Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Tractor Supply Co — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.35 (market cap $75.15B), while Tractor Supply Co trades at $35.58 (market cap $18.39B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 4.1× Tractor Supply Co's market cap, and Tractor Supply Co pays the higher dividend (2.72%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | TSCO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.15B | $18.39B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $350.66 | $62.65 |
52-Week Low | $272.35 | $29.14 |
Enterprise Value | $90.70B | $24.70B |
Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 2.72% |
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.
TSCO trades at $34.62, up 0.17% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but bearish oscillators. The stock has missed earnings expectations for three consecutive quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Revenue has grown steadily from $14.2B in 2022 to $15.5B in 2025, though net income margin has declined. Recent news highlights cost pressures and a lowered 2026 outlook, alongside strategic initiatives like pet product expansion and dividend payments.
The outlook is mixed: a consensus price target of $36.29 suggests modest upside, but near-term headwinds from weak discretionary demand and higher costs pose risks. Long-term opportunities include digital growth and store investments, yet investor sentiment remains cautious amid earnings misses and guidance cuts.
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 →Tractor Supply is the largest operator of retail farm and ranch stores in the United States. The company targets recreational farmers and ranchers and has little exposure to commercial and industrial farm operations. Currently, the company operates 2,016 of its namesake banners in 49 states and 178 Petsense stores. Stores are typically located in towns outside of urban areas and in rural communities. In fiscal 2021, revenue consisted primarily of livestock and pet (47%), hardware, tools, and truck (21%), and seasonal gift and toy (21%).
Read more on TSCO →