Together into our next century
2018 Annual Report
C O N T E N T S
I CN100 – A Moving Celebration
II Highlights
III Message from Robert Pace
IV Message from JJ Ruest
VI Celebrating 100 Years
VIII
Strengthening Our Safety Culture
X
Supply Chain Collaboration Drives Growth
XVI Building for a Sustainable Future
XVIII Corporate Governance
XIX Board of Directors
XX
Shareholder and Investor Information
F I N A N C I A L S E C T I O N
1
Selected Railroad Statistics – unaudited
2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis
56
Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting
57
Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
59 Consolidated Financial Statements
63 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information
reflected in this document is expressed in Canadian
dollars and determined on the basis of United States
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
included
Certain statements
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.
industry competition;
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance and involve risks, uncertainties
and other factors that 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
inflation, currency
conditions;
and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices;
legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance
with environmental laws and regulations; actions by
regulators; increases in maintenance and operating costs;
security threats; reliance on technology and related
cybersecurity risk; trade restrictions or other changes
to international trade arrangements; transportation of
hazardous materials; various events that could disrupt
operations, including natural events such as severe
weather, droughts, fires, 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; timing and
completion of capital programs; 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 Company” or “CN” refers to
Canadian National Railway Company and, as the context
requires, its wholly owned subsidiaries.
For CN’s 100th anniversary, we invite you to
discover, explore and celebrate the people, places
and events that have made us who we are.
Stopping in cities across North America,
CN100 – A Moving Celebration will be a travelling
collection of informative experiences. It will be a
great way for CN’s extended family and friends
to look back on the miles we’ve covered together
and imagine what lies ahead. For the general
public, it will be a warm reunion with a
century-old neighbour, and a reminder of
the ties that continue to bind us.
Join us in celebrating
100 years on the move!
cn.ca/cn100
I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
H I G HL I G HT S
Solid top-line growth
$14.3B
REVENUES
10%
With approximately $1.3 billion of revenue growth in the final
three quarters of the year, CN regained its position of strength,
finishing with revenues up 10% over 2017.
Improved operating efficiency
$5.5B
OPERATING INCOME
5%
Operating income up 5% over 2017. We are focused on operational
productivity and services that resonate with customers.
Strong earnings
$5.87
DILUTED EPS
$5.50
ADJUSTED DILUTED EPS1
19%
10%
While diluted earnings per share decreased 19% compared to 2017,
adjusted diluted EPS1 increased 10%. Included in diluted EPS in
2017 was a deferred income tax recovery of $2.33 per diluted share,
resulting from the enactment of a lower U.S. federal corporate
income tax rate.
1. See the section entitled Adjusted performance measures in the MD&A for
an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
MESSAG E FROM ROB ER T PAC E
2019 is a very special year for our Company as it marks our 100th anniversary. From the start, in 1919,
CN played an important role in nation building. Our passenger service carried troops during wartime
and immigrants to new horizons in peacetime. Our deep history of innovation included CNR Radio,
North America’s first radio network, which later became the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
CN also founded Trans-Canada Airlines, which is now Air Canada. Over the past 100 years, including our
privatization in 1995 and expansion of our network all the way down to New Orleans, CN has become
an iconic brand, synonymous with innovation and operational excellence.
of our governance practices. CN was also ranked
as one of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada
by Corporate Knights and took Best in Sector –
Industrials honours in IR Magazine’s global ranking
of investor relations excellence.
CN is making great strides to increase diversity
within the Company and on the Board, where 38%
of our directors are women. In October 2018, CN
became the first transportation company in Canada
to receive the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Bronze
Level certification from the Canadian Council for
Aboriginal Business for our commitment to working
with Aboriginal communities and businesses.
We were also selected as one of Canada’s Best
On behalf of CN’s Board of Directors, I would
Diversity Employers by The Globe and Mail.
like to express my appreciation for the ongoing
support of our shareholders. In 2018, CN returned
Earning a place among the world’s best
$3.3 billion to shareholders in the form of
I am gratified as well that CN’s sustainability
dividends and share repurchases. I am proud that
performance continues to earn us a place among the
CN’s dividend has increased on average by 16%
world’s best for several years running. For example, we
every year since our IPO in 1995.
are consistently listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability
Under the skillful leadership of our new President
World Index and recognized for climate change
and CEO, JJ Ruest, CN’s well-earned reputation for
transparency, with a place on CDP’s exclusive A List
operational and service excellence has returned
for 10 years straight. Additionally, we continue to be
to historic levels and volumes continue to grow.
a member of the FTSE4Good Index, Global Challenges
The Company has delivered another solid financial
Index and Jantzi Social Index, among others.
performance in 2018. As a result, the Board was pleased
The Board is extremely proud of the Company’s
to approve an 18% increase in our annual dividend,
performance in 2018. We are confident CN is well
the 23rd consecutive annual increase for the Company.
positioned for ongoing growth and we look forward
Adhering to the highest standards
We continue our commitment to being a responsible
corporate citizen in every aspect of our business.
In 2018, The Globe and Mail placed CN first in
the industrials group and third overall among
Canadian publicly traded companies for the quality
to continued success over the next 100 years.
Sincerely,
ROBERT PACE, D.COMM., C.M.
Chair of the Board
I I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
MESSAG E FROM JJ RUEST
I am deeply honoured to have been selected by CN’s Board of Directors to lead our great railroad as
President and CEO, and I am humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me. I would like to express
my sincerest gratitude to all our dedicated employees, customers, supply chain partners and shareholders
for their continued support.
Ramping up our infrastructure, equipment
and talent
How did we accomplish this rapid turnaround?
We ramped up our capital investments to a record
$3.5 billion to ensure our great team of railroaders
has the right infrastructure and equipment to
restore fluidity to the network and handle growing
traffic volumes. In 2018, we undertook the largest
number of infrastructure projects in CN’s history,
including expanding yards, adding new sidings and
doubling sections of track to create more places
where trains can safely meet and pass.
CN took delivery of 65 new GE Tier 4 EvolutionTM
series locomotives in 2018 and will be receiving
140 more in 2019. The remaining 55 locomotives
from our earlier order of 260 will be delivered in
2020. In 2018, we acquired nearly 1,000 lumber
cars and over 600 boxcars to rejuvenate the fleets
CN began 2018 with challenging customer service
serving our forest products and metals customers.
and network capacity problems, as volume growth
We are also acquiring 1,000 new-generation
outpaced our capacity. Implementation of record
higher capacity grain hopper cars over the next
capital investment and service quality programs
two years to replace aging equipment and to meet
have produced outstanding results. In 2018, the
the growing needs of the Canadian grain grower
number of revenue ton miles (RTMs) delivered
business community.
by CN was 5% higher than in 2017, with notable
In the first half of 2019, we will receive
growth in shipments of intermodal containers,
325 additional lumber cars, another 430 boxcars,
coal, metals and minerals, petroleum and
and 500 of the new grain hopper cars. Throughout
chemicals, and grain and fertilizers.
2019, we will continue to expand our fleet of
Despite a tough first quarter, CN’s financial
air repeater cars that help maintain train length
perfor mance gained momentum throughout the
during the long and bitterly cold winter nights in
latter three quarters of 2018. Overall, compared
the West by preserving air pressure in the train
to 2017, 2018 revenues were up approximately
brake lines.
$1.3 billion, or 10%, to a record $14.3 billion.
We also hired and trained roughly 1,600 new
Diluted earnings per share stood at $5.87 and
adjusted diluted earnings per share1 increased
conductors in 2018, with an additional 500 already
in the pipeline and on track to be fully qualified
10% to $5.50, another record high.
in 2019.
I V C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
“ 2019 marks CN’s 100th anniversary
and we have a great deal to be proud
of as we move into our next century.”
JJ Ruest
We plan to set a new record in 2019 with a
Still improving after 100 years
capital program of $3.9 billion that is focused on
2019 marks CN’s 100th anniversary and we have
adding network capacity to accommodate our solid
a great deal to be proud of as we move into our
pipeline of growth opportunities in very diverse
next century. We have evolved from a collection of
markets, deploying technology on our scheduled
disparate railways into a leading North American
railroad operations to drive down costs and improve
transportation and supply chain company. We have
productivity, and renewing our locomotive fleet.
a strong track record of operational and service
excellence, driven by end-to-end supply chain
Strengthening our safety culture
solutions that drive growth – for CN, for our valued
We remain committed to investing significantly
customers, and for our supply chain partners.
in training, coaching and employee engagement
initiatives to strengthen our safety culture. Safety
In 2019, we are aiming for another good year for
CN, with high single-digit RTM growth expected.2 We
is a core value for all at CN, and we are leveraging
are taking action and continue to see strong potential
recent advances in technology to help achieve our
for organic growth in key existing markets, including
goal of being the safest railroad in North America.
petroleum products, coal, intermodal containers,
For example, in 2018, we built four automated
lumber and panels, and Canadian grain. In addition,
train inspection portals and we plan to install three
we are keeping a close eye on acquisition opportunities
more in 2019. We will also add eight autonomous
with a strong focus on services that bring volume to
track inspection cars to our network in 2019–2020.
our core rail franchise. I am confident we will continue
As they ramp up, these cutting-edge technologies
to work in collaboration with our customers, supply
will improve inspection reliability as well as provide
chain partners and government stakeholders to
richer data analytics to generate predictive models
enable us to grow faster than the overall economy.
and drive preventative maintenance. Technology
CN is a dynamic organization and our team is
has an important role to play in the rail industry’s
talented, experienced and energized to meet the
future, and CN wants to be a pioneer in making
growing needs of the North American economy.
that happen.
We continue to raise our game to align with new
market realities and lead the industry. Our remarkable
Growing through partnerships and acquisitions
journey continues, together into our next century.
Beginning with our groundbreaking acquisition
of the Illinois Central, we have invested $8 billion
in strategic acquisitions since 1998; these included
the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway in 2009 to
create a unique strategic route around Chicago,
an important competitive advantage for CN. This
approach continues, pending regulatory approval,
with the acquisition of TransX, one of Canada’s
most established and largest transportation
companies, which will allow us to expand our coast-
to-coast domestic intermodal and temperature-
controlled supply chains.
Sincerely,
JJ RUEST
President and Chief Executive Officer
1. See the section entitled Adjusted performance measures in
the MD&A for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
2. See website, Fourth Quarter Results, cn.ca/financial-results,
for a summary of key assumptions and important risk factors
underlying CN’s 2019 financial outlook.
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Celebrating
100 Years
01 Passengers listen to CNR Radio,
the forerunner of the CBC, in
1929. CSTM: CN000299
02 Built in 1944, CNR 6060
operated until 1960, was
restored for Expo 86 and pulled
a tourist train until 2009.
CSTM: 44089
03 CN covers staggeringly
beautiful landscapes, including
this one in Henry House, AB.
Ron Worobec/CN
04 Safety has always been a core
value at CN. Here, a mechanic
greases engine parts in
Belleville, ON, in 1957.
CSTM: CN003772
05 Women pose for a photo with
CNR 6060 in Montreal, QC,
as part of a campaign to sell
Victory Bonds in 1944.
CSTM: CN003875
06 Passengers enjoying the
spectacular mountain scenery
near Jasper, AB, in 1946.
CSTM: 45103_1
07
In June 1945, members of the
1st Paratroop Division board
a passenger train bound for
home from Halifax, NS.
CSTM: CN009688
08 Besides steam and diesel, CN
equipment sometimes used
human power. Here, workers
pump a handcar at Turcot Yard
in Montreal, QC, in 1942.
CSTM: CN003995
09 A 1956 Chevy Bel Air is
unloaded from a bi-level
transporter in Moncton, NB.
CSTM: CN000533
CSTM:
Canada Science and
Technology Museum
07
08
09
V I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
V I I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
ST RENGTHEN I NG OU R SAFE T Y CULT U RE
Nothing is more important to CN than running a safe railroad. We strive to safeguard our employees, assets,
customers’ goods, neighbouring communities and the environment – always.
We are providing the leadership, training and
In 2018, we also used our two Track Evaluation
resources necessary to achieve our goal of becoming
System cars to test the safety of our infrastructure.
the safest railroad in North America. CN has a wide
Utilizing these cars to test approximately 66,000 miles
variety of initiatives to maintain a safe workplace
of track during the year, the equivalent of covering
and ensure employees have the necessary tools
our entire network more than three times, helped
and training to work safely. Our two CN campuses
us gather important data and improve preventative
trained over 10,400 experienced railroaders, new
maintenance. In 2019, we plan to add five autonomous
hires and customers over the course of 2018. We also
track inspection cars to our network, with three
continued our successful Looking Out for Each Other
more coming on stream in 2020. This cutting-edge
program, which urges our team members to work
technology will improve inspection reliability as well
together to be vigilant about safety and to speak up
as provide even richer and more frequent data sets
if they spot an unsafe situation.
to generate stronger predictive analytical models
and preventative safety enhancements.
Strengthening our community engagement
As rail safety is a shared responsibility, the cities,
towns and Aboriginal communities we serve are
powerful allies in promoting rail safety. Every
year, our Dangerous Goods team and other CN
employees bring critical information and training
to thousands of officials and emergency responders
in communities all along our network. During our
annual Rail Safety Week campaign, which aims to
educate communities about rail crossing safety,
CN police officers and other employees conducted
close to 200 activities at schools, community
centres, railway stations and level crossings across
Canada and the United States.
Automated Inspection Portal
Investing in safety technology
We are investing in inspection technology for our
trains and tracks. Our new Automated Inspection
Portals (AIPs) feature ultra-high-definition
panoramic cameras and infrared lighting that
capture a 360° view of a train as it travels through
the portal. These real-time inspections can then
assist in identifying a railcar needing repair. The
first four AIPs are currently commencing operation,
with three more being installed on our system
in 2019.
I X C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
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TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
SU PPLY C HA I N COLL ABO R AT I ON
D R I VES G ROW TH
CN’s unparalleled supply chain focus is a major factor in the Company’s success. We continue to be
committed to furthering our supply chain partnerships and meeting challenges head-on to better serve
our customers. Our philosophy is simple: as our customers and partners grow, we grow.
CN’s energy customers in Western Canada
are expanding
The gas-rich shale deposits in Alberta and British
Columbia are being served by new frac sand unit
train-receiving terminals. Increased demand from
propane shippers is supporting the development
of new propane export terminals at the Port of
Prince Rupert, expected to open in 2019–2020,
which will be exclusively served by CN unit
trains from production facilities northwest of
Edmonton. In this region, there are also three new
petrochemical plants and three plant expansions
planned, underway or completed. And, with
Alberta crude production exceeding pipeline
capacity, Canadian producers are increasingly
turning to CN’s crude-by-rail service to get their
product from Alberta to the United States.
CN’s port partners are growing
Many of the ports we serve are showing
confidence in our supply chain focus by investing
to expand their capacity. For example, the Port
of Prince Rupert and terminal operator DP World
unveiled the next phase of the Fairview container
terminal expansion, which will increase throughput
capacity from 1.35 million twenty-foot equivalent
units (TEUs) today to 1.8 million TEUs by 2022. This
latest expansion project comes on the heels of the
historic milestone of one million TEUs in a calendar
year achieved in 2018. This remarkable performance
was due in part to the new weekly marine carrier
service by THE Alliance and the opening of the new
Ray-Mont Logistics containerized bulk cargo facility.
In the decade since Fairview began operations,
its service has grown faster than any container
terminal in North America.
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TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
Using intermodal containers to
ship grain
In addition to delivering millions of intermodal
containers packed with manufactured goods in 2018,
CN moved over one million metric tons of grain,
pulse crops and grain products from our intermodal
terminals in the Canadian Prairies. The tonnage
represented the equivalent of over 11,000 hopper cars.
Delivering for our grain and fertilizer customers
chain model. Can-Est Transit at the Port of Montreal
Since 2015, 14 new grain elevators have been built
has 68,000 tons of storage and can load eight
on CN lines (13 directly served by CN) and six more
containers per hour. Columbia Containers, which
have been announced (all to be served directly by
is on the south shore of Vancouver, also recently
CN). In 2018, the following CN partners opened new
underwent an expansion project.
grain elevators in Western Canada: GrainsConnect
Parrish and Heimbecker, in a 50/50 joint venture
(Maymont and Reford, SK), G3 (Brewer and
with GrainsConnect, will begin construction of a new
Saskatoon West, SK), and Viterra (Vegreville,
grain terminal at the Port of Vancouver (Fraser Grain
AB, and Wadena, SK). In fact, over 80% of grain
Terminal). This facility will be served by CN and will
elevators being built or expanded in the Prairies
have the capacity to rapidly handle and discharge up
are being built or expanded on our network.
to 120 railcars. Two additional export terminals in
Shippers are also expanding the railcar-receiving
Vancouver (G3 and Fibreco) are expected to come
capacity of their container-stuffing facilities. In the
on stream by 2020.
fall of 2017, Ray-Mont Logistics opened a transload
In 2018, Parrish and Heimbecker announced the
facility in Prince Rupert capable of receiving unit
expansion of their fertilizer facilities in Watrous, SK.
train-sized shipments of grain, pulse crops and grain
We will be supporting their growth on our
products for container stuffing. The canola crush
network by increasing the siding at the facility to
industry has also taken advantage of this new supply
accommodate a 150-car spot.
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TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
Building our
infrastructure
In 2018, we undertook the
largest number of capacity
infrastructure projects in CN’s history, putting into
service seven yard expansions, 11 siding projects
and almost 60 miles of double track to create more
places where trains can meet. In 2019, we plan to
continue our ambitious program by adding close to
80 miles of new double track as well as three new
or extended sidings.
Growing our cold supply
chain solutions
CN’s CargoCool® service transports
temperature-sensitive goods
quickly and cost-competitively
using the largest domestic fleet of refrigerated
containers and advanced monitoring systems to
maintain the highest levels of product integrity
and food safety while in transit. In 2018, we added
100 new reefers to our fleet (over 700 in total)
to handle growth opportunities and develop
new markets.
CN’s Grain Plan helps the
Canadian supply chain
CN’s Grain Plan is the product of
extensive consultation with key
Developing an
innovative transport
option for bitumen
We have made good headway with our
stakeholders in Canada and reflects the
environmentally secure process of transporting
valuable feedback they have provided. Commercial
bitumen as a solid pellet that floats and does
contracts with reciprocal incentives are in place for
not explode, leak or dissolve. CN signed an
over 90% of our fleet. Four new export terminals
agreement with Wapahki Energy Ltd., a company
and over 80% of new grain elevators are being
owned by the Heart Lake First Nation, to build a
built on our network. At the end of 2018, CN’s grain
$50-million production plant capable of turning
movements were on a record-setting pace and
almost 10% higher than the prior three-year average.
up to 10,000 barrels of bitumen per day into
CanaPuxTM.
X I V C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Prince Rupert:
fastest growing
container terminal
In 2018, our intermodal supply
chain partners, the Port of
Prince Rupert and DP World,
celebrated a historic milestone, handling over one
million containers for the first time in a calendar
year. This remarkable performance was due to new
marine carrier services, a new containerized bulk
cargo facility, added capacity at Fairview Terminal,
and CN’s unmatched market access and fast
delivery solutions.
Expanding our fleet
CN has ordered 260 GE Tier 4
locomotives. We received 65
new locomotives in 2018 and
will be taking delivery of 140
more in 2019, with the balance to be delivered in
2020. We are also acquiring 1,300 lumber cars and
1,000 boxcars to rejuvenate the fleet serving our
forest products and metals customers. Additionally,
we are acquiring 1,000 new high-capacity hopper
cars over the next two years to replace aging
equipment and meet the growing needs of our
grain customers.
Growing energy
shipments in Western
Canada
Canadian crude exporters are
taking advantage of CN’s superior network to
compensate for pipeline capacity constraints.
And, frac sand producers in Wisconsin are taking
advantage of CN’s efficient single-line service
to reach new frac sand unit train-receiving
terminals in Alberta and British Columbia. A new
propane terminal in Prince Rupert, expected to
open in April 2019, will also be directly served by
CN trains from the Alberta heartland.
Growing through
partnerships and
acquisitions
Subject to regulatory
approval, our strategic acquisition of
Winnipeg-based TransX, one of Canada’s
oldest and largest transportation companies,
will allow us to deepen our supply chain
flexibility and strengthen our intermodal
business.
X V C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
CN’s diversity efforts recognized
CN is pleased to be recognized as one of
Canada’s Best Diversity Employers by Canada’s
Top 100 Employers for a third consecutive year.
The award, published in The Globe and Mail,
recognizes employers across Canada that have
exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.
The diversity of our employees is among our biggest
strengths and contributes to our ongoing success. Therefore,
it will continue to play a central role in our strategy to
attract and retain the best people. In 2018, 36% of all new
CN employees came from diverse backgrounds.
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TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
BU I LD I NG FO R A SUSTA I N AB LE FU T U RE
Delivering responsibly is at the heart of how CN is building for a sustainable future. It means moving customer
goods safely (see page VIII), being environmentally responsible, attracting and developing the best railroaders,
helping build stronger communities, and adhering to the highest governance standards (see page XVIII).
Taking action to protect the environment
Operating efficiently has been the hallmark of CN’s
success. We are a leader in the North American rail
Partnering with
Aboriginal communities
industry, consuming almost 15% less fuel per gross
In 2018, we became the first transportation
ton mile than the industry average. Minimizing
company to receive the Progressive
waste and reducing energy consumption also
Aboriginal Relations Bronze Level
certification from the Canadian Council for
Aboriginal Business for our commitment to working
with Aboriginal communities and businesses.
CN employees participate in the Pulling Together
Canoe Journey in B.C. to enhance understanding
between Aboriginal peoples and other communities.
play critical roles in our sustainable resource
management and conservation practices. Our
waste management strategy is focused on reducing
waste at source by pursuing greener procurement
options and improving waste management at
our facilities through comprehensive reuse and
recycling programs. Over 90% of our waste is
diverted from landfill on an annual basis.
Greening communities across our network
With a network that passes through a wide range of
ecosystems, we are committed to taking measures to
minimize our impact. This mindset extends beyond
our operations to the communities we serve, where
we have planted approximately two million trees
in communities along our rail network since 2012 –
making CN the leading private non-forestry company
is essential to maintaining our competitive focus
tree planter in Canada. CN also supports national
and contributes to enhanced performance.
and community-based organizations that protect the
natural environment, including America in Bloom,
Giving back
Communities in Bloom Canada, Ducks Unlimited,
For CN, giving back is a way of doing business
Earth Day Canada, and Tree Canada.
that embodies our deep commitment to building
stronger communities. As good neighbours, we get
Strengthening our diversity commitments
involved with local efforts to bring people together
In an increasingly complex global marketplace,
and create positive, lasting change. Our corporate
we recognize the importance of diversity at all
contributions have made a significant difference
levels of our Company. Diversity enables us to
to hundreds of non-profit organizations, and to
better understand and respond to the needs
the people who count on their support. We also
of our stakeholders, access a larger talent pool,
empower our employees, retirees and their families
and increase the effectiveness of our decision-
to donate their time to causes that matter most to
making through a wider range of perspectives,
them by providing more than $1 million each year in
experiences, and sensibilities. Increasing diversity
grants to the charitable organizations they choose
to reflect the customers and communities we serve
to support through their volunteer efforts.
X V I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
CO R P O R ATE GOVERN A NC E
CN is committed to being a good corporate citizen.
We are proud of our corporate governance
practices. In 2018, 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 and in the top three of publicly
traded Canadian companies. CN was also ranked
as one of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada
by Corporate Knights and took Best in Sector –
Industrials honours in IR Magazine’s global ranking
of investor relations excellence.
