Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. The company offers transportation services for grain and grain products, fertilizers, food and refrigerated products, and coal and renewables to grain processors, animal feeders, ethanol producers, renewable biofuel producers, and other agricultural users; and construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products, metals and ores, petroleum, liquid petroleum gases, soda ash, and sand, as well as finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers. Union Pacific Corporation was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

Union Pacific appears to be a high-quality but already expensive railroad asset with strong operating profitability and moderately tight liquidity. Its P/E is around the industry median, so the market is not pricing in any clear premium based on earnings, but P/S, P/B, and P/FCF are noticeably above industry levels, which points to high expectations and limits the upside from revaluation. At the same time, profitability is very strong: operating margin is around 40%, net margin is nearly 29%, gross margin is close to 59%, and all of these indicators have remained consistently high over the years. ROE, ROA, and ROI are also above the industry and look stable, which confirms the efficiency of capital and assets. Revenue, EBITDA, operating income, and net income are generally growing or remaining stable, while shareholders’ equity is increasing, which supports the fundamental valuation. On the other hand, the current and quick ratios are below the industry median and remain below 1, which is not critical for a capital-intensive business but does require attention. The debt burden by debt/equity is above the median, although long-term debt has been gradually declining over the period, which mitigates the risk. Dividend yield is low and has declined compared with previous periods, so the dividend factor does not add a strong argument for a higher valuation. Overall, the fundamentals support the current price more than they justify a significant increase in the target price. For an investor, this is a story of durable quality and high profitability, but with limited upside due to expensive multiples and less-than-ideal liquidity. Therefore, the adjustment to the target forecast should be moderately negative and conservative.

Union Pacific Corporation

Сильный индекс, незначительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, slightly down. The bulls are confused.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Оптимистичный взгляд на свои позиции резко сменился на неуверенность.

Strong index, significantly down. An optimistic view of his position suddenly changed to uncertainty.

Сильный индекс, незначительно вырос. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, slightly up. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок не поддерживает медведей.

Strong index, flat. The market does not support the bears.

Средний индекс, незначительно вырос. Приток средств в лонги остается положительным.

Medium index, slightly up. The inflow of funds into longs remains positive.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из шортов увеличился и находится на высоком уровне.

Medium index, significantly down. The outflow of funds from shorts has increased and is at a high level.

UNP’s high profitability and stable earnings support its valuation, but expensive multiples and weak liquidity limit upside potential.

