W W Grainger Inc vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? W W Grainger Inc trades at $1,396.14 (market cap $64.75B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $298.54 (market cap $171.20B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 2.6× W W Grainger Inc's market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.91%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GWW | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $64.75B | $171.20B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.39K | $289.13 |
52-Week Low | $918.18 | $214.91 |
Enterprise Value | $66.84B | $201.67B |
Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.91% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GWW trades at $1,398.30, up 1.99% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and strong momentum indicators. The company reported robust Q1 2026 earnings of $11.65 per share, beating estimates, and raised its full-year guidance. Revenue growth and profitability remain solid, with a net income margin of 9.7% and ROE of 48.1% for 2025. Recent news highlights its inclusion in high-quality dividend and momentum stock lists, reflecting positive market recognition.
The outlook for GWW is positive, driven by earnings beats and upward guidance revisions, though valuation multiples like a P/E of 36.88 suggest premium pricing. Risks include competitive pressures in the industrial services sector and reliance on MRO market demand. Analyst consensus is cautious with a hold-heavy rating, but the average price target of $1,260 implies modest upside potential from current levels.
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
Grainger is a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. It serves millions of customers worldwide through an integrated network of branches and digital platforms.
Read more on GWW →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 →