• Live Feeds
    • Press Releases
    • Insider Trading
    • FDA Approvals
    • Analyst Ratings
    • Insider Trading
    • SEC filings
    • Market insights
  • Analyst Ratings
  • Alerts
  • Subscriptions
  • Settings
  • RSS Feeds
Quantisnow Logo
  • Live Feeds
    • Press Releases
    • Insider Trading
    • FDA Approvals
    • Analyst Ratings
    • Insider Trading
    • SEC filings
    • Market insights
  • Analyst Ratings
  • Alerts
  • Subscriptions
  • Settings
  • RSS Feeds
PublishGo to App
    Quantisnow Logo

    © 2026 quantisnow.com
    Democratizing insights since 2022

    Services
    Live news feedsRSS FeedsAlertsPublish with Us
    Company
    AboutQuantisnow PlusContactJobsAI superconnector for talent & startupsNEWLLM Arena
    Legal
    Terms of usePrivacy policyCookie policy

    CN Reports Strong First Quarter Operational and Commercial Performance

    4/29/26 7:30:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials
    Get the next $CNI alert in real time by email
    • Record revenue ton miles (RTMs) for a first quarter, increasing 3% year over year
    • Free cash flow for the first quarter was C$900 million, an increase of 44%, consisting of net cash provided by operating activities of C$1,265 million and net cash used in investing activities of C$365 million (1)
    • Best first quarter employee productivity in the last five years
    • Record fuel efficiency performance in a first quarter
    • First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 1%, or a decrease of 3% on an adjusted basis and a decrease of 1% on an adjusted basis at constant currency (1)
    • Repurchased approximately 6 million shares in the first quarter for C$869 million

    MONTREAL, April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

    "I want to thank the entire CN team for delivering on our plan, despite ongoing uncertainty in the macro environment. Our strong commercial and operating performance allow us to fully leverage the strength of our network, enabling us to capture incremental volume. We remain firmly focused on safety, tight execution, cost control and capital discipline."

                     - Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN

    First-Quarter 2026 Results Highlights

    In the first quarter, CN saw improvements across operating metrics, with strong commercial and service performance. Gross ton miles (GTMs) increased by 3% to 118,389 (millions), while revenue ton miles (RTMs) increased by 3% to 61,834 (millions) setting a new first quarter record. The Company delivered diluted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.87, an increase of 1%, and adjusted diluted EPS of C$1.80, a decrease of 3%, or C$1.83 on an adjusted basis at constant currency, a decrease of 1%. (1)

    ‌‌

    The quarter's operating performance reflects the Company's continued priority on improving network execution and reliability as well as its ability to capture demand in markets that remain resilient amid an uncertain macro-economic environment. Financial performance in the quarter was negatively impacted by higher year-over-year costs related to winter conditions, incidents and a higher effective tax rate.

    Quarterly Financial Results Highlights

    First-quarter 2026 compared to first-quarter 2025

    • Revenues of C$4,379 million, a decrease of C$24 million, or 1%.
    • Operating income of C$1,549 million, a decrease of C$61 million, or 4%, and adjusted operating income of C$1,566 million, a decrease of C$44 million, or 3%. (1)
    • Operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, of 64.6%, an increase of 120 basis points, and adjusted operating ratio of 64.2%, an increase of 80 basis points. (1)
    • Net income of C$1,146 million, a decrease of C$15 million, or 1%, and adjusted net income of C$1,102 million, a decrease of C$59 million, or 5%. (1)
    • Diluted EPS of C$1.87, an increase of 1% and adjusted diluted EPS of C$1.80, a decrease of 3%, or C$1.83 on an adjusted basis at constant currency, a decrease of 1%. (1)
    • Free cash flow for the first quarter of 2026 was C$900 million, an increase of C$274 million, or 44%, consisting of net cash provided by operating activities of C$1,265 million and net cash used in investing activities of C$365 million. (1)
    • Adjusted EBITDA reported for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026 of C$8,679 million, an increase of 3%. (1)
    • Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA of 2.65 times as at and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026. (1)
    • The Company repurchased close to 6 million shares in the first quarter of 2026 for C$869 million.

    "Our focus is on strong execution. That means getting the fundamentals right every day and delivering consistently for our customers. The discipline the team is bringing to how we run the network and deploy our assets drove productivity gains and a new first quarter record for fuel efficiency. It's helping us build a more efficient operation that better supports our customers' needs."

