Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
VMI
Valmont Industries Inc
$406.39
+0.59%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 197% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $4.10B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 8.5%. VMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. VMI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VMI
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
+39.1%
Fair Value
$785.30
Current Price
$406.39
$378.91 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
Earnings expanding 135.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
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
0.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
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 : VMI
The strongest argument for VMI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VMI
The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while VMI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
VMI is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.
VMI generates stronger free cash flow (70M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VMI scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100). 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.
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.
Valmont Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
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