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Canadian National Railway Company

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FY2001 Annual Report · Canadian National Railway Company
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935 de La Gauchetière Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9

www.cn.ca

2001 Annual Report

How far 
can CN go?

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Contents

1 2001 Overview

18 Message from Paul M. Tellier
19 Financial summary
22 How far can CN go?
24 Message from David McLean
25 Going further for our communities
28 CN at a glance
30 Glossary of terms
31 Financial Section (U.S. GAAP)
67 Financial Section (Canadian GAAP)

103 The CN Pension Plan and the
CN 1935 Pension Plan

111 President’s Awards for Excellence
112 Board of Directors
114 Executive Officers of the Company
115 Shareholder and investor information

The journey is

Except where otherwise 
indicated, all financial infor-
mation reflected in this docu-
ment is expressed in Canadian
dollars and determined 
on the basis of United States
generally accepted accounting
principles (U.S. GAAP).

Shareholder and investor information

Annual meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held 
at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 
at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax, NS

Annual information form
The annual information form may be obtained by writing to:

The Corporate Secretary
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West 
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9

Transfer agent and registrar
Computershare Trust Company of Canada

Offices in:
Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON; Calgary, AB; Vancouver, BC
Toll-free: 1-800-332-0095
Montreal telephone: (514) 982-7800
Fax: (514) 982-7635 Web: www.computershare.com

Co-transfer agent and co-registrar
Computershare Trust Company of New York
88 Pine Street, 19th Floor
Wall Street Plaza, New York, NY 10005
Telephone: (212) 701-7600 or 1-800-245-7630

U.S. cash dividends 
Shareholders wishing to receive dividends in U.S. dollars may 
obtain detailed information by communicating with:

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Telephone: (514) 982-7800 or 1-800-332-0095

Stock exchanges
Canadian National common shares are listed on the 
Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

Ticker symbols:
CNR (Toronto Stock Exchange)
CNI (New York Stock Exchange)

Investor relations
Robert Noorigian
Vice-President, Investor Relations
Telephone: 1-800-319-9929
(514) 399-0052

Shareholder services
Shareholders having inquiries concerning their shares 
or wishing to obtain information about CN should contact:

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 1542
Station B
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 3L2
Telephone: 1-800-332-0095
(514) 982-7800

Email: caregistryinfo@computershare.com

Head office
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9

P.O. Box 8100
Montreal, Quebec  H3C 3N4

Additional copies of this report are 
available from:

Canadian National
Public Affairs
935 de La Gauchetière Street West 
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9
Telephone: (514) 399-7212
Toll-free: 1-888-888-5909
Fax: (514) 399-5344
www.cn.ca

This report has been printed on recycled paper.

La version française du présent rapport 
est disponible à l’adresse suivante :

Canadien National
Affaires publiques
935, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest 
Montréal (Québec)  H3B 2M9
Téléphone : (514) 399-7212
Numéro sans frais : 1-888-888-5909
Télécopieur : (514) 399-5344
www.cn.ca

“How far can CN go?” A good question, asked of us often.

We did well our first six years. But that’s in the past. Our focus is

forward. On how we can deliver quality top-line growth while we

continue to drive out costs. On how we can extend competitive

advantage and reach for our customers. On how we can continue 

to increase shareholder value. 

Everyone wants to know how much further we can go. 

Here’s our answer: 

far from over.

We can go much further, for our customers, employees and

investors, and that’s what we are doing. 

Canadian National Railway Company

1

The plan is

2

Canadian National Railway Company

Our service plan is unlike any in the industry, enabling true

scheduled operations across the entire CN network. It has 

created unheard-of levels of speed, efficiency and reliability 

of our service, and results have reflected it.

working.

Canadian National Railway Company

3

Operating Ratio
Improvement
and Top-line
Growth

Our service plan has steadily improved the reliability

and precision of our operations while allowing us 

to dramatically reduce assets. We’ve increased our

top line by 46 per cent since 1995 through internal

growth and acquisitions; meanwhile CN operating

ratio performance has moved from worst to first

among rail companies. We can go further.

4

Canadian National Railway Company

Operating Ratio(1) 
Operating Ratio(1)(1) 
Operating Ratio
Excluding special charges
Excluding special charges
Excluding special charges
Percentage 
Percentage 
Percentage

78.4
78.478.4

75.3
75.375.3

72.0
72.072.0

69.6
69.669.6

68.5
68.568.5

Top-line Growth(1) 
Top-line Growth(1) 

$ in billions
$ in billions

4.3
4.3

4.1
4.1

5.2
5.2

5.4
5.4

5.7
5.7

1997
1997
1997

1998
1998
1998

1999
1999
1999

2000
2000
2000

2001
2001
2001

1997
1997

1998
1998

1999
1999

2000
2000

2001
2001

(1) The 2001 f igures include Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation from October 9, 2001.

Canadian National Railway Company

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Earnings Per Share (EPS)(1)(2) 
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Earnings Per Share (EPS)(1)(1)(2)(2) 
Excluding special charges
Excluding special charges
Excluding special charges
In dollars 
In dollars 
In dollars

2.72
2.722.72

3.08
3.083.08

3.71
3.713.71

4.67
4.674.67

5.54
5.545.54

CN Stock Performance 
CN Stock Performance 
CN Stock Performance 

November 17, 1995 to December 31, 2001
November 17, 1995 to December 31, 2001
November 17, 1995 to December 31, 2001

96
9696
(Nov. 17, 1995)
(Nov. 17, 1995)
(Nov. 17, 1995)

97
9797

98
9898

99
9999

00
0000

01
0101

02
0202

● CNR 
● CNRCNR 

● CNI 
● CNICNI 

● S&P 500 
● S&P 500
S&P 500 

● TSE 300 
● TSE 300
TSE 300 

● S&P Rail
● S&P Rail
S&P Rail

1997
1997
1997

1998
1998
1998

1999
1999
1999

2000
2000
2000

2001
2001
2001

$500
$500

$400
$400

$300
$300

$200
$200

$100
$100

0
0

(1) Diluted EPS before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy and discontinued operations.

(2) The 2001 figure includes Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation from October 9, 2001.

6

Canadian National Railway Company

EPS Growth 
and Stock 
Performance

Since the IPO, CN has always worked hard to drive 

profitable growth. Not just through cost containment and

efficiency, but also by pursuing higher-quality revenue

with higher-value service. The result, we believe, 

is reflected in EPS improvement as well as stock price

growth that has consistently outperformed the 

industry and every major index. We can go further.

Canadian National Railway Company

7

Extending
CN’s Reach

We are building the railroad we envisioned by con-

tinuously and aggressively seeking to expand our

network and services through acquisitions and

alliances. Greater reach enhances the value we can

provide our customers – which ultimately delivers

growth for our investors. We can go further.

8

Canadian National Railway Company

CN is collaborating

with other railroads

as hard as it competes

with them to find

new ways to better

serve customers,

reduce costs and grow

the top line.

CN
CN
CN-CSXI
CN-CSXI
CN-BNSF
CN-BNSF
KCS
KCS
TM
TM
TFM
TFM
CN-UP
CN-UP
CN-CP
CN-CP

Canadian National Railway Company

9

How far can

10

Canadian National Railway Company

CN go?

Our drive now is to take our performance to the next level, to take

our customers further than they ever thought possible for a railroad.

Canadian National Railway Company

11

12

Canadian National Railway Company

Further for the
Canadian 
Wheat Board

CN delivers seamless

Until two years ago, the Canadian Wheat Board used ocean vessels to get

rail service from 

western Canada to

Mexico for grain 

and grain products.

its product to customers in Mexico, part of a complicated chain – rail to

originating port, vessel to destination port, truck to customer.

CN saw a better way. Our service plan and our North American

north-south network enabled us to offer reliable, seamless single-line rail

service from origin to destination. CN’s aluminum hopper cars, Web-based

shipment tracking and just-in-time service made rail the clear choice to

improve transit performance and inventory management.

The result was a win-win. Less handling improved product 

quality for shippers and receivers while CN was able to convert short-

haul, port-destination traffic to higher-revenue long-haul business. 

CN volume, shipped on behalf of the Canadian Wheat Board, increased

twenty-fold from 1999 to 2001, and we see upside potential for this 

type of service to Mexico.

13

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian National Railway Company

13

14

Canadian National Railway Company

Further for
Abitibi-
Consolidated 

The world’s largest

Abitibi-Consolidated is CN’s largest forest products customer. They

supplier of newsprint

and commercial 

printing paper has

focused on improving

its transportation 

efficiencies by increas-

ing rail volumes.

ship paper to major publishers and commercial printers worldwide.

Since 1999, Abitibi-Consolidated and CN have been jointly exploring

opportunities to increase rail volumes.

Rail has inherent cost advantages on long-haul traffic by 

carrying, depending on product density, up to 85 metric tons in each

railcar. This has resulted in economic advantages for both CN and

Abitibi-Consolidated.

Abitibi-Consolidated and CN recently renewed their commit-

ment to continue this joint initiative to maximize rail volume.

15

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian National Railway Company

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16

Canadian National Railway Company

Further for
General Motors 

CN works closely with

As GM’s logistics partner in the highly competitive aftermarket parts

Schneider Logistics 

to optimize rail 

logistics for General

Motors’ Service Parts

Operations.

business, Schneider Logistics needed optimal performance in the 

rail portion of the distribution chain. Schneider Logistics called CN

Supply Chain Logistics.

Rail traffic flows from GM’s central parts distribution center in

Flint, Michigan, to 12 regional distribution hubs across the United States.

Dedicated CN Logistics professionals work on-site at the Flint center to

manage day-to-day rail activity, coordinating with Schneider Logistics and

interfacing with a number of other rail carriers to maximize performance. 

In addition to base compensation, CN Supply Chain Logistics 

can receive incentives that are tied to continuous improvement in asset

utilization, dwell time and car supply. CN revenues have steadily

improved since the beginning of the contract two years ago. GM recently

expanded the agreement to include management of inbound parts 

supply to the Flint center.

17

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian National Railway Company

17

Dear fellow shareholders:

“How far can CN go?” is a question I hear often from investors.

excluding non-recurring items. Including non-recurring

They see our performance and wonder how much longer 

items, net income for 2001 was $1,040 million, or $5.23 per

we can continue our excellent track record of improvement,

diluted share. 

year after year. It is a question that inspires us. It is a 

CN’s operating income, excluding a workforce adjust-

question that motivates us. It is a question that continually

ment charge, was $1,780 million for the year 2001, compared

pushes us to break new ground in the North American

with $1,648 million in 2000, an 8 per cent increase. Revenues

transportation arena. My answer, spoken with absolute 

for the year were $5,652 million, an increase of 4 per cent

confidence, is this: We can go much further for customers,

over the $5,428 million we reported in 2000. We continued 

employees and investors. And we will.

to aggressively manage expenses in 2001; CN’s operating

How do I know this? Because I am not satisfied. I have

expenses for the year, excluding the workforce adjustment

said this every year. To be satisfied is to begin the process of

charge, were $3,872 million, up just 2 per cent compared

becoming complacent. We have assembled a tremendous

with $3,780 million in 2000.

group of people here who share my passion for performance.

And despite the challenges presented by a significantly

CN will never be satisfied.

weaker economy, we continued to improve our operating

ratio, reaching 68.5 per cent, excluding the workforce 

It was a year of profound challenge and change. Through

adjustment charge. This was 1.1 points better than the 69.6 

three quarters, even though CN was performing well, 2001

figure we achieved in 2000. 

was shaping up as an increasingly difficult year for the

North American economy. Then, on September 11, our world

We have no intention of slowing down. We’re not resting

changed. It was a call to action, a call for leadership and

on our laurels. We are just as full of energy as ever, looking at

clear thinking. In these times, the importance of the trans-

every part of our business for new opportunities to improve. 

portation industry has arguably never been more clear. 

In 2001, we successfully completed our acquisition of

We at CN are committed to playing a leadership role in 

Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation, receiving

the myriad of issues that must be addressed, including 

U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval in record

border security.

time. It was a rational, logical transaction, evidenced by

strong positive reviews from shippers and no opposition

Our performance was solid in a difficult economy. We per-

from our competition during the STB review process. We 

formed well in 2001 despite the challenges of a steadily

are proceeding with the same step-by-step integration

declining economic situation in North America. Our net

approach that was so successful with the CN-IC merger. 

income was $978 million, or $4.92 per diluted share, excluding

I am pleased to have Gordon Trafton lead this new division.

non-recurring items – this was an 11 per cent increase over

We extended our reach for intermodal customers 

2000’s net income of $879 million ($4.39 per diluted share),

with two new alliances: with Union Pacific for expedited

18

Canadian National Railway Company

Financial summary

Employees(1)
Average for the year

1999

2000

2001

Earnings per share (dollars)(1)(2)(3)
Excluding special charge

Operating ratio (percentage)(1)
Excluding special charge

23,493

22,457

22,668

1999

2000

2001

3.71

4.67

5.54

1999

2000

2001

72.0

69.6

68.5

CN in 2001:
Solid financial 
performance 
in a difficult
economy

Financial results

$ in millions, except per share data, or unless otherwise indicated

Revenues 

Operating expenses excluding special charge 

Special charge 

Operating income 

Operating income excluding special charge 

Interest expense

Other income 

Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy 

Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy excluding special charge 

Net capital expenditures 

Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy (3)

Diluted earnings per share before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy excluding special charge (3)

Rail operating ratio excluding special charge (%) 

(1)  The 2001 figures include Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation from October 9, 2001.
(2)  Before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy.
(3)  1999 per share data reflects a two-for-one stock split.

2001 (1)

$÷5,652

3,872

98

1,682

1,780

327

65

1,040

1,102

1,058

5.23

5.54

68.5

2000

$÷5,428

3,780

–

1,648

1,648

311

136

937

937

1,036

4.67

4.67

69.6

1999

$÷5,236

3,769

–

1,467

1,467

314

55

746

746

989

3.71

3.71

72.0

Canadian National Railway Company

19

service between central Canada, Michigan, Texas and

The CN way is not Canadian; it is not American. It is 

Mexico City; and with CSX Intermodal for service linking

a passion for excellence that transcends borders. It is a 

Canada with the U.S. Northeast, Florida and Midwest. We

passion for customer service. It is an instinct to challenge

intend to continue working to build strong relationships

convention and an openness to new ideas. But while it 

with other rail carriers to improve the reach and value we

is the reason we have been successful in revolutionizing 

deliver for shippers.

the rail industry thus far, we must continue to cultivate this

culture throughout the organization in order to succeed 

We are determined to grow. We will continue to strive 

over the long term.

to profitably grow the company’s revenues through our

We put it this way: Passionate people power CN. 

acquisition strategy and by leveraging the benefits of our

At CN, we are committed to becoming a leading company

service plan. As our service levels have improved, so has 

by promoting teamwork to unleash the full potential of

our ability to stop the downward spiral of freight rates 

everyone who works here; by attracting and developing 

that has plagued our industry.

the best people; by maintaining a workplace where the 

We continue to grow our franchise, making progress

commitment to safety is unwavering; by respecting and

with our business. We are making progress, but we are 

rewarding passionate people.

not satisfied.

As I mentioned before, diversity of background is a

As the customer stories in this annual report suggest,

great source of strength at CN. For this reason we often seek

there are many opportunities to grow within the strong 

talented people from outside the organization to help us

franchise we have worked so hard to build over the past six

pursue our unique vision. Two such people joined CN in

years. Many shippers are asking us to take a larger role in

2001, Karen Phillips and Les Dakens, to become our VP of

their distribution management. Our challenge is to continu-

U.S. Government Affairs and Senior VP of Corporate

ally and aggressively pursue opportunities to expand our

Services, respectively. Karen has a superb background in the

relationships. We are looking to take up the challenge to go

U.S. transportation industry, with extensive experience on

further for CN customers.

the government and regulatory side. Les Dakens comes to us

from H.J. Heinz Corporation, bringing Fortune 500 experi-

Passionate people power CN. This organization we have

ence and techniques to his mandate of helping us to become

built, this culture with a drive for excellence, is a source of

one of the best places to work in North America.

great pride for me. A unique mindset has emerged here that

I am also very pleased to welcome the Wisconsin

differentiates us. It comes from our diversity as a company,

Central employees to the CN team. I’ve spent a fair amount

the joining of many great business and cultural traditions.

of time with WC people over the past few months. These are

It’s evident in the way we solve problems, and in the way

some of the best railroaders in the business. I look forward

we embrace change. I call it the CN way.

to their contributions to the future of CN. 

20

Canadian National Railway Company

Speaking of best railroaders, I would like to congratulate

costs. Rail has always been the most economical transporta-

Hunter Harrison for being named 2002’s Railroader of the

tion alternative, particularly for longer hauls or larger 

Year by Railway Age magazine. It’s a great honor that

shipments – now, with the service levels CN is achieving,

acknowledges what we at CN have known for years: Hunter

rail is more viable for more shippers than ever before. We

is without peer in his railroading knowledge, vision and

are moving aggressively on all fronts to build upon this

leadership.

increased viability and become an even more valuable

resource to our customers.

Safety remains our highest priority. Every year I say it, and

I’ll say it again: Safety must always be our most enduring

Thank you. It’s interesting how challenging times can bring

and preeminent value. For each and every one of our

one’s appreciation of positive things to a new level of focus

employees, safety must be anchored to an unwavering per-

and clarity. This is how I feel about everyone connected 

sonal commitment to safeguard themselves, their colleagues

with CN – our people, our partners, our customers, our

and the communities we serve. For our part, CN is commit-

shareholders. Together, we have made CN what it is today.

ted to providing proper training, procedures and tools to

Let’s redouble our efforts to show the rest of the world 

ensure a safe working environment where we run our trains

how far we can go.

without accident or injury. And our sense of safety responsi-

bility compels us to team up with regulators, customers,

Yours sincerely, 

suppliers and the communities in which we operate to

ensure excellence in this critical area of our business. 

We expect excellence. Regardless of economic climate,

whether in times of calm or in times of crisis, we expect to

(signed)

excel. We will accept nothing less than leadership perfor-

mance in all aspects of our business. There are no excuses

Paul M. Tellier

for falling short. In fact, in many ways we have built our

President and Chief Executive Officer

company to thrive in more difficult times. The strength of

our balance sheet and franchise positions us to experience

less impact from a downturn and recover faster when the

business climate improves.

The advantages we have over other forms of transporta-

tion are even more attractive and important to shippers

when the pressure intensifies to manage their processes and

Canadian National Railway Company

21

How far can CN go?

Paul Tellier

President and 

Chief Executive Officer

There is no limit to how far

CN can go. I look beyond

being just the best railroad. 

I see us becoming the best

transportation company in

North America – the best

Hunter Harrison

Executive Vice-President and 

Chief Operating Officer

How far can CN go? People

always ask me this question

in the context of how low

we can get our operating

ratio. I say, listen, we’ll con-

tinue to make progress on

place to work, with the best people working here; the best

that front – there are still significant opportunities to further

business performer, with the most consistent track record of

streamline our operations and cost structure. And as our 

delivering superior results for customers, employees and

service brings more and more value, we can get more for

shareholders, regardless of economic conditions. 

what we do. 

We are open to any strategic move that supports this

But it’s more than operating ratio. This is about con-

and fits within our focus. We are constrained by nothing but

verting our service plan into growth. I tell our people this 

our own ability to think boldly and creatively. I think we

is a never-ending process of leveraging the franchise.

have proven we are not afraid to make bold moves to go

Continuously improving service. Continuously controlling

more places, to have the lowest cost structure, to be more

costs. This is not an initiative. This is a culture. A very

reliable and provide more value than any other competitor,

important part of this equation is employee development.

including other modes of transportation. 

We have to continue to effect a cultural change across the

We are still a work in progress. We are very well known

entire organization – creating and maintaining a passion 

for doing exactly what we say we will do. I have no doubt

for performance in every one of our people.

that we can take this company much further.

We can take this business as far as we want to go if we 

constantly raise the bar and embrace a dynamic approach to

this business. I call it action-oriented change – where we

continuously explore new service offerings and other ways

to push the envelope. This way, we can make meaningful,

even dramatic progress. We’ve proven it. We’re going to

keep proving it.

22

Canadian National Railway Company

Jim Foote

Executive Vice-President, 

Sales and Marketing 

There is no doubt that we

can go much further. In fact,

in some areas we are just

starting. 

Our strategy is to differ-

entiate ourselves in the mar-

Claude Mongeau

Executive Vice-President and 

Chief Financial Officer

I am convinced that we can

go much further, particularly

with a rebound in the econ-

omy. Two thousand and one

was a tough year. It became

clear by late summer that 

ketplace so that our transportation product is viewed as a

we were actually going through a recession, amplified by the

service, not just a commodity. We can successfully do this

tragic events of September 11.

because of the highly reliable product we offer customers. No

In the face of this adversity, CN nevertheless delivered

longer do we sell our rail service strictly on the basis of price.

another year of outstanding financial performance. It is easy

Because our customer base is much more merchandise

to produce solid results when the economy is good. The 

based than other railroads, we have greater potential to con-

true test of resilience comes when market conditions are dif-

vert market share from trucks. Increasing rail share from

ficult. In 2001, CN passed this test with flying colors.

existing customers has provided and will continue to pro-

Our 2001 earnings increased at a double-digit rate. 

vide us with the opportunity to profitably grow CN while

Free cash flow increased even faster, and our balance sheet

creating efficiency for the customer. Our expanded local

remains strong. These results are not accidental. They are a

sales network, which serves smaller shippers formerly

consequence of CN’s passionate commitment to shareholder

ignored by railroads, is just one of the many initiatives we

value creation.

are pursuing to leverage our service plan. And, as our 

CN’s achievements continue to be rewarded with sig-

network grows through the pursuit of strategic initiatives,

nificant share appreciation. During 2001, our share price

even greater opportunities are ahead.

increased 73 per cent on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the

How far can CN go? Our sales and marketing people are

best performance among large capitalizations.

intensely focused on that very question. How can we take

There is still great potential to further drive the profitabil-

our customers further? How can we leverage the things that

ity of our franchise and to extend our reach with value-

we can do better than our competition? We have tremendous

creating transactions. Accretive to earnings from day one,

potential to grow our market share by building on our speed

the Wisconsin Central acquisition is clear evidence that we 

and reliability, expanding our reach and adding value in

can go much further with solid execution and the right

ways that other providers either can’t do or haven’t thought

strategic moves. 

of doing.

Canadian National Railway Company

23

Dear fellow shareholders:

Two thousand and one was a year in which extraordinary

welcomed two distinguished individuals as new members 

events on the world stage and in our own back yard chal-

to the Board, Edith (Ede) E. Holiday and Ambassador

lenged us all to reexamine our priorities and reaffirm our

Gordon D. Giffin.

relationships. It was a year of increasing economic challenge,

Ms. Holiday is a Washington, D.C., attorney with senior

accelerated by the events of September 11.

White House and Treasury Department experience, having

The Board and I are proud of CN’s continued leadership

served as Assistant to former United States President George

during these uncertain times. We feel that Paul Tellier’s and

H. W. Bush. She was Secretary of the Cabinet between 

Hunter Harrison’s vision for a different kind of railroad 

1990 and 1993 and was General Counsel of the United States

has been validated by the company’s financial performance

Treasury Department from 1989 to 1990. Mr. Giffin is a 

during the economic downturn. 

former United States Ambassador to Canada. He rejoined

In addition, Paul Tellier received the McCullough 

the Atlanta law firm of Long Aldridge & Norman as vice-

Award as Logistics Executive of the Year from the National

chairman and managing partner of its Washington, D.C.,

Industrial Transportation League (NITL) and Logistics

office after completing his three-and-a-half year tenure as

Management & Distribution Report, recognizing outstanding

Ambassador in April 2001.

achievement and leadership in the logistics industry. This is a

Ms. Holiday and Ambassador Giffin bring extremely

prestigious award, particularly significant because the NITL

valuable experience and counsel to the company as it contin-

represents the interests of shippers in the United States. 

ues to strengthen its position as North America’s Railroad.

Hunter Harrison was named 2002 Railroader of the Year

The future is bright for CN. We have continued to 

by railway industry trade journal Railway Age for his 

thrive even in adversity and our position in the transporta-

outstanding leadership and particularly for designing and

tion industry strengthens year by year. I want to thank 

implementing the scheduled railroad at CN.

the Board for its leadership and wisdom, our customers for

Behind Paul and Hunter, CN’s bench is strong and get-

working with CN, our employees for their skills and com-

ting stronger. The company has assembled, at every level of

mitment, and our shareholders for their continued support.

the business, what I feel is the finest group of people in the

transportation industry – a truly diverse, North American

Sincerely,

culture where creative thinkers thrive and constant explo-

ration for a better way is the norm.

Our Board of Directors changed during the year: In 2001,

(signed)

the Honorable Richard H. Kroft, C.M. and Alexander P. Lynch

retired from the Board. I want to thank them both for their

David McLean, O.B.C., LL.D.

strong contributions to the success of this company. CN also

Chairman of the Board

24

Canadian National Railway Company

Going further for our communities

Canadian National Railway Company

25

Community. As a railroad, this word has special meaning 

campaigns, extending to mentoring, teaching and other

to CN. Because we pass through so many cities and towns,

activities. 

because our work touches the lives of so many people, we

We also address other needs, such as the arts, the 

feel a special obligation to help build safer and economically

environment, health, civic causes and human and social 

stronger communities.

services. CN has a long-term commitment to United Way 

Many of our efforts concentrate on community safety, 

in both the United States and Canada, contributing more

a natural area of focus for CN. We are actively involved in a

than $1 million in Canada alone in 2001.

wide spectrum of programs and activities across North

But perhaps the best example of the spirit of CN’s 

America, as an organization and as individuals, including the

community commitment is in the efforts of its individuals,

Safe Communities Foundation, the SchoolNet GrassRoots

such as the people who work at CN’s Customer Support

Program, Operation Lifesaver, Responsible Care® and more.

Centre (CSC) in Winnipeg. Since the Centre opened in 1994,

Many in CN Police generously give of their time, visiting

CSC employees have been active in a wide variety of activ-

local schools to talk about the dangers of trespassing on 

ities, from ongoing events such as fundraisers and food 

railroad property.

drives to volunteering in support of women’s shelters and

Education is another priority. We generally concentrate

other organizations like Winnipeg Harvest and Cancer 

our support on transportation education at the university

Care Manitoba.

level to promote our industry and help ensure it can compete

for talent in the future. Our support goes beyond capital

26

Canadian National Railway Company

As a major supporter of the Safe Communities Foundation,
CN helps support safe and healthy communities and job sites
across Canada. CN people are active in local programs across
the country, and we try to promote further involvement in
the community by running advertisements acknowledging
individual efforts. 

CN works very closely with employees and local 
communities to eliminate the risk of accidents at level 
crossings and on railroad property. Young people are
met with regularly to educate them about the dangers
related to railroad operations.

Canadian National Railway Company

27

CN at a glance

Freight revenues

2001 percentage data

10%

17%

18%

21%

6%

8%

20%

17%  Petroleum and chemicals
÷8%  Metals and minerals
20%  Forest products
÷6%  Coal
21%  Grain and fertilizers
18%  Intermodal
10%  Automotive

CN derives revenue from seven business 
units – a balanced mix of goods moving over a
network of approximately 18,000 route miles
of track spanning North America. CN’s is 
the only rail network on the continent to 
connect three coasts – the Pacific, the Atlantic 
and the Gulf of Mexico. 

We believe the balance of our business 
mix positions us well to weather economic
downturns and maximizes our potential 
to grow revenue by competing with trucks.

Petroleum and chemicals
Petroleum and chemicals
comprise a wide range of
commodities, including
chemicals, sulphur, plastics,
petroleum and gas products.
Most of CN’s petroleum 
and chemical shipments are
destined for customers in
Canada via CN’s eastern 
and western corridors to 
the Chicago gateway, and in
the United States via CN’s
north-south route starting at
the Gulf of Mexico.

Metals and minerals
CN’s metals and minerals
business consists primarily 
of nonferrous base metals,
steel, equipment and parts.
Exclusive access to major
mines and smelters through-
out North America makes 
CN a leader in the trans-
portation of copper, lead,
zinc concentrates, refined
metals and aluminum.

Forest products
CN is the largest carrier of
forest products in North
America. The product lines
for this business unit include
various types of lumber, pan-
els, wood chips, wood pulp,
pulpwood, printing paper,
linerboard and newsprint. In
Canada, CN enjoys superior
access to the major fiber-pro-
ducing regions. In the United
States, CN is strategically
located to serve both the
northern and southern 
U.S. corridors with interline
capabilities to other Class 1
railroads.

Coal
CN’s coal business consists 
of thermal and metallurgical
grades of bituminous coal.
Canadian thermal coal is
delivered to power utilities
primarily in eastern Canada.
Canadian metallurgical coal
is carried for export to Asian
markets. U.S. thermal coal 
is transported from mines 
in southern Illinois or from
western U.S. mines via 
interchange with other rail-
roads to utilities in the 
U.S. Midwest.

28

Canadian National Railway Company

Statistical summary

Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.) 

Carloads (thousands) 

Gross ton miles (millions) 

Revenue ton miles (millions) 

Rail employees (average for the year) 

Diesel fuel consumed (liters in millions) 

Diesel fuel consumed (U.S. gallons in millions) 

Average fuel price per liter (dollars)

Average fuel price per U.S. gallon (dollars)

2001 data*

2001*

17,986

3,821

293,857

153,095

22,668

1,328

351

2000

15,532

3,796

288,150

149,557

22,457

1,292

341

1999

15,777

3,645

274,488

143,613

23,493

1,250

330

÷«$÷÷÷0.36

÷«$÷÷÷1.35

÷«$÷÷÷0.33

÷«$÷÷÷1.24

÷«$÷÷÷0.23

÷«$÷÷÷0.87

Revenue – traffic mix

Per cent

26%

21%

53%

53%  U.S. domestic and 
transborder

21%  Overseas
26%  Canadian domestic

Freight revenues

(millions)

Revenue ton miles

(millions)

Petroleum and chemicals

$÷«923

Petroleum and chemicals

Metals and minerals

Forest products

Coal

Grain and fertilizers

Intermodal

Automotive

458

1,088

338

1,161

969

520

Metals and minerals

Forest products

Coal

Grain and fertilizers

Intermodal

Automotive

25,243

10,777

29,639

15,566

42,728

26,257

2,885

* The 2001 figures include Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation from October 9, 2001.

Freight revenue 
per revenue ton mile

Petroleum and chemicals

Metals and minerals

Forest products

Coal

Grain and fertilizers

Intermodal

Automotive

(cents)

3.66

4.25

3.67

2.17

2.72

3.69

18.02

Grain and fertilizers
CN’s grain and fertilizer busi-
ness transports commodities
grown in western Canada
and the U.S. Midwest. The
majority of grain and grain
products carried by CN are
for export. In the United
States, CN handles grain
grown in Illinois and Iowa 
for export, as well as to
domestic processing facilities
and feed markets. CN also
serves producers of potash,
ammonium nitrate, urea 
and other fertilizers.

Intermodal
CN’s intermodal business
consists of two product seg-
ments. The first segment,
domestic, is responsible for
consumer products and man-
ufactured goods, operating
through both retail and
wholesale channels. The 
second, the international
segment, handles import and
export container traffic, serv-
ing the ports of Vancouver,
Montreal, Halifax, Mobile
and New Orleans.

Automotive
CN is a leading carrier of
automotive products origi-
nating in southwestern
Ontario and Michigan. This
business unit moves both fin-
ished vehicles and parts
within the United States,
Canada and Mexico. CN also
serves shippers of import
vehicles via the ports of
Halifax and Vancouver, and
through interchange with
other railroads.

Canadian National Railway Company

29

Glossary of Terms

Average length of haul – The average distance in miles 
one ton is carried. Computed by dividing total ton-miles by
tons of freight.

Right-of-way – A strip of land of various widths upon which
a rail track is built.

Rolling stock – Transportation equipment on wheels, 
especially locomotives and freight cars.

