John Deere vs Union Pacific (DE vs UNP)

John Deere (DE) vs Union Pacific (UNP) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

John Deere (DE) and Union Pacific (UNP) compete in industrials. Here are John Deere and Union Pacific side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy John Deere or Union Pacific.

John Deere vs Union Pacific: the figures

John Deere and Union Pacific figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that John Deere or Union Pacific figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between John Deere and Union Pacific

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Union Pacific keeps 28.9 as net profit and John Deere keeps 10.2.
2. Debt: John Deere owes 6.7x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Union Pacific owes 2.1x its EBITDA.
3. Valuation: John Deere trades at 37.6x its annual earnings and Union Pacific at 24.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of John Deere profit, usually because it expects more growth.

John Deere or Union Pacific: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Union Pacific is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Union Pacific pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Union Pacific has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Union Pacific trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither John Deere nor Union Pacific wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How John Deere and Union Pacific make money

John Deere (DE)

Deere & Company, known for its John Deere brand, builds machinery. Production & Precision Agriculture, its largest segment, sells large tractors and combines with precision farming technology. Small Agriculture & Turf sells smaller tractors and mowers, Construction & Forestry makes earthmoving and forestry equipment, and Financial Services funds customers and dealers. Full John Deere analysis.

Union Pacific (UNP)

Union Pacific runs a large freight railroad across the western United States and earns money hauling goods. It splits freight revenue into three groups: Bulk, including grain, fertilizer and coal; Industrial, such as chemicals, plastics, metals and building materials; and Premium, covering intermodal containers and finished vehicles, with links to Mexico and Canada. Full Union Pacific analysis.

Frequently asked questions: John Deere vs Union Pacific

Is John Deere or Union Pacific the better stock?

Choosing between John Deere and Union Pacific depends on what you are looking for. Union Pacific is growing faster right now, and Union Pacific trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy John Deere or Union Pacific: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, John Deere or Union Pacific?

As of November 4, 2026, Union Pacific yields 1.87% and John Deere yields 0.97%. Also check how much of their profit John Deere and Union Pacific pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, John Deere or Union Pacific?

On P/E, John Deere (37.6x) is more expensive than Union Pacific (24.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both John Deere and Union Pacific?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as John Deere and Union Pacific, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying John Deere or Union Pacific.

More comparisons with John Deere or Union Pacific

• Caterpillar vs John Deere
• John Deere vs Honeywell
• Caterpillar vs Union Pacific
• Honeywell vs Union Pacific

More companies like John Deere and Union Pacific: industrials stocks. Educational content about John Deere and Union Pacific, not investment advice.