Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
WPP
WPP PLC ADR
$15.50
+1.64%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $3.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
WPP PLC ADR generates 11% more annual revenue ($13.55B vs $12.18B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs -1.6%. NSC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.85. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WPP
Avoid35
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 WPP.
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
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Operating margin of 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : WPP
The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WPP
The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at -1.7% — sustainability is the question.
WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (53/100 vs 35/100), 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.
WPP PLC ADR
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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