AstraZeneca plc vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? AstraZeneca plc trades at $158.56 (market cap $248.14B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $334.94 (market cap $75.15B). The key difference: AstraZeneca plc is far larger — about 3.3× Norfolk Southern Corporation's market cap, and AstraZeneca plc pays the higher dividend (2.01%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AZN | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $248.14B | $75.15B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $209.48 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $147.06 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $275.41B | $90.70B |
Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 1.61% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AstraZeneca (AZN) trades at $157.39, down 2.79% amid bearish technical signals and merger speculation. The company demonstrates strong fundamentals with revenue growth to $58.74B in 2025 and a net income margin of 17.02%. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, and analyst consensus is positive with 47.5% buy ratings. However, news of potential merger talks with Bristol Myers Squibb and a related legal investigation have introduced volatility.
The outlook is mixed; solid profitability and growth support long-term value, but near-term price pressure from technical indicators and merger uncertainty presents a cautious entry point. Key risks include deal execution challenges and integration complexities should a merger proceed.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.44, up 0.15% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals, including three consecutive quarterly earnings beats, a net income margin of 21.02%, and robust cash flow from operations of $4.36B in 2025. Recent news highlights merger developments with Union Pacific and positive Q2 2026 results driven by freight demand.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $369.67, implying upside, but risks include high valuation (P/E 28.55), merger regulatory scrutiny, and fuel cost pressures. Institutional sentiment is mixed with 43.75% buy ratings, yet hedge fund activity suggests potential momentum.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
A merger between Astra of Sweden and Zeneca Group of the United Kingdom formed AstraZeneca in 1999. The firm sells branded drugs across several major therapeutic classes, including gastrointestinal, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, and immunology. The majority of sales come from international markets with the United States representing close to one third of its sales.
Read more on AZN →Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major North American railroad company operating one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States. The company transports a diverse range of commodities, including coal, intermodal containers, and various industrial products. NSC is a critical link in the nation's supply chain, providing efficient, long-haul transportation services to and from ports and industrial centers.
Read more on NSC →