Compare Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock (WTRG) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
Norfolk Southern Corporation vs Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock — how do they compare? Norfolk Southern Corporation trades at $326.37 (market cap $72.13B), while Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock trades at $39.82 (market cap $11.15B). The key difference: Norfolk Southern Corporation is far larger — about 6.5× Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock's market cap, and Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock pays the higher dividend (3.67%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold Norfolk Southern Corporation for 34 Days and Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock for 0 Days on average.
| NSC | WTRG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $72.13B | $11.15B |
Volume | 650,750 | 1,760,234 |
Sector | Industrials | Utilities |
52-Week High | $352.98 | $42.00 |
52-Week Low | $278.19 | $36.25 |
Typical Hold Time | 34 Days | 0 Days |
Enterprise Value | $87.68B | $19.66B |
Dividend Yield | 1.68% | 3.67% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Norfolk Southern (NSC) trades at $321.14, up 0.56% with a bullish technical signal. The stock shows strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats (Q4 2025-Q2 2026) and robust profitability (21.02% net margin). Recent news highlights momentum for the Union Pacific merger, while institutional buying and a $361.86 consensus price target suggest upside potential.
Outlook remains positive with merger progress and dividend stability, but risks include fuel cost pressures and regulatory hurdles. The current valuation (P/E 27.4) demands execution on freight share gains and merger benefits to justify further gains.
WTRG trades at $39.29, up 0.36% with neutral technical signals. The stock shows mixed earnings performance with two beats and one miss in recent quarters, while maintaining strong profitability margins (21.6% net income margin). Analyst consensus is bullish with a $44.50 price target, supported by ongoing acquisitions and pending merger developments with American Water.
The stock presents a stable utility investment with moderate growth potential through strategic acquisitions, though near-term earnings volatility and integration risks from the pending merger warrant caution. Current valuation at 20.15 P/E appears reasonable given the company's consistent cash flow generation and defensive sector positioning.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Investor sentiment on Pluang
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About Norfolk Southern Corporation
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 →About Essential Utilities Inc. Common Stock
Essential Utilities Inc. is a holding company for regulated water, wastewater, and natural gas utilities, operating under the Aqua and Peoples brands. It serves customers across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Read more on WTRG →
