WallStSmart

LB Foster Company (FSTR)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 4451% more annual revenue ($25.41B vs $558.35M). UNP leads profitability with a 28.8% profit margin vs 2.0%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

FSTR

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.54

UNP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.45
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FSTRSignificantly Overvalued (-16.0%)

Margin of Safety

-16.0%

Fair Value

$27.20

Current Price

$37.59

$10.39 premium

UndervaluedFair: $27.20Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for UNP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FSTR3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.808/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.0%

Market CapQuality
$168.96B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.8%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.20B8/10

Generating 2.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FSTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$387.97M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.4%3/10

ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.0%3/10

2.0% margin — thin

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
8.7x4/10

Trading at 8.7x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.513/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.842/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.8% and operating margin at 41.0%. Revenue growth of 11.5% 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 : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FSTR profiles as a value stock while UNP is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

FSTR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.

UNP is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.

UNP generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

UNP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 28.8% margins and 11.5% revenue growth. 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.

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.

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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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