935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
www.cn.ca
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Innovation in motion
2 0 1 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T
CONTENTS
INNOVATION IN MOTION
SHAREHOLDER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION
Except where otherwise
indicated, all financial
information reflected in
this document is expressed
in Canadian dollars and
determined on the basis
of United States gener-
ally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP).
I A Message from the Chairman
II A Message from the President and CEO
IV Innovation in Motion:
Innovation Helping CN Deliver Safely
Innovating with Grain Customers
Innovation is Part of the Climate Solution
Innovation in Corporate Governance
VIII
Board of Directors
FINANCIAL SECTION
1
Selected Railroad Statistics – unaudited
2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
51 Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting
52
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
54 Consolidated Financial Statements
58 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
93
Shareholder and Investor Information
Certain statements included in this annual report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature,
forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions
may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time
they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology
such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets” or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially
different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are
advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-
looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic and business conditions; industry
competition; inflation; currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory
developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; security threats; reliance
on technology; trade restrictions; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations,
including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations
and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and
litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments, and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN
with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis” in CN’s annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S.
securities regulators and available on CN’s website, for a description of major risk factors.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to
update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs,
unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference
should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other
forward-looking statement.
As used herein, the word “Company” or “CN” means, as the context requires, Canadian National Railway Company
and/or its subsidiaries.
Annual meeting
Shareholder services
The annual meeting of shareholders
Shareholders having inquiries concerning
will be held at 9:00 a.m. CST on
their shares, wishing to obtain information
April 25, 2017 at:
about CN, or to receive dividends by direct
The Hotel Saskatchewan
Regency Ballroom
2125 Victoria Avenue
deposit or in U.S. dollars may obtain
detailed information by communicating
with:
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Annual information form
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
The annual information form may be
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
Shareholder Services
obtained by writing to:
The Corporate Secretary
Canadian National Railway Company
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253
www.investorcentre.com
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Stock exchanges
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
CN common shares are listed on the
It is also available on CN’s website.
Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
Ticker symbols:
Transfer agent and registrar
CNR (Toronto Stock Exchange)
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
CNI (New York Stock Exchange)
Offices in:
Montreal, Quebec
Toronto, Ontario
Calgary, Alberta
Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253
www.investorcentre.com
Investor relations
Paul Butcher
Vice-President, Investor Relations
Telephone: 514-399-0052
Head office
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Co-transfer agent and co-registrar
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
P.O. Box 8100
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3N4
Computershare Trust Company N.A.
Att: Stock Transfer Department
Overnight Mail Delivery:
250 Royall Street, Canton MA 02021
Regular Mail Delivery: P.O. Box 43078,
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Telephone: 1-800-962-4284
Additional copies of this report are
La version française du présent rapport
available from:
CN Public Affairs
est disponible à l’adresse suivante :
Affaires publiques du CN
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
935, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
Telephone: 1-888-888-5909
Email: contact@cn.ca
Montréal (Québec) H3B 2M9
Téléphone : 1 888 888-5909
Courriel : contact@cn.ca
This report has
been printed on
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recycled content.
CN | 2016 Annual Report
93
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
culture. This commitment touches every aspect of
what we do, from governance to environmental
protection. We are also committed to making the
communities in which we operate better places to
live and work.
I’m proud that CN has received many accolades
for its outstanding corporate governance.
Dear fellow shareholders 2016 was a great
IR Magazine, for example, has given its annual Best
year for CN and its shareholders despite significant
Corporate Governance Award to CN several times.
economic and volume challenges. Our 23,000
CN was also recognized in the Globe and Mail’s
employees broke many performance records
annual review of corporate governance practices
due to the unwavering focus of this great group
in Canada, where we ranked first in the industrials
of railroaders on operational efficiencies and
group. As well, we received the award for
unparalleled customer service and I want to
Best Overall Corporate Governance from the
personally thank every one of them. As a result,
Governance Professionals of Canada.
CN generated record free cash flow and the
CN’s sustainability practices have earned it a
Board announced our 22nd annual increase in
place among the world’s best for several years
our dividend.
running. For example, CN is consistently listed
This year will also be remembered as a year
on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index,
of change. The CN Board has always taken great
which includes an assessment of CN’s governance
pride in our focus and attention on succession
practices. CN has also been recognized for climate
planning and so we were gratified by the smooth
change transparency by repeatedly earning a
transition from Claude Mongeau to Luc Jobin
position on CDP’s exclusive ‘A List’. Additionally,
as our new CEO. We are all grateful to Claude
CN has been ranked one of the “Best 50 Corporate
for his remarkable service and dedication to CN,
Citizens in Canada” by Corporate Knights.
particularly as CEO, and look forward to Luc’s
The Board is proud of all that CN accomplished
inspired leadership and capacity to innovate, which
in 2016 and we look forward to continued success
will maintain our position as North America’s
in 2017 and beyond.
most efficient, customer-centric and profitable
railroad. Luc and his senior leadership team are
well prepared to bring CN’s agenda of supply
chain innovation as well as operational and
service excellence to the next level.
In addition to leading the North American
rail industry and helping our customers succeed,
running a safe railroad and being a responsible
corporate citizen are at the core of CN’s business
Sincerely,
Robert Pace
Robert Pace,, D.COMM., C.M.
D.COMM., C.M.
Chairman of the Board
CN | 2016 Annual Report
I
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
Dear fellow shareholders
I am honoured
2016 was challenging from a revenue and
to have received the full confidence of the
volume standpoint, and we completed the year
Board of Directors to lead our great company.
with revenues slightly above $12 billion, or five per
The leadership team and I plan to build on the
cent lower than 2015. The decrease in revenues
momentum of our 20-year tradition of continuous
was mainly attributable to weak commodity
improvement with a view to accelerating the
markets, including crude oil, coal and frac sand.
pace of innovation. Like safety, innovation is the
Despite that challenge, we achieved adjusted diluted
“ ... CN is adapting to
demanding market
conditions, seizing
opportunities every
day and positioning
for the future.”
responsibility of all employees.
earnings per share growth of three per cent to
With everyone pulling together,
$4.591. We also delivered a record-breaking annual
we will continue to grow this
operating ratio of 55.9 per cent. That’s 230 basis
organization into a leading
points better than last year’s record. It’s not easy
North American transportation
to achieve this level of industry-leading results, and
and logistics company.
the entire CN team deserves credit. These excellent
We took a big step in that
results reaffirm our supply chain approach, which
direction in 2016. Once again,
produces premium service at low incremental cost
the best team of railroaders in
by coordinating with our customers to understand
the business delivered another year we can all be
their total needs and tailoring our operations to
proud of, both financially and operationally. CN has
efficiently meet them. One example is the progress
proven its ability to deliver solid results in good and
we’ve made serving our grain customers.
bad times. Once again, our performance continues
In terms of operating performance in 2016,
to show how CN is adapting to demanding market
we delivered outstanding results despite more
conditions, seizing opportunities every day and
difficult winter weather in December than in 2015.
positioning for the future.
Many of our key operating metrics broke records.
1. See the section entitled Adjusted performance measures in the MD&A for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
II
CN | 2016 Annual Report
We accomplished this by continuing to balance
I’m optimistic about CN’s prospects for 2017.
operational and service excellence without
It’s encouraging that the worst of the market
undermining our ability to grow as the market
correction in several commodity sectors appears
improves.
to be behind us. North
I’m pleased to report that we also made
American economic
progress in 2016 towards our goal of being the
conditions are improving
safest railroad in North America. Both of our
with favourable consumer
key accident ratios improved compared to 2015.
confidence, which should
This is very encouraging for all of us, but we
support progress in many
need to intensify our focus in 2017 to continue
sectors. In addition, we
moving in the right direction. One initiative that
are leveraging our superior
will surely help in 2017 is the additional training
service to continue to gain
that over 15,000 CN employees received since
market share in key customer
the fall of 2016 on Looking Out For Each Other, a
service-sensitive markets.
“ We invest time,
effort and capital
to create more
efficient solutions
for our customers
with a view to the
long term.”
safety mindset that teaches how to speak up in a
We remain committed to reinvesting in the
constructive way if we spot any unsafe behaviour
business for the long run with a capital envelope
at work.
of $2.5 billion for 2017, out of which we plan to
CN was able to deliver excellent results on
allocate $1.6 billion to our basic track infrastructure
almost all fronts in 2016 because of the way we
supporting our safety agenda and around
are able to simultaneously focus on two tracks. The
$400 million to Positive Train Control in the U.S.
first track is about the day-to-day management
The remaining $500 million of our capital budget
of our business. We focus intently on our metrics.
will be invested in equipment, expansion projects
Our attention to detail is spot-on and continuous
and information technology initiatives to serve
improvement enables us to meet the needs of our
business growth opportunities, improve service for
customers efficiently.
customers and advance safety.
The other track is our line to the future. We
I’ll end with one last expression of thanks to
invest time, effort and capital to create more
CN’s great team of railroaders. With our focus on
efficient solutions for our customers with a view
teamwork and innovation, we can shape the future
to the long term. This track is guiding us toward
together and continue to make it bright for CN,
an innovation-friendly environment. For example,
our customers and our shareholders.
in recent years CN has invested heavily to allow for
more efficient long-train operations by acquiring
new AC-traction locomotives, expanding use of
distributed power, building longer sidings, and
increasing the strength of the rail bed. We also
work with our customers to ensure we’re all on
the same page, sharing data, and finding new
solutions every day. More than supply chain
collaboration, that’s real supply chain innovation.
Luc Jobin
Luc Jobin
President and CEO
CN | 2016 Annual Report
III
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
VER SAFELY
INNOVATION HELPING CN DELIVER SAFELY
INNOVATION HELPING CN DELI
CN’s Safety Management System incorporates safety into daily operations by investing on
initiatives in three key areas: People, Process and Technology.
CN is using innovative thinking to develop
application helps employees in the field quickly
predictive data analytics to deliver safety
locate repair areas and access details specific
improvements by leveraging one of its core
to them.
strengths: CN’s industry-leading network of
wayside inspection systems, detectors and other
Mechanicical anal analytic
Mechan
s improves safety
alytics improves safety
inspection technologies. Two new initiatives in
CN combines existing data from wayside detectors,
particular are central to the effort:
repair billing, railcar records and service disruption
information to identify maintenance trends for car
Engineering data enhances reliability y
Engineering data enhances reliabilit
types, car series and individual cars. The project
CN is gathering real-time information from its
enables proactive car repair and modification to
multitude of defect-detecting sensors to enable
prevent failures.
its people to fix the tracks before incidents occur.
The initiative has also created a more integrated
Sources of data include CN’s geometry TEST cars,
and flexible database query system. Now,
ultrasonic rail flaw detectors, joint bar inspection
Mechanical department investigators have data at
vehicles and tie rating technology system.
their fingertips to drive preventive action plans.
Based on years of historical data, CN is
These two innovations represent new lines
developing health scores for rail, ties and other
of defense for CN’s network. Data analytics is
track infrastructure to help ensure the right
ushering in a new era for rail safety and will lead to
assets are being replaced at the optimal time.
better understanding of the overall condition and
Dashboards make it easier to prioritize and plan
life cycle of track and railcar infrastructure.
work by highlighting upcoming inspections and
outstanding work, while the GPS-enabled mobile
IV
CN | 2016 Annual Report
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATING WITH GRAIN CUSTOMERS
INNOVATING WITH GRAIN CUSTOMERS
A high performing grain supply chain hinges on strong end-to-end collaboration.
CN is promoting open communication with all of its
upgrading facilities to enhance throughput,
stakeholders: farmers, elevator companies, ports, car
constructing new elevators with efficient loop
suppliers and government. With daily and weekly
track designs, and investing in port infrastructure
interaction, all parties are sharing information to
to support more sales of Canadian grain on the
understand and optimize supply chain performance,
world market. Port elevators have expanded
including scheduling hopper car and container
capacity and new entrants have designed
supply, planning vessel loading, and managing the
facilities to unload unit trains at a faster rate and
pipeline in order to keep the ports running smoothly.
with improved vessel loading capabilities.
CN continues to invest in its network and
In 2016, CN worked with its grain customers
fleet to improve the overall supply chain. CN has
to implement new innovative commercial
invested in new locomotives that can haul more
agreements that add flexibility to the supply
grain cars with less fuel. These locomotives are
chain. Customers can now sign up for railcars
also built to run as Distributed Power, allowing
all year round, incorporating reciprocal penalties
CN to run longer trains in cold weather when
for both parties on car supply and usage. This
trains would normally be shortened due to
encourages customers to plan their sales in
lower air pressure in the braking systems. CN is
advance for a percentage of the business while
investing in specific branch lines, upgrading them
moving the remaining business on a weekly spot
to handle higher payload cars at faster velocities.
basis. This new program allows customers to
These improvements help the supply chain move
mitigate their risk and supports better planning
more grain in a shorter period of time. This
across the supply chain.
enables customers to benefit from more capacity
CN firmly believes that expansion of the
to ship grain when the market demand is highest.
commercial environment will foster conditions for
Grain customers continue to invest on
even more collaboration and innovation in the
CN’s network as well. Elevator companies are
dynamic international grain market.
CN | 2016 Annual Report
V
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IS PART OF THE CLIMATE SOLUTION
INNOVATION IS PART OF THE CLIMATE SOLUTION
CN, as a leader in the North American rail industry, plays an important part in fostering a
greener and more prosperous economy.
Rail transportation is four to six times more fuel
locomotives to a central system, and Horsepower
efficient than trucking and that translates into 75 per
Tonnage Analyzer, which uses the data collected by
cent lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for
Locomotive Telemetry to optimize a locomotive’s
an equivalent volume of freight. CN firmly believes
horsepower-to-tonnage ratio.
that solutions to meet emission reduction targets
CN is extending its innovation and efficiency
should include encouraging shippers to use the most
mindset to encompass non-locomotive technologies,
carbon-friendly transportation option available.
equipment upgrades and training programs. For
CN has been working hard to reduce its carbon
example, CN is updating its vehicle fleet to more fuel-
footprint by leveraging its unique asset-lean business
efficient options, including hybrids and compressed
model, acquiring new fuel-efficient locomotives
natural gas. CN is also using smart meters to reduce
and investing in leading-edge technologies.
energy consumption. In fact, since 2011, CN has
Over the past 10 years, CN has enhanced its fuel
reduced its energy consumption at key yards and
productivity by about 20 per cent and today is
facilities by over 20 per cent and saved 55,000 tonnes
approximately 15 per cent more fuel efficient
of carbon. CN’s EcoConnexions Employee Engage-
than the rail industry average. CN continues to
ment program encourages employees to adopt more
deploy technology to enhance locomotive fuel
sustainable practices. Since 2011, the EcoConnexions
efficiency. Trip Optimizer processes real-time
team has completed over 1,000 projects to improve
information on train characteristics, performance
housekeeping and create safer workplaces. In so
and terrain, and continuously computes the
doing, CN has diverted about 90 per cent of its
most efficient train settings. Two interconnected
operational waste from landfill.
technologies are Locomotive Telemetry, which
Innovations in environmental sustainability have
wirelessly communicates operational data from
become part of CN’s culture.
VI
CN | 2016 Annual Report
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN MOTION
INNOVATION IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
INNOVATION IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
CN is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen.
At CN, sound corporate citizenship touches nearly
the Best Overall Corporate Governance Award
every aspect of what we do, from governance
for publicly-traded Canadian companies from the
and business ethics to diversity and environmental
Governance Professionals of Canada.
protection. Central to this comprehensive approach
CN is committed to inclusion, not only in
is our strong belief that good corporate citizenship
principle, but also in practice. CN believes that a
is simply good business.
diverse board benefits from a broader range of
CN has always recognized the importance
perspectives and relevant experience. In 2015, the
of good governance. As a Canadian reporting
Board approved a Diversity Policy (available on our
issuer with securities listed on the Toronto Stock
website) that takes into account gender, age and
Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange
ethnicity when recommending director nominees.
(NYSE), our corporate governance practices
The Board adopted a target of having at least
comply with applicable rules adopted by the
one-third representation by women by the end of
Canadian Securities Administrators, applicable
2017. Currently, 27 per cent (three out of 11) of our
provisions of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
directors are women. In addition, CN has signed on
2002 and related rules of the U.S. Securities and
to the Catalyst Accord, a call to action to increase
Exchange Commission. We are exempted from
the representation of women on FP500 boards to
complying with many of the NYSE corporate
25 per cent by 2017. CN also became a member of
governance rules, provided that we comply
the Canadian chapter of the 30% Club, which aims
with Canadian governance requirements.
to boost the representation of women on boards
Except as summarized on our website at
to 30 per cent by 2019.
www.cn.ca/delivering-responsibly/governance,
CN understands that our long-term success is
our governance practices comply with the NYSE
connected to our contribution to a sustainable
corporate governance rules in all significant
future. That is why we are committed to the safety
respects.
of our employees, the public and the environment;
Consistent with the belief that ethical conduct
building stronger communities; and providing a
goes beyond compliance and resides in a solid
great place to work. Our sustainability activities
governance culture, our website contains CN’s
and the accolades we have received are outlined in
Corporate Governance Manual and Code of
our Delivering Responsibly report on www.cn.ca.
Business Conduct. Because it is important that
any potential wrongdoings be reported, CN has
adopted methods for employees and third parties
to anonymously report accounting, auditing and
other concerns.
We are proud of our corporate governance
practices. In 2016, CN was recognized in the
Globe and Mail’s annual review of corporate
governance practices in Canada, where CN ranked
first in the industrials group. We also received
CN | 2016 Annual Report
VII
Board of Directors As at December 31, 2016
Robert Pace, D.Comm., C.M.
Edith E. Holiday
The Honourable Kevin G.
Committees:
Committees:
Chairman of the Board
Former General Counsel,
Lynch, P.C., O.C., PH.D., LL.D.
Canadian National Railway Company
United States Treasury Department
Vice-Chair
President and
and Secretary of the Cabinet
BMO Financial Group
Chief Executive Officer
The White House
Committees: 2*, 3, 6, 7, 8
The Pace Group
Committees: 3, 4, 5, 7
Luc Jobin
President and
Committees: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8*
James E. O’Connor
V. Maureen Kempston Darkes,
Retired Chairman and CEO
O.C., D.Comm., LL.D.
Republic Services, Inc.
Retired Group Vice-President
Committees: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7*
Chief Executive Officer
General Motors Corporation
1 Audit
2 Finance
3 Corporate governance
and nominating
4 Donations and
sponsorships
5 Environment, safety
and security
6 Human resources and
compensation
Canadian National Railway Company
and President
Robert L. Phillips
7 Strategic planning
Committees: 4*, 7
GM Latin America,
President
Donald J. Carty, O.C., LL.D.
Committees: 1, 2, 3, 5*, 7
Committees: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7
Africa and Middle East
R.L. Phillips Investments Inc.
8 Investment committee
of CN’s Pension
Trust Funds
* denotes chair of
the committee
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
American Airlines
Committees: 1*, 3, 5, 6, 7
The Honourable
Laura Stein
Denis Losier, P.C., LL.D., C.M.
Executive Vice-President –
Retired President and
Chief Executive Officer
General Counsel &
Corporate Affairs
The Clorox Company
Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
Assumption Life
Partner
Dentons US LLP
Committees: 1, 4, 6*, 7, 8
Committees: 3*, 4, 6, 7, 8
Committees: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7
Chairman of the Board and Select Senior Officers of the Company As at December 31, 2016
Robert Pace
Mike Cory
Matthew Barker
Michael Farkouh
Chairman of the Board
Executive Vice-President and
Senior Vice-President
Vice-President
Chief Operating Officer
Network Operations and
Eastern Region
Luc Jobin
President and
Sean Finn
Planning
Chief Executive Officer
Executive Vice-President
Serge Leduc
Corporate Services and
Senior Vice-President
Chief Legal Officer
Chief Information and
Kimberly A. Madigan
Vice-President
Human Resources
Technology Officer
Doug Ryhorchuk
Ghislain Houle
Executive Vice-President and
John Orr
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice-President
Jean-Jacques Ruest
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Marketing Officer
Southern Region
Paul Butcher
Vice-President
Investor Relations
Janet Drysdale
Vice-President
Corporate Development
Vice-President
Western Region
Russell J. Hiscock
President and
Chief Executive Officer
CN Investment Division
VIII
CN | 2016 Annual Report
Selected Railroad Statistics – unaudited
Financial
Key financial performance indicators
Total revenues ($ millions)
Rail freight revenues ($ millions)
Operating income ($ millions)
Net income ($ millions)
Diluted earnings per share ($)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share ($) (1)
Free cash flow ($ millions) (2)
Gross property additions ($ millions)
Share repurchases ($ millions)
Dividends per share ($)
Financial position
Total assets ($ millions)
Total liabilities ($ millions)
Shareholders' equity ($ millions)
Financial ratios
Operating ratio (%)
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA (times) (3)
Operations (4)
Statistical operating data
Gross ton miles (GTMs) (millions)
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)
Carloads (thousands)
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.)
Employees (end of year)
Employees (average for the year)
Key operating measures
Rail freight revenue per RTM (cents)
Rail freight revenue per carload ($)
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)
Operating expenses per GTM (cents)
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)
Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions)
Average fuel price ($/US gallon)
GTMs per US gallon of fuel consumed
Terminal dwell (hours)
Train velocity (miles per hour)
Safety indicators (5)
Injury frequency rate (per 200,000 person hours)
Accident rate (per million train miles)
2016
2015
2014
12,037
11,326
5,312
3,640
4.67
4.59
2,520
2,752
2,000
1.50
37,057
22,216
14,841
55.9
1.75
423,426
214,327
5,205
19,600
22,249
22,322
5.28
2,176
18,969
1.59
0.50
398.9
2.34
1,061
14.0
27.3
1.70
1.42
12,611
11,905
5,266
3,538
4.39
4.44
2,373
2,706
1,750
1.25
36,402
21,452
14,950
58.2
1.71
442,084
224,710
5,485
19,600
23,066
24,406
5.30
2,170
18,114
1.66
0.54
425.0
2.68
1,040
15.0
26.3
1.63
2.06
12,134
11,455
4,624
3,167
3.85
3.76
2,220
2,297
1,505
1.00
31,687
18,217
13,470
61.9
1.57
448,765
232,138
5,625
19,600
25,288
24,525
4.93
2,036
18,298
1.67
0.52
440.5
3.72
1,019
16.9
25.7
1.81
2.73
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
See the section entitled Adjusted performance measures in the MD&A for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
See the section entitled Liquidity and capital resources - Free cash flow in the MD&A for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
See the section entitled Liquidity and capital resources - Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple in the MD&A for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
Statistical operating data, key operating measures and safety indicators are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change
as more complete information becomes available, as such, certain of the comparative data have been restated. Definitions of these indicators are provided on our
website, www.cn.ca/glossary.
(5)
Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 1
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7
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8
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Contents
Business profile
Corporate organization
Strategy overview
Forward-looking statements
Financial outlook
Financial highlights
2016 compared to 2015
Non-GAAP measures
Adjusted performance measures
Constant currency
Revenues
Operating expenses
Other income and expenses
2015 compared to 2014
Summary of quarterly financial data
Summary of fourth quarter 2016
Financial position
Liquidity and capital resources
Off balance sheet arrangements
Outstanding share data
Financial instruments
Recent accounting pronouncements
Critical accounting estimates
Business risks
Controls and procedures
2 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) dated February 1, 2017, relates to the consolidated financial position and results of
operations of Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or the “Company,” and
should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. All financial
information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted.
CN’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Additional information about CN filed with Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s 2016 Annual
Information Form and Form 40-F, may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on the Company’s
website at www.cn.ca in the Investors section. Printed copies of such documents may be obtained by contacting CN’s Corporate
Secretary’s Office.
Business profile
CN is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN’s network of approximately 20,000 route miles of track spans Canada and
mid-America, uniquely connecting three coasts: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. CN’s extensive network and efficient
connections to all Class I railroads provide CN customers access to all three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) nations. A true
backbone of the economy, CN handles over $250 billion worth of goods annually and carries almost 300 million tons of cargo, serving
exporters, importers, retailers, farmers and manufacturers.
CN’s freight revenues are derived from seven commodity groups representing a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods transported
between a wide range of origins and destinations. This product and geographic diversity better positions the Company to face economic
fluctuations and enhances its potential for growth opportunities. In 2016, no individual commodity group accounted for more than 24% of
total revenues. From a geographic standpoint, 17% of revenues relate to United States (U.S.) domestic traffic, 34% transborder traffic, 18%
Canadian domestic traffic and 31% overseas traffic. The Company is the originating carrier for approximately 85% of traffic moving along its
network, which allows it both to capitalize on service advantages and build on opportunities to efficiently use assets.
Corporate organization
The Company manages its rail operations in Canada and the U.S. as one business segment. Financial information reported at this level, such
as revenues, operating income and cash flow from operations, is used by the Company’s corporate management in evaluating financial and
operational performance and allocating resources across CN’s network. The Company’s strategic initiatives are developed and managed
centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern
Region), whose role is to manage the day-to-day service requirements of their respective territories, control direct costs incurred locally, and
execute the strategy and operating plan established by corporate management.
See Note 18 – Segmented information to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on
the Company’s corporate organization, as well as selected financial information by geographic area.
Strategy overview
CN’s business strategy is anchored on the continuous pursuit of Operational and Service Excellence, an unwavering commitment to safety
and sustainability, and the development of a solid team of motivated and competent railroaders. CN’s goal is to deliver valuable
transportation services for its customers and to grow the business at low incremental cost. A clear strategic agenda, driven by a
commitment to innovation, productivity, supply chain collaboration, running trains safely, and minimizing environmental impact, drives the
Company’s efforts to create value for customers. CN thereby creates value for its shareholders by striving for sustainable financial
performance through profitable top-line growth, adequate free cash flow and return on invested capital. CN is also focused on returning
value to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchase programs.
CN’s success and long-term economic viability depend on the presence of a supportive regulatory and policy environment that drives
investment and innovation. CN’s success also depends on a stream of capital investments that supports its business strategy. These
investments cover a wide range of areas, from track infrastructure and rolling stock, to information and operating technologies, and other
equipment and assets that improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of CN’s service offering. Investments in track infrastructure enhance
the productivity and integrity of the plant, and increase the capacity and the fluidity of the network. The acquisition of new locomotives and
railcars generates several key benefits. New locomotives increase fuel productivity and efficiency, and improve the reliability of service.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 3
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Locomotives equipped with distributed power allow for greater productivity of trains, particularly in cold weather, while improving train
handling and safety. Targeted railcar acquisitions aim to tap growth opportunities, complementing the fleet of privately owned railcars that
traverse CN’s network. CN’s strategic investments in information technology provide access to timely and accurate information which
supports CN’s ongoing efforts to drive innovation and efficiency in service, cost control, asset utilization, and safety and employee
engagement.
Balancing “Operational and Service Excellence”
The basic driver of the Company’s business is demand for reliable, efficient, and cost effective transportation for customers. As such, the
Company’s focus is the pursuit of Operational and Service Excellence: striving to operate safely and efficiently while providing a high level of
service to customers.
For many years, CN has operated with a mindset that drives cost efficiency and asset utilization. That mindset flows naturally from CN’s
Precision Railroading model, which focuses on improving every process that affects delivery of customers’ goods. It is a highly disciplined
process whereby CN handles individual rail shipments according to a specific trip plan and manages all aspects of railroad operations to
meet customer commitments efficiently and profitably. This calls for the relentless measurement of results and the use of such results to
generate further execution improvements in the service provided to customers. The Company’s continuous search for efficiency is best
captured in its performance according to key operating metrics such as car velocity, train speed, and yard and locomotive productivity. All
are at the center of a highly productive and fluid railroad operation, requiring daily engagement in the field. The Company works hard to
run more efficient trains, reduce dwell times at terminals and improve overall network velocity. With CN’s business model, fewer railcars and
locomotives are needed to ship the same amount of freight in a tight, reliable and efficient operation. The railroad is run based on a
disciplined operating methodology, executing with a sense of urgency and accountability. This philosophy is a key contributor to CN’s
earnings growth and return on invested capital.
CN understands the importance of balancing its drive for productivity with efforts to enhance customer service. The Company’s efforts
to deliver Operational and Service Excellence are anchored on an end-to-end supply chain mindset, working closely with customers and
supply chain partners, as well as involving all relevant areas of the Company in the process. By fostering better end-to-end service
performance and encouraging all supply chain players to continuously improve daily engagement, information sharing, problem solving,
and execution, CN aims to help customers achieve greater competitiveness in their own markets. Supply chain collaboration agreements
with ports, terminal operators and customers leverage key performance metrics that drive efficiencies across the entire supply chain.
The Company is strengthening its commitment to Operational and Service Excellence through a wide range of innovations anchored on
its continuous improvement philosophy. CN is building on its industry leadership in terms of fast and reliable hub-to-hub service by
continuing to improve across the range of customer touch points. The Company’s major push in first-mile/last-mile service is all about
improving the quality of customer interactions – developing a sharper outside-in perspective; better monitoring of traffic forecasts; higher
and more responsive car order fulfillment; and proactive customer communication at the local level.
CN’s broad-based service innovations benefit customers and support the Company’s goal to drive top-line growth. CN understands the
importance of being the best operator in the business, and being the best service innovator as well.
Delivering safely and responsibly
CN is committed to the safety of its employees, the communities in which it operates and the environment. Safety consciousness permeates
every aspect of CN’s operations. The Company’s long-term safety improvement is driven by continued significant investments in
infrastructure, rigorous safety processes and a focus on employee training and safety awareness. CN continues to strengthen its safety
culture by investing significantly in training, coaching, recognition and employee involvement initiatives.
CN’s Safety Management Plan is the framework for putting safety at the center of its day-to-day operations. This proactive plan is
designed to minimize risk, drive continuous improvement in the reduction of injuries and accidents, and engage employees at all levels of
the organization. CN believes that the rail industry can enhance safety by working more closely with communities. Under CN’s structured
Community Engagement program, the Company engages with municipal officers and their emergency responders in an effort to assist them
in their emergency response planning. In many cases, this outreach includes face-to-face meetings, during which CN discusses its
comprehensive safety programs; its safety performance; the nature, volume and economic importance of dangerous commodities it
transports through their communities; a review of emergency response planning; and arranging for training sessions for emergency
responders. The outreach builds on CN’s involvement in the Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER®),
through which the Company has been working for many years to help communities in Canada and the U.S. understand the movement of
hazardous materials and what is required in the event of transportation incidents.
