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CNI vs UNP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Canadian National Railway (CNI) vs. Union Pacific (UNP) Stock Comparison
1) Key Takeaways
- Both CNI and UNP are North American Class I railroads that posted double-digit revenue and earnings growth in their most recent quarters, but their risk profiles differ meaningfully.
- CNI is benefiting from record grain shipments and improving productivity, while UNP is driving growth through strong intermodal volume but faces merger-review uncertainty.
- UNP trades at a higher valuation and a lower dividend yield, reflecting its scale and growth premium, whereas CNI offers a higher yield with a more stable, diversified commodity mix.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: CNI currently appears favored for its trend consistency and lower event-driven regulatory risk relative to UNP.
- For more detail, explore CNI Major News and CNI Today's Price Move, as well as UNP Major News and UNP Today's Price Move.
- To see which automated strategies are best suited to current conditions, explore Trending AI Robots.
2) Introduction
Canadian National Railway (CNI) and Union Pacific (UNP) are two of North America's largest and most influential freight railroads. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders seeking exposure to the industrials and transportation sectors, where durable competitive advantages, pricing power, and economic cyclicality converge. Although both companies operate similar asset-heavy, precision-scheduled networks, their geographic footprints, commodity mixes, growth catalysts, and near-term risk factors differ considerably. Understanding how these two names compare on relative performance, market positioning, and momentum can help readers evaluate which profile better aligns with their own objectives in the current environment.
3) CNI Overview and Recent Performance
Canadian National Railway operates a network spanning Canada coast to coast and extending south through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. Its diversified freight mix includes intermodal, grain and fertilizers, petroleum and chemicals, forest products, metals, and automotive shipments. In its most recent quarter, CNI reported revenue of roughly C$4.77 billion, up about 14% year over year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share rising approximately 18%. Management reaffirmed full-year guidance and indicated results are tracking toward the upper end of its mid-to-high single-digit EPS growth range.
Recent market activity has been supported by a record grain harvest in Canada and strong chemical, metals, and automotive volumes, partly offset by softer lumber and intermodal conditions. In recent weeks, CNI announced a record monthly grain movement and a fourth-quarter dividend, while productivity initiatives such as its Fast Track program continued to support an improved adjusted operating ratio. Higher fuel prices remain a cost headwind, though fuel surcharges and efficiency gains have helped cushion margins.
4) UNP Overview and Recent Performance
Union Pacific is the largest public railroad in North America, operating more than 30,000 miles of track across the western two-thirds of the United States, with additional exposure to Mexican freight through its stake in Ferromex. Its most recent quarterly results were strong, with revenue of about $7.2 billion, up roughly 15% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share of $3.53, up approximately 15%. The company reported record financial results, including its ninth consecutive quarter of workforce productivity gains, and raised its dividend for the 20th consecutive year.
Growth has been driven primarily by domestic and international intermodal volumes, though higher diesel prices have pressured margins. The most significant near-term catalyst, and risk, is the company's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, currently under review by the Surface Transportation Board. In recent weeks, some analysts downgraded UNP on caution related to the merger-review process, contributing to heightened share-price volatility despite otherwise solid fundamentals.
5) Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page showcases a curated selection of automated trading strategies from a broader library of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively trade thousands of different tickers. Because not every bot suits every market regime, only the best-performing and most relevant strategies for current conditions earn a place in this section. The available bots span a wide range of trading styles, strategies, timeframes, performance statistics, and target tickers, allowing traders to evaluate approaches that align with their own goals and risk tolerance. Readers interested in data-driven market positioning can browse the Trending AI Robots page to explore strategies actively tuned to today's market.
6) Head-to-Head Comparison
From a business-model perspective, both companies are Class I railroads with wide economic moats and substantial pricing power, yet their exposure differs. CNI offers a more geographically diversified, three-coast network and a balanced commodity mix that is currently enjoying tailwinds from a record Canadian grain crop. UNP is more leveraged to U.S. economic activity and intermodal growth, but also carries elevated event risk from its pending merger review.
