WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 447% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $3.17B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs 20.3%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. CNI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

CNI

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.48

WAT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.92
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNIUndervalued (+22.9%)

Margin of Safety

+22.9%

Fair Value

$137.97

Current Price

$100.97

$37.00 discount

UndervaluedFair: $137.97Overvalued
WATSignificantly Overvalued (-349.9%)

Margin of Safety

-349.9%

Fair Value

$73.17

Current Price

$302.32

$229.15 premium

UndervaluedFair: $73.17Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNI5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
42.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.4%

Market CapQuality
$60.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.3%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

WAT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.9210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Return on EquityProfitability
29.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

CNI4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.124/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.013/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WAT2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Earnings declined 3.1%

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 27.3% and operating margin at 42.4%.

Bull Case : WAT

The strongest argument for WAT centers on Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 33.8%. PEG of 1.25 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 : WAT

The primary concerns for WAT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNI profiles as a value stock while WAT is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

WAT is growing revenue faster at 6.8% — sustainability is the question.

CNI generates stronger free cash flow (997M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 60/100), 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.

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Waters Corporation

HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA

Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.

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