7 Reasons to Hop Aboard Canadian Pacific Railway

Canadian Pacific continues to engineer returns for investors.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Incorporated in 1881, Canadian Pacific Railway (TSX: CP)(NYSE: CP) is a Canadian business and investment stalwart. Here are seven reasons to hop aboard.

1. Diversified geographic distribution

Canadian Pacific’s 2013 freight revenue included 34% from domestic operations, 36% from global operations, and 30% from trans-border operations.

2. Operational efficiency

Canadian Pacific’s operating plan is centered on longer trains. Last year, train lengths were up 9%. It had a 13% increase in train weight. Its fuel efficiency improved 8%. The company is operating with considerably fewer locomotives and over 10,000 fewer railcars than in 2011.

3. Strong leadership

In May, Canadian Pacific’s board announced that CEO E. Hunter Harrison agreed to extending his contract by one year. Board Chairman Gary Colter, said, “In seeing CP’s rapid turnaround under Hunter’s leadership, the Board was unanimous in wanting him to stay on until 2017 and we are extremely pleased he has accepted.”

4. Record 2013 revenues

For 2013, the company reported revenues of $6.1 billion — a record. This represents an 8% increase over 2012. Its adjusted net income was $1.1 billion, or $6.42 per diluted share in 2013. This represents a 48% improvement in comparison to 2012. For Q1 2014, Canadian Pacific’s total revenues were$1.51 billion, a 1% increase.

5. Its domestic intermodal service

Canadian Pacific is focusing on its domestic intermodal operations, which consist chiefly of moving manufactured consumer products in containers within North America. It has improved transit time between Toronto and Calgary by 27%. It improved transit time between Calgary and Vancouver by 22%.

Recently, Canadian National Railway (TSX: CNR)(NYSE: CNI) said that its transportation of western Canadian grain in the 2013-2014 crop year has now exceeded its previous historical record. When the numbers come in, it’s expected that its hopper car deliveries to western Canadian grain elevators in May 2014 will average 5,500 carloads per week. This represents 50% more than the eight-year historical average, and 38% more than the best May ever.

6. Dividends

Recently,Canadian Pacific declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share on its outstanding common shares. Its dividend rate is $1.40.

In April, Canadian National Railway announced a Q2 2014 dividend on its common shares outstanding. It will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per common share on June 30, 2014.

7. Boxcars of cash

Canadian Pacific has the funds to invest in its operations going forward. The company produced $530 million in free cash flow in 2013. This represents an increase of $93 million from 2012. For 2014, its estimated capital investments include $200-$275 million for network capacity and productivity.

Canadian Pacific Railway is consistently and calmly chugging along. It’s not flashy, just dependable, as an investment vehicle for investors.

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 Michael Ugulini has no positions in any of the companies mentioned in this article. David Gardner owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool owns shares of Canadian National Railway. Canadian National Railway is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

Canadian Dollars
Stock Market

Where to Invest $5,000 in April 2024

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are five companies to invest $5,000 in next month.

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Stocks for Beginners

Up 53% From its 52-Week Low, Is Cargojet Stock Still a Buy?

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) stock is up a whopping 53%, nearing closer to 52-week highs from 52-week lows, so what's next for…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Alamos Gold Jumped 7% on Wednesday

Alamos (TSX:AGI) stock and Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) surged after the companies announced a friendly acquisition for $325 million.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Record-Breaking Rally Could Extend on Thursday, March 28

The main TSX index closed above the 22,000 level for the first time yesterday and remains on track to post…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »