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
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)
BUY

He owns both CN and CP Rail and they are ones to hold for the long term. Rail is still the cheapest way of transportation. The stocks are cheap enough to offer double digit growth over the next five years.

SELL

Always issues with weather or strikes. Buying back stock at a very poor price, so he was not happy with capital allocation.

PARTIAL BUY

Attractive entry point, valuation is quite a discount to CP. Decreased earnings guidance due to general economy plus potential strike. Start building a position. Well positioned to take on additional capacity.

WEAK BUY

Rail is the most efficient way to ship freight. In this higher inflationary environment he'd prefer a rail such as CNR or CP. CP is his preference. Wide moat, massive cost advantages to choosing this method of transport, tough to replace.

premiumPremium content

Unlock this Panic-proof Portfolio opinion with Stockchase Premium

Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

CNR controls 19,500 miles of rail in Canada and the US and is intricate to the economy.  EPS grew 5% over the year in a trying market, now analysts expect double-digit annual growth over the next 5 years.  It trades at 18x earnings and supports 27% ROE.  We like that cash reserves are growing, while debt is aggressively retired and shares bought back.  We recommend setting a stop-loss at $141, looking to achieve $181 -- upside potential of 17%.  Yield 2.0% 

(Analysts’ price target is $180.71)
DON'T BUY
CNR vs. CP, for a TFSA.

His preference is CP, due to the recent acquisition of Kansas City; still has synergies to go, better offerings for customers. High barriers to entry. Just pulled back on earnings.

DON'T BUY

Cut to growth forecast is just a short-term thing. Over the long term, not too worried about the cyclicity of it. Prefers CP. 

BUY

Has fallen alot because of the sense that the economy is weakening, but rails have pricing power. Are higher operational expenses due to issues in Vancouver and are labour negotations. He sees these as short-term headwinds. Rails are a great, environmentally friendly business. There are only 5 major rail companies in North America, which is another plus.

WAIT

It has had a choppy sideways market. It tried to break out but the strike issues haven't helped. Wait to buy at $150.

TOP PICK

Recession-resistant business model. More conservative earnings growth outlook. Great long-term investment. Recent 10% price drop is a great time to average down or get in. Lagged peers in performance, but still strong free cashflow and better operating margins. Yield is 2.2%.

Last year, earnings increased 15% YOY despite revenue slump and economic uncertainty. Pullback is an opportunity. If all goes well, should see 10-15% EPS growth through to 2026. Ranks 9/10, with 16% price appreciation to $180.

(Analysts’ price target is $186.05)
BUY

Great business, likes rails. More environmentally friendly than trucking. Almost an oligopoly, can't build more rails. Falling because of a difficult commodity cycle, plus it's a cyclical in the face of slower economic growth. Worth buying at these levels. Executes well. Price competition with competitors no longer as cutthroat. 

Showing 76 to 90 of 1,333 entries