VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ WIDE MOAT STOCKS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Friday, January 2, 2026

Stock Comparison

CSX Corporation vs James Hardie Industries plc

Compare moat strength, market structure, and segment coverage to understand how each company defends its edge.

CSX Corporation

CSX · NASDAQ

Market cap (USD)$67.7B
Gross margin (TTM)
Operating margin (TTM)
Net margin (TTM)
SectorIndustrials
IndustryRailroads
CountryUS
Data as of2026-01-02
Moat score
74/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into CSX Corporation's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View CSX analysis

James Hardie Industries plc

JHX · ASX

Market cap (USD)$17.8B
Gross margin (TTM)36.3%
Operating margin (TTM)13.6%
Net margin (TTM)4.7%
SectorMaterials
IndustryConstruction Materials
CountryIE
Data as of2025-12-28
Moat score
74/ 100

Weighted average of segment moat scores, combining moat strength, durability, confidence, market structure, pricing power, and market share.

Full stock profile

Dive deeper into James Hardie Industries plc's moat claims, evidence, and risks.

View JHX analysis

Comparison highlights

  • Moat score: both at 74 / 100.
  • Segment focus: CSX Corporation has 5 segments (61.2% in Merchandise (Rail)); James Hardie Industries plc has 4 segments (64.2% in Siding & Trim).
  • Primary market structure: Oligopoly vs Quasi-Monopoly. Pricing power: Moderate vs Moderate.
  • Moat breadth: CSX Corporation has 6 moat types across 2 domains; James Hardie Industries plc has 5 across 2.

Primary market context

CSX Corporation

Merchandise (Rail)

Market

Eastern U.S. rail freight transportation (merchandise carload)

Geography

Eastern United States (CSX network; interchange to other railroads)

Customer

Industrial, agricultural, automotive and consumer goods shippers; logistics providers

Role

Common-carrier freight railroad (line-haul + switching/terminal)

Revenue share

61.2%

James Hardie Industries plc

Siding & Trim

Market

North American fiber cement exterior siding & trim (plus related exterior products)

Geography

North America (primarily U.S. and Canada)

Customer

Homebuilders, contractors, remodelers, dealers/distributors, and retailers

Role

Manufacturer / branded building-products supplier

Revenue share

64.2%

Side-by-side metrics

CSX Corporation
James Hardie Industries plc
Ticker / Exchange
CSX - NASDAQ
JHX - ASX
Market cap (USD)
$67.7B
$17.8B
Gross margin (TTM)
n/a
36.3%
Operating margin (TTM)
n/a
13.6%
Net margin (TTM)
n/a
4.7%
Sector
Industrials
Materials
Industry
Railroads
Construction Materials
HQ country
US
IE
Primary segment
Merchandise (Rail)
Siding & Trim
Market structure
Oligopoly
Quasi-Monopoly
Market share
n/a
88%-92% (estimated)
HHI estimate
n/a
n/a
Pricing power
Moderate
Moderate
Moat score
74 / 100
74 / 100
Moat domains
Supply, Legal
Supply, Demand
Last update
2026-01-02
2025-12-28

Moat coverage

Shared moat types

Capex Knowhow ScaleOperational Excellence

CSX Corporation strengths

Physical Network DensityPermits Rights Of WayGeographic NaturalScale Economies Unit Cost

James Hardie Industries plc strengths

Brand TrustLong Term ContractsDistribution Control

Segment mix

CSX Corporation segments

Full profile >

Merchandise (Rail)

Oligopoly

61.2%

Intermodal (Rail)

Competitive

14.1%

Coal (Rail)

Oligopoly

15.5%

Trucking (Quality Carriers)

Competitive

5.8%

Other Revenue (Rail/Ancillary)

Competitive

3.4%

James Hardie Industries plc segments

Full profile >

Siding & Trim

Quasi-Monopoly

64.2%

Deck, Rail & Accessories

Oligopoly

11.7%

Australia & New Zealand

Oligopoly

11.6%

Europe

Competitive

12.5%

Want the full wide moat stocks list?

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Curation & Accuracy

This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).

Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.