CN Reports January Grain Movement
Rhea-AI Summary
CN (TSX: CNR, NYSE: CNI) reported its second-best January on record for grain movement, shipping more than 2.72 million metric tonnes from Western Canada on Feb. 5, 2026.
CN said this performance followed the all-time January record of 2.85 million metric tonnes set in 2020 and credited operational adjustments and its 2025-2026 Winter Plan for maintaining service during extreme cold.
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News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, CNI gained 1.00%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
While CNI gained 2.57%, key rail peers also traded higher: NSC +2.14%, CP +2.98%, CSX +1.3%, UNP +2.98%, WAB +1.22%. Despite broad strength in Industrials/Railroads, the momentum scanner did not flag a coordinated sector move, suggesting this performance was tracked but not classified as a high-intensity sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02 | Conference appearance | Neutral | -0.6% | CEO scheduled to speak at major industrial investor conference. |
| Feb 02 | Conference appearance | Neutral | -0.6% | CFO to present at global industrial tech and mobility conference. |
| Jan 30 | Buyback & dividend | Positive | -4.8% | Announced 3% dividend increase and new buyback for up to 24M shares. |
| Jan 30 | Earnings results | Positive | -4.8% | Reported solid Q4 and 2025 results with revenue and EPS growth. |
| Jan 29 | Earnings date notice | Neutral | -4.8% | Notified market of timing for Q4 and full-year 2025 release and call. |
Recent history shows a pattern where clearly shareholder-friendly news (solid 2025 results, dividend increase, new buyback) coincided with share price declines, indicating a tendency toward negative or cautious market reactions even on positive fundamentals.
Over the past few weeks, CN has focused on capital returns and communication with investors. On Jan 30, it reported solid Q4 and 2025 results, with revenue growth, EPS growth and an improved operating ratio, alongside a new buyback and dividend increase, yet the stock fell 4.76%. A new normal course issuer bid and 3% dividend hike the same day also saw a similar decline. Subsequent conference appearance announcements on Feb 2 had mild negative reactions. Today’s strong grain-movement update fits into a narrative of operational resilience after these financial disclosures.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlighted CN’s second-best January on record, moving more than 2.72 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, close to the 2.85 million metric tonne record set in 2020. It underscores the company’s ability to maintain service during extreme cold through its 2025–2026 Winter Plan. Investors may track how sustained grain volumes, winter operating reliability, and broader freight trends relate to recently reported 2025 financial results and capital plans.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
MONTREAL, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today its second-best January on record for grain movement, shipping more than 2.72 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada. This follows the company’s all-time January record of 2.85 million metric tonnes set in 2020. Despite extreme cold weather across the network, CN adjusted its operations to safely and efficiently move Canadian grain to market supporting farmers, along with supply chain and agriculture partners.
CN Winter Plan
CN continues to execute its winter operations plan across the network. For more information and details about how the Company has put proactive solutions in place please consult its 2025-2026 Winter Plan.
About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.
Contacts:
| Media | Investment Community |
| Ashley Michnowski | Jamie Lockwood |
| Senior Manager | Vice-President |
| Media Relations | Investor Relations and Special Projects |
| (438) 596-4329 | (514) 399-0052 |
| media@cn.ca | investor.relations@cn.ca |
FAQ
How much grain did CN (CNI) move in January 2026?
Does CN say weather affected its January 2026 grain shipments (CNI)?
How does CN's January 2026 grain volume compare to its record (CNI)?
What role did CN's 2025-2026 Winter Plan play in January grain movement (CNI)?
What stakeholders did CN cite as supported by its January 2026 grain movements (CNI)?
