form6k.htm

FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Report of Foreign Issuer
 
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of October, 2011
 
Commission File Number: 001-02413
 
Canadian National Railway Company
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
 
935 de la Gauchetiere Street West
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3B 2M9
(Address of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under
cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F ____                                                      Form 40-F    X                                

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Yes ____                                           No   X

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Yes ____                                           No   X

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this
Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

Yes ____                                           No   X

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A


 

 
 

 

Canadian National Railway Company

Table of Contents
 
Item
 
 
   
   
   
   

 
 
 
 
 

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 
 Item 1

CN logo
North America’s Railroad


CN’s Q3-2011 net income rises to C$659 million,
or C$1.46 per diluted share, as the Company posts record carloadings and revenues
 
Excluding gain on sale, adjusted Q3-2011 net income increased
12 per cent to C$621 million, with adjusted diluted EPS up 16 per cent
 to C$1.38 (1)
 
MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2011 — CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter and nine-month period ended Sept. 30, 2011.

Third-quarter 2011 highlights
·  
Net income increased 19 per cent from the year-earlier quarter to C$659 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) rising 23 per cent to C$1.46. The results included an after-tax gain of C$38 million, or C$0.08 per diluted share, on the sale of substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company.
·  
Excluding the gain on the sale, adjusted net income increased 12 per cent over the year-earlier quarter to C$621 million, with adjusted diluted EPS rising 16 per cent to C$1.38. (1)
·  
Revenues for third-quarter 2011 rose nine per cent to C$2,307 million, while carloadings grew by four per cent and revenue ton-miles increased six per cent.
·  
Operating income increased 12 per cent to C$938 million.
·  
CN’s operating ratio was 59.3 per cent, a 1.4-point improvement over the 60.7 per cent operating ratio for third-quarter 2010.
·  
Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2011 was C$1,328 million, compared with C$938 million for the same period of 2010. (1)
·  
CN to launch a new share repurchase program on Oct. 28, 2011, to buy back up to 17 million common shares.

Claude Mongeau, president and chief executive officer, said: “CN posted impressive third-quarter results, driven by record carloadings and revenues, strong operational execution, and rigorous cost control. The four per cent rise in carloadings and nine per cent increase in revenues outpaced general economic activity during the quarter, reflecting CN’s improved service and market positioning.

“All commodity groups posted revenue gains in the quarter, benefiting from modest growth in overall economic activity, as well as from CN’s continued focus on supply chain collaboration and service innovation with its customers and transportation partners.”
 
 
 
 
1

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 

New CN share repurchase program
Mongeau said: “With a strong balance sheet and solid prospects, we are pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program to buy back up to 17 million CN common shares. CN believes this is a timely, responsible use of cash to deliver increased shareholder value.”

Foreign currency impact on results
Although CN reports its earnings in Canadian dollars, a large portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in U.S. dollars. As such, the Company’s results are affected by exchange-rate fluctuations. On a constant currency basis that excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, CN’s third-quarter 2011 net income would have been higher by C$22 million, or C$0.05 per diluted share. (1)

Third-quarter 2011 revenues, traffic volumes and expenses
The nine per cent rise in third-quarter revenues was mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economic conditions and in the Company’s performance above market conditions in various segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated revenues.

Revenues increased for metals and minerals (21 per cent), intermodal (12 per cent), automotive (nine per cent), forest products (seven per cent), grain and fertilizers (six per cent), petroleum and chemicals (six per cent), and coal (one per cent). Other revenues increased by six per cent.

Revenue ton-miles, measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by CN, increased six per cent from the year-earlier period.

Rail freight revenue per revenue ton-mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, increased three per cent over the third quarter of 2010, largely due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases, partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the Company’s average length of haul.

Operating expenses increased by six per cent to C$1,369 million, mainly owing to higher fuel costs, purchased services and material expense as well as depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated expenses, lower casualty and other expense, as well as a decline in labor and fringe benefits expense in part due to lower incentive compensation.

2011 financial outlook (2)
CN reaffirms the financial guidance it issued on April 26, 2011, despite a weaker economic environment than previously anticipated. CN expects to generate double-digit diluted EPS growth of up to 15 per cent in 2011, on an adjusted basis, compared with adjusted diluted EPS of C$4.20 achieved in 2010. CN also expects free cash flow for 2011 to be in the order of C$1.2 billion, which takes into consideration an expected additional pension contribution of approximately C$350 million.
 
 
 
 
2

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 

Mongeau said: “I’m pleased with our solid third quarter results and feel confident about our ability to finish the year on a positive note despite growing concerns about the economy.”

(1)  
See discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted performance-measures in the attached supplementary schedule, Non-GAAP Measures.
(2)  
See Forward-Looking Statements for a summary of the key assumptions and risks regarding CN’s 2011 financial outlook.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information included in this news release constitutes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. CN cautions that, by their nature, these 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. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. To the extent that CN has provided guidance that are non-GAAP financial measures, the Company may not be able to provide a reconciliation to the GAAP measures, due to unknown variables and uncertainty related to future results. Key assumptions used in determining forward-looking information are set forth below.

Key assumptions

CN announced a revised 2011 financial outlook in the news release of April 26, 2011, detailing its first-quarter 2011 financial results.

CN’s 2011 outlook is based on a number of economic and market assumptions. The Company forecasts that North American industrial production will increase by about 3.5 per cent in 2011. CN also expects U.S. housing starts to be about 600,000 units and U.S. motor vehicles sales to be approximately 12.5 million units for the year. CN anticipates the Canadian 2011/2012 grain crop will be in-line with 2010/2011 crop, and that the U.S. 2011/2012 grain crop will be in line with the five-year average. With these assumptions, CN is targeting mid-single-digit carload growth for 2011, along with continued pricing improvement above inflation. CN assumes the Canadian-U.S. exchange rate to be in the range of parity, and that the price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) for the year will be in the range of US$90 to US$100 per barrel. In 2011, CN plans to invest approximately C$1.7 billion in capital programs, of which more than C$1 billion will be targeted on track infrastructure to maintain a safe and fluid railway network. The Company will also invest in projects to support a number of productivity and growth initiatives.

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, various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes, labor negotiations and disruptions, environmental claims, uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation, risks and liabilities arising from derailments, and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in CN’s annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, available on CN’s website, for a summary of major risk factors.

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 Canadian 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.

 
 
 
3

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 

CN – Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the Company’s website at www.cn.ca.

- 30 -


Contacts:
Media
Investment Community
Mark Hallman
Robert Noorigian
Director
Vice-President
Communications and Public Affairs
Investor Relations
(905) 669-3384
(514) 399-0052

 
4

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME  (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
(In millions, except per share data)
 
 
 Item 2
                         
   
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
   
September 30
 
September 30
                         
     
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
     
Revenues
$
 2,307 
 
$
 2,122 
 
$
 6,651 
 
$
 6,180 
                         
Operating expenses
                     
 
Labor and fringe benefits
 
 396 
   
 437 
   
 1,301 
   
 1,321 
 
Purchased services and material
 
 271 
   
 246 
   
 825 
   
 754 
 
Fuel
 
 350 
   
 249 
   
 1,030 
   
 757 
 
Depreciation and amortization 
 
 218 
   
 204 
   
 653 
   
 614 
 
Equipment rents
 
 60 
   
 61 
   
 165 
   
 181 
 
Casualty and other
 
 74 
   
 91 
   
 220 
   
 303 
Total operating expenses
 
 1,369 
   
 1,288 
   
 4,194 
   
 3,930 
                         
Operating income
 
 938 
   
 834 
   
 2,457 
   
 2,250 
                         
Interest expense
 
 (85)
   
 (90)
   
 (256)
   
 (273)
Other income (Note 2)
 
 70 
   
 24 
   
 380 
   
 200 
Income before income taxes
 
 923 
   
 768 
   
 2,581 
   
 2,177 
                         
Income tax expense (Note 6)
 
 (264)
   
 (212)
   
 (716)
   
 (576)
Net income
$
 659 
 
$
 556 
 
$
 1,865 
 
$
 1,601 
                         
Earnings per share (Note 9)
                     
 
Basic
$
 1.47 
 
$
 1.20 
 
$
 4.11 
 
$
 3.42 
 
Diluted
$
 1.46 
 
$
 1.19 
 
$
 4.08 
 
$
 3.39 
                         
Weighted-average number of shares
                     
 
Basic
 
448.3 
   
464.6 
   
453.4 
   
468.1 
 
Diluted
 
451.4 
   
468.4 
   
456.9 
   
471.9 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET  (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
(In millions)

                 
 
September 30
 
     December 31
 
September 30
   
2011 
   
2010 
   
2010 
                 
Assets
               
                 
Current assets:
               
     Cash and cash equivalents (Note 3)
$
192 
 
$
490 
 
$
548 
     Accounts receivable
 
801 
   
775 
   
810 
     Material and supplies
 
272 
   
210 
   
271 
     Deferred income taxes
 
52 
   
53 
   
55 
     Other (Note 3)
 
551 
   
62 
   
127 
Total current assets
 
1,868 
   
1,590 
   
1,811 
                 
Properties 
 
23,800 
   
22,917 
   
22,646 
Intangible and other assets
 
899 
   
699 
   
1,571 
                 
Total assets
$
26,567 
 
$
25,206 
 
$
26,028 
                 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
     Accounts payable and other
$
1,565 
 
$
1,366 
 
$
1,193 
     Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt (Note 3)
 
525 
   
540 
   
109 
Total current liabilities
 
2,090 
   
1,906 
   
1,302 
                 
Deferred income taxes
 
5,613 
   
5,152 
   
5,442 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
 
1,330 
   
1,333 
   
1,310 
Long-term debt
 
5,878 
   
5,531 
   
6,117 
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
     Common shares
 
4,149 
   
4,252 
   
4,270 
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(1,647)
   
(1,709)
   
(973)
     Retained earnings
 
9,154 
   
8,741 
   
8,560 
                 
Total shareholders' equity
 
11,656 
   
11,284 
   
11,857 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
26,567 
 
$
25,206 
 
$
26,028 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
     

 
6

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
(In millions)

  
                     
  
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
  
September 30
 
September 30
  
 
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
  
 
Common shares (1)
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 4,211 
 
$
 4,275 
 
$
 4,252 
 
$
 4,266 
    Stock options exercised and other
 
 (6)
   
 30 
   
 50 
   
 109 
    Share repurchase programs (Note 3)
 
 (56)
   
