Hormel Foods Corp vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Hormel Foods Corp trades at $24.2 (market cap $13.59B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.81 (market cap $75.01B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 5.5× Hormel Foods Corp's market cap, and Hormel Foods Corp pays the higher dividend (4.74%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HRL | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $13.59B | $75.01B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $29.25 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $19.74 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $15.59B | $90.55B |
Dividend Yield | 4.74% | 1.62% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hormel Foods (HRL) trades at $25.02, down 0.32% on the day, with a neutral technical signal and bearish moving averages. The company shows mixed fundamentals with a P/E of 29.44 and net income margin of 3.82%, though it has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent developments include the appointment of John Ghingo as CEO and the sale of its Brazilian CERATTI business, signaling strategic focus.
Outlook remains cautious with analyst consensus at Hold and a $26.33 price target. Key opportunities include defensive dividend income and operational improvements, while risks involve margin pressure and consumer spending challenges. The stock offers steady income but faces growth headwinds in the current environment.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.36, down 2.37% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals, including a 21.02% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding expectations. Recent news highlights a potential merger with Union Pacific, adding to positive sentiment amid record revenue growth.
Outlook remains favorable due to operational strength and merger prospects, but risks include high valuation (P/E 28.49) and industry headwinds like fuel costs. Analysts are mixed, with a consensus price target of $369.67, suggesting moderate upside potential from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Hormel Foods is a protein-focused branded food company. Its brands include its namesake Hormel, Spam, Jennie-O, Dinty Moore, Applegate, Wholly Guacamole, and Skippy. The vast majority of the company's revenue is U.S.-based: 64% U.S. retail, 28% U.S. food service, and 8% international. By product type, in fiscal 2021, 23% of revenue was shelf-stable foods, 18% was poultry (branded and commodity), 55% was other perishable food, and 3% was other, primarily nutritional products. The company holds the number-one market position in shelf-stable meat, shelf-stable ready meals, pepperoni, natural/organic deli meat, and guacamole and the number-two position in turkey, bacon, chilled ready meals, and peanut butter.
Read more on HRL →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 →