Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs Republic Services, Inc. (RSG)
A side-by-side comparison of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Republic Services, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$330.67IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 12:55 PM EDT
RSG
Republic Services, Inc.
$224.82IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 12:55 PM EDT
Total return — NSC vs RSG
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yNSC +327.3% (+15.6%/yr)RSG +415.1% (+17.8%/yr)RSG compounded faster over this window
NSC RSG
NSC vs RSG: by the numbers
- •NSC is the larger company ($74.27B vs $69.17B market cap).
- •NSC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.16 vs 31.52 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •NSC converts more revenue to profit (21.02% vs 12.94% net margin).
- •RSG grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.86% vs 3.58% CAGR).
- •NSC pays the higher dividend yield (1.64% vs 1.12%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | NSC | RSG |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 28.16 | 31.52 |
| Forward P/E | 25.42 | 30.58 |
| P/S ratio | 5.92 | 4.05 |
| P/B ratio | 4.57 | 5.69 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.73 | 14.12 |
| FCF yield | 5.16% | 4.97% |
Profitability
| Metric | NSC | RSG |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 42.43% | 39.09% |
| Operating margin | 31.63% | 20.00% |
| Net margin | 21.02% | 12.94% |
| ROE | 16.22% | 18.16% |
| ROIC | 7.33% | 9.07% |
Dividends
| Metric | NSC | RSG |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.64% | 1.12% |
| Payout ratio | 42.35% | 36.44% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | NSC | RSG |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 3.58% | 9.86% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 10.10% | 17.76% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 8.17% | 18.25% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 7.62% | 13.45% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, NSC or RSG?
- NSC has the lower trailing P/E: NSC trades at 28.16 and RSG at 31.52. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, NSC or RSG?
- Over the past five years, RSG grew revenue faster — NSC at a 3.58% CAGR versus RSG at 9.86%.
- Does NSC or RSG pay a bigger dividend?
- NSC yields 1.64% and RSG yields 1.12% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is NSC or RSG more profitable?
- NSC runs the higher net margin — NSC at 21.02% versus RSG at 12.94%.
- How have NSC and RSG total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, NSC delivered 15.66% and RSG delivered 17.74% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Norfolk Southern P/E ratioRepublic Services P/E ratioNorfolk Southern dividend yieldRepublic Services dividend yieldNorfolk Southern ROERepublic Services ROENorfolk Southern operating marginRepublic Services operating marginNorfolk Southern revenue growthRepublic Services revenue growthNorfolk Southern free cash flowRepublic Services free cash flow
Norfolk Southern & Republic Services 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 3, 2026.