Prospects of the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry’s participants are being weighed down by challenges like tariff-induced economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures and resultant high interest rates, as well as concerns pertaining to supply-chain disruptions. High fuel costs, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have been hurting the bottom-line growth of industry players.
Despite these headwinds, the industry has outperformed the Zacks S&P 500 Composite and the Zacks Transportation sector so far this year. Over this period, the industry has gained 20% compared with the S&P 500 Index’s northward movement of 12% and the broader sector’s surge of 7%.
YTD Price Performance
Despite the challenges surrounding the industry, some railroad companies, like West Japan Railway Company (WJRYY), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) and Canadian National Railway Company CNI, have consistently paid dividends to their shareholders, thus highlighting their pro-shareholder stance.
Dividend growth stocks generally belong to mature companies, which are less susceptible to significant market swings, and act as a hedge against uncertainty-induced stock market volatility, as is the case currently. They offer downside protection with their consistent increase in payouts.
Additionally, these companies generally have strong fundamentals like a sustainable business model, a long track record of profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity and a strong balance sheet.
How to Pick Stocks With Solid Dividend Payouts?
Investing in dividend stocks is a prudent strategy that offers a dual advantage: steady income and a cushion against market volatility. It's no wonder investors actively seek companies with a consistent and growing dividend history. These stocks provide a reliable income stream, acting as a buffer during market downturns and contributing to overall portfolio stability.
To guide investors interested in the railroad industry, we came up with certain parameters using the Zacks Stocks Screener. We shortlisted transportation stocks based on the following:
a) A dividend payout ratio of less than 60% (the dividend payout ratio — dividends paid/net income — gives the proportion of earnings paid out as dividends to shareholders. A payout ratio below 60 looks quite sustainable).
b) A dividend yield of greater than 2% (dividend yield denotes the percentage of a company’s share price that it pays out as dividends annually).
The selected stocks have exhibited dividend growth in the past five years.
West Japan Railway: Based in Kita, Japan, West Japan Railway Company manages the railway operation business in Japan. Currently, the company has a market capitalization of $8.78 billion and has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
West Japan Railway’s quarterly dividend of 39 cents per share (annualized) gives a 2.01% yield at the current stock price. The company’s payout ratio is 22% of its earnings at present. The five-year dividend growth rate is 7.17%. (Check West Japan Railway’s dividend history here).
West Japan Railway Dividend Yield (TTM)
Union Pacific: Headquartered in Omaha, NE, Union Pacific, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, operates in the railroad business in the United States. Currently, UNP has a market capitalization of $163.69 billion and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
UNP’s quarterly dividend of $1.42 ($5.68 annualized) per share gives a 2.06% yield at the current stock price. The company’s payout ratio is 45% of its earnings at present. The five-year dividend growth rate is 3.55%. (Check Union Pacific’s dividend history here).
Union Pacific Corporation Dividend Yield (TTM)
UNP has paid dividends on its common stock for 126 consecutive years, reflecting its pro-shareholder approach. Union Pacific’s consistent initiatives to reward its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases look encouraging. In 2023, the company returned $3.9 billion to its shareholders through dividends ($3.17 billion) and buybacks ($705 million). During 2024, UNP paid $3.21 billion in dividends and repurchased shares worth $1.50 billion. During 2025, UNP paid $3.23 billion in dividends and repurchased shares worth $2.67 billion. During the first six months of 2026, UNP paid $1.64 billion in dividends and repurchased shares worth $26 million.
Canadian National: Based in Montreal, Canada, Canadian National is involved in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. Currently, CNI has a market capitalization of $72.18 billion and carries a Zacks Rank #3.
CNI’s quarterly dividend of 65 cents ($2.60 annualized) per share gives a 2.17% yield at the current stock price. This company’s payout ratio is 48% of its earnings at present. The five-year dividend growth rate is 5.60%. (Check Canadian National’s dividend history here).
Canadian National Railway Company Dividend Yield (TTM)
CNI’s consistent efforts to reward its shareholders via dividends and buybacks are encouraging and highlight the company's financial strength. In 2023, CNI paid dividends of C$2.07 billion and repurchased shares worth C$4.55 billion. During 2024, CNI paid dividends of C$2.14 billion and repurchased shares worth C$2.60 billion. During 2025, CNI paid dividends of C$2.20 billion and repurchased shares worth C$2.05 billion. During the first six months of 2026, CSX paid $1.11 billion in dividends and repurchased shares worth $1.33 billion.
Such shareholder-friendly moves indicate the company’s commitment to creating value for shareholders and underline its confidence in its business.
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3 Dividend-Paying Stocks From the Railroad Industry You May Count On

In a bid to strengthen its position in the railroad industry, Union Pacific (UNP) announced the launch of two battery-electric locomotives in Southern California. The move comes as part of Union Pacific’s ongoing investments in testing next-generation technologies in real-world operating environments.
The locomotives are the first of four FLXdrivebattery-electric units manufactured by Wabtec Corporation (WAB) and ordered by Union Pacific. Two additional locomotives are slated to be delivered in October 2026, thereby completing the four-unit fleet which is expected to operate in the greater Los Angeles area. Each locomotive offers nearly 2.7 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage and generates zero tailpipe emissions during operation.
Powered by almost 7,000 battery cells, the FLXdrive will undergo extensive testing in a variety of railroad operations, including switching and providing local customer service.
Union Pacific’s chief executive officer, Jim Vena, stated, "Union Pacific has never been content to stand still. Our industry is constantly evolving, and if we're not exploring what's next, we risk being left behind. Testing technologies like battery-electric locomotives help us to better understand what's possible by putting these emerging technologies to work in actual railroad operations.”
To Conclude
The deployment of FLXdrive in daily operations is expected to provide Union Pacific with real-world insights and valuable real-world data on the technology’s performance, reliability and operational capabilities. This shall help UNP assess the battery-electric technology’s potential to improve efficiency and support longer-term fleet modernization.
Rail remains one of the most fuel-efficient modes of overland freight transportation, capable of moving one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Union Pacific’s battery-electric locomotive evaluation supports its broader push to modernize operations, improve efficiency and potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the railroad’s long-term cost and sustainability goals for freight transportation.
Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider
Union Pacific carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Seanergy Maritime Holdings SHIP and Schneider National, Inc. (SNDR).
Seanergy Maritime Holdings currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
SHIP has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 38%.
Schneider presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Schneider has an expected earnings growth rate of 65.08% for the current year. Schneider’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters (missed the mark in the remaining two quarters), delivering an average miss of 10.01%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Schneider’s full-year earnings has moved 14.29% north in the past 60 days.
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Wabtec (WAB) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Union Pacific Rolls Out First Two Battery-Electric Locomotives in California