CN has been deepening its commitment to a sustainable operation for many years, and has made sustainability an integral part of its
business strategy. The best way in which CN can positively impact the environment is by continuously improving the efficiency of its
operations, and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of the Company’s comprehensive sustainability action plan and to comply with CN’s
environmental policy, the Company engages in a number of initiatives, including the use of fuel-efficient locomotives and trucks that reduce
4 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
greenhouse gas emissions; increasing operational and building efficiencies; investing in energy-efficient data centers and recycling programs
for information technology systems; reducing, recycling and reusing waste and scrap at its facilities and on its network; engaging in modal
shift agreements that favor low emission transport services; and participating in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to gain a more
comprehensive view of its carbon footprint. The Company combines its expert resources, environmental management procedures, training
and audits for employees and contractors, and emergency preparedness response activities to help ensure that it conducts its operations
and activities while protecting the natural environment. The Company’s environmental activities include monitoring CN’s environmental
performance in Canada and the U.S. (ensuring compliance), identifying environmental issues inside the Company, and managing them in
accordance with CN’s environmental policy, which is overseen by the Environment, Safety and Security Committee of the Board of Directors.
Certain risk mitigation strategies, such as periodic audits, employee training programs and emergency plans and procedures, are in place to
minimize the environmental risks to the Company.
The Company’s CDP Report, CN’s Sustainability Report entitled “Delivering Responsibly” and the Company’s Corporate Governance
Manual, which outlines the role and responsibilities of the Environment, Safety and Security Committee of the Board of Directors, are
available on CN’s website in the Delivering Responsibly section.
Building a solid team of railroaders
CN’s ability to develop the best railroaders in the industry has been a key contributor to the Company’s success. CN recognizes that without
the right people – no matter how good a service plan or business model a company may have – it will not be able to fully execute. The
Company is addressing changes in employee demographics that will span multiple years, with the workforce undergoing a major renewal.
This is why the Company is focused on hiring the right people, onboarding them successfully, helping them build positive relationships with
their colleagues, and helping all employees to grow and develop. As part of its strategy to build a solid team of railroaders, the Company
leverages its state-of-the-art training facilities in preparing employees to be highly skilled, safety conscious and confident in their work
environment. Curricula for technical training and leadership development has been designed to meet the learning needs of CN’s railroaders
– both current and future. These programs and initiatives provide a solid platform for the assessment and development of the Company’s
talent pool, and are tightly integrated with the Company’s business strategy. Progress made in developing current and future leaders
through the Company’s leadership development programs is reviewed by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors.
2016 Highlights
Leadership changes
On June 7, 2016, CN announced a number of leadership changes including Claude Mongeau’s decision, due to a health condition, to step
down from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors at the end of June 2016, as well as
the appointment of Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Luc Jobin to President and CEO on July 1, 2016, and member
of the Board of Directors on June 30, 2016. Additionally, on June 27, 2016, the Company announced that Ghislain Houle would become
Executive Vice-President and CFO, and that Mike Cory would assume the role of Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer
following the retirement of Jim Vena, also effective as of July 1, 2016.
Reinvestment in the business
CN spent $2.75 billion in its capital program, with $1.6 billion invested to maintain the safety and integrity of the network, particularly track
infrastructure; $0.55 billion for equipment capital expenditures, including 90 new high-horsepower locomotives, $0.3 billion on initiatives to
support growth and drive productivity, and $0.3 billion for the U.S. federal government legislative Positive Train Control (PTC)
implementation.
Shareholder returns
The Company repurchased 26.4 million of its common shares under its share repurchase program during the year, returning $2 billion to its
shareholders. CN also increased its quarterly dividend per share by 20% to $0.3750 from $0.3125 in 2015, effective for the first quarter of
2016, and paid $1,159 million in dividends in 2016.
Sustainability
The Company’s sustainability practices once again earned it a place on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North American Indices as
well as a position on the Climate A List by CDP in 2016.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 5
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Financial highlights
CN attained record operating income, net income, and earnings per share in 2016, as well as a record operating ratio.
Net income increased by $102 million, or 3%, to $3,640 million in 2016, with diluted earnings per share rising 6% to $4.67.
Adjusted net income remained flat at $3,581 million in 2016, with adjusted diluted earnings per share increasing 3% to $4.59. See the
section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
Operating income increased by $46 million, or 1%, to $5,312 million in 2016. The increase in operating income reflects the Company’s
efforts to manage costs in a lower volume environment, while continuing to drive the Company’s agenda of Operational and Service
Excellence.
CN’s operating ratio improved by 2.3 points to 55.9% in 2016, the lowest annual operating ratio in its history.
Revenues decreased by $574 million, or 5%, to $12,037 million in 2016, compared to the prior year.
Operating expenses decreased by $620 million, or 8%, to $6,725 million in 2016.
The Company generated record free cash flow of $2,520 million, a 6% increase over 2015. See the section of this MD&A entitled
Liquidity and capital resources - Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
2017 Business outlook and assumptions
The Company expects to see growth across a range of commodities, particularly in intermodal traffic, grain, finished vehicles, and lumber
and panels. The Company continues to see volume weakness in thermal coal shipments to domestic markets.
Underpinning the 2017 business outlook, the Company assumes that North American industrial production will increase in the range of
one to two percent. For the 2016/2017 crop year, the grain crops in both Canada and the U.S. were above their respective five-year
averages. The Company assumes that the 2017/2018 grain crops in both Canada and the U.S. will be in line with their respective five-year
averages.
Value creation in 2017
CN plans to invest approximately $2.5 billion in its 2017 capital program, of which $1.6 billion is targeted toward track infrastructure,
$0.4 billion on the U.S. federal government legislative Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation, $0.3 billion on initiatives to drive
productivity, and $0.2 billion on equipment capital expenditures.
The Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of 10% to the quarterly dividend to common shareholders, from $0.3750 per
share in 2016 to $0.4125 per share in 2017.
The Company’s new share repurchase program allows for the repurchase of up to 33.0 million common shares between October 30,
2016 and October 29, 2017. As at December 31, 2016, the Company had repurchased 3.5 million common shares under this program.
The forward-looking statements discussed in this section are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance
to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements and are based on certain factors and assumptions which the
Company considers reasonable, about events, developments, prospects and opportunities that may not materialize or that may be offset
entirely or partially by other events and developments. In addition to the assumptions and expectations discussed in this section, reference
should be made to the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for assumptions and risk factors affecting such
statements.
6 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements included in this MD&A are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties
and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such
assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified
by the use of terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets” or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the table below, which also presents key assumptions used
in determining these forward-looking statements. See also the section of this MD&A entitled Strategy overview – 2017 Business outlook and
assumptions.
Forward-looking statements
Key assumptions
Statements relating to revenue growth opportunities, including
those referring to general economic and business conditions
Statements relating to the Company’s ability to meet debt
repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future,
including income tax payments, and capital spending
Statements relating to pension contributions
North American and global economic growth
Long-term growth opportunities being less affected by current economic
conditions
North American and global economic growth
Adequate credit ratios
Investment-grade credit ratings
Access to capital markets
Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing
Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing
Adequate long-term return on investment on pension plan assets
Level of funding as determined by actuarial valuations, particularly
influenced by discount rates for funding purposes
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from the outlook or any future results
or performance implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic and
business conditions; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or
regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; security threats; reliance on
technology; trade restrictions; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events
such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims;
uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; and other
risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the U.S., including its Annual Information
Form and Form 40-F. See the section entitled Business risks of this MD&A for a description of major risk factors.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise
forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities
laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with
respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.
Financial outlook
During the year, the Company issued and updated its 2016 financial outlook. The 2016 actual results were higher than the Company’s last
2016 financial outlook that was issued on October 25, 2016, as a result of higher than expected volumes in the fourth quarter of 2016 and
operating productivity gains, including cost-management initiatives.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 7
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Financial highlights
In millions, except percentage and per share data
Revenues
Operating income
Net income
Adjusted net income (1)
Basic earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share (1)
Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)
Dividends declared per share
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
Operating ratio
Free cash flow (2)
2016
12,037
5,312
3,640
3,581
4.69
4.61
4.67
4.59
1.50
37,057
19,208
55.9%
2,520
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
12,611
5,266
3,538
3,580
4.42
4.47
4.39
4.44
1.25
36,402
18,454
58.2%
2,373
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Change
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
2014
2016 vs 2015
2015 vs 2014
12,134
4,624
3,167
3,095
3.86
3.77
3.85
3.76
1.00
31,687
16,016
61.9%
2,220
(5%)
1%
3%
-
6%
3%
6%
3%
20%
2%
(4%)
2.3-pts
6%
4%
14%
12%
16%
15%
19%
14%
18%
25%
15%
(15%)
3.7-pts
7%
(1)
(2)
See the section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity and capital resources - Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
2016 compared to 2015
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $3,640 million, an increase of $102 million, or 3%, when compared to 2015, with
diluted earnings per share rising 6% to $4.67.
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $46 million, to $5,312 million. The operating ratio, defined as
operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 55.9% in 2016, compared to 58.2% in 2015, a 2.3-point improvement.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016, totaled $12,037 million compared to $12,611 million in 2015. The decrease of $574
million, or 5%, was mainly attributable to lower volumes of crude oil, coal, and frac sand; as well as lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $6,725 million compared to $7,345 million in 2015. The
decrease of $620 million, or 8%, was mainly due to lower costs resulting from operating productivity gains, including cost-management
initiatives and decreased volumes of traffic, lower pension expense, and lower fuel prices, partly offset by the negative translation impact of
a weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses.
Non-GAAP measures
This MD&A makes reference to non-GAAP measures including adjusted performance measures, constant currency, free cash flow, and
adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple, that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. From management’s perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful
measures of performance and provide investors with supplementary information to assess the Company’s results of operations and liquidity.
These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.
For further details of these non-GAAP measures, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures,
refer to the sections entitled Adjusted performance measures, Constant currency and Liquidity and capital resources.
8 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Adjusted performance measures
Management believes that adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are useful measures of performance that can facilitate
period-to-period comparisons, as they exclude items that do not necessarily arise as part of CN’s normal day-to-day operations and could
distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Management uses these measures, which exclude certain income and expense items
in its results that management believes are not reflective of CN’s underlying business operations, to set performance goals and as a means
to measure CN’s performance. The exclusion of items in adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share does not, however, imply that
these items are necessarily non-recurring. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported adjusted net income of $3,581 million, or $4.59 per diluted share, which
excludes a gain on disposal of approximately one mile of elevated track leading into Montreal’s Central Station, together with the rail
fixtures (collectively the “Viaduc du Sud”), of $76 million, or $66 million after-tax ($0.09 per diluted share) that was recorded in the fourth
quarter, and a deferred income tax expense of $7 million ($0.01 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial
corporate income tax rate that was recorded in the second quarter.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported adjusted net income of $3,580 million, or $4.44 per diluted share, which
excludes a deferred income tax expense of $42 million ($0.05 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial
corporate income tax rate that was recorded in the second quarter.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reported adjusted net income of $3,095 million, or $3.76 per diluted share, which
excludes a gain on disposal of the Deux-Montagnes subdivision, including the Mont-Royal tunnel, together with the rail fixtures (collectively
the “Deux-Montagnes”), of $80 million, or $72 million after-tax ($0.09 per diluted share) that was recorded in the first quarter.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and earnings per share, as reported for the years ended December 31, 2016,
2015 and 2014 to the adjusted performance measures presented herein:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
Net income as reported
Adjustments:
Other income
Income tax expense
Adjusted net income
Basic earnings per share as reported
Impact of adjustments, per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share as reported
Impact of adjustments, per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
Constant currency
$
3,640 $
3,538 $
(76)
17
-
42
3,581 $
3,580 $
4.69 $
(0.08)
4.61 $
4.67 $
(0.08)
4.59 $
4.42 $
0.05
4.47 $
4.39 $
0.05
4.44 $
$
$
$
$
$
2014
3,167
(80)
8
3,095
3.86
(0.09)
3.77
3.85
(0.09)
3.76
Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates,
thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are
considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results
denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rates of the comparable period of the prior year. The average foreign exchange rates
were $1.33 and $1.28 per US$1.00, for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
On a constant currency basis, the Company’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have been lower by $85 million
($0.11 per diluted share).
CN | 2016 Annual Report 9
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Revenues
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
Year ended December 31,
Rail freight revenues
Other revenues
Total revenues
Rail freight revenues
Petroleum and chemicals
Metals and minerals
Forest products
Coal
Grain and fertilizers
Intermodal
Automotive
Total rail freight revenues
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Rail freight revenue/carload (dollars)
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
$
$
$
$
$
2016
11,326
711
12,037
2,174
1,218
1,797
434
2,098
2,846
759
11,905
706
12,611
2,442
1,437
1,728
612
2,071
2,896
719
$
11,326
$
11,905
214,327
224,710
5.28
5,205
2,176
5.30
5,485
2,170
(5%)
1%
(5%)
(11%)
(15%)
4%
(29%)
1%
(2%)
6%
(5%)
(5%)
-
(5%)
-
(7%)
(1%)
(7%)
(13%)
(17%)
1%
(30%)
-
(3%)
3%
(7%)
(5%)
(2%)
(5%)
(2%)
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016, totaled $12,037 million compared to $12,611 million in 2015. The decrease of $574
million, or 5%, was mainly attributable to lower volumes of crude oil, coal, and frac sand; as well as lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Fuel surcharge revenues decreased by $316 million in 2016, mainly as a result of lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
In 2016, revenue ton miles (RTMs), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, declined by
5% relative to 2015.
Rail freight revenue per RTM, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile,
remained flat when compared to 2015, mainly driven by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates and an increase in the average length of haul;
offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
2,442
51,103
4.78
(11%)
(15%)
5%
(13%)
(15%)
2%
$
2016
2,174
43,395
5.01
The petroleum and chemicals commodity group comprises a wide range of commodities, including chemicals and plastics, refined petroleum
products, natural gas liquids, crude oil and sulfur. The primary markets for these commodities are within North America, and as such, the
performance of this commodity group is closely correlated with the North American economy as well as oil and gas production. Most of the
Company’s petroleum and chemicals shipments originate in the Louisiana petrochemical corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge; in
Western Canada, a key oil and gas development area and a major center for natural gas feedstock and world-scale petrochemicals and
plastics; and in eastern Canadian regional plants.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $268 million, or 11%, when compared to
2015. The decrease was mainly due to lower shipments of crude oil due to increased pipeline capacity, and reduced shipments of sulfur; as
well as lower applicable fuel surcharge rates. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar;
higher volumes of refined petroleum products; and freight rate increases.
Revenue per RTM increased by 5% in 2016, mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul, the positive translation impact of a
weaker Canadian dollar, and freight rate increases, partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
10 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Chemicals and plastics
Refined petroleum products
Crude and condensate
Sulfur
Carloads (thousands)
Metals and minerals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
46%
33%
17%
4%
2016
599
2015
640
2014
655
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
1,437
21,828
6.58
(15%)
(7%)
(9%)
(17%)
(7%)
(11%)
$
2016
1,218
20,233
6.02
The metals and minerals commodity group consists primarily of materials related to oil and gas development, steel, iron ore, non-ferrous
base metals and ores, construction materials and machinery and dimensional (large) loads. The Company provides unique rail access to base
metals, iron ore and frac sand mining as well as aluminum and steel producing regions, which are among the most important in North
America. This strong origin franchise, coupled with the Company’s access to port facilities and the end markets for these commodities, has
made CN a leader in the transportation of metals and minerals products. The key drivers for this market segment are oil and gas
development, automotive production, and non-residential construction.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $219 million, or 15%, when compared to
2015. The decrease was mainly due to decreased shipments of energy-related commodities including frac sand, drilling pipe, and semi-
finished steel products; and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian
dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 9% in 2016, mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge
rates, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Metals
Minerals
Energy materials
Iron ore
Carloads (thousands)
Forest products
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
33%
27%
21%
19%
2016
807
2015
886
2014
1,063
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
1,728
30,097
5.74
4%
4%
-
1%
4%
(3%)
$
2016
1,797
31,401
5.72
The forest products commodity group includes various types of lumber, panels, paper, wood pulp and other fibers such as logs, recycled
paper, wood chips, and wood pellets. The Company has extensive rail access to the western and eastern Canadian fiber-producing regions,
which are among the largest fiber source areas in North America. In the U.S., the Company is strategically located to serve both the Midwest
and southern U.S. corridors with interline connections to other Class I railroads. The key drivers for the various commodities are: for lumber
and panels, housing starts and renovation activities primarily in the U.S.; for fibers (mainly wood pulp), the consumption of paper,
pulpboard and tissue in North American and offshore markets; and for newsprint, advertising lineage, non-print media and overall economic
conditions, primarily in the U.S.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 11
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group increased by $69 million, or 4%, when compared to 2015.
The increase was mainly due to higher shipments of lumber and panels to the U.S. due to continued improvement in the U.S. housing
market; freight rate increases; and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar. These factors were partly offset by lower
applicable fuel surcharge rates and decreased shipments of paper products amidst weak market conditions.
Revenue per RTM remained flat in 2016, mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates and an increase in the average length of
haul, offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Lumber and panels
Pulp and paper
Carloads (thousands)
Coal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
53%
47%
2016
440
2015
441
2014
433
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
612
15,956
3.84
(29%)
(31%)
2%
(30%)
(31%)
1%
$
2016
434
11,032
3.93
The coal commodity group consists of thermal grades of bituminous coal, metallurgical coal and petroleum coke. Canadian thermal and
metallurgical coal are largely exported via terminals on the west coast of Canada to offshore markets. In the U.S., thermal coal is transported
from mines served in southern Illinois, or from western U.S. mines via interchange with other railroads, to major utilities in the Midwest and
Southeast U.S., as well as offshore markets via terminals in the Gulf of Mexico.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $178 million, or 29%, when compared to
2015. The decrease was mainly due to lower volumes of thermal coal to U.S. coal-fired utilities, continued global oversupply impacting
export shipments of thermal coal via the U.S. Gulf Coast and metallurgical coal via west coast ports; as well as lower applicable fuel
surcharge rates. These factors were partly offset by freight rate increases and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM increased by 2% in 2016, mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul, freight rate increases, and the
positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Year ended December 31,
78%
22%
2016
333
2015
438
2014
519
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
2,071
50,001
4.14
1%
3%
(2%)
-
3%
(3%)
$
2016
2,098
51,485
4.07
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Coal
Petroleum coke
Carloads (thousands)
Grain and fertilizers
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
12 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
The grain and fertilizers commodity group depends primarily on crops grown and fertilizers processed in Western Canada and the U.S.
Midwest. The grain segment consists of three primary segments: food grains (mainly wheat, oats and malting barley), feed grains and feed
grain products (including feed barley, feed wheat, peas, corn, ethanol and dried distillers grains), and oilseeds and oilseed products
(primarily canola seed, oil and meal, and soybeans). Production of grain varies considerably from year to year, affected primarily by weather
conditions, seeded and harvested acreage, the mix of grains produced and crop yields. Grain exports are sensitive to the size and quality of
the crop produced, international market conditions and foreign government policy. The majority of grain produced in Western Canada and
moved by CN is exported via the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay. These rail movements are subject to government
regulation and to a revenue cap, which effectively establishes a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn. In the U.S., grain
grown in Illinois and Iowa is exported as well as transported to domestic processing facilities and feed markets. The Company also serves
major producers of potash in Canada, as well as producers of ammonium nitrate, urea and other fertilizers across Canada and the U.S.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group increased by $27 million, or 1%, when compared to 2015.
The increase was mainly due to higher volumes of Canadian oilseeds and oilseed products, and higher export volumes of U.S. soybeans and
corn; the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by lower
volumes of Canadian wheat and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 2% in 2016, mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and lower applicable fuel surcharge
rates, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Oilseeds
Food grains
Feed grains
Fertilizers
Carloads (thousands)
Intermodal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
36%
22%
22%
20%
2016
602
2015
607
2014
640
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
2,896
52,144
5.55
(2%)
2%
(3%)
(3%)
2%
(5%)
$
2016
2,846
53,056
5.36
The intermodal commodity group includes rail and trucking services and is comprised of two segments: domestic and international. The
domestic segment transports consumer products and manufactured goods, serving both retail and wholesale channels, within domestic
Canada, domestic U.S., Mexico and transborder, while the international segment handles import and export container traffic, serving the
major ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile. The domestic segment is driven by consumer markets,
with growth generally tied to the economy. The international segment is driven by North American economic and trade conditions.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $50 million, or 2%, when compared to 2015.
The decrease was mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates and decreased international volumes via the Port of Vancouver. These
factors were partly offset by increased international volumes via the Port of Halifax, and higher domestic retail volumes in the industrial and
grocery products segments; freight rate increases; and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 3% in 2016, mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates, partly offset by the positive translation
impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
International
Domestic
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
63%
37%
2016
2,163
2015
2,232
2014
2,086
CN | 2016 Annual Report 13
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Automotive
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
719
3,581
20.08
6%
4%
1%
3%
4%
(1%)
$
2016
759
3,725
20.38
The automotive commodity group moves both domestic finished vehicles and parts throughout North America, providing rail access to
certain vehicle assembly plants in Canada, and Michigan and Mississippi in the U.S. The Company also serves vehicle distribution facilities in
Canada and the U.S., as well as parts production facilities in Michigan and Ontario. The Company serves shippers of import finished vehicles
via the ports of Halifax and Vancouver, and through interchange with other railroads. The Company’s automotive revenues are closely
correlated to automotive production and sales in North America.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues for this commodity group increased by $40 million, or 6%, when compared to 2015.
The increase was mainly due to higher volumes of domestic finished vehicle traffic and increased finished vehicle imports via the Port of
Halifax; the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by lower
applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Revenue per RTM increased by 1% in 2016, mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul, the positive translation impact of a
weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases, partly offset by lower applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Finished vehicles
Auto parts
Carloads (thousands)
Other revenues
Year ended December 31,
93%
7%
2016
261
2015
241
2014
229
Revenues (millions)
$
711
$
706
1%
(1%)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
Other revenues are largely derived from non-rail services that support CN’s rail business including vessels and docks, warehousing and
distribution, automotive logistic services, freight forwarding and transportation management; as well as other revenues including commuter
train revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, Other revenues increased by $5 million, or 1%, when compared to 2015, mainly due to higher
revenues from automotive logistic services and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by lower revenues
from freight forwarding and docks.
Percentage of 2016 revenues
Vessels and docks
Other non-rail services
Other revenues
50%
39%
11%
14 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $6,725 million compared to $7,345 million in 2015. The decrease
of $620 million, or 8%, in 2016 was mainly due to lower costs resulting from operating productivity gains, including cost-management
initiatives and decreased volumes of traffic, lower pension expense, and lower fuel prices, partly offset by the negative translation impact of
a weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses.
In millions
Labor and fringe benefits
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses
Labor and fringe benefits
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
% Change
$
2,119 $
1,592
1,051
1,225
375
363
2,406
1,729
1,285
1,158
373
394
$
6,725 $
7,345
12%
8%
18%
(6%)
(1%)
8%
8%
% Change
at constant
currency
13%
9%
20%
(4%)
3%
11%
10%
Labor and fringe benefits expense includes wages, payroll taxes, and employee benefits such as incentive compensation, including stock-
based compensation; health and welfare; and pension and other postretirement benefits. Certain incentive and stock-based compensation
plans are based on financial and market performance targets and the related expense is recorded in relation to the attainment of such
targets.
Labor and fringe benefits expense decreased by $287 million, or 12%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily a
result of a lower average headcount due to lower volumes of traffic and increased productivity, and lower pension expense, partly offset by
the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
Purchased services and material
Purchased services and material expense primarily includes the cost of services purchased from outside contractors; materials used in the
maintenance of the Company’s track, facilities and equipment; transportation and lodging for train crew employees; utility costs; and the
net costs of operating facilities jointly used by the Company and other railroads.
Purchased services and material expense decreased by $137 million, or 8%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The decrease was mainly
due to lower repairs and maintenance costs, resulting from lower volumes of traffic and cost-management initiatives, as well as favorable
winter conditions in the first quarter, and lower accident costs. The decrease was partly offset by the negative translation impact of the
weaker Canadian dollar.
Fuel
Fuel expense includes fuel consumed by assets, including locomotives, vessels, vehicles and other equipment as well as federal, provincial
and state fuel taxes.
Fuel expense decreased by $234 million, or 18%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily due to lower fuel prices,
lower volumes of traffic, and productivity gains, partly offset by the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation expense is affected by capital additions, railroad property retirements from disposal, sale and/or abandonment and other
adjustments including asset impairments.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $67 million, or 6%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The increase was mainly due
to net capital additions and the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by the net favorable impact of
depreciation studies.
Equipment rents
Equipment rents expense includes rental expense for the use of freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies and for the short-
or long-term lease of freight cars, locomotives and intermodal equipment, net of rental income from other railroads for the use of the
Company’s cars and locomotives.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 15
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Equipment rents expense increased by $2 million, or 1%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher
costs for the use of locomotives from other railroads, and the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by
lower car and equipment lease expenses.
Casualty and other
Casualty and other expense includes expenses for personal injuries, environmental, freight and property damage, insurance, bad debt,
operating taxes, and travel expenses.
Casualty and other expense decreased by $31 million, or 8%, in 2016 when compared to 2015. The decrease was mainly due to lower
accident costs, and the favorable impacts of a legal settlement and an insurance recovery, partly offset by a bad debt provision related to
the bankruptcy of an international intermodal customer, an increase in U.S. personal injury and other claims pursuant to a recent actuarial
study, an increase in property taxes and the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
Other income and expenses
Interest expense
Interest expense was $480 million compared to $439 million in 2015. The increase was mainly due to a higher level of debt and the negative
translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated interest expense.
Other income
In 2016, the Company recorded other income of $95 million compared to $47 million in 2015. Included in Other income for 2016 was a
gain on disposal of the Viaduc du Sud of $76 million.
Income tax expense
The Company recorded income tax expense of $1,287 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $1,336 million in 2015.
Included in the 2016 figure was a deferred income tax expense of $7 million resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial corporate
income tax rate. Included in the 2015 figure was a deferred income tax expense of $42 million resulting from the enactment of a higher
provincial corporate income tax rate.
The effective tax rate for 2016 was 26.1% compared to 27.4% in 2015. Excluding the net deferred income tax expense of $7 million and
$42 million in 2016 and 2015, respectively, the effective tax rate for 2016 was 26.0% compared to 26.5% in 2015. The decrease in the
effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of a lower proportion of the Company’s pre-tax income being earned in higher tax rate
jurisdictions. For 2017, the Company does not anticipate the effective tax rate to be significantly different from those in 2016 and 2015,
estimated at approximately 26.5%.
2015 compared to 2014
In 2015, net income was $3,538 million, an increase of $371 million, or 12%, when compared to 2014, with diluted earnings per share
rising 14% to $4.39. The $371 million increase was mainly due to higher operating income net of the related income taxes, partly offset by
an increase in Interest expense and a decrease in Other income.
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $642 million, or 14%, to $5,266 million. The operating ratio,
defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 58.2% in 2015, compared to 61.9% in 2014, a 3.7-point improvement.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased by $477 million, or 4%, to $12,611 million, mainly attributable to:
the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues;
freight rate increases; and
solid overseas intermodal demand, higher volumes of finished vehicle traffic, and increased shipments of lumber and panels to U.S.
markets.
These factors were partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate; and decreased shipments of energy-related commodities including
crude oil, frac sand and drilling pipe, lower volumes of semi-finished steel products and short-haul iron ore, reduced shipments of coal due
to weaker North American and global demand, as well as lower U.S. grain exports via the Gulf of Mexico.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $165 million, or 2%, to $7,345 million, primarily due to lower fuel
expense and cost-management efforts, partly offset by the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-
denominated expenses.
16 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Revenues
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
Year ended December 31,
Rail freight revenues
Other revenues
Total revenues
Rail freight revenues
Petroleum and chemicals
Metals and minerals
Forest products
Coal
Grain and fertilizers
Intermodal
Automotive
Total rail freight revenues
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Rail freight revenue/carload (dollars)
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
$
$
2015
11,905
706
12,611
2,442
1,437
1,728
612
2,071
2,896
719
$
$
$
11,455
679
12,134
2,354
1,484
1,523
740
1,986
2,748
620
$
11,905
$
11,455
224,710
232,138
5.30
5,485
2,170
4.93
5,625
2,036
4%
4%
4%
4%
(3%)
13%
(17%)
4%
5%
16%
4%
(3%)
8%
(2%)
7%
(4%)
(6%)
(5%)
(6%)
(13%)
2%
(25%)
(3%)
-
4%
(4%)
(3%)
(1%)
(2%)
(2%)
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015, totaled $12,611 million compared to $12,134 million in 2014. The increase of $477
million, or 4% was mainly attributable to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues;
freight rate increases; and solid overseas intermodal demand, higher volumes of finished vehicle traffic, and increased shipments of lumber
and panels to U.S. markets. These factors were partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate; and decreased shipments of energy-
related commodities including crude oil, frac sand and drilling pipe, lower volumes of semi-finished steel products and short-haul iron ore,
reduced shipments of coal due to weaker North American and global demand, as well as lower U.S. grain exports via the Gulf of Mexico.
Fuel surcharge revenues decreased by $575 million in 2015, mainly due to lower applicable fuel surcharge rates and lower freight
volumes, partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
In 2015, revenue ton miles (RTMs), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, declined by
3% relative to 2014.
Rail freight revenue per RTM, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile,
increased by 8% when compared to 2014, driven by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases,
partly offset by a significant increase in the average length of haul, particularly in the second half of the year, and a lower applicable fuel
surcharge rate.
Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2015
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
2,442
$
2,354
51,103
4.78
53,169
4.43
4%
(4%)
8%
(6%)
(4%)
(2%)
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group increased by $88 million, or 4%, when compared to 2014. The
increase was mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, freight rate increases and higher shipments of
natural gas liquids. These factors were partly offset by decreased shipments of crude oil and a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Revenue per RTM increased by 8% in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate
increases, partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 17
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Metals and minerals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2015
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
1,437
$
1,484
21,828
6.58
24,686
6.01
(3%)
(12%)
9%
(13%)
(12%)
(2%)
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $47 million, or 3%, when compared to 2014. The
decrease was mainly due to decreased shipments of energy-related commodities including frac sand and drilling pipe due to a reduction in
oil and gas activities, and lower volumes of semi-finished steel products and short-haul iron ore; as well as a lower applicable fuel surcharge
rate. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Revenue per RTM increased by 9% in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate
increases, partly offset by a significant increase in the average length of haul and a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Forest products
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
$
2015
1,728
30,097
5.74
2014 % Change
$
1,523
29,070
5.24
13%
4%
10%
% Change
at constant
currency
2%
4%
(2%)
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group increased by $205 million, or 13%, when compared to 2014.
