WallStSmart

Canadian National Railway Company (CNI)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Canadian National Railway Company generates 28% more annual revenue ($17.30B vs $13.55B). CNI leads profitability with a 27.3% profit margin vs -1.6%. CNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.12. 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

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

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

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : CNI

The primary concerns for CNI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNI profiles as a value stock while WPP is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.95 — expect wider price swings.

CNI is growing revenue faster at 2.4% — sustainability is the question.

WPP generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 27.3% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →

WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?