Illinois Tool Works Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Illinois Tool Works Inc. trades at $293.28 (market cap $83.49B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.81 (market cap $75.15B). The key difference: Illinois Tool Works Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corporation are close in size by market cap, and Illinois Tool Works Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.35%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ITW | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $83.49B | $75.15B |
Sector | Industrials | Technology |
52-Week High | $299.60 | $350.66 |
52-Week Low | $241.07 | $272.35 |
Enterprise Value | $92.34B | $90.70B |
Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 1.61% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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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.
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Latest headlines on both assets
Illinois Tool Works is a diversified global manufacturer that produces specialized industrial equipment, consumables, and related services. The firm operates 87 global divisions through seven distinct operating segments: automotive OEM, construction products, food equipment, specialty products, test/measurement and electronics, polymers and fluids, and welding. About half of its revenue comes from its operations in North America, with the remainder originating from international markets. ITW takes a bottom-up and decentralized approach to portfolio management, with the exception that each segment must apply its 80/20 operating process modeled on the Pareto principle.
Read more on ITW →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 →