Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWarner Bros Discovery Inc (WBD)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.01
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.39B
WBD
Warner Bros Discovery Inc
$27.11
-0.04%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $67.99B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Warner Bros Discovery Inc generates 206% more annual revenue ($37.30B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 1.9%. NSC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 4.72. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WBD
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
+60.6%
Fair Value
$71.08
Current Price
$27.11
$43.97 discount
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
Earnings expanding 226.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency
1.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 5.7%
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 : WBD
The strongest argument for WBD centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Price/Book.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WBD
The primary concerns for WBD are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 1.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
WBD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.57 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 0.2% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (-38M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. WBD offers better value entry with a 60.6% margin of safety. 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.
Warner Bros Discovery Inc
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ENTERTAINMENT · USA
Warner Bros. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.
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