CSX Corporation (CSX)vsLB Foster Company (FSTR)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$39.57
+1.80%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.58B
FSTR
LB Foster Company
$28.04
-0.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $292.15M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CSX Corporation generates 2510% more annual revenue ($14.09B vs $540.01M). CSX leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 1.4%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.19. FSTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
CSX
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
FSTR
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-294.8%
Fair Value
$10.47
Current Price
$39.57
$29.10 premium
Margin of Safety
-572.5%
Fair Value
$4.69
Current Price
$28.04
$23.35 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 25.1% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 4.2% — below average capital efficiency
1.4% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 20.5% and operating margin at 32.7%.
Bull Case : FSTR
The strongest argument for FSTR centers on PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 25.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.19 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : FSTR
The primary concerns for FSTR are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 40.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSX profiles as a declining stock while FSTR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
FSTR is growing revenue faster at 25.1% — sustainability is the question.
CSX generates stronger free cash flow (709M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSTR scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100) and 25.1% revenue growth. 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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