Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$111.64
+0.72%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $67.24B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$147.72
-4.05%
UTILITIES · Cap: $52.12B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Corp. generates 3% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $17.28B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.38. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
CNI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.7%
Fair Value
$116.41
Current Price
$111.64
$4.77 discount
Margin of Safety
-53.3%
Fair Value
$101.06
Current Price
$147.72
$46.66 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 38.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
1.1% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.5%
Trading at 19.1x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 27.2% and operating margin at 38.4%.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.38 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a declining stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (828M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins. Both earn "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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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