Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsCSX Corporation (CSX)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$127.30
+1.18%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $78.35B
CSX
CSX Corporation
$51.03
+2.41%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $92.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 26% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $14.15B). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 21.5%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.25. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
CSX
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+2.5%
Fair Value
$109.08
Current Price
$127.30
$18.22 discount
Margin of Safety
+27.8%
Fair Value
$70.37
Current Price
$51.03
$19.34 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.3%
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 36.2%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
1.7% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
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 26.9% and operating margin at 40.3%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : CSX
The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : CSX
The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a mature stock while CSX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
CNI is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (916M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. CSX offers better value entry with a 27.8% 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.
Visit Website →CSX Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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