Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) Is an Undervalued National Treasure!

Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) is a beautiful bargain that shouldn’t be passed up on!

| More on:

A bet on Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) is essentially a bet on the long-term growth of the North American economy. While there will undoubtedly be bumps in the road, the trajectory will remain upward in the long haul, and as one of the most efficient operators in the North American rail scene, investors have the opportunity to be enriched by one of the greatest low-risk wealth-creators of all-time.

Indeed, CN Rail fits the definition of what Warren Buffett would call a “wonderful business” — a wide moat, steadily growing earnings, with exceptional stewards driving keeping the business on track. The stock is currently trading at a wonderful price. CN Rail is a gravy train, and whenever the stock pulls back due to market-wide fears, the gravy train is making a temporary stop at the station to pick up new passengers. For long-term investors, that’s the perfect time to hop aboard before the gravy train departs the station.

CN Rail keeps on rolling

For the third quarter, CN Rail didn’t just deliver a slight earnings beat to go with significant infrastructure enhancements (22 out of 27 infrastructure projects finished as of the end of Q3). The company also managed to command an impressive 59.5% operating ratio (lower is better), which increased by just 230 basis points year over year as volumes and operating expenses jumped.

Management also guided to the lower end of its 5-7% expectations for volume growth, conservative expectations that I believe could allow the company to pole vault over expectations in the next quarter.

At the time of writing, CN Rail stock trades at a 12.6 trailing P/E, and a 4.1 P/B, both of which are lower than the company’s five-year historical average multiples of 19.5, and 4.4, respectively.

Given the company generated free cash flow averaging 12% of sales in 2009, CN Rail is a cash cow that’ll fair well come the next big economic downturn, so the currently depressed valuation makes no sense.

The foolish takeaway of CN Rail

CN Rail held its ground in the last recession, and it’s going to hold its ground in the next one too. As one of the premier dividend growth superstars in the TSX, Foolish investors shouldn’t hesitate to back up the truck on CN Rail after the recent pullback in the broader markets.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette owns shares of Canadian National Railway. David Gardner owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool owns shares of Canadian National Railway. CN is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank vs Manulife Financial?

TD and Manulife can both be interesting stock picks for today, depending on your investment style.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

These stocks are out of favour but could deliver nice returns over the coming years.

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

This defensive retail REIT could be your ticket to high monthly income.

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $600 Per Month?

Do you want passive income coming in every single month? Here's how to make it and a top dividend ETF…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »