Canadian National Railway Co 6-K, filed Oct 22, 2024
Canadian National Railway Co (CNI)
6-K
2024-10-22
For: 2024-09-30
View Original
Added on
April 11, 2026
About this 6-K
Canadian National Railway Co filed this 6-K on October 22, 2024.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of October 2024
Commission File Number: 001-02413
Canadian National Railway Company
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
935 de la Gauchetiere Street West
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3B 2M9
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
| Form 20-F | Form 40-F | X | ||||||||||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Canadian National Railway Company | |||||||||||||||||
| Date: | October 22, 2024 | By: | /s/ Cristina Circelli | ||||||||||||||
| Name: | Cristina Circelli | ||||||||||||||||
| Title: | Vice-President, Deputy Corporate Secretary and General Counsel | ||||||||||||||||
Canadian National Railway Company
Table of Content
| Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | |||||||
| Ex 99.1 | ||||||||
| Ex 99.2 | ||||||||
| Ex 99.3 | ||||||||
| Ex 99.4 | ||||||||
PRESS RELEASE
CN Announces Third Quarter Results
Company Focused on Aligning Resources to Demand
MONTREAL, October 22, 2024 — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.
“Our scheduled operating plan demonstrated its resilience in the third quarter, allowing us to adapt our operations to challenges posed by wildfires and prolonged labor issues. Our operations recovered quickly and the railroad is running well. As we close 2024, we will continue to focus on recovering volumes, growth, and ensuring our resources are aligned to demand.”
–Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN
Quarterly highlights
•Revenue ton miles (RTMs) of 56,548 (millions), an increase of 2%.
•Revenues of C$4,110 million, an increase of C$123 million, or 3%.
•Operating income of C$1,515 million was in line with prior year.
•Operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, of 63.1%, an increase of 1.1-points.
•Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.72, an increase of 2%.
2024 guidance and long-term financial outlook (1)(2)
CN continues to expect to deliver adjusted diluted EPS growth in the low single-digit range and continues to expect to invest approximately C$3.5 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers. The Company also continues to expect adjusted return on invested capital (ROIC) to be in the 13%-15% range.
Over the 2024-2026 period, CN continues to target compounded annual adjusted diluted EPS growth in the high single-digit range.
CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's outlook in a conference call starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on October 22. Tracy Robinson, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call. Parties wishing to participate via telephone may dial 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.), or 1-647-932-3411 (International), using 5497429 as the passcode. Participants are advised to dial in 10 minutes prior to the call.
(1) Non-GAAP Measures
CN's full-year and long-term adjusted diluted EPS outlook and full-year adjusted ROIC outlook (2) exclude certain adjustments, which are expected to be comparable to adjustments made in prior years. However, management cannot individually quantify on a forward-looking basis the impact of these adjustments on its adjusted diluted EPS or its adjusted ROIC because these items, which could be significant, are difficult to predict and may be highly variable. As a result, CN does not provide a corresponding GAAP measure for, or reconciliation to, its adjusted diluted EPS outlook or its adjusted ROIC outlook.
(2) Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this news release constitute"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws, including statements based on management’s assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to CN. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets", or other similar words.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 1
PRESS RELEASE
2024 key assumptions
CN has made a number of economic and market assumptions in preparing its 2024 outlook. The Company continues to assume slightly positive North American industrial production in 2024. For the 2023/2024 crop year, the grain crop in Canada was below its three-year average (excluding the significantly lower 2021/2022 crop year) and the U.S. grain crop was above its three-year average. The Company continues to assume that the 2024/2025 grain crop in Canada will be in line with its three-year average (excluding the significantly lower 2021/2022 crop year) and that the U.S. grain crop will be above its three-year average. CN continues to assume RTM growth will be at the low end of the 3%-5% range assumed previously. CN assumes continued pricing above rail inflation. CN also continues to assume that in 2024, the value of the Canadian dollar in U.S. currency will be approximately $0.75, and that in 2024 the average price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) will be in the range of US$80 - US$90 per barrel. Additionally, CN assumes that there will be no further rail or port labor disruptions in 2024.
2024-2026 key assumptions
CN has made a number of economic and market assumptions in preparing its three-year financial perspective. CN continues to assume that the North American industrial production will increase by approximately 1% CAGR over the 2024 to 2026 period. CN assumes continued pricing above rail inflation. CN assumes that the value of the Canadian dollar in U.S. currency will be approximately $0.75 and that the average price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) will be approximately US$80 per barrel during this period.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of CN to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting global supply chains such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts and tensions; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats; reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including illegal blockades of rail networks, and natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings and other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; timing and completion of capital programs; the availability of and cost competitiveness of renewable fuels and the development of new locomotive propulsion technology; reputational risks; supplier concentration; pension funding requirements and volatility; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should also be made to Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in CN’s annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators and available on CN’s website, for a description of major risk factors relating to CN.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this news release.
This earnings news release, as well as additional information, including the Financial Statements, Notes thereto and MD&A, is contained in CN’s Quarterly Review available on the Company's website at www.cn.ca/financial-results and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca as well as on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR.
About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.
- 30 -
| Contacts: | |||||
| Media | Investment Community | ||||
| Jonathan Abecassis | Stacy Alderson | ||||
| Director | Assistant Vice-President | ||||
| Public Affairs and Media Relations | Investor Relations | ||||
| (438) 455-3692 | (514) 399-0052 | ||||
| media@cn.ca | investor.relations@cn.ca | ||||
2 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
SELECTED RAILROAD STATISTICS – UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial measures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key financial performance indicators (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues ($ millions) | 4,110 | 3,987 | 12,688 | 12,357 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Freight revenues ($ millions) | 3,922 | 3,820 | 12,212 | 11,933 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income ($ millions) | 1,515 | 1,517 | 4,619 | 4,779 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating income ($ millions) (2)(3) | 1,515 | 1,517 | 4,697 | 4,779 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income ($ millions) | 1,085 | 1,108 | 3,302 | 3,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income ($ millions) (2)(3) | 1,085 | 1,108 | 3,360 | 3,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share ($) | 1.72 | 1.69 | 5.19 | 5.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share ($) (2)(3) | 1.72 | 1.69 | 5.28 | 5.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Free cash flow ($ millions) (2)(4) | 584 | 581 | 2,060 | 2,274 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross property additions ($ millions) | 1,176 | 934 | 2,605 | 2,270 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Share repurchases ($ millions) | 427 | 1,196 | 2,498 | 3,438 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends per share ($) | 0.8450 | 0.7900 | 2.5350 | 2.3700 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating ratio (%) (5) | 63.1 | 62.0 | 63.6 | 61.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted operating ratio (%) (2)(3) | 63.1 | 62.0 | 63.0 | 61.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operational measures (6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Statistical operating data | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross ton miles (GTMs) (millions) | 110,555 | 108,221 | 344,034 | 333,356 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions) | 56,548 | 55,640 | 176,233 | 171,478 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 1,304 | 1,326 | 4,066 | 4,048 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.) | 18,800 | 18,600 | 18,800 | 18,600 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Employees (end of period) | 25,428 | 25,101 | 25,428 | 25,101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Employees (average for the period) | 25,593 | 25,168 | 25,451 | 24,859 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Key operating measures | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue per RTM (cents) | 6.94 | 6.87 | 6.93 | 6.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue per carload ($) | 3,008 | 2,881 | 3,003 | 2,948 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands) | 4,320 | 4,300 | 13,518 | 13,410 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses per GTM (cents) | 2.35 | 2.28 | 2.35 | 2.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents) | 0.72 | 0.71 | 0.74 | 0.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions) | 94.4 | 90.0 | 301.0 | 291.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Average fuel price ($ per US gallon) | 4.43 | 4.66 | 4.50 | 4.56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Fuel efficiency (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs) | 0.854 | 0.832 | 0.875 | 0.874 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Train weight (tons) | 9,130 | 9,246 | 9,104 | 9,146 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Train length (feet) | 7,849 | 7,927 | 7,885 | 7,870 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Car velocity (car miles per day) | 208 | 209 | 208 | 212 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Through dwell (entire railroad, hours) | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 7.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Through network train speed (miles per hour) | 19.2 | 19.7 | 18.7 | 19.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Locomotive utilization (trailing GTMs per total horsepower) | 182 | 189 | 186 | 191 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Safety indicators (7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Injury frequency rate (per 200,000 person hours) | 1.04 | 1.08 | 1.08 | 1.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Accident rate (per million train miles) | 1.46 | 2.10 | 1.62 | 1.86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted.
(2)These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
(3)See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
(4)See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(5)Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
(6)Statistical operating data, key operating measures and safety indicators are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available. Definitions of gross ton miles, revenue ton miles, freight revenue per RTM, fuel efficiency, train weight, train length, car velocity, through dwell and through network train speed are included within the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Definitions of all other indicators are provided on CN's website, www.cn.ca/glossary.
(7)Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 3
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION – UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | % Change at constant currency (1) Fav (Unfav) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | % Change at constant currency (1) Fav (Unfav) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues ($ millions) (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | 839 | 758 | 11 | % | 9 | % | 2,546 | 2,334 | 9 | % | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 502 | 515 | (3 | %) | (4 | %) | 1,560 | 1,541 | 1 | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 467 | 466 | — | % | (1 | %) | 1,462 | 1,457 | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 229 | 242 | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | 691 | 768 | (10 | %) | (10 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 786 | 722 | 9 | % | 8 | % | 2,384 | 2,271 | 5 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 882 | 880 | — | % | — | % | 2,881 | 2,875 | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 217 | 237 | (8 | %) | (9 | %) | 688 | 687 | — | % | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenues | 3,922 | 3,820 | 3 | % | 2 | % | 12,212 | 11,933 | 2 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 188 | 167 | 13 | % | 11 | % | 476 | 424 | 12 | % | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 4,110 | 3,987 | 3 | % | 2 | % | 12,688 | 12,357 | 3 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions) (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | 11,398 | 10,470 | 9 | % | 9 | % | 34,763 | 31,915 | 9 | % | 9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 7,275 | 7,630 | (5 | %) | (5 | %) | 22,183 | 21,458 | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 5,323 | 5,719 | (7 | %) | (7 | %) | 16,843 | 17,529 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 4,908 | 5,421 | (9 | %) | (9 | %) | 14,839 | 17,234 | (14 | %) | (14 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 15,072 | 14,528 | 4 | % | 4 | % | 46,690 | 45,138 | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 11,793 | 11,048 | 7 | % | 7 | % | 38,538 | 35,918 | 7 | % | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 779 | 824 | (5 | %) | (5 | %) | 2,377 | 2,286 | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total RTMs | 56,548 | 55,640 | 2 | % | 2 | % | 176,233 | 171,478 | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue / RTM (cents) (2)(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | 7.36 | 7.24 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 7.32 | 7.31 | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 6.90 | 6.75 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 7.03 | 7.18 | (2 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 8.77 | 8.15 | 8 | % | 6 | % | 8.68 | 8.31 | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 4.67 | 4.46 | 5 | % | 4 | % | 4.66 | 4.46 | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 5.21 | 4.97 | 5 | % | 4 | % | 5.11 | 5.03 | 2 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 7.48 | 7.97 | (6 | %) | (7 | %) | 7.48 | 8.00 | (6 | %) | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 27.86 | 28.76 | (3 | %) | (4 | %) | 28.94 | 30.05 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenue / RTM | 6.94 | 6.87 | 1 | % | — | % | 6.93 | 6.96 | — | % | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | 158 | 156 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 485 | 468 | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 243 | 264 | (8 | %) | (8 | %) | 730 | 749 | (3 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 73 | 76 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | 228 | 234 | (3 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 116 | 124 | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | 343 | 386 | (11 | %) | (11 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 163 | 153 | 7 | % | 7 | % | 496 | 483 | 3 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 501 | 494 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1,625 | 1,556 | 4 | % | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 50 | 59 | (15 | %) | (15 | %) | 159 | 172 | (8 | %) | (8 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total carloads | 1,304 | 1,326 | (2 | %) | (2 | %) | 4,066 | 4,048 | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue / carload ($) (2)(3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | 5,310 | 4,859 | 9 | % | 8 | % | 5,249 | 4,987 | 5 | % | 5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 2,066 | 1,951 | 6 | % | 4 | % | 2,137 | 2,057 | 4 | % | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 6,397 | 6,132 | 4 | % | 3 | % | 6,412 | 6,226 | 3 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 1,974 | 1,952 | 1 | % | — | % | 2,015 | 1,990 | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 4,822 | 4,719 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 4,806 | 4,702 | 2 | % | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 1,760 | 1,781 | (1 | %) | (2 | %) | 1,773 | 1,848 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 4,340 | 4,017 | 8 | % | 7 | % | 4,327 | 3,994 | 8 | % | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenue / carload | 3,008 | 2,881 | 4 | % | 3 | % | 3,003 | 2,948 | 2 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Constant currency for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(2)Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars.
(3)Statistical operating data and related key operating measures are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.
4 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NON-GAAP MEASURES – UNAUDITED
In this supplementary schedule, the "Company" or "CN" refers to Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Financial information included in this schedule is expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.
CN reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company also uses non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, including adjusted performance measures, free cash flow, constant currency and adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. From management's perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful measures of performance and provide investors with supplementary information to assess the Company's results of operations and liquidity. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted performance measures
Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating expenses and adjusted operating ratio are non-GAAP measures that are used to set performance goals and to measure CN's performance. Management believes that these adjusted performance measures provide additional insight to management and investors into the Company's operations and underlying business trends as well as facilitate period-to-period comparisons, as they exclude certain significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. These items may include:
i.operating expense adjustments: workforce reduction program, depreciation expense on the deployment of replacement system, advisory fees related to shareholder matters, losses and recoveries from assets held for sale, business acquisition-related costs;
ii.non-operating expense adjustments: business acquisition-related financing fees, merger termination income, gains and losses on disposal of property; and
iii.the effect of changes in tax laws including rate enactments, and changes in tax positions affecting prior years.
These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company's adjusted net income was $1,085 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, and $3,360 million, or $5.28 per diluted share, respectively. The adjusted figures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 exclude a loss on assets held for sale of $78 million, or $58 million after-tax ($0.09 per diluted share), recorded in the second quarter, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada. See Note 4 – Assets held for sale to the Company's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's net income was $1,108 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, and $3,495 million, or $5.27 per diluted share, respectively. There were no adjustments in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2023.
