CP Stands Out in an Uncertain Market

Article Excerpt

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY LTD. $70 (Toronto symbol CP; SI Rating: Average) stands out as a great choice for investors who want growth and safety. It transports freight over a rail network between Montreal and Vancouver. In the United States, subsidiaries connect CP’s Canadian lines to major hubs in the Midwest and Northeast. Alliances with other railways extend its reach to Mexico. In the three months ended December 31, 2007, CP’s earnings rose 2.2%, to $185 million from $181 million. Per-share earnings rose 4.3%, to $1.21 from $1.16 on fewer shares outstanding. Revenue was virtually unchanged, at $1.2 billion. CP will probably spend $5.80 a share on capital upgrades in 2008, unchanged from 2007. CP’s $1.58 billion acquisition of Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corp. (DM&E) in September, 2007 is adding to earnings. DM&E operates a 4,000-km rail network in eight Midwestern states, mainly transporting agricultural products, coal and ethanol to key ports such as Chicago and Minneapolis. CP will likely win regulatory…