NSC vs RTX: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NSC (Norfolk Southern Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NSC offers the higher yield at 1.57%, RTX has the higher dividend-safety score, and NSC looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price).
Key facts: NSC vs RTX
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.57%, versus 1.47% for RTX Corporation (RTX).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NSC's dividend safety A (89/100) and RTX's A (96/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, NSC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and RTX for 33.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NSC pays out 45% of its earnings as dividends and RTX pays out 46%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, NSC's fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price and RTX's fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price, so NSC looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NSC vs RTX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nsc-vs-rtx
| Metric | NSC | RTX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 1.57% | 1.47% |
| Annual dividend | $5.40 | $2.92 |
| Payout ratio | 45% | 46% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 33 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.5% | 7.2% |
| 5-yr total return | 29% | 147% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 96 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $307.75 | $112.86 |
| Upside to fair value | -8% | -43% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $74.9B | $264.9B |
| P/E ratio | 27.9 | 31.9 |
Higher yield
NSC
1.57%
Safer dividend
RTX
Grade A
Faster growth
NSC
7.5%
Better value
NSC
-8% upside
NSC vs RTX — FAQ
Is NSC or RTX a better dividend stock?
On the data, NSC wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NSC offers the higher yield (1.57%), while RTX has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NSC or RTX?
NSC has the higher forward dividend yield at 1.57%, versus 1.47% for RTX.
Is NSC or RTX safer?
RTX has the higher dividend-safety score (96/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NSC or RTX better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, NSC looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 8% below its share price (fairly valued). For RTX, its fair-value estimate is 43% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.