Norfolk Southern Corporation vs PulteGroup, Inc. — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $334.66 (market cap $75.15B), while PulteGroup, Inc. trades at $129.44 (market cap $25.22B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 3× PulteGroup, Inc.'s market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | PHM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.15B | $25.22B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $350.66 | $142.56 |
52-Week Low | $272.35 | $110.11 |
Enterprise Value | $90.70B | $25.64B |
Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 0.79% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.44, up 0.15% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals, including three consecutive quarterly earnings beats, a net income margin of 21.02%, and robust cash flow from operations of $4.36B in 2025. Recent news highlights merger developments with Union Pacific and positive Q2 2026 results driven by freight demand.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $369.67, implying upside, but risks include high valuation (P/E 28.55), merger regulatory scrutiny, and fuel cost pressures. Institutional sentiment is mixed with 43.75% buy ratings, yet hedge fund activity suggests potential momentum.
PulteGroup (PHM) trades at $129.72, down 0.25% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $137.20. The company reported Q2 2026 earnings of $2.48 per share, beating estimates, but revenue and margins have softened amid housing market pressures. Recent news highlights operational expansion into Northwest Florida and recognition as a Great Place to Work.
The outlook is mixed: strong cash flow, a solid balance sheet, and share buybacks support the stock, but declining net income margins and affordability challenges pose headwinds. With 43% of analysts rating it a buy, the stock offers moderate upside potential balanced against cyclical housing risks.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →PulteGroup Inc is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, operating in 40 markets across 23 states. The company mainly builds single-family detached homes (85% of unit sales) and offers products to entry-level, move-up, and active-adult buyers. PulteGroup offers homebuyers mortgage financing and title agency services through its financial services segment. The company is headquartered in Atlanta.
Read more on PHM →