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 $317.17 (market cap $71.20B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $104.58 (market cap $37.19B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (4.56%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days and Paychex, Inc. for 56 Days on average.
| NSC | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $71.20B | $37.19B |
Volume | 555,248 | 3,344,316 |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $128.59 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $85.57 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 56 Days |
Enterprise Value | $86.75B | $40.87B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 4.56% |
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 $317.14, up 1.26% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $361.86. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 results expected soon. Strong profitability is evidenced by a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, while news highlights significant institutional investment and progress on the proposed merger with Union Pacific.
The outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum and potential merger benefits, but risks include integration challenges, fuel cost pressures noted in recent news, and a relatively high P/E ratio of 27.05. The stock offers a dividend yield and growth potential, contingent on successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $104.62, up 3.02% today, with a mixed technical outlook showing bullish overall signals but bearish moving averages. The company reported strong earnings beats in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $1.34 beating the $1.32 estimate, and maintains robust profitability with a 27.35% net income margin. Recent news highlights a 14% stock decline despite earnings strength, raising questions about dividend sustainability amid investor focus on cash flow.
The outlook is cautiously optimistic, with a consensus price target of $111 suggesting modest upside. Key opportunities include steady revenue growth and high margins, but risks involve labor market sensitivity and elevated valuation multiples. The stock's recent volatility reflects divergent analyst views, with 67.74% holding a neutral rating.
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 →
