Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Walmart Stores Inc — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $323.3 (market cap $73.65B), while Walmart Stores Inc trades at $106.1 (market cap $841.37B). The key difference: Walmart Stores Inc is far larger — about 11.4× Norfolk Southern Corporation's market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.65%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | WMT | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $73.65B | $841.37B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $134.20 |
52-Week Low | $272.36 | $100.41 |
Enterprise Value | $89.20B | $903.60B |
Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 0.93% |
Volume | — | 5,675,288 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $327.92, down 0.47% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal. The stock has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q3 2026 results pending. Key fundamentals show strong profitability with a 21.02% net income margin and 16.97% ROE, though valuation multiples like the P/E of 27.98 appear elevated. Recent news highlights ongoing institutional accumulation and progress in the proposed merger with Union Pacific, which remains under regulatory review.
The outlook is balanced; the merger potential offers upside, but regulatory hurdles and a premium valuation pose risks. Analyst consensus is mixed with a Hold rating predominating, though the $369.67 price target implies modest upside. Earnings sustainability and merger approval are critical for near-term direction.
Walmart (WMT) trades at $105.83, down 1.22% on the day, amid a bearish technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has beaten EPS estimates for three consecutive quarters, with revenue reaching $680.99 billion in 2025 and net income margin improving to 2.85%. Analyst consensus is strongly bullish with a $130.69 price target, though technical indicators show near-term resistance around $107.
The outlook remains positive given consistent earnings beats, expanding profit margins, and strategic initiatives in delivery and AI. Key risks include competitive pressure from Amazon, which recently surpassed Walmart in revenue, and potential margin compression from increased investment. The stock offers a compelling long-term growth story supported by operational efficiency and market dominance.
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 →Walmart Inc. operates discount stores, supercenters, and neighborhood markets. The Company offers merchandise such as apparel, house wares, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, books, home improvement, shoes, jewelry, toddler, games, household essentials, pets, pharmaceutical products, party supplies, and automotive tools. Walmart serves customers worldwide.
Read more on WMT →