CP (TSX:CP) Stock Falls Short of Earnings Expectations

CP (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) stock fell below earnings expectations, and with loads of debt from the KCS deal, what should investors think?

| More on:

Canadian Pacific Railway (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) had a lot to prove during its third-quarter earnings report this week. CP stock was already dealing with supply chain issues, and now it has a massive debt load to take on. This comes from the recent approval to acquire Kansas City Southern after the company won a long, drawn-out battle.

What happened?

CP stock came in under analyst expectations for the quarter, blaming supply chain challenges. Analysts expected $1.96 billion in revenue, with CP stock coming in at $1.94 billion. Earnings per share also came in much lower at $0.70, below the expected $0.94.

Despite this, CP stock still saw improvement from last year, but the KCS acquisition and related costs will surely weigh on the stock both now and in the future. Due to this, CP stock believes growth in revenue per tonne-miles will be in the low single-digit range for 2021 compared to 2020. However, management “remains confident” it will achieve full-year double-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth.

“Despite global supply chain issues and a challenging Canadian grain crop, we remain confident in our ability to deliver full-year double-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth,” said CEO Keith Creel. “The underlying demand environment remains strong, and our commitment to generate sustainable, profitable growth will not be distracted by elements outside our control.”

Creel went on to say the KCS deal will help CP stock grow into the next stage of development as North America’s largest rail line.

So what?

Clearly, the KCS deal is going to weigh heavily on CP stock in the years to come. Short-term investors may not do too well from this stock. And already the company is coming in under analyst expectations, who clearly took in supply-chain issues before coming up with EPS numbers.

The problem is, when are these supply-chain issues going to disappear? It doesn’t look like anytime soon. And with winter on the way, that could mean even less revenue for CP stock in the months to come.

Now the company is loaded with long-term debt and stuck without the revenue to start paying it out.

Now what?

In the days ahead, I’m sure analysts will weigh in about what they feel investors should do with CP stock. But for now, it’s likely a hold. While long-term investors are sure to feel the results of the KCS deal in a positive light, short-term investors aren’t going to see shares soar overnight.

Instead, it might be a good time to wait for a downturn if you’re looking to invest long term in CP stock. And frankly, after this report, that’s likely to happen soon.

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 Amy Legate-Wolfe owns shares of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

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 »

ways to boost income
Investing

Are Telus and BCE Stocks a Smart Buy for Canadian Investors?

Telus (TSX:T) and BCE (TSX:BCE) have massive dividend yields, but their shares have been quite sluggish!

Read more »

investment research
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Is OpenText stock poised for a 2025 comeback? AI ambitions, a 3.8% yield, and cash flow power make it a…

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 »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Investing

2 Riskier Stocks With High Potential for Canadian Investors in November

Risky stocks such as Well Health Technologies have the potential to provide life-changing long-term returns.

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 »