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CSX vs WAB
Which Stock Would AI Choose? CSX Corporation (CSX) vs. Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CSX is a North American freight railroad facing a subdued industrial demand environment, while WAB is a rail equipment and technology supplier riding strong international order momentum.
- CSX's latest quarterly revenue declined about 1% year over year, whereas Wabtec's most recent quarter grew sales roughly 8.4%.
- Wabtec carries a record multi-year backlog of about $25.6 billion, providing revenue visibility that CSX's volume-driven model does not have.
- CSX is leaning on cost discipline and productivity to expand margins, while Wabtec is balancing growth against tariff and input-cost pressures.
- Relative performance and market positioning favor Wabtec on growth momentum, but CSX offers a more defensive, cash-generative business profile.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the rail and transportation sector often encounter two very different types of businesses: the railroads that move freight and the manufacturers that supply the locomotives and technology those railroads use. CSX (CSX Corporation) and WAB (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, commonly known as Wabtec) sit on opposite sides of that relationship. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors who want to understand how a cyclical freight carrier and an equipment-and-services supplier differ in growth drivers, momentum, and risk. Examining their recent performance side by side clarifies their distinct market positioning within the broader rail ecosystem.
CSX Overview and Recent Performance
CSX operates one of the largest freight rail networks in the eastern United States, hauling merchandise, intermodal containers, and coal across roughly 20,000 route miles. Recent market activity has reflected a soft industrial backdrop. In its latest quarterly report, revenue came in near $3.51 billion, down about 1% year over year, as lower merchandise volume and weaker export coal revenue offset gains in intermodal and pricing. Earnings per share (EPS), a measure of profit allocated to each outstanding share, declined versus the prior-year period, and results included roughly $50 million in severance and technology-related restructuring costs.
Sentiment has been shaped by management's focus on cost control and network efficiency rather than top-line growth. Operating metrics such as train velocity and trip-plan compliance improved during recent quarters, and the company has identified more than 100 cost-saving initiatives. Looking ahead, management guided to low single-digit revenue growth with meaningful operating-margin expansion and a substantial increase in free cash flow (cash generated after capital spending). This defensive, productivity-led posture defines CSX's current market positioning.
WAB Overview and Recent Performance
WAB, operating as Wabtec, designs and manufactures locomotives, braking systems, and digital rail technologies, while also servicing freight and transit customers worldwide. Its most recent quarterly results showed sales of roughly $2.89 billion, up about 8.4% year over year, with adjusted EPS rising around 16%. Growth was led by higher locomotive deliveries and a sharp increase in digital revenue tied to the Inspection Technologies acquisition.
Wabtec's momentum has been driven by international demand rather than North American freight volumes. A landmark $4.2 billion agreement with Kazakhstan's national railway, described as the largest single rail order in the company's history, bolstered an already record total backlog of about $25.6 billion. That backlog has expanded roughly 15% year over year, providing meaningful revenue visibility. At the same time, management has flagged tariff-related material costs and an unfavorable near-term services mix as headwinds. The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, reflecting confidence despite those cost pressures.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks lies in their business models. CSX is an asset-heavy railroad whose revenue depends on freight volumes and pricing across a single geographic network, making it highly sensitive to industrial production and coal markets. WAB is a diversified manufacturer and service provider with global exposure across freight and transit, supported by a large backlog that cushions it from short-term volume swings.
On growth drivers, Wabtec currently benefits from equipment deliveries and international orders, while CSX is relying on intermodal gains and cost rationalization amid soft merchandise demand. Recent momentum also differs: Wabtec has posted rising sales and raised guidance, whereas CSX has reported year-over-year declines and leaned on restructuring charges. In terms of risk, CSX faces cyclical freight headwinds and coal-market weakness, while Wabtec contends with tariffs, acquisition integration, and a mix shift away from higher-margin services. Sector exposure adds another layer, with CSX concentrated in North American rail and Wabtec diversified across global freight and transit markets.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, relative positioning, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor WAB in the current environment. Wabtec combines positive revenue growth, upwardly revised earnings guidance, and a record backlog, which together suggest a more consistent near-term trend. CSX, by contrast, is executing a credible cost-driven turnaround but still faces a subdued demand backdrop with limited immediate catalysts. That said, the assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive: CSX's strong cash generation and margin-expansion targets could become more compelling if industrial activity improves. Traders should weigh these factors against their own time horizon and risk tolerance.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CSX is a Hold and WAB is a Hold.
