Group 1 - Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI) is recognized as one of the top hydrogen and fuel cell stocks to consider for investment in 2026 [1] - RBC Capital has lowered its price target for Canadian National Railway to C$153 from C$158 while maintaining an Outperform rating, and has increased its Q4 earnings per share estimate to C$2 from C$1.95, surpassing the average projection of C$1.97 [1] - The company reported a 6% increase in adjusted earnings per share for the September quarter, with CEO Tracy Robinson highlighting the maintenance of top-tier profitability and operational efficiency despite declining volume expectations [3] Group 2 - RBC anticipates that Canadian National will provide more cautious guidance for 2026, projecting mid-single digit EPS growth, lower than the current consensus of 8.5% [2] - For 2025, RBC forecasts a 6.1% EPS growth, which is above the average estimate of 5.8% and aligns with Canadian National's own projections for mid-to-high single-digit increases [2] - The company is actively exploring hydrogen and battery-electric prototypes to reduce emissions in its operations [4]

Core Viewpoint - RBC Capital Markets has lowered the target price for Canadian National Railway Company (CNI.US) from CAD 158 to CAD 153 while maintaining an "outperform" rating, reflecting updated forecasts based on freight volume trends and management comments [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company has revised its earnings outlook for 2025 downwards and has abandoned its previous forecast for 2026, with initial expectations of a 10% to 15% increase in adjusted earnings now indicating growth below 10% [1] - Despite the downward revision, the company is still expected to show positive earnings growth [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - Uncertainties in Canada-U.S. trade are impacting market outlooks, which has contributed to the company's revised earnings expectations [1] Group 3: Long-term Prospects - The long-term growth prospects for the company remain attractive, benefiting from North America's economic growth and increasing trade volumes [1] - The company's strong profitability and unique railway network position it well to withstand various economic cycles [1] - The railway network connects Canada's Atlantic and Pacific ports with the U.S. Gulf Coast, placing the company in a strategic position within North American trade routes [1] - Anticipation of a new trade framework between Canada and the U.S. is expected to provide new growth momentum for the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) is facing challenges due to trade uncertainty between Canada and the US, leading to a reduction in its earnings guidance for 2025, but the long-term outlook remains positive due to its strategic position and profitability [3][4]. Group 1: Earnings Outlook - RBC Capital has lowered its price target for CNI to C$153 from C$158 while maintaining an Outperform rating, reflecting updated models based on carload trends and management commentary [2]. - CNI has cut its 2025 earnings growth guidance from an initial expectation of 10% to 15% to a more conservative outlook, indicating growth is still expected but likely below 10% [3]. Group 2: Strategic Position and Long-term Potential - CNI benefits from long-term economic growth and increasing trade volumes, supported by its extensive rail network that connects key ports across North America [4]. - The company operates a highly profitable and strategically relevant rail network, which is difficult to replicate, positioning it well for future trade developments between Canada and the US [4].

Core Insights - CN has supported over 772 organizations through its sponsorship and donation programs in 2025, highlighting the company's commitment to community engagement [1] - Nearly 1000 employees and pensioners contributed over 120,000 volunteer hours to approximately 361 charitable organizations, with CN donating more than $2.1 million in recognition of these efforts [2] Corporate Giving Strategy - CN's corporate giving strategy is guided by three key pillars: People, Safety, and Environment [4] - The People pillar focuses on health and wellness, education, inclusion, and opportunities for personal and professional growth [4] - The Safety pillar emphasizes long-term resilience and public safety, providing support for individuals facing hardship, including homelessness prevention and food security [5] - The Environment pillar supports organizations dedicated to ecosystem preservation, reforestation, and environmental education [5] Commitment to Community - CN's commitment to supporting communities is reflected in its efforts to enhance safety, promote health, and protect the environment, aiming to build resilient communities for future generations [3][6] - The company plays a significant role in powering the economy by transporting over 300 million tons of goods across North America annually, contributing to sustainable trade and community prosperity [7]

