Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$109.99
+0.56%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $66.35B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$311.66
-1.34%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 42% more annual revenue ($17.28B vs $12.19B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 21.9%. 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+
NSC
Buy55
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
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 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
1.1% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.5%
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 26.6%
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 : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a declining stock while NSC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.31 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 0.2% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (828M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (62/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins. 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 →Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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