Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsTrinity Industries Inc (TRN)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$309.00
-1.28%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.75B
TRN
Trinity Industries Inc
$25.54
-4.38%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 514% more annual revenue ($12.54B vs $2.04B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.0% profit margin vs 16.6%. TRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. TRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
TRN
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-79.2%
Fair Value
$17.68
Current Price
$25.54
$7.86 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 620.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
Revenue declined 4.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 21.0% and operating margin at 35.3%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : TRN
The strongest argument for TRN centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 12.1%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TRN
The primary concerns for TRN are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.57 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a mature stock while TRN is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
TRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — 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
TRN scores higher overall (75/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.6% margins. 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.
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.
Trinity Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
Trinity Industries, Inc. provides rail transportation products and services in North America. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?