The increase was mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; freight rate increases; and higher shipments of
lumber and panels to U.S. markets, and increased offshore shipments of wood pulp. These factors were partly offset by a lower applicable
fuel surcharge rate and decreased shipments of paper products.
Revenue per RTM increased by 10% in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate
increases, partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Coal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
740
21,147
3.50
(17%)
(25%)
10%
(25%)
(25%)
(1%)
$
2015
612
15,956
3.84
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $128 million, or 17%, when compared to 2014.
The decrease was mainly due to lower shipments of metallurgical and thermal coal through west coast ports, and decreased volumes of
thermal coal to U.S. utilities, and a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of
a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
Revenue per RTM increased by 10% in 2015, mainly due to a significant decrease in the average length of haul, the positive translation
impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, and freight rate increases, partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Grain and fertilizers
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
18 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Year ended December 31,
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
1,986
51,326
3.87
4%
(3%)
7%
(3%)
(3%)
-
$
2015
2,071
50,001
4.14
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group increased by $85 million, or 4%, when compared to 2014. The
increase was mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases, as well as higher
shipments of potash and lentils. These factors were partly offset by lower U.S. corn and soybeans exports via the Gulf of Mexico, lower
volumes of corn to domestic processing facilities, and reduced export shipments of Canadian wheat and barley; as well as a lower applicable
fuel surcharge rate.
Revenue per RTM increased by 7% in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate
increases, partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate and an increase in the average length of haul.
Intermodal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
$
2,748
49,581
5.54
5%
5%
-
-
5%
(5%)
$
2015
2,896
52,144
5.55
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group increased by $148 million, or 5%, when compared to 2014. The
increase was primarily due to higher international shipments, mainly through the Port of Prince Rupert, the positive translation impact of a
weaker Canadian dollar, and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Revenue per RTM remained flat in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate
increases, partly offset by a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate and an increase in the average length of haul.
Automotive
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Year ended December 31,
$
2015
719
3,581
20.08
2014 % Change
$
620
3,159
19.63
16%
13%
2%
% Change
at constant
currency
4%
13%
(9%)
For the year ended December 31, 2015, revenues for this commodity group increased by $99 million, or 16%, when compared to 2014. The
increase was mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; and higher volumes of domestic finished vehicle
traffic in the first half, as a result of new business, and higher import volumes via the Port of Vancouver. These factors were partly offset by
a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Revenue per RTM increased by 2% in 2015, mainly due to the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by a
significant increase in the average length of haul and a lower applicable fuel surcharge rate.
Other revenues
Year ended December 31,
2015
2014 % Change
% Change
at constant
currency
Revenues (millions)
$
706
$
679
4%
(6%)
For the year ended December 31, 2015, Other revenues increased by $27 million, or 4%, when compared to 2014, mainly due to the positive
translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar partly offset by lower revenues from vessels.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 19
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $7,345 million compared to $7,510 million in 2014. The decrease
of $165 million, or 2%, in 2015 was mainly due to lower fuel expense and cost-management efforts, partly offset by the negative translation
impact of a weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses.
In millions
Labor and fringe benefits
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses
Labor and fringe benefits
2014
% Change
% Change
at constant
currency
Year ended December 31,
$
$
2015
2,406
1,729
1,285
1,158
373
394
2,319
1,598
1,846
1,050
329
368
(4%)
(8%)
30%
(10%)
(13%)
(7%)
$
7,345
$
7,510
2%
2%
(1%)
39%
(4%)
-
3%
9%
Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $87 million, or 4%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase was primarily a result of
the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, general wage increases and higher payroll taxes, as well as increased pension
expense, partly offset by lower incentive-based compensation expense.
Purchased services and material
Purchased services and material expense increased by $131 million, or 8%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase was mainly due to
the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar as well as higher cost for repairs and maintenance and for materials.
Fuel
Fuel expense decreased by $561 million, or 30%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower fuel prices,
partly offset by the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $108 million, or 10%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase was mainly due to
net capital additions and the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, partly offset by the favorable impact of depreciation
studies.
Equipment rents
Equipment rents expense increased by $44 million, or 13%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase was primarily due to the negative
translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and increased car hire expense, partly offset by higher income from the use of the
Company’s equipment by other railroads.
Casualty and other
Casualty and other expense increased by $26 million, or 7%, in 2015 when compared to 2014. The increase was mainly due to the negative
translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.
Other income and expenses
Interest expense
In 2015, Interest expense was $439 million compared to $371 million in 2014. The increase was mainly due to the negative translation
impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated interest expense and a higher level of debt.
Other income
In 2015, the Company recorded other income of $47 million compared to $107 million in 2014. Included in Other income for 2014 was a
gain on disposal of the Deux-Montagnes of $80 million.
20 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Income tax expense
The Company recorded income tax expense of $1,336 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1,193 million in 2014.
Included in the 2015 figure was a deferred income tax expense of $42 million resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial corporate
income tax rate. Included in the 2014 figure was an income tax recovery of $18 million resulting from a change in estimate of the deferred
income tax liability related to properties.
The effective tax rate was 27.4% in 2015 and 2014. Excluding the net deferred income tax expense of $42 million in 2015 and the net
income tax recovery of $18 million in 2014, the effective tax rate for 2015 was 26.5% compared to 27.8% in 2014, partially due to a lower
proportion of profit in higher tax rate jurisdictions.
Summary of quarterly financial data
2016
Quarters
2015
Quarters
In millions, except per share data
Revenues
Operating income
Net income
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Fourth (1)
$
$
$
$
$
3,217
1,395
1,018
1.33
1.32
$
$
$
$
$
Third
3,014
1,407
972
1.26
1.25
Second (2)
$
$
$
$
$
2,842
1,293
858
1.10
1.10
$
$
$
$
$
First
2,964
1,217
792
1.01
1.00
Fourth
3,166
1,354
941
1.19
1.18
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Third
3,222
1,487
1,007
1.26
1.26
Second (3)
$
$
$
$
$
3,125
1,362
886
1.10
1.10
$
$
$
$
$
First
3,098
1,063
704
0.87
0.86
Dividends per share
$ 0.3750
$ 0.3750
$ 0.3750
$ 0.3750
$ 0.3125
$ 0.3125
$ 0.3125
$ 0.3125
(1)
(2)
(3)
Included in Net income in the fourth quarter of 2016 was a gain on disposal of the Viaduc du Sud of $76 million, or $66 million after-tax, which was recorded in
Other income.
Included in Net income in the second quarter of 2016 was an income tax expense of $7 million that resulted from the enactment of a higher corporate income tax
rate.
Included in Net income in the second quarter of 2015 was an income tax expense of $42 million that resulted from the enactment of a higher corporate income tax
rate.
Revenues generated by the Company during the year are influenced by seasonal weather conditions, general economic conditions, cyclical
demand for rail transportation, and competitive forces in the transportation marketplace (see the section entitled Business risks of this
MD&A). Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company’s
productivity initiatives. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar have also affected the conversion of the Company’s US
dollar-denominated revenues and expenses and resulted in fluctuations in net income in the rolling eight quarters presented above.
Summary of fourth quarter 2016
Fourth quarter 2016 net income was $1,018 million, an increase of $77 million, or 8%, when compared to the same period in 2015, with
diluted earnings per share rising 12% to $1.32. Included in net income in the fourth quarter of 2016 was a gain on disposal of the
Viaduc du Sud of $76 million, or $66 million after-tax, which was recorded in Other income.
Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2016 increased by $41 million, or 3%, to $1,395 million, when compared to the
same period in 2015. The operating ratio was 56.6% in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 57.2% in the fourth quarter of 2015, a 0.6-
point improvement.
Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $51 million, or 2%, to $3,217 million, when compared to the same period in 2015.
The increase was mainly attributable to higher volumes of Canadian grains and U.S. soybeans, refined petroleum products, finished vehicles,
and petroleum coke; as well as freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by lower volumes of crude oil, U.S. thermal coal, and
drilling pipe; and lower applicable fuel surcharge rates. Fuel surcharge revenues decreased by $13 million in the fourth quarter of 2016,
mainly due to lower fuel surcharge rates.
Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2016 increased by $10 million, or 1%, to $1,822 million, when compared to the same
period in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher casualty and other expenses relating to U.S. personal injury and other claims,
higher depreciation and amortization expense as a result of net capital additions and the unfavorable impact of depreciation studies, partly
offset by lower pension expense and lower costs resulting from operating productivity gains, including cost-management initiatives.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 21
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Financial position
The following tables provide an analysis of the Company’s balance sheet as at December 31, 2016 as compared to 2015. Assets and
liabilities denominated in US dollars have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet
date. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the foreign exchange rates were $1.3427 and $1.3840 per US$1.00, respectively.
In millions December 31,
2016
2015
Foreign
exchange
impact
Variance
excluding
foreign
exchange
Explanation of variance,
other than foreign exchange impact
Total assets
Variance mainly due to:
Properties
$
37,057
$
36,402
$
(412)
$
1,067
33,755
32,624
(457)
1,588
Pension asset
907
1,305
-
(398)
Total liabilities
Variance mainly due to:
$
22,216
$
21,452
$
(371)
$
1,135
Deferred income taxes
8,473
8,105
(145)
513
Pension and other
postretirement benefits
694
720
(7)
(19)
Total long-term debt,
including the current portion
10,937
10,427
(251)
761
Increase primarily due to gross property
additions of $2,695 million, partly offset
by depreciation of $1,225 million.
Decrease primarily due to lower actual
returns as well as the decrease in the
year-end discount rate from 3.99% in
2015 to 3.81% in 2016.
Increase due to deferred income tax
expense of $704 million recorded in Net
income that was partially offset by a
deferred income tax recovery of $148
million recorded in Other comprehensive
income (loss).
Decrease primarily due to increased
voluntary contributions made for U.S.
plans, partially offset by the decrease in
the year-end discount rate from 3.99% in
2015 to 3.81% in 2016.
Increase primarily due to the issuance of
notes of $1,509 million, partly offset by
repayment of notes of $726 million.
In millions December 31,
2016
2015
Variance
Explanation of variance
Total shareholders’ equity
Variance mainly due to:
$
14,841
$
14,950
$
(109)
Additional paid-in capital
364
475
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
(2,358)
(1,767)
(111)
(591)
Retained earnings
13,242
12,637
605
Decrease primarily due to the settlement
of other equity settled awards.
Increase in comprehensive loss due to
after-tax amounts of $511 million
resulting mainly from actuarial losses
arising during the year and the
amortization of actuarial losses for the
Company’s defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans as well
as $80 million from net foreign exchange
losses.
Increase due to current year net income
of $3,640 million, partly offset by share
repurchases of $1,873 million and
dividends paid of $1,159 million.
22 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Liquidity and capital resources
The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which is supplemented by borrowings in the money markets
and capital markets. To meet its short-term liquidity needs, the Company has access to various financing sources, including an unsecured
revolving credit facility, a commercial paper program, and an accounts receivable securitization program. In addition to these sources, the
Company can issue debt securities to meet its longer-term liquidity needs. The Company’s access to long-term funds in the debt capital
markets depends on its credit rating and market conditions. The Company believes that it continues to have access to the long-term debt
capital markets. If the Company were unable to borrow funds at acceptable rates in the long-term debt capital markets, the Company could
borrow under its revolving credit facility, draw down on its accounts receivable securitization program, raise cash by disposing of surplus
properties or otherwise monetizing assets, reduce discretionary spending or take a combination of these measures to assure that it has
adequate funding for its business. The strong focus on cash generation from all sources gives the Company increased flexibility in terms of
meeting its financing requirements.
The Company’s primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments, pension contributions,
and contractual obligations; capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other; acquisitions; dividend payouts; and the
repurchase of shares through share repurchase programs. The Company sets priorities on its uses of available funds based on short-term
operational requirements, expenditures to continue to operate a safe railway and pursue strategic initiatives, while also considering its long-
term contractual obligations and returning value to its shareholders; and as part of its financing strategy, the Company regularly reviews its
optimal capital structure, cost of capital, and the need for additional debt financing.
The Company has a working capital deficit, which is considered common in the rail industry because it is capital-intensive, and not an
indication of a lack of liquidity. The Company maintains adequate resources to meet daily cash requirements, and has sufficient financial
capacity to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and current obligations. As at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the
Company had Cash and cash equivalents of $176 million and $153 million, respectively; Restricted cash and cash equivalents of $496 million
and $523 million, respectively; and a working capital deficit of $901 million and $845 million, respectively. The working capital deficit
increased by $56 million in 2016 primarily as a result of an increase in Current portion of long-term debt mainly due to the issuance of
commercial paper, and decreased Other current assets; partly offset by decreased Accounts payable and other. The cash and cash
equivalents pledged as collateral for a minimum term of one month pursuant to the Company’s bilateral letter of credit facilities are
recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents. There are currently no specific requirements relating to working capital other than in the
normal course of business as discussed herein.
The Company’s U.S. and other foreign subsidiaries hold cash to meet their respective operational requirements. If the Company should
require more liquidity in Canada than is generated by its domestic operations, the Company could decide to repatriate funds associated with
undistributed earnings of its foreign operations, including its U.S. and other foreign subsidiaries. The impact on liquidity resulting from the
repatriation of funds held outside Canada would not be significant as such repatriation of funds would not cause significant tax implications
to the Company under the tax laws of Canada and the U.S. and other foreign tax jurisdictions, and the tax treaties currently in effect
between them.
The Company expects cash from operations and its various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its ongoing obligations. The
Company is not aware of any trends or expected fluctuations in its liquidity that would impact its ongoing operations or financial condition
as of the date of this MD&A.
Available financing sources
Shelf prospectus and registration statement
During 2016, the Company issued US$1,150 million of debt securities in the U.S. capital markets under its current shelf prospectus and
registration statement. The Company has remaining capacity available of $4,466 million under its shelf prospectus and registration
statement, for which CN can issue debt securities in the Canadian and U.S. capital markets over the next 13 months. Access to the Canadian
and U.S. capital markets under the shelf prospectus and registration statement is dependent on market conditions.
Revolving credit facility
On March 11, 2016, the Company’s revolving credit facility agreement was amended, which increased the credit facility from $800 million to
$1.3 billion, effective May 5, 2016. The increased capacity provides the Company with additional financial flexibility. The amended credit
facility of $1.3 billion consists of a tranche for $420 million maturing on May 5, 2019 and a tranche for $880 million maturing on May 5,
2021. The accordion feature, which provides for an additional $500 million subject to the consent of individual lenders, remains unchanged.
The credit facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes, including backstopping the Company’s commercial paper
programs.
As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and there were no
draws during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 23
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Commercial paper
The Company has a commercial paper program in Canada and in the U.S. Both programs are backstopped by the Company’s revolving credit
facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion, or the US dollar equivalent, on a
combined basis, which increased from $800 million, effective May 5, 2016. The commercial paper programs, which are subject to market
rates in effect at the time of financing, provide the Company with a flexible financing alternative at a low cost, and can be used for general
corporate purposes. The cost of commercial paper and access to the commercial paper market in Canada and the U.S. are dependent on
credit ratings and market conditions. If the Company were to lose access to its commercial paper program for an extended period of time,
the Company could rely on its $1.3 billion revolving credit facility to meet its short-term liquidity needs.
As at December 31, 2016, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of US$451 million ($605 million) (2015 - US$331
million ($458 million)), presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Accounts receivable securitization program
The Company has an agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivable to unrelated trusts for
maximum cash proceeds of $450 million. On October 25, 2016, the Company extended the term of its agreement by one year to February 1,
2019. The trusts are multi-seller trusts and the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Funding for the acquisition of these assets is
customarily through the issuance of asset-backed commercial paper notes by the unrelated trusts.
The Company has retained the responsibility for servicing, administering and collecting the receivables sold. The average servicing period
is approximately one month and is renewed at market rates in effect. Subject to customary indemnifications, each trust’s recourse is limited
to the accounts receivable transferred.
The Company is subject to customary credit rating requirements, which if not met, could result in termination of the program. The
necessary credit rating requirements have been met as of the date of this MD&A. The Company is also subject to customary reporting
requirements for which failure to perform could also result in termination of the program. The Company monitors the reporting
requirements and is currently not aware of any trends, events or conditions that could cause such termination.
The accounts receivable securitization program provides the Company with readily available short-term financing for general corporate
use. In the event the program is terminated before its scheduled maturity, the Company expects to meet its future payment obligations
through its various sources of financing including its revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, and/or access to capital
markets.
As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no proceeds received under the accounts receivable securitization program.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
The Company has a series of committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. During 2016, the Company extended the expiry date of
the majority of these agreements by one year to April 28, 2019, and entered into various uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility
agreements. These agreements are held with various banks to support the Company’s requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary
course of business. Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents, for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued.
As at December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $451 million (2015 - $551 million) under the committed
facilities from a total available amount of $508 million (2015 - $575 million) and $68 million (2015 - $nil) under the uncommitted facilities.
As at December 31, 2016, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $426 million (2015 - $523 million) and $68 million (2015
- $nil) which were pledged as collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
Additional information relating to the Company’s financing sources is provided in Note 10 – Long-term debt to the Company’s 2016 Annual
Consolidated Financial Statements.
24 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Credit ratings
The Company’s ability to access funding in the debt capital markets and the cost and amount of funding available depends in part on its
credit ratings. Rating downgrades could limit the Company’s access to the capital markets, or increase its borrowing costs.
The following table provides the credit ratings that CN has received from credit rating agencies as of the date of this MD&A:
Dominion Bond Rating Service
Moody’s Investors Service
Standard & Poor’s
Long-term debt rating
Commercial paper rating
A
A2
A
R-1 (low)
P-1
A-1
These credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell the securities referred to above. Ratings may be revised or withdrawn
at any time by the credit rating agencies. Each credit rating should be evaluated independently of any other credit rating.
Cash flows
In millions
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on
US dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Operating activities
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
Variance
$
5,202 $
5,140 $
(2,655)
(2,539)
(2,827)
(2,223)
15
23
153
11
101
52
$
176 $
153 $
62
172
(316)
4
(78)
101
23
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $62 million in 2016, mainly due to improvements in earnings.
Pension contributions
The Company’s contributions to its various defined benefit pension plans are made in accordance with the applicable legislation in Canada
and the U.S. and such contributions follow minimum and maximum thresholds as determined by actuarial valuations. Pension contributions
for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 of $162 million and $126 million, respectively, primarily represent contributions to the CN
Pension Plan, for the current service cost as determined under the Company’s current actuarial valuations for funding purposes and
voluntary contributions to the U.S. qualified defined benefit plans. The Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately
$115 million for all pension plans in 2017.
See the section of this MD&A entitled Critical accounting estimates – Pensions and other postretirement benefits for additional
information pertaining to the funding of the Company’s pension plans. Additional information relating to the pension plans is provided in
Note 12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax payments
The Company is required to make scheduled installment payments as prescribed by the tax authorities. In Canada, the Company’s domestic
jurisdiction, tax installments in a given year are generally based on the prior year’s taxable income whereas in the U.S., the Company’s
predominant foreign jurisdiction, they are based on forecasted taxable income of the current year.
In 2016, net income tax payments were $653 million ($725 million in 2015). The decrease was mainly attributable to lower required tax
installments, reflecting a lower proportion of the Company’s pre-tax income being earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions. For the 2017 fiscal
year, the Company’s net income tax payments are expected to be approximately $600 million.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 25
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $172 million in 2016, mainly as a result of proceeds received from the disposal of property
and a reduction in cash pledged as collateral under the bilateral letter of credit facilities.
Property additions
In millions
Track and roadway (1)
Rolling stock
Buildings
Information technology
Other
Gross property additions
Less: Capital leases
Property additions (2)
Year ended December 31,
2016
$
1,834
$
494
85
176
163
2,752
57
2015
1,855
480
71
144
156
2,706
-
$
2,695
$
2,706
(1)
In 2016, approximately 80% (2015 - 90%) of the Track and roadway property additions were incurred to renew the basic infrastructure. Costs relating to normal
repairs and maintenance of Track and roadway properties are expensed as incurred, and amounted to approximately 13% of the Company’s total operating expenses
in 2016 (2015 - 12%).
(2)
Includes $313 million and $128 million associated with the U.S. federal government legislative PTC implementation in 2016 and 2015 respectively.
2017 Capital expenditure program
The Company expects to invest approximately $2.5 billion in its capital program, which will be financed with cash generated from
operations, as outlined below:
$1.6 billion on track infrastructure to continue operating a safe railway and improve the productivity and fluidity of the network;
including the replacement of rail, ties, and other track materials, bridge improvements, as well as various branch line upgrades;
$0.4 billion associated with the U.S. federal government legislative PTC implementation;
$0.3 billion on initiatives to drive productivity, including information technology to improve service and operating efficiency; and
$0.2 billion on equipment capital expenditures, allowing the Company to tap growth opportunities and improve the quality of the fleet;
and in order to handle expected traffic increase and improve operational efficiency.
Disposal of property
In 2016, cash flows included cash proceeds of $85 million before transaction costs from the disposal of the Viaduc du Sud. In 2015, there
were no significant disposals of property. Additional information relating to disposals of property is provided in Note 3 – Other income to
the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased by $316 million in 2016, driven by higher repurchases of common shares and an increase in
dividend payments, partly offset by the net issuance of debt.
Debt financing activities
Debt financing activities in 2016 included the following:
On December 15, 2016, repayment of US$300 million ($398 million) 1.45% Notes due 2016 upon maturity;
On August 2, 2016, issuance of US$650 million ($848 million) 3.20% Notes due 2046 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in net
proceeds of $832 million;
On June 1, 2016, repayment of US$250 million ($328 million) 5.80% Notes due 2016 upon maturity;
On February 23, 2016, issuance of US$500 million ($686 million) 2.75% Notes due 2026 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in
net proceeds of $677 million;
Repayment of debt related to capital leases of $229 million; and
Net issuance of commercial paper of $137 million.
26 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Debt financing activities in 2015 included the following:
On November 6, 2015, repayment of US$350 million ($461 million) Floating Rate Notes due 2015 upon maturity;
On September 22, 2015, issuance of $350 million 2.80% Notes due 2025, $400 million 3.95% Notes due 2045 and $100 million 4.00%
Notes due 2065 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $841 million;
Net issuance of commercial paper of $451 million; and
Repayment of debt related to capital leases of $241 million and the accounts receivable securitization program of $50 million.
Cash obtained from the issuance of debt in 2016 and 2015 was used for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and
refinancing of outstanding indebtedness and share repurchases. Additional information relating to the Company’s outstanding debt
securities is provided in Note 10 – Long-term debt to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Share repurchase programs
The Company may repurchase shares pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such
other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under its current NCIB, the Company may repurchase up to 33.0 million
common shares between October 30, 2016 and October 29, 2017. The Company’s NCIB notice may be found online on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. A printed copy may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary’s Office.
Previous share repurchase programs allowed for the repurchase of up to 33.0 million common shares between October 30, 2015 and
October 29, 2016, and up to 28.0 million common shares between October 24, 2014 and October 23, 2015, pursuant to the NCIBs.
The following table provides the information related to the share repurchase programs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
October 2016 - October 2017 program
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase
October 2015 - October 2016 program
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase
October 2014 - October 2015 program
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share (2)
Amount of repurchase
Total for the year
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share (2)
Amount of repurchase (3)
3.5
84.06
293
22.9
74.60
1,707
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.4
75.85
2,000
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.8
70.44
410
17.5
76.79
1,340
23.3
75.20
1,750
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
73.29
410
(4)
(4)
(4)
22.4
67.38
1,505
$
$
$
$
Total
program
3.5
84.06
293
28.7
73.76
2,117
23.1
75.94
1,750
$
$
$
$
$
$
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Includes repurchases of common shares in each quarter of 2016 and in the first, third and fourth quarters of 2015, and the first and fourth quarters of 2014
pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm’s-length third-party sellers.
Includes brokerage fees where applicable.
Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
Includes 2014 repurchases from the October 2013 - October 2014 program, which consisted of 16.8 million common shares, a weighted-average price per share of
$65.40 and an amount of repurchase of $1,095 million.
Share Trusts
The Company’s Employee Benefit Plan Trusts (“Share Trusts”) purchase common shares on the open market, which are used to deliver
common shares under the Share Units Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Share Trusts disbursed 0.3 million common shares,
which had a historical cost of $23 million, representing a weighted-average price per share of $73.31 for settlement under the Share Units
Plan, and purchased 0.7 million common shares for $60 million at a weighted-average price per share of $84.99, including brokerage fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Share Trusts purchased 1.4 million common shares for $100 million at a weighted-average price
per share of $73.31, including brokerage fees. Additional information relating to the share purchases by Share Trusts is provided in Note 13
– Share capital to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 27
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Dividends paid
During 2016, the Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.3750 per share amounting to $1,159 million, compared to $996 million, at the
rate of $0.3125 per share in 2015. For 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of 10% to the quarterly dividend to
common shareholders, from $0.3750 per share in 2016 to $0.4125 per share in 2017.
Contractual obligations
In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations. The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual
obligations for the following items as at December 31, 2016:
In millions
Debt obligations (1)
Interest on debt obligations (2)
Capital lease obligations (3)
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations (4)
Other long-term liabilities (5)
Total
2017
2018
$
10,593
$
1,277
$
7,366
439
629
1,115
734
473
224
140
920
67
$
697
438
24
126
58
44
2019
730
386
17
96
43
42
2020
$
-
$
366
22
66
30
62
$
2021
781
363
12
48
26
47
2022 &
thereafter
7,108
5,340
140
153
38
472
Total contractual obligations
$
20,876
$
3,101
$
1,387
$
1,314
$
546
$
1,277
$
13,251
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Presented net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs and excludes capital lease obligations.
Interest payments on the floating rate notes are calculated based on the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate effective as at December 31, 2016.
Includes $344 million of minimum lease payments and $95 million of imputed interest at rates ranging from 0.7% to 6.8%.
Includes commitments for railroad ties, rail, freight cars, fuel, and other equipment and services, as well as outstanding information technology service contracts and
licenses.
Includes expected payments for workers’ compensation, postretirement benefits other than pensions, net unrecognized tax benefits, environmental liabilities and
pension obligations that have been classified as contractual settlement agreements.
Free cash flow
Management believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate cash for debt
obligations and for discretionary uses such as payment of dividends, share repurchases, and strategic opportunities. The Company defines its
free cash flow measure as the difference between net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities; adjusted
for changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents and the impact of major acquisitions, if any. Free cash flow does not have any
standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities as reported for the years ended December 31,
2016, 2015 and 2014, to free cash flow:
In millions
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash provided before financing activities
Adjustment: Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
$
$
5,202
(2,655)
$
5,140
(2,827)
2,547
(27)
2,313
60
2014
4,381
(2,176)
2,205
15
Free cash flow
$
2,520
$
2,373
$
2,220
28 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple
Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
multiple is a useful credit measure because it reflects the Company’s ability to service its debt and other long term obligations. The Company
calculates the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple as adjusted debt divided by adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have any
standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
The following table provides a reconciliation of debt and net income to the adjusted measures presented below, which have been used
to calculate the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple:
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
As at and for the year ended December 31,
Debt
Adjustment: Present value of operating lease commitments (1)
Adjusted debt
Net income
Interest expense
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA
Adjustments:
Other income
Deemed interest on operating leases
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times)
$
$
$
$
$
$
2016
10,937
533
11,470
3,640
480
1,287
1,225
6,632
(95)
24
$
$
$
2015
10,427
607
11,034
3,538
439
1,336
1,158
6,471
(47)
29
$
6,561
$
6,453
$
1.75
1.71
2014
8,372
607
8,979
3,167
371
1,193
1,050
5,781
(107)
28
5,702
1.57
(1) The operating lease commitments have been discounted using the Company’s implicit interest rate for each of the periods presented.
All forward-looking statements discussed in this section are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions about events
and developments that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. See the section of
this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.
Off balance sheet arrangements
Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing
guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are
not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit, surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are
customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business. As at December 31, 2016, the Company has not recorded a liability with
respect to guarantees and indemnifications. Additional information relating to guarantees and indemnifications is provided in Note 16 –
Major commitments and contingencies to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Outstanding share data
As at February 1, 2017, the Company had 760.3 million common shares and 5.2 million stock options outstanding.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 29
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Financial instruments
Risk management
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks from its use of financial instruments. To manage these risks, the
Company follows a financial risk management framework, which is monitored and approved by the Company’s Finance Committee, with a
goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, optimizing earnings per share and free cash flow, financing its operations at an optimal cost of
capital and preserving its liquidity. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks
and does not hold or issue them for trading or speculative purposes.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and temporary investments, accounts receivable and derivative financial instruments. To manage credit risk
associated with cash and temporary investments, the Company places these financial assets with governments, major financial institutions,
or other creditworthy counterparties; and performs ongoing reviews of these entities. To manage credit risk associated with accounts
receivable, the Company reviews the credit history of each new customer, monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers,
and keeps the average daily sales outstanding within an acceptable range. The Company works with customers to ensure timely payments,
and in certain cases, requires financial security, including letters of credit. Although the Company believes there are no significant
concentrations of customer credit risk, economic conditions can affect the Company’s customers and can result in an increase to the
Company’s credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. A widespread deterioration of customer credit and business failures
of customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. The Company
considers the risk due to the possible non-performance by its customers to be remote.
The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments, however from time to time, it may enter into derivative
financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates. To manage the counterparty risk
associated with the use of derivative financial instruments, the Company enters into contracts with major financial institutions that have
been accorded investment grade ratings. Though the Company is exposed to potential credit losses due to non-performance of these
counterparties, the Company considers this risk remote.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that sufficient funds will not be available to satisfy financial obligations as they come due. In addition to cash
generated from operations, which represents its principal source of liquidity, the Company manages liquidity risk by aligning other external
sources of funds which can be obtained upon short notice, such as a revolving credit facility, commercial paper, and an accounts receivable
securitization program. As well, the Company has available capacity under its shelf prospectus and registration statement of $4,466 million.
Access to capital markets under the shelf prospectus and registration statement is dependent on market conditions. The Company believes
that its investment grade credit ratings contribute to reasonable access to capital markets. See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity
and capital resources for additional information relating to the Company’s available financing sources.
