The Rail Strikes Are Over: What it Means for CN Investors

After the end of the railway strikes coming much faster than anticipated, here’s what might be on the cards for CN Railway investors.

| More on:
Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The 2024 strikes for railways arrived, and just as quickly as they did, they stopped. For any investor interested in the strength and reliability of railway stocks, a prolonged strike could have had devastating results. Considering how valuable the railway network is to the Canadian economy, a stoppage in operations could have had a severe impact on the economy in a short span of time.

However, this was not the first time major Canadian railways went on strike. All things considered, it might not be the last time either. For long-term investors in major railways like Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR), a stoppage might not be as bad as new investors might think it should be.

A quick end to the strike

As of this writing, we are a couple of weeks past the end of the railway strikes. Canadian National Railway said its operations have already recovered from the months of labour uncertainty it was facing and the complete shutdown of its Canadian network.

The company’s management had already been preparing for a potential strike, and its planning allowed the company to post a quick recovery in operations after the labour stoppage.

The stoppage began on August 22 but lasted less than a day as the board enforced Canada’s Minister of Labors and Seniors’ request to impose arbitration on getting thousands of union workers from Teamsters Canada Rail Conference back to work by August 26. The government’s intervention proved crucial in getting things going and did prevent a prolonged strike, but it hasn’t resolved the issue.

Days after returning to work, Teamsters mounted a legal challenge to the government’s binding arbitration order. While the move does not undo the government’s orders, it shows that the problem is far from over.

Canadian National Railway

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Canadian National Railway PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

While the strikes led to some pullback in share prices, trains are running again. The stoppage undoubtedly resulted in lost money from the brief disruption because many shippers diverted freight to truck carriers. However, the lost revenue might not be as relevant in the grand scheme of things.

As of this writing, CN Railway stock trades for $163.87 per share, which reflects a considerable discount of over 8% from its all-time highs. Year to date, CN Railway stock is down by almost 2%. Considering that a full stoppage was on the cards, the pullback seems almost insignificant. In fact, CN Railway stock has seen an 8.26% uptick from its share price on August 7.

Foolish takeaway

CN Railway has long been an excellent investment for Canadians who want to balance their portfolios with a reliable company with a strong market presence and financial stability. Despite the potential of a strike derailing the company, CN Railway stock has shown resilience and a quick recovery. Even in volatile markets, CN Railway historically remains strong.

CNR stock offers stable dividends, currently yielding 2.06%, and it maintains a payout ratio below 40%. The company’s leading position in the North American economy and strong operating margins make it a solid bet. While strikes might disrupt operations, they seem unlikely to derail CNR stock as a reliable long-term investment.

Should you invest $1,000 in Ct Real Estate Investment Trust right now?

Before you buy stock in Ct Real Estate Investment Trust, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Ct Real Estate Investment Trust wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now With $5,000

Looking for some safe, long-term stocks? These Canadian stocks are where you should look first.

Read more »

Car, EV, electric vehicle
Dividend Stocks

Outlook for Magna Stock in 2025

Magna stock has sunk into the toilet, but it could now be one of the best undervalued stocks out there.

Read more »

alcohol
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Consider These 3 Blue-Chip Dividend Stocks for a $20,000 Lifelong Investment

In a market correction, it’s essential to focus on blue-chip stocks that offer stability and long-term growth potential.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Creating Machine With $14,000

Investing a total of $14,000 across these three stocks could earn you more than $1,039 in tax-free income each year.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest $12,000 in Canadian Stocks for Reliable Dividends

Want reliable dividends? Here's a trio of stocks that can provide a juicy income stacked for growth, even with a…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Dividend Stocks

Beginner Investors: 4 Top Canadians Stocks to Buy in 2025

If you're new to investing and looking for some Canadian stocks that are worry free, here's where to go.

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Play Defence in a Trade War

Are you wondering what stocks could be safe to buy and hold through the market turmoil? Here are three to…

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Utility Stocks to Buy and Hold for Lifelong Income

Here are two Canadian utility stocks you can buy and generate a steady stream of dividend income in 2025 and…

Read more »