Q: I've held Canadian National Railway (CNR) for over eight years, achieving a modest return of about 8% per annum, which has lagged the broader Canadian market. As a retired investor seeking both income and growth, I’m considering swapping my entire CNR position for TFI International (TFII). CNR has provided stability and a reliable dividend—currently around 2.3%—but its growth has been underwhelming, and it trades at a relatively high valuation, around 19-20 times forward earnings. In contrast, TFII appears undervalued, trading at roughly 15-16 times forward earnings, with a stronger historical growth trajectory, driven by its trucking and logistics operations and savvy acquisitions. However, its dividend yield is lower, at about 1%, and it’s more cyclical than CNR’s rail business. Given my goals and the small capital gain I’d realize in my taxable account from selling CNR, does it make sense to trade all of my CNR for TFII? How do their risk profiles, income potential, and long-term growth prospects compare for someone in my position?
5i Research Answer:
We would rather own both than do a wholesale switch. With taxes, assuming a high tax rate, TFII...