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CN Reports March Grain Movement

CN (TSX: CNR, NYSE: CNI) reported a record March for grain movement, transporting more than 2.96 million metric tonnes from Western Canada and posting its highest first‑quarter grain results.

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CN (TSX: CNR, NYSE: CNI) reported a record March for grain movement, transporting more than 2.96 million metric tonnes from Western Canada and posting its highest first‑quarter grain results. Weekly volumes topped 600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks, peaking at over 650,000 tonnes.

CN said it rapidly restored network velocity after late‑month weather effects that temporarily reduced terminal capacity in Vancouver and the Prince Rupert corridor. Record export demand and the seasonal reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay also supported the result. The company reiterated execution of its 2025‑2026 Winter Plan and operational recovery measures.

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Positive

  • March grain moved of 2.96 million tonnes (record)
  • Highest Q1 ever for grain movement
  • Weekly volumes >600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks
  • Peak weekly volume >650,000 tonnes

Negative

  • Late‑month weather temporarily reduced terminal capacity in Vancouver and Prince Rupert
Argus Apr 6 session
+0.86% close to close Open Argus
Details

News Market Reaction – CNI

On Apr 6, the first trading day after this news, CNI closed 0.86% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Apr 6 session.

Market Context

This announcement highlights record grain performance, with CN moving more than 2.96 million metric ...
Analysis

This announcement highlights record grain performance, with CN moving more than 2.96 million metric tonnes from Western Canada and achieving its strongest first quarter for grain movement. It echoes February’s record of over 2.67 million metric tonnes and underscores effective execution of the 2025–2026 Winter Plan. Placed alongside 2025 results—revenues of $17,304 million, net income of $4,720 million, and free cash flow of $3,336 million—investors may watch how sustained volume strength feeds into upcoming first-quarter 2026 financials.

Key Figures

March grain moved: more than 2.96 million metric tonnes Peak weekly grain volume: over 650,000 tonnes 2025 revenue: $17,304 million +5 more
March grain moved
more than 2.96 million metric tonnes
Grain from Western Canada in March 2026
Peak weekly grain volume
over 650,000 tonnes
Weekly grain movement during March 2026
2025 revenue
$17,304 million
Total revenues in 2025, up 2% from 2024
2025 operating income
$6,587 million
Full-year 2025 operating income
2025 net income
$4,720 million
Full-year 2025 net income, up 6%
2025 diluted EPS
$7.57
Full-year 2025 diluted EPS, up 8%
2025 free cash flow
$3,336 million
Full-year 2025 free cash flow, up 8%
Planned 2026 capex
$2.8 billion
Planned capital expenditures for 2026

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 30
5 events
  1. Mar 30

    Earnings date set

    24h Move
    -0.1%

    Announced timing and access details for Q1 2026 results call.

  2. Mar 05

    Record grain volume

    24h Move
    -1.0%

    Reported best February on record for Western Canada grain movement.

  3. Mar 04

    ESG progress update

    24h Move
    -0.3%

    Released 2025 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan Annual Report.

  4. Mar 04

    Branding initiative

    24h Move
    -0.3%

    Unveiled commemorative locomotives for America250 celebration across U.S. network.

  5. Mar 03

    Conference appearance

    24h Move
    -1.6%

    Announced executives’ participation in J.P. Morgan’s 2026 Industrials Conference.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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MONTREAL, April 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today that it moved more than 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain from Western Canada, setting a new record for the month of March and achieved our highest ever first quarter results for grain movement. Weekly volumes exceeded 600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks, reaching a peak of over 650,000 tonnes, reflecting robust network performance and demand across both the West Coast and eastern corridors.

CN quickly restored network velocity following late-month weather events that temporarily impacted terminal capacity in Vancouver and the Prince Rupert corridor. That efficient recovery, along with record export demand, and the seasonal reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay, enabled CN to achieve this new March record.

CN Winter Plan
CN remains focused on executing 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:

MediaInvestment Community
Ashley MichnowskiJamie Lockwood
Senior ManagerVice-President
Media RelationsInvestor Relations and Special Projects
(438) 596-4329(514) 399-0052
media@cn.ca
investor.relations@cn.ca
  

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How much grain did CN (CNI) move in March 2026?

CN moved more than 2.96 million metric tonnes of grain in March 2026. According to the company, this set a new record for March and contributed to its strongest first quarter for grain movement.

Did CN (CNI) report any weekly volume milestones in March 2026?

Yes — weekly volumes exceeded 600,000 tonnes for two consecutive weeks and peaked above 650,000 tonnes. According to the company, these weekly highs reflected strong demand and network performance.

What operational issues affected CN (CNI) grain movement in late March 2026?

Late‑month weather events temporarily impacted terminal capacity in Vancouver and the Prince Rupert corridor. According to the company, CN quickly restored network velocity through operational recovery measures.

How did the Port of Thunder Bay affect CN's (CNI) March 2026 results?

The seasonal reopening of the Port of Thunder Bay supported export flows during March 2026. According to the company, the reopening combined with record export demand to help achieve the March record.

Does CN (CNI) reference a winter operations plan for 2025‑2026?

Yes — CN said it remains focused on executing its 2025‑2026 Winter Plan across the network. According to the company, the plan includes proactive solutions that supported operational recovery and grain movement.

What drove CN's (CNI) highest first quarter grain performance in 2026?

CN attributed the Q1 performance to record export demand, rapid restoration of network velocity, and the Port of Thunder Bay reopening. According to the company, these factors together enabled the strongest first quarter on record.

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