Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$309.00
-1.28%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.75B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$274.15
-0.74%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $163.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 103% more annual revenue ($25.41B vs $12.54B). UNP leads profitability with a 28.8% profit margin vs 21.0%. UNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.72. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
UNP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-89.0%
Fair Value
$144.86
Current Price
$274.15
$129.29 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Trading at 8.4x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.8% and operating margin at 41.0%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
UNP is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
UNP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 28.8% margins and 11.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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.
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.
Union Pacific Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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