 (35)
   
 (153)
   
 (105)
Balance, end of period
$
4,149 
 
$
4,270 
 
$
4,149 
 
$
4,270 
  
                     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 (1,741)
 
$
 (929)
 
$
 (1,709)
 
$
 (948)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                     
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on:
                     
    Translation of the net investment in foreign operations
 
 495 
   
 (208)
   
 315 
   
 (129)
    Translation of US dollar-denominated debt
                     
       designated as a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries
 
 (471)
   
 202 
   
 (302)
   
 122 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 5):
                     
    Amortization of prior service cost included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost 
 
 1 
   
 1 
   
 2 
   
 2 
    Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost 
 
 2 
   
 1 
   
 6 
   
 2 
Derivative instruments 
 
 - 
   
 - 
   
 (1)
   
 (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
 
 27 
   
 (4)
   
 20 
   
 (4)
Income tax recovery (expense)
 
 67 
   
 (40)
   
 42 
   
 (21)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 94 
   
 (44)
   
 62 
   
 (25)
Balance, end of period
$
 (1,647)
 
$
 (973)
 
$
 (1,647)
 
$
 (973)
  
                     
Retained earnings
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 9,001 
 
$
 8,331 
 
$
 8,741 
 
$
 7,915 
    Net income
 
 659 
   
 556 
   
 1,865 
   
 1,601 
    Share repurchase programs (Note 3)
 
 (361)
   
 (202)
   
 (1,011)
   
 (578)
    Dividends
 
 (145)
   
 (125)
   
 (441)
   
 (378)
Balance, end of period
$
 9,154 
 
$
 8,560 
 
$
 9,154 
 
$
 8,560 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

(1)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company issued 0.2 million and 1.9 million common shares, respectively, as a result of stock options exercised and repurchased 6.0 million and 16.5 million common shares, respectively, under its current share repurchase program.  At September 30, 2011, the Company had 444.8 million common shares outstanding.


 
7

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
(In millions)

               
 
Three months ended
 September 30
 
Nine months ended
September 30
   
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
   
   
Operating activities
                     
Net income
$
 659 
 
$
 556 
 
$
 1,865 
 
$
 1,601 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                     
     Depreciation and amortization
 
 218 
   
 204 
   
 653 
   
 614 
     Deferred income taxes
 
 104 
   
 233 
   
 327 
   
 344 
     Gain on disposal of property (Note 2)
 
 (60)
   
 - 
   
 (348)
   
 (152)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                     
     Accounts receivable
 
 55 
   
 (35)
   
 (17)
   
 (22)
     Material and supplies
 
 (27)
   
 (18)
   
 (59)
   
 (102)
     Accounts payable and other
 
 60 
   
 (187)
   
 102 
   
 12 
     Other current assets
 
 16 
   
 13 
   
 9 
   
 25 
Other, net
 
 (38)
   
 (278)
   
 (147)
   
 (376)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 987 
   
 488 
   
 2,385 
   
 1,944 
                       
Investing activities
                     
Property additions
 
 (415)
   
 (389)
   
 (1,012)
   
 (824)
Disposal of property (Note 2)
 
 70 
   
 - 
   
 369 
   
 167 
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 3)
 
 (22)
   
 - 
   
 (489)
   
 - 
Other, net
 
 5 
   
 3 
   
 22 
   
 21 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 (362)
   
 (386)
   
 (1,110)
   
 (636)
                       
Financing activities
                     
Issuance of debt (Note 3)
 
 132 
   
 - 
   
 196 
   
 - 
Repayment of debt
 
 (186)
   
 (118)
   
 (225)
   
 (158)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock
                     
   options and related excess tax benefits realized
 
            5
   
 27 
   
 56 
   
 101 
Repurchase of common shares (Note 3)
 
 (417)
   
 (237)
   
 (1,164)
   
 (683)
Dividends paid
 
 (145)
   
 (125)
   
 (441)
   
 (378)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
 (611)
   
 (453)
   
 (1,578)
   
 (1,118)
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US
                     
   dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents
 
 3 
   
 3 
   
 5 
   
 6 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 17 
   
 (348)
   
 (298)
   
 196 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
 175 
   
 896 
   
 490 
   
 352 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
 192 
 
$
 548 
 
$
 192 
 
$
 548 
                       
Supplemental cash flow information
                     
   Net cash receipts from customers and other
$
 2,326 
 
$
 2,053 
 
$
 6,659 
 
$
 6,203 
   Net cash payments for:
                     
        Employee services, suppliers and other expenses
 
 (1,124)
   
 (1,043)
   
 (3,551)
   
 (3,347)
        Interest
 
 (87)
   
 (92)
   
 (249)
   
 (264)
        Personal injury and other claims
 
 (15)
   
 (16)
   
 (48)
   
 (47)
        Pensions (Note 5)
 
 (5)
   
 (305)
   
 (103)
   
 (415)
        Income taxes
 
 (108)
   
 (109)
   
 (323)
   
 (186)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
 987 
 
$
 488 
 
$
 2,385 
 
$
 1,944 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
8

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Note 1 - Basis of presentation

In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial statements, contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Canadian National Railway Company’s (the Company) financial position as at September 30, 2011, December 31, 2010, and September 30, 2010, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

These unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company’s 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. While management believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and the 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.


Note 2 - Disposal of property

2011 - Disposal of IC RailMarine Terminal
In August 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, to Raven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Foresight Energy, LLC (Foresight) and the Cline Group (Cline), for cash proceeds of $70 million (US$73 million) before transaction costs.  ICRMT is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River and stores and transfers bulk commodities and liquids between rail, ship and barge, serving customers in North American and global markets. Under the sale agreement, the Company will benefit from a 10-year rail transportation agreement with Savatran LLC, an affiliate of Foresight and Cline, to haul a minimum annual volume of coal from four Illinois mines to the ICRMT transfer facility. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income.

2011 - Disposal of Lakeshore East
In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for cash proceeds of $299 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2010 - Disposal of Oakville subdivision
In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for proceeds of $168 million before transaction costs, of which $24 million was placed in escrow at the time of disposal and was entirely released by December 31, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.



 
9

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Note 3 - Financing activities

Revolving credit facility
In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The Company plans to use the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes, including backstopping its commercial paper program. This facility, containing customary terms and conditions, replaces the US$1 billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. As at September 30, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility (nil as at December 31, 2010).

Commercial paper
The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent. As at September 30, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $23 million of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt on the Balance Sheet.

Bilateral letter of credit facilities
In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at September 30, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $489 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). 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 three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at September 30, 2011, cash and cash equivalents of $489 million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents in Other current assets.

Share repurchase programs
In January 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December 2011 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. This share repurchase program was completed by September 30, 2011.
The following table provides the activity under such share repurchase program as well as the share repurchase program of the prior year:

 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
 In millions, except per share data
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Number of common shares repurchased (1)
 
6.0 
   
3.8 
   
16.5 
   
11.5 
Weighted-average price per share (2)
$
69.48 
 
$
62.26 
 
$
70.56 
 
$
59.35 
Amount of repurchase
$
417 
 
$
237 
 
$
1,164 
 
$
683 
(1) Includes common shares purchased in the first quarter of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2) Includes brokerage fees.
           

See Note 10 – Subsequent events for additional information on the Company’s new share repurchase program approved on October 25, 2011.



 
10

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Note 4 - Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the Company’s major plans is provided in Note 11 – Stock plans, to the Company’s 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table provides total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a stock-based compensation benefit and the related tax expense recognized in income due to a decrease in the fair value for the Company’s cash settled awards resulting from the lower stock price at September 30, 2011.

   
Three months ended September 30
   
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
 
2011 
 
2010 
   
2011 
 
2010 
                   
Cash settled awards
                 
Restricted share unit plan
$
 (8)
$
 22 
 
$
 39 
$
 61 
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)
 
 (13)
 
 9 
   
 5 
 
 15 
   
 (21)
 
 31 
   
 44 
 
 76 
Stock option awards
 
 2 
 
 3 
   
 7 
 
 8 
Total stock-based compensation expense (benefit)
$
 (19)
$
 34 
 
$
 51 
$
 84 
                   
Tax benefit (expense) recognized in income
$
 (6)
$
 8 
 
$
 12 
$
 21 

Cash settled awards
Following approval by the Board of Directors in January 2011, the Company granted 0.5 million restricted share units (RSUs) to designated management employees entitling them to receive payout in cash based on the Company’s share price. The RSUs granted by the Company are generally scheduled for payout in cash after three years (“plan period”) and vest conditionally upon the attainment of a target relating to return on invested capital over the plan period. Payout is conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price calculated using the average of the last three months of the plan period. As at September 30, 2011, 0.2 million RSUs remained authorized for future issuance under this plan.
     The following table provides the 2011 activity for all cash settled awards:
       
 
     
RSUs
 
VIDP
In millions
   
Nonvested
Vested
 
Nonvested
 
Vested
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
   
1.3 
0.7 
 
 
1.5 
Granted (Payout)
   
0.5 
(0.7)
 
 
(0.1)
Outstanding at September 30, 2011
   
1.8 
 
 
1.4 
 
 
 
 
11

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

    
 The following table provides valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards:
 
  
                               
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
RSUs (1)
   
VIDP (2)
   
Total
 
  
                             
Year of grant
2011 
2010 
2009 
 
2008 
           
 
  
                               
Stock-based compensation expense
                               
 
recognized over requisite service period
                               
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
$
$
12 
$
21 
 
$
 - 
   
$
 
$
44 
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
N/A
$
$
29 
 
$
23 
   
$
15 
 
$
76 
 
  
                               
Liability outstanding
                               
September 30, 2011
$
$
30 
$
68 
 
$
 - 
   
$
105 
 
$
209 
December 31, 2010
 
N/A
$
17 
$
46 
 
$
37 
   
$
99 
 
$
199 
 
  
                               
Fair value per unit  
                               
September 30, 2011 ($)
$
 38.83 
$
 57.35 
$
 69.71 
   
N/A
   
$
 70.03 
   
N/A
 
  
                               
Fair value of awards vested during the period
               
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
   
N/A
   
$
 
$
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
N/A
$
 - 
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
   
$
 1 
 
$
 1 
 
  
                               
Nonvested awards at September 30, 2011
                   
Unrecognized compensation cost  
$
11 
$
13 
$
   
N/A
   
$
 
$
28 
Remaining recognition period (years)
 
 2.3 
 
 1.3 
 
 0.3 
   
N/A
     
N/A (3)
   
N/A
 
  
                               
Assumptions  (4)
                               
Stock price ($)
$
 70.03 
$
 70.03 
$
 70.03 
   
N/A
   
$
 70.03 
   
N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (5)
 
25%
 
18%
 
17%
   
N/A
     
N/A
   
N/A
Expected term (years) (6)
 
 2.3 
 
 1.3 
 
 0.3 
   
N/A
     
N/A
   
N/A
Risk-free interest rate  (7)
 
0.96%
 
0.85%
 
0.80%
   
N/A
     
N/A
   
N/A
Dividend rate ($) (8)
$
 1.30 
$
 1.30 
$
 1.30 
   
N/A
     
N/A
   
N/A
 
  
                               
(1)
Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.
(2)
Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.
           
