Canadian National Railway Co. vs Old Dominion Freight Line Inc — how do they compare? Canadian National Railway Co. trades at $124.28 (market cap $75.02B), while Old Dominion Freight Line Inc trades at $228.27 (market cap $47.55B). 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 (2.07%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CNI | ODFL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $75.02B | $47.55B |
Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
52-Week High | $125.31 | $248.73 |
52-Week Low | $90.91 | $126.29 |
Enterprise Value | $90.48B | $47.30B |
Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 0.51% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Canadian National Railway (CNI) trades at $125.31, up 0.73% with strong technical momentum and bullish moving average signals. The company demonstrates solid fundamentals with 27.23% net income margin and 21.85% ROE, though valuation multiples appear elevated with P/E of 23.44. Recent record grain and propane shipments highlight operational strength, while Q2 2026 earnings due July 24 will be critical for near-term direction.
CNI presents a mixed outlook with strong operational execution offset by premium valuation. The 35% upside to consensus target of $143.25 offers potential, but debt-to-asset ratio rising to 36.61% and competitive pressures warrant caution. Dividend sustainability appears solid with recent $0.92 payout, making it attractive for income investors seeking railroad exposure.
ODFL trades at $232.9, up 2.32% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and oscillators. The company maintains strong profitability with an 18.46% net income margin and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights improving LTL freight demand and a disciplined capital allocation strategy.
Outlook remains positive due to operational strength and market share gains, but elevated valuation multiples and competitive pressures from players like Amazon pose risks. The stock's proximity to its consensus price target of $232.20 suggests limited near-term upside, requiring careful monitoring of Q2 2026 earnings due July 29, 2026.
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 →