                     - Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, CN

    Quarterly Operating Performance Highlights *

    First-quarter 2026 compared to first-quarter 2025

    • Gross ton miles (GTMs) increased 3% to 118,389 (millions).
    • Revenue ton miles (RTMs) increased 3% to 61,834 (millions), a new first quarter record.
    • Through dwell decreased by 4% to 7.5 (entire railroad, hours).
    • Car velocity increased by 6% to 201 (car miles per day).
    • Through network train speed increased by 6% to 18.7 (mph).
    • Record first quarter fuel efficiency of 0.892 (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 gross ton miles (GTMs)), was 3% more efficient.
    • Train length increased by 2% to 7,873 (feet).
    • GTMs per average number of employees increased 8% to 5,026 (thousands), the best employee productivity in the last five years.
    • Operating expenses per GTM decreased 2% to 2.39 (cents).

    * Statistical operating data and key operating measures are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

    Dividends

    CN's Board of Directors has approved a second-quarter 2026 dividend on the Company's common shares outstanding. A quarterly dividend of ninety-one and a half cents (C$0.9150) per common share will be paid on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 9, 2026.

    2026 financial guidance (1)(2)

    CN continues to assume that volume growth in terms of RTMs will be flattish. The Company continues to expect that adjusted diluted EPS growth will slightly exceed volume growth.

    In 2026, CN still plans to invest approximately C$2.8 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers. The Company also expects to continue improving its free cash flow conversion throughout 2026.

    CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

    CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's outlook in a conference call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on April 29. Tracy Robinson, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call. Parties wishing to participate via telephone may dial 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.), or 1-647-932-3411 (International), using 9281112 as the passcode. Participants are advised to dial in 10 minutes prior to the call.

    (1) Non-GAAP Measures

    CN reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). CN may also use non-GAAP measures in this news release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For further details of these non-GAAP measures, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to the attached supplementary schedule, Non-GAAP Measures.

    CN's outlook, guidance or targets (2) exclude certain adjustments, which are expected to be comparable to adjustments made in prior years. However, management cannot individually quantify on a forward-looking basis the impact of these adjustments, which could be significant, are difficult to predict and may be highly variable. As a result, CN does not provide a corresponding GAAP measure for, or reconciliation to, its outlook, guidance or targets.

    (2) Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws, including statements based on management's assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to CN. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets," "goals," or other similar words.

    2026 key assumptions

    CN has made a number of economic and market assumptions in preparing its 2026 outlook. The 2025/2026 grain crops in Canada and the U.S. were above their respective five-year averages. The Company continues to assume that the 2026/2027 grain crops in Canada and the U.S. will be in line with their respective five-year averages. CN continues to assume RTM growth will be flattish. CN now assumes that in 2026, the value of the Canadian dollar in U.S. currency will be $0.73 (compared to its January 30, 2026 assumption of $0.715), and now assumes that in 2026 the average price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) will be in the range of US$80 - US$110 per barrel (compared to its January 30, 2026 assumption in the range of US$60-US$70 per barrel). The Company notes there is a heightened demand risk as a result of volatile macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical conflicts and global trade tensions.

    Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of CN to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting global supply chains such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts or tensions; trade restrictions, trade barriers, or the imposition of tariffs or other changes to international trade arrangements; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators and other regulatory claims or proceedings; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats; reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including illegal blockades of rail networks, and natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings and other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; timing and completion of capital programs; the availability of and cost competitiveness of renewable fuels and the development of new locomotive propulsion technology; reputational risks; supplier concentration; pension funding requirements and volatility; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in CN's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators and available on CN's website, for a description of major risk factors relating to CN.

    The achievement of CN's climate goals is subject to several risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in the MD&A in CN's annual and interim reports. There can be no certainty that the Company will achieve any or all of these goals within the stated timeframe, or that achieving any of these goals will meet all of the expectations of its stakeholders or applicable legal requirements.

    Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this news release.

    This earnings news release, as well as additional information, including the Financial Statements, Notes thereto and MD&A, is contained in CN's Quarterly Review available on the Company's website at www.cn.ca/financial-results and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca as well as on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR.

