Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsFreightcar America Inc (RAIL)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$122.25
+0.90%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.63B
RAIL
Freightcar America Inc
$6.81
+2.25%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $232.82M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Canadian National Railway Company generates 3732% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $463.52M). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs -2.7%. RAIL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.64. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
RAIL
Avoid32
out of 100
Grade: F
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+2.5%
Fair Value
$109.08
Current Price
$122.25
$13.17 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for RAIL.
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
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of -8.8% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 4.6%
Earnings declined 24.2%
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 : RAIL
The strongest argument for RAIL centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.64 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 : RAIL
The primary concerns for RAIL are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 4.00 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a mature stock while RAIL is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
RAIL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — 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 32/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →Freightcar America Inc
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
FreightCar America, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells railroad cars and railroad components for the transportation of bulk goods and containerized cargo products primarily in North America. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
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