Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) vs Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
A side-by-side comparison of Northrop Grumman 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.
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$510.52IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$313.00IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 25, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — NOC vs NSC
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNOC +186.6% (+11.1%/yr)NSC +328.3% (+15.7%/yr)NSC compounded faster over this window
NOC NSC
NOC vs NSC: by the numbers
- •NOC is the larger company ($72.53B vs $70.30B market cap).
- •NOC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.22 vs 26.71 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NSC converts more revenue to profit (21.02% vs 10.48% net margin).
- •NSC grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.58% vs 2.67% CAGR).
- •NOC pays the higher dividend yield (1.84% vs 1.69%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | NOC | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 16.22 | 26.71 |
| Forward P/E | 17.64 | 24.11 |
| P/S ratio | 1.69 | 5.61 |
| P/B ratio | 4.06 | 4.33 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.68 | 15.99 |
| FCF yield | 5.03% | 1.26% |
Profitability
| Metric | NOC | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 20.06% | 42.43% |
| Operating margin | 10.18% | 31.63% |
| Net margin | 10.48% | 21.02% |
| ROE | 25.14% | 16.22% |
| ROIC | 9.97% | 7.33% |
Dividends
| Metric | NOC | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.84% | 1.69% |
| Payout ratio | 30.37% | 46.08% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NOC | NSC |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.67% | 3.58% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 8.84% | 10.10% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 6.92% | 8.17% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 9.71% | 7.53% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, NOC or NSC?
- NOC has the lower trailing P/E: NOC trades at 16.22 and NSC at 26.71. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, NOC or NSC?
- Over the past five years, NSC grew revenue faster — NOC at a 2.67% CAGR versus NSC at 3.58%.
- Does NOC or NSC pay a bigger dividend?
- NOC yields 1.84% and NSC yields 1.69% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is NOC or NSC more profitable?
- NSC runs the higher net margin — NOC at 10.48% versus NSC at 21.02%.
- How have NOC and NSC total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, NOC delivered 11.28% and NSC delivered 15.72% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Northrop Grumman P/E ratioNorfolk Southern P/E ratioNorthrop Grumman dividend yieldNorfolk Southern dividend yieldNorthrop Grumman ROENorfolk Southern ROENorthrop Grumman operating marginNorfolk Southern operating marginNorthrop Grumman revenue growthNorfolk Southern revenue growthNorthrop Grumman free cash flowNorfolk Southern free cash flow
Northrop Grumman & 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.