VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★
NO ADVICE
Friday, January 2, 2026
Stock Comparison
McDonald's Corporation vs Norfolk Southern Corporation
Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.
McDonald's Corporation
MCD · New York Stock Exchange
Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.
Full stock profile
Dive deeper into McDonald's Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.
View MCD analysisNorfolk Southern Corporation
NSC · New York Stock Exchange
Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.
Full stock profile
Dive deeper into Norfolk Southern Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.
View NSC analysisComparison highlights
- Moat score gap: McDonald's Corporation leads (80 / 100 vs 70 / 100 for Norfolk Southern Corporation).
- Segment focus: McDonald's Corporation has 3 segments (48.7% in International Operated Markets); Norfolk Southern Corporation has 3 segments (62% in Merchandise).
- Primary market structure: Competitive vs Oligopoly. Pricing power: Moderate vs Moderate.
- Moat breadth: McDonald's Corporation has 5 moat types across 2 domains; Norfolk Southern Corporation has 4 across 3.
Primary market context
McDonald's Corporation
International Operated Markets
Quick-service restaurants and informal eating out (IEO)
International operated markets (e.g., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, U.K.)
Consumers (end customers) and franchisees (B2B system partners)
Franchisor / restaurant operator
48.7%
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Merchandise
Eastern U.S. freight rail transportation for industrial & consumer goods
United States (Southeast/East/Midwest; NS network + interchanges)
Manufacturers, producers, and distributors
Rail carrier
62%
Side-by-side metrics
Moat coverage
Shared moat types
McDonald's Corporation strengths
Norfolk Southern Corporation strengths
Segment mix
McDonald's Corporation segments
Full profile >U.S.
Competitive
International Operated Markets
Competitive
International Developmental Licensed Markets & Corporate
Competitive
Norfolk Southern Corporation segments
Full profile >Merchandise
Oligopoly
Intermodal
Oligopoly
Coal
Oligopoly
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View the moat stocks listCuration & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.