NSC vs UNP
Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Union Pacific (UNP) compared side by side. Union Pacific (UNP) is larger, with a market cap of $174.0B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 2.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, UNP is cheaper at 22.8x versus 27.7x for NSC.
Head to head
| Metric | NSC | UNP |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $74.1B | $174.0B |
| P/E (TTM) | 27.7x | 22.8x |
| Forward P/E | 22.8x | 20.4x |
| Revenue (TTM) | $13.0B | $26.4B |
| Revenue growth | 13.6% | 15.3% |
| Gross margin | 44.7% | 55.8% |
| Operating margin | 35.4% | 41.3% |
| Free cash flow | $1.6B | $6.5B |
| Dividend yield | 1.64% | 1.94% |
| 1-year return | +18.3% | +35.9% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +5.0% | +6.6% |
| Max drawdown | -68% | -66% |
| FI Handbook grade | C+ | B- |
Highlighted: the stronger figure on metrics where higher or lower is clearly better.
Growth of $10,000 (5 years, price only)
NSC vs UNP FAQ
Which is bigger, NSC or UNP?
Union Pacific (UNP) is larger, with a market cap of $174.0B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 2.3 times the size.
Is NSC or UNP cheaper?
On trailing earnings, UNP is cheaper at 22.8x versus 27.7x for NSC. A lower P/E can reflect slower expected growth, so compare growth and margins too.
Which stock performed better over the past year, NSC or UNP?
UNP returned +35.9% over the past year including dividends, versus +18.3% for NSC, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSC or UNP?
UNP yields 1.94% versus 1.64% for NSC.
Full pages: Norfolk Southern · Union Pacific