(3)
The remaining recognition period has not been quantified as it relates solely to the 25% Company grant and the dividends earned thereon, representing a minimal number of units.
(4)
Assumptions used to determine fair value are at September 30, 2011.
(5)
Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
(6)
Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
 
(7)
Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
(8)
Based on the annualized dividend rate.
             




 
12

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Stock option awards
Following approval by the Board of Directors in January 2011, the Company granted 0.6 million conventional stock options to designated senior management employees. The stock option plan allows eligible employees to acquire common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the market value of the common shares at the date of grant. The options are exercisable during a period not exceeding 10 years. 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. At September 30, 2011, 11.0 million common shares remained authorized for future issuances under this plan. The total number of options outstanding at September 30, 2011, including conventional and performance-accelerated options, was 6.0 million and 1.6 million, respectively. As at September 30, 2011, the performance-accelerated stock options were fully vested.
The following table provides the activity of stock option awards in 2011. 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 September 30, 2011 at the Company’s closing stock price of $70.03.

   
Options outstanding
   
Number
Weighted-average
 
Weighted-average
Aggregate
   
of options
exercise price
 
years to expiration
intrinsic value
   
In millions
         
In millions
Outstanding at December 31, 2010  (1)
8.9 
$
34.23 
       
Granted
0.6 
$
 68.94 
       
Exercised
(1.9)
$
 26.42 
       
Outstanding at September 30, 2011 (1)
7.6 
$
 40.28 
 
4.7 
$
227 
Exercisable at September 30, 2011 (1)
5.6 
$
 35.18 
 
3.5 
$
195 
(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.
 
 
 

 
 
13

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 


        The following table provides valuation and expense information for all stock option awards:
     
  
                                 
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
                                 
Year of grant
  
 
2011 
   
2010 
   
2009 
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
Total
     
  
                                 
Stock-based compensation expense
                                 
   recognized over requisite service period  (1)
                                 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
N/A
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
     
  
                                 
Fair value per unit
  
                                 
At grant date ($)
$
 15.66 
 
$
 13.09 
 
$
 12.60 
 
$
 12.44 
 
$
 13.37 
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
Fair value of awards vested during the period
                                 
Nine months ended September 30, 2011
$
 - 
 
$
 2 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 12 
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
 
N/A
 
$
 - 
 
$
 4 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 10 
     
  
                                 
Nonvested awards at September 30, 2011
                                 
Unrecognized compensation cost  
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
12 
Remaining recognition period (years)
 
 3.3 
   
 2.3 
   
 1.3 
   
 0.3 
   
 - 
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
Assumptions  
                                 
Grant price ($)
$
 68.94 
 
$
 54.76 
 
$
 42.14 
 
$
 48.51 
 
$
 52.79 
   
N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (2)
 
26%
   
28%
   
39%
   
27%
   
24%
   
N/A
Expected term (years) (3)
 
 5.3 
   
 5.4 
   
 5.3 
   
 5.3 
   
 5.2 
   
N/A
Risk-free interest rate  (4)
 
2.53%
   
2.44%
   
1.97%
   
3.58%
   
4.12%
   
N/A
Dividend rate ($) (5)
$
 1.30 
 
$
 1.08 
 
$
 1.01 
 
$
 0.92 
 
$
 0.84 
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
(1)
Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.
     
  
                                 
(2)
Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.
     
  
                                 
(3)
Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.
     
  
                                 
(4)
Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
     
  
                                 
(5)
Based on the annualized dividend rate.

 
14

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Note 5 - Pensions and other postretirement benefits

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions and other postretirement benefits were as follows:

(a) Components of net periodic benefit income for pensions
                   
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
   
September 30
   
September 30
In millions
 
 2011 
 
 2010 
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
Service cost
$
31 
$
27 
 
$
93 
$
80 
Interest cost
 
196 
 
209 
   
589 
 
627 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(251)
 
(253)
   
(753)
 
(757)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
   
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
 
 
   
 
Net periodic benefit ( income)
$
(21)
$
(16)
 
$
(64)
$
(47)
                   
(b) Components of net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits
                   
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
   
September 30
   
September 30
In millions
 
 2011 
 
 2010 
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
Service cost
$
$
 
$
$
Interest cost
 
 
   
11 
 
11 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
   
 
Recognized net actuarial gain
 
 
   
 
(1)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
$
 
$
15 
$
15 

Pension contributions made in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010 of $103 million and $415 million, respectively, mainly represent contributions to the Company’s main pension plan, CN Pension Plan. These contributions are for current service costs as determined under its current actuarial valuations, in addition to voluntary contributions of $300 million, mainly to the CN Pension Plan, made in 2010. The Company continuously monitors the various economic elements that affect the level of contribution it considers necessary to maintain the financial health of its various pension plans. In 2011, the Company expects to make total contributions of approximately $470 million for all its pension plans, including its defined contribution plans. Of the $470 million, approximately $350 million represents additional contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of the CN Pension Plan, and the remainder mainly represents current service costs as determined under its current actuarial valuations. Additional information relating to the plans is provided in Note 12 – Pensions and other postretirement benefits to the Company’s 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements.


Note 6 – Income taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of $264 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and $716 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to $212 million and $576 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2010. A net deferred income tax expense of $40 million, resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, was recorded in the second quarter of 2011.


Note 7 - Major commitments and contingencies

A. Commitments
As at September 30, 2011, the Company had commitments to acquire railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment and services, as well as for outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses, at an aggregate cost of $721 million ($740 million as at December 31, 2010). The Company also has remaining estimated commitments in relation to the acquisition of the principal lines of the former Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company to be spent over the next few years, of approximately $150 million for railroad
 
 
15

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

infrastructure improvements, grade separation projects, as well as commitments under a series of agreements with individual communities and a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program established to address surrounding municipalities' concerns. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment. In addition, remaining implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement positive train control (PTC) by 2015 are estimated to be approximately $210 million (US$200 million). The Company also has agreements with fuel suppliers to purchase approximately 74% of its estimated remaining 2011 volume, 50% of its anticipated 2012 volume, 35% of its anticipated 2013 volume and 11% of its anticipated 2014 volume, at market prices prevailing on the date of the purchase.

B. 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 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, it accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. A comprehensive 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.

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. A comprehensive 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, CN’s historical patterns of claims filings and payments. For unasserted occupational disease claims, the actuarial study includes the projection of CN’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 study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.

As at September 30, 2011, the Company had aggregate reserves for personal injury and other claims of $353 million, of which $85 million was recorded as a current liability ($346 million as at December 31, 2010, of which $83 million was recorded as a current liability).
Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at September 30, 2011, 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.

C. Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States 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.
 
 
 
16

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Known existing environmental concerns
The Company has identified approximately 310 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions, including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian and U.S. laws, generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at approximately 10 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 definitely 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 accruals, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement 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 September 30, 2011, the Company had aggregate accruals for environmental costs of $158 million, of which $30 million was recorded as a current liability ($150 million as at December 31, 2010, of which $34 million was recorded as a current liability). The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at September 30, 2011 will be paid out over the next five years. However, some costs may be paid out over a longer period. The Company expects to partly recover certain accrued remediation costs associated with alleged contamination and has recorded a receivable in Intangible and other assets for such recoverable amount. 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 in the next several years based on known information, newly discovered facts, 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:

(i)
the lack of specific technical information available with respect to many sites;
(ii)
the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or claims with respect to particular sites;
(iii)
the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites; and
(iv)
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
 
 
17

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

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.

D. Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements. These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.
The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.

(i) 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 2011 and 2022, for the benefit of the lessor. If the fair value of the assets, at the end of their respective lease term, is less than the fair value, as estimated at the inception of the lease, then the Company must, under certain conditions, compensate the lessor for the shortfall. At September 30, 2011, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $152 million. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

(ii) Other guarantees
As at September 30, 2011, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, has granted $489 million of irrevocable standby letters of credit and $10 million of surety and other bonds, issued by highly rated financial institutions, to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations. As at September 30, 2011, the maximum potential liability under these guarantee instruments was $499 million, of which $440 million related to workers’ compensation and other employee benefit liabilities and $59 million related to equipment under leases and other liabilities. The letters of credit were drawn on the Company’s bilateral letter of credit facilities. The Company has not recorded a liability in respect of these guarantee instruments as they relate to the Company’s future performance. In addition, as the Company does not expect to make any payments under these guarantee instruments, the Company has not recorded an additional liability at September 30, 2011 with respect to such guarantees. The majority of the guarantee instruments mature at various dates between 2011 and 2013.

(iii) General indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company has provided 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. Indemnifications are found in various types of contracts with third parties which include, but are not limited to:
(a)  
contracts granting the Company the right to use or enter upon property owned by third parties such as leases, easements, trackage rights and sidetrack agreements;
(b)  
contracts granting rights to others to use the Company’s property, such as leases, licenses and easements;
(c)  
contracts for the sale of assets and securitization of accounts receivable;
(d)  
contracts for the acquisition of services;
(e)  
financing agreements;
(f)  
trust indentures, fiscal agency agreements, underwriting agreements or similar agreements relating to debt or equity securities of the Company and engagement agreements with financial advisors;
(g)  
transfer agent and registrar agreements in respect of the Company’s securities;
(h)  
trust and other agreements relating to pension plans and other plans, including those establishing trust funds to secure payment to certain officers and senior employees of special retirement compensation arrangements;
(i)  
pension transfer agreements;
(j)  
master agreements with financial institutions governing derivative transactions;
(k)  
settlement agreements with insurance companies or other third parties whereby such insurer or third party has been indemnified for any present or future claims relating to insurance policies, incidents or events covered by the settlement agreements; and
(l)  
acquisition agreements.
 
