CSX Corporation (CSX) vs Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)

CSX leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though LMT is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of CSX Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CSX vs LMT

growth of $100 · last 30y
CSX +1668.4%LMT +1190.2%CSX compounded faster
05001k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$1,768$1,290
CSX LMT

CSX vs LMT: by the numbers

  • LMT is the larger company ($124.58B vs $88.39B market cap).
  • LMT trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.17 vs 29.18 P/E).
  • CSX converts more revenue to profit (21.55% vs 6.38% net margin).
  • CSX grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.07% vs 2.62% CAGR).
  • LMT pays the higher dividend yield (2.53% vs 1.14%).

Which is better, CSX or LMT?

Metric tally: CSX 9 · LMT 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueLMT(lower P/E)
GrowthCSX(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeLMT(higher dividend yield)
QualityLMT(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCSXLMT
P/E ratio29.1826.17
Forward P/E21.9216.87
P/S ratio6.261.66
P/B ratio6.5216.67
PEG ratio5.70
EV / EBITDA16.4716.97
FCF yield4.66%4.54%

Profitability

MetricCSXLMT
Gross margin37.54%9.82%
Operating margin33.45%9.88%
Net margin21.55%6.38%
ROE22.47%64.00%
ROIC8.40%17.39%

Dividends

MetricCSXLMT
Dividend yield1.14%2.53%
Payout ratio35.06%63.31%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCSXLMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.07%2.62%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.12%-2.44%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.34%-0.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.44%9.78%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CSX or LMT?
It depends on your goal. value: LMT (lower P/E); growth: CSX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: LMT (higher dividend yield); quality: LMT (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CSX leads 9 to 7.
Is CSX or LMT cheaper?
On trailing earnings, LMT is cheaper: CSX trades at a 29.18 P/E and LMT at 26.17.
Which has grown faster, CSX or LMT?
Over the past five years, CSX grew revenue faster — CSX at a 6.07% CAGR versus LMT at 2.62%.
Does CSX or LMT pay a bigger dividend?
CSX yields 1.14% and LMT yields 2.53% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CSX or LMT more profitable?
CSX runs the higher net margin — CSX at 21.55% versus LMT at 6.38%.
Which has been the better investment, CSX or LMT?
Over the past 10-year, CSX delivered the higher annualized total return — CSX at 19.87% versus LMT at 11.34%. 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 June 14, 2026.