Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsParker-Hannifin Corporation (PH)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$313.45
+2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $69.07B
PH
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
$882.34
+1.16%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $105.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Parker-Hannifin Corporation generates 72% more annual revenue ($20.99B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 16.6%. PH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.23. PH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
PH
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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%.
Bull Case : PH
The strongest argument for PH centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 21.5%. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : PH
The primary concerns for PH are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a value stock while PH is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
PH is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
PH generates stronger free cash flow (881M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 55/100), 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.
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.
Parker-Hannifin Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Parker-Hannifin Corporation, originally Parker Appliance Company, usually referred to as just Parker, is an American corporation specializing in motion and control technologies. Its corporate headquarters are in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, in Greater Cleveland.
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