Foreign currency risk
The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Changes in the
exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the US dollar affect the Company’s revenues and expenses. To manage foreign currency risk,
the Company designates US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in
U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company’s US dollar-
denominated long-term debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which minimizes volatility of earnings resulting from
the conversion of US dollar-denominated long-term debt into the Canadian dollar.
The Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency risk. As at December 31,
2016, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional value of US$1,035 million (2015 - US$361 million).
Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates, are recognized in Other
income in the Consolidated Statements of Income as they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a loss of $1
million (2015 - gain of $61 million; 2014 - gain of $9 million), related to foreign exchange forward contracts. These losses or gains were
largely offset by the re-measurement of other US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recognized in Other income. As at
December 31, 2016, Other current assets included an unrealized gain of $19 million (2015 - $4 million) and Accounts payable and other
included an unrealized loss of $1 million (2015 - $2 million), related to foreign exchange forward contracts.
The estimated annual impact on net income of a year-over-year one-cent change in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar is
approximately $30 million.
30 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will vary as a
result of changes in market interest rates. Such risk exists in relation to the Company’s long-term debt. The Company mainly issues fixed-rate
debt, which exposes the Company to variability in the fair value of the debt. The Company also issues debt with variable interest rates, which
exposes the Company to variability in interest expense.
To manage interest rate risk, the Company manages its borrowings in line with liquidity needs, maturity schedule, and currency and
interest rate profile. In anticipation of future debt issuances, the Company may use derivative instruments such as forward rate agreements.
The Company does not currently hold any significant derivative instruments to manage its interest rate risk. As at December 31, 2016,
Accumulated other comprehensive loss included an unamortized gain of $7 million (2015 - $7 million) relating to treasury lock transactions
settled in a prior year, which is being amortized over the term of the related debt.
The estimated annual impact on net income of a year-over-year one-percent change in the interest rate on floating rate debt is
approximately $9 million.
Commodity price risk
The Company is exposed to commodity price risk related to purchases of fuel and the potential reduction in net income due to increases in
the price of diesel. Fuel prices are impacted by geopolitical events, changes in the economy or supply disruptions. Fuel shortages can occur
due to refinery disruptions, production quota restrictions, climate, and labor and political instability.
The Company manages fuel price risk by offsetting the impact of rising fuel prices with the Company’s fuel surcharge program. The
surcharge applied to customers is determined in the second calendar month prior to the month in which it is applied, and is generally
calculated using the average monthly price of On-Highway Diesel (OHD), and to a lesser extent West-Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI).
While the Company’s fuel surcharge program provides effective coverage, residual exposure remains given that fuel price risk cannot be
completely managed due to timing and given the volatility in the market. As such, the Company may enter into derivative instruments to
manage such risk when considered appropriate.
Fair value of financial instruments
The following table provides the valuation methods and assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value of financial
instruments and their associated level within the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1
Quoted prices for identical
instruments in active markets
The carrying amounts of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate fair
value. These financial instruments include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from
maturity, for which the fair value is determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets.
Level 2
Significant inputs (other than
quoted prices included in
Level 1) are observable
The carrying amounts of Accounts receivable, Other current assets, and Accounts payable and other
approximate fair value. The fair value of these financial instruments is not determined using quoted prices, but
rather from market observable information. The fair value of derivative financial instruments used to manage
the Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk and included in Other current assets and Accounts payable
and other is measured by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate derived from market data for
financial instruments subject to similar risks and maturities.
Level 3
Significant inputs are
unobservable
The carrying amount of the Company’s debt does not approximate fair value. The fair value is estimated based
on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using
current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity. As at December 31,
2016, the Company’s debt had a carrying amount of $10,937 million (2015 - $10,427 million) and a fair value
of $12,084 million (2015 - $11,720 million).
The carrying amounts of investments included in Intangible and other assets approximate fair value, with the
exception of certain cost investments for which significant inputs are unobservable and fair value is estimated
based on the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying net assets. As at December 31, 2016, the
Company’s investments had a carrying amount of $68 million (2015 - $69 million) and a fair value of $220
million (2015 - $220 million).
CN | 2016 Annual Report 31
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Recent accounting pronouncements
The following recent Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by FASB were adopted by the Company during the current period:
Standard
Description
Impact
ASU 2016-09,
Compensation – Stock
Compensation (Topic
718): Improvements to
Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting
Simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based
payments, including the income tax consequences,
classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and
classification in the Statement of Cash Flows. The new
guidance includes multiple amendments with differing
application methods.
The Company elected to adopt this standard in 2016 on a
prospective basis with an effective date of January 1, 2016.
The adoption of this standard did not have a significant
impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial
Statements.
ASU 2015-07, Fair Value
Measurement (Topic
820): Disclosures for
Investments in Certain
Entities That Calculate
Net Asset Value per
Share (or its Equivalent)
Removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value
hierarchy investments for which fair value is measured
using the net asset value practical expedient.
The Company adopted this standard in 2016 on a
retrospective basis. Investments measured at net asset
value of $3,305 million and $3,511 million as at December
31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, held by the Company’s
defined benefit pension plans, are no longer included in the
fair value hierarchy.
The following recent ASUs issued by FASB have an effective date after December 31, 2016 and have not been adopted by the Company:
Standard (1)
Description
ASU 2016-18, Statement
of Cash Flows (Topic
230): Restricted Cash
Requires that a Statement of Cash Flows explain the change
during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and
amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted
cash equivalents. The amendments should be applied using
a retrospective transition method to each period presented.
ASU 2016-13, Financial
Instruments – Credit
Losses (Topic 326):
Measurement of Credit
Losses on Financial
Instruments
Requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be
presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The
amendments replace the current incurred loss impairment
methodology with one that reflects expected credit losses
and considers a broader range of reasonable and
supportable information to determine the expected credit
loss estimates.
ASU 2016-02, Leases
(Topic 842)
Requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities
on the Balance Sheet by lessees for most leases. Lessees
and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at
the beginning of the earliest period presented using a
modified retrospective approach.
ASU 2014-09, Revenue
from Contracts with
Customers (Topic 606)
Establishes principles for reporting the nature, amount,
timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising
from an entity’s contracts with customers. The basis of the
new standard is that an entity recognizes revenue to
represent the transfer of goods or services to customers in
an amount that reflects the consideration to which the
entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. The new guidance can be applied using a
retrospective or the cumulative effect transition method.
Impact
The amendments will affect the
classification and presentation of
restricted cash in the Company’s
Statement of Cash Flows.
Effective date (2)
December 15,
2017. Early
adoption is
permitted.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements; no significant impact is
expected.
December 15,
2019. Early
adoption is
permitted.
December 15,
2018. Early
adoption is
permitted.
December 15,
2017. Early
adoption is
permitted.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements. The Company is reviewing
all lease contracts and expects that the
majority of operating leases will be
recognized on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet. CN expects to adopt the
requirements of the ASU effective
January 1, 2019.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements and related disclosures,
through the review of customer
contracts, in relation to the new
standard. In addition, the Company is
evaluating the transition method to
apply. CN will adopt the requirements
of the ASU effective January 1, 2018.
(1) Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 have been evaluated by the Company and will not have a
significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
(2)
Effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after the stated date.
32 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon available information. Actual results could differ
from these estimates. The Company’s policies for income taxes, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, personal injury
and other claims and environmental matters, require management’s more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the
Company’s consolidated financial statements and, as such, are considered to be critical. The following information should be read in
conjunction with the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Management discusses the development and selection of the Company’s critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the
Company’s Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s related disclosures.
Income taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the
net deferred income tax asset or liability is included in the computation of Net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred
income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. As a result, a projection of taxable income is required for those years, as well
as an assumption of the ultimate recovery/settlement period for temporary differences. The projection of future taxable income is based on
management’s best estimate and may vary from actual taxable income.
On an annual basis, the Company assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets, and if it is
deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The ultimate
realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred income tax liabilities, the available
carryback and carryforward periods, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. As at December 31, 2016, in order to
fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $2.1 billion
and, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred
income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these
deductible differences. Management has assessed the impacts of the current economic environment and concluded there are no significant
impacts to its assertions for the realization of deferred income tax assets.
In addition, Canadian, or domestic, tax rules and regulations, as well as those relating to foreign jurisdictions, are subject to
interpretation and require judgment by the Company that may be challenged by the taxation authorities upon audit of the filed income tax
returns. Tax benefits are recognized if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxation
authorities. As at December 31, 2016, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $61 million before considering tax treaties
and other arrangements between taxation authorities. The amount of net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016 was $54
million. If recognized, $20 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016 would affect the effective tax rate. The
Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $7 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016
related to various federal, state, and provincial income tax matters, each of which are individually insignificant, may be recognized over the
next twelve months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
The Company’s deferred income tax assets are mainly composed of temporary differences related to the pension liability, accruals for
personal injury claims and other reserves, other postretirement benefits liability, and net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. The
Company’s deferred income tax liabilities are mainly composed of temporary differences related to properties. The reversal of temporary
differences is expected at future-enacted income tax rates which could change due to fiscal budget changes and/or changes in income tax
laws. As a result, a change in the timing and/or the income tax rate at which the components will reverse, could materially affect deferred
income tax expense as recorded in the Company’s results of operations. From time to time, the federal, provincial, and state governments
enact new corporate income tax rates resulting in either lower or higher tax liabilities. A one-percentage-point change in the Canadian and
U.S. statutory federal tax rate would have the effect of changing the deferred income tax expense by $130 million and $116 million in 2016,
respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded total income tax expense of $1,287 million, of which $704 million was a
deferred income tax expense which included a deferred income tax expense of $7 million resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial
corporate income tax rate. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded total income tax expense of $1,336 million, of
which $600 million was a deferred income tax expense which included a deferred income tax expense of $42 million resulting from the
enactment of a higher provincial corporate income tax rate. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded total income tax
expense of $1,193 million, of which $416 million was a deferred income tax expense which included an income tax recovery of $18 million
resulting from a change in the estimate of the deferred income tax liability related to properties. The Company’s net deferred income tax
liability as at December 31, 2016 was $8,473 million (2015 - $8,105 million). Additional disclosures are provided in Note 4 – Income taxes to
the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 33
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Depreciation
Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties, including those
under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, measured
in years, except for rail and ballast which are measured in millions of gross tons. The Company follows the group method of depreciation
whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small differences in the
service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately 40 different
depreciable asset classes.
For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the
estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation
studies conducted by the Company. The Company’s U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the
Surface Transportation Board (STB) and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by
regulation and are conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service
lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.
The studies consider, among other factors, the analysis of historical retirement data using recognized life analysis techniques, and the
forecasting of asset life characteristics. Changes in circumstances, such as technological advances, changes to the Company’s business
strategy, changes in the Company’s capital strategy or changes in regulations can result in the actual service lives differing from the
Company’s estimates.
A change in the remaining service life of a group of assets, or their estimated net salvage value, will affect the depreciation rate used to
amortize the group of assets and thus affect depreciation expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations. A change of one year
in the composite service life of the Company’s fixed asset base would impact annual depreciation expense by approximately $50 million.
Depreciation studies are a means of ensuring that the assumptions used to estimate the service lives of particular asset groups are still
valid and where they are not, they serve as the basis to establish the new depreciation rates to be used on a prospective basis. In the third
quarter of 2016, the Company completed depreciation studies for track and roadway properties and as a result, the Company changed the
estimated service lives for various types of track and roadway assets and their related composite depreciation rates. The results of these
depreciation studies did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded total depreciation expense of $1,223 million (2015 - $1,156 million;
2014 - $1,050 million). As at December 31, 2016, the Company had Properties of $33,755 million, net of accumulated depreciation of
$12,412 million (2015 - $32,624 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $12,203 million). Additional disclosures are provided in Note 7
– Properties to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
GAAP requires the use of historical 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 inflation-adjusted basis, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at current price levels, would be
substantially greater than historically reported amounts.
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
The Company’s plans have a measurement date of December 31. The following table provides the Company’s pension asset, pension liability
and other postretirement benefits liability as at December 31, 2016, and 2015:
In millions
Pension asset
Pension liability
Other postretirement benefits liability
December 31,
2016
907
442
270
$
$
$
2015
1,305
469
269
$
$
$
34 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
The descriptions in the following paragraphs pertaining to pensions relate generally to the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension
Plan, unless otherwise specified.
Calculation of net periodic benefit cost (income)
In accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits, assumptions are required for, among other things, the discount rate, the
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, the rate of compensation increase, health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, employee
early retirements, terminations and disability. Changes in these assumptions result in actuarial gains or losses, which are recognized in Other
comprehensive income (loss). The Company generally amortizes these gains or losses into net periodic benefit cost over the expected
average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans only to the extent that the unrecognized net actuarial gains and
losses are in excess of the corridor threshold, which is calculated as 10% of the greater of the beginning-of-year balances of the projected
benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets. The Company’s net periodic benefit cost (income) for future periods is dependent
on demographic experience, economic conditions and investment performance. Recent demographic experience has revealed no material
net gains or losses on termination, retirement, disability and mortality. Experience with respect to economic conditions and investment
performance is further discussed herein.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the consolidated net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions and other
postretirement benefits were as follows:
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions
Net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits
2016
(161)
7
$
$
$
$
2015
34
10
$
$
2014
(4)
12
As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the projected pension benefit obligation and accumulated other postretirement benefit obligation
were as follows:
In millions
Projected pension benefit obligation
Accumulated other postretirement benefit obligation
Discount rate assumption
December 31,
2016
17,366
270
$
$
$
$
2015
17,081
269
The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is determined by management with the aid of third-
party actuaries. The discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-
quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become
due. For the Canadian pension and other postretirement benefit plans, future expected benefit payments are discounted using spot rates
based on a derived AA corporate bond yield curve for each maturity year. A discount rate of 3.81% based on bond yields prevailing at
December 31, 2016 (3.99% at December 31, 2015) was considered appropriate by the Company.
In 2016, the Company adopted the spot rate approach to measure current service cost and interest cost for all defined benefit pension
and other postretirement benefit plans on a prospective basis as a change in accounting estimate. In 2015 and in prior years, these costs
were determined using the discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.
The spot rate approach enhances the precision to which current service cost and interest cost are measured by increasing the correlation
between projected cash flows and spot discount rates corresponding to their maturity. Under the spot rate approach, individual spot
discount rates along the same yield curve used in the determination of the projected benefit obligation are applied to the relevant projected
cash flows for current service cost at the relevant maturity. More specifically, current service cost is measured using the cash flows related to
benefits expected to be accrued in the following year by active members of a plan and interest cost is measured using the projected cash
flows making up the projected benefit obligation multiplied by the corresponding spot discount rate at each maturity. Use of the spot rate
approach does not affect the measurement of the projected benefit obligation.
Based on bond yields prevailing at December 31, 2015, the single equivalent discount rates used to determine current service cost and
interest cost under the spot rate approach in 2016 were 4.24% and 3.27%, respectively, compared to 3.99% for both costs under the
approach applicable in 2015 and prior years. For 2016, the Company estimates the adoption of the spot rate approach increased net
periodic benefit income by approximately $130 million compared to the approach applicable in 2015 and prior years.
Based on bond yields prevailing at December 31, 2016, the single equivalent discount rates used to determine current service cost and
interest cost under the spot rate approach in 2017 are 4.11% and 3.15%, respectively.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 35
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2016, a 0.25% decrease in the 3.81% discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation
would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $550 million to the funded status for pensions and would result in a decrease of
approximately $25 million to the 2017 projected net periodic benefit income. A 0.25% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in
an increase of approximately $520 million to the funded status for pensions and would result in an increase of approximately $25 million to
the 2017 projected net periodic benefit income.
Expected long-term rate of return assumption
The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on
the investment policy. Consideration is taken of the historical performance, the premium return generated from an actively managed
portfolio, as well as current and future anticipated asset allocations, economic developments, inflation rates and administrative expenses.
Based on these factors, the rate is determined by the Company. For 2016, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of
7.00% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost (income). The Company has elected to use a market-
related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are
recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. In 2017, the Company will maintain the expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets at 7.00% to reflect management’s current view of long-term investment returns.
The assets of the Company’s various plans are primarily held in separate trust funds (“Trusts”) which are diversified by asset type,
country and investment strategies. Each year, the CN Board of Directors reviews and confirms or amends the Statement of Investment
Policies and Procedures (“SIPP”) which includes the plans’ target asset allocation (“Policy”) and related benchmark indices. This Policy is
based on a long-term forward-looking view of the world economy, the dynamics of the plans’ benefit obligations, the market return
expectations of each asset class and the current state of financial markets. In 2016, the Policy was: 3% cash and short-term investments,
40% bonds and mortgages, 42% equities, 4% real estate, 7% oil and gas and 4% infrastructure investments.
Annually, the CN Investment Division (“Investment Manager”), a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of
the plans, proposes an investment strategy (“Strategy”) for the coming year, which is expected to differ from the Policy, because of current
economic and market conditions and expectations. The Investment Committee of the Board (“Committee”) regularly compares the actual
asset allocation to the Policy and Strategy and compares the actual performance of the Company’s pension plans to the performance of the
benchmark indices.
The Committee’s approval is required for all major investments in illiquid securities. The SIPP allows for the use of derivative financial
instruments to implement strategies or to hedge or adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of
the Company or its subsidiaries. During the last 10 years ended December 31, 2016, the CN Pension Plan earned an annual average rate of
return of 5.41%.
The actual, market-related value, and expected rates of return on plan assets for the last five years were as follows:
Actual
Market-related value
Expected
2016
4.4%
8.2%
2015
5.5%
7.0%
7.00%
7.00%
2014
10.1%
7.6%
7.00%
2013
11.2%
7.3%
7.00%
2012
7.7%
2.3%
7.25%
The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects management’s view of long-term investment returns and the
effect of a 1% variation in such rate of return would result in a change to the net periodic benefit cost of approximately $90 million.
Management’s assumption of the expected long-term rate of return is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual rate of
return to differ materially from management’s assumption. There can be no assurance that the plan assets will be able to earn the expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets.
Net periodic benefit income for pensions for 2017
In 2017, the Company expects net periodic benefit income to remain essentially flat at approximately $165 million, compared to 2016.
36 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Plan asset allocation
Based on the fair value of the assets held as at December 31, 2016, the assets of the Company’s various plans are comprised of 3% in cash
and short-term investments, 33% in bonds and mortgages, 1% in private debt, 38% in equities, 2% in real estate assets, 6% in oil and gas,
5% in infrastructure, 10% in absolute return investments, and 2% in risk-based allocation investments. See Note 12 - Pensions and other
postretirement benefits to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the fair value measurements
of such assets.
A significant portion of the plans’ assets are invested in publicly traded equity securities whose return is primarily driven by stock market
performance. Debt securities also account for a significant portion of the plans' investments and provide a partial offset to the variation in
the pension benefit obligation that is driven by changes in the discount rate. The funded status of the plan fluctuates with market
conditions and impacts funding requirements. The Company will continue to make contributions to the pension plans that as a minimum
meet pension legislative requirements.
Rate of compensation increase
The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases. For 2016, a basic rate
of compensation increase of 2.75% was used to determine the projected benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost.
Mortality
The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) published in 2014 a report on Canadian Pensioners’ Mortality (“Report”). The Report contained
Canadian pensioners’ mortality tables and improvement scales based on experience studies conducted by the CIA. The CIA’s conclusions
were taken into account in selecting management’s best estimate mortality assumption used to calculate the projected benefit obligation as
at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Funding of pension plans
The Company’s main Canadian defined benefit pension plan, the CN Pension Plan, accounts for approximately 93% of the Company’s
pension obligation and can produce significant volatility in pension funding requirements, given the pension fund’s size, the many factors
that drive the plan’s funded status, and Canadian statutory pension funding requirements. Adverse changes to the assumptions used to
calculate the plan’s funding status, particularly the discount rate used for funding purposes, as well as changes to existing federal pension
legislation, regulation and guidance could significantly impact the Company’s future contributions.
For accounting purposes, the funded status is calculated under generally accepted accounting principles for all pension plans. For
funding purposes, the funded status is also calculated under going concern and solvency scenarios as prescribed under pension legislation
and subject to guidance issued by the CIA and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) for all registered Canadian
defined benefit pension plans. The Company’s funding requirements are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations. Actuarial
valuations are generally required on an annual basis for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the OSFI. Actuarial valuations
are also required annually for the Company’s U.S. qualified pension plans.
The Company’s most recently filed actuarial valuations for its Canadian registered pension plans conducted as at December 31, 2015
indicated a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $2.2 billion and a funding excess on a solvency basis of approximately
$0.3 billion, calculated using the three-year average of the plans’ hypothetical wind-up ratio in accordance with the Pension Benefit
Standards Regulations, 1985. The federal pension legislation requires funding deficits, as calculated under current pension regulations, to be
paid over a number of years. Alternatively, a letter of credit can be subscribed to fulfill required solvency deficit payments.
The Company’s next actuarial valuations for its Canadian registered pension plans required as at December 31, 2016 will be performed
in 2017. These actuarial valuations are expected to identify a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $2.5 billion, while on
a solvency basis a funding excess of approximately $0.1 billion is expected.
Based on the anticipated results of these valuations, the Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately $115
million for all of the Company’s pension plans in 2017. The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be
sufficient to meet its 2017 funding obligations.
See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity and capital resources – Pension contributions for additional information relating to
pension contributions.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 37
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Information disclosed by major pension plan
The following table provides the Company’s plan assets by category, projected benefit obligation at end of year, as well as Company and
employee contributions by major defined benefit pension plan:
In millions
Plan assets by category
Cash and short-term investments
Bonds
Mortgages
Private debt
Equities
Real estate
Oil and gas
Infrastructure
Absolute return
Risk-based allocation
Other (1)
Total plan assets
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
Company contributions in 2016
Employee contributions in 2016
December 31, 2016
Pension Plan
CN
BC Rail
Pension Plan
U.S. and
other plans
$
531
$
5,414
102
219
6,377
371
1,041
780
1,712
301
85
$
$
$
$
16,933
16,078
71
53
$
$
$
$
21
227
3
6
196
10
30
21
52
9
2
577
530
-
-
$
19
$
145
1
1
123
2
5
4
8
1
12
321
758
73
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total
571
5,786
106
226
6,696
383
1,076
805
1,772
311
99
17,831
17,366
144
53
(1) Other consists of operating assets of $163 million and liabilities of $64 million required to administer the Trusts' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding
activities.
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company’s 2016 Annual Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Personal injury and other claims
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive
damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party
personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not
limited to, derailments or other accidents.
Canada
Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a
lump sum or a future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury
claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for
based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-
party administration costs. An actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company
maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be
reasonably estimated based on currently available information.
In 2016, the Company recorded a decrease of $11 million to its provision for personal injuries and other claims in Canada as a result of
an actuarial valuation for employee injury claims as well as various other claims. In 2015 and 2014, actuarial valuations resulted in a
decrease of $12 million and $2 million, respectively.
38 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
End of year
Current portion - End of year
2016
191
24
(32)
183
39
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
203
17
(29)
191
27
$
$
$
2014
210
28
(35)
203
28
The assumptions used in estimating the ultimate costs for Canadian employee injury claims include, among other factors, the discount
rate, the rate of inflation, wage increases and health care costs. The Company periodically reviews its assumptions to reflect currently
available information. Over the past three years, the Company has not significantly changed any of these assumptions. Changes in any of
these assumptions could materially affect Casualty and other expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations.
For all other legal claims in Canada, estimates are based on the specifics of the case, trends and judgment.
United States
Personal injury claims by the Company’s employees, including claims alleging occupational disease and work-related injuries, are subject to
the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based on a
finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited
exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected
cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial
estimates of their ultimate cost. An actuarial study is performed annually.
For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing,
trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, the Company’s historical patterns of claims
filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial valuation includes the projection of the Company’s
experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management’s
assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest
actuarial valuation with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events, including events related to occupational diseases, which include but
are not limited to, the timing and number of actual claims, the average cost per claim and the legislative and judicial environment, the
Company’s future payments may differ from current amounts recorded.
In 2016, the Company recorded an increase of $21 million to its provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims attributable to
occupational disease claims, non-occupational disease claims and third-party claims and pursuant to the 2016 actuarial valuation. In 2015
and 2014, actuarial valuations resulted in a decrease of $5 million and $20 million, respectively. The prior years’ decreases from the 2015
and 2014 actuarial valuations were mainly attributable to non-occupational disease claims, occupational disease claims and third-party
claims reflecting a decrease in the Company’s estimates of unasserted claims and costs related to asserted claims. The Company has an
ongoing risk mitigation strategy focused on reducing the frequency and severity of claims through injury prevention and containment;
mitigation of claims; and lower settlements of existing claims.
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
Foreign exchange
End of year
Current portion - End of year
2016
2015
$
$
$
105
51
(34)
(4)
118
37
$
$
$
95
22
(30)
18
105
24
$
$
$
2014
106
2
(22)
9
95
20
For the U.S. personal injury and other claims liability, historical claim data is used to formulate assumptions relating to the expected
number of claims and average cost per claim for each year. Changes in any one of these assumptions could materially affect Casualty and
other expense as reported in the Company’s results of operations. A 5% change in the asbestos average claim cost or a 1% change in the
inflation trend rate for all injury types would result in an increase or decrease in the liability recorded of approximately $2 million.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 39
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Environmental matters
Known existing environmental concerns
The Company has identified approximately 170 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other
potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions,
including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian
and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of
a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company
has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at 6 sites governed by the Superfund law (and
analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many
instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.
The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established given that the estimated
environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the nature of anticipated
response actions, taking into account the available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and
the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As a result, liabilities are recorded based on the results of a four-
phase assessment conducted on a site-by-site basis. A liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts
are probable, 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. The Company estimates the costs related to a particular site using cost scenarios established
by external consultants based on the extent of contamination and expected costs for remedial efforts. In the case of multiple parties, the
Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially
responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective share of the liability. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional
information becomes available.
The Company’s provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as
well as monitoring costs. Environmental expenses, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income,
include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates. Recoveries of environmental
remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
Foreign exchange
End of year
Current portion - End of year
2016
2015
2014
$
$
$
110
6
(29)
(1)
86
50
$
$
$
114
81
(91)
6
110
51
$
$
$
119
11
(19)
3
114
45
The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2016 will be paid out over the next five years. Based on the
information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.
Unknown existing environmental concerns
While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters based on known information, the
discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s
ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of
additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future
environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:
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;
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; and
the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties and the ability to recover costs from
any third parties with respect to particular sites.
40 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
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 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 liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current
information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or
liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and
reasonably estimable.
Future occurrences
In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous
materials, 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, compliance with laws and other risks, including costs relating to the performance of
clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.
Regulatory compliance
The Company may incur significant capital and operating costs 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. 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.
Operating expenses related to regulatory compliance activities for environmental matters for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted
to $19 million (2015 - $20 million; 2014 - $20 million). For 2017, the Company expects to incur operating expenses relating to
environmental matters in the same range as 2016. In addition, based on the results of its operations and maintenance programs, as well as
ongoing environmental audits and other factors, the Company plans for specific capital improvements on an annual basis. Certain of these
improvements help ensure facilities, such as fuelling stations and waste water and storm water treatment systems, comply with
environmental standards and include new construction and the updating of existing systems and/or processes. Other capital expenditures
relate to assessing and remediating certain impaired properties. The Company’s environmental capital expenditures for the year ended
December 31, 2016 amounted to $15 million (2015 - $18 million; 2014 - $19 million). For 2017, the Company expects to incur capital
expenditures relating to environmental matters in the same range as 2016.
Business risks
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various business risks and uncertainties that can have an effect on the
Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk management
strategies, many risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s control or are of a nature which cannot be eliminated. The key
areas of business risks and uncertainties described in this section are not the only ones that can affect the Company. Additional risks and
uncertainties not currently known to management or that may currently not be considered material by management, could nevertheless also
have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Competition
The Company faces significant competition, including from rail carriers and other modes of transportation, and is also affected by its
customers’ flexibility to select among various origins and destinations, including ports, in getting their products to market. Specifically, the
Company faces competition from Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP), which operates the other major rail system in Canada and services
most of the same industrial areas, commodity resources and population centers as the Company; major U.S. railroads and other Canadian
and U.S. railroads; long-distance trucking companies, transportation via the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Seaway and the Mississippi River and
transportation via pipelines. In addition, while railroads must build or acquire and maintain their rail systems, motor carriers and barges are
able to use public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by public entities without paying fees covering the entire costs of their usage.
Competition is generally based on the quality and the reliability of the service provided, access to markets, as well as price. Factors
affecting the competitive position of customers, including exchange rates and energy cost, could materially adversely affect the demand for
goods supplied by the sources served by the Company and, therefore, the Company’s volumes, revenues and profit margins. Factors
affecting the general market conditions for the Company’s customers can result in an imbalance of transportation capacity relative to
demand. An extended period of supply/demand imbalance could negatively impact market rate levels for all transportation services, and
more specifically the Company’s ability to maintain or increase rates. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s
business, results of operations or financial position.
The level of consolidation of rail systems in the U.S. has resulted in larger rail systems that are in a position to compete effectively with
the Company in numerous markets.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 41
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors in the
transportation industry, and that further consolidation within the transportation industry and that legislation allowing for more leniency in
size and weight for motor carriers 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.
Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in
Canada and the U.S. 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 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 operating 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 for environmental matters in the next several years based
on known information, the discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the
environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties
may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs.
In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of
hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. In addition, the Company is also exposed to
potential catastrophic liability risk, faced by the railroad industry generally, in connection with the transportation of toxic inhalation hazard
materials such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia, or other dangerous commodities like crude oil and propane that the Company may be
required to transport as a result of its common carrier obligations. Therefore, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may be
material, to address any such harm, compliance with laws or other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment
of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.
The environmental liability for any given contaminated site varies depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the
available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and the number of potentially responsible
parties and their financial viability. As such, the ultimate cost of addressing known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established.
Also, additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future operations may result in accidental releases.
While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk mitigation strategies (including periodic audits, employee training
programs, emergency plans and procedures, and insurance), many environmental risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s
control or are of a nature which cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, there can be no assurance, notwithstanding the Company’s
mitigation strategies, that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future or that environmental
matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, or reputation.
Personal injury and other claims
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive
damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party
personal injuries, occupational disease, and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not
limited to, derailments or other accidents. The Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate for all of its
outstanding or pending claims and benefits from insurance coverage for occurrences in excess of certain amounts. The final outcome with
respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2016, or with respect to future claims, cannot be predicted with certainty, and
therefore there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations,
financial position or liquidity, in a particular quarter or fiscal year.
