WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVerizon Communications Inc (VZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Verizon Communications Inc generates 883% more annual revenue ($139.15B vs $14.15B). CSX leads profitability with a 21.5% profit margin vs 12.5%. VZ appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. VZ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CSX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20

VZ

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.11
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+44.2%)

Margin of Safety

+44.2%

Fair Value

$74.12

Current Price

$44.83

$29.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.12Overvalued
VZFair Value (-4.7%)

Margin of Safety

-4.7%

Fair Value

$45.12

Current Price

$47.22

$2.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.12Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

Market CapQuality
$83.30B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.5%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY

VZ6 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Market CapQuality
$196.65B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.898/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.78B8/10

Generating 3.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

VZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.

Bull Case : VZ

The strongest argument for VZ centers on P/E Ratio, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.89 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : VZ

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

VZ is growing revenue faster at 2.9% — sustainability is the question.

VZ generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VZ scores higher overall (68/100 vs 65/100). CSX offers better value entry with a 44.2% margin of safety. 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.

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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