WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsGreenbrier Companies Inc (GBX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 464% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $3.07B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 6.0%. GBX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CNI

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

GBX

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+22.9%)

Margin of Safety

+22.9%

Fair Value

$137.97

Current Price

$100.97

$37.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $137.97Overvalued
GBXSignificantly Overvalued (-40.2%)

Margin of Safety

-40.2%

Fair Value

$39.24

Current Price

$52.17

$12.93 premium

UndervaluedFair: $39.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNI5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
42.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.4%

Market CapQuality
$60.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.3%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

GBX3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

CNI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

GBX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.57B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.0%3/10

6.0% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-19.4%2/10

Revenue declined 19.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-33.7%2/10

Earnings declined 33.7%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : GBX

The strongest argument for GBX centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CNI

The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : GBX

The primary concerns for GBX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GBX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.62 — 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.

Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 55/100), 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 →

Greenbrier Companies Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets rail freight car equipment in North America, Europe and South America. The company is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?