    About CN

    CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

    Contacts: 
    MediaInvestment Community
    Ashley MichnowskiJamie Lockwood
    Senior ManagerVice-President, Investor Relations
    Media Relationsand Special Projects
    (438) 596-4329(514) 399-0052
    media@cn.cainvestor.relations@cn.ca



    SELECTED RAILROAD STATISTICS – UNAUDITED

     Three months ended March 31
     20262025
    Financial measures  
    Key financial performance indicators (1)  
    Total revenues ($ millions)4,3794,403
    Freight revenues ($ millions)4,2674,288
    Operating income ($ millions)1,5491,610
    Adjusted operating income ($ millions) (2)(3)1,5661,610
    Net income ($ millions) 1,1461,161
    Adjusted net income ($ millions) (2)(3)1,1021,161
    Diluted earnings per share ($) 1.871.85
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share ($) (2)(3)1.801.85
    Net cash provided by operating activities ($ millions)1,2651,164
    Net cash used in investing activities ($ millions)365538
    Free cash flow ($ millions) (2)(4)900626
    Gross property additions ($ millions)439519
    Share repurchases ($ millions)869101
    Dividends per share ($)0.91500.8875
    Financial ratio  
    Operating ratio (%) (5)64.663.4
    Adjusted operating ratio (%) (2)(3)64.263.4
    Operational measures (6)  
    Statistical operating data  
    Gross ton miles (GTMs) (millions)118,389114,843
    Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)61,83460,049
    Carloads (thousands)1,3361,313
    Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S., end of period)18,90018,900
    Employees (end of period)23,54124,911
    Employees (average for the period)23,55424,627
    Key operating measures  
    Freight revenue per RTM (cents)6.907.14
    Freight revenue per carload ($)3,1943,266
    GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)5,0264,663
    Operating expenses per GTM (cents)2.392.43
    Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)0.770.80
    Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions)105.6105.3
    Average fuel price ($ per US gallon)4.194.39
    Fuel efficiency (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs)0.8920.917
    Train weight (tons)9,2969,078
    Train length (feet)7,8737,708
    Car velocity (car miles per day)201189
    Through dwell (entire railroad, hours)7.57.8
    Through network train speed (miles per hour)18.717.7
    Locomotive utilization (trailing GTMs per total horsepower)197183
    Safety indicators (7)  
    Injury frequency rate (per 200,000 person hours)1.241.11
    Accident rate (per million train miles)2.272.04



    (1) Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted.
    (2) These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
    (3) See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
    (4) See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
    (5) Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
    (6) Statistical operating data, key operating measures and safety indicators are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available. Definitions of gross ton miles, revenue ton miles, freight revenue per RTM, fuel efficiency, train weight, train length, car velocity, through dwell and through network train speed are included within the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. Definitions of all other indicators are provided on CN's website, www.cn.ca/glossary.
    (7) Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
       
       

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION – UNAUDITED



     Three months ended March 31
     20262025% Change

    Fav (Unfav)
     % Change at

    constant

    currency (1)

    Fav (Unfav)
     
    Revenues ($ millions) (2)    
    Petroleum and chemicals9289151%4%
    Metals and minerals468523(11%)(7%)
    Forest products434494(12%)(9%)
    Coal219246(11%)(9%)
    Grain and fertilizers1,04995110%13%
    Intermodal9629402%4%
    Automotive207219(5%)(2%)
    Total freight revenues4,2674,288—%2%
    Other revenues112115(3%)—%
    Total revenues4,3794,403(1%)2%
    Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions) (3)    
    Petroleum and chemicals12,68411,8367%7%
    Metals and minerals6,0566,752(10%)(10%)
    Forest products4,9125,387(9%)(9%)
    Coal4,8275,446(11%)(11%)
    Grain and fertilizers19,52517,25013%13%
    Intermodal13,06312,5864%4%
    Automotive767792(3%)(3%)
    Total RTMs61,83460,0493%3%
    Freight revenue / RTM (cents) (2)(3)    
    Petroleum and chemicals7.327.73(5%)(3%)
    Metals and minerals7.737.75—%3%
    Forest products8.849.17(4%)—%
    Coal4.544.52—%2%
    Grain and fertilizers5.375.51(3%)—%
    Intermodal7.367.47(1%)—%
    Automotive26.9927.65(2%)1%
    Total freight revenue / RTM6.907.14(3%)(1%)
    Carloads (thousands) (3)    
    Petroleum and chemicals1701634%4%
    Metals and minerals214213—%—%
    Forest products6773(8%)(8%)
    Coal108118(8%)(8%)
    Grain and fertilizers19517810%10%
    Intermodal5345173%3%
    Automotive4851(6%)(6%)
    Total carloads1,3361,3132%2%
    Freight revenue / carload ($) (2)(3)    
    Petroleum and chemicals5,4595,613(3%)—%
    Metals and minerals2,1872,455(11%)(8%)
    Forest products6,4786,767(4%)(1%)
    Coal2,0282,085(3%)(1%)
    Grain and fertilizers5,3795,3431%3%
    Intermodal1,8011,818(1%)—%
    Automotive4,3134,294—%4%
    Total freight revenue / carload3,1943,266(2%)—%



    (1) This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Constant currency for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
    (2) Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars.
    (3) Statistical operating data and related key operating measures are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available. 
       
