Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.16 (market cap $71.20B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $207.95 (market cap $83.98B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Waste Management, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.8%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days and Waste Management, Inc. for 130 Days on average.
| NSC | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $71.20B | $83.98B |
Volume | 555,248 | 2,182,180 |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $196.77 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 130 Days |
Enterprise Value | $86.75B | $106.78B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 1.8% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.14, up 1.26% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $361.86. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 results expected soon. Strong profitability is evidenced by a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, while news highlights significant institutional investment and progress on the proposed merger with Union Pacific.
The outlook is positive, supported by earnings momentum and potential merger benefits, but risks include integration challenges, fuel cost pressures noted in recent news, and a relatively high P/E ratio of 27.05. The stock offers a dividend yield and growth potential, contingent on successful execution of strategic initiatives.
Waste Management (WM) trades at $207.71, down 0.59% on the day, with a bullish technical signal despite bearish moving averages. The company reported revenue of $25.20 billion in 2025, with net income of $2.71 billion and a net margin of 10.74%. Recent earnings show mixed results, with a miss in Q4 2025 but beats in Q1 and Q2 2026. Analyst consensus is strongly positive with 54.29% buy ratings and no sell recommendations.
WM's outlook remains favorable due to steady revenue growth, strong cash flow, and a resilient business model. Key risks include elevated debt levels and competitive pressures. The stock offers a reliable dividend, with the next payment of $0.95 scheduled for September 25, 2026. Investors should weigh solid fundamentals against debt concerns for long-term holdings.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →