WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Wells Fargo & Company generates 473% more annual revenue ($81.14B vs $14.15B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 21.5%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

CSX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

WFC

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.43
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+44.4%)

Margin of Safety

+44.4%

Fair Value

$74.29

Current Price

$44.83

$29.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.29Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WFC.

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

WFC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$242.24B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
29.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$9.14B8/10

Generating 9.1B 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

WFC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.432/10

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 : WFC

The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.4%. PEG of 1.43 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 : WFC

The primary concerns for WFC are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX profiles as a value stock while WFC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

WFC is growing revenue faster at 5.7% — sustainability is the question.

WFC generates stronger free cash flow (9.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. CSX offers better value entry with a 44.4% 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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Wells Fargo & Company

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.

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