Carrier Global Corporation (CARR) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

NSC leads on 14 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Carrier Global Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CARR vs NSC

growth of $100 · last 6y
CARR +517.2%NSC +123.7%CARR compounded faster
200400600Start $100202120222023202420252026$617$224
CARR NSC

CARR vs NSC: by the numbers

  • NSC is the larger company ($68.50B vs $61.51B market cap).
  • NSC trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.56 vs 48.09 P/E).
  • NSC converts more revenue to profit (21.91% vs 5.99% net margin).
  • NSC grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.45% vs 3.67% CAGR).
  • NSC pays the higher dividend yield (1.78% vs 1.26%).

Which is better, CARR or NSC?

Metric tally: CARR 2 · NSC 14

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueNSC(lower P/E)
GrowthNSC(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeNSC(higher dividend yield)
QualityNSC(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCARRNSC
P/E ratio48.0925.56
Forward P/E23.1522.42
P/S ratio2.855.60
P/B ratio4.644.32
PEG ratio2.24
EV / EBITDA23.2715.22
FCF yield2.66%5.60%

Profitability

MetricCARRNSC
Gross margin24.80%45.31%
Operating margin7.24%32.39%
Net margin5.99%21.91%
ROE9.74%16.89%
ROIC5.41%7.47%

Dividends

MetricCARRNSC
Dividend yield1.26%1.78%
Payout ratio53.45%42.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCARRNSC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.67%4.45%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-5.35%10.10%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.87%10.65%
Total return CAGR (5Y)11.37%5.02%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CARR or NSC?
It depends on your goal. value: NSC (lower P/E); growth: NSC (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: NSC (higher dividend yield); quality: NSC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, NSC leads 14 to 2.
Is CARR or NSC cheaper?
On trailing earnings, NSC is cheaper: CARR trades at a 48.09 P/E and NSC at 25.56.
Which has grown faster, CARR or NSC?
Over the past five years, NSC grew revenue faster — CARR at a 3.67% CAGR versus NSC at 4.45%.
Does CARR or NSC pay a bigger dividend?
CARR yields 1.26% and NSC yields 1.78% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CARR or NSC more profitable?
NSC runs the higher net margin — CARR at 5.99% versus NSC at 21.91%.
Which has been the better investment, CARR or NSC?
Over the past 5-year, NSC delivered the higher annualized total return — CARR at 11.37% versus NSC at 16.28%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 25, 2026.