Adjusted net income is defined as Net income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant items. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income and Earnings per share in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments (1) | — | — | (20) | — | ||||||||||
| Total adjustments | — | — | 58 | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,360 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.19 | $ | 5.27 | ||||||
| Impact of adjustments, per share | — | — | 0.09 | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.28 | $ | 5.27 | ||||||
(1)The tax impact of adjustments is based on the nature of the item for tax purposes and related tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 5
NON-GAAP MEASURES – UNAUDITED
Adjusted operating income is defined as Operating income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. Adjusted operating expenses is defined as Operating expenses in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. Adjusted operating ratio is defined as adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income, Operating expenses and operating ratio, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except percentages | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | $ | 4,619 | $ | 4,779 | ||||||
| Adjustment: | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
| Total adjustment | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | $ | 4,697 | $ | 4,779 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,470 | $ | 8,069 | $ | 7,578 | ||||||
| Total adjustment | — | — | (78) | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating expenses | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,470 | $ | 7,991 | $ | 7,578 | ||||||
| Operating ratio | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | 63.6 | % | 61.3 | % | ||||||
| Impact of adjustment | — | % | — | % | (0.6) | % | — | % | ||||||
| Adjusted operating ratio | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | 63.0 | % | 61.3 | % | ||||||
Free cash flow
Free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate cash for debt obligations and for discretionary uses such as payment of dividends, share repurchases, and strategic opportunities. The Company defines its free cash flow measure as the difference between net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of (i) business acquisitions and (ii) merger transaction-related payments, cash receipts and cash income taxes, which are items that are not indicative of operating trends. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP free cash flow presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,774 | $ | 1,512 | $ | 4,704 | $ | 4,552 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,190) | (931) | (2,644) | (2,278) | ||||||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 584 | $ | 581 | $ | 2,060 | $ | 2,274 | ||||||
6 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NON-GAAP MEASURES – UNAUDITED
Constant currency
Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the weighted average foreign exchange rates used to translate transactions denominated in US dollars of the comparable period of the prior year.
The average foreign exchange rates were $1.364 and $1.360 per US$1.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $1.341 and $1.345 per US$1.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 would have been lower by $12 million ($0.02 per diluted share) and lower by $17 million ($0.03 per diluted share), respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the impact of constant currency and related percentage change at constant currency on the financial results, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | Constant currency impact | 2023 | % Change at constant currency Fav (Unfav) | 2024 | Constant currency impact | 2023 | % Change at constant currency Fav (Unfav) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | $ | 839 | $ | (9) | $ | 758 | 9 | % | $ | 2,546 | $ | (16) | $ | 2,334 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 502 | (7) | 515 | (4 | %) | 1,560 | (13) | 1,541 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 467 | (6) | 466 | (1 | %) | 1,462 | (11) | 1,457 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 229 | (2) | 242 | (6 | %) | 691 | (3) | 768 | (10 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 786 | (7) | 722 | 8 | % | 2,384 | (11) | 2,271 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 882 | (4) | 880 | — | % | 2,881 | (8) | 2,875 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 217 | (2) | 237 | (9 | %) | 688 | (5) | 687 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenues | 3,922 | (37) | 3,820 | 2 | % | 12,212 | (67) | 11,933 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 188 | (2) | 167 | 11 | % | 476 | (4) | 424 | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 4,110 | (39) | 3,987 | 2 | % | 12,688 | (71) | 12,357 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and fringe benefits | 795 | (6) | 773 | (2 | %) | 2,539 | (10) | 2,332 | (8 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchased services and material | 566 | (3) | 534 | (5 | %) | 1,715 | (8) | 1,698 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | 519 | (7) | 486 | (5 | %) | 1,579 | (14) | 1,528 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 475 | (3) | 457 | (3 | %) | 1,403 | (6) | 1,354 | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Equipment rents | 93 | (1) | 89 | (3 | %) | 294 | (3) | 262 | (11 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 147 | (1) | 131 | (11 | %) | 461 | (3) | 404 | (13 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | — | — | % | 78 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,595 | (21) | 2,470 | (4 | %) | 8,069 | (44) | 7,578 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,515 | (18) | 1,517 | (1 | %) | 4,619 | (27) | 4,779 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (230) | 3 | (185) | (23 | %) | (660) | 5 | (523) | (25 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other components of net periodic benefit income | 114 | — | 121 | (6 | %) | 341 | — | 360 | (5 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | 10 | — | (2) | 600 | % | 44 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,409 | (15) | 1,451 | (4 | %) | 4,344 | (22) | 4,616 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (324) | 3 | (343) | 6 | % | (1,042) | 5 | (1,121) | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | (12) | $ | 1,108 | (3 | %) | $ | 3,302 | $ | (17) | $ | 3,495 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | (0.02) | $ | 1.69 | 1 | % | $ | 5.19 | $ | (0.03) | $ | 5.27 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 7
NON-GAAP MEASURES – UNAUDITED
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple
Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple is a useful credit measure because it reflects the Company's ability to service its debt and other long-term obligations. The Company calculates the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple as adjusted debt divided by the last twelve months of adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted debt is defined as the sum of Long-term debt and Current portion of long-term debt as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Operating lease liabilities, including current portion and pension plans in deficiency recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the debt-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net income excluding Interest expense, Income tax expense, Depreciation and amortization, operating lease cost, Other components of net periodic benefit income, Other income (loss), and other significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and which could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted debt and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to compute the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of debt and Net income in accordance with GAAP, reported as at and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the adjusted measures presented herein, which have been used to calculate the non-GAAP adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple:
| In millions, unless otherwise indicated | As at and for the twelve months ended September 30, | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Debt | $ | 20,698 | $ | 18,382 | |||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, including current portion (1) | 363 | 429 | |||||||||
Pension plans in deficiency (2) | 356 | 351 | |||||||||
| Adjusted debt | $ | 21,417 | $ | 19,162 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 5,432 | $ | 4,915 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 859 | 676 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 784 | 1,582 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,866 | 1,805 | |||||||||
Operating lease cost (3) | 153 | 147 | |||||||||
| Other components of net periodic benefit income | (460) | (484) | |||||||||
| Other loss (income) | (178) | 2 | |||||||||
| Adjustment: | |||||||||||
Loss on assets held for sale (4) | 78 | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 8,534 | $ | 8,643 | |||||||
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times) | 2.51 | 2.22 | |||||||||
(1)Represents the present value of operating lease payments.
(2)Represents the total funded deficit of all defined benefit pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
(3)Represents the operating lease costs recorded in Purchased services and material and Equipment rents within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4)Relates to a loss of $78 million on assets held for sale recorded in the second quarter of 2024, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada. See Note 4 – Assets held for sale to the Company's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
8 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
| Contents | |||||
| NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED | |||||
Note 1 - Basis of presentation | |||||
Note 3 - Revenues | |||||
Note 6 - Earnings per share | |||||
Note 7 - Financing activities | |||||
Note 8 - Stock-based compensation | |||||
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
Revenues (Note 3) | $ | 4,110 | $ | 3,987 | $ | 12,688 | $ | 12,357 | |||||||||
| Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||
| Labor and fringe benefits | 795 | 773 | 2,539 | 2,332 | |||||||||||||
| Purchased services and material | 566 | 534 | 1,715 | 1,698 | |||||||||||||
| Fuel | 519 | 486 | 1,579 | 1,528 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 475 | 457 | 1,403 | 1,354 | |||||||||||||
| Equipment rents | 93 | 89 | 294 | 262 | |||||||||||||
| Other | 147 | 131 | 461 | 404 | |||||||||||||
Loss on assets held for sale (Note 4) | — | — | 78 | — | |||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,595 | 2,470 | 8,069 | 7,578 | |||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,515 | 1,517 | 4,619 | 4,779 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (230) | (185) | (660) | (523) | |||||||||||||
Other components of net periodic benefit income (Note 5) | 114 | 121 | 341 | 360 | |||||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | 10 | (2) | 44 | — | |||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,409 | 1,451 | 4,344 | 4,616 | |||||||||||||
Income tax expense | (324) | (343) | (1,042) | (1,121) | |||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | |||||||||
Earnings per share (Note 6) | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.20 | $ | 5.28 | |||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.19 | $ | 5.27 | |||||||||
Weighted-average number of shares (Note 6) | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 629.6 | 654.3 | 635.1 | 661.4 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted | 630.5 | 655.6 | 636.2 | 662.9 | |||||||||||||
| Dividends declared per share | $ | 0.8450 | $ | 0.7900 | $ | 2.5350 | $ | 2.3700 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 9) | |||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation | (53) | 89 | 95 | 2 | |||||||||||||
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 5) | 12 | — | 39 | (2) | |||||||||||||
Derivative instruments (Note 11) | (16) | 59 | (19) | 77 | |||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes | (57) | 148 | 115 | 77 | |||||||||||||
| Income tax recovery (expense) | (17) | 21 | 26 | (18) | |||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (74) | 169 | 141 | 59 | |||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | $ | 1,011 | $ | 1,277 | $ | 3,443 | $ | 3,554 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
10 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – UNAUDITED
| September 30 | December 31 | ||||||||||
| In millions | As at | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 273 | $ | 475 | |||||||
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 7) | 425 | 449 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 1,243 | 1,300 | |||||||||
| Material and supplies | 725 | 699 | |||||||||
| Other current assets | 377 | 166 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 3,043 | 3,089 | |||||||||
| Properties | 46,194 | 44,617 | |||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 372 | 424 | |||||||||
| Pension asset | 3,467 | 3,140 | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | 659 | 682 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets, goodwill and other | 746 | 714 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 54,481 | $ | 52,666 | |||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other | $ | 2,640 | $ | 2,695 | |||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 2,079 | 2,340 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 4,719 | 5,035 | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 10,398 | 10,066 | |||||||||
| Other liabilities and deferred credits | 563 | 522 | |||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefits | 487 | 495 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 18,619 | 16,133 | |||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 237 | 298 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 35,023 | 32,549 | |||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Common shares | 3,477 | 3,512 | |||||||||
| Common shares in Share Trusts | (128) | (144) | |||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 360 | 373 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9) | (2,138) | (2,279) | |||||||||
| Retained earnings | 17,887 | 18,655 | |||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | 19,458 | 20,117 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 54,481 | $ | 52,666 | |||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 11
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED
| Number of common shares | Common shares | Common shares in Share Trusts | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Outstanding | Share Trusts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2024 | 631.3 | 0.9 | $ | 3,484 | $ | (129) | $ | 364 | $ | (2,064) | $ | 17,749 | $ | 19,404 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | 1,085 | 1,085 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | 0.1 | 7 | (1) | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of equity settled awards | — | — | 8 | (9) | (1) | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation and other | 6 | (1) | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common shares (Note 7) | (2.5) | (14) | (413) | (427) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share purchases by Share Trusts | (0.1) | 0.1 | (7) | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss (Note 9) | (74) | (74) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | (532) | (532) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | 628.8 | 1.0 | $ | 3,477 | $ | (128) | $ | 360 | $ | (2,138) | $ | 17,887 | $ | 19,458 | |||||||||||||||
| Number of common shares | Common shares | Common shares in Share Trusts | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Outstanding | Share Trusts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | 642.7 | 1.1 | $ | 3,512 | $ | (144) | $ | 373 | $ | (2,279) | $ | 18,655 | $ | 20,117 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | 3,302 | 3,302 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | 0.4 | 44 | (6) | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of equity settled awards | 0.4 | (0.4) | 58 | (73) | (42) | (57) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation and other | 66 | (2) | 64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common shares (Note 7) | (14.4) | (79) | (2,419) | (2,498) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share purchases by Share Trusts | (0.3) | 0.3 | (42) | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (Note 9) | 141 | 141 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | (1,607) | (1,607) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | 628.8 | 1.0 | $ | 3,477 | $ | (128) | $ | 360 | $ | (2,138) | $ | 17,887 | $ | 19,458 | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
12 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED
| Number of common shares | Common shares | Common shares in Share Trusts | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Outstanding | Share Trusts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | 657.5 | 1.1 | $ | 3,573 | $ | (142) | $ | 369 | $ | (2,079) | $ | 18,677 | $ | 20,398 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | 1,108 | 1,108 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | — | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of equity settled awards | 0.1 | (0.1) | 6 | (8) | — | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation and other | 14 | — | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common shares (Note 7) | (7.7) | (42) | (1,154) | (1,196) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share purchases by Share Trusts | (0.1) | 0.1 | (7) | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (Note 9) | 169 | 169 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | (515) | (515) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 649.8 | 1.1 | $ | 3,533 | $ | (143) | $ | 375 | $ | (1,910) | $ | 18,116 | $ | 19,971 | |||||||||||||||
| Number of common shares | Common shares | Common shares in Share Trusts | Additional paid-in capital | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | Retained earnings | Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Outstanding | Share Trusts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 671.0 | 1.4 | $ | 3,613 | $ | (170) | $ | 381 | $ | (1,969) | $ | 19,529 | $ | 21,384 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income | 3,495 | 3,495 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options exercised | 0.3 | 38 | (5) | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of equity settled awards | 0.4 | (0.4) | 48 | (65) | (25) | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation and other | 64 | (1) | 63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of common shares (Note 7) | (21.8) | (118) | (3,320) | (3,438) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share purchases by Share Trusts | (0.1) | 0.1 | (21) | (21) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (Note 9) | 59 | 59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends | (1,562) | (1,562) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 649.8 | 1.1 | $ | 3,533 | $ | (143) | $ | 375 | $ | (1,910) | $ | 18,116 | $ | 19,971 | |||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 13
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 475 | 457 | 1,403 | 1,354 | ||||||||||
| Pension income and funding | (95) | (104) | (288) | (314) | ||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | 152 | 124 | 307 | 303 | ||||||||||
Loss on assets held for sale (Note 4) | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (5) | (55) | 73 | 89 | ||||||||||
| Material and supplies | 59 | 8 | (23) | (62) | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and other | 1 | (81) | (288) | (533) | ||||||||||
| Other current assets | 70 | (6) | (23) | 15 | ||||||||||
| Other operating activities, net | 32 | 61 | 163 | 205 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,774 | 1,512 | 4,704 | 4,552 | ||||||||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Property additions | (1,176) | (917) | (2,605) | (2,253) | ||||||||||
| Other investing activities, net | (14) | (14) | (39) | (25) | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,190) | (931) | (2,644) | (2,278) | ||||||||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||||||||
Issuance of debt (Note 7) | 1,011 | — | 3,117 | 1,730 | ||||||||||
| Repayment of debt | (17) | (11) | (528) | (238) | ||||||||||
Change in commercial paper, net (Note 7) | (675) | 1,073 | (756) | 1,312 | ||||||||||
Settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts on debt (Note 11) | (15) | 23 | (2) | 21 | ||||||||||
| Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised | 6 | 2 | 38 | 33 | ||||||||||
Withholding taxes remitted on the net settlement of equity settled awards (Note 8) | (1) | (1) | (52) | (38) | ||||||||||
Repurchase of common shares | (438) | (1,194) | (2,450) | (3,399) | ||||||||||
| Purchase of common shares for settlement of equity settled awards | (1) | (1) | (5) | (4) | ||||||||||
| Purchase of common shares by Share Trusts | (7) | (7) | (42) | (21) | ||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (532) | (515) | (1,607) | (1,562) | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (669) | (631) | (2,287) | (2,166) | ||||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents | (1) | 2 | 1 | — | ||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents | (86) | (48) | (226) | 108 | ||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period | 784 | 990 | 924 | 834 | ||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 273 | $ | 491 | $ | 273 | $ | 491 | ||||||
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 425 | 451 | 425 | 451 | ||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | ||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information | ||||||||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | (265) | $ | (256) | $ | (716) | $ | (622) | ||||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | (262) | $ | (279) | $ | (933) | $ | (987) | ||||||
See accompanying notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
14 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
1 – Basis of presentation
In these notes, the "Company" or "CN" refers to Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements ("Interim Consolidated Financial Statements"), expressed in Canadian dollars, have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.
These Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing CN's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with such statements and Notes thereto.
2 – Recent accounting pronouncements
The following recent Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have an effective date after December 31, 2023 and have not been adopted by the Company:
ASU 2023-07 Segment reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to reportable segment disclosures
The ASU will improve financial disclosures about a public entity's reportable segments and address requests from investors for additional and more detailed information regarding reportable segment expenses. The main amendments in the ASU require public entities, including those that have a single reportable segment, to disclose on an annual and interim basis the significant segment expenses provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), disclose the title/position of the CODM and how the segment expenses information is used in the decision-making process. The Company manages its operations as one business segment over a single network with operations in Canada and the U.S. with the Chief Executive Officer identified as its CODM. The Company has identified consolidated net income and EPS to be its profit measures reviewed by the CODM. The ASU requires single reportable segment entities to apply all disclosure requirements in Topic 280 and the ASU.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted.
The adoption of the ASU will have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements disclosures. The Company has not early adopted the ASU and will include the relevant disclosure within the 2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and 2025 Interim Financial Statements.
ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to income tax disclosures
The ASU amends the rules on income tax disclosures by modifying or eliminating certain existing income tax disclosure requirements in addition to establishing new requirements. The amendments address investor requests for more transparency about income taxes, including jurisdictional information, by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information. The ASU’s two primary amendments relate to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid annual disclosures.
Reconciling items presented in the rate reconciliation will be in dollar amounts and percentages, and will be disaggregated into specified categories with certain reconciling items further broken out by nature and/or jurisdiction using a 5% threshold of domestic federal taxes. Income taxes paid will be disaggregated between federal, provincial/territorial, and foreign taxing jurisdictions using a 5% threshold of total income taxes paid net of refunds received.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The ASU should be applied prospectively. Retrospective application is permitted.
The adoption of the ASU will have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements disclosures. The required disclosure changes will be reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements when the ASU is adopted. As the Company will not early adopt the ASU, the required disclosure changes will be reflected in the Company's 2025 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is currently evaluating whether to apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 15
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied on or after September 30, 2024 have been evaluated by the Company and are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
3 – Revenues
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Freight revenues | ||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | $ | 839 | $ | 758 | $ | 2,546 | $ | 2,334 | ||||||
| Metals and minerals | 502 | 515 | 1,560 | 1,541 | ||||||||||
| Forest products | 467 | 466 | 1,462 | 1,457 | ||||||||||
| Coal | 229 | 242 | 691 | 768 | ||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 786 | 722 | 2,384 | 2,271 | ||||||||||
| Intermodal | 882 | 880 | 2,881 | 2,875 | ||||||||||
| Automotive | 217 | 237 | 688 | 687 | ||||||||||
| Total freight revenues | 3,922 | 3,820 | 12,212 | 11,933 | ||||||||||
| Other revenues | 188 | 167 | 476 | 424 | ||||||||||
Total revenues (1) | $ | 4,110 | $ | 3,987 | $ | 12,688 | $ | 12,357 | ||||||
| Revenues by geographic area | ||||||||||||||
| Canada | $ | 2,825 | $ | 2,728 | $ | 8,832 | $ | 8,450 | ||||||
| United States (U.S.) | 1,285 | 1,259 | 3,856 | 3,907 | ||||||||||
Total revenues (1) | $ | 4,110 | $ | 3,987 | $ | 12,688 | $ | 12,357 | ||||||
(1)As at September 30, 2024, the Company had remaining performance obligations related to freight in-transit, for which revenues of $80 million ($89 million as at September 30, 2023) are expected to be recognized in the next period.
Contract liabilities
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 104 | $ | 41 | $ | 95 | $ | 28 | ||||||
| Revenue recognized included in the beginning balance | (7) | (11) | (14) | (12) | ||||||||||
| Increase due to consideration received, net of revenue recognized | 56 | 18 | 72 | 32 | ||||||||||
| Ending balance | $ | 153 | $ | 48 | $ | 153 | $ | 48 | ||||||
| Current portion - Ending balance | $ | 6 | $ | 10 | $ | 6 | $ | 10 | ||||||
4 – Assets held for sale
On May 8, 2024, CN entered into an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of a road, rail, and pedestrian bridge known as the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada for a nominal amount. CN will retain the requisite rights to occupy and operate the portion of the bridge where the rail infrastructure is located and will pay an annual occupancy fee over a term that also includes a noncancellable period. CN has met the criteria for classification of the related track and roadway assets as assets held for sale and accordingly has recorded a loss of $78 million ($58 million after-tax) to adjust the carrying value to the nominal selling price. The transaction will be completed when the remaining conditions precedent to closing are satisfied and at that time CN is expected to recognize an operating lease right-of-use asset and a related liability for the retained rights. As at September 30, 2024, the criteria for the classification of assets held for sale continued to be met and there was no change to the carrying amount of the assets held for sale.
16 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
5 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits
The Company has various retirement benefit plans under which substantially all of its employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age, generally based on compensation and length of service and/or contributions. Additional information relating to the retirement benefit plans is provided in Note 18 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pensions | Other postretirement benefits | Pensions | Other postretirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Current service cost | $ | 23 | $ | 21 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | 69 | $ | 62 | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||
| Other components of net periodic benefit income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | 168 | 175 | 2 | 1 | 502 | 527 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | (296) | (297) | — | — | (887) | (890) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | — | — | (2) | (1) | — | — | (3) | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) | 16 | 2 | (2) | (1) | 47 | 5 | (5) | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Other components of net periodic benefit income | (112) | (120) | (2) | (1) | (338) | (358) | (3) | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit income (1) | $ | (89) | $ | (99) | $ | (1) | $ | — | $ | (269) | $ | (296) | $ | (2) | $ | (1) | ||||||||||
(1)In the second quarters of 2024 and 2023, the Company revised its estimate of full year net periodic benefit income for pensions to reflect updated plan demographic information and the resulting impacts were not significant.
Pension contributions
Pension contributions for all plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $51 million and $38 million, respectively. Based on the results of the Company's actuarial valuations for funding purposes as at December 31, 2023, the CN Pension Plan remained fully funded and at a level such that the Company continues to be prohibited from making contributions. For all of 2024, the Company expects to make total contributions of approximately $70 million for all other pension plans, and includes the impact of affected non-unionized members transferring from the Company's defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans effective April 1, 2024.
6 – Earnings per share
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Weighted-average basic shares outstanding | 629.6 | 654.3 | 635.1 | 661.4 | ||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation | 0.9 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.5 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding | 630.5 | 655.6 | 636.2 | 662.9 | ||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.20 | $ | 5.28 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.19 | $ | 5.27 | ||||||
| Units excluded from the calculation as their inclusion would not have a dilutive effect | ||||||||||||||
| Stock options | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | ||||||||||
| Performance share units | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.5 | ||||||||||
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 17
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
7 – Financing activities
For details on the Company's available financing sources, see Note 16 – Debt to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the following changes occurred:
Notes and debentures
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company issued the following:
•On September 18, 2024, issuance of US$750 million ($1,020 million) 4.38% Notes due 2034 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,011 million; and
•On May 2, 2024, issuance of $700 million 4.60% Notes due 2029 and $550 million 5.10% Notes due in 2054 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,242 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company issued and repaid the following:
•On May 10, 2023, issuance of $550 million 4.15% Notes due 2030, $400 million 4.40% Notes due 2033 and $800 million 4.70% Notes due 2053 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,730 million; and
•On May 15, 2023, repayment of US$150 million ($203 million) 7.63% Notes due 2023 upon maturity.
Revolving credit facilities
On March 28, 2024, the Company's revolving credit facility agreements were amended to extend their respective tenors by one additional year each. The unsecured credit facility of $2.5 billion consists of two tranches of $1.25 billion and are now maturing on March 31, 2027 and March 31, 2029. The unsecured credit facility of $1.0 billion is now maturing on March 17, 2026. On March 28, 2024, the Company amended its revolving credit facilities to transition from the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (CDOR) to the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA). The credit facilities provide borrowings at various benchmark interest rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and CORRA, plus applicable margins, based on CN's credit ratings. Both revolving credit facility agreements have one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization. The Company is in compliance as at September 30, 2024.
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under these revolving credit facilities and there were no draws during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Equipment loans
On March 21, 2024, the Company amended certain of its non-revolving term loan facilities to transition from CDOR to CORRA. Borrowings under the non-revolving term loan facilities are provided at SOFR, CORRA or CDOR plus applicable margins.
During the first nine months of 2024, the Company repaid $45 million of its equipment loans and on March 22, 2024, issued a $412 million equipment loan under these facilities. As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $1,059 million and $677 million, respectively, at a weighted-average interest rate of 5.42% and 6.09%, respectively, and had $366 million and $769 million available to be drawn under these facilities, respectively.
Commercial paper
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of US$873 million ($1,182 million) and US$1,360 million ($1,801 million), respectively, at a weighted-average interest rate of 5.30% and 5.63%, respectively, presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
18 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial paper with maturities less than 90 days | |||||||||||||||||
| Issuance | $ | 5,398 | $ | 4,077 | $ | 12,774 | $ | 10,123 | |||||||||
| Repayment | (5,519) | (3,341) | (13,327) | (9,581) | |||||||||||||
| Change in commercial paper with maturities less than 90 days, net | $ | (121) | $ | 736 | $ | (553) | $ | 542 | |||||||||
| Commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or greater | |||||||||||||||||
| Issuance | $ | — | $ | 762 | $ | 1,472 | $ | 1,768 | |||||||||
| Repayment | (554) | (425) | (1,675) | (998) | |||||||||||||
| Change in commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or greater, net | $ | (554) | $ | 337 | $ | (203) | $ | 770 | |||||||||
| Change in commercial paper, net | $ | (675) | $ | 1,073 | $ | (756) | $ | 1,312 | |||||||||
Accounts receivable securitization program
On March 20, 2024, the Company extended the term of its agreement by one year to February 2, 2026.
In the first nine months of 2024, the Company had proceeds from the accounts receivable securitization program of $450 million and repayments of $450 million.
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program and had $450 million available under this facility.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
On March 28, 2024, the Company extended the maturity date of its committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2027.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $325 million ($337 million as at December 31, 2023) under the committed facilities from a total available amount of $361 million ($361 million as at December 31, 2023) and $142 million ($152 million as at December 31, 2023) under the uncommitted facilities.
As at September 30, 2024, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $325 million ($339 million as at December 31, 2023) pledged as collateral under the committed bilateral letter of credit facilities, $90 million ($100 million as at December 31, 2023) pledged as collateral under the uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, and $10 million held in escrow ($10 million as at December 31, 2023).
Repurchase of common shares
The Company may repurchase its common shares pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under its current NCIB, the Company may repurchase up to 32.0 million common shares between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. As at September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased 12.3 million common shares for $2,092 million under its current NCIB.
On June 20, 2024, the Canadian government enacted legislation implementing a two percent tax on net share repurchases made on or after January 1, 2024. As a result, the Company has accrued a liability of $48 million for the net share repurchases made in the first nine months of 2024, which was accounted for as a direct cost of common share repurchases and recorded in Shareholders’ equity. The tax obligation is required to be paid within the first quarter of the following year.
The Company repurchased 28.7 million common shares under its previous NCIB effective between February 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024, which allowed for the repurchase of up to 32.0 million common shares.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 19
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Number of common shares repurchased | 2.5 | 7.7 | 14.4 | 21.8 | ||||||||||
Weighted-average price per share (1) | $ | 165.40 | $ | 153.92 | $ | 172.96 | $ | 157.41 | ||||||
Amount of repurchase (1)(2) | $ | 427 | $ | 1,196 | $ | 2,498 | $ | 3,438 | ||||||
(1)Includes brokerage fees and tax on share repurchases.
(2)Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
8 – Stock-based compensation
The Company has various stock-based compensation plans for eligible employees. A description of the major plans other than the changes specified below is provided in Note 20 – Stock-based compensation to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
Share Units Plan (1) | $ | (6) | $ | 3 | $ | 26 | $ | 25 | ||||||
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP) (2) | — | — | 1 | — | ||||||||||
| Stock option awards | 3 | 3 | 9 | 9 | ||||||||||
| Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) | 7 | 6 | 21 | 19 | ||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 4 | $ | 12 | $ | 57 | $ | 53 | ||||||
| Income tax impacts of stock-based compensation | ||||||||||||||
| Tax benefit recognized in income | $ | 1 | $ | 3 | $ | 14 | $ | 13 | ||||||
| Excess tax benefit recognized in income | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15 | $ | 10 | ||||||
(1)Performance share unit (PSU) awards and restricted share unit (RSU) awards are granted under the Share Units Plan. PSU-ROIC awards and PSU-TSR awards settle depending on the level of attainment of a target return on invested capital (ROIC) performance condition, and on the level of attainment of a target total shareholder return (TSR) market condition, respectively, as defined by the award agreement, over the plan period of three years. RSU awards settle depending on continued employment throughout the plan period, and are not subject to market or performance conditions.
(2)Deferred share unit (DSU) awards are granted under the Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan.
Share Units Plan
PSUs-ROIC (1) | PSUs-TSR (2) | RSUs (3) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Units | Weighted-average grant date fair value | Units | Weighted-average grant date fair value | Units | Weighted-average grant date fair value | |||||||||||||||
| In millions | In millions | In millions | ||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 0.7 | $ | 78.29 | 0.4 | $ | 166.89 | 0.1 | $ | 137.31 | |||||||||||
Granted (4) | 0.2 | $ | 166.66 | 0.1 | $ | 217.75 | 0.1 | $ | 166.66 | |||||||||||
Settled (5) | (0.2) | $ | 64.50 | (0.1) | $ | 148.02 | — | $ | — | |||||||||||
| Forfeited | (0.1) | $ | 87.89 | — | $ | 168.25 | — | $ | 165.39 | |||||||||||
| Outstanding at September 30, 2024 | 0.6 | $ | 109.18 | 0.4 | $ | 189.74 | 0.2 | $ | 155.93 | |||||||||||
(1)The grant date fair value of equity settled PSU-ROIC awards granted in 2024 of $32 million is valued based on the closing share price of the Company's stock on the date of the grant. The Company assesses the probability of performance vesting criteria on a quarterly basis. As at September 30, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.3 years. PSU-ROIC awards granted as of January 1, 2024 are not conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price market condition for settlement.
