Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
YUM
Yum! Brands Inc
$159.16
-0.17%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $44.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 48% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $8.21B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 19.0%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
YUM
Buy59
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
+38.8%
Fair Value
$259.74
Current Price
$159.16
$100.58 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 31.9%
Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY
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
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
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 : YUM
The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : YUM
The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while YUM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
YUM is growing revenue faster at 6.5% — sustainability is the question.
YUM generates stronger free cash flow (482M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
YUM scores higher overall (59/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 19.0% 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.
Yum! Brands Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.
Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?