Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$109.99
+0.56%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $66.35B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 598% more annual revenue ($17.28B vs $2.47B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 24.9%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
CNI
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+8.8%
Fair Value
$116.54
Current Price
$109.99
$6.55 discount
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
1.1% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.5%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
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 27.2% and operating margin at 38.4%.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a declining stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (828M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. 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 →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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