Bernstein Raises CNI Price Target to $109.44, Maintains Market Perform Rating

Core Viewpoint - Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) is recognized as a strong investment opportunity despite facing some volume forecast challenges, with a focus on operational efficiency and cost management [2][3][5]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Bernstein raised CNI's price target to $109.44 from $106.47 while maintaining a Market Perform rating, indicating confidence in the company's operational performance despite top-line pressure in Q3 [2]. - In Q3 2024, CNI's CEO acknowledged that the company had not met volume forecasts over the past two years but highlighted strong operational results and top-tier margins [3]. Group 2: Capital Expenditure and Cost Management - Management plans to reduce capital spending from $3.35 billion in 2025 to $2.8 billion in 2026, aligning capex with US peers and reflecting the completion of major projects rather than a reduction in growth initiatives [4]. - CNI intends to cut management labor costs by $75 million and accelerate share repurchases, citing attractive valuation levels [5]. Group 3: Market Position - CNI operates the largest rail network in Canada and provides freight transportation services across the United States and Mexico, positioning itself as a key player in the North American transportation sector [5].