Compare W W Grainger Inc (GWW) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
W W Grainger Inc vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? W W Grainger Inc trades at $1,289.79 (market cap $59.76B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.79 (market cap $71.20B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold W W Grainger Inc for 25 Days and Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days on average.
| GWW | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $59.76B | $71.20B |
Volume | 186,697 | 555,248 |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $1.40K | $352.98 |
52-Week Low | $918.18 | $278.19 |
Typical Hold Time | 25 Days | 33 Days |
Enterprise Value | $61.96B | $86.75B |
Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.7% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GWW trades at $1,289.79, up 2.08% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including a 47.92% ROE and recent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $12.01, beating expectations, and maintains a net income margin of 9.92%. Recent developments include the acquisition of technology assets from Adroit Worldwide Media for $210 million and the opening of a new distribution center in Oregon, supporting growth initiatives.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a hold with a $1,310 price target, but strong profitability and strategic acquisitions offer upside. Risks include high valuation multiples like a P/E of 32.34 and competitive pressures in industrial distribution. Cash flow trends improved in 2026, with net cash flow near breakeven, reducing liquidity concerns.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.79, up 1.47% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company has beaten earnings estimates for the last three quarters, with Q3 2026 results expected on October 22, 2026. Fundamentals show strong profitability with a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, though revenue growth is modest. The proposed merger with Union Pacific is a key development, gaining regulatory and customer support.
The outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum and merger potential, offering upside to the $361.86 consensus price target. Risks include merger approval uncertainty, fuel cost pressures noted in September 2026, and a high P/E ratio of 27.05. Institutional interest remains strong, with recent investments from firms like Bank of America.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About W W Grainger Inc
Grainger is a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. It serves millions of customers worldwide through an integrated network of branches and digital platforms.
Read more on GWW →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 →
