Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.01
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.39B
VZ
Verizon Communications Inc
$47.22
+0.28%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $196.65B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Verizon Communications Inc generates 1042% more annual revenue ($139.15B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 12.5%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
VZ
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-4.7%
Fair Value
$45.12
Current Price
$47.22
$2.10 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%
Generating 3.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
2.9% revenue growth
4.3% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
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 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bull Case : VZ
The strongest argument for VZ centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.89 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 : VZ
The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
VZ is growing revenue faster at 2.9% — sustainability is the question.
VZ generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
VZ scores higher overall (68/100 vs 55/100). 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.
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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