Lithium Americas Corp vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Lithium Americas Corp trades at $3.27 (market cap $1.18B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $293.64 (market cap $173.99B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 147.4× Lithium Americas Corp's market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays a 1.94% dividend while Lithium Americas Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LAC | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $1.18B | $173.99B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $10.05 | $307.32 |
52-Week Low | $2.71 | $214.91 |
Enterprise Value | $1.29B | $203.04B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.94% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Lithium Americas (LAC) trades at $3.25 with mixed technical signals showing a bullish overall trend but neutral oscillators. The company reported negative profitability metrics with ROE at -11.35% and net income of -$122.09M for 2025, though it secured $175M financing for Thacker Pass construction. Recent earnings show volatility with two beats and one miss in the last four quarters.
LAC faces significant execution risks with substantial capital expenditures needed, but analyst sentiment remains positive with 7 buy ratings and no sell recommendations. The stock's valuation at 0.88 P/B suggests potential upside if lithium demand recovers, though negative cash flow from operations and high investing outflows present near-term challenges.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $293.85, up 0.55% with neutral technical signals. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with Q2 2026 EPS beating estimates at $3.41 versus $3.26 expected, marking the second consecutive quarterly beat. Revenue growth of 12% year-over-year and improved operating efficiency support management's raised full-year EPS guidance. The stock maintains robust profitability metrics including 28.85% net margin and 39.7% ROE, though valuation multiples remain elevated with P/E at 23.71.
Outlook remains positive with analyst consensus price target of $334.33 representing 14% upside potential. Key catalysts include service-led growth driving margin expansion and the pending Norfolk Southern merger offering strategic benefits. Risks include high fuel costs, regulatory scrutiny of the merger, and macroeconomic pressures on freight volumes. Institutional ownership trends show continued accumulation by major funds.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Lithium Americas is a resource company focused on developing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada, the largest known lithium resource in the US. It aims to become a major supplier for the electric vehicle battery market.
Read more on LAC →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 →