Norfolk Southern vs Waste Management (NSC vs WM)
Norfolk Southern (NSC) vs Waste Management (WM) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Waste Management (WM) compete in industrials. Here are Norfolk Southern and Waste Management 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 Norfolk Southern or Waste Management.
Norfolk Southern vs Waste Management: the figures
| Figure | Norfolk Southern | Waste Management |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $344.14 (November 4, 2026) | $238.49 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $77.3 billion | $94.8 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 28.8x | 31.3x |
| Forward P/E | 23.7x | 26.7x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +13.6% | +6.3% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 20.7% | 11.8% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 2.7x | 2.9x |
| Dividend yield | 1.58% | 1.61% |
| Beta | 1.18 | 0.39 |
Norfolk Southern and Waste Management figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Norfolk Southern or Waste Management figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Norfolk Southern and Waste Management
- Volatility: Norfolk Southern stock moves more (beta 1.18) than Waste Management (beta 0.39); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Norfolk Southern keeps 20.7 as net profit and Waste Management keeps 11.8.
- Growth: Norfolk Southern grew sales +13.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +6.3% for Waste Management.
Norfolk Southern or Waste Management: 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): Waste Management pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Norfolk Southern has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Norfolk Southern trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Norfolk Southern nor Waste Management 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 Norfolk Southern and Waste Management make money
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.
Waste Management (WM)
WM, formerly Waste Management, collects, hauls, recycles and disposes of trash from homes, businesses and industry in the United States and Canada. It earns money from collection contracts, landfill disposal fees, sales of recycled materials and renewable natural gas captured from landfills. Buying Stericycle added medical waste services. Full Waste Management analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Norfolk Southern vs Waste Management
Is Norfolk Southern or Waste Management the better stock?
Choosing between Norfolk Southern and Waste Management depends on what you are looking for. Norfolk Southern is growing faster right now, and Norfolk Southern trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Norfolk Southern or Waste Management: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Norfolk Southern or Waste Management?
As of November 4, 2026, Waste Management yields 1.61% and Norfolk Southern yields 1.58%. Also check how much of their profit Norfolk Southern and Waste Management pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Norfolk Southern or Waste Management?
On P/E, Waste Management (31.3x) is more expensive than Norfolk Southern (28.8x) 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 Norfolk Southern and Waste Management?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Norfolk Southern and Waste Management, 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 Norfolk Southern or Waste Management.
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More companies like Norfolk Southern and Waste Management: industrials stocks. Educational content about Norfolk Southern and Waste Management, not investment advice.