(2)The grant date fair value of equity settled PSU-TSR awards granted in 2024 of $27 million is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. As at September 30, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $27 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The Company's TSR as of January 1, 2024 is measured relative to the S&P North American LargeMidCap transportation index.
(3)The grant date fair value of equity settled RSU awards granted in 2024 of $18 million is valued based on the closing share price of the Company's stock on the date of the grant. As at September 30, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $15 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
(4)Units granted in lieu of dividends are included for the Share Unit Plan awards granted as of January 1, 2024. As they relate to a minimal amount of units, they have not been quantified.
(5)Equity settled PSU-ROIC awards granted in 2021 met the minimum share price condition for settlement and attained a performance vesting factor of 190%. Equity settled PSU-TSR awards granted in 2021 attained a performance vesting factor of 119%. In the first quarter of 2024, these awards were settled, net of the remittance of the participants' withholding tax obligation of $46 million, by way of disbursement from the Share Trusts of 0.3 million common shares.
20 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan
DSUs (1) | |||||||||||
| Units | Weighted-average grant date fair value | ||||||||||
| In millions | |||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 0.3 | $ | 112.66 | ||||||||
| Granted | 0.1 | $ | 175.06 | ||||||||
Settled (2) | (0.1) | $ | 106.19 | ||||||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2024 (3) | 0.3 | $ | 120.40 | ||||||||
(1)The grant date fair value of equity settled DSU awards granted in 2024 of $4 million is calculated using the Company's stock price on the grant date. As at September 30, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of all equity settled DSU awards outstanding amounted to $51 million.
(2)For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company purchased common shares for the settlement of equity settled DSUs, net of the remittance of the participants withholding tax obligation of $4 million.
(3)The total fair value of equity settled DSU awards vested, the number of units outstanding that were nonvested, unrecognized compensation cost and the remaining recognition period have not been quantified as they relate to a minimal number of units.
As at September 30, 2024 the liability for cash settled DSU awards was $5 million based on a closing stock price of $158.37 ($5 million based on a closing stock price of $166.55 as at December 31, 2023).
Stock option awards
| Options outstanding | ||||||||
Number of options | Weighted-average exercise price | |||||||
| In millions | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2023 (1) | 3.3 | $ | 127.64 | |||||
Granted (2) | 0.4 | $ | 166.65 | |||||
| Exercised | (0.4) | $ | 99.91 | |||||
| Forfeited | (0.1) | $ | 153.76 | |||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2024 (1)(2)(3) | 3.2 | $ | 136.91 | |||||
Exercisable at September 30, 2024 (1)(3) | 1.8 | $ | 122.49 | |||||
(1)Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated into Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.
(2)The grant date fair value of options granted in 2024 of $14 million ($36.55 per option) is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The options granted in 2024 vest over a four-year period compared to a five-year period for options granted in the years 2020 to 2023. As at September 30, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $23 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.
(3)The weighted-average term to expiration of options outstanding was 6.2 years and the weighted-average term to expiration of exercisable stock options was 4.9 years. As at September 30, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options outstanding amounted to $75 million and the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable amounted to $66 million.
Employee Share Investment Plan
| ESIP | ||||||||
Number of shares | Weighted-average share price | |||||||
| In millions | ||||||||
Unvested contributions at December 31, 2023 | 0.2 | $ | 156.40 | |||||
| Company contributions | 0.2 | $ | 167.40 | |||||
| Forfeited | (0.1) | $ | 163.67 | |||||
Vested (1) | (0.1) | $ | 157.91 | |||||
Unvested contributions at September 30, 2024 (2) | 0.2 | $ | 163.84 | |||||
(1)As at September 30, 2024, total fair value of units purchased with Company contributions that vested in 2024 was $21 million.
(2)As at September 30, 2024, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $17 million and is expected to be recognized over the next twelve months.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 21
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
9 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss
The following tables present the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| In millions | Foreign currency translation | Pension and other postretirement benefit plans | Derivative instruments | Total before tax | Income tax recovery (expense) (1) | Total net of tax | ||||||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2024 | $ | (23) | $ | (2,976) | $ | 96 | $ | (2,903) | $ | 839 | $ | (2,064) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Translation of net investment (2) | (186) | (186) | — | (186) | ||||||||||||||||
Translation of US dollar debt (3) | 133 | 133 | (17) | 116 | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments (4) | (15) | (15) | 4 | (11) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (5) | 14 | 14 | (4) | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | (2) | (2) | — | (2) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of gain on treasury locks | (1) | (1) | — | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | (53) | 12 | (16) | (57) | (17) | (74) | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | $ | (76) | $ | (2,964) | $ | 80 | $ | (2,960) | $ | 822 | $ | (2,138) | ||||||||
| In millions | Foreign currency translation | Pension and other postretirement benefit plans | Derivative instruments | Total before tax | Income tax recovery (expense) (1) | Total net of tax | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | (171) | $ | (3,003) | $ | 99 | $ | (3,075) | $ | 796 | $ | (2,279) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Translation of net investment (2) | 332 | 332 | — | 332 | ||||||||||||||||
Translation of US dollar debt (3) | (237) | (237) | 32 | (205) | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments (4) | (15) | (15) | 4 | (11) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (5) | 42 | 42 | (11) | 31 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | (3) | (3) | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of gain on treasury locks | (4) | (4) | 1 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 95 | 39 | (19) | 115 | 26 | 141 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2024 | $ | (76) | $ | (2,964) | $ | 80 | $ | (2,960) | $ | 822 | $ | (2,138) | ||||||||
Footnotes to the tables follow on the next page.
22 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
| In millions | Foreign currency translation | Pension and other postretirement benefit plans | Derivative instruments | Total before tax | Income tax recovery (expense) (1) | Total net of tax | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2023 | $ | (157) | $ | (2,671) | $ | 21 | $ | (2,807) | $ | 728 | $ | (2,079) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Translation of net investment (2) | 364 | 364 | — | 364 | ||||||||||||||||
Translation of US dollar debt (3) | (275) | (275) | 36 | (239) | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | 59 | 59 | (15) | 44 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (5) | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | (1) | (1) | — | (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | 89 | — | 59 | 148 | 21 | 169 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2023 | $ | (68) | $ | (2,671) | $ | 80 | $ | (2,659) | $ | 749 | $ | (1,910) | ||||||||
| In millions | Foreign currency translation | Pension and other postretirement benefit plans | Derivative instruments | Total before tax | Income tax recovery (expense) (1) | Total net of tax | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | (70) | $ | (2,669) | $ | 3 | $ | (2,736) | $ | 767 | $ | (1,969) | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Translation of net investment (2) | 17 | 17 | — | 17 | ||||||||||||||||
Translation of US dollar debt (3) | (15) | (15) | 1 | (14) | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | 77 | 77 | (19) | 58 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss (5) | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service credit | (3) | (3) | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 2 | (2) | 77 | 77 | (18) | 59 | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30, 2023 | $ | (68) | $ | (2,671) | $ | 80 | $ | (2,659) | $ | 749 | $ | (1,910) | ||||||||
(1)The Company releases stranded tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Net income upon the liquidation or termination of the related item.
(2)Foreign exchange gains or losses on translation of net investment in foreign operations.
(3)Foreign exchange gains or losses on translation of US dollar-denominated debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations. The Company designates US dollar-denominated debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in foreign operations. Accordingly, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company's US dollar-denominated debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which minimizes the volatility of earnings resulting from the conversion of US dollar-denominated debt into Canadian dollars.
(4)Cumulative gains or losses of treasury locks are included in Derivative instruments. See Note 11 – Financial instruments for additional information.
(5)Total before tax reclassified to Other components of net periodic benefit income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and included in net periodic benefit income. See Note 5 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits for additional information.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 23
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
10 – Major commitments and contingencies
Purchase commitments
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had fixed and variable commitments to purchase engineering services, locomotives, rail, information technology services and licenses, railroad cars, wheels, rail ties as well as other equipment and services with a total estimated cost of $2,593 million. Costs of variable commitments were estimated using forecasted prices and volumes.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had aggregate reserves for personal injury and other claims of $285 million, of which $59 million was recorded as a current liability ($311 million as at December 31, 2023, of which $51 million was recorded as a current liability).
Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending as at September 30, 2024, or with respect to future claims, cannot be reasonably determined. When establishing provisions for contingent liabilities the Company considers, where a probable loss estimate cannot be made with reasonable certainty, a range of potential probable losses for each such matter, and records the amount it considers the most reasonable estimate within the range. However, when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. For matters where a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, a range of potential losses cannot be estimated due to various factors which may include the limited availability of facts, the lack of demand for specific damages and the fact that proceedings were at an early stage. Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of the actions against the Company will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position. However, due to the inherent inability to predict with certainty unforeseeable future developments, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Environmental matters
The Company's provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as monitoring costs. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and reasonably estimable. Additional information relating to the Company's environmental matters is provided in Note 22 – Major commitments and contingencies to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), the Company through one of its subsidiaries was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 28, 2024 that it is a potentially responsible party (PRP), along with at least five other previously notified parties, with respect to the Matthiessen & Hegeler Zinc Company Site (Site) in LaSalle, Illinois. EPA also requested that the Company respond to certain information requests, which the Company did on June 30, 2024. The Company’s designation as a PRP is based on claims that the Company, or its predecessors, had land holdings historically that were leased to others for commercial or industrial uses that may allegedly have resulted in the disposal of hazardous substances onto the Site. Based on remedial investigations and feasibility studies previously conducted, the EPA issued a Record of Decision outlining the clean-up plan for the Site and certain off-Site areas. The Company has not accrued for any obligation related to the remediation of the Site as it has not been able to confirm to what, if any, extent it contributed to the contamination, the extent and cost of remediation and the contribution of other potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay for their obligations.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had aggregate accruals for environmental costs of $56 million, of which $38 million was recorded as a current liability ($58 million as at December 31, 2023, of which $39 million was recorded as a current liability). The Company anticipates that the liability at September 30, 2024 will be paid out over the next five years. Based on the information currently available, the Company considers its accruals to be adequate.
24 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
Guarantees and indemnifications
A description of the Company's guarantees and indemnifications is provided in Note 22 – Major commitments and contingencies to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $325 million ($337 million as at December 31, 2023) under the committed bilateral letter of credit facilities and $142 million ($152 million as at December 31, 2023) under the uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, and surety and other bonds of $141 million ($157 million as at December 31, 2023), all issued by financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations.
As at September 30, 2024, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $608 million ($646 million as at December 31, 2023), of which $564 million ($603 million as at December 31, 2023) related to other employee benefit liabilities and workers' compensation and $44 million ($43 million as at December 31, 2023) related to other liabilities. The guarantee instruments expire at various dates between 2024 and 2025.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had not recorded a liability with respect to guarantees and indemnifications as the Company did not expect to make any payments under its guarantees and indemnifications.
11 – Financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks and does not hold or issue them for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign currency risk
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts to purchase a notional value of US$1,490 million (US$1,496 million as at December 31, 2023). These outstanding contracts are at a weighted-average exchange rate of $1.35 per US$1.00 ($1.37 per US$1.00 as at December 31, 2023) with exchange rates ranging from $1.35 to $1.37 per US$1.00 ($1.34 to $1.39 per US$1.00 as at December 31, 2023). The weighted-average term of the contracts is 60 days (77 days as at December 31, 2023) with terms ranging from 14 days to 125 days (26 days to 178 days as at December 31, 2023). Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates, are recognized in Other income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Income as they occur.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a loss of $22 million and a gain of $53 million, respectively, related to foreign exchange forward contracts compared to gains of $50 million and $23 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. These gains were largely offset by the re-measurement of US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recorded in Other income (loss).
As at September 30, 2024, the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts included in Other current assets and Accounts payable and other was $2 million and $6 million, respectively ($nil and $64 million, respectively, as at December 31, 2023).
Interest rate risk
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company entered into treasury lock agreements to hedge US Treasury benchmark rates related to expected debt issuances in 2024. The treasury locks were designated as cash flow hedging instruments with cumulative gains or losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in derivative instruments. In conjunction with the September 18, 2024 debt issuance, the Company settled a notional US$500 million ($680 million) of treasury locks, resulting in a cumulative loss of $15 million. The cash outflows were included in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and the loss was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized over the term of the corresponding debt and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As at September 30, 2024, there were no treasury locks outstanding ($nil as at December 31, 2023).
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 25
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
Fair value of financial instruments
The financial instruments that the Company measures at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition are categorized into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the degree to which inputs are observable:
•Level 1: Inputs are quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
•Level 2: Significant inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are observable
•Level 3: Significant inputs are unobservable
The carrying amounts of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. These financial instruments include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity, for which the fair value is determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets.
The carrying amounts of Accounts receivable, Other current assets and Accounts payable and other approximate fair value due to their short maturity, unless otherwise specified. The fair value of derivative financial instruments, included in Other current assets and Accounts payable and other is classified as Level 2 and is used to manage the Company's exposure to foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. The fair value is measured by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate derived from market data for financial instruments subject to similar risks and maturities.
The carrying amount of the Company's debt does not approximate fair value. The fair value is estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity. The Company classifies debt as Level 2. As at September 30, 2024, the Company's debt, excluding finance leases, had a carrying amount of $20,691 million ($18,435 million as at December 31, 2023) and a fair value of $20,258 million ($17,844 million as at December 31, 2023). The carrying amount of debt excluding finance leases exceeded the fair value due to market rates being higher than the stated coupon rates.
26 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
| Contents | |||||
Quarterly highlights | |||||
Operating expenses | |||||
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 27
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements included in this Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws, including statements based on management’s assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to CN. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets", or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the table below, which also presents key assumptions used in determining the forward-looking statements. See also the section of this MD&A entitled 2024 Business outlook and assumptions.
| Forward-looking statements | Key assumptions | ||||
| Statements relating to revenue growth opportunities, including those referring to general economic and business conditions | •North American and global economic growth in the long term •Long-term growth opportunities being less affected by current economic conditions •No material disruption of CN’s operations or of the economy’s supply chains as a result of pandemics or geopolitical conflicts and tensions | ||||
| Statements relating to the Company's ability to meet debt repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future, including income tax payments, and capital spending | •Adequate credit ratios •Investment-grade credit ratings •Access to capital markets •Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing | ||||
| Statements relating to pension contributions | •Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing •Adequate long-term return on investment on pension plan assets •Level of funding as determined by actuarial valuations, particularly influenced by discount rates for funding purposes | ||||
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of CN to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting global supply chains such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts and tensions; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats; reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including illegal blockades of rail networks, and natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings and other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; timing and completion of capital programs; the availability of and cost competitiveness of renewable fuels and the development of new locomotive propulsion technology; reputational risks; supplier concentration; pension funding requirements and volatility; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the U.S., including its Annual Information Form and Form 40-F. See the section entitled Business risks of this MD&A and the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A for a description of major risk factors relating to CN.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this MD&A.
