CAT vs NSC
Caterpillar (CAT) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) compared side by side. Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 4.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, NSC is cheaper at 27.7x versus 29.6x for CAT.
Head to head
| Metric | CAT | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $315.8B | $74.1B |
| P/E (TTM) | 29.6x | 27.7x |
| Forward P/E | 21.1x | 22.8x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $74.7B | $13.0B |
| Revenue growth | 24.0% | 13.6% |
| Gross margin | 29.7% | 44.7% |
| Operating margin | 22.2% | 35.4% |
| Free cash flow | $9.0B | $1.6B |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 1.64% |
| 1-year return | +32.8% | +18.3% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +30.0% | +5.0% |
| Max drawdown | -73% | -68% |
| FI Handbook grade | B- | C+ |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
CAT vs NSC FAQ
Which is bigger, CAT or NSC?
Caterpillar (CAT) is larger, with a market cap of $315.8B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 4.3 times the size.
Is CAT or NSC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NSC is cheaper at 27.7x versus 29.6x for CAT. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, CAT or NSC?
CAT returned +32.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +18.3% for NSC, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAT or NSC?
NSC yields 1.64% versus 0.95% for CAT.
Full pages: Caterpillar · Norfolk Southern