Compare Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $316.96 (market cap $71.20B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $229.36 (market cap $20.49B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 3.5× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.61%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days and Packaging Corporation of America for 45 Days on average.
| NSC | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $71.20B | $20.49B |
Volume | 555,248 | 493,499 |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $257.43 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $191.68 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 45 Days |
Enterprise Value | $86.75B | $24.30B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 2.61% |
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 $313.20, down 0.98% on the day, with a bearish technical outlook despite strong fundamentals. The company has consistently beaten earnings expectations in recent quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding the $3.32 forecast. Key developments include the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which is progressing through regulatory review and expected to close by late 2027. Financial metrics show solid profitability with 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, though cash flow trends indicate negative net cash flow in both 2025 and 2026.
The investment case balances strong operational performance against merger execution risks and technical weakness. With 44% analyst buy ratings and a $361.86 consensus price target suggesting 15% upside, the stock offers value if merger benefits materialize. However, regulatory hurdles, fuel cost pressures, and bearish technical signals warrant caution for near-term investors.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $227.25, down 1.08% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The stock shows mixed earnings performance, with Q2 2026 beating estimates but net income margin projected to decline in 2026. Analyst consensus is a Buy with a $272.43 price target, though technical indicators suggest near-term pressure with support at $225.
PKG offers a stable dividend and benefits from consistent packaging demand, but faces headwinds from cost pressures and negative cash flow. Investment appeal hinges on execution against margin challenges and the upcoming Q3 earnings report. Risks include rising input costs and competitive pressures in the industrial packaging sector.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →
