CSX Corporation (CSX) vs Cintas Corporation (CTAS)

A side-by-side comparison of CSX Corporation and Cintas Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 3, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCSX vs CTAS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CSX +483.5% (+19.3%/yr)CTAS +669.8% (+22.6%/yr)CTAS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$583$770
CSX CTAS

CSX vs CTAS: by the numbers

  • CSX is the larger company ($90.75B vs $80.45B market cap).
  • CSX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.12 vs 40.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CSX converts more revenue to profit (22.21% vs 17.75% net margin).
  • CTAS grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.62% vs 5.18% CAGR).
  • CSX pays the higher dividend yield (1.13% vs 0.91%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCSXCTAS
P/E ratio28.1240.34
Forward P/E24.2240.47
P/S ratio6.237.11
P/B ratio6.4215.58
EV / EBITDA16.4626.45
FCF yield5.55%2.35%

Profitability

MetricCSXCTAS
Gross margin33.25%50.67%
Operating margin34.15%23.14%
Net margin22.21%17.75%
ROE22.89%38.91%
ROIC8.99%23.53%

Dividends

MetricCSXCTAS
Dividend yield1.13%0.91%
Payout ratio35.71%36.22%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSXCTAS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.18%9.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.12%13.58%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-8.29%9.10%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.82%15.93%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CSX or CTAS?
CSX has the lower trailing P/E: CSX trades at 28.12 and CTAS at 40.34. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CSX or CTAS?
Over the past five years, CTAS grew revenue faster — CSX at a 5.18% CAGR versus CTAS at 9.62%.
Does CSX or CTAS pay a bigger dividend?
CSX yields 1.13% and CTAS yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSX or CTAS more profitable?
CSX runs the higher net margin — CSX at 22.21% versus CTAS at 17.75%.
How have CSX and CTAS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CSX delivered 19.52% and CTAS delivered 22.21% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 3, 2026.