CAT vs NSC
By Alex · Tickerpine
Caterpillar Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation, side by side — the numbers that matter, in plain English. No “winner” hype; you decide.
| Metric | CAT | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $811.29 | $351.24 |
| Market cap | $372.93B | $78.89B |
| P/E ratio | 35.0 | 29.9 |
| ROE | 56.97% | 16.98% |
| Profit margin | 14.51% | 21.02% |
| Revenue growth | 24.00% | 11.40% |
| Dividend yield | 0.80% | 1.53% |
| Beta | 1.60 | 1.27 |
Green = the more favorable figure for that metric (lower P/E, higher ROE, margin, growth and yield). Not a recommendation.
CAT vs NSC in plain English
- CAT is the bigger company — about 4.7× the market cap of NSC.
- NSC is cheaper on earnings (P/E 29.9 vs 35.0).
- CAT earns a higher return on equity (57% vs 17%).
- CAT is growing revenue faster (24% vs 11%).
- NSC has the higher dividend yield (1.53% vs 0.80%).
How would $1,000 have done in each?
CAT return calculator
See what $1,000 in Caterpillar Inc. would be worth today.
NSC return calculator
See what $1,000 in Norfolk Southern Corporation would be worth today.
Figures from public market data, may be delayed. Comparison is informational only — not investment advice.