Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp (WAB)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$281.09
+1.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.12B
WAB
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
$236.06
-0.46%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $40.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 9% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $11.17B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 10.5%. WAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. WAB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WAB
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-262.5%
Fair Value
$87.52
Current Price
$281.09
$193.57 premium
Margin of Safety
-448.6%
Fair Value
$46.38
Current Price
$236.06
$189.68 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
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 3.8%
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 : WAB
Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 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 : WAB
The primary concerns for WAB are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while WAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
WAB is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.
WAB generates stronger free cash flow (870M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAB scores higher overall (58/100 vs 53/100) and 14.8% revenue growth. 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.
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
Wabtec Corporation (derived from Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation) is an American company formed by the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower Industries Corporation in 1999. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?