Compare Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Merck & Co., Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — how do they compare? Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $146.19 (market cap $351.28B), while Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.62 (market cap $71.20B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4.9× Norfolk Southern Corporation's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.39%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Merck & Co., Inc. for 98 Days and Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days on average.
| MRK | NSC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $351.28B | $71.20B |
Volume | 7,969,665 | 555,248 |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $156.43 | $352.98 |
52-Week Low | $82.49 | $278.19 |
Typical Hold Time | 98 Days | 33 Days |
Enterprise Value | $398.04B | $86.75B |
Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 1.7% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Merck (MRK) trades at $145.6, up 1.97% today, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. Recent earnings have consistently beaten estimates, and the company is expanding its oncology pipeline through the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals. Revenue growth is steady, with 2025 revenue at $65.01B and net income of $18.25B, though 2026 projections show a significant drop in net income to $3.2B. The stock is supported by a high analyst buy consensus of 68.42% and a price target of $158.78.
The outlook for MRK is mixed; strong earnings beats and strategic acquisitions provide upside potential, but high valuation ratios and a projected earnings decline in 2026 pose risks. Investors should weigh the company's robust profitability and analyst support against execution risks and market volatility.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.67, up 1.43% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with a strong net income margin of 21.02% (2026). Positive sentiment surrounds the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which is advancing through regulatory review and is backed by over 500 customers, as reported by Business Wire on September 22, 2026.
The outlook is positive, with a consensus price target of $361.86 offering ~14% upside. Key opportunities include freight share gains from trucking and merger synergies, while risks involve fuel price pressures on margins and regulatory hurdles for the combination. Earnings on October 22, 2026, will be a critical catalyst.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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Top news
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About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →About Norfolk Southern Corporation
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 →