Route miles – The miles of right-of-way operated by CN 
and its affiliates. In multiple main track territories only one
mainline track counts as route miles.

Scheduled railroad – Running a scheduled railroad is a 
disciplined process that handles individual car move-
ments according to a specific plan where possible and 
that manages expectations to meet agreed upon customer
commitments.

Siding – A track auxiliary to the main track for meeting or
passing trains, or a track for industrial purposes.

Through train – A train operated between two or more major
concentration or distribution points.

Ton mile – The movement of a ton over one mile. See also
revenue ton mile.

Trip plans – A trip plan is a detailed chain of train handling
events describing how a car(s) can be handled from the ship-
per’s door to the consignee’s door. Trip plans are expressed
in hours and are tailored for each specific customer location.  

Unit train – A train with a fixed, coupled consist of cars
operated continuously in shuttle service under load from
origin and delivered intact at destination and returning 
usually for reloading at the same origin.

Waybill – The document covering a shipment and showing
the forwarding and receiving stations, the name of consignor
and consignee, the car initials and number, the routing, the
description and weight of the commodity, instructions for
special services, the rate, total charges, advances and waybill
reference for previous services, and the amount prepaid.

Yard – A system of tracks within defined limits, designed for
switching services.

Yard dwell – Yard dwell is the average duration, expressed
in hours, that cars spend in a specific operating terminal. 

Carload – A shipment of not less than 10,000 pounds of one
commodity from one consignor to one consignee. An origi-
nated carload is one that is loaded and begins its journey on 
a particular railroad; a carried carload is any carload that 
travels on a particular railroad; and a terminated carload is a
carload that ends its journey and is unloaded on a particular
railroad. 

Car mile – The movement of a car a distance of one mile. An
empty car mile is a mile run by a freight car without a load; 
a loaded car mile is a mile run by a freight car with a load. 

Car velocity – Car velocity is an average speed calculation,
expressed in miles per day, of the car movement(s) from the
time a loaded car is released by a customer to the time it is
spotted empty at the next customer loading location. 

Class 1 railroad – As determined by the Surface Transporta-
tion Board, a railroad with annual operating revenues that
exceed a threshold indexed to a base of $250 million in 1991
dollars. The threshold in 2000 was $261.9 million.

Gross ton miles – The number of tons behind the locomo-
tive (cars and contents, and company service equipment)
multiplied by the distance moved in road freight trains.

Intermodal service – In railroad transportation, the move-
ment of trailers or containers on railroad freight cars. 

Linehaul – The movement of trains between terminals and
stations on the main or branch lines of the road, exclusive of
switching movements.

Main track – A track extending through and between 
stations upon which trains are operated. 

Operating ratio – The ratio of operating expenses to operat-
ing revenues.

Regional railroad – As defined by the Association of American
Railroads, a non-Class 1, linehaul, freight railroad that oper-
ates at least 350 miles of track and/or has annual operating
revenues of at least $40 million.

Revenue ton mile – The movement of a ton of freight over
one mile for revenue.

30

Canadian National Railway Company

Financial Section (U.S. GA AP)

Contents

Canadian National Railway Company

Selected Railroad Statistics

32
33 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
45 Management Report 
Auditors’ Report
45
Consolidated Statement of Income
46
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
47
Consolidated Balance Sheet
48
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
49
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
50

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

51
53
53
54
54
55
55
56
56
57
58
59
60
61
61
61
61
62
62
63
64
65
66
66

1 Summary of significant accounting policies
2 Accounting changes
3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation
4 Accounts receivable
5 Properties
6 Other assets and deferred charges
7 Credit facilities
8 Accounts payable and accrued charges
9 Other liabilities and deferred credits
10 Long-term debt
11 Capital stock and convertible preferred securities
12 Stock plans
13 Pensions
14 Special charge
15 Interest expense
16 Other income
17 Income taxes
18 Segmented information
19 Earnings per share
20 Major commitments and contingencies
21 Financial instruments
22 Other comprehensive income (loss)
23 Quarterly financial data – unaudited
24 Comparative figures

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

31

Selected Railroad Statistics

Year ended December 31,

2001 (1)

2000

1999

Rail operations

Freight revenues ($ millions)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross ton miles (millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses (excluding the 2001 special charge) per RTM (cents)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freight revenue per RTM (cents)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carloads (thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freight revenue per carload ($) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel fuel consumed (liters in millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average fuel price ($/liter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue ton miles per liter of fuel consumed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross ton miles per liter of fuel consumed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel fuel consumed (U.S. gallons in millions)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average fuel price ($/U.S. gallon). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue ton miles per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross ton miles per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Locomotive bad order ratio (%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freight car bad order ratio (%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Productivity

Operating ratio (excluding the 2001 special charge) (%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freight revenue per route mile ($ thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue ton miles per route mile (thousands)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freight revenue per average number of employees ($ thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revenue ton miles per average number of employees (thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employees

Number at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average number during year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Labor and fringe benefits expense per RTM (cents) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Injury frequency rate per 200,000 person hours  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accident rate per million train miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial

Debt to total capitalization ratio (% at end of year)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return on assets (% at end of year) (3) (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1) Includes Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (WC) from October 9, 2001.
(2) Excludes Illinois Central Corporation.
(3) Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy.
(4) 2001 calculated on a pro forma basis assuming the acquisition of WC occured on January 1, 2001.

5,457
293,857
153,095
17,986
2.53
3.56
3,821
1,428
1,328
0.36
115
221
351
1.35
436
837
6.4
5.7

68.5
303
8,512
241
6,754

22,868
22,668
1.01
4.4
2.0

45.7
6.3

5,236
288,150
149,557
15,532
2.53
3.50
3,796
1,379
1,292
0.33
116
223
341
1.24
439
845
6.0
5.1

69.6
337
9,629
233
6,660

21,378
22,457
0.99
5.5
2.1

5,032
274,488
143,613
15,777
2.62
3.50
3,645
1,381
1,250
0.23
115
220
330
0.87
435
832
6.8
5.4 (2)

72.0
319
9,103
214
6,113

21,563
23,493
1.05
7.3
2.2

41.4
6.5

42.7
5.7

32

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Management’s discussion and analysis relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company (CN)
together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Grand Trunk Corporation, Illinois Central Corporation (IC) and Wisconsin Central
Transportation Corporation (WC), the latter from October 9, 2001 through December 31, 2001. As used herein, the word “Company” means, as
the context requires, CN and its subsidiaries. CN’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Except where other-
wise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and determined on the basis of United States generally
accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).

Financial results

2001 compared to 2000
The Company recorded consolidated net income of $1,040 million ($5.41
per basic share) for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to
$937 million ($4.81 per basic share) for the year ended December 31,
2000. Diluted earnings per share were $5.23 for the current year com-
pared to $4.67 in 2000. The results for 2001 include net income of $17
million related to the acquisition of WC. Operating income was $1,682
million for 2001 compared to $1,648 million in 2000. This represents an
increase of $34 million, or 2%.

The years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 include items impact-

ing the comparability of the results of operations. Included in 2001 is a
deferred income tax recovery of $122 million ($0.63 per basic share or
$0.61 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of lower corporate
tax rates in Canada, a special charge for workforce reductions of $98
million, $62 million after tax ($0.32 per basic share or $0.31 per diluted
share), a charge to write down the Company’s net investment in 360net-
works Inc. of $99 million, $71 million after tax ($0.37 per basic share or
$0.35 per diluted share) and a gain of $101 million, $73 million after tax
($0.38 per basic share or $0.36 per diluted share) related to the sale of

the Company’s 50 percent interest in the Detroit River Tunnel Company
(DRT). In 2000, the Company recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million
after tax ($0.30 per basic share or $0.28 per diluted share) related to 
the exchange of its minority equity investments in certain joint venture
companies for 11.4 million shares of 360networks Inc.

Excluding the effects of the items discussed in the preceding para-

graph, consolidated net income was $978 million ($5.09 per basic share
or $4.92 per diluted share) in 2001 compared to $879 million ($4.51 
per basic share or $4.39 per diluted share) in 2000. Operating income,
excluding the 2001 special charge, increased by $132 million, or 8%,
to $1,780 million. The operating ratio, excluding the special charge,
improved to 68.5% in 2001 from 69.6% in 2000, a 1.1-point betterment.

Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 totaled $5,652 million
compared to $5,428 million in 2000. The increase of $224 million, or 4%,
was mainly attributable to the inclusion of $129 million of WC revenues
and to gains in metals and minerals, intermodal, forest products and
grain and fertilizers. This was partially offset by lower automotive rev-
enues. Revenue ton miles and freight revenue per revenue ton mile each
increased by 2% as compared to 2000.

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

2001

2000

2001

2000

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«923
458
Metals and minerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forest products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intermodal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automotive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,088

338

1,161

969

520

Other items (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,652

195

(1) Principally non-freight revenues derived from third parties.

Revenues

Revenue ton miles

In millions

Freight revenue
per revenue ton mile

In cents

$÷«894

392

1,008

328

1,136

919

559

192

25,243

10,777

29,639

15,566

42,728

26,257

2,885

–

24,858

9,207

28,741

15,734

42,396

25,456

3,165

–

$5,428

153,095

149,557

3.66

4.25

3.67

2.17

2.72

3.69

18.02

–

3.56

3.60

4.26

3.51

2.08

2.68

3.61

17.66

–

3.50

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

33

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $29 mil-
lion, or 3%, over 2000 of which $22 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth in the year was driven by market
share gains and plant expansions in the petroleum products sector,
increased salt traffic, mainly in the early part of the year, and the weaker
Canadian dollar. Significant weakness in sulfur demand partially offset
these increases. The revenue per revenue ton mile increase of 2% for the
year was mainly attributable to the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Forest products
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $80 mil-
lion, or 8%, over 2000 of which $55 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was driven by market share gains
in the panels segment and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.
These gains were partially offset by weakness in the pulp and paper 
markets due, in part, to a significant reduction in U.S. paper consump-
tion. The increase in revenue per revenue ton mile of 5% was mainly due
to the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar and the inclusion of shorter
haul WC traffic.

Petroleum and chemicals

Forest products

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

47%

53%

2
2
3

5
8
4

4
9
4

2
1
5

9
1
5

12%

32%

28%

5
4
3

9
7
4

1
8
4

6
8
4

1
0
5

53%  Petroleum and plastics
47%  Chemicals

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

28%

32%  Lumber
28%  Fibers

28%  Paper
12%  Panels

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

Metals and minerals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $66 mil-
lion, or 17%, over 2000 of which $22 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth in the year was driven by strong
Canadian aluminum exports to the United States in line with weaker U.S.
production, increased levels of equipment traffic, market share gains in
steel, ores and concentrates, and increased stone and rock shipments to
the United States. Significant weakness in the steel markets partially off-
set overall growth. Revenue per revenue ton mile was essentially flat
year over year.

Coal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $10 million,
or 3%, over 2000 of which $7 million resulted from the inclusion of WC
revenues. Excluding WC, strong demand for thermal coal in the year was
partially offset by reduced shipments of metallurgical coal due to the clo-
sure of some Canadian mines in 2000. The revenue per revenue ton mile
increase of 4% was mainly due to an increase in rates tied to commodity
prices and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Metals and minerals

Coal

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

3
7
2

6
6
2

6
5
2

7
8
2

29%

71%

4
9
1

14%

86%

4
3
5

8
5
5

8
2
5

7
1
5

7
8
2

71%  Metals
29%  Minerals

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

86%  Coal
14%  Petroleum coke

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

34

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Grain and fertilizers
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $25 mil-
lion, or 2%, over 2000 of which $15 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was mainly driven by higher
wheat shipments to the United States, increased market share of U.S.
corn and soybean traffic and higher exports of canola through Vancouver.
The 1% increase in revenue per revenue ton mile was mainly due to a
shift to shorter haul traffic and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar,
partially offset by the introduction of the Canadian grain revenue cap 
in August 2000.

Automotive
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 decreased by $39 mil-
lion, or 7%, from 2000. The revenue decline resulted from weakness 
in North American vehicle production in 2001 and from one-time gains
obtained in 2000 due, in part, to competitors’ service problems. The
decline was partially offset by the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.
The increase in revenue per revenue ton mile of 2% was mainly due to
the weaker Canadian dollar partially offset by an increase in the average
length of haul.

Grain and fertilizers

Automotive

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

7
3
5

2
4
5

7
6
5

0
9
5

4
8
3

10%

12%

31%

23%

24%

19%

81%

0
1
3

6
2
3

4
0
3

9
7
2

7
5
2

31%  Food grain
24%  Oil seeds
23%  Feed grain

12%  Potash
10%  Fertilizers

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

81%  Finished vehicles
19%  Auto parts

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

Intermodal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $50 mil-
lion, or 5%, over 2000 of which $7 million resulted from the inclusion 
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was driven by market share gains
in the international segment and from new service offerings in the
domestic segment. Weaker economic conditions in the second half of the
year led to slower growth. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by
2% due to rate increases and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar,
partially offset by a shift to longer haul traffic.

Intermodal

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

1
2
1
,
1

3
0
1
,
1

4
9
9

8
1
9

42%

58%

6
3
7

58%  Domestic
42%  International

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

35

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Operating expenses
Operating expenses amounted to $3,970 million in 2001 compared to
$3,780 million in 2000. The increase in 2001 was mainly due to the
inclusion of $86 million of WC expenses, the special charge for workforce
reductions, higher fuel costs, and increased expenses for equipment rents

and labor and fringe benefits. Partially offsetting these increases were
lower expenses for purchased services and material. Operating expenses,
excluding the special charge, amounted to $3,872 million, an increase of
$92 million, or 2%, from 2000.

Dollars in millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Labor and fringe benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,540
504
Purchased services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment rents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Material  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

532

484

309

188

158

157

3,872

Special charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,970

98

% of
revenue

27.2%
8.9%
9.4%
8.6%
5.5%
3.3%
2.8%
2.8%
68.5%

% of
revenue

27.3%

10.2%

9.7%

8.2%

5.2%

3.6%

2.9%

2.5%

69.6%

Amount

$1,482

551

525

446

285

195

158

138

3,780

–

$3,780

Labor and fringe benefits: Labor and fringe benefit expenses in 2001
increased by $58 million, or 4%, as compared to 2000. The increase was
mainly attributable to the inclusion of WC labor expense of $40 million,
wage increases and the impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S.
denominated expenses. This was partially offset by lower pension and
other benefit related expenses.

Purchased services: Costs of purchased services decreased by $47 mil-
lion, or 9%, in 2001 as compared to 2000. The decrease was mainly due
to one-time consulting and professional fees related to a proposed 
combination in 2000 and lower contracted services in 2001. This was
partially offset by higher equipment repair expenses and $9 million
resulting from the inclusion of WC purchased services expense.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization 
expense in 2001 increased by $7 million, or 1%, as compared to 2000.
The effect of revised depreciation rates for certain assets mostly offset
the increases related to capital additions and the inclusion of WC depre-
ciation of $10 million.

Fuel: Fuel expense in 2001 increased by $38 million, or 9%, as compared
to 2000, primarily due to an increase in the average cost of fuel and the
inclusion of $10 million of WC fuel expense.

Equipment rents: These expenses increased by $24 million, or 8%, in
2001 as compared to 2000. The increase was mainly attributable to
lower lease and offline car hire income and the inclusion of $6 million of
WC equipment rents. This was partially offset by lower private car
mileage payments.

Material: Material costs decreased by $7 million, or 4%, in 2001 as 
compared to 2000. The decrease was mainly due to higher recoveries in
2001 from work performed for third parties that were, in part, offset by
increased locomotive and car maintenance costs and the inclusion of 
$3 million of WC material costs.

Operating taxes: Operating taxes remained unchanged as higher provin-
cial capital taxes and the inclusion of $2 million of WC operating taxes
were offset by provincial sales tax recoveries in 2001.

Casualty and other: These expenses increased by $19 million, or 
14%, in 2001 as compared to 2000. The increase resulted from higher
expenses for occupational related claims and environmental matters,
and the inclusion of $6 million of WC casualty and other expense. This
was partially offset by lower expenses for damaged equipment and 
merchandise claims.

Special charge: The Company recorded a charge of $98 million, $62 mil-
lion after tax, in the second quarter of 2001 for the reduction of 690
positions (388 occurred in 2001 with the remainder planned to be com-
pleted by the end of 2002). The charge included severance and other
payments to be made to affected employees.

36

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Other
Interest expense: Interest expense increased by $16 million to $327 mil-
lion for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to 2000. The
increase was mainly due to the financing related to the acquisition of WC,
the inclusion of $4 million of WC interest expense, and the impact of the
weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. denominated interest costs. This was, in
part, offset by the refinancing of a portion of matured debt at lower rates.

Other income: In 2001, the Company recorded other income of $65 mil-
lion compared to $136 million in 2000. Included in 2001 is a charge of
$99 million to write down the Company’s net investment in 360networks
Inc., a one-time gain of $101 million related to the sale of the Company’s
50 percent interest in DRT and $11 million of WC other income. The 
comparative 2000 period included an $84 million gain related to the
360networks Inc. transaction.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded an income tax expense of
$380 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $536
million in 2000. The decrease in income tax expense was mainly due to 
a $122 million deferred income tax recovery recorded in 2001 resulting
from the enactment of lower corporate tax rates in Canada. Excluding
this item, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2001
decreased to 35.4% from 36.4% in 2000 due mainly to lower tax rates 
in 2001.

2000 compared to 1999
The Company recorded consolidated net income of $937 million ($4.81
per basic share) for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to

$751 million ($3.81 per basic share) for the year ended December 31,
1999. Diluted earnings per share were $4.67 in 2000 compared to $3.74
in 1999.

The years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 included items
impacting the comparability of the results of operations. In 2000, the
Company recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million after tax ($0.30 per
basic share or $0.28 per diluted share), related to the exchange of its
minority equity investments in certain joint venture companies for com-
mon shares in 360networks Inc. The results for 1999 included a $5 mil-
lion after-tax ($0.03 per basic and diluted share) cumulative effect of
changes in accounting policy.

Excluding the effects of the items discussed herein, consolidated 
net income was $879 million ($4.51 per basic share or $4.39 per diluted
share) in 2000 compared to $746 million ($3.78 per basic share or $3.71
per diluted share) in 1999.

Operating income was $1,648 million for 2000 compared to $1,467

million in 1999. This represented an increase of $181 million, or 12%.
The operating ratio in 2000 was 69.6% compared to 72.0% in 1999.

Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 totaled $5,428 million
compared to $5,236 million in 1999. The increase of $192 million, or 4%,
was mainly attributable to gains in automotive, intermodal and grain and
fertilizers. This was partially offset by lower coal revenues. Revenue ton
miles increased by 4% as compared to 1999 while freight revenue per
revenue ton mile remained flat.

Year ended December 31,

2000

1999

2000

1999

2000

1999

Revenues

Revenue ton miles

In millions

Freight revenue
per revenue ton mile

In cents

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«894

$÷«878

Metals and minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forest products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intermodal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

392

1,008

328

1,136

919

559

192

398

995

402

1,066

810

483

204

24,858

9,207

28,741

15,734

42,396

25,456

3,165

–

24,194

9,271

27,500

18,645

38,681

22,589

2,733

–

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,428

$5,236

149,557

143,613

3.60

4.26

3.51

2.08

2.68

3.61

17.66

–

3.50

3.63

4.29

3.62

2.16

2.76

3.59

17.67

–

3.50

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

37

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased by $16 million,
or 2%, over 1999. Growth in 2000 was mainly due to increased demand
for petroleum gas, industrial chemicals and petrochemicals. Growth was
also driven by increased production from plant expansions in the petro-
leum products segments. Weak market demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC
plastics) and related chemicals and sulfur exports to the United States par-
tially offset these gains. The revenue per revenue ton mile decrease of 1%
for 2000 was mainly due to changes in some contract and rate structures.

Metals and minerals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $6 mil-
lion, or 2%, as compared to 1999. The decline in 2000 reflects lower 
finished steel shipments due, in particular, to fewer pipeline projects 
in western Canada and customer production shutdowns in 2000. This is
partially offset by market share gains in, as well as strength from, both
the overall steel markets in the first half of 2000 and concentrate mar-
kets during 2000. The revenue per revenue ton mile decrease of 1% for
2000 was mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul.

Forest products
Revenues for 2000 grew by $13 million over 1999, representing a 1%
increase. Market share gains, as well as solid demand in the paper seg-
ment, drove growth in 2000. Declining lumber shipments due to weaker
commodity prices and fewer housing starts in the United States com-
pared to 1999 partially offset these gains. The revenue per revenue ton
mile decrease of 3% for 2000 can be attributed to an increase in the
average length of haul. Rate pressure as a result of consolidations in the
forest products industry was also a contributing factor.

Coal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $74 
million, or 18%, from 1999. Continued weak market conditions for
Canadian export coal resulted in lower shipments from, and closures of,
certain CN-served coal mines. This was compounded by further rate reduc-
tions which were tied to coal prices. The revenue per revenue ton mile
decrease of 4% for 2000 was mainly due to reduced freight rates tied to
contracted coal prices.

Grain and fertilizers
Revenues for 2000 increased by $70 million, or 7%, over 1999. The
increase in 2000 was mainly driven by strong Canadian wheat and barley
exports, as well as U.S. and Canadian oil seed exports. Revenue per rev-
enue ton mile decreased by 3% for 2000 mainly due to a decline in grain
rates in Canada and a shift to longer haul traffic.

Intermodal
Revenues in 2000 increased by $109 million, or 13%, in comparison 
to the year ended December 31, 1999. Increased container trade through
the ports of Vancouver and Halifax and market share gains drove the
growth in the international segment. The domestic segment benefited
from strength in the North American economy as well as market share
gains through enhanced service offerings. The revenue per revenue 
ton mile increase of 1% for 2000 is mainly due to a shift to higher 
yielding traffic.

Automotive
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased by $76 mil-
lion, or 16%, over 1999. The increase in revenues for 2000 reflects strong
North American vehicle sales during the first nine months of 2000 and
one-time gains due, in part, to competitors’ service problems. The rev-
enue per revenue ton mile for 2000 remained relatively unchanged
despite an increase in the average length of haul, due to growth of
higher yielding traffic.

Other items
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $12 mil-
lion over 1999. The majority of the 6% decrease was attributable to a
non-recurring branch line subsidy payment from the Canadian Transport-
tion Agency (CTA) received in 1999 relating to a claim for unprofitable
lines. This was partially offset by increased revenues in 2000 for com-
muter services.

38

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Operating expenses
Operating expenses amounted to $3,780 million in 2000 compared to
$3,769 million in 1999. Operating expenses remained relatively flat with

an increase of only $11 million due predominantly to significantly higher
fuel costs and depreciation, partially offset by reductions in all other
expense categories.

Dollars in millions

Year ended December 31,

2000

1999

Amount

Labor and fringe benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,482

Purchased services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment rents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Material  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

551

525

446

285

195

158

138

% of
revenue

27.3%

10.2%

9.7%

8.2%

5.2%

3.6%

2.9%

2.5%

Amount

$1,509

569

490

308

328

204

172

189

% of
revenue

28.8%

10.9%

9.3%

5.9%

6.3%

3.9%

3.3%

3.6%

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3,780

69.6%

$3,769

72.0%

Labor and fringe benefits: Labor and fringe benefit expenses in 2000
decreased by $27 million, or 2%, as compared to 1999. The decrease was
mainly attributable to the Company’s reduced workforce and lower pen-
sion related expenses, partially offset by wage increases in 2000.

Purchased services: Costs of purchased services decreased by $18 mil-
lion, or 3%, in 2000 as compared to 1999. The decrease was mainly due
to a new directional running agreement and higher recoveries from joint
facilities. This was partially offset by higher consulting and professional
fees related to a proposed combination in 2000.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense in
2000 increased by $35 million, or 7%, as compared to 1999. The increase
was due to the impact of net capital additions and the acquisition, at the
end of 1999, of certain equipment formerly under operating leases.

Fuel: Fuel expense in 2000 increased by $138 million, or 45%, as com-
pared to 1999. This was largely due to a 43% increase in the average
fuel price (net of the Company’s fuel hedging program) as well as an
increase in traffic volumes. An improvement in fuel efficiency partially
offset the higher fuel costs.

Equipment rents: These expenses decreased by $43 million, or 13%, in
2000 as compared to 1999. The decrease was mainly attributable to con-
tinuing improvements in asset utilization as a result of the Company’s
service plan and the acquisition of certain equipment formerly under
operating leases. This was partially offset by higher volumes and more
foreign cars on-line.

Material: Material costs decreased by $9 million, or 4%, in 2000 as 
compared to 1999. This decrease was mainly a result of improved pur-
chasing practices as well as higher recoveries from work performed for
third parties.

Operating taxes: Operating taxes decreased by $14 million, or 8%, in
2000, mainly as a result of lower municipal property taxes and a refund
of prior years’ sales tax. This was partially offset by higher diesel fuel
taxes resulting from increased volumes.

Casualty and other: These expenses decreased by $51 million, or 27%,
in 2000 as compared to 1999. Lower expenses for environmental mat-
ters, damaged equipment as well as various one-time recoveries largely
drove the decrease. This was partially offset by higher casualty and legal
costs and bad debt expense.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

39

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Other
Interest expense: Interest expense of $311 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000 remained relatively unchanged from the 1999 level.

Other income: In 2000, the Company recorded other income of $136 mil-
lion compared to $55 million in 1999. This increase was mainly due to
the Company’s gain on the exchange of its minority equity investments
in certain joint venture companies for shares of 360networks Inc.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded an income tax expense of
$536 million in 2000 compared to $462 million in 1999. The effective
income tax rate was 36.4% for 2000 and 38.2% in 1999. The reduced
effective tax rate in 2000 reflects lower overall income taxes applicable
to CN and its subsidiaries’ operations in certain jurisdictions.

Liquidity and capital resources

Operating activities: Cash provided from operations was $1,621 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $1,506 million for
2000. Net income, excluding non-cash items, generated cash of $1,969
million in 2001, up from $1,698 million in 2000. Cash from operations
included an increase in net proceeds of $133 million from the Company’s
accounts receivable securitization program. Cash generated in 2001 and
2000 was partially consumed by payments with respect to workforce
reductions of $169 million and $189 million, respectively, and income tax
payments of $63 million and $101 million, respectively. The provision for
workforce reductions amounted to $491 million as at December 31,
2001. Cash payments with respect to these workforce reduction accruals
are expected to be approximately $151 million in 2002.

Investing activities: Cash used by investing activities in 2001 amounted
to $2,173 million compared to $981 million in 2000. Investing activities
included $1,278 million related to the acquisition of WC as at October 9,
2001 and proceeds of $112 million from the sale of DRT. Net capital
expenditures amounted to $1,058 million for the year ended December
31, 2001, an increase of $22 million over 2000. Net capital expenditures
included expenditures for roadway renewal, rolling stock, and other
capacity and productivity improvements.

The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for 2002 will
remain at approximately the same level as 2001. This will include funds
required for ongoing renewal of the basic plant and other acquisitions
and investments required to improve the Company’s operating efficiency
and customer service.

As at December 31, 2001, the Company had commitments to acquire

railroad ties at a cost of $28 million, rail at a cost of $20 million and
freight cars at a cost of $4 million.

Dividends: During 2001, the Company paid dividends totaling $150 mil-
lion to its shareholders at the rate of $0.195 per share per quarter.

Financing activities: Cash provided from financing activities totaled 
$740 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to cash
used of $679 million in 2000. The increase was mainly due to the
issuance of debt securities in two series, U.S.$400 million (Cdn$629 mil-
lion) 6.375% Notes due 2011 and U.S.$200 million (Cdn$314 million)
7.375% Debentures due 2031. At December 31, 2001, the Company had
U.S.$400 million remaining for issuance under its currently effective shelf
registration statement. In 2001, the Company did not repurchase any
common shares under the share repurchase program, whereas in 2000,
$529 million was used to repurchase common shares as part of the share
repurchase program. During 2001, the Company recorded $91 million in
capital lease obligations ($149 million in 2000) for capital leases related
to new equipment and the exercise of purchase options on existing
equipment.

Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation

On January 29, 2001, the Company, through an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, and WC entered into a merger agreement (the Merger) pro-
viding for the acquisition of all of the shares of WC by the Company for
an acquisition cost of $1,297 million (U.S.$831 million). The Merger was
approved by the shareholders of WC at a special meeting held on April 4,
2001. On September 7, 2001, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB)
rendered a decision, unanimously approving the Company’s acquisition
of WC. On October 9, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of
WC and began a phased integration of the companies’ operations. The
acquisition was financed by debt and cash on hand.

The Merger involves the integration of two previously independent

businesses to provide shippers enhanced rail services over a coordinated
network. There can be no assurance that the Company and WC will be
able to coordinate their businesses without encountering operational 
difficulties or experiencing the loss of key CN or WC employees or cus-
tomers, or that there will be realization of rail service and other efficien-
cies or synergies that are expected to be derived from the Merger.

The Company accounted for the Merger using the purchase method
of accounting as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s
(FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141
“Business Combinations.” As such, the Company’s consolidated financial
statements include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of WC
as of October 9, 2001, the date of acquisition. The impact of the results
of the final valuation of WC’s assets and liabilities, and changes in
accounting practices are not expected to have a material impact on the
results of operations.

40

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Share repurchase program

Business risks

On January 23, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a
share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 10
million common shares between January 31, 2001 and January 30, 2002
pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices. At
December 31, 2001, the Company had not repurchased any common
shares under the share repurchase program.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets.” Effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2002, the statement changes the accounting for goodwill from
an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. In addition,
this statement requires acquired intangible assets to be separately recog-
nized if the benefit of the intangible assets are obtained through con-
tractual or other legal right, or if the intangible assets can be sold,
transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. The Company does not expect
SFAS No. 142 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset

Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record
the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period
in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets. This statement is effective for the Company’s
fiscal year beginning January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect
SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 provides
accounting guidance for long-lived assets to be held and used, to be dis-
posed of other than by sale, and to be disposed of by sale. This state-
ment is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1,
2002. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 144 to have an initial
material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

Certain information included in this report may be “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the outlook, the actual
results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materi-
ally different from any future results or performance implied by such
statements. Such factors include the factors set forth below as well as
other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company
with securities regulators in Canada and the United States.

Competition
The Company faces significant competition from a variety of carriers,
including Canadian Pacific Railway Company which operates the other
major rail system in Canada, serving most of the same industrial and
population centers as the Company, long distance trucking companies
and, in certain markets, major U.S. railroads and other Canadian and U.S.
railroads. Competition is generally based on the quality and reliability of
services provided, price, and the condition and suitability of carriers’
equipment. Competition is particularly intense in eastern Canada where
an extensive highway network and population centers, located relatively
close to one another, have encouraged significant competition from
trucking companies. In addition, much of the freight carried by the
Company consists of commodity goods that are available from other
sources in competitive markets. Factors affecting the competitive position
of suppliers of these commodities, including exchange rates, could mate-
rially adversely affect the demand for goods supplied by the sources
served by the Company and, therefore, the Company’s volumes, revenues
and profit margins.

To a greater degree than other rail carriers, the Company’s sub-
sidiary, Illinois Central Railroad Company (ICRR), is vulnerable to barge
competition because its main routes are parallel to the Mississippi River
system. The use of barges for some commodities, particularly coal and
grain, often represents a lower cost mode of transportation. Barge 
competition and barge rates are affected by navigational interruptions
from ice, floods and droughts, which can cause widely fluctuating barge
rates. The ability of ICRR to maintain its market share of the available
freight has traditionally been affected by the navigational conditions 
on the river.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

41

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

In recent years, there has been significant consolidation of rail sys-

tems in the United States. The resulting larger rail systems are able to
offer seamless services in larger market areas and effectively compete
with the Company in certain markets. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future
competitors in the railroad industry and that further consolidation within
the railroad industry will not adversely affect the Company’s competitive
position. No assurance can be given that competitive pressures will not
lead to reduced revenues, profit margins or both.

