Canadian National Railway Co. vs Ulta Beauty Inc — how do they compare? Canadian National Railway Co. trades at $123.35 (market cap $75.02B), while Ulta Beauty Inc trades at $470.17 (market cap $20.17B). The key difference: Canadian National Railway Co. is far larger — about 3.7× Ulta Beauty Inc's market cap, and Canadian National Railway Co. pays a 2.07% dividend while Ulta Beauty Inc pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNI | ULTA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.02B | $20.17B |
Sector | Industrials | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $125.31 | $706.82 |
52-Week Low | $90.91 | $450.75 |
Enterprise Value | $90.48B | $22.25B |
Dividend Yield | 2.07% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Canadian National Railway (CNI) trades at $125.31, up 0.73% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with 27.23% net income margin and 21.85% ROE, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E of 23.44. Recent record grain and propane shipments highlight operational strength, while Q2 2026 earnings due July 24 will be critical for near-term direction.
CNI presents a mixed outlook with strong operational execution offset by premium valuation. The 35% upside to consensus target of $143.25 offers potential, but debt-to-asset ratio rising to 36.61% and competitive pressures warrant caution. Dividend sustainability appears solid with recent $0.92 payout, making it attractive for income investors seeking railroad exposure.
ULTA trades at $473.33, up 0.88% today, with a bullish technical signal despite mixed moving averages. The company reported Q1 2026 EPS of $7.74, beating expectations, and maintains strong profitability with a 39.33% gross margin and 47.45% ROE. Recent news highlights international expansion and a partnership with Bath & Body Works, while analyst consensus remains strongly positive with a $623.73 price target.
ULTA presents a compelling investment case with robust fundamentals and growth initiatives, though risks include competitive pressures and potential margin compression. The stock's current valuation below analyst targets suggests upside potential, supported by strong loyalty program engagement and strategic expansions.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Canadian National's railway spans Canada from coast to coast and extends through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, CN delivered almost 6 million carloads over its 19,600 miles of track. CN generated roughly CAD 14 billion in total revenue by hauling intermodal containers (25% of consolidated revenue), petroleum and chemicals (21%), grain and fertilizers (16%), forest products (12%), metals and mining (11%), automotive shipments (6%), and coal (4%). Other items constitute the remaining revenue.
Read more on CNI →With more than 1,300 stores and a partnership with Target, Ulta Beauty is the largest specialized beauty retailer in the U.S. The firm offers makeup (43% of 2021 sales), fragrances, skin care, and hair care products (20% of 2021 sales), and bath and body items. Ulta offers private-label products and merchandise from more than 500 vendors. It also offers salon services, including hair, makeup, skin, and brow services, in all stores. Most Ulta stores are approximately 10,000 square feet and are in suburban strip centers. Ulta was founded in 1990 and is based in Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Read more on ULTA →