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TSE:CNR

Canadian National R.R. (CNR.TO)

160.40
-0.56 (0.35%)
as of Jun 18, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
1168 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJun 18, 2026, 12:00 am

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.

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Consensus
Hold
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Valuation
Undervalued
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Similar
CP,CP
DON'T BUY

He holds CP, which has excellent management and the most unique footprint of any rail in NA. Tariff uncertainty impacts CP the most, but he decided to hold on and buy a bit more if it does get hit.

DON'T BUY
CNR vs. CP

Chart for CP looks better and fundamentals work. When those 2 factors go hand in hand, it's quite compelling. CP has outperformed CNR.

DON'T BUY
Negative impact from US tariffs.

The names on this list are plenty. Start with the industrials, for instance. He's a big fan of BBD.B, but they make everything here in Canada.

An aerospace name like CAE, the rails, auto components like LNR and MG.

HOLD

Stunning appreciation over 10 years. CP is the better choice, cheaper on price to growth. Potential tariff headwinds right now. Trades ~19x 2025, yet only growing at 10.7%. Not for new $$. If you already own, keep, will be fine over time. Sell calls to cash in on higher stock price.

WEAK BUY

Overhang on this name and CP because of tariff talk and what that would do to the shipment of goods across the border, a potential headwind to watch. Add and hold for the next 10-30 years, as rails will continue to be an important mode of transportation across NA.

DON'T BUY

He buys rangebound stocks like one tranche at a time. He just bought one tranche of CNR, because it seemed oversold and is approaching support, but shares may be breaking down now. If this doesn't bounce soon, he will sell.

WEAK BUY

Enjoys a duopoly, so the market will always give this a high forward PE. But CNR is capital-intensive. Better to look at free cash flow as a metric. The current price will be okay if you buy and hold this long term. The dividend is low at 2.3%.

BUY

Excellent company with legacy assets that are impossible to replicate. Very strong business with good outlook. Would recommend buying and holding. 

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Under $150 it's starting to get interesting. Can't go too wrong at these valuations, though a cheaper opportunity may arise in a recession.

Disconnect in terms of valuation and performance between CNR and CP is enticing. CP is trading a lot more expensively around 21-22x PE. Whereas CNR is trading more cheaply by comparison and by historical standards. Cyclical. Attractive dividend yield of over 2%.

(Analysts’ price target is $180.25)
HOLD

Doesn't have a problem with it. But with the threat of tariffs, there might be a better opportunity elsewhere. See his Top Picks.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Would buy on this pullback. It enjoys an oligopoly, but the economy softened more than the company expected this year. The strike was also a headwind. Operations are doing well. CNR forecast that the goods market would be in a recession this year and they were right, so their comps may improve going forward if demand increases. 

HOLD
Sell CNR to buy BNS (down 3% today)?

No. He'd stick with CNR. CNR is part of a true duopoly in Canada. Its infrastructure is extremely difficult to replicate. If there's a resurgence in transportation, this name will do well. Can outperform the overall market over the long term. It won't be a tremendous investment, but it will do better than BNS over the next 3-5 years.

Banks have had a good run, so best to be a bit cautious now. 

Post-election in the US, prospects for the US economy and domestic manufacturing will be good for the transportation sector as a whole. With rails in the US, this name can benefit.

DON'T BUY

In the spotlight recently because trade wars and tariffs could impact the volumes being taken to the US by quite a bit. ROE tends to be more profitable than CP, but you're paying close to twice the price-to-book. Prefers CP, as its merger with Kansas City has opened up a whole new area.

He'd be looking south of the border instead.

WEAK BUY
Bottomed at $147? Start a position?

Looks good fundamentally. Long-term chart shows an upward trend, and then it's gone sideways for the last couple of years. Average price of $156 for that sideways consolidation phase. These bigger, more predictable companies can go sideways for years. Not bad for dividends. For Canadian investors, almost a must-own stock.

Short-term trading range is about $148 to $174. We're closer to the lower level now. Not a bad time to buy. Expectations should be tempered to 10%, or $15, over the next year.

TOP PICK

Wildfires and labour disruptions hurt volumes. Recent quarterly results show that's improved. Guidance cut. Part of an oligopoly. More economical than trucking. Rails will be a solid part of the economy forever. Compelling valuation, good chance to step in. Yield is 2.2%.

Goods consumption has slowed as consumer spending has slowed. Question marks about tariffs and importing goods. If the US administration gets tougher on tariffs from Mexico (where CNR isn't as active as CP), that could benefit CNR as we see more goods come through Canada.

(Analysts’ price target is $180.84)
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