CSX Corporation (CSX)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$44.72
-0.82%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $83.10B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$311.66
-1.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CSX Corporation generates 16% more annual revenue ($14.15B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 21.5%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CSX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.4%
Fair Value
$74.29
Current Price
$44.72
$29.57 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
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 24 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
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 : 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 : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
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.
CSX is growing revenue faster at 1.7% — sustainability is the question.
CSX generates stronger free cash flow (729M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
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 →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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