WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 322% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $4.10B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 8.5%. VMI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. 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

VMI

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9
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
VMIUndervalued (+39.1%)

Margin of Safety

+39.1%

Fair Value

$785.30

Current Price

$406.39

$378.91 discount

UndervaluedFair: $785.30Overvalued

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

VMI3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
135.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 135.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
21.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

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

VMI3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : VMI

The strongest argument for VMI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : CNI

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

Bear Case : VMI

The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — 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 63/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. VMI offers better value entry with a 39.1% margin of safety. 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 →

Valmont Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?