First look: CPKC Q4 earnings

Earnings fall on revenues that were marginally higher

An eastbound CPKC train passes through Brookfield, Wisconsin, on Aug. 8, 2024. (Photo: Trains/David Lassen)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City reported fourth quarter revenues that were 1% higher at $3.9 billion from a year ago, but saw unadjusted earnings per share fall to $1.20 from $1.28 y/y.

The Calgary-based railroad (NYSE: CP) said core adjusted diluted EPS was $1.33, up 3% from $1.29 in Q4 2024.

The operating ratio improved 80 basis points to 58.9%, a network record, along with historic marks in train weights, network speed, locomotive productivity and car miles per car day.

“Our fourth quarter and full-year results demonstrate exceptional execution in a challenging market by controlling what we could control,” said Keith Creel, CPKC president and chief executive, in a release. “Despite macroeconomic and trade policy headwinds in 2025, our Precision Scheduled Railroading model again enabled us to control costs and deliver a record core adjusted operating ratio while capitalizing on our unique growth opportunities.”  

For all of 2025, revenues increased 4% to $15.1 billion from $14.5 billion, while the OR fell 160 bps to 62.8%. Core adjusted OR improved to a company record-low 59.9%, a 140 bps improvement y/y.

The railroad said reportable injuries and accidents also decreased for the year, to what it said was the lowest Federal Railroad Administration-reportable train accident frequency among Class I railroads for the third consecutive year. 

The company forecast low double-digit core adjusted diluted EPS growth versus 2025 of $4.61, on mid-single digit volume growth, as measured in revenue ton miles. Capital expenditures have been trimmed 15% to $2.65 billion y/y.

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Stuart Chirls

Stuart Chirls is a journalist who has covered the full breadth of railroads, intermodal, container shipping, ports, supply chain and logistics for Railway Age, the Journal of Commerce and IANA. He has also staffed at S&P, McGraw-Hill, United Business Media, Advance Media, Tribune Co., The New York Times Co., and worked in supply chain with BASF, the world's largest chemical producer. Reach him at stuartchirls@firecrown.com.