Company Overview - Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) is Warren Buffett's well-known investment holding company, with shares up by 1.4% over the past year but down by 4.20% year-to-date [2]. Key Developments - In January 2026, AM Best announced that Berkshire Hathaway is now the world's biggest insurance company, surpassing Allianz SE [2]. - The company is considering selling its significant stake in Kraft Heinz, following a downgrade by Morgan Stanley, which cut the share price target from $27 to $24 due to competitive pressures [2]. Potential Mergers - A notable prediction involves a potential merger of Berkshire Hathaway's railroad business with CSX, as discussed by Jim Cramer. This speculation is based on the leadership changes at CSX and the strategic fit with Berkshire's Burlington Northern [3].

Core Insights - CSX Corporation (NASDAQ:CSX) is one of the largest railroad companies in America, with shares increasing by 13.8% over the past year and 3.5% year-to-date [2] - The company reported $3.50 billion in revenue and $0.39 in profit per share, both of which missed analyst estimates of $3.54 billion and $0.41 respectively [2] - Susquehanna raised CSX's share price target to $39 from $38 while maintaining a Neutral rating, whereas Bernstein lowered its target to $36 from $37 with a Market Perform rating [2] - There is speculation about a potential merger between CSX and Berkshire Hathaway's Burlington Northern, as discussed by Jim Cramer [3] Financial Performance - CSX Corporation reported revenue of $3.50 billion and earnings per share of $0.39, which were below analyst expectations [2] - The earnings miss was noted to be narrower when excluding one-time charges [2] Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed optimism about CSX's leadership under Steve Angel, suggesting that his industrial background could lead to significant developments, including a potential merger with Burlington Northern [3] - Despite the potential of CSX, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer better returns with limited downside risk [3]

CFO Ghislain Houle said reported diluted EPS grew 12% year-over-year in Q4, while adjusted EPS rose 14%. He attributed the adjusted results to two notable items: a CAD 34 million pre-tax charge related to a workforce reduction program discussed on the prior quarter’s call and CAD 15 million in advisory fees tied to industry consolidation matters.Robinson also emphasized efficiency gains, with the fourth-quarter operating ratio at 60.1%—the company’s best quarterly operating ratio of the year and an improvem ...

US tariffs on commodities and the resulting uncertainty led to more than C$550 million ($406 million) in forgone revenues last year at Canada’s two largest railroad operators https://t.co/BYquE0q28w ...

For the quarter ended December 2025, Canadian National (CNI) reported revenue of $3.2 billion, up 2.8% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.49, compared to $1.30 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.19 billion, representing a surprise of +0.49%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +4.56%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $1.43.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Str ...

