Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsTrinity Industries Inc (TRN)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$311.66
-1.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.95B
TRN
Trinity Industries Inc
$35.85
+3.49%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $2.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 491% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $2.06B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 12.4%. TRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. TRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
TRN
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-18.6%
Fair Value
$26.70
Current Price
$35.85
$9.15 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
Revenue declined 16.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bull Case : TRN
The strongest argument for TRN centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. 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, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : TRN
The primary concerns for TRN are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a value stock while TRN is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
TRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — 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.
Bottom Line
TRN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100). 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.
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