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.
CSX
CSX Corporation
$48.99IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
CTAS
Cintas Corporation
$201.05IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CSX vs CTAS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCSX +483.5% (+19.3%/yr)CTAS +669.8% (+22.6%/yr)CTAS compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CSX | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 28.12 | 40.34 |
| Forward P/E | 24.22 | 40.47 |
| P/S ratio | 6.23 | 7.11 |
| P/B ratio | 6.42 | 15.58 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.46 | 26.45 |
| FCF yield | 5.55% | 2.35% |
Profitability
| Metric | CSX | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 33.25% | 50.67% |
| Operating margin | 34.15% | 23.14% |
| Net margin | 22.21% | 17.75% |
| ROE | 22.89% | 38.91% |
| ROIC | 8.99% | 23.53% |
Dividends
| Metric | CSX | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.13% | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 35.71% | 36.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CSX | CTAS |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CSX P/E ratioCintas P/E ratioCSX dividend yieldCintas dividend yieldCSX ROECintas ROECSX operating marginCintas operating marginCSX revenue growthCintas revenue growthCSX free cash flowCintas free cash flow
CSX & Cintas appear in these rankings
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.