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TSE:CNR
This summary was created by AI, based on 34 opinions in the last 12 months.
Canadian National R.R. (CNR) has received mixed reviews from experts, reflecting both optimism and caution about its future performance. Several analysts praise the company's extensive rail network, market position, and operational resilience, particularly highlighting the recent share buybacks and a strong dividend yield. However, concerns persist regarding macroeconomic factors like tariffs, a soft Canadian economy, and ongoing freight recession. While some experts express hesitancy in the face of potential CUSMA negotiations and overall economic uncertainty, others see current valuations as attractive, suggesting long-term stability. The cyclical nature of the rail industry, along with the influence of external factors like labor disputes and weather issues, adds complexity to the investment thesis.
Trading pretty close to 5X BV, and the stock has never been here before. Not necessarily bad as the whole Dow Jones Transportation Index is trading up in the same place. This is starting to get pretty expensive. $77 would be the maximum he could see, and then it would be out of gas entirely. Currently it is fairly valued, but for a long-term holding, this is not a good place to be.
A little mystified by valuations on the railroads these days when he sees them trading at 20X earnings and significant multiples of cash flow. If he were buying a railroad today, this would be the one he would buy. In the long run, railroads can’t really grow any more than the economies in which they participate. Occasionally you get a bump from a commodity like oil, but he thinks regulators are going to step in and that will slow down.
Canadian National (CNR-T) versus Canadian Pacific (CP-T)? CP’s multiple is a bit higher now, which hasn’t happened for a long time. On various metrics, this company is the most efficient in North America, and probably on a global basis as well. Very well run railroad. PE multiple is around 17 or 18 times, which could be regarded is expensive, but the whole industry got pricing power 6-7 years ago. PE multiples moved up to the 14.5-15 area, and more recently, have moved up again which he feels is justifiable. Seems expensive, but if they are going to grow their earnings and dividends you’ll get double-digit growth in both. On most categories, this shows better metrics than Canadian Pacific and is a little less expensive.
(A Top Pick July 19/13. Up 34.96%.) Still likes this. The stock is acting well. Moving lots of fracing sand.