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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
FDX
FedEx Corporation
$295.94IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 22, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$314.00IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 22, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — FDX vs NSC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yFDX +173.8% (+10.6%/yr)NSC +328.3% (+15.7%/yr)NSC compounded faster over this window
FDX NSC
FDX vs NSC: by the numbers
- •NSC is the larger company ($70.53B vs $70.01B market cap).
- •FDX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.14 vs 26.79 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 (1.69% vs 1.51%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | FDX | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.14 | 26.79 |
| Forward P/E | 16.73 | 24.18 |
| P/S ratio | 0.74 | 5.62 |
| P/B ratio | 2.21 | 4.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 9.27 | 16.03 |
| FCF yield | 7.31% | 1.25% |
Profitability
| Metric | FDX | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 22.90% | 42.43% |
| Operating margin | 6.74% | 31.63% |
| Net margin | 4.68% | 21.02% |
| ROE | 14.01% | 16.22% |
| ROIC | 5.92% | 7.33% |
Dividends
| Metric | FDX | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.51% | 1.69% |
| Payout ratio | 25.75% | 46.08% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FDX | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 10.60% | 7.53% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, FDX or NSC?
- FDX has the lower trailing P/E: FDX trades at 16.14 and NSC at 26.79. 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 1.51% and NSC yields 1.69% 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 10.90% and NSC delivered 15.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
FedEx P/E ratioNorfolk Southern P/E ratioFedEx dividend yieldNorfolk Southern dividend yieldFedEx ROENorfolk Southern ROEFedEx operating marginNorfolk Southern operating marginFedEx revenue growthNorfolk Southern revenue growthFedEx free cash flowNorfolk Southern free cash flow
FedEx & Norfolk Southern appear in these rankings
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.