Linde PLC vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Linde PLC trades at $484.34 (market cap $226.12B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $292.53 (market cap $173.99B). The key difference: Linde PLC is the larger of the two by market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.94%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LIN | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $226.12B | $173.99B |
Sector | Basic Materials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $546.64 | $307.32 |
52-Week Low | $389.38 | $214.91 |
Enterprise Value | $249.24B | $203.04B |
Dividend Yield | 1.3% | 1.94% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Linde (LIN) trades at $492.46, up 0.51% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. The company reported consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS of $4.50 exceeding the $4.49 estimate (Zacks Investment Research, 2026-05-01). Revenue growth is steady, and profitability remains robust with a 20.43% net income margin. Analyst sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a consensus price target of $553.60.
The outlook for LIN is favorable due to its operational strength and dividend growth, though valuation multiples are elevated. Key risks include rising debt levels and macroeconomic pressures on industrial demand. The stock offers a compelling opportunity for long-term investors seeking quality industrial exposure, but near-term technical weakness may present entry points.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $292.24, down 0.3% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results, beating EPS and revenue estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Fundamentals remain robust with a net income margin of 28.85% and ROE of 39.7%, though valuation ratios like P/E of 23.71 are elevated. Recent news highlights a 3% dividend increase and ongoing merger developments with Norfolk Southern.
The outlook is positive, driven by service-led growth, pricing power, and efficiency gains. Key opportunities include domestic intermodal expansion and margin improvement. Risks involve high fuel costs, regulatory scrutiny of the merger, and economic sensitivity. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $334.33 price target, suggesting significant upside from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Linde is the largest industrial gas supplier in the world, with operations in over 100 countries. The firm's main products are atmospheric gases (including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon) and process gases (including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and helium), as well as equipment used in industrial gas production. Linde serves a wide variety of end markets, including chemicals, manufacturing, healthcare, and steelmaking. Linde generated approximately $31 billion in revenue and $5 billion in GAAP operating profit in 2021.
Read more on LIN →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 →