Compare Caterpillar Inc (CAT) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Caterpillar Inc vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Caterpillar Inc trades at $865.42 (market cap $387.68B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.69 (market cap $75.15B). The key difference: Caterpillar Inc is far larger — about 5.2× Norfolk Southern Corporation's market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAT | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $387.68B | $75.15B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $1.06K | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $407.79 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $426.11B | $90.70B |
Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.61% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Caterpillar (CAT) trades at $837.58, down 0.55% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. Recent quarters have consistently beaten EPS estimates, with Q2 2026 EPS of $8.17 surpassing the $6.22 expectation. Revenue growth is supported by AI data center demand, contributing to a robust $67.59B in 2025 revenue. The stock is near key support at $831, with resistance at $850.
Outlook remains positive due to strong earnings momentum and AI-driven infrastructure demand, though elevated valuation ratios (P/E of 36.32) pose a risk. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $1,010 price target, but investors should monitor macroeconomic pressures and competitive threats. The dividend history and cash flow stability add defensive appeal.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $332.82, down 0.34% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $3.52 per share, beating estimates, driven by record revenue and volume growth. Valuation ratios like P/E of 28.55 and P/S of 5.99 indicate a premium, while profitability remains solid with a net income margin of 21.02% and ROE of 16.97%. Recent news highlights merger developments with Union Pacific and institutional interest.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic due to earnings momentum and industry tailwinds, but risks include high fuel costs, merger execution uncertainties, and premium valuation. Analysts give a mixed consensus with 43.75% buy ratings and a $369.67 price target, suggesting modest upside potential from current levels amid competitive and operational headwinds.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
About Caterpillar Inc
Caterpillar Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets construction, mining, and forestry machinery. The Company also manufactures engines and other related parts for its equipment, and offers financing and insurance. Caterpillar distributes its products through a worldwide organization of dealers.
Read more on CAT →About Norfolk Southern Corporation
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 →
