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Canadian National Reports Robust Grain Performance Record in August

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Key Takeaways

  • Canadian National moved a record 2.50 MMT of grain in August, topping the prior August record of 2.34 MMT.
  • CNI's added capacity, customer coordination and operating execution supported higher volumes and reliability.
  • CNI's 2026-2027 Grain Plan targets adequate resources and capacity to handle the upcoming harvest.

Canadian National Railway (CNI - Free Report) set a new record for grain movement in August 2026. The company moved 2.50 MMT of grain during the month, exceeding the previous August record of 2.34 MMT set in 2020. Strong demand and efficient network operations are likely to remain supportive as the company enters the new crop year.

The record grain movement reflects a robust start to the 2026–2027 crop year as the harvest season advances across Western Canada and new grain starts moving through the supply chain. The strong performance also indicates effective coordination with customers and other supply-chain partners, along with consistent execution of CNI’s operating plan. The company’s ability to unlock incremental capacity supported higher volumes while strengthening service reliability across the grain supply chain.

Looking ahead, Canadian National’s 2026-2027 Grain Plan positions the company to handle the upcoming harvest with adequate resources and capacity. Continued focus on reliable service and operational execution should help CNI capitalize on grain demand and support volume growth in the upcoming crop year.

CNI Share Price Performance

CNI’s shares have gained 14.3% over the past six months compared with the  Transportation - Rail industry’s 14.2% growth.

CNI Stock’s Six-Month Price Comparison

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CNI’s Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider

Currently, CNI carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD - Free Report) and Seanergy Maritime Holdings (SHIP - Free Report) . 

Expeditors currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

EXPD has an expected earnings growth rate of 28.6% for 2026.  The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 17.15%.

Seanergy Maritime Holdings currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

SHIP has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 38%.

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