Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsVisa Inc. Class A (V)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
V
Visa Inc. Class A
$304.91
+0.38%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $585.66B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Visa Inc. Class A generates 240% more annual revenue ($41.39B vs $12.18B). V leads profitability with a 50.2% profit margin vs 23.6%. V appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. V earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
V
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-265.7%
Fair Value
$86.77
Current Price
$282.61
$195.84 premium
Margin of Safety
+17.4%
Fair Value
$369.26
Current Price
$304.91
$64.35 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 54 in profit
Keeps 50 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 68.3%
Generating 6.4B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 15.2x book value
Grey zone — moderate risk
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 23.6% and operating margin at 31.2%.
Bull Case : V
The strongest argument for V centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 50.2% and operating margin at 68.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : V
The primary concerns for V are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while V is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
V is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
V generates stronger free cash flow (6.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
V scores higher overall (68/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 50.2% margins and 14.6% 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.
Visa Inc. Class A
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Visa is one of the world's most valuable companies.
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