The Boeing Company (BA)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
BA
The Boeing Company
$224.11
+2.20%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $176.67B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.12
-1.45%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.80B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
The Boeing Company generates 657% more annual revenue ($92.18B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 2.5%. NSC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.41. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
BA
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-42.4%
Fair Value
$160.81
Current Price
$224.11
$63.30 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 170 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
2.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : BA
The strongest argument for BA centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bear Case : BA
The primary concerns for BA are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 88.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 9.92 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
BA is growing revenue faster at 14.0% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (-38M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor AEROSPACE & DEFENSE industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
The Boeing Company
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services.
Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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