MONTREAL, May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced that the director nominees listed in the management information circular dated March 10, 2025 (the “Information Circular”), were elected as directors of CN. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at CN’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Meeting”) on May 2, 2025 via online webcast are set out below. Election of Directors On a vote by ballot, each of the following 11 nominees proposed by management was ...

Union Pacific (UNP) FY Conference Summary Industry Overview - The conference focuses on the railroad industry, specifically Union Pacific (UNP) and its operational strategies and financial outlook. Core Points and Arguments 1. **Strategic Foundation**: Union Pacific emphasizes safety as its primary focus, which is crucial for employees, customers, and communities [2][3] 2. **Growth Targets**: The company aims to grow its business volumes faster than the markets it serves, with a commitment to improving revenues through effective pricing strategies [5][6] 3. **Financial Goals**: Union Pacific targets high single-digit to low double-digit growth in earnings per share (EPS) over the next three years, with a commitment to maintaining the best operating ratio and return on invested capital (ROIC) in the industry [7][8] 4. **Capital Investment**: The company plans to invest between $3.4 billion and $3.7 billion annually, with a 45% dividend payout ratio, continuing a track record of increasing dividends for 17 consecutive years [8][9] 5. **Share Repurchases**: Union Pacific intends to repurchase between $4 billion and $5 billion of its shares annually over the next three years [10] 6. **Volume Performance**: In April, Union Pacific reported a 7% year-over-year increase in volumes, with international intermodal volumes up over 30% [14][15] 7. **Market Diversification**: The company operates across 23 states, allowing it to offset declines in specific areas with growth in others, particularly in international intermodal and coal segments [16][26] 8. **Freight Mix**: International intermodal is identified as the lowest average revenue per car business, while coal volumes were up 5% in the first quarter, but still below the system average [22][23] 9. **Investment in Mexico**: Union Pacific owns 26% of a Mexican railroad, which has seen significant growth in automotive and intermodal sectors, positioning the company well for nearshoring opportunities [32][34] 10. **Adaptive Planning Technology**: The company is developing adaptive planning technology to improve operational efficiency, akin to navigation apps that suggest optimal routes [54][55] 11. **Competitive Landscape**: Union Pacific acknowledges the potential threat from EV trucking and autonomous vehicles but believes its existing infrastructure and technology will maintain its competitive edge [58][60] Additional Important Insights - **Regulatory Environment**: The company operates under strict regulations regarding mergers and acquisitions, which can impact growth strategies [42][43] - **Market Challenges**: Union Pacific faces challenges from fluctuating coal demand and international trade tariffs, which may affect future growth [11][12][49] - **Operational Efficiency**: The focus on improving margins through pricing and productivity is critical, especially as the industry faces flat growth overall [48][50] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Union Pacific FY Conference, highlighting the company's strategic focus, financial goals, and operational challenges within the railroad industry.

Core Viewpoint - Union Pacific remains a strong investment opportunity despite trade tensions, showcasing resilience through solid earnings and a well-rounded dividend strategy [2][15][16] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Union Pacific reported a 4% increase in freight revenues, but overall operating revenues remained flat due to a 15% fuel surcharge [4] - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by less than 1% in the first quarter, indicating the need for improved performance to meet annual targets [7] - The company expects earnings per share to align with a three-year compound annual growth rate target of high single to low double digits [7] Revenue Breakdown - Freight revenue is categorized into three segments: bulk, industrial, and premium, each contributing approximately one-third to total freight revenue [4] - In Q1, bulk revenue rose by 1%, industrial revenue fell by 1%, and premium revenue increased by 5% [5] Market Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the automotive market and domestic intermodal growth, but noted vulnerabilities due to tariff uncertainties [6] - Expectations include lower volumes in food and beverage, petroleum, automotive, and international intermodal, while anticipating growth in grain products and industrial chemicals [6] Competitive Advantages - Union Pacific benefits from a diversified product mix and low operating costs, maintaining industry-leading operating efficiency and return on invested capital (ROIC) [8] - The company has sustained high operating margins of 30% to 40% and a ROIC around 14% over the past decade [9] Capital Return Program - In Q1, Union Pacific paid $804 million in dividends and spent $1.42 billion on stock repurchases, with plans for a total of $4 billion to $4.5 billion in buybacks for the year [12] - The company maintains a sub-50% payout ratio, allowing for significant buybacks without straining its financial position [13] Investment Appeal - Union Pacific's stock price has remained stagnant, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.5% and a price-to-earnings ratio below 20, indicating good value [14] - The company is viewed as a reliable option for passive income investors, capable of managing tariff-related costs effectively [15][16]

For the quarter ended March 2025, Canadian National (CNI) reported revenue of $3.07 billion, down 2.7% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.29, compared to $1.28 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.11 billion, representing a surprise of -1.32%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +2.38%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.26.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and h ...

Core Viewpoint - CN has announced a quarterly dividend of C$0.8875 per common share for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Company Overview - CN operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, transporting over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually [2]. - The company has been contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of communities since its establishment in 1919 [2].

