The Hershey Company
Stocks
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Stocks
The Hershey Company vs Norfolk Southern Corporation: In-Depth Stock Comparison for Investors
Last updated: June 6, 2026
Summary
The Hershey Company and Norfolk Southern Corporation serve vastly different sectors—consumer staples and industrial transportation—making their comparison essential for targeted investors. Hershey offers a stable dividend yield of 3.15% with a market cap of $37.4 billion, while Norfolk Southern boasts a higher EPS of 11.88 and a market cap of nearly $70.4 billion, reflecting their distinct market focuses and growth profiles.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | The Hershey Company | Norfolk Southern Corporation | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | $37.4 billion | $70.4 billion | Norfolk Southern Corporation |
| Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio | 34.37 | 26.38 | Norfolk Southern Corporation |
| Profit Margin | 9.13% | 21.91% | Norfolk Southern Corporation |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.72% | The Hershey Company |
| Beta (Market Volatility) | 0.081 | 1.272 | The Hershey Company |
Market Capitalization: Norfolk Southern's larger market cap indicates a more prominent position within the industrial sector and greater investor confidence in its rail transportation business compared to Hershey's consumer staples market.
Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio: Norfolk Southern’s lower PE ratio suggests it is potentially undervalued relative to earnings, making it more attractive for value-focused investors compared to Hershey's higher PE of 34.37.
Profit Margin: Norfolk Southern’s profit margin of approximately 21.91% surpasses Hershey’s 9.13%, indicating higher operational efficiency and profitability in its core transportation activities.
Dividend Yield: Hershey offers nearly double the dividend yield of Norfolk Southern, making it more appealing for income-focused investors seeking steady income from stock holdings.
Beta (Market Volatility): Hershey’s very low beta of 0.081 indicates minimal market volatility and stability during economic fluctuations, whereas Norfolk Southern’s higher beta of 1.272 suggests greater risk and sensitivity to market swings.
Detailed Analysis
The Hershey Company, with a market capitalization of approximately $37.4 billion, operates within the consumer defensive sector, focusing on confectionery products. Its stock trades at a PE ratio of 34.37, which is higher than Norfolk Southern’s 26.38, reflecting higher growth expectations or potentially overvalued stock relative to earnings. Hershey’s EPS of 5.37 and profit margin of 9.13% demonstrate steady profitability, supported by a revenue of nearly $12 billion. Its dividend yield of 3.15% appeals strongly to income investors, especially those seeking reliable cash flow, considering the company’s established market presence and relatively low market volatility indicated by its beta of just 0.081.
In contrast, Norfolk Southern Corporation operates within the industrials sector, primarily focusing on freight rail transportation. Its market cap of approximately $70.4 billion is nearly double Hershey’s, emphasizing its significant role in North American logistics and supply chain infrastructure. Norfolk Southern’s EPS of 11.88 and profit margin of 21.91% point to superior operational efficiency and profitability, driven by its high-volume freight operations. While its dividend yield of 1.72% is lower than Hershey’s, its higher earnings and lower PE ratio of 26.38 suggest it may offer better growth prospects or undervaluation.
The risk profile is markedly different: Hershey’s low beta of 0.081 indicates exceptional stability, making it suitable for conservative investors prioritizing steady income and minimal market risk. Norfolk Southern’s beta of 1.272 reflects greater market sensitivity, suitable for investors willing to accept higher volatility for potential capital appreciation. The differences in valuation metrics, profitability, and growth profiles make these stocks ideal for distinct investment strategies: Hershey as a defensive, income-generating asset, and Norfolk Southern as a growth-oriented, industrial stock with exposure to cyclical economic factors.
Verdict
Norfolk Southern Corporation emerges as the better choice for investors seeking growth, higher profitability, and valuation undervaluation with a market cap nearly double Hershey’s. However, Hershey’s stability, higher dividend yield, and lower volatility make it the preferred option for conservative investors prioritizing income and risk mitigation. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the investor values steady income and stability or growth potential and market exposure.
Who Should Choose What
Choose The Hershey Company if...
Income-focused investors, those seeking dividend stability, and conservative portfolios emphasizing low volatility and steady returns.
Choose Norfolk Southern Corporation if...
Growth-oriented investors, those looking for higher earnings, undervalued stocks, and exposure to cyclical industrial sectors with higher risk tolerance.
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