CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
CSX
CSX Corporation
$39.57
+1.80%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $73.58B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 26% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $14.09B). CSX leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
CSX
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-294.8%
Fair Value
$10.47
Current Price
$39.57
$29.10 premium
Margin of Safety
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CSX
The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 32.7%.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CSX profiles as a declining stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
CSX generates stronger free cash flow (709M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CSX scores higher overall (53/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 20.5% 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.
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.
Visit Website →Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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