Canadian National Railway Co. vs Old Dominion Freight Line Inc — how do they compare? Canadian National Railway Co. trades at $126.43 (market cap $76.28B), while Old Dominion Freight Line Inc trades at $212.66 (market cap $43.43B). The key difference: Canadian National Railway Co. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Canadian National Railway Co. pays the higher dividend (2.06%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNI | ODFL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $76.28B | $43.43B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $130.58 | $248.73 |
52-Week Low | $90.91 | $126.29 |
Enterprise Value | $92.31B | $43.17B |
Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 0.55% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Canadian National Railway (CNI) trades at $125.14, down 1.15% with a bearish technical signal. The company reported strong Q2 2026 results with EPS of $1.50 beating estimates by 7.9% and raised full-year guidance, driven by record grain volumes and improved operational efficiency. Fundamentals show solid profitability with 26.92% net margin and 22.02% ROE, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E of 22.62. Recent news highlights continued infrastructure investment and customer growth projects exceeding $2 billion in 2025.
CNI presents a mixed outlook with strong operational execution offset by valuation concerns. The 21.8% upside to consensus price target of $152.38 offers potential, but rising debt levels and competitive pressures pose risks. Analyst sentiment is cautious with 60.79% hold ratings, suggesting waiting for clearer evidence of sustained earnings growth before committing new capital.
ODFL trades at $212.55, down 1.76% today, with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The company maintains strong profitability with 19.44% net margins and 24.82% ROE, though valuation metrics remain elevated with a P/E of 40.28. Recent Q2 2026 earnings of $1.68 per share exceeded expectations, driven by yield improvements and cost discipline amid ongoing freight market pressures.
The stock faces headwinds from premium valuation and mixed analyst sentiment (33% buy, 56% hold), but strong fundamentals and consistent earnings outperformance provide support. Key risks include freight volume recovery uncertainty and execution pressure given high expectations. The consensus price target of $239.85 suggests 13% upside potential from current levels.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Canadian National's railway spans Canada from coast to coast and extends through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, CN delivered almost 6 million carloads over its 19,600 miles of track. CN generated roughly CAD 14 billion in total revenue by hauling intermodal containers (25% of consolidated revenue), petroleum and chemicals (21%), grain and fertilizers (16%), forest products (12%), metals and mining (11%), automotive shipments (6%), and coal (4%). Other items constitute the remaining revenue.
Read more on CNI →Old Dominion Freight Line is the fourth-largest less-than-truckload carrier in the United States, with more than 240 service centers and 9,200-plus tractors. OD is by far one of the most disciplined and efficient providers in the trucking industry, and its profitability and capital returns stand head and shoulders above its peers. Strategic initiatives revolve around increasing network density through market share gains and maintaining industry-leading service via consistent infrastructure investment.
Read more on ODFL →