 
18

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

      To the extent of any actual claims under these agreements, the Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate. Due to the nature of the indemnification clauses, the maximum exposure for future payments may be material.  However, such exposure cannot be determined with certainty.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company entered into various indemnification contracts with third parties for which the maximum exposure for future payments cannot be determined with certainty. As a result, the Company was unable to determine the fair value of these guarantees and accordingly, no liability was recorded. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.


Note 8 – Financial instruments

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

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

(ii) Other assets:
The Company has various equity investments for which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception of certain cost investments for which the fair value was estimated based on the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying net assets.

(iii) Debt:
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values:

In millions
 
September 30, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
     
Carrying
 
Fair
   
Carrying
 
Fair
     
amount
 
value
   
amount
 
value
Financial assets
                 
 
Investments
$
30 
$
127 
 
$
25 
$
114 
Financial liabilities
                 
 
Debt (including current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt)
$
6,403 
$
7,817 
 
$
6,071 
$
6,937 



 
19

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 

Note 9 – Earnings per share

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
In millions, except per share data
 
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                       
Net income
$
 659 
 
$
 556 
 
$
 1,865 
 
$
 1,601 
                       
Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
448.3 
   
464.6 
   
 453.4 
   
 468.1 
Effect of stock options
 
3.1 
   
 3.8 
   
 3.5 
   
 3.8 
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
 
 451.4 
   
468.4 
   
 456.9 
   
 471.9 
                       
Basic earnings per share
$
 1.47 
 
$
 1.20 
 
$
 4.11 
 
$
 3.42 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 1.46 
 
$
 1.19 
 
$
 4.08 
 
$
 3.39 

Basic earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding over each period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding using the treasury stock method, which assumes that any proceeds received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The weighted-average number of stock options that were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive impact, was 0.1 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and nil for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.


Note 10 – Subsequent events

On October 12, 2011, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, repurchased 76% of the 6.38% Notes due on October 15, 2011 with a carrying value of US$303 million pursuant to a tender offer for a total cost of US$304 million, including consent payments. The remaining 24% of the 6.38% Notes with a carrying value of US$97 million were paid upon maturity.

On October 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.


Note 11 – Comparative figures

Certain of the 2010 comparative figures have been restated to conform with the 2011 presentation.

 
20

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
SELECTED RAILROAD STATISTICS (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
 

           
 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
 
2011 
2010 
 
2011 
2010 
   
Statistical operating data
         
           
Rail freight revenues ($ millions)
2,059 
1,887 
 
5,979 
5,521 
Gross ton miles (GTM) (millions)
89,517 
84,287 
 
265,799 
253,406 
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)
46,761 
43,990 
 
139,597 
132,646 
Carloads (thousands)
1,261 
1,216 
 
3,641 
3,506 
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.) (1)
20,500 
20,800 
 
20,500 
20,800 
Employees (end of period)
23,353 
22,163 
 
23,353 
22,163 
Employees (average for the period)
23,264 
22,141 
 
22,876 
21,880 
           
Productivity
         
           
Operating ratio (%)
59.3 
60.7 
 
63.1 
63.6 
Rail freight revenue per RTM (cents)
4.40 
4.29 
 
4.28 
4.16 
Rail freight revenue per carload ($)
1,633 
1,552 
 
1,642 
1,575 
Operating expenses per GTM (cents)
1.53 
1.53 
 
1.58 
1.55 
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)
0.44 
0.52 
 
0.49 
0.52 
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)
3,848 
3,807 
 
11,619 
11,582 
Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions)
89.2 
85.9 
 
273.4 
264.5 
Average fuel price ($/US gallon)
3.37 
2.56 
 
3.33 
2.57 
GTMs per US gallon of fuel consumed
1,004 
981 
 
972 
958 
           
Safety indicators
         
           
Injury frequency rate per 200,000 person hours (2)
1.73 
1.85 
 
1.63 
1.71 
Accident rate per million train miles (2)
2.33 
2.35 
 
2.35 
2.13 
           
Financial ratio
         
           
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (% at end of period)
35.5 
34.4 
 
35.5 
34.4 
(1) Rounded to the nearest hundred miles.
(2) Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.














Certain of the 2010 comparative figures have been restated to conform with the 2011 presentation. Such statistical data and related productivity measures are based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

 
21

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (U.S. GAAP) - unaudited
 
 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
                       
 
2011 
2010 
% Change Fav (Unfav)
 
% Change at constant currency
Fav (Unfav) (1)
 
2011 
2010 
% Change Fav (Unfav)
 
% Change at constant currency
Fav (Unfav) (1)
Revenues (millions of dollars)
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
 361 
 341 
6%
 
10%
 
 1,043 
 991 
5%
 
9%
Metals and minerals
 274 
 227 
21%
 
26%
 
 728 
 647 
13%
 
17%
Forest products
 325 
 303 
7%
 
12%
 
 941 
 890 
6%
 
10%
Coal
 166 
 164 
1%
 
4%
 
 469 
 451 
4%
 
7%
Grain and fertilizers
 336 
 318 
6%
 
9%
 
 1,110 
 1,017 
9%
 
12%
Intermodal
 480 
 427 
12%
 
14%
 
 1,326 
 1,176 
13%
 
14%
Automotive
 117 
 107 
9%
 
15%
 
 362 
 349 
4%
 
9%
Total rail freight revenues
 2,059 
 1,887 
9%
 
13%
 
 5,979 
 5,521 
8%
 
12%
Other revenues
 248 
 235 
6%
 
9%
 
 672 
 659 
2%
 
5%
Total revenues
 2,307 
 2,122 
9%
 
12%
 
 6,651 
 6,180 
8%
 
11%
Revenue ton miles (millions)
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
 8,354 
 7,696 
9%
 
9%
 
 24,430 
 23,240 
5%
 
5%
Metals and minerals
 5,212 
 4,301 
21%
 
21%
 
 13,780 
 12,289 
12%
 
12%
Forest products
 7,558 
 7,245 
4%
 
4%
 
 21,991 
 21,881 
1%
 
1%
Coal
 5,346 
 5,381 
(1%)
 
(1%)
 
 15,295 
 14,648 
4%
 
4%
Grain and fertilizers
 9,452 
 9,288 
2%
 
2%
 
 33,568 
 31,849 
5%
 
5%
Intermodal
 10,239 
 9,497 
8%
 
8%
 
 28,613 
 26,792 
7%
 
7%
Automotive
 600 
 582 
3%
 
3%
 
 1,920 
 1,947 
(1%)
 
(1%)
 
 46,761 
 43,990 
6%
 
6%
 
 139,597 
 132,646 
5%
 
5%
Rail freight revenue / RTM (cents)
                     
Total rail freight revenue per RTM
 4.40 
 4.29 
3%
 
6%
 
 4.28 
 4.16 
3%
 
6%
Commodity groups:
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
 4.32 
 4.43 
(2%)
 
2%
 
 4.27 
 4.26 
 
4%
Metals and minerals
 5.26 
 5.28 
 
4%
 
 5.28 
 5.26 
 
5%
Forest products
 4.30 
 4.18 
3%
 
7%
 
 4.28 
 4.07 
5%
 
9%
Coal
 3.11 
 3.05 
2%
 
5%
 
 3.07 
 3.08 
 
3%
Grain and fertilizers
 3.55 
 3.42 
4%
 
7%
 
 3.31 
 3.19 
4%
 
7%
Intermodal
 4.69 
 4.50 
4%
 
6%
 
 4.63 
 4.39 
5%
 
7%
Automotive
 19.50 
 18.38 
6%
 
12%
 
 18.85 
 17.93 
5%
 
10%
Carloads (thousands)
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
 143 
 141 
1%
 
1%
 
 421 
 413 
2%
 
2%
Metals and minerals
 272 
 257 
6%
 
6%
 
 752 
 746 
1%
 
1%
Forest products
 113 
 107 
6%
 
6%
 
 334 
 317 
5%
 
5%
Coal
 122 
 134 
(9%)
 
(9%)
 
 354 
 376 
(6%)
 
(6%)
Grain and fertilizers
 135 
 133 
2%
 
2%
 
 440 
 415 
6%
 
6%
Intermodal
 424 
 396 
7%
 
7%
 
 1,176 
 1,086 
8%
 
8%
Automotive
 52 
 48 
8%
 
8%
 
 164 
 153 
7%
 
7%
 
 1,261 
 1,216 
4%
 
4%
 
 3,641 
 3,506 
4%
 
4%
Rail freight revenue / carload (dollars)
                     
Total rail freight revenue per carload
 1,633 
 1,552 
5%
 
9%
 
 1,642 
 1,575 
4%
 
8%
Commodity groups:
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
 2,524 
 2,418 
4%
 
9%
 
 2,477 
 2,400 
3%
 
7%
Metals and minerals
 1,007 
 883 
14%
 
19%
 
 968 
 867 
12%
 
16%
Forest products
 2,876 
 2,832 
2%
 
6%
 
 2,817 
 2,808 
 
4%
Coal
 1,361 
 1,224 
11%
 
15%
 
 1,325 
 1,199 
11%
 
14%
Grain and fertilizers
 2,489 
 2,391 
4%
 
8%
 
 2,523 
 2,451 
3%
 
6%
Intermodal
 1,132 
 1,078 
5%
 
7%
 
 1,128 
 1,083 
4%
 
5%
Automotive
 2,250 
 2,229 
1%
 
6%
 
 2,207 
 2,281 
(3%)
 
1%
(1) See supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures for an explanation of this Non-GAAP measure.
Such statistical data and related productivity measures are based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

 
22

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES - unaudited


Adjusted performance measures

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company reported adjusted net income of $621 million, or $1.38 per diluted share and $1,613 million, or $3.53 per diluted share, respectively.  The adjusted figures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 exclude a gain on disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT of $60 million, or $38 million after-tax ($0.08 per diluted share). The adjusted figures for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 also exclude a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million ($0.08 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a gain on disposal of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision of $288 million, or $254 million after-tax ($0.55 per diluted share).
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company reported adjusted net income of $556 million, or $1.19 per diluted share and $1,470 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, respectively. The adjusted figures for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 exclude a gain on disposal of the Company’s Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per diluted share).
Management believes that adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are useful measures of performance that can facilitate period-to-period comparisons, as they exclude items that do not necessarily arise as part of the normal day-to-day operations of the Company and could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. The exclusion of such items in adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share does not, however, imply that such items are necessarily non-recurring. These adjusted measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The reader is advised to read all information provided in the Company’s 2011 unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and earnings per share, as reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, to the adjusted performance measures presented herein.






