MONTREAL – CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) has announced that its subsidiary CNTL has reached a second tentative agreement with owner-operators in Canada represented by Unifor. Following the rejection of a previous tentative agreement announced on January 17, 2024, this new four-year contract, if ratified, will cover approximately 750 owner-operators contracted with CNTL until December 31, 2027.

CNTL specializes in the first and last mile trucking container pickups and deliveries, a critical segment in CN’s comprehensive transportation services. The agreement comes after negotiations between the subsidiary and the owner-operators, who are integral to CN’s operations, providing essential transportation of goods across North America.

CN, a leader in the transportation industry, operates an extensive 18,800-mile rail network that links Canada’s eastern and western coasts with the southern United States. The company plays a pivotal role in the North American economy by safely moving over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods annually.

The company has a long history dating back to 1919 and is known for its commitment to community prosperity, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

This tentative agreement is a significant development for CN and CNTL, as it aims to stabilize the crucial services provided by the owner-operators. The ratification of the contract will ensure the continuity of operations and could potentially impact the efficiency and reliability of CN’s transportation services.

The news of the tentative agreement is based on a press release statement issued by CN. The outcome of the ratification process is awaited to determine the future working conditions and partnership between CNTL and the owner-operators affiliated with Unifor.

InvestingPro Insights

As CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) seeks to solidify its operations through a new tentative agreement with owner-operators, the company’s financial health and market stance remain a focus for investors. The latest InvestingPro Insights provide a snapshot of CN’s current market position:

• The company’s Market Cap stands at a robust $79.75 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the transportation industry.
• With a Price/Earnings (P/E) Ratio of 20.43 and an adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 at 20.28, CN is trading at a premium relative to near-term earnings growth, indicating investor confidence in the company’s stability.
• The Gross Profit Margin for CN over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 is an impressive 55.78%, demonstrating the company’s efficiency in managing its cost of goods sold relative to its revenue.

Among the InvestingPro Tips for CN, two stand out in the context of the company’s recent developments:

2. CN has upheld a tradition of rewarding shareholders by raising its dividend for what is now 29 consecutive years, showcasing its financial resilience and commitment to returning value.
3. Despite concerns, CN’s management has been aggressively buying back shares, signaling their confidence in the company’s future performance and intrinsic value.

These insights suggest that while CN navigates through its labor negotiations, the company maintains a strong financial foundation and a commitment to shareholder value. For investors looking for a deeper dive into CN’s financials and future prospects, InvestingPro offers a total of 14 additional InvestingPro Tips. To explore these insights and make more informed investment decisions, use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription at InvestingPro.

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