(RTTNews) - Tuesday, Union Pacific Corp. (UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) announced that the Surface Transportation Board or STB has unanimously denied merger opponents' requests to dismiss the companies' revised merger application.
This move allows the board to continue its review of the most comprehensive merger analysis ever submitted in support of a major rail transaction.
The facts provided in the application suggest that a seamless, coast-to-coast railroad will provide customers with more efficient and affordable freight transportation options and remove more than 2 million truckloads from taxpayer-funded highways.
Also, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation's Railroad Mechanical Department has entered a jobs-for-life agreement with the railroads. The company added that the merger has support from a majority of unions representing Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern employees.
The two companies expect the transaction to be completed in the second half of 2027.
Currently, UNP is trading at $270.97, up 0.50 percent and NSC is trading at $311.13, up 0.67 percent on the NYSE.

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern Merger Review Advances As STB Rejects Opponents' Dismissal Requests

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (Symbol: XLI) where we have detected an approximate $178.4 million dollar outflow -- that's a 0.6% decrease week over week (from 181,226,000 to 180,176,000). Among the largest underlying components of XLI, in trading today GE Aerospace (Symbol: GE) is down about 1.2%, Union Pacific Corp (Symbol: UNP) is up about 0.7%, and Eaton Corp plc (Symbol: ETN) is up by about 0.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XLI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XLI, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XLI's low point in its 52 week range is $147.135 per share, with $188.19 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $169.37. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further XLI Research:

Notable ETF Outflow Detected - XLI, GE, UNP, ETN

Among the underlying components of the S&P 500 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Union Pacific Corp (Symbol: UNP), where a total of 12,015 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 1.2 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 52.4% of UNP's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.3 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $285 strike call option expiring October 16, 2026, with 5,038 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 503,800 underlying shares of UNP. Below is a chart showing UNP's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $285 strike highlighted in orange:
United Parcel Service Inc (Symbol: UPS) options are showing a volume of 21,135 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.1 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 50.4% of UPS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 4.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $110 strike call option expiring October 16, 2026, with 1,620 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 162,000 underlying shares of UPS. Below is a chart showing UPS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $110 strike highlighted in orange:
And Vertiv Holdings Co (Symbol: VRT) options are showing a volume of 25,820 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.6 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 48.4% of VRT's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.3 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $280 strike call option expiring November 20, 2026, with 4,959 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 495,900 underlying shares of VRT. Below is a chart showing VRT's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $280 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for UNP options, UPS options, or VRT options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Further UNP Research:

Notable Monday Option Activity: UNP, UPS, VRT

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (Symbol: XLI) where we have detected an approximate $465.4 million dollar outflow -- that's a 1.5% decrease week over week (from 183,926,000 to 181,226,000). Among the largest underlying components of XLI, in trading today RTX Corp (Symbol: RTX) is down about 1.1%, GE Vernova Inc (Symbol: GEV) is down about 7.5%, and Union Pacific Corp (Symbol: UNP) is higher by about 0.2%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XLI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XLI, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XLI's low point in its 52 week range is $147.135 per share, with $188.19 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $169.59. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further XLI Research:

