Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsFreightcar America Inc (RAIL)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$320.27
-0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.94B
RAIL
Freightcar America Inc
$6.81
+2.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $232.82M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 2605% more annual revenue ($12.54B vs $463.52M). NSC leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs -2.7%. RAIL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
RAIL
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -8.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 4.6%
Earnings declined 24.2%
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 21.0% and operating margin at 35.3%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : RAIL
The strongest argument for RAIL centers on 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, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : RAIL
The primary concerns for RAIL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.00 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a mature stock while RAIL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
RAIL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — 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 32/100), backed by strong 21.0% margins and 11.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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