Environment
The Company’s operations are subject to federal, provincial, state,
municipal and local regulations under environmental laws and regula-
tions concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges
into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment
and disposal of waste, hazardous substances and other materials;
decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and
soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is
inherent in the railroad and related transportation operations; real estate
ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the
Company with respect to both current and past operations. As a result,
the Company incurs significant compliance and capital costs, on an
ongoing basis, associated with environmental regulatory compliance and
clean-up requirements in its railway operations and relating to its past
and present ownership, operation or control of real property.

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely 
to be incurred in the next several years, based on known information,
for environmental matters, the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify
potential environmental concerns that may be associated with its proper-
ties may lead to future environmental investigations, which may result in
the identification of additional environmental costs and liabilities.

In the operation of a railroad, it is possible that derailments, explo-

sions or other accidents may occur that could cause harm to human
health or to the environment. As a result, the Company may incur costs
in the future, which may be material, to address any such harm, includ-
ing costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, natural resource 
damages and compensatory or punitive damages relating to harm to
individuals or property.

The ultimate cost of known contaminated sites cannot be definitely
established, and the estimated environmental liability for any given site
may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination,
the available clean-up technique, the Company’s share of the costs and
evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability. Also,
additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future
operations may result in accidental releases. For these reasons, there can
be no assurance that material liabilities or costs related to environmental
matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of opera-
tions in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity
will not be adversely impacted by such environmental liabilities or costs.
As at December 31, 2001, the Company had aggregate accruals for
environmental costs of $112 million ($85 million at December 31, 2000).
The Company has not included any reduction in costs for anticipated
recovery from insurance.

Legal actions
In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in
various legal actions, including claims relating to contractual obligations,
personal injuries, damage to property and environmental matters. Work-
related injuries to employees, including occupational related claims, are 
a significant expense for the railroad industry in the United States.
Employees of the Company in the United States are therefore compen-
sated according to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act
(FELA) which provides for the finding of fault, unscheduled awards and
reliance on the jury system. The Company maintains, and regularly
updates, casualty provisions for such items, which it considers to be ade-
quate. The final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending
as at December 31, 2001 cannot be predicted with certainty, and there-
fore, there can be no assurance that their resolution and any future
claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial
position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

42

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Labor negotiations
Labor agreements with all Canadian unions expired on December 31,
2000. By January 2002, the Company had achieved ratified settlements
with four of the labor organizations representing about 9,000 of the
Company’s approximately 14,350 Canadian unionized employees: the
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, the Canadian National
Railway Police Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers and the Canadian Auto Workers. These agreements are for a
three-year period effective until December 31, 2003.

Agreements reached by the Company with the United Transportation
Union (UTU) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), which
are part of the Canadian Council of Railway Operating Unions (CCROU)
(approximately 4,900 employees), are subject to ratification. The
Company and the Rail Canada Traffic Controllers (RCTC) (approximately
250 employees) are still in conciliation and negotiations continue. The
unions representing the employees of Algoma Central Railway Inc.
(approximately 140 employees) negotiate collectively under the auspices
of a Council of Trade Unions (the Council). The Company is currently in
conciliation with the Council and negotiations are ongoing. Although the
Company currently believes it can achieve ratified agreements with the
CCROU, RCTC and the Council, there can be no assurance that their reso-
lution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial
position or results of operations.

The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class 1 railroads
is to bargain on a collective national basis. For several years now, Grand
Trunk Western (GTW), Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific (DWP), ICRR and CCP
Holdings, Inc. (CCP) have bargained on a local basis rather than holding
national, industry wide negotiations. Local negotiations result in settle-
ments that better address both the employees’ concerns and preferences
and the railways’ actual operating environment. There are risks associ-
ated with negotiating locally. Presidents and Congress have demon-
strated that they will step in to avoid national strikes, while a local
dispute may not generate federal intervention, making an extended work
stoppage more likely. The Company’s management believes the potential
mutual benefits of local bargaining outweigh the risks.

As of December 2001, the Company had in place agreements with

bargaining units representing approximately 55% of the unionized 
workforce at ICRR, 95% at GTW and DWP, 55% at CCP and 100% at
WC. These agreements have various durations, ranging from 2002 to 
the end of 2004. Several of these agreements will reopen in 2002.

Negotiations are ongoing with the bargaining units with which the
Company has not yet achieved new settlements. Until new agreements
are reached, the terms and conditions of previous agreements continue
to apply. Although the Company does not anticipate work action related
to these negotiations while they are ongoing, there can be no assurance
that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Regulation
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to regulation as 
to (i) rate setting and network rationalization by the Canadian Transport-
ation Agency (the CTA), under the Canada Transportation Act (Canada)
(the Act), and (ii) safety by the federal Minister of Transport under the
Railway Safety Act (Canada) and certain other statutes. The Company’s
U.S. rail operations are subject to regulation by the STB (the successor 
to the Interstate Commerce Commission) and the Federal Railroad
Administration. In addition, the Company is subject to a variety of
health, safety, labor, environmental and other regulations, all of which
can affect its competitive position and profitability.

The CTA Review Panel, which was appointed by the federal govern-
ment to carry out a comprehensive review of the Canadian transporta-
tion legislation, including the Act, issued its report to the Minister of
Transport at the end of June 2001. It was released to the public on 
July 18, 2001 and contains numerous recommendations for legislative
changes which, if adopted, would affect all modes of transportation,
including rail. No assurance can be given that any decision by the 
federal government pursuant to the report’s recommendations will not
materially adversely affect the Company’s financial position or results 
of operations.

Financial instruments
Although the Company conducts its business and receives revenues pri-
marily in Canadian dollars, a growing portion of its revenues, expenses,
assets and debt are denominated in U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company’s
results are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between these
currencies. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar
and other currencies (including the U.S. dollar) make the goods trans-
ported by the Company more or less competitive in the world market-
place and thereby affect the Company’s revenues.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

43

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial
instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. Collateral or
other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk is
usually not obtained. However, the credit standing of counterparties is
regularly monitored.

To mitigate the effects of fuel price changes on its operating margins
and overall profitability, the Company has a systematic hedging program
which calls for regularly entering into swap positions on crude and heat-
ing oil to cover a target percentage of future fuel consumption up to two
years in advance.

The realized gains and losses from the Company’s fuel hedging
activities were a $6 million loss and a $49 million gain for the years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Hedging positions and
credit standings of counterparties are monitored, and losses due to coun-
terparty non-performance are not anticipated. At December 31, 2001,
the Company hedged approximately 45% of the estimated 2002 fuel
consumption and 25% of the estimated 2003 fuel consumption. This rep-
resented approximately 264 million U.S. gallons at an average price of
U.S.$0.607 per U.S. gallon. The Company had unrealized losses from its
fuel hedging activities of $38 million at December 31, 2001, recorded in
Other comprehensive income, and $17 million at December 31, 2000.

Other risks
In any given year, the Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to
changes in the economic conditions of the industries and geographic
areas that produce and consume the freight it transports or the supplies
it requires to operate. In addition, many of the goods and commodities
carried by the Company experience cyclicality in the demand for them.
However, many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move
offshore and are impacted more by global economic conditions than
North American economic cycles. The Company’s results of operations
can be expected to reflect this cyclicality because of the significant fixed
costs inherent in railroad operations. The Company’s revenues are
affected by prevailing economic conditions. Should an economic slow-
down or recession occur and continue in North America or other key
markets, or should major industrial restructuring take place, the volume
of rail shipments carried by the Company is likely to be materially
affected.

In addition to the inherent risks of the business cycle, the Company
is occasionally susceptible to severe weather conditions. For example, in
the first quarter of 1998, a severe ice storm hit eastern Canada, which
disrupted operations and service for the railroad as well as for CN cus-
tomers.

Generally accepted accounting principles require the use of histor-

ical cost as the basis of reporting in financial statements. As a result,
the cumulative effect of inflation, which has significantly increased 
asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies such as CN,
is not reflected in operating expenses. Depreciation charges on an infla-
tion-adjusted basis, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at
current price levels, would be substantially greater than historically
reported amounts.

44

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Management Report

Auditors ’ Report

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Canadian
National Railway Company and all information in this annual report are
the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board
of Directors.

The financial statements have been prepared by management in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States. These statements include some amounts that are based on best
estimates and judgments. Financial information used elsewhere in the
annual report is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management of the Company, in furtherance of the integrity and
objectivity of data in the financial statements, has developed and main-
tains a system of internal accounting controls and supports an extensive
program of internal audits. Management believes that this system of
internal accounting controls provides reasonable assurance that financial
records are reliable and form a proper basis for preparation of financial
statements, and that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded.
The Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for the financial

statements in this report principally through its Audit and Finance
Committee, consisting solely of outside directors. The Audit and Finance
Committee reviews the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
annual report and recommends their approval by the Board of Directors.
Also, the Audit and Finance Committee meets regularly with the Chief,
Internal Audit, and with the shareholders’ auditors.

These consolidated financial statements have been audited by 
KPMG LLP, who have been appointed as the sole auditors of the Company
by the shareholders.

To the Board of Directors of Canadian National Railway Company

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Canadian National
Railway Company as at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the consoli-
dated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in share-
holders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2001. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian and United
States of America generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards
require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assur-
ance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant esti-
mates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly,

in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2001, in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America.

On January 22, 2002, we reported separately to the shareholders of
the Company on consolidated financial statements for the same period,
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles.

(signed)

Claude Mongeau
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

January 22, 2002

(signed)

KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants

Montreal, Canada
January 22, 2002

(signed)

Serge Pharand
Vice-President and Corporate Comptroller

January 22, 2002

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

45

Consolidated Statement of Income

In millions, except per share data

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Revenues

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Metals and minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forest products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intermodal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating expenses

Labor and fringe benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchased services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment rents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special charge (Note 14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (Note 15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (Note 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy (net of applicable income taxes) (Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share (Note 19)
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings per share (Note 19)
Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷«923
458
1,088
338
1,161
969
520
195

5,652

1,540
504
532
484
309
188
158
157
98

3,970

1,682
(327)
65

1,420
(380)

1,040
–

$1,040

$÷5.41
$÷5.41

$÷5.23
$÷5.23

$÷«894
392
1,008
328
1,136
919
559
192

5,428

1,482
551
525
446
285
195
158
138
–

3,780

1,648
(311)
136

1,473
(536)

937
–

$÷«878
398
995
402
1,066
810
483
204

5,236

1,509
569
490
308
328
204
172
189
–

3,769

1,467
(314)
55

1,208
(462)

746
5

$÷«937

$÷«751

$÷4.81
$÷4.81

$÷4.67
$««4.67

$÷3.78
$÷3.81

$÷3.71
$««3.74

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

46

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,040

$÷«937

$÷«751

Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 22) :

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of U.S. dollar denominated long-term 

debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of the net investment in 

foreign operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investment in 360networks Inc. (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized holding loss on fuel derivative instruments (Note 21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustment (Note 13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (expense) recovery on other comprehensive income (loss) items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(202)

308
(129)
(38)
(17)

(78)
(15)

(93)

(91)

191
129
–
–

229
(72)

157

180

(202)
–
–
2

(20)
8

(12)

Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$«««947

$1,094

$÷«739

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

47

Consolidated Balance Sheet

In millions

Assets

Current assets:

December 31,

2001

2000

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable (Note 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Properties (Note 5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets and deferred charges (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷«÷««53
645
133
153
180

1,164
19,145
914

$21,223

$÷«÷««15
726
110
114
143

1,108
15,638
568

$17,314

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued charges (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷1,374
163
132

$÷1,389
434
82

Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible preferred securities (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shareholders’ equity:

Common shares (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,669
4,591
1,345
5,764
366

4,442
58
2,988

7,488

1,905
3,375
1,205
3,886
345

4,349
151
2,098

6,598

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$21,223

$17,314

On behalf of the Board:

David G.A. McLean
Director

Paul M. Tellier
Director

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

48

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders ’ Equity

In millions

Issued and
outstanding
common
shares

Balances December 31, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares issued (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised and employee share plans (Note 11, 12)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balances December 31, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised and employee share plans (Note 11, 12)
Share repurchase program (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.70 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balances December 31, 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised (Note 11, 12). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive loss (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.78 per share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

191.8
–
9.2
1.4
–
–

202.4
–
1.2
(13.0)
–
–

190.6
–
2.1
–
–

Common
shares

$«4,141
–
404
52
–
–

4,597
–
47
(295)
–
–

4,349
–
93
–
–

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

Retained
earnings

Total
shareholders’
equity

$÷÷÷6
–
–
–
(12)
–

(6)
–
–
–
157
–

151
–
–
(93)
–

$÷÷898
751
–
–
–
(118)

1,531
937
–
(234)
–
(136)

2,098
1,040
–
–
(150)

$5,045
751
404
52
(12)
(118)

6,122
937
47
(529)
157
(136)

6,598
1,040
93
(93)
(150)

Balances December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

192.7

$4,442

$«««58

$2,988

$7,488

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

U.S. GAAP
U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company
Canadian National Railway Company

49
49

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

In millions

Operating activities

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash items in income:

Depreciation and amortization (Note 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investments (Note 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-down of investment (Note 6, 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special charge (Note 14). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in:

Accounts receivable (Note 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued charges (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other net current assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for workforce reductions (Note 9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,040

$÷««937

$÷««751

538
295
(101)
99
98
–

199
11
(216)
(27)
(169)
(146)

533
312
(84)
–
–
–

80
6
32
(36)
(189)
(85)

496
417
–
–
–
(7)

(157)
38
63
(27)
(219)
(77)

Cash provided from operating activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,621

1,506

1,278

Investing activities

Net additions to properties (Note 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from disposal of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (Note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash used by investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividends paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financing activities

Issuance of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of convertible preferred securities (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduction of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of common shares (Note 11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchase of common shares (Note 11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash provided from (used by) financing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1,058)
51
(1,278)
112

(2,173)

(150)

4,015
–
(3,336)
61
–

740

38
15

$«««««53

(1,036)
65
–
(10)

(981)

(136)

860
–
(1,038)
28
(529)

(679)

(290)
305

(989)
89
–
2

(898)

(118)

456
339
(1,508)
440
–

(273)

(11)
316

$÷÷««15

$÷««305

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

50

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Canadian National Railway Company (CN or the Company), directly and through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the rail transportation business.
CN spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert,
B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minnesota/Superior,
Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis and Jackson, Mississippi, with connections to all points in North
America. CN’s revenues are derived from the movement of a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods, including petroleum and chemicals,
grain and fertilizers, coal, metals and minerals, forest products, intermodal and automotive.

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars,
except where otherwise indicated, and have been prepared in accor-
dance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
(U.S. GAAP). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and lia-
bilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its
estimates, including those related to litigation, environmental liabilities,
casualty claims, depreciation lives, income tax liabilities, pensions and
post-retirement obligations, based upon currently available information.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.

A. Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all sub-
sidiaries, including Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (WC) for
which the Company acquired control and consolidated effective October 9,
2001. The Company’s investments in which it has significant influence are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

B. Revenues
Freight revenues are recognized on services performed by the Company,
based on the percentage of completed service method. Costs associated
with movements are recognized as the service is performed.

C. Foreign exchange
All of the Company’s United States (U.S.) operations are classified as self-
sustaining foreign entities with the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
The Company also has equity investments in international affiliates (United
Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia) with their respective local currencies
as their functional currencies. Accordingly, the U.S. operations’ assets and
liabilities and the Company’s foreign equity investments are translated
into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and
the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates dur-
ing the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign
operations are recorded in Other comprehensive income (Note 22).

The Company has designated all U.S. dollar denominated long-term

debt of the parent company as a foreign exchange hedge of its net
investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Unrealized foreign exchange gains and
losses, from the date of designation, on the translation of the U.S. dollar
denominated debt are also included in Other comprehensive income.

D. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased
three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approx-
imates market value.

E. Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of the provision for doubt-
ful accounts. Any gains or losses on the sale of accounts receivable are 
calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the accounts receivable
sold to the total of the cash proceeds on sale and the fair value of the
retained interest in such receivables on the date of transfer. Fair values
are determined on a discounted cash flow basis. Costs related to the sale
of accounts receivable are recognized in earnings in the period incurred.

F. Material and supplies
The inventory is valued at weighted-average cost for ties, rails, fuel and
new materials in stores, and at estimated utility or sales value for usable
secondhand, obsolete and scrap materials.

G. Properties
Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation
including asset impairment write-downs. All costs of labor, materials 
and other costs associated with the installation of rail, ties, ballast and
other track improvements are capitalized to the extent they meet the
Company’s definition of “unit of property.” Included in property addi-
tions are the costs of developing computer software for internal use.
Maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

51

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

The cost of railroad properties, less net salvage value, retired or 
disposed of in the normal course of business is charged to accumulated
depreciation, in accordance with the group method of depreciation.
Losses resulting from significant line sales or abandonments are recog-
nized upon the announcement of the disposition. Gains are recognized
when they are realized. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of
properties whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undis-
counted cash flows or estimated net realizable value. Assets that are
deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower 
of carrying amount or fair value.

H. Depreciation
The cost of properties, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreci-
ated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Asset class

Annual rate

Track and roadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rolling stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buildings and other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2%

3%

4%

The Company follows the group method of depreciation and as such
conducts comprehensive depreciation studies generally every three years
to assess the reasonableness of the lives of properties based upon current
information, including actual results of prior years. Such a study was con-
ducted in 2001 for the Company’s Canadian properties. The study revealed
that estimated depreciable lives for certain asset types had increased, and
therefore, those asset lives have been extended prospectively. The current
year adjustment resulted in a reduction to depreciation and amortization
expense of $44 million.

I. Pensions
Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Pension expense
is charged to operations and includes:

(i) 

the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees’
services rendered during the year,

(ii)  the amortization of the initial net transition obligation on a straight-
line basis over the expected average remaining service life of the
employee group covered by the plans,

(iii) the amortization of past service costs and amendments over the
expected average remaining service life of the employee group 
covered by the plans, and

(iv) the interest cost of pension obligations, the return on pension fund

assets, and the amortization of cumulative unrecognized net actuarial
gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected
benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets over the
expected average remaining service life of the employee group 
covered by the plans.

The pension plans are funded through contributions determined in

accordance with the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.

J. Post-retirement benefits other than pensions
The Company accrues the cost of post-retirement benefits other than
pensions. These benefits, which are funded by the Company as they
become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits, supple-
mental pension allowances and free rail travel benefits.

The Company amortizes the cumulative unrecognized net actuarial

gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation
over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group
covered by the plans.

K. Derivative financial instruments
The Company may use derivative financial instruments from time to time,
in the management of its fuel, interest rate and foreign currency expo-
sures. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at 
fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in earnings or Other
comprehensive income depending on the nature and effectiveness of the
hedge transaction. Income and expense related to hedged derivative
financial instruments are recorded in the same category as that gener-
ated by the underlying asset or liability.

L. Environmental expenditures
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed
unless they relate to an improvement to the property. Expenditures that
relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and which are
not expected to contribute to current or future operations are expensed.
Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial
efforts are likely, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action
in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective
action required, can be reasonably estimated.

M. Income taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method for accounting for
income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the net
deferred tax asset or liability is included in income. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected
to be recovered or settled.

52

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

N. Recent accounting pronouncements
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets.” Effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2002, the statement changes the accounting for goodwill from
an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. In addition, this
statement requires acquired intangible assets to be separately recognized
if the benefit of the intangible assets are obtained through contractual 
or other legal right, or if the intangible assets can be sold, transferred,
licensed, rented or exchanged. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 142
to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset

Retirement Obligations.” SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record
the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period
in which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets. This statement is effective for the Company’s
fiscal year beginning January 1, 2003. The Company does not expect SFAS
No. 143 to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for 
the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 provides
accounting guidance for long-lived assets to be held and used, to be 
disposed of other than by sale, and to be disposed of by sale. This state-
ment is effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2002.
The Company does not expect SFAS No. 144 to have an initial material
impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

2 Accounting changes

The Company has made certain changes in accounting policies to conform
to new accounting standards and to conform its policies to those generally
accepted in the railroad industry.

2001
On January 1, 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133 “Accounting 
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by 
SFAS No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain
Hedging Activities.” These statements require that all derivative instru-
ments be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in
fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or
Other comprehensive income, depending on whether or not a derivative
is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge
transaction. The initial adoption of these statements on January 1, 2001
resulted in the recognition of an unrealized loss of $17 million ($11 million
after tax) in Other comprehensive income. Of that amount, $8 million 
($5 million after tax) was recognized in earnings during 2001. The adop-

tion of these statements did not have a material impact on net income
for 2001 since prior to its adoption, the Company had already deferred
and amortized gains and losses in the results of operations over the life
of the hedged asset or liability or over the term of the derivative financial
instrument. Income and expense related to the hedged derivative finan-
cial instruments were recorded in the same category as that generated
by the underlying asset or liability.

1999
The Company changed its capitalization policies for certain expenditures
relating to improvements of bridges and other structures and freight
cars. The new policies involve capitalizing all major expenditures for
work that extends the useful life and/or improves the functionality of
the respective assets.

In addition, the Company changed its method of accounting for
employee injury costs to reflect all elements of such costs (including
compensation, health care and administration costs) based on actuarially
developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with employee injuries.
The cumulative effect of the capitalization policy changes at January 1,
1999 was a credit of $62 million (net of applicable income taxes), while
the cumulative effect of the change in method of accounting for employee
injury costs was a charge of $57 million (net of applicable income taxes).
The impact of the accounting policy changes was to increase net income
for the year ended December 31, 1999 by $12 million.

3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation

On January 29, 2001, the Company, through an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, and WC entered into a merger agreement (the Merger) pro-
viding for the acquisition of all of the shares of WC by the Company for
an acquisition cost of $1,297 million (U.S.$831 million). The Merger was
approved by the shareholders of WC at a special meeting held on April 4,
2001. On September 7, 2001, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB)
rendered a decision, unanimously approving the Company’s acquisition
of WC. On October 9, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of
WC and began a phased integration of the companies’ operations. The
acquisition was financed by debt and cash on hand.

The Company accounted for the Merger using the purchase method
of accounting as required by the FASB’s SFAS No. 141 “Business Combi-
nations.” As such, the Company’s consolidated financial statements include
the assets, liabilities and results of operations of WC as of October 9,
2001, the date of acquisition. The following table outlines the estimated

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

53

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation 
Corporation (continued)

fair values of WC’s assets and liabilities acquired at acquisition. The
impact of the results of the final valuation of WC’s assets and liabilities
and changes in accounting practices are not expected to have a material
impact on the results of operations.

In millions

October 9, 2001

Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷«175

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other assets and deferred charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other liabilities and deferred credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,435

433

3,043

353

743

178

472

Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,297

The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended 
December 31, 2001 included $129 million of revenues, $43 million 
of operating income and $11 million of other income from WC. The
acquisition of WC contributed $17 million ($0.09 per basic share or
$0.08 per diluted share) to the Company’s net income.

If the Company had acquired WC on January 1, 2000, based on the
historical amounts reported by WC, net of the amortization of the differ-
ence between the Company’s cost to acquire WC and the net assets of
WC (based on preliminary estimates of the fair values of WC’s properties
and equipment, and estimates of their remaining useful lives, as well 
as estimates of the fair values of other WC assets and liabilities), rev-

enues, net income, basic and diluted earnings per share would have 
been $6,090 million, $1,090 million, $5.67 per basic share and $5.48 per
diluted share, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2001 and
$5,961 million, $971 million, $4.98 per basic share and $4.84 per diluted
share, respectively for 2000. The pro forma figures do not reflect synergies,
and accordingly, do not account for any potential increases in operating
income, any estimated cost savings or facilities consolidation.

4 Accounts receivable

In millions

Freight

December 31, 2001

2000

Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309
119
Accrued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-freight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$470

81

238

789

(63)

$726

298

726

(81)

$645

The Company has a five-year revolving agreement, expiring in 2003,
to sell eligible freight trade receivables up to a maximum of $350 million
of receivables outstanding at any point in time. At December 31, 2001,
pursuant to the agreement, $168 million and U.S.$113 million (Cdn$179
million) had been sold on a limited recourse basis compared to $147 mil-
lion and U.S.$40 million (Cdn$61 million) at December 31, 2000. The
Company has retained the responsibility for servicing, administering and
collecting freight trade receivables sold. Other income included $10 mil-
lion in each of 2001 and 2000 for costs related to the agreement, which
fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates.

No servicing asset or liability has been recorded because the costs 

of servicing are compensated by the benefits of the agreement.

Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,746

Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Properties

In millions

December 31, 2001

Cost

Accumulated
depreciation

Track, roadway and land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,582
3,913
Rolling stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buildings and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,656

$28,151

Capital leases included in properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,249

$6,230

1,456

1,320

$9,006

$÷«209

Net

$15,352

2,457

1,336

$19,145

$÷1,040

December 31, 2000

Accumulated
depreciation

$5,963

1,323

1,201

$8,487

$÷«162

Cost

$18,217

3,599

2,309

$24,125

$÷1,155

Net

$12,254

2,276

1,108

$15,638

$÷÷«993

54

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Other assets and deferred charges

In millions

December 31, 2001

Investments (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $496
251
Prepaid benefit cost (Note 13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred receivables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unamortized debt issue costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

108

54

5

$914

2000

$269

166

73

49

11

$568

A. Investments
Investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS)
Through its acquisition of WC, the Company acquired 40.9% of EWS, a
company which provides most of the rail freight services in Great Britain,
operates freight trains through the English Channel tunnel and carries
mail for the Royal Mail. The Company accounts for its investment in EWS
using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the investment
in EWS was preliminarily determined based on a multiple of EWS earn-
ings. At December 31, 2001, based upon this preliminary valuation, the
carrying value of the investment was in excess of the Company’s share 
of EWS’ net assets.

Investment in Tranz Rail Holdings Limited (Tranz Rail) and 
Australian Transport Network Limited (ATN)
Through its acquisition of WC, the Company acquired 23.7% of Tranz Rail,
a publicly traded company which operates a 2,400-route mile freight and
passenger rail business in New Zealand and 33% of ATN, a company
which provides substantially all commercial rail freight service in Tasmania
operating a 555-route mile rail system. Tranz Rail owns another 27% of
ATN. The Company accounts for both investments as “available for sale”
in accordance with the FASB’s Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) 87-11,
“Allocation of Purchase Price to Assets to be Sold” because its intent is
to sell the investments within one year. As a result, the income or loss
from the investments and any interest expense on debt incurred during
the holding period to finance the purchase are allocated to the purchase
price of the investments. At the time of sale, any difference between the
carrying amount of the investments and the proceeds from the sale will
result in a reallocation of the purchase price of WC. The fair value of the
investment in Tranz Rail was preliminarily determined based on its market
capitalization and that of ATN, based on a multiple of ATN earnings. The
Company’s equity in net income and interest expense related to Tranz
Rail and ATN for the period between October 9 and December 31, 2001,
allocated to the purchase price of the investments was not significant.

Investment in 360networks Inc.
In June 2001, the Company recorded a charge of $99 million, $71 million
after tax, to write down 100% of its net investment in 360networks Inc.
Subsequently, the Company sold all of the shares of its investee. In 2000,
the Company had recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million after tax,
related to the exchange of its minority equity investments in certain joint
venture companies for 11.4 million shares of 360networks Inc. Prior to
the write-down, the Company accounted for its investment in 360net-
works Inc. in accordance with the FASB’s SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” The shares held were
classified as “available-for-sale securities” whereby the investment was
carried at market value on the balance sheet ($216 million at December 31,
2000) and the change in the value of the investment was recorded in
Other comprehensive income as an unrealized holding gain. As a result
of the write-down, the Company eliminated all marked-to-market adjust-
ments related to its investment in 360networks Inc., previously recorded
in Other comprehensive income.

7 Credit facilities

The Company has U.S.$1,000 million five-year revolving credit facilities
which expire in March 2003. The credit facilities provide for interest on
borrowings at various interest rates including the Canadian prime rate,
bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the
London Interbank Offer Rate plus applicable margins. The credit facility
agreements contain customary financial covenants, based on U.S. GAAP,
including i) limitations on debt as a percentage of total capitalization,
ii) maintenance of tangible net worth above predefined levels, and 
iii) maintenance of the fixed charge coverage ratio above predefined levels.
The Company was in compliance with all of these financial covenants
throughout the year. The Company’s commercial paper program is 
backed by a portion of its revolving credit facility. As at December 31,
2001, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of U.S.$213 million
(Cdn$339 million) ($77 million as at December 31, 2000) and borrowings
of U.S.$172 million (Cdn$273 million) under its revolving credit facilities.
During 2000, the Company did not draw on the credit facilities. Interest
rates on the borrowings under the revolving credit facilities at December 31,
2001 range from 2.15% to 2.73%.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8 Accounts payable and accrued charges

In millions

December 31,

2001

Trade payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«385
218
Payroll-related accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current portion of workforce reduction provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued interest on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income and other taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued operating leases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

151

141

236

131

19

93

2000

$÷«403

194

137

126

244

187

31

67

B. Post-retirement benefits other than pensions

(i) Change in benefit obligation

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

Benefit obligation at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $242
25
Amendments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfer from other plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

19

11

6

5

$1,374

$1,389

Benefits paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309

(19)

9 Other liabilities and deferred credits

In millions

December 31,

2001

Personal injury and other claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«379
Workforce reduction provisions,

net of current portion (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

340

Accrual for post-retirement benefits 

other than pensions (B)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental reserve, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred credits and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

258

73

295

(ii) Funded status

In millions

December 31, 2001

Unfunded benefit obligation at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309
(26)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(25)

Accrued benefit cost for post-retirement benefits 

other than pensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $258

2000

$÷«373

376

231

64

161

2000

$230

–

3

15

8

3

–

(17)

$242

2000

$242

(8)

(3)

$231

$1,345

$1,205

(iii) Components of net periodic benefit cost

A. Workforce reduction provisions
The workforce reduction provisions, which cover employees in both Canada
and the United States, are mainly comprised of severance payments, the
majority of which will be disbursed within the next five years. Other elements
of the provisions mainly include early retirement incentives and bridging
to early retirement. Payments for severance and other elements of the
provisions have reduced the provisions by $169 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001 ($189 million for the year ended December 31, 2000).
The aggregate provisions amount to $491 million at December 31, 2001.

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

2000

1999

Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recognized net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net periodic benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$19

11

3

2

$35

$15

÷8

1

1

$25

$15

÷8

1

2

$26

(iv) Weighted-average assumptions

December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00%

6.95%

4.25%

7.39%

4.25%

For measurement purposes, increases in the per capita cost of cov-
ered health care benefits were assumed to be 8% for 2002 and 6% for
2001. It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate
of 6% for 2004 and remain at that level thereafter.

A one-percentage-point change in the health care trend rate would
not cause a material change in the Company’s net periodic benefit cost
nor the post-retirement benefit obligation.

56

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Long-term debt

In millions

Bonds, debentures and notes: (A)

Canadian National series:

Currency
in which
payable

Maturity

December 31,

2001

2000

8 7⁄8% 15-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 21, 2001

6 5⁄8% 10-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2003

7%

10-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 15, 2004

6.45% Puttable Reset Securities (PURS) (B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2006

6 3⁄8% 10-year notes (C)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 15, 2011

6.80% 20-year notes (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2018

7 5⁄8% 30-year debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2023

6.90% 30-year notes (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2028

7 3⁄8% 30-year debentures (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 15, 2031

Illinois Central series:

7.12% 5-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aug. 2, 2001

6.72% 5-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 14, 2001

6 3⁄4% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2003

7 3⁄4% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1, 2005

6.98% 12-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 12, 2007

6.63% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June 9, 2008

5%

99-year income debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dec. 1, 2056

7.7% 100-year debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sep. 15, 2096

Wisconsin Central series:

6 5⁄8% 10-year notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15, 2008

Total bonds, debentures and notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other:

Revolving credit facilities (Note 7)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commercial paper (D) (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital lease obligations, amounts owing under equipment agreements and other (E)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less:

Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net unamortized discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cdn$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

Various

Various

$÷÷÷«–

$÷«150

239

422

398

636

318

239

755

318

–

–

159

159

80

32

12

199

239

4,205

273

339

1,125

1,737

5,942

163

15

178

225

398

375

–

300

225

712

–

75

75

150

150

75

30

12

187

–

3,139

–

77

1,117

1,194

4,333

434

13

447

$5,764

$3,886

A. The Company’s bonds, debentures and notes are unsecured.

B. The PURS contain imbedded simultaneous put and call options at par.
At the time of issuance, the Company sold the option to call the securi-
ties on July 15, 2006 (the reset date). If the call option is exercised, the
imbedded put option is automatically triggered, resulting in the redemp-
tion of the original PURS. The call option holder will then have the right
to remarket the securities at a new coupon rate for an additional 30-year
term ending July 15, 2036. The new coupon rate will be determined accord-
ing to a pre-set mechanism based on market conditions then prevailing.
If the call option is not exercised, the put option is deemed to have been
exercised, resulting in the redemption of the PURS on July 15, 2006.

C. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula
price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

D. The Company has a commercial paper program which is backed by a
portion of its revolving credit facility, that enables it to issue commercial
paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $600 million or
the U.S. dollar equivalent. Commercial paper debt is due within one year
but has been classified as long-term debt, reflecting the Company’s intent
and contractual ability to refinance the short-term borrowing through
subsequent issuances of commercial paper or drawing down on the revolv-
ing credit facility. Interest rates on commercial paper at December 31,
2001 range from approximately 1.93% to 2.6%.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

57

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Long-term debt (continued)

E. Interest rates for the capital leases range from approximately 3.14%
to 14.6% with maturity dates in the years 2002 through 2025. The imputed
interest on these leases amounted to $545 million as at December 31,
2001, and $559 million as at December 31, 2000.

The equipment agreements are payable by monthly or semi-annual
installments over various periods to 2007 at interest rates ranging from
6% to 9.7%. The principal amounts are payable as follows: $17 million and
U.S.$1 million (Cdn$2 million) as at December 31, 2001, and $26 million
and U.S.$1 million (Cdn$2 million) as at December 31, 2000. The capital
leases, equipment agreements, and other obligations are secured by prop-
erties with a net carrying amount of $1,108 million as at December 31,
2001 and $1,068 million as at December 31, 2000.

During 2001, the Company recorded $91 million in assets it acquired

through the exercise of purchase options on existing leases and leases
for new equipment ($149 million in 2000). An equivalent amount was
recorded in debt.

F. Long-term debt maturities for the following fiscal years, including
repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstand-
ing as at December 31, 2001 but excluding repayments of commercial
paper and revolving credit facilities of $339 million and $273 million,
respectively, are as follows:

Year

In millions Amount

2002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷163

2003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

543

547

229

432

2007 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,401

G. The aggregate amount of debt payable in U.S. currency as at
December 31, 2001 is U.S.$3,334 million (Cdn$5,302 million) and
U.S.$2,290 million (Cdn$3,434 million) as at December 31, 2000.

11 Capital stock and convertible preferred securities

A. Authorized capital stock
The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:
• Unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value
• Unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, without par value

issuable in series

• Unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, without par value

issuable in series

B. Issued and outstanding common shares
During 2001, the Company issued 2.1 million shares (1.2 million shares
in 2000 and 1.4 million shares in 1999) related to stock options exer-
cised. The total number of common shares issued and outstanding was
192.7 million as at December 31, 2001.

In 1999, the Company issued 9.2 million common shares as a result

of a public offering.

C. Convertible preferred securities
In 1999, the Company issued 4.6 million convertible preferred securities
at U.S.$50 per security. These securities bear interest, payable quarterly 
in U.S. dollars, at a rate of 5.25% per year, and are due on June 30, 2029.
These securities are subordinated securities convertible into common
shares of CN at the option of the holder at an original conversion price
of U.S.$38.48 per common share, representing an original conversion rate
of 1.2995 common shares for each convertible preferred security. On or
after July 1, 2002, at the option of CN but subject to certain conditions,
the holders’ rights to convert these securities may be extinguished if the
current market price exceeds 120% of the conversion price for a certain
period. If these conditions are met, CN may terminate the conversion
rights by giving holders at least 30 days’ prior written notice to convert
their convertible preferred securities into common shares. If, at closing 
of the conversion termination date the current market price exceeds the
conversion price, all holders shall be deemed to have converted, except
to the extent the Trustee has been otherwise instructed by any holder.

D. Stock split
On July 20, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a
two-for-one common stock split which was effected in the form of a
stock dividend of one additional common share of CN common stock
payable for each share outstanding or held in treasury on September 27,
1999 to shareholders of record on September 23, 1999. All equity based
benefit plans reflect the issuance of additional shares or options due to
the declaration of the stock split. All shares and per share data reflect
the effect of the stock split.

E. Share repurchase programs 
On January 23, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to
10 million common shares between January 31, 2001 and January 30,
2002 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had not repurchased any common
shares under the share repurchase program.

In 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share
repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 13 million
common shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to a normal
course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices. During 2000, $529 million
was used to repurchase 13 million common shares at an average price 
of $40.70 per share.

58

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Stock plans

A. Employee share plan
The Company has an Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) giving eligi-
ble employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 6% of their gross
salaries to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock on the open
market and to have the Company invest, on the employee’s behalf, a 
further 35% of the amount invested by the employee. Participation at
December 31, 2001 was 9,432 employees (7,916 at December 31, 2000).
The total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees,
including the Company’s contributions, was 516,726 in 2001 and
637,531 in 2000, resulting in a pre-tax charge to income of $8 million,
$6 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.

B. Mid-term incentive share unit plan
The Company has a share unit plan, which was approved by the Board 
of Directors in 2001, for designated senior management employees enti-
tling them to receive payout on June 30, 2004 of a combination of com-
mon stock of the Company, as to fifty percent, and cash value, as to the
remaining fifty percent.

The share units vest conditionally upon the attainment of targets
relating to the Company’s share price during the six-month period end-
ing June 30, 2004. Due to the nature of the vesting conditions, no com-
pensation expense was recognized for 2001. The total number of share
units outstanding at December 31, 2001 was 421,500. At December 31,
2001, an additional 43,500 share units remained authorized for future
issuances under this plan.

C. Stock options
The Company has stock option plans for eligible employees to acquire
common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the
market value of the common shares at the date of granting. The options
are exercisable during a period not to exceed 10 years. The right to 

exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continu-
ous employment. Options are not generally exercisable during the first
12 months after the date of grant. At December 31, 2001, an additional
5.5 million common shares remained authorized for future issuances
under these plans.

Options issued by the Company include conventional options, which
vest over a period of time, and performance options, which vest upon the
attainment of Company targets relating to the operating ratio and unlev-
ered return on investment. The total conventional and performance
options outstanding at December 31, 2001 were 7.5 million and 2.4 mil-
lion, respectively.

Changes in the Company’s stock options are as follows:

Number
of options

In millions

Weighted-average
exercise price

Outstanding at December 31, 1998 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 1999 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 2000 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conversion of WC options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 2001 (1) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.1

3.0

(0.4)

(1.4) 

8.3

2.2

(0.4)

(1.2) 

8.9

1.0

2.4

(0.3)

(2.1) 

9.9

$«29.11

$«45.46

$«34.51

$«25.43

$«34.88

$«35.33

$«36.23

$«22.19

$«34.95

$«58.63

$«50.65

$«46.01

$«30.43

$43.62

(1) Includes IC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the 
foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

(2) Includes WC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the 
foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2001 were as follows:

Range of exercise prices

$13.50–$23.72  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$25.40–$35.01  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$35.70–$49.45  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$50.02–$69.77  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$70.65 and above  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2001 (1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Number
of options

In millions

0.3

2.5

4.1

2.8

0.2

9.9

Weighted-
average
years to
expiration

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

3

7

6

9

6

7

$«17.90

$«33.37

$«44.38

$«51.66

$«94.47

$43.62

Number
of options

In millions

0.3

1.1

2.7

0.3

0.1

4.5

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

$«17.90

$«31.14

$«44.47

$«55.61

$«94.47

$41.86

(1) Includes IC and WC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

59

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Stock plans (continued)

D. Stock-based compensation expense
Compensation expense for certain performance-based stock-option awards
under these plans is determined by the options’ intrinsic value in accor-
dance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) 25, “Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Compensation
expense recognized for stock-based awards was $19 million, $3 million
and $7 million in 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Had compensation
expense been determined based upon fair values at the date of grant for
awards under all plans, consistent with the methods of SFAS No. 123,
“Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” the Company’s pro forma
net income and earnings per share would have been as follows:

Year ended December 31,

Net income (in millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

$1,031

$÷5.37

$÷5.19

2000

$«917

$4.70

$4.58

1999

$«740

$3.75

$3.68

These pro forma amounts include compensation cost as calculated using

the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Year ended December 31,

Expected option life (years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk-free interest rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

7.0

5.36%

30%
Expected stock price volatility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average dividend per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $««0.78

2000

1999

7.0

5.38%

30%

7.0

6.64%

30%

13 Pensions

The Company has retirement benefit plans under which substantially all
employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age, generally based on
compensation and length of service and/or contributions. The tables that
follow pertain to all such plans. However, the following descriptions relate
solely to the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan (the
Pension Plan). The Company’s other pension plans are not significant.

Description of plan
The Pension Plan is a contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers
substantially all CN employees. It provides for pensions based mainly on
years of service and final average pensionable earnings and is generally

applicable from the first day of employment. Indexation of pensions is
provided after retirement through a gain (loss) sharing mechanism, subject
to guaranteed minimum increases. An independent trust company is the
Trustee of the Canadian National Railways Pension Trust Funds (CN Pension
Trust Funds). As Trustee, the trust company performs certain duties which
include holding legal title to the assets of the CN Pension Trust Funds
and ensuring that the Company, as Administrator, complies with the pro-
visions of the Pension Plan and the related legislation.

Funding policy
Employee contributions to the Pension Plan are determined by the plan
rules. Company contributions are in accordance with the requirements 
of the Government of Canada legislation, The Pension Benefits Standards
Act, 1985, and are determined by actuarial valuations conducted at 
least on a triennial basis. These valuations are made in accordance with
legislative requirements and with the recommendations of the Canadian
Institute of Actuaries for the valuation of pension plans.

Description of fund assets
The assets of the Pension Plan are accounted for separately in the CN
Pension Trust Funds and consist of cash and short-term investments,
bonds, mortgages, Canadian and foreign equities, real estate, and oil 
and gas assets.

(a) Change in benefit obligation

94

92

73

6

$««9,935

690

730

70

74

3

(647)

$10,855

Service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan participants’ contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefit payments and transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,156

(665)

(b) Change in plan assets

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,455
69
Employer contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan participants’ contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actual return on plan assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73

6

(175)

Benefit payments and transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,763

(665)

$11,768

59

74

3

1,198

(647)

$12,455

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,855
701
Interest cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighted average fair value of options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.79

$12.54

$18.93

Actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««0.70

$««0.60

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

60

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(c) Funded status

In millions

15 Interest expense

December 31,

2001

2000

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

Excess of fair value of plan assets over 

benefit obligation at end of year (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized net actuarial gain (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized net transition obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷607

(537)

39

133

$«1,600

(1,652)

59

153

Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷242

$«÷«160

(1) Subject to future reduction for gain sharing under the terms of the plan.

(d) Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

In millions

December 31,

Prepaid benefit cost (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additional minimum liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intangible asset  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

$÷251

(9)

(18)

1

17

2000

$166

(6)

–

–

–

Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷242

$160

(e) Components of net periodic benefit cost

In millions

Year ended December 31,

Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of net transition obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expected return on plan assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recognized net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net periodic benefit cost (income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

$«701

÷«92

20

20

(846)

–

$÷(13)

2000

$690

÷«70

19

19

(792)

–

$÷««6

1999

$632

÷«95

19

20

(732)

23

$÷«57

(f) Weighted-average assumptions

Interest on long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $329
(2)
Interest income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$327

Cash interest payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $322

16 Other income 

2000

$322

(11)

$311

$315

1999

$319

(5)

$314

$311

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

2000

1999

Gain on sale of interest in Detroit River 

Tunnel Company (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on disposal of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign exchange gain  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on exchange of investment (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net real estate costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Write-down of investment  

in 360networks Inc. (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$101

÷53

30

7

–

(20)

(99)

(7)

$÷÷–

÷57

10

10

84

(22)

–

(3)

$÷««–

÷56

21

4

–

(25)

–

(1)

$÷65

$136

$÷55

A. In March 2001, the Company completed the sale of its 50 percent
interest in the Detroit River Tunnel Company (DRT) for proceeds of 
$112 million and recorded a gain of $101 million, $73 million after tax.
The DRT is a 1.6 mile rail-only tunnel crossing the Canada-U.S. border
between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

17 Income taxes

The Company’s income tax expense from income before cumulative
effect of changes in accounting policy is as follows:

December 31,

2001

2000

1999

In millions

Year ended December 31,

Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.50%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00%
Expected return on plan assets for 

year ending December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00%

6.50%

4.25%

7.00%

4.25%

9.00%

9.00%

Federal tax rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense from income before income taxes
and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting 
policy based on the Federal tax rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(399)

Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from:

As at December 31, 2001, one of the Company’s pension plans had

Provincial and other taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

an accumulated benefit obligation ($106 million) in excess of the fair
value of the plan assets ($79 million) which gives rise to an additional
minimum pension liability. The projected benefit obligation was $110 mil-
lion at December 31, 2001.

Deferred income tax adjustment 

due to rate reductions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. tax rate differential  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on disposals and dividends  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(178)

122

3

18

54

2001

28.1%

2000

29.1%

1999

29.1%

$(429)

$(352)

(180)

(196)

–

9

18

46

–

38

8

40

14 Special charge

The Company recorded a charge of $98 million, $62 million after tax,
in the second quarter of 2001 for the reduction of 690 positions (388
occurred in 2001 with the remainder planned to be completed by the
end of 2002). The charge included severance and other payments to 
be made to affected employees.

Income tax expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(380)

$(536)

$(462)

Income tax expense is represented by:

Current  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷(85)
(295)
Deferred  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(380)

Cash payments for income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $«÷63

$(224)

(312)

$(536)

$«101

$÷(45)

(417)

$(462)

$÷«45

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

61

)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

17 Income taxes (continued)

Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities

are as follows:

In millions

In millions

Identifiable assets:

December 31,

2001

2000

Canadian rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷9,036
12,187
U.S. rail (v). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷8,712

8,602

$17,314

December 31,

2001

2000

$21,223

Deferred income tax assets
Workforce reduction provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«178
182
Accruals and other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Post-retirement benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Losses and tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

85

«53

498

$÷«202

198

91

«26

517

(i)

(ii)

Includes a 2001 special charge for workforce reductions of $98 million,
$62 million after tax.

Includes $6 million (2000: $8 million, 1999: $6 million) of depreciation and 
amortization of properties related to other business activities.

(iii) Represents additions to properties that includes non-cash capital expenditures

financed with capital leases and capitalized depreciation.

Deferred income tax liabilities

Properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,936

3,778

Total net deferred income tax liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,438

Net current deferred income tax asset  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net long-term deferred income tax liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,591

153

3,261

114

$3,375

In 2001, the Company recognized investment tax credits of $35 mil-
lion not previously recognized, which reduced the cost of properties. The
Company did not recognize any investment tax credits in 2000.

18 Segmented information

The Company operates in one business segment with operations and
assets in Canada and the United States.

Information on geographic areas

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

In millions

Revenues:

(iv)

(v)

Includes $5 million (2000: $9 million, 1999: $11 million) of additions of 
properties related to other business activities.

Includes equity holdings in foreign investments held by the Company’s 
U.S. subsidiaries.

19 Earnings per share

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Basic earnings per share

Income before cumulative effect of changes 

in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.41
–
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy  . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.41

Diluted earnings per share

Income before cumulative effect of changes 

in accounting policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.23
–

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy  . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.23

$4.81

–

$4.81

$4.67

–

$4.67

$3.78

0.03

$3.81

$3.71

0.03

$3.74

$3,650

1,778

$3,524

1,712

$5,428

$5,236

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and

diluted earnings per share:

In millions,
except per share data

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

$1,199

$1,015

Income before cumulative effect of changes

in accounting policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,040

449

452

Income impact on assumed conversion 

$1,648

$1,467

of preferred securities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

«««««««12

$1,052

192.1

8.9

201.0

$÷«937

$÷«746

«««««««11

«««««««6

$«÷948

$÷«752

195.0

7.8

202.8

197.3

5.2

202.5

$÷4.81

$÷3.78

$÷4.67

$÷3.71

Weighted-average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of dilutive securities and stock options  . . . . . . . .

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share from income before

cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . $÷5.41

Diluted earnings per share from income before 

cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy . . . . $÷5.23

Canadian rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income:

Canadian rail (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before cumulative effect of 

changes in accounting policy:

Canadian rail (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization:

Canadian rail (ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures: (iii)

Canadian rail (iv)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3,675

1,977

$5,652

$1,181

501

$1,682

$÷«844

196

$1,040

$÷«309

229

$÷«538

$÷«723

274

$÷«997

$÷«695

$÷«565

242

181

$÷«937

$÷«746

$÷«336

$÷«294

197

202

$÷«533

$÷«496

$÷«802

$÷«954

310

324

$1,112

$1,278

62

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

20 Major commitments and contingencies

A. Leases
The Company’s commitments as at December 31, 2001 under operating
and capital leases totaling $1,253 million and $1,449 million, respectively,
with annual net minimum payments in each of the five following fiscal
years to 2007 and thereafter, are as follows:

Year

In millions

Operating

2002  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«230

2003  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2004  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2006  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2007 and thereafter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

196

176

154

120

377

Capital

$÷«186

122

136

95

60

850

$1,253

1,449

Less: imputed interest on capital 
leases at rates ranging from 
approximately 3.14% to 14.6%  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

545

Present value of minimum lease payments 

at current rate included in debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«904

B. Other commitments
As at December 31, 2001, the Company had commitments to acquire
railroad ties at a cost of $28 million, rail at a cost of $20 million, and
freight cars at a cost of $4 million. Furthermore, as at December 31,
2001, the Company had entered into agreements with fuel suppliers to
purchase approximately 35% of its anticipated 2002 volume and 11% 
of its anticipated 2003 volume at market prices prevailing on the date 
of the purchase.

C. Contingencies
In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in
various legal actions, including claims relating to contractual obligations,
personal injuries including occupational related claims, damage to property
and environmental matters. The Company maintains provisions for such
items which it considers to be adequate. The final outcome with respect to
actions outstanding or pending as at December 31, 2001 cannot be pre-
dicted with certainty, and therefore, there can be no assurance that their
resolution and any future claims will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular
quarter or fiscal year.

D. Environmental matters 
The Company’s operations are subject to federal, provincial, state, municipal
and local regulations under environmental laws and regulations concern-
ing, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters;
the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal
of waste, hazardous substances, and other materials; decommissioning of

underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater
contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in the railroad
and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation
or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect
to both current and past operations. As a result, the Company incurs 
significant compliance and capital costs, on an ongoing basis, associated
with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements 
in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership,
operation or control of real property.

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to

be incurred in the next several years, based on known information, for
environmental matters, the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential
environmental concerns that may be associated with its properties may
lead to future environmental investigations, which may result in the iden-
tification of additional environmental costs and liabilities. The magnitude
of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with environmen-
tal laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reason-
ably estimated due to:

(i)

(ii)

the lack of specific technical information available with respect to
many sites;

the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or
claims with respect to particular sites;

(iii) the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for
development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty
regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites;

(iv) the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect to

particular sites; and

therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such
costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this
time. There can thus be no assurance that material liabilities or costs
related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position
or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the
Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such environmental
liabilities or costs. Although the effect on operating results and liquidity
cannot be reasonably estimated, management believes, based on current
information, that environmental matters will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company’s financial condition or competitive position. Costs
related to any future remediation will be accrued in the year in which
they become known.

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

63

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

20 Major commitments and contingencies (continued)

As at December 31, 2001, the Company had aggregate accruals 
for environmental costs of $112 million ($85 million as at December 31,
2000). During 2001, payments of $14 million were applied to the provision
for environmental costs compared to $11 million in 2000 and $16 million
in 1999. In addition, related environmental capital expenditures were
$19 million in 2001, $20 million in 2000 and $11 million in 1999. The
Company also expects to incur capital expenditures relating to environ-
mental matters of approximately $21 million in 2002 and $30 million in
each of 2003 and 2004. The Company has not included any reduction 
in costs for anticipated recovery from insurance.

21 Financial instruments

As mentioned in Note 2, the Company adopted on January 1, 2001 SFAS
No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as
amended by SFAS No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments
and Certain Hedging Activities.”

A. Risk management
The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instru-
ments in the management of its fuel, interest rate and foreign currency
exposures, and does not use them for trading purposes.

(i) Credit risk
In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial con-
dition of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-perfor-
mance by counterparties to its derivative financial instruments but does
not expect such non-performance as counterparties are of high credit
quality. Collateral or other security to support financial instruments sub-
ject to credit risk is usually not obtained; however, the credit standing of
counterparties is regularly monitored. The total risk associated with the
Company’s counterparties was immaterial at December 31, 2001. The
Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk.

(ii) Interest rates
For the purpose of minimizing the volatility in the fair value of certain
fixed-interest long-term debt, the Company entered into interest rate
swap transactions during 2000 for a total notional amount of $150 million
and U.S.$50 million (Cdn$75 million) resulting in effectively converting
some fixed interest rate debt into floating interest rate debt. These swaps
were accounted for as fair value hedges and assumed to have no ineffec-
tiveness pursuant to SFAS No. 133 requirements. In 2001, these swap trans-
actions matured and the underlying debts have been repaid. The Company
did not enter into any new interest rate swap transactions in 2001.

(iii) Foreign currency
Although the Company conducts its business and receives revenues pri-
marily in Canadian dollars, a growing portion of its revenues, expenses,
assets and debt are denominated in U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company’s
results are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between these
currencies. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and
other currencies (including the U.S. dollar) make the goods transported
by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and
thereby affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

For the purpose of minimizing volatility of earnings resulting from the
conversion of U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt into the Canadian
dollar, the Company has designated all U.S. dollar denominated long-term
debt of the parent company as a foreign exchange hedge of its net
investment in U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of designation,
unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of the
Company’s U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt are recorded in 
Other comprehensive income.

(iv) Fuel 
To mitigate the effects of fuel price changes on its operating margins
and overall profitability, the Company has a systematic hedging program
which calls for regularly entering into swap positions on crude and heat-
ing oil to cover a target percentage of future fuel consumption up to two
years in advance. The changes in the fair value of the swap positions are
highly correlated to changes in the price of fuel, therefore pursuant to
SFAS No. 133 requirements, these fuel hedges are being accounted for as
cash flow hedges, whereby the effective portion of the cumulative change
in the market value of the derivative instruments has been recorded in
Other comprehensive income. The amounts accumulated in Other compre-
hensive income will be reclassified into income upon the ultimate con-
sumption of the hedged fuel. To the extent that the cumulative change 
in the fair value of the swap positions does not offset the cumulative
change in the price of fuel, the ineffective portion of the hedge will be
recognized into income immediately. In the event that the fuel hedge 
is discontinued and the forecasted purchase of fuel is not expected to
occur, the amount accumulated in Other comprehensive income would
be reclassified into income immediately.

Realized gains and losses from the Company’s fuel hedging activities

were $6 million loss, $49 million gain and $5 million gain for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. At December 31,
2001, the Company has hedged approximately 45% of the estimated 2002
fuel consumption and 25% of the estimated 2003 fuel consumption. This
represents approximately 264 million U.S. gallons at an average price of
U.S.$0.607 per U.S. gallon.

At December 31, 2001, Accumulated other comprehensive income
included an unrealized loss of $38 million, of which $31 million relates
to derivative transactions that will mature within the next year. The
requirements of SFAS No. 133 did not have a significant impact on 

64

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the Consolidated Statement of Income since the Company’s derivative
instruments have been highly effective in hedging the changes in cash
flows associated with forecasted purchases of diesel fuel. The Company
did not recognize any material gains or losses in 2001 due to fuel 
hedge ineffectiveness.

(v) Other
The Company does not currently have any derivative instruments not
designated as hedging instruments.

B. Fair value of financial instruments
Generally accepted accounting principles define the fair value of a financial
instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged
in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company uses the
following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each
class of financial instruments for which the carrying amounts are included
in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the following captions:

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Accounts payable
and accrued charges, and Other current liabilities:
The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short 
maturity of these instruments.

(ii) Other assets and deferred charges:
Investments: The Company has various debt and equity investments for
which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception
of a cost investment for which the fair value was estimated based on
CN’s proportionate share of its net assets.

(iii) Long-term debt:
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on
the 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.

22 Other comprehensive income (loss)

A. Components of Other comprehensive income (loss) and the related
tax effects are as follows:

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

Before Income tax
(expense)
recovery

tax
amount

Net of
tax
amount

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on 
translation of U.S. dollar denominated 
long-term debt designated as a hedge 
of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries . . . . . . . .

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) 
on translation of the net investment 
in foreign operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized holding loss on investment in 

360networks Inc. (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized holding loss on fuel 

derivative instruments (Note 21). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minimum pension liability adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income tax (DIT) rate enactment . . . . . . . . . .

$(202)

$÷«71

$(131)

308

(129)

(38)

(17)

–

(108)

200

35

13

6

(32)

(94)

(25)

(11)

(32)

Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷(78)

$÷(15)

$÷(93)

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2000

Before
tax
amount

Income tax
(expense)
recovery

Net of
tax
amount

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on 
translation of U.S. dollar denominated 
long-term debt designated as a hedge  
of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries . . . . . . . .

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) 
on translation of the net investment 
in U.S. subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷(91)

$«34

$«(57)

191

(71)

120

Unrealized holding gain on investment in 

360networks Inc. (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

129

Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$«229

(35)

$(72)

94

$157

(iv) Convertible preferred securities:
The fair value of the Company’s convertible preferred securities is esti-
mated based on the quoted market price.

In millions

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair
values of the Company’s financial instruments as at December 31, 2001
and 2000 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
are different from the fair values:

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on 
translation of U.S. dollar denominated 
long-term debt designated as a hedge  
of the net investment in IC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) 

In millions

December 31, 2001

December 31, 2000

on translation of the net investment in IC . . . . . . .

Year ended December 31, 1999

Before
tax
amount

Income tax
(expense)
recovery

Net of
tax
amount

$«180

$«(69)

$«111

(202)

2

78

(1)

(124)

1

Minimum pension liability adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««(20)

$««««8

$««(12)

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Financial assets
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«496
Financial liabilities

Long-term debt 

(including current portion). . . . . . . . . $5,927
Convertible preferred securities . . . . . . . $÷«366

$ ÷551

$÷«269

$ ÷315

$5,986

$÷«479

$4,320

$÷«345

$4,191

$÷«315

U.S. GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

65

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

22 Other comprehensive income (loss) (continued)

B. Changes in the balances of each classification within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

In millions

Foreign
exchange –
Net investment
in foreign
operations

Holding gain
(loss) on
360networks Inc.
investment

Foreign
exchange –
U.S.$ debt

Holding
loss on fuel
derivative
instruments

Minimum
pension
liability
adjustment

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)

DIT rate
enactment

Balance at January 1, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(144)

Period change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Period change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Period change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

111

(33)

(57)

(90)

(131)

$(221)

$«151

(124)

27

120

147

200

$«347

$ ÷«–

–

–

94

94

(94)

$÷«–

$ ÷«–

$÷(1)

$÷«–

–

–

–

–

(25)

$(25)

1

–

–

–

(11)

$(11)

–

–

–

–

(32)

$(32)

$÷«6

(12)

(6)

157

151

(93)

$«58

23 Quarterly financial data – unaudited

In millions, except per share data

Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fourth

$1,537

$«««521

$«««296

2001

Third

Second

$1,325

$«««430

$«««252

$1,392

$«««346

$«««217

First

$1,398

$«««385

$«««275

Fourth

$1,393

$«««441

$«««237

2000

Third

Second

$1,330

$«««407

$«««216

$1,333

$«««418

$«««230

First

$1,372

$«««382

$«««254

Basic earnings per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««1.54

$««1.31

$««1.13

$««1.44

$««1.24

$««1.12

$««1.18

$««1.27

Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««1.48

$««1.27

$««1.10

$««1.39

$««1.20

$««1.09

$««1.15

$««1.24

Dividend declared per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$0.195

$0.195

$0.195

$0.195

$0.175

$0.175

$0.175

$0.175

24 Comparative figures

Certain figures, previously reported for 2000 and 1999, have been 
reclassified to conform with the basis of presentation adopted in the 
current year.

66

Canadian National Railway Company

U.S. GAAP

Financial Section (Canadian GA AP)

Contents

Canadian National Railway Company

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

68 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
80 Management Report
Auditors’ Report
80
Consolidated Statement of Income
81
Consolidated Balance Sheet
82
Consolidated Statement of Changes in
83
Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

84

103
104
105
105
106

107

108

General Review
Trustee’s Report
Actuary’s Report
Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Statement of Net Assets 
at Market Value
Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Net Assets at Market Value
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

85
87
87
88
88
89
89
90
90
91
92
93
94
95
95
95
95
96
96
96
97
99
102
102

1 Summary of significant accounting policies
2 Accounting changes
3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation
4 Accounts receivable
5 Properties
6 Other assets and deferred charges
7 Credit facilities
8 Accounts payable and accrued charges
9 Other liabilities and deferred credits
10 Long-term debt
11 Capital stock and convertible preferred securities
12 Stock plans
13 Pensions
14 Special charge
15 Interest expense
16 Other income
17 Income taxes
18 Segmented information
19 Earnings per share
20 Major commitments and contingencies
21 Financial instruments
22 Reconciliation of Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles
23 Quarterly financial data – unaudited
24 Comparative figures

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

67

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Management’s discussion and analysis relates to the financial condition and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company (CN)
together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, including Grand Trunk Corporation, Illinois Central Corporation (IC) and Wisconsin Central
Transportation Corporation (WC), the latter from October 9, 2001 through December 31, 2001. As used herein, the word “Company” means, as
the context requires, CN and its subsidiaries. CN’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Except where other-
wise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and determined on the basis of Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles (Canadian GAAP).

Financial results

2001 compared to 2000
The Company recorded consolidated net income of $727 million ($3.72
per basic share) for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to
$774 million ($3.91 per basic share) for the year ended December 31,
2000. Diluted earnings per share were $3.62 for the current year com-
pared to $3.82 in 2000. The results for 2001 include net income of $11
million related to the acquisition of WC. Operating income was $1,366
million for 2001 compared to $1,385 million in 2000. This represents a
decrease of $19 million, or 1%.

The years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 include items impact-

ing the comparability of the results of operations. Included in 2001 is a
special charge for workforce reductions of $98 million, $62 million after
tax ($0.32 per basic share or $0.31 per diluted share), a charge to write
down the Company’s net investment in 360networks Inc. of $99 million,
$77 million after tax ($0.40 per basic share or $0.38 per diluted share)
and a gain of $101 million, $82 million after tax ($0.42 per basic share
or $0.41 per diluted share) related to the sale of the Company’s 50 per-
cent interest in the Detroit River Tunnel Company (DRT). In 2000, the

Company recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million after tax ($0.30 per
basic share or $0.28 per diluted share) related to the exchange of its
minority equity investments in certain joint venture companies for 11.4
million shares of 360networks Inc.

Excluding the effects of the items discussed in the preceding para-

graph, consolidated net income was $784 million ($4.02 per basic share
or $3.90 per diluted share) in 2001 compared to $716 million ($3.61 per
basic share or $3.54 per diluted share) in 2000. Operating income, exclud-
ing the 2001 special charge, increased by $79 million, or 6%, to $1,464
million. The operating ratio, excluding the special charge, improved to
74.1% in 2001 from 74.6% in 2000, a half-point betterment.

Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 totaled $5,652 million
compared to $5,446 million in 2000. The increase of $206 million, or 4%,
was mainly attributable to the inclusion of $129 million of WC revenues
and to gains in metals and minerals, intermodal, forest products and
grain and fertilizers. This was partially offset by lower automotive rev-
enues. Revenue ton miles and freight revenue per revenue ton mile each
increased by 2% as compared to 2000.

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

2001

2000

2001

2000

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«923
458
Metals and minerals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forest products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intermodal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automotive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,088

338

1,161

969

520

Other items (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,652

195

(1) Principally non-freight revenues derived from third parties.

Revenues

Revenue ton miles

In millions

Freight revenue
per revenue ton mile

In cents

$÷«894

392

1,008

328

1,136

919

559

210

25,243

10,777

29,639

15,566

42,728

26,257

2,885

–

24,858

9,207

28,741

15,734

42,396

25,456

3,165

–

$5,446

153,095

149,557

3.66

4.25

3.67

2.17

2.72

3.69

18.02

–

3.56

3.60

4.26

3.51

2.08

2.68

3.61

17.66

–

3.50

68

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $29 mil-
lion, or 3%, over 2000, of which $22 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth in the year was driven by market
share gains and plant expansions in the petroleum products sector,
increased salt traffic, mainly in the early part of the year, and the weaker
Canadian dollar. Significant weakness in sulfur demand partially offset
these increases. The revenue per revenue ton mile increase of 2% for the
year was mainly attributable to the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Forest products
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $80 mil-
lion, or 8%, over 2000 of which $55 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was driven by market share gains
in the panels segment and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.
These gains were partially offset by weakness in the pulp and paper 
markets due, in part, to a significant reduction in U.S. paper consump-
tion. The increase in revenue per revenue ton mile of 5% was mainly 
due to the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar and the inclusion of
shorter haul WC traffic.

Petroleum and chemicals

Forest products

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

47%

53%

2
2
3

5
8
4

4
9
4

2
1
5

9
1
5

12%

32%

28%

5
4
3

9
7
4

1
8
4

6
8
4

1
0
5

53%  Petroleum and plastics
47%  Chemicals

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

28%

32%  Lumber
28%  Fibers

28%  Paper
12%  Panels

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

Metals and minerals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $66 mil-
lion, or 17%, over 2000 of which $22 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth in the year was driven by strong
Canadian aluminum exports to the United States in line with weaker U.S.
production, increased levels of equipment traffic, market share gains in
steel, ores and concentrates, and increased stone and rock shipments to
the United States. Significant weakness in the steel markets partially off-
set overall growth. Revenue per revenue ton mile was essentially flat
year over year.

Coal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $10 mil-
lion, or 3%, over 2000, of which $7 million resulted from the inclusion of
WC revenues. Excluding WC, strong demand for thermal coal in the year
was partially offset by reduced shipments of metallurgical coal due to
the closure of some Canadian mines in 2000. The revenue per revenue
ton mile increase of 4% was mainly due to an increase in rates tied to
commodity prices and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Metals and minerals

Coal

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

3
7
2

6
6
2

6
5
2

7
8
2

29%

71%

4
9
1

14%

86%

4
3
5

8
5
5

8
2
5

7
1
5

7
8
2

71%  Metals
29%  Minerals

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

86%  Coal
14%  Petroleum coke

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

69

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Grain and fertilizers
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $25 mil-
lion, or 2%, over 2000 of which $15 million resulted from the inclusion
of WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was mainly driven by higher
wheat shipments to the United States, increased market share of U.S.
corn and soybean traffic and higher exports of canola through Vancouver.
The 1% increase in revenue per revenue ton mile was mainly due to a
shift to shorter haul traffic and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar,
partially offset by the introduction of the Canadian grain revenue cap 
in August 2000.

Automotive
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 decreased by $39 mil-
lion, or 7%, from 2000. The revenue decline resulted from weakness 
in North American vehicle production in 2001 and from one-time gains
obtained in 2000 due, in part, to competitors’ service problems. The
decline was partially offset by the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar.
The increase in revenue per revenue ton mile of 2% was mainly due to
the weaker Canadian dollar partially offset by an increase in the average
length of haul.

Grain and fertilizers

Automotive

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

7
3
5

2
4
5

7
6
5

0
9
5

4
8
3

10%

12%

31%

23%

24%

19%

81%

0
1
3

6
2
3

4
0
3

9
7
2

7
5
2

31%  Food grain
24%  Oil seeds
23%  Feed grain

12%  Potash
10%  Fertilizers

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

81%  Finished vehicles
19%  Auto parts

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

Intermodal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2001 increased by $50 mil-
lion, or 5%, over 2000 of which $7 million resulted from the inclusion of
WC revenues. Excluding WC, growth was driven by market share gains in
the international segment and from new service offerings in the domes-
tic segment. Weaker economic conditions in the second half of the year
led to slower growth. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 2%
due to rate increases and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar, par-
tially offset by a shift to longer haul traffic.

Intermodal

Percentage of revenues

Carloads*

In thousands

1
2
1
,
1

3
0
1
,
1

4
9
9

8
1
9

42%

58%

6
3
7

58%  Domestic
42%  International

97

98

99

00

01

*1997 excludes IC and 2001 includes WC from  
  October 9 through December 31

70

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Operating expenses
Operating expenses amounted to $4,286 million in 2001 compared to
$4,061 million in 2000. The increase in 2001 was mainly due to the
inclusion of $95 million of WC expenses, the special charge for workforce
reductions, increased depreciation and amortization expense, higher fuel

costs, and increased expenses for equipment rents and casualty and
other. Partially offsetting these increases were lower expenses for pur-
chased services. Operating expenses, excluding the special charge,
amounted to $4,188 million, an increase of $127 million, or 3%, from 2000.

Dollars in millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Labor and fringe benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,726
546
Purchased services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amount

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment rents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Material  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

463

485

314

265

158

231

4,188

Special charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,286

98

% of
revenue

30.5%
9.7%
8.2%
8.6%
5.5%
4.7%
2.8%
4.1%
74.1%

% of
revenue

30.9%

10.9%

7.6%

8.3%

5.4%

4.8%

2.9%

3.8%

74.6%

Amount

$1,684

595

412

450

291

263

158

208

4,061

–

$4,061

Labor and fringe benefits: Labor and fringe benefit expenses in 2001
increased by $42 million, or 2%, as compared to 2000. The increase was
mainly attributable to the inclusion of WC labor expense of $46 million,
wage increases and the impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S.
denominated expenses. This was partially offset by lower pension and
other benefit related expenses.

Purchased services: Costs of purchased services decreased by $49 mil-
lion, or 8%, in 2001 as compared to 2000. The decrease was mainly 
due to one-time consulting and professional fees related to a proposed
combination in 2000 and lower contracted services in 2001. This was
partially offset by higher equipment repair expenses and $11 million
resulting from the inclusion of WC purchased services expense.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense 
in 2001 increased by $51 million, or 12%, as compared to 2000. The
increase was mainly due to net capital additions and the inclusion of 
WC depreciation of $10 million.

Fuel: Fuel expense in 2001 increased by $35 million, or 8%, as compared
to 2000, primarily due to an increase in the average cost of fuel and the
inclusion of $10 million of WC fuel expense.

Equipment rents: These expenses increased by $23 million, or 8%, in
2001 as compared to 2000. The increase was mainly attributable to
lower lease and offline car hire income and the inclusion of $6 million 
of WC equipment rents. This was partially offset by lower private car
mileage payments.

Material: Material costs increased by $2 million, or 1%, in 2001 as 
compared to 2000. The increase was mainly due to higher locomotive
and car maintenance costs and the inclusion of $4 million of WC mater-
ial costs which were mostly offset by higher recoveries in 2001 from
work performed for third parties.

Operating taxes: Operating taxes remained unchanged as higher provin-
cial capital taxes and the inclusion of $2 million of WC operating taxes
were offset by provincial sales tax recoveries in 2001.

Casualty and other: These expenses increased by $23 million, or 11%,
in 2001 as compared to 2000. The increase resulted from higher expenses
for occupational related claims and environmental matters, and the 
inclusion of $6 million of WC casualty and other expense. This was 
partially offset by lower expenses for damaged equipment and merchan-
dise claims.

Special charge: The Company recorded a charge of $98 million, $62 mil-
lion after tax, in the second quarter of 2001 for the reduction of 690 
positions (388 occurred in 2001 with the remainder planned to be com-
pleted by the end of 2002). The charge included severance and other 
payments to be made to affected employees.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

71

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Other
Interest expense: Interest expense increased by $17 million to $312 mil-
lion for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to 2000. The
increase was mainly due to the financing related to the acquisition of
WC, the inclusion of $4 million of WC interest expense, and the impact 
of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. denominated interest costs. This
was, in part, offset by the refinancing of a portion of matured debt at
lower rates.

Other income: In 2001, the Company recorded other income of $65 mil-
lion compared to $126 million in 2000. Included in 2001 is a charge of
$99 million to write down the Company’s net investment in 360networks
Inc., a one-time gain of $101 million related to the sale of the Company’s
50 percent interest in DRT and $11 million of WC other income. The 
comparative 2000 period included an $84 million gain related to the
360networks Inc. transaction.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded an income tax expense of
$392 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $442
million in 2000. The effective tax rate for the year ended December 31,
2001 decreased to 35.0% from 36.3% in 2000 due mainly to lower tax
rates in 2001.

2000 compared to 1999
The Company recorded consolidated net income of $774 million ($3.91
per basic share) for the year ended December 31, 2000 compared to

$603 million ($3.03 per basic share) for the year ended December 31,
1999. Diluted earnings per share were $3.82 in 2000 compared to 
$2.98 in 1999.

In 2000, the Company recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million
after tax ($0.30 per basic share or $0.28 per diluted share), related to
the exchange of its minority equity investments in certain joint venture
companies for common shares in 360networks Inc. Excluding the effect
of this item, consolidated net income was $716 million ($3.61 per basic
share or $3.54 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2000.
Operating income was $1,385 million for 2000 compared to $1,233

million in 1999. This represents an increase of $152 million, or 12%.
The operating ratio in 2000 was 74.6% compared to 76.6% in 1999.

Revenues
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 totaled $5,446 million
compared to $5,261 million in 1999. The increase of $185 million, or 4%,
was mainly attributable to gains in automotive, intermodal and grain 
and fertilizers. This was partially offset by lower coal revenues. Revenue
ton miles increased by 4% as compared to 1999 while freight revenue
per revenue ton mile remained flat.

Year ended December 31,

2000

1999

2000

1999

2000

1999

Revenues

Revenue ton miles

In millions

Freight revenue
per revenue ton mile

In cents

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«894

$÷«878

Metals and minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forest products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Coal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intermodal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

392

1,008

328

1,136

919

559

210

398

995

402

1,066

810

483

229

24,858

9,207

28,741

15,734

42,396

25,456

3,165

–

24,194

9,271

27,500

18,645

38,681

22,589

2,733

–

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,446

$5,261

149,557

143,613

3.60

4.26

3.51

2.08

2.68

3.61

17.66

–

3.50

3.63

4.29

3.62

2.16

2.76

3.59

17.67

–

3.50

72

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased by $16 mil-
lion, or 2%, over 1999. Growth in 2000 was mainly due to increased
demand for petroleum gas, industrial chemicals and petrochemicals.
Growth was also driven by increased production from plant expansions
in the petroleum products segments. Weak market demand for polyvinyl
chloride (PVC plastics) and related chemicals and sulfur exports to the
United States partially offset these gains. The revenue per revenue ton
mile decrease of 1% for 2000 was mainly due to changes in some con-
tract and rate structures.

Metals and minerals
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $6 million,
or 2%, as compared to 1999. The decline in 2000 reflects lower finished
steel shipments due, in particular, to fewer pipeline projects in western
Canada and customer production shutdowns in 2000. This is partially 
offset by market share gains in, as well as strength from, both the overall
steel markets in the first half of 2000 and concentrate markets during
2000. The revenue per revenue ton mile decrease of 1% for 2000 was
mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul.

Forest products
Revenues for 2000 grew by $13 million over 1999, representing a 
1% increase. Market share gains, as well as solid demand in the paper 
segment, drove growth in 2000. Declining lumber shipments due to
weaker commodity prices and fewer housing starts in the United States
compared to 1999 partially offset these gains. The revenue per revenue
ton mile decrease of 3% for 2000 can be attributed to an increase in 
the average length of haul. Rate pressure as a result of consolidations 
in the forest products industry was also a contributing factor.

Coal
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $74 mil-
lion, or 18%, from 1999. Continued weak market conditions for Canadian
export coal resulted in lower shipments from, and closures of, certain 
CN-served coal mines. This was compounded by further rate reductions
which were tied to coal prices. The revenue per revenue ton mile decrease
of 4% for 2000 was mainly due to reduced freight rates tied to contracted
coal prices.

Grain and fertilizers
Revenues for 2000 increased by $70 million, or 7%, over 1999. The
increase in 2000 was mainly driven by strong Canadian wheat and barley
exports, as well as U.S. and Canadian oil seed exports. Revenue per 
revenue ton mile decreased by 3% for 2000 mainly due to a decline in
grain rates in Canada and a shift to longer haul traffic.

Intermodal
Revenues in 2000 increased by $109 million, or 13%, in comparison 
to the year ended December 31, 1999. Increased container trade 
through the ports of Vancouver and Halifax and market share gains
drove the growth in the international segment. The domestic segment
benefited from strength in the North American economy as well as 
market share gains through enhanced service offerings. The revenue 
per revenue ton mile increase of 1% for 2000 is mainly due to a shift 
to higher yielding traffic.

Automotive
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 increased by $76 mil-
lion, or 16%, over 1999. The increase in revenues for 2000 reflects strong
North American vehicle sales during the first nine months of 2000 and
one-time gains due, in part, to competitors’ service problems. The 
revenue per revenue ton mile for 2000 remained relatively unchanged
despite an increase in the average length of haul, due to growth of
higher yielding traffic.

Other items
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2000 decreased by $19 mil-
lion over 1999. The majority of the 8% decrease was attributable to a
non-recurring branch line subsidy payment from the Canadian Transport-
ation Agency (CTA) received in 1999 relating to a claim for unprofitable
lines. This was partially offset by increased revenues in 2000 for com-
muter services.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

73

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Operating expenses
Operating expenses amounted to $4,061 million in 2000 compared to
$4,028 million in 1999. Operating expenses remained relatively flat with

an increase of $33 million, or less than 1%, due predominantly to signifi-
cantly higher fuel costs and depreciation, partially offset by reductions in
all other expense categories.

Dollars in millions

Year ended December 31,

2000

1999

Amount

Labor and fringe benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,684

Purchased services  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment rents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Material  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

595

412

450

291

263

158

208

% of
revenue

30.9%

10.9%

7.6%

8.3%

5.4%

4.8%

2.9%

3.8%

Amount

$1,711

591

400

309

335

260

173

249

% of
revenue

32.5%

11.2%

7.6%

5.9%

6.4%

5.0%

3.3%

4.7%

Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$4,061

74.6%

$4,028

76.6%

Labor and fringe benefits: Labor and fringe benefit expenses in 2000
decreased by $27 million, or 2%, as compared to 1999. The decrease 
was mainly attributable to the Company’s reduced workforce and lower
pension related expenses, partially offset by wage increases in 2000.

Purchased services: Costs of purchased services increased by $4 million,
or 1%, in 2000 as compared to 1999. The increase was mainly due 
to higher consulting and professional fees related to a proposed combi-
nation in 2000. This was partially offset by a new directional running
agreement and higher recoveries from joint facilities.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization 
expense in 2000 increased by $12 million, or 3%, as compared to 1999.
The increase was due to the impact of net capital additions and the
acquisition, at the end of 1999, of certain equipment formerly under
operating leases.

Fuel: Fuel expense in 2000 increased by $141 million, or 46%, as com-
pared to 1999. This was largely due to a 43% increase in the average
fuel price (net of the Company’s fuel hedging program) as well as an
increase in traffic volumes. An improvement in fuel efficiency partially
offset the higher fuel costs.

Equipment rents: These expenses decreased by $44 million, or 13%,
in 2000 as compared to 1999. The decrease was mainly attributable to
continuing improvements in asset utilization as a result of the Company’s
service plan and the acquisition of certain equipment formerly under
operating leases. This was partially offset by higher volumes and more
foreign cars on-line.

Material: Material costs in 2000 remained relatively unchanged from 
the 1999 level with only a 1% increase.

Operating taxes: Operating taxes decreased by $15 million, or 9%, in
2000, mainly as a result of lower municipal property taxes and a refund
of prior years’ sales tax. This was partially offset by higher diesel fuel
taxes resulting from increased volumes.

Casualty and other: These expenses decreased by $41 million, or 16%,
in 2000 as compared to 1999. Lower expenses for environmental mat-
ters, damaged equipment as well as various one-time recoveries largely
drove the decrease. This was partially offset by higher casualty and legal
costs and bad debt expense.

74

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Other
Interest expense: Interest expense of $295 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000 remained relatively unchanged from the 1999 level.

Dividends: During 2001, the Company paid dividends totaling $174 mil-
lion to its shareholders at the rate of $0.195 per share per quarter on the
common shares and 5.25% per year on the convertible preferred securities.

Other income: In 2000, the Company recorded other income of $126 mil-
lion compared to $48 million in 1999. This increase was mainly due to
the Company’s gain on the exchange of its minority equity investments
in certain joint venture companies for shares of 360networks Inc.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded an income tax expense of
$442 million in 2000 compared to $370 million in 1999. The effective
income tax rate was 36.3% for 2000 and 38.0% in 1999. The reduced
effective tax rate in 2000 reflects lower overall income taxes applicable
to CN and its subsidiaries’ operations in certain jurisdictions.

Liquidity and capital resources

Operating activities: Cash provided from operations was $1,232 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $1,128 million for
2000. Net income, excluding non-cash items, generated cash of $1,599
million in 2001, up from $1,329 million in 2000. Cash from operations
included an increase in net proceeds of $133 million from the Company’s
accounts receivable securitization program. Cash generated in 2001 and
2000 was partially consumed by payments with respect to workforce
reductions of $169 million and $189 million, respectively, and income tax
payments of $63 million and $101 million, respectively. The provision for
workforce reductions amounted to $491 million as at December 31,
2001. Cash payments with respect to these workforce reduction accruals
are expected to be approximately $151 million in 2002.

Investing activities: Cash used by investing activities in 2001 amounted
to $1,764 million compared to $586 million in 2000. Investing activities
included $1,278 million related to the acquisition of WC as at October 9,
2001 and proceeds of $112 million from the sale of DRT. Net capital
expenditures amounted to $638 million for the year ended December 31,
2001, relatively unchanged from 2000. Net capital expenditures included
expenditures for roadway renewal, rolling stock, and other capacity and
productivity improvements.

The Company anticipates that capital expenditures for 2002 will
remain at approximately the same level as 2001. This will include funds
required for ongoing renewal of the basic plant and other acquisitions
and investments required to improve the Company’s operating efficiency
and customer service.

As at December 31, 2001, the Company had commitments to acquire

railroad ties at a cost of $28 million, rail at a cost of $20 million and
freight cars at a cost of $4 million.

Financing activities: Cash provided from financing activities totaled 
$740 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to cash
used of $681 million in 2000. The increase was mainly due to the
issuance of debt securities in two series, U.S.$400 million (Cdn$629 mil-
lion) 6.375% Notes due 2011 and U.S.$200 million (Cdn$314 million)
7.375% Debentures due 2031. At December 31, 2001, the Company had
U.S.$400 million remaining for issuance under its currently effective 
shelf registration statement. In 2001, the Company did not repurchase
any common shares under the share repurchase program, whereas in
2000, $529 million was used to repurchase common shares as part of
the share repurchase program. During 2001, the Company recorded 
$91 million in capital lease obligations ($149 million in 2000) for capital
leases related to new equipment and the exercise of purchase options 
on existing equipment.

Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation

On January 29, 2001, the Company, through an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, and WC entered into a merger agreement (the Merger) pro-
viding for the acquisition of all of the shares of WC by the Company for
an acquisition cost of $1,297 million (U.S.$831 million). The Merger was
approved by the shareholders of WC at a special meeting held on April 4,
2001. On September 7, 2001, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB)
rendered a decision, unanimously approving the Company’s acquisition
of WC. On October 9, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of
WC and began a phased integration of the companies’ operations. The
acquisition was financed by debt and cash on hand.

The Merger involves the integration of two previously independent

businesses to provide shippers enhanced rail services over a coordinated
network. There can be no assurance that the Company and WC will be
able to coordinate their businesses without encountering operational dif-
ficulties or experiencing the loss of key CN or WC employees or cus-
tomers, or that there will be realization of rail service and other
efficiencies or synergies that are expected to be derived from the Merger.

The Company accounted for the Merger using the purchase method

of accounting as required by the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 1581 “Business Combinations.”
As such, the Company’s consolidated financial statements include the
assets, liabilities and results of operations of WC as of October 9, 2001,
the date of acquisition. The impact of the results of the final valuation of
WC’s assets and liabilities and changes in accounting practices are not
expected to have a material impact on the results of operations.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

75

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Share repurchase program

Business risks

On January 23, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a
share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 10
million common shares between January 31, 2001 and January 30, 2002
pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had not repurchased any common
shares under the share repurchase program.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In August 2001, the CICA issued Handbook Section 3062, “Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets.” Effective for the Company’s fiscal year begin-
ning January 1, 2002, the section changes the accounting for goodwill
from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach. In addi-
tion, this section requires acquired intangible assets to be separately 
recognized if the benefit of the intangible assets are obtained through
contractual or other legal right, or if the intangible assets can be sold,
transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. The Company does not expect
this section to have a material impact on its financial statements.
In December 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline 13
“Hedging Relationships.” Effective for the Company’s fiscal year begin-
ning January 1, 2003, for the purpose of applying hedge accounting, the
guideline provides guidance on the identification, designation, documen-
tation and effectiveness of hedging relationships. The guideline also
addresses the discontinuance of hedge accounting. The Company does
not expect this guideline, when adopted, to have a material impact on 
its financial statements.

In December 2001, the CICA issued Handbook Section 3870, “Stock-

Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments.” Effective for 
the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2002, the new section
requires the use of a fair-value based approach of accounting for 
certain specified stock-based awards. For all other employee stock-based
awards, the section encourages but does not require that a fair-value
based approach be used. The section also addresses the accounting for
stock appreciation rights and awards to be settled in cash, other finan-
cial assets and equity. The Company does not expect this section to have
an initial material impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

Certain information included in this report may be “forward-looking
statements“ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not
guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the outlook, the actual
results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materi-
ally different from any future results or performance implied by such
statements. Such factors include the factors set forth below as well as
other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company
with securities regulators in Canada and the United States.

Competition
The Company faces significant competition from a variety of carriers,
including Canadian Pacific Railway Company which operates the other
major rail system in Canada, serving most of the same industrial and
population centers as the Company, long distance trucking companies
and, in certain markets, major U.S. railroads and other Canadian and U.S.
railroads. Competition is generally based on the quality and reliability of
services provided, price, and the condition and suitability of carriers’
equipment. Competition is particularly intense in eastern Canada where
an extensive highway network and population centers, located relatively
close to one another, have encouraged significant competition from
trucking companies. In addition, much of the freight carried by the
Company consists of commodity goods that are available from other
sources in competitive markets. Factors affecting the competitive position
of suppliers of these commodities, including exchange rates, could mate-
rially adversely affect the demand for goods supplied by the sources
served by the Company and, therefore, the Company’s volumes, revenues
and profit margins.

To a greater degree than other rail carriers, the Company’s sub-
sidiary, Illinois Central Railroad Company (ICRR), is vulnerable to barge
competition because its main routes are parallel to the Mississippi River
system. The use of barges for some commodities, particularly coal and
grain, often represents a lower cost mode of transportation. Barge com-
petition and barge rates are affected by navigational interruptions from
ice, floods and droughts, which can cause widely fluctuating barge rates.
The ability of ICRR to maintain its market share of the available freight
has traditionally been affected by the navigational conditions on the river.

76

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

In recent years, there has been significant consolidation of rail sys-

tems in the United States. The resulting larger rail systems are able to
offer seamless services in larger market areas and effectively compete
with the Company in certain markets. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future
competitors in the railroad industry and that further consolidation within
the railroad industry will not adversely affect the Company’s competitive
position. No assurance can be given that competitive pressures will not
lead to reduced revenues, profit margins or both.

Environment
The Company’s operations are subject to federal, provincial, state,
municipal and local regulations under environmental laws and regula-
tions concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges
into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment
and disposal of waste, hazardous substances and other materials;
decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and
soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is
inherent in the railroad and related transportation operations; real estate
ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the
Company with respect to both current and past operations. As a result,
the Company incurs significant compliance and capital costs, on an
ongoing basis, associated with environmental regulatory compliance and
clean-up requirements in its railway operations and relating to its past
and present ownership, operation or control of real property.

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to

be incurred in the next several years, based on known information, for
environmental matters, the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify poten-
tial environmental concerns that may be associated with its properties
may lead to future environmental investigations, which may result in 
the identification of additional environmental costs and liabilities.

In the operation of a railroad, it is possible that derailments, explo-

sions or other accidents may occur that could cause harm to human
health or to the environment. As a result, the Company may incur costs
in the future, which may be material, to address any such harm, includ-
ing costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, natural resource 
damages and compensatory or punitive damages relating to harm to
individuals or property.

The ultimate cost of known contaminated sites cannot be definitely
established, and the estimated environmental liability for any given site
may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination,
the available clean-up technique, the Company’s share of the costs and
evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability. Also,
additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future
operations may result in accidental releases. For these reasons, there can
be no assurance that material liabilities or costs related to environmental
matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of opera-
tions in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity
will not be adversely impacted by such environmental liabilities or costs.
As at December 31, 2001, the Company had aggregate accruals for
environmental costs of $112 million ($85 million at December 31, 2000).
The Company has not included any reduction in costs for anticipated
recovery from insurance.

Legal actions
In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in
various legal actions, including claims relating to contractual obligations,
personal injuries, damage to property and environmental matters. Work-
related injuries to employees, including occupational related claims,
are a significant expense for the railroad industry in the United States.
Employees of the Company in the United States are therefore compen-
sated according to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability 
Act (FELA) which provides for the finding of fault, unscheduled awards
and reliance on the jury system. The Company maintains, and regularly
updates, casualty provisions for such items, which it considers to be 
adequate. The final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pend-
ing as at December 31, 2001 cannot be predicted with certainty, and
therefore, there can be no assurance that their resolution and any future
claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial
position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Labor negotiations
Labor agreements with all Canadian unions expired on December 31,
2000. By January 2002, the Company had achieved ratified settlements
with four of the labor organizations representing about 9,000 of the
Company’s approximately 14,350 Canadian unionized employees: the
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, the Canadian National
Railway Police Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers and the Canadian Auto Workers. These agreements are for a
three-year period effective until December 31, 2003.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

77

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Agreements reached by the Company with the United Transporta-
tion Union (UTU) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE),
which are part of the Canadian Council of Railway Operating Unions
(CCROU) (approximately 4,900 employees), are subject to ratification.
The Company and the Rail Canada Traffic Controllers (RCTC) (approxi-
mately 250 employees) are still in conciliation and negotiations continue.
The unions representing the employees of Algoma Central Railway Inc.
(approximately 140 employees) negotiate collectively under the auspices
of a Council of Trade Unions (the Council). The Company is currently in
conciliation with the Council and negotiations are ongoing. Although the
Company currently believes it can achieve ratified agreements with the
CCROU, RCTC and the Council, there can be no assurance that their 
resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
financial position or results of operations.

The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class 1 railroads
is to bargain on a collective national basis. For several years now, Grand
Trunk Western (GTW), Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific (DWP), ICRR and 
CCP Holdings, Inc. (CCP) have bargained on a local basis rather than
holding national, industry wide negotiations. Local negotiations result 
in settlements that better address both the employees’ concerns and
preferences and the railways’ actual operating environment. There are
risks associated with negotiating locally. Presidents and Congress have
demonstrated that they will step in to avoid national strikes, while a
local dispute may not generate federal intervention, making an extend-
ed work stoppage more likely. The Company’s management believes 
the potential mutual benefits of local bargaining outweigh the risks.

As of December 2001, the Company had in place agreements with
bargaining units representing approximately 55% of the unionized work-
force at ICRR, 95% at GTW and DWP, 55% at CCP and 100% at WC.
These agreements have various durations, ranging from 2002 to the end
of 2004. Several of these agreements will reopen in 2002.

Negotiations are ongoing with the bargaining units with which the
Company has not yet achieved new settlements. Until new agreements
are reached, the terms and conditions of previous agreements continue
to apply. Although the Company does not anticipate work action related
to these negotiations while they are ongoing, there can be no assurance
that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Regulation
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to regulation as to
(i) rate setting and network rationalization by the Canadian Transporta-
tion Agency (the CTA), under the Canada Transportation Act (Canada)
(the Act), and (ii) safety by the federal Minister of Transport under the
Railway Safety Act (Canada) and certain other statutes. The Company’s
U.S. rail operations are subject to regulation by the STB (the successor 
to the Interstate Commerce Commission) and the Federal Railroad
Administration. In addition, the Company is subject to a variety of
health, safety, labor, environmental and other regulations, all of which
can affect its competitive position and profitability.

The CTA Review Panel, which was appointed by the federal govern-
ment to carry out a comprehensive review of the Canadian transporta-
tion legislation, including the Act, issued its report to the Minister of
Transport at the end of June 2001. It was released to the public on July 18,
2001 and contains numerous recommendations for legislative changes
which, if adopted, would affect all modes of transportation, including
rail. No assurance can be given that any decision by the federal govern-
ment pursuant to the report’s recommendations will not materially
adversely affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

78

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Management ’s Discussion and Analysis

Financial instruments
Although the Company conducts its business and receives revenues 
primarily in Canadian dollars, a growing portion of its revenues, expenses,
assets and debt are denominated in U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company’s
results are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between these
currencies. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar
and other currencies (including the U.S. dollar) make the goods trans-
ported by the Company more or less competitive in the world market-
place and thereby affect the Company’s revenues.

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial
instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. Collateral or
other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk is
usually not obtained. However, the credit standing of counterparties is
regularly monitored.

To mitigate the effects of fuel price changes on its operating margins
and overall profitability, the Company has a systematic hedging program
which calls for regularly entering into swap positions on crude and heat-
ing oil to cover a target percentage of future fuel consumption up to 
two years in advance.

The realized gains and losses from the Company’s fuel hedging
activities were a $6 million loss and a $49 million gain for the years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Hedging positions 
and credit standings of counterparties are monitored, and losses due to 
counterparty non-performance are not anticipated. At December 31,
2001, the Company hedged approximately 45% of the estimated 2002
fuel consumption and 25% of the estimated 2003 fuel consumption. This
represented approximately 264 million U.S. gallons at an average price 
of U.S.$0.607 per U.S. gallon. Unrealized losses from the Company’s fuel
hedging activities were $38 million and $17 million as at December 31,
2001 and 2000, respectively.

Other risks
In any given year, the Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to
changes in the economic conditions of the industries and geographic
areas that produce and consume the freight it transports or the supplies
it requires to operate. In addition, many of the goods and commodities
carried by the Company experience cyclicality in the demand for them.
However, many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move
offshore and are impacted more by global economic conditions than
North American economic cycles. The Company’s results of operations
can be expected to reflect this cyclicality because of the significant 
fixed costs inherent in railroad operations. The Company’s revenues 
are affected by prevailing economic conditions. Should an economic
slowdown or recession occur and continue in North America or other 
key markets, or should major industrial restructuring take place, the 
volume of rail shipments carried by the Company is likely to be 
materially affected.

In addition to the inherent risks of the business cycle, the Company

is occasionally susceptible to severe weather conditions. For example,
in the first quarter of 1998, a severe ice storm hit eastern Canada,
which disrupted operations and service for the railroad as well as for 
CN customers.

