Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$50.37
-1.06%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $214.72B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Verizon Communications Inc generates 1035% more annual revenue ($138.19B vs $12.18B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 12.4%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VZ
Buy62
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
-82.4%
Fair Value
$27.61
Current Price
$50.37
$22.76 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%
Generating 4.4B 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
2.0% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 53.3%
Distress zone — elevated 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 : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while VZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
VZ is growing revenue faster at 2.0% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VZ scores higher overall (62/100 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.
Verizon Communications Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA
Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.
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