TSE:CP

Canadian Pacific Rail (CP.TO)

124.52
+1.21 (0.98%)
as of Jul 31, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.
640 watching
0
Investor Insights
star iconJul 31, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 27 opinions in the last 12 months.

Experts generally view Canadian Pacific Rail (CP-T) as a solid long-term investment, though opinions on timing for entry vary. Many see potential growth following the Kansas City Southern (KSU) acquisition, which strengthens CP's network across Canada, the US, and Mexico. However, concerns about cyclical recession and tariff impacts from trade negotiations linger, creating uncertainty around short-term performance. Analysts' price targets suggest some upside potential, with estimates around $120 to $132. Overall, CP's robust positioning in the rail industry and operational efficiencies are likely to benefit it long-term, although some analysts prefer Canadian National Railway (CNR) based on valuation metrics and dividend yields. Investors are encouraged to consider the market environment and potential pullbacks before making any purchase decisions.

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Consensus
Buy
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Valuation
Fair Value
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Similar
CNR,CP
WEAK BUY

Probably some good value here. If you have a long-term investment horizon, not the worst idea to have a 1-2% position in the Canadian rails and just leave it alone. Better run than CNR, with more attractive growth upside. Doesn't have a strong conviction either way right now on CNR versus CP.

WEAK BUY

Things seem to be going well. The rails are such a bellwether on goods, manufacturing, and broader economy. Volume growth in mid-single digits in Q1, company says those volumes have accelerated in April and May. Noted strength in bulks (such as Canadian grain and fertilizer). Autos were steady, which is comforting. Cost and revenue synergies from the KSU integration. 

Company hopes that JV with shipping companies will drive more volume growth. His firm thinks there's more rerating potential in trucking, but this name is an outperformer through the cycles. 10-year total compound shareholder return of 11%, versus 9% for the TSX. High single-digit growth rate. Yield is ~2%.

TOP PICK

Tariffs were an opportunity to buy at a discount. No alternative for Canadian commodities to get to the US. Next US House elections are in 18 months; if we start to see significant US pain from tariffs, they'll hit pause. Longer term, having a network to serve Canada/US/Mexico makes a ton of sense. Share buybacks and dividend increases. Buy and hold for a long time. Yield is 0.80%.

(Analysts’ price target is $119.34)
DON'T BUY

Prefers CNR on valuation. Lots of embedded synergies after the KSU acquisition, and if they don't meet targets the high valuation makes it vulnerable (especially in this market).

BUY

Very narrow trading range over last 5 years. Bought KSU 2-3 years ago, yet still in the trading range. Headwind from trade issues. Its network should be fantastic once the trade deals are settled. Pulled back guidance for the year to low double-digit EPS growth. Longer term, should see high single-digit revenue growth.

The trade deals will get done. Goods still need to be shipped. He's positive on it.

BUY

Are hurt by the trade war; volumes will decline. CP is more exposed to cars crossing the US border. Buying KC was a great strategy. The rails have never been this cheap, so this will do well in 5 years. Just painful to hold now. A quality company with strong pricing power. 

WAIT

Negatively impacted by trade. Economically sensitive. Likes the business. With its broad North American footprint, likes it better than CNR. More earnings upside from cost-cutting from KSU acquisition. Margins and cashflow are great for the rails. Constructive longer term, once tariff issues get sorted. Wait for more weakness.

WAIT
CP vs. CNR

CP has more catalysts from the Kansas City merger, and a better growth rate. Both are getting more attractive. If we get the all clear on the economy, both names will be decent entry points. Though optimistic, he's still a bit afraid, and wouldn't step in just yet.

BUY
CNR vs CP

Owns both, core holdings. No one's building any more rails. Cheaper to ship commodities by rail than any other way. If an economic slowdown, traffic and volumes will slow down but it's still a pretty steady business. 

If the trade war goes on, everything gets more expensive and these two will be impacted negatively. But these events are always temporary. Trade wars are not good for inflation or the economy with US mid-term elections only 2 years away. He's trusting that rational minds will prevail.

WATCH

Owned this years ago and should have hung on. Looking to get back into rails (possibly this name), hoping for a correction because of tariffs, but the market's too smart.

BUY

Its main business is a great one and they have sold off their non-core assets. At 23X earnings it trades at a premium to the sector. The buying of the Kansas City line gives them a franchise from Canada to Mexico. It is good to buy for the long term as well as CN Rail.

HOLD
Rails long-term for teenager's TFSA?

Good idea. She owns CNR. Together, CP and CNR have a duopoloy within Canada plus operations in the US. Rails have not performed that well this past year. Tariffs won't impact directly, but risk is that economic slowdown would affect volumes. CNR trades ~18x forward PE, and wide discount to CP, so she'd pick CNR.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

First-class management. Most unique footprint of any rail in NA. Tariff uncertainty impacts it the most, as it facilitates trade among US, Canada, and Mexico. It's held in really well. Attractive 20x PE, but tariffs will impact growth.

He did think about exiting, as he looked out over 4 years and saw potential economic weakness on the horizon. But it's a trophy asset, one to own long term. He decided to hold on, and to buy a bit more if it does get hit.

BUY
CP vs. CNR

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

BUY

Cheaper on price to growth than CNR. 

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