Union Pacific

UNP

Market cap $135B

Ignore the doom-and-gloom “predictions” about 2026. There are plenty of gains—and growing dividends—to be had for us this year.

I increased my forward projected dividend income by $86.77 (1.4%) in December, reaching $6,289.66. My portfolio strategy blends high-growth names like Broadcom (AVGO), Microsoft, and Visa with high-yielders such as SPYI and MPLX. Dividend reinvestments and increases, especially from AVGO and EPRT, drove nearly 83% of new forward income this month.

The U.S. government is increasingly funding deficits with short-term debt, making interest expenses highly sensitive to Fed policy. A declining average maturity in the sovereign bond index tightens the link between fiscal and monetary policy, amplifying market complexity. Artificially subdued long-term bond supply likely keeps long-term yields lower than they would be with more balanced issuance.

I present a 20-stock model retirement portfolio targeting a balanced 5.6% yield, emphasizing both income and dividend growth. My approach avoids "sucker yields" by focusing on quality, sustainable payouts rather than chasing unsustainable high-yield stocks. The portfolio is diversified across BDCs, REITs, energy, and growth names, with allocations reflecting risk, yield, and income stability.

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) will release fourth quarter 2025 financial and operating results on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:45 a.m. ET. The company's management team will host a conference call and live webcast at 8:45 a.m. ET. Parties interested in participating via teleconference may dial 877-407-8293. International callers may dial 201-689-8349. A live webcast of the presentation and materials will be available in the investor relations section of.

The railroads say their proposed tie-up would shift millions of truckloads to rail, boosting competition while cutting pollution and congestion.

The market appears expensive, with historical precedent for long periods of low returns after peaks. Consensus expects 15% S&P 500 earnings growth and rising margins, driven by AI innovation, supporting a steady long-term outlook. Analyst forecasts for 2026 should be viewed skeptically, as actual outcomes often diverge from consensus projections.

Here we pick two railroad stocks, UNP and CNI, which have a solid five-year dividend growth history.

A rail workers' union on Monday opposed Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern , warning that the deal could undermine safety and impact the workforce.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on Friday filed a nearly 7,000‑page merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), triggering a 30‑day period in which the regulator can seek more information or propose initial remedies as it reviews their plan to create the nation's first coast‑to‑coast freight railroad.