       

    NON-GAAP MEASURES – UNAUDITED

    In this supplementary schedule, the "Company" or "CN" refers to Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Financial information included in this schedule is expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.

    CN reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company also uses non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, including adjusted performance measures, free cash flow, constant currency and adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. From management's perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful measures of performance and provide investors with supplementary information to assess the Company's results of operations and liquidity. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted performance measures

    Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating expenses and adjusted operating ratio are non-GAAP measures that are used to set performance goals and to measure CN's performance and may include the following adjustments:

    1. operating expense adjustments: workforce reduction program, advisory costs related to rail consolidation matters, depreciation expense on the deployment of a replacement system, advisory fees related to shareholder matters, losses and recoveries from assets held for sale, business acquisition-related costs;
    2. non-operating expense adjustments: business acquisition-related financing fees, merger termination income, gains and losses on disposal of property; and
    3. the effect of changes in tax laws including rate enactments and changes in tax positions affecting prior years.

    These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company's adjusted net income was $1,102 million, or $1.80 per diluted share, which excludes:

    • the sale of a portion of the Newmarket subdivision located in Washago and Sunbridge, Ontario, Canada, together with rail fixtures, for cash proceeds of $84 million, which resulted in a gain of $66 million, or $57 million after-tax ($0.09 per diluted share) recorded in Other income within the Consolidated Statements of Income; and
    • advisory costs related to the analysis and advocacy for the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) enforcement of antitrust laws pertaining to the potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern of $17 million, or $13 million after-tax ($0.02 per diluted share) recorded in Purchased services and material within the Consolidated Statements of Income.

    For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company's net income was $1,161 million, or $1.85 per diluted share. There were no adjustments in the first quarter of 2025.

    Adjusted net income is defined as Net income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant items. Management believes that adjusted net income provides additional insight to management and investors into the Company's operations and underlying business trends as well as facilitate period-to-period comparisons, as it excludes certain significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. This measure helps management and investors evaluate the Company's profitability on a per-share basis, facilitating the assessment of period-over-period performance by removing the impact of significant, non-recurring items.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income and Earnings per share in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:

      
     Three months

    ended March 31
    In millions, except per share data 2026  2025
    Net income$1,146 $1,161
    Adjustments:  
    Operating expense adjustment:  
    Advisory costs related to rail consolidation matters 17  —
    Non-operating expense adjustment:  
    Gain on disposal of property (66) —
    Tax adjustment:  
    Tax effect of adjustments (1) 5  —
    Total adjustments$(44)$—
    Adjusted net income$1,102 $1,161
    Diluted earnings per share$1.87 $1.85
    Impact of adjustments, per share (0.07) —
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share$1.80 $1.85



    (1) The tax impact of adjustments is based on the nature of the item for tax purposes and related tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction.
       
       

    Adjusted operating income is defined as Operating income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. This measure helps management and investors assess the Company's core operating results by excluding items that may distort the analysis of ongoing business performance. Adjusted operating expenses is defined as Operating expenses in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. This measure provides management and investors with a view of ongoing costs which exclude unusual or non-recurring items, enabling more accurate assessment of cost management and resource allocation across reporting periods. Adjusted operating ratio is defined as adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. For management and investors, the adjusted operating ratio serves as a key performance indicator of cost management and overall operational effectiveness, as it demonstrates how effectively management controls costs relative to total revenue by excluding unusual or non-recurring items.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income, Operating expenses and operating ratio, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:

     Three months ended March 31
    In millions, except percentages 2026  2025 
    Operating income$1,549 $1,610 
    Adjustment:  
    Advisory costs related to rail consolidation matters 17  — 
    Total adjustment$17 $— 
    Adjusted operating income$1,566 $1,610 
       
    Operating expenses$2,830 $2,793 
    Total adjustments (17) — 
    Adjusted operating expenses$2,813 $2,793 
       
