Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$247.02
+0.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $17.68B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 296% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $3.07B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 16.1%. WST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WST
Buy55
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
-256.8%
Fair Value
$68.99
Current Price
$247.02
$178.03 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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%
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
2.1% earnings growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 21.6%.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while WST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 7.5% — sustainability is the question.
WST generates stronger free cash flow (175M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins. 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.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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