WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CSX Corporation generates 4% more annual revenue ($14.09B vs $13.55B). CSX leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs -1.6%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.24. CSX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

CSX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B 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

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX profiles as a declining stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

CSX is growing revenue faster at -0.9% — sustainability is the question.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CSX scores higher overall (53/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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