Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

A side-by-side comparison of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. and Norfolk Southern Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCP vs NSC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CP +216.4% (+12.2%/yr)NSC +328.3% (+15.7%/yr)NSC compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$316$428
CP NSC

CP vs NSC: by the numbers

  • CP is the larger company ($77.36B vs $70.61B market cap).
  • NSC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (26.82 vs 28.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CP converts more revenue to profit (25.04% vs 21.02% net margin).
  • CP grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.34% vs 3.58% CAGR).
  • NSC pays the higher dividend yield (1.69% vs 0.77%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCPNSC
P/E ratio28.5326.82
Forward P/EN/A24.21
P/S ratio6.985.63
P/B ratio2.364.34
EV / EBITDA17.0716.04
FCF yield2.37%1.25%

Profitability

MetricCPNSC
Gross margin53.42%42.43%
Operating margin36.84%31.63%
Net margin25.04%21.02%
ROE8.45%16.22%
ROIC5.02%7.33%

Dividends

MetricCPNSC
Dividend yield0.77%1.69%
Payout ratio22.14%46.08%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCPNSC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.34%3.58%
EPS CAGR (5Y)3.04%10.10%
FCF CAGR (5Y)12.22%8.17%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.24%7.53%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CP or NSC?
NSC has the lower trailing P/E: CP trades at 28.53 and NSC at 26.82. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CP or NSC?
Over the past five years, CP grew revenue faster — CP at a 12.34% CAGR versus NSC at 3.58%.
Does CP or NSC pay a bigger dividend?
CP yields 0.77% and NSC yields 1.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CP or NSC more profitable?
CP runs the higher net margin — CP at 25.04% versus NSC at 21.02%.
How have CP and NSC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CP delivered 12.68% and NSC delivered 15.72% annualized total return. 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 September 13, 2026.