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TSE:CNR
This summary was created by AI, based on 43 opinions in the last 12 months.
Canadian National R.R. (CNR) has seen mixed reviews from experts, primarily revolving around the cyclical nature of the rail industry and its correlation with the Canadian economy. Many analysts acknowledge the challenges posed by current economic conditions, including a freight recession that has lasted for over three years alongside ongoing tariff issues. However, opinions vary regarding CNR's long-term prospects, with some experts viewing it as a strong core holding due to its unique network and pricing power. While there's concern over its current valuation and performance, several reviews highlight buyback activities and dividend raises, indicating that the company remains focused on shareholder returns. Overall, a cautious optimism exists, as many believe that improved economic conditions could lead to significant upside for CNR.
Rails over the last year or two have had a tremendous run. A lot of it has to do with changes in their business mix. Additional capacity in oil by rail is profitable. In the long run it is hard to see why the earnings should advance so far ahead of the economies of their countries. Both our railroads are more than reflecting our economic improvements well into the future. CNR is priced a little more sensibly than CP.
Sold half of his position because it got expensive (CP-T is even more so). Not much of a yield any more. He is holding on because the dynamics of the business are still very strong. US Rails are generally cheaper. There has been a big move to oil by rail. If it goes up any more he may exit the whole thing. He would deploy the money in a US rail.
(Top Pick Feb 27/13, Up 24.00%) Still likes it. It was running into resistance. It has subsequently broken out. Winter weather has been a problem, but they handled it relatively well. A big back long in grain to move. Lots of oil to move. Multiple less than CP. A good longer term investment. Multiple is a little high for a cyclical company, but he is willing to stay with it.
Seasonality for railway stocks is normally positive between now and around the 1st week in May. Technically, the chart is great. A lot of upward trends, just recently broke to new highs and is above its 20 day moving average. You might want to try and buy it back slightly lower than the current levels but it looks like it wants to go higher.
Hard to argue how well they have done in the past couple of years in generating earnings and improving operating ratios and now Canadian Pacific (CP-T) is doing the same thing. The only negative he would throw out would be the valuations. You are paying a very high multiple for the earnings right now on both of these.
Very North American focused. North-South is their network path. As business picks up in North America, they benefit. Crude by rail has been great. In the past, their traffic has been as much as 25% lumber so as homebuilding picks up and lumber picks up this should be good. Chemicals are a big part of what they ship and as manufacturing goes through a little bit of a rebirth in North America because of low energy prices, he feels a lot of stuff is going to continue to be shipped by rail. Still a long runway in front of them.
(Market Call Minute.) Because of valuation, he rates this as a Hold. PE multiple is pretty high here.