Canadian National Railway (TSX: CNR) reported earnings on Jan. 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Canadian National Railway met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew and GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margins increased, operating margins expanded, net margins shrank.

Revenue details
 Canadian National Railway logged revenue of $2.54 billion. The 20 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $2.57 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 8.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.34 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $1.41. The 28 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.41 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.41 for Q4 were 7.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.31 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 50.0%, 260 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 36.4%, 110 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 24.1%, 80 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.53 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.30.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.67 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.22.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Canadian National Railway is hold, with an average price target of $93.69.

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