28 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
This MD&A dated October 22, 2024, relates to the consolidated financial position and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively "CN" or the "Company," and should be read in conjunction with the Company's September 30, 2024 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. It should also be read in conjunction with the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, and the 2023 Annual MD&A. All financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted.
CN's common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Additional information about CN filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company's 2023 Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, may be found online on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR, and on the Company's website at www.cn.ca in the Investors section. Printed copies of such documents may be obtained by contacting CN's Corporate Secretary's Office.
Quarterly highlights
Third quarter of 2024 compared to third quarter of 2023
Financial results
•Revenues of $4,110 million, an increase of $123 million, or 3%.
•Operating income of $1,515 million was in line with prior year.
•Operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, of 63.1%, an increase of 1.1-points.
•Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.72, an increase of 2%.
•Free cash flow for the third quarter of 2024 was $584 million, an increase of $3 million, or 1%. (1)(2)
•Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2024 was $2,060 million, a decrease of $214 million, or 9%. (1)(2)
•
Operating performance
•Injury frequency rate of 1.04 (per 200,000 person hours), an improvement of 4%. (3)
•Accident rate of 1.46 (per million train miles), an improvement of 30%. (3)
•Through dwell remained flat at 7.1 (entire railroad, hours).
•Car velocity of 208 (car miles per day) was in line with prior year.
•Through network train speed of 19.2 (mph), a decrease of 3%.
•Fuel efficiency of 0.854 (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 gross ton miles (GTMs)), less efficient by 3%.
•Train length of 7,849 (feet), a decrease of 1%.
•Revenue ton miles (RTMs) of 56,548 (millions), an increase of 2%.
(1)These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
(2)See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity and capital resources – Free cash flow for an explanation and reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure.
(3)Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
Labor workforce and negotiations
As at September 30, 2024, CN employed a total of 18,483 employees in Canada, of which 13,527, or 73%, were unionized employees, and 6,945 employees in the U.S., of which 5,851, or 84%, were unionized employees.
Ongoing negotiations
CN is involved in various ongoing negotiations concerning labor matters, including the negotiation of new collective agreements as described below. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to reach a tentative agreement without a strike or lockout or that the resolution of these negotiations, or the outcome of any arbitration or litigation, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's results or financial position.
The Company’s collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process outlined under the Canada Labour Code or US Railway Labor Act has been exhausted.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 29
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
International Brotherhood of Electric Workers
On September 5, 2024, the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) served notice to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreement with the Company, covering approximately 750 Signals and Communications employees across Canada, which expires on December 31, 2024. Bargaining commenced on September 24, 2024.
Unifor
On September 1, 2024, Unifor served notice to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreement with the Company, covering approximately 3,300 employees in Canada working in various departments such as Mechanical, Intermodal, Facility Management, and in clerical positions, which expires on December 31, 2024. Bargaining commenced on September 23, 2024. On September 27, 2024, Unifor filed a Notice of Dispute three days after the beginning of negotiations. On October 3, 2024, the Minister of Labour appointed conciliators to the process to help the parties reach a negotiated settlement. The conciliation period will last until December 2, 2024, followed by a 21 day cooling off period. The earliest possible date for a labor disruption is January 1, 2025.
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference
On November 27, 2023, negotiations commenced with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). The TCRC represents approximately 6,000 conductors, conductor trainees, yard coordinators and locomotive engineers across CN’s network in Canada. On February 16, 2024, CN filed a Notice of Dispute, causing the Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliator. On May 9, 2024, the Minister of Labour requested clarity from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) on whether or not any services provided by TCRC-represented employees were essential and therefore needed to be maintained during a labor disruption. On August 9, 2024 the CIRB ruled that none of those services were essential within the meaning of the law. On August 18, 2024, CN issued notice to the TCRC formally advising them of its intention to lock out employees. On August 22, 2024, CN proceeded with the lockout, which lasted less than 24 hours following the Minister of Labour's direction to the CIRB to order the parties to end the lockout, return employees to work, resolve outstanding issues in binding interest arbitration and extend the collective agreements until the arbitration process is complete. On August 23, 2024, the TCRC served CN with a 72-hour strike notice. On August 24, 2024, the CIRB issued an order consistent with the Minister's directive, which indicated that there can be no labor stoppage, including a lockout or strike, during the arbitration process. The TCRC have filed applications to judicially review both the Ministerial directive and the CIRB order respectively in Federal Court and in the Federal Court of Appeal. In the meantime, CN expects that the arbitration will continue to progress. While there can be no assurance in that regard, it is unlikely that all outstanding litigation would be finally resolved before a binding arbitration award.
Agreements ratified during the year
Canadian National Transportation Limited
On May 14, 2024, a new collective agreement with Canadian National Transportation Limited (CNTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Unifor was ratified by its union members. This four-year agreement covers approximately 750 owner-operator truck drivers in Canada under contract with CNTL until December 31, 2027.
United Steel Workers Union
On May 1, 2024, a new collective agreement with United Steel Workers Union (USW) was ratified by its members. The three-year agreement covers approximately 2,500 track and bridge employees primarily responsible for track maintenance across Canada until December 31, 2026.
Acquisition
Iowa Northern Railway Company
On February 29, 2024, the STB accepted CN’s application to acquire control of the Iowa Northern Railroad Company (IANR) and confirmed the transaction qualifies as minor. Under the governing statute, the STB must approve the transaction unless it finds a merger would substantially lessen competition. As of October 22, 2024, the STB has not yet issued its decision.
30 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
2024 Business outlook and assumptions
The Company continues to assume slightly positive North American industrial production in 2024. For the 2023/2024 crop year, the grain crop in Canada was below its three-year average (excluding the significantly lower 2021/2022 crop year) and the U.S. grain crop was above its three-year average. The Company continues to assume that the 2024/2025 grain crop in Canada will be in line with its three-year average (excluding the significantly lower 2021/2022 crop year) and that the U.S. grain crop will be above its three-year average. Additionally, CN assumes that there will be no further rail or port labor disruptions in 2024.
In 2024, the Company continues to expect to invest approximately $3.5 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers, to improve the safety, efficiency and integrity of its network. These investments are intended to also enable and support the growth of the Company and will be financed with cash generated from operations or with cash from financing activities.
The forward-looking statements discussed in this 2024 Business outlook and assumptions section are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements and are based on certain factors and assumptions which the Company considers reasonable, about events, developments, prospects and opportunities that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. In addition to the assumptions and expectations discussed in this section, reference should be made to the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for assumptions and risk factors affecting such statements.
Financial highlights
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, except percentages and per share data | 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | ||||||||||||||
| Financial performance and liquidity | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 4,110 | $ | 3,987 | 3 | % | $ | 12,688 | $ | 12,357 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | — | % | $ | 4,619 | $ | 4,779 | (3 | %) | ||||||||
Adjusted operating income (1)(2) | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | — | % | $ | 4,697 | $ | 4,779 | (2 | %) | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | (2 | %) | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | (6 | %) | ||||||||
Adjusted net income (1)(2) | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | (2 | %) | $ | 3,360 | $ | 3,495 | (4 | %) | ||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | 2 | % | $ | 5.20 | $ | 5.28 | (2 | %) | ||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | 2 | % | $ | 5.19 | $ | 5.27 | (2 | %) | ||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)(2) | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | 2 | % | $ | 5.28 | $ | 5.27 | — | % | ||||||||
| Dividends per share | $ | 0.8450 | $ | 0.7900 | 7 | % | $ | 2.5350 | $ | 2.3700 | 7 | % | ||||||||
Operating ratio (3) | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | (1.1) | pts | 63.6 | % | 61.3 | % | (2.3) | pts | ||||||||
Adjusted operating ratio (1)(2) | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | (1.1) | pts | 63.0 | % | 61.3 | % | (1.7) | pts | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,774 | $ | 1,512 | 17 | % | $ | 4,704 | $ | 4,552 | 3 | % | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | $ | 1,190 | $ | 931 | (28 | %) | $ | 2,644 | $ | 2,278 | (16 | %) | ||||||||
Free cash flow (1)(4) | $ | 584 | $ | 581 | 1 | % | $ | 2,060 | $ | 2,274 | (9 | %) | ||||||||
| In millions, except percentages | As at September 30, 2024 | As at December 31, 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial position | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 54,481 | $ | 52,666 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||
Total long-term liabilities (5) | $ | 30,304 | $ | 27,514 | (10 | %) | ||||||||||||||
(1)These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
(2)See the section of this MD&A entitled Non-GAAP measures – Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
(3)Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
(4)See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity and capital resources – Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(5)Total long-term liabilities is the difference between Total liabilities and Total current liabilities.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 31
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Results of operations
Third quarter and first nine months of 2024 compared to corresponding periods in 2023
Revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were $4,110 million compared to $3,987 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $123 million, or 3%. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes and higher freight revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal, Canadian grain exports and refined petroleum products; partly offset by lower shipments of potash, the negative impacts of the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage as well as the wildfires in Alberta.
•Freight revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by an increase in the average length of haul.
Revenues for the first nine months of 2024 were $12,688 million compared to $12,357 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $331 million, or 3%. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes while freight revenue per RTM remained flat:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal, refined petroleum products, Canadian grain exports and frac sand; partly offset by lower shipments of Canadian coal, the negative impacts of the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage as well as the wildfires in Alberta.
•Freight revenue per RTM: remained flat mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; offset by an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were $2,595 million compared to $2,470 million for the same period in 2023. Operating expenses for the first nine months of 2024 were $8,069 million compared to $7,578 million for the same period in 2023. The increase of $125 million, or 5%, in the third quarter was mainly due to higher purchased services and material expense, higher fuel expense, the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, and higher labor and fringe benefits expense. The increase of $491 million, or 6%, in the first nine months of 2024 was mainly due to higher labor and fringe benefits expense, the recognition of a loss on assets held for sale, and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 decreased by $2 million, to $1,515 million when compared to the same period in 2023. Operating income for the first nine months of 2024 decreased by $160 million, or 3%, to $4,619 million when compared to the same period in 2023. The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 63.1% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to 62.0% in the third quarter of 2023, a 1.1-point increase. The operating ratio for the first nine months of 2024 was 63.6% compared to 61.3% in 2023, a 2.3-point increase.
Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was $1,085 million, a decrease of $23 million, or 2%, and diluted earnings per share increased by 2% to $1.72, when compared to the same period in 2023. Net income for the first nine months of 2024 was $3,302 million, a decrease of $193 million, or 6%, and diluted earnings per share decreased by 2% to $5.19, when compared to the same period in 2023.
32 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Key operating metrics
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change Fav (Unfav) | |||||||||||||||
Gross ton miles (GTMs) (millions) (1) | 110,555 | 108,221 | 2 | % | 344,034 | 333,356 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||
Train weight (tons) (2) | 9,130 | 9,246 | (1 | %) | 9,104 | 9,146 | — | % | ||||||||||||
Train length (feet) (3) | 7,849 | 7,927 | (1 | %) | 7,885 | 7,870 | — | % | ||||||||||||
Through network train speed (miles per hour) (4) | 19.2 | 19.7 | (3 | %) | 18.7 | 19.9 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||
Fuel efficiency (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs) (5) | 0.854 | 0.832 | (3 | %) | 0.875 | 0.874 | — | % | ||||||||||||
Through dwell (entire railroad, hours) (6) | 7.1 | 7.1 | — | % | 7.0 | 7.0 | — | % | ||||||||||||
Car velocity (car miles per day) (7) | 208 | 209 | — | % | 208 | 212 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||||
(1)GTMs: The workload performed by system trains in hauling freight or equipment. GTMs are calculated by multiplying the trailing weight by the distance the train moved. A larger number is an indicator of more traffic (and thus more revenue) being moved.
(2)Train weight: An efficiency measurement on how much tonnage each mainline train handles on average as it crosses the network. Calculated as the total of GTMs and divided by total train miles, this measure provides insight on how well each train was maximized in terms of its capacity to move traffic. This operating measure was formerly named Train productivity.
(3)Train length: An efficiency measurement on average trailing length of each mainline train on the network. Calculated as the total of car foot miles (the sum of car length multiplied by miles travelled for each trailing car) divided by total train miles, this measure provides insight on how well each train was maximized in terms of its capacity to move traffic.
(4)Through network train speed: A measure of the line-haul movement from origin to destination, including time at terminals. The average speed is calculated by dividing train miles by total hours operated, excluding yard and local trains, passenger trains, maintenance of way trains, and foreign trains. This measure represents the fluidity of trains on the network, with a higher value also indicating a more fluid network.
(5)Fuel efficiency: This measure represents how efficient the Company is in the generation and utilization of locomotive horsepower in freight train operations, with a lower number indicating improved performance. Fuel efficiency is defined as US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs.
(6)Through dwell: The average time a car resides within terminal boundaries expressed in hours. The measurement begins with a customer release, received interchange, or train arrival event and ends with a customer placement (actual or constructive), delivered or offered in interchange, or train departure event. This excludes stored, bad ordered, maintenance of way cars, or cars with dwell greater than 10 days. This measure represents the efficiency of handling cars within the terminal, with a lower value indicating higher performance.
(7)Car velocity: The average miles per day traveled by loaded and empty cars (including all active cars whether private, foreign or CN owned) on company lines. This measure represents the fluidity of cars on the network, calculated by the sum of miles each car traveled divided by the sum of all of the cars’ active time, with a higher value indicating a smoother and more fluid operation.
While volumes improved in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, car velocity, through network train speed and through dwell were negatively impacted by the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage as well as wildfires in Alberta. Additionally, these metrics were further negatively impacted in the first nine months by planned and unplanned track maintenance in key Vancouver corridors, the impacts of which were amplified by ongoing lower crew availability driven by new Canadian Duty and Rest Period Rules which came into effect on May 25, 2023.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 33
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Non-GAAP measures
This MD&A makes reference to non-GAAP measures, including adjusted performance measures, constant currency, free cash flow and adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. From management's perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful measures of performance and provide investors with supplementary information to assess the Company's results of operations and liquidity. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
For further details of these non-GAAP measures, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, refer to the sections of this MD&A entitled Non-GAAP measures: Adjusted performance measures and Constant currency, as well as the section entitled Liquidity and capital resources: Free cash flow and Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple.
Adjusted performance measures
Adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating expenses and adjusted operating ratio are non-GAAP measures that are used to set performance goals and to measure CN's performance. Management believes that these adjusted performance measures provide additional insight to management and investors into the Company's operations and underlying business trends as well as facilitate period-to-period comparisons, as they exclude certain significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. These items may include:
i.operating expense adjustments: workforce reduction program, depreciation expense on the deployment of replacement system, advisory fees related to shareholder matters, losses and recoveries from assets held for sale, business acquisition-related costs;
ii.non-operating expense adjustments: business acquisition-related financing fees, merger termination income, gains and losses on disposal of property; and
iii.the effect of changes in tax laws including rate enactments, and changes in tax positions affecting prior years.
