Canadian National Railway Company (CNI) is forging ahead with a $50 million investment in Louisiana, as part of its 2025 capital investment program, signaling strong confidence in the region’s economic potential and the future of freight rail.
The investment is aimed at aiding track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives to boost rail operations in the region, including upgrade projects to improve operations at CNI’s Geismar railyard and projects to build capacity in the New Orleans area. These investments are likely to guarantee the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth across CNI’s network in Louisiana.
Tracy Robinson, president and chief executive officer at CNI, stated, “I applaud CN for their investment in the State of Louisiana. The implementation of strategic infrastructure initiatives, projects to increase operational capacity, and planned system wide upgrades will continue to show CN’s commitment to safely move freight through the cities and parishes of Louisiana. This investment also shows CN’s commitment and partnership toward ensuring our vision of economic growth and prosperity is realized for citizens of Louisiana.”
Last year, CNI spent almost $52 million in Louisiana to support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives. The bulk of the investment supports the ongoing maintenance of infrastructure, including rail and tie replacements, grade crossing work, and structural maintenance.
Similar Strategic Investments by CNI
In backing its ambitious expansion, CNI shows no signs of slowing down. It’s doubling down on its core strengths — efficiency, innovation and infrastructure — while paving the way for long-term returns. Previously, CNI has made multiple similar investments for rail operations’ expansion in June, which include investments of $38 million in Iowa, $85 million in Michigan, $60 million in Minnesota, $36 million in Tennessee, $20 million in Indiana, $75 million in Mississippi, $170 million in Illinois and $80 million CAD in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Last month, investments in rail operations’ expansion included $290 million CAD in Saskatchewan, $475 million CAD in Quebec, $165 million CAD in Manitoba, $165 million CAD in Manitoba, $510 million CAD in Alberta, and $600 million CAD in Ontario.
We believe such robust initiatives strengthen investors’ confidence and support the long-term performance of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock.
Stocks to Consider
Investors interested in the Transportation sector may also consider Copa Holdings CPA and SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW).
CPA currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
CPA has an expected earnings growth rate of 14.3% for the current year. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 5.5%. Shares of CPA have risen 24.2% year to date.
SkyWest, founded in 1972, is based in St. George and operates regional jets for major U.S. airlines. SKYW is the holding company for SkyWest Airlines, SkyWest Charter and SkyWest Leasing, an aircraft leasing company. SKYW currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy).
SKYW has an impressive earnings surprise track record, having surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. The average beat was 17.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current and next-year earnings has been revised upward over the past 60 days.
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Canadian National Railway Company (CNI): Free Stock Analysis Report Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA): Free Stock Analysis Report SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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