First look: CN Q2 earnings

Earnings rise despite tariff challenges

(Photo: CN)
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Key Takeaways:

  • CN reported Q2 operating income of $1.21 billion (up 5% QoQ), with diluted EPS improving 7% to $1.37, despite a 1% revenue decline due to lower revenue ton miles.
  • The company improved its operating ratio to 61.7%, reflecting cost control efforts, but lowered its full-year earnings forecast due to trade and tariff volatility.
  • CN is maintaining its $2.5 billion capital investment program but withdrew its 2024-2026 financial outlook citing macroeconomic uncertainty.
  • Despite challenges, CN emphasized its focus on customer service and powering the North American economy.
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CN (NYSE: CNI) reported operating income of $1.21 billion for the second quarter ended June 30, up 5% from the previous quarter, while adjusted operating income was unchanged.

Revenues of $3.14 billion were off 1%, as revenue ton miles (RTMs) fell 1% in the quarter, the company said after the close of markets..

Diluted earnings per share improved 7% to $1.37, or 2% on an adjusted basis.

Operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was  61.7%, an improvement of 2.3 points. Operating ratio improved 0.5 points on an adjusted basis. 

“Our team’s ability to be nimble and our focus on tight cost control allowed us to adjust our operations and deliver strong results despite a challenging external environment,” said President and Chief Executive Tracy Robinson, in a release. “We are working closely with customers, including those impacted by trade issues, to provide them with the services they need to win in their markets. We remain focused on powering the North American economy and delivering for shareholders.”

The Montreal-based company said persistent trade and tariff volatility led it to cut its full-year earnings forecast from January’s 10-15% to the mid to high single-digit range.

The company said it will still invest approximately $2.5 billion in its capital program.

CN is withdrawing its 2024-2026 financial outlook “due to the continued high level of macroeconomic uncertainty and volatility related to evolving trade and tariff policies.”

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Stuart Chirls

Stuart Chirls is a journalist who has covered the full breadth of railroads, intermodal, container shipping, ports, supply chain and logistics for Railway Age, the Journal of Commerce and IANA. He has also staffed at S&P, McGraw-Hill, United Business Media, Advance Media, Tribune Co., The New York Times Co., and worked in supply chain with BASF, the world's largest chemical producer. Reach him at stuartchirls@firecrown.com.