Financial Performance - Q2 Total Revenues were $4.3 billion, a decrease of 1%[15] - Adjusted diluted EPS grew by 2% to $1.87, while reported diluted EPS increased by 7%[14, 15] - Operating Ratio increased by 50 bps to 61.7% compared to adjusted, and increased by 230 bps compared to reported[15] - Year-to-date Free Cash Flow increased by 5% to $1.5 billion[48] Operational Efficiency - RTMs decreased by 1%[14, 15] - Car Velocity increased from 210 to 213 car miles per day[21] - Through Dwell decreased slightly from 6.9 to 6.8 hours[21] - Train delays caused by work blocks decreased by 4% year-to-date 2025 vs year-to-date 2024[26] - GTMS/T&E employee increased by 11% in Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024[30] - Tie installation efficiency increased by 7% in Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024[32] Revenue Breakdown - Overall carloads remained flat[36] - Grain & Fertilizers revenue increased by 12%, while Automotive, Forest products, Metals & Minerals, and Petroleum & Chemicals decreased by 6%, 9%, 7%, and 6% respectively[36] Outlook - The company now assumes low single-digit RTM growth for the year[43] - The company expects mid to high single-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth[58]

Core Viewpoint - CN has announced a quarterly dividend of C$0.8875 per common share for Q3 2025, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of C$0.8875 per common share [1] - The dividend will be paid on September 29, 2025, to shareholders of record as of September 8, 2025 [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - CN transports over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually [2] - The company operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, connecting Canada's coasts with the U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast [2] - CN has been contributing to sustainable trade and community prosperity since its establishment in 1919 [2].

Core Viewpoint - CN reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, demonstrating resilience in a challenging external environment, with a focus on cost control and customer service [2][4]. Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were C$4,272 million, a decrease of C$57 million or 1% compared to Q2 2024 [10][11]. - Freight revenues decreased by C$63 million or 2% to C$4,090 million [10][12]. - Operating income increased by C$80 million or 5% to C$1,638 million, while adjusted operating income remained flat [10][11]. - Net income for Q2 2025 was C$1,172 million, an increase of C$58 million or 5% compared to Q2 2024 [10][19]. - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to C$1.87, a 7% increase from C$1.75 in Q2 2024 [10][19]. Operational Metrics - Revenue ton miles (RTMs) decreased by 1% to 59,215 million [10][12]. - Operating ratio improved to 61.7%, a 2.3-point improvement from 64.0% in Q2 2024 [10][11]. - Free cash flow for Q2 2025 was C$922 million, down from C$947 million in Q2 2024 [10][25]. Updated Guidance - CN revised its 2025 guidance, now expecting adjusted diluted EPS growth in the mid to high single-digit range, down from the previous expectation of 10%-15% [4][5]. - The company has removed its financial outlook for 2024-2026 due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty related to trade and tariff policies [5][4]. Sector Impact - CN plays a crucial role in powering the North American economy by transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually, contributing to sustainable trade [8].

Group 1 - CSX is scheduled to release its earnings on July 23, 2025, with historical data indicating a positive one-day return in 65% of cases following earnings announcements over the past five years, and a median positive return of 2.6% [2][7] - The current consensus forecasts for CSX's upcoming earnings report are $0.41 per share on revenue of $3.57 billion, compared to earnings of $0.49 per share on revenue of $3.7 billion in the same quarter last year [3] - CSX has a current market capitalization of $65 billion, with reported revenues of $14 billion, operating income of $5.1 billion, and a net profit of $3.2 billion over the last twelve months [4] Group 2 - Historical data shows that there have been 20 earnings data points recorded over the last five years, with 13 positive and 7 negative one-day returns, resulting in a 65% rate of positive returns [7] - The median of the 13 positive returns is 2.6%, while the median of the 7 negative returns is -3.2% [7] - A strategy based on historical probabilities suggests establishing a position ahead of the earnings announcement or evaluating the relationship between immediate and medium-term returns post-earnings [6]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett denied reports that Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF was collaborating with Goldman Sachs on a potential takeover of a rival railroad company [1][2] Group 1: Company Actions and Statements - Buffett stated that neither he nor Greg Abel, the incoming CEO, had discussions with Goldman Sachs regarding any deals [1] - The billionaire investor emphasized that he would not seek advice from external bankers for transactions, criticizing the high costs associated with intermediaries [2] Group 2: Market Context - Reports from Semafor and Reuters indicated that Berkshire Hathaway had engaged Goldman Sachs for a potential acquisition after Union Pacific showed interest in Norfolk Southern [2] - Berkshire Hathaway previously acquired BNSF in 2011 for $26.5 billion, purchasing 77% of the company it did not already own [3]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Union Pacific (UNP) will report quarterly earnings of $2.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.5%, with revenues expected to reach $6.11 billion, a 1.7% increase from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted downward by 0.2%, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong relationship between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price performance [3]. Key Metrics Projections - Analysts estimate 'Freight Revenues- Bulk' will reach $1.83 billion, a year-over-year change of +6.1% [5]. - 'Operating Revenues- Other revenues' are expected to be $334.89 million, indicating a -9.2% change from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Freight Revenues- Industrial Products' is projected at $2.18 billion, reflecting a +2.6% change from the year-ago quarter [5]. - 'Freight Revenues- Premium' is expected to reach $1.73 billion, suggesting a -3.5% year-over-year change [6]. - The 'Operating Ratio' is projected at 59.5%, down from 60.0% in the same quarter last year [6]. - The consensus for 'Average revenue per car - Bulk' stands at $3700.32, slightly up from $3692.00 year-over-year [6]. - 'Revenue Carloads - Bulk' is expected to reach 493.75 thousand, compared to 466.00 thousand last year [7]. - 'Average revenue per car - Industrial Products' is projected at $3891.73, up from $3825.00 in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Average revenue per car - Premium' is forecasted to be $1678.52, down from $1766.00 year-over-year [8]. - 'Revenue Carloads - Premium' is expected to reach 1.03 million, slightly up from 1.02 million last year [8]. - The total 'Revenue Carloads' is projected at 2.08 million, compared to 2.04 million in the same quarter last year [9]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, Union Pacific shares have returned +1.1%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed +5.4% [10]. - Currently, UNP holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [10].

