Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsUSA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
USAR
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
$16.64
+0.24%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $3.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 0.0%. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
USAR
Avoid22
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-265.7%
Fair Value
$86.77
Current Price
$282.61
$195.84 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for USAR.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
0.0% revenue growth
0.0% earnings growth
0.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.0%
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 23.6% and operating margin at 31.2%.
Bull Case : USAR
USAR has a balanced fundamental profile.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : USAR
The primary concerns for USAR are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while USAR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
USAR is growing revenue faster at 0.0% — sustainability is the question.
USAR generates stronger free cash flow (-49M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (53/100 vs 22/100), backed by strong 23.6% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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.
USA Rare Earth, Inc.
BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA
USA Rare Earth, Inc. engages in mining, processing, and supplying rare earths and other critical minerals. The company is headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
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