Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Rockwell Automation — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $323.3 (market cap $73.65B), while Rockwell Automation trades at $427.73 (market cap $47.65B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.65%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | ROK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $73.65B | $47.65B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $495.08 |
52-Week Low | $272.36 | $333.75 |
Enterprise Value | $89.20B | $50.79B |
Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.29% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $327.92, down 0.47% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Key fundamentals show strong profitability with a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, though valuation multiples like the P/E of 27.98 appear elevated. Recent news highlights ongoing institutional accumulation and progress in the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which remains under regulatory review.
The outlook is balanced; the merger potential offers upside, but regulatory hurdles and a premium valuation pose risks. Analyst consensus is mixed with a Hold rating predominating, though the $369.67 price target implies modest upside. Earnings sustainability and merger approval are critical for near-term direction.
Rockwell Automation (ROK) trades at $429.13, down 1.08% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and near-term support at $427. The company has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Revenue for 2025 was $8.34B, with a net income margin of 13.38%, though profitability has moderated from 2023 peaks. Recent news highlights expansion in AI-driven quality systems and remote support capabilities.
The stock offers a 19.8% upside to the consensus price target of $514, supported by analyst optimism on margin expansion and reshoring trends. However, high valuation multiples (P/E 40.18) and mixed technical indicators suggest near-term volatility. Key risks include execution on growth initiatives and macroeconomic pressures on industrial spending.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Rockwell Automation is a pure-play automation competitor that is the successor entity to Rockwell International, which spun off its former Rockwell Collins avionics segment in 2001. As of fiscal 2021, the firm operates through three segments--intelligent devices, software and control, and lifecycle services. Intelligent devices contains its drives, sensors, and industrial components, software and control contains its information and network and security software, while lifecycle services contains its consulting and maintenance services as well as its Sensia JV with Schlumberger.
Read more on ROK →