    Operating ratio 64.6% 63.4%
    Impact of adjustments (0.4

    )%

     —%
    Adjusted operating ratio 64.2% 63.4%
           

    Free cash flow

    Free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate cash for debt obligations and for discretionary uses such as payment of dividends, share repurchases, and strategic opportunities. The Company defines its free cash flow measure as the difference between net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of (i) business acquisitions and combinations (ii) merger transaction-related payments, cash receipts and cash income taxes, which are items that are not indicative of operating trends. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, to the non-GAAP free cash flow presented herein:

     Three months ended March 31
    In millions 2026  2025 
    Net cash provided by operating activities$1,265 $1,164 
    Net cash used in investing activities (365) (538)
    Free cash flow$900 $626 
           

    Constant currency

    Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the weighted average foreign exchange rates used to translate transactions denominated in US dollars of the comparable period of the prior year.

    The average foreign exchange rates were $1.372 and $1.435 per US$1.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 respectively. On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the three months ended March 31, 2026 would have been higher by $21 million ($0.03 per diluted share).

    The following table provides a reconciliation of the impact of constant currency and related percentage change at constant currency on the financial results, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2026:

     Three months ended March 31
    In millions, except per share data 2026 Constant

    currency

    impact

      2025 % Change

    at constant

    currency

    Fav (Unfav)
     
    Revenues    
    Petroleum and chemicals$928 $24 $915 4%
    Metals and minerals 468  16  523 (7%)
    Forest products 434  15  494 (9%)
    Coal 219  4  246 (9%)
    Grain and fertilizers 1,049  22  951 13%
    Intermodal 962  11  940 4%
    Automotive 207  7  219 (2%)
    Total freight revenues 4,267  99  4,288 2%
    Other revenues 112  3  115 —%
    Total revenues 4,379  102  4,403 2%
    Operating expenses    
    Labor and fringe benefits 914  17  920 (1%)
    Purchased services and material 623  8  577 (9%)
    Fuel 483  23  518 2%
    Depreciation and amortization 484  9  493 —%
    Equipment rents 112  4  118 2%
    Other 214  5  167 (31%)
    Total operating expenses 2,830  66  2,793 (4%)
    Operating income 1,549  36  1,610 (2%)
    Interest expense (234) (8) (233)(4%)
    Other components of net periodic benefit income 133  —  125 6%
    Other income 73  —  25 192%
    Income before income taxes  1,521  28  1,527 1%
    Income tax expense (375) (7) (366)(4%)
    Net income$1,146 $21 $1,161 1%
    Diluted earnings per share $1.87 $0.03 $1.85 3%
         
    Adjusted net income (1)$1,102 $21 $1,161 (3%)
    Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)$1.80 $0.03 $1.85 (1%)



    (1) These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for an explanation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures. Adjusted net income at constant currency and adjusted diluted EPS at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted net income at constant currency of $1,123 million is calculated as Adjusted net income of $1,102 million adjusted for the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates of $21 million. Adjusted diluted EPS at constant currency of $1.83 is calculated as adjusted diluted EPS of $1.80 adjusted for the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates of $0.03 per diluted share.
       
       

    Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple

    Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple is a useful credit measure because it reflects the Company's ability to service its debt and other long-term obligations. The Company calculates the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple as adjusted debt divided by the last twelve months of adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted debt is defined as the sum of Long-term debt and Current portion of long-term debt as reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Operating lease liabilities, including current portion and pension plans in deficiency recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the debt-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net income excluding Interest expense, Income tax expense, Depreciation and amortization, operating lease cost, Other components of net periodic benefit income, Other income (loss), and other significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and which could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted debt and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to compute the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of debt and Net income in accordance with GAAP, reported as at and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, to the adjusted measures presented herein, which have been used to calculate the non-GAAP adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple:

    In millions, unless otherwise indicatedAs at and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026  2025 
    Debt (1)$22,199 $20,792 
    Adjustments:  
    Operating lease liabilities, including current portion (2) 425  466 
    Pension plans in deficiency (3) 340  348 
    Adjusted debt$22,964 $21,606 
    Net income$4,705 $4,506 
    Interest expense 914  914 
    Income tax expense 1,553  1,422 
    Depreciation and amortization 1,929  1,923 
    Operating lease cost (4) 158  155 
    Other components of net periodic benefit income (510) (466)
    Other income (136) (65)
    Adjustments:  
    Workforce reduction program (5)  34  — 
    Advisory costs related to rail consolidation matters (6) 32  — 
    Loss on assets held for sale (7) —  78 
    Adjusted EBITDA$8,679 $8,467 
    Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times) 2.65  2.55 