On relative performance and valuation, UNP trades at a premium multiple and a lower dividend yield, while CNI offers a higher yield and a comparatively lower price-to-earnings ratio. In terms of momentum, both stocks have trended higher over the past year; however, UNP has shown greater short-term volatility around merger-related news, whereas CNI has exhibited steadier price behavior supported by operational momentum.
7) Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors including trend consistency, catalyst clarity, and relative market positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CNI over UNP in the current environment. CNI combines record grain volumes, improving productivity, a reaffirmed and higher-trending outlook, and comparatively lower event-driven regulatory risk. While UNP demonstrates robust fundamentals and strong intermodal momentum, its pending merger review introduces a source of uncertainty that has already triggered analyst downgrades and increased near-term volatility. This probabilistic assessment reflects the relative stability and consistency of each stock's trend rather than a definitive forecast.
8) Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CNI is a Hold and UNP is a Buy.
CNI's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CNI turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where CNI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 29 of 53 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CNI as a result. In 50 of 106 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
CNI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CNI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 7 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 47%.
Following a +0.79% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CNI advanced for three days, in 128 of 313 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 41%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 75 of 193 cases where CNI Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 39%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for CNI moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 22 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 11 of the 22 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 50%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 65 cases where CNI's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CNI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
CNI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CNI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 44 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 82 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.422) is normal, around the industry mean (3.853). P/E Ratio (15.926) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.910). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.437) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.021) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.747) is also within normal values, averaging (3.592).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 90 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CNI’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock worse than average.
Momentum Indicator for UNP turns positive, indicating new upward trend
UNP saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on November 09, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 84 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 53 of the 84 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 33 of 60 cases where UNP's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
UNP moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for UNP crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +1.19% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UNP advanced for three days, in 184 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 79 of 234 cases where UNP Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 34%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for UNP moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 35 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 20 of the 35 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for UNP turned negative on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 21 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 48%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where UNP declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
UNP broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. UNP’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 60, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: UNP's P/B Ratio (8.338) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.853). P/E Ratio (23.457) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.910). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.721) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.020) settles around the average of (0.025) among similar stocks. UNP's P/S Ratio (6.562) is slightly higher than the industry average of (3.592).
CNI | UNP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 77 | 41 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 82 Overvalued | 91 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 90 | 34 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 44 | 26 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 43 | 29 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 62 | 18 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CNI's Valuation (82) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as UNP (91). This means that CNI’s stock grew similarly to UNP’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's Profit vs Risk Rating (34) in the Railroads industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNI (90). This means that UNP’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNI’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's SMR Rating (26) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as CNI (44). This means that UNP’s stock grew similarly to CNI’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's Price Growth Rating (29) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as CNI (43). This means that UNP’s stock grew similarly to CNI’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's P/E Growth Rating (18) in the Railroads industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CNI (62). This means that UNP’s stock grew somewhat faster than CNI’s over the last 12 months.
| CNI | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 55% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 1 day ago 48% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 39% | 1 day ago 54% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 41% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 50% | 8 days ago 46% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 39% | 1 day ago 34% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CNI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while UNP’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- CNI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- UNP’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CNI’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UNP’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNI’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- UNP’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNI (@Railroads) experienced а +1.02% price change this week, while UNP (@Railroads) price change was +2.10% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Railroads industry was +4.89%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.77%, and the average quarterly price growth was +13.73%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNI is expected to report earnings on Jan 26, 2027.
UNP is expected to report earnings on Jan 28, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Railroads (+4.89% weekly)The Railroad industry includes passenger and freight transportation services along rail lines. This also includes companies that provide maintenance and switching duties as part of rail services. Within North America, the industry is largely dominated by some large operators. Several short-line railroads serve regional and local routes. Union Pacific Corporation, Canadian National Railway Company, and CSX Corporation are some of the prominent names in the business. The railroad business is relatively cyclical; economic expansion boost the freight services in particular, while economic stagnation often dampens transportation demand.
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CNI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CNI has been closely correlated with CP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 80% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CNI jumps, then CP could also see price increases.
UNP and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, UNP has been closely correlated with NSC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 94% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if UNP jumps, then NSC could also see price increases.