Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
-0.27%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 1% more annual revenue ($12.18B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 23.6%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-265.7%
Fair Value
$86.77
Current Price
$282.61
$195.84 premium
Margin of Safety
+36.5%
Fair Value
$716.04
Current Price
$454.97
$261.07 discount
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
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 32.9% 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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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