Canadian National Railway maintains earnings-growth forecast as shocks subside

Canadian National Railway Co. is sticking to its outlook for double-digit profit growth over the next few years, shrugging off a 2023 marred by labor strife, low grain shipments and a sluggish economy.

The rail operator expects earnings per share to grow around 10% in 2024 on an adjusted basis, hovering at the lower end of its 10% to 15% longer-term target. CN Rail said it expects to boost freight volumes and raise prices more than the industry average, “all of which assumes a supportive economy,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The company posted earnings of C$2.02 per share for the fourth quarter, slightly beating analysts’ expectations for C$1.99. 

“We came into the fourth quarter a little battle-hardened after a couple of difficult quarters last year where we managed through a freight recession and a number of external shocks,” Chief Executive Officer Tracy Robinson told analysts. “And in Q4, we had the gift of some kinder weather, and our operations team took full advantage.”

The quarter marked an improvement from earlier periods, when Montreal-based Canadian National cited falling consumer-goods demand and strikes at west coast ports as factors behind its disappointing numbers. 

For the full year, the railway’s revenue and adjusted earnings per share fell about 2% from 2022.

“Collectively, results were modestly better, and the guide is basically in line with consensus,” Citigroup Inc. analyst Christian Wetherbee in a note after the results. “Given generally cautious sentiment, we’d expect a modestly positive share price reaction.”

CN Rail raised its quarterly dividend by 7% — its 28th straight year of increasing its payout to shareholders.

Leading up to the results, analysts including Desjardins Securities’ Benoit Poirier said the Red Sea conflict and Panama Canal drought had the potential to bring more goods to North American ports as ships look for alternate routes. While it’s uncertain how long the disruptions will last, Poirier is forecasting that intermodal volumes for Canadian National will grow 5% in 2024.