Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsW. R. Berkley Corp (WRB)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$282.61
-0.36%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.70B
WRB
W. R. Berkley Corp
$64.49
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $24.51B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
W. R. Berkley Corp generates 21% more annual revenue ($14.71B vs $12.18B). NSC leads profitability with a 23.6% profit margin vs 12.1%. NSC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.85. WRB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C-).
NSC
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
WRB
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
-136.4%
Fair Value
$30.26
Current Price
$64.49
$34.23 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
1.5% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 21.8%
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 : WRB
The strongest argument for WRB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : WRB
The primary concerns for WRB are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC profiles as a declining stock while WRB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.
WRB is growing revenue faster at 1.5% — sustainability is the question.
WRB generates stronger free cash flow (896M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WRB scores higher overall (55/100 vs 53/100). 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.
W. R. Berkley Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA
W. R. Berkley Corporation is a commercial lines property & casualty insurance holding company organized in Delaware and based in Greenwich, Connecticut.
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