Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $333.81 (market cap $75.01B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.68B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 7× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.62%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.01B | $10.68B |
Sector | Technology | Industrials |
52-Week High | $350.66 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $272.35 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $90.55B | $12.29B |
Dividend Yield | 1.62% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $334.36, down 2.37% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The stock shows strong fundamentals, including a 21.02% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, with Q2 2026 EPS of $3.52 exceeding expectations. Recent news highlights a potential merger with Union Pacific, adding to positive sentiment amid record revenue growth.
Outlook remains favorable due to operational strength and merger prospects, but risks include high valuation (P/E 28.49) and industry headwinds like fuel costs. Analysts are mixed, with a consensus price target of $369.67, suggesting moderate upside potential from current levels.
Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS) trades at $143.95, down 3.03% on the day, with a neutral technical signal. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin and 24.9% ROE. Recent news highlights Q1 fiscal 2027 sales growth of 21% and consistent dividend payments, though cash flow turned negative in 2025 due to increased investing activity.
The outlook is mixed; analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, but near-term risks include volatile cash flows and high valuation multiples. Upside potential hinges on execution of growth initiatives and infrastructure demand, while margin pressure and economic sensitivity pose challenges.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →