Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Williams-Sonoma, Inc. — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $323.3 (market cap $73.65B), while Williams-Sonoma, Inc. trades at $228.08 (market cap $26.83B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 2.7× Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s market cap, and Norfolk Southern Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.65%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| NSC | WSM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $73.65B | $26.83B |
Sector | Technology | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $251.81 |
52-Week Low | $272.36 | $168.64 |
Enterprise Value | $89.20B | $27.33B |
Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.33% |
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.
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) trades at $227.83, up 0.18% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. The stock has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.10 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth of 6.2% in Q2 2026 reflects market share gains in a flat home furnishings industry, supported by a robust net income margin of 14.73% and ROE of 54.96%.
The outlook is positive given raised full-year guidance and analyst consensus price target of $252.62, though near-term risks include tariff pressures on margins and technical resistance near $231. Institutional buying, such as HSBC's 12.1% stake increase in Q2 2026, underscores confidence in continued execution amid competitive and macroeconomic headwinds.
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 →With a wide retail and direct-to-consumer presence, Williams-Sonoma is a leader in the $300 billion domestic home category, focused on expanding its exposure in the B2B, marketplace, and franchise areas. Namesake Williams-Sonoma (175 stores) offers high-end cooking essentials, while Pottery Barn (189) provides casual home accessories. Brand extensions include Pottery Barn Kids (52) and PBteen. West Elm (121) is an emerging concept for young professionals, and Rejuvenation (9) offers lighting and house parts. Williams-Sonoma also has a business-to-business team that supports projects that range from residential to large-scale commercial.
Read more on WSM →