 
23

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES - unaudited


 
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
                           
In millions, except per share data
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
                           
Revenues
$
 2,307 
$
 - 
$
 2,307 
 
$
 6,651 
$
 - 
$
 6,651 
Operating expenses
 
 1,369 
 
 - 
 
 1,369 
   
 4,194 
 
 - 
 
 4,194 
Operating income
 
 938 
 
 - 
 
 938 
   
 2,457 
 
 - 
 
 2,457 
Interest expense
 
 (85)
 
 - 
 
 (85)
   
 (256)
 
 - 
 
 (256)
Other income
 
 70 
 
 (60)
 
 10 
   
 380 
 
 (348)
 
 32 
Income before income taxes
 
 923 
 
 (60)
 
 863 
   
 2,581 
 
 (348)
 
 2,233 
Income tax expense
 
 (264)
 
 22 
 
 (242)
   
 (716)
 
 96 
 
 (620)
Net income
$
 659 
$
 (38)
$
 621 
 
$
 1,865 
$
 (252)
$
 1,613 
Operating ratio
 
59.3%
     
59.3%
   
63.1%
     
63.1%
Basic earnings per share
$
 1.47 
$
 (0.08)
$
 1.39 
 
$
 4.11 
$
 (0.55)
$
 3.56 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 1.46 
$
 (0.08)
$
 1.38 
 
$
 4.08 
$
 (0.55)
$
 3.53 
                           
                           
   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
                           
In millions, except per share data
 
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
                           
Revenues
$
 2,122 
$
 - 
$
 2,122 
 
$
 6,180 
$
 - 
$
 6,180 
Operating expenses
 
 1,288 
 
 - 
 
 1,288 
   
 3,930 
 
 - 
 
 3,930 
Operating income
 
 834 
 
 - 
 
 834 
   
 2,250 
 
 - 
 
 2,250 
Interest expense
 
 (90)
 
 - 
 
 (90)
   
 (273)
 
 - 
 
 (273)
Other income
 
 24 
 
 - 
 
 24 
   
 200 
 
 (152)
 
 48 
Income before income taxes
 
 768 
 
 - 
 
 768 
   
 2,177 
 
 (152)
 
 2,025 
Income tax expense
 
 (212)
 
 - 
 
 (212)
   
 (576)
 
 21 
 
 (555)
Net income
$
 556 
$
 - 
$
 556 
 
$
 1,601 
$
 (131)
$
 1,470 
Operating ratio
 
60.7%
     
60.7%
   
63.6%
     
63.6%
Basic earnings per share
$
 1.20 
$
 - 
$
 1.20 
 
$
 3.42 
$
 (0.28)
$
 3.14 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 1.19 
$
 - 
$
 1.19 
 
$
 3.39 
$
 (0.28)
$
 3.11 

Constant currency

Although CN conducts its business and reports its earnings in Canadian dollars, a large portion of revenues and expenses is denominated in US dollars. As such, the Company’s results are affected by exchange-rate fluctuations.
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 may, therefore, 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 rate was $0.98 per US$1.00 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and $1.04 per US$1.00 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.
 
 
 
24

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES - unaudited
 
    On a constant currency basis, the Company’s 2011 third quarter and first nine-month net income would have been higher by $22 million, or $0.05 per diluted share and $45 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, respectively. The following table presents a reconciliation of 2011 net income as reported to net income on a constant currency basis:

 
 
   
Three months ended
Nine months ended
In millions
September 30, 2011
September 30, 2011
       
Net income, as reported
$
659 
$
 1,865 
Add back:
       
 
Negative impact due to the strengthening Canadian dollar included in net income
 
18 
 
41 
Add:
       
 
Increase due to the strengthening Canadian dollar on additional year-over-year
US$ net income
 
 
Impact of foreign exchange using constant currency rates
 
22 
 
45 
Net income, on a constant currency basis
$
 681 
$
 1,910 
     

Free cash flow

The Company generated $505 million and $1,328 million of free cash flow for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to utilized free cash flow of $20 million and generated free cash flow of $938 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of performance as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate cash after the payment of capital expenditures and dividends. The Company defines free cash flow as the sum of net cash provided by operating activities, adjusted for changes in the accounts receivable securitization program, if any, and in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations; and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents, if any, for the impact of major acquisitions, if any, and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:


 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
In millions
 
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
 987 
 
$
 488 
 
$
 2,385 
 
$
 1,944 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 (362)
   
 (386)
   
 (1,110)
   
 (636)
Net cash provided before financing activities
 
 625 
   
 102 
   
 1,275 
   
 1,308 
                       
Adjustments:
                     
   Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
 22 
   
 - 
   
 489 
   
 - 
   Dividends paid
 
 (145)
   
 (125)
   
 (441)
   
 (378)
   Change in accounts receivable securitization
 
 - 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 2 
   Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US dollar-denominated
         
        cash and cash equivalents
 
 3 
   
 3 
   
 5 
   
 6 
Free cash flow
$
 505 
 
$
 (20)
 
$
 1,328 
 
$
 938 


 


 
25

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)
 
 
Item 3
Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) relates to the financial position and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or “the Company.” Canadian National Railway Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and determined on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The Company’s objective is to provide meaningful and relevant information reflecting the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In certain instances, the Company may make reference to certain non-GAAP measures that, from management’s perspective, are useful measures of performance. The reader is advised to read all information provided in the MD&A in conjunction with the Company’s 2011 unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto as well as the 2010 Annual MD&A.


Business profile

CN is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN’s network of approximately 20,500 route miles of track spans Canada and mid-America, connecting three coasts: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. CN’s extensive network, and its co-production arrangements, routing protocols, marketing alliances, and interline agreements provide CN customers access to all three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) nations.
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 nine months ended September 30, 2011, from a geographic standpoint, 18% of revenues relate to United States (U.S.) domestic traffic, 28% transborder traffic, 22% Canadian domestic traffic and 32% overseas traffic. The Company is the originating carrier for approximately 85% of traffic moving along its network, which allows it both to capitalize on service advantages and build on opportunities to efficiently use assets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, no individual commodity group accounted for more than 20% of revenues.
 

Corporate organization

The Company manages its rail operations in Canada and the United States 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, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region), whose role is to manage the day-to-day service requirements of their respective territories, control direct costs incurred locally, and execute the corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management.
See Note 15 – Segmented information, to the Company’s 2010 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 focus is on running a safe and efficient railroad. While remaining at the forefront of the rail industry, CN’s goal is to be internationally regarded as one of the best-performing transportation companies.
CN’s commitment is to create value for both its customers and shareholders. By staying engaged with customers and leveraging the strength of its franchise, the Company seeks to provide quality and cost-effective service that creates value for its customers.
CN’s corporate goals are generally based on five key financial performance targets: revenues, operating income, earnings per share, free cash flow and return on invested capital, as well as various key operating metrics, including safety metrics, that the Company focuses on to measure efficiency and quality of service. By striving for sustainable financial performance through profitable growth, adequate free cash flow and return on invested capital, CN seeks to deliver increased shareholder value. For 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an increase of 20% to the quarterly dividend to common shareholders, from $0.270 to $0.325, as well as share repurchase programs funded mainly from cash generated from operations. The share repurchase program, which was completed by September 30, 2011, allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December 2011. On October 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the
 
 
26

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012. Share repurchases are made pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.
 
  CN’s business model is anchored on five core principles: providing quality service, controlling costs, focusing on asset utilization, committing to safety, and developing people. Precision Railroading is at the core of CN’s business model. 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. Precision Railroading demands discipline to execute the trip plan, the relentless measurement of results, and the use of such results to generate further execution improvements in the service provided to customers. Precision Railroading aims to increase velocity, improve reliability, lower costs, enhance asset utilization and, ultimately, help the Company to grow the top line. It has been a key contributor to CN’s earnings growth and improved return on invested capital. The success of the business model is dependent on commercial principles and a supportive regulatory environment, both of which are key to an effective rail transportation marketplace throughout North America.

Providing quality service, controlling costs and focusing on asset utilization
The basic driver of the Company’s business is demand for reliable, efficient, and cost effective transportation. As such, the Company’s focus is the pursuit of its long-term business plan, providing a high level of service to customers, operating safely and efficiently, and meeting short- and long-term financial commitments.
In 2010, the Company benefited from a recovery in many markets reflecting a strengthening global economy, an increase in North American industrial production, a turnaround in automotive production and a modest improvement in housing and related segments, as well as from the Company’s performance above market conditions in various segments. In 2011, the Company expects growth in North American industrial production to slow to around three and one half percent, following the large gains in 2010 that were supported by government stimulus and inventory restocking. The Company expects moderate growth in automotive production and expects U.S. housing starts to be relatively flat. In the first half of 2011, CN experienced the effects of a weaker 2010/2011 Canadian grain crop that was partly offset by a higher carry-over stock. The 2011/2012 Canadian grain crop is expected to be in line with the 2010/2011 crop and the 2011/2012 U.S. grain crop is expected to be in line with the five-year average.
To meet its business plan objectives, the Company’s first priority is to grow the business at low incremental cost. The Company’s strategy to pursue deeper customer engagement and service improvements is expected to continue to drive growth. Improvements are expected to come from several key thrusts including “first mile-last mile” initiatives that improve customer service at origin and destination, and a supply chain perspective that emphasizes collaboration and better end-to-end service. In support of top-line growth for 2011, CN is also taking advantage of growth in overseas container traffic, metal products, commodities related to oil and gas development as well as wood pulp and lumber to offshore markets. Other growth opportunities include Canadian metallurgical coal, U.S. thermal coal for export and share gains against truck in domestic intermodal.
To grow the business at low incremental cost and to operate efficiently and safely while maintaining a high level of customer service, the Company continues to invest in capital programs to maintain a safe and fluid railway and pursue strategic initiatives to improve its franchise, as well as undertake productivity initiatives to reduce costs and leverage its assets. Opportunities to improve productivity extend across all functions in the organization. Train productivity is being improved through the acquisition of locomotives that are more fuel-efficient than the ones they replace, which will also improve service reliability for customers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, these locomotives are being equipped with distributed power capability, which allows the Company to run longer, more efficient trains, particularly in cold weather conditions, while improving train handling, reducing train separations and improving the overall safety of operations. These initiatives, combined with CN’s investments in longer sidings over the years, offer train-mile savings, allow for efficient long-train operations and reduce wear on rail and wheels. Yard throughput is being improved through SmartYard, an innovative use of real-time traffic information to sequence cars effectively and get them out on the line more quickly in the face of constantly changing conditions. In Engineering, the Company is continuously working to increase the productivity of its field forces, through better use of traffic information and the optimization of work scheduling, and as a result, better management of its engineering forces on the track. The Company also intends to continue focusing on the reduction of accidents and related costs, as well as costs for legal claims and health care.
CN’s capital expenditure programs support the Company’s commitment to its core principles and strategy and its ability to grow the business profitably. In 2011, CN plans to invest approximately $1.7 billion on capital programs, of which approximately $1.0 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue operating a safe railway and improve the productivity and fluidity of the network; and includes the replacement of rail, ties, and other track materials, bridge improvements, as well as rail-line improvements for the Elgin, Joliet
 
