Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$120.38
+0.74%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $72.98B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$272.32
-0.45%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $158.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 43% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $17.28B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 27.2%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.66. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).
CNI
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
UNP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-0.4%
Fair Value
$105.89
Current Price
$120.38
$14.49 premium
Margin of Safety
-88.0%
Fair Value
$136.65
Current Price
$272.32
$135.67 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
1.1% earnings growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.5%
Trading at 8.3x book value
3.2% revenue growth
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 27.2% and operating margin at 38.4%.
Bull Case : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CNI profiles as a declining stock while UNP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.
UNP is growing revenue faster at 3.2% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 29.2% 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 →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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