Noteworthy ETF Outflows: XLI, RTX, GEV, UNP

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Oracle Corp. (ORCL), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) and Union Pacific Corp. (UNP), as well as two micro-cap stocks CVD Equipment Corp. (CVV) and Koil Energy Solutions, Inc. (KLNG). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Canadian Tariffs Hit $20B in U.S. Imports
Today's Featured Research Reports
Shares of Oracle have gained +10.8% over the past six months against the Zacks Computer - Software industry’s gain of +16.4%. The company’s cloud infrastructure business demonstrates accelerating revenue growth, supported by strategic partnerships and competitive pricing that attract enterprise workload migrations.
AI-optimized database capabilities provide technological differentiation, while record fiscal 2026 operating cash flow of $32 billion enables sustained infrastructure investments. The integrated solutions strategy strengthens customer retention and drives cross-selling opportunities.
However, competition from hyperscalers remains intense, potentially pressuring margins. The ongoing transition from license revenue to subscription models creates near-term earnings volatility. Q1 fiscal 2027 guidance indicates total revenue growth of 27-29%, but execution risks around data center capacity expansion and funding requirements warrant monitoring.
(You can read the full research report on Oracle here >>>)
Merck’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past six months (+29.1% vs. +14%). The company’s blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. Animal Health is also contributing to growth. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then.
Recent M&A deals have strengthened Merck’s pipeline while its late-stage pipeline and new launches are gaining traction. This progress has increased confidence that Merck can maintain growth even after Keytruda loses exclusivity.
However, it faces several near-term challenges, including persistent challenges for Gardasil, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising competitive and generic pressure on some of its drugs. Also, estimates have declined recently due to costs related to its various M&A deals.
(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>)
Shares of Union Pacific have outperformed the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry over the past six months (+15.5% vs. +15%). The company remains a high-quality rail franchise with a balanced risk-reward profile. Domestic intermodal growth, reliable service and productivity gains support volume capture across an uneven freight market. Pricing continues to exceed inflation, while cash generation and lower leverage support investment and dividend growth.
Management’s improved earnings outlook reflects continued operating discipline. The proposed Norfolk Southern combination could broaden the network and improve long-term service, with regulatory commitments marking progress.
Still, freight demand remains mixed, coal and some industrial markets are soft, and fuel and labor costs can pressure margins. The merger also brings approval, financing, integration and dilution risks, while buybacks remain paused. These offsets support the Neutral recommendation.
(You can read the full research report on Union Pacific here >>>)
CVD Equipment’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Manufacturing - General Industrial industry over the past six months (+81.9% vs. -5%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $45.67 million, has an investment case resting on its exposure to opportunities in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), advanced battery materials, silicon carbide (SiC) applications and industrial and nuclear markets. Its installed equipment base provides scope for recurring aftermarket revenues as customer utilization rises.
Operational restructuring and the SDC divestiture have strengthened financial flexibility and created a leaner platform for future growth. However, the outlook remains tempered by volatile system bookings, customer concentration, weak SiC demand, elevated R&D spending and dependence on successful commercialization of newer products.
The valuation implies that investors continue to discount execution and demand risks. This could provide upside if order momentum and revenue visibility improve, but sustained weakness in bookings may limit rerating potential.
(You can read the full research report on CVD Equipment here >>>)
Shares of Koil Energy Solutions have outperformed the Zacks Alternative Energy - Other industry over the past six months (+37.6% vs. -9.8%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $42.21 million saw its first-half 2026 results highlight strengthening growth and operating leverage, with revenues up 67% and operating income improving to $1 million from a year-ago loss.
Momentum is being driven by higher fixed-price and service revenues, meaningful contributions from new customers, expanding carousel rental activity and entry into Brazil. Broader exposure across West Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, along with healthy subsea tieback and maintenance demand, further supports the growth outlook.
However, cash conversion remains weak, as higher receivables pushed operating cash flow negative, while rising capital spending and borrowing increase liquidity and financing risks. Results also depend heavily on a few large projects, making revenues vulnerable to execution delays and uneven recognition. Valuation is mixed, with EV/sales below industry levels but EV/EBITDA elevated.
(You can read the full research report on Koil Energy Solutions here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Phillips 66 (PSX), Intuit Inc. (INTU) and Flex Ltd. (FLEX).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
AI, QuickBooks Growth Aids Intuit (INTU), Tax Reset Clouds the Outlook
Per the Zacks analyst, Intuit benefits from QuickBooks, Credit Karma and AI tech that support engagement and monetization. However, slower customer growth, Mailchimp churn and tax pricing reset weigh.
FLEX Gains from Expanding Data Center Platform & Acquisitions
Per the Zacks analyst, Flex continues to deepen its exposure to the data center market through its Cloud and Power Infrastructure segment. Also, synergies from acquisitions bode well.
Rising Total Loss Frequency Aids Copart (CPRT) Amid High Opex
Per the Zacks analyst, a continuous rise in total loss frequency in the United States is expected to boost Copart's top-line growth. However, high operating costs remain a concern.
Shipbuilding Leadership, Rising Backlog Aid Huntington Ingalls (HII)
Per the Zacks analyst, Huntington Ingalls should benefit from strong shipbuilding demand, rising backlog and a supportive defense budget. Autonomous systems, program wins support long-term growth.
Power Growth & Teledata Strength Aid Argan (AGX), Project Risks Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Argan benefits from higher Power activity, Teledata growth and a strong backlog. However, project concentration and execution risks remain concerns.
DENTSPLY SIRONA (XRAY) Balances Digital Growth With Turnaround Risks
As per the Zacks analyst, digital dentistry, SureSmile and restructuring offer upside, while weak equipment demand, orthodontics pressure and tariffs could limit DENTSPLY SIRONA's turnaround.
Spectrum Brands (SPB) Gains From Growth, Innovation and Discipline
Per the Zacks analyst, Spectrum Brands has been benefiting from brand investment, pricing, productivity and strong liquidity, supporting growth despite ongoing demand and cost pressures.
New Upgrades
Phillips 66's (PSX) Diversified Business Model Drives Resilience
Per the Zacks analyst, Phillips 66's diversified business platform supports earnings resilience. Its focus on shareholder returns and balance-sheet strength is also a key positive.
AI-Enabled PCs to Aid HP (HPQ) Personal Systems Revenues
Per the Zacks analyst, growing interest in artificial intelligence-enabled PCs will give a fresh boost to HP's Personal Systems segment revenue growth.
Popular (BPOP) Financial Rides on Loan Growth & Solid Liquidity
Per the Zacks analyst, Popular's steady rise in loan balances underscores its solid organic growth momentum. Further, its robust liquidity profile aids consistent capital distribution activities.
New Downgrades
TG Therapeutics' (TGTX) Briumvi Dependence for Sales Raises Concerns
Per the Zacks analyst, TG Therapeutics' sole dependence on multiple sclerosis drug, Briumvi, for revenues is concerning. Competition in the target market also remains a woe.
Asphalt Customer Shift, High Interest Costs Weigh on Astec (ASTE)
The Zacks analyst is concerned that macro uncertainty is delaying deliveries for some asphalt customers and elevated interest expenses will continue to hurt Astec Industries' results.
Western Union (WU) Faces Retail Weakness and Margin Pressure
Per the Zacks analyst, Western Union's retail weakness, margin pressure and elevated leverage remain concerns despite growth in Digital and Consumer Services.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Top Stock Reports for Oracle, Merck & Union Pacific

