Illumina, Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $190.97 (market cap $29.12B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $335.36 (market cap $75.15B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 2.6× Illumina, Inc.'s market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays a 1.61% dividend while Illumina, Inc. pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ILMN | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $29.12B | $75.15B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $205.10 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $30.48B | $90.70B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.61% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $191.79, up 2.04% today, with a neutral technical signal and strong fundamental recovery. The stock shows bullish moving averages but faces resistance near $194. Recent earnings beats and a return to profitability in 2025, with $850M net income, highlight operational turnaround. Revenue remains stable around $4.3B, supported by robust gross margins of 66.38%.
Outlook is positive with analyst consensus Buy rating and $201.58 price target, though high P/E of 35.98 poses valuation risk. Key opportunities include sequencing demand and AI partnerships, while risks involve debt levels and competitive pressures. Institutional activity is mixed, with some funds increasing stakes amid earnings momentum.
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.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Illumina provides tools and services to analyze genetic material with life science and clinical lab applications. The company generates over 90% of its revenue from sequencing instruments, consumables, and services. Illumina's high-throughput technology enables whole genome sequencing in humans and other large organisms. Its lower throughput tools enable applications that require smaller data outputs, such as viral and cancer tumor screening. Illumina also sells microarrays (less than 10% of sales) that enable lower-cost, focused genetic screening with primarily consumer and agricultural applications.
Read more on ILMN →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 →