Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$118.90
-1.37%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $72.51B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$309.00
-1.28%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $70.75B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 42% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $12.54B). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 21.0%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.44. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
NSC
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+2.5%
Fair Value
$109.02
Current Price
$118.90
$9.88 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NSC.
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 35.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 4.4%
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 : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.0% and operating margin at 35.3%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.
NSC is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (916M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (69/100 vs 59/100), 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 →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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