CN Reports First Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 29 2026
0mins
Should l Buy CNI?
Source: Newsfilter
- Revenue and Profit Performance: CN reported revenues of C$4.379 billion for Q1 2026, a 1% year-over-year decline, while net income was C$1.146 billion, also down 1%, indicating profitability pressures amid macroeconomic uncertainties.
- Free Cash Flow Growth: The company achieved free cash flow of C$900 million in Q1, a 44% increase, primarily driven by C$1.265 billion in cash provided by operating activities, showcasing effective capital management.
- Operational Efficiency Improvement: Employee productivity reached its highest level in five years, with GTMs per average employee at 5,026 thousand tons, reflecting ongoing enhancements in network execution and reliability.
- Share Repurchase Program: CN repurchased approximately 6 million shares in Q1 for C$869 million, demonstrating confidence in its value and commitment to shareholder returns.
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Analyst Views on CNI
Wall Street analysts forecast CNI stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 111.640
Low
105.00
Averages
113.56
High
136.77
Current: 111.640
Low
105.00
Averages
113.56
High
136.77
About CNI
Canadian National Railway Company is a transportation and logistics company. The Company's services include rail, intermodal, trucking, and supply chain services. The Company’s rail services offer equipment, customs brokerage services, transloading and distribution, private car storage and others. Its intermodal container services help shippers expand their door-to-door market reach with about 23 strategically placed intermodal terminals. Its intermodal services include temperature-controlled cargo, port partnerships, logistics park, custom brokerage, transloading and distribution, and others. Its trucking services include door-to-door service, import and export dray, interline services, and specialized services. Its supply chain services offer comprehensive services across a range of industries and product types. The Company transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
CN Challenges Incomplete Merger Application by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern
- Merger Application Deficiencies: CN's comments to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) highlight that the amended merger application from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern remains incomplete, lacking essential information needed to assess competitive and operational impacts.
- Insufficient Competition Analysis: While the amended application addresses one of the three deficiencies identified by the STB in January 2026, it fails to provide the required competition analyses and consistent market share information, leaving critical gaps in the assessment process.
- Pricing Program Issues: CN points out that the proposed Committed Gateway Pricing (CGP) program, which applies to less than 1% of U.S. rail traffic, could actually increase shipping costs for many shippers, failing to deliver meaningful competitive enhancements as claimed by the applicants.
- Confidence in Regulatory Review: CN appreciates the STB's commitment to a thorough and fair review process, believing it will help protect rail competition, support affordable transportation options for shippers, and strengthen the resilience of North American supply chains.
See More
Canadian National Railway Announces $750M Debt Offering
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- Issuance Timeline: The offering is expected to close on May 12, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, providing the company with a flexible window for capital raising.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of commercial paper, which will help optimize the company's capital structure and reduce short-term debt risk.
- Strong Underwriting Team: The joint bookrunners for this debt offering include J.P. Morgan Securities, RBC Capital Markets, and SMBC Nikko Securities America, showcasing the company's strong backing and credibility in the capital markets.
See More
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- Debt Offering Size: CN has announced a public debt offering totaling $750 million, consisting of $300 million in 4.350% Notes due 2029 and $450 million in 4.950% Notes due 2036, which will provide essential funding to support its operations and growth.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from this debt offering will be utilized for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of commercial paper, which will help optimize the company's capital structure and reduce financial costs.
- Timely Issuance Schedule: CN expects to close the debt offering on May 12, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, demonstrating the company's proactive approach in capital markets and its financing capabilities.
- Strong Underwriter Lineup: The joint bookrunners for this debt offering include J.P. Morgan, RBC Capital Markets, and SMBC Nikko, and the involvement of these reputable financial institutions enhances market confidence in the debt issuance.
See More
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- Strict Evaluation Criteria: Recipients are evaluated based on stringent safety standards, with 194 shippers' ongoing efforts ensuring safety during transportation, further solidifying CN's leadership position in the North American transportation industry.
- Core Value Emphasis: CN executives emphasize that safety is the company's core value, guiding all operational activities to ensure the safety of employees and communities, thereby enhancing the company's reputation among customers and the public.
- Responsible Care Program: The Safe Handling Award is a crucial part of CN's Responsible Care Program, aimed at continuously improving transportation safety performance and driving business growth in both Canada and the U.S.
See More
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- Record Transportation Volume: In April, CN moved 3.2 million tonnes of grain, setting a new monthly record that underscores the company's critical role in the agricultural supply chain and strong market demand.
- Consistent Strong Performance: This achievement marks eight months of robust performance for the crop year, with seven months setting new records, reflecting CN's efficient operations and steady export demand.
- Supporting Agricultural Supply Chain: As farmers in Western Canada enter the seeding season, CN remains focused on providing consistent and reliable service to support the agricultural supply chain and ensure capacity meets ongoing demand.
- Network Advantage: With nearly 20,000 miles of rail network, CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources and manufactured goods, promoting sustainable trade and contributing to the prosperity of the communities in which it operates.
See More
CN Announces Election Results for Board of Directors
- Election Results: At the Annual Meeting on May 1, 2026, all 11 nominees proposed by CN were elected, with David Freeman receiving 99.68% of the votes, reflecting strong shareholder confidence in the management.
