CNI Achieves Robust Grain Performance Record in September

Canadian National Railway CNI set a new record for grain movement in September, transporting more than 2.91 million metric tons of grain from Western Canada, 80,000 tons above its previous record for the month.

The achievement reflects CNI’s strong execution capabilities and its ongoing commitment to keeping Canadian grain flowing efficiently to global markets during the critical harvest season. The company’s ability to exceed past performance despite supply chain complexities underscores its focus on service reliability, asset utilization and collaboration with customers. This record movement demonstrates CNI’s operational readiness and its role in supporting Canada’s agricultural economy, a key driver of export growth.

In addition, CNI recently released its 2025-2026 Winter Plan, which details how the company is preparing its network for the upcoming cold-weather months. The plan includes proactive steps such as enhanced locomotive reliability programs, strategic resource allocation and targeted investments in infrastructure to minimize weather-related disruptions. By combining record-setting grain transportation with forward-looking winter preparedness, CNI reinforces its commitment to providing safe, efficient and dependable service throughout the year.

Canadian National has been well served by its Grain & Fertilizers segment. We expect segmental revenues to increase by 8.5% in the current year from 2024 levels. Carloads are expected to increase by 5.5%.

Share Price Performance

The share price of CNI has risen 2.2% in the quarter-to-date period, outperforming the 0.4% rise of the Transportation - Rail industry.

Zacks Rank

CNI currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).                                                                                             

Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Global Ship Lease DAL and Wabtec WAB.

GSL currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

GSL has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 13.16%.

WAB currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.

Wabtec has an expected earnings growth rate of 17.59% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, and missed in the remaining, delivering an average beat of 5.41%.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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