Group 1 - The merger proposal by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern fails to demonstrate that it would enhance competition or provide significant public benefits, not meeting the merger rules established in 2001 and by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) [1] - The proposed merger would reduce transportation options for customers, creating a single entity controlling over 40% of the freight rail market in the United States, which could lead to increased prices and harm consumers due to lack of competition [2] - CN will actively participate in the STB process and encourages all stakeholders to voice their opinions to enhance competition [3] Group 2 - CN plays a crucial role in the economy by safely transporting over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured goods, and finished products across North America annually, utilizing a rail network of nearly 20,000 miles [4]

MONTREAL, Dec. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The application filed this morning by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern fails to demonstrate that the merger would enhance competition or generate significant public benefits that would require a merger. It falls well below both the 2001 and old merger rules set out by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Protecting competition is not optional, it is essential to keep costs down and the economy sound. The fact is that this merger would reduce rail transportati ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in high-quality dividend-growing and undervalued opportunities to achieve strong total returns through cash dividends and capital gains [1]. Group 1 - The lead analyst for Dividend Kings, Scott Kaufman, has over a decade of experience in the financial sector, focusing on actionable investment insights [1]. - The goal of the analysis is to provide a robust total return by combining cash dividends with strong capital gains [1].

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway (CNI) achieved a record grain movement of over 3.28 million metric tonnes from Western Canada in November 2025, surpassing the previous record by 230,000 metric tonnes set in November 2020, marking the third consecutive month of strong grain movement [1][7] Group 1: Operational Performance - The achievement reflects CNI's strong execution capabilities and commitment to efficient grain transportation during the harvest season, emphasizing service reliability and collaboration with customers [2] - CNI's Grain & Fertilizers segment saw a 6% year-over-year increase in freight revenues during the first nine months of 2025 [4] Group 2: Winter Preparedness - CNI released its 2025-2026 Winter Plan, which includes enhanced locomotive reliability programs, strategic resource allocation, and targeted infrastructure investments to minimize weather-related disruptions [3][7] Group 3: Market Position - CNI currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), with its share price rising 4% over the past three months, underperforming the Transportation - Rail industry's growth of 6.3% [5]

Core Insights - CN achieved a new monthly record for grain movement in November, transporting over 3.28 million metric tonnes, which is an increase of 230,000 metric tonnes compared to the previous record set in November 2020 [1] - This marks CN's third consecutive month of record grain movement, highlighting the effectiveness of customer collaboration and operational planning [2] Grain Movement - In November, CN moved over 3.28 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, setting a new record [1] - The increase of 230,000 metric tonnes from the previous record indicates strong operational performance [1] Winter Operations - CN is actively executing its winter operations plan as colder months commence, ensuring proactive solutions are in place [3] Company Overview - CN 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 [4] - The company operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, connecting Canada's coasts with the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade since 1919 [4]

Core Insights - CN has released its 2024 Delivering Responsibly Sustainability Report, marking the 10th edition of its sustainability performance disclosure, emphasizing the integration of sustainability into its core business strategy [1][2] Sustainability Achievements - The company achieved a 4% improvement in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity compared to 2023 and increased renewable fuel use to nearly 10% of locomotive fuel, maintaining progress towards its science-based 2030 and 2050 goals [5] - CN recorded the second-best injury performance in its history and improved train accident frequency by nearly 8% year over year, implementing enhanced behavior-based safety training for frontline supervisors [5] - Over 1 million hours of training were delivered, with accessibility upgrades across more than 30 facilities in Canada and strengthened wellness programs for employees [5] - CN contributed approximately $20 million to community initiatives and managed over 56,000 public line inquiries, with 97% of its Procurement and Supply Management team trained on sustainable procurement [5] - The company ranked first among 215 companies on the S&P/TSX Composite Index for governance practices, reinforcing its commitment to integrity and transparency [5] EcoConnexions Partnership Program - CN recognized over 30 customers, suppliers, and supply chain partners through its EcoConnexions Partnership Program for their leadership in sustainability, highlighting the importance of collaboration across the value chain [4] - The program includes Gold, Silver, and Bronze partners, with notable participants such as General Motors, Dow, and Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. [4] Company Overview - CN plays a crucial role in the economy by safely 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 [7]