Union Pacific is in talks to acquire Norfolk Southern, The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The deal would merge companies with a combined market value of roughly $200 billion. https://t.co/iZkAunIl6w ...

Core Insights - All three major U.S. stock indices rose on July 17, 2025, driven by positive retail sales data and a decline in unemployment claims [1][2][11] - Better-than-expected earnings from major tech companies like Netflix contributed to investor confidence [2] - The current market environment suggests a favorable outlook for investing in U.S. stocks, particularly in low-leverage companies [3] Economic Indicators - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% in June 2025, following a 0.9% decline in May, exceeding market expectations [1][11] - Labor data indicated a decline in unemployment claims, further supporting market optimism [1] Investment Recommendations - Recommended stocks include Novartis (NVS), ResMed Inc. (RMD), Wabtec (WAB), Elbit Systems (ESLT), and Ingredion Inc. (INGR), all of which are characterized by low leverage and strong earnings growth [3][11] - Each of these stocks holds a Zacks Rank 2, indicating a favorable investment outlook [11] Stock Analysis - Novartis reported a 12% year-over-year increase in net sales and a 29% improvement in earnings per share for Q2 2025 [15][16] - ResMed anticipates an 8.1% year-over-year increase in fiscal fourth-quarter sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15.3% [17][18] - Wabtec's sales are expected to grow by 5.3% year-over-year, supported by a long-term earnings growth rate of 16% [19][20] - Elbit Systems forecasts a 13.8% increase in 2025 sales, with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 21.12% [21] - Ingredion expects a 1% improvement in 2025 sales, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corporation is experiencing a significant shift, indicated by bullish market activity, positive analyst revisions, and strategic internal improvements, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1][5][17] Market Signals - Recent options market activity shows a dramatic spike, with over 24,000 call options purchased on July 11th, representing a 165% increase from the typical daily volume of around 9,200 contracts [2][3] - A low put-to-call ratio indicates a strong preference for bullish bets over bearish ones, reinforcing the positive sentiment [4] Analyst Outlook - Several influential firms have upgraded their outlook on CSX stock leading up to the second-quarter earnings report, creating a powerful leading indicator of confidence in CSX's future [4][5] - The 12-month stock price forecast for CSX is $35.14, with a moderate buy rating based on 22 analyst ratings [6] Operational Improvements - CSX has secured long-term labor stability with nearly 75% of its unionized workforce through a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, providing a competitive advantage in an industry prone to labor disputes [7][8] - The company is focused on reducing management layers to create a leaner organization, improving its ability to convert revenue into profit [9][10] Financial Context - The first-quarter financial results showed revenue and profit falling short of estimates due to temporary operational disruptions, not core business flaws [11][12] - Major infrastructure projects and severe weather contributed to these short-term inefficiencies, creating a potential valuation gap for investors [13] Future Prospects - With major projects largely complete, CSX is positioned for a strong sequential improvement, and the upcoming second-quarter earnings report is expected to provide confirmation of this turnaround [14][15] - CSX's performance is closely linked to the industrial sector, and with internal challenges addressed, the company is poised to leverage economic stabilization for significant earnings growth [16]

Jerome Powell is scheduled to speak next week as controversy swirls over his future as Fed Chairman. ... More (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) In other news, Union Pacific is looking to acquire Norfolk Southern. According to The Wall Street Journal, the deal would create the largest rail operator in the country, creating the only network that would run coast to coast in the U.S. What I find most interesting about this potential acquisition is the relative few number of railroads to begin. In 2023 wh ...