WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Verizon Communications Inc generates 881% more annual revenue ($138.19B vs $14.09B). CSX leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 12.4%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

CSX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20

VZ

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXSignificantly Overvalued (-294.8%)

Margin of Safety

-294.8%

Fair Value

$10.47

Current Price

$39.57

$29.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $10.47Overvalued
VZSignificantly Overvalued (-82.4%)

Margin of Safety

-82.4%

Fair Value

$27.61

Current Price

$50.37

$22.76 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.61Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%

Market CapQuality
$73.58B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.5%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

VZ5 strengths · Avg: 8.4/10
Market CapQuality
$214.72B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.37B8/10

Generating 4.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.242/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

VZ4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-53.3%2/10

Earnings declined 53.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 20.5% and operating margin at 32.7%.

Bull Case : VZ

The strongest argument for VZ centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.23 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 : VZ

The primary concerns for VZ are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX profiles as a declining stock while VZ is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

VZ is growing revenue faster at 2.0% — sustainability is the question.

VZ generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VZ scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100). 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.

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Verizon Communications Inc

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · TELECOM SERVICES · USA

Verizon Communications Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate and a corporate component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The company is headquartered at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, but is incorporated in Delaware.

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