CN is committed to inclusion, not only in
principle, but also in practice. CN believes that a
At CN, sound corporate citizenship touches nearly
diverse board benefits from a broader range of
every aspect of what we do, from governance and
perspectives and relevant experience. The Board’s
business ethics to diversity and sustainability. Central
Diversity Policy (available on our website) considers
to this comprehensive approach is our strong belief
gender, ethnicity, culture and geography when
that good corporate citizenship is simply good business.
recommending director nominees. In 2017, CN
CN has always recognized the importance of
adopted a Gender Diversity Policy that set a target
good governance. As a Canadian reporting issuer
of having at least one-third representation by
with securities listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
women on the Board of Directors by the end of
(TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), we
that year. The CN Board surpassed its target in
ensure our corporate governance practices comply
2017 and has consistently done so each year since.
with the highest standards and rules adopted by
We are pleased to report that, currently, five (38%)
the Canadian Securities Administrators, applicable
of our directors are women, which also meets or
provisions of the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
exceeds our commitments to the Catalyst Accord
and related rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange
and the Canadian chapter of the 30% Club. We were
Commission. We are exempted from complying
also selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity
with many of the NYSE corporate governance rules,
Employers by The Globe and Mail in 2018.
provided that we comply with Canadian governance
We understand that our long-term success is
requirements. Except as summarized on our
connected to our contribution to a sustainable future.
website at cn.ca/delivering-responsibly/governance,
That is why we are committed to enhancing the safety
our governance practices comply with the NYSE
of our employees, the public and the environment;
corporate governance rules in all significant respects.
building stronger communities; and providing a great
Consistent with the belief that ethical conduct goes
place to work. CN’s sustainability practices have earned
beyond compliance and resides in a solid governance
it a place among the world’s best for several years
culture, we publish and enforce CN’s Corporate
running. For example, CN is consistently listed on the
Governance Manual and Code of Business Conduct.
Dow Jones Sustainability World and North American
Because it is important that any potential wrongdoings
indices as well as CDP’s exclusive Climate A List.
be reported, CN has adopted several methods for
Our sustainability activities and the
employees and third parties to anonymously report
accolades we have received are outlined on
accounting, auditing and other concerns.
cn.ca/delivering-responsibly.
X V I I I C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
BOA RD OF D I REC TO R S
As at March 12, 2019
Robert Pace, D.Comm., C.m.
Chair of the Board
Canadian National Railway Company
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Pace Group
Committees: 3, 4*, 5, 7
Julie Godin
Vice-Chair of the Board and
Executive Vice-President, Chief
Planning and Administration Officer
CGI Inc.
Committees: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
Edith E. Holiday
Former General Counsel,
United States Treasury Department
and Secretary of the Cabinet
The White House
Committees: 1, 2, 7, 8*
V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, O.C.,
D.Comm., LL.D.
Retired Group Vice-President
General Motors Corporation
and President GM Latin America,
Africa and Middle East
Committees: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8
Jean-Jacques Ruest
President and Chief Executive Officer
Canadian National Railway Company
Committees: 4, 7
Shauneen Bruder
Executive Vice-President, Operations
Royal Bank of Canada
Committees: 2, 4, 6, 7, 8
Donald J. Carty, o.C., LL.D.
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
American Airlines
Committees: 1*, 5, 6, 7, 8
Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
Partner
Dentons US LLP
Committees: 3, 5, 7, 8
James E. O’Connor
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
Republic Services, Inc.
Committees: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7*
Robert L. Phillips
President
R.L. Phillips Investments Inc.
Committees: 2*, 3, 5, 6, 7
Laura Stein
Executive Vice-President and
General Counsel, Corporate Affairs
The Clorox Company
Committees: 1, 2, 5*, 6, 7
The Honourable Denis Losier, P.C., LL.D., C.m.
Retired President and
Chief Executive Officer
Assumption Life
Committees: 3*, 4, 7, 8
The Honourable Kevin G. Lynch, P.C., o.C.,
Ph.D., LL.D.
Vice-Chair
BMO Financial Group
Committees: 1, 3, 6*, 7, 8
Committees:
1 Audit
2 Finance
3 Corporate governance and nominating
4 Donations and sponsorships
5 Environment, safety and security
6 Human resources and compensation
7 Strategic planning
8 Pension and investment
* Denotes chair of the committee
C H A I R OF T HE BOA RD A N D
SEL EC T SEN I O R OFFI C E R S OF T HE COM PA N Y
As at March 12, 2019
Robert Pace
Chair of the Board
Jean-Jacques Ruest
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mike Cory
Executive Vice-President
and Chief Operating Officer
Kimberly A. Madigan
Senior Vice-President
Human Resources
Sean Finn
Executive Vice-President
Corporate Services and
Chief Legal Officer
Ghislain Houle
Executive Vice-President
and Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Barker
Senior Vice-President
Network Technology and
Operations Planning
Michael Foster
Senior Vice-President and
Chief Information and
Technology Officer
Doug MacDonald
Senior Vice-President
Rail Centric Supply Chain
Growth
Keith Reardon
Senior Vice-President
Consumer Product
Supply Chain Growth
Paul Butcher
Vice-President
Investor Relations
Janet Drysdale
Vice-President
Financial Planning
Michael Farkouh
Vice-President
Eastern Region
Doug Ryhorchuk
Vice-President
Western Region
Derek Taylor
Vice-President
Southern Region
Marlene Puffer
President and
Chief Executive Officer
CN Investment Division
X I X C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
TO G E T H E R I N TO O U R N E X T C E N T U RY
SHA REHOLDER A N D I N VESTO R I N FO RMAT I ON
Annual meeting
Shareholder services
The annual meeting of shareholders will be
Shareholders having inquiries concerning their
held at 10:00 a.m. EDT on April 30, 2019, at:
shares, wishing to obtain information about CN,
Le Windsor
Windsor Ballroom
1170 Peel Street
or to receive dividends by direct deposit or in
U.S. dollars may obtain detailed information by
communicating with:
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
Annual information form
Shareholder Services
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
The annual information form may be
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
obtained by writing to:
The Corporate Secretary
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
It is also available on CN’s website.
Telephone: 1-800-564-6253
investorcentre.com
Stock exchanges
CN common shares are listed on the 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
investorcentre.com
Co-transfer agent and co-registrar
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
Investor relations
Paul Butcher
Vice-President, Investor Relations
Telephone: 514-399-0052
Head office
Canadian National Railway Company
935 de La Gauchetière Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3B 2M9
P.O. Box 8100
Montreal, Quebec H3C 3N4
X X C N 2 0 1 8 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Selected Railroad Statistics - unaudited
Financial
Key financial performance indicators
Total revenues ($ millions)
Rail freight revenues ($ millions)
Operating income ($ millions) (1)
Net income ($ millions)
Adjusted net income ($ millions) (2)
Diluted earnings per share ($)
Adjusted diluted earnings per share ($) (2)
Free cash flow ($ millions) (3)
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 (%) (1)
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA (times) (4)
Return on invested capital (ROIC) (%) (5)
Adjusted ROIC (%) (5)
Operations (6)
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 ($)
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)
Operating expenses per GTM (cents) (1)
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents) (1)
Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions)
Average fuel price ($/US gallon)
GTMs per US gallon of fuel consumed
Car velocity (car miles per day)
Through dwell (hours) (7)
Through network train speed (miles per hour) (7)
Locomotive utilization (trailing GTMs per total horsepower)
Safety indicators (8)
Injury frequency rate (per 200,000 person hours)
Accident rate (per million train miles)
2018
2017
2016
14,321
13,548
5,493
4,328
4,056
5.87
5.50
2,514
3,531
2,000
1.82
41,214
23,573
17,641
61.6
1.94
16.7
15.7
490,414
248,383
5,976
19,500
25,720
25,423
5.45
2,267
19,290
1.80
0.58
462.7
3.32
1,060
188
8.3
18.0
208
1.81
2.02
13,041
12,293
5,243
5,484
3,778
7.24
4.99
2,778
2,703
2,000
1.65
37,629
20,973
16,656
59.8
1.75
22.4
15.9
469,200
237,098
5,737
19,500
23,945
23,074
5.18
2,143
20,335
1.66
0.54
441.4
2.74
1,063
211
7.7
20.3
225
1.83
1.83
12,037
11,326
5,032
3,640
3,581
4.67
4.59
2,520
2,752
2,000
1.50
37,057
22,216
14,841
58.2
1.85
16.0
15.8
423,426
214,327
5,205
19,600
22,249
22,322
5.28
2,176
18,969
1.65
0.57
398.9
2.34
1,061
236
6.9
22.5
230
1.70
1.42
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement
Benefit Cost in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. See Note 2 -
Recent accounting pronouncements to CN's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
See the section entitled Adjusted performance measures in the MD&A for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
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.
See the section entitled Return on invested capital (ROIC) and Adjusted ROIC in the MD&A for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
Statistical operating data, key operating measures and safety indicators are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change
as more complete information becomes available. Definitions of these indicators are provided on our website, www.cn.ca/glossary.
The Company no longer reports Terminal dwell and Train velocity and has replaced these measures with Through dwell and Through network train speed,
respectively. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation.
Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 1
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8
8
9
9
10
10
11
12
13
18
19
20
25
25
26
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
Contents
Business profile
Corporate organization
Strategy overview
Forward-looking statements
Financial outlook
Financial highlights
2018 compared to 2017
Non-GAAP measures
Adjusted performance measures
Constant currency
Return on invested capital (ROIC) and adjusted ROIC
Revenues
Operating expenses
Other income and expenses
2017 compared to 2016
Summary of quarterly financial data
Summary of fourth quarter 2018
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 | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
This Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) dated February 1, 2019, 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 2018 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 2018 Annual
Information Form and Form 40-F, may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR,
and on the Company's website at www.cn.ca in the Investors section. Printed copies of such documents may be obtained by contacting CN's
Corporate Secretary's Office.
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 Canada, the United States (U.S.) and Mexico. A true backbone of the
economy, CN handles over $250 billion worth of goods annually and carries over 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. For the year ended December 31, 2018, no individual commodity group
accounted for more than 25% of total revenues. From a geographic standpoint, 15% of revenues relate to U.S. domestic traffic, 34%
transborder traffic, 17% Canadian domestic traffic and 34% overseas traffic. The Company is the originating carrier for over 85%, and the
originating and terminating carrier for over 65%, 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 19 – Segmented information to the Company's 2018 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, improving supply chains through collaboration, potential acquisitions and other opportunities,
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 repurchases.
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
CN | 2018 Annual Report 3
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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, increase the capacity and the fluidity of the network, promote service excellence and support
growth at low incremental cost. The acquisition of new locomotives and railcars generates several key benefits. New locomotives increase
capacity, fuel productivity and efficiency, and improve the reliability of service. 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.
CN operates 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, through dwell, through network train speed and locomotive utilization.
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. 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 operating ratio,
earnings growth and return on invested capital (ROIC).
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 focused on
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, as well as being the best service innovator.
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.
4 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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
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., 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. 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. It is also why the Company embraces diversity, as working with a broad range
of strengths, perspectives and experiences makes CN better. It helps the Company attract and retain qualified talent, and it fosters
innovation by bringing the best solutions to the table. 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.
2018 Highlights
As part of its record 2018 capital expenditure program, CN completed significant initiatives to increase capacity and improve network
resiliency, such as track infrastructure expansion projects and investments in yards. With expanded infrastructure that came into full service,
mainly in the second half of the year, CN added capacity to support volume growth on its key corridors between the West Coast and
Chicago. The Company improved network fluidity with the completion of these projects as well as the qualification of new train crews and
the addition of new locomotives and equipment.
Driven by solid demand across multiple commodity groups and the Company's increased capacity, in 2018, CN added approximately
$1.3 billion in top-line growth with revenues up 10% and volumes up 5% in terms of revenue ton miles (RTMs), compared to the prior year.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 5
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Financial highlights
• CN attained record revenues and operating income in 2018.
• Net income decreased by $1,156 million, or 21%, to $4,328 million, and diluted earnings per share decreased by 19% to $5.87 in 2018,
compared to the prior year. Included in net income in 2017 was a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764 million ($2.33 per diluted
share) resulting from the enactment of a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax
Reform").
• Adjusted net income increased by $278 million, or 7%, to $4,056 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 10% to
$5.50 in 2018, compared to the prior year. (1)
• Operating income increased by $250 million, or 5%, to $5,493 million in 2018. (2)
• Adjusted operating income increased by $277 million, or 5%, to $5,520 million in 2018. (1)
• Operating ratio of 61.6%, an increase of 1.8 points over 2017. (2)
• Adjusted operating ratio of 61.5%, an increase of 1.7 points over 2017. (1)
• Revenues increased by $1,280 million, or 10%, to $14,321 million in 2018, compared to the prior year.
• Operating expenses increased by $1,030 million, or 13%, to $8,828 million in 2018. (2)
• ROIC of 16.7%, a decrease of 5.7 points over 2017. (3)
• Adjusted ROIC of 15.7%, a decrease of 0.2 points over 2017. (3)
• The Company generated free cash flow of $2,514 million, a 10% decrease compared to 2017. (4)
(1) See the section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
(2) The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement
Benefit Cost in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. The adoption of
ASU 2017-07 had the effect of increasing the Company's operating ratio by 2.1 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 - 2.4 percentage
points). Additional information is provided in the section of this MD&A entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
(3) See the section of this MD&A entitled Return on invested capital (ROIC) and adjusted ROIC for an explanation of these non-GAAP measures.
(4) See the section of this MD&A entitled Liquidity and capital resources – Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
Reinvestment in the business
In 2018, CN spent approximately $3.5 billion in its capital program, with $1.6 billion invested to maintain the safety and integrity of the
network, particularly track infrastructure. CN's capital spending also included $1.0 billion on strategic initiatives to increase capacity, enable
growth and improve network resiliency, including line capacity upgrades and information technology initiatives, $0.5 billion on equipment
capital expenditures, including the acquisition of 500 new centerbeam cars and 65 new high-horsepower locomotives, and $0.4 billion on
implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), the safety technology mandated by the U.S. Congress.
Acquisition
On October 30, 2018, the Company announced it had reached an agreement to acquire the TransX Group of Companies ("TransX"). TransX
provides various transportation and logistics services, including intermodal, truckload, less than truckload and specialized services. The
acquisition positions CN to strengthen its intermodal business and provide transportation options that bring supply chain flexibility to its
customers. The acquisition is subject to regulatory review by the Competition Bureau Canada and Canada’s Ministry of Transportation. As at
February 1, 2019, the regulatory review was not yet completed.
Shareholder returns
The Company repurchased 19.0 million of its common shares during the year, returning $2.0 billion to its shareholders. CN also increased its
quarterly dividend per share by 10% to $0.4550 from $0.4125 in 2017, effective for the first quarter of 2018, and paid $1.3 billion in
dividends in 2018.
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 2018.
6 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Leadership change
On March 5, 2018, CN announced the departure of Luc Jobin from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company, as
well as the appointment of Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer Jean-Jacques Ruest to Interim President and CEO. On July
24, 2018, the Company announced that Jean-Jacques Ruest had been appointed as President and CEO and a member of the Board of
Directors of the Company, effective as of that day.
2019 Business outlook and assumptions
For 2019, the Company expects growth across a range of commodities, particularly in petroleum crude, Canadian and U.S. coal exports,
intermodal traffic, lumber and panels, and Canadian grain; as well as lower volumes of potash and U.S. grain.
Underpinning the 2019 business outlook, the Company assumes that North American industrial production will increase by
approximately two percent. For the 2018/2019 crop year, the grain crops in both Canada and the U.S. were in line with their respective
three-year averages. The Company assumes that the 2019/2020 grain crops in both Canada and the U.S. will be in line with their respective
three-year averages.
Future value creation
Reinvestment in the business
In 2019, CN plans to invest approximately $3.9 billion in its capital program, of which $1.6 billion is targeted toward track and railway
infrastructure maintenance to support safe and efficient operations. A further $1.2 billion is expected to be spent on initiatives to increase
capacity and enable growth, such as track infrastructure expansion; investments in yards and intermodal terminals; and on information
technology to improve safety performance, operational efficiency and customer service. CN's equipment capital expenditures are targeted to
reach $0.8 billion in 2019, allowing the Company to tap growth opportunities and improve the quality of the fleet. In order to handle
expected traffic increase and improve operational efficiency, CN expects to take delivery of 140 new high-horsepower locomotives and 500
new grain hopper cars. In 2019, the Company plans to invest $0.3 billion to advance the implementation of PTC along parts of its network
in the U.S.
Shareholder returns
On January 29, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new Normal Course Issuer Bid that allows for the repurchase of up to 22
million common shares between February 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other
prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). In addition, on that same day, the Company's Board of Directors approved
an increase of 18% to the quarterly dividend to common shareholders, from $0.4550 per share in 2018 to $0.5375 per share in 2019,
effective for the first quarter.
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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 7
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 the forward-looking statements. See also the section of this MD&A entitled Strategy overview - 2019 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 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; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats;
reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; transportation
of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires,
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; timing and completion of capital programs;
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 2018 financial outlook. The 2018 actual results were higher than the Company's last
2018 financial outlook that was issued on October 23, 2018, mainly driven by sequential operating improvements enabled by significant
capacity investments and a weaker than expected Canadian dollar in the fourth quarter.
8 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Financial highlights
In millions, except percentage and per share data
Revenues
Operating income (1)
Net income
Adjusted net income (2)
Basic earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share (2)
Diluted earnings per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (2)
Dividends declared per share
Total assets
Total long-term liabilities
Operating ratio (1)
Free cash flow (3)
2018
14,321
5,493
4,328
4,056
5.89
5.52
5.87
5.50
1.82
41,214
20,073
61.6%
2,514
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2017
13,041
5,243
5,484
3,778
7.28
5.02
7.24
4.99
1.65
37,629
16,990
59.8%
2,778
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Change
Favorable/(Unfavorable)
2016
2018 vs 2017
2017 vs 2016
12,037
5,032
3,640
3,581
4.69
4.61
4.67
4.59
1.50
37,057
19,208
58.2%
2,520
10%
5%
(21%)
7%
(19%)
10%
(19%)
10%
10%
10%
(18%)
(1.8)-pts
(10%)
8%
4%
51%
6%
55%
9%
55%
9%
10%
2%
12%
(1.6)-pts
10%
(1)
(2)
(3)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in 2018 on a
retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. The adoption of ASU 2017-07 had the effect of increasing the
Company's operating ratio by 2.1 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017 - 2.4 percentage points; 2016 - 2.3 percentage points). Additional
information is provided in the section of this MD&A entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
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.
2018 compared to 2017
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $4,328 million, a decrease of $1,156 million, or 21%, when compared to 2017, and
diluted earnings per share decreased by 19% to $5.87. The decrease was primarily due to a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764 million
($2.33 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate due to the U.S. Tax Reform in 2017,
partly offset by an increase in Operating income and Other income.
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2018 increased by $250 million, or 5%, to $5,493 million. The increase mainly
reflects increased revenues from freight rate increases, higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and higher volumes, partly offset by higher
costs from higher fuel prices and higher labor costs. The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was
61.6% in 2018, compared to 59.8% in 2017.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $14,321 million compared to $13,041 million in 2017. The increase of $1,280
million, or 10%, was mainly attributable to freight rate increases, higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and higher volumes of petroleum
crude, refined petroleum products, coal, international container traffic and Canadian grain.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $8,828 million compared to $7,798 million in 2017. The increase of
$1,030 million, or 13%, was mainly due to higher fuel prices, higher costs as a result of increased volumes of traffic and operating
performance below 2017 levels.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 9
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Non-GAAP measures
This MD&A makes reference to non-GAAP measures including adjusted performance measures, constant currency, ROIC and adjusted ROIC,
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, Return on invested capital (ROIC) and adjusted ROIC, and
Liquidity and capital resources.
Adjusted performance measures
Management believes that adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating ratio and
adjusted operating margin 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. In
2018, the Company began disclosing adjusted operating income, adjusted operating ratio and adjusted operating margin. Management
uses adjusted performance 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
such income and expense items in these measures 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, 2018, the Company reported adjusted net income of $4,056 million, or $5.50 per diluted share, which
excludes employee termination benefits and severance costs related to a workforce reduction program of $27 million, or $20 million after-
tax ($0.03 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter and the gains on disposals of property of $338 million, or $292 million after-tax ($0.40
per diluted share), consisting of the following:
•
in the fourth quarter, a gain previously deferred on the 2014 disposal of a segment of the Guelph subdivision located between
Georgetown and Kitchener, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (the "Guelph"), of $79 million, or
$70 million after-tax ($0.10 per diluted share);
•
•
in the third quarter, a gain on disposal of property located in Montreal, Quebec (the “Doney and St-Francois Spurs”) of $36 million, or
$32 million after-tax ($0.04 per diluted share); and
in the second quarter, a gain on transfer of the Company’s capital lease in the passenger rail facilities in Montreal, Quebec, together
with its interests in related railway operating agreements (the “Central Station Railway Lease”), of $184 million, or $156 million after-
tax ($0.21 per diluted share), and a gain on disposal of land located in Calgary, Alberta, excluding the rail fixtures (the “Calgary
Industrial Lead”), of $39 million, or $34 million after-tax ($0.05 per diluted share).
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company reported adjusted net income of $3,778 million, or $4.99 per diluted share, which
excludes a net deferred income tax recovery of $1,706 million ($2.25 per diluted share) consisting of the following:
•
in the fourth quarter, a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764 million ($2.33 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of the
U.S. Tax Reform and a deferred income tax expense of $50 million ($0.07 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of higher
•
•
•
provincial corporate income tax rates;
in the third quarter, a deferred income tax expense of $31 million ($0.04 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a higher
state corporate income tax rate;
in the second quarter, a deferred income tax recovery of $18 million ($0.02 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a lower
provincial corporate income tax rate; and
in the first quarter, a deferred income tax recovery of $5 million ($0.01 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a lower
provincial corporate income tax rate.
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 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) in the fourth quarter, and a deferred income tax expense of $7 million
($0.01 per diluted share) in the second quarter, resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial corporate income tax rate.
10 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and earnings per share, as reported for the years ended December 31, 2018,
2017 and 2016, to the adjusted performance measures presented herein:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
Net income
Adjustments:
Operating expenses
Other income
Income tax expense (recovery) (1)
Adjusted net income
Basic earnings per share
Impact of adjustments, per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Impact of adjustments, per share
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
$
4,328
$
5,484
$
27
(338)
39
4,056
5.89
(0.37)
5.52
5.87
(0.37)
5.50
$
$
$
$
$
—
—
(1,706)
3,778
7.28
(2.26)
5.02
7.24
(2.25)
4.99
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2016
3,640
—
(76)
17
3,581
4.69
(0.08)
4.61
4.67
(0.08)
4.59
(1)
The tax effect of adjustments to Other income reflects tax rates in the applicable jurisdiction and the nature of the item for tax purposes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of operating income, operating ratio and operating margin, as reported for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, to the adjusted performance measures presented herein:
In millions, except percentage
Operating income (1)
Adjustment: Operating expenses
Adjusted operating income
Operating ratio (1) (2)
Impact of adjustment
Adjusted operating ratio
Operating margin (1) (3)
Impact of adjustment
Adjusted operating margin
Year ended December 31,
$
$
2018
5,493
27
5,520
$
$
61.6%
(0.1)-pts
61.5%
38.4%
0.1-pts
38.5%
$
$
2017
5,243
—
5,243
59.8%
—
59.8%
40.2%
—
40.2%
2016
5,032
—
5,032
58.2%
—
58.2%
41.8%
—
41.8%
(1)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in 2018 on a
retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. Additional information is provided in the section of this MD&A
entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
(2) Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
(3) Operating margin is defined as operating income as a percentage of revenues.
