04:59 PM EDT, 07/22/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Corrects Factset consensus revenue estimate in the third paragraph to $4.33 billion from $4.34 billion.)
Canadian National Railway ( CNI ) edged down in after-hours New York trading Tuesday as it reported higher than expected second-quarter earnings but removed its 2024 to 2026 financial outlook, citing macroeconomic uncertainty.
The company said its adjusted profit, which excludes most one-time items, was $1.17 billion, or $1.87 per share, compared with $1.17 billion, or $1.84 per diluted share, a year ago. The result topped the consensus FactSet estimate of $1.86 per share.
Revenue fell slightly to $4.27 billion from $4.33 billion in the year-prior quarter. FactSet's consensus estimate was of $4.33 billion.
The railway's operating ratio, a closely watched efficiency measure where lower is better, improved 0.5 points on an adjusted basis to 61.7 from 62.2.
The company lowered its 2025 outlook, saying it now expects adjusted diluted EPS growth in the mid to high single-digit range, compared with its January projection of 10% to 15%. The company added that it is removing its 2024-2026 financial guidance due to "continued high level of macroeconomic uncertainty and volatility related to evolving trade and tariff policies".
"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. 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," chief executive Tracy Robinson said in a release.
The company's board of directors approved a third-quarter dividend of $0.8875 per share, to be paid on Sept. 29 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 8.
Canadian National shares were last seen up US$1,12 to US$99.25 after hours. They closed up $0.30 to $136.56 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.