Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)vsExxon Mobil Corp (XOM)
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$312.01
-0.44%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.39B
XOM
Exxon Mobil Corp
$144.57
-1.37%
ENERGY · Cap: $607.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Exxon Mobil Corp generates 2575% more annual revenue ($326.01B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 7.8%. XOM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.42. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
XOM
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
Margin of Safety
-37.0%
Fair Value
$106.98
Current Price
$144.57
$37.59 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
2.6% revenue growth
7.8% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 43.4%
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 : XOM
The strongest argument for XOM centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : XOM
The primary concerns for XOM are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
XOM is growing revenue faster at 2.6% — sustainability is the question.
XOM generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. 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.
Exxon Mobil Corp
ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA
Exxon Mobil Corporation, stylized as ExxonMobil, is an American multinational oil and gas corporation headquartered in Irving, Texas. It is the largest direct descendant of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil, and was formed on November 30, 1999 by the merger of Exxon (formerly the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey) and Mobil (formerly the Standard Oil Company of New York). ExxonMobil's primary brands are Exxon, Mobil, Esso, and ExxonMobil Chemical. ExxonMobil is incorporated in New Jersey.
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