Generally accepted accounting principles require the use of histori-

cal cost as the basis of reporting in financial statements. As a result,
the cumulative effect of inflation, which has significantly increased 
asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies such as CN, is
not reflected in operating expenses. Depreciation charges on an infla-
tion-adjusted basis, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at
current price levels, would be substantially greater than historically
reported amounts.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

79

Management Report

Auditors ’ Report

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Canadian
National Railway Company and all information in this annual report are
the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board
of Directors.

The financial statements have been prepared by management in con-

formity with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. These
statements include some amounts that are based on best estimates and
judgments. Financial information used elsewhere in the annual report is
consistent with that in the financial statements.

Management of the Company, in furtherance of the integrity and
objectivity of data in the financial statements, has developed and main-
tains a system of internal accounting controls and supports an extensive
program of internal audits. Management believes that this system of
internal accounting controls provides reasonable assurance that financial
records are reliable and form a proper basis for preparation of financial
statements, and that assets are properly accounted for and safeguarded.
The Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for the financial

statements in this report principally through its Audit and Finance
Committee, consisting solely of outside directors. The Audit and Finance
Committee reviews the Company’s consolidated financial statements and
annual report and recommends their approval by the Board of Directors.
Also, the Audit and Finance Committee meets regularly with the Chief,
Internal Audit, and with the shareholders’ auditors.

These consolidated financial statements have been audited by 

KPMG LLP, who have been appointed as the sole auditors of the
Company by the shareholders.

To the shareholders of Canadian National Railway Company

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Canadian National
Railway Company as at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the consoli-
dated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these finan-
cial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian and United
States of America generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards
require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assur-
ance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant esti-
mates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly,

in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2001, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles.

On January 22, 2002, we reported separately to the Board of
Directors of the Company on consolidated financial statements for the
same period, prepared in accordance with United States generally
accepted accounting principles.

(signed)

KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants

Montreal, Canada
January 22, 2002 

(signed)

Claude Mongeau
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

January 22, 2002

(signed)

Serge Pharand
Vice-President and Corporate Comptroller

January 22, 2002

80

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Consolidated Statement of Income

In millions, except per share data

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Revenues

Petroleum and chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Metals and minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forest products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grain and fertilizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intermodal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating expenses

Labor and fringe benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchased services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment rents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Casualty and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special charge (Note 14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (Note 15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income (Note 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share (Note 19)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings per share (Note 19) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷«923
458
1,088
338
1,161
969
520
195

5,652

1,726
546
463
485
314
265
158
231
98

4,286

1,366
(312)
65

1,119
(392)

$÷«727

$««3.72
$««3.62

$÷«894
392
1,008
328
1,136
919
559
210

5,446

1,684
595
412
450
291
263
158
208
–

4,061

1,385
(295)
126

1,216
(442)

$÷«774

$÷3.91
$÷3.82

$÷«878
398
995
402
1,066
810
483
229

5,261

1,711
591
400
309
335
260
173
249
–

4,028

1,233
(308)
48

973
(370)

$÷«603

$÷3.03
$÷2.98

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

81

Consolidated Balance Sheet

In millions

Assets

Current assets:

December 31,

2001

2000

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable (Note 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Properties (Note 5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets and deferred charges (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷÷÷«53
645
133
153
180

1,164
16,723
901

$18,788

$÷÷÷«19
737
110
116
143

1,125
13,583
411

$15,119

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued charges (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷1,374
163
101

$÷1,393
434
88

Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shareholders’ equity:

Common shares (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convertible preferred securities (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributed surplus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,638
3,729
1,296
5,764

3,209
327
178
133
2,514

6,361

1,915
2,486
1,193
3,886

3,124
327
178
61
1,949

5,639

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$18,788

$15,119

On behalf of the Board:

David G.A. McLean
Director

Paul M. Tellier
Director

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

82

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders ’ Equity

Issued and
outstanding
common
shares

Issued and
outstanding
convertible
preferred
securities

In millions

Balances December 31, 1998 . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of changes

in accounting policy (Note 2) . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares issued (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised (Note 11, 12) .
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.60 per share) . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends on convertible 

preferred securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balances December 31, 1999 . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised (Note 11, 12) .
Share repurchase program (Note 11) . .
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.70 per share) . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends on convertible 

191.8

–
–
9.2
1.4
–
–

–

202.4
–
1.2
(13.0)
–
–

preferred securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–

Balances December 31, 2000 . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised (Note 11, 12) .
Currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends ($0.78 per share) . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends on convertible 

190.6
–
2.1
–
–

preferred securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–

Balances December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . .

192.7

–

–
–
4.6
–
–
–

–

4.6
–
–
–
–
–

–

4.6
–
–
–
–

–

4.6

Convertible

Common
shares

preferred Contributed
surplus
securities

Currency
translation

Retained
earnings

Total
shareholders’
equity

$«2,873

$ ÷÷–

$ 190

$ ÷÷7

$ 1,221

$ 4,291

–
–
404
34
–
–

–

3,311
–
26
(213)
–
–

–

3,124
–
85
–
–

–
–
327
–
–
–

–

327
–
–
–
–
–

–

327
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

190
–
–
(12)
–
–

–

178
–
–
–
–

–

$3,209

–

$327

–

$178

–
–
–
–
(16)
–

–

(9)
–
–
–
70
–

–

«61
–
–
72
–

–

(71)
603
–
–
–
(118)

(9)

1,626
774
–
(304)
–
(136)

(11)

1,949
727
–
–
(150)

(71)
603
731
34
(16)
(118)

(9)

5,445
774
26
(529)
70
(136)

(11)

5,639
727
85
72
(150)

(12)

(12)

$133

$2,514

$6,361

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

83

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

In millions

Operating activities

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

$««««727

$««««774

$««««603

Net income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash items in income:

Depreciation and amortization (Note 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes (Note 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of investments (Note 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Write-down of investment (Note 6, 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special charge (Note 14). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in:

Accounts receivable (Note 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued charges (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other net current assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments for workforce reductions (Note 9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

469
307
(101)
99
98
–

197
11
(209)
(26)
(169)
(171)

421
218
(84)
–
–
–

71
7
21
(39)
(189)
(72)

Cash provided from operating activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,232

1,128

Investing activities

Net additions to properties (Note 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from disposal of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (Note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash used by investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividends paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financing activities

Issuance of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of convertible preferred securities (Note 11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reduction of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of common shares (Note 11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchase of common shares (Note 11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash provided from (used by) financing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(638)
40
(1,278)
112

(1,764)

(174)

4,015
–
(3,336)
61
–

740

34
19

(639)
63
–
(10)

(586)

(149)

860
–
(1,038)
26
(529)

(681)

(288)
307

407
325
–
–
–
(2)

(156)
38
64
(27)
(219)
(71)

962

(646)
87
–
2

(557)

(127)

456
327
(1,509)
438
–

(288)

(10)
317

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««««««53

$««««««19

$«««««307

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

84

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Canadian National Railway Company (CN or the Company), directly and through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the rail transportation business.
CN spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert,
B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, and the key cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minnesota/Superior,
Wisconsin, Green Bay, Wisconsin, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis and Jackson, Mississippi, with connections to all points in North
America. CN’s revenues are derived from the movement of a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods, including petroleum and chemicals,
grain and fertilizers, coal, metals and minerals, forest products, intermodal and automotive.

The Company has designated all U.S. dollar denominated long-term

debt of the parent company as a foreign exchange hedge of its net
investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Unrealized foreign exchange gains and
losses, from the date of designation, on the translation of the U.S. dollar
denominated debt are also included in Currency translation.

D. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased
three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which approx-
imates market value.

E. Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of the provision for doubt-
ful accounts. Any gains or losses on the sale of accounts receivable are
calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the accounts receivable
sold to the total of the cash proceeds on sale and the fair value of the
retained interest in such receivables on the date of transfer. Fair values
are determined on a discounted cash flow basis. Costs related to the sale
of accounts receivable are recognized in earnings in the period incurred.

F. Material and supplies
The inventory is valued at weighted-average cost for ties, rails, fuel and
new materials in stores, and at estimated utility or sales value for usable
secondhand, obsolete and scrap materials.

G. Properties
Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation
including asset impairment write-downs. All costs of materials associated
with the installation of rail, ties, ballast and other track improvements
are capitalized to the extent they meet the Company’s definition of “unit
of property.” The related labor and overhead costs are also capitalized
for the installation of new, non-replacement track. All other labor and
overhead costs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Related
interest costs are charged to expense. Included in property additions are
the costs of developing computer software for internal use.

1 Summary of significant accounting policies

These consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars,
except where otherwise indicated, and have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada (Canadian
GAAP). Significant differences between the accounting principles applied
in the accompanying financial statements and those under United States
generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) are quantified and
explained in Note 22 to the financial statements. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions 
that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial state-
ments. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, includ-
ing those related to litigation, environmental liabilities, casualty claims,
depreciation lives, income tax liabilities, pensions and post-retirement
obligations, based upon currently available information. Actual results
could differ from these estimates.

A. Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all sub-
sidiaries, including Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (WC) for
which the Company acquired control and consolidated effective October 9,
2001. The Company’s investments in which it has significant influence are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

B. Revenues
Freight revenues are recognized on services performed by the Company,
based on the percentage of completed service method. Costs associated
with movements are recognized as the service is performed.

C. Foreign exchange
All of the Company’s United States (U.S.) operations are classified as self-
sustaining foreign entities with the U.S. dollar as their functional currency.
The Company also has equity investments in international affiliates (United
Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia) with their respective local currencies
as their functional currencies. Accordingly, the U.S. operations’ assets and
liabilities and the Company’s foreign equity investments are translated
into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and
the revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates dur-
ing the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign
operations are recorded in Currency translation, which forms part of
Shareholders’ equity.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

85

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

The cost of railroad properties, less net salvage value, retired or 
disposed of in the normal course of business is charged to accumulated
depreciation, in accordance with the group method of depreciation. The
Company reviews the carrying amounts of properties whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be
recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows or estimated net real-
izable value. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review
are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or net recoverable amount.

H. Depreciation
The cost of properties, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreci-
ated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Asset class

Annual rate

Track and roadway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rolling stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buildings and other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2%

3%

4%

The Company follows the group method of depreciation and as 
such conducts comprehensive depreciation studies generally every three
years to assess the reasonableness of the lives of properties based upon
current information, including actual results of prior years. Such a study
was conducted in 2001 for the Company’s Canadian properties. The study
did not have a significant effect on depreciation expense as the benefit
of increased asset lives was offset by deficiencies in certain accumulated
depreciation balances.

I. Pensions
Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Pension expense
is charged to operations and includes:

(i)

(ii)

the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees’
services rendered during the year,

the amortization of the initial net transition obligation on a straight-
line basis over the expected average remaining service life of the
employee group covered by the plans,

(iii) the amortization of past service costs and amendments over the
expected average remaining service life of the employee group 
covered by the plans, and

(iv) the interest cost of pension obligations, the return on pension fund

assets, and the amortization of cumulative unrecognized net actuarial
gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected
benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets over the
expected average remaining service life of the employee group 
covered by the plans.

The pension plans are funded through contributions determined in

accordance with the projected unit credit actuarial cost method.

J. Post-retirement benefits other than pensions
The Company accrues the cost of post-retirement benefits other than
pensions. These benefits, which are funded by the Company as they
become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits, supple-
mental pension allowances and free rail travel benefits.

The Company amortizes the cumulative unrecognized net actuarial

gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation
over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group
covered by the plans.

K. Derivative financial instruments
The Company may use derivative financial instruments from time to 
time, in the management of its fuel, interest rate and foreign currency
exposures. Gains or losses on such instruments entered into for the pur-
pose of hedging financial risk exposures are deferred and amortized in
the results of operations over the life of the hedged asset or liability or
over the term of the derivative financial instrument. Income and expense
related to hedged derivative financial instruments are recorded in the
same category as that generated by the underlying asset or liability.

L. Environmental expenditures
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed
unless they relate to an improvement to the property. Expenditures that
relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and which are
not expected to contribute to current or future operations are expensed.
Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial
efforts are likely, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action
in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective
action required, can be reasonably estimated.

M. Income taxes 
The Company follows the asset and liability method for accounting for
income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the 
net deferred tax asset or liability is included in income. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates
expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary 
differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

86

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

N. Recent accounting pronouncements
In August 2001, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
issued Handbook Section 3062, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”
Effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2002, the
section changes the accounting for goodwill from an amortization method
to an impairment-only approach. In addition, this section requires acquired
intangible assets to be separately recognized if the benefit of the intan-
gible assets are obtained through contractual or other legal right, or if the
intangible assets can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged.
The Company does not expect this section to have a material impact on
its financial statements.

In December 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline 13 “Hedging
Relationships.” Effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1,
2003, for the purpose of applying hedge accounting, the guideline provides
guidance on the identification, designation, documentation and effective-
ness of hedging relationships. The guideline also addresses the discontin-
uance of hedge accounting. The Company does not expect this guideline,
when adopted, to have a material impact on its financial statements.

In December 2001, the CICA issued Handbook Section 3870 “Stock-
Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments.” Effective for the
Company’s fiscal year beginning January 1, 2002, the new section requires
the use of a fair-value based approach of accounting for certain specified
stock-based awards. For all other employee stock-based awards, the sec-
tion encourages but does not require that a fair-value based approach be
used. The section also addresses the accounting for stock appreciation
rights and awards to be settled in cash, other financial assets and equity.
The Company does not expect this section to have an initial material
impact on its financial statements upon adoption.

2 Accounting changes

The Company has made certain changes in accounting policies to conform
to new accounting standards.

2001
In 2001, the Company early adopted the CICA amended recommendations
of Section 1650 “Foreign Currency Translation.” The amended section
eliminates the deferral and amortization of unrealized translation gains
or losses on foreign currency denominated monetary items that have a
fixed or ascertainable life extending beyond the end of a fiscal year.
Translation gains or losses on the above items will now be recognized in
net income for the current period. As required by the amended section,
the Company has retroactively restated all prior period financial state-
ments presented. The cumulative effect of the adoption of the amended
section of $93 million ($62 million after tax) has been reflected as a

charge to opening retained earnings of 1999. The effect on net income
for 2001, 2000 and 1999 was an increase of $1 million, $2 million, and
$1 million, respectively.

2000
In 2000, the Company early adopted the CICA recommendations related
to the presentation of earnings per share. The standard essentially harmo-
nizes Canadian and U.S. standards, specifically in the areas of presenting
earnings per share information, computing diluted earnings per share
and disclosure requirements. The new standard requires restatement of
prior year comparative information.

1999
In 1999, the Company adopted the CICA recommendations related to the
accounting for employee future benefits. Specifically, the standard outlines
guidance for the accounting for pension, post-retirement and workers’
compensation costs. In accordance with the transitional provisions of the
new standard, the Company has applied the recommendations retroactively
but has not restated comparative periods. The cumulative effect of the
adoption of the new standard of $17 million ($9 million after tax) has
been reflected as a charge to opening retained earnings.

3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation

On January 29, 2001, the Company, through an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, and WC entered into a merger agreement (the Merger) pro-
viding for the acquisition of all of the shares of WC by the Company for
an acquisition cost of $1,297 million (U.S.$831 million). The Merger was
approved by the shareholders of WC at a special meeting held on April 4,
2001. On September 7, 2001, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB)
rendered a decision, unanimously approving the Company’s acquisition
of WC. On October 9, 2001, the Company completed its acquisition of
WC and began a phased integration of the companies’ operations. The
acquisition was financed by debt and cash on hand.

The Company accounted for the Merger using the purchase method

of accounting as required by CICA Handbook Section 1581 “Business
Combinations.” As such, the Company’s consolidated financial state-
ments include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of WC as of
October 9, 2001, the date of acquisition. The following table outlines the

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

87

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Acquisition of Wisconsin Central Transportation 
Corporation (continued)

estimated fair values of WC’s assets and liabilities acquired at acquisi-
tion. The impact of the results of the final valuation of WC’s assets and
liabilities and changes in accounting practices are not expected to have
a material impact on the results of operations.

In millions

October 9, 2001

Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷«175

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other assets and deferred charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other liabilities and deferred credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,435

433

3,043

353

743

178

472

Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$1,297

The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31,

2001 included $129 million of revenues, $34 million of operating income
and $11 million of other income from WC. The acquisition of WC contributed
$11 million ($0.06 per basic share or $0.05 per diluted share) to the
Company’s net income.

If the Company had acquired WC on January 1, 2000, based on the
historical amounts reported by WC, net of the amortization of the differ-
ence between the Company’s cost to acquire WC and the net assets of
WC (based on preliminary estimates of the fair values of WC’s properties
and equipment, and estimates of their remaining useful lives, as well as
estimates of the fair values of other WC assets and liabilities), revenues,

net income, basic and diluted earnings per share would have been
$6,090 million, $763 million, $3.91 per basic share and $3.80 per diluted
share, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2001 and $5,979 mil-
lion, $784 million, $3.96 per basic share and $3.87 per diluted share,
respectively for 2000. The pro forma figures do not reflect synergies,
and accordingly, do not account for any potential increases in operating
income, any estimated cost savings or facilities consolidation.

4 Accounts receivable

In millions

Freight

December 31, 2001

2000

Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309
119
Accrued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-freight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$470

81

249

800

(63)

$737

298

726

(81)

$645

The Company has a five-year revolving agreement, expiring in 2003,
to sell eligible freight trade receivables up to a maximum of $350 million
of receivables outstanding at any point in time. At December 31, 2001,
pursuant to the agreement, $168 million and U.S.$113 million (Cdn$179
million) had been sold on a limited recourse basis compared to $147 mil-
lion and U.S.$40 million (Cdn$61 million) at December 31, 2000. The
Company has retained the responsibility for servicing, administering and
collecting freight trade receivables sold. Other income included $10 mil-
lion in each of 2001 and 2000 for costs related to the agreement, which
fluctuate with changes in prevailing interest rates.

No servicing asset or liability has been recorded because the costs of

servicing are compensated by the benefits of the agreement.

Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,746

Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Properties

In millions

December 31, 2001

Cost

Accumulated
depreciation

Track, roadway and land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,549
3,703
Rolling stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buildings and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,541

$22,793

Capital leases included in properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,246

$3,510

1,336

1,224

$6,070

$÷«218

Net

$13,039

2,367

1,317

$16,723

$÷1,028

December 31, 2000

Accumulated
depreciation

$3,189

1,205

1,106

$5,500

$÷«163

Cost

$13,446

3,398

2,239

$19,083

$÷1,152

Net

$10,257

2,193

1,133

$13,583

$÷÷«989

88

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Other assets and deferred charges

In millions

December 31, 2001

Investments (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $496
251
Prepaid benefit cost (Note 13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred receivables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unamortized debt issue costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

108

42

4

$901

2000

$124

166

73

37

11

$411

A. Investments
Investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS)
Through its acquisition of WC, the Company acquired 40.9% of EWS, a
company which provides most of the rail freight services in Great Britain,
operates freight trains through the English Channel tunnel and carries
mail for the Royal Mail. The Company accounts for its investment in EWS
using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the investment
in EWS was preliminarily determined based on a multiple of EWS earn-
ings. At December 31, 2001, based upon this preliminary valuation, the
carrying value of the investment was in excess of the Company’s share 
of EWS’ net assets.

Investment in Tranz Rail Holdings Limited (Tranz Rail) and 
Australian Transport Network Limited (ATN)
Through its acquisition of WC, the Company acquired 23.7% of Tranz Rail,
a publicly traded company which operates a 2,400-route mile freight and
passenger rail business in New Zealand and 33% of ATN, a company
which provides substantially all commercial rail freight service in Tasmania
operating a 555-route mile rail system. Tranz Rail owns another 27% of
ATN. The Company accounts for both investments as “available for sale”
because its intent is to sell the investments within one year. The fair value
of the investment in Tranz Rail was preliminarily determined based on its
market capitalization and that of ATN, based on a multiple of ATN earnings.
The Company’s equity in net income and interest expense related to Tranz
Rail and ATN for the period between October 9 and December 31, 2001,
allocated to the purchase price of the investments was not significant.

Investment in 360networks Inc.
In June 2001, the Company recorded a charge of $99 million, $77 million
after tax, to write down 100% of its net investment in 360networks Inc.
Subsequently, the Company sold all of the shares of its investee. In 2000,
the Company had recorded a gain of $84 million, $58 million after tax,
related to the exchange of its minority equity investments in certain joint
venture companies for 11.4 million shares of 360networks Inc.

7 Credit facilities

The Company has U.S.$1,000 million five-year revolving credit facilities
which expire in March 2003. The credit facilities provide for interest on
borrowings at various interest rates including the Canadian prime rate,
bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the
London Interbank Offer Rate plus applicable margins. The credit facility
agreements contain customary financial covenants, based on U.S. GAAP,
including i) limitations on debt as a percentage of total capitalization,
ii) maintenance of tangible net worth above predefined levels, and 
iii) maintenance of the fixed charge coverage ratio above predefined 
levels. The Company was in compliance with all of these financial
covenants throughout the year. The Company’s commercial paper program
is backed by a portion of its revolving credit facility. As at December 31,
2001, the Company had outstanding commercial paper of U.S.$213 million
(Cdn$339 million) ($77 million as at December 31, 2000) and borrowings
of U.S.$172 million (Cdn$273 million) under its revolving credit facilities.
During 2000, the Company did not draw on the credit facilities. Interest
rates on the borrowings under the revolving credit facilities at December 31,
2001 range from 2.15% to 2.73%.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

89

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8 Accounts payable and accrued charges

B. Post-retirement benefits other than pensions

In millions

December 31,

2001

2000

(i) Change in benefit obligation

Trade payables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«385
218
Payroll-related accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current portion of workforce reduction provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued interest on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income and other taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued operating leases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

151

141

236

131

19

93

194

137

126

244

187

31

67

$1,374

$1,393

9 Other liabilities and deferred credits

In millions

December 31,

2001

Personal injury and other claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«379
Workforce reduction provisions,

net of current portion (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

340

Accrual for post-retirement benefits 

other than pensions (B)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental reserve, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred credits and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

258

73

246

2000

$÷«373

376

231

64

149

$÷«407

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

Benefit obligation at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $242
25
Amendments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfer from other plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

19

11

6

5

Benefits paid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309

(19)

(ii) Funded status

In millions

December 31, 2001

Unfunded benefit obligation at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $309
(26)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(25)

Accrued benefit cost for post-retirement benefits 

other than pensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $258

2000

$230

–

3

15

8

3

–

(17)

$242

2000

$242

(8)

(3)

$231

$1,296

$1,193

(iii) Components of net periodic benefit cost

A. Workforce reduction provisions 
The workforce reduction provisions, which cover employees in both Canada
and the United States, are mainly comprised of severance payments, the
majority of which will be disbursed within the next five years. Other elements
of the provisions mainly include early retirement incentives and bridging
to early retirement. Payments for severance and other elements of the
provisions have reduced the provisions by $169 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001 ($189 million for the year ended December 31, 2000).
The aggregate provisions amount to $491 million at December 31, 2001.

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

2000

1999

Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recognized net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net periodic benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$19

11

3

2

$35

$15

÷8

1

1

$25

$15

÷8

1

2

$26

(iv) Weighted-average assumptions

December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.97%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00%

6.95%

4.25%

7.39%

4.25%

For measurement purposes, increases in the per capita cost of cov-
ered health care benefits were assumed to be 8% for 2002 and 6% for
2001. It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate
of 6% for 2004 and remain at that level thereafter.

A one-percentage-point change in the health care trend rate would
not cause a material change in the Company’s net periodic benefit cost
nor the post-retirement benefit obligation.

90

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Long-term debt

In millions

Bonds, debentures and notes: (A)

Canadian National series:

Currency
in which
payable

Maturity

December 31,

2001

2000

8 7⁄8% 15-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 21, 2001

6 5⁄8% 10-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2003

7%

10-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 15, 2004

6.45% Puttable Reset Securities (PURS) (B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2006

6 3⁄8% 10-year notes (C)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 15, 2011

6.80% 20-year notes (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2018

7 5⁄8% 30-year debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2023

6.90% 30-year notes (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 15, 2028

7 3⁄8% 30-year debentures (C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 15, 2031

Illinois Central series:

7.12% 5-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Aug. 2, 2001

6.72% 5-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 14, 2001

6 3⁄4% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2003

7 3⁄4% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1, 2005

6.98% 12-year notes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

July 12, 2007

6.63% 10-year notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

June 9, 2008

5%

99-year income debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dec. 1, 2056

7.7% 100-year debentures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sep. 15, 2096

Wisconsin Central series:

6 5⁄8% 10-year notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15, 2008

Total bonds, debentures and notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other:

Revolving credit facilities (Note 7)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commercial paper (D) (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital lease obligations, amounts owing under equipment agreements and other (E)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less:

Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net unamortized discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cdn$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

U.S.$

Various

Various

$÷÷÷«–

$÷«150

239

422

398

636

318

239

755

318

–

–

159

159

80

32

12

199

239

4,205

273

339

1,125

1,737

5,942

163

15

178

225

398

375

–

300

225

712

–

75

75

150

150

75

30

12

187

–

3,139

–

77

1,117

1,194

4,333

434

13

447

$5,764

$3,886

A. The Company’s bonds, debentures and notes are unsecured.

B. The PURS contain imbedded simultaneous put and call options at par.
At the time of issuance, the Company sold the option to call the securi-
ties on July 15, 2006 (the reset date). If the call option is exercised, the
imbedded put option is automatically triggered, resulting in the redemp-
tion of the original PURS. The call option holder will then have the right
to remarket the securities at a new coupon rate for an additional 30-year
term ending July 15, 2036. The new coupon rate will be determined accord-
ing to a pre-set mechanism based on market conditions then prevailing.
If the call option is not exercised, the put option is deemed to have been
exercised, resulting in the redemption of the PURS on July 15, 2006.

C. These debt securities are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the
option of the Company, at any time, at the greater of par and a formula
price based on interest rates prevailing at the time of redemption.

D. The Company has a commercial paper program which is backed by a
portion of its revolving credit facility, that enables it to issue commercial
paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $600 million or
the U.S. dollar equivalent. Commercial paper debt is due within one year
but has been classified as long-term debt, reflecting the Company’s intent
and contractual ability to refinance the short-term borrowing through
subsequent issuances of commercial paper or drawing down on the revolv-
ing credit facility. Interest rates on commercial paper at December 31,
2001 range from approximately 1.93% to 2.6%.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

91

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10 Long-term debt (continued)

E. Interest rates for the capital leases range from approximately 3.14%
to 14.6% with maturity dates in the years 2002 through 2025. The
imputed interest on these leases amounted to $545 million as at
December 31, 2001, and $559 million as at December 31, 2000.

The equipment agreements are payable by monthly or semi-annual
installments over various periods to 2007 at interest rates ranging from
6% to 9.7%. The principal amounts are payable as follows: $17 million
and U.S.$1 million (Cdn$2 million) as at December 31, 2001, and 
$26 million and U.S.$1 million (Cdn$2 million) as at December 31, 2000.
The capital leases, equipment agreements, and other obligations are
secured by properties with a net carrying amount of $1,096 million as at
December 31, 2001 and $1,064 million as at December 31, 2000.

During 2001, the Company recorded $91 million in assets it acquired

through the exercise of purchase options on existing leases and leases
for new equipment ($149 million in 2000). An equivalent amount was
recorded in debt.

F. Long-term debt maturities for the following fiscal years, including
repurchase arrangements and capital lease repayments on debt outstand-
ing as at December 31, 2001 but excluding repayments of commercial
paper and revolving credit facilities of $339 million and $273 million,
respectively, are as follows:

Year

In millions Amount

2002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷163

2003. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

543

547

229

432

2007 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,401

G. The aggregate amount of debt payable in U.S. currency as at
December 31, 2001 is U.S.$3,334 million (Cdn$5,302 million) and
U.S.$2,290 million (Cdn$3,434 million) as at December 31, 2000.

11 Capital stock and convertible preferred securities

A. Authorized capital stock
The authorized capital stock of the Company is as follows:
• Unlimited number of Common Shares, without par value
• Unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares, without par value

issuable in series

• Unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares, without par value

issuable in series

B. Issued and outstanding common shares
During 2001, the Company issued 2.1 million shares (1.2 million shares
in 2000 and 1.4 million shares in 1999) related to stock options exer-
cised. The total number of common shares issued and outstanding was
192.7 million as at December 31, 2001.

In 1999, the Company issued 9.2 million common shares as a result

of a public offering.

C. Convertible preferred securities
In 1999, the Company issued 4.6 million convertible preferred securities
at U.S.$50 per security. These securities bear interest, payable quarterly 
in U.S. dollars, at a rate of 5.25% per year, and are due on June 30, 2029.
These securities are subordinated securities convertible into common
shares of CN at the option of the holder at an original conversion price
of U.S.$38.48 per common share, representing an original conversion rate
of 1.2995 common shares for each convertible preferred security. On or
after July 1, 2002, at the option of CN but subject to certain conditions,
the holders’ rights to convert these securities may be extinguished if the
current market price exceeds 120% of the conversion price for a certain
period. If these conditions are met, CN may terminate the conversion
rights by giving holders at least 30 days’ prior written notice to convert
their convertible preferred securities into common shares. If, at closing 
of the conversion termination date the current market price exceeds the
conversion price, all holders shall be deemed to have converted, except
to the extent the Trustee has been otherwise instructed by any holder.

D. Stock split
On July 20, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a
two-for-one common stock split which was effected in the form of a
stock dividend of one additional common share of CN common stock
payable for each share outstanding or held in treasury on September 27,
1999 to shareholders of record on September 23, 1999. All equity based
benefit plans reflect the issuance of additional shares or options due to
the declaration of the stock split. All shares and per share data reflect
the effect of the stock split.

E. Share repurchase programs
On January 23, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company approved 
a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to
10 million common shares between January 31, 2001 and January 30,
2002 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices.
At December 31, 2001, the Company had not repurchased any common
shares under the share repurchase program.

In 2000, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share
repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 13 million
common shares of the Company’s common stock pursuant to a normal
course issuer bid, at prevailing market prices. During 2000, $529 million
was used to repurchase 13 million common shares at an average price 
of $40.70 per share.

92

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12 Stock plans

A. Employee share plan
The Company has an Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) giving eligi-
ble employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 6% of their gross
salaries to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock on the open
market and to have the Company invest, on the employee’s behalf, a 
further 35% of the amount invested by the employee. Participation at
December 31, 2001 was 9,432 employees (7,916 at December 31, 2000).
The total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees,
including the Company’s contributions, was 516,726 in 2001 and
637,531 in 2000, resulting in a pre-tax charge to income of $8 million,
$6 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.

B. Mid-term incentive share unit plan
The Company has a share unit plan, which was approved by the Board 
of Directors in 2001, for designated senior management employees enti-
tling them to receive payout on June 30, 2004 of a combination of com-
mon stock of the Company, as to fifty percent, and cash value, as to the
remaining fifty percent.

The share units vest conditionally upon the attainment of targets
relating to the Company’s share price during the six-month period end-
ing June 30, 2004. Due to the nature of the vesting conditions, no com-
pensation expense was recognized for 2001. The total number of share
units outstanding at December 31, 2001 was 421,500. At December 31,
2001, an additional 43,500 share units remained authorized for future
issuances under this plan.

C. Stock options
The Company has stock option plans for eligible employees to acquire
common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the
market value of the common shares at the date of granting. The options
are exercisable during a period not to exceed 10 years. The right to 

exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continu-
ous employment. Options are not generally exercisable during the first
12 months after the date of grant. At December 31, 2001, an additional
5.5 million common shares remained authorized for future issuances
under these plans.