These non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company's adjusted net income was $1,085 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, and $3,360 million, or $5.28 per diluted share, respectively. The adjusted figures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 exclude a loss on assets held for sale of $78 million, or $58 million after-tax ($0.09 per diluted share), recorded in the second quarter, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada. See Note 4 - Assets held for sale to the Company's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's net income was $1,108 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, and $3,495 million, or $5.27 per diluted share, respectively. There were no adjustments in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2023.
34 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Adjusted net income is defined as Net income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant items. Adjusted diluted earnings per share is defined as adjusted net income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income and Earnings per share in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,302 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments (1) | — | — | (20) | — | ||||||||||
| Total adjustments | — | — | 58 | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 3,360 | $ | 3,495 | ||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.19 | $ | 5.27 | ||||||
| Impact of adjustments, per share | — | — | 0.09 | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 5.28 | $ | 5.27 | ||||||
(1)The tax impact of adjustments is based on the nature of the item for tax purposes and related tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction.
Adjusted operating income is defined as Operating income in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. Adjusted operating expenses is defined as Operating expenses in accordance with GAAP adjusted for certain significant operating expense items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations. Adjusted operating ratio is defined as adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of revenues. The following table provides a reconciliation of Operating income, Operating expenses and operating ratio, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP adjusted performance measures presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except percentages | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | $ | 4,619 | $ | 4,779 | ||||||
| Adjustment: | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | 78 | — | ||||||||||
| Total adjustment | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 78 | $ | — | ||||||
| Adjusted operating income | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,517 | $ | 4,697 | $ | 4,779 | ||||||
| Operating expenses | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,470 | $ | 8,069 | $ | 7,578 | ||||||
| Total adjustment | — | — | (78) | — | ||||||||||
| Adjusted operating expenses | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,470 | $ | 7,991 | $ | 7,578 | ||||||
| Operating ratio | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | 63.6 | % | 61.3 | % | ||||||
| Impact of adjustment | — | % | — | % | (0.6) | % | — | % | ||||||
| Adjusted operating ratio | 63.1 | % | 62.0 | % | 63.0 | % | 61.3 | % | ||||||
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 35
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Constant currency
Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the weighted average foreign exchange rates used to translate transactions denominated in US dollars of the comparable period of the prior year.
The average foreign exchange rates were $1.364 and $1.360 per US$1.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and $1.341 and $1.345 per US$1.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 would have been lower by $12 million ($0.02 per diluted share) and lower by $17 million ($0.03 per diluted share), respectively.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the impact of constant currency and related percentage change at constant currency on the financial results, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | Constant currency impact | 2023 | % Change at constant currency Fav (Unfav) | 2024 | Constant currency impact | 2023 | % Change at constant currency Fav (Unfav) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | $ | 839 | $ | (9) | $ | 758 | 9 | % | $ | 2,546 | $ | (16) | $ | 2,334 | 8 | % | ||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 502 | (7) | 515 | (4 | %) | 1,560 | (13) | 1,541 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 467 | (6) | 466 | (1 | %) | 1,462 | (11) | 1,457 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 229 | (2) | 242 | (6 | %) | 691 | (3) | 768 | (10 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 786 | (7) | 722 | 8 | % | 2,384 | (11) | 2,271 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 882 | (4) | 880 | — | % | 2,881 | (8) | 2,875 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 217 | (2) | 237 | (9 | %) | 688 | (5) | 687 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenues | 3,922 | (37) | 3,820 | 2 | % | 12,212 | (67) | 11,933 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 188 | (2) | 167 | 11 | % | 476 | (4) | 424 | 11 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 4,110 | (39) | 3,987 | 2 | % | 12,688 | (71) | 12,357 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and fringe benefits | 795 | (6) | 773 | (2 | %) | 2,539 | (10) | 2,332 | (8 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Purchased services and material | 566 | (3) | 534 | (5 | %) | 1,715 | (8) | 1,698 | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | 519 | (7) | 486 | (5 | %) | 1,579 | (14) | 1,528 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 475 | (3) | 457 | (3 | %) | 1,403 | (6) | 1,354 | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Equipment rents | 93 | (1) | 89 | (3 | %) | 294 | (3) | 262 | (11 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other | 147 | (1) | 131 | (11 | %) | 461 | (3) | 404 | (13 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | — | — | % | 78 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,595 | (21) | 2,470 | (4 | %) | 8,069 | (44) | 7,578 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 1,515 | (18) | 1,517 | (1 | %) | 4,619 | (27) | 4,779 | (4 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (230) | 3 | (185) | (23 | %) | (660) | 5 | (523) | (25 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other components of net periodic benefit income | 114 | — | 121 | (6 | %) | 341 | — | 360 | (5 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | 10 | — | (2) | 600 | % | 44 | — | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 1,409 | (15) | 1,451 | (4 | %) | 4,344 | (22) | 4,616 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | (324) | 3 | (343) | 6 | % | (1,042) | 5 | (1,121) | 7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,085 | $ | (12) | $ | 1,108 | (3 | %) | $ | 3,302 | $ | (17) | $ | 3,495 | (6 | %) | ||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | (0.02) | $ | 1.69 | 1 | % | $ | 5.19 | $ | (0.03) | $ | 5.27 | (2 | %) | ||||||||||
36 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Revenues
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, unless otherwise indicated | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency (1) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Freight revenues | $ | 3,922 | $ | 3,820 | 3 | % | 2 | % | $ | 12,212 | $ | 11,933 | 2 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Other revenues | 188 | 167 | 13 | % | 11 | % | 476 | 424 | 12 | % | 11 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 4,110 | $ | 3,987 | 3 | % | 2 | % | $ | 12,688 | $ | 12,357 | 3 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
| Freight revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Petroleum and chemicals | $ | 839 | $ | 758 | 11 | % | 9 | % | $ | 2,546 | $ | 2,334 | 9 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Metals and minerals | 502 | 515 | (3 | %) | (4 | %) | 1,560 | 1,541 | 1 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Forest products | 467 | 466 | — | % | (1 | %) | 1,462 | 1,457 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 229 | 242 | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | 691 | 768 | (10 | %) | (10 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
| Grain and fertilizers | 786 | 722 | 9 | % | 8 | % | 2,384 | 2,271 | 5 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 882 | 880 | — | % | — | % | 2,881 | 2,875 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 217 | 237 | (8 | %) | (9 | %) | 688 | 687 | — | % | (1 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
| Total freight revenues | $ | 3,922 | $ | 3,820 | 3 | % | 2 | % | $ | 12,212 | $ | 11,933 | 2 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions) (2) | 56,548 | 55,640 | 2 | % | 2 | % | 176,233 | 171,478 | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue/RTM (cents) (3) | 6.94 | 6.87 | 1 | % | — | % | 6.93 | 6.96 | — | % | (1 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 1,304 | 1,326 | (2 | %) | (2 | %) | 4,066 | 4,048 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
Freight revenue/carload ($) | 3,008 | 2,881 | 4 | % | 3 | % | 3,003 | 2,948 | 2 | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
(1)This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the section of this MD&A entitled Non-GAAP measures – Constant currency for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(2)RTMs is a measure of volumes and is calculated by multiplying the weight in tons of the shipment lading being transported by the number of miles that the shipment is transported on company lines. CN uses RTMs as the primary measure of volumes as compared to Carloads, since RTMs also takes into account the length of haul and weight in the movement.
(3)Freight revenue per RTM is an indicator of revenue yield and represents revenue earned for transporting one ton of freight over a distance of one mile.
Revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were $4,110 million compared to $3,987 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $123 million, or 3%. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes and higher freight revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal, Canadian grain exports and refined petroleum products; partly offset by lower shipments of potash, the negative impacts of the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage as well as the wildfires in Alberta.
•Freight revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by an increase in the average length of haul.
Revenues for the first nine months of 2024 were $12,688 million compared to $12,357 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of $331 million, or 3%. The increase was mainly due to higher volumes while freight revenue per RTM remained flat:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal, refined petroleum products, Canadian grain exports and frac sand; partly offset by lower shipments of Canadian coal, the negative impacts of the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage as well as the wildfires in Alberta.
•Freight revenue per RTM: remained flat mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; offset by an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Fuel surcharge revenues decreased by $22 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates. Fuel surcharge revenues decreased by $209 million in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 37
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Petroleum and chemicals
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 839 | $ | 758 | 11 | % | 9 | % | $ | 2,546 | $ | 2,334 | 9 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 11,398 | 10,470 | 9 | % | 9 | % | 34,763 | 31,915 | 9 | % | 9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 7.36 | 7.24 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 7.32 | 7.31 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 158 | 156 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 485 | 468 | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 5,310 | 4,859 | 9 | % | 8 | % | 5,249 | 4,987 | 5 | % | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group increased by $81 million, or 11%, in the third quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes and higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of refined petroleum products driven by strong domestic demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and higher shipments of natural gas liquids.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by a significant increase in the average length of haul.
Revenues for this commodity group increased by $212 million, or 9%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes while revenue per RTM remained flat:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of refined petroleum products driven by strong domestic demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and higher shipments of natural gas liquids; partly offset by lower shipments of crude oil.
•Revenue per RTM: remained flat mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; offset by an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
RTMs increased more than Carloads in the third quarter of 2024 and in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher long-haul shipments of refined petroleum products and natural gas liquids.
Metals and minerals
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 502 | $ | 515 | (3 | %) | (4 | %) | $ | 1,560 | $ | 1,541 | 1 | % | — | % | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 7,275 | 7,630 | (5 | %) | (5 | %) | 22,183 | 21,458 | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 6.90 | 6.75 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 7.03 | 7.18 | (2 | %) | (3 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 243 | 264 | (8 | %) | (8 | %) | 730 | 749 | (3 | %) | (3 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 2,066 | 1,951 | 6 | % | 4 | % | 2,137 | 2,057 | 4 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $13 million, or 3%, in the third quarter of 2024, when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower volumes; partly offset by higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of steel products and iron ore.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenues for this commodity group increased by $19 million, or 1%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes; partly offset by lower revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of frac sand to Western Canada; partly offset by lower shipments of steel products.
•Revenue per RTM: decreased mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
38 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Carloads decreased more than RTMs in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to reduced short-haul shipments of iron ore. RTMs increased and Carloads decreased in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher long-haul shipments of frac sand from the U.S. to Western Canada.
Forest products
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 467 | $ | 466 | — | % | (1 | %) | $ | 1,462 | $ | 1,457 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 5,323 | 5,719 | (7 | %) | (7 | %) | 16,843 | 17,529 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 8.77 | 8.15 | 8 | % | 6 | % | 8.68 | 8.31 | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 73 | 76 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | 228 | 234 | (3 | %) | (3 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 6,397 | 6,132 | 4 | % | 3 | % | 6,412 | 6,226 | 3 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group in the third quarter of 2024 were in line with the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher revenue per RTM; offset by lower volumes:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of lumber due to weaker commodity prices and market demand.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul, freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenues for this commodity group in the first nine months of 2024 were in line with the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher revenue per RTM; offset by lower volumes:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of lumber due to weaker commodity prices and market demand.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases, a decrease in the average length of haul and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
RTMs decreased more than Carloads in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to reduced long-haul shipments of lumber.
Coal
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 229 | $ | 242 | (5 | %) | (6 | %) | $ | 691 | $ | 768 | (10 | %) | (10 | %) | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 4,908 | 5,421 | (9 | %) | (9 | %) | 14,839 | 17,234 | (14 | %) | (14 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 4.67 | 4.46 | 5 | % | 4 | % | 4.66 | 4.46 | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 116 | 124 | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | 343 | 386 | (11 | %) | (11 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 1,974 | 1,952 | 1 | % | — | % | 2,015 | 1,990 | 1 | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $13 million, or 5%, in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower volumes; partly offset by higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of Canadian coal driven by production issues at certain Western Canadian mines and lower shipments of U.S. coal driven by weaker domestic demand.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul and freight rate increases.
Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $77 million, or 10%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower volumes; partly offset by higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of Canadian coal driven by production issues at certain Western Canadian mines and lower shipments of U.S. coal driven by weaker European and domestic demand.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases, a decrease in the average length of haul and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 39
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
RTMs decreased more than Carloads in the third quarter of 2024 and the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to reduced long-haul shipments of coal exports.
Grain and fertilizers
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 786 | $ | 722 | 9 | % | 8 | % | $ | 2,384 | $ | 2,271 | 5 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 15,072 | 14,528 | 4 | % | 4 | % | 46,690 | 45,138 | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 5.21 | 4.97 | 5 | % | 4 | % | 5.11 | 5.03 | 2 | % | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 163 | 153 | 7 | % | 7 | % | 496 | 483 | 3 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 4,822 | 4,719 | 2 | % | 1 | % | 4,806 | 4,702 | 2 | % | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group increased by $64 million, or 9%, in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes and higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher Canadian grain exports; partly offset by lower shipments of potash exports.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases, a decrease in the average length of haul and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenues for this commodity group increased by $113 million, or 5%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes and higher revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher Canadian grain exports; partly offset by lower U.S. grain shipments driven primarily by lower corn demand and reduced shipments of potash exports.
•Revenue per RTM: increased mainly due to freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Carloads increased more than RTMs in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to reduced long-haul shipments of potash exports.
Intermodal
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 882 | $ | 880 | — | % | — | % | $ | 2,881 | $ | 2,875 | — | % | — | % | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 11,793 | 11,048 | 7 | % | 7 | % | 38,538 | 35,918 | 7 | % | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 7.48 | 7.97 | (6 | %) | (7 | %) | 7.48 | 8.00 | (6 | %) | (7 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 501 | 494 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 1,625 | 1,556 | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 1,760 | 1,781 | (1 | %) | (2 | %) | 1,773 | 1,848 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group in the third quarter of 2024 were in line with the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes; offset by lower revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal driven by imports through Western Canadian ports; largely offset by diversions to other modes of transport/ports due to the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage.
•Revenue per RTM: decreased mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and lower trucking services; partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
40 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Revenues for this commodity group in the first nine months of 2024 were in line with the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes; offset by lower revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of international intermodal driven by imports through Western Canadian ports; largely offset by diversions to other modes of transport/ports due to the TCRC-related labor uncertainty and work stoppage.
•Revenue per RTM: decreased mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates, lower container storage fees and lower trucking services; partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
RTMs increased more than Carloads in the third quarter of 2024 and the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher long-haul shipments of imports through Western Canadian ports.
Automotive
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 217 | $ | 237 | (8 | %) | (9 | %) | $ | 688 | $ | 687 | — | % | (1 | %) | |||||||||||||
RTMs (millions) | 779 | 824 | (5 | %) | (5 | %) | 2,377 | 2,286 | 4 | % | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/RTM (cents) | 27.86 | 28.76 | (3 | %) | (4 | %) | 28.94 | 30.05 | (4 | %) | (4 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Carloads (thousands) | 50 | 59 | (15 | %) | (15 | %) | 159 | 172 | (8 | %) | (8 | %) | |||||||||||||||||
Revenue/carload ($) | 4,340 | 4,017 | 8 | % | 7 | % | 4,327 | 3,994 | 8 | % | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $20 million, or 8%, in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to lower volumes and lower revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: decreased mainly due to lower shipments of domestic finished vehicles.
