LB Foster Company (FSTR)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
FSTR
LB Foster Company
$37.59
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $387.97M
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$320.27
-0.94%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $71.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 2146% more annual revenue ($12.54B vs $558.35M). NSC leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs 2.0%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
FSTR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-16.0%
Fair Value
$27.20
Current Price
$37.59
$10.39 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency
2.0% margin — thin
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FSTR
The strongest argument for FSTR centers on Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : FSTR
The primary concerns for FSTR are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FSTR profiles as a value 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.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (615M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (59/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 21.0% margins and 11.4% revenue growth. 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.
LB Foster Company
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
LB Foster Company provides products and services for the rail industry and solutions to support critical infrastructure projects globally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →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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