CSX Corporation (CSX)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$44.83
+0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $83.30B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$355.13
+1.32%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.41B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CSX Corporation generates 275% more annual revenue ($14.15B vs $3.77B). CSX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CSX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
WAT
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+44.4%
Fair Value
$74.29
Current Price
$44.83
$29.46 discount
Margin of Safety
-63.1%
Fair Value
$201.83
Current Price
$355.13
$153.30 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
Revenue surging 91.5% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.3x book value
ROE of 5.2% — below average capital efficiency
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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 44.6x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSX profiles as a value stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.5% — sustainability is the question.
CSX generates stronger free cash flow (729M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 52/100), 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 →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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