WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsGreenbrier Companies Inc (GBX)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 575% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $2.63B). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 4.1%. GBX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

CNI

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

GBX

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.5Value: 6.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.10
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+2.5%)

Margin of Safety

+2.5%

Fair Value

$109.02

Current Price

$118.90

$9.88 discount

UndervaluedFair: $109.02Overvalued
GBXSignificantly Overvalued (-36.1%)

Margin of Safety

-36.1%

Fair Value

$40.42

Current Price

$40.07

$0.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $40.42Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
40.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.3%

Market CapQuality
$72.51B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
26.9%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

GBX3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.588/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

CNI3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.444/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

GBX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.33B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
4.1%3/10

4.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.5%3/10

Operating margin of 4.5%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

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 26.9% and operating margin at 40.3%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : GBX

The strongest argument for GBX centers on Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : CNI

The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : GBX

The primary concerns for GBX are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 4.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GBX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — 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.

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Greenbrier Companies Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets rail freight car equipment in North America, Europe and South America. The company is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

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