Appointments Confirm Experienced Railroaders in Critical RolesMONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today the appointments of Patrick Whitehead as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer as well as Janet Drysdale as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Patrick’s appointment follows the departure of Derek Taylor from the Company. “Janet and Pat are key drivers of CN's efforts to achieve new levels of operational, ...

MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today the appointments of Patrick Whitehead as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer as well as Janet Drysdale as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Patrick’s appointment follows the departure of Derek Taylor from the Company. “Janet and Pat are key drivers of CN's efforts to achieve new levels of operational, commercial and customer service excellence. Their proven cross ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview: Global Logistics Core Insights and Arguments - **Deceleration in Demand**: Signs of deceleration in ocean and air freight demand are emerging as ocean volume growth slowed to +3% globally in August, with a significant decline of -12% in Transpacific Eastbound volumes [1][3]. Air freight volumes also showed a modest deceleration in September, likely due to the expiration of the de minimis exemption [5][23]. - **Pressure on Ocean Rates**: Ocean freight rates are at their lowest levels since 2023, with the SCFI down over 50% year-to-date [3][20]. Key indicators such as the SCFI and WCI have seen declines of 54% and 58% respectively [20]. - **Orderbook Expansion**: The container shipping orderbook grew by +6% in Q3, with new orders equivalent to 3.4% of the in-service fleet, indicating continued investment despite oversupply risks [4][21]. - **Airfreight Performance**: Airfreight demand grew by 4% in August, but the growth rate moderated in September, with revenues below last year's levels [5][23]. The expiration of the US de minimis exemption is expected to impact future demand [23]. - **Surface Freight Outlook**: U.S. surface rates contracted in June and are expected to remain flat or decline in the second half of the year due to a softer freight outlook [6][24]. Additional Important Insights - **Global Trade Volumes**: Global trade volumes increased by 4.9% YoY in July, driven by a 6% rise in emerging market exports, while U.S. and European exports remained largely unchanged [2][18]. - **PMI Indicators**: September PMIs showed an increase in China (+0.7pt to 51.2) and the U.S. (+0.4pt to 49.1), while Europe saw a decrease for the first time this year (-0.9pt to 49.8) [2][18]. - **Market Sentiment**: The sentiment in the logistics sector remains weak, with companies expressing pessimism regarding international ocean demand and potential challenges in achieving a meaningful peak season [3][19]. Company Ratings and Valuations Key Company Ratings - **DSV**: Rated Outperform with a target price of DKK 1,700. Expected to become the largest freight forwarder post-acquisition of DB Schenker [9]. - **DHL**: Rated Outperform with a target price of €42.00. Strongly levered to e-commerce and world trade, with a solid long-term holding outlook [10]. - **Kuehne+Nagel**: Rated Market-Perform with a target price of CHF 165. Underperformance in volume growth noted, with execution issues impacting investor sentiment [11]. - **AP Moller - Maersk**: Rated Underperform with a target price of DKK 10,600. Facing challenges in container shipping with declining spot rates and a high orderbook [12]. Valuation Comparisons - **Valuation Metrics**: DSV shows a strong growth trajectory with an expected EPS of DKK 100+ by 2028, while Maersk's strategy has been criticized for failing to deliver promised synergies [9][12]. - **Market Cap and Share Buybacks**: DSV is projected to repurchase DKK 24 billion of shares annually, compared to its current market cap of DKK 310,654 million [9]. Conclusion The global logistics industry is experiencing a notable deceleration in demand across both ocean and air freight sectors, with significant pressure on rates and a growing orderbook despite oversupply risks. Companies like DSV and DHL are positioned favorably, while others like Maersk face challenges. The overall sentiment in the logistics sector remains cautious as companies navigate a complex market landscape.

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway (CN) and Congebec have formed a partnership to enhance cold chain logistics in North America by constructing a temperature-controlled facility in CN's Calgary Logistics Park [1][4] - The collaboration aims to improve efficiency and sustainability in transporting temperature-sensitive goods by integrating rail infrastructure with refrigerated logistics expertise [2][5] Company Developments - The new facility will be built by Matthews Tribal, which emphasizes the importance of trust and long-term value in partnerships [4] - Congebec, a leading cold storage provider in Canada, views this project as a significant advancement in creating a connected multimodal cold chain [4] Industry Trends - Analysts see this initiative as part of a larger trend in infrastructure investment focused on modernizing North America's cold chain [5] - The integration of rail-connected cold storage is increasingly recognized as vital for addressing issues like congestion, emissions reduction, and supply chain disruptions [5]

