TSE:CNR

Canadian National R.R. (CNR.TO)

168.35
-0.96 (0.57%)
as of Sep 9, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
1168 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconSep 9, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 31 opinions in the last 12 months.

Canadian National R.R. (CNR) is viewed as a high-quality transportation business with strong fundamentals, evident from revenue increases and raised earnings outlook, although it faces challenges from competition, trade uncertainties, and economic cycles. Experts highlight a mixed outlook, with a preference for patience as recovery in freight volumes and GDP growth is anticipated, despite experiencing a freight recession lasting several years. Some analysts express concern over CNR's reduced guidance and external trade pressures, while others view it as an attractive long-term investment due to its irreplaceable network and historical resilience. Valuations have contracted, making it appealing for new investments at current levels, especially given its dividend yield and buyback history, despite volatile market conditions influenced by geopolitical events and economic shifts.

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Consensus
Mixed
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
CP
BUY
CNR vs. CP Rails look good here with the pullback. When the economy gets going again, they'll both do OK. Both have lots of room to go up.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jun 17/21, Up 12%) High barriers to entry and sustainable growth in rails. There's margin expansion and it trades at 20x earnings. Not a bad business to be in, since it has consolidated so much. A great opportunity to grow in the next several years.
DON'T BUY
CNR vs. CP For growth, CP gets the nod. Acquisition will build out their route and help growth. Valuations are comparable, around 20x earnings.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 21/21, Up 12%) Likes it at current levels. He trimmed in the face of a slowdown. He'd add on a meaningful pullback from current $145 levels.
BUY
The rails have pulled back recently over worries of Q1 earnings, but CNE positioned very well in cars, grains and oil/gas. He prefers CP, given their Kansas City acquisition which gives them that north-south network. But CP and CNR will move in tandem. The rails are benefiting from the trucking shortage and emissions concerns. A good hedge to own.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 23/21, Up 20%) National champion. Great shareholder reward story. Tax on the NA economy. Continues to like it. Benefited significantly from Covid logistics story. You could add here or wait a bit, and if you have a longer term time frame, you'll be well rewarded.
DON'T BUY
CN and CP are both well run but a slowing economy creates a challenge for the transportation companies. Grain shipments are positive but the auto part faces headwinds. It hasn't increased the tonnage of shipments in the past several years but has been raising prices so there is a limit.
TOP PICK
Regulated monopoly that has strong business model and pricing power. Supply chain issues creating opportunities for business (high demand for rail). High commodity exposure (oil and grains). Strong environmental aspect (less fuel used than cars & trucks). Increasing divided and strong balance sheet. Good stock to hold.
HOLD
Great business, better than trucking. Good pricing power.
HOLD
Railroads are doing excellently. Economy in NA is very strong. Excellent businesses. If the KSU deal closes, CP would be the growth story, and it might be the better one. He'd want to see how the leverage ratio plays out with the KSU acquisition. He's happy to own CNR. New CEO, and investor communication needs work.
COMMENT

Freight volumes have been hit due to poor weather in North America, weak crops and supply issues. Both rails (CP and CN) the situation looks better. He's confident with the new CEO. The valuation favours CN (over CP). Kansas City Southern is a good thing long-term, but there's risk in integrating the companies. Labour and fuel costs will impact the rails, which can pass on those costs. There could be margin pressure in the first half. Both rails will do well.

BUY ON WEAKNESS
Yesterday's results were excellent. 19% dividend increase. Stock price drop may be because things are fully valued. Yield is 1%, with a 20+ multiple, not inexpensive. Will take more to keep moving forward. Great company. He'd look to repurchase if froth came out of the market or the economy or both.
COMMENT
Rails have held up and are well positioned. Mid to long term positive outlook. The economy is not falling apart. Now CN and CP have north-south access and it is an exciting development.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Really likes it. Also owns CP. Industrial exposure, but not labour intensive. Great business. CNR is under pressure to improve operational metrics. A bit pricey. For CP, lots of synergies with the KSU acquisition. Perhaps a bit more upside with CP over the next 12 months.
COMMENT
CN Rail vs. CP Rail Asked to choose between these two. It's a close call. The railway business has been very resilient over many years. CP is much more exposed to grain which had a bad year. They also made a huge acquisition of Kansas City S which is dilutive in the short term but accretive over time. CN does not have this kind of uncertainty and not as much grain exposure so he would side with CN
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