31/2023 |
| 9302023 | 10192023 | 10-Q 9/30/2023 |
| 6302023 | 7262023 | 10-Q 6/30/2023 |
| 3312023 | 4202023 | 10-Q 3/31/2023 |
| 12312022 | 2102023 | 10-K 12/31/2022 |
| 9302022 | 10202022 | 10-Q 9/30/2022 |
| 6302022 | 7212022 | 10-Q 6/30/2022 |
| 3312022 | 4212022 | 10-Q 3/31/2022 |
| 12312021 | 2042022 | 10-K 12/31/2021 |
External Quote Links
| Y Finance | Barrons |
| TradingView | Morningstar |
| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