Options issued by the Company include conventional options, which
vest over a period of time, and performance options, which vest upon the
attainment of Company targets relating to the operating ratio and unlev-
ered return on investment. The total conventional and performance
options outstanding at December 31, 2001 were 7.5 million and 2.4 mil-
lion, respectively.

Changes in the Company’s stock options are as follows:

Number
of options

In millions

Weighted-average
exercise price

Outstanding at December 31, 1998 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 1999 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 2000 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Conversion of WC options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 2001 (1) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.1

3.0

(0.4)

(1.4) 

8.3

2.2

(0.4)

(1.2) 

8.9

1.0

2.4

(0.3)

(2.1) 

9.9

$«29.11

$«45.46

$«34.51

$«25.43

$«34.88

$«35.33

$«36.23

$«22.19

$«34.95

$«58.63

$«50.65

$«46.01

$«30.43

$43.62

(1) Includes IC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the 
foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

(2) Includes WC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the 
foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2001 were as follows:

Range of exercise prices

$13.50–$23.72  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$25.40–$35.01  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$35.70–$49.45  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$50.02–$69.77  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$70.65 and above  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2001 (1)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Options outstanding

Options exercisable

Number
of options

In millions

0.3

2.5

4.1

2.8

0.2

9.9

Weighted-
average
years to
expiration

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

3

7

6

9

6

7

$«17.90

$«33.37

$«44.38

$«51.66

$«94.47

$43.62

Number
of options

In millions

0.3

1.1

2.7

0.3

0.1

4.5

Weighted-
average
exercise
price

$«17.90

$«31.14

$«44.47

$«55.61

$«94.47

$41.86

(1) Includes IC and WC converted stock options translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

93

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

13 Pensions

The Company has retirement benefit plans under which substantially all
employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age, generally based on
compensation and length of service and/or contributions. The tables that
follow pertain to all such plans. However, the following descriptions relate
solely to the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan (the
Pension Plan). The Company’s other pension plans are not significant.

Description of plan
The Pension Plan is a contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers
substantially all CN employees. It provides for pensions based mainly on
years of service and final average pensionable earnings and is generally
applicable from the first day of employment. Indexation of pensions is
provided after retirement through a gain (loss) sharing mechanism, subject
to guaranteed minimum increases. An independent trust company is the
Trustee of the Canadian National Railways Pension Trust Funds (CN Pension
Trust Funds). As Trustee, the trust company performs certain duties which
include holding legal title to the assets of the CN Pension Trust Funds
and ensuring that the Company, as Administrator, complies with the pro-
visions of the Pension Plan and the related legislation.

Funding policy
Employee contributions to the Pension Plan are determined by the plan
rules. Company contributions are in accordance with the requirements of
the Government of Canada legislation, The Pension Benefits Standards Act,
1985, and are determined by actuarial valuations conducted at least on 
a triennial basis. These valuations are made in accordance with legislative
requirements and with the recommendations of the Canadian Institute 
of Actuaries for the valuation of pension plans.

Description of fund assets
The assets of the Pension Plan are accounted for separately in the CN
Pension Trust Funds and consist of cash and short-term investments,
bonds, mortgages, Canadian and foreign equities, real estate, and oil 
and gas assets.

(a) Change in benefit obligation

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,855
701
Interest cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan participants’ contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

94

92

73

6

Benefit payments and transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,156

(665)

$««9,935

690

730

70

74

3

(647)

$10,855

(b) Change in plan assets

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,455
69
Employer contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan participants’ contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency changes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actual return on plan assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73

6

(175)

Benefit payments and transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,763

(665)

$11,768

59

74

3

1,198

(647)

$12,455

(c) Funded status

In millions

December 31,

2001

2000

Excess of fair value of plan assets over 

benefit obligation at end of year (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized net actuarial gain (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized net transition obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrecognized prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷607

(537)

39

133

$«1,600

(1,652)

59

153

Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷242

$«÷«160

(1) Subject to future reduction for gain sharing under the terms of the plan.

(d) Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

In millions

December 31, 2001

Prepaid benefit cost (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $251
(9)
Accrued benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $242

(e) Components of net periodic benefit cost

In millions

Year ended December 31,

Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of net transition obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expected return on plan assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recognized net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net periodic benefit cost (income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

$«701

÷«92

20

20

(846)

–

$÷(13)

2000

$690

÷«70

19

19

(792)

–

$÷««6

2000

$166

(6)

$160

1999

$632

÷«95

19

20

(732)

23

$÷«57

(f) Weighted-average assumptions

December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.50%
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00%
Expected return on plan assets for 

year ending December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.00%

6.50%

4.25%

7.00%

4.25%

9.00%

9.00%

94

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

14 Special charge

17 Income taxes

The Company recorded a charge of $98 million, $62 million after tax,
in the second quarter of 2001 for the reduction of 690 positions (388
occurred in 2001 with the remainder planned to be completed by the
end of 2002). The charge included severance and other payments to 
be made to affected employees.

15 Interest expense

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

Interest on long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $314
(2)
Interest income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$312

Cash interest payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $307

2000

$306

(11)

$295

$299

1999

$313

(5)

$308

$305

16 Other income 

In millions

Year ended December 31, 2001

2000

1999

Gain on sale of interest in Detroit River 

Tunnel Company (A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on disposal of properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign exchange gain  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on exchange of investment (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net real estate costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Write-down of investment  

in 360networks Inc. (Note 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$101

÷53

30

7

–

(20)

(99)

(7)

$÷÷–

÷57

–

10

84

(22)

–

(3)

$÷««–

÷56

12

6

–

(25)

–

(1)

$÷65

$126

$÷48

A. In March 2001, the Company completed the sale of its 50 percent
interest in the Detroit River Tunnel Company (DRT) for proceeds of 
$112 million and recorded a gain of $101 million, $82 million after tax.
The DRT is a 1.6 mile rail-only tunnel crossing the Canada-U.S. border
between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

The Company’s income tax expense is as follows:

In millions

Year ended December 31,

Federal tax rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

28.1%

2000

29.1%

1999

29.1%

Income tax expense from income before income taxes

based on the Federal tax rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(314)

$(353)

$(283)

Income tax (expense) recovery resulting from:

Provincial and other taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(134)

(148)

(160)

Deferred income tax adjustment 

due to rate reductions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. tax rate differential  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on disposals and dividends  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–

1

27

28

(4)

7

20

36

–

30

8

35

Income tax expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(392)

$(442)

$(370)

Income tax expense is represented by:

Current  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷(85)
(307)
Deferred  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(392)

Cash payments for income taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $«÷63

$(224)

(218)

$(442)

$«101

$÷(45)

(325)

$(370)

$÷«45

Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities

are as follows:

In millions

December 31,

2001

2000

Deferred income tax assets
Workforce reduction provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«178
182
Accruals and other reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Post-retirement benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Losses and tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

85

«53

498

$÷«202

228

91

«26

547

Deferred income tax liabilities

Properties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,074

2,917

Total net deferred income tax liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,576

Net current deferred income tax asset  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net long-term deferred income tax liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,729

153

2,370

116

$2,486

In 2001, the Company recognized investment tax credits of $35 mil-
lion not previously recognized, which reduced the cost of properties. The
Company did not recognize any investment tax credits in 2000.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

95

)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

18 Segmented information

19 Earnings per share

The Company operates in one business segment with operations and
assets in Canada and the United States.

Information on geographic areas

In millions

Revenues:

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Canadian rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income:

Canadian rail (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income:

Canadian rail (i) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization:

Canadian rail (ii) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital expenditures: (iii)

Canadian rail (iv)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. rail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$3,675

1,977

$5,652

$÷«966

400

$1,366

$÷«591

136

$÷«727

$÷«255

214

$÷«469

$÷«484

177

$÷«661

$3,668

1,778

$3,549

1,712

$5,446

$5,261

$1,025

$÷«852

360

381

$1,385

$1,233

$÷«589

$÷«465

185

138

$÷«232

$÷«212

189

195

$÷«421

$÷«407

$÷«541

$÷«717

215

249

$÷«756

$÷«966

In millions

Identifiable assets:

December 31,

2001

2000

Canadian rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷6,987
11,801
U.S. rail (v). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$18,788

$÷6,783

8,336

$15,119

(i)

(ii)

Includes a 2001 special charge for workforce reductions of $98 million,
$62 million after tax.

Includes $6 million (2000: $9 million, 1999: $7 million) of depreciation and 
amortization of properties related to other business activities.

(iii) Represents additions to properties that includes non-cash capital expenditures

financed with capital leases.

(iv)

(v)

Includes $5 million (2000: $9 million, 1999: $11 million) of additions of 
properties related to other business activities.

Includes equity holdings in foreign investments held by the Company’s 
U.S. subsidiaries.

The 2000 and 1999 comparative figures have been restated to conform
to the new accounting standards as explained in Note 2. The amended
CICA Section 1650 “Foreign Currency Translation” requires restatement
of prior years’ income and as such, earnings per basic and diluted share
have increased for both 2000 and 1999 by $0.01, respectively.

Year ended December 31,

2001

Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.72
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.62

2000

$3.91

$3.82

1999

$3.03

$2.98

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and

diluted earnings per share:

In millions
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«727
12
Dividends on convertible preferred securities  . . . . . . . . .

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

$÷«774

11

1999

$÷«603

«««««««6

$÷«774

$÷«603

Weighted-average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of dilutive securities and stock options  . . . . . . . .

Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . .

$«÷715

$«÷763

$÷«597

192.1

8.9

201.0

195.0

7.8

202.8

197.3

5.2

202.5

20 Major commitments and contingencies

A. Leases 
The Company’s commitments as at December 31, 2001 under operating
and capital leases totaling $1,253 million and $1,449 million, respec-
tively, with annual net minimum payments in each of the five following
fiscal years to 2007 and thereafter, are as follows:

Year

In millions

Operating

2002  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«230

2003  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2004  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2006  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2007 and thereafter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

196

176

154

120

377

Capital

$÷«186

122

136

95

60

850

$1,253

1,449

Less: imputed interest on capital 
leases at rates ranging from 
approximately 3.14% to 14.6%  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

545

Present value of minimum lease payments 

at current rate included in debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«904

B. Other commitments 
As at December 31, 2001, the Company had commitments to acquire
railroad ties at a cost of $28 million, rail at a cost of $20 million, and
freight cars at a cost of $4 million. Furthermore, as at December 31,
2001, the Company had entered into agreements with fuel suppliers to
purchase approximately 35% of its anticipated 2002 volume and 11% 
of its anticipated 2003 volume at market prices prevailing on the date 
of the purchase.

96

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

C. Contingencies 
In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in
various legal actions, including claims relating to contractual obligations,
personal injuries including occupational related claims, damage to property
and environmental matters. The Company maintains provisions for such
items which it considers to be adequate. The final outcome with respect to
actions outstanding or pending as at December 31, 2001 cannot be pre-
dicted with certainty, and therefore, there can be no assurance that their
resolution and any future claims will not have a material adverse effect on
the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular
quarter or fiscal year.

D. Environmental matters 
The Company’s operations are subject to federal, provincial, state, municipal
and local regulations under environmental laws and regulations concern-
ing, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters;
the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal
of waste, hazardous substances, and other materials; decommissioning of
underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater
contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in the railroad
and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation
or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect
to both current and past operations. As a result, the Company incurs 
significant compliance and capital costs, on an ongoing basis, associated
with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements 
in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership,
operation or control of real property.

While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to

be incurred in the next several years, based on known information, for
environmental matters, the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential
environmental concerns that may be associated with its properties may
lead to future environmental investigations, which may result in the iden-
tification of additional environmental costs and liabilities. The magnitude
of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with environmen-
tal laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reason-
ably estimated due to:

(i)

(ii)

the lack of specific technical information available with respect to
many sites;

the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or
claims with respect to particular sites;

(iii) the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for
development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty
regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites;

(iv) the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect 

to particular sites; and

therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such
costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this
time. There can thus be no assurance that material liabilities or costs
related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial posi-
tion or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that
the Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such environ-
mental liabilities or costs. Although the effect on operating results and
liquidity cannot be reasonably estimated, management believes, based
on current information, that environmental matters will not have a mate-
rial adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or competitive
position. Costs related to any future remediation will be accrued in the
year in which they become known.

As at December 31, 2001, the Company had aggregate accruals for

environmental costs of $112 million ($85 million as at December 31,
2000). During 2001, payments of $14 million were applied to the provision
for environmental costs compared to $11 million in 2000 and $16 million
in 1999. In addition, related environmental capital expenditures were
$19 million in 2001, $20 million in 2000 and $11 million in 1999. The
Company also expects to incur capital expenditures relating to environ-
mental matters of approximately $21 million in 2002 and $30 million in
each of 2003 and 2004. The Company has not included any reduction 
in costs for anticipated recovery from insurance.

21 Financial instruments

A. Risk management
The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instru-
ments in the management of its fuel, interest rate and foreign currency
exposures, and does not use them for trading purposes.

(i) Credit risk 
In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial con-
dition of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of non-perfor-
mance by counterparties to its derivative financial instruments but does
not expect such non-performance as counterparties are of high credit
quality. Collateral or other security to support financial instruments sub-
ject to credit risk is usually not obtained; however, the credit standing of
counterparties is regularly monitored. The total risk associated with the
Company’s counterparties was immaterial at December 31, 2001. The
Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk.

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

97

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

21 Financial instruments (continued)

(ii) Interest rates 
For the purpose of minimizing the volatility in the fair value of certain
fixed-interest long-term debt, the Company entered into interest rate
swap transactions during 2000 for a total notional amount of $150 million
and U.S.$50 million (Cdn$75 million) resulting in effectively converting
some fixed interest rate debt into floating interest rate debt. In 2001,
these swap transactions matured and the underlying debts have been
repaid. The Company did not enter into any new interest rate swap
transactions in 2001.

(iii) Foreign currency 
Although the Company conducts its business and receives revenues pri-
marily in Canadian dollars, a growing portion of its revenues, expenses,
assets and debt are denominated in U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company’s
results are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between these
currencies. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and
other currencies (including the U.S. dollar) make the goods transported
by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and
thereby affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

For the purpose of minimizing volatility of earnings resulting from
the conversion of the U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt into the
Canadian dollar, the Company has designated all U.S. dollar denominated
long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign exchange hedge of
its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of des-
ignation, unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation
of the Company’s U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt are recorded 
in Currency translation, which forms part of Shareholders’ equity.

(iv) Fuel 
To mitigate the effects of fuel price changes on its operating margins
and overall profitability, the Company has a systematic hedging program
which calls for regularly entering into swap positions on crude and heat-
ing oil to cover a target percentage of future fuel consumption up to two
years in advance.

Realized gains and losses from the Company’s fuel hedging activities

were $6 million loss, $49 million gain and $5 million gain for the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. At December 31,
2001, the Company has hedged approximately 45% of the estimated 2002
fuel consumption and 25% of the estimated 2003 fuel consumption. This
represents approximately 264 million U.S. gallons at an average price 
of U.S.$0.607 per U.S. gallon. Unrecognized gains and losses from the
Company’s fuel hedging activities were $38 million loss, $17 million loss
and $9 million gain as at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

(v) Other
The Company does not currently have any derivative instruments not
designated as hedging instruments.

B. Fair value of financial instruments
Generally accepted accounting principles define the fair value of a 
financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be
exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company
uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value
of each class of financial instruments for which the carrying amounts are
included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the following captions:

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Accounts payable
and accrued charges, and Other current liabilities:
The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short matu-
rity of these instruments.

(ii) Other assets and deferred charges:
Investments: The Company has various debt and equity investments for
which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception
of a cost investment for which the fair value was estimated based on
CN’s proportionate share of its net assets. In 2000, the fair value of the
Company’s investment in 360networks Inc. was estimated based on the
quoted market price.

(iii) Long-term debt:
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on
the 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.

(iv) Convertible preferred securities:
The fair value of the Company’s convertible preferred securities is esti-
mated based on the quoted market price.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair
values of the Company’s financial instruments as at December 31, 2001
and 2000 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet are different from the fair values:

In millions

December 31, 2001

December 31, 2000

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Financial assets
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«496
Financial liabilities

Long-term debt 

(including current portion). . . . . . . . . $5,927

Other
Convertible preferred securities . . . . . . . $÷«327

$÷«551

$÷«124

$÷«299

$5,986

$÷«479

$4,320

$4,191

$÷«327

$÷«315

98

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

22 Reconciliation of Canadian and United States generally
accepted accounting principles

The consolidated financial statements of Canadian National Railway
Company are expressed in Canadian dollars and are prepared in accor-
dance with Canadian GAAP which conform, in all material respects,
with U.S. GAAP except as described below:

A. Reconciliation of net income
The application of U.S. GAAP would have the following effects on the net
income as reported:

(iv) Foreign exchange
In 2001, the Company early adopted the CICA amended recommenda-
tions of Section 1650 “Foreign Currency Translation” which essentially
harmonizes Canadian and U.S. accounting standards by eliminating the
deferral and amortization of unrealized translation gains or losses on 
foreign currency denominated monetary items that have a fixed or ascer-
tainable life extending beyond the end of a fiscal year and recognizing
them into net income for the current period. As required by the amended
section, the Company has retroactively restated all prior period financial
statements presented.

In millions
Net income – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷«727
Adjustments in respect of:

Year ended December 31,

2001

Property capitalization, net of depreciation . . . . . . . .

Interest on convertible preferred securities . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax rate reductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense on current year 

U.S. GAAP adjustments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

339

(19)

(19)

122

(110)

Income before cumulative effect of changes in 

accounting policy – U.S. GAAP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,040

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting policy  . . .
Net income – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,040

–

2000

$774

1999

$603

278

(18)

(3)

(4)

(90)

937

–

$937

251

(9)

(7)

–

(92)

746

5

$751

(v) Income tax expense
In 2001, under U.S. GAAP, the Company recorded a reduction to its net
deferred income tax liability resulting from the enactment of lower cor-
porate tax rates in Canada. As a result, a deferred income tax recovery 
of $122 million was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income
and a deferred income tax expense of $32 million was recorded in Other
comprehensive income. For Canadian GAAP purposes, there was no adjust-
ment in 2001 as the impact resulting from lower corporate tax rates was
accounted for in 2000 when the rates were substantively enacted. For
the year ended December 31, 2000, the Canadian GAAP adjustment was
a $4 million expense as the deferred tax position under Canadian GAAP
was different.

(i) Property capitalization
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company capitalizes only the material com-
ponent of track replacement costs, whereas under U.S. GAAP the labor,
material and related overheads are capitalized. Furthermore, effective
January 1, 1999, the Company capitalized under U.S. GAAP all major
expenditures for work that extends the useful life and/or improves the
functionality of bridges and other structures and freight cars. U.S. GAAP
requires that the cumulative capitalization adjustment, including special
charges (net of applicable income taxes), be reflected in net income in
the year in which the policy is adopted ($62 million in 1999).

(ii) Stock-based compensation 
U.S. GAAP requires the measurement and recognition of expenses related
to certain stock-based compensation. The Company has accounted for
stock-based compensation for U.S. GAAP purposes in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees.” There are no similar requirements under Canadian
GAAP that are in effect at December 31, 2001.

(iii) Convertible preferred securities 
The convertible preferred securities are treated as equity under Canadian
GAAP, whereas under U.S. GAAP, they are treated as debt. Consequently,
the interest on the convertible preferred securities is treated as a divi-
dend for Canadian GAAP but as interest expense for U.S. GAAP.

(vi) Change in accounting policy – Pensions and post-retirement 
benefits other than pensions
In 1999, the Company adopted the CICA recommendations related to 
the accounting for employee future benefits, essentially to harmonize
Canadian GAAP with U.S. GAAP.

Prior to 1999, the Company measured its pension benefit and post-
retirement benefit obligations, for Canadian GAAP purposes, using a dis-
count rate based on management’s best estimate of the long-term rate
of return on the pension fund assets. Under U.S. GAAP, the discount rate
to be used should reflect the rate at which the pension benefits and post-
retirement benefit costs can be effectively settled at the date of the
financial statements. The difference in discount rates impacted annual
pension expense and post-retirement benefit costs prior to 1999.

In 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for employee
injury costs to reflect all elements of such costs (including compensation,
health care and administration costs) based on actuarially developed esti-
mates of the ultimate cost associated with employee injuries. U.S. GAAP
requires that the cumulative adjustment, net of applicable income taxes,
be reflected in net income in the year in which the policy is adopted 
($57 million in 1999).

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

99

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

22 Reconciliation of Canadian and United States generally
accepted accounting principles (continued)

B. Earnings per share 
In 2000, the Company early adopted the CICA recommendations related
to the presentation of earnings per share. Although the standard essen-
tially harmonizes Canadian and U.S. standards, the earnings per share
calculations continue to differ due to differences in the earnings figures.

(i) Basic earnings per share

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Income before cumulative effect of changes in 

accounting policy – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cumulative effect of changes 

in accounting policy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$5.41

–

$5.41

$4.81

$3.78

–

$4.81

0.03

$3.81

Weighted-average number of 

common shares outstanding 
(millions) – U.S. GAAP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

192.1

195.0

197.3

(ii) Diluted earnings per share

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

1999

Income before cumulative effect of changes in 

accounting policy – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cumulative effect of changes 

in accounting policy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$5.23

–

$5.23

$4.67

$3.71

–

$4.67

0.03

$3.74

Weighted-average number of 

common shares outstanding 
(millions) – U.S. GAAP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

201.0

202.8

202.5

C. Reconciliation of significant balance sheet items
(i) Joint ventures
Effective for 2001, the Company’s interests in joint ventures are not sig-
nificant. As a result, the difference between accounting for them using
the equity method under U.S. GAAP and using the proportionate consoli-
dation method under Canadian GAAP has not been disclosed separately.

(ii) Shareholders’ equity
As permitted under Canadian GAAP, the Company eliminated its accumu-
lated deficit of $811 million as of June 30, 1995 through a reduction of the
capital stock in the amount of $1,300 million, and created a contributed
surplus of $489 million. Such a reorganization within Shareholders’ equity
is not permitted under U.S. GAAP.

Under Canadian GAAP, the dividend in kind declared in 1995 (with
respect to land transfers) and other capital transactions were deducted
from Contributed surplus. For U.S. GAAP purposes, these amounts would
have been deducted from Retained earnings.

Under Canadian GAAP, costs related to the sale of shares have been
deducted from Contributed surplus. For U.S. GAAP purposes, these amounts
would have been deducted from Capital stock.

Under Canadian GAAP, the excess in cost over the stated value result-

ing from the repurchase of shares was allocated first to Capital stock,
then to Contributed surplus and finally to Retained earnings. Under U.S.
GAAP, the excess would have been allocated to Capital stock followed 
by Retained earnings.

For Canadian and U.S. GAAP purposes, the Company designated all
U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a for-
eign exchange hedge of its U.S. subsidiaries. Under Canadian GAAP, the
resulting net unrealized foreign exchange gain, from the date of designa-
tion, has been included in Currency translation. For U.S. GAAP purposes,
the resulting net unrealized foreign exchange gain as well as a minimum
pension liability adjustment has been included as part of Other compre-
hensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
and Accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component 
of Shareholders’ equity, as required under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive
Income.” There are no requirements under Canadian GAAP to record 
a minimum pension liability adjustment.

(iii) Investment in 360networks Inc.
In 2001, under U.S. GAAP, the Company recorded a charge to write 
down its net investment in 360networks Inc. Prior to the write-down, in
accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company accounted for its investment 
in accordance with SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities.” The shares were classified as “available-for-
sale securities” whereby the investment was carried at market value on
the balance sheet as part of Other assets and deferred charges and the
changes in the value of the investment were recorded in Other compre-
hensive income as an unrealized holding gain (loss). For Canadian GAAP
purposes, the investment was accounted for on a historical cost basis.

(iv) Derivative instruments
On January 1, 2001, under U.S. GAAP, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133
“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended
by SFAS No. 138 “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain
Hedging Activities.” In accordance with these statements, the Company
has recorded in its balance sheet the fair value of derivative instruments
used to hedge a portion of the Company’s fuel requirements. Changes in
the market value of these derivative instruments have been recorded in
Other comprehensive income. There are no similar requirements under
Canadian GAAP.

(v) Convertible preferred securities
The convertible preferred securities are treated as equity under Canadian
GAAP, whereas under U.S. GAAP they are treated as debt. Consequently,
the costs related to the issuance of the convertible preferred securities
are, for Canadian GAAP purposes, treated as an equity transaction and
netted against the consideration received while under U.S. GAAP, the costs
are reported as deferred charges and amortized over the term to maturity.

100

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(vi) The application of U.S. GAAP would have a significant effect on
the following balance sheet items as reported:

In millions

December 31,

2001

2000

Current assets – Canadian GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,164
–

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷1,125

(17)

Current assets – U.S. GAAP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,164

$÷1,108

In millions

December 31,

2001

2000

Capital stock – Canadian GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷3,209
1,300

Capital reorganization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷3,124

1,300

Costs related to the sale of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Share repurchase program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(33)

48

(82)

(33)

40

(82)

Capital stock – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷4,442

$÷4,349

Properties – Canadian GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,723
2,422

Property capitalization, net of depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–

$13,583

2,053

2

Properties – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,145

$15,638

Other assets and deferred charges – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«901
12

Debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intangible asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in 360networks Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

–

–

$÷÷«411

12

–

129

16

Other assets and deferred charges – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«914

$÷÷«568

Current liabilities – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,638
31

Fuel derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

–

$÷1,915

–

(10)

Current liabilities – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,669

$÷1,905

Deferred income tax liability – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷3,729
845

Cumulative effect of prior years’ adjustment to income . . . . . . .

Income taxes on current year U.S. GAAP adjustments . . . . . . . . .

Income taxes on translation of convertible 

preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income taxes on translation of U.S. to 

Canadian GAAP adjustments to the  
net investment in foreign operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in 360networks Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cumulative effect of change in accounting 

policy – Foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income taxes on minimum pension liability adjustment . . . . . . .

Income taxes on fuel derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax rate reductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110

8

5

–

–

(6)

(13)

(86)

(1)

$÷2,486

725

90

–

–

35

30

–

–

4

5

Deferred income tax liability – U.S. GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷4,591

$÷3,375

Other liabilities and deferred credits – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,296
24
Stock-based compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minimum pension liability adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

7

Joint ventures and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities and deferred credits – U.S. GAAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷1,345

–

$÷1,193

13

–

–

(1)

$÷1,205

Convertible preferred securities – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«327
12

Debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized exchange loss on convertible 

preferred securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27

Convertible preferred securities 

(classified as debt) – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«366

Contributed surplus – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«178
248

Dividend in kind with respect to land transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Costs related to the sale of shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other transactions and related income tax effect . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Share repurchase program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capital reorganization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33

18

12

(489)

$÷÷«327

12

6

$÷÷«345

$÷÷«178

248

33

18

12

(489)

Contributed surplus – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷÷÷«–

$÷÷÷÷«–

Currency translation – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷÷«133

$÷÷÷«61

Unrealized foreign exchange gain on translation of U.S.

to Canadian GAAP adjustments to the net investment 
in foreign operations, net of applicable taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unrealized exchange loss on convertible preferred 

securities, net of applicable taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fuel derivative instruments, net of applicable taxes . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax rate reductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of applicable taxes

Investment in 360networks Inc., net of applicable taxes . . . . . .

10

(17)

(25)

(32)

(11)

–

–

(4)

–

–

–

94

Accumulated other comprehensive income – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . $÷÷÷«58

$÷÷«151

Retained earnings – Canadian GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷2,514
1,136

Cumulative effect of prior years’ adjustments to income . . . . . .

Current year adjustments to net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Share repurchase program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cumulative effect of change in accounting 

policy – Foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cumulative dividend on convertible preferred securities . . . . . .

Capital reorganization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividend in kind with respect to land transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other transactions and related income tax effect . . . . . . . . . . . . .

313

70

–

32

(811)

(248)

(18)

$÷1,949

912

163

70

61

20

(811)

(248)

(18)

Retained earnings – U.S. GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $÷2,988

$÷2,098

Canadian GAAP

Canadian National Railway Company

101

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

23 Quarterly financial data – unaudited

In millions, except per share data

Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fourth

$1,537

$«««428

$«««238

2001

Third

Second

$1,325

$«««331

$«««178

$1,392

$«««245

$«««÷40

First

$1,398

$«««362

$«««271

Fourth

$1,396

$«««344

$«««175

2000

Third

Second

$1,334

$«««321

$«««161

$1,337

$«««346

$«««188

First

$1,379

$«««374

$«««250

Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««1.22

$««0.91

$««0.19

$««1.40

$««0.90

$««0.82

$««0.95

$««1.23

Diluted earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$««1.18

$««0.88

$««0.19

$««1.36

$««0.88

$««0.80

$««0.93

$««1.20

Dividend declared per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$0.195

$0.195

$0.195

$0.195

$0.175

$0.175

$0.175

$0.175

24 Comparative figures

Certain figures, previously reported for 2000 and 1999, have been 
reclassified to conform with the basis of presentation adopted in 
the current year.

102

Canadian National Railway Company

Canadian GAAP

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

General review

Trustee
Through December 31, 2001, Montreal Trust Company of Canada (Montreal
Trust) was the Trustee of the Canadian National Railways Pension Trust
Funds (CN Pension Trust Funds, or Funds). As Trustee, Montreal Trust per-
formed certain duties which included holding legal title to the assets of
the Funds and ensuring that Canadian National Railway Company (CN),
as Administrator, complies with the provisions of the CN Pension Plan,
the CN 1935 Pension Plan and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985
and its regulations. The checks and direct deposit statements in respect
of these plans were issued in the name of Montreal Trust, Trustee of the
CN Pension Trust Funds.

Effective January 1, 2002, CIBC Mellon Trust Company has been

appointed as the new Trustee of the CN Pension Trust Funds.

Administration of the pension plans
Overall accountability for the pension and benefit administration is the
responsibility of CN. William M. Mercer Limitée, an employee benefits
consulting firm, performs agreed-on pension and benefit administration
services on behalf of CN.

Pension benefits
A. Pension improvements
On January 1, 2001, retirees and surviving spouses eligible for regular
pension indexation received an additional pension increase based on the
number of years that retirees had been on pension and their pensionable
service at the time of retirement. This was based on a recommendation
made by the Pension Committee in 2000 and approved by CN’s Board 
of Directors.

In 2001, CN’s Board of Directors also approved the following recom-
mendations made by the Pension Committee to increase certain benefits:

•

•

•

•

Increase in the pension formula from 1.5%/2.0% to 1.6%/2.0% for
active members on January 1, 2001, and to 1.7%/2.0% for active
members on January 1, 2002, for each year of pensionable service
from January 1, 1966.
Shorten the eligibility requirements to qualify for indexation from
age 60 and at least five complete calendar years since retirement to
age 59 and at least four complete calendar years since retirement
effective January 1, 2002.
Index pensions at 75% of inflation rather than 60% of inflation for
2002 only. This means that retirees and survivors who meet the eligi-
bility requirements will see their 2002 pension increase by 2.25%
instead of 1.8% on the first $3,000 of basic monthly pension. This is
a lifetime pension benefit increase.
Special improvement to pensions payable to eligible retirees and sur-
viving spouses entitled to indexation on January 1, 2002, based on
the number of years that such retirees have been on pension and
their pensionable service at time of retirement.

In addition to the above improvements, the CN Pension Plan has
been amended to provide for the reduction in the basic employee contri-
bution rates from 5.48%/6.98% to 4.3%/6.3%, effective January 1, 2002,
to reflect an agreement that CN reached with five of its six unions on 
the implementation of an employee-paid Long Term Disability Plan (LTD)
for unionized employees active on January 1, 2002 and thereafter. The
remaining union established an employee-paid LTD plan in 1999 and the
members of such union will also benefit from the contribution reductions,
subject to the same conditions as for the other unionized members.
Disability pensions under the CN Pension Plan will be reduced to reflect
the benefit payable under this new LTD plan.

