Research firm Zacks Research has revised its earnings estimates for Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR) for the third quarter of 2026, predicting earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.95. This forecast, released on October 24, 2023, reflects a decrease from the prior estimate of C$2.00. The consensus for the company’s full-year earnings currently stands at C$8.26 per share.
In addition to the Q3 estimates, Zacks has projected Canadian National Railway’s Q4 2026 earnings at C$2.16 EPS, with full-year 2026 earnings expected to be C$8.06 EPS. Looking further ahead, the company’s Q1 2027 earnings are anticipated to be C$2.28 EPS, with Q2 and Q3 2027 earnings estimated at C$2.31 and C$2.16 EPS, respectively. For the fiscal year 2027, Zacks expects earnings to reach C$9.07 EPS.
Several other analysts have also evaluated Canadian National Railway recently. Scotiabank reduced its target price from C$153.00 to C$150.00, maintaining an “outperform” rating. In a separate note, Evercore ISI adjusted its stance from “strong-buy” to “hold.” Furthermore, Barclays lowered its target price from C$145.00 to C$135.00, while BMO Capital Markets revised its target from C$168.00 to C$163.00, keeping an “outperform” rating intact. On September 30, Sanford C. Bernstein slightly reduced its target price from C$149.00 to C$148.00.
Among investment analysts, the ratings for Canadian National Railway are varied: one analyst has assigned a “Strong Buy” rating, seven have issued a “Buy” rating, eight have given it a “Hold” rating, and one has recommended a “Sell.” According to MarketBeat, the overall consensus rating is “Hold,” with a consensus target price of C$151.36.
Market Performance and Dividend Announcement
Canadian National Railway’s stock opened at C$131.99 on Monday, representing a decline of 0.5% from previous trading sessions. The company holds a market capitalization of C$82.39 billion, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.21 and a beta of 0.92. Its current ratio is 0.64, and the quick ratio stands at 0.58, while the debt-to-equity ratio is notably high at 107.59. The stock has shown a 52-week low of C$126.11 and a high of C$158.17.
Additionally, Canadian National Railway announced a quarterly dividend of $0.8875, paid on September 29, 2023. Shareholders on record as of that date received the dividend, which reflects an annualized amount of $3.55 and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The company’s payout ratio is currently reported at 47.79%.
About Canadian National Railway
Canadian National Railway operates a vast network that spans Canada from coast to coast and extends through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, the company transported nearly 6 million carloads across its 19,600 miles of track. Canadian National Railway generated approximately C$14 billion in total revenue, with significant contributions from various sectors, including intermodal containers (25% of revenue), petroleum and chemicals (21%), grain and fertilizers (16%), and forest products (12%).
As the railway continues to navigate market fluctuations and analyst forecasts, stakeholders remain attentive to upcoming earnings reports and strategic developments within the company.
