Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.01
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.39B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$147.72
-4.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 46% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.38. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-52.8%
Fair Value
$101.40
Current Price
$147.72
$46.32 premium
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
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
Trading at 19.1x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (156M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. 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.
Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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