Union Pacific Corp's stock fell 3.02% as it hit a 20-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.53% and the S&P 500 down 1.33%.
The company's merger application with Norfolk Southern has received over 2,000 letters of support, indicating strong backing from customers and public officials. However, Canadian National Railway has voiced support for the rejection of this merger application, citing a lack of necessary information and transparency. This situation highlights the challenges Union Pacific faces in moving forward with the merger, despite the initial support it has garnered.
The implications of this merger are significant, as it aims to create a more competitive environment in the railroad sector. However, the hurdles presented by regulatory scrutiny and opposition from competitors could impact Union Pacific's strategic plans and stock performance.
Wall Street analysts forecast UNP stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for UNP is 265.27 USD with a low forecast of 245.00 USD and a high forecast of 289.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
15 Analyst Rating
Wall Street analysts forecast UNP stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for UNP is 265.27 USD with a low forecast of 245.00 USD and a high forecast of 289.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
9 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 227.710
Low
245.00
Averages
265.27
High
289.00
Current: 227.710
Low
245.00
Averages
265.27
High
289.00
JPMorgan
Neutral
downgrade
$270 -> $265
2026-01-28
New
Reason
JPMorgan
Price Target
$270 -> $265
AI Analysis
2026-01-28
New
downgrade
Neutral
Reason
JPMorgan lowered the firm's price target on Union Pacific to $265 from $270 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares.
TD Cowen
Buy
downgrade
$257 -> $255
2026-01-28
New
Reason
TD Cowen
Price Target
$257 -> $255
2026-01-28
New
downgrade
Buy
Reason
TD Cowen lowered the firm's price target on Union Pacific to $255 from $257 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm updated its model following Q4 results which saw steady execution and guidance that was roughly in-line with expectations.
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Citi
Buy
maintain
$265 -> $270
2026-01-28
New
Reason
Citi
Price Target
$265 -> $270
2026-01-28
New
maintain
Buy
Reason
Citi raised the firm's price target on Union Pacific to $270 from $265 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares following the Q4 report. The firm views the company's 2026 outlook as mixed but still sees fundamental value in the business.
Goldman Sachs
Neutral
maintain
$259 -> $267
2026-01-27
New
Reason
Goldman Sachs
Price Target
$259 -> $267
2026-01-27
New
maintain
Neutral
Reason
Goldman Sachs raised the firm's price target on Union Pacific (UNP) to $267 from $259 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares after its Q4 results. The company's earnings were slightly higher than the firm's estimate due to higher below-the-line trends, including higher Other Income, and Goldman continues to believe that the management's targeted acquisition of Norfolk Souther (NSC) is likely to dominate the conversation versus fundamental improvement in the near-to-medium term, the analyst tells investors in a research note.
About UNP
Union Pacific Corporation, through its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad Company, connects over 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. It maintains coordinated schedules with other rail carriers to move freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada, and Mexico. The railroad’s diversified business mix includes bulk, industrial, and premium. Its Bulk shipments consist of grain and grain products, fertilizer, food and refrigerated, and coal and renewables. The Industrial shipments consist of several categories, including construction, industrial chemicals, plastics, forest products, specialized products (primarily waste, salt, and roofing), metals and ores, petroleum, liquid petroleum gases (LPG), soda ash, and sand. Its Premium shipments include finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.