42 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Labor negotiations
As at December 31, 2016, CN employed a total of 15,428 employees in Canada, of which 11,215, or 73%, were unionized employees and
6,821 employees in the U.S., of which 5,406, or 79%, were unionized employees. The Company’s relationships with its unionized workforce
are governed by, amongst other items, collective agreements which are negotiated from time to time. Disputes relating to the renewal of
collective agreements could potentially result in strikes, slowdowns and loss of business. Future labor agreements or renegotiated
agreements could increase labor and fringe benefits expenses. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to renew and have
its collective agreements ratified without any strikes or lockouts or that the resolution of these collective bargaining negotiations will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Canadian workforce
On March 23, 2016, the Company served notice to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreements with the Teamsters
Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) governing approximately 2,500 train conductors and yard coordinators, which expired on July 22, 2016. On
June 29, 2016, the Company filed a notice of dispute seeking conciliation assistance. On July 14, 2016, the Minister of Labour appointed
two conciliation officers to assist the parties with their negotiations. On September 16, 2016, the Company and the TCRC agreed to extend
the conciliation period on a voluntary basis.
On October 12, 2016, the Company served notice to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreement with the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) governing approximately 700 signals and communications workers, which expired on
December 31, 2016. On December 15, 2016, CN filed a notice of dispute seeking conciliation assistance with the Minister of Labour. On
December 29, 2016, the Minister of Labour appointed two conciliation officers to assist the parties in their efforts to renew the collective
agreement.
The Company’s collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process outlined under the Canada Labour Code has been
exhausted.
U.S. workforce
As of February 1, 2017, the Company had in place agreements with bargaining units representing the entire unionized workforce at Grand
Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW), companies owned by Illinois Central Corporation (ICC), companies owned by Wisconsin Central Ltd.
(WC), Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE) and The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD). Agreements in place have
various moratorium provisions up to 2018, which preserve the status quo in respect of the given collective agreement during the terms of
such moratoriums. All collective agreements covering non-operating craft employees and six collective agreements covering roughly half of
the operating craft population of 3,000 employees are currently under renegotiation.
During 2016, the Company renewed four collective agreements with the United Transportation Union (a division of the International
Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers - SMART) governing 65 yardmasters at GTW, two WC bargaining units, and
a small subset working on the ICC.
The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis with the industry, which
GTW, ICC, WC and BLE have agreed to participate in, for collective agreements covering non-operating employees. Collective agreements
covering operating employees at GTW, ICC, WC, BLE and all employees at PCD continue to be bargained on a local (corporate) basis.
Where negotiations are ongoing, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply until new agreements are
reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted.
Regulation
Economic regulation – Canada
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to economic regulation by the Canadian Transportation Agency (“Agency”) under the
Canada Transportation Act (CTA). The CTA provides rate and service remedies, including final offer arbitration (FOA), competitive line rates
and compulsory interswitching. It also regulates the maximum revenue entitlement for the movement of regulated grain, charges for railway
ancillary services and noise-related disputes. In addition, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with
attendant risks and uncertainties.
On May 29, 2014, Bill C-30 came into force, which provides authority to the Government to establish minimum volumes of grain to be
moved by the Company and CP and penalties in the event that thresholds are not met. The Government has not imposed any minimum
grain volume requirements since March 28, 2015; however, as long as the amendments in Bill C-30 remain in effect, the Government can
choose to stipulate volume requirements. Under other provisions of this bill, the Agency also extended the interswitching distance to 160
kilometers from the previous 30 kilometers limits for all commodities in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta; and issued
regulations defining what constitutes ‘operational terms’ for the purpose of rail level of service arbitrations. In the event that a railway fails
to fulfill its service level obligations, Bill C-30 also allows the Agency to order a railway company to pay shippers for expenses incurred. On
June 15, 2016, the Government of Canada announced that the provisions introduced by Bill C-30, which were set to expire on August 1,
2016, had been extended until August 2017.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 43
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
On June 25, 2014, the Government of Canada launched a statutory review of the CTA. The review concluded on December 21, 2015
when a report was submitted to the Federal Minister of Transport by the Chair of the review panel. The report was tabled in Parliament on
February 25, 2016 by the Federal Minister of Transport. On November 3, 2016, the Minister announced that amendments to the CTA would
be introduced in 2017 respecting the provisions of Bill C-30, the maximum revenue entitlement, reciprocal monetary penalties, the definition
of the statutory level of service obligations and the timelines of Agency decisions.
On June 18, 2016, the liability and compensation regime for rail under the Safe and Accountable Rail Act came into force. Under the
regime, railway companies are strictly liable for damages resulting from accidents involving crude oil and are required to maintain minimum
liability insurance coverage in respect of losses incurred as a result of a railway accident involving crude oil. The Act creates a fund,
capitalized through levies payable by crude oil shippers, to compensate for losses exceeding the railway company’s minimum insurance level.
CN has provided the Agency with submissions respecting the adequacy of its insurance coverage and has started collecting the levy on crude
shipments. As a result of this legislation, the Agency also now has jurisdiction to order railway companies to compensate municipalities for
the costs incurred in responding to fires caused by railway operations.
No assurance can be given that these and any other current or future regulatory or legislative initiatives by the Canadian federal government
and agencies will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its competitive and financial position.
Economic regulation – U.S.
The Company’s U.S. rail operations are subject to economic regulation by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The STB serves as both an
adjudicatory and regulatory body and has jurisdiction over railroad rate and service issues and rail restructuring transactions such as
mergers, line sales, line construction and line abandonments. As such, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory
approval and aspects of its pricing and service practices may be subject to challenge, with attendant risks and uncertainties. The STB has
undertaken proceedings in the past few years in a number of significant matters that remain pending, as noted below.
On December 12, 2013, the STB instituted a proceeding on how to ensure its rate complaint procedures are accessible to grain shippers
and provide effective protection against unreasonable grain rates, subsequent to which it received comments and replies. The STB held a
hearing on these matters in 2015. On September 7, 2016, the STB issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking comments on
procedures that could comprise a new rate reasonableness methodology for use in very small rate disputes that would be available to
shippers of agricultural products and all other commodities.
On December 20, 2013, the STB instituted a rulemaking proceeding to review how it determines the rail industry’s cost of equity capital,
and on April 2, 2014, joined it with a proceeding to explore its methodology for determining railroad revenue adequacy and the revenue
adequacy component used in judging the reasonableness of rail rates. The STB held hearings on these matters in 2015. On October 31,
2016, the STB determined to leave unchanged its current method for determining the industry’s cost of equity capital; decisions on the
other portions of the joined proceedings remain pending. On September 8, 2016, the STB made its annual revenue adequacy determination
for Class I carriers for 2015. The STB determined that four of the seven Class I carriers are revenue adequate, among them Grand Trunk
Corporation, which includes CN’s U.S. affiliated operations.
On October 8, 2014, the STB issued an interim order requiring all Class I railroads to provide each week a broad range of operational
data, starting October 22, 2014. The STB is seeking to provide access to rail performance data sought by shippers and to meet the STB’s
objective of promoting transparency, accountability, and improvements in rail service. The STB directed individual railroads to provide data
specific to Chicago and a narrative summary of operating conditions in Chicago as well as Chicago Transportation Coordination Office
(CTCO) contingency protocols and other industry-wide information. On November 29, 2016, the STB issued a final rule requiring all Class I
railroads and the CTCO to report this public performance data on a permanent basis. The first weekly report under the final rule is due
February 8, 2017.
On March 28, 2016, the STB issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to revoke previously granted exemptions of five commodities from
regulatory oversight: (1) crushed or broken stone, (2) hydraulic cement, (3) coke produced from coal, (4) primary iron or steel products, and
(5) iron or steel scrap, wastes or tailings.
On August 3, 2016, the STB issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to adopt revised competitive access regulations to allow a party to
seek a reciprocal switching prescription on the grounds that it is either practicable and in the public interest or necessary to provide
competitive rail service.
Pursuant to the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA), the U.S. Congress authorized the STB to investigate any
railroad over whose track Amtrak operates that fails to meet heightened performance standards jointly promulgated by the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) and Amtrak for Amtrak operations extending over two calendar quarters and to determine the cause of such failures.
Should the STB commence an investigation and determine that a failure to meet these standards is due to the host railroad’s failure to
provide preference to Amtrak, the STB is authorized to assess damages against the host railroad. On January 19, 2012, Amtrak filed a
complaint with the STB to commence such an investigation, including a request for damages for preference failures, for allegedly sub-
standard performance of Amtrak trains on CN’s ICC and GTW lines. On December 19, 2014, the STB granted Amtrak’s motion to amend its
44 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
complaint to limit the STB’s investigation to a single Amtrak service on CN’s ICC line. That case was held in abeyance for the STB’s issuance
of a final rule on July 28, 2016, defining Amtrak “on-time performance” under Section 213 of PRIIA for purposes of triggering such
investigations, and has now resumed. The rail industry has appealed the STB’s final rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit. The
industry had previously challenged as unconstitutional Congress’ delegation to Amtrak and the FRA of joint authority to promulgate the
PRIIA performance standards. On July 2, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Circuit) so ruled, but on
March 9, 2015, the Supreme Court vacated the D.C. Circuit’s decision and returned the case to that court for review of the constitutional
claims not previously ruled upon. On April 29, 2016, the D.C. Circuit determined that the joint FRA-Amtrak PRIIA performance standards are
unconstitutional on due process grounds; as a result, the performance standards are currently invalid. The Government has until February 6,
2017 to seek Supreme Court review.
The U.S. Congress has had under consideration various pieces of legislation that would increase federal economic regulation of the
railroad industry. On March 24, 2015, legislation was introduced in the Senate (S.853) which would (among a number of other provisions)
allow for reciprocal switching for junctions within 100 miles, however, no further action was taken in Congress as of the date of this MD&A.
On December 18, 2015, STB reauthorization legislation (S.808) was passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. In addition to
addressing arbitration and the Board’s investigatory authority, the new law further streamlines the STB’s rate-case review process, and
extends current STB membership from three Commissioners to five.
On January 10, 2017, the Village of Barrington, Illinois and the Illinois Department of Transportation jointly filed a petition seeking to
have the STB extend its monitoring and oversight condition on CN’s 2009 acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) for two
years beyond its scheduled January 23, 2017 expiration and for a grade separation condition at the intersection of U.S. Route 14 and the
EJ&E line in Barrington at CN’s expense.
No assurance can be given that these and any other current or future regulatory or legislative initiatives by the U.S. federal government and
agencies will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its competitive and financial position.
Safety regulation – Canada
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to safety regulation by the Federal Minister of Transport under the Railway Safety Act
as well as the rail portions of other safety-related statutes, which are admistered by Transport Canada. The Company may be required to
transport toxic inhalation hazard materials as a result of its common carrier obligations and, as such, is exposed to additional regulatory
oversight in Canada. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, also administered by Transport Canada, establishes the safety
requirements for the transportation of goods classified as dangerous and enables the establishment of regulations for security training and
screening of personnel working with dangerous goods, as well as the development of a program to require a transportation security
clearance for dangerous goods and that dangerous goods be tracked during transport.
Following a significant derailment involving a non-related short-line railroad within the Province of Quebec (“Lac-Mégantic derailment”)
on July 6, 2013, several measures have been taken by Transport Canada to strengthen the safety of the railway and transportation of
dangerous goods systems in Canada. Amendments to the Canada Railway Safety Act and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act include
requirements for classification and sampling of crude oil, the provision of yearly aggregate information on the nature and volume of
dangerous goods the company transports by rail through designated municipalities, and new speed limit restrictions of 40 miles per hour
for certain trains carrying dangerous commodities. Additional requirements for railway companies to conduct route assessments for rail
corridors handling significant volumes of dangerous goods and an Emergency Response Assistance Plan in order to ship large volumes of
flammable liquids were also put into place. Further to this, on April 28, 2016, Transport Canada issued a Protective Direction under which
railways are required to provide municipalities and first responders with data on dangerous goods to improve emergency planning, risk
assessment, and training.
In 2014, Transport Canada’s Grade Crossings Regulations came into force, which establish specific standards for new grade crossings
and requirements that existing crossings be upgraded to basic safety standards within seven years, as well as safety related data that must
be provided by railway companies on an annual basis. The Company has complied with the information requirements by providing road
authorities with specific information respecting public grade crossings, as required by November 27, 2016.
In 2015, Transport Canada issued rules prohibiting the use of certain DOT-111 tank cars for the transportation of dangerous goods, and
announced a new standard for tank cars transporting flammable liquid dangerous goods. The new standard, called TC-117, establishes
enhanced construction specifications along with a phase out schedule for DOT-111 and CPC-1232 tank cars. On July 25, 2016, Transport
Canada issued a Protective Direction which accelerated the phasing out of DOT-111 tank cars in crude oil service by November 1, 2016.
On June 1, 2016, the Minister of Transport proposed amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act to improve reporting
requirements by carriers respecting shipments of dangerous goods to enhance public safety and improve local emergency response.
On June 18, 2016, Transport Canada proposed Locomotive Emissions Regulations under the Railway Safety Act to limit air pollution and
align Canadian standards with U.S. regulations.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 45
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
On November 3, 2016, the Minister of Transport announced that the review of the Railway Safety Act which was initially scheduled for
2018, would be initiated in 2017, in order to further improve railway safety.
No assurance can be given that these and any other current or future regulatory or legislative initiatives by the Canadian federal government
and agencies will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its competitive and financial position.
Safety regulation – U.S.
The Company’s U.S. rail operations are subject to safety regulation by the FRA under the Federal Railroad Safety Act as well as rail portions
of other safety statutes, with the transportation of certain hazardous commodities also governed by regulations promulgated by the Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). PHMSA requires carriers operating in the U.S. to report annually the volume and
route-specific data for cars containing these commodities; conduct a safety and security risk analysis for each used route; identify a
commercially practicable alternative route for each used route; and select for use the practical route posing the least safety and security risk.
In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires rail carriers to provide upon request, within five minutes for a single
car and 30 minutes for multiple cars, location and shipping information on cars on their networks containing toxic inhalation hazard
materials and certain radioactive or explosive materials; and ensure the secure, attended transfer of all such cars to and from shippers,
receivers and other carriers that will move from, to, or through designated high-threat urban areas.
In the aftermath of the July 2013 Lac-Mégantic derailment, the FRA issued Emergency Order No. 28, Notice No. 1 on August 2, 2013
directing that railroads take specific actions regarding unattended trains transporting specified hazardous materials, including securement of
these trains. That same day, the FRA and PHMSA issued Safety Advisory 2013-06, which made recommendations to railroads on issues
including crew staffing practices and operational testing to ensure employees’ compliance with securement-related rules, as well as
recommendations to shippers of crude oil to be transported by rail. In addition, the railroad industry has acted on its own to enhance rail
safety in light of the Lac-Mégantic derailment and fire. Effective August 5, 2013, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) amended the
industry’s Recommended Railroad Operating Practices for Transportation of Hazardous Materials by expanding the definition of a “key train”
(for which heightened operating safeguards are required).
On May 8, 2015, PHMSA issued a final rule in coordination with the FRA, containing new requirements for tank cars moving in high-
hazard flammable trains (HHFTs) and related speed restrictions, as well as other requirements, including the use of electronically controlled
pneumatic (ECP) brakes. To be used in an HHFT, new tank cars constructed after October 1, 2015 have to meet enhanced DOT-117 design or
performance criteria, while existing tank cars will have to be retrofitted based on a DOT-prescribed schedule. On June 12, 2015, the AAR
filed an administrative appeal with PHMSA challenging, among other matters, the agency’s requirement for railroads to install ECP brakes on
certain HHFTs. On November 6, 2015, PHMSA denied the AAR’s administrative appeal. However, as part of the surface transportation
reauthorization bill known as the FAST Act, which was enacted on December 4, 2015, Congress substituted certain modified requirements
supported by the industry, and also provided for re-visitation of the ECP brake requirement through an 18-month independent study of the
costs, benefits and operational impacts of ECP brakes to be conducted by the Government Accountability Office, in addition to further
testing.
On March 15, 2016, the FRA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing a requirement for a minimum of two crewmembers on
most train movements, with the second crewmember needing to be physically located on the train, except in certain circumstances. The FRA
will consider possible scenarios for use of a one person crew, but some element of a safety assessment will be involved with each scenario.
On July 13, 2016, in coordination with the FRA, PHMSA announced proposed regulations for oil spill response plans and information
sharing for high-hazard flammable trains to improve oil spill response readiness and mitigate effects of oil-related rail incidents.
On January 10, 2017, PHMSA issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to consider whether to establish vapor pressure limits
for unrefined petroleum-based products and other flammable liquid hazardous materials when transported by rail and other modes.
Rail safety bills have been introduced in the U.S. Congress following the Lac-Mégantic derailment, however these bills have not advanced
due to the fact that much of the substance of rail safety was addressed under the recently enacted FAST Act, and by the FRA and PHMSA
regulatory measures.
No assurance can be given that these and any other current or future regulatory or legislative initiatives by the U.S. federal government and
agencies will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its competitive and financial position.
46 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Positive Train Control
On October 16, 2008, the U.S. Congress enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which required all Class I railroads and intercity
passenger and commuter railroads to implement a PTC system by December 31, 2015 on mainline track where intercity passenger railroads
and commuter railroads operate and where toxic inhalation hazard materials are transported. PTC is a collision avoidance technology
intended to override locomotive controls and stop a train before an accident. Pursuant to the Positive Train Control Enforcement and
Implementation Act of 2015 and the FAST Act of 2015 (collectively the “PTCEIA”), Congress extended the PTC installation deadline until
December 31, 2018, with the option for a railroad carrier to finalize full implementation of PTC by no later than December 31, 2020,
provided certain benchmarks are met by the end of 2018. Pursuant to the PTCEIA, the Company submitted its revised implementation plan
on January 27, 2016 and a request for amendment on December 29, 2016. The Company filed its first annual progress report with the FRA
on March 31, 2016, and its initial quarterly progress reports on July 31 and October 31, 2016. The Company is progressing its
implementation of PTC pursuant to the law and is working with the FRA and other Class I railroads to satisfy the requirements for U.S.
network interoperability. The Company estimates that the total PTC implementation cost will be US$1.2 billion, of which US$0.5 billion had
been spent as of December 31, 2016.
Security
The Company is subject to statutory and regulatory directives in the U.S. addressing homeland security concerns. In the U.S., safety matters
related to security are overseen by the TSA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and PHMSA, which, like the
FRA, is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Border security falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP), which is part of the DHS. In Canada, the Company is subject to regulation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Matters
related to agriculture-related shipments crossing the Canada/U.S. border also fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Canada.
More specifically, the Company is subject to:
Border security arrangements, pursuant to an agreement the Company and CP entered into with the CBP and the CBSA.
The CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and designation as a low-risk carrier under CBSA’s Customs
Self-Assessment (CSA) program.
Regulations imposed by the CBP requiring advance notification by all modes of transportation for all shipments into the U.S. The CBSA is
also working on similar requirements for Canada-bound traffic.
Inspection for imported fruits and vegetables grown in Canada and the agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fee for all
traffic entering the U.S. from Canada.
Gamma ray screening of cargo entering the U.S. from Canada, and potential security and agricultural inspections at the Canada/U.S.
border.
The Company has worked with the AAR to develop and put in place an extensive industry-wide security plan to address terrorism and
security-driven efforts by state and local governments seeking to restrict the routings of certain hazardous materials. If such state and local
routing restrictions were to go into force, they would be likely to add to security concerns by foreclosing the Company’s most optimal and
secure transportation routes, leading to increased yard handling, longer hauls, and the transfer of traffic to lines less suitable for moving
hazardous materials, while also infringing upon the exclusive and uniform federal oversight over railroad security matters.
While the Company will continue to work closely with the CBSA, CBP, and other Canadian and U.S. agencies, as described above, no
assurance can be given that these and future decisions by the U.S., Canadian, provincial, state, or local governments on homeland security
matters, legislation on security matters enacted by the U.S. Congress or Parliament, or joint decisions by the industry in response to threats
to the North American rail network, will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial
position.
Vessels
The Company’s vessel operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the Department of Transportation, Maritime
Administration, which regulate the ownership and operation of vessels operating on the Great Lakes and in U.S. coastal waters. In addition,
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authority to regulate air emissions from these vessels.
The Federal Maritime Commission, which has authority over oceanborne transport of cargo into and out of the U.S., initiated a Notice of
Inquiry in 2011 to examine whether the U.S. Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and other factors may be contributing to the diversion of U.S.-
bound cargo to Canadian and Mexican seaports, which could affect CN rail operations. While legislative initiatives have been launched since
then, no further action was taken in the Senate or the House of Representatives as of the date of this MD&A.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 47
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Transportation of hazardous materials
As a result of its common carrier obligations, the Company is legally required to transport toxic inhalation hazard materials regardless of risk
or potential exposure or loss. A train accident involving the transport of these commodities could result in significant costs and claims for
personal injury, property damage, and environmental penalties and remediation in excess of insurance coverage for these risks, which may
materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.
Economic conditions
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 demand. For example, the volatility in domestic and global energy markets could impact the demand for
transportation services as well as impact the Company’s fuel costs and surcharges. In addition, the volatility in other commodity markets
such as coal and iron ore could have an impact on volumes. Many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move offshore and are
affected more by global rather than North American economic conditions. Adverse North American and global economic conditions, or
economic or industrial restructuring, that affect the producers and consumers of the commodities carried by the Company, including
customer insolvency, may have a material adverse effect on the volume of rail shipments and/or revenues from commodities carried by the
Company, and thus materially and negatively affect its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Pension funding volatility
The Company’s funding requirements for its defined benefit pension plans are determined using actuarial valuations. See the section of this
MD&A entitled Critical accounting estimates – Pensions and other postretirement benefits for information relating to the funding of the
Company’s defined benefit pension plans. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date
of the last actuarial valuations as well as changes to existing federal pension legislation may significantly impact future pension
contributions and have a material adverse effect on the funding status of the plans and the Company’s results of operations. There can be
no assurance that the Company’s pension expense and funding of its defined benefit pension plans will not increase in the future and
thereby negatively impact earnings and/or cash flow.
Reliance on technology
The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. While the Company has business continuity and disaster
recovery plans, as well as other mitigation programs in place to protect its information and operational technology assets, a cyber security
attack and significant disruption or failure of its information technology and communications systems could result in service interruptions,
safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures or other operational difficulties and compromise corporate information and
assets against intruders and, as such, could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. If the
Company is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage, which could also have an adverse
effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Trade restrictions
Global as well as North American trade conditions, including trade barriers on certain commodities, may interfere with the free circulation of
goods across Canada and the U.S.
On October 12, 2015, the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA) between Canada and the U.S. expired. The SLA included a clause that
prevented the U.S. from launching any trade action against Canadian producers for one year after the expiration date of the SLA. This
moratorium period ended on October 12, 2016 and a new agreement has not been entered into, which presents a risk that Canadian
softwood lumber shipments to the U.S. may be impacted by future trade disputes. On November 25, 2016, the U.S. Lumber Coalition filed a
petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose duties on imports of
Canadian softwood lumber to the U.S. On December 15, 2016, the U.S. DOC agreed to conduct Countervailing Duty (CVD) and Anti-
Dumping Duty (AD) investigations of Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. The preliminary CVD determination is expected to occur
in February 2017, while the preliminary AD determination is expected in early May 2017.
There can be no assurance that any potential trade actions taken by the Canadian and U.S. federal governments and agencies will not
have a material adverse effect on the volume of rail shipments and/or revenues from commodities carried by the Company, and thus
materially and negatively impact earnings and/or cash flow.
48 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Terrorism and international conflicts
Potential terrorist actions can have a direct or indirect impact on the transportation infrastructure, including railway infrastructure in North
America, and can interfere with the free flow of goods. Rail lines, facilities and equipment could be directly targeted or become indirect
casualties, which could interfere with the free flow of goods. International conflicts can also have an impact on the Company’s markets.
Government response to such events could adversely affect the Company’s operations. Insurance premiums could also increase significantly
or coverage could become unavailable.
Customer credit risk
In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit
history of each new customer. Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, economic conditions
can affect the Company’s customers and can result in an increase to the Company’s credit risk and exposure to the business failures of its
customers. A widespread deterioration of customer credit and business failures of customers could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Liquidity
Disruptions in the financial markets or deterioration of the Company’s credit ratings could hinder the Company’s access to external sources
of funding to meet its liquidity needs. There can be no assurance that changes in the financial markets will not have a negative effect on the
Company’s liquidity and its access to capital at acceptable rates.
Supplier concentration
The Company operates in a capital-intensive industry where the complexity of rail equipment limits the number of suppliers available. The
supply market could be disrupted if changes in the economy caused any of the Company’s suppliers to cease production or to experience
capacity or supply shortages. This could also result in cost increases to the Company and difficulty in obtaining and maintaining the
Company’s rail equipment and materials. Since the Company also has foreign suppliers, international relations, trade restrictions and global
economic and other conditions may potentially interfere with the Company’s ability to procure necessary equipment. Widespread business
failures of, or restrictions on suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.
Availability of qualified personnel
The Company, like other companies in North America, may experience demographic challenges in the employment levels of its workforce.
Changes in employee demographics, training requirements and the availability of qualified personnel, particularly locomotive engineers and
trainmen, could negatively impact the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. The Company expects that approximately 30% of
its workforce will be eligible to retire or leave through normal attrition (death, termination, resignation) within the next five-year period. The
Company monitors employment levels and seeks to ensure that there is an adequate supply of personnel to meet rail service requirements.
However, the Company’s efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel may be hindered by specific conditions in the job market. No
assurance can be given that demographic or other challenges will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its
financial position.
Fuel costs
The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to the volatility of fuel prices due to changes in the economy or supply disruptions. Fuel
shortages can occur due to refinery disruptions, production quota restrictions, climate, and labor and political instability. Increases in fuel
prices or supply disruptions may materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Foreign exchange
The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Changes in the
exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other currencies (including the US dollar) make the goods transported by the Company
more or less competitive in the world marketplace and thereby may adversely affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.
Interest rate
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk relating to the Company’s long-term debt. The Company mainly issues fixed-rate debt, which
exposes the Company to variability in the fair value of the debt. The Company also issues debt with variable interest rates, which exposes the
Company to variability in interest expense. Adverse changes to market interest rates may significantly impact the fair value or future cash
flows of the Company’s financial instruments. There can be no assurance that changes in the market interest rates will not have a negative
effect on the Company’s liquidity.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 49
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Transportation network disruptions
Due to the integrated nature of the North American freight transportation infrastructure, the Company’s operations may be negatively
affected by service disruptions of other transportation links such as ports and other railroads which interchange with the Company. A
significant prolonged service disruption of one or more of these entities could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of
operations, financial position or liquidity. Furthermore, deterioration in the cooperative relationships with the Company’s connecting carriers
could directly affect the Company’s operations.
Severe weather
The Company’s success is dependent on its ability to operate its railroad efficiently. Severe weather and natural disasters, such as extreme
cold or heat, flooding, drought, hurricanes and earthquakes, can disrupt operations and service for the railroad, affect the performance of
locomotives and rolling stock, as well as disrupt operations for both the Company and its customers. Business interruptions resulting from
severe weather could result in increased costs, increased liabilities and lower revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on the
Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Climate change
Climate change, including the impact of global warming, has the potential physical risk of increasing the frequency of adverse weather
events, which can disrupt the Company’s operations, damage its infrastructure or properties, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on
the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In addition, in October 2016, the Canadian federal government
announced its planned approach to pricing carbon pollution. Under the new plan, all Canadian jurisdictions will be required to have carbon
pricing in place by 2018, with the price on carbon pollution starting at a minimum of $10 per tonne in 2018, rising by $10 a year to reach
$50 per tonne in 2022. In recent years, the U.S. Congress has considered various bills concerning climate change. Bills that would regulate
greenhouse gas emissions have not received sufficient Congressional support for enactment, however, some form of U.S. climate change
legislation is possible in the future. While CN is continually focused on efficiency improvements, including by reducing its carbon footprint,
caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gasses, will increase the Company’s capital and operating costs (and the company
may not be able to offset such impact, including, for example, through higher freight rates) and could affect the markets for, or the volume
of, the goods the Company carries thereby resulting in a material adverse effect on operations, financial position, results of operations or
liquidity. Climate change legislation and regulation could also affect CN’s customers; make it difficult for CN’s customers to produce
products in a cost-competitive manner due to increased energy costs; and increase legal costs related to defending and resolving legal
claims and other litigation related to climate change.
Controls and procedures
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2016, have concluded that the Company’s
disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
As of December 31, 2016, management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2016, and issued Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting dated February 1, 2017 to
that effect.
50 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over
financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 using
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was
effective as of December 31, 2016.
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an unqualified audit report on the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 and has also expressed an unqualified audit opinion on the
Company’s 2016 consolidated financial statements as stated in their Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated
February 1, 2017.
(s) Luc Jobin
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 1, 2017
(s) Ghislain Houle
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
February 1, 2017
CN | 2016 Annual Report 51
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Canadian National Railway Company (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about 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
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting
principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report
dated February 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
(s) KPMG LLP*
Montreal, Canada
February 1, 2017
* CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A123145
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a
Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
52 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company
We have audited the Canadian National Railway Company’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control
based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance
of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations
of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of
any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.
(s) KPMG LLP*
Montreal, Canada
February 1, 2017
*CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit No. A123145
KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a
Swiss entity.
KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 53
Consolidated Statements of Income
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Revenues
Operating expenses
Labor and fringe benefits
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Interest expense
Other income (Note 3)
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense (Note 4)
Net income
Earnings per share (Note 5)
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average number of shares (Note 5)
Basic
Diluted
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
$
12,037
$
12,611
$
12,134
2,119
1,592
1,051
1,225
375
363
6,725
5,312
(480)
95
4,927
(1,287)
3,640
4.69
4.67
776.0
779.2
$
$
$
2,406
1,729
1,285
1,158
373
394
7,345
5,266
(439)
47
4,874
(1,336)
3,538
4.42
4.39
800.7
805.1
$
$
$
2,319
1,598
1,846
1,050
329
368
7,510
4,624
(371)
107
4,360
(1,193)
3,167
3.86
3.85
819.9
823.5
$
$
$
In millions
Net income
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
$
3,640
$
3,538
$
3,167
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 15)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 12)
Amortization of gain on treasury lock
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax recovery
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
(45)
(694)
-
(739)
148
(591)
249
306
-
555
105
660
75
(995)
(1)
(921)
344
(577)
$
3,049
$
4,198
$
2,590
54 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Consolidated Balance Sheets
In millions
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 10)
Accounts receivable (Note 6)
Material and supplies
Other current assets
Total current assets
Properties (Note 7)
Pension asset (Note 12)
Intangible and other assets (Note 8)
Total assets
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other (Note 9)
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 10)
Total current liabilities
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)
Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 11)
Pension and other postretirement benefits (Note 12)
Long-term debt (Note 10)
Shareholders’ equity
Common shares (Note 13)
Common shares in Share Trusts (Note 13)
Additional paid-in capital (Note 13)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 15)
Retained earnings
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
On behalf of the Board of Directors:
(s) Robert Pace
Director
(s) Luc Jobin
Director
December 31,
2016
2015
$
176
496
875
363
197
2,107
33,755
907
288
$
37,057
$
1,519
1,489
3,008
8,473
593
694
9,448
3,730
(137)
364
(2,358)
13,242
14,841
$
$
$
153
523
878
355
244
2,153
32,624
1,305
320
36,402
1,556
1,442
2,998
8,105
644
720
8,985
3,705
(100)
475
(1,767)
12,637
14,950
$
37,057
$
36,402
CN | 2016 Annual Report 55
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Number of
common shares
Common
Accumulated
shares Additional
other
Total
Share
Common
in Share
paid-in
comprehensive
Retained
shareholders’
In millions
Outstanding Trusts
shares
Trusts
capital
loss
earnings
equity
Balance at December 31, 2013
830.6
- $
3,795
$
-
$
220
$
(1,850) $ 10,788 $
12,953
3,167
3,167
25
16
209
(1,505)
(577)
(818)
Net income
Stock options exercised
Stock-based compensation expense
Modification of stock-based
compensation awards (Note 13)
1.2
31
(6)
16
209
Share repurchase programs (Note 13)
(22.4)
(108)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 15)
Dividends ($1.00 per share)
(577)
(1,397)
(818)
Balance at December 31, 2014
809.4
-
3,718
-
439
(2,427)
11,740
13,470
Net income
Stock options exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards
Stock-based compensation expense
Share repurchase programs (Note 13)
Share purchases by Share Trusts (Note 13)
Other comprehensive income (Note 15)
Dividends ($1.25 per share)
2.5
(23.3)
(1.4)
1.4
91
4
(108)
(100)
(17)
(8)
61
3,538
3,538
(3)
(1,642)
(996)
660
74
(4)
58
(1,750)
(100)
660
(996)
Balance at December 31, 2015
787.2
1.4
3,705
(100)
475
(1,767)
12,637
14,950
Net income
Stock options exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards
Stock-based compensation expense
Share repurchase programs (Note 13)
Share purchases by Share Trusts (Note 13)
Share settlements by Share Trusts (Note 13)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 15)
Dividends ($1.50 per share)
1.6
(26.4)
(0.7)
0.3
73
79
(127)
0.7
(0.3)
(60)
23
(12)
(138)
62
(23)
3,640
3,640
(3)
(1,873)
(591)
(1,159)
61
(59)
59
(2,000)
(60)
-
(591)
(1,159)
Balance at December 31, 2016
762.0
1.8 $
3,730
$
(137) $
364
$
(2,358) $ 13,242 $
14,841
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
56 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In millions Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
Operating activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
$
3,640
$
3,538
$
3,167
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes (Note 4)
Gain on disposal of property (Note 3)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable
Material and supplies
Accounts payable and other
Other current assets
Pensions and other, net
Net cash provided by operating activities
Investing activities
Property additions
Disposal of property (Note 3)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
Other, net
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
Issuance of debt (Note 10)
Repayment of debt (Note 10)
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper (Note 10)
Settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts on long-term debt
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised (Note 14)
Withholding taxes remitted on the net settlement of equity settled awards (Note 14)
Repurchase of common shares (Note 13)
Purchase of common shares for settlement of equity settled awards
Purchase of common shares by Share Trusts (Note 13)
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US
dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid
Income taxes paid (Note 4)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
1,225
704
(76)
(3)
(2)
(51)
21
(256)
1,158
600
-
188
4
(282)
46
(112)
1,050
416
(80)
(59)
(51)
-
5
(67)
5,202
5,140
4,381
(2,695)
85
27
(72)
(2,655)
1,509
(955)
137
(21)
61
(44)
(1,992)
(15)
(60)
(1,159)
(2,539)
15
23
153
(2,706)
-
(60)
(61)
(2,827)
841
(752)
451
-
79
(2)
(1,742)
(2)
(100)
(996)
(2,223)
11
101
52
$
$
$
176
$
153
$
(470) $
(653) $
(432) $
(725) $
(2,297)
173
(15)
(37)
(2,176)
1,022
(822)
(277)
-
30
-
(1,505)
-
-
(818)
(2,370)
3
(162)
214
52
(409)
(722)
CN | 2016 Annual Report 57
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Contents
1 Summary of significant accounting policies
2 Recent accounting pronouncements
3 Other income
4 Income taxes
5 Earnings per share
6 Accounts receivable
7 Properties
8 Intangible and other assets
9 Accounts payable and other
10 Long-term debt
11 Other liabilities and deferred credits
12 Pensions and other postretirement benefits
13 Share capital
14 Stock-based compensation
15 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
16 Major commitments and contingencies
17 Financial instruments
18 Segmented information
59
63
64
65
67
67
68
68
68
69
71
71
79
80
85
86
90
92
58 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or the “Company,” is engaged in the rail
and related transportation business. CN spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving
the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert (British Columbia), Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile (Alabama), and the key
metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth (Minnesota)/Superior (Wisconsin), Green Bay (Wisconsin), Minneapolis/St.
Paul, Memphis, and Jackson (Mississippi), with connections to all points in North America. CN’s freight 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
Basis of presentation
These consolidated financial statements are expressed in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated, and have been prepared in
accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).
Principles of consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all subsidiaries and variable interest entities for which the Company is the
primary beneficiary. The Company is the primary beneficiary of the Employee Benefit Plan Trusts (“Share Trusts”) as the Company funds the
Share Trusts. The Company’s investments in which it has significant influence are accounted for using the equity method and all other
investments are accounted for using the cost method.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates, including those related to income taxes, depreciation,
pensions and other postretirement benefits, personal injury and other claims, and environmental matters, based upon available
information. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenues
Freight revenues are recognized using the percentage of completed service method based on the transit time of freight as it moves from
origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each period with expenses
being recorded as incurred. Revenues related to non-rail transportation services are recognized as service is performed or as contractual
obligations are met. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.
Income taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, the change in the
net deferred income tax asset or liability is included in the computation of Net income or Other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred
income 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.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding over each period. The
weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding excludes shares held in the Share Trusts and includes fully vested equity settled stock-
based compensation awards excluding stock options. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted-average number of
diluted shares outstanding using the treasury stock method. Included in the diluted earnings per share calculation are dilutive effects of
common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity settled awards.
Foreign currency
All of the Company’s United States (U.S.) subsidiaries use the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the U.S. subsidiaries’ assets
and liabilities are translated into Canadian dollars at the rate in effect at the balance sheet date and the revenues and expenses are
translated at the average exchange rates during the year. All adjustments resulting from the translation of the foreign operations are
recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).
CN | 2016 Annual Report 59
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company designates the US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net
investment in U.S. subsidiaries. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation of the US
dollar-denominated long-term debt are also included in Other comprehensive income (loss).
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
approximates market value.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
The Company has the option, under its bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks, to pledge collateral in the form of
cash and cash equivalents for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. Restricted cash
and cash equivalents are shown separately on the balance sheet and include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from
maturity and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of billing adjustments and an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful
accounts is based on expected collectability and considers historical experience as well as known trends or uncertainties related to account
collectability. When a receivable is deemed uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Subsequent recoveries
of amounts previously written off are credited to bad debt expense in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Material and supplies
Material and supplies, which consist mainly of rail, ties, and other items for construction and maintenance of property and equipment, as
well as diesel fuel, are valued at weighted-average cost.
Properties
Accounting policy for capitalization of costs
The Company’s railroad operations are highly capital intensive. The Company’s properties mainly consist of homogeneous or network-type
assets such as rail, ties, ballast and other structures, which form the Company’s Track and roadway properties, and Rolling stock. The
Company’s capital expenditures are for the replacement of existing assets and for the purchase or construction of new assets to enhance
operations or provide new service offerings to customers. A large portion of the Company’s capital expenditures are for self-constructed
properties, including the replacement of existing track and roadway assets and track line expansion, as well as major overhauls and large
refurbishments of rolling stock.
Expenditures are capitalized if they extend the life of the asset or provide future benefits such as increased revenue-generating capacity,
functionality, or physical or service capacity. The Company has a process in place to determine whether its capital programs qualify for
capitalization. For Track and roadway properties, the Company establishes basic capital programs to replace or upgrade the track
infrastructure assets which are capitalized if they meet the capitalization criteria.
In addition, for Track and roadway properties, expenditures that meet the minimum level of activity as defined by the Company are also
capitalized as follows:
grading: installation of road bed, retaining walls, and drainage structures;
rail and related track material: installation of 39 or more continuous feet of rail;
ties: installation of 5 or more ties per 39 feet; and
ballast: installation of 171 cubic yards of ballast per mile.
For purchased assets, the Company capitalizes all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended use. Expenditures that are
capitalized as part of self-constructed properties include direct material, labor, and contracted services, as well as other allocated costs
which are not charged directly to capital projects. These allocated costs include, but are not limited to, fringe benefits, small tools and
supplies, maintenance on equipment used on projects and project supervision. The Company reviews and adjusts its allocations, as required,
to reflect the actual costs incurred each year.
For the rail asset, the Company capitalizes the costs of rail grinding which consists of restoring and improving the rail profile and
removing irregularities from worn rail to extend the service life. The service life of the rail asset is increased incrementally as rail grinding is
performed thereon, and as such, the costs incurred are capitalized given that the activity extends the service life of the rail asset beyond its
original or current condition as additional gross tons can be carried over the rail for its remaining service life.
60 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the ballast asset, the Company engages in shoulder ballast undercutting that consists of removing some or all of the ballast, which
has deteriorated over its service life, and replacing it with new ballast. When ballast is installed as part of a shoulder ballast undercutting
project, it represents the addition of a new asset and not the repair or maintenance of an existing asset. As such, the Company capitalizes
expenditures related to shoulder ballast undercutting given that an existing asset is retired and replaced with a new asset. Under the group
method of accounting for properties, the deteriorated ballast is retired at its average cost measured using the quantities of new ballast
added.
Costs of deconstruction and removal of replaced assets, referred to herein as dismantling costs, are distinguished from installation costs
for self-constructed properties based on the nature of the related activity. For Track and roadway properties, employees concurrently
perform dismantling and installation of new track and roadway assets and, as such, the Company estimates the amount of labor and other
costs that are related to dismantling. The Company determines dismantling costs based on an analysis of the track and roadway installation
process.
Expenditures relating to the Company’s properties that do not meet the Company’s capitalization criteria are considered normal repairs
and maintenance and are expensed as incurred. For Track and roadway properties, such expenditures include but are not limited to spot tie
replacement, spot or broken rail replacement, physical track inspection for detection of rail defects and minor track corrections, and other
general maintenance of track infrastructure.
Accounting policy for depreciation
Railroad properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The cost of properties,
including those under capital leases, net of asset impairment write-downs, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated service
lives, measured in years, except for rail and ballast which are measured in millions of gross tons. The Company follows the group method of
depreciation whereby a single composite depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a class of similar assets, despite small
differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same asset class. The Company uses approximately 40
different depreciable asset classes.
For all depreciable assets, the depreciation rate is based on the estimated service lives of the assets. Assessing the reasonableness of the
estimated service lives of properties requires judgment and is based on currently available information, including periodic depreciation
studies conducted by the Company. The Company’s U.S. properties are subject to comprehensive depreciation studies as required by the
Surface Transportation Board (STB) and are conducted by external experts. Depreciation studies for Canadian properties are not required by
regulation and are conducted internally. Studies are performed on specific asset groups on a periodic basis. Changes in the estimated service
lives of the assets and their related composite depreciation rates are implemented prospectively.
The service life of the rail asset is based on expected future usage of the rail in its existing condition, determined using railroad industry
research and testing (based on rail characteristics such as weight, curvature and metallurgy), less the rail asset’s usage to date. The annual
composite depreciation rate for rail assets is determined by dividing the estimated annual number of gross tons carried over the rail by the
estimated service life of the rail measured in millions of gross tons. The Company amortizes the cost of rail grinding over the remaining life
of the rail asset, which includes the incremental life extension generated by rail grinding.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist mainly of customer contracts and relationships assumed through past acquisitions and are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over 40 to 50 years.
The Company reviews the carrying amounts of intangible assets held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of
such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.
Accounts receivable securitization
Based on the structure of its accounts receivable securitization program, the Company accounts for the proceeds received as a secured
borrowing.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 61
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Pensions
Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Net periodic benefit cost (income) is recorded in Labor and fringe benefits expense
and includes:
the cost of pension benefits provided in exchange for employees’ services rendered during the year;
the interest cost of pension obligations;
the expected long-term return on pension fund assets;
the amortization of prior service costs and amendments over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered
by the plans; and
the amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the beginning of year balances 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.
Postretirement benefits other than pensions
The Company accrues the cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions using actuarial methods. These benefits, which are funded as
they become due, include life insurance programs, medical benefits and, for a closed group of employees, free rail travel benefits.
The Company amortizes the cumulative net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the projected benefit obligation at the
beginning of the year, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plan.
Stock-based compensation
For equity settled awards, stock-based compensation costs are accrued over the requisite service period based on the fair value of the
awards at the grant date. The fair value of performance share unit (PSU) awards is dependent on the type of PSU award. The fair value of
PSU-ROIC awards is determined using a lattice-based model incorporating a minimum share price condition and the fair value of PSU-TSR
awards is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The fair value of deferred share unit (DSU) awards is determined using the
stock price at the grant date. The fair value of stock option awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For cash
settled awards, stock-based compensation costs are accrued over the requisite service period based on the fair value determined at each
period-end.
Personal injury and other claims
In Canada, the Company accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates on a
discounted basis of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs.
In the U.S., the Company accrues the expected cost for personal injury, property damage and occupational disease claims, based on actuarial
estimates of their ultimate cost on an undiscounted basis. For all other legal actions in Canada and the U.S., the Company maintains, and
regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably
estimated based on currently available information.
Environmental expenditures
Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, or to an existing condition caused by past operations, are expensed as
incurred unless they can contribute to current or future operations. Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments
occur, remedial efforts are probable, 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. The Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account
the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective shares of the
liability. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable and
collectability is reasonably assured.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments from time to time in the management of its interest rate and foreign currency exposures.
Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are recorded in Net income or Other
comprehensive income (loss) 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 generated by the underlying asset or liability.
62 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2 – Recent accounting pronouncements
The following recent Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by FASB were adopted by the Company during the current period:
Standard
Description
Impact
ASU 2016-09,
Compensation – Stock
Compensation (Topic
718): Improvements to
Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting
Simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based
payments, including the income tax consequences,
classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and
classification in the Statement of Cash Flows. The new
guidance includes multiple amendments with differing
application methods.
The Company elected to adopt this standard in 2016 on a
prospective basis with an effective date of January 1, 2016.
The adoption of this standard did not have a significant
impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial
Statements.
ASU 2015-07, Fair Value
Measurement (Topic
820): Disclosures for
Investments in Certain
Entities That Calculate
Net Asset Value per
Share (or its Equivalent)
Removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value
hierarchy investments for which fair value is measured
using the net asset value practical expedient.
The Company adopted this standard in 2016 on a
retrospective basis. Investments measured at net asset
value of $3,305 million and $3,511 million as at December
31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, held by the Company’s
defined benefit pension plans, are no longer included in the
fair value hierarchy.
The following recent ASUs issued by FASB have an effective date after December 31, 2016 and have not been adopted by the Company:
Standard (1)
Description
ASU 2016-18, Statement
of Cash Flows (Topic
230): Restricted Cash
Requires that a Statement of Cash Flows explain the change
during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and
amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted
cash equivalents. The amendments should be applied using
a retrospective transition method to each period presented.
ASU 2016-13, Financial
Instruments – Credit
Losses (Topic 326):
Measurement of Credit
Losses on Financial
Instruments
Requires financial assets measured at amortized cost to be
presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The
amendments replace the current incurred loss impairment
methodology with one that reflects expected credit losses
and considers a broader range of reasonable and
supportable information to determine the expected credit
loss estimates.
ASU 2016-02, Leases
(Topic 842)
Requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities
on the Balance Sheet by lessees for most leases. Lessees
and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at
the beginning of the earliest period presented using a
modified retrospective approach.
ASU 2014-09, Revenue
from Contracts with
Customers (Topic 606)
Establishes principles for reporting the nature, amount,
timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising
from an entity’s contracts with customers. The basis of the
new standard is that an entity recognizes revenue to
represent the transfer of goods or services to customers in
an amount that reflects the consideration to which the
entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
services. The new guidance can be applied using a
retrospective or the cumulative effect transition method.
Impact
The amendments will affect the
classification and presentation of
restricted cash in the Company’s
Statement of Cash Flows.
Effective date (2)
December 15,
2017. Early
adoption is
permitted.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements; no significant impact is
expected.
December 15,
2019. Early
adoption is
permitted.
December 15,
2018. Early
adoption is
permitted.
December 15,
2017. Early
adoption is
permitted.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements. The Company is reviewing
all lease contracts and expects that the
majority of operating leases will be
recognized on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet. CN expects to adopt the
requirements of the ASU effective
January 1, 2019.
The Company is evaluating the effects
that the adoption of the ASU will have
on its Consolidated Financial
Statements and related disclosures,
through the review of customer
contracts, in relation to the new
standard. In addition, the Company is
evaluating the transition method to
apply. CN will adopt the requirements
of the ASU effective January 1, 2018.
(1) Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 have been evaluated by the Company and will not have a
significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.
(2)
Effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after the stated date.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 63
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3 – Other income
In millions
Gain on disposal of property (1)
Gain on disposal of land
Other (2)
Total other income
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
$
$
76
17
2
95
$
$
-
$
52
(5)
47
$
99
21
(13)
107
(1)
(2)
In addition to the disposals of property described herein, 2014 includes other gains of $19 million.
Includes foreign exchange gains and losses related to foreign exchange forward contracts and the re-measurement of other US dollar-denominated monetary assets
and liabilities. See Note 17 – Financial instruments.
Disposal of property
2016
Viaduc du Sud
On December 1, 2016, the Company completed the sale of approximately one mile of elevated track leading into Montreal’s Central Station,
together with the rail fixtures (collectively the “Viaduc du Sud”), to CDPQ Infra Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et
placement du Québec, for cash proceeds of $85 million before transaction costs. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $76
million ($66 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.
2014
Guelph
On September 4, 2014, the Company closed a transaction with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Guelph subdivision located between
Georgetown and Kitchener, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Guelph”), for cash
proceeds of $76 million before transaction costs. The Company did not meet all the conditions to record the sale under the full accrual
method for real estate transactions as it continues to have substantial continuing involvement on the Guelph. The Company will have
relinquished substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership on the Guelph in 2018, at which time the gain on the sale is expected to
be recognized.
Deux-Montagnes
On February 28, 2014, the Company closed a transaction with Agence Métropolitaine de Transport to sell the Deux-Montagnes subdivision
between Saint-Eustache and Montreal, Quebec, including the Mont-Royal tunnel, together with the rail fixtures (collectively the “Deux-
Montagnes”), for cash proceeds of $97 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to
operate freight trains over the Deux-Montagnes at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating
activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $80 million ($72 million after-tax) that was recorded in
Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.
64 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
4 – Income taxes
The Company’s consolidated effective income tax rate differs from the Canadian, or domestic, statutory federal tax rate. The effective tax
rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates in provincial, U.S. federal, state and other foreign jurisdictions and the proportion of
income earned in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate is also affected by discrete items such as income tax rate enactments and lower
tax rates on capital dispositions that may occur in any given year.
The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense:
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Canadian statutory federal tax rate
Income tax expense at the Canadian statutory federal tax rate
Income tax expense (recovery) resulting from:
Provincial and foreign taxes (1)
Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments (2)
Gain on disposals (3)
Other (4)
Income tax expense
Cash payments for income taxes
2016
15%
739
532
7
(12)
21
1,287
653
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
15%
731
550
42
(11)
24
1,336
725
$
$
$
(1)
Includes mainly the impact of Canadian provincial taxes and U.S. federal and state taxes.
(2)
Includes the net income tax expense resulting from the enactment of provincial corporate income tax rates.
(3) Relates to the permanent differences arising from lower capital gain tax rates on the gain on disposal of the Company’s properties in Canada.
(4)
Includes adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.
The following table provides tax information on a domestic and foreign basis:
In millions
Income before income taxes
Domestic
Foreign
Total income before income taxes
Current income tax expense
Domestic
Foreign
Total current income tax expense
Deferred income tax expense
Domestic
Foreign
Total deferred income tax expense
Year ended December 31,
2016
3,726
1,201
4,927
568
15
583
450
254
704
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
3,437
1,437
4,874
640
96
736
328
272
600
$
$
$
$
$
$
2014
15%
654
531
-
(19)
27
1,193
722
2014
3,042
1,318
4,360
522
255
777
271
145
416
CN | 2016 Annual Report 65
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities:
In millions
Deferred income tax assets
Pension liability
Personal injury and legal claims
Environmental and other reserves
Other postretirement benefits liability
Unrealized foreign exchange losses
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1)
Total deferred income tax assets
Deferred income tax liabilities
Properties
Pension asset
Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Total net deferred income tax liability
Total net deferred income tax liability
Domestic
Foreign
Total net deferred income tax liability
December 31,
2016
2015
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
130
66
166
83
58
23
526
8,673
243
83
8,999
8,473
3,334
5,139
8,473
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
147
64
179
82
124
26
622
8,303
348
76
8,727
8,105
3,074
5,031
8,105
(1) Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2018 and 2036.
On an annual basis, the Company assesses the need to establish a valuation allowance for its deferred income tax assets, and if it is
deemed more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded. The ultimate
realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred income tax liabilities, the available
carryback and carryforward periods, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. As at December 31, 2016, in order to
fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of approximately $2.1 billion
and, based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred
income tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these
deductible differences. Management has assessed the impacts of the current economic environment and concluded there are no significant
impacts to its assertions for the realization of deferred income tax assets. As at December 31, 2016, the Company has not recognized a
deferred income tax asset of $242 million (2015 - $234 million) on the unrealized foreign exchange loss recorded in Accumulated other
comprehensive loss relating to its net investment in U.S. subsidiaries, as the Company does not expect this temporary difference to reverse in
the foreseeable future.
The following table provides a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits on the Company’s domestic and foreign tax positions:
In millions
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
$
27
$
35
$
Increases for:
Tax positions related to the current year
Tax positions related to prior years
Decreases for:
Settlements
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
66 CN | 2016 Annual Report
16
24
(2)
(4)
61
(7)
54
$
$
4
8
(14)
(6)
27
(8)
19
$
$
$
$
2014
30
3
3
-
(1)
35
(6)
29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As at December 31, 2016, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $61 million, before considering tax treaties and
other arrangements between taxation authorities. The amount of net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016 was $54 million.
If recognized, $20 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016 would affect the effective tax rate. The Company
believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $7 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2016 related to
various federal, state, and provincial income tax matters, each of which are individually insignificant, may be resolved over the next twelve
months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to gross unrecognized tax benefits in Income tax expense in the
Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized accrued interest and
penalties of approximately $2 million (2015 - $1 million; 2014 - $1 million). As at December 31, 2016, the Company had accrued interest
and penalties of approximately $4 million (2015 - $4 million).
In Canada, the Company’s federal and provincial income tax returns filed for the years 2011 to 2015 remain subject to examination by
the taxation authorities. An examination of the Company's federal income tax returns for the years 2011 and 2012 is currently in progress
and is expected to be completed during 2017. In the U.S., the federal income tax returns filed for the years 2013 and 2015 and the state
income tax returns filed for the years 2012 to 2015 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. Examination of the Company’s
U.S. federal income tax return for the year 2014 has been completed and examinations of certain state income tax returns are currently in
progress. The Company does not anticipate any significant impacts to its results of operations or financial position as a result of the final
resolutions of such matters.
5 – Earnings per share
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
Net income
$
3,640
$
3,538
$
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Units excluded from the calculation as their inclusion would not have a dilutive effect:
Stock options
Performance share units
6 – Accounts receivable
In millions
Freight
Non-freight
Gross accounts receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Net accounts receivable
$
$
776.0
3.2
779.2
4.69
4.67
1.2
0.2
December 31,
$
$
$
$
800.7
4.4
805.1
4.42
4.39
0.8
-
2016
752
151
903
(28)
$
$
$
875
$
2014
3,167
819.9
3.6
823.5
3.86
3.85
0.4
-
2015
705
180
885
(7)
878
CN | 2016 Annual Report 67
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7 – Properties
In millions
rate
Cost
depreciation
Net
Cost
depreciation
Net
Depreciation
Accumulated
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015
Accumulated
Properties including capital leases
Track and roadway (1)
2% $
34,684
$
Rolling stock
Buildings
Information technology (2)
Other
5%
2%
9%
4%
Total properties including capital leases
Capital leases included in properties
Track and roadway (3)
$
$
Rolling stock
Buildings
Other
6,493
1,851
1,198
1,941
46,167
415
370
109
131
$
$
7,744
2,521
652
628
867
12,412
70
138
28
30
$
26,940
$
33,941
$
$
26,111
$
$
3,972
1,199
570
1,074
33,755
345
232
81
101
759
6,216
1,791
1,067
1,812
44,827
415
748
109
122
$
$
$
$
7,830
2,362
624
567
820
12,203
66
301
26
36
$
$
3,854
1,167
500
992
32,624
349
447
83
86
965
Total capital leases included in properties
$
1,025
$
266
$
(1) As at December 31, 2016, includes land of $2,446 million (2015 - $2,487 million).
$
1,394
$
429
$
(2) During 2016, the Company capitalized costs for internally developed software of $106 million (2015 - $85 million).
(3) As at December 31, 2016, includes right-of-way access of $108 million (2015 - $108 million).
8 – Intangible and other assets
In millions
Deferred costs (1)
Investments (2)
Intangible assets
Long-term receivables (1)
Other long-term assets (1)
Total intangible and other assets
December 31,
2016
2015
$
$
73
68
67
33
47
75
69
71
57
48
$
288
$
320
(1)
In 2016, certain other assets were reclassified into new captions within Intangible and other assets. This change has no impact on the Company’s previously reported
balance sheet as Total intangible and other assets remain unchanged. The 2015 comparative figures have been reclassified in order to conform to the current year’s
presentation.
(2) As at December 31, 2016, the Company had $54 million (2015 - $56 million) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $14 million (2015 - $13
million) of investments accounted for under the cost method. See Note 17 - Financial instruments for the fair value of investments.
9 – Accounts payable and other
In millions
Trade payables
Payroll-related accruals
Accrued charges
Accrued interest
Income and other taxes
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 16)
Environmental provisions (Note 16)
Stock-based compensation liability (Note 14)
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 12)
Other
Total accounts payable and other
68 CN | 2016 Annual Report
December 31,
2016
2015
$
$
484
327
141
129
122
76
50
45
18
127
391
287
192
122
254
51
51
39
18
151
$
1,519
$
1,556
US dollar-
denominated
amount
December 31,
2016
2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10 – Long-term debt
In millions
Notes and debentures (1)
Canadian National series:
5.80%
1.45%
-
5.85%
5.55%
6.80%
5.55%
2.75%
2.85%
2.25%
7.63%
2.95%
2.80%
2.75%
6.90%
7.38%
6.25%
6.20%
6.71%
6.38%
3.50%
4.50%
3.95%
3.20%
4.00%
10-year notes (2)
5-year notes (2)
3-year floating rate notes (3)
10-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
20-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
7-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
30-year debentures
10-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
10-year notes (2)
30-year notes (2)
30-year debentures (2)
30-year notes (2)
30-year notes (2)
Puttable Reset Securities PURSSM (2)
30-year debentures (2)
30-year notes (2)
30-year notes (2)
30-year notes (2)
30-year notes (2)
50-year notes (2)
Maturity
June 1, 2016
Dec. 15, 2016
Nov. 14, 2017
Nov. 15, 2017
May 15, 2018
July 15, 2018
Mar. 1, 2019
Feb. 18, 2021
Dec. 15, 2021
Nov. 15, 2022
May 15, 2023
Nov. 21, 2024
Sep. 22, 2025
Mar. 1, 2026
July 15, 2028
Oct. 15, 2031
Aug. 1, 2034
June 1, 2036
July 15, 2036
Nov. 15, 2037
Nov. 15, 2042
Nov. 7, 2043
Sep. 22, 2045
Aug. 2, 2046
Sep. 22, 2065
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
250
300
250
250
325
200
550
400
250
150
350
500
475
200
500
450
250
300
250
250
US$
650
Illinois Central series:
7.70%
100-year debentures
Sep. 15, 2096
US$
125
BC Rail series:
Non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes (4)
July 14, 2094
Total notes and debentures
Other
Commercial paper
Capital lease obligations
Total debt, gross
Net unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (4)
Total debt (5)
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Total long-term debt
$
$
-
-
336
336
436
269
738
250
537
336
201
470
350
671
638
269
671
604
336
403
336
336
400
872
100
168
842
346
415
346
346
450
277
761
250
554
346
208
484
350
-
657
277
692
623
346
415
346
346
400
-
100
173
842
$
10,905
$
10,350
605
344
11,854
(917)
10,937
1,489
$
9,448
$
458
522
11,330
(903)
10,427
1,442
8,985
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The Company’s notes and debentures are unsecured.
The fixed rate 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.
These floating rate notes bear interest at the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.17%. The interest rate as at December 31, 2016 was 1.07%
(2015 - 0.53%).
As at December 31, 2016, these notes were recorded as a discounted debt of $10 million (2015 - $10 million) using an imputed interest rate of 5.75% (2015 - 5.75%).
The discount of $832 million (2015 - $832 million) is included in Net unamortized discount and debt issuance costs.
