Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsFreightcar America Inc (RAIL)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$313.45
+2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $69.07B
RAIL
Freightcar America Inc
$7.58
+3.13%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $150.42M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 2498% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $469.01M). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 6.3%. RAIL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
RAIL
Hold41
out of 100
Grade: D
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
6.3% margin — thin
ROE of -8.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 33.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : RAIL
The strongest argument for RAIL centers on P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.64 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : RAIL
The primary concerns for RAIL are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
RAIL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 0.2% — sustainability is the question.
RAIL generates stronger free cash flow (-4M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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.
Freightcar America Inc
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
FreightCar America, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells railroad cars and railroad components for the transportation of bulk goods and containerized cargo products primarily in North America. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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