Illumina, Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Illumina, Inc. trades at $189.68 (market cap $27.94B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $334.95 (market cap $75.23B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 2.7× 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 | $27.94B | $75.23B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $194.33 | $340.16 |
52-Week Low | $91.00 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $29.33B | $90.99B |
Dividend Yield | — | 1.61% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Illumina (ILMN) trades at $185.36, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 19.42% net income margin and has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights expansion of the Billion Cell Atlas program and upcoming Q2 2026 earnings on July 30.
Outlook remains positive with 51% analyst buy ratings, though the current price exceeds the $178 consensus target. Key risks include competitive pressure from Roche's new sequencer and China market weakness. Earnings growth and cost control initiatives support upside potential, but valuation multiples suggest limited near-term appreciation.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.97, down 1.53% today, with a bullish technical outlook from moving averages but overbought RSI signals. The company shows strong profitability with a 21.91% net income margin and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights the pending merger with Union Pacific and upcoming Q2 2026 earnings on July 23, 2026.
The stock offers a moderate upside to the $344.40 consensus price target, supported by earnings momentum and cost controls, but faces risks from regulatory scrutiny of the merger and rich valuations. Investor sentiment is mixed amid merger uncertainties and high expectations.
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 →