Constant currency
Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates,
thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are
considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results
denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rates of the comparable period of the prior year. The average foreign exchange rates
were $1.296 and $1.298 per US$1.00, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been higher by $4 million
($0.01 per diluted share).
CN | 2018 Annual Report 11
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Return on invested capital (ROIC) and adjusted ROIC
In 2018, the Company began disclosing ROIC and adjusted ROIC, which management believes are useful measures of the efficiency in the
use of capital funds. The Company calculates ROIC as return divided by average invested capital. Return is defined as net income plus
interest expense after tax, calculated using the Company's effective tax rate. Average invested capital is defined as the sum of total
shareholders' equity, long-term debt and current portion of long-term debt less cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and cash
equivalents, averaged between the beginning and ending balance over a twelve-month period. The Company calculates adjusted ROIC as
adjusted return divided by average invested capital. Adjusted return is defined as adjusted net income plus interest expense after-tax,
calculated using the Company's effective tax rate, excluding the tax effect of adjustments used to determine adjusted net income. ROIC and
adjusted ROIC 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 net income and adjusted net income to return and adjusted return, respectively, as well
as the calculation of average invested capital, which have been used to calculate ROIC and adjusted ROIC:
In millions, except percentage
As at and for the year ended December 31,
Net income
Interest expense
Tax on interest expense (1)
Return
Average total shareholders' equity
Average long-term debt
Average current portion of long-term debt
Less: Average cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents
Average invested capital
ROIC
Adjusted net income (2)
Interest expense
Adjusted tax on interest expense (3)
Adjusted return
Average invested capital
Adjusted ROIC
2018
4,328
489
(116)
4,701
17,149
10,067
1,632
(656)
28,192
16.7%
4,056
489
(120)
4,425
28,192
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2017
5,484
481
(124)
5,841
15,749
9,098
1,785
(613)
26,019
22.4%
3,778
481
(124)
4,135
26,019
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2016
3,640
480
(125)
3,995
14,896
9,217
1,466
(674)
24,905
16.0%
3,581
480
(126)
3,935
24,905
15.7%
15.9%
15.8%
(1)
(2)
(3)
The effective tax rate for 2018 used to calculate the tax on interest expense was 23.8% (2017 - 25.8%; 2016 - 26.1%). Due to the negative effective tax rate
reported by the Company in 2017, tax on interest expense for 2017 was calculated using an adjusted effective tax rate.
See the section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
The adjusted effective tax rate for 2018 used to calculate the adjusted tax on interest expense was 24.5% (2017 - 25.8%; 2016 - 26.2%).
12 CN | 2018 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
$
$
$
$
$
$
2018
13,548
773
14,321
2,660
1,689
1,886
661
2,357
3,465
830
2017
12,293
748
13,041
2,208
1,523
1,788
535
2,214
3,200
825
Total rail freight revenues
$
13,548
$
12,293
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Rail freight revenue/carload ($)
248,383
237,098
5.45
5,976
2,267
5.18
5,737
2,143
% Change
% Change
at constant
currency
10%
3%
10%
20%
11%
5%
24%
6%
8%
1%
10%
5%
5%
4%
6%
10%
3%
10%
20%
11%
6%
24%
7%
8%
1%
10%
5%
5%
4%
6%
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2018, totaled $14,321 million compared to $13,041 million in 2017. The increase of $1,280
million, or 10%, was mainly attributable to freight rate increases, higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and higher volumes of petroleum
crude, refined petroleum products, coal, international container traffic and Canadian grain. Fuel surcharge revenues increased by $395
million in 2018, as a result of higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
In 2018, RTMs, measuring the weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, increased by 5% relative to 2017. Rail
freight revenue per RTM increased by 5% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly driven by freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates.
Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
2,660
$
50,722
5.24
653
2017
2,208
44,375
4.98
614
% Change
20%
14%
5%
6%
% Change
at constant
currency
20%
14%
5%
6%
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, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $452 million, or 20%, when compared to
2017, mainly due to higher volumes of petroleum crude due to limited pipeline capacity and increased volumes of refined petroleum
products, freight rate increases, and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by lower volumes of condensate.
Revenue per RTM increased by 5% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates; partly offset by an increase in the average length of haul.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 13
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Percentage of commodity group revenues
Chemicals and plastics
Refined petroleum products
Crude and condensate
Sulfur
Metals and minerals
2018
39%
36%
21%
4%
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
1,689
$
27,993
6.03
1,030
2017
1,523
27,938
5.45
995
% Change
11%
—%
11%
4%
2017
45%
36%
15%
4%
% Change
at constant
currency
11%
—%
11%
4%
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, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $166 million, or 11%, when compared to
2017, mainly due to freight rate increases; higher volumes of semi-finished steel products, and increased shipments of industrial materials
and iron ore; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by lower volumes of frac sand.
Revenue per RTM increased by 11% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
2018
30%
30%
24%
16%
2017
32%
29%
23%
16%
% Change
at constant
currency
6%
(2%)
8%
(1%)
Energy materials
Metals
Minerals
Iron ore
Forest products
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
1,886
$
29,918
6.30
418
2017
1,788
30,510
5.86
424
% Change
5%
(2%)
8%
(1%)
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.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $98 million, or 5%, when compared to 2017,
mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates, partly offset by decreased volumes of lumber and woodpulp.
14 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Revenue per RTM increased by 8% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
Lumber
Pulp
Paper
Panels
Coal
2018
40%
29%
18%
13%
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
661
$
17,927
3.69
346
2017
535
14,539
3.68
303
% Change
24%
23%
—%
14%
2017
41%
30%
17%
12%
% Change
at constant
currency
24%
23%
—%
14%
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 on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Petroleum coke, a by-product of the oil refining process, is
exported to offshore markets via terminals on the west coast of Canada and the U.S. Gulf Coast, as well as shipped to industrial users in
domestic markets. The key drivers for this market segment are weather conditions, environmental regulations, global supply and demand
conditions, and for U.S. domestic coal, the price of natural gas.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $126 million, or 24%, when compared to
2017, mainly due to increased exports of U.S. thermal coal via the Gulf Coast, higher metallurgical coal exports via west coast ports, higher
applicable fuel surcharge rates as well as freight rate increases.
Revenue per RTM remained flat in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and freight rate
increases, offset by an increase in the average length of haul.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
2018
33%
30%
21%
16%
2017
27%
28%
26%
19%
% Change
at constant
currency
7%
3%
4%
2%
U.S. coal - export
Canadian coal - export
Petroleum coke
U.S. coal - domestic
Grains and fertilizers
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
2,357
$
57,819
4.08
632
2017
2,214
56,123
3.94
619
% Change
6%
3%
4%
2%
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 wheat, oats, barley, flaxseed, rye, peas, lentils, corn, ethanol, dried distillers grain, canola seed and
canola products, soybeans and soybean products. 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
CN | 2018 Annual Report 15
Management's Discussion and Analysis
regulation that establishes a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn. Although railway companies are free to set freight rates
for western grain shipments, total revenue is limited based on a formula that takes into account tonnage, length of haul, and a specified
price index. Shipments of grain that are exported to the U.S. are not regulated. 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. The key drivers for fertilizers are input prices,
demand, government policies, and international competition.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $143 million, or 6%, when compared to 2017,
mainly due to freight rate increases, higher export volumes of Canadian wheat, peas and lentils, and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates;
partly offset by reduced Canadian canola volumes, as well as lower export volumes of U.S. soybeans.
Revenue per RTM increased by 4% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
2018
2017
Canadian grain - regulated
U.S. grain - domestic
Canadian grain - commercial
Fertilizers - potash
Fertilizers - other
U.S. grain - exports
Intermodal
40%
19%
14%
13%
9%
5%
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
3,465
$
60,120
5.76
2,634
2017
3,200
59,356
5.39
2,514
% Change
8%
1%
7%
5%
39%
20%
14%
12%
10%
5%
% Change
at constant
currency
8%
1%
7%
5%
The intermodal commodity group includes rail and trucking services and is comprised of two markets: domestic intermodal and international
intermodal. Domestic intermodal transports consumer products and manufactured goods, serving both retail and wholesale channels,
within domestic Canada, domestic U.S., Mexico and transborder, while international intermodal handles import and export container traffic,
serving the major ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans and Mobile. CN's network of inland intermodal
terminals are located near ports and large urban centers, which connects customers to major markets in North America and overseas.
Domestic intermodal is driven by consumer markets, with growth generally tied to the economy. International intermodal is driven by North
American economic and trade conditions.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $265 million, or 8%, when compared to 2017,
mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates, increased international container traffic via the ports of Prince Rupert and Montreal,
and freight rate increases; partly offset by lower international container traffic via the port of Vancouver, as well as reduced domestic retail
shipments.
Revenue per RTM increased by 7% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and freight
rate increases.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
International
Domestic
2018
67%
33%
2017
66%
34%
16 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Automotive
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2018
$
830
$
3,884
21.37
263
2017
825
4,257
19.38
268
% Change
1%
(9%)
10%
(2%)
% Change
at constant
currency
1%
(9%)
11%
(2%)
The automotive commodity group moves both domestic finished vehicles and parts throughout North America, providing service to certain
vehicle assembly plants in Ontario, Michigan and Mississippi. 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 finished vehicle imports via the ports of
Halifax and Vancouver, and through interchange with other railroads. CN's broad network of auto compounds is used to facilitate
distribution of vehicles throughout Canada and the U.S. Midwest. The primary drivers for this market are automotive production and sales in
North America, the average age of vehicles in North America, and the price of fuel.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenues for this commodity group increased by $5 million, or 1%, when compared to 2017,
mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and freight rate increases; partly offset by lower volumes of domestic finished vehicles.
Revenue per RTM increased by 10% in 2018 when compared to 2017, mainly due to a decrease in the average length of haul, higher
applicable fuel surcharge rates and freight rate increases.
Percentage of commodity group revenues
Finished vehicles
Auto parts
Other revenues
2018
94%
6%
2017
94%
6%
Revenues (millions)
$
773
$
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
748
% Change
3%
% Change
at constant
currency
3%
Other revenues are derived from non-rail logistics services that support the Company's rail business including vessels and docks, transloading
and distribution, automotive logistics, and freight forwarding and transportation management.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, Other revenues increased by $25 million, or 3%, when compared to 2017, mainly due to higher
revenues from freight forwarding and transportation management services, and vessels and docks.
Percentage of other revenues
Vessels and docks
Other non-rail services
Other revenues
2018
50%
42%
8%
2017
50%
40%
10%
CN | 2018 Annual Report 17
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, amounted to $8,828 million compared to $7,798 million in 2017. The increase
of $1,030 million, or 13%, was mainly due to higher fuel prices, higher costs as a result of increased volumes of traffic and operating
performance below 2017 levels.
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Labor and fringe benefits (1)
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses (1)
$
$
2018
2,860
1,971
1,732
1,329
467
469
$
8,828
$
2017
2,536
1,769
1,362
1,281
418
432
7,798
% Change
(13%)
(11%)
(27%)
(4%)
(12%)
(9%)
(13%)
% Change
at constant
currency
(13%)
(11%)
(27%)
(4%)
(12%)
(9%)
(13%)
(1)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in the first quarter of
2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. Additional information is provided in the section of
this MD&A entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
Labor and fringe benefits
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 performance targets and the related expense is recorded in relation to the attainment of such targets.
Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $324 million, or 13%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due
to higher headcount, general wage increases, higher overtime costs and training costs for new employees, higher pension expense, and
employee termination benefits and severance costs related to a workforce reduction program in the fourth quarter.
Purchased services and material
Purchased services and material expense 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 increased by $202 million, or 11%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was mainly
due to higher costs of services purchased from outside contractors, higher trucking and transload costs, and higher repairs, maintenance
and materials costs resulting mainly from increased volumes of traffic.
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 increased by $370 million, or 27%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher fuel prices
and increased volumes of traffic.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense includes the costs associated with the use of properties and intangible assets over their estimated
service lives. Depreciation and amortization 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 $48 million, or 4%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was mainly due
to net asset additions, partly offset by the favorable impact of depreciation studies.
Equipment rents
Equipment rents expense includes rental expense for the use of freight cars owned by other railroads (car hire) or private companies and for
the lease of freight cars, locomotives and intermodal equipment, net of rental income from other railroads for the use of the Company's
freight cars (car hire) and locomotives.
Equipment rents expense increased by $49 million, or 12%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher
costs for leased locomotives and higher car hire expense.
18 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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 increased by $37 million, or 9%, in 2018 when compared to 2017. The increase was mainly due to higher
incident costs and higher legal provisions.
Other income and expenses
Interest expense
In 2018, interest expense was $489 million compared to $481 million in 2017. The increase was mainly due to a higher average level of
debt, partly offset by a lower weighted-average interest rate.
Other components of net periodic benefit income
In 2018, Other components of net periodic benefit income was $302 million compared to $315 million in 2017.
Other income
In 2018, Other income was $376 million compared to $12 million in 2017. Included in Other income for 2018 was a gain previously deferred
on the 2014 disposal of the Guelph of $79 million, a gain on disposal of the Doney and St-Francois Spurs of $36 million, a gain on the
transfer of the Central Station Railway Lease of $184 million, and a gain on disposal of the Calgary Industrial Lead of $39 million.
Income tax recovery (expense)
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Reform"). The U.S. Tax Reform
reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective as of January 1, 2018. The U.S. Tax Reform also allows for
immediate capital expensing of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets made after September 27, 2017, which will be
phased down starting in year 2023. As a result of the U.S. Tax Reform, the Company's net deferred income tax liability decreased by $1,764
million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The U.S. Tax Reform introduced other important changes to U.S. corporate income tax laws that may significantly affect CN in future
years including the creation of a new Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT) that subjects certain payments from U.S. corporations to foreign
related parties to additional taxes, and limitations to the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations. Since the
enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform, U.S. authorities have issued various proposed regulations and preliminary guidance interpreting its
provisions. These interpretations have been taken into account and did not affect the calculation of the Company's current year income tax
provision and tax payments. However, the U.S. Tax Reform and these proposed regulations are expected to impact the Company’s income
tax provisions and tax payments in future years.
In 2018, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $1,354 million compared to an income tax recovery of $395 million in 2017.
Included in the 2017 figure was a net deferred income tax recovery of $1,706 million consisting of a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764
million recorded in the fourth quarter, resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform; deferred income tax expenses of $50 million
recorded in the fourth quarter and $31 million recorded in the third quarter, resulting from the enactment of higher provincial corporate
income tax rates and a higher state corporate income tax rate, respectively; and deferred income tax recoveries of $18 million recorded in
the second quarter and $5 million recorded in the first quarter, both resulting from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax
rates.
The effective tax rate for 2018 was 23.8% compared to (7.8)% in 2017. Excluding the aforementioned deferred income tax recoveries
and expenses, the effective tax rate for 2018 was 23.8% compared to 25.8% in 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate was mainly
attributable to a lower U.S. Federal corporate tax rate and gains on disposal of property taxed at the lower capital gain inclusion rate.
For 2019, the Company anticipates the estimated annual effective tax rate to be 26.5%. The anticipated increase is due to the U.S. Tax
Reform, and the related proposed regulations and interpretations issued in December 2018.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 19
Management's Discussion and Analysis
2017 compared to 2016
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net
Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis. As a result, the comparative figures for Labor and
fringe benefits, Operating expenses, Operating income and operating ratio have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. The
adoption of ASU 2017-07 had the effect of increasing the Company's operating ratio by 2.4 percentage points and 2.3 percentage points for
the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additional information is provided in the section of this MD&A entitled Recent
accounting pronouncements.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $5,484 million, an increase of $1,844 million, or 51%, when compared to 2016,
and diluted earnings per share increased by 55% to $7.24. The increase was primarily due to a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764
million ($2.33 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform and the impact of higher volumes.
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $211 million, or 4%, to $5,243 million. The increase mainly
reflects increased revenues from higher volumes, freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates, partly offset by higher
costs from increased volumes and higher fuel prices. The operating ratio was 59.8% in 2017, compared to 58.2% in 2016. Higher fuel prices
had a 0.9-point impact on the increase for the year.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $13,041 million compared to $12,037 million in 2016. The increase of $1,004
million, or 8%, was mainly attributable to higher volumes of traffic in overseas intermodal, frac sand, coal and petroleum coke exports, and
Canadian grain; freight rate increases; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by the negative translation impact of a
stronger Canadian dollar.
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $7,798 million compared to $7,005 million in 2016. The
increase of $793 million, or 11%, was mainly due to higher costs from increased volumes and higher fuel prices, partly offset by the positive
translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Constant currency
Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates,
thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are
considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results
denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rates of the comparable period of the prior year. The average foreign exchange rates
were $1.30 and $1.33 per US$1.00, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have been higher by $42 million
($0.06 per diluted share).
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
$
$
$
$
$
$
2017
12,293
748
13,041
2,208
1,523
1,788
535
2,214
3,200
825
2016
11,326
711
12,037
2,174
1,218
1,797
434
2,098
2,846
759
Total rail freight revenues
$
12,293
$
11,326
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Rail freight revenue/carload ($)
20 CN | 2018 Annual Report
237,098
214,327
5.18
5,737
2,143
5.28
5,205
2,176
% Change
% Change
at constant
currency
9%
5%
8%
2%
25%
(1%)
23%
6%
12%
9%
9%
11%
(2%)
10%
(2%)
10%
6%
10%
3%
27%
1%
25%
7%
13%
10%
10%
11%
(1%)
10%
—%
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017, totaled $13,041 million compared to $12,037 million in 2016. The increase of $1,004
million, or 8%, was mainly attributable to higher volumes of traffic in overseas intermodal, frac sand, coal and petroleum coke exports, and
Canadian grain; freight rate increases; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by the negative translation impact of a
stronger Canadian dollar. Fuel surcharge revenues increased by $189 million in 2017, as a result of higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and
higher freight volumes.
In 2017, RTMs increased by 11% relative to 2016. Rail freight revenue per RTM decreased by 2% in 2017 when compared to 2016,
mainly driven by an increase in the average length of haul and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar; partly offset by
freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Petroleum and chemicals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
2,208
$
44,375
4.98
614
2016
2,174
43,395
5.01
599
% Change
2%
2%
(1%)
3%
% Change
at constant
currency
3%
2%
1%
3%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $34 million, or 2%, when compared to 2016,
mainly due to higher volumes of refined petroleum products and propane; freight rate increases; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates;
partly offset by lower volumes of plastic pellets and condensate, and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 1% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to the negative translation impact of a stronger
Canadian dollar, partly offset by freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Metals and minerals
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
1,523
$
27,938
5.45
995
2016
1,218
20,233
6.02
807
% Change
25%
38%
(9%)
23%
% Change
at constant
currency
27%
38%
(8%)
23%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $305 million, or 25%, when compared to 2016,
mainly due to higher volumes of frac sand and drilling pipe resulting from increased oil and gas drilling activity along with higher frac sand
usage per well; freight rate increases; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; partly offset by the negative translation impact of a
stronger Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 9% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul from
higher volumes of frac sand and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar, partly offset by freight rate increases and
higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Forest products
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
1,788
$
30,510
5.86
424
2016
1,797
31,401
5.72
440
% Change
(1%)
(3%)
2%
(4%)
% Change
at constant
currency
1%
(3%)
4%
(4%)
CN | 2018 Annual Report 21
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group decreased by $9 million, or 1%, when compared to 2016, mainly
due to lower volumes of a broad range of forest products and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar, partly offset by
freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Revenue per RTM increased by 2% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel
surcharge rates, partly offset by the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Coal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
535
$
14,539
3.68
303
2016
434
11,032
3.93
333
% Change
23%
32%
(6%)
(9%)
% Change
at constant
currency
25%
32%
(5%)
(9%)
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $101 million, or 23%, when compared to 2016. The
increase was mainly due to increased exports of U.S. thermal coal via the Gulf Coast, higher metallurgical coal exports via west coast ports
following the reopening of two mines in British Columbia, and increased exports of Canadian petroleum coke due to improved market
conditions; as well as freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by reduced volumes of U.S. domestic thermal coal to U.S.
Midwest utilities, mainly due to the loss of a utility customer.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 6% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to a significant increase in the average length of haul,
partly offset by higher volumes of Canadian metallurgical coal and freight rate increases.
Grain and fertilizers
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
2,214
$
56,123
3.94
619
2016
2,098
51,485
4.07
602
% Change
6%
9%
(3%)
3%
% Change
at constant
currency
7%
9%
(2%)
3%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $116 million, or 6%, when compared to 2016,
mainly due to higher volumes of Canadian wheat to North American and export markets, higher export volumes of Canadian canola and
barley, and higher export volumes of potash driven by strong offshore demand; freight rate increases; and higher applicable fuel surcharge
rates; partly offset by lower export volumes of U.S. soybeans and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 3% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to an increase in the average length of haul and the
negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar; partly offset by freight rate increases and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Intermodal
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
3,200
$
59,356
5.39
2,514
2016
2,846
53,056
5.36
2,163
% Change
12%
12%
1%
16%
% Change
at constant
currency
13%
12%
1%
16%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $354 million, or 12%, when compared to 2016,
mainly due to higher international container traffic via the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert; and higher applicable fuel surcharge rates;
partly offset by the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
22 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Revenue per RTM increased by 1% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates, partly offset
by the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Automotive
Revenues (millions)
RTMs (millions)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
Carloads (thousands)
Year ended December 31,
2017
$
825
$
4,257
19.38
268
2016
759
3,725
20.38
261
% Change
9%
14%
(5%)
3%
% Change
at constant
currency
10%
14%
(3%)
3%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues for this commodity group increased by $66 million, or 9%, when compared to 2016,
mainly due to higher volumes of finished vehicle imports via the Port of Vancouver resulting from new business, and higher volumes of
domestic finished vehicle traffic; higher applicable fuel surcharge rates; and freight rate increases; partly offset by the negative translation
impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Revenue per RTM decreased by 5% in 2017 when compared to 2016, mainly due to a significant increase in the average length of haul
and the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar, partly offset by higher applicable fuel surcharge rates and freight rate
increases.
Other revenues
Revenues (millions)
$
748
$
Year ended December 31,
2017
2016
711
% Change
5%
% Change
at constant
currency
6%
For the year ended December 31, 2017, Other revenues increased by $37 million, or 5%, when compared to 2016, mainly due to higher
revenues from vessels and docks and automotive logistic services, partly offset by the negative translation impact of a stronger Canadian
dollar.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $7,798 million compared to $7,005 million in 2016. The increase of
$793 million, or 11%, was mainly due to higher costs from increased volumes and higher fuel prices, partly offset by the positive translation
impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Labor and fringe benefits (1)
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses (1)
$
$
2017
2,536
1,769
1,362
1,281
418
432
$
7,798
$
2016
2,399
1,592
1,051
1,225
375
363
7,005
% Change
(6%)
(11%)
(30%)
(5%)
(11%)
(19%)
(11%)
% Change
at constant
currency
(7%)
(12%)
(32%)
(5%)
(14%)
(21%)
(13%)
(1)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in the first quarter of
2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. Additional information is provided in the section of
this MD&A entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
Labor and fringe benefits
Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $137 million, or 6%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to
higher headcount and overtime costs due to increased volumes of traffic, general wage increases, increased U.S. health and welfare rates
and higher incentive-based compensation, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 23
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Purchased services and material
Purchased services and material expense increased by $177 million, or 11%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was mainly due
to higher costs of services purchased from outside contractors and higher materials and repairs and maintenance costs resulting from
increased volumes of traffic, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Fuel
Fuel expense increased by $311 million, or 30%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher fuel prices and
increased volumes of traffic, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $56 million, or 5%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was mainly due to
net capital additions, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Equipment rents
Equipment rents expense increased by $43 million, or 11%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher car
hire expense resulting from increased volumes of traffic, partly offset by lower car and equipment lease expense and the positive translation
impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Casualty and other
Casualty and other expense increased by $69 million, or 19%, in 2017 when compared to 2016. The increase was mainly due to higher legal
and personal injury expenses, incident costs and worker’s compensation expense, partly offset by lower bad debt expense and the positive
translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Other income and expenses
Interest expense
In 2017, interest expense was $481 million compared to $480 million in 2016. The increase was mainly due to a higher average level of
debt, partly offset by the positive translation impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
Other components of net periodic benefit income
In 2017, Other components of net periodic benefit income was $315 million compared to $280 million in 2016.
