Caterpillar, Inc. vs Norfolk Southern Corporation — Stock Comparison
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.
Caterpillar, Inc. scores ahead of Norfolk Southern Corporation on Q·Score (7.8 vs 6.9 out of 10), led by Sentiment (6.3 vs 4.2) and Growth (9.7 vs 7.8). Norfolk Southern Corporation scores higher on Health, reflecting stronger balance sheet strength. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for CAT (+47.4%) than for NSC (+5.2%).
Price Performance
Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.
Q·Score Breakdown
Earnings growing 46% year-over-year on 17% revenue growth.
High-quality business with 17% return on equity and 21% profit margins.
⚠ cautious analyst consensus — few Buy ratings.
Analyst Consensus
Fundamentals
Frequently Asked Questions
CAT vs NSC: which stock scores better overall?
Based on Q·Score, Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) scores 7.8/10 versus Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) at 6.9/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
Which has better revenue growth: CAT or NSC?
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) scores higher on Growth (9.7/10 vs 7.8/10). Caterpillar, Inc. reports revenue growth (17.3% YoY) while Norfolk Southern Corporation reports (13.6% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.
Is CAT or NSC more attractively valued?
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) scores higher on Valuation (7.9/10 vs 6.3/10). CAT trades at 19.3× P/E versus NSC at 23.6×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.
What do analysts say about CAT vs NSC?
There are 26 analysts covering CAT with a consensus price target of $917.68, and 18 analysts covering NSC with a consensus target of $360.61. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.
Which is more profitable: CAT or NSC?
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) scores higher on Quality (9/10 vs 8.5/10). Net profit margin: CAT at 15.2%, NSC at 20.7%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.
Which has stronger financial health: CAT or NSC?
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) scores higher on Financial Health (6.4/10 vs 5.5/10). Market beta: CAT at N/A, NSC at 1.28. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.
What are the market caps of CAT and NSC?
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) has a market capitalisation of $286.3B, while Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) has a market cap of $77.0B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.
Do CAT or NSC pay dividends?
CAT pays a dividend yield of 1.01%, while NSC pays a dividend yield of 1.58%. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.
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Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →