Canadian National Railway Reports Strong Q4 Earnings
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 30 2026
0mins
Should l Buy CNI?
Source: seekingalpha
Canadian National Railway's stock fell 4.60% and hit a 20-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.37% and the S&P 500 down 0.79%.
The company reported a non-GAAP EPS of C$2.08 for Q4, with revenue reaching C$4.46 billion, reflecting a 2.3% year-over-year growth. This performance underscores the company's enhanced profitability amid stable transportation demand. Additionally, the operating ratio improved to 61.2%, indicating significant progress in cost control and operational efficiency. The company also plans to invest approximately C$2.8 billion in its capital program in 2026, reflecting confidence in future development.
Despite the stock's decline, the strong earnings report may bolster investor confidence in the long term, as the company continues to demonstrate operational improvements and a 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: 110.290
Low
105.00
Averages
113.56
High
136.77
Current: 110.290
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.
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- Funding Allocation Details: Each organization will receive $250,000 to enhance their immediate relief and long-term stability services, particularly focusing on support for Indigenous youth, aiming to reduce reliance on overcrowded emergency shelters.
- Impact Assessment of Initiatives: The Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre and West Central Women's Resource Centre will utilize this funding to strengthen their service capabilities, promoting housing security and life skills development for Indigenous youth and gender-diverse individuals, thereby fostering overall community stability.
- Long-term Commitment and Collaboration: Through its Railroaders for Change initiative, CN demonstrates a long-term commitment to addressing homelessness, aiming to create safer and more supportive living environments by collaborating with local organizations to promote sustainable community development.
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- Network Expansion: This acquisition expands Canadian National Railway's resource road network to over 300 kilometers across Alberta, further solidifying its operational capabilities in the region and laying a foundation for future growth opportunities.
- Capital Redeployment: Through this transaction, Acadian Timber will monetize non-core road infrastructure and redeploy capital into mill upgrades, simplifying area operations while maintaining long-term alignment through its retained 10% interest in the project.
- Operational Responsibility: Following the deal, Canadian National Railway will assume responsibility for road operations and administration, providing high-quality service to support Acadian Timber and all third-party road users, ensuring reliability and consistency in service delivery.
See More
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See More
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See More
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See More
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- Cost Control Advantage: Despite management's projection of a fuel-lag impact of C$0.03 to C$0.04 per share, disciplined cost control allows CN to maintain a flat operating ratio of 63.9%, demonstrating resilience in a high diesel price environment.
- Strong Market Performance: Year-to-date, Canadian National Railway's stock has risen by 5.6% and offers a 2.5% dividend yield to new investors, highlighting its attractiveness and stability within the rail sector.
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