CN reports increased profits for 2010

Canadian National Jan. 25 reported its fourth-quarter operating profit rose by 19 percent versus fourth-quarter 2009, and that calendar-year 2010 operating profit increased by 13.5 percent from 2009.

CN’s operating ratio for 2010 improved from 67.7 percent in 2009 to 63.6 percent year-end 2010. Operating ratio — a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue — is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. 

CN, which operates primarily in Canada, but also in the U.S., raised its dividend on common stock by 20 percent.