The non-unionized employees will also benefit from the contribution

reductions but the full cost of this reduction will be charged to the
Non–Unionized Improvement Account as they have been covered by a
CN-paid long term disability plan under the CN Flex Benefit Program 
for many years.

B. Indexation agreement and escalation account
As a result of the indexation agreement negotiated with the railway
unions in 1989 and improvements to such agreement negotiated in 1992
and 1998, approximately 41,400 retirees and surviving spouses received
permanent pension increases in 2001. These increases amounted to
1.44% on the first $2,750 of the basic CN monthly pension, with a guar-
anteed minimum monthly pension increase of $9.00 for eligible retirees
and $4.50 for eligible surviving spouses.

Under this indexation agreement, effective January 1, 1989, 50% of

the experience gains or losses related to pensioners are accounted for
separately in the Escalation Account. Net experience gains are used to
pay for indexation of pensions above the minimum up to the maximum
annual amount. The maximum annual indexation for eligible retirees and
survivors is 60% (75% for the 2002 indexation) of the increase in the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) to a maximum increase in CPI of 6%, with an
annual limit on the amount of pension which can be indexed.

In addition, the Pension Committee may recommend additional ben-
efits for pensioners, financed from the Escalation Account, if the balance
in the account exceeds a certain threshold. These additional benefits are
subject to approval by CN’s Board of Directors. Such additional benefits
were granted on January 1, 2001, to retirees and surviving spouses 
eligible for the regular indexation. In addition to the regular indexation,
approximately 41,400 pensioners received an average increase of 4.1%
in their pension.

Also, in 2001, CN’s Board of Directors approved the Pension

Committee’s unanimous recommendation to broaden the eligibility crite-
ria for pension indexation, increase maximum indexation for 2002 only
and to increase pension payments for eligible retirees and surviving
spouses, effective January 1, 2002 as indicated under section A. Pension
improvements. The value of such improvements was charged to the
Escalation Account in the current valuation.

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

103

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

Trustee’s report

To the Administrator and the Members of the CN Pension Plan and
the CN 1935 Pension Plan

We, Montreal Trust Company of Canada, are the Trustee of the Canadian
National Railways Pension Trust Funds (“CN Pension Trust Funds”).

As Trustee, we have appointed KPMG LLP to examine the systems,
procedures and internal controls used in respect to the custody, invest-
ment, and administration of the assets of the CN Pension Trust Funds, the
administration of the CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan
(“1935 Plan”), and the performance of Canadian National Railway
Company (“CN”) as Administrator of the CN Pension Plan and the 1935
Plan for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Our examination included such tests and procedures as were consid-

ered necessary in the circumstances taking into consideration the
requirements of the Trust Deeds and our experience in the Canadian 
pension industry.

In our opinion, based on the reasonable, but not absolute, degree 
of assurance obtained from the examination performed, the aforemen-
tioned systems, procedures and internal controls, used by CN as Adminis-
trator, operated effectively during the year ended December 31, 2001,
and complied with the objectives of the Pension Benefits Standards 
Act, 1985 and its Regulations.

(signed)

Montreal Trust Company of Canada
Trustee of the Canadian National Railways
Pension Trust Funds for the year 2001

Montreal, January 22, 2002

The basic eligibility requirements, in 2001, to qualify for indexation
and the additional benefits were to have been retired for five complete
calendar years and to have reached age 60. Effective 2002, the eligibility
requirements to qualify for indexation and the additional benefits will be
shortened to four complete calendar years after retirement and to have
reached age 59.

C. Improvement accounts
Effective January 1, 1998, the unions and CN agreed to share the experi-
ence gains (losses) resulting from investment earnings related to active
unionized members of the CN Pension Plan, based on the same concept
as the indexation agreement. Under this agreement, annual calculations
will determine the amount of experience gains or losses to be credited
(debited) to an account referred to as an Improvement Account and the
balance of such account, if positive, may be used to improve benefits of
unionized active members or reduce their contributions, as recommended
by the Pension Committee and approved by CN’s Board of Directors.
The Improvement Account concept was also extended to non-unionized
members and separate accounts were created for unionized and non-
unionized members.

In 2001, CN’s Board of Directors approved the Pension Committee’s
unanimous recommendation to increase the pension formula as indicated
under section A. Pension improvements. The value of such improvements
was charged to the Improvement Accounts in the current valuation.

Annual pension statements
As required by the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 and to keep
employees who are members updated annually on their personal entitle-
ment, personalized pension statements were prepared as at December
31, 2000 and distributed by June 2001.

Services to pensioners
A. Direct deposit:
The Direct Deposit System (DDS) is available to all retirees and survivors.
Under this system, the monthly pension benefit is deposited directly into
the individual’s personal account. An itemized pension pay stub is sent 
to that individual initially, each January and whenever the gross or net
amount changes. About 41,000 pensioners used this service in 2001.

B. Toll-free help lines:
Approximately 51,500 calls were handled in 2001 through the central
toll-free help line (1-800-361-0739). Staff handling the toll-free tele-
phone line have ready access to records and information required for
quick, efficient and accurate responses to most callers' needs – in both 
of Canada’s official languages.

104

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

Actuary’s report

Auditors’ report

To the Board of Directors
Canadian National Railways Pension Trust Funds

To the Board of Directors of 
Canadian National Railway Company

We have conducted actuarial valuations for funding purposes as at
December 31, 2000 for the CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan.

As at December 31, 2000, these valuations revealed a consolidated
actuarial liability of $10,035 million, a consolidated surplus of $417 mil-
lion and a current service cost net of plan members’ contribution of 
$75 million in 2001. The next actuarial valuations will be conducted as 
at December 31, 2003, at the latest.

In my opinion, for the purposes of the valuations,

•

•
•

the data on which these valuations were based were sufficient 
and reliable,
the assumptions are, in aggregate, appropriate; and
the methods employed in the valuations are appropriate.

We have also conducted actuarial valuations for accounting purposes as
at December 31, 2000 for the CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension
Plan.

These valuations were made in accordance with the requirements 

of Section 3461 of the Handbook of the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants (CICA). They revealed a consolidated actuarial liability of
$10,722 million.

The difference between the results of the actuarial valuations con-
ducted for funding purposes and those conducted for accounting pur-
poses is mainly due to the CICA Section 3461 requirement to use an
interest rate inherent in the amount at which the actuarial liability could
be settled at the date of valuation.

Both valuations have been prepared and, my opinions given, in

accordance with accepted actuarial practice.

(signed)

Bernard Morency
Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries
William M. Mercer Limitée

Montreal, January 22, 2002

We have audited the consolidated statement of net assets of the CN
Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan as at December 31, 2001,
and the consolidated statement of changes in net assets for the year
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Administrator. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examin-
ing, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by the Administrator, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly,

in all material respects, the net assets of the CN Pension Plan and the 
CN 1935 Pension Plan as at December 31, 2001, and the changes in 
their net assets for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian
generally accepted accounting principles.

(signed)

KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants

Montreal, Canada
January 22, 2002

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

105

Consolidated Statement of Net Assets at Market Value

In millions

As at December 31,

2001

2000

Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$÷3,733

$÷3,744

Mortgages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Real estate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Oil and gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Receivable from Canadian National Railway Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net other assets (liabilities). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

272

271

468

6,033

890

11,667

5

(1)

261

261

377

7,255

421

12,319

21

16

$11,671

$12,356

On behalf of the Board:

David G.A. McLean

Director

Paul M. Tellier

Director

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

106

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets at Market Value

In millions

Year ended December 31,

2001

2000

Net assets at market value, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$12,356

$11,664

Investment income

Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mortgages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Real estate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Oil and gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment income before net gain on sale of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net gain on sale of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total investment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

238

18

11

48

88

20

423

(18)

405

486

891

Unrealized depreciation in value of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(1,060)

Contributions

Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Disbursements for members

Pension benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total disbursements for members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73

69

142

(618)

(43)

(661)

3

(685)

190

20

8

46

74

23

361

(15)

346

919

1,265

(69)

74

59

133

(587)

(47)

(634)

(3)

692

Net assets at market value, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$11,671

$12,356

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

107

D. Disability pensions
A member with 10 years of pensionable service who is either declared
unfit to perform his/her usual employment with the Company due to a
permanent disability which occurred prior to 1992, or is declared totally
and permanently disabled due to a disability which occurred after 1991,
may, subject to certain conditions, apply for an immediate reduced or
unreduced pension. Any declarations in respect of a member’s disability
are the responsibility of CN’s Chief Medical Officer. The disability pension
may be adjusted to take into account benefits payable under a long-term
disability plan or under a Workers’ Compensation Act of any province.

E. Pre-retirement survivors’ pensions and death refunds
A survivor’s pension is payable to the eligible spouse of a member who
had a minimum of two years of plan membership upon his/her death.
Otherwise, a death refund is payable to the spouse, or, if there is no
spouse, to the estate of the member.

F. Post-retirement survivors’ pensions and estate settlements
Upon the death of a retiree who had an eligible spouse at retirement,
either 55% or 60% of the basic pension of the retiree is payable to that
spouse during his/her lifetime depending on the option elected at retire-
ment. The survivor pension is guaranteed for the first 10 years after
retirement. If the retiree and the surviving spouse, if any, die in the first
10 years after retirement, the survivor pension will be payable to the
estate of the retiree until the 10-year period is over.

G. Termination benefits
Upon termination of service, a member is entitled to either his/her 
contributions with interest or to the value of his/her benefits accrued
under the Plan or to a deferred pension or a combination of the above,
depending on his/her age, pensionable service and years of membership
at termination.

H. Income taxes
The Plan is registered under the Income Tax Act and Regulations. Contri-
butions to the Plan are tax deductible and investment income of the
Canadian National Railways Pension Trust Funds is not taxable in Canada.
Investment income from some foreign countries is subject to withholding
taxes, which are either fully or partially recovered.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 Description of plans

These consolidated financial statements cover two pension plans, the CN
Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan (CN Plans), and include the
accounts of the Canadian National Railways Pension Trust Funds and its
wholly owned companies. All references in these financial statements to
the “Company” refer to Canadian National Railway Company, which is
the Administrator of the CN Plans. The CN 1935 Pension Plan is for a
closed group of members and represents less than 1% of the pension
obligation of the plans. Therefore, the following is a summarized descrip-
tion of the CN Pension Plan only. Please refer to the rules of the CN
Pension Plan for additional information.

A. General
The CN Pension Plan (the Plan) is a contributory defined benefit pension
plan generally applicable for new employees from the first day of employ-
ment. Under this Plan, employees contribute between 5.48% and 5.88%
(4.3% and 4.7% effective January 1, 2002) of earnings up to the Year’s
Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) under the Canada or Quebec
Pension Plan and between 6.98% and 7.38% (6.3% and 6.7% effective
January 1, 2002) of earnings in excess of the YMPE up to a maximum of
$5,945 in 2001. Participants are not required to make contributions after
35 years of pensionable service. Company contributions are determined
on the basis of actuarial valuations done at least on a triennial basis in
accordance with the requirements of the Pension Benefits Standards Act,
1985 and Regulations thereunder.

B. Pensions
Pensions are based on the employee’s average pensionable earnings for
the best five consecutive calendar years or the last 60 months of employ-
ment at the rate of 2% for each year of pensionable service prior to
January 1, 1966, 1.6% for each year of pensionable service thereafter up
to the average YMPE over the last 60 months (1.7% for active employees
as of January 1, 2002), and 2% of the excess of such average pension-
able earnings over the average YMPE. The maximum annual pension
payable is $1,715 multiplied by the pensionable service of the member.
Pensionable service is limited to 35 years.

C. Retirement age
The normal retirement age is 65. However, employees with 85 points
(age plus pensionable service) and with the Company’s consent are enti-
tled to an early retirement pension without reduction as long as they are
at least 55 years of age. Furthermore, employees with less than 85 points
can retire anytime from age 55 with a reduction in their pension of 0.5%
for each month (6% per year) between their date of retirement and their
65th birthday.

108

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2 Summary of significant accounting policies

A. Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements are prepared on a market value
basis, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
Canada for pension plans, which require management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts at the date of the
financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
These statements present the aggregate financial position of the CN
Plans as a separate financial reporting entity independent of the sponsor
and plan members, and are prepared to assist plan members and others
in reviewing the activities of the CN Plans for the year, but they do not
portray the funding requirements of the CN Plans or the benefit security
of individual members.

B. Valuation of net assets
Market value is determined using publicly quoted prices where available.
When such prices are not available, market values are estimated on the
basis of: the present value of estimated future net cash flows, the market
value of comparable assets, or the breakup value of underlying assets.

Valuation of net assets by category is as follows:

(i)

Bonds are valued using the closing market bid as at December 31.

(ii) Mortgages are valued using current market yields of financial

instruments of similar maturity and at appropriate spreads from
instruments of comparable quality.

(iii) Real estate consists of land and buildings. Land is valued using the
market value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued using
the present value of estimated future net cash flows and the market
value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and
buildings are performed triennially.

(iv) Oil and gas reserves are valued using the present value of estimated
future net cash flows, which are based on projected production,
prices, and costs. Land is valued using the market value of compara-
ble assets. Trust units and equities are valued using the closing 
market price as at December 31.

(v)

Equities are valued using the closing market price as at December 31.

(vi) Short-term investments and other assets are valued at cost, which

approximates market value.

(vii) Listed derivative financial instruments are valued using the market

settlement price as at December 31. Unlisted derivative financial
instruments are valued using the present value of future net cash
flows determined by using closing market levels and interest rates
for instruments of similar maturity and credit risk.

C. Income recognition
Dividends are accrued on the ex-dividend date; income from other invest-
ments is accrued as earned. Gains or losses on sales of investments are
recognized on the dates of sales and are calculated on the basis of the
average cost of the assets.

D. Foreign exchange
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated
using current rates as at December 31 or at the forward foreign exchange
contract rates for investments that are hedged. Foreign dividends and
interest income are translated at the rates prevailing when accrued.

E. Change in market value
The change in market value has been segregated in the Consolidated
Statement of Changes in Net Assets at Market Value between Net 
gain (loss) on sale of investments during the year and the Unrealized
appreciation (depreciation) in value of investments, which is the 
balance of the change in market value of investments for the year.

F. Contributions
Contributions from employees are recorded in the period in which the
Company makes payroll deductions. The contributions from the Company,
as determined by the latest actuarial valuations, are recorded using the
accrual method.

G. Transfers 
Transfers to/from other funds are accounted for in the period in which
the value of the transfers can be reasonably estimated.

3 Investments

All investments are securities, assets or financial instruments where the
CN Plans’ original intention is to hold to maturity or until market condi-
tions render alternative investments more attractive. Significant terms
and conditions of investments as at December 31 are as follows:

Bonds, 90% (91% in 2000) of which are issued or guaranteed by
Canadian or U.S. governments, 9% (7% in 2000) by corporations, and 1%
(2% in 2000) by supranational agencies, have a market weighted average
coupon of 6.5% (6.3% in 2000). Maximum term is 30 years (31 years in
2000) with an average term of 10.2 years (10.3 years in 2000).

Mortgages, secured by real estate, have a market weighted-average
coupon of 7.9% (7.9% in 2000). Maximum term is 23 years (24 years in
2000), with an average term of 9.3 years (8.4 years in 2000).

Equities are diversified by issuer, industry and by country. Canadian
domiciled companies represent 46% (48% in 2000) of the equity portfo-
lio and allocations to individual issuers or industry sectors are limited to
3.5% and 17.7% (3.0% and 15.5% in 2000), respectively.

Short-term investments, primarily securities issued by governments
in Canada and Canadian chartered banks, have an average term of 28
days (32 days in 2000) and an average yield of 2.6% (5.8% in 2000).

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

109

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3 Investments (continued)

Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from

interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity or commodity prices.
Derivatives include forwards, futures, swaps and options.

From time to time, the CN Plans use derivatives for asset mix man-
agement purposes or to hedge the exposure to foreign currency, interest
rate or market risks of the portfolio or anticipated transactions.

Notional amounts of derivative contracts by risk category affected

were as follows:

In millions

As at December 31,

Foreign currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity and commodity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2001

$932

$335

$÷÷9

2000

$1,713

$÷«889

$÷÷÷«5

The weighted-average term of the above contracts was 246 days 
(81 days in 2000). The total value of derivative instruments is negligible
($33.5 million in 2000) and is included in the values of bonds, mortgages
and equities, which are the asset classes affected.

Approximately two thirds of derivative contracts were used to hedge

foreign currency exposures.

4 Credit risk

Credit risk arises from the potential for an investee to fail or a counter-
party to default on its contractual obligations to the CN Plans.

In accordance with formally established policies, the CN Plans man-

age credit risk by dealing with counterparties considered to be of high
credit quality, utilizing an internal credit limit monitoring process as well
as credit mitigation techniques such as master netting and collateral
agreements.

At year end, the CN Plans’ most significant concentrations of credit
risk were with the governments of Canada and the United States which
issued or guaranteed $3,181 million and $192 million ($1,844 million
and $996 million in 2000), respectively, of securities held by the CN
Plans. Excluding the above, the remainder of assets are diversified with
no other issuer accounting for more than 3.3% (2.0% in 2000) of total
net assets.

The credit risk of derivative instruments is limited to the cost of
replacing, at current market value, all contracts which have a positive
value. The following table shows the credit risk of all derivative instru-
ments outstanding at year end.

Credit risk – Derivative instruments 

In millions

As at December 31, 2001

2000

Maximum exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of master netting and collateral agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net credit risk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$15

(2)

$13

$34

–

$34

110

The CN Pension Plan and the CN 1935 Pension Plan

5 Funding policy

In respect of the CN Plans, the contributions by the Company are deter-
mined in accordance with the requirements of the Pension Benefits
Standards Act, 1985 and Regulations thereunder, and are based on the
projected unit credit actuarial cost method, with projection of salaries
where future salary changes affect the amount of the projected benefits.
In the case of the CN 1935 Pension Plan, the Company makes money
purchase contributions in accordance with the rules of the plan.

The latest actuarial valuations of the CN Plans were prepared by
William M. Mercer Limitée as at December 31, 2000 and were submitted
to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and to the Canada
Customs and Revenue Agency. In these actuarial valuations, the principal
assumptions adopted by the CN Plans’ actuary are: members’ mortality,
disability, retirement, termination of employment, merit and periodic
increases in earnings, as well as a long-term rate of return of 7.25%
(7.5% at the previous valuation) per annum on investments. Future
increases in members’ earnings have been projected using economic
assumptions consistent with this long-term rate of return.

6 Transfers

In 2001, the accounts include a provision for the amounts to be remitted
to/from other funds to cover transfers of members of CN Plans to other
pension plans and transfers of members of other plans to the CN Plans.

7 Consolidated actuarial pension obligation and asset value

The actuarial valuations as at December 31, 2000 revealed a consoli-
dated actuarial liability of $10,722 million and a consolidated actuarial
asset value of $10,452 million. The results of these valuations were then
used to estimate the corresponding figures as at December 31, 2001,
which approximate $11,046 million and $10,970 million, respectively,
as at that date. The principal components of the change in the pension
obligations are the interest accrued on benefits ($693 million in 2001
and $682 million in 2000), benefit payments and transfers ($655 million
in 2001 and $637 million in 2000), benefits accrued during the year
($163 million in 2001 and $143 million in 2000), and actuarial loss 
($123 million in 2001 and $738 million in 2000). The consolidated actu-
arial liability was calculated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of
Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3461 using a discount
rate of 6.5% as at December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000. The con-
solidated actuarial asset value is based on a market-related method,
which recognizes the change in market value over a period of five years
using the straight-line method.

2001 President ’s Awards for Excellence

In a celebration of outstanding achievement, a select number of CN employees were recognized at the 
2001 President’s Awards for Excellence held in Montreal in October. The award recipients, from throughout
the CN system, were honored for helping to move the business forward in a wide variety of important ways.
Their accomplishments are representative of the firm commitment to excellence and innovative spirit that
makes CN North America’s best railroad.

Category: New Business Opportunities 

Category: Cost Effectiveness 

The Williams Energy Team – Gary Dale Adkins, Memphis, Tennessee; 
Josée Courchesne, Montreal, Quebec; Louis Homan, Memphis, Tennessee;
Jeff Liepelt, Geismar, Louisiana; Debra Rae, Calgary, Alberta; Bruce Rieck,
Edmonton, Alberta; Rodney Shulha, Edmonton, Alberta; Sherri Stark,
Montreal, Quebec; Roger Stenvold, Edmonton, Alberta

This “virtual” team showed what can be done when knowledge and experience
from different corners of the company are combined. They put their heads together
and worked to secure a new multiyear contract with Williams Energy, a Tulsa,
Oklahoma-based company providing a full range of energy-related products 
and services.

Category: Safety 

Chad A. Anderson, Centralia, Illinois

When Chad got involved in developing a policy to protect employees working on
tracks, he went the extra mile. His policy became the model, which is now used 
by the FRA on other U.S. railroads. It not only improves safety but also minimizes
the impact on train operations and has resulted in satisfied stakeholders.

Category: Exceptional Service 

Jean-Pierre Leblanc, Cornwall, Ontario

Jean-Pierre’s customers appreciate his commitment to them as clients and as 
people. He’s always one step ahead of the game, anticipating their needs, keeping
them up to date on developments and maintaining close communication ties.
His caring attitude extends outside the workplace as well, where he never fails to
have a friendly greeting when he meets his customers and their families.

Category: Bravery / Exceptional Community Service 

Reginald E. Caster, Memphis, Tennessee

Reginald is a man with a mission. Determined to provide positive role models 
for young inner-city kids, in 1986 he co-founded The Elephant Men, a mentoring
group designed to build self-esteem in boys aged 9-13. Reginald feels that there
is no greater enjoyment than helping children become “hardworking, positive
people who are an asset to their community, family and country.” The group 
provides development programs that teach proper behavior, grooming and self-
improvement. For the last 15 years, Reginald has dedicated a great deal of his
time to this program about which he is so passionate.

Category: People Management 

Richard Boyer, Brampton, Ontario

The people who work for Richard can’t say enough good things about him.
After his arrival at the Brampton Intermodal Terminal, employees quickly became
impressed with his respect for them, his management style and his recognition 
of their efforts. They appreciated the introduction of weekly management meetings
and the fact he gave employees the proper tools to work with. The results speak
for themselves. Richard has turned the Brampton Intermodal Terminal into one 
of the most productive and effective on the system.

Category: People Management 

Susan Evans-Seebeck, Montreal, Quebec

Susan’s secret to successful people management is simple: She puts people first.
Recognizing that each individual is unique, she works to ensure that the skills and
talents of every person in her group are matched to the task. That translates into
doing an outstanding job of coaching and building confidence in those who 
work with her. She takes the time to listen to what people have to say and uses
their input to help them develop effective solutions.

The Belleville Used Rail Sorting Team – Bruce Emberly, Montreal, Quebec;
Richard Maltby, Belleville, Ontario; Susan Pike, Montreal, Quebec; 
John Shakell, Belleville, Ontario

This team proved that a little innovative thinking can go a long way. By revisiting
an existing method for disposing of used rail, they found new solutions that
resulted in substantial savings. They arranged for some of the used rail to be 
recycled into other products instead of being sold only as scrap… and for freight
charges to be billed to the buyer instead of having CN pay them.

Category: Operational Breakthrough 

The Vancouver Pipeline Management Team – Greg Buckingham, Surrey, British
Columbia; Earl Code, Edmonton, Alberta; Gerry Fox, Edmonton, Alberta;
Grant Medland, Edmonton, Alberta; Marvin Rentz, Winnipeg, Manitoba

This team saw an opportunity and seized on it. Coincident with the “de-pooling”
of grain, they reexamined company procedures and found a new, faster and more
efficient way to bring grain to the Port of Vancouver. Their goal of turning cars
around faster and gaining efficiencies was more than realized. Not only did their
innovative solution generate revenue increases for CN, it also led to lower annual 
railcar leasing costs.

Category: Environmental Impact 

Guy Alan Crackel, Fort Frances, Ontario

Despite the fact that he had been injured in a train derailment, Guy proved him-
self capable of the quick thinking required to avert an environmental disaster.
He helped to contain a locomotive fuel leak by working to plug the punctures that
occurred during the accident. Thanks to him, the fuel ended up in one small area
only, minimizing the impact on a scenic area that includes a lake.

Category: Environmental Impact 

David Garrod, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Although CN’s system for treating wastewater in Winnipeg was within accepted
guidelines, it wasn’t good enough for David. He decided the wastewater could 
be cleaner and set about finding a solution. And when he did, everyone benefited.
Thanks to new chemicals, the water is now clear; the water treatment plant has
reduced its solid waste by 40 per cent and there’s an added bonus: The cost of
chemicals has been reduced by 60 per cent.

Category: Quality Improvement 

Representatives of the Responsible Care ® Team – Antonio Barros, Winnipeg,
Manitoba; Mike De Smedt, Harvey, Illinois; Steve Dial, Carbondale, Illinois;
Rob McCaffrey, Edmonton, Alberta; Scott McLeod, Harvey, Illinois; Jean
Ouellette, Montreal, Quebec; Laura Soutar, Toronto, Ontario

Introducing Responsible Care ® into CN is the result of a remarkable team effort.
The program is being recognized for how it was successfully implemented – thanks
to the hard work of cross-functional teams from the divisions and headquarters –
how it is practiced on a daily basis, and for the advantages it brings to CN.

Responsible Care ® is a total management system created by the Canadian
Chemical Producers’ Association (CCPA) in 1985 to address public concerns about
the manufacture, distribution and use of chemical products, and to promote 
continuous improvement in health, safety and the environment. CN was the first
rail carrier in Canada and the United States to undertake the initiative, making 
it a true Responsible Care ® pioneer.

Canadian National Railway Company

111

Board of Directors (As of December 31, 2001)

David G.A. McLean, O.B.C., LL.D.
Chairman of the Board
Canadian National 
Railway Company
Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer
The McLean Group
Vancouver, BC
Committees: 2*, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

E. Hunter Harrison
Executive Vice-President and 
Chief Operating Officer
Canadian National 
Railway Company
Burr Ridge, IL
Committee: 7

Gilbert H. Lamphere
Private Investor and 
Former Chairman of the Board
Illinois Central Corporation
New York, NY
Committees: 1, 4, 5, 7

James K. Gray, O.C., LL.D.
Corporate Director and 
Former Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer 
Canadian Hunter Exploration Ltd.
Calgary, AB
Committees: 1, 2, 4, 7

Paul M. Tellier,

P.C., C.C., Q.C., LL.D.
President and 
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian National 
Railway Company
Montreal, QC
Committees: 3*, 7

112

Canadian National Railway Company

V. Maureen Kempston Darkes,

O.C., D.Comm., LL.D.
Group Vice-President 
General Motors Corporation 
and President 
GM Latin America,
Africa and Middle East
Miami, FL
Committees: 2, 5, 7

Cedric E. Ritchie, O.C., LL.D.
Corporate Director and 
Former Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Toronto, ON
Committees: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7

Robert Pace
President and 
Chief Executive Officer
The Pace Group
Halifax, NS
Committees: 1*, 2, 6, 7

The Honorable 
Edward C. Lumley, P. C., LL.D.
Vice-Chairman
BMO Nesbitt Burns
South Lancaster, ON
Committees: 4, 5, 6*, 7

Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
Vice-Chairman
Long Aldridge & Norman
Atlanta, GA
Committees: 1, 2, 7

Purdy Crawford, O.C., Q.C., LL.D.
Chairman 
AT&T Canada Corp.
Counsel
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt
Toronto, ON
Committees: 2, 5*, 6, 7

J.V. Raymond Cyr, O.C., LL.D.
Chairman 
PolyValor Inc.
and Vice-Chairman 
ART Advanced Research & 
Technologies Inc.
Montreal, QC
Committees: 1, 4*, 5, 6, 7

Michael R. Armellino
Retired Partner
The Goldman Sachs Group
New York, NY
Committees: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7*

Denis Losier
President and 
Chief Executive Officer
Assumption Life
Moncton, NB
Committees: 1, 4, 5, 7

Edith E. Holiday
Attorney and Corporate Director,
Former General Counsel,
United States Treasury Department 
and Secretary of the Cabinet 
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Committees: 1, 6, 7

Committees:

1 Audit and finance 2 Corporate governance 3 Donations

4 Environment, safety and security

5 Human resources 6 Investment 7 Strategic planning * denotes chairman of the committee

Canadian National Railway Company

113

Executive O f f icers of the Company

David G.A. McLean
Chairman of the Board

Paul M. Tellier
President and 
Chief Executive Officer

E. Hunter Harrison
Executive Vice-President and 
Chief Operating Officer

Tullio Cedraschi
President and 
Chief Executive Officer
CN Investment Division

Les Dakens
Senior Vice-President
Corporate Services

Sean Finn
Senior Vice-President,
Chief Legal Officer and 
Corporate Secretary

James M. Foote
Executive Vice-President
Sales and Marketing

Jack T. McBain
Senior Vice-President
Operations

William J. Fox
Senior Vice-President
Public Affairs

Claude Mongeau
Executive Vice-President and 
Chief Financial Officer

Keith L. Heller
Senior Vice-President
Eastern Canada Division

Robert E. Noorigian
Vice-President
Investor Relations

114

Canadian National Railway Company

Contents

1 2001 Overview

18 Message from Paul M. Tellier
19 Financial summary
22 How far can CN go?
24 Message from David McLean
25 Going further for our communities
28 CN at a glance
30 Glossary of terms
31 Financial Section (U.S. GAAP)
67 Financial Section (Canadian GAAP)

103 The CN Pension Plan and the
CN 1935 Pension Plan

111 President’s Awards for Excellence
112 Board of Directors
114 Executive Officers of the Company
115 Shareholder and investor information

The journey is

Except where otherwise 
indicated, all financial infor-
mation reflected in this docu-
ment is expressed in Canadian
dollars and determined 
on the basis of United States
generally accepted accounting
principles (U.S. GAAP).

Shareholder and investor information

Annual meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders will be held 
at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 
at the World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax, NS

Annual information form
The annual information form may be obtained by writing to:

The Corporate Secretary
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West 
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9

Transfer agent and registrar
Computershare Trust Company of Canada

Offices in:
Montreal, QC; Toronto, ON; Calgary, AB; Vancouver, BC
Toll-free: 1-800-332-0095
Montreal telephone: (514) 982-7800
Fax: (514) 982-7635 Web: www.computershare.com

Co-transfer agent and co-registrar
Computershare Trust Company of New York
88 Pine Street, 19th Floor
Wall Street Plaza, New York, NY 10005
Telephone: (212) 701-7600 or 1-800-245-7630

U.S. cash dividends 
Shareholders wishing to receive dividends in U.S. dollars may 
obtain detailed information by communicating with:

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Telephone: (514) 982-7800 or 1-800-332-0095

Stock exchanges
Canadian National common shares are listed on the 
Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

Ticker symbols:
CNR (Toronto Stock Exchange)
CNI (New York Stock Exchange)

Investor relations
Robert Noorigian
Vice-President, Investor Relations
Telephone: 1-800-319-9929
(514) 399-0052

Shareholder services
Shareholders having inquiries concerning their shares 
or wishing to obtain information about CN should contact:

Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 1542
Station B
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 3L2
Telephone: 1-800-332-0095
(514) 982-7800

Email: caregistryinfo@computershare.com

Head office
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9

P.O. Box 8100
Montreal, Quebec  H3C 3N4

Additional copies of this report are 
available from:

Canadian National
Public Affairs
935 de La Gauchetière Street West 
Montreal, Quebec  H3B 2M9
Telephone: (514) 399-7212
Toll-free: 1-888-888-5909
Fax: (514) 399-5344
www.cn.ca

This report has been printed on recycled paper.

La version française du présent rapport 
est disponible à l’adresse suivante :

Canadien National
Affaires publiques
935, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest 
Montréal (Québec)  H3B 2M9
Téléphone : (514) 399-7212
Numéro sans frais : 1-888-888-5909
Télécopieur : (514) 399-5344
www.cn.ca

935 de La Gauchetière Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9

www.cn.ca

2001 Annual Report

How far 
can CN go?

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