Global Payments Inc vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Global Payments Inc trades at $80.57 (market cap $21.40B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $298.85 (market cap $171.20B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 8× Global Payments Inc's market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.91%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GPN | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $21.40B | $171.20B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $90.01 | $289.13 |
52-Week Low | $62.47 | $214.91 |
Enterprise Value | $39.11B | $201.67B |
Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 1.91% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Global Payments (GPN) trades at $79.67, up 4.98% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong earnings beats in recent quarters. The company shows robust operating cash flow of $2.66B in 2025 and benefits from strategic initiatives like the Worldpay integration and AI-powered POS expansions. However, net income margin turned negative at -7.97% for 2026, reflecting margin pressures amid rising costs and competitive fintech landscape.
GPN presents a mixed outlook: analyst consensus is bullish with a $81.56 price target (58% buy ratings), but investors face risks from debt growth (debt-to-asset ratio rising to 41.57% in 2025) and profitability challenges. Near-term catalysts include continued execution on commerce technology deals, while volatility may persist from macroeconomic headwinds.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $297.49, up 3.19% today, showing strong momentum with a bullish technical outlook. The company maintains robust fundamentals with a 29.2% net income margin and 40.69% ROE, supported by consistent earnings beats. Recent news highlights the proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, which could drive long-term value despite regulatory scrutiny. Cash flow remains positive at $252 million for 2025, though 2026 projections indicate a potential decline.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $311.07, suggesting 4.6% upside. Key opportunities include operational efficiency and merger synergies, while risks involve regulatory hurdles and a class-action lawsuit. The stock's current valuation at 23.73 P/E appears reasonable given growth prospects, but investors should monitor merger progress and quarterly earnings.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Global Payments is a leading provider of payment processing and software solutions and focuses on serving small and midsize merchants. The company operates in 30 countries and generates about one fourth of its revenue from outside North America, primarily in Europe and Asia. In 2019, Global Payments merged with Total System Services in an all-stock deal that gave Total System Services shareholders 48% of the combined company's shares.
Read more on GPN →Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific is the largest public railroad in North America. Operating on more than 30,000 miles of track in the western two thirds of the U.S., UP generated roughly $22 billion of revenue in 2021 by hauling coal, industrial products, intermodal containers, agriculture goods, chemicals, and automotive goods. UP owns about one fourth of Mexican railroad Ferromex and derives about 10% of its revenue hauling freight to and from Mexico.
Read more on UNP →