Stockchase Discover Canadian National R.R. CNR-T BUY May 23, 2023

Critical piece of the supply chain. Still remains a dominant player in the vast network linking Canada and the US. Rough Q4 from labour strikes and extreme weather. Yield ~3.4%.

Stable, long-term asset, but facing margin headwinds from rising costs and lower productivity. Increased competition from CP-KSU merger.

CP has more catalysts from the Kansas City merger, and a better growth rate. Both are getting more attractive. If we get the all clear on the economy, both names will be decent entry points. Though optimistic, he's still a bit afraid, and wouldn't step in just yet.

It's been a struggle holding this for years. The dividend continues to grow. With more trade, will be more transport by rails which is 300% more efficient than truck. Trades at a cheap 17x PE. Add some now, more later. If we don't trade with the US, we will be shipping to the coasts to export abroad.

Negatively impacted by trade. Economically sensitive. Likes the business. Margins and cashflow are great for the rails. Constructive longer term, once tariff issues get sorted. He prefers CP.

Is watching it after falling to current levels. The rails track GDP levels. CN boasts a slightly lower PE and higher ROE than CP, but are paying much more in price-to book than CP, but you get more. Overall, it evens out slightly in CP's favour. You can buy some shares now and more if it falls further.

Something she's looking at now. Higher yield, lower valuation. Has come up significantly in the past week or two with the market run. If it went back down to $125, she'd definitely be interested. Stable, not easily replicable. Consistent cashflow that supports the dividend. Still the cheapest way to transport goods. Prefers it to CP.

He got stopped out, broke support. Can't be all that bullish on it until it returns to above $150.

Sold late last year, due to worries partly on tariffs and partly on management's ability to create value. Didn't like that it was buying back stock using debt, or yo-yo projections (up) versus guidance (down). Heavy capex business. Growth hasn't been there with pandemic, tariffs, inflation.

Probably some good value here. If you have a long-term investment horizon, not the worst idea to have a 1-2% position in the Canadian rails and just leave it alone. Doesn't have a strong conviction either way right now on CNR vs. CP.

She likes the rails but would like to see more consistency in the quarterly reports and more momentum. The dividend is 2 1/2% which is not great. There is upside in the fundamentals and it should turn around for the long term. It scores 6 out of 10 on the value scale.

Both are really good, monopoly-type businesses. On timing, don't do either right now. Tariff inflation hasn't happened yet, but it will. As that causes economic problems, it will affect the economically sensitive names. The NA economy is vulnerable right now.

That said, his preference is definitely CP. Now that it includes Mexico, its footprint is so unique. Growth profile gives them more upside on earnings, which provides a buffer during economic weakness. Both trade at less than 20x PE, but CP is more compelling, along with its phenomenal management team. An OK buy here, but be prepared to buy more if it does get hit. Perhaps buy 1/2 a position now, and then the other half later whether it goes up or down.