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.

consensus icon
Consensus
Mixed
valuation icon
Valuation
Undervalued
review icon
Similar
CP
HOLD

CP vs. CNR Owns CNR. Numbers positive over the last little while, but the KSU acquisition may hamper them going into next year, with the stock moving sideways. Rail industry is great: limited competition, hard to duplicate, good pricing power, sweet spot of transportation. KSU acquisition will enhance their business. Forest fires are affecting the backlog, but this is short term.

TOP PICK

No surprises in yesterday's results. Company expects KSU deal to be approved. Reaction to the deal is way overdone. CNR is positioned well, with or without KSU. Best in class management. Excellent operating metrics. Yield is 1.89%. (Analysts’ price target is $146.26)

BUY ON WEAKNESS

If they did buy KSU, it would be a slight plus. If they don't, it wouldn't take away from CN's story. They have one of the premier network of all North American rails. If you believe that economic expansion continues, CN is well position. His only problem with all the rails is the slightly higher PE than he'd like to see. But long-term, CN is good to hold. He would buy this at $115, though, not now.

BUY ON WEAKNESS
Allan Tong’s Discover Picks The likely winner is CN, since KSU named CN's proposal “superior” in mid-May. Two years ago, I gave both stocks the nod, but gave CN the edge because of its north-south network and adding KSU's lines will only strengthen this artery. CN peaked April 11 at $148.67, which marks a 20% increase since my original call. Shares have since slid, so the gain today is only 9.1% (pre-dividend). Read Looking back after 100 weeks of Hot TSX Stocks: BAM, Rails, Garbage for our full analysis.
BUY
It offers excellent earnings growth and rail remains the best shipping option for a number of commodities and other products. They are so well positioned. It is an oligopoly business. He is quite bullish on the stock. He won't change his thesis if they don’t get the merger.
BUY ON WEAKNESS

Really likes it, one of his larger positions. Bought more when it declined into the $120s. Being penalized by risk arbitrage and lots of debt. Not a lot of regulatory risk. KSU is a great way to connect Canada with the US. Will really have to sharpen their pencils to handle the debt.

BUY
Both railways are good buys over the long run. The trucking industry is having difficulty keeping up because of a shortage of drivers (e.g. to drive gasoline to gas stations). The railway industry will continue to benefit as well as to better weather increasing fuel prices.
TOP PICK

Dynamics of the rail industry have always been good. High barriers to entry. Sustainable demand will lead to better pricing power, better margins, and free cashflow growth. With the KSU deal, would be one of the major players in NA. If the deal doesn't go through, stock may pop as CP's did. Yield is 1.86%. (Analysts’ price target is $145.75)

SELL

Exceptionally well run. Up until the last couple of years, a great secular growth story. The takeover of KSU will put a cap on the stock for the time being. Over the long haul, the absolute tonnage they've transported hasn't really increased. They've just become more efficient and raised prices. Stagnant profit growth. The KSU deal means a lot more debt, and a lot more shares outstanding. With valuations where they are, he'd take his money off the table.

BUY

21-22x earnings. Best rail network in NA, only to get better with KSU, especially tapping into auto plants. Well managed. Efficient, reliable. Cyclically advantaged, with a lot of freight moving. Strategically important asset and infrastructure.

TOP PICK

Market outlook is somewhat cautious, and large cap Canadian is a good place to be if value outperforms growth. You have to pick your spots and this is it. Good pricing power, safety, cheap on the KSU headlines, critical infrastructure, somewhat defensive. Efficient in an ESG context. A win whether the deal goes through or not. Yield is 1.90%.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

CNR will get the KSU. CNR has the growth to be stand alone. The deal is most likely accretive. Would buy this dip right now.

HOLD
CNR vs. CP Takeover is in the hands of the US Commerce Dept. KCU will be a huge benefit to the acquirer, as it links Mexico to the Canadian-US system. Both are fine holdings for investors who want solid, but low, long-term returns. Returns might grow a little faster than GDP.
PARTIAL BUY

It's her preferred rail, which she likes, and has long owned this. The overhang in their proposed buy of Kansas City Southern, and this deal is still very early. KCS said they favour CN's bid over CP's. Now, CN is trading at a discount to its American peers, so you can begin nibbling here. Covid showed how vital the rails are to the economy, and no further rails will be built. Yes, CN will take on debt if they buy KCS, but long term this will benefit CN. If they don't get KCS, CN is still a good rail company.

BUY

CP is better suited to do the KSU deal than CN. Great things about rail are high barriers to entry, good pricing power, limited by rational competition, good volume growth means better margins and cashflow. Great industry to be in. KSU deal may take a long time, but will help the winner's bottom line. He owns CN.

Showing 181 to 195 of 1,333 entries