Other income
In 2017, the Company recorded other income of $12 million compared to $95 million in 2016. Included in Other income for 2016 was a
gain on disposal of the Viaduc du Sud of $76 million.
Income tax recovery (expense)
The Company recorded an income tax recovery of $395 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to an income tax expense
of $1,287 million in 2016. Included in the 2017 figure was a net deferred income tax recovery of $1,706 million consisting of a deferred
income tax recovery of $1,764 million recorded in the fourth quarter, resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform, deferred income
tax expenses of $50 million recorded in the fourth quarter and $31 million recorded in the third quarter, resulting from the enactment of
higher provincial corporate income tax rates and a higher state corporate income tax rate, respectively, and deferred income tax recoveries
of $18 million recorded in the second quarter and $5 million recorded in the first quarter, both resulting from the enactment of lower
provincial corporate income tax rates. Included in the 2016 figure was a deferred income tax expense of $7 million recorded in the second
quarter, resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial corporate income tax rate.
The effective tax rate for 2017 was (7.8%) compared to 26.1% in 2016. Excluding the aforementioned deferred income tax recoveries
and expenses, the effective tax rate for 2017 was 25.8% compared to 26.0% in 2016. The variance in the effective tax rate was mainly
attributable to a lower proportion of the Company’s pre-tax income being earned in higher tax rate jurisdictions, and the impact of a higher
excess tax benefit resulting from the settlement of equity settled awards in 2017 compared to 2016.
24 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Summary of quarterly financial data
2018
Quarters
2017
Quarters
In millions, except per share data
Fourth
Third
Second
First
Fourth
Third
Second
First
Revenues
Net income (1)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Dividends per share
$ 3,808
$ 3,688
$ 1,143
$ 1,134
$
$
1.57
1.56
$
$
1.55
1.54
$
$
$
$
3,631
1,310
1.78
1.77
$ 3,194
$ 3,285
$ 3,221
$
$
$
741
1.00
1.00
$ 2,611
$
$
3.50
3.48
$
$
$
958
1.28
1.27
$
$
$
$
3,329
1,031
1.36
1.36
$ 3,206
$
$
$
884
1.16
1.16
$ 0.4550
$ 0.4550
$ 0.4550
$ 0.4550
$ 0.4125
$ 0.4125
$ 0.4125
$ 0.4125
Reconciliation of operating income (2)
Operating income as originally reported
Adjustment: Other components of net
periodic benefit income
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$ 1,301
$ 1,459
$
1,495
$ 1,303
N/A
(76)
(80)
(80)
(79)
Operating income
$ 1,452
$ 1,492
$
1,519
$ 1,030
$ 1,225
$ 1,379
$
1,415
$ 1,224
(1) Net income may include items that management believes do not necessarily arise as part of CN's normal day-to-day operations and could distort the analysis of
trends in business performance. See the section of this MD&A entitled Adjusted performance measures for additional information on these items.
(2)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in the first quarter of
2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. Additional information is provided in the section of
this MD&A entitled Recent accounting pronouncements.
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 2018
Fourth quarter 2018 net income was $1,143 million, a decrease of $1,468 million, or 56%, when compared to the same period in 2017, and
diluted earnings per share decreased by 55% to $1.56. The decrease was mainly due to a deferred income tax recovery of $1,764 million
($2.35 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate due to the U.S. Tax Reform in the
fourth quarter of 2017, partly offset by an increase in Operating income and Other income.
Operating income for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 increased by $227 million, or 19%, to $1,452 million, when compared to
the same period in 2017. The increase mainly reflects increased revenues from higher volumes, freight rate increases and higher applicable
fuel surcharge rates, partly offset by higher labor costs and higher fuel prices. The operating ratio was 61.9% in the fourth quarter of 2018
compared to 62.7% in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased by $523 million, or 16%, to $3,808 million, when compared to the same period in
2017. The increase was mainly attributable to higher volumes of petroleum crude and Canadian grain, freight rate increases, higher
applicable fuel surcharge rates, and the positive translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar; partly offset by lower volumes of frac sand.
Fuel surcharge revenues increased by $118 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, mainly due to higher applicable fuel surcharge rates.
Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased by $296 million, or 14%, to $2,356 million, when compared to the same
period in 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher labor costs mainly as a result of an increase in headcount, and employee
termination benefits and severance costs related to a workforce reduction program; higher fuel prices; higher costs as a result of increased
volumes of traffic; and the negative translation impact of a weaker Canadian dollar.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 25
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Financial position
The following tables provide an analysis of the Company's balance sheet as at December 31, 2018 as compared to 2017. 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, 2018 and 2017, the foreign exchange rates were $1.3637 and $1.2571 per US$1.00, respectively.
In millions
December 31,
2018
2017
Foreign
exchange
impact
Variance
excluding
foreign
exchange
Explanation of variance,
other than foreign exchange impact
Total assets
Variance mainly due to:
Properties
$
41,214
$
37,629
$
1,660
$
1,925
37,773
34,189
1,378
2,206 Increase primarily due to gross property
additions of $3,531 million, partly offset
by depreciation of $1,327 million.
Pension asset
446
994
—
(548) Decrease primarily due to lower actual
returns partly offset by the increase in the
year-end discount rate from 3.51% in
2017 to 3.77% in 2018.
Total liabilities
$
23,573
$
20,973
$
1,233
$
1,367
Variance mainly due to:
Deferred income taxes
7,480
6,953
291
236 Increase due to deferred income tax
Pension and other
postretirement benefits
707
699
16
expense of $527 million recorded in Net
income, partially offset by a deferred
income tax recovery of $291 million
recorded in Other comprehensive income
(loss), mostly attributable to new
temporary differences generated during
the year.
(8) Decrease primarily due to the increase in
the year-end discount rate from 3.51% in
2017 to 3.77% in 2018.
Total long-term debt, including
12,569
10,828
809
932 Increase primarily due to issuance of
the current portion
notes of $2,738 million and net issuance
of commercial paper of $99 million,
partly offset by repayment of notes of
$1,399 million, net repayment of
accounts receivable securitization of $420
million and debt related to capital leases
of $44 million.
In millions
December 31,
2018
2017
Variance Explanation of variance
Total shareholders' equity
$
17,641
$
16,656
$
985
Variance mainly due to:
Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
(2,849)
(2,784)
Retained earnings
16,623
15,561
(1)
(65) Increase in Other comprehensive loss due
to after-tax amounts of $489 million from
net foreign exchange gains and $554
million resulting from net actuarial losses
on defined benefit pension and post-
retirement benefit plans, net of
amortization.
1,062 Increase primarily due to current year net
income of $4,328 million, partly offset by
share repurchases of $1,901 million and
dividends paid of $1,333 million.
(1)
The Company changed its presentation with respect to equity settled awards settled using shares purchased on the open market in the fourth quarter of 2018 on a
retrospective basis. Comparative balances have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Additional information is provided in Note 14 - Share
capital to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
26 CN | 2018 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, commercial paper programs, 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 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; dividends; and share repurchases.
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 capital structure, cost of capital, and the need for
additional debt financing.
The Company has a working capital deficit, which is common in the capital-intensive rail industry, and is 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, 2018 and 2017, the Company had Cash and cash equivalents of
$266 million and $70 million, respectively; Restricted cash and cash equivalents of $493 million and $483 million, respectively; and a
working capital deficit of $772 million and $1,793 million, respectively. 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 maintain sufficient 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
On February 13, 2018, the Company filed a new shelf prospectus with Canadian securities regulators and a registration statement with the
SEC, pursuant to which CN may issue up to $6.0 billion of debt securities in the Canadian and U.S. capital markets over the 25 months from
the filing date. This shelf prospectus and registration statement replaced CN's previous shelf prospectus and registration statement that
expired on February 6, 2018. CN expects to use net proceeds from the sale of debt securities under the shelf prospectus and registration
statement for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, share repurchases,
acquisitions, and other business opportunities.
During 2018, the Company issued US$650 million ($854 million) of debt securities in the U.S. capital markets and $800 million of debt
securities in the Canadian capital markets under its current shelf prospectus and registration statement, and US$900 million ($1,123 million)
of debt securities in the U.S. capital markets under its previous shelf prospectus and registration statement. As at December 31, 2018, the
remaining capacity of the Company's current shelf prospectus and registration statement was $4.4 billion.
The Company's access to long-term funds in the capital markets depends on its credit ratings and market conditions. The Company
believes that it continues to have access to the capital markets. If the Company were unable to borrow funds at acceptable rates in the
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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 27
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Revolving credit facility
On March 15, 2018, the Company's revolving credit facility agreement was amended, which extended the term of the credit facility by one
year and increased the credit facility from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion, effective May 5, 2018. The increase in capacity provides the Company
with additional financial flexibility. The amended credit facility of $1.8 billion consists of a $900 million tranche maturing on May 5, 2021
and a $900 million tranche maturing on May 5, 2023. The accordion feature included in the credit facility agreement, which provides for an
additional $500 million subject to the consent of individual lenders, remains unchanged. The credit facility is available for general corporate
purposes, including backstopping the Company's commercial paper programs.
As at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and
there were no draws during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
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. As of May 5, 2018, the maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that could be issued increased from $1.3 billion
to $1.8 billion, or the US dollar equivalent, on a combined basis. 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, 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 $1.8 billion revolving credit facility to meet its short-term liquidity needs.
As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of US$862 million ($1,175 million) and
US$760 million ($955 million), respectively, 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 April 30, 2018, the Company extended the term of its agreement by two years to February 1,
2021. 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 then in effect. Subject to customary indemnifications, each trust's
recourse is limited to the accounts receivable transferred.
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, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $nil. As at December 31, 2017, the
Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $421 million, consisting of $320 million and US$80 million ($101 million),
secured by and limited to $476 million of accounts receivable, presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
The Company has a series of committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. On March 15, 2018, the Company
extended the maturity date of the committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2021. The agreements are held with
various banks to support the Company's requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Under the 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, 2018, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $410 million (2017 - $394 million) under the committed
facilities from a total available amount of $447 million (2017 - $437 million) and $137 million (2017 - $136 million) under the uncommitted
facilities.
As at December 31, 2018, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $408 million (2017 - $400 million) and $80 million
(2017 - $80 million) 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 11 – Debt to the Company's 2018 Annual
Consolidated Financial Statements.
28 CN | 2018 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 cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and
restricted cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash
equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of
year
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of year
$
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
Variance
$
5,918
$
5,516
$
(3,404)
(2,308)
—
206
553
759
$
(2,738)
(2,895)
(2)
(119)
672
553
$
402
(666)
587
2
325
(119)
206
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $402 million in 2018 due to higher cash 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 years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 of $92 million and $115 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. The
decrease in pension contributions was mainly due to the Company reducing its current service cost contributions for the CN Pension Plan as
permitted based on its most recently filed actuarial valuation. The Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately $140
million for all pension plans in 2019.
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 13 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company's 2018 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 2018, net income tax payments were $776 million (2017 - $712 million). The increase was mainly due to a higher final payment
made in 2018 for the prior year and higher installment payments in Canada, partly offset by a net refund in the U.S.
For 2019, the Company's net income tax payments are expected to be approximately $1 billion. The increase is primarily due to higher
required U.S. installments in 2019, which includes the impacts of the U.S. Tax Reform, and the related proposed regulations and
interpretations issued in December 2018.
Investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities increased by $666 million in 2018, mainly as a result of higher property additions, partly offset by
proceeds from the disposal of property.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 29
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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,
2018
$
2,341
$
433
95
459
203
3,531
—
$
3,531
$
2017
1,927
226
70
290
190
2,703
30
2,673
(1)
In 2018, approximately 65% (2017 - 75%) of the Track and roadway property additions were incurred to renew basic infrastructure. Costs relating to normal repairs
and maintenance of Track and roadway properties are expensed as incurred, and amounted to approximately 10% of the Company's total operating expenses in
2018 (2017 - 12%).
(2)
Includes $419 million associated with the U.S. federal government legislative PTC implementation in 2018 (2017 - $417 million).
Disposal of property
In 2018, cash flows from investing activities included cash proceeds of $194 million, before transaction costs, from the disposals of the
Doney and St-Francois spurs, Central Station Railway lease, and Calgary Industrial Lead. In 2017, there were no significant disposals of
property. Additional information relating to disposals of property is provided in Note 4 – Other income to the Company's 2018 Annual
Consolidated Financial Statements.
2019 Capital expenditure program
In 2019, the Company expects to invest approximately $3.9 billion in its capital program, which will be financed with cash generated from
operations or with cash from financing activities as required, as outlined below:
•
•
•
$1.6 billion on track and railway infrastructure maintenance to support safe and efficient operations, including the replacement of rail
and ties, bridge improvements, as well as other general track maintenance;
$1.2 billion on initiatives to increase capacity and enable growth, such as track infrastructure expansion, investments in yards and
intermodal terminals, and on information technology to improve safety performance, operational efficiency and customer service;
$0.8 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, CN expects to take delivery of 140 new high-
horsepower locomotives and 500 new grain hopper cars; and
•
$0.3 billion associated with the U.S. federal government legislative PTC implementation.
Financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities decreased by $587 million in 2018, primarily driven by higher net issuances of long-term debt, partly
offset by a lower net issuance of commercial paper.
Debt financing activities
Debt financing activities in 2018 included the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
On November 7, 2018, issuance of US$650 million ($854 million) 4.45% Notes due 2049 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in
net proceeds of $845 million;
On August 30, 2018, early redemption of US$550 million 5.55% Notes due 2019 for US$558 million ($720 million), which resulted in a
loss of US$8 million ($10 million) that was recorded in Other income;
On July 31, 2018, issuance of $350 million 3.20% Notes due 2028 and $450 million 3.60% Notes due 2048 in the Canadian capital
markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $787 million;
On July 15, 2018, repayment of US$200 million ($264 million) 6.80% Notes due 2018 upon maturity;
On May 15, 2018, repayment of US$325 million ($415 million) 5.55% Notes due 2018 upon maturity;
On February 6, 2018, issuance of US$300 million ($374 million) 2.40% Notes due 2020 and US$600 million ($749 million) 3.65% Notes
due 2048 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,106 million;
Net issuance of commercial paper of $99 million;
Proceeds from the accounts receivable securitization program of $530 million;
Repayment of accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $950 million; and
Repayment of capital leases of $44 million.
30 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Debt financing activities in 2017 included the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
On November 15, 2017, repayment of US$250 million ($318 million) 5.85% Notes due 2017 upon maturity;
On November 14, 2017, repayment of US$250 million ($317 million) Floating Rate Notes due 2017 upon maturity;
On August 1, 2017, issuance of $500 million 3.60% Notes due 2047 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in net proceeds of
$493 million;
Proceeds from the accounts receivable securitization program of $423 million;
Net issuance of commercial paper of $379 million; and
Repayment of capital leases of $206 million.
Cash obtained from the issuance of debt in 2018 and 2017 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 11 – Debt to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Repurchase of common shares
The Company may repurchase its common shares pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage
fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the TSX. The Company repurchased 4.1 million common shares under its NCIB effective
from October 30, 2018 and January 31, 2019, which allowed for the repurchase of up to 5.5 million common shares.
Previous NCIBs allowed for the repurchase of up to 31.0 million common shares between October 30, 2017 and October 29, 2018, and
up to 33.0 million common shares between October 30, 2016 and October 29, 2017.
The following table provides the information related to the share repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Total NCIB
October 2018 - January 2019 NCIB
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase
October 2017 - October 2018 NCIB
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase
October 2016 - October 2017 NCIB
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase
Total for the year
Number of common shares (1)
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase (2)
2.6
109.92
293
16.4
104.19
1,707
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.0
104.99
2,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.9
102.40
293
17.5
97.60
1,707
20.4
98.27
2,000
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
84.06
293
26.4 (3)
75.85 (3)
2,000 (3)
2.6
109.92
293
19.3
103.92
2,000
21.0
95.35
2,000
(1)
(2)
(3)
Includes repurchases in the first and second quarters of 2017 and each quarter of 2016, pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length
third-party sellers.
Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
Includes 2016 repurchases from the October 2015 - October 2016 NCIB, which consisted of 22.9 million common shares, a weighted-average price per share of
$74.60 and an amount of repurchase of $1,707 million.
On January 29, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new NCIB, which allows for the repurchase of up to 22 million
common shares between February 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as
may be permitted by the TSX.
The Company’s NCIB notices may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR.
Printed copies may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary’s Office.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 31
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Share Trusts
The Company's Employee Benefit Plan Trusts ("Share Trusts") purchase CN's common shares on the open market, which are used to deliver
common shares under the Share Units Plan. Additional information relating to the share purchases and share settlements by Share Trusts is
provided in Note 14 – Share capital to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table provides the information related to the share purchases and settlements by Share Trusts for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions, except per share data
Share purchases by Share Trusts
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of purchase
Share settlements by Share Trusts
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of settlement
Dividends paid
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
0.4
104.87
38
0.4
84.53
31
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.5
102.17
55
0.3
77.99
24
$
$
$
$
2016
0.7
84.99
60
0.3
73.31
23
During 2018, the Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.4550 per share amounting to $1,333 million, compared to $1,239 million, at the
rate of $0.4125 per share, in 2017. For 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of 18% to the quarterly dividend to
common shareholders, from $0.4550 per share in 2018 to $0.5375 per share in 2019.
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, 2018:
In millions
Total
2019
2020
2021
2022
Debt obligations (1)
$
12,540
$
1,175
$
Interest on debt obligations
Capital lease obligations (2)
Operating lease obligations
Purchase obligations (3)
Other long-term liabilities (4)
9,732
30
663
2,592
742
484
10
190
1,551
69
$
400
491
15
136
521
70
$
787
483
5
103
190
53
$
333
464
—
64
133
46
2023
197
448
$
—
45
96
47
2024 &
thereafter
9,648
7,362
—
125
101
457
Total contractual obligations
$
26,299
$
3,479
$
1,633
$
1,621
$
1,040
$
833
$
17,693
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Presented net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs and excludes capital lease obligations.
Includes $29 million of minimum lease payments and $1 million of imputed interest at rates ranging from 1.8% to 4.3%.
Includes fixed and variable commitments for locomotives, rail, wheels, engineering services, information technology services and licenses, railroad ties, rail cars, as
well as other equipment and services. Costs of variable commitments were estimated using forecasted prices and volumes.
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 the impact of business 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 to free cash flow for the years
ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Free cash flow
32 CN | 2018 Annual Report
2018
5,918
(3,404)
2,514
$
$
2017
5,516
(2,738)
2,778
$
$
2016
5,202
(2,682)
2,520
$
$
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,
2018
2017
Debt
Adjustments:
Present value of operating lease commitments (1)
Pension plans in deficiency
Adjusted debt (2)
Net income
Interest expense
Income tax expense (recovery)
Depreciation and amortization
EBITDA
Adjustments:
Other income
Other components of net periodic benefit income
Operating lease expense
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
$
$
$
12,569
$
10,828
$
$
$
579
477
13,625
4,328
489
1,354
1,329
7,500
(376)
(302)
218
$
$
478
455
11,761
5,484
481
(395)
1,281
6,851
(12)
(315)
191
$
7,040
$
6,715
$
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times)
1.94
1.75
2016
10,937
533
442
11,912
3,640
480
1,287
1,225
6,632
(95)
(280)
197
6,454
1.85
(1) Operating lease commitments have been discounted using the Company's implicit interest rate for each of the periods presented.
(2)
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company redefined adjusted debt to include the present value of operating lease commitments and pension plans in deficiency, and
adjusted EBITDA to exclude other income, other components of net periodic benefit income and operating lease expense, in order to better align the Company's
definition of adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple with similar measures used by credit rating agencies. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to
the current definition.
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 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. As at December 31, 2018, the Company has not recorded a liability with respect to guarantees and indemnifications.
Additional information relating to guarantees and indemnifications is provided in Note 17 – Major commitments and contingencies to the
Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Outstanding share data
As at February 1, 2019, the Company had 723.9 million common shares and 4.9 million stock options outstanding.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 33
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. CN also obtains credit insurance for certain high risk customers.
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 to be 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 programs, and an accounts
receivable securitization program. As well, the Company can issue debt securities in the Canadian and U.S. capital markets under its shelf
prospectus and registration statement. The Company's access to long-term funds in the debt capital markets depends on its credit ratings
and 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 and its credit ratings.
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 debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in foreign
operations. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company's US dollar-
denominated debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which minimizes volatility of earnings resulting from the
conversion of US dollar-denominated 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,
2018, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional value of US$1,465 million (2017 - US$887 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, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of
$157 million (2017 - loss of $72 million; 2016 - loss of $1 million), related to foreign exchange forward contracts. These gains or losses were
largely offset by the re-measurement of US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recognized in Other income. As at December
31, 2018, the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts included in Other current assets and Accounts payable and other
was $67 million and $nil, respectively (2017 - $nil and $19 million, respectively).
34 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The estimated annual impact on net income of a one-cent change in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar is approximately $30
million.
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 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.
The estimated annual impact on net income of a one-percent change in the interest rate on floating rate debt is approximately $11
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, and, to a lesser extent, West-Texas Intermediate crude oil.
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 financial instruments that the Company measures at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition are
categorized into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the degree to which inputs are observable:
•
•
•
Level 1: Inputs are quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2: Significant inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are observable
Level 3: Significant inputs are unobservable
The carrying amounts of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. These financial
instruments include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity, for which the fair value is determined by
reference to quoted prices in active markets.
The carrying amounts of Accounts receivable, Other current assets, and Accounts payable and other approximate fair value. 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, classified as Level 2, 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. The Company classifies debt as Level 2. As at December 31, 2018, the Company's debt had a carrying
amount of $12,569 million (2017 - $10,828 million) and a fair value of $13,316 million (2017 - $12,164 million).
CN | 2018 Annual Report 35
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Recent accounting pronouncements
The following recent ASUs issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) were adopted by the Company during the current
year:
ASU 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net
Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
The ASU requires employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and/or other postretirement benefit plans to report the service cost
component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to
be presented in the statement of income separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The
new guidance allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance must be applied retrospectively for the
presentation of the service cost component and other components of net periodic benefit cost in the statement of income and prospectively
for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost.
The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 with an effective date of January 1, 2018. As a result, the classification of
the components of pension and postretirement benefit costs other than current service cost are now shown outside of Operating income in
a separate caption entitled Other components of net periodic benefit income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
As a result of applying this ASU, for the year ended December 31, 2018, operating income was reduced by $302 million (2017 - $315
million; 2016 - $280 million), with a corresponding increase presented in the new caption below Operating income with no impact on Net
income. The guidance allowing only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization did not have a significant impact on the
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities
The ASU provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The guidance requires
equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or that result in consolidation, to be measured at fair value
with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily
determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly
transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The guidance must be applied prospectively by means of a cumulative-
effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.
