CPKC divests Panama Canal Railway to APM Terminals

Published 02/04/2025, 13:18
CPKC divests Panama Canal Railway to APM Terminals

CALGARY, AB - Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP), commonly known as CPKC, has announced the sale of the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) to APM Terminals, marking a significant transition for the intermodal freight service provider that has operated alongside the Panama Canal since 1998. The PCRC, a joint venture between CPKC subsidiary Kansas City Southern and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack, reported a revenue of $77 million and an EBITDA of $36 million in 2024. CPKC, currently trading near its 52-week low at $71.05, maintains impressive gross profit margins of 52% and generated $5.25 billion in EBITDA over the last twelve months. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly undervalued based on its Fair Value estimate.

Keith Creel, President and CEO of CPKC, expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the strategic alignment with APM Terminals and the focus on CPKC’s core North American rail operations. Mike Lanigan, CEO of Lanco Group/Mi-Jack, also lauded the transaction and the expected continued growth of Panama’s container business under APM Terminals. The strategic move comes as CPKC demonstrates strong financial performance, with revenue growth of 16% in the last twelve months. InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed analysis and 8 additional ProTips about CPKC’s financial health and growth prospects through the comprehensive Pro Research Report.

APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the shipping conglomerate A.P. Moller - Maersk, operates a network of advanced container terminals globally. Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, highlighted the PCRC’s operational excellence and the potential to expand services to their shipping customers.

The PCRC, a vital component of Panama’s logistics network, was established after being awarded a concession to rebuild and operate the historic 47-mile railway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

The sale has been advised by BofA Securities, Inc. and Lazard Frères & Co., with legal counsel from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. APM Terminals, with a presence in 33 countries and employing around 33,000 people, sees the acquisition as a strategic infrastructure investment in the region.

This transaction is based on a press release statement and reflects CPKC’s strategy to optimize its asset portfolio while expanding its transnational rail service across North America.

In other recent news, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC) has announced a series of significant developments. The company reported advancements in its sustainability efforts, particularly with its Hydrogen Locomotive Program, which has logged over 6,000 miles in freight service testing by the end of 2024. Additionally, CPKC plans to expand its hydrogen test fleet in 2025 and will introduce 100 Tier 4 diesel-electric locomotives to further reduce emissions. In financial news, CPKC secured a $500 million unsecured term loan with Bank of Montreal and other institutions, part of a broader Credit Agreement aimed at enhancing its financial flexibility.

The company also announced a tentative four-year collective agreement with the United Steelworkers, covering clerical and intermodal employees in Canada. In a recent analyst update, Loop Capital Markets downgraded CPKC’s stock from "Buy" to "Sell" and reduced the price target from Cdn$125.00 to Cdn$70.00, citing concerns over the company’s exposure to North American trade tensions. Furthermore, CPKC has scheduled its annual and special shareholder meeting for April 30, 2025, with March 10 set as the record date for eligible shareholders. These developments reflect CPKC’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and financial standing while navigating complex market conditions.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.