- Chair Re-election: Shauneen Bruder was unanimously re-elected as board chair, bringing her extensive experience as a former Executive Vice-President at the Royal Bank of Canada to guide the company's future.
- Voting Transparency: The voting results will be filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, ensuring transparency and trust in corporate governance, which enhances the company's credibility in the market.
- Operational Context: CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources and manufactured goods annually, with a nearly 20,000-mile rail network connecting key economic regions in Canada and the U.S., driving sustainable trade and community prosperity.
See More
CN Challenges Incomplete Merger Application by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern
- Merger Application Deficiencies: CN's comments to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) highlight that the amended merger application from Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern remains incomplete, lacking essential information needed to assess competitive and operational impacts.
- Insufficient Competition Analysis: While the amended application addresses one of the three deficiencies identified by the STB in January 2026, it fails to provide the required competition analyses and consistent market share information, leaving critical gaps in the assessment process.
- Pricing Program Issues: CN points out that the proposed Committed Gateway Pricing (CGP) program, which applies to less than 1% of U.S. rail traffic, could actually increase shipping costs for many shippers, failing to deliver meaningful competitive enhancements as claimed by the applicants.
- Confidence in Regulatory Review: CN appreciates the STB's commitment to a thorough and fair review process, believing it will help protect rail competition, support affordable transportation options for shippers, and strengthen the resilience of North American supply chains.
See More
Canadian National Railway Announces $750M Debt Offering
- Debt Offering Size: Canadian National Railway has announced a $750 million debt offering, consisting of $300 million in 4.350% notes maturing in 2029 and $450 million in 4.950% notes maturing in 2036, indicating a proactive approach to future financing needs.
- Issuance Timeline: The offering is expected to close on May 12, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, providing the company with a flexible window for capital raising.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of commercial paper, which will help optimize the company's capital structure and reduce short-term debt risk.
- Strong Underwriting Team: The joint bookrunners for this debt offering include J.P. Morgan Securities, RBC Capital Markets, and SMBC Nikko Securities America, showcasing the company's strong backing and credibility in the capital markets.
See More
CN Announces $750 Million Debt Offering
- Debt Offering Size: CN has announced a public debt offering totaling $750 million, consisting of $300 million in 4.350% Notes due 2029 and $450 million in 4.950% Notes due 2036, which will provide essential funding to support its operations and growth.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds from this debt offering will be utilized for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of commercial paper, which will help optimize the company's capital structure and reduce financial costs.
- Timely Issuance Schedule: CN expects to close the debt offering on May 12, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, demonstrating the company's proactive approach in capital markets and its financing capabilities.
- Strong Underwriter Lineup: The joint bookrunners for this debt offering include J.P. Morgan, RBC Capital Markets, and SMBC Nikko, and the involvement of these reputable financial institutions enhances market confidence in the debt issuance.
See More
CN Announces 2025 Safe Handling Award Winners
- Award Announcement: CN has announced the winners of the 2025 Safe Handling Award, recognizing customers who excel in the safe loading and transportation of regulated products by rail, reflecting the company's commitment to safe transportation services.
- Strict Evaluation Criteria: Recipients are evaluated based on stringent safety standards, with 194 shippers' ongoing efforts ensuring safety during transportation, further solidifying CN's leadership position in the North American transportation industry.
- Core Value Emphasis: CN executives emphasize that safety is the company's core value, guiding all operational activities to ensure the safety of employees and communities, thereby enhancing the company's reputation among customers and the public.
- Responsible Care Program: The Safe Handling Award is a crucial part of CN's Responsible Care Program, aimed at continuously improving transportation safety performance and driving business growth in both Canada and the U.S.
See More
CN Sets New Record with 3.2 Million Tonnes of Grain Moved in April
- Record Transportation Volume: In April, CN moved 3.2 million tonnes of grain, setting a new monthly record that underscores the company's critical role in the agricultural supply chain and strong market demand.
- Consistent Strong Performance: This achievement marks eight months of robust performance for the crop year, with seven months setting new records, reflecting CN's efficient operations and steady export demand.
- Supporting Agricultural Supply Chain: As farmers in Western Canada enter the seeding season, CN remains focused on providing consistent and reliable service to support the agricultural supply chain and ensure capacity meets ongoing demand.
- Network Advantage: With nearly 20,000 miles of rail network, CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources and manufactured goods, promoting sustainable trade and contributing to the prosperity of the communities in which it operates.
See More
CN Announces Election Results for Board of Directors
- Election Results: At the Annual Meeting on May 1, 2026, all 11 nominees proposed by CN were elected, with David Freeman receiving 99.68% of the votes, reflecting strong shareholder confidence in the management.
- Chair Re-election: Shauneen Bruder was unanimously re-elected as board chair, bringing her extensive experience as a former Executive Vice-President at the Royal Bank of Canada to guide the company's future.
- Voting Transparency: The voting results will be filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, ensuring transparency and trust in corporate governance, which enhances the company's credibility in the market.
- Operational Context: CN safely transports over 300 million tons of natural resources and manufactured goods annually, with a nearly 20,000-mile rail network connecting key economic regions in Canada and the U.S., driving sustainable trade and community prosperity.
See More