The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis with an effective date of January 1, 2018. As a result
of applying this ASU, the Company elected to measure all existing equity investments without readily determinable fair values, other than
those accounted for using the equity method or that result in consolidation, at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes
resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of
the ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and related amendments (Topic 606)
The ASU requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount
that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures
are required to assist users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows
arising from an entity's contracts. The guidance can be applied using either the retrospective or modified retrospective transition method.
The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 with an effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified
retrospective transition method applied to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not
have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, other than for the new disclosure requirements. See Note 1 -
Summary of significant accounting policies and Note 3 - Revenues to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information.
ASU 2018-02 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The ASU provides entities the option to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform from accumulated other
comprehensive income to retained earnings. The guidance also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects and a description of
the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance can either be applied
prospectively from the beginning of the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in
the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the U.S. Tax Reform is recognized.
36 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU during the fourth quarter of 2018 with an effective date of October 1, 2018. The
Company did not elect to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to
Retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, other than
for the new disclosure requirements. See Note 16 - Accumulated other comprehensive loss to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information.
The following recent ASU issued by FASB has an effective date after December 31, 2018 and has not been adopted by the Company:
ASU 2016-02 Leases and related amendments (Topic 842)
The ASU requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases greater than twelve months
and requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The lessor accounting model under the new standard is substantially
unchanged. The guidance must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Entities may elect to apply the guidance to each prior
period presented with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized at the beginning of the earliest period presented or to
apply the guidance with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized at the beginning of the period of adoption. The
ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.
The standard will have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the recognition of right-of-use assets
and lease liabilities for leases currently classified as operating leases with a term over twelve months. The Company has identified all
contracts that contain a lease and has assembled the data necessary to calculate the estimated impact on transition. The Company has
implemented a new lease management system and has made changes to processes and internal controls necessary to meet the reporting
and disclosure requirements of this standard.
The new standard provides a number of practical expedients and accounting policy elections upon transition. The Company will not
elect the package of three practical expedients that permits the Company not to reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease
classification and initial direct costs. The Company will elect:
•
•
•
•
the use-of-hindsight practical expedient to reassess lease term and the likelihood that a purchase option will be exercised;
the land easement practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840;
the short-term lease exemption for all asset classes that permits entities not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities onto the
balance sheet; and
the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for the freight car asset category.
The Company will adopt the requirements of the ASU effective January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach with a
cumulative-effect adjustment to Retained earnings recognized on January 1, 2019, with no restatement of the comparative periods' financial
information. As at January 1, 2019, the cumulative-effect adjustment required to adopt the new standard will increase the balance of
Retained earnings by approximately $30 million. The initial adoption transition adjustment to record right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
for leases over twelve months on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet will be approximately $750 million.
Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 have been evaluated by the Company
and will not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 37
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 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.
Management discusses the development and selection of the Company's critical accounting policies, including the underlying estimates
and assumptions, with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. 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 sufficient future taxable income, of the necessary character,
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, 2018, in order to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income
of approximately $1.8 billion, and, based upon the level of historical taxable income, projections of future taxable income of the necessary
character over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, and the reversal of taxable temporary differences,
management believes, following an assessment of the current economic environment, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize
the benefits of these deductible differences. See the section of this MD&A entitled Other income and expenses - Income tax recovery
(expense) for information about the U.S. Tax Reform.
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, 2018, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $74 million, before considering tax treaties
and other arrangements between taxation authorities. The amount of net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018 was $69
million. If recognized, $18 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018 would affect the effective tax rate. The
Company believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $4 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018
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. These deferred income tax
assets and liabilities are recorded at the enacted tax rates of the periods in which the related temporary differences are expected to reverse.
As a result, fiscal budget changes and/or changes in income tax laws that affect a change in the timing, the amount, and/or the income tax
rate at which the temporary difference components will reverse, could materially affect deferred income tax expense as recorded in the
Company's results of operations. 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 $137 million and $143 million in 2018, respectively.
38 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $1,354 million, of which $527 million was a
deferred income tax expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an income tax recovery of $395 million, of
which $1,195 million was a deferred income tax recovery. The deferred income tax recovery included a net recovery of $1,706 million
resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform, and changes to provincial and state corporate income tax rates. 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. The Company's net deferred income tax liability as at December 31, 2018 was $7,480 million (2017 - $6,953 million). Additional
disclosures are provided in Note 5 – Income taxes to the Company's 2018 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.
Depreciation
Properties are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation including asset impairment write-downs. The Company has a process in place to
determine whether or not costs qualify for capitalization, which requires judgment. 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 whose services lives 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 $48 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 2018, the
Company completed depreciation studies for road properties and as a result, the Company changed the estimated service lives for various
types of road assets and their related composite depreciation rates. The results of these depreciation studies did not materially affect the
Company's annual depreciation expense.
Given the nature of the railroad and the composition of its network which is made up of homogeneous long-lived assets, it is
impractical to maintain records of specific properties at their lowest unit of property.
Retirements of assets occur through the replacement of an asset in the normal course of business, the sale of an asset or the
abandonment of a section of track. For retirements in the normal course of business, generally the life of the retired asset is within a
reasonable range of the expected useful life, as determined in the depreciation studies, and, as such, no gain or loss is recognized under the
group method. The asset's cost is removed from the asset account and the difference between its cost and estimated related accumulated
depreciation (net of salvage proceeds), if any, is recorded as an adjustment to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized.
The historical cost of the retired asset is estimated by using deflation factors or indices that closely correlate to the properties comprising the
asset classes in combination with the estimated age of the retired asset using a first-in, first-out approach, and applying it to the
replacement value of the asset.
In each depreciation study, an estimate is made of any excess or deficiency in accumulated depreciation for all corresponding asset
classes to ensure that the depreciation rates remain appropriate. The excess or deficiency in accumulated depreciation is amortized over the
remaining life of the asset class.
For retirements of depreciable properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, the historical cost, net of salvage
proceeds, is recorded as a gain or loss in income. A retirement is considered not to be in the normal course of business if it meets the
following criteria: (i) it is unusual, (ii) it is significant in amount, and (iii) it varies significantly from the retirement pattern identified through
depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in Other income for the sale of land or disposal of assets that are not part of railroad
operations.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 39
Management's Discussion and Analysis
For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded total depreciation expense of $1,327 million (2017 - $1,279 million;
2016 - $1,223 million). As at December 31, 2018, the Company had Properties of $37,773 million, net of accumulated depreciation of
$13,305 million (2017 - $34,189 million, net of accumulated depreciation of $12,680 million). Additional disclosures are provided in Note 8
– Properties to the Company's 2018 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, 2018, and 2017:
In millions
Pension asset
Pension liability
Other postretirement benefits liability
December 31,
2018
446
477
247
$
$
$
2017
994
455
261
$
$
$
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 (income) 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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 income for pensions
Net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits
2018
(139)
9
$
$
2017
(190)
7
$
$
2016
(161)
7
$
$
As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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,
2018
17,275
247
$
$
2017
18,025
261
$
$
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 year-end discount rate of 3.77% based on bond yields prevailing
at December 31, 2018 (2017 - 3.51%) was considered appropriate by the Company.
40 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
The Company uses the spot rate approach to measure current service cost and interest cost for all defined benefit pension and other
postretirement benefit plans. 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.
As at December 31, 2018, a 0.25% decrease in the 3.77% discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation would have
resulted in a decrease of approximately $500 million to the funded status for pensions and would result in a decrease of approximately $25
million to the 2019 projected net periodic benefit income. A 0.25% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an increase of
approximately $470 million to the funded status for pensions and would result in an increase of approximately $25 million to the 2019
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 2018, 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 2019, 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 strategy. 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 2018, the Policy was: 3% cash and short-term investments, 42% bonds and
mortgages, 40% equities, 4% real estate, 7% oil and gas and 4% infrastructure and private debt investments.
Annually, the CN Investment Division ("Investment Manager"), a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of
the plans, can also propose an investment strategy ("Strategy") which can lead the Plan's actual asset allocation to deviate from the Policy
due to changing market risks and opportunities. The Pension and Investment Committee of the Board of Directors ("Committee") regularly
compares the actual asset allocation to the Policy and Strategy and compares the actual performance of the Company's pension plan assets
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, hedge and adjust existing or anticipated exposures. The SIPP prohibits investments in securities of the
Company or its subsidiaries.
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
2018
(2.4%)
5.7%
7.00%
2017
9.2%
9.1%
7.00%
2016
4.4%
8.2%
7.00%
2015
5.5%
7.0%
7.00%
2014
10.1%
7.6%
7.00%
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 (income) of approximately $100 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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 41
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Net periodic benefit income for pensions for 2019
In 2019, the Company expects net periodic benefit income to be approximately $140 million (2018 - $139 million) for all its defined benefit
pension plans.
Plan asset allocation
Based on the fair value of the assets held as at December 31, 2018, the assets of the Company's various plans are comprised of 3% in cash
and short-term investments, 38% in bonds and mortgages, 33% in equities, 2% in real estate, 6% in oil and gas, 6% in infrastructure and
private debt, 10% in absolute return investments, and 2% in risk-factor allocation investments. See Note 13 - Pensions and other
postretirement benefits to the Company's 2018 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 2018, a basic rate
of compensation increase of 2.75% was used to determine the projected benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost (income).
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, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
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 defined benefit pension plans, or when deemed appropriate by the
OSFI. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company's U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans.
The Company's most recently filed actuarial valuations for funding purposes for its Canadian registered defined pension plans
conducted as at December 31, 2017 indicated a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $3.1 billion and a funding excess
on a solvency basis of approximately $0.5 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, if any, to be
paid over a number of years, as calculated under current pension regulations. Alternatively, a letter of credit can be subscribed to fulfill
required solvency deficit payments.
The Company's next actuarial valuations for funding purposes for its Canadian registered defined benefit pension plans required as at
December 31, 2018 will be performed in 2019. These actuarial valuations are expected to identify a funding excess on a going concern basis
of approximately $3.3 billion, while on a solvency basis a funding excess of approximately $0.5 billion is expected.
Based on the anticipated results of these valuations, the Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately $140
million for all of the Company's pension plans in 2019. The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be
sufficient to meet its 2019 funding obligations.
42 CN | 2018 Annual Report
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
December 31, 2018
CN
Pension Plan
BC Rail
Pension Plan
U.S. and
other plans
Plan assets by category
Cash and short-term investments
$
544
$
Bonds
Mortgages
Private debt
Public equities
Private equities
Real estate
Oil and gas
Infrastructure
Absolute return
Risk-factor allocation
Other (1)
Total plan assets
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
Company contributions in 2018
Employee contributions in 2018
6,049
89
357
5,111
267
410
925
687
1,583
280
91
16,393
16,004
50
63
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
20
307
1
8
131
5
9
19
14
27
5
2
548
491
—
—
$
$
$
$
$
13
152
—
1
104
2
2
4
3
7
1
14
303
780
20
—
$
$
$
$
$
Total
577
6,508
90
366
5,346
274
421
948
704
1,617
286
107
17,244
17,275
70
63
(1) Other consists of operating assets of $120 million and liabilities of $13 million required to administer the Trusts' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding
activities.
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 13 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company's 2018 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 2018, 2017 and 2016 the Company recorded an increase of $4 million, an increase of $2 million and a decrease of $11 million,
respectively, to its provision for personal injuries and other claims in Canada as a result of actuarial valuations for employee injury claims as
well as various other legal claims.
As at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
183
52
(28)
207
60
$
$
$
2017
183
38
(38)
183
40
$
$
$
2016
191
24
(32)
183
39
$
$
$
CN | 2018 Annual Report 43
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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 2018, the Company recorded an increase of $13 million to its provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims attributable to non-
occupational disease claims, third-party claims and occupational disease claims pursuant to the 2018 actuarial valuation. In 2017 and 2016,
actuarial valuations resulted in an increase of $15 million and $21 million, respectively. The prior years' adjustments from the actuarial
valuations were mainly attributable to occupational disease claims, non-occupational disease claims and third-party claims reflecting
changes 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
116
$
118
$
41
(28)
10
139
37
$
$
46
(41)
(7)
116
25
$
$
105
51
(34)
(4)
118
37
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.
Environmental matters
Known existing environmental concerns
The Company has identified approximately 145 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 U.S. 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
44 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
78
16
(34)
1
61
39
$
$
$
86
16
(23)
(1)
78
57
$
$
$
110
6
(29)
(1)
86
50
The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2018 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,
CN | 2018 Annual Report 45
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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, 2018 amounted
to $22 million (2017 - $20 million; 2016 - $19 million). For 2019, the Company expects to incur operating expenses relating to
environmental matters in the same range as 2018. 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 fueling 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, 2018 amounted to $19 million (2017 - $21 million; 2016 - $15 million). For 2019, the Company expects to incur capital
expenditures relating to environmental matters in the same range as 2018.
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.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors in the
transportation industry, or that further consolidation within the transportation industry and 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.
46 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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 such as 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, 2018, 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.
Labor negotiations
As at December 31, 2018, CN employed a total of 17,976 employees in Canada, of which 13,778, or 77%, were unionized employees and
7,744 employees in the U.S., of which 6,425, or 83%, 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 and related 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 May 23, 2018, the collective agreement with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) governing approximately 1,800 locomotive
engineers was ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreement for a five-year term expiring on December 31, 2022.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 47
Management's Discussion and Analysis
In September 2018, notices were served to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreements with the TCRC governing
approximately 200 rail traffic controllers, with the United Steelworkers governing approximately 2,900 track and bridge workers and with
Unifor governing approximately 2,100 shopcraft employees, which expired on December 31, 2018.
The collective agreement with Unifor was renewed for a four-year term, expiring December 31, 2022, and was ratified by its members
on January 30, 2019.
On December 19, 2018, CN reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers to renew that collective agreement.
Ratification by the membership is expected by February 15, 2019.
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, 2019, 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, which preserve the status quo in respect of the given collective agreement during the terms of such
moratoriums. 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.
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 participated in, for collective agreements covering non-operating employees. This national bargaining concluded in
2018 with successor collective bargaining agreements in place for all railroad unions, including all of CN’s non-operating craft employees.
Collective agreements covering operating employees at GTW, ICC, WC and BLE, and all employees at PCD continue to be bargained on a
local (corporate) basis. CN has ratified agreements with 12 of 18 bargaining units covering approximately 1,600 of CN’s operating craft
employees. The remaining six collective agreements, covering approximately 1,750 operating craft employees and the employees at PCD
represented by United Steelworkers, are currently under renegotiation.
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, which provides rate and service remedies, including final offer arbitration, long-haul interswitching rates and
mandatory 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, and the Company is subject to government oversight with respect to rate, service and business practice
issues.
The Transportation Modernization Act (Bill C-49) came into force on May 23, 2018 and introduced a series of amendments to various
federal acts respecting transportation. In addition to introducing provisions respecting compensation for expenses incurred by shippers in
case of failure by railway companies to meet their level of service obligations and the definition by the Agency of matters which can be
subject to service arbitrations, Bill C-49 amended the Canada Transportation Act to, among other things:
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expand the Governor in Council's powers to make regulations requiring major railway companies to provide to the federal Minister of
Transport (Minister) and the Agency information relating to rates, service and performance;
clarify the factors that must be applied in determining whether railway companies are fulfilling their service obligations;
enable shippers to obtain terms in their contracts dealing with amounts to be paid in relation to a failure to comply with conditions
related to railway companies' service obligations;
create a new remedy for shippers who have access to the lines of only one railway company at the point of origin or destination of the
movement of traffic in circumstances where interswitching is not available, also called "long-haul interswitching";
change the process for the transfer and discontinuance of railway lines to, among other things, require railway companies to make
certain information available to the Minister and the public and establish a remedy for non-compliance with the process; and
change provisions respecting the maximum revenue entitlement for the movement of Western grain to support the acquisition by
railways of equipment used in the transportation of grain and require certain railway companies to provide to the Minister and the
public information respecting the movement of grain.
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.
48 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Economic regulation – U.S.
The Company's U.S. rail operations are subject to economic regulation by the STB. The STB serves as both an adjudicatory and regulatory
body and has jurisdiction over certain 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. Recent proceedings undertaken by the STB
in a number of significant matters 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 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, as well as the revenue
adequacy component used in judging the reasonableness of rail freight rates. The STB held hearings on these matters in 2015. On October
31, 2016, the STB determined to leave unchanged its method for determining the industry's cost of equity capital. On April 28, 2017, the
STB denied a petition for reconsideration of its October 31, 2016 decision. Conclusions on the other portions of the joined proceedings
remain pending.
On March 28, 2016, the STB issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to revoke previously granted exemptions of five commodities from
regulatory oversight for crushed or broken stone, hydraulic cement, coke produced from coal, primary iron or steel products, and 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. Amtrak filed a complaint in 2012 with
the STB to commence such an investigation, including a request for damages for preference failures, for allegedly sub-standard performance
of Amtrak trains and in 2014 amended the complaint to limit the investigation to CN’s IC line. After the U.S. Supreme Court denied petitions
for review of the U.S. Court of Appeals determination that the STB exceeded its authority in adopting its final rule, on March 29, 2018, CN
filed a motion to dismiss Amtrak’s Section 213 complaint. On April 13, 2018, the STB dismissed without prejudice Amtrak’s Section 213
complaint against CN.
In a separate proceeding, the rail industry had previously challenged as unconstitutional Congress’ delegation to Amtrak and the FRA of
joint authority to promulgate the PRIIA performance standards. On March 23, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
concluded that Section 207 of PRIIA was void and unconstitutional and vacated the performance standards. The Government defendants
challenged this decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. On July 20, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia Circuit reversed the judgment of the District Court and held that the constitutional defect could be appropriately remedied by
severing the arbitration provision in Section 207(d). The U.S. Court of Appeals noted that the aspect of the District Court’s decision that
vacated the performance standards is final because the Government defendants did not challenge it on appeal. On October 24, 2018, the
U.S. Court of Appeals denied the rail industry's petition for rehearing. On January 22, 2019, the rail industry filed a petition for review with
the U.S. Supreme Court.
On August 8, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit denied the Village of Barrington’s (“Barrington”) petition seeking
rehearing of its June 2018 decision, which upheld the STB’s decision to deny Barrington’s petition to reopen CN’s 2009 acquisition of the
Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E) to impose a condition that would require CN to fund a grade separation. On that same day,
Barrington petitioned the STB again to reopen CN’s acquisition of the EJ&E to impose a condition that would require CN to fund a grade
separation. On December 21, 2018, the STB denied Barrington’s most recent petition.
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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 49
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Safety regulation – Canada
The Company's rail operations in Canada are subject to safety regulation by the Minister under the Railway Safety Act as well as the rail
portions of other safety-related statutes, which are administered 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 adoption 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, the tracking of dangerous goods during transport and the development of an emergency response plan.
Following a significant derailment involving a non-related short-line railroad in the town of Lac-Mégantic, within the province of
Quebec 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 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 were also introduced for railway companies to conduct route
assessments for rail corridors handling significant volumes of dangerous goods, have an Emergency Response Assistance Plan in order to
ship large volumes of flammable liquids, and provide municipalities and first responders with data on dangerous goods to improve
emergency planning, risk assessment, and training.
In 2014, Transport Canada's new Grade Crossings Regulations under the Railway Safety Act came into force, which establish specific
standards for new grade crossings and requirements that existing crossings be upgraded to basic safety standards by November 2021, 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.
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.
Protective Direction No. 39 took effect on November 1, 2018 to accelerate the removal of the CPC-1232 unjacketed tank cars from crude oil
service in Canada to November 1, 2018 and to accelerate the removal of all TC/DOT-111 and CPC-1232 unjacketed tank cars from
condensate service in Canada to January 1, 2019.
On June 1, 2016, the Minister made amendments to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations under 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 April 26, 2017, the Minister initiated the review of the Railway Safety Act, which was initially scheduled for 2018, and a panel of
three persons was appointed to proceed with the review. On May 31, 2018, the Minister tabled in the House of Commons the report of the
three-person panel. The Minister has not indicated how and when he will answer to the panel's report.
On June 9, 2017, Transport Canada's Locomotive Emissions Regulations under the Railway Safety Act came into force. The regulations
seek to limit air pollution by establishing emission standards and test procedures for new locomotives, and align Canadian standards with
U.S. regulations. The new regulations require railway companies to meet emission standards, undertake emission testing, and adhere to
anti-idling provisions, in addition to requirements for labelling, testing, record keeping and reporting. CN's locomotives in service at this time
are not required to meet the emission standards or the testing and labelling requirements, though when they are removed from service to
be remanufactured, refurbished or upgraded, they must meet the new requirements before they are placed back into service.
On June 24, 2017, Transport Canada proposed new regulations aimed at lowering the risk of terrorism on the Canadian rail system,
entitled Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations. The proposed regulations would require all rail carriers to
proactively engage in security planning processes and manage security risks, by introducing security awareness training for employees,
security plans that include measures to address assessed risks, and security plan training for employees with duties related to the security
plan or security sensitive dangerous goods. Rail carriers would also have to conduct security inspections of certain railway vehicles
containing dangerous goods, report potential security threats and concerns to the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre, and employ a rail
security coordinator.
Bill C-49, which came into force on May 23, 2018, contains provisions that amend the Railway Safety Act to prohibit a railway company
from operating railway equipment unless the equipment is fitted with prescribed recording instruments and prescribed information is
recorded using those instruments, collected and preserved. These changes are not yet in force as regulations detailing their conditions must
first be enacted by Transport Canada.
On December 20, 2018, the Minister issued an order requesting Canadian railway companies to revise the Work/Rest Rules under the
Railway Safety Act to reflect the latest fatigue science and fatigue management practices and address a series of related elements.
50 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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.
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 of certain thresholds are transported. PTC is a collision
avoidance technology designed to override locomotive controls and prevent train-to-train collisions, overspeed derailments, misaligned
switch derailments, and unauthorized incursions onto established work zones. Pursuant to the Positive Train Control Enforcement and
Implementation Act of 2015 and the FAST Act of 2015, Congress extended the PTC installation deadline until December 31, 2018, with the
option for a railroad carrier to complete full implementation by no later than December 31, 2020, provided certain milestones were met by
the end of 2018. In 2018, the Company completed the milestones required for the extension and the FRA has approved the extension for
the Company to complete full implementation by December 31, 2020. The FRA has approved CN to commence provisional revenue
operations while the FRA continues its review of CN’s PTC Safety Plan. Noncompliance with these or other laws and regulations may subject
the Company to fines, penalties and/or service interruptions. The implementation of PTC will result in additional capital expenditures and
operating costs. In order to implement PTC, the Company has invested in various information technology applications, including back office
systems, aimed to enhance the reliability of PTC operations. The Company continues to evaluate the technical and operational merits of its
information technology applications. In the event that such evaluations lead to the identification of better or more reliable technology, the
Company may consider implementing such technology, which may result in additional costs. PTC may result in reduced operational
efficiency and service levels.
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. 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 December 13, 2017, after completing its review of an updated
regulatory impact analysis published by PHMSA in October of 2017, the Department of Transportation determined that the final rule's ECP
brake requirements were not economically justified. On September 25, 2018, the Department of Transportation issued a final rule to rescind
the final rule’s ECP brake requirement on unit trains with 70 or more loaded cars carrying Class 3 flammable liquids.
