CSX vs Norfolk Southern (CSX vs NSC)

CSX (CSX) vs Norfolk Southern (NSC) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

CSX (CSX) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) compete in industrials. Here are CSX and Norfolk Southern side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy CSX or Norfolk Southern.

CSX vs Norfolk Southern: the figures

CSX and Norfolk Southern figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that CSX or Norfolk Southern figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between CSX and Norfolk Southern

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, CSX keeps 24.0 as net profit and Norfolk Southern keeps 20.7.
2. Dividend: Norfolk Southern yields 1.58% at today's price and CSX yields 1.10%.
3. Valuation: Norfolk Southern trades at 28.8x its annual earnings and CSX at 27.1x; the market pays more for each dollar of Norfolk Southern profit, usually because it expects more growth.

CSX or Norfolk Southern: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Norfolk Southern is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Norfolk Southern pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: CSX has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: CSX trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither CSX nor Norfolk Southern wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How CSX and Norfolk Southern make money

CSX (CSX)

CSX runs a freight railroad network across the eastern United States. It earns revenue hauling chemicals, coal, auto parts, agricultural products, minerals and intermodal containers that move between trains, trucks and ships. Customers include manufacturers, utilities, ports and logistics companies. Full CSX analysis.

Norfolk Southern (NSC)

Norfolk Southern operates freight railroads in the eastern United States. It groups revenue into merchandise, its largest category, covering chemicals, metals, autos and agricultural goods, plus intermodal container traffic and coal. It has agreed to merge with Union Pacific, a deal that still requires regulatory approval. Full Norfolk Southern analysis.

Frequently asked questions: CSX vs Norfolk Southern

Is CSX or Norfolk Southern the better stock?

Choosing between CSX and Norfolk Southern depends on what you are looking for. Norfolk Southern is growing faster right now, and CSX trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy CSX or Norfolk Southern: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSX or Norfolk Southern?

As of November 4, 2026, Norfolk Southern yields 1.58% and CSX yields 1.10%. Also check how much of their profit CSX and Norfolk Southern pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, CSX or Norfolk Southern?

On P/E, Norfolk Southern (28.8x) is more expensive than CSX (27.1x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both CSX and Norfolk Southern?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as CSX and Norfolk Southern, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying CSX or Norfolk Southern.

More comparisons with CSX or Norfolk Southern

• CSX vs Waste Management
• CSX vs Siemens
• Norfolk Southern vs Waste Management
• Norfolk Southern vs Siemens

More companies like CSX and Norfolk Southern: industrials stocks. Educational content about CSX and Norfolk Southern, not investment advice.