Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsCSX Corporation (CSX)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$98.41
-0.70%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $61.42B
CSX
CSX Corporation
$38.17
-0.83%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 23% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $14.09B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 20.5%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.12. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
CSX
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+23.2%
Fair Value
$138.47
Current Price
$98.41
$40.06 discount
Margin of Safety
-294.8%
Fair Value
$10.47
Current Price
$38.17
$27.70 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 42.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.4% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 90.0%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CNI
The strongest argument for CNI centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 42.4%.
Bull Case : CSX
The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 32.7%.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a value stock while CSX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.
CNI is growing revenue faster at 2.4% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (997M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Canadian National Railway Company
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
Canadian National Railway Company, is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. The company is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
Visit Website →CSX Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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