CSX vs NSC
CSX (CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) compared side by side. CSX (CSX) is larger, with a market cap of $94.1B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 1.3 times the size. On trailing earnings, CSX is cheaper at 26.5x versus 27.7x for NSC.
Head to head
| Metric | CSX | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Market cap | $94.1B | $74.1B |
| P/E (TTM) | 26.5x | 27.7x |
| Forward P/E | 21.8x | 22.8x |
| Revenue (TTM) | — | $13.0B |
| Revenue growth | — | 13.6% |
| Gross margin | — | 44.7% |
| Operating margin | — | 35.4% |
| Free cash flow | $2.8B | $1.6B |
| Dividend yield | 1.10% | 1.64% |
| 1-year return | +44.8% | +18.3% |
| 5-year return (annual) | +8.9% | +5.0% |
| Max drawdown | -69% | -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)
CSX vs NSC FAQ
Which is bigger, CSX or NSC?
CSX (CSX) is larger, with a market cap of $94.1B versus $74.1B for Norfolk Southern, about 1.3 times the size.
Is CSX or NSC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CSX is cheaper at 26.5x 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, CSX or NSC?
CSX returned +44.8% over the past year including dividends, versus +18.3% for NSC, through October 23, 2026.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSX or NSC?
NSC yields 1.64% versus 1.10% for CSX.
Full pages: CSX · Norfolk Southern