Investors tracking UNP stock price at $243.90 note recent upgrades from major investment banks. Analyst targets are clustering around $255, reflecting optimism about fuel surcharge revenues amid rising diesel prices. Union Pacific argues the merger would create more supply chain efficiency. However, the number of major railroads would shrink to five from six, possibly leading to higher prices. For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect UNP’s EPS to grow 4.2% year over year to $11.56. The company’s earnings surprise history is mixed. It topped the consensus estimates in two of the last four quarters, while missing on two other occasions. Recent trading shows UNP stock price trending at $243.80, slightly down from last week’s $245.95 peak. This sideways movement signals investor caution ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, which could sway transportation sector sentiment.