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway (CNI) and Congebec are enhancing North America's cold chain network by constructing a cold storage facility at CNI's Calgary Logistics Park in Alberta, aimed at improving the transfer of temperature-sensitive goods [1][2] - The partnership combines CNI's extensive rail network with Congebec's expertise in temperature-controlled logistics, optimizing cold storage and transportation processes [2][3] - The project supports sustainability by reducing long-haul trucking and emissions while strengthening Alberta's position as a food production and export hub [2][6] Company Performance - CNI's share price has decreased by 18.3% over the past year, underperforming the Transportation - Rail industry's decline of 5.8% [4] - CNI currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating a less favorable outlook compared to other stocks in the sector [7] Market Comparisons - Global Ship Lease (GSL) and Wabtec (WAB) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities within the Zacks Transportation sector, with GSL showing a 25.6% increase in share price year-to-date [8][9] - Wabtec has an expected earnings growth rate of 17.59% for the current year, indicating strong performance relative to CNI [9]

Key Takeaways CNI moved 2.91M metric tons of grain from Western Canada, surpassing its prior September record. The record highlights CNI's operational strength and collaboration with shippers during harvest season.CNI's 20252026 Winter Plan focuses on locomotive reliability resource allocation, and infrastructure upgrades.Canadian National Railway (CNI) set a new record for grain movement in September, transporting more than 2.91 million metric tons of grain from Western Canada, 80,000 tons above its previ ...

Core Insights - CN and Congebec are collaborating to develop a state-of-the-art cold storage facility at CN's Calgary Logistics Park in Alberta, enhancing the efficiency of temperature-sensitive goods transportation [1][3] - The new facility will integrate cold storage, cross-docking, transloading, and first- and last-mile services, streamlining operations and reducing dwell times for temperature-sensitive goods [2][3] - This initiative aims to address challenges in the cold supply chain, providing faster container flows and more reliable delivery schedules, thereby reinforcing Canada's food distribution network [3][4] Company Overview - CN operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually, contributing to sustainable trade across North America [6] - Congebec is a leader in multi-temperature logistics, with over 50 years of experience and 16 facilities totaling nearly 70 million cubic feet, focusing on food safety and value-added distribution services [7] - Matthews Tribal specializes in logistics and industrial properties, delivering strategic infrastructure solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency [8]

Core Insights - CN set a new record for grain movement in September, transporting over 2.91 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, an increase of 80,000 metric tonnes from the previous record for the month [1] - The company is focused on maintaining a steady flow of grain through the supply chain as the harvest season nears its end, emphasizing safety and efficiency in delivering goods to market [2] Company Operations - CN has published its 2025-2026 Winter Plan, outlining proactive solutions to ensure smooth operations across its network during the winter months [3] - The company plays a crucial role in the economy by transporting over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually, utilizing a nearly 20,000-mile rail network [4]

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway (CNI) is a major player in the North American rail industry, known for its operational efficiency and defensive investment profile [1] - Scotiabank maintains an "Outperform" rating for CNI, adjusting its price target from C$153 to C$150, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic outlook [2][6] - CNI is currently trading near its 52-week low, presenting a potential buying opportunity for long-term investors [3][6] Financial Performance - CNI's stock is priced at $96.15, showing a 1.78% increase or $1.68, with fluctuations between $94.36 and $96.18 on the day [3] - Over the past year, the stock reached a high of $116.79 and a low of $91.07 [3] - The company has strong operational efficiency and robust free cash flow, supporting consistent dividends and share buybacks, making it attractive for investors seeking stable returns [4][6] Market Position - CNI has a market capitalization of approximately $60 billion and a trading volume of 807,579 shares on the NYSE, indicating its significance in the market [5] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for CNI is below historical averages, suggesting potential value for investors [5]

Key Takeaways CNI and CSX launched an all-rail intermodal service into Nashville, enhancing efficiency.Freight revenues rose in 1H25 on strength in coal, grain, fertilizers and automotive.Rising costs, weak liquidity and high debt levels weigh on CNI's financial flexibility.Canadian National Railway (CNI) is supported by robust operational efficiency and a partnership with CSX Corporation (CSX) . Shareholder-friendly initiatives also bode well for the company. However, CNI is grappling with elevated expense ...