CNI

Canadian National (CNI) is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 30 with consensus EPS of $1.49 (+12% YoY) and revenues of $3.27B (+8.1% YoY). However, a negative Earnings ESP of -0.57% combined with a Zacks Rank #3 makes an earnings beat unlikely. Similarly, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) faces headwinds with a -1.03% Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #3, despite expected EPS growth of +18.8% YoY.

Canadian National Railway (CNI) achieved a new quarterly record by moving 7.94 million metric tonnes of Western Canadian grain in Q3 2026, surpassing the previous 2020 record of 7.48 MMT. The strong performance was driven by customer demand, supply-chain coordination, and effective strategy execution.

CNI has also unveiled its 2026-2027 Winter Plan to maintain operational efficiency during harsh weather conditions. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) also reported strong grain movement records in Q3 2026.

Canadian National (CNI), a Montreal-based transportation/railroad company, is highlighted as an attractive dividend investment with a 2.19% yield, outperforming its industry average of 0.9%. The company has increased its dividend 5 times over the last 5 years with an average annual increase of 7.31%, and maintains a conservative 48% payout ratio. With solid earnings growth expected (6.59% increase for 2026) and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, CNI presents a compelling opportunity for income investors seeking both dividend income and capital appreciation.

Canadian National Railway (CN) announced a new quarterly record by transporting 7.94 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada in Q3 2026, exceeding the previous 2020 record of 7.48 million tonnes. The achievement reflects strong customer demand, supply chain collaboration, and CN's operational execution. CN is preparing for winter operations with its 2026-2027 Winter Plan to maintain safe and reliable service.

Canadian National Railway has announced its 2026-2027 Winter Plan, focusing on network fluidity, equipment reliability, and winter readiness. The company has invested nearly $64 million in air braking technology, including engine and compressor replacements, and plans to deploy rapid response teams and snow-clearing equipment. CNI's shares have outperformed the Transportation-Rail industry over the past six months.

Zacks analysts published research on 12 major stocks on October 21, 2026. Salesforce maintains a balanced risk-reward profile with growth drivers from Agentforce and Data 360 offsetting macroeconomic sensitivity.

S&P Global faces elevated costs and debt but benefits from recurring revenues and AI adoption. Intuit shows underperformance due to fiscal 2027 reset toward customer acquisition, though long-term growth levers remain. Microcap stocks Kewaunee Scientific and Key Tronic face profitability challenges but benefit from portfolio expansion and supply chain repositioning respectively.

Southwest Airlines has been downgraded to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) as surging fuel costs squeeze margins and erode profitability. The airline reduced full-year EPS guidance to $3.25-$4.25 from above $4.00, cut capacity growth plans in half, and analysts have lowered estimates across the board. While demand remains strong and new revenue initiatives show promise, fuel cost increases are outpacing pricing power, with the company booking only 60 days in advance.

Delta Air Lines is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 9, with consensus estimates showing 14.6% YoY earnings growth to $1.96 per share and 6.2% revenue growth to $17.70 billion. However, elevated fuel costs (up ~40% YoY), refinery outage impacts, and higher labor and operating expenses are expected to pressure profitability despite healthy travel demand. The company's negative Earnings ESP of -2.81% and Zacks Rank #5 rating suggest lower likelihood of beating estimates.

CSX Corporation trades at a premium valuation with a forward P/E of 21.61X versus industry average of 20.66X. While the stock has gained 29.5% YTD and management raised 2026 guidance for revenue growth, operating margins, and free cash flow, headwinds including rail network issues, coal market weakness, and macroeconomic concerns persist. Analysts recommend holding for current shareholders but advise new investors to wait for a better entry point, maintaining a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.