WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 88% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $14.15B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 21.5%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

CSX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+44.4%)

Margin of Safety

+44.4%

Fair Value

$74.29

Current Price

$44.83

$29.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.29Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for USB.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

Market CapQuality
$83.30B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.5%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$85.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

USB is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins. CSX offers better value entry with a 44.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.

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U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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