Federal Signal Corporation (FSS)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
FSS
Federal Signal Corporation
$132.51
+2.63%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.63B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$341.27
+1.37%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $75.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 398% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $2.45B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 11.7%. FSS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. FSS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
FSS
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
18.7% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSS
The strongest argument for FSS centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 18.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bear Case : FSS
The primary concerns for FSS are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FSS profiles as a growth stock while NSC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
FSS is growing revenue faster at 18.7% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (615M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FSS scores higher overall (64/100 vs 55/100) and 18.7% revenue growth. 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.
Federal Signal Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
Federal Signal Corporation designs, manufactures, and supplies a suite of integrated products and solutions for municipal, government, industrial, and commercial customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Visit Website →Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
Compare with Other FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?