Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsLB Foster Company (FSTR)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$122.25
+0.90%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.63B
FSTR
LB Foster Company
$37.59
+0.53%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $387.97M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 3081% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $558.35M). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 2.0%. FSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
FSTR
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+2.5%
Fair Value
$109.08
Current Price
$122.25
$13.17 discount
Margin of Safety
-16.0%
Fair Value
$27.20
Current Price
$37.59
$10.39 premium
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
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 6.4% — below average capital efficiency
2.0% margin — thin
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 : FSTR
The strongest argument for FSTR centers on Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : FSTR
The primary concerns for FSTR are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 2.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a mature stock while FSTR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FSTR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — 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 (69/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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 →LB Foster Company
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
LB Foster Company provides products and services for the rail industry and solutions to support critical infrastructure projects globally. The company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other RAILROADS Stocks
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