Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs PACCAR Inc (PCAR)

A side-by-side comparison of Norfolk Southern Corporation and PACCAR Inc across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnNSC vs PCAR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
NSC +332.4% (+15.8%/yr)PCAR +297.3% (+14.8%/yr)NSC compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$432$397
NSC PCAR

NSC vs PCAR: by the numbers

  • NSC is the larger company ($71.94B vs $64.60B market cap).
  • PCAR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.78 vs 27.33 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • NSC converts more revenue to profit (21.02% vs 9.18% net margin).
  • PCAR grew revenue faster over the past five years (4.21% vs 3.58% CAGR).
  • PCAR pays the higher dividend yield (2.25% vs 1.67%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricNSCPCAR
P/E ratio27.3325.78
Forward P/E24.6720.68
P/S ratio5.742.37
P/B ratio4.433.18
EV / EBITDA16.2921.02
FCF yield1.23%4.85%

Profitability

MetricNSCPCAR
Gross margin42.43%14.86%
Operating margin31.63%9.81%
Net margin21.02%9.18%
ROE16.22%12.32%
ROIC7.33%5.87%

Dividends

MetricNSCPCAR
Dividend yield1.67%2.25%
Payout ratio46.08%57.98%

Growth (annualized)

MetricNSCPCAR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.58%4.21%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.10%12.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.17%30.94%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.74%19.30%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, NSC or PCAR?
PCAR has the lower trailing P/E: NSC trades at 27.33 and PCAR at 25.78. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, NSC or PCAR?
Over the past five years, PCAR grew revenue faster — NSC at a 3.58% CAGR versus PCAR at 4.21%.
Does NSC or PCAR pay a bigger dividend?
NSC yields 1.67% and PCAR yields 2.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is NSC or PCAR more profitable?
NSC runs the higher net margin — NSC at 21.02% versus PCAR at 9.18%.
How have NSC and PCAR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, NSC delivered 15.84% and PCAR delivered 14.88% 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 11, 2026.