Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$118.90
-1.37%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $72.51B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$272.13
+0.10%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $163.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 43% more annual revenue ($25.41B vs $17.76B). UNP leads profitability with a 28.8% profit margin vs 26.9%. 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-
UNP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+2.5%
Fair Value
$109.02
Current Price
$118.90
$9.88 discount
Margin of Safety
-89.0%
Fair Value
$144.86
Current Price
$272.13
$127.27 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 41.0%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.3x book value
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.8% and operating margin at 41.0%. Revenue growth of 11.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.51 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
UNP is growing revenue faster at 11.5% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (69/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 26.9% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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.
Visit Website →Union Pacific Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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