    (1) Represents the aggregate of Current portion of long-term debt and Long-term debt as disclosed on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
    (2) Represents the present value of operating lease payments.
    (3) Represents the total funded deficit of all defined benefit pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
    (4) Represents the operating lease costs recorded in Purchased services and material and Equipment rents within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
    (5) Relates to employee termination benefits and severance costs related to a workforce reduction program, recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025 in Labor and fringe benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
    (6) Represents advisory costs related to the analysis and advocacy for STB enforcement of antitrust laws pertaining to the potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern recorded in Purchased services and material within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
    (7) Relates to a loss on assets held for sale of $78 million recorded in the second quarter of 2024, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada.





    Primary Logo

    Get the next $CNI alert in real time by email

    Crush Q1 2026 with the Best AI Superconnector

    Stay ahead of the competition with Standout.work - your AI-powered talent-to-startup matching platform.

    AI-Powered Inbox
    Context-aware email replies
    Strategic Decision Support
    Get Started with Standout.work

    Recent Analyst Ratings for
    $CNI

    DatePrice TargetRatingAnalyst
    4/9/2026$122.00Neutral → Buy
    BofA Securities
    1/5/2026Hold → Buy
    Vertical Research
    7/23/2025Overweight → Neutral
    Analyst
    7/23/2025Outperform → Sector Perform
    National Bank Financial
    7/23/2025$105.00Outperform → In-line
    Evercore ISI
    7/17/2025Mkt Perform → Outperform
    Raymond James
    5/6/2025$120.00Neutral → Positive
    Susquehanna
    2/3/2025Hold → Sell
    Loop Capital
    More analyst ratings

    $CNI
    Analyst Ratings

    Analyst ratings in real time. Analyst ratings have a very high impact on the underlying stock. See them live in this feed.

    View All

    Canadian Nat'l Rail upgraded by BofA Securities with a new price target

    BofA Securities upgraded Canadian Nat'l Rail from Neutral to Buy and set a new price target of $122.00

    4/9/26 8:21:40 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    Canadian Nat'l Rail upgraded by Vertical Research

    Vertical Research upgraded Canadian Nat'l Rail from Hold to Buy

    1/5/26 8:21:55 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    Canadian Nat'l Rail downgraded by Analyst

    Analyst downgraded Canadian Nat'l Rail from Overweight to Neutral

    7/23/25 8:51:02 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    $CNI
    Press Releases

    Fastest customizable press release news feed in the world

    View All

    Janet Drysdale and Patrick Whitehead to address Wells Fargo 16th Annual Industrials and Materials Conference on June 11

    MONTREAL, June 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Janet Drysdale, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer and Patrick Whitehead, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI), will address the Wells Fargo 16th Annual Industrials and Materials Conference on June 11, 2026, at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). CN will provide a live webcast via the Investors section of its website at www.cn.ca/investors. A replay of the webcast will be available following the event. About CNCN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its cus

    6/3/26 9:00:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN Reports May Grain Movement

    MONTREAL, June 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) announced today that in May it moved over 2.96 million metric tonnes (MMT) of grain from Western Canada, surpassing the previous monthly record of 2.54 MMT set in May of 2025 and establishing another new monthly record for grain movement. The achievement continues a strong crop year performance trend for CN, driven by sustained export demand, ample grain supply and efficient operations across its network. CN continues to move high volumes through its Canadian export corridors. The Company's strong network performance has enabled it to meet customer demand while maintaining fluidity across the supply chain. As the growing

    6/1/26 2:15:00 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN Says STB Was Right to Freeze the UP-NS Merger and Demand More Information

    MONTREAL, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) commends the Surface Transportation Board's (STB) for its decision to freeze the merger review and order Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) to provide substantial additional information. This confirms what CN and many stakeholders have said all along: UP and NS still have not submitted a credible case to support their proposed merger. As the Board cautions, the Applicants' "supplemental filing" in July must present a "prima facie case," which means a case that meets the public interest standard at first glance. That burden belongs to UP and NS alone. It is not the job of public officials and stakeholders to fill t

    5/28/26 6:00:00 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    $CNI
    SEC Filings

