Summary of Canadian National Railway Company Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) - **Event**: Conference Call on November 18, 2025 - **Key Speaker**: Tracy Robinson, President and CEO Key Points Industry Context - The railway industry is currently experiencing a freight recession that began in early 2022, impacting overall volume growth and economic conditions [16][20][21] - The company is navigating an uncertain economic environment with challenges such as tariffs and trade flow disruptions [9][11] Financial Performance - CN Rail reported a 6% growth in earnings per share (EPS) and improved its operating ratio by 170 basis points to 61.4%, despite flat volumes [10] - The capital program for 2026 is set at CAD 2.8 billion, which is CAD 600 million less than the previous year [11] - The company is focused on increasing free cash flow and shareholder returns, having retired 8 million shares in Q3 [12] Operational Efficiency - The operational network is performing at its best levels in a decade, with a focus on customer service and productivity [9][10] - Significant improvements in operating ratio were noted across the quarters: Q1 (20 bps), Q2 (50 bps), and Q3 (770 bps) [24] - The company is leveraging its latent capacity and resources to prepare for future volume increases [25] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a year of softer volumes in 2026, with strengths in certain sectors like energy and agriculture, but weaknesses in forest products and steel due to macroeconomic factors [12][18] - CN Rail is uniquely positioned to benefit from diversification in trade, particularly through its port access across Canada [17][22] Strategic Initiatives - The company is intensifying its marketing strategy under Chief Commercial Officer Janet, focusing on customer engagement and innovative pricing strategies [35][36] - CN Rail is actively involved in nation-building projects, particularly in the energy sector, which are expected to drive future growth [48][49] Capacity and Infrastructure - The company has debottlenecked key lines, increasing capacity and operational speed, particularly on the Edson Sub, which is crucial for east-west traffic [40][41] - Future capacity planning includes shovel-ready projects to address potential bottlenecks as demand increases [42] Trade Relations and Risks - The U.S.-Canada trade relationship is seen as critical for future growth, with concerns about structural differences in forest products and tariffs [53][54] - The company is prepared to engage in potential U.S. rail consolidation discussions, emphasizing its strong position with 85% of its volumes originating from its own network [56][57] Technology and Innovation - CN Rail is exploring AI and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and predictive capabilities [64][65] - The company is investing in automation within rail yards and is focused on creating a digital culture among its workforce [66] Conclusion - Despite the challenging environment, CN Rail is committed to driving shareholder value and operational excellence, positioning itself for future growth as economic conditions improve [72]