Canadian Pacific Kansas City Reports Strong Q4 Results with Record Revenues Driven by Precision Scheduled Railroading
In a remarkable display of resilience and operational excellence, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has announced its fourth-quarter financial results for 2025, revealing record revenues and improved margins. The company's revenues reached $3.9 billion, marking a 1% increase over the previous year. This success is largely attributed to CPKC's effective implementation of its Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) model, which focuses on optimizing the efficiency of its operations.
According to Keith Creel, President and Chief Executive Officer of CPKC, the latest results reflect the company’s ability to navigate through challenging market conditions by maintaining a firm grip on controllable factors. ‘Our fourth quarter and full year results demonstrate exceptional execution in a challenging market by managing what we could control,’ stated Creel.
In terms of operating ratios, CPKC reported a significant decrease of 80 basis points to 58.9%. Notably, the core adjusted operating ratio hit a record low of 55.9%, showcasing a 120 basis point improvement year-over-year. CPKC’s strategy appears effective, as it aims to maintain low costs amid fluctuating economic conditions.
Despite facing macroeconomic hurdles and trade policy headwinds throughout 2025, CPKC’s Precision Scheduled Railroad model enabled it to thrive, delivering a record core adjusted operating ratio while capitalizing on growth opportunities unique to its operational framework. This approach has not only resulted in improved margins but also led to enhanced operational metrics, including record figures in train weights, network speed, locomotive productivity, and car miles per day.
Total freight revenues for 2025 stood at $14.8 billion, a 4% increase from $14.2 billion in 2024. There were also notable improvements in earnings per share (EPS), with diluted EPS rising from $3.98 in 2024 to $4.51 in 2025. Core adjusted diluted EPS also saw an uptick, advancing by 8% to $4.61.
Safety remains a cornerstone of CPKC’s operations. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reported a decrease in both personal injury frequency and train accident frequency for CPKC. The frequency of personal injuries fell to 0.92 compared to 0.95 in 2024, while train accidents dropped to 0.85 from 1.01, further establishing CPKC's reputation as an industry leader in safety.
Looking ahead, CPKC has outlined its guidance for 2026, predicting low double-digit core adjusted diluted EPS growth and mid-single digit volume growth as measured in Revenue Ton Miles (RTM). The company plans capital expenditures of approximately $2.65 billion, representing a 15% reduction from 2025. CPKC’s strategy is rooted in leveraging its strong operational framework to maximize efficiencies and capitalize on market opportunities, particularly with strong grain harvests anticipated.
CPKC continues to reflect a commitment to operational excellence layered with a strong yet adaptable strategy to manage the economic landscape. As it aims to leverage its extensive network and enhance service offerings, the company remains well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory in the coming years.