•Revenue per RTM: decreased mainly due to a significant increase in the average length of haul; partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenues for this commodity group remained flat in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher volumes; offset by lower revenue per RTM:
•Volumes: increased mainly due to higher shipments of imported finished vehicles via the port of Vancouver.
•Revenue per RTM: decreased mainly due to a significant increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Carloads decreased more than RTMs in the third quarter of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to reduced short-haul domestic car shipments and higher long-haul shipments of imported vehicles. RTMs increased while Carloads decreased in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, mainly due to higher long-haul shipments of imported vehicles.
Other revenues
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues (millions) | $ | 188 | $ | 167 | 13 | % | 11 | % | $ | 476 | $ | 424 | 12 | % | 11 | % | |||||||||||||
Other revenues increased by $21 million, or 13% and $52 million, or 12%, in the third quarter of 2024 and the first nine months of 2024, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher vessel revenues from the iron ore supply chain.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 41
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were $2,595 million compared to $2,470 million for the same period in 2023. Operating expenses for the first nine months of 2024 were $8,069 million compared to $7,578 million for the same period in 2023. The increase of $125 million, or 5%, in the third quarter was mainly due to higher purchased services and material expense, higher fuel expense, the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, and higher labor and fringe benefits expense. The increase of $491 million, or 6%, in the first nine months of 2024 was mainly due to higher labor and fringe benefits expense, the recognition of a loss on assets held for sale, and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, unless otherwise indicated | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency (1) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | % Change at constant currency (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and fringe benefits | $ | 795 | $ | 773 | (3 | %) | (2 | %) | $ | 2,539 | $ | 2,332 | (9 | %) | (8 | %) | ||||||||||
| Purchased services and material | 566 | 534 | (6 | %) | (5 | %) | 1,715 | 1,698 | (1 | %) | (1 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel | 519 | 486 | (7 | %) | (5 | %) | 1,579 | 1,528 | (3 | %) | (2 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 475 | 457 | (4 | %) | (3 | %) | 1,403 | 1,354 | (4 | %) | (3 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| Equipment rents | 93 | 89 | (4 | %) | (3 | %) | 294 | 262 | (12 | %) | (11 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| Other | 147 | 131 | (12 | %) | (11 | %) | 461 | 404 | (14 | %) | (13 | %) | ||||||||||||||
| Loss on assets held for sale | — | — | — | % | — | % | 78 | — | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 2,595 | $ | 2,470 | (5 | %) | (4 | %) | $ | 8,069 | $ | 7,578 | (6 | %) | (6 | %) | ||||||||||
(1)This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the section of this MD&A entitled Non-GAAP measures – Constant currency for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
Labor and fringe benefits
Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $22 million, or 3%, in the third quarter and $207 million, or 9%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to general wage increases, higher average headcount and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar. The increase in the first nine months of 2024 was mainly due to general wage increases, higher average headcount, higher pension expense, the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar as well as the impacts of the new Canadian Duty and Rest Period Rules, additional paid leave days mandated by the Government of Canada and delays caused by planned and unplanned track maintenance in key Vancouver corridors, all of which negatively impacted labor productivity.
Purchased services and material
Purchased services and material expense increased by $32 million, or 6%, in the third quarter and increased by $17 million, or 1%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher material cost and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by lower contracted services. In addition, the increase in the third quarter was also due to higher repairs and maintenance costs.
Fuel
Fuel expense increased by $33 million, or 7%, in the third quarter and $51 million, or 3%, in first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher intercarrier fuel costs, lower fuel efficiency and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower fuel prices. The increase in the first nine months of 2024 was mainly due to higher volumes and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower fuel prices.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $18 million, or 4%, in the third quarter and $49 million, or 4%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to a higher depreciable asset base and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
42 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Equipment rents
Equipment rents expense increased by $4 million, or 4%, in the third quarter and $32 million, or 12%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in the third quarter was not significant. The increase in the first nine months was mainly due to higher car hire expense primarily driven by higher international intermodal volumes, higher locomotive horse-power expense and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Other
Other expense increased by $16 million, or 12%, in the third quarter and $57 million, or 14%, in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher software and support costs.
Loss on assets held for sale
Loss on assets held for sale of $78 million recorded in the first nine months of 2024 resulting from the Company entering into an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada to the Government of Canada for a nominal amount. See Note 4 - Assets held for sale to the Company's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Other income and expense
Interest expense
Interest expense was $230 million and $660 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $185 million and $523 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. The increase of $45 million and $137 million, respectively, were mainly due to the higher average level of debt, higher average interest rates and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Other components of net periodic benefit income
Other components of net periodic benefit income were $114 million and $341 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $121 million and $360 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. The decrease of $7 million and $19 million, respectively, were mainly due to higher amortization of net actuarial loss, partly offset by lower interest cost. These effects primarily resulted from changes to discount rates and higher actual returns compared to expected returns as determined at December 31, 2023.
Other income (loss)
Other income was $10 million and $44 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to Other loss of $2 million and $nil, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher foreign exchange gains. The increase in the first nine months was mainly due to higher earnings from the sale of property within an investee.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense was $324 million and $1,042 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $343 million and $1,121 million for the same periods in 2023. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were 23.0% and 24.0%, respectively, compared to 23.6% and 24.3% for the same periods in 2023.
During the second quarter of 2024, the Government of Canada enacted the global minimum corporate tax under the Pillar Two guidelines, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. This enactment had no impact on the Company’s effective tax rate and income tax payments.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 43
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Summary of quarterly financial data
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarters | Quarters | Quarters | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | Third | Second | First | Fourth | Third | Second | First | Fourth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 4,110 | $ | 4,329 | $ | 4,249 | $ | 4,471 | $ | 3,987 | $ | 4,057 | $ | 4,313 | $ | 4,542 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (1) | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,558 | $ | 1,546 | $ | 1,818 | $ | 1,517 | $ | 1,600 | $ | 1,662 | $ | 1,912 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (1) | $ | 1,085 | $ | 1,114 | $ | 1,103 | $ | 2,130 | $ | 1,108 | $ | 1,167 | $ | 1,220 | $ | 1,420 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.75 | $ | 1.72 | $ | 3.30 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.83 | $ | 2.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share (1) | $ | 1.72 | $ | 1.75 | $ | 1.72 | $ | 3.29 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.82 | $ | 2.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends per share | $ | 0.8450 | $ | 0.8450 | $ | 0.8450 | $ | 0.7900 | $ | 0.7900 | $ | 0.7900 | $ | 0.7900 | $ | 0.7325 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Certain quarters include items that management believes do not necessarily arise as part of CN's normal day-to-day operations and can distort the analysis of trends in business performance. See the section of this MD&A entitled Non-GAAP measures – Adjusted performance measures as well as the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A for additional information on these items.
Revenues generated by the Company during the year are influenced by seasonal weather conditions, general economic conditions, cyclical demand for rail transportation and competitive forces in the transportation marketplace (see the section entitled Business risks of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A). Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company's productivity initiatives. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar have also affected the conversion of the Company's US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses and resulted in fluctuations in Net income in the rolling eight quarters presented above.
Liquidity and capital resources
An analysis of the Company's liquidity and capital resources is provided in the section entitled Liquidity and capital resources of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A. There were no significant changes during the first nine months of 2024, except as noted below.
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had Cash and cash equivalents of $273 million and $475 million, respectively; Restricted cash and cash equivalents of $425 million and $449 million, respectively; and a working capital deficit of $1,676 million and $1,946 million, respectively. (1) There are currently no specific requirements relating to working capital other than in the normal course of business as discussed herein.
The Company expects cash from operations and its various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its ongoing obligations.
(1)The Company defines working capital as current assets of $3,043 million (December 31, 2023 - $3,089 million) less current liabilities of $4,719 million (December 31, 2023 - $5,035 million).
Available financing sources
For details on the Company's available financing sources, see section entitled Liquidity and capital resources to the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A as well as Note 7 – Financing activities to the Company's September 30, 2024 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
Shelf prospectus and registration statement
On April 2, 2024, the Company filed a shelf prospectus with Canadian securities regulators and a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pursuant to which CN may issue debt securities in the Canadian and U.S. capital markets over a 25-month period following the filing date. This shelf prospectus and registration statement replaces CN's previous shelf prospectus and registration statement that was set to expire on June 4, 2024. Access to the Canadian and U.S. capital markets under the shelf prospectus and registration statement is dependent on market conditions. CN expects to use net proceeds from the sale of debt securities under the shelf prospectus and registration statement for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, share repurchases, acquisitions, and other business opportunities.
44 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Revolving credit facilities
On March 28, 2024, the Company's revolving credit facility agreements were amended to extend their respective tenors by one additional year each. The unsecured credit facility of $2.5 billion consists of two tranches of $1.25 billion and are now maturing on March 31, 2027 and March 31, 2029. The unsecured credit facility of $1.0 billion is now maturing on March 17, 2026. On March 28, 2024, the Company amended its revolving credit facilities to transition from the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (CDOR) to the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA). The credit facilities provide borrowings at various benchmark interest rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and CORRA, plus applicable margins, based on CN's credit ratings.
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under these revolving credit facilities.
Equipment loans
On March 21, 2024, the Company amended certain of its non-revolving term loan facilities to transition from CDOR to CORRA. Borrowings under the non-revolving term loan facilities are provided at SOFR, CORRA or CDOR plus applicable margins.
During the first nine months of 2024, the Company repaid $45 million of its equipment loans and on March 22, 2024, issued a $412 million equipment loan under these facilities. As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $1,059 million and $677 million, respectively, and had $366 million and $769 million available to be drawn under these facilities, respectively.
Commercial paper
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of US$873 million ($1,182 million) and US$1,360 million ($1,801 million), respectively, presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounts receivable securitization program
On March 20, 2024, the Company extended the term of its agreement by one year to February 2, 2026.
As at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program and had $450 million available under this facility.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
On March 28, 2024, the Company extended the maturity date of its committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2027.
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $325 million ($337 million as at December 31, 2023) under the committed facilities from a total available amount of $361 million ($361 million as at December 31, 2023) and $142 million ($152 million as at December 31, 2023) under the uncommitted facilities.
As at September 30, 2024, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $325 million ($339 million as at December 31, 2023) pledged as collateral under the committed bilateral letter of credit facilities, $90 million ($100 million as at December 31, 2023) pledged as collateral under the uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, and $10 million held in escrow ($10 million as at December 31, 2023).
Credit ratings
The following table provides the Company's long-term debt and commercial paper credit ratings as of the date of this MD&A. These credit ratings were unchanged from June 30, 2023.
| Outlook | Long-term debt rating (1) | Commercial paper rating (1) | |||||||||
| DBRS Morningstar | Stable | A | R-1 (low) | ||||||||
| Moody's Investors Service | Stable | A2 | P-1 | ||||||||
| Standard & Poor's | Stable | A- | A-2 | ||||||||
(1)These credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell the securities referred to above. Ratings may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the credit rating agencies. Each credit rating should be evaluated independently of any other credit rating.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 45
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Cash flows
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,774 | $ | 1,512 | $ | 262 | $ | 4,704 | $ | 4,552 | $ | 152 | ||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,190) | (931) | (259) | (2,644) | (2,278) | (366) | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (669) | (631) | (38) | (2,287) | (2,166) | (121) | ||||||||||||||
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents | (1) | 2 | (3) | 1 | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents | (86) | (48) | (38) | (226) | 108 | (334) | ||||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of period | 784 | 990 | (206) | 924 | 834 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | $ | (244) | $ | 698 | $ | 942 | $ | (244) | ||||||||
Free cash flow
Free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate cash for debt obligations and for discretionary uses such as payment of dividends, share repurchases, and strategic opportunities. The Company defines its free cash flow measure as the difference between net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of (i) business acquisitions and (ii) merger transaction-related payments, cash receipts and cash income taxes, which are items that are not indicative of operating trends. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the non-GAAP free cash flow presented herein:
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,774 | $ | 1,512 | $ | 4,704 | $ | 4,552 | ||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (1,190) | (931) | (2,644) | (2,278) | ||||||||||
| Free cash flow | $ | 584 | $ | 581 | $ | 2,060 | $ | 2,274 | ||||||
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $262 million in the third quarter of 2024 and by $152 million in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to favorable changes in working capital items.
Pension contributions
The Company's contributions to its various defined benefit pension plans are made in accordance with the applicable legislation in Canada and the U.S. and such contributions follow minimum and maximum thresholds as determined by actuarial valuations.
Additional information relating to the pension plans is provided in Note 18 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and the section entitled Liquidity and capital resources of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A.
The Company's most recently filed actuarial valuations for funding purposes for its Canadian registered defined benefit pension plans conducted as at December 31, 2023 indicated a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $5.0 billion and a funding excess on a solvency basis of approximately $2.6 billion calculated using the three-year average of the plans' hypothetical wind-up ratio.
46 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Pension contributions for all plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $51 million and $38 million, respectively. Based on the results of the Company's actuarial valuations for funding purposes as at December 31, 2023, the CN Pension Plan remained fully funded and at a level such that the Company continues to be prohibited from making contributions. For all of 2024, the Company expects to make total contributions of approximately $70 million for all other pension plans, and includes the impact of affected non-unionized members transferring from the Company's defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution pension plans effective April 1, 2024.
Adverse changes to the assumptions used to calculate the Company's funding status, particularly the discount rate, as well as changes to existing federal pension legislation or regulator guidance could significantly impact the Company's future pension contributions.
Income tax payments
Net income tax payments for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were $933 million and $987 million, respectively. The decrease was mainly due to lower required installment payments in Canada. For 2024, the Company's net income tax payments are now expected to be approximately $1.3 billion.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $259 million in the third quarter of 2024 and by $366 million in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023, mainly due to higher property additions.
Property additions
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Track and roadway | $ | 677 | $ | 621 | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,414 | |||||||||||||||
| Rolling stock | 342 | 157 | 682 | 465 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Buildings | 28 | 22 | 58 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Information technology | 94 | 86 | 253 | 218 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 35 | 48 | 97 | 123 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross property additions | 1,176 | 934 | 2,605 | 2,270 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Finance leases | — | 17 | — | 17 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Property additions | $ | 1,176 | $ | 917 | $ | 2,605 | $ | 2,253 | |||||||||||||||
2024 Capital expenditure program
In 2024, the Company will continue to invest in its capital program to improve the safety, efficiency and integrity of its network. These investments will enable and support the growth of the Company and will be financed with cash generated from operations or with cash from financing activities as required.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $38 million in the third quarter of 2024 and increased by $121 million in the first nine months of 2024 when compared to the same periods in 2023. The increase in both periods was mainly due to higher net repayments of debt including commercial paper and higher payments of dividends; partly offset by lower repurchases of common shares.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 47
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Debt financing activities
Debt financing activities in the first nine months of 2024 included the following:
•On September 18, 2024, issuance of US$750 million ($1,020 million) 4.38% Notes due 2034 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,011 million;
•On May 2, 2024, issuance of $700 million 4.60% Notes due 2029 and $550 million 5.10% Notes due in 2054 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,242 million;
•Net repayment of commercial paper of $675 million in the third quarter and $756 million in the first nine months;
•On March 22, 2024, issuance of a $412 million equipment loan under the non-revolving credit facility;
•Proceeds from the accounts receivable securitization program of $450 million; and
•Repayment of accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $450 million.