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (Symbol: SPY) where we have detected an approximate $2 inflow -- that's a 0.2% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 1,,05,4,2,32,,116 to 1,,05,6,2,32,,116). Among the largest underlying components of SPY, in trading today The Charles Schwab Corporation (Symbol: SCHW) is off about 1.3%, Union Pacific Corp (Symbol: UNP) is up about 0.8%, and TJX Companies (Symbol: TJX) is up by about 0.5%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the SPY Holdings page »
The chart below shows the one year price performance of SPY, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, SPY's low point in its 52 week range is $629.28 per share, with $779.37 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $771.09. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further SPY Research:

SPY, SCHW, UNP, TJX: ETF Inflow Alert

Investors in Union Pacific Corporation UNP need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Sept. 4, 2026 $225 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?
Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?
Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Union Pacific shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Union Pacific is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Transportation – Rail industry that ranks in the Top 32% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, two analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while none dropped the estimates. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $3.40 per share to $3.43 in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Union Pacific right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Are Options Traders Betting on a Big Move in Union Pacific Stock?

Union Pacific (UNP) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.
The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.
Individual investors often find it hard to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, since these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time. In these situations, the Zacks rating system comes in handy because of the power of a changing earnings picture in determining near-term stock price movements.
As such, the Zacks rating upgrade for Union Pacific is essentially a positive comment on its earnings outlook that could have a favorable impact on its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock Prices
The change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, and the near-term price movement of its stock are proven to be strongly correlated. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their transaction of large amounts of shares then leads to price movement for the stock.
Fundamentally speaking, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade for Union Pacific imply an improvement in the company's underlying business. Investors should show their appreciation for this improving business trend by pushing the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, so it could be truly rewarding if such revisions are tracked for making an investment decision. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Earnings Estimate Revisions for Union Pacific
This railroad is expected to earn $13.02 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2026, which represents no year-over-year change.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Union Pacific. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 3.9%.
Bottom Line
Unlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
The upgrade of Union Pacific to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Union Pacific Corporation

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