WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsTrinity Industries Inc (TRN)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CSX Corporation generates 611% more annual revenue ($14.51B vs $2.04B). CSX leads profitability with a 22.2% profit margin vs 16.6%. TRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. TRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

CSX

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.25

TRN

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+34.5%)

Margin of Safety

+34.5%

Fair Value

$71.63

Current Price

$46.54

$25.09 discount

UndervaluedFair: $71.63Overvalued
TRNSignificantly Overvalued (-79.2%)

Margin of Safety

-79.2%

Fair Value

$17.68

Current Price

$25.54

$7.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $17.68Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.4%

Market CapQuality
$86.97B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
22.2%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.7% YoY

TRN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
620.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 620.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.724/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.373/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

TRN4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.2%2/10

Revenue declined 4.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.10M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.882/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.571/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSX

The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.2% and operating margin at 38.4%. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : TRN

The strongest argument for TRN centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 12.1%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : TRN

The primary concerns for TRN are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.57 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX profiles as a mature stock while TRN is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

TRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

CSX is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

CSX generates stronger free cash flow (751M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

TRN scores higher overall (75/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 16.6% margins. CSX offers better value entry with a 34.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

CSX Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

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Trinity Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

Trinity Industries, Inc. provides rail transportation products and services in North America. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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