The freight market is entering 2026 with cautious optimism replacing the extreme volatility of recent years. As market dynamics evolve, shippers and carriers are approaching the year with notably different strategies, according to new survey data from Echo Global Logistics. Echo surveyed 1,024 shippers and 832 carriers between October and November 2025, capturing expectations that diverge on pricing even as both groups anticipate volume growth. Carriers are positioning for a more favorable pricing envi ...

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, leading to a 2.8% stock price increase since the earnings release on January 30 [2][8]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share were $1.49 (C$2.03), surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2% and reflecting a 14.6% year-over-year increase [3]. - Revenues reached $3.20 billion (C$4.46 billion), exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% and rising 2.8% year over year [3]. - Revenue ton-miles (RTMs) increased by 4% year over year, while carloads rose by 2.9% [3][8]. - Operating expenses remained flat at $2.73 billion year over year, attributed to effective cost-cutting measures [4]. - Operating income grew by 6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, with the operating ratio improving by 140 basis points to 61.2% [4][8]. Segment Performance - Freight revenues, which accounted for 97% of total revenues, increased by 3% year over year [5]. - Specific freight revenue growth included petroleum and chemicals (4%), grain and fertilizers (6%), intermodal (10%), and automotive (4%), while metals and minerals, forest products, and coal saw declines of 4%, 8%, and 1%, respectively [5][6]. Liquidity and Capital Management - CNI ended Q4 2025 with cash and cash equivalents of C$350 million, down from C$389 million at the end of Q4 2024 [7]. - Long-term debt increased to C$20.3 billion from C$19.7 billion year over year [7]. - CNI generated C$2.23 billion from operating activities, with free cash flow reported at C$995 million [7]. Dividend and Share Buyback - The board approved a 3% increase in the 2026 dividend, raising it to C$0.9150 per share, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend increases [8]. - A new normal course issuer bid was approved, allowing the purchase of up to 24 million common shares for cancellation between February 4, 2026, and February 3, 2027 [9]. Outlook - For full-year 2026, CNI expects adjusted earnings per share growth to slightly exceed volume growth, with planned capital investments of approximately C$2.8 billion [10]. - Volume growth in terms of RTMs is anticipated to remain flat [10].

“The Union Pacific team delivered our best ever full year across safety, service and operating excellence,” Chief Executive Jim Vena said on the railroad’s earnings call on Tuesday morning. “As we close out the year, it’s clear the team is consistently delivering at the highest levels, and I’m confident that’s what we’ll continue to do.” For the year, the Omaha-based company (NYSE: UNP) said operating income rose 1%, to $9.8 billion, as revenue rose 1%, to $24.5 billion. Overall volume also was up 1%. Ea ...

Core Insights - Union Pacific reported $6.09 billion in revenue for Q4 2025, a year-over-year decline of 0.6% and below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.14 billion, resulting in a surprise of -0.82% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $2.86, down from $2.91 a year ago, with an EPS surprise of -1.47% compared to the consensus estimate of $2.90 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Operating Ratio was reported at 60.5%, higher than the average estimate of 58.8% from four analysts [4] - Revenue Ton-Miles reached 106.52 billion, exceeding the three-analyst average estimate of 105.12 billion [4] - Total Revenue Carloads were 2.07 million, slightly below the average estimate of 2.1 million from three analysts [4] - Revenue Ton-Miles for Industrial Products was 31.1 billion, compared to the average estimate of 31.99 billion [4] - Freight Revenues from Bulk were $1.92 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $1.93 billion, but showed a year-over-year increase of 3% [4] - Other Operating Revenues were $326 million, exceeding the average estimate of $319.31 million, but reflecting a year-over-year decline of 1.8% [4] - Freight Revenues from Industrial Products were $2.12 billion, below the average estimate of $2.18 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 1.2% [4] - Freight Revenues from Premium services were $1.72 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $1.71 billion, but down 6% year-over-year [4] - Total Freight Revenues were $5.76 billion, below the average estimate of $5.82 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 0.5% [4] - Freight Revenues from Forest Products were $302 million, below the average estimate of $334.54 million, showing a year-over-year decline of 6.8% [4] - Freight Revenues from Energy & Specialized Markets were $659 million, below the average estimate of $705.38 million, with a year-over-year decline of 3% [4] - Freight Revenues from Intermodal services were $1.14 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $1.12 billion, but down 8.7% year-over-year [4] Stock Performance - Union Pacific shares have returned -1.6% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 0.4% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Transportation sector is facing challenges due to increased expenses, inflation-driven high interest rates, a decline in freight demand, and supply-chain issues [2][3] - Geopolitical uncertainties and tariff-related economic tensions are negatively impacting consumer sentiment and growth expectations [2] Oil Prices Impact - A decrease in oil prices, which fell by 7% in the October-December 2025 period, is expected to positively affect the bottom-line growth of transportation companies, as fuel costs are a significant input [4] Company Earnings Expectations Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UNP's Q4 2025 earnings is $2.89 per share, reflecting a 0.7% decline year-over-year, with revenues estimated at $6.14 billion, indicating 0.3% growth [7] - Cost-cutting measures are anticipated to support bottom-line performance, although geopolitical uncertainties and inflation may negatively impact results [8] - Current predictions do not indicate an earnings beat for UNP, with an Earnings ESP of -1.25% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [9] United Parcel Service (UPS) - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UPS's Q4 earnings is $2.23 per share, showing a year-over-year decline of 19.27%, with revenues expected at $24.01 billion, down 5.1% [10] - Cost controls and network efficiency are expected to help UPS mitigate lower volumes, with total operating revenues forecasted to decline by 5.4% year-over-year [12] - The model predicts an earnings beat for UPS, with an Earnings ESP of +0.74% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [13] American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AAL's Q4 revenues is $14.07 billion, indicating a 3.02% year-over-year growth, while earnings are expected to be 38 cents per share, down 55.81% from the previous year [14][15] - AAL's performance is expected to benefit from increased domestic air-travel demand, although rising labor and airport costs, along with geopolitical uncertainties, may weigh on operations [15] - Current predictions do not indicate an earnings beat for AAL, with an Earnings ESP of -1.21% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [16] JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JBLU's Q4 loss per share has widened to 45 cents, indicating a significant increase in losses compared to the previous year, with revenues expected at $2.22 billion, reflecting 2.6% growth [17] - JBLU's efforts to expand connectivity in response to demand are likely to support performance, while lower oil prices may also benefit the airline [18] - Current predictions do not indicate an earnings beat for JBLU, with an Earnings ESP of -5.89% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [19]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast that Union Pacific (UNP) will report quarterly earnings of $2.90 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 0.3%, with revenues expected to reach $6.14 billion, an increase of 0.2% compared to the previous year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 1.2% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [2]. - Revisions to earnings estimates are significant indicators for predicting investor actions regarding the stock, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price performance [3]. Revenue Estimates - Analysts predict 'Freight Revenues- Bulk' will reach $1.93 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of +3.3% [4]. - 'Operating Revenues- Other revenues' are expected to be $319.31 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -3.8% [5]. - 'Freight Revenues- Industrial Products' are estimated at $2.18 billion, suggesting a change of +4.4% year over year, while 'Freight Revenues- Premium' is projected at $1.71 billion, indicating a decline of -6.5% [5]. Operational Metrics - The 'Operating Ratio' is expected to be 58.8%, slightly up from 58.7% reported in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Revenue Ton-Miles' is projected at 105.12 billion, compared to 104.42 billion in the same quarter last year [6]. - 'Revenue Carloads - Total' is expected to reach 2.10 million, down from 2.16 million a year ago [7]. Additional Metrics - 'Gross Ton-Miles (GTMs)' is anticipated to be 221.48 billion, compared to 218.56 billion in the same quarter last year [8]. - 'Locomotive Fuel Statistics - Fuel consumed in gallons' is projected at 231 million gallons, down from 236 million gallons a year ago [8]. - The consensus estimate for 'Revenue Ton-Miles - Bulk' stands at 49.09 billion, compared to 47.94 billion reported in the same quarter last year [9]. Stock Performance - Union Pacific shares have decreased by -2.4% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of +0.7% [9].

