Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Union Pacific Corporation — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.79 (market cap $71.20B), while Union Pacific Corporation trades at $278.62 (market cap $165.27B). The key difference: Union Pacific Corporation is far larger — about 2.3× Norfolk Southern Corporation's market cap, and Union Pacific Corporation pays the higher dividend (2.04%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days and Union Pacific Corporation for 105 Days on average.
| NSC | UNP | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $71.20B | $165.27B |
Volume | 555,248 | 1,474,117 |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $310.62 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $216.37 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 105 Days |
Enterprise Value | $86.75B | $194.33B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 2.04% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.79, up 1.47% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company has beaten earnings estimates for the last three quarters, with Q3 2026 results expected on October 22, 2026. Fundamentals show strong profitability with a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, though revenue growth is modest. The proposed merger with Union Pacific is a key development, gaining regulatory and customer support.
The outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum and merger potential, offering upside to the $361.86 consensus price target. Risks include merger approval uncertainty, fuel cost pressures noted in September 2026, and a high P/E ratio of 27.05. Institutional interest remains strong, with recent investments from firms like Bank of America.
Union Pacific (UNP) trades at $278.34, up 1.33% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates robust fundamentals with 28.85% net margins and consistent earnings beats, while maintaining positive cash flow generation. Recent developments include deployment of battery-electric locomotives and progress on the Norfolk Southern combination, positioning the railroad for future growth.
The outlook remains positive with analyst consensus pointing to 19% upside potential to the $332.10 price target. Key opportunities include pricing power from high diesel costs shifting freight to rail, while risks center on merger uncertainty and fuel cost pressures on operating ratios.
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 →Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific is the largest public railroad in North America. Operating on more than 30,000 miles of track in the western two thirds of the U.S., UP generated roughly $22 billion of revenue in 2021 by hauling coal, industrial products, intermodal containers, agriculture goods, chemicals, and automotive goods. UP owns about one fourth of Mexican railroad Ferromex and derives about 10% of its revenue hauling freight to and from Mexico.
Read more on UNP →