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CNI vs UNP
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Canadian National Railway (CNI) vs. Union Pacific (UNP) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both CNI and UNP have shown robust year-to-date (YTD) gains of around 16% and 17%, respectively, reflecting strength in the railroad sector.
- UNP reported record first-quarter 2026 results with $6.22 billion in revenue and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.93, beating estimates.
- CNI achieved a record grain movement volume in March 2026, supporting positive volume momentum ahead of its upcoming earnings.
- Analyst price targets suggest modest upside for CNI (average $116) and stronger potential for UNP (average $289).
- UNP holds a larger market capitalization of about $150 billion compared to CNI's $70 billion, indicating greater scale.
Introduction
Canadian National Railway (CNI) and Union Pacific (UNP) are two of North America's leading Class I railroads, dominating freight transportation across vast networks. This stock comparison examines their recent market performance, operational highlights, and relative positioning amid fluctuating freight volumes and economic conditions. Investors seeking exposure to the industrials sector, particularly those focused on infrastructure and logistics, may find value in understanding how these stocks stack up in terms of momentum, efficiency, and growth potential. With both trading near 52-week highs in recent market activity, the analysis highlights key contrasts for informed relative performance decisions.
CNI Overview and Recent Performance
Canadian National Railway (CNI) operates the longest rail network in Canada, spanning coast to coast and extending into the United States through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. The company focuses on diversified freight including grain, intermodal, and commodities. In recent weeks, CNI stock has climbed toward its 52-week high of $115.15, with shares closing around $114.60 and delivering 16% YTD gains. Sentiment has been bolstered by record grain volumes in March 2026, exceeding 2.96 million metric tonnes, driven by strong demand and network recovery. Bank of America recently raised its price target to $122, citing volume momentum ahead of Q1 earnings on April 29. Trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.69 with EPS of $5.54 (TTM), the stock reflects steady operational resilience despite cautious 2026 volume guidance.
UNP Overview and Recent Performance
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) is one of the largest U.S. railroads, serving 23 western states with a focus on bulk, intermodal, and industrial freight. Recent market activity has propelled shares higher, trading around $270 with 17% YTD appreciation and proximity to the 52-week high of $274.79. The company reported blockbuster Q1 2026 results, including record revenue of $6.22 billion, net income of $1.7 billion, and adjusted EPS of $2.93, surpassing expectations amid efficiency gains and an adjusted operating ratio of 59.9%. Positive analyst updates, such as UBS raising its target to $274, have supported upward momentum, with a P/E of 22.23 and EPS of $12.15 (TTM). Fuel costs and volume softness posed headwinds, but precision scheduled railroading enhanced performance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Both CNI and UNP operate Class I rail networks essential for North American freight, but CNI emphasizes transcontinental Canadian routes with U.S. extensions, while UNP dominates the western U.S. Growth drivers include intermodal and grain volumes for CNI, versus UNP’s bulk and efficiency initiatives. Recent momentum favors UNP post-earnings surge, contrasting CNI’s steady climb ahead of results. Risk factors like labor disputes, fuel prices, and trade policies affect both, though UNP’s scale offers buffering. Sector exposure remains tied to economic cycles, with positive railroad sentiment driven by volume recovery. UNP trades at a premium valuation, trading off higher growth prospects against CNI’s dividend yield edge.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron’s AI analysis currently leans toward UNP based on superior recent earnings momentum, record Q1 results, and stronger relative YTD positioning near analyst targets. While CNI shows solid grain-driven stability, UNP’s operational efficiencies and catalysts suggest higher probability of near-term outperformance in the current market environment.
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. Disclaimers and Limitations
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 Buy and UNP is a Buy.
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 undervalued. 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 whileUNP’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- CNI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- UNP’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UNP’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CNI’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 5 bearish.
- UNP’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
CNI (@Railroads) experienced а -2.71% price change this week, while UNP (@Railroads) price change was -0.50% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Railroads industry was +1.13%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.17%, and the average quarterly price growth was +8.57%.
Reported Earning Dates
CNI is expected to report earnings on Jul 24, 2026.
UNP is expected to report earnings on Jul 23, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Railroads (+1.13% 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.
| CNI | UNP | CNI / UNP | |
| Capitalization | 71.5B | 159B | 45% |
| EBITDA | 9.1B | 13.1B | 69% |
| Gain YTD | 19.039 | 16.827 | 113% |
| P/E Ratio | 21.65 | 22.01 | 98% |
| Revenue | 17.3B | 24.7B | 70% |
| Total Cash | 573M | 1.04B | 55% |
| Total Debt | 22.5B | 31.5B | 71% |
CNI | UNP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 85 | 22 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 71 Overvalued | 82 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 85 | 53 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 43 | 23 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 25 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 46 | 46 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | 50 |
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 (71) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as UNP (82). This means that CNI’s stock grew similarly to UNP’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's Profit vs Risk Rating (53) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as CNI (85). This means that UNP’s stock grew similarly to CNI’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's SMR Rating (23) 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 Price Growth Rating (25) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as CNI (46). This means that UNP’s stock grew similarly to CNI’s over the last 12 months.
UNP's P/E Growth Rating (46) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as CNI (46). This means that UNP’s stock grew similarly to CNI’s over the last 12 months.
| CNI | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 53% | 2 days ago 45% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 44% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 50% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 42% | 5 days ago 55% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 50% | 19 days ago 47% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 44% | 2 days ago 44% |
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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 72% 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 86% 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.