(5)
See Note 17 - Financial instruments for the fair value of debt.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 69
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Revolving credit facility
The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility with a consortium of lenders, which is available for general corporate purposes,
including backstopping the Company’s commercial paper programs. On March 11, 2016, the credit facility agreement was amended, which
increased the credit facility from $800 million to $1.3 billion, effective May 5, 2016, consisting of a tranche for $420 million maturing on
May 5, 2019 and a tranche for $880 million maturing on May 5, 2021. The increased capacity provides the Company with additional
financial flexibility. The credit facility agreement allows for an increase in the credit facility amount, up to a maximum of $1.8 billion, as well
as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The credit
facility provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds
effective rate and the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), plus applicable margins, based on CN’s debt credit ratings. The credit facility
agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in
compliance. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and there
were no draws during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Commercial paper
The Company has a commercial paper program in Canada and the U.S. Both programs are backstopped by the Company’s revolving credit
facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion, or the US dollar equivalent, on a
combined basis, which was increased from $800 million, effective May 5, 2016. As at December 31, 2016, the Company had total
commercial paper borrowings of US$451 million ($605 million) (2015 - US$331 million ($458 million)) at a weighted-average interest rate of
0.65% (2015 – 0.41%) presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s commercial
paper has a maturity of less than 90 days.
The following table presents the issuances and repayments of commercial paper:
In millions
Issuances of commercial paper
Repayments of commercial paper
Net issuance (repayment) of commercial paper
Accounts receivable securitization program
Year ended December 31,
2016
3,656
(3,519)
137
$
$
2015
2,624
(2,173)
451
$
$
$
$
2014
2,443
(2,720)
(277)
The Company has an agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivable to unrelated trusts for
maximum cash proceeds of $450 million. On October 25, 2016, the Company extended the term of its agreement by one year to February 1,
2019. As at December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no proceeds received under the accounts receivable securitization program.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
The Company has a series of committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. During 2016, the Company extended the expiry date of
the majority of these agreements by one year to April 28, 2019, and entered into various uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility
agreements. These agreements are held with various banks to support the Company’s requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary
course of business. Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash
equivalents, for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2016, the
Company had outstanding letters of credit of $451 million (2015 - $551 million) under the committed facilities from a total available
amount of $508 million (2015 - $575 million) and $68 million (2015 - $nil) under the uncommitted facilities. As at December 31, 2016,
included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $426 million (2015 - $523 million) and $68 million (2015 - $nil) which were pledged as
collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
Capital lease obligations
During 2016, the Company recorded $57 million in assets it acquired through equipment leases (2015 - $nil), for which an equivalent
amount was recorded in debt. As at December 31, 2016, the capital lease obligations are secured by properties with a net carrying amount
of $403 million (2015 - $603 million). Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from 0.7% to 6.8% with maturity dates in the years
2017 through 2037. As at December 31, 2016, the imputed interest on these leases amounted to $95 million (2015 - $118 million).
70 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Long-term debt maturities
The following table provides the long-term debt maturities, including capital lease repayments on debt outstanding as at December 31, 2016,
for the next five years and thereafter:
In millions
2017 (1)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and thereafter
Total
(1)
Current portion of long-term debt.
Amount of US dollar-denominated debt
In millions
Notes and debentures
Commercial paper
Capital lease obligations
Total amount of US dollar-denominated debt in US$
Total amount of US dollar-denominated debt in C$
11 – Other liabilities and deferred credits
In millions
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 16) (1)
Environmental provisions (Note 16) (1)
Stock-based compensation liability (Note 14) (1)
Deferred credits and other
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
(1)
See Note 9 – Accounts payable and other for the related current portion.
12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits
Capital
leases
Debt
Total
$
212
$
1,277
$
1,489
17
10
16
6
83
697
730
-
781
7,108
714
740
16
787
7,191
$
344
$
10,593
$
10,937
December 31,
2016
2015
US$
6,675 US$
6,075
451
158
331
274
US$
7,284 US$
6,680
$
9,780
$
9,245
December 31,
2016
2015
$
225
$
36
35
297
593
$
$
245
59
63
277
644
The Company has various retirement benefit plans under which substantially all of its employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age,
generally based on compensation and length of service and/or contributions. Senior and executive management employees subject to
certain minimum service and age requirements, are also eligible for an additional retirement benefit under their Special Retirement Stipend
Agreements, the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan or the Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
The Company also offers postretirement benefits to certain employees providing life insurance, medical benefits and, for a closed group
of employees, free rail travel benefits during retirement. These postretirement benefits are funded as they become due. The information in
the tables that follow pertains to all of the Company’s defined benefit plans. However, the following descriptions relate solely to the
Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan, unless otherwise specified.
Description of the CN Pension Plan
The CN Pension Plan is a contributory defined benefit pension plan that covers the majority of 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
CN | 2016 Annual Report 71
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
trust company is the Trustee of the Company’s pension trust funds (which includes the CN Pension Trust Fund). As Trustee, the trust
company performs certain duties, which include holding legal title to the assets of the CN Pension Trust Fund and ensuring that the
Company, as Administrator, complies with the provisions of the CN Pension Plan and the related legislation. The Company utilizes a
measurement date of December 31 for the CN Pension Plan.
Funding policy
Employee contributions to the CN 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, including amendments and regulations
thereto, and such contributions follow minimum and maximum thresholds as determined by actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations are
generally required on an annual basis for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial
Institutions. These actuarial valuations are prepared in accordance with legislative requirements and with the recommendations of the
Canadian Institute of Actuaries for the valuation of pension plans. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company’s U.S.
qualified pension plans.
The Company’s most recently filed actuarial valuations for its Canadian registered pension plans conducted as at December 31, 2015
indicated a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $2.2 billion and a funding excess on a solvency basis of approximately
$0.3 billion, calculated using the three-year average of the plans’ hypothetical wind-up ratio in accordance with the Pension Benefit
Standards Regulations, 1985. The federal pension legislation requires funding deficits, as calculated under current pension regulations, to be
paid over a number of years. Alternatively, a letter of credit can be subscribed to fulfill required solvency deficit payments.
The Company’s next actuarial valuations for its Canadian plans required as at December 31, 2016 will be performed in 2017. These
actuarial valuations are expected to identify a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $2.5 billion, while on a solvency
basis a funding excess of approximately $0.1 billion is expected. Based on the anticipated results of these valuations, the Company expects
to make total cash contributions of approximately $115 million for all pension plans in 2017. As at February 1, 2017 the Company had
contributed $60 million to its defined benefit pension plans for 2017.
Plan assets
The assets of the Company’s various Canadian defined benefit pension plans are primarily held in separate trust funds (“Trusts”) which are
diversified by asset type, country and investment strategies. Each year, the CN Board of Directors reviews and confirms or amends the
Statement of Investment Policies and Procedures (“SIPP”) which includes the plans’ long-term target asset allocation (“Policy”) and related
benchmark indices. This Policy is based on a long-term forward-looking view of the world economy, the dynamics of the plans’ benefit
obligations, the market return expectations of each asset class and the current state of financial markets.
Annually, the CN Investment Division (“Investment Manager”), a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of
the plans, proposes an investment strategy (“Strategy”) for the coming year which is expected to differ from the Policy because of current
economic and market conditions and expectations. The Investment Committee of the Board of Directors (“Committee”) regularly compares
the actual plan asset allocation to the Policy and Strategy and compares the actual performance of the Company’s pension plans to the
performance of the benchmark indices.
The Company’s 2016 Policy and actual asset allocation for the Company’s pension plans based on fair value are as follows:
Cash and short-term investments
Bonds and mortgages
Private debt (1)
Equities (1)
Real estate
Oil and gas
Infrastructure (1)
Absolute return
Risk-based allocation
Total
Actual plan asset
allocation
Policy
2016
2015
3%
40%
-
42%
4%
7%
4%
-
-
3%
33%
1%
38%
2%
6%
5%
10%
2%
2%
30%
1%
41%
2%
5%
5%
11%
3%
100%
100%
100%
(1)
Certain assets in the 2015 comparative figures have been reclassified from infrastructure to private debt and equity to conform to the current year’s presentation.
72 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Committee’s approval is required for all major investments in illiquid securities. The SIPP allows for the use of derivative financial
instruments to implement strategies, hedge, and adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of the
Company or its subsidiaries. Investments held in the Company’s pension plans consist mainly of the following:
Cash and short-term investments consist primarily of highly liquid securities which ensure adequate cash flows are available to cover
near-term benefit payments. Short-term investments are mainly obligations issued by Canadian chartered banks.
Bonds include bond instruments, issued or guaranteed by governments and corporate entities, as well as corporate notes and
investments in emerging market debt funds. As at December 31, 2016, 66% (2015 - 74%) of bonds were issued or guaranteed by
Canadian, U.S. or other governments. Mortgages consist of mortgage products which are primarily conventional or participating loans
secured by commercial properties.
Private debt includes participations in private debt funds focused on generating steady yields.
Equity investments include primarily publicly traded securities, well diversified by country, issuer and industry sector and participations in
private equity funds, comprised of investments in diversified sectors such as energy and health care. As at December 31, 2016, the most
significant allocation to an individual issuer of a publicly traded security was approximately 2% (2015 - 2%) and the most significant
allocation to an industry sector was approximately 21% (2015 - 22%).
Real estate is a diversified portfolio of Canadian land and commercial properties, net of related mortgage debt, if any, and investments
in real estate private equity funds.
Oil and gas investments include petroleum and natural gas properties and listed and non-listed securities of oil and gas companies.
Infrastructure investments include participations in private infrastructure funds, term loans and notes of infrastructure companies and
publicly traded securities of infrastructure and utility companies.
Absolute return investments are primarily a portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds, which are invested in various
long/short strategies within multi-strategy, fixed income, equities and global macro funds. Managers are monitored on a continuous
basis through investment and operational due diligence.
Risk-based allocation investments are a portfolio of units of externally managed funds where the asset class exposures are managed on a
risk-adjusted basis in order to capture asset class premiums.
The plans’ Investment Manager monitors market events and exposures to markets, currencies, commodity prices and interest rates daily.
When investing in foreign securities, the plans are exposed to foreign currency risk that may be adjusted or hedged; the effect of which is
included in the valuation of the foreign securities. Net of the adjusted or hedged amount, the plans were 64% exposed to the Canadian
dollar, 15% to the US dollar, 8% to European currencies, 6% to the Japanese Yen and 7% to various other currencies as at December 31,
2016. Interest rate risk represents the risk that the fair value of the investments will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates.
Sensitivity to interest rates is a function of the timing and amount of cash flows of the interest-bearing assets and liabilities of the plans.
Derivatives are used from time to time to adjust the plan asset allocation or exposures to foreign currencies, interest rate or market risks of
the portfolio or anticipated transactions. Derivatives are contractual agreements whose value is derived from interest rates, foreign exchange
rates, and equity or commodity prices. They may include forwards, futures, options and swaps and are included in investment categories
based on their underlying exposure. When derivatives are used for hedging purposes, the gains or losses on the derivatives are offset by a
corresponding change in the value of the hedged assets. To manage credit risk, established policies require dealing with counterparties
considered to be of high credit quality.
Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's pension plans, particularly
the Company’s main Canadian pension plan. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the
date of the last actuarial valuations may have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans and on the Company’s results of
operations.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 73
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables present the fair value of plan assets as at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset class:
In millions
Cash and short-term investments (2)
Bonds (3)
Canada, U.S. and supranational
Provinces of Canada and municipalities
Corporate
Emerging market debt
Mortgages (4)
Private debt (5)
Equities (6)
Canadian
U.S.
International
Real estate (7)
Oil and gas (8)
Infrastructure (9)
Absolute return funds (10)
Multi-strategy
Fixed income
Equity
Global macro
Risk-based allocation (11)
Total
Other (12)
Total plan assets
In millions
Cash and short-term investments (2)
Bonds (3)
Canada, U.S. and supranational
Provinces of Canada and municipalities
Corporate
Emerging market debt
Mortgages (4)
Private debt (5) (13)
Equities (6)
Canadian (13)
U.S.
International
Real estate (7)
Oil and gas (8)
Infrastructure (9) (13)
Absolute return funds (10)
Multi-strategy
Fixed income
Equity
Global macro
Risk-based allocation (11)
Total
Other (12)
Total plan assets
Total
571
$
1,418
2,384
1,475
509
106
226
1,846
997
3,853
383
1,076
805
1,005
304
35
428
311
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2016
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
NAV (1)
$
83
$
488
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,670
949
3,853
-
336
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,418
2,384
1,475
509
106
-
-
-
-
-
18
92
-
-
-
-
-
-
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
324
722
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
226
176
48
-
59
-
713
-
1,005
304
35
428
311
$
$
$
$
$
17,732
$
6,891
$
6,490
$
1,046
$
3,305
99
17,831
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2015
Total
389
$
Level 1
47
$
Level 2
342
$
Level 3
-
$
NAV (1)
-
1,280
2,611
911
471
127
203
1,743
1,236
4,315
357
1,012
847
714
440
261
499
422
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,532
1,236
4,315
-
234
10
-
-
-
-
-
1,280
2,611
911
471
127
-
-
-
-
-
12
102
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
331
766
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
203
211
-
-
26
-
735
714
440
261
499
422
17,838
$
7,374
$
5,856
$
1,097
$
3,511
79
17,917
Level 1: Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2: Fair value based on other significant observable inputs.
Level 3: Fair value based on significant unobservable inputs.
NAV: Investments measured at net asset value as a practical expedient.
74 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Footnotes to the table follow on the next page.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of investments classified as Level 3:
Fair value measurements based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
In millions
Balance at December 31, 2014
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Purchases
Sales
Disbursements
Balance at December 31, 2015
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Purchases
Disbursements
Balance at December 31, 2016
Real estate (7)
Oil and gas (8)
317
$
1,008
$
34
23
(3)
(40)
331
15
1
(23)
324
$
$
(213)
-
-
(29)
766
(24)
-
(20)
722
$
$
$
$
$
Total
1,325
(179)
23
(3)
(69)
1,097
(9)
1
(43)
1,046
(1) As a result of the retrospective adoption of ASU 2015-07, investments measured at net asset value as a practical expedient are no longer categorized within the fair
value hierarchy. See Note 2 - Recent accounting pronouncements for additional information.
(2) Cash and short-term investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and are categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 respectively.
(3) Bonds, excluding emerging market debt funds, are valued using mid-market prices obtained from independent pricing data suppliers. When prices are not available
from independent sources, the fair value is based on the present value of future cash flows using current market yields for comparable instruments. Emerging
market debt funds are valued based on the net asset value which is readily available and published by each fund’s independent administrator. All bonds are
categorized as Level 2.
(4)
The fair value of $106 million (2015 - $127 million) of mortgages categorized as Level 2 is based on the present value of future net cash flows using current market
yields for comparable instruments.
(5) Private debt investments of $226 million (2015 - $203 million) are based on the net asset value as reported by each fund’s manager, generally using a discounted
cash flow analysis.
(6)
(7)
The fair value of equity investments categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The fair value of $176 million (2015 - $211
million) of Canadian equity investments categorized as NAV consist mainly of investments in energy related private equity funds and is based on the net asset value
as reported by each fund’s manager. The fair value of $48 million (2015 - $nil) of U.S. equity investments categorized as NAV consist of an investment in a U.S.
private equity fund and is based on the net asset value as reported by the fund’s manager.
The fair value of real estate investments of $324 million (2015 - $331 million) includes land and buildings net of related mortgage debt of $nil (2015 - $4 million)
and is categorized as Level 3. Land is valued based on the fair value of comparable assets, and buildings are valued based on the present value of estimated future
net cash flows or the fair value of comparable assets. Independent valuations of land and buildings are performed triennially on a rotational basis. Mortgage debt is
valued based on the present value of future cash flows using current market yields for comparable instruments. The fair value of investments of $59 million (2015 -
$26 million) in real estate private equity funds is based on the net asset value as reported by each fund’s manager, generally using a discounted cash flow analysis or
earnings multiples.
(8) Oil and gas investments categorized as Level 1 are valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Investments in oil and gas equities traded on a secondary market
are valued based on the most recent transaction price and are categorized as Level 2. Investments of $722 million (2015 - $766 million) categorized as Level 3
consist of operating oil and gas properties and the fair value is based on estimated future net cash flows that are discounted using prevailing market rates for
transactions in similar assets. The future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected future annual production and costs.
(9)
Infrastructure investments of $nil (2015 - $10 million) categorized as Level 1 are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, $92 million
(2015 - $102 million) of term loans and notes of infrastructure companies categorized as Level 2 are valued based on the present value of future cash flows using
current market yields for comparable instruments and $713 million (2015 - $735 million) of infrastructure funds categorized as NAV are valued based on the net
asset value as reported by each fund’s manager, generally using a discounted cash flow analysis or earnings multiples.
(10) Absolute return investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by each fund’s independent administrator. All absolute return investments have
contractual redemption frequencies, ranging from monthly to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 90 days.
(11) Risk-based allocation investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by each fund’s independent administrator. All funds have contractual redemption
frequencies ranging from daily to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 60 days.
(12) Other consists of operating assets of $163 million (2015 - $119 million) and liabilities of $64 million (2015 - $40 million) required to administer the Trusts' investment
assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities. Such assets are valued at cost and have not been assigned to a fair value category.
(13) Certain assets in the 2015 comparative figures have been reclassified from infrastructure to private debt and Canadian equities in the amounts of $203 million and
$187 million, respectively, to conform to the current year’s presentation.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 75
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Obligations and funded status for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
In millions
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2016
2015
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
17,081
$
17,279
$
269
$
267
Amendments
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (gain) on projected benefit obligation
Current service cost
Plan participants’ contributions
Foreign currency changes
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers
Projected benefit obligation at end of year (1)
Component representing future salary increases
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Employer contributions
Plan participants’ contributions
Foreign currency changes
Actual return on plan assets
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers
Fair value of plan assets at end of year (1)
Funded status - Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over
projected benefit obligation at end of year
-
543
614
124
53
(10)
(1,039)
17,366
(328)
17,038
17,917
144
53
(5)
761
(1,039)
17,831
465
$
$
$
$
$
1
650
(112)
152
58
55
(1,002)
17,081
(334)
16,747
17,761
108
58
34
958
(1,002)
17,917
836
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
8
10
2
-
(2)
(17)
270
-
270
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(270)
$
$
$
$
$
-
10
(8)
3
-
14
(17)
269
-
269
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(269)
(1)
For the CN Pension Plan, as at December 31, 2016, the projected benefit obligation was $16,078 million (2015 - $15,794) and the fair value of plan assets was
$16,933 million (2015 - $17,038 million). The measurement date of all plans is December 31.
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
In millions
December 31,
Noncurrent assets - Pension asset
Current liabilities (Note 9)
Noncurrent liabilities - Pension and other postretirement benefits
Total amount recognized
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
2016
907
-
(442)
465
$
$
2015
1,305
-
(469)
836
$
$
2016
-
(18)
(252)
(270)
2015
-
(18)
(251)
(269)
$
$
$
$
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 15)
In millions
Net actuarial gain (loss) (1)
Prior service cost (2)
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
December 31,
2016
(2,888)
(14)
$
$
2015
(2,204)
(17)
$
$
$
$
2016
6
(2)
2015
21
(4)
$
$
(1)
(2)
In 2017, the net actuarial loss for defined benefit pension plans and net actuarial gain for other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated
other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) are estimated to be $189 million and $4 million, respectively.
In 2017, the prior service cost for defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive
loss into net periodic benefit cost (income) are estimated to be $4 million and $1 million, respectively.
76 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
In millions
December 31,
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
2016
637
574
207
$
$
$
2015
743
656
274
$
$
$
2016
N/A
N/A
N/A
2015
N/A
N/A
N/A
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Current service cost
Interest cost
Settlement loss
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
$
2016
124
543
10
$
2015
152
650
4
(1,018)
(1,004)
$
3
177
4
228
34
$
2014
132
711
3
(978)
4
124
2016
2015
2014
$
2
8
-
-
2
(5)
$
3
10
-
-
1
(4)
2
12
-
-
2
(4)
12
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
(161)
$
$
(4)
$
7
$
10
$
Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
December 31,
2016
Pensions
2015
Other postretirement benefits
2014
2016
2015
2014
To determine projected benefit obligation
Discount rate (1)
Rate of compensation increase (2)
To determine net periodic benefit cost (income)
Rate to determine current service cost (3)
Rate to determine interest cost (3)
Rate of compensation increase (2)
Expected return on plan assets (4)
3.81%
2.75%
4.24%
3.27%
2.75%
7.00%
3.99%
2.75%
3.87%
3.87%
3.00%
7.00%
3.87%
3.00%
4.73%
4.73%
3.00%
7.00%
3.96%
2.75%
4.59%
3.35%
2.75%
N/A
4.14%
2.75%
3.86%
3.86%
3.00%
N/A
3.86%
3.00%
4.69%
4.69%
3.00%
N/A
(1) The Company’s discount rate assumption, which is set annually at the end of each year, is determined by management with the aid of third-party actuaries. The
discount rate is used to measure the single amount that, if invested at the measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with a rating of AA or
better, would provide the necessary cash flows to pay for pension benefits as they become due. For the Canadian pension and other postretirement benefit plans,
future expected benefit payments are discounted using spot rates based on a derived AA corporate bond yield curve for each maturity year.
(2) The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
(3)
In 2015 and prior years, current service cost and interest cost were determined using the discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation at the
beginning of the period. Beginning in 2016, as described in the "Adoption of the spot rate approach" section of this Note, the Company adopted the spot rate
approach to measure current service cost and interest cost for all defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
(4) The expected long-term rate of return is determined based on expected future performance for each asset class and is weighted based on the investment policy. For
2016, the Company used a long-term rate of return assumption of 7.00% on the market-related value of plan assets to compute net periodic benefit cost (income).
The Company has elected to use a market-related value of assets, whereby realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the
investments are recognized over a period of five years, while investment income is recognized immediately. In 2017, the Company will maintain the expected long-
term rate of return on plan assets at 7.00% to reflect management's current view of long-term investment returns.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 77
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Expected future benefit payments
The following table provides the expected benefit payments for pensions and other postretirement benefits for the next five years and the
subsequent five-year period:
In millions
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Years 2022 to 2026
Pensions
Other postretirement
benefits
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,032
1,038
1,045
1,049
1,052
5,215
$
$
$
$
$
$
18
18
18
18
17
81
Defined contribution and other plans
The Company maintains defined contribution pension plans for certain salaried employees as well as certain employees covered by collective
bargaining agreements. The Company also maintains other plans including a Section 401(k) savings plan for certain U.S. based employees.
The Company’s contributions under these plans were expensed as incurred and, in 2016, amounted to $18 million (2015 - $18 million; 2014
- $16 million).
Contributions to multi-employer plan
Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multi-employer benefit plan named the Railroad Employees National
Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan which provides certain postretirement health care benefits to certain retirees. The Company’s
contributions under this plan were expensed as incurred and amounted to $12 million in 2016 (2015 - $10 million; 2014 - $10 million). The
annual contribution rate for the plan was $178.45 per month per active employee for 2016 (2015 - $140.54). The plan covered 416 retirees
in 2016 (2015 - 777 retirees).
Adoption of the spot rate approach
In 2016, the Company adopted the spot rate approach to measure current service cost and interest cost for all defined benefit pension and
other postretirement benefit plans on a prospective basis as a change in accounting estimate. In 2015 and in prior years, these costs were
determined using the discount rate used to measure the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the period.
The spot rate approach enhances the precision to which current service cost and interest cost are measured by increasing the correlation
between projected cash flows and spot discount rates corresponding to their maturity. Under the spot rate approach, individual spot
discount rates along the same yield curve used in the determination of the projected benefit obligation are applied to the relevant projected
cash flows for current service cost at the relevant maturity. More specifically, current service cost is measured using the cash flows related to
benefits expected to be accrued in the following year by active members of a plan and interest cost is measured using the projected cash
flows making up the projected benefit obligation multiplied by the corresponding spot discount rate at each maturity. Use of the spot rate
approach does not affect the measurement of the projected benefit obligation.
Based on bond yields prevailing at December 31, 2015, the single equivalent discount rates used to determine current service cost and
interest cost under the spot rate approach in 2016 were 4.24% and 3.27%, respectively, compared to 3.99% for both costs under the
approach applicable to 2015 and prior years. For 2016, the Company estimates the adoption of the spot rate approach increased net
periodic benefit income by approximately $130 million compared to the approach applicable in 2015 and prior years.
Based on bond yields prevailing at December 31, 2016, the single equivalent discount rates used to determine current service cost and
interest cost under the spot rate approach in 2017 are 4.11% and 3.15%, respectively.
78 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
13 – Share capital
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
Common shares
In millions
Issued common shares
Common shares in Share Trusts
Outstanding common shares
Share repurchase programs
December 31,
2016
763.8
(1.8)
762.0
2015
788.6
(1.4)
787.2
2014
809.4
-
809.4
The Company may repurchase shares pursuant to a normal course issuer bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such
other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under its current NCIB, the Company may repurchase up to 33.0 million
common shares between October 30, 2016 and October 29, 2017. As at December 31, 2016, the Company had repurchased 3.5 million
common shares under its current program.
The following table provides the information related to the share repurchase programs for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
Number of common shares repurchased (1)
Weighted-average price per share (2)
Amount of repurchase (3)
2016
26.4
75.85
2,000
$
$
$
$
2015
23.3
75.20
1,750
$
$
2014
22.4
67.38
1,505
(1)
(2)
(3)
Includes repurchases of common shares in each quarter of 2016 and the first, third and fourth quarters of 2015, and the first and fourth quarters of 2014 pursuant
to private agreements between the Company and arm’s-length third-party sellers.
Includes brokerage fees where applicable.
Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
Share purchases by Share Trusts
In 2014, the Company established Share Trusts to purchase common shares on the open market, which will be used to deliver common
shares under the Share Units Plan (see Note 14 – Stock-based compensation). Shares purchased by the Share Trusts are retained until the
Company instructs the trustee to transfer shares to participants of the Share Units Plan. Common shares purchased by the Share Trusts are
accounted for as treasury stock. The Share Trusts may sell shares on the open market to facilitate the remittance of the Company’s employee
tax withholding obligations. In 2017, the Share Trusts could purchase up to 0.9 million common shares on the open market in anticipation
of future settlements of equity settled PSU awards.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Share Trusts disbursed 0.3 million common shares, which had a historical cost of $23
million, representing a weighted-average price per share of $73.31, for settlement under the Share Units Plan, and purchased 0.7 million
common shares for $60 million at a weighted-average price per share of $84.99, including brokerage fees.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Share Trusts purchased 1.4 million common shares for $100 million at a weighted-average
price per share of $73.31, including brokerage fees.
Additional paid-in capital
Additional paid-in capital includes the stock-based compensation expense on equity settled awards and other items relating to equity settled
awards. It also includes the impact of the modification of certain cash settled awards to equity settled awards, which represents the fair
value of cash settled stock-based compensation awards modified in 2014 to settle in common shares of the Company and consists of $132
million, $60 million and $17 million related DSUs, PSUs and other plans, respectively (see Note 14 – Stock-based compensation). Upon the
exercise or settlement of equity settled awards, the stock-based compensation expense related to those awards is reclassified from
Additional paid-in capital to Common shares.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 79
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14 – Stock-based compensation
The Company has various stock-based compensation plans for eligible employees. A description of the major plans is provided herein.
The following table provides the stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit and
excess tax benefit recognized in income, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
In millions
Share Units Plan
Equity settled awards
Cash settled awards
Total Share Units Plan expense
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)
Equity settled awards
Cash settled awards
Total VIDP expense (recovery)
Stock option awards
Total stock-based compensation expense
Tax benefit recognized in income
Excess tax benefit recognized in income (1)
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
42
16
58
1
5
6
12
76
17
5
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
39
14
53
-
(3)
(3)
11
61
14
N/A
2
117
119
-
33
33
9
161
43
N/A
(1) Effective January 1, 2016, the excess tax benefit is recognized in income in accordance with ASU 2016-09.
Share Units Plan
The objective of the Share Units Plan is to enhance the Company’s ability to attract and retain talented employees and to provide alignment
of interests between such employees and the shareholders of the Company. Under the Share Units Plan, the Company grants performance
share unit (PSU) awards.
The PSU-ROIC awards vest dependent upon the attainment of a target relating to return on invested capital (ROIC) over the plan period
of three years. Such performance vesting criteria results in a performance vesting factor that ranges from 0% to 200% for PSU-ROIC awards
granted in 2016 and 2015 (0% to 150% for PSUs-ROIC outstanding and granted prior to December 31, 2014) depending on the level of
ROIC attained. Payout is conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price, calculated using the average of the last three months of
the plan period.
PSU-TSR awards, introduced in 2015, vest from 0% to 200%, subject to the attainment of a total shareholder return (TSR) market
condition over the plan period of three years based on the Company’s TSR relative to a Class I Railways peer group and components of the
S&P/TSX 60 Index.
On December 9, 2014, 0.5 million cash settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2013 and 0.4 million cash settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2014 were
modified to equity settled awards. The modification affected PSUs-ROIC held by 133 employees and did not result in the recognition of
incremental compensation cost as the awards were previously recognized at fair value. Further, there was no change to the vesting
conditions of the awards.
Equity settled awards
PSUs-ROIC and PSUs-TSR are settled in common shares of the Company, subject to the attainment of their respective vesting conditions, by
way of disbursement from the Share Trusts (see Note 13 – Share capital). The number of shares remitted to the participant upon settlement
is equal to the number of PSUs awarded multiplied by the performance vesting factor less shares withheld to satisfy the participant’s
minimum statutory withholding tax requirement. For the plan period ended December 31, 2016, for the 2014 grant, the level of ROIC
attained resulted in a performance vesting factor of 150%. The total fair value of the equity settled awards that vested in 2016 was $41
million (2015 - $48 million). As the minimum share price condition under the plan was met at December 31, 2016, net settlement of
approximately 0.3 million shares from the Share Trusts is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2017.
Cash settled awards
The value of the payout is equal to the number of PSUs-ROIC awarded multiplied by the performance vesting factor and by the 20-day
average closing share price ending on January 31 of the following year. For the plan period ended December 31, 2016, for the 2014 grant,
the level of ROIC attained resulted in a performance vesting factor of 150%. The total fair value of the cash settled awards that vested in
2016 was $45 million (2015 - $39 million; 2014 - $106 million). As the minimum share price condition under the plan was met at December
31, 2016, payout of approximately $45 million is expected to be paid in the first quarter of 2017.
80 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In 2016 and 2015, there were no cash settled PSU-ROIC awards granted. In 2014, the Company granted 0.8 million PSU-ROIC awards to
designated management employees entitling them to receive payout in cash based on the Company’s share price. These awards were then
subject to modification resulting in 0.4 million PSU-ROIC awards granted in 2014 to be settled in common shares of the Company.
