WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Union Pacific Corporation generates 39% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $17.76B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 26.9%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.95. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CNI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.45
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+2.5%)

Margin of Safety

+2.5%

Fair Value

$109.08

Current Price

$127.30

$18.22 discount

UndervaluedFair: $109.08Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for UNP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
40.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.3%

Market CapQuality
$78.35B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
26.9%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

UNP4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
35.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$173.70B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CNI3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.952/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

UNP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.9x4/10

Trading at 8.9x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.503/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
3.552/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 26.9% and operating margin at 40.3%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

Bear Case : CNI

The primary concerns for CNI are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNI profiles as a mature stock while UNP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

CNI is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

CNI generates stronger free cash flow (916M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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.

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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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