FedEx Corporation (FDX) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

A side-by-side comparison of FedEx Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnFDX vs NSC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
FDX +3149.3%NSC +2265.7%FDX compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,249$2,366
FDX NSC

FDX vs NSC: by the numbers

  • FDX is the larger company ($75.37B vs $75.10B market cap).
  • FDX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.37 vs 28.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NSC converts more revenue to profit (21.02% vs 4.68% net margin).
  • NSC grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.58% vs 2.47% CAGR).
  • NSC pays the higher dividend yield (1.62% vs 1.48%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFDXNSC
P/E ratio17.3728.53
Forward P/E16.0425.97
P/S ratio0.816.00
P/B ratio2.434.63
PEG ratio1.952.24
EV / EBITDA9.9016.91
FCF yield6.66%5.09%

Profitability

MetricFDXNSC
Gross margin22.90%42.43%
Operating margin6.74%31.63%
Net margin4.68%21.02%
ROE14.01%16.22%
ROIC5.95%7.47%

Dividends

MetricFDXNSC
Dividend yield1.48%1.62%
Payout ratio25.46%42.35%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFDXNSC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.47%3.58%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-1.27%10.10%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.77%8.17%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.57%7.70%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FDX or NSC?
FDX has the lower trailing P/E: FDX trades at 17.37 and NSC at 28.53. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FDX or NSC?
Over the past five years, NSC grew revenue faster — FDX at a 2.47% CAGR versus NSC at 3.58%.
Does FDX or NSC pay a bigger dividend?
FDX yields 1.48% and NSC yields 1.62% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FDX or NSC more profitable?
NSC runs the higher net margin — FDX at 4.68% versus NSC at 21.02%.
How have FDX and NSC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FDX delivered 11.02% and NSC delivered 16.47% 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 August 8, 2026.