The following table provides a summary of the activity related to PSU awards:
PSUs-ROIC (1)
PSUs-TSR (2)
Equity settled
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
Units
In millions
Units
In millions
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
Cash settled
PSUs-ROIC (3)
Units
In millions
1.3
0.5
(0.5)
1.3
0.8
0.5
(0.4)
0.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
64.36
35.11
75.15
49.82
58.83
35.11
66.84
42.14
0.1
0.2
-
0.3
0.1
0.2
-
0.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
114.86
95.31
N/A
103.93
114.86
95.31
N/A
103.93
0.7
-
(0.3)
0.4
0.4
-
(0.4)
-
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
Granted
Settled (4) (5)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
Granted
Vested during the year (6)
Nonvested at December 31, 2016
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The grant date fair value of equity settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2016 of $19 million is calculated using a lattice-based valuation model. As at December 31, 2016,
total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested equity settled PSUs-ROIC outstanding was $15 million and is expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
The grant date fair value of equity settled PSUs-TSR granted in 2016 of $17 million is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. As at December 31, 2016,
total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested equity settled PSUs-TSR outstanding was $10 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-
average period of 1.5 years.
The fair value as at December 31, 2016 of cash settled PSUs-ROIC outstanding is calculated using a lattice-based valuation model. As at December 31, 2016, fair
value per unit of vested cash settled PSUs-ROIC was $90.36, and the liability for cash settled PSUs-ROIC was $45 million (2015 - $66 million).
Equity settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2013 met the minimum share price condition for settlement and attained a performance vesting factor of 150%. In the first
quarter of 2016, these awards were settled, net of the remittance of the participants’ minimum statutory withholding tax obligation of $25 million, by way of
disbursement from the Share Trusts of 0.3 million common shares.
Cash settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2013 met the minimum share price condition for payout and attained a performance vesting factor of 150%. In the first quarter
of 2016, the Company paid out $37 million for these awards.
(6)
The awards that vested during the year are expected to be settled or paid out in the first quarter of 2017.
The following table provides the assumptions and fair values related to the PSU-ROIC awards:
Year of grant
Assumptions
Stock price ($) (2)
Expected stock price volatility (3)
Expected term (years) (4)
Risk-free interest rate (5)
Dividend rate ($) (6)
Weighted-average grant date fair value ($)
(1) Assumptions used to determine fair value of the equity settled PSU-ROIC awards are on the grant date.
.
Equity settled
PSUs-ROIC (1)
2016
2015
2014
74.17
19%
3.0
0.43%
1.50
35.11
84.55
15%
3.0
0.45%
1.25
50.87
76.29
15%
2.0
1.02%
1.00
66.84
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
For equity settled awards, the stock price represents the closing share price on the grant date. The stock price on the grant date for 2014 is the stock price at the
modification date of December 9, 2014.
Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
Based on the annualized dividend rate.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 81
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan
The Company’s Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP) provides eligible senior management employees the opportunity to elect to receive
their annual incentive bonus payment in deferred share units (DSU) of the Company up to specific deferral limits. A DSU is equivalent to a
common share of the Company and also earns dividends when normal cash dividends are paid on common shares. For equity settled DSUs,
the number of DSUs received by each participant is established at time of deferral. For cash settled DSUs, the number of DSUs received by
each participant is calculated using the Company’s average closing share price for the 20 trading days prior to and including the date of the
incentive payment. For each participant, the Company will grant a further 25% of the amount elected in DSUs, which will vest over a period
of four years. The election to receive eligible incentive payments in DSUs is no longer available to a participant when the value of the
participant’s vested DSUs is sufficient to meet the Company’s stock ownership guidelines.
On December 9, 2014, 1.7 million cash settled DSUs were modified to equity settled awards. The modification affected DSUs held by
104 employees and did not result in the recognition of incremental compensation cost as the awards were previously recognized at fair
value. Further, there was no change to the vesting conditions of the awards.
Equity settled awards
DSUs are settled in common shares of the Company at the time of cessation of employment by way of an open market purchase by the
Company. The number of shares remitted to the participant is equal to the number of DSUs awarded less shares withheld to satisfy the
participant’s minimum statutory withholding tax requirement.
The total fair value of equity settled DSU awards vested in both 2016 and 2015 was $1 million.
Cash settled awards
The value of each participant’s DSUs is payable in cash at the time of cessation of employment.
The total fair value of cash settled DSU awards vested in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $nil.
The following table provides a summary of the activity related to DSU awards:
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
Granted
Vested
Settled (3)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 (4)
Equity settled
DSUs (1)
Units
In millions
1.8
-
-
(0.3)
1.5
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
$
$
$
$
$
76.44
73.63
81.71
76.35
76.54
Cash settled
DSUs (2)
Units
In millions
0.4
-
-
(0.1)
0.3
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The grant date fair value of equity settled DSUs granted in 2016 of $2 million is calculated using the Company’s stock price on the grant date. As at December 31,
2016, the aggregate intrinsic value of equity settled DSUs outstanding amounted to $133 million.
The fair value at December 31, 2016 of cash settled DSUs is based on the intrinsic value. As at December 31, 2016 the liability for cash settled DSUs was $35
million (2015 - $36 million). The closing stock price used to determine the liability was $90.36.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company purchased 0.2 million common shares for the settlement of equity settled DSUs, net of the remittance of the
participants’ minimum statutory withholding tax obligation of $16 million.
The number of units outstanding that were nonvested, unrecognized compensation cost and the remaining recognition period for cash and equity settled DSUs
have not been quantified as they relate to a minimal number of units.
82 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock option awards
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 issued by the Company are conventional options that vest over a
period of time. The right to exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continuous employment. Options are not
generally exercisable during the first 12 months after the date of grant and expire after 10 years. As at December 31, 2016, 17.2 million
common shares remained authorized for future issuances under these plans.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company granted 1.2 million (2015 - 0.9 million; 2014 - 1.0 million) stock options.
As at December 31, 2016, the total number of conventional options outstanding was 5.3 million.
The following table provides the activity of stock option awards during 2016, and for options outstanding and exercisable at December
31, 2016, the weighted-average exercise price:
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (1)
Granted (2)
Forfeited/Cancelled
Exercised (3)
Vested (4)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 (1)
Exercisable at December 31, 2016 (1)
Options outstanding
Nonvested options
Number of
options
In millions
5.9
1.2
(0.2)
(1.6)
N/A
5.3
2.9
Weighted-average
exercise price
Number of
options
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
$
$
$
$
$
$
53.43
75.16
70.92
37.65
N/A
61.07
49.91
In millions
2.3
1.2
(0.2)
N/A
(0.9)
2.4
N/A
$
$
$
$
$
10.94
10.57
10.62
N/A
9.98
11.16
N/A
(1)
(2)
(3)
Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.
The grant date fair value of options awarded in 2016 of $13 million is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As at December 31, 2016, total
unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options outstanding was $8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1
years.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2016 was $73 million (2015 - $127 million; 2014 - $50 million). The cash received upon exercise of options in 2016
was $61 million (2015 - $74 million; 2014 - $25 million) and the related excess tax benefit realized in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $5 million.
(4)
The grant date fair value of options vested in 2016 was $10 million (2015 - $9 million; 2014 - $9 million).
The following table provides the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2016 by range of exercise
price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration. The table also provides the
aggregate intrinsic value for in-the-money stock options, which represents the value that would have been received by option holders had
they exercised their options on December 31, 2016 at the Company’s closing stock price of $90.36.
Range of exercise prices
$ 20.95 - $ 32.28
$ 32.29 - $ 49.84
$ 49.85 - $ 67.12
$ 67.13 - $ 74.00
$ 74.01 - $ 92.77
Balance at December 31, 2016 (1)
Number
of options
In millions
0.5
1.1
1.3
1.1
1.3
5.3
Options outstanding
Weighted-
average years
to expiration
Weighted-
average
exercise price
Options exercisable
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
In millions
Number of
options
In millions
Weighted-
average
exercise price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
In millions
2.1
4.7
5.9
8.2
8.5
6.5
$
$
$
$
$
$
24.54
42.73
57.56
70.93
83.82
$
30
51
43
23
9
61.07
$
156
0.5
1.0
1.0
0.2
0.2
2.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
24.54
42.34
56.54
71.08
87.80
$
30
48
34
4
1
49.91
$
117
(1)
Stock options with a US dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. As at
December 31, 2016, substantially all of the stock options outstanding were in-the-money. The weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options
was 5 years.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 83
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the assumptions used in the valuation of stock option awards:
Year of grant
Assumptions
Grant price ($)
Expected stock price volatility (1)
Expected term (years) (2)
Risk-free interest rate (3)
Dividend rate ($) (4)
Weighted-average grant date fair value ($)
2016
2015
2014
75.16
20%
5.5
0.76%
1.50
10.57
84.47
20%
5.5
0.78%
1.25
13.21
58.74
23%
5.4
1.51%
1.00
11.09
.
(1) Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
(2) Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to predict option exercise behavior.
(3) Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(4) Based on the annualized dividend rate.
Stock price volatility
Compensation cost for the Company’s cash settled Share Units Plan is based on the fair value of the awards at each period end using the
lattice-based valuation model for which a primary assumption is the Company’s share price. In addition, the Company’s liability for the cash
settled VIDP is marked-to-market at each period-end and, as such, is also reliant on the Company’s share price. Fluctuations in the
Company’s share price cause volatility to stock-based compensation expense as recorded in Net income. The Company does not currently
hold any derivative financial instruments to manage this exposure. A $1 change in the Company’s share price at December 31, 2016 would
have an impact of approximately $1 million on stock-based compensation expense.
Employee Share Investment Plan
The Company has an Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP) giving eligible employees the opportunity to subscribe for up to 10% 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 employees’
behalf, a further 35% of the amount invested by the employees, up to 6% of their gross salaries.
The following table provides the number of participants holding shares, the total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of
employees, including the Company’s contributions, as well as the resulting expense recorded for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015
and 2014:
Number of participants holding shares
Total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees (millions)
Expense for Company contribution (millions)
Year ended December 31,
2016
19,108
2015
19,728
$
1.9
37
$
2.0
38
$
2014
18,488
2.1
34
84 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
15 - Accumulated other comprehensive loss
In millions
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
Pension
and other
postretirement
benefit plans
Derivative
instruments
Total
before
tax
Income tax
recovery
(expense)
Total
net of
tax
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
(533)
$
(1,515)
$
8
$
(2,040)
$
190
$
(1,850)
644
(569)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications:
Foreign exchange gain on
translation of net investment in
foreign operations
Foreign exchange loss on
translation of US dollar-
denominated debt designated
as a hedge of the net investment
in U.S. subsidiaries
Actuarial loss arising during the year
Prior service cost from plan
amendment arising during the year
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service costs
Settlement loss arising during the year
Amortization of gain on treasury lock
(1,120)
(4)
120
6
3
Other comprehensive income (loss)
75
(995)
644
4
648
(569)
(1,120)
(4)
120 (1)
6 (1)
3 (1)
(1) (3)
(921)
(1)
(1)
73
301
1
(32) (2)
(2) (2)
(1) (2)
-
344
534
(496)
(819)
(3)
88
4
2
(1)
(577)
$
(2,427)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
(458)
$
(2,510)
$
7
$
(2,961)
$
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications:
Foreign exchange gain on
translation of net investment in
foreign operations
Foreign exchange loss on
translation of US dollar-
denominated debt designated
as a hedge of the net investment
in U.S. subsidiaries
Actuarial gain arising during the year
Prior service cost from plan
amendment arising during the year
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service costs
Settlement loss arising during the year
1,607
(1,358)
Other comprehensive income
249
74
(1)
224
5
4
306
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
(209)
$
(2,204)
$
1,607
-
1,607
(1,358)
74
(1)
224 (1)
5 (1)
4 (1)
555
$
(2,406)
$
-
7
181
(18)
-
(56) (2)
(1) (2)
(1) (2)
105
639
(1,177)
56
(1)
168
4
3
660
$
(1,767)
(1)
(2)
(3)
Reclassified to Labor and fringe benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income and included in components of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 12 -
Pensions and other postretirement benefits.
Included in Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Related to treasury lock transactions settled in prior years, which are being amortized over the terms of the related debt to Interest expense on the Consolidated
Statements of Income.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 85
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
In millions
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
Pension
and other
postretirement
benefit plans
Derivative
instruments
Total
before
tax
Income tax
recovery
(expense)
Total
net of
tax
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
(209)
$
(2,204)
$
7
$
(2,406)
$
639
$
(1,767)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications:
Foreign exchange loss on
translation of net investment in
foreign operations
Foreign exchange gain on
translation of US dollar-
denominated debt designated
as a hedge of the net investment
in U.S. subsidiaries
(310)
265
Actuarial loss arising during the year
(881)
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated
other comprehensive loss:
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service costs
Settlement loss arising during the year
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(45)
172
5
10
(694)
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
(254) $
(2,898)
$
-
7
(310)
-
(310)
265
(881)
172 (1)
5 (1)
10 (1)
(739)
$
(3,145)
$
(35)
235
(47) (2)
(1) (2)
(4) (2)
148
787
230
(646)
125
4
6
(591)
$
(2,358)
(1)
(2)
Reclassified to Labor and fringe benefits in the Consolidated Statements of Income and included in components of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 12 -
Pensions and other postretirement benefits.
Included in Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
16 – Major commitments and contingencies
Lease commitments
The Company has operating and capital leases, mainly for locomotives, freight cars and intermodal equipment. Of the capital leases, many
provide the option to purchase the leased items at fixed values during or at the end of the lease term. As at December 31, 2016, the
Company’s commitments under these operating and capital leases were $629 million and $439 million, respectively. Future minimum rental
payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of more than one year and minimum lease payments for capital
leases for the next five years and thereafter, are as follows:
In millions
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 and thereafter
Total
Less:
Imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 0.7% to 6.8%
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt (Note 10)
$
$
Operating
Capital
140
126
96
66
48
153
629
$
$
224
24
17
22
12
140
439
95
344
Rental expense for operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $197 million (2015 - $204 million; 2014 - $201 million).
86 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Purchase commitments
As at December 31, 2016, the Company had commitments to purchase railroad ties, rail, freight cars, fuel, and other equipment and
services, as well as outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses, at an aggregate cost of $1,115 million.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive
damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party
personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not
limited to, derailments or other accidents.
Canada
Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a
lump sum or a future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. As such, the provision for employee injury
claims is discounted. In the provinces where the Company is self-insured, costs related to employee work-related injuries are accounted for
based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-
party administration costs. An actuarial study is generally performed at least on a triennial basis. For all other legal actions, the Company
maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be
reasonably estimated based on currently available information.
In 2016, the Company recorded a decrease of $11 million to its provision for personal injuries and other claims in Canada as a result of
an actuarial valuation for employee injury claims as well as various other legal claims. In 2015 and 2014, actuarial valuations resulted in a
decrease of $12 million and $2 million, respectively.
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in Canada was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
End of year
Current portion - End of year
United States
2016
191
24
(32)
183
39
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
203
17
(29)
191
27
$
$
$
2014
210
28
(35)
203
28
Personal injury claims by the Company’s employees, including claims alleging occupational disease and work-related injuries, are subject to
the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Employees are compensated under FELA for damages assessed based on a
finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or through individual settlements. As such, the provision is undiscounted. With limited
exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected
cost for personal injury, including asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, and property damage claims, based on actuarial
estimates of their ultimate cost. An actuarial study is performed annually.
For employee work-related injuries, including asserted occupational disease claims, and third-party claims, including grade crossing,
trespasser and property damage claims, the actuarial valuation considers, among other factors, the Company’s historical patterns of claims
filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial valuation includes the projection of the Company’s
experience into the future considering the potentially exposed population. The Company adjusts its liability based upon management’s
assessment and the results of the study. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest
actuarial valuation with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.
Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events, including events related to occupational diseases, which include but
are not limited to, the timing and number of actual claims, the average cost per claim and the legislative and judicial environment, the
Company’s future payments may differ from current amounts recorded.
In 2016, the Company recorded an increase of $21 million to its provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims attributable to
occupational disease claims, non-occupational disease claims and third-party claims pursuant to the 2016 actuarial valuation. In 2015 and
2014, actuarial valuations resulted in a decrease of $5 million and $20 million, respectively. The prior years’ decreases from the 2015 and
2014 actuarial valuations were mainly attributable to non-occupational disease claims, occupational disease claims and third-party claims
reflecting a decrease in the Company’s estimates of unasserted claims and costs related to asserted claims. The Company has an ongoing
risk mitigation strategy focused on reducing the frequency and severity of claims through injury prevention and containment; mitigation of
claims; and lower settlements of existing claims.
CN | 2016 Annual Report 87
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s provision for personal injury and other claims in the U.S. was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
Foreign exchange
End of year
Current portion - End of year
2016
2015
$
$
$
105
51
(34)
(4)
118
37
$
$
$
95
22
(30)
18
105
24
$
$
$
2014
106
2
(22)
9
95
20
Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with
respect to actions outstanding or pending at December 31, 2016, or with respect to future claims, cannot be reasonably determined. When
establishing provisions for contingent liabilities the Company considers, where a probable loss estimate cannot be made with reasonable
certainty, a range of potential probable losses for each such matter, and records the amount it considers the most reasonable estimate
within the range. However, when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the
range is accrued. For matters where a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, a range of potential losses cannot be estimated due to
various factors which may include the limited availability of facts, the lack of demand for specific damages and the fact that proceedings
were at an early stage. Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of the actions against the
Company will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position.
However, due to the inherent inability to predict with certainty unforeseeable future developments, there can be no assurance that the
ultimate resolution of these actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or
liquidity.
Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in
Canada and the U.S. 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 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.
Known existing environmental concerns
The Company has identified approximately 170 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other
potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions,
including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
(CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian
and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of
a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company
has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at 6 sites governed by the Superfund law (and
analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many
instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.
The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established given that the estimated
environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination; the nature of anticipated
response actions, taking into account the available clean-up techniques; evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability; and
the number of potentially responsible parties and their financial viability. As a result, liabilities are recorded based on the results of a four-
phase assessment conducted on a site-by-site basis. A liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur, remedial efforts
are probable, 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. The Company estimates the costs related to a particular site using cost scenarios established
by external consultants based on the extent of contamination and expected costs for remedial efforts. In the case of multiple parties, the
Company accrues its allocable share of liability taking into account the Company’s alleged responsibility, the number of potentially
responsible parties and their ability to pay their respective share of the liability. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional
information becomes available.
88 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company’s provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as
well as monitoring costs. Environmental expenses, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income,
include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates. Recoveries of environmental
remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets when their receipt is deemed probable.
As at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s provision for specific environmental sites was as follows:
In millions
Beginning of year
Accruals and other
Payments
Foreign exchange
End of year
Current portion - End of year
2016
110
6
(29)
(1)
86
50
$
$
$
$
$
$
2015
114
81
(91)
6
110
51
$
$
$
2014
119
11
(19)
3
114
45
The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2016 will be paid out over the next five years. Based on the
information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.
Unknown existing environmental concerns
While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters based on known information, the
discovery of new facts, future changes in laws, the possibility of releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s
ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties may result in the identification of
additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future
environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:
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;
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; and
the determination of the Company’s liability in proportion to other potentially responsible parties and the ability to recover costs from
any third parties with respect to particular sites.
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 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 liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current
information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or
liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and
reasonably estimable.
Future occurrences
In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous
materials, 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, compliance with laws and other risks, including costs relating to the performance of
clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.
Regulatory compliance
The Company may incur significant capital and operating costs 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. Operating
expenses related to regulatory compliance activities for environmental matters for the year ended December 31, 2016 amounted to $19
million (2015 - $20 million; 2014 - $20 million). In addition, based on the results of its operations and maintenance programs, as well as
ongoing environmental audits and other factors, the Company plans for specific capital improvements on an annual basis. Certain of these
improvements help ensure facilities, such as fuelling stations and waste water and storm water treatment systems, comply with
environmental standards and include new construction and the updating of existing systems and/or processes. Other capital expenditures
relate to assessing and remediating certain impaired properties. The Company’s environmental capital expenditures for the year ended
December 31, 2016 amounted to $15 million (2015 - $18 million; 2014 - $19 million).
CN | 2016 Annual Report 89
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing
guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are
not limited to, residual value guarantees of operating leases, standby letters of credit, surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are
customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.
Guarantees
Guarantee of residual values of operating leases
The Company has guaranteed a portion of the residual values of certain of its assets under operating leases with expiry dates between 2017
and 2022, for the benefit of the lessor. If the fair value of the assets at the end of their respective lease term is less than the fair value, as
estimated at the inception of the lease, then the Company must, under certain conditions, compensate the lessor for the shortfall. As at
December 31, 2016, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $161 million (2015 - $200 million). There are no recourse
provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.
Other guarantees
As at December 31, 2016, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $451 million (2015 - $551 million) under the committed
bilateral letter of credit facilities and $68 million (2015 - $nil) under the uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, and surety and other
bonds of $169 million (2015 - $120 million), all issued by financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings to third parties to
indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations.
As at December 31, 2016, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $688 million (2015 - $671 million), of
which $629 million (2015 - $589 million) related to other employee benefit liabilities and workers’ compensation and $59 million (2015 -
$82 million) related to other liabilities. The guarantee instruments expire at various dates between 2017 and 2019.
As at December 31, 2016, the Company had not recorded a liability with respect to guarantees as the Company did not expect to make any
payments under its guarantees.
General indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company provides indemnifications, customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business,
in various agreements with third parties, including indemnification provisions where the Company would be required to indemnify third
parties and others. During the year, the Company entered into various contracts with third parties for which an indemnification was
provided. Due to the nature of the indemnification clauses, the maximum exposure for future payments cannot be reasonably determined.
To the extent of any actual claims under these agreements, the Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be
adequate. As at December 31, 2016, the Company had not recorded a liability with respect to any indemnifications.
17 - Financial instruments
Risk management
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various risks from its use of financial instruments. To manage these risks, the
Company follows a financial risk management framework, which is monitored and approved by the Company’s Finance Committee, with a
goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, optimizing earnings per share and free cash flow, financing its operations at an optimal cost of
capital and preserving its liquidity. The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments in the management of its risks
and does not hold or issue them for trading or speculative purposes.
Foreign currency risk
The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Changes in the
exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the US dollar affect the Company’s revenues and expenses. To manage foreign currency risk,
the Company designates US dollar-denominated long-term debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in
U.S. subsidiaries. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company’s US dollar-
denominated long-term debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which minimizes volatility of earnings resulting from
the conversion of US dollar-denominated long-term debt into the Canadian dollar.
90 CN | 2016 Annual Report
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company also enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency risk. As at December 31,
2016, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional value of US$1,035 million (2015 - US$361 million).
Changes in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts, resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates, are recognized in Other
income in the Consolidated Statements of Income as they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a loss of $1
million (2015 - gain of $61 million; 2014 - gain of $9 million) related to foreign exchange forward contracts. These losses or gains were
largely offset by the re-measurement of US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recognized in Other income. As at December
31, 2016, Other current assets included an unrealized gain of $19 million (2015 - $4 million) and Accounts payable and other included an
unrealized loss of $1 million (2015 - $2 million), related to the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts.
Interest rate risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will vary as a
result of changes in market interest rates. Such risk exists in relation to the Company’s long-term debt. The Company mainly issues fixed-rate
debt, which exposes the Company to variability in the fair value of the debt. The Company also issues debt with variable interest rates, which
exposes the Company to variability in interest expense.
To manage interest rate risk, the Company manages its borrowings in line with liquidity needs, maturity schedule, and currency and
interest rate profile. In anticipation of future debt issuances, the Company may use derivative instruments such as forward rate agreements.
The Company does not currently hold any significant derivative instruments to manage its interest rate risk. As at December 31, 2016,
Accumulated other comprehensive loss included an unamortized gain of $7 million (2015 - $7 million) relating to treasury lock transactions
settled in a prior year, which is being amortized over the term of the related debt.
Fair value of financial instruments
The following table provides the valuation methods and assumptions used by the Company to estimate the fair value of financial instruments
and their associated level within the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1
Quoted prices for identical
instruments in active markets
The carrying amounts of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate fair
value. These financial instruments include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from
maturity, for which the fair value is determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets.
Level 2
Significant inputs (other than
quoted prices included in
Level 1) are observable
The carrying amounts of Accounts receivable, Other current assets, and Accounts payable and other
approximate fair value. The fair value of these financial instruments is not determined using quoted prices, but
rather from market observable information. The fair value of derivative financial instruments used to manage
the Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk and included in Other current assets and Accounts payable
and other is measured by discounting future cash flows using a discount rate derived from market data for
financial instruments subject to similar risks and maturities.
The carrying amount of the Company’s debt does not approximate fair value. The fair value is estimated based
on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using
current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity. As at December 31,
2016, the Company’s debt had a carrying amount of $10,937 million (2015 - $10,427 million) and a fair value
of $12,084 million (2015 - $11,720 million).
Level 3
Significant inputs are
unobservable
The carrying amounts of investments included in Intangible and other assets approximate fair value, with the
exception of certain cost investments for which significant inputs are unobservable and fair value is estimated
based on the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying net assets. As at December 31, 2016, the
Company’s investments had a carrying amount of $68 million (2015 - $69 million) and a fair value of $220
million (2015 - $220 million).
CN | 2016 Annual Report 91
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
18 – Segmented information
The Company manages its operations as one business segment over a single network that spans vast geographic distances and territories,
with operations in Canada and the U.S. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income, and cash flow from
operations, is used by corporate management, including the Company’s chief operating decision-maker, in evaluating financial and
operational performance and allocating resources across CN’s network.
The Company’s strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate
management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region). Corporate
management is responsible for, among others, CN’s marketing strategy, the management of large customer accounts, overall planning and
control of infrastructure and rolling stock, the allocation of resources, and other functions such as financial planning, accounting and
treasury.
The role of each region is to manage the day-to-day service requirements within their respective territories and control direct costs
incurred locally. Such cost control is required to ensure that pre-established efficiency standards set at the corporate level are met. The
regions execute the overall corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management, as their management of
throughput and control of direct costs does not serve as the platform for the Company’s decision-making process. Approximately 95% of
the Company’s freight revenues are from national accounts for which freight traffic spans North America and touches various commodity
groups. As a result, the Company does not manage revenues on a regional basis since a large number of the movements originate in one
region and pass through and/or terminate in another region.
The regions also demonstrate common characteristics in each of the following areas:
each region’s sole business activity is the transportation of freight over the Company’s extensive rail network;
the regions service national accounts that extend over the Company’s various commodity groups and across its rail network;
the services offered by the Company stem predominantly from the transportation of freight by rail with the goal of optimizing the rail
network as a whole; and
the Company and its subsidiaries, not its regions, are subject to regulatory regimes in both Canada and the U.S.
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, no major customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues and the
largest rail freight customer represented approximately 3%, 3%, and 2%, respectively, of total annual rail freight revenues.
The following tables provide information by geographic area:
Year ended December 31,
2016
2015
2014
8,108
4,026
12,134
2,249
918
3,167
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,971
4,066
12,037
2,708
932
3,640
2016
17,445
16,310
33,755
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,283
4,328
12,611
2,469
1,069
3,538
2015
16,737
15,887
32,624
December 31,
In millions
Revenues
Canada
U.S.
Total revenues
Net income
Canada
U.S.
Total net income
In millions
Properties
Canada
U.S.
Total properties
92 CN | 2016 Annual Report
CONTENTS
INNOVATION IN MOTION
SHAREHOLDER AND INVESTOR INFORMATION
Except where otherwise
indicated, all financial
information reflected in
this document is expressed
in Canadian dollars and
determined on the basis
of United States gener-
ally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP).
I A Message from the Chairman
II A Message from the President and CEO
IV Innovation in Motion:
Innovation Helping CN Deliver Safely
Innovating with Grain Customers
Innovation is Part of the Climate Solution
Innovation in Corporate Governance
VIII
Board of Directors
FINANCIAL SECTION
1
Selected Railroad Statistics – unaudited
2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
51 Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting
52
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
54 Consolidated Financial Statements
58 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
93
Shareholder and Investor Information
Certain statements included in this annual report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature,
forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions
may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time
they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology
such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “outlook,” “plans,” “targets” or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially
different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are
advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-
looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects of general economic and business conditions; industry
competition; inflation; currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory
developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; security threats; reliance
on technology; trade restrictions; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations,
including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations
and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and
litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments, and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN
with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to “Management’s Discussion
and Analysis” in CN’s annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S.
securities regulators and available on CN’s website, for a description of major risk factors.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to
update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs,
unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference
should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other
forward-looking statement.
As used herein, the word “Company” or “CN” means, as the context requires, Canadian National Railway Company
and/or its subsidiaries.
Annual meeting
Shareholder services
The annual meeting of shareholders
Shareholders having inquiries concerning
will be held at 9:00 a.m. CST on
their shares, wishing to obtain information
April 25, 2017 at:
about CN, or to receive dividends by direct
The Hotel Saskatchewan
Regency Ballroom
2125 Victoria Avenue
deposit or in U.S. dollars may obtain
detailed information by communicating
with:
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Annual information form
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
The annual information form may be
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
Shareholder Services
obtained by writing to:
The Corporate Secretary
Canadian National Railway Company
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253
www.investorcentre.com
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Stock exchanges
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
CN common shares are listed on the
It is also available on CN’s website.
Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
Ticker symbols:
Transfer agent and registrar
CNR (Toronto Stock Exchange)
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
CNI (New York Stock Exchange)
Offices in:
Montreal, Quebec
Toronto, Ontario
Calgary, Alberta
Vancouver, British Columbia
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253
www.investorcentre.com
Investor relations
Paul Butcher
Vice-President, Investor Relations
Telephone: 514-399-0052
Head office
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Co-transfer agent and co-registrar
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
P.O. Box 8100
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3N4
Computershare Trust Company N.A.
Att: Stock Transfer Department
Overnight Mail Delivery:
250 Royall Street, Canton MA 02021
Regular Mail Delivery: P.O. Box 43078,
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Telephone: 1-800-962-4284
Additional copies of this report are
La version française du présent rapport
available from:
CN Public Affairs
est disponible à l’adresse suivante :
Affaires publiques du CN
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
935, rue de La Gauchetière Ouest
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
Telephone: 1-888-888-5909
Email: contact@cn.ca
Montréal (Québec) H3B 2M9
Téléphone : 1 888 888-5909
Courriel : contact@cn.ca
This report has
been printed on
30% post-consumer
recycled content.
CN | 2016 Annual Report
93
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
www.cn.ca
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