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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 51
Management's Discussion and Analysis
Other regulation – Canada
Bill C-49 amended the CN Commercialization Act to increase the maximum proportion of voting shares of CN that can be owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by any one person together with his or her associates to 25%, up from the 15% limit imposed since CN
became a public company in 1995. Bill C-49 also provided that CN’s directors may amend CN’s Articles to implement this change without
shareholder approval. On May 24, 2018, CN filed Articles of Amendment in order to give effect to this new provision.
Regulation – Vessels
The Company's vessel operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard 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 has authority to regulate air emissions from these vessels.
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:
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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; and
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 Association of American Railroads (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.
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 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
52 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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 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 and related cybersecurity risk
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 security and mitigation programs in place to protect its operations, information and technology assets, a
cybersecurity 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, leading to possible litigation
and regulatory oversight. Security threats are evolving, and can come from nation states, organized criminals, hacktivists and others with
malicious intent. A security incident could compromise corporate information and assets, as well as operations. If the Company is unable to
restore service or to acquire or implement any needed 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. The Company is investing to meet evolving network and
data security expectations and regulations, in an effort to mitigate the impact a security incident might have on the Company's results of
operations, financial position or liquidity. The final outcome of a potential security incident cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore
there can be no assurance that its resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's reputation, goodwill, results of
operations, financial position or liquidity, in a particular quarter or fiscal year.
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. or the cost associated therewith. Following the expiration of the Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA)
between Canada and the U.S., including the expiration of the one year moratorium period preventing the U.S. from launching any trade
action against Canadian producers, on January 3, 2018, based on affirmative final determinations by both the U.S. Department of
Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, antidumping and countervailing duty orders were imposed on imports of Canadian
softwood lumber to the U.S. Canada responded to the imposition by the U.S. of antidumping and countervailing duties, in connection with
lumber and other commodities, by filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
On November 30, 2018, the U.S., Canada and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a new trade
agreement to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, which is subject to ratification by the legislature of each country. The U.S.
tariffs on steel and aluminum imports announced March 8, 2018 were unaffected by the USMCA. Additionally, the Government of Canada's
retaliatory tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum and other products from the U.S., which came into effect July 1, 2018, remain unchanged.
It is still too early to assess the potential outcome of the legislative path toward ratification of the USMCA, and other ongoing various
trade actions taken by governments and agencies. As such, there can be no assurance that the USMCA and other trade actions will not
materially adversely affect 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.
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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 53
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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/or business failures of customers could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.
Liquidity
Disruptions in 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 terms and 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. The supply market could become further concentrated and could result in changes to the product or service
offerings by suppliers. 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 and materials. 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 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 conductors, could negatively impact
the Company's ability to meet demand for rail service. 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 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 rates
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk relating to the Company's 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 results of operations or liquidity.
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.
54 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Management's Discussion and Analysis
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, droughts, fires, 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, and could affect the markets for, or the volume
of, the goods the Company carries or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or
liquidity. Government action or inaction to address climate change could also affect CN. The Company is currently subject to climate change
and other emissions-related laws and regulations that have been proposed and, in some cases adopted, on the federal, provincial, state and
local levels. While CN is continually focused on efficiency improvements and reducing its carbon footprint, caps, taxes, or other controls on
emissions of greenhouse gasses imposed by various government bodies could increase the Company's capital and operating costs. The
Company may not be able to offset such impact, including, for example, through higher freight rates. 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, 2018, have concluded that the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2018, 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, 2018, 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 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, 2018, and issued Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting dated February 1, 2019 to that effect.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 55
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, 2018 using
the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 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, 2018.
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, 2018 and has also expressed an unqualified audit opinion on the
Company's 2018 consolidated financial statements as stated in their Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm dated
February 1, 2019.
(s) Jean-Jacques Ruest
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 1, 2019
(s) Ghislain Houle
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
February 1, 2019
56 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company:
Opinion on the consolidated financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Canadian National Railway Company (the "Company") as of
December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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, 2018, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the
"consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the
three‐year period ended December 31, 2018, 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) ("PCAOB"),
the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated
February 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Change in accounting principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for the classification of
the components of pension and postretirement benefit costs on the statement of income, on a retrospective basis, effective January 1, 2018
due to the adoption of ASU 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension
Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.
Basis for opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error
or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
(s) KPMG LLP*
We have served as the Company's auditor since 1992.
Montréal, Canada
February 1, 2019
* 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 | 2018 Annual Report 57
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of the Canadian National Railway Company:
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the Canadian National Railway Company's (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"),
the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, 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,
2018, and the related notes, and our report dated February 1, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements.
Basis for opinion
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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
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.
(s) KPMG LLP*
Montréal, Canada
February 1, 2019
* 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.
58 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Consolidated Statements of Income
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Revenues (Note 3)
Operating expenses
Labor and fringe benefits (1)
Purchased services and material
Fuel
Depreciation and amortization
Equipment rents
Casualty and other
Total operating expenses (1)
Operating income (1)
Interest expense
Other components of net periodic benefit income (Note 13) (1)
Other income (Note 4)
Income before income taxes
Income tax recovery (expense) (Note 5)
Net income
Earnings per share (Note 6)
Basic
Diluted
Weighted-average number of shares (Note 6)
Basic
Diluted
$
14,321
$
13,041
$
12,037
2,860
1,971
1,732
1,329
467
469
8,828
5,493
(489)
302
376
5,682
(1,354)
4,328
5.89
5.87
734.5
737.7
$
$
$
2,536
1,769
1,362
1,281
418
432
7,798
5,243
(481)
315
12
5,089
395
5,484
7.28
7.24
753.6
757.3
$
$
$
2,399
1,592
1,051
1,225
375
363
7,005
5,032
(480)
280
95
4,927
(1,287)
3,640
4.69
4.67
776.0
779.2
$
$
$
(1)
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement
Benefit Cost in the first quarter of 2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current presentation. See Note 2 -
Recent accounting pronouncements for additional information.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
In millions
Net income
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
$
4,328
$
5,484
$
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 16)
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 13)
Other comprehensive loss before income taxes
Income tax recovery (expense)
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2016
3,640
(45)
(694)
(739)
148
(591)
403
(759)
(356)
291
(65)
(197)
(224)
(421)
(5)
(426)
$
4,263
$
5,058
$
3,049
CN | 2018 Annual Report 59
Consolidated Balance Sheets
In millions
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 11)
Accounts receivable (Note 7)
Material and supplies
Other current assets
Total current assets
Properties (Note 8)
Pension asset (Note 13)
Intangible and other assets (Note 9)
Total assets
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other (Note 10)
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 11)
Total current liabilities
Deferred income taxes (Note 5)
Other liabilities and deferred credits (Note 12)
Pension and other postretirement benefits (Note 13)
Long-term debt (Note 11)
Shareholders' equity
Common shares (Note 14)
Common shares in Share Trusts (Note 14)
Additional paid-in capital (Note 14)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 16)
Retained earnings (Note 14)
Total shareholders' equity
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
$
$
266
493
1,169
557
243
2,728
37,773
446
267
41,214
$
$
2,316
1,184
3,500
7,480
501
707
11,385
3,634
(175)
408
(2,849)
16,623
17,641
70
483
984
424
229
2,190
34,189
994
256
37,629
1,903
2,080
3,983
6,953
590
699
8,748
3,613
(168)
434
(2,784)
15,561
16,656
$
41,214
$
37,629
On behalf of the Board of Directors:
(s) Robert Pace
Director
(s) Jean-Jacques Ruest
Director
60 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
In millions
Number of
common shares
Outstanding
Share
Trusts
Common
shares
Common
shares
in Share
Trusts
Additional
paid-in
capital
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
Retained
earnings
Total
shareholders'
equity
Balance at December 31, 2015
787.2
1.4
$ 3,701
$
(100) $
479
$
(1,767) $ 12,637
$
14,950
Net income
Stock options exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards
(Note 14)
Stock-based compensation expense and
other
1.6
73
0.3
(0.3)
23
(12)
(79)
62
Repurchase of common shares (Note 14)
Share purchases by Share Trusts (Note 14)
(26.4)
(0.7)
0.7
(127)
(60)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 16)
Dividends ($1.50 per share)
3,640
(3)
(3)
(1,873)
(1,159)
3,640
61
(59)
59
(2,000)
(60)
(591)
(1,159)
(591)
Balance at December 31, 2016
762.0
1.8
3,647
(137)
450
(2,358)
13,239
14,841
Net income
Stock options exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards
(Note 14)
Stock-based compensation expense and
other
1.2
68
0.3
(0.3)
24
(10)
(84)
78
Repurchase of common shares (Note 14)
Share purchases by Share Trusts (Note 14)
(20.4)
(0.5)
0.5
(102)
(55)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 16)
Dividends ($1.65 per share)
5,484
5,484
58
(22)
(82)
(3)
(1,898)
(1,239)
75
(2,000)
(55)
(426)
(1,239)
(426)
Balance at December 31, 2017
742.6
2.0
3,613
(168)
434
(2,784)
15,561
16,656
Net income
Stock options exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards
(Note 14)
Stock-based compensation expense and
other
1.7
120
0.4
(0.4)
31
(17)
(68)
59
4,328
(30)
(2)
4,328
103
(67)
57
Repurchase of common shares (Note 14)
(19.0)
(99)
(1,901)
(2,000)
Share purchases by Share Trusts (Note 14)
(0.4)
0.4
(38)
Other comprehensive loss (Note 16)
Dividends ($1.82 per share)
(65)
(38)
(65)
(1,333)
(1,333)
Balance at December 31, 2018
725.3
2.0
$ 3,634
$
(175) $
408
$
(2,849) $ 16,623
$
17,641
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 61
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In millions
Operating activities
Net income
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
$
4,328
$
5,484
$
3,640
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income taxes (Note 5)
Gain on disposal of property (Note 4)
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 4)
Other, net
Net cash used in investing activities
Financing activities
Issuance of debt (Note 11)
Repayment of debt (Note 11)
Change in commercial paper, net (Note 11)
Settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts on debt
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised (Note 15)
Withholding taxes remitted on the net settlement of equity settled awards
(Note 15)
Repurchase of common shares (Note 14)
Purchase of common shares for settlement of equity settled awards
Purchase of common shares by Share Trusts (Note 14)
Dividends paid
Net cash used in financing activities
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents, restricted
cash, and restricted cash equivalents
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and
restricted cash equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents,
beginning of year
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents,
end of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents,
end of year
Supplemental cash flow information
Interest paid
Income taxes paid (Note 5)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
$
$
$
$
$
62 CN | 2018 Annual Report
1,329
527
(338)
(91)
(120)
379
14
(110)
5,918
(3,531)
194
(67)
(3,404)
3,268
(2,393)
99
53
103
(51)
(2,000)
(16)
(38)
(1,333)
(2,308)
—
206
553
759
266
493
759
(488)
(776)
$
$
$
$
$
1,281
(1,195)
—
(125)
(70)
418
(80)
(197)
5,516
(2,673)
—
(65)
(2,738)
916
(841)
379
(15)
58
(57)
(2,016)
(25)
(55)
(1,239)
(2,895)
(2)
(119)
672
553
70
483
553
(477)
(712)
$
$
$
$
$
1,225
704
(76)
(3)
(2)
(51)
21
(256)
5,202
(2,695)
85
(72)
(2,682)
1,509
(955)
137
(21)
61
(44)
(1,992)
(15)
(60)
(1,159)
(2,539)
15
(4)
676
672
176
496
672
(470)
(653)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Contents
1 Summary of significant accounting policies
2 Recent accounting pronouncements
3 Revenues
4 Other income
5 Income taxes
6 Earnings per share
7 Accounts receivable
8 Properties
9 Intangible and other assets
10 Accounts payable and other
11 Debt
12 Other liabilities and deferred credits
13 Pensions and other postretirement benefits
14 Share capital
15 Stock-based compensation
16 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
17 Major commitments and contingencies
18 Financial instruments
19 Segmented information
20 Subsequent event
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69
71
71
72
75
75
75
76
76
77
79
80
86
88
93
94
98
99
100
CN | 2018 Annual Report 63
Notes to the 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
metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth (Minnesota)/Superior (Wisconsin) 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 for which fair value is not readily determinable are accounted for at cost minus impairment, plus or minus observable price
changes.
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
Nature of services
The Company's revenues consist of rail freight revenues and other revenues. Rail freight revenues include revenue from the movement of
freight over rail and are derived from the following seven commodity groups:
•
Petroleum and chemicals, which includes chemicals and plastics, refined petroleum products, crude and condensate, and sulfur;
• Metals and minerals, which includes energy materials, metals, minerals, and iron ore;
•
•
•
•
•
Forest products, which includes lumber, pulp, paper, and panels;
Coal, which includes coal and petroleum coke;
Grain and fertilizers, which includes Canadian regulated grain, Canadian commercial grain, U.S. grain, potash and other fertilizers;
Intermodal, which includes rail and trucking services for domestic and international traffic; and
Automotive, which includes finished vehicles and auto parts.
Rail freight revenues also comprise revenues for optional services beyond the basic movement of freight including asset use, switching,
storage, and other services.
Other revenues are derived from non-rail logistics services that support the Company's rail business including vessels and docks,
transloading and distribution, automotive logistics, and freight forwarding and transportation management.
Revenue recognition
Revenues are recognized when control of promised services is transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the
Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services.
The Company accounts for contracts with customers when it has approval and commitment from both parties, each party's rights have
been identified, payment terms are defined, the contract has commercial substance and collection is probable. For contracts that involve
multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract based on
relative standalone selling prices and recognizes revenue when, or as, performance obligations in the contract are satisfied.
Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.
64 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Rail freight revenues
Rail freight services are arranged through publicly-available tariffs or customer-specific agreements that establish the pricing, terms and
conditions for rail freight services offered by the Company. For revenue recognition purposes, a contract for the movement of freight over
rail exists when shipping instructions are sent by a customer and have been accepted by the Company in connection with the relevant tariff
or customer-specific agreement.
Revenues for the movement of freight over rail are recognized over time due to the continuous transfer of control to the customer as
freight moves from origin to destination. Progress towards completion of the performance obligation is measured based on the transit time
of rail freight from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between periods is based on the relative transit time in each period with
expenses recorded as incurred. Revenues related to rail freight contracts that require the involvement of another rail carrier to move freight
from origin to destination are reported on a net basis. Rail freight movements are completed over a short period of time and are generally
completed before payment is due. The Company has no material contract assets or contract liabilities associated with rail freight revenues.
Rail freight receivables are included in Accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenues for optional services are recognized at a point in time or over time as performance obligations are satisfied, depending on the
nature of the service.
Rail freight contracts may be subject to variable consideration in the form of volume-based incentives, rebates, or other items, which
affect the transaction price. Variable consideration is recognized as revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the
amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. Variable consideration is accrued on the basis of management's best estimate of
the expected amount, which is based on available historical, current and forecasted information.
Other revenues
Other revenues are recognized at a point in time or over time as performance obligations are satisfied, depending on the nature of the
service.
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 using the weighted-average number of basic shares outstanding during the period. The weighted-
average number of basic shares outstanding excludes shares held in the Share Trusts and includes vested equity settled stock-based
compensation awards other than stock options. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of diluted
shares outstanding during the period, applying the treasury stock method. The weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding
includes the dilutive effects of common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity settled awards.
Foreign currency
All of the Company's foreign subsidiaries use the US dollar as their functional currency. Accordingly, the foreign 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).
The Company designates the US dollar-denominated debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in
foreign operations. Accordingly, foreign exchange gains and losses, from the dates of designation, on the translation of the US dollar-
denominated debt are 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 fair 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
CN | 2018 Annual Report 65
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity and are stated at cost, which
approximates fair 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 measured 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 service capacity. The Company has a process in place to determine whether or not costs qualify for capitalization, which
requires judgment. 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 assets ready for their intended use. For self-constructed
properties, expenditures include direct material, labor, and contracted services, as well as other allocated costs. These allocated costs include,
but are not limited to, project supervision, fringe benefits, maintenance on equipment used on projects as well as the cost of small tools and
supplies. 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.
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 historical cost.
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 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.
66 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Accounting policy for 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 whose service lives 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 asset classes, 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 United States (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), factoring in the rail asset's usage to date. The
annual composite depreciation rate for the rail asset 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.
Given the nature of the railroad and the composition of its network which is made up of homogeneous long-lived assets, it is
impractical to maintain records of specific properties at their lowest unit of property.
Retirements of assets occur through the replacement of an asset in the normal course of business, the sale of an asset or the
abandonment of a section of track. For retirements in the normal course of business, generally the life of the retired asset is within a
reasonable range of the expected useful life, as determined in the depreciation studies, and, as such, no gain or loss is recognized under the
group method. The asset's cost is removed from the asset account and the difference between its estimated historical cost and estimated
related accumulated depreciation (net of salvage proceeds and dismantling costs), if any, is recorded as an adjustment to accumulated
depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized. The estimated historical cost of the retired asset is estimated by using deflation factors or
indices that closely correlate to the properties comprising the asset classes in combination with the estimated age of the retired asset using a
first-in, first-out approach, and applying it to the replacement value of the asset.
In each depreciation study, an estimate is made of any excess or deficiency in accumulated depreciation for all corresponding asset
classes to ensure that the depreciation rates remain appropriate. The excess or deficiency in accumulated depreciation is amortized over the
remaining life of the asset class.
For retirements of depreciable properties that do not occur in the normal course of business, the historical cost, net of salvage
proceeds, is recorded as a gain or loss in income. A retirement is considered not to be in the normal course of business if it meets the
following criteria: (i) it is unusual, (ii) it is significant in amount, and (iii) it varies significantly from the retirement pattern identified through
depreciation studies. A gain or loss is recognized in Other income for the sale of land or disposal of assets that are not part of railroad
operations.
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 secured
borrowings.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 67
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Pensions
Pension costs are determined using actuarial methods. Net periodic benefit cost (income) includes the current service cost of pension
benefits provided in exchange for employee service rendered during the year, which is recorded in Labor and fringe benefits expense. Net
periodic benefit cost (income) also includes the following, which are recorded in Other components of net periodic benefit income (cost):
•
•
•
•
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 grant date fair value of performance share unit (PSU) awards is dependent on the type of PSU award. The
grant date fair value of PSU-ROIC awards is determined using a lattice-based model incorporating a minimum share price condition and the
grant date fair value of PSU-TSR awards is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The grant date fair value of equity settled
deferred share unit (DSU) awards is determined using the stock price at the grant date. The grant date 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. The fair value of cash settled DSU awards is determined using
their intrinsic value.
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. Environmental expenditures that provide a future benefit are capitalized. 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.
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. The changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated or
not qualified as a hedge are recorded in Net income in the current period.
68 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the 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 year:
ASU 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net
Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
The ASU requires employers that sponsor defined benefit pension plans and/or other postretirement benefit plans to report the service cost
component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to
be presented in the statement of income separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The
new guidance allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance must be applied retrospectively for the
presentation of the service cost component and other components of net periodic benefit cost in the statement of income and prospectively
for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost.
The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 with an effective date of January 1, 2018. As a result, the classification of
the components of pension and postretirement benefit costs other than current service cost are now shown outside of Operating income in
a separate caption entitled Other components of net periodic benefit income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
As a result of applying this ASU, for the year ended December 31, 2018, operating income was reduced by $302 million (2017 - $315
million; 2016 - $280 million), with a corresponding increase presented in the new caption below Operating income with no impact on Net
income. The guidance allowing only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization did not have a significant impact on the
Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities
The ASU provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The guidance requires
equity investments, except for those accounted for under the equity method or that result in consolidation, to be measured at fair value
with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily
determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly
transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The guidance must be applied prospectively by means of a cumulative-
effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.
The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 on a prospective basis with an effective date of January 1, 2018. As a result
of applying this ASU, the Company elected to measure all existing equity investments without readily determinable fair values, other than
those accounted for using the equity method or that result in consolidation, at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes
resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adoption of
the ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers and related amendments (Topic 606)
The ASU requires entities to recognize revenue when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers at an amount
that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Additional disclosures
are required to assist users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows
arising from an entity's contracts. The guidance can be applied using either the retrospective or modified retrospective transition method.
The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 with an effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified
retrospective transition method applied to contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not
have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, other than for the new disclosure requirements. See Note 1 -
Summary of significant accounting policies and Note 3 - Revenues for additional information.
ASU 2018-02 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
The ASU provides entities the option to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“U.S. Tax Reform”) from
accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The guidance also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects
and a description of the accounting policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance
can either be applied prospectively from the beginning of the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the
effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the U.S. Tax Reform is recognized.
The Company adopted the amendments of this ASU during the fourth quarter of 2018 with an effective date of October 1, 2018. The
Company did not elect to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to
CN | 2018 Annual Report 69
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, other than
for the new disclosure requirements. See Note 16 - Accumulated other comprehensive loss for additional information.
The following recent ASU issued by FASB has an effective date after December 31, 2018 and has not been adopted by the Company:
ASU 2016-02 Leases and related amendments (Topic 842)
The ASU requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases greater than twelve months
and requires additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The lessor accounting model under the new standard is substantially
unchanged. The guidance must be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Entities may elect to apply the guidance to each prior
period presented with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized at the beginning of the earliest period presented or to
apply the guidance with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings recognized at the beginning of the period of adoption. The
ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.
The standard will have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the recognition of right-of-use assets
and lease liabilities for leases currently classified as operating leases with a term over twelve months. The Company has identified all
contracts that contain a lease and has assembled the data necessary to calculate the estimated impact on transition. The Company has
implemented a new lease management system and has made changes to processes and internal controls necessary to meet the reporting
and disclosure requirements of this standard.
The new standard provides a number of practical expedients and accounting policy elections upon transition. The Company will not
elect the package of three practical expedients that permits the Company not to reassess prior conclusions about lease identification, lease
classification and initial direct costs. The Company will elect:
•
•
•
•
the use-of-hindsight practical expedient to reassess lease term and the likelihood that a purchase option will be exercised;
the land easement practical expedient to not evaluate land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under Topic 840;
the short-term lease exemption for all asset classes that permits entities not to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities onto the
balance sheet; and
the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for the freight car asset category.
The Company will adopt the requirements of the ASU effective January 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach with a
cumulative-effect adjustment to Retained earnings recognized on January 1, 2019, with no restatement of the comparative periods' financial
information. As at January 1, 2019, the cumulative-effect adjustment required to adopt the new standard will increase the balance of
Retained earnings by approximately $30 million. The initial adoption transition adjustment to record right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
for leases over twelve months on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet will be approximately $750 million.
Other recently issued ASUs required to be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 have been evaluated by the Company
and will not have a significant impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
70 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
3 – Revenues
The following table provides disaggregated information for revenues:
In millions
Rail freight revenues
Petroleum and chemicals
Metals and minerals
Forest products
Coal
Grain and fertilizers
Intermodal
Automotive
Total rail freight revenues
Other revenues
Total revenues (1) (2)
Year ended December 31,
2018
2,660
1,689
1,886
661
2,357
3,465
830
13,548
773
14,321
$
$
$
$
$
$
2017
2,208
1,523
1,788
535
2,214
3,200
825
12,293
748
13,041
$
$
$
2016
2,174
1,218
1,797
434
2,098
2,846
759
11,326
711
12,037
(1)
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had remaining performance obligations of $94 million related to freight in-transit, for which revenue is expected to be
recognized in the next period.
(2)
See Note 19 - Segmented information for the disaggregation of revenues by geographic area.
4 – Other income
In millions
Gain on disposal of property
Gain on disposal of land
Other (1)
Total other income
Year ended December 31,
2018
338
27
11
376
$
$
2017
2016
—
22
(10)
12
$
$
76
17
2
95
$
$
(1)
Includes foreign exchange gains and losses related to foreign exchange forward contracts and the re-measurement of foreign currency denominated monetary
assets and liabilities. See Note 18 – Financial instruments for additional information.