 
 
 
27

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) property that was acquired in 2009. This amount also includes funds for strategic initiatives and additional enhancements to the track infrastructure in western and eastern Canada. CN’s equipment spending, targeted to reach approximately $200 million in 2011, is intended to improve the quality of the fleet to meet customer requirements, and includes the acquisition of 12 new high-horsepower locomotives. CN also expects to spend approximately $500 million on facilities to grow the business, including transloads and distribution centers; on information technology to improve service and operating efficiency; and on other projects to increase productivity.
To meet short- and long-term financial commitments, the Company pursues a solid financial policy framework with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet by monitoring its credit ratios and preserving an investment-grade credit rating to be able to maintain access to public financing. The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which can be supplemented by its commercial paper program to meet short-term liquidity needs. The Company’s primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments as they become due and pension contributions, contractual obligations, capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other, acquisitions, dividend payouts, and the repurchase of shares through share buyback programs, when applicable. 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.

Delivering responsibly
The Company’s commitment to safety is reflected in the wide range of initiatives that CN is pursuing and in the size of its capital programs. Comprehensive plans are in place to address safety, security, employee well-being and environmental management. 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 and drive continuous improvement in the reduction of injuries and accidents, and engages employees at all levels of the organization.
The Company has made sustainability an integral part of its business strategy by aligning its sustainability agenda with its business model. As part of the Company’s comprehensive sustainability action plan and to comply with the CN Environmental Policy, the Company engages in a number of initiatives, including the use of fuel-efficient locomotives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; increasing operational and building efficiencies; investing in virtualization technologies, energy-efficient data centers and recycling programs for information technology systems; reducing, recycling and reusing waste 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 to gain a more comprehensive view of its carbon footprint.
The Company's Environmental Policy aims to minimize the impact of the Company's activities on the environment. The Company strives to contribute to the protection of the environment by integrating environmental priorities into the Company's overall business plan and through the specific monitoring and measurement of such priorities against historical performance and in some cases, specific targets.  All employees must demonstrate commitment to this Policy at all times and it is the Environment, Safety and Security Committee of the Board of Directors who has the responsibility of overseeing the Policy. The Committee is composed of CN Directors and its responsibilities, powers and operation are further described in the charter of such committee, which is included in the Company’s Corporate Governance Manual available on CN’s website. 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 Environmental Policy, its Carbon Disclosure Project report, and its Corporate Citizenship Report “Delivering Responsibly” are available on CN’s website.

Developing people
CN’s ability to develop the best railroaders in the industry has been a key contributor to the Company’s success. CN recognizes that without the right people – no matter how good a service plan or business model a company may have – it will not be able to fully execute. The Company is focused on recruiting the right people, developing employees with the right skills, motivating them to do the right thing, and training them to be the future leaders of the Company. The Company continues to address changes in employee demographics that will span multiple years. The Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the progress made in developing current and future leaders through the Company’s leadership development programs. These programs and initiatives provide a solid platform for the assessment and development of the Company’s talent pool. The leadership development programs are tightly integrated with the Company’s business strategy.

 
 
 
28

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


The forward-looking statements provided in the above section and in other parts of this MD&A 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. See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

Impact of foreign currency translation on reported results

Although the Company conducts its business and reports its earnings in Canadian dollars, a large portion of revenues and expenses is denominated in US dollars. As such, the Company’s results are affected by exchange-rate fluctuations.
Management’s discussion and analysis includes reference to “constant currency,” which allows the financial results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the foreign exchange rate of the comparable period of the prior year. The average foreign exchange rate was $0.98 per US$1.00 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, and $1.04 per US$1.00 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Forward-looking statements

Certain information 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. CN cautions that, 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. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to growth opportunities; statements that the Company will benefit from growth in North American and global economies; the anticipation that cash flow from operations and from various sources of financing will be sufficient to meet debt repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future; statements regarding future payments, including income taxes and pension contributions; as well as the projected capital spending program. Forward-looking statements could further be identified by the use of terminology such as the Company “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates” or other similar words.
Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Key assumptions used in determining forward-looking information are set forth below.

Forward-looking statements
 
Key assumptions or expectations
Statements relating to general economic and business
 
· North American and global economic growth
conditions, including those referring to growth opportunities
 
· Long-term growth opportunities being less affected by current economic
   
  conditions
   
· Year-over-year improvement in carload traffic
     
Statements relating to the Company's ability to meet debt
 
· North American and global economic growth
repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future,
 
· Adequate credit ratios
including income tax payments and capital spending
 
· Investment grade credit rating
   
· Access to capital markets
   
· Adequate cash generated from operations
     
Statements relating to pension contributions
 
· Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing
   
· Adequate long-term return on investment on pension plan assets
   
· Level of funding as determined by actuarial valuations
     

 
 
 
29

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


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; various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. See the section of this MD&A entitled Business risks for detailed information on major risk factors.
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 Canadian 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 and statistical highlights
                   
 
  
                   
 
  
 
Three months ended
 September 30
 
Nine months ended
 September 30
$ in millions, except per share data or unless otherwise indicated
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
 
  
 
(Unaudited)
Financial results
                   
    Revenues  
 
$
 2,307 
$
 2,122 
 
$
 6,651 
$
 6,180 
    Operating income
 
$
 938 
$
 834 
 
$
 2,457 
$
 2,250 
    Net income (1) (2)
 
$
 659 
$
 556 
 
$
 1,865 
$
 1,601 
 
  
                   
    Operating ratio  
   
59.3%
 
60.7%
   
63.1%
 
63.6%
 
  
                   
    Basic earnings per share  (1) (2)
 
$
 1.47 
$
 1.20 
 
$
 4.11 
$
 3.42 
    Diluted earnings per share  (1) (2)
 
$
 1.46 
$
 1.19 
 
$
 4.08 
$
 3.39 
 
  
                   
    Dividend declared per share
 
$
 0.325 
$
 0.270 
 
$
 0.975 
$
 0.810 
 
  
                   
Financial position
                   
    Total assets
 
$
 26,567 
$
 26,028 
 
$
 26,567 
$
 26,028 
    Total long-term financial liabilities and other
 
$
 12,821 
$
 12,869 
 
$
 12,821 
$
 12,869 
Statistical operating data and productivity measures  (3)
                   
    Employees (average for the period)
   
 23,264 
 
 22,141 
   
 22,876 
 
 21,880 
    Gross ton miles (GTM) per average number of employees (thousands)
 3,848 
 
 3,807 
   
 11,619 
 
 11,582 
    GTMs per US gallon of fuel consumed
   
 1,004 
 
 981 
   
 972 
 
 958 
 
  
                   
(1)
The figures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 include a gain on disposal of substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT) of $60 million, or $38 million after-tax ($0.08 per basic or diluted share).  Also included in the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million ($0.08 per basic or diluted share) resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a gain on disposal of a segment of the Company's Kingston subdivision of $288 million, or $254 million after-tax ($0.55 per basic or diluted share) recorded in the first quarter.
 
  
                   
(2)
The figures for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 include a gain on disposal of the Company's Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per basic or diluted share).
 
  
                   
(3)
Based on estimated data available at such time and subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

 
30

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Financial results

Third quarter and first nine months of 2011 compared to corresponding periods in 2010

Third quarter 2011 net income was $659 million, an increase of $103 million, or 19%, when compared to the same period in 2010, with diluted earnings per share rising 23% to $1.46. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $1,865 million, an increase of $264 million, or 16%, when compared to the same period in 2010, with diluted earnings per share rising 20% to $ 4.08.
Included in the results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 was a gain on disposal of substantially all of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company (ICRMT) of $60 million, or $38 million after-tax ($0.08 per basic or diluted share). Also included in the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was a net deferred income tax expense of $40 million ($0.08 per basic or diluted share) resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, and a gain on disposal of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision of $288 million, or $254 million after-tax ($0.55 per basic or diluted share) recorded in the first quarter. Included in the results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was a gain on disposal of the Company’s Oakville subdivision of $152 million, or $131 million after-tax ($0.28 per basic or diluted share).
  Foreign exchange fluctuations continue to have an impact on the comparability of the results of operations. The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar, which affects the conversion of the Company’s US dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, has resulted in a negative impact to net income in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 of $18 million ($0.04 per basic or diluted share) and $41 million ($0.09 per basic or diluted share), respectively.
  Revenues for the third quarter of 2011 increased by $185 million, or 9%, to $2,307 million when compared to the same period in 2010. Revenues for the first nine months of 2011 increased by $471 million, or 8%, to $6,651 million when compared to the same period in 2010. The increases were mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economies and in the Company’s performance above market conditions in various segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues.
For the third quarter of 2011, operating expenses increased by $81 million, or 6%, to $1,369 million when compared to the same period in 2010. Operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased by $264 million, or 7%, to $4,194 million when compared to the same period in 2010. The increases were mainly due to higher fuel costs, purchased services and material expense as well as higher depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, lower casualty and other expense, as well as lower labor and fringe benefits expense particularly in the third quarter.
The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 59.3% in third-quarter 2011, compared to 60.7% in third-quarter 2010, a 1.4-point improvement. The nine-month operating ratio was 63.1% in 2011, compared to 63.6% in 2010, a 0.5-point improvement.
 
