Friday, January 23, 2009

CNR earnings & dividend raise

Canadian National Railway (CNR) reported their latest quarterly results this past week and hiked their dividend by 10%. Any dividend hike, especially in these 'tough economic times' usually gets my attention. Let's have a look at the quarter for the economically sensitive railway.

Positive
  • Hiked dividend by 10%
  • Earnings on a comparable basis were up about 24%
  • Revenues were up 13%
  • Results beat analyst expectations
  • Falling $CAD caused US earnings to inflate
  • Lagging fuel surcharges helped, given lower fuel costs

Negative

  • Volume was down 9.8%
  • Much of the earnings gain was attributed to the falling $CAD and the lagging fuel surcharges

I own competitor CP Rail (CP) within my non-registered account.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have sold puts on both CNR and CP. Love both of them, great solid choices in this economy.

Nurseb911 said...

The Dividend Express rarely disappoints. I own both CNR & CP and it's surprising to examine the two companies and note their relative strengths. Even though CP has less exposure to the US CNR continues to outperform them. I think this is one of the best management groups of any CDN public company.
And here I wanted to add to my position under $40 (too slow!)

Dividends4Life said...

CNI (US ADR) has been one of my shinning stars. I agree with NurseB911, CNI is a very well-managed company.

Best Wishes,
D4L

Canadian Small Cap said...

I heard that the employment contract of Hunter Harrison (CEO) ends in December 2009. Has the company said anything about his future? Is he staying as CEO?

I agree this is a great company and the current economic downturn can provide good entry points.

Anonymous said...

Better companies, always beat better values. I learned my lesson not to focus solely on value metrics etc., as those that want to manage well and look to grow do better

MG (moneygardener) said...

The differences between CP and CNR should not matter much in the long term. What I like about CP is their tie ins with commodities and energy related goods. This is a long term developing market play as well as wide moat firm.

In the short term lagging fuel surcharges should help all transportaiton firms including UPS, FedEx, and US railroads.

Canadian Small Cap said...
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