Disposal of property
2018
Guelph
On November 15, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of $79 million ($70 million after-tax) in Other income upon transfer of control of a
segment of the Guelph subdivision located between Georgetown and Kitchener, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain
passenger agreements (the “Guelph”). The gain recognized in 2018 was previously deferred from a 2014 transaction at which time the
Company did not transfer control.
Doney and St-Francois Spurs
On September 5, 2018, the Company completed the sale of property located in Montreal, Quebec (the “Doney and St-Francois Spurs”) for
cash proceeds of $40 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $36 million ($32 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income on
that date.
Central Station Railway Lease
On April 9, 2018, the Company completed the transfer of its capital lease in the passenger rail facilities in Montreal, Quebec, together with
its interests in related railway operating agreements (the “Central Station Railway Lease”), for cash proceeds of $115 million. The transaction
resulted in a gain of $184 million ($156 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income on that date. The gain includes the difference
between the net book value of the asset and the cash proceeds, the extinguishment of the capital lease obligation, and the recognition of a
gain previously deferred from a sale-leaseback transaction.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 71
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Calgary Industrial Lead
On April 6, 2018, the Company completed the sale of land located in Calgary, Alberta, excluding the rail fixtures (the “Calgary Industrial
Lead”), for cash proceeds of $39 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $39 million ($34 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other
income on that date.
2016
Viaduc du Sud
On December 1, 2016, the Company completed the sale of track leading into Montreal's Central Station, together with the rail fixtures
(collectively the "Viaduc du Sud"), 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 on that date.
5 – 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 in provincial, U.S. federal, state and other foreign jurisdictions, such as tax rates 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
corporate income tax rates on capital dispositions that may occur in any given year.
On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Reform"). The U.S. Tax
Reform reduces the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective as of January 1, 2018. The U.S. Tax Reform also
allows for immediate capital expensing of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets made after September 27, 2017, which
will be phased down starting in year 2023. As a result of the U.S. Tax Reform, the Company's net deferred income tax liability decreased by
$1,764 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
The U.S. Tax Reform introduced other important changes to U.S. corporate income tax laws that may significantly affect CN in future
years including the creation of a new Base Erosion Anti-abuse Tax (BEAT) that subjects certain payments from U.S. corporations to foreign
related parties to additional taxes, and limitations to the deduction for net interest expense incurred by U.S. corporations. Since the
enactment of the U.S. Tax Reform, U.S. authorities have issued various proposed regulations and preliminary guidance interpreting its
provisions. These interpretations have been taken into account and did not affect the calculation of the Company's current year income tax
provision and tax payments. However, the U.S. Tax Reform and these proposed regulations are expected to impact the Company’s income
tax provisions and tax payments in future years.
The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense (recovery):
In millions
Year ended December 31,
Canadian statutory federal tax rate
2018
15%
2017
15%
Income tax expense at the Canadian statutory federal tax rate
$
852
$
763
$
Income tax expense (recovery) resulting from:
Provincial and foreign income taxes (1)
Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments (2)
Gain on disposals (3)
Other (4)
Income tax expense (recovery)
Net cash payments for income taxes
535
—
(51)
18
1,354
776
$
$
536
(1,706)
(3)
15
(395)
712
$
$
$
$
2016
15%
739
532
7
(12)
21
1,287
653
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Includes mainly the impact of Canadian provincial taxes and U.S. federal and state taxes.
Includes the net income tax expense (recovery) resulting from the enactment of provincial, U.S. federal, and state corporate income tax laws and/or rates.
Relates to the permanent differences arising from lower capital gain tax rates on the gain on disposal of the Company's properties in Canada.
Includes adjustments relating to the resolution of matters pertaining to prior years' income taxes, including net recognized tax benefits, and other items.
72 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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 (recovery)
Domestic
Foreign
Total deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Year ended December 31,
2018
4,400
1,282
5,682
818
9
827
419
108
527
$
$
$
$
$
$
2017
3,964
1,125
5,089
758
42
800
349
(1,544)
(1,195)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2016
3,726
1,201
4,927
568
15
583
450
254
704
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
Compensation reserves (2)
Other postretirement benefits liability
Unrealized foreign exchange losses
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards (1)
Other (2)
Total deferred income tax assets
Deferred income tax liabilities
Properties
Pension asset
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
Other (2)
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,
2018
2017
$
128
$
70
74
65
50
20
61
468
7,672
120
—
156
7,948
7,480
3,808
3,672
7,480
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
121
50
75
70
—
32
126
474
6,975
268
34
150
7,427
6,953
3,677
3,276
6,953
(1) Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards will expire between the years 2019 and 2036.
(2)
Certain 2017 balances have been reclassified to conform with the 2018 presentation.
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, of the necessary character, 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, 2018, in order to fully realize all of the deferred income tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income of
approximately $1.8 billion, and, based upon the level of historical taxable income, projections of future taxable income of the necessary
character over the periods in which the deferred income tax assets are deductible, and the reversal of taxable temporary differences,
management believes, following an assessment of the current economic environment, it is more likely than not that the Company will realize
the benefits of these deductible differences. As at December 31, 2018, the Company has not recognized a deferred income tax asset of $217
million (2017 - $269 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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 73
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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,
2018
2017
2016
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
$
74
$
61
$
Increases for:
Tax positions related to the current year
Tax positions related to prior years
Decreases for:
Tax positions related to prior years
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
12
2
(13)
(1)
—
74
(5)
69
$
$
$
$
13
2
—
(1)
(1)
74
(5)
69
$
$
27
16
24
—
(2)
(4)
61
(7)
54
As at December 31, 2018, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $74 million, before considering tax treaties and
other arrangements between taxation authorities. The amount of net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018 was $69 million. If
recognized, $18 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018 would affect the effective tax rate. The Company
believes that it is reasonably possible that approximately $4 million of the net unrecognized tax benefits as at December 31, 2018 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 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, 2018, the Company recognized accrued interest and
penalties of approximately $3 million (2017 - $3 million; 2016 - $2 million). As at December 31, 2018, the Company had accrued interest
and penalties of approximately $10 million (2017 - $7 million).
In Canada, the Company's federal and provincial income tax returns filed for the years 2014 to 2017 remain subject to examination by
the taxation authorities. An examination of the Company's federal income tax returns for the years 2014 and 2015 is currently in progress
and is expected to be completed during 2019. In the U.S., the federal income tax returns filed for the years 2015 to 2017 and the state
income tax returns filed for the years 2014 to 2017 remain subject to examination by the taxation authorities. During the year, the Company
settled certain state tax audits which resulted in recognition of tax benefits. Examination of the Company's U.S. federal income tax return for
the year 2015 as well as 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.
74 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
6 – Earnings per share
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
Units excluded from the calculation as their inclusion would not have a dilutive effect
In millions, except per share data
Net income
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Stock options
Performance share units
7 – Accounts receivable
In millions
Freight
Non-freight
Gross accounts receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Net accounts receivable
8 – Properties
In millions
Properties including capital leases
Track and roadway (1)
Rolling stock
Buildings
Information technology (2)
Other
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
$
4,328
$
5,484
$
$
$
734.5
3.2
737.7
5.89
5.87
0.6
0.3
December 31,
$
$
$
753.6
3.7
757.3
7.28
7.24
0.4
0.1
2018
974
221
1,195
(26)
$
$
$
$
1,169
$
2016
3,640
776.0
3.2
779.2
4.69
4.67
1.2
0.2
2017
828
172
1,000
(16)
984
December 31, 2018
Depreciation
rate
Accumulated
Depreciation
Cost
Net
Cost
December 31, 2017
Accumulated
Depreciation
2% $
38,352
$
5%
2%
9%
5%
6,883
1,924
1,795
2,124
8,276
2,842
668
686
833
$
30,076
$
35,268
$
4,041
1,256
1,109
1,291
6,378
1,864
1,408
1,951
7,924
2,629
678
644
805
Net
$
27,344
3,749
1,186
764
1,146
Total properties including capital leases
$
51,078
$
13,305
$
37,773
$
46,869
$
12,680
$
34,189
Capital leases included in properties
Track and roadway (3)
Rolling stock
Buildings
Other
$
406
$
—
27
92
80
—
9
18
$
326
$
415
$
—
18
74
5
109
118
647
$
75
—
30
15
340
5
79
103
527
Total capital leases included in properties
$
525
$
107
$
418
$
$
120
$
(1)
As at December 31, 2018, includes land of $2,455 million (2017 - $2,314 million).
(2) During 2018, the Company capitalized costs for internally developed software and related licenses of $283 million (2017 - $168 million).
(3)
As at December 31, 2018, includes right-of-way access of $107 million (2017 - $108 million).
CN | 2018 Annual Report 75
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
9 – Intangible and other assets
In millions
Intangible assets
Investments (1)
Deferred costs
Long-term receivables
Other long-term assets
Total intangible and other assets
December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
$
73
70
61
26
37
62
73
61
26
34
267
$
256
(1)
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had $54 million (2017 - $58 million) of investments accounted for under the equity method and $16 million (2017 - $15
million) of investments for which fair value was not readily determinable accounted for at cost minus impairment, plus or minus observable price changes.
10 – Accounts payable and other
In millions
Trade payables
Payroll-related accruals
Accrued charges
Income and other taxes
Accrued interest
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17)
Environmental provisions (Note 17)
Other postretirement benefits liability (Note 13)
Other
Total accounts payable and other
December 31,
2018
2017
$
$
982
436
232
205
142
97
39
17
166
$
2,316
$
738
388
144
201
126
65
57
17
167
1,903
76 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Maturity
US dollar-
denominated
amount
December 31,
2018
2017
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
11 – Debt
In millions
Notes and debentures (1)
Canadian National series:
5.55% 10-year notes (2)
6.80% 20-year notes (2)
5.55% 10-year notes (2)
2.40% 2-year notes (2)
2.75% 7-year notes (2)
2.85% 10-year notes (2)
2.25% 10-year notes (2)
7.63% 30-year debentures
2.95% 10-year notes (2)
2.80% 10-year notes (2)
2.75% 10-year notes (2)
6.90% 30-year notes (2)
3.20% 10-year notes (2)
7.38% 30-year debentures (2)
6.25% 30-year notes (2)
6.20% 30-year notes (2)
6.71% Puttable Reset Securities PURSSM (2)
6.38% 30-year debentures (2)
3.50% 30-year notes (2)
4.50% 30-year notes (2)
3.95% 30-year notes (2)
3.20% 30-year notes (2)
3.60% 30-year notes (2)
3.65% 30-year notes (2)
3.60% 30-year notes (2)
4.45% 30-year notes (2)
4.00% 50-year notes (2)
May 15, 2018
Jul 15, 2018
Mar 1, 2019 (3)
Feb 3, 2020
Feb 18, 2021
Dec 15, 2021
Nov 15, 2022
May 15, 2023
Nov 21, 2024
Sep 22, 2025
Mar 1, 2026
Jul 15, 2028
Jul 31, 2028
Oct 15, 2031
Aug 1, 2034
Jun 1, 2036
Jul 15, 2036
Nov 15, 2037
Nov 15, 2042
Nov 7, 2043
Sep 22, 2045
Aug 2, 2046
Aug 1, 2047
Feb 3, 2048
Jul 31, 2048
Jan 20, 2049
Sep 22, 2065
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
US$
325
200
550
300
400
250
150
350
500
475
200
500
450
250
300
250
250
650
600
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)
Jul 14, 2094
Total notes and debentures
Other
Commercial paper
Accounts receivable securitization
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
$
$
—
—
—
409
250
546
341
205
477
350
682
648
350
273
682
614
341
409
341
341
400
886
500
818
450
886
100
170
842
409
251
692
—
250
503
314
189
440
350
629
597
—
251
629
566
314
377
314
314
400
817
500
—
—
—
100
157
842
$
12,311
$
10,205
1,175
—
29
13,515
(946)
12,569
1,184
$
11,385
$
955
421
158
11,739
(911)
10,828
2,080
8,748
(1)
(2)
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.
(3) On August 30, 2018, the Company redeemed these notes that were due March 1, 2019 for US$558 million ($720 million), which resulted in a loss of US$8 million
($10 million) that was recorded in Other income.
(4)
As at December 31, 2018, these notes were recorded as a discounted debt of $12 million (2017 - $11 million) using an imputed interest rate of 5.75% (2017 -
5.75%). The discount of $830 million (2017 - $831 million) is included in Net unamortized discount and debt issuance costs.
(5)
See Note 18 - Financial instruments for the fair value of debt.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 77
Notes to the 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 15, 2018, the Company's revolving credit facility agreement
was amended, which extended the term of the credit facility by one year and increased the credit facility from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion,
effective May 5, 2018. The amended credit facility of $1.8 billion consists of a $900 million tranche maturing on May 5, 2021 and a $900
million tranche maturing on May 5, 2023. The accordion feature, which provides for an additional $500 million of credit under the facility, as
well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders, remain
unchanged. The credit facility agreement contains customary terms and conditions, which were substantially unchanged by the amendment.
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, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and there were no
draws during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
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. As of May 5, 2018, the maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that could be issued increased from
$1.3 billion to $1.8 billion, or the US dollar equivalent, on a combined basis. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had total
commercial paper borrowings of US$862 million ($1,175 million) and US$760 million ($955 million), respectively, at a weighted-average
interest rate of 2.47% and 1.36%, respectively, presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table provides a summary of cash flows associated with the issuance and repayment of commercial paper:
In millions
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
Commercial paper with maturities less than 90 days
Issuance of commercial paper
Repayment of commercial paper
Change in commercial paper with maturities less than 90 days, net
Commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or greater
Issuance of commercial paper
Repayment of commercial paper
Change in commercial paper with maturities of 90 days or greater, net
Change in commercial paper, net
$
$
$
$
$
8,292
(8,442)
(150)
1,135
(886)
249
99
$
$
$
$
$
4,539
(4,160)
379
—
—
—
379
$
$
$
$
$
3,656
(3,519)
137
—
—
—
137
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 April 30, 2018, the Company extended the term of its agreement by two years to February 1,
2021.
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $nil. As at December 31, 2017, the
Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $421 million, consisting of $320 million at a weighted-average interest rate
of 1.43% and US$80 million ($101 million) at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.10%, secured by and limited to $476 million of accounts
receivable, presented in Current portion of long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities
The Company has a series of committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. On March 15, 2018, the Company
extended the maturity date of the committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2021. The 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, 2018, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $410 million (2017 - $394 million) under the committed
facilities from a total available amount of $447 million (2017 - $437 million) and $137 million (2017 - $136 million) under the uncommitted
facilities. As at December 31, 2018, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $408 million (2017 - $400 million) and $80 million
(2017 - $80 million) which were pledged as collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
78 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Capital lease obligations
In 2018, the Company did not enter into any capital leases. In 2017, the Company recorded $30 million in assets it acquired through
equipment leases, for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt. As at December 31, 2018, the capital lease obligations are secured
by properties with a net carrying amount of $74 million (2017 - $176 million). Interest rates for capital lease obligations range from 1.8% to
4.3% with maturity dates in the years 2019 through 2021. As at December 31, 2018, the imputed interest on these leases amounted to $1
million (2017 - $83 million).
Debt maturities
The following table provides the debt maturities, including capital lease repayments on debt outstanding as at December 31, 2018, for the
next five years and thereafter:
In millions
2019 (2)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter
Total
(1)
(2)
Presented net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs.
Current portion of long-term debt.
Amount of US dollar-denominated debt
In millions
Notes and debentures
Commercial paper
Accounts receivable securitization
Capital lease obligations
Total amount of US dollar-denominated debt in US$
Total amount of US dollar-denominated debt in C$
12 – Other liabilities and deferred credits
In millions
Personal injury and other claims provisions (Note 17) (1)
Environmental provisions (Note 17) (1)
Stock-based compensation liability (Note 15)
Deferred credits and other
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
(1)
See Note 10 – Accounts payable and other for the related current portion.
Capital
leases
9
15
5
—
—
—
29
$
$
Debt (1)
$
1,175
$
400
787
333
197
9,648
$
12,540
$
December 31,
US$
US$
2018
6,650
862
—
21
US$
7,533
US$
$
10,273
$
December 31,
2018
$
$
249
$
22
19
211
501
$
Total
1,184
415
792
333
197
9,648
12,569
2017
6,175
760
80
46
7,061
8,876
2017
234
21
26
309
590
CN | 2018 Annual Report 79
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
13 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits
The Company has various retirement benefit plans under which substantially all of its employees are entitled to benefits at retirement age,
generally based on compensation and length of service and/or contributions. 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
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 defined benefit pension 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 defined benefit pension plans.
The Company's most recently filed actuarial valuations for funding purposes for its Canadian registered defined benefit pension plans
conducted as at December 31, 2017 indicated a funding excess on a going concern basis of approximately $3.1 billion and a funding excess
on a solvency basis of approximately $0.5 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, if any, to be paid
over a number of years, as calculated under current pension regulations. Alternatively, a letter of credit can be subscribed to fulfill required
solvency deficit payments.
The Company's next actuarial valuations for funding purposes for its Canadian registered defined benefit pension plans required as at
December 31, 2018 will be performed in 2019. These actuarial valuations are expected to identify a funding excess on a going concern basis
of approximately $3.3 billion, while on a solvency basis a funding excess of approximately $0.5 billion is expected. Based on the anticipated
results of these valuations, the Company expects to make total cash contributions of approximately $140 million for all of the Company's
pension plans in 2019. As at February 1, 2019 the Company had contributed $71 million to its defined benefit pension plans for 2019.
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 strategy. 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.
The CN Investment Division ("Investment Manager"), a division of the Company created to invest and administer the assets of the plan,
can also propose an investment strategy ("Strategy") which can lead the Plan's actual asset allocation to deviate from the Policy due to
changing market risks and opportunities. The Pension and 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 plan assets to the
performance of the benchmark indices.
80 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company's 2018 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
Equities
Real estate
Oil and gas
Infrastructure and private debt
Absolute return
Risk-factor allocation
Total
Actual plan asset allocation
Policy
2018
2017
3%
42%
40%
4%
7%
4%
—
—
3%
38%
33%
2%
6%
6%
10%
2%
4 %
35 %
37 %
2 %
6 %
5 %
9 %
2%
100%
100%
100 %
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 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, 2018, 74% (2017 - 67%) 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.
•
Equity investments include publicly traded securities diversified by country, issuer and industry sector and investments in mainly energy
related private equity funds. As at December 31, 2018, the most significant allocation to an individual issuer of a publicly traded
security was approximately 2% (2017 - 2%) and the most significant allocation to an industry sector was approximately 22% (2017 -
22%).
•
•
•
•
Real estate is a diversified portfolio of Canadian land and commercial properties 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.
Private debt includes participations in private debt funds focused on generating steady yields.
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, equity and global macro funds. Managers are monitored on a continuous basis
through investment and operational due diligence.
•
Risk-factor allocation investments are a portfolio of units of externally managed funds and internally managed strategies in order to
capture alternative risk premiums.
The plans' Investment Manager monitors market events and exposures to foreign currencies, interest rates, market risks, commodity
prices and credit risks 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 68%
exposed to the Canadian dollar, 10% to the US dollar, 8% to European currencies, 6% to the Japanese Yen and 8% to various other
currencies as at December 31, 2018. 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 interest rates, foreign
currencies, market risks or commodity prices 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 | 2018 Annual Report 81
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables present the fair value of plan assets by asset class as at December 31, 2018 and 2017:
In millions
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2018
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Cash and short-term investments (1)
$
577
$
12
$
565
$
— $
Bonds (2)
Canada, U.S. and supranational
Provinces of Canada and municipalities
Corporate
Emerging market debt
Mortgages (3)
Private debt (4)
Public equities (5) (6)
Canadian
U.S.
International
Private equities (6) (7)
Real estate (8)
Oil and gas (9)
Infrastructure (10)
Absolute return funds (11)
Multi-strategy
Fixed income
Global macro
Risk-factor allocation (12)
Total
Other (13)
Total plan assets
In millions
Cash and short-term investments (1)
Bonds (2)
Canada, U.S. and supranational
Provinces of Canada and municipalities
Corporate
Emerging market debt
Mortgages (3)
Private debt (4)
Public equities (5) (6)
Canadian
U.S.
International
Private equities (6) (7)
Real estate (8)
Oil and gas (9)
Infrastructure (10)
Absolute return funds (11)
Multi-strategy
Fixed income
Equity
Global macro
Risk-factor allocation (12)
Total
Other (13)
Total plan assets
$
$
$
$
$
1,801
2,987
1,180
540
90
366
1,561
447
3,338
274
421
948
704
898
239
480
286
17,137
107
17,244
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,561
447
3,338
—
—
202
—
—
—
—
—
5,560
1,801
2,987
1,180
540
90
—
—
—
—
—
—
18
64
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
321
728
—
—
—
—
—
7,245
$
—
—
—
—
1,049
$
$
Total
836
$
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2017
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
17
$
819
$
— $
1,792
2,459
1,587
530
97
242
1,848
775
3,883
297
410
1,120
682
897
224
32
444
345
18,500
64
18,564
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,848
775
3,883
—
—
333
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,856
1,792
2,459
1,587
530
97
—
—
—
—
—
—
18
84
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
332
769
—
—
—
—
—
—
7,386
$
—
—
—
—
—
1,101
$
$
NAV
—
—
—
—
—
—
366
—
—
—
274
100
—
640
898
239
480
286
3,283
NAV
—
—
—
—
—
—
242
—
—
—
297
78
—
598
897
224
32
444
345
3,157
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.
82 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Footnotes to the table follow on the next page.
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of investments classified as Level 3:
In millions
Balance at December 31, 2016
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Disbursements
Balance at December 31, 2017
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Purchases
Sales
Disbursements
Balance at December 31, 2018
Fair value measurements based on significant
unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Real estate (8)
Oil and gas (9)
$
$
$
$
$
324
19
(11)
332
(2)
1
(1)
(9)
321
$
722
88
(41)
769
(11)
—
—
(30)
728
$
$
$
Total
1,046
107
(52)
1,101
(13)
1
(1)
(39)
1,049
(1)
(2)
Cash and short-term investments with related accrued interest are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, and are categorized as Level 1 and Level 2
respectively.
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.
(3) Mortgages are valued based on the present value of future net cash flows using current market yields for comparable instruments.
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Private debt investments are valued based on the net asset value as reported by each fund's manager, generally using a discounted cash flow analysis.
The fair value of public equity investments is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
In 2018, the Company presented private equities separately from public equities, as such, the 2017 comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the
current presentation.
Private equity investments are valued based on the net asset value as reported by each fund's manager, generally using discounted cash flow analysis.
The fair value of real estate investments categorized as Level 3 includes land and buildings. 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. The fair value of real estate investments categorized as NAV consists mainly of investments in real estate
private equity funds and is based on the net asset value as reported by each fund's manager, generally using a discounted cash flow analysis or earnings multiples.
(9) 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 in oil and gas 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.
Estimated future net cash flows are based on forecasted oil and gas prices and projected annual production and costs.
(10) The fair value of infrastructure investments categorized as Level 2 is based on the present value of future cash flows using current market yields for comparable
instruments. The fair value of infrastructure funds categorized as NAV is based on the net asset value as reported by each fund's manager, generally using a
discounted cash flow analysis or earnings multiples.
(11) 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.
(12) Risk-factor allocation investments are valued using the net asset value as reported by each fund's independent administrator or fund manager. All funds have
contractual redemptions frequencies ranging from daily to annually, and redemption notice periods varying from 5 to 60 days.
