CSX Corporation (CSX)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$44.72
-0.82%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $83.10B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$263.41
+0.23%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $156.39B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 75% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $14.15B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% 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+
UNP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.5%
Fair Value
$74.47
Current Price
$44.72
$29.75 discount
Margin of Safety
-76.0%
Fair Value
$150.01
Current Price
$263.41
$113.40 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 24 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 8.5x book value
3.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
UNP is growing revenue faster at 3.2% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CSX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100), 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 →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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