CSX's MACD Histogram just turned positive
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CSX turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where CSX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CSX's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 23 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on CSX as a result. In 54 of 90 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Following a +1.11% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CSX advanced for three days, in 173 of 309 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The 10-day moving average for CSX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 09, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CSX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 46%.
CSX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for CSX entered a downward trend on September 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 6 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 63, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CSX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 88 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.150) is normal, around the industry mean (4.638). P/E Ratio (27.195) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.129). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.682) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.016) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (6.150) is also within normal values, averaging (3.592).
WAB in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 08, 2026
WAB may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 18 of 25 cases where WAB's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
Following a +0.38% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WAB advanced for three days, in 222 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 228 of 341 cases where WAB Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 29 of 58 cases where WAB's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 50%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on WAB as a result. In 40 of 90 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for WAB turned negative on October 08, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 56 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 56 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 48%.
WAB moved below its 50-day moving average on October 07, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for WAB crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 11, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 67%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where WAB declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 44%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 4 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 63, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 16 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 24 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. WAB’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 65 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly weaker than average sales and a marginally profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 89 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.403) is normal, around the industry mean (4.638). WAB has a moderately high P/E Ratio (39.350) as compared to the industry average of (23.129). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (4.700) is also within normal values, averaging (7.261). Dividend Yield (0.004) settles around the average of (0.016) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.934) is also within normal values, averaging (3.592).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 95 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
CSX | WAB | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 23 | 91 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 88 Overvalued | 89 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 24 | 4 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 39 | 65 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 24 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 20 | 16 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 6 | 90 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CSX's Valuation (88) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as WAB (89) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry. This means that CSX’s stock grew similarly to WAB’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's Profit vs Risk Rating (4) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is in the same range as CSX (24) in the Railroads industry. This means that WAB’s stock grew similarly to CSX’s over the last 12 months.
CSX's SMR Rating (39) in the Railroads industry is in the same range as WAB (65) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry. This means that CSX’s stock grew similarly to WAB’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's Price Growth Rating (24) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is in the same range as CSX (45) in the Railroads industry. This means that WAB’s stock grew similarly to CSX’s over the last 12 months.
WAB's P/E Growth Rating (16) in the Trucks Or Construction Or Farm Machinery industry is in the same range as CSX (20) in the Railroads industry. This means that WAB’s stock grew similarly to CSX’s over the last 12 months.
| CSX | WAB | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 1 day ago 44% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 48% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 17 days ago 46% | 7 days ago 44% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 45% | 1 day ago 72% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 1 day ago 67% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
CSX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while WAB’s FA Score has 3 green FA rating(s).
- CSX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- WAB’s FA Score: 3 green, 2 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
CSX’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while WAB’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- CSX’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
- WAB’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
CSX (@Railroads) experienced а +3.14% price change this week, while WAB (@Railroads) price change was +1.43% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Railroads industry was -0.07%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.71%, and the average quarterly price growth was +5.70%.
Reported Earning Dates
CSX is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
WAB is expected to report earnings on Oct 21, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Railroads (-0.07% weekly)The Railroad industry includes passenger and freight transportation services along rail lines. This also includes companies that provide maintenance and switching duties as part of rail services. Within North America, the industry is largely dominated by some large operators. Several short-line railroads serve regional and local routes. Union Pacific Corporation, Canadian National Railway Company, and CSX Corporation are some of the prominent names in the business. The railroad business is relatively cyclical; economic expansion boost the freight services in particular, while economic stagnation often dampens transportation demand.
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CSX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CSX has been loosely correlated with WAB. These tickers have moved in lockstep 44% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CSX jumps, then WAB could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CSX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSX | 100% | +1.09% | ||
| WAB - CSX | 44% Loosely correlated | -0.01% | ||
| RAIL - CSX | 21% Poorly correlated | -4.29% | ||
| FSTR - CSX | 21% Poorly correlated | -2.50% | ||
| GBX - CSX | 1% Poorly correlated | -0.15% | ||
| RVSN - CSX | 0% Poorly correlated | -7.59% | ||
More | ||||
WAB and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WAB has been loosely correlated with CP. These tickers have moved in lockstep 47% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if WAB jumps, then CP could also see price increases.