CSX Corporation (CSX)vsLB Foster Company (FSTR)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$46.23
+0.43%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $85.73B
FSTR
LB Foster Company
$41.42
-2.54%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $434.14M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CSX Corporation generates 2412% more annual revenue ($14.15B vs $563.36M). CSX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 2.0%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.35. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CSX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
FSTR
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.8%
Fair Value
$70.98
Current Price
$46.23
$24.75 discount
Margin of Safety
-15.5%
Fair Value
$27.31
Current Price
$41.42
$14.11 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY
Growing faster than its price suggests
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 23.9% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency
2.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CSX
The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.
Bull Case : FSTR
The strongest argument for FSTR centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 23.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : FSTR
The primary concerns for FSTR are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 40.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSX profiles as a value stock while FSTR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
FSTR is growing revenue faster at 23.9% — sustainability is the question.
CSX generates stronger free cash flow (729M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 21.5% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
CSX Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.
Visit Website →LB Foster Company
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
LB Foster Company provides products and services for the rail industry and solutions to support critical infrastructure projects globally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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