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TSE:CNR
This summary was created by AI, based on 45 opinions in the last 12 months.
Experts have mixed feelings about Canadian National Railway (CNR), largely viewing it as a solid long-term investment despite current challenges. The company is seen as having a unique and irreplaceable network, which is coupled with high barriers to entry and a decent dividend yield of around 2-2.7%. There is a consensus that CNR is benefiting from reduced capex after heavy investments, allowing it to accommodate growth with less immediate expenditure. However, the sentiment is tempered by concerns of a freight recession, tariffs, and a soft Canadian economy, leading some analysts to favor its competitor, CP. Overall, while the outlook includes potential volatility due to economic factors, CNR remains an attractive option for long-term investors looking for value amidst its current discounted valuation.
CP rail still moves a fair bit of thermal coal, which is decreasing. CNR gets more of its revenue from metallurgical coal, which is increasing. Both provide only a small portion of revenues. They also move chemicals, lumber, autos. If you're betting on worldwide economic recovery for many years, as he is, you have to own the railroads. He's a bit nervous about the acquisition of KCS, but if that goes through, could be terrific. Incredible performers over the long term, and no reason this will stop. He owns CNR, but would have no problem holding CP. Keep holding.
CP vs CN The CP stock split isn't an issue. He prefers CP in the short term. Late CEO Hunter Harrison turned CN around and his legacy remains as CN continues to reduce costs and do very well. Harrison didn't helm CP until later, around 2012, so CP is a bit behind. CP has good exposure shipping crude, and this business should pick up in summer as more people drive and burn gas during the reopening. He prefers CP which will deliver 10-15% returns vs. CN's 5-10% in the coming year.
Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. The company raised dividends and beat estimates. There is some concern for the economic recovery but there are no negative company developments. It is currently buyable but there is no rush to get in. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
It is quite expensive though it is good. Earnings dissapointed a little on guidance. EPS should grow at 11%. The name is trading at 23x 2021 earnings. CP may be a better buy in terms of valuation.
Do a stop loss? CP has a better operating ratio, so he owns that instead. CP also has more exposure to commodities. Both have enjoyed good numbers last quarter and both trade at a decent PE. But headwinds: a possible slowdown in the global economy, and CN has more issues in the intermodal freight they haul. He's neutral about CNR. (He doesn't like stop losses.) He likes, doesn't love, this sector.
What will the US regulators and railways think about the proposed takeover of KSU? The bid is high, but fair. Would be lots of synergies in routes and overhead. Wouldn't be surprised if other US rails put in a bid. As a shareholder, you never like to see bidding wars. Will benefit from the move from road to rail. Pretty fully valued, especially for a company that's sensitive to GDP.