    View All

    SEC Form SUPPL filed by Canadian National Railway Company

    SUPPL - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Filer)

    5/8/26 5:02:07 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    SEC Form 6-K filed by Canadian National Railway Company

    6-K - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Filer)

    5/7/26 8:21:46 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    SEC Form FWP filed by Canadian National Railway Company

    FWP - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Subject)

    5/7/26 5:06:49 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    $CNI
    Financials

    Live finance-specific insights

    View All

    CN Declares Second-Quarter 2026 Dividend

    MONTREAL, April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a second-quarter 2026 dividend on the Company's common shares outstanding. A quarterly dividend of ninety-one and a half cents (C$0.9150) per common share will be paid on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 9, 2026. About CNCN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada's Eastern and Western

    4/29/26 7:31:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN Reports Strong First Quarter Operational and Commercial Performance

    Record revenue ton miles (RTMs) for a first quarter, increasing 3% year over yearFree cash flow for the first quarter was C$900 million, an increase of 44%, consisting of net cash provided by operating activities of C$1,265 million and net cash used in investing activities of C$365 million (1)Best first quarter employee productivity in the last five years Record fuel efficiency performance in a first quarter First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) growth of 1%, or a decrease of 3% on an adjusted basis and a decrease of 1% on an adjusted basis at constant currency (1)Repurchased approximately 6 million shares in the first quarter for C$869 million MONTREAL, April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NE

    4/29/26 7:30:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN to Report First-Quarter 2026 Financial and Operating Results Tomorrow

    MONTREAL, April 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) will issue its first-quarter 2026 financial and operating results at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time on April 29, 2026. CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's outlook in a conference call starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Tracy Robinson, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call. Parties wishing to participate via telephone may dial 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.), or 1-647-932-3411 (International), using 9281112 as the passcode. Participants are advised to dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. CN will provide a live webcast via the Investors section of its website at www.cn.ca/investor

    4/28/26 4:30:00 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    $CNI
    Large Ownership Changes

    This live feed shows all institutional transactions in real time.

    View All

    Amendment: SEC Form SC 13D/A filed by Canadian National Railway Company

    SC 13D/A - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Subject)

    11/4/24 3:00:25 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    SEC Form SC 13G/A filed by Canadian National Railway Company (Amendment)

    SC 13G/A - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Subject)

    2/14/24 4:01:29 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    SEC Form SC 13D/A filed by Canadian National Railway Company (Amendment)

    SC 13D/A - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO (0000016868) (Subject)

    11/9/23 2:30:13 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    $CNI
    Leadership Updates

    Live Leadership Updates

    View All

    CN Police Launch Rail Safety Week 2025

    MONTREAL, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today launched its annual Rail Safety Week campaign to raise awareness about the risks of unsafe behaviour around railway tracks and property. From September 15–19, CN Police Services and CN employees will partner with cities, towns, and Indigenous communities across North America to highlight the dangers of trespassing and ignoring signals at crossings—actions that can have devastating consequences. "Rail safety isn't just about big moments; it's about the small safe choices we make every day. Each time you respect the signs and signals around tracks and railway property, you're helping to keep your community stronger

    9/15/25 9:00:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN Police Launch See Tracks? Think Train® Week 2025

    HOMEWOOD, Ill., Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today launched its annual See Tracks? Think Train® Week campaign to raise awareness about the risks of unsafe behaviour around railway tracks and property. From September 15–19, CN Police and CN employees will partner with cities, towns, and Indigenous communities across North America to highlight the dangers of trespassing and ignoring signals at crossings—actions that can have devastating consequences. "Rail safety isn't just about big moments; it's about the small safe choices we make every day. Each time you respect the signs and signals around tracks and railway property, you're helping to keep your community

    9/15/25 9:00:00 AM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials

    CN Announces Janet Drysdale as Interim Chief Commercial Officer

    MONTREAL, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) announced today that Janet Drysdale will assume the role of Chief Commercial Officer on an interim basis, effective immediately. Janet is stepping into the role following the departure of Remi G. Lalonde. Janet spent the first decade of her nearly 30-year career at CN in a variety of roles in Sales and Marketing. She is a seasoned and versatile leader with significant cross-functional experience having held executive positions at CN in Investor Relations, Finance, Corporate/Business Development, Sustainability, and most recently as Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer.      "I am very pleased that Janet will be leading our

    7/21/25 5:00:00 PM ET
    $CNI
    Railroads
    Industrials