(13) Other consists of operating assets of $120 million (2017 - $94 million) and liabilities of $13 million (2017 - $30 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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 83
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Obligations and funded status for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
In millions
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
18,025
$
17,366
Amendments
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss on projected benefit obligation (1)
Current service cost
Plan participants' contributions
Foreign currency changes
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers
Projected benefit obligation at the end of the year (2)
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 (2)
Funded status - Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets
over projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
$
$
$
$
—
568
(538)
170
63
25
(1,038)
17,275
(266)
17,009
18,564
70
63
19
(434)
(1,038)
17,244
(31)
$
$
$
$
$
—
540
979
130
56
(21)
(1,025)
18,025
(306)
17,719
17,831
96
56
(15)
1,621
(1,025)
18,564
539
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
261
$
(6)
9
(10)
2
—
8
(17)
247
—
247
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(247)
$
$
$
$
$
270
—
8
3
2
—
(5)
(17)
261
—
261
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(261)
(1)
(2)
Actuarial gains on the projected benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2018 mainly result from an increase of 26 basis points from the discount rate as
at December 31, 2017. Actuarial losses on the projected benefit obligation for the year ended December 31, 2017 mainly result from a decrease of 30 basis points
from the discount rate as at December 31, 2016.
For the CN Pension Plan, as at December 31, 2018, the projected benefit obligation was $16,004 million (2017 - $16,721 million) and the fair value of plan assets
was $16,393 million (2017 - $17,654 million). The measurement date of all plans is December 31.
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
In millions
December 31,
Noncurrent assets - Pension asset
Current liabilities (Note 10)
Noncurrent liabilities - Pension and other postretirement benefits
Total amount recognized
2018
446
—
(477)
$
(31)
$
2017
994
—
(455)
539
$
$
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 16)
In millions
Net actuarial gain (loss)
Prior service credit (cost)
December 31,
$
$
Pensions
2018
(3,887)
(6)
$
$
2017
(3,111)
(9)
2018
—
(17)
(230)
(247)
$
$
2017
—
(17)
(244)
(261)
Other postretirement benefits
2018
8
4
$
$
2017
—
(2)
$
$
$
$
84 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Information for defined benefit pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
In millions
Accumulated benefit obligation (1)
Fair value of plan assets (1)
December 31,
$
$
Pensions
2018
714
303
$
$
(1)
All of the Company's other postretirement benefit pension plans have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
Information for defined benefit pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
In millions
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
December 31,
$
$
Pensions
2018
780
303
$
$
2017
601
215
2017
770
315
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
In millions
Current service cost
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
$
170
$
130
$
124
$
2
$
2
$
2
Other components of net periodic benefit cost (income) (1)
Interest cost
Settlement loss
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
Total Other components of net periodic benefit cost (income) (1) $
(309)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
(139)
568
3
540
—
543
10
(1,083)
(1,047)
(1,018)
3
200
5
182
(320)
(190)
$
$
3
177
(285)
(161)
$
$
$
$
9
—
—
—
(2)
7
9
$
$
8
—
—
—
(3)
5
7
$
$
8
—
—
2
(5)
5
7
(1)
The Company adopted ASU 2017-07: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost in the first quarter of
2018 on a retrospective basis. Comparative figures on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income have been adjusted to conform to the current
presentation. See Note 2 - Recent accounting pronouncements for additional information.
Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans
December 31,
2018
2017
2016
2018
2017
2016
Pensions
Other postretirement benefits
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)
3.77%
2.75%
3.68%
3.15%
2.75%
7.00%
3.51%
2.75%
4.11%
3.15%
2.75%
7.00%
3.81%
2.75%
4.24%
3.27%
2.75%
7.00%
4.00%
2.75%
3.83%
3.23%
2.75%
N/A
3.59%
2.75%
4.43%
3.29%
2.75%
N/A
3.96%
2.75%
4.59%
3.35%
2.75%
N/A
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
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.
The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon its long-term plans for such increases.
The Company uses the spot rate approach to measure current service cost and interest cost for all defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
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 at the relevant maturity.
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
2018, 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 2019, 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 | 2018 Annual Report 85
Notes to the 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
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Years 2024 to 2028
Pensions
Other postretirement
benefits
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,058
1,055
1,057
1,054
1,050
5,149
$
$
$
$
$
$
17
17
17
16
16
72
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 2018, amounted to $22 million (2017 - $19 million; 2016
- $18 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 $13 million in 2018 (2017 - $15 million; 2016 - $12 million). The
annual contribution rate for the plan was $176.16 per month per active employee for 2018 (2017 - $216.54). The plan covered 461 retirees
in 2018 (2017 - 462 retirees).
14 – 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
Repurchase of common shares
December 31,
2018
727.3
(2.0)
725.3
2017
744.6
(2.0)
742.6
2016
763.8
(1.8)
762.0
The Company may repurchase its common shares pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) at prevailing market prices plus brokerage
fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company may repurchase up to 5.5 million common
shares between October 30, 2018 and January 31, 2019 under its NCIB. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had repurchased 2.6 million
common shares under this NCIB.
86 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides the information related to the share repurchases for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions, except per share data
Year ended December 31,
Number of common shares repurchased (1)
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of repurchase (2)
2018
19.0
104.99
2,000
$
$
$
$
2017
20.4
98.27
2,000
$
$
2016
26.4
75.85
2,000
(1)
Includes repurchases in the first and second quarters of 2017 and each quarter of 2016, pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length
third-party sellers.
(2)
Includes settlements in subsequent periods.
See Note 20 - Subsequent event for information on the Company's new NCIB.
Share Trusts
The Company's Share Trusts purchase CN's common shares on the open market, which are used to deliver common shares under the Share
Units Plan (see Note 15 – 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 2019, the Share Trusts could purchase up to 1.2 million common shares on the open market in anticipation of future
settlements of equity settled PSU awards.
The following table provides the information related to the share purchases and settlements by Share Trusts for the years ended
December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions, except per share data
Share purchases by Share Trusts
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of purchase
Share settlements by Share Trusts
Number of common shares
Weighted-average price per share
Amount of settlement
Additional paid-in capital
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
0.4
104.87
38
0.4
84.53
31
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
0.5
102.17
55
0.3
77.99
24
$
$
$
$
2016
0.7
84.99
60
0.3
73.31
23
Additional paid-in capital includes the stock-based compensation expense on equity settled awards and other items relating to equity settled
awards. Upon the exercise of stock options, the stock-based compensation expense related to those awards is reclassified from Additional paid-
in capital to Common shares. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company changed its presentation for the settlement of equity-settled awards
when purchasing shares on the open market, on a retrospective basis. Whereas previously upon settlement, the stock-based compensation
expense was reclassified from Additional paid-in capital to Common shares and the settlement cost was recorded in Additional paid-in capital,
now upon settlement, the Company records in Retained earnings the excess, if any, of the settlement cost of the awards over the related stock-
based compensation expense, with no adjustment to Common shares. The Company reclassified prior year balances for Common shares,
Additional paid-in capital, and Retained earnings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets to conform with the new presentation. For the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the impact of this reclassification increased Additional paid-in capital by $192 million, $86 million and
$4 million, respectively, decreased Common shares by $167 million, $83 million and $4 million, respectively, and decreased Retained earnings
by $25 million, $3 million and $nil, respectively.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 87
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
15 – 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
In millions
Share Units Plan
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)
Stock option awards
Employee share investment plan (ESIP)
Total stock-based compensation expense
Income tax impacts of stock-based compensation
Tax benefit recognized in income
Excess tax benefit recognized in income
Share Units Plan
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
$
38
—
12
40
90
21
13
$
$
$
$
55
7
13
36
111
29
13
$
$
$
$
58
6
12
37
113
28
5
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.
PSU-ROIC awards vest dependent upon the attainment of a target level of return on invested capital (ROIC), as defined by the award
agreement, over the plan period of three years. Such performance vesting criteria results in a performance vesting factor that ranges from
0% to 200% 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 vest dependent upon the attainment of a total shareholder return (TSR) market condition over the plan period of three
years. Such performance vesting criteria result in a performance vesting factor that ranges from 0% to 200% depending on the Company's
TSR relative to a Class I Railways peer group and components of the S&P/TSX 60 Index.
PSUs 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 14 – 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 withholding tax
requirement.
For the 2016 grant, the level of ROIC attained resulted in a performance vesting factor of 200%, and the level of TSR attained resulted
in a performance vesting factor of 100% for the plan period ended December 31, 2018. The total fair value of the equity settled PSU awards
that vested in 2018 was $42 million (2017 - $43 million; 2016 - $41 million). As the respective vesting conditions under each plan and the
minimum share price condition for the PSU-ROIC awards were met at December 31, 2018, settlement of approximately 0.5 million shares,
net of withholding taxes, is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2019.
88 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides a summary of the activity related to PSU awards:
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
Granted
Settled (3)
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2018
Nonvested at December 31, 2017
Granted
Vested (4)
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2018
PSUs-ROIC (1)
PSUs-TSR (2)
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
Units
In millions
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
Units
In millions
1.2
0.4
(0.4)
(0.1)
1.1
0.8
0.4
(0.4)
(0.1)
0.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
46.35
50.77
50.87
49.50
46.10
44.18
50.77
35.53
49.50
52.18
0.4
0.1
(0.1)
—
0.4
0.3
0.1
(0.1)
—
0.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
104.32
104.58
114.86
102.32
100.93
99.34
104.58
95.36
102.32
104.14
(1)
(2)
(3)
The grant date fair value of equity settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2018 of $21 million is calculated using a lattice-based valuation model. As at December 31, 2018,
total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $21 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6
years.
The grant date fair value of equity settled PSUs-TSR granted in 2018 of $14 million is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation model. As at December 31, 2018,
total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6
years.
Equity settled PSUs-ROIC granted in 2015 met the minimum share price condition for settlement and attained a performance vesting factor of 135%. Equity settled
PSUs-TSR granted in 2015 attained a performance vesting factor of 142%. In the first quarter of 2018, these awards were settled, net of the remittance of the
participants' withholding tax obligation of $34 million, by way of disbursement from the Share Trusts of 0.4 million common shares.
(4)
These awards are expected to be settled in the first quarter of 2019.
The following table provides the assumptions used in the valuation of PSU-ROIC awards:
Year of grant
Assumptions
Stock price ($) (2)
Expected stock price volatility (3)
Expected term (years) (4)
Risk-free interest rate (5)
Dividend rate ($) (6)
Weighted-average grant date fair value ($)
PSUs-ROIC (1)
2018
2017
2016
97.77
18%
3.0
1.92%
1.82
50.77
91.91
19%
3.0
0.98%
1.65
53.19
74.17
19%
3.0
0.43%
1.50
35.11
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Assumptions used to determine fair value of the equity settled PSU-ROIC awards are on the grant date.
Represents the closing share price on the grant date.
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 | 2018 Annual Report 89
Notes to the 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) 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. The number of DSUs received by each
participant is established at the time of deferral. 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.
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 withholding tax requirement.
Cash settled awards
The value of each participant's DSUs is payable in cash at the time of cessation of employment.
The following table provides a summary of the activity related to DSU awards:
Outstanding at December 31, 2017
Granted
Settled (3)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 (4)
Equity settled
DSUs (1)
Cash settled
DSUs (2)
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
Units
In millions
1.1
0.1
(0.4)
0.8
$
$
$
$
77.81
95.64
78.84
79.23
Units
In millions
0.2
—
—
0.2
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The grant date fair value of equity settled DSUs granted in 2018 of $4 million is calculated using the Company's stock price on the grant date. As at December 31,
2018, the aggregate intrinsic value of all equity settled DSUs outstanding amounted to $78 million.
The fair value of cash settled DSUs as at December 31, 2018 is based on the intrinsic value. As at December 31, 2018, the liability for all cash settled DSUs was $19
million (2017 - $30 million). The closing stock price used to determine the liability was $101.11. The total fair value of cash settled DSU awards vested in 2018, 2017
and 2016 was $nil.
For the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company purchased 0.2 million common shares for the settlement of equity settled DSUs, net of the remittance of the
participants' withholding tax obligation of $17 million.
The total fair value of equity settled DSU awards vested, the number of units outstanding that were nonvested, unrecognized compensation cost and the remaining
recognition period for cash and equity settled DSUs have not been quantified as they relate to a minimal number of units.
90 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Stock option awards
The Company's stock option plan allows 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 grant date. 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, 2018, 15.6 million
common shares remained authorized for future issuances under these plans.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company granted 1.1 million (2017 - 1.0 million; 2016 - 1.2 million) stock options.
The following table provides the activity of stock option awards during 2018, and for options outstanding and exercisable at December
31, 2018, the weighted-average exercise price:
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 (1)
Granted (2)
Forfeited/Cancelled
Exercised (3)
Vested (4)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018 (1)
Exercisable at December 31, 2018 (1)
Options outstanding
Nonvested options
Number of
options
Weighted-average
exercise price
Number of
options
Weighted-average
grant date fair value
In millions
In millions
5.1
1.1
(0.3)
(1.7)
N/A
4.2
1.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
66.78
98.05
101.04
61.83
N/A
79.73
63.91
$
$
$
$
$
2.4
1.1
(0.3)
N/A
(0.9)
2.3
N/A
12.62
15.34
14.62
N/A
12.27
13.84
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 2018 of $17 million ($15.34 per option) is calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As at December
31, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to all outstanding awards was $9 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period
of 2.6 years.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2018 was $78 million (2017 - $62 million; 2016 - $73 million). The cash received upon exercise of options in 2018
was $103 million (2017 - $58 million; 2016 - $61 million) and the related excess tax benefit realized in 2018 was $3 million (2017 and 2016 - $5 million).
(4)
The grant date fair value of options vested in 2018 was $12 million (2017 and 2016 - $10 million).
The following table provides the number of stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2018 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, 2018 at the Company's closing stock price of $101.11.
Options outstanding
Options exercisable
Weighted-
average years
to expiration
Weighted-
average
exercise price
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
Number of
options
Weighted-
average
exercise price
In millions
In millions
Aggregate
intrinsic
value
In millions
1.9
4.2
6.6
8.0
9.1
6.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
32.98
55.85
75.20
94.44
109.21
79.73
$
26
26
31
11
—
94
0.4
0.5
0.7
0.3
—
1.9
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
32.98
55.85
75.82
92.40
108.22
63.91
$
26
26
17
2
—
71
Number of
options
In millions
0.4
0.5
1.2
1.6
0.5
4.2
Range of exercise prices
$ 20.96 - $ 45.00
$ 45.01 - $ 65.00
$ 65.01 - $ 85.00
$ 85.01 - $ 105.00
$ 105.01 - $ 122.96
Balance at December 31, 2018 (1)
(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. The
weighted-average years to expiration of exercisable stock options was 5 years.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 91
Notes to the 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 ($)
2018
2017
2016
98.05
18%
5.5
2.08%
1.82
15.34
92.16
20%
5.5
1.24%
1.65
14.44
75.16
20%
5.5
0.76%
1.50
10.57
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
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. The Company uses historical data to predict option exercise behavior.
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.
Stock price volatility
The Company's liability for the cash settled VIDP is marked-to-market at each period-end and varies with 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.
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 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
Number of participants holding shares
Total number of ESIP shares purchased on behalf of employees (millions)
Year ended December 31,
2018
22,185
1.8
2017
19,642
1.7
2016
19,108
1.9
92 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
16 – Accumulated other comprehensive loss
In millions
Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
Pension
and other
postretirement
benefit plans
Total
before
tax
Income tax
recovery
(expense) (1)
Total
net of
tax
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
(202)
$
(2,204)
$
(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 foreign operations
Actuarial loss 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
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 31, 2016
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 foreign operations
Actuarial loss arising during the year
Amounts reclassified from Accumulated other
comprehensive loss:
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Amortization of prior service costs
Other comprehensive loss
Balance at December 31, 2017
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 foreign operations
Actuarial loss arising during the year
Prior service credit 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
(310)
265
(45)
(247)
(701)
504
(197)
(444)
1,038
(635)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
403
(310)
—
(310)
265
(881)
172 (2)
5 (2)
10 (2)
(739)
(3,145)
(35)
235
(47)
(1)
(4)
(3)
(3)
(3)
148
787
230
(646)
125
4
6
(591)
(2,358)
(701)
—
(701)
504
(408)
179 (2)
5 (2)
(421)
(3,566)
(67)
110
(47)
(1)
(5)
782
(3)
(3)
437
(298)
132
4
(426)
(2,784)
1,038
—
1,038
(635)
(969)
6
198 (2)
3 (2)
3 (2)
(356)
86
262
(2)
(3)
(54)
— (3)
(3)
(1)
291
(549)
(707)
4
144
3
2
(65)
(881)
172
5
10
(694)
(2,898)
(408)
179
5
(224)
(3,122)
(969)
6
198
3
3
(759)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
(41)
$
(3,881)
$
(3,922)
$
1,073
$
(2,849)
(1)
(2)
The Company releases stranded tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to Net income upon the liquidation or termination of the related item.
Reclassified to Other components of net periodic benefit income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and included in net periodic benefit cost. See Note 13 -
Pensions and other postretirement benefits.
(3)
Included in Income tax recovery (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 93
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
17 – Major commitments and contingencies
Lease commitments
The Company has operating and capital leases, mainly for freight cars, real estate properties, engineering equipment, locomotives and other
equipment. All of the capital leases provide the option to purchase the leased assets at fixed values at the end of the lease term. Some of the
operating leases provide the option to purchase the leased assets during or at the end of the term. As at December 31, 2018, the Company's
commitments under these operating and capital leases were $663 million and $30 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
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 & thereafter
Total
Less: Imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 1.8% to 4.3%
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt (Note 11)
Operating
Capital
$
$
190
136
103
64
45
125
663
$
$
$
10
15
5
—
—
—
30
1
29
Rental expense for operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $218 million (2017 - $191 million; 2016 - $197 million).
Purchase commitments
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had fixed and variable commitments to purchase locomotives, rail, wheels, engineering services,
information technology services and licenses, railroad ties, rail cars, as well as other equipment and services with a total estimated cost of
$2,592 million. Costs of variable commitments were estimated using forecasted prices and volumes.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Company becomes involved in various legal actions seeking compensatory and occasionally punitive
damages, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to employee and third-party
personal injuries, occupational disease and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not
limited to, derailments or other accidents.
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 2018, 2017 and 2016 the Company recorded an increase of $4 million, an increase of $2 million and a decrease of $11 million,
respectively, to its provision for personal injuries and other claims in Canada as a result of actuarial valuations for employee injury claims as
well as various other legal claims.
94 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
183
52
(28)
207
60
$
$
$
2017
183
38
(38)
183
40
$
$
$
2016
191
24
(32)
183
39
$
$
$
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 2018, the Company recorded an increase of $13 million to its provision for U.S. personal injury and other claims attributable to non-
occupational disease claims, third-party claims and occupational disease claims pursuant to the 2018 actuarial valuation. In 2017 and 2016,
actuarial valuations resulted in an increase of $15 million and $21 million, respectively. The prior years' adjustments from the actuarial
valuations were mainly attributable to occupational disease claims, non-occupational disease claims and third-party claims reflecting
changes 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
116
$
118
$
41
(28)
10
139
37
$
$
46
(41)
(7)
116
25
$
$
105
51
(34)
(4)
118
37
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, 2018, or with respect to future claims, cannot be reasonably determined. When
establishing provisions for contingent liabilities the Company considers, where a probable loss estimate cannot be made with reasonable
certainty, a range of potential probable losses for each such matter, and records the amount it considers the most reasonable estimate
within the range. However, when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the minimum amount in the
range is accrued. For matters where a loss is reasonably possible but not probable, a range of potential losses cannot be estimated due to
various factors which may include the limited availability of facts, the lack of demand for specific damages and the fact that proceedings
were at an early stage. Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the eventual outcome of the actions against the
Company will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position. However, due to the
CN | 2018 Annual Report 95
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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 145 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 U.S. 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, 2018, 2017 and 2016, 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
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
78
16
(34)
1
61
39
$
$
$
86
16
(23)
(1)
78
57
$
$
$
110
6
(29)
(1)
86
50
The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at December 31, 2018 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
96 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
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, 2018 amounted to $22
million (2017 - $20 million; 2016 - $19 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 fueling 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, 2018 amounted to $19 million (2017 - $21 million; 2016 - $15 million).
Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third
parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, 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.
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 2019
and 2024, 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, 2018, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $130 million (2017 - $141 million). There are no recourse
provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.
Other guarantees
As at December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $410 million (2017 - $394 million) under the committed
bilateral letter of credit facilities and $137 million (2017 - $136 million) under the uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, and surety
and other bonds of $160 million (2017 - $167 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.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 97
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
As at December 31, 2018, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $707 million (2017 - $697 million),
of which $659 million (2017 - $648 million) related to other employee benefit liabilities and workers' compensation and $48 million (2017 -
$49 million) related to other liabilities. The guarantee instruments expire at various dates between 2019 and 2020.
As at December 31, 2018, 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, 2018, the Company had not recorded a liability with respect to any indemnifications.
18 – 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 debt of the parent company as a foreign currency hedge of its net investment in foreign
operations. As a result, from the dates of designation, foreign exchange gains and losses on translation of the Company's US dollar-
denominated debt are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which minimizes volatility of earnings resulting from the
conversion of US dollar-denominated 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,
2018, the Company had outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts with a notional value of US$1,465 million (2017 - US$887 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 Statement of Income as they occur. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of
$157 million (2017 - loss of $72 million; 2016 - loss of $1 million) related to foreign exchange forward contracts. These gains or losses were
largely offset by the re-measurement of US dollar-denominated monetary assets and liabilities recognized in Other income. As at December
31, 2018, the fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts included in Other current assets and Accounts payable and other
was $67 million and $nil, respectively (2017 - $nil and $19 million, respectively).
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 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.
98 CN | 2018 Annual Report
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Fair value of financial instruments
The financial instruments that the Company measures at fair value on a recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition are
categorized into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy based on the degree to which inputs are observable:
•
•
•
Level 1: Inputs are quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets
Level 2: Significant inputs (other than quoted prices included in Level 1) are observable
Level 3: Significant inputs are unobservable
The carrying amounts of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value. These financial
instruments include highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity, for which the fair value is determined by
reference to quoted prices in active markets.
The carrying amounts of Accounts receivable, Other current assets, and Accounts payable and other approximate fair value. 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, classified as Level 2, 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. The Company classifies debt as Level 2. As at December 31, 2018, the Company's debt had a carrying
amount of $12,569 million (2017 - $10,828 million) and a fair value of $13,316 million (2017 - $12,164 million).
19 – 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 the Company's management, including its 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 management and are
communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region). The Company's 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 the Company's management, as the regions' 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, 2018, 2017, and 2016, no major customer accounted for more than 10% of total revenues and the
largest rail freight customer represented approximately 3% of total annual rail freight revenues.
CN | 2018 Annual Report 99
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables provide information by geographic area:
In millions
Revenues
Canada
U.S.
Total revenues
Net income
Canada
U.S.
Total net income
In millions
Properties
Canada
U.S.
Total properties
20 – Subsequent event
Normal course issuer bid
Year ended December 31,
2018
2017
2016
$
$
$
$
7,971
4,066
12,037
2,708
932
3,640
$
$
$
$
$
$
9,610
4,711
14,321
3,163
1,165
4,328
2018
19,737
18,036
37,773
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,794
4,247
13,041
2,857
2,627
5,484
2017
18,305
15,884
34,189
December 31,
On January 29, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new NCIB, which allows for the repurchase of up to 22 million
common shares between February 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as
may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.
100 CN | 2018 Annual Report
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