Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $317.62 (market cap $71.20B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $126.04 (market cap $9.52B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 7.5× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.7%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 33 Days and Advanced Drainage Systems Inc for 43 Days on average.
| NSC | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $71.20B | $9.52B |
Volume | 555,248 | 907,564 |
Sector | Industrials | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $125.33 |
Typical Hold Time | 33 Days | 43 Days |
Enterprise Value | $86.75B | $11.12B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 0.63% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $317.67, up 1.43% on the day, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with a strong net income margin of 21.02% (2026). Positive sentiment surrounds the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which is advancing through regulatory review and is backed by over 500 customers, as reported by Business Wire on September 22, 2026.
The outlook is positive, with a consensus price target of $361.86 offering ~14% upside. Key opportunities include freight share gains from trucking and merger synergies, while risks involve fuel price pressures on margins and regulatory hurdles for the combination. Earnings on October 22, 2026, will be a critical catalyst.
WMS (Advanced Drainage Systems) trades at $124.92, down 0.92% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages. 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 includes the release of its 2026 Sustainability Report and a declared dividend of $0.20 per share payable in September 2026.
The outlook is supported by consistent earnings beats and analyst consensus pointing to significant upside with a $188.70 price target. However, a projected negative net cash flow of -$473M for 2026 and bearish technical indicators present near-term risks. Investor sentiment is mixed amid institutional buying and selling activity.
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 →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 →