 
 
31

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Revenues
                           
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
2011 
 
2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
(Unaudited)
Rail freight revenues
 
$
2,059 
$
1,887 
9%
13%
 
$
5,979 
$
5,521 
8%
12%
Other revenues
   
248 
 
235 
6%
9%
   
672 
 
659 
2%
5%
Total revenues
 
$
2,307 
$
2,122 
9%
12%
 
$
6,651 
$
6,180 
8%
11%
                             
Rail freight revenues
                           
Petroleum and chemicals
 
$
361 
$
341 
6%
10%
 
$
1,043 
$
991 
5%
9%
Metals and minerals
   
274 
 
227 
21%
26%
   
728 
 
647 
13%
17%
Forest products
   
325 
 
303 
7%
12%
   
941 
 
890 
6%
10%
Coal
   
166 
 
164 
1%
4%
   
469 
 
451 
4%
7%
Grain and fertilizers
   
336 
 
318 
6%
9%
   
1,110 
 
1,017 
9%
12%
Intermodal
   
480 
 
427 
12%
14%
   
1,326 
 
1,176 
13%
14%
Automotive
   
117 
 
107 
9%
15%
   
362 
 
349 
4%
9%
Total rail freight revenues
 
$
2,059 
$
1,887 
9%
13%
 
$
5,979 
$
5,521 
8%
12%
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)
46,761
 
 43,990
6%
6%
   
 139,597 
 
 132,646 
5%
5%
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
   
   4.40
 
 4.29
3%
6%
   
 4.28 
 
 4.16 
3%
6%

Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2011 totaled $2,307 million compared to $2,122 million in the same period in 2010, an increase of $185 million, or 9%. Revenues for the first nine months of 2011 were $6,651 million, an increase of $471 million, or 8%, when compared to the same period in 2010. The increases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due in part to modest improvements in North American and global economies and in the Company’s performance above market conditions in various segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, in the range of $110 million for the third quarter and $235 million for the first nine months of 2011, as a result of year-over-year increases in applicable fuel prices and higher volumes; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated revenues.
Revenue ton miles (RTM), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, increased by 6% in the third quarter and 5% in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. Rail freight revenue per revenue ton mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, increased by 3% in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases, partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the Company’s average length of haul.

Petroleum and chemicals
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 361 
$
 341 
6%
10%
 
$
 1,043 
$
 991 
5%
9%
RTMs (millions)
   
 8,354 
 
 7,696 
9%
9%
   
 24,430 
 
 23,240 
5%
5%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 4.32 
 
 4.43 
(2%)
2%
   
 4.27 
 
 4.26 
4%

 
 
32

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


The petroleum and chemicals commodity group comprises a wide range of commodities, including chemicals, sulfur, plastics, petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products. 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. Most of the Company’s petroleum and chemicals shipments originate in the Louisiana petrochemical corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge; in northern Alberta, which is a major center for natural gas feedstock and world-scale petrochemicals and plastics; and in eastern Canadian regional plants. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $20 million, or 6%, in the third quarter and $52 million, or 5%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher volumes of petroleum products, particularly asphalt, heavy fuel oil, petroleum lubricants as well as an increase in shipments of crude oil; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was mainly due to greater shipments of refined petroleum products, particularly gas and diesel, asphalt and petroleum lubricants, and various chemicals as a result of improvements in industrial production; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and by lower condensate volumes in the first half of the year. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 2% in the third quarter when compared to the same period in 2010, mainly due to the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the average length of haul partly offset by the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases. Revenue per revenue ton mile was flat in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same period in 2010, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Metals and minerals
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 274 
$
 227 
21%
26%
 
$
 728 
$
 647 
13%
17%
RTMs (millions)
   
 5,212 
 
 4,301 
21%
21%
   
 13,780 
 
 12,289 
12%
12%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 5.26 
 
 5.28 
4%
   
 5.28 
 
 5.26 
5%

The metals and minerals commodity group consists primarily of nonferrous base metals and ores, concentrates, iron ore, steel, construction materials, machinery and dimensional (large) loads. The Company provides unique rail access to aluminum, mining, steel and iron ore producing regions, which are among the most important in North America. This access, coupled with the Company’s transload and port facilities, has made CN a leader in the transportation of copper, lead, zinc, concentrates, iron ore, refined metals and aluminum. Mining, oil and gas development and non-residential construction are the key drivers for metals and minerals. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $47 million, or 21%, in the third quarter and $81 million, or 13%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increases in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were mainly due to higher shipments of commodities related to oil and gas development, steel-related products and nonferrous ore; the impact of freight rate increases; and a higher fuel surcharge. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and reduced volumes of nonferrous metals in the first half of the year. Revenue per revenue ton mile was flat for both the third quarter and the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to the impact of freight rate increases and a higher fuel surcharge, that were offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and an increase in the average length of haul.
 
 
 
33

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Forest products
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 325 
$
 303 
7%
12%
 
$
 941 
$
 890 
6%
10%
RTMs (millions)
   
 7,558 
 
 7,245 
4%
4%
   
 21,991 
 
 21,881 
1%
1%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 4.30 
 
 4.18 
3%
7%
   
 4.28 
 
 4.07 
5%
9%

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 United States, 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 newsprint, advertising lineage, non-print media and overall economic conditions, primarily in the United States; for fibers (mainly wood pulp), the consumption of paper, pulpboard and tissue in North American and offshore markets; and for lumber and panels, housing starts and renovation activities primarily in the United States. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $22 million, or 7%, in the third quarter and $51 million, or 6%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; higher volumes of lumber; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower shipments of wood pulp. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was attributable to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; freight rate increases; and increased shipments of lumber particularly to the United States and offshore markets, as well as wood pellets and pulpboard. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 3% in the third quarter and 5% in the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, freight rate increases and an increase in short-haul traffic for the first nine months particularly driven by higher volumes of export lumber. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Coal
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 166 
$
 164 
1%
4%
 
$
 469 
$
 451 
4%
7%
RTMs (millions)
   
 5,346 
 
 5,381 
(1%)
(1%)
   
 15,295 
 
 14,648 
4%
4%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 3.11 
 
 3.05 
2%
5%
   
 3.07 
 
 3.08 
3%

The coal commodity group consists of thermal grades of bituminous coal, metallurgical coal and petroleum coke. Canadian thermal coal is delivered to power utilities primarily in eastern Canada; while in the United States, 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 United States, as well as offshore markets. The coal business also includes the transport of Canadian metallurgical coal, which is largely exported via terminals on the west coast of Canada to offshore steel producers. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $2 million, or 1%, in the third quarter and $18 million, or 4%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; new volumes of Powder River Basin coal for export; and freight rate increases. These factors were offset by lower volumes from certain Canadian mines due to production issues caused by weather conditions, reduced volumes to North American utilities and a lower level of short-haul business; and the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; freight rate increases; and increased volumes due to strong demand from offshore markets favorably impacting North American coal producers. These factors were partly offset by reduced volumes to North American utilities, the lower level of short-haul business, and decreased volumes of Canadian petroleum coke; and the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by
 
 
34

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


2% in the third quarter and was flat in the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, primarily due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset in the third quarter and entirely offset in the first nine months of 2011 by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and the lower level of short-haul business.

Grain and fertilizers
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 336 
$
 318 
6%
9%
 
$
 1,110 
$
 1,017 
9%
12%
RTMs (millions)
   
 9,452 
 
 9,288 
2%
2%
   
 33,568 
 
 31,849 
5%
5%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 3.55 
 
 3.42 
4%
7%
   
 3.31 
 
 3.19 
4%
7%

The grain and fertilizers commodity group depends primarily on crops grown and fertilizers processed in western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. The grain segment consists of three primary segments: food grains (mainly wheat, oats and malting barley), feed grains (including feed barley, feed wheat, peas, corn, ethanol and dried distillers grains (DDG)), and oilseeds and oilseed products (primarily canola seed, oil and meal, and soybeans). Production of grain varies considerably from year to year, affected primarily by weather conditions, seeded and harvested acreage, the mix of grains produced and crop yields. Grain exports are sensitive to the size and quality of the crop produced, international market conditions and foreign government policy. The majority of grain produced in western Canada and moved by CN is exported via the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay. Certain of these rail movements are subject to government regulation and to a revenue cap, which effectively establishes a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn. In the U.S., grain grown in Illinois and Iowa is exported, as well as transported to domestic processing facilities and feed markets. The Company also serves major producers of potash in Canada, as well as producers of ammonium nitrate, urea and other fertilizers across Canada and the U.S. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $18 million, or 6%, in the third quarter and $93 million, or 9%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010.  The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher shipments of potash, canola oil, oats, and ethanol; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower volumes of export wheat from Canada and soybeans from the United States. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was mainly due to higher shipments of oil seeds, potash, feed grains and oats; freight rate increases; and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower volumes of Canadian wheat to west coast ports for export. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 4% in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to freight rate increases and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Intermodal
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 480 
$
 427 
12%
14%
 
$
 1,326 
$
 1,176 
13%
14%
RTMs (millions)
   
 10,239 
 
 9,497 
8%
8%
   
 28,613 
 
 26,792 
7%
7%
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 4.69 
 
 4.50 
4%
6%
   
 4.63 
 
 4.39 
5%
7%

The intermodal commodity group is comprised of two segments: domestic and international. The domestic segment transports consumer products and manufactured goods, operating through both retail and wholesale channels, within domestic Canada, domestic U.S., Mexico and transborder, while the international segment handles import and export container traffic, directly serving the major ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax and New Orleans. The domestic segment is driven by consumer markets, with growth generally tied to the economy. The international segment is driven by North American economic and trade conditions. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $53 million, or 12%, in the third quarter and $150 million, or 13%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the
 
 
35

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


same periods in 2010. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher volumes of domestic traffic, particularly retail markets as well as an overall increase in shipments related to overseas markets; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was mainly due to an overall increase in shipments related to overseas markets and higher volumes of domestic traffic; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 4% in the third quarter and 5% in the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to the impact of a higher fuel surcharge and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Automotive
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 117 
$
 107 
9%
15%
 
$
 362 
$
 349 
4%
9%
RTMs (millions)
   
 600 
 
 582 
3%
3%
   
 1,920 
 
 1,947 
(1%)
(1%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
   
 19.50 
 
 18.38 
6%
12%
   
 18.85 
 
 17.93 
5%
10%

The automotive commodity group moves both finished vehicles and parts throughout North America, providing rail access to certain vehicle assembly plants in Canada, and Michigan and Mississippi in the U.S. The Company also serves vehicle distribution facilities in Canada and the U.S., as well as parts production facilities in Michigan and Ontario. The Company serves shippers of import vehicles via the ports of Halifax and Vancouver, and through interchange with other railroads. The Company’s automotive revenues are closely correlated to automotive production and sales in North America. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $10 million, or 9%, in the third quarter and $13 million, or 4%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increase in the third quarter was mainly due to higher volumes, particularly domestic finished vehicles; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases, partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar. The increase in the first nine months of 2011 was mainly due to freight rate increases; higher volumes, particularly domestic finished vehicles; and the impact of a higher fuel surcharge. These gains were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower imported finished vehicles due to the impact of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 6% in the third quarter and 5% in the first nine months of 2011, when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to freight rate increases, the impact of a higher fuel surcharge, and an increase in short haul traffic, particularly in the first half of the year, partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Other revenues
                     
                             
   
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
     
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
   
 2011 
 
 2010 
% Change
% Change at constant currency
Revenues (millions)
 
$
 248 
$
 235 
6%
9%
 
$
 672 
$
 659 
2%
5%

Other revenues are largely derived from non-rail services that support CN’s rail business including vessels, docks, warehousing, Autoport logistic service and trucking as well as from other items, which include interswitching and commuter train revenues. Other revenues increased by $13 million, or 6%, in the third quarter and increased by $13 million, or 2% in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increases in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were due to increased revenues from vessels and docks, trucking, and warehousing and distribution services, partly offset by lower international freight forwarding revenues, the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, and lower commuter train revenues.

