Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.01
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.39B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$325.92
+1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 278% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $3.22B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 16.9%. WST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.89. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WST
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-32.4%
Fair Value
$185.95
Current Price
$325.92
$139.97 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
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a value stock while WST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
WST generates stronger free cash flow (47M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. 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.
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.
Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?