With regards to long-term holds, safety and stability are the highest factors to think about. That’s why as we speak we’re contemplating Canadian Nationwide Railway (TSX:CNR), a part of the railway duopoly in Canada that merely isn’t going wherever. In the present day, let’s take a look at causes to get in on this steady inventory, and why it may possibly flip any portfolio from good to nice.

1. Secure throughout downturns

Regardless of headwinds, CNR inventory has confirmed to keep up its operational excellence. In reality, its second-quarter outcomes demonstrated this in spades. CNR proved it may possibly squeeze extra revenue out of its community even when commerce is sluggish. Its working ratio for the second quarter hit 61.7%, down 2.3% yr over yr, displaying CNR inventory is as environment friendly as ever in turning income into revenue.

Moreover, earnings per share (EPS) rose 7% yr over yr, regardless of income dipping by 1% throughout the quarter. Grain and fertilizer shipments rose in that point by double digits, nonetheless, serving to offset weak spot from its intermodal and forest merchandise. All in all, the numbers confirmed CNR inventory can maintain earnings flowing, in addition to money, even when volumes stall, displaying it’s an industrial inventory to purchase and maintain long run.

2. Providing worth

Alright, so is CNR inventory useful with all this happening? In brief, sure. Over the past yr, shares of CNR inventory have come down by 21%. But throughout that point, profitability and free money move (FCF) stay strong. Now it gives a ahead price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.4 occasions, which is nicely under the 18 to twenty occasions vary that CNR usually instructions even throughout higher occasions.

In the meantime, FCF got here in at $922 million throughout the second quarter, including as much as $1.55 billion throughout the first half of 2025. This was up 5% yr over yr for CNR inventory. And with a beta of simply 0.86, the dividend inventory is way much less unstable than the broader market. And that’s fairly uncommon contemplating it’s a inventory that simply had a double-digit pullback! Meaning traders might be getting in on an undervalued firm earlier than the market catches on.

3. Sturdy dividends

So, we have now worth and efficiency, however we even have dividends. This could actually add up for long-term traders in search of a money move compounder. CNR inventory has probably the most dependable dividend progress data on the TSX as we speak. Proper now, the dividend is at about 2.7%, paying out $3.55 per share on an annual foundation. And what’s extra, that is whereas providing a conservative 48% payout ratio!

Now, you might have an organization with a powerful historical past, but additionally one that gives room for progress. And that’s probably, given it’s a inventory with a protracted historical past of annual dividend hikes. For now, a $7,000 funding may usher in $188 in dividends alone for traders.

Backside line

Should you’re an investor considering CNR inventory, these three causes reveal simply why it’s been a powerful inventory for many years. Should you can ignore macro noises of commerce points and softer intermodal demand, beneath the hood, you’ll see it’s sturdy. The inventory now runs extra effectively, trades at a reduction, and continues to pump out money — excellent for any long-term holder on the TSX as we speak.