Greenbrier Companies Inc (GBX)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
GBX
Greenbrier Companies Inc
$40.07
-2.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $1.33B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$309.00
-1.28%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.75B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 377% more annual revenue ($12.54B vs $2.63B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs 4.1%. GBX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
GBX
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-36.1%
Fair Value
$40.42
Current Price
$40.07
$0.35 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
4.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.5%
Elevated debt levels
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GBX
The strongest argument for GBX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.0% and operating margin at 35.3%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : GBX
The primary concerns for GBX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GBX profiles as a value stock while NSC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
GBX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (615M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (59/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 21.0% margins and 11.4% 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.
Greenbrier Companies Inc
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets rail freight car equipment in North America, Europe and South America. The company is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
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.
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