WallStSmart

Greenbrier Companies Inc (GBX)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 321% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $2.90B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 5.1%. GBX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).

GBX

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.10

NSC

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.7Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.30
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

GBXSignificantly Overvalued (-23.5%)

Margin of Safety

-23.5%

Fair Value

$44.56

Current Price

$47.88

$3.32 premium

UndervaluedFair: $44.56Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GBX3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

NSC3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Market CapQuality
$70.26B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
21.9%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

GBX4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.56B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.1%3/10

5.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.1%3/10

Operating margin of 2.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-22.9%2/10

Revenue declined 22.9%

NSC4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.083/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.582/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GBX

The strongest argument for GBX centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.58 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 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.

Bear Case : GBX

The primary concerns for GBX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : NSC

The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GBX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.

NSC is growing revenue faster at 0.2% — sustainability is the question.

NSC generates stronger free cash flow (-38M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. 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.

Greenbrier Companies Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets rail freight car equipment in North America, Europe and South America. The company is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?