Core Insights - CN expects to achieve 10%-15% adjusted diluted EPS growth in 2025, supported by a capital investment of approximately C$3.4 billion [3][4] - The company reported a decrease in both quarterly and annual revenues, with Q4 2024 revenues at C$4,358 million, down 3% from Q4 2023, and full-year revenues at C$17,046 million, an increase of 1% compared to 2023 [9][19] - Operating income for Q4 2024 was C$1,628 million, a decrease of 10% year-over-year, while full-year operating income was C$6,247 million, down 5% from the previous year [9][19] Financial Results Highlights - Q4 2024 diluted EPS was C$1.82, a decrease of 45% from Q4 2023, while adjusted diluted EPS was C$1.82, down 10% [9][19] - For the full year 2024, diluted EPS was C$7.01, a decrease of 18%, and adjusted diluted EPS was C$7.10, down 2% [9][19] - The operating ratio for Q4 2024 was 62.6%, an increase of 3.3 points from the previous year, while the full-year operating ratio was 63.4%, up 2.6 points [9][19] Shareholder Returns - The Board of Directors approved a 5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend for 2025, marking the 29th consecutive year of dividend increases [4] - CN plans to repurchase up to 20 million common shares over a 12-month period starting February 4, 2025 [4] Long-term Financial Outlook - CN targets compounded annual adjusted diluted EPS growth in the high single-digit range from 2024 to 2026 [3] - Key assumptions for 2025 include a 1% growth in North American industrial production and RTM growth in the low to mid single-digit range [11][12] Operational Performance - Revenue ton miles (RTMs) for Q4 2024 were 59,305 million, a decrease of 3%, while full-year RTMs were 235,538 million, an increase of 1% [9][19] - The company reported a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 12.9% for the full year, down 3.9 points from the previous year [9][19]

Core Viewpoint - CN will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results after market close, with a conference call led by the President and CEO Tracy Robinson to discuss the results and outlook [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - CN is set to issue its financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2024 after the market closes [1]. - A conference call will take place at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to review the results and future outlook [1]. Group 2: Participation Details - Interested parties can join the conference call by dialing 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.) or 1-647-932-3411 (International), using the passcode 1405609 [2]. - Participants are encouraged to join 10 minutes prior to the call [2]. - The presentation will be webcast live, with supporting slides available on CN's investor website [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - CN transports over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually [3]. - The company operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, connecting Canada's coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico [3]. - CN has been contributing to sustainable trade and community prosperity since its establishment in 1919 [3].

Group 1 - CN has reached a tentative four-year collective agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), representing approximately 750 Signals and Communication employees across Canada [1] - The current collective agreement with IBEW expired on December 31, 2024, and details of the new agreement will be disclosed only after ratification [1] Group 2 - CN operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, transporting over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods annually throughout North America [2] - The company has been contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of communities since its establishment in 1919 [2]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian National Railway (CNI) is expected to report a decline in both earnings and revenues for the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, influenced by ongoing supply chain issues and weak freight demand [2][4]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CNI's fourth-quarter earnings has been revised downward by 7.3% to $1.39 per share, indicating a 6.1% decline from fourth-quarter 2023 actuals [2]. - The revenue estimate for the fourth quarter is pegged at $3.11 billion, reflecting a 5.2% decrease compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 [2]. Performance History - CNI has a mixed earnings surprise history, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters, with an average miss of 0.9% [3]. Influencing Factors - Supply-chain issues, network fluidity challenges, and weak intermodal conditions are expected to negatively impact CNI's performance in the upcoming quarter [4]. - The sluggish freight demand is anticipated to hurt top-line performance, with freight revenues estimated at $4.27 billion, a decline of 0.7% from the fourth quarter of 2023 [4]. Future Expectations - For the fourth quarter of 2024, CNI expects adjusted diluted EPS growth in the low-single-digit range and plans to invest approximately C$3.5 billion in its capital program [5]. - The company anticipates an adjusted return on invested capital in the range of 13%-15% [5]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for CNI, with an Earnings ESP of -3.67% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [6].

Group 1 - Stifel analyst Benjamin J. Nolan upgraded Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) to Buy from Hold, while reducing the price target to $120 from $132 [1] - In 2024, rail equities experienced a lackluster performance, ending down 7% compared to a 23% rise in the S&P [1] - Class 1 railroads saw only 2.2% volume growth in 2024, attributed to unforeseen disruptions and a weaker freight market [1][2] Group 2 - Modest volume and pricing improvements are anticipated in 2025, but it is uncertain if this will lead to significant share price gains or multiple expansions [2] - Canadian National faced persistent disruptions since May, with fourth-quarter RTMs estimated to decline 3.2% year-over-year due to a Canadian port strike, despite a nearly 5% sequential volume increase [2] Group 3 - Fourth-quarter revenue is expected to decline by 2.3%, leading to a full-year top-line growth of 1.4% [3] - The company lowered its guidance to low single-digit growth, with fourth-quarter port disruptions potentially hindering FY24 targets [3] - FY24 EPS is estimated to decline by 2.8% year-over-year to C$7.20 ($5.25), with an operating ratio (OR) improving sequentially by 160 bps to 61.5%, but deteriorating 256 bps year-over-year [3] Group 4 - CNI's stock underperformed peers, down approximately 14% since the fourth quarter began, but this decline was not self-inflicted [4] - There is potential for upside in current valuations as the situation stabilizes and the company refocuses on growth initiatives [4] - CNI shares were up 0.57% at $101.26 at the last check [4]

Core Points - CN has launched a new medium horsepower hybrid electric locomotive in collaboration with Knoxville Locomotive Works, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fuel savings [1][2] - The hybrid locomotive features a 2.4MWh-700HP battery-diesel engine, achieving up to 60% increased horsepower and targeting a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to traditional locomotives [2] - The pilot project will be tested across various operational conditions over the next six months, including locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, as well as cold weather conditions in Western Canada [3] Company Overview - CN operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually, contributing to sustainable trade and community prosperity since 1919 [4] - Knoxville Locomotive Works has been active since 1998, focusing on building reliable and sustainable locomotives, with a history of upgrading and remanufacturing approximately 1,000 locomotives [5]

The year 2025 is just getting started, and investors have as much pressure as ever to get their portfolios set in the right direction, as a few winners in the first half of the year can not only give investors confidence but also plenty of liquidity and room to then pursue the more aggressive deals in the market during the second half of the year. This is why having a mix of steady income through dividend stocks that are also cheap enough to offer upside becomes critical. With fundamental stories that align ...

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved CN’s acquisition of Iowa Northern Railway Company (IANR). The decision allows CN to combine IANR’s 175 route miles with CN’s nearly 20,000-mile rail network as early as February 13, 2025. A combined CN-IANR will offer single-line service to better connect grain, fertilizer, renewable fuels, and industrial markets to CN’s North American network. Customers ...

MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) is pleased to announce that the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has approved CN's acquisition of Iowa Northern Railway Company (IANR). The decision allows CN to combine IANR's 175 route miles with CN's nearly 20,000-mile rail network as early as February 13, 2025. A combined CN-IANR will offer single-line service to better connect grain, fertilizer, renewable fuels, and industrial markets to CN's North American network. Customers an ...

MONTREAL, Jan. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) will issue its fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financial and operating results after the market close on January 30, 2025. CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's outlook in a conference call starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on January 30. Tracy Robinson, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call. Parties wishing to participate via telephone may dial 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.), or 1-647-932- ...