Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp (WAB)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$341.27
+1.37%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $75.23B
WAB
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
$296.47
+1.93%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $49.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Norfolk Southern Corporation generates 2% more annual revenue ($12.19B vs $11.98B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 10.6%. WAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. WAB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
WAB
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
+12.1%
Fair Value
$289.56
Current Price
$296.47
$6.91 discount
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
17.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bull Case : WAB
The strongest argument for WAB centers on Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : WAB
The primary concerns for WAB are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a value stock while WAB is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
WAB is growing revenue faster at 17.5% — sustainability is the question.
NSC generates stronger free cash flow (615M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WAB scores higher overall (61/100 vs 55/100) and 17.5% revenue growth. 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.
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
Wabtec Corporation (derived from Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation) is an American company formed by the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower Industries Corporation in 1999. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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