Core Insights - CN reported a diluted EPS of C$1.85 for Q1 2025, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year [1][10] - The company achieved total revenues of C$4,403 million, a 4% increase from C$4,249 million in Q1 2024 [10][20] - Operating income rose to C$1,610 million, also a 4% increase from C$1,546 million in the same quarter last year [10][20] Financial Performance - Revenue ton miles (RTMs) increased by 1% to 60,049 million [10][20] - Freight revenues reached C$4,288 million, up from C$4,137 million, marking a 4% increase [10][20] - Operating ratio improved to 63.4%, a slight enhancement from 63.6% in Q1 2024 [10][20] Operational Highlights - The company plans to invest approximately C$3.4 billion in its capital program for 2025 [4] - CN expects adjusted diluted EPS growth of 10%-15% for 2025 and targets high single-digit compounded annual adjusted diluted EPS growth from 2024 to 2026 [4][5] - The company noted a heightened recessionary risk due to tariffs and trade actions, which could impact demand for freight transportation [5][13] Market Assumptions - CN anticipates slightly positive growth in North American industrial production for 2025, adjusting its previous estimate from approximately 1% [9] - The company expects the U.S. grain crop for 2025/2026 to be above its five-year average, while the Canadian grain crop is expected to align with its five-year average [9] - The average price of crude oil is now projected to be in the range of US$60 - US$70 per barrel for 2025 [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) reported a slight increase in revenue and earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter ended March 2025, but fell short of revenue expectations according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $2.64 billion, reflecting a 1.2% increase year-over-year [1] - EPS was reported at $0.74, an increase from $0.69 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue reported was a surprise of -0.70% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.66 billion [1] - The consensus EPS estimate was also $0.74, indicating no EPS surprise [1] Key Metrics - Adjusted Operating Ratio was 62.5%, slightly better than the average estimate of 62.7% from seven analysts [4] - Total carloads were reported at 1.1 million, compared to the average estimate of 1.11 million from five analysts [4] - Specific carload metrics included: - Energy, Chemicals and Plastics: 142.5 thousand vs. 142.18 thousand estimate [4] - Intermodal: 435.4 thousand vs. 433.98 thousand estimate [4] - Automotive: 57.8 thousand vs. 60.06 thousand estimate [4] - Forest Products: 34.8 thousand vs. 35.07 thousand estimate [4] - Grain: 133.7 thousand vs. 136.74 thousand estimate [4] - Coal: 118.4 thousand vs. 115.11 thousand estimate [4] - Potash: 39.8 thousand vs. 44.61 thousand estimate [4] - Fertilizers and Sulphur: 17.8 thousand vs. 17.2 thousand estimate [4] - Metals, Minerals and Consumer Products: 124.4 thousand vs. 123.9 thousand estimate [4] - Operating Ratio was reported at 65.3%, higher than the average estimate of 62.8% from four analysts [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City have returned +1.5% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which saw a -0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Points - CSX Corporation has ratified new five-year collective bargaining agreements with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Forgers & Helpers [1][2] - The agreements cover 54 percent of CSX's unionized workforce and include improved wages, health care, and paid time off benefits [2] - CSX aims to reach similar agreements with the remaining national rail unions representing Trainmen/Conductors and Locomotive Engineers [3] Company Overview - CSX is a premier transportation company based in Jacksonville, Florida, providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets [4] - The company has been integral to the economic expansion and industrial development of the United States for nearly 200 years, connecting major metropolitan areas and rural communities [4]

Core Insights - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) reported strong first-quarter results for 2025, with revenues of $3.8 billion, diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.97, and core adjusted diluted EPS of $1.06, reflecting a solid performance despite challenging market conditions [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Revenues increased by 8% to $3.8 billion from $3.5 billion in Q1 2024 [8]. - Reported diluted EPS rose by 17% to $0.97 from $0.83 in Q1 2024 [8]. - Core adjusted diluted EPS increased by 14% to $1.06 from $0.93 in Q1 2024 [8]. - Operating ratio (OR) improved, decreasing by 210 basis points to 65.3% from 67.4% in Q1 2024 [8]. - Core adjusted OR decreased by 150 basis points to 62.5% from 64.0% in Q1 2024 [8]. - Volumes, measured in Revenue Ton-Miles (RTMs), increased by 4% [8]. Updated Earnings Guidance - CPKC amended its 2025 earnings guidance due to uncertainties from evolving trade policies and recession risks, now expecting core adjusted diluted EPS to increase between 10% and 14% compared to 2024's core adjusted diluted EPS of $4.25 [3][4]. Operational Highlights - The company emphasized its focus on operational efficiency and safety, leveraging its extensive North American network to meet solid freight demand [2][3]. - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)-reportable personal injury frequency decreased to 0.98 from 1.14 in Q1 2024, and train accident frequency decreased to 0.38 from 0.90 in Q1 2024, indicating improved safety performance [8]. Conference Call Information - CPKC will discuss its results in a conference call scheduled for April 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET [5][6].

Core Points - Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) announced a quarterly dividend increase of 20% from $0.19 to $0.228 per share [1][2] - The dividend is part of CPKC's commitment to returning cash to shareholders and reflects the company's successful debt repayment following the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern [2] - The dividend will be payable on July 28, 2025, to shareholders on record as of June 27, 2025, and qualifies as an "eligible" dividend under Canadian tax legislation [2] Company Overview - CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with extensive access to major ports across North America [3] - The railway spans approximately 20,000 route miles and employs around 20,000 railroaders, providing comprehensive rail service and network reach to key markets [3] - CPKC is focused on growth alongside its customers, offering a range of freight transportation services, logistics solutions, and supply chain expertise [3]