Deere & Company (DE)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
DE
Deere & Company
$675.74
-0.32%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $182.20B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$320.27
-0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Deere & Company generates 282% more annual revenue ($47.93B vs $12.54B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs 10.2%. DE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DE
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.9B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 11.1%
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DE
The strongest argument for DE centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.0% and operating margin at 35.3%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DE
The primary concerns for DE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.29 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DE profiles as a declining stock while NSC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
DE generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (59/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 21.0% margins and 11.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Deere & Company
INDUSTRIALS · FARM & HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY · USA
John Deere is the brand name of Deere & Company, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains (axles, transmissions, gearboxes) used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment.
Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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