Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWilliams Companies Inc (WMB)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
WMB
Williams Companies Inc
$73.81
-0.87%
ENERGY · Cap: $90.96B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 3% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $11.83B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 22.1%. WMB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.47. WMB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WMB
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+29.0%
Fair Value
$100.15
Current Price
$73.81
$26.34 discount
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
Strong operational efficiency at 41.2%
Earnings expanding 50.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : WMB
The strongest argument for WMB centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 41.2%.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WMB
The primary concerns for WMB are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while WMB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
WMB is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (-412M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WMB scores higher overall (67/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. 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.
Williams Companies Inc
ENERGY · OIL & GAS MIDSTREAM · USA
The Williams Companies, Inc., is an American energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its core business is natural gas processing and transportation, with additional petroleum and electricity generation assets.
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