Compare Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $335.34 (market cap $75.15B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $119.73 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.15B | $43.14B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $350.66 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $272.35 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $90.70B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 3.92% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
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.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $119.93, down 1.03% today, with a bullish technical outlook and strong profitability. Recent quarters show consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS expected at $1.33. The company maintains robust margins, including a 27.03% net income margin, and pays a steady dividend of $1.19 quarterly. Cash flow trends indicate operational strength, though 2025 saw significant investing outflows.
The stock presents a mixed outlook: solid fundamentals and dividend appeal are offset by a consensus 'Hold' rating and a price target below the current level. Risks include high valuation multiples and potential economic sensitivity for small business clients. Upside depends on sustained earnings growth and market sentiment shifts.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →About Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
