Hershey Co vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Hershey Co trades at $183 (market cap $36.56B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $335.84 (market cap $75.15B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 2.1× Hershey Co's market cap, and Hershey Co pays the higher dividend (3.19%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HSY | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $36.56B | $75.15B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Technology |
52-Week High | $236.28 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $162.31 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $41.70B | $90.70B |
Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 1.61% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Hershey (HSY) trades at $184.19, up 0.79% with a bullish technical outlook and strong fundamental performance. The stock shows consistent earnings beats with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.90 exceeding expectations by 33%, while revenue growth remains steady at $11.69 billion for 2025. Technical indicators show bullish momentum with the current price near resistance at $184, supported by positive moving average signals. The company maintains robust profitability with 38.38% gross margins and 32.81% ROE, though net income declined to $883 million in 2025 from previous highs.
HSY presents a favorable risk-reward profile with analyst consensus target of $196.78 offering 7% upside potential. Recent margin recovery from favorable cocoa contracts and dividend growth support bullish sentiment, though volume declines and competitive pressures in salty snacks remain concerns. With 68.57% of analysts maintaining Hold ratings, the stock offers steady growth potential but requires monitoring of consumer demand trends and input cost management.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $335.41, up 0.44% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $369.67. The company has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding expectations, driven by record revenue and volume growth. A pending merger with Union Pacific and a recent dividend declaration highlight ongoing corporate activity.
The outlook is positive, supported by strong operational performance and favorable industry trends, though risks include integration challenges from the merger, premium valuation metrics, and potential economic headwinds affecting freight demand. Investor sentiment is mixed, with analysts predominantly holding a neutral to bullish stance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Hershey is a leading confectionery manufacturer in the U.S. (around a $25 billion market), controlling around 46% of the domestic chocolate space (per IRI). Beyond its namesake label, the firm's mix has expanded over the last 85 years and now consists of 100 brands, including Reese's, Kit Kat, Kisses, and Ice Breakers. Hershey's products are sold in about 80 countries, albeit with just a high-single-digit percentage of sales coming from markets outside the U.S., including Brazil, India, and Mexico. The firm has sought inorganic opportunities to extend its reach beyond its core confection business, adding Amplify Snack Brands and its Skinny Pop ready-to-eat popcorn to its mix and Pirate Brands (including the Pirate's Booty, Smart Puffs, and Original Tings brands) over the past few years.
Read more on HSY →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 →