Core Insights - XPO has renewed its partnership as the official transportation partner for the Susan G. Komen® 3-Day fundraising walks until March 2029, demonstrating its long-term commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts [1][2]. Company Overview - XPO, Inc. is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation in North America, moving 17 billion pounds of freight annually and serving 55,000 customers through 605 locations [4]. - The company employs 38,000 individuals across North America and Europe and is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut [4]. Partnership Impact - The partnership with Susan G. Komen enhances the logistics and participant experience of the 3-Day events, which are crucial for raising awareness and funds for breast cancer [3]. - XPO provides complimentary transportation, storage, and logistical expertise to ensure that event materials reach every city along the 3-Day route, while also encouraging employee participation in fundraising activities [2][3].

Group 1 - The core issue involves an investigation into Uber's Board of Directors for potential breaches of fiduciary duties, particularly regarding oversight related to rider safety and driver's background checks [1][2]. - The law firm Berger Montague PC is advising Uber shareholders about this investigation and has provided contact information for further inquiries [2]. - Uber is described as a multinational transportation company that offers ride-hailing, courier services, food delivery, and freight transportation through its digital platform [2]. Group 2 - Berger Montague is a prominent law firm specializing in complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts, with a history of recovering over $50 billion for clients [3]. - The firm has achieved more than $2.4 billion in post-trial judgments in 2025 alone, indicating its significant role in complex litigation [3].

Core Viewpoint - An investigation is underway regarding Uber's Board of Directors for potential breaches of fiduciary duties related to oversight of rider safety and driver's background checks [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation is being conducted by Berger Montague PC, a national plaintiffs' law firm [1] - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Berger Montague for more information regarding the investigation [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Uber Technologies, Inc. is a multinational transportation company based in San Francisco, offering ride-hailing, courier services, food delivery, and freight transportation through its digital platform [2] - Berger Montague has a strong track record in complex civil litigation, having recovered over $50 billion for clients over 55 years [2]

Core Viewpoint - Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) is recognized for its strong operational performance and diversified freight mix, which supports stable revenue and growth potential in the long term [2][4]. Group 1: Operational Performance - CIBC analyst Kevin Chiang upgraded Canadian National's rating to Outperform from Neutral and raised the price target to C$151 from C$146, citing improved operational performance with rising volumes and car velocity [2]. - The company is expected to see strengthened free cash flow in 2026, with earnings per share projected to rise as capital spending eases [2]. Group 2: Profit Growth and Diversification - Canadian National has been expanding profits through strategic acquisitions and effective drilling programs, being a significant player in both oil and natural gas production [3]. - The diversified freight mix allows the company to maintain stable revenue across various economic conditions, generating reliable free cash flow that supports dividend increases and long-term reinvestment [4]. Group 3: Growth Potential - The company is positioned to benefit from ongoing infrastructure, manufacturing, and trade network expansions in Canada and the US, providing a long growth runway [4].