Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
CNI
Canadian National Railway Company
$100.97
+0.28%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $60.25B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vistra Energy Corp generates 3% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $17.30B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
CNI
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+22.9%
Fair Value
$137.97
Current Price
$100.97
$37.00 discount
Margin of Safety
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 42.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
2.4% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 27.3% and operating margin at 42.4%.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : CNI
The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
CNI generates stronger free cash flow (997M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor RAILROADS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. 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 →Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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