WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsTrinity Industries Inc (TRN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 770% more annual revenue ($17.76B vs $2.04B). CNI leads profitability with a 26.9% profit margin vs 16.6%. TRN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. TRN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CNI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

TRN

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+2.5%)

Margin of Safety

+2.5%

Fair Value

$109.08

Current Price

$127.30

$18.22 discount

UndervaluedFair: $109.08Overvalued
TRNSignificantly Overvalued (-81.0%)

Margin of Safety

-81.0%

Fair Value

$17.50

Current Price

$32.04

$14.54 premium

UndervaluedFair: $17.50Overvalued

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
$78.35B9/10

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

TRN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
620.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 620.0% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

CNI3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.952/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

TRN4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.2%2/10

Revenue declined 4.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-59.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.882/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.991/10

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 : TRN

The strongest argument for TRN centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.6% and operating margin at 12.1%. PEG of 0.69 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 : TRN

The primary concerns for TRN are Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.99 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNI profiles as a mature stock while TRN is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

TRN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.35 — 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

TRN scores higher overall (72/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 16.6% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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Trinity Industries Inc

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

Trinity Industries, Inc. provides rail transportation products and services in North America. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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