Debt financing activities in the first nine months of 2023 included the following:
•On May 10, 2023, issuance of $550 million 4.15% Notes due 2030, $400 million 4.40% Notes due 2033 and $800 million 4.70% Notes due 2053 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,730 million;
•On May 15, 2023, repayment of US$150 million ($203 million) 7.63% Notes due 2023 upon maturity; and
•Net issuance of commercial paper of $1,073 million in the third quarter and $1,312 million in the first nine months.
Additional information relating to the Company's outstanding debt securities is provided in Note 16 – Debt to the Company's 2023 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Repurchase of common shares
The Company may repurchase its common shares pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under its current NCIB, the Company may repurchase up to 32.0 million common shares between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. During the third quarter, the Company paused its share repurchase program and may resume such share repurchases as the Company continues to assess its capital position. As at September 30, 2024, the Company had repurchased 12.3 million common shares for $2,092 million under its current NCIB.
On June 20, 2024, the Canadian government enacted legislation implementing a two percent tax on net share repurchases made on or after January 1, 2024. As a result, the Company has accrued a liability of $48 million for the net share repurchases made in the first nine months of 2024, which was accounted for as a direct cost of common share repurchases and recorded in Shareholders’ equity. The tax obligation is required to be paid within the first quarter of the following year.
The Company repurchased 28.7 million common shares under its previous NCIB effective between February 1, 2023 and January 31, 2024, which allowed for the repurchase of up to 32.0 million common shares.
| Three months ended September 30 | Nine months ended September 30 | |||||||||||||
| In millions, except per share data | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Number of common shares repurchased | 2.5 | 7.7 | 14.4 | 21.8 | ||||||||||
Weighted-average price per share (1) | $ | 165.40 | $ | 153.92 | $ | 172.96 | $ | 157.41 | ||||||
Amount of repurchase (1)(2) | $ | 427 | $ | 1,196 | $ | 2,498 | $ | 3,438 | ||||||
(1)Includes brokerage fees and tax on share repurchases.
(2)Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
Dividends paid
The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.8450 per share amounting to $532 million and $1,607 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 compared to $515 million and $1,562 million, at the quarterly rate of $0.7900 per share for the same periods in 2023.
48 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Contractual obligations
In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations. The following table sets forth the Company's contractual obligations for the following items as at September 30, 2024:
| 2029 & thereafter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In millions | Total | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |||||||||||||||||
Debt obligations (1) | $ | 20,691 | $ | 1,672 | $ | 409 | $ | 736 | $ | 61 | $ | 1,054 | $ | 16,759 | |||||||||
| Interest on debt obligations | 13,993 | 180 | 854 | 831 | 818 | 814 | 10,496 | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease obligations | 8 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations (2) | 392 | 36 | 134 | 97 | 68 | 35 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations (3) | 2,593 | 1,701 | 355 | 170 | 108 | 250 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities (4) | 1,051 | 40 | 83 | 52 | 49 | 47 | 780 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total contractual obligations | $ | 38,728 | $ | 3,630 | $ | 1,837 | $ | 1,890 | $ | 1,105 | $ | 2,200 | $ | 28,066 | |||||||||
(1)Presented net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs and excludes finance lease obligations.
(2)Includes $29 million of imputed interest.
(3)Includes fixed and variable commitments for engineering services, locomotives, rail, information technology services and licenses, railroad cars, wheels, rail ties as well as other equipment and services. Costs of variable commitments were estimated using forecasted prices and volumes.
(4)Includes expected payments for workers' compensation, postretirement benefits other than pensions, net unrecognized tax benefits, environmental liabilities and pension obligations that have been classified as contractual settlement agreements.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 49
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple
Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple is a useful credit measure because it reflects the Company's ability to service its debt and other long-term obligations. The Company calculates the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple as adjusted debt divided by the last twelve months of adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted debt is defined as the sum of Long-term debt and Current portion of long-term debt as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Operating lease liabilities, including current portion and pension plans in deficiency recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the debt-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net income excluding Interest expense, Income tax expense, Depreciation and amortization, operating lease cost, Other components of net periodic benefit income, Other income (loss), and other significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and which could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted debt and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to compute the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of debt and Net income in accordance with GAAP, reported as at and for the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, to the adjusted measures presented herein, which have been used to calculate the non-GAAP adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple:
| In millions, unless otherwise indicated | As at and for the twelve months ended September 30, | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Debt | $ | 20,698 | $ | 18,382 | |||||||
| Adjustments: | |||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities, including current portion (1) | 363 | 429 | |||||||||
Pension plans in deficiency (2) | 356 | 351 | |||||||||
| Adjusted debt | $ | 21,417 | $ | 19,162 | |||||||
| Net income | $ | 5,432 | $ | 4,915 | |||||||
| Interest expense | 859 | 676 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | 784 | 1,582 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,866 | 1,805 | |||||||||
Operating lease cost (3) | 153 | 147 | |||||||||
| Other components of net periodic benefit income | (460) | (484) | |||||||||
| Other loss (income) | (178) | 2 | |||||||||
| Adjustment: | |||||||||||
Loss on assets held for sale (4) | 78 | — | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 8,534 | $ | 8,643 | |||||||
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times) | 2.51 | 2.22 | |||||||||
(1)Represents the present value of operating lease payments.
(2)Represents the total funded deficit of all defined benefit pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
(3)Represents the operating lease costs recorded in Purchased services and material and Equipment rents within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4)Relates to a loss of $78 million on assets held for sale recorded in the second quarter of 2024, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada. See Note 4 - Assets held for sale to the Company's unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Off balance sheet arrangements
Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, standby letters of credit, surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business. As at September 30, 2024, the Company has not recorded a liability with respect to guarantees and indemnifications. Additional information relating to guarantees and indemnifications is provided in Note 10 – Major commitments and contingencies to the Company's September 30, 2024 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
50 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Outstanding share data
As at October 22, 2024, the Company had 628.8 million common shares and 3.2 million stock options outstanding.
Financial instruments
Risk management
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks from its use of financial instruments, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and market risks which include foreign currency risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk. A description of these risks and how the Company manages them, is provided in the section entitled Financial instruments of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A.
Derivative financial instruments
Foreign currency risk
As at September 30, 2024, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts to purchase a notional value of US$1,490 million (US$1,496 million as at December 31, 2023). These outstanding contracts are at a weighted-average exchange rate of $1.35 per US$1.00 ($1.37 per US$1.00 as at December 31, 2023) with exchange rates ranging from $1.35 to $1.37 per US$1.00 ($1.34 to $1.39 per US$1.00 as at December 31, 2023). The weighted-average term of the contracts is 60 days (77 days as at December 31, 2023) with terms ranging from 14 days to 125 days (26 days to 178 days as at December 31, 2023). Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates, are recognized in Other income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Income as they occur.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recorded a loss of $22 million and a gain of $53 million, respectively, related to foreign exchange forward contracts compared to gains of $50 million and $23 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2023. These gains were largely offset by the re-measurement of US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recorded in Other income (loss).
As at September 30, 2024, the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts included in Other current assets and Accounts payable and other was $2 million and $6 million, respectively ($nil and $64 million, respectively, as at December 31, 2023).
Interest rate risk
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company entered into treasury lock agreements to hedge US Treasury benchmark rates related to expected debt issuances in 2024. The treasury locks were designated as cash flow hedging instruments with cumulative gains or losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in derivative instruments. In conjunction with the September 18, 2024 debt issuance, the Company settled a notional US$500 million ($680 million) of treasury locks, resulting in a cumulative loss of $15 million. The cash outflows were included in operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and the loss was recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized over the term of the corresponding debt and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As at September 30, 2024, there were no treasury locks outstanding ($nil as at December 31, 2023).
Fair value of financial instruments
As at September 30, 2024, the Company's debt, excluding finance leases, had a carrying amount of $20,691 million ($18,435 million as at December 31, 2023) and a fair value of $20,258 million ($17,844 million as at December 31, 2023). The carrying amount of debt excluding finance leases exceeded the fair value due to market rates being higher than the stated coupon rates.
Additional information relating to financial instruments is provided in Note 11 – Financial instruments to the Company's September 30, 2024 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 51
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Recent accounting pronouncements
The following recent Accounting Standards Updates (ASU) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) have an effective date after December 31, 2023 and have not been adopted by the Company:
ASU 2023-07 Segment reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to reportable segment disclosures
The ASU will improve financial disclosures about a public entity's reportable segments and address requests from investors for additional and more detailed information regarding reportable segment expenses. The main amendments in the ASU require public entities, including those that have a single reportable segment, to disclose on an annual and interim basis the significant segment expenses provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), disclose the title/position of the CODM and how the segment expenses information is used in the decision-making process. The Company manages its operations as one business segment over a single network with operations in Canada and the U.S. with the Chief Executive Officer identified as its CODM. The Company has identified consolidated net income and EPS to be its profit measures reviewed by the CODM. The ASU requires single reportable segment entities to apply all disclosure requirements in Topic 280 and the ASU.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023. Early adoption is permitted.
The adoption of the ASU will have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements disclosures. The Company has not early adopted the ASU and will include the relevant disclosure within the 2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and 2025 Interim Financial Statements.
ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to income tax disclosures
The ASU amends the rules on income tax disclosures by modifying or eliminating certain existing income tax disclosure requirements in addition to establishing new requirements. The amendments address investor requests for more transparency about income taxes, including jurisdictional information, by requiring consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information. The ASU’s two primary amendments relate to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid annual disclosures.
Reconciling items presented in the rate reconciliation will be in dollar amounts and percentages, and will be disaggregated into specified categories with certain reconciling items further broken out by nature and/or jurisdiction using a 5% threshold of domestic federal taxes. Income taxes paid will be disaggregated between federal, provincial/territorial, and foreign taxing jurisdictions using a 5% threshold of total income taxes paid net of refunds received.
The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The ASU should be applied prospectively. Retrospective application is permitted.
The adoption of the ASU will have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements disclosures. The required disclosure changes will be reflected in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements when the ASU is adopted. As the Company will not early adopt the ASU, the required disclosure changes will be reflected in the Company's 2025 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company is currently evaluating whether to apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively.
Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied on or after September 30, 2024 have been evaluated by the Company and are not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
52 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Recent regulatory and other updates
U.S. regulatory updates
Reciprocal switching
On April 30, 2024, the STB issued a final rule for reciprocal switching for inadequate service. The STB’s new rule allows customers to obtain reciprocal switching access to an alternate carrier in a terminal area if the incumbent railroad’s service falls below one of three objective metrics (original estimated time of arrival, transit time, and first-mile/last-mile service) and if certain other conditions are met. Any prescribed reciprocal switching arrangement for a facility in the United States would be effective for a period between three to five years and could be renewed. On May 10, 2024, the Company and two other railroads filed a petition for review of the rule with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Crew size
On April 9, 2024, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a final rule establishing minimum requirements for the size of train crews depending on the type of operation. The FRA's new rule requires railroad operations to have a minimum of two crew members, except in certain circumstances, including remote-control operations. The rule includes a process to petition the FRA for special approval to operate with fewer than two crew members. The rule became effective on June 10, 2024. The rail industry has challenged the rule as arbitrary and contrary to law in federal circuit court.
No assurance can be given that these and any other current or future regulatory or legislative initiatives by the U.S. federal government and agencies will not materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations or its competitive and financial position.
Environmental matters
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), the Company through one of its subsidiaries was notified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on February 28, 2024 that it is a potentially responsible party (PRP), along with at least five other previously notified parties, with respect to the Matthiessen & Hegeler Zinc Company Site (Site) in LaSalle, Illinois. EPA also requested that the Company respond to certain information requests, which the Company did on June 30, 2024. The Company’s designation as a PRP is based on claims that the Company, or its predecessors, had land holdings historically that were leased to others for commercial or industrial uses that may allegedly have resulted in the disposal of hazardous substances onto the Site. Based on remedial investigations and feasibility studies previously conducted, the EPA issued a Record of Decision outlining the clean-up plan for the Site and certain off-Site areas. The Company has not accrued for any obligation related to the remediation of the Site as it has not been able to confirm to what, if any, extent it contributed to the contamination, the extent and cost of remediation and the contribution of other potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay for their obligations.
Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon available information. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company's policies for income taxes, capital expenditures and depreciation and pensions and other postretirement benefits require management's more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements and, as such, are considered to be critical. Reference is made to the section entitled Critical accounting estimates of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A for a detailed description of the Company's critical accounting estimates. There have not been any material changes to these estimates in the first nine months of 2024.
Management discusses the development and selection of the Company's critical accounting policies, including the underlying estimates and assumptions, with the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The Audit, Finance and Risk Committee has reviewed the Company's related disclosures.
CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter 53
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Business risks
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various business risks and uncertainties that can have an effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. While some exposures may be reduced by the Company's risk management strategies, many risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company's control or are of a nature which cannot be eliminated.
Reference is made to the section entitled Business risks of the Company's 2023 Annual MD&A for a detailed description of such key areas of business risks and uncertainties with respect to: Competition, Environmental matters, Personal injury and other claims, Labor negotiations, Economic conditions, Regulation, Pandemic risk, Pension funding volatility, Reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk, Trade restrictions, Terrorism and international conflicts, Customer credit risk, Liquidity, Supplier concentration, Availability of qualified personnel, Fuel costs and supply disruptions, Foreign exchange, Interest rates, Transportation network disruptions, Severe weather, Climate change and Reputation, which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management, or that may currently not be considered material by management, could nevertheless also have an adverse effect on the Company's business.
Controls and procedures
The Company's Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of September 30, 2024, have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
54 CN | 2024 Quarterly Review – Third Quarter
Statement of CEO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings
I, Tracy Robinson, certify that:
(1)I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;
(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d‑15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: October 22, 2024
| /s/ Tracy Robinson | |||||
| Tracy Robinson | |||||
| President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||
Statement of CFO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings
I, Ghislain Houle, certify that:
(1)I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;
(2)Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
(3)Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
(4)The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d‑15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
(5)The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: October 22, 2024
| /s/ Ghislain Houle | |||||
| Ghislain Houle | |||||
| Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||