WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 75% more annual revenue ($25.41B vs $14.51B). UNP leads profitability with a 28.8% profit margin vs 22.2%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.72. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CSX

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.25

UNP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.45
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+34.5%)

Margin of Safety

+34.5%

Fair Value

$71.63

Current Price

$46.51

$25.12 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.63Overvalued
UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-89.0%)

Margin of Safety

-89.0%

Fair Value

$144.86

Current Price

$274.15

$129.29 premium

UndervaluedFair: $144.86Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.4%

Market CapQuality
$86.97B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
22.2%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.7% YoY

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.0%

Market CapQuality
$163.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.8%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.20B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.373/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
8.4x4/10

Trading at 8.4x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.513/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSX

The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.2% and operating margin at 38.4%. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.8% and operating margin at 41.0%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

UNP is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CSX scores higher overall (71/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 22.2% margins and 10.1% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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