WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 111% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $8.21B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 19.0%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. 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

YUM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9
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
YUMUndervalued (+38.8%)

Margin of Safety

+38.8%

Fair Value

$259.74

Current Price

$159.16

$100.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $259.74Overvalued

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

YUM2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY

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

YUM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

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 : YUM

The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.

Bear Case : CNI

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

Bear Case : YUM

The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

YUM is growing revenue faster at 6.5% — sustainability is the question.

CNI generates stronger free cash flow (997M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. YUM offers better value entry with a 38.8% 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.

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Yum! Brands Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.

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