WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 494% more annual revenue ($17.28B vs $2.91B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 2.9%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

CNI

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

UVV

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+8.7%)

Margin of Safety

+8.7%

Fair Value

$116.41

Current Price

$111.64

$4.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $116.41Overvalued
UVVUndervalued (+33.4%)

Margin of Safety

+33.4%

Fair Value

$79.32

Current Price

$53.70

$25.62 discount

UndervaluedFair: $79.32Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.4%

Market CapQuality
$67.24B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

UVV2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
15.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

CNI4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.522/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.5%2/10

Revenue declined 0.5%

UVV4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.34B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.0%3/10

ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

2.9% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
3.062/10

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 27.2% and operating margin at 38.4%.

Bull Case : UVV

The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : CNI

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

Bear Case : UVV

The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNI profiles as a declining stock while UVV is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

CNI is growing revenue faster at -0.5% — sustainability is the question.

CNI generates stronger free cash flow (828M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →

Universal Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?