Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$98.41
-0.70%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $61.42B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$281.09
+1.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $63.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 42% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $12.18B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 23.6%. 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-
NSC
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
-262.5%
Fair Value
$87.52
Current Price
$281.09
$193.57 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 31.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 24 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.7%
Earnings declined 11.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.6% and operating margin at 31.2%.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a value stock while NSC is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — 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 →Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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