Core Viewpoint - TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl has lowered the price target for Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) to C$112 from C$116 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares, indicating a more reasonable valuation following the KCS merger [1] Group 1: Price Target and Rating - The price target for Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) has been reduced to C$112 from C$116 [1] - The firm continues to hold a Buy rating on the shares [1] Group 2: Merger Impact and Valuation - The KCS merger has allowed Canadian Pacific Kansas City to achieve higher EPS growth compared to its peers [1] - The current valuation of the company is considered more reasonable post-merger [1] Group 3: Market Focus and Estimates - Investor fund-flows are currently concentrated on U.S. rail mergers and acquisitions [1] - Estimate revisions for Canadian Pacific Kansas City remain slightly negative [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved a 14% growth in EPS and a 7% growth for the full year, aligning with mid to high single-digit guidance [9] - The operating ratio improved to 60.1% in Q4, a 250 basis point improvement year-over-year, and 61.7% for the full year, improving 120 basis points compared to 2024 [9][33] - Cash flow generated was $3.3 billion, up 8% driven by cash from operations, with capital spending remaining disciplined [9][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a 5% year-over-year increase in workload, supported by record-setting grain tonnage from Western Canada [18] - Intermodal revenues increased by 13% internationally and 6% domestically, with strong performance at Vancouver and Prince Rupert [25] - Petroleum and Chemicals segment experienced growth across all areas, particularly a 9% increase in natural gas liquids volumes [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced continued softness in key markets like forest products and metals, impacted by weak fundamentals and tariffs [25][30] - Tariffs and trade uncertainty negatively impacted full year 2025 revenues by over $350 million [27] - The outlook for 2026 suggests volumes will be flattish compared to 2025, with expectations of continued pressure in forest products and metals [12][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution, prioritizing levers it can control, and maintaining strong cash flow while returning excess capital to shareholders [11][13] - The management emphasized the importance of operational efficiency and cost control, with a commitment to improving margins as volumes return [14][22] - The company is positioned to leverage its access to North American markets and natural resources, aiming to support customers as trade flows evolve [16][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged high uncertainty in the economic environment, with muted growth expectations and challenges related to tariffs [12][30] - The company plans to continue focusing on productivity and cost control, with a base case expectation of flat volumes for 2026 [12][39] - Management expressed confidence in the underlying earnings power of the business, despite current headwinds, and highlighted the potential for growth in natural resources and trade diversification [52][77] Other Important Information - The board approved a 3% increase in dividends, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend growth [37] - A new share buyback program was authorized, allowing the repurchase of up to 24 million common shares [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on incremental revenue target - The company closed with $100 million in incremental revenue for Q4, with a pipeline of another $100 million developing in January [45] Question: Clarification on depreciation and earnings growth - Depreciation variance was due to a favorable study and corrections from past acquisitions; the company is experiencing unique headwinds affecting earnings growth [49][50] Question: Outlook on mix and differentiated growth opportunities - The mix impact for 2026 is expected to be similar to 2025, with opportunities in northern markets and natural resources, particularly in agriculture and energy [56][58] Question: Guidance on volume and earnings shape for 2026 - The first half of 2026 is expected to be softer, with improvement anticipated in the second half, influenced by share buybacks [62] Question: Clarification on free cash flow conversion - The company expects improved free cash flow conversion in 2026, despite a sizable cash tax payment impacting the effective tax rate [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved a 14% growth in EPS and a 7% growth for the full year, aligning with mid to high single-digit guidance [9] - The operating ratio improved to 60.1% in Q4, a 250 basis point improvement year-over-year, and 61.7% for the full year, improving 120 basis points compared to 2024 [9][33] - Cash flow generated was CAD 3.3 billion, up 8% driven by cash from operations, with capital spending remaining disciplined [9][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 4% increase in revenue ton miles (RTMs) and a 3% increase in carloads in Q4, contributing to a 2% revenue growth despite challenging market conditions [24][26] - Intermodal revenues increased by 13% internationally and 6% domestically, with strong performance noted at Vancouver and Prince Rupert [25][26] - Grain shipments set an all-time annual record in 2025, with monthly records achieved in October, November, and December [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced continued softness in key markets such as forest products and metals, impacted by weak fundamentals and tariffs [25][27] - Petroleum and Chemicals saw growth across all segments, particularly a 9% increase in natural gas liquids volumes driven by strong domestic demand [26] - The overall revenue was negatively impacted by over CAD 350 million due to tariffs, trade uncertainty, and volatility [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasized disciplined execution and productivity improvement as key strategies moving forward, with a focus on areas within their control [8][11] - The management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong cash flow and returning excess capital to shareholders while navigating a challenging macro environment [8][12] - Future guidance will be more directional, tied closely to volume trends, with expectations of flat volumes compared to 2025 [12][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged high uncertainty and limited visibility in the economic environment, with muted growth expectations and ongoing tariff pressures [11][12] - The company plans to leverage its strong operating leverage and cash generation capabilities to drive earnings and margins as volumes improve [13][41] - The management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate through challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the North American markets [15][16] Other Important Information - The board approved a 3% increase in dividends, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend growth, reflecting confidence in cash generation [38] - A new share buyback program was authorized, allowing the repurchase of up to 24 million common shares [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on incremental revenue target - The company closed with CAD 100 million in incremental revenue for Q4, with an additional CAD 100 million in the pipeline for January [44][45] Question: Clarification on depreciation and earnings growth - Depreciation variance was due to a favorable study and corrections from over-depreciation in past acquisitions [49] - Management indicated that current headwinds are unique and not indicative of a decoupling of earnings from volume [50][52] Question: Outlook on mix and differentiated growth opportunities - The mix impact for 2026 is expected to be similar to 2025, with opportunities in northern markets and natural resources highlighted [56][58] Question: Guidance on volume and earnings shape for 2026 - The first half of 2026 is expected to be softer, with improvement anticipated in the second half [62][63] Question: Volume outlook and performance at Prince Rupert - Strong performance is expected in agriculture and energy sectors, with ongoing investments in infrastructure at Prince Rupert [66][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved a 14% growth in EPS and a 7% growth for the full year, aligning with mid to high single-digit guidance [7] - The operating ratio improved to 60.1% in Q4, a 250 basis point improvement year-over-year, and 61.7% for the full year, improving 120 basis points compared to 2024 [7][32] - Free cash flow reached $3.3 billion, up 8% driven by cash from operations, with disciplined capital spending [7][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a 5% year-over-year increase in workload, supported by strong grain demand, achieving record-setting grain tonnage for four consecutive months [17] - Intermodal revenues increased by 13% internationally and 6% domestically, benefiting from a favorable comparison against last year's port labor disruption [25] - Petroleum and Chemicals segments experienced growth, particularly a 9% increase in natural gas liquids volumes driven by strong domestic demand [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company faced challenges in the forest products and metals markets due to weak fundamentals and tariffs, impacting overall revenue by over $350 million in 2025 [26] - The outlook for 2026 indicates flat volumes compared to 2025, with expectations of continued pressure in forest products and metals [30][37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution, prioritizing areas it can control, and maintaining strong cash flow while returning excess capital to shareholders [6][12] - The management emphasized the importance of operational efficiency and cost control, with plans to leverage productivity gains as volumes improve [12][20] - The company is positioned to benefit from its access to North American markets and a strong natural resource base, with a focus on diversifying trade [15][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged significant macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty, particularly regarding tariffs and trade flows, which could impact future performance [10][11] - The company expects a challenging environment in 2026, with a focus on maintaining pricing discipline and productivity despite headwinds [37] - Management expressed confidence in the underlying earnings power of the business and the potential for growth as market conditions normalize [75] Other Important Information - The board approved a 3% increase in dividends, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend growth, reflecting confidence in cash generation [36] - A new share buyback program was authorized, allowing the repurchase of up to 24 million common shares [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on incremental revenue target - The company closed Q4 with $100 million in incremental revenue, with an additional $100 million in the pipeline for January [44] Question: Clarification on depreciation - The variance in depreciation is due to a favorable study and corrections from over-depreciation in past acquisitions [49] Question: Long-term earnings power and CapEx - The company is focused on structural cost reduction and has invested in network capacity, positioning itself for future growth despite current headwinds [73][75] Question: Volume outlook for 2026 - The company expects strength in agriculture and energy sectors, while forest products and metals may face challenges [66]

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial and Operating Results January 30th, 2026 Q4 Introduction CN reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). CN may also use non-GAAP measures in this presentation that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Forward-looking statements Certain statements included in this presentation constit ...