CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$44.83
+0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $83.30B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$147.72
-4.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 25% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $14.15B). CSX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.38. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CSX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.2%
Fair Value
$74.12
Current Price
$44.83
$29.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-52.8%
Fair Value
$101.40
Current Price
$147.72
$46.32 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 19.1x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — 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 53/100), 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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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