 
36

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Operating expenses

Operating expenses for the third quarter of 2011 amounted to $1,369 million compared to $1,288 million in the same quarter of 2010. Operating expenses for the first nine months of 2011 were $4,194 million compared to $3,930 million in the same period of 2010. The increases of $81 million, or 6%, in the third quarter and $264 million, or 7%, in the first nine months of 2011 were mainly due to higher fuel costs, purchased services and material expense as well as higher depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated expenses, lower casualty and other expense, as well as lower labor and fringe benefits expense particularly in the third quarter.

   
Three months ended September 30
   
Nine months ended September 30
           
% Change
% Change at constant currency
 
Percentage of revenues
         
% Change
% Change at constant currency
 
Percentage of revenues
In millions
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
2010 
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
2010 
   
(Unaudited)
Labor and fringe benefits
 
$
396 
$
437 
9%
7%
 
17.2%
20.6%
 
$
1,301 
$
1,321 
2%
(1%)
 
19.6%
21.4%
Purchased services and material
   
271 
 
246 
(10%)
(13%)
 
11.7%
11.6%
   
825 
 
754 
(9%)
(12%)
 
12.4%
12.2%
Fuel
   
350 
 
249 
(41%)
(49%)
 
15.2%
11.7%
   
1,030 
 
757 
(36%)
(44%)
 
15.5%
12.3%
Depreciation and amortization
   
218 
 
204 
(7%)
(9%)
 
9.4%
9.6%
   
653 
 
614 
(6%)
(8%)
 
9.8%
9.9%
Equipment rents
   
60 
 
61 
2%
(3%)
 
2.6%
2.9%
   
165 
 
181 
9%
5%
 
2.5%
2.9%
Casualty and other
   
74 
 
91 
19%
16%
 
3.2%
4.3%
   
220 
 
303 
27%
25%
 
3.3%
4.9%
Total operating expenses
 
$
1,369 
$
1,288 
(6%)
(10%)
 
59.3%
60.7%
 
$
4,194 
$
3,930 
(7%)
(10%)
 
63.1%
63.6%

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 pensions and other postretirement benefits. Certain incentive and stock-based compensation plans are based on financial and market performance targets and the related expense is recorded in relation to the attainment of such targets. Labor and fringe benefits expense decreased by $41 million, or 9%, in the third quarter and $20 million, or 2%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The decreases in both the three- and nine-month periods were mainly a result of the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, lower incentive compensation, particularly in the third quarter, and pensions and other postretirement benefits. These factors were partly offset by the impact of increased freight volumes, including a higher workforce level, as well as general wage increases.

Purchased services and material: Purchased services and material expense primarily includes the costs 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. These expenses increased by $25 million, or 10%, in the third quarter and $71 million, or 9%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increases in the three- and nine-month periods were mainly due to higher repair and maintenance expenses for track, rolling stock and other equipment, derailment-related expenses, and transportation and lodging for crew employees. The increase in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was also due to higher costs for snow removal and utilities, as a result of more difficult winter conditions in the first quarter of 2011. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and lower expenses for third party carriers.

Fuel: Fuel expense includes fuel consumed by assets, including locomotives, intermodal and other equipment as well as provincial, federal and state fuel taxes. These expenses increased by $101 million, or 41%, in the third quarter and $273 million, or 36%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increases in both the three- and nine-month periods were primarily due to a higher average price for fuel and higher freight volumes, which were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and productivity improvements.
 
 
 
37

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense relates to the Company’s rail and related operations. Depreciation expense is affected by capital additions, railroad property retirements from disposal, sale and/or abandonment and other adjustments including asset impairment write-downs. These expenses increased by $14 million, or 7%, in the third quarter and $39 million, or 6%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The increases in both the three- and nine-month periods were mainly due to the impact of net capital additions and the effect of depreciation studies (see the Critical accounting policies section of this MD&A), which were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.

Equipment rents: Equipment rents expense includes rental expense for the use of freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies and for the short- or long-term lease of freight cars, locomotives and intermodal equipment, net of rental income from other railroads for the use of the Company’s cars and locomotives. These expenses decreased by $1 million, or 2%, in the third quarter and $16 million, or 9%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The decreases in both the three- and nine-month periods were primarily due to lower lease expense, mostly in the first six months of 2011, and the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar, which were partly offset by higher car hire expense.

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. These expenses decreased by $17 million, or 19%, in the third quarter and $83 million, or 27%, in the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010. The decreases in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were mainly due to lower charges recorded in 2011 for environmental matters and legal claims, lower general and administrative expenses as well as the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar.  The decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was also due to a charge recorded in the first quarter of 2010 to increase the liability for personal injury claims in Canada pursuant to an actuarial valuation and adjustments recorded on billings of certain cost recoveries.

Other

Interest expense: Interest expense decreased by $5 million, or 6%, for the third quarter and $17 million, or 6% (1% at constant currency), for the first nine months of 2011 when compared to the same periods in 2010, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on US dollar-denominated interest expense.

Other income: In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, the Company recorded Other income of $70 million and $380 million, respectively, compared to $24 million and $200 million, respectively in the same periods in 2010. Included in Other income were gains on disposal of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT of $60 million recorded in the third quarter of 2011, a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision of $288 million recorded in the first quarter of 2011 and of the Oakville subdivision of $152 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded income tax expense of $264 million for the third quarter of 2011 compared to $212 million for the same period in 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, income tax expense was $716 million compared to $576 million for the same period in 2010. A net deferred income tax expense of $40 million, resulting from the enactment of state corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated state tax revisions, was recorded in the second quarter of 2011. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were 28.6% and 27.7%, respectively, and 27.6% and 26.5%, respectively, for the same periods in 2010. Excluding the 2011 net deferred income tax expense of $40 million discussed above, the effective tax rates for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 were 28.6% and 26.2%, respectively.





 
38

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Summary of quarterly financial data – unaudited

In millions, except per share data
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
Quarters
 
Quarters
 
Quarter
   
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
Revenues
$
2,307 
$
2,260 
$
2,084 
 
$
2,117 
$
2,122 
$
2,093 
$
1,965 
 
$
1,882 
Operating income
$
938 
$
874 
$
645 
 
$
774 
$
834 
$
813 
$
603 
 
$
653 
Net income
$
659 
$
538 
$
668 
 
$
503 
$
556 
$
534 
$
511 
 
$
582 
                                     
Basic earnings per share
$
1.47 
$
1.19 
$
1.46 
 
$
1.09 
$
1.20 
$
1.14 
$
1.08 
 
$
1.24 
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.46 
$
1.18 
$
1.45 
 
$
1.08 
$
1.19 
$
1.13 
$
1.08 
 
$
1.23 
                                     
Dividend declared per share
$
0.3250 
$
0.3250 
$
0.3250 
 
$
0.2700 
$
0.2700 
$
0.2700 
$
0.2700 
 
$
0.2525 

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 of this MD&A entitled Business risks). Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company’s productivity initiatives. The continued 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. The Company’s quarterly results include items that impacted the quarter-over-quarter comparability of the results of operations as discussed below:
 
In millions, except per share data
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
2009 
 
   
Quarters
 
Quarters
 
Quarter
 
     
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Deferred income tax recoveries (expenses)(1)
$
 - 
$
 (40)
$
 - 
 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
 
$
 99 
 
Gain on disposal of property (after-tax)(2) (3) (4) (5)
 
 38 
 
 - 
 
 254 
   
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 131 
   
 59 
 
 
Impact on net income
$
 38 
$
 (40)
$
 254 
 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 131 
 
$
 158 
 
                                         
Basic earnings per share
$
 0.08 
$
 (0.08)
$
 0.55 
 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 0.28 
 
$
 0.33 
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 0.08 
$
 (0.08)
$
 0.55 
 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 - 
$
 0.28 
 
$
 0.33 
 
                                         
(1)
Deferred income tax recoveries (expenses) resulted mainly from the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes and other legislated tax revisions in Canada and the U.S. and the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years.
 
                                         
(2)
The Company sold substantially all of the assets of ICRMT for proceeds of $70 million. A gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
 
                                         
(3)
The Company sold a segment of its Kingston subdivision for proceeds of $299 million. A gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
 
                                         
(4)
The Company sold its Oakville subdivision for proceeds of $168 million. A gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
 
                                         
(5)
The Company sold its Lower Newmarket subdivision for proceeds of $71 million. A gain on disposal of $69 million ($59 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
 




 
39

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Liquidity and capital resources

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations and is supplemented by borrowings in the money markets and capital markets. In addition, from time to time, the Company’s liquidity requirements can be supplemented by the disposal of surplus properties and the monetization of assets. The strong focus on cash generation from all sources gives the Company increased flexibility in terms of its financing requirements. As part of its financing strategy, the Company regularly reviews its optimal capital structure, cost of capital, and the need for additional debt financing, and considers from time to time the feasibility of dividend increases and share repurchases.
To meet short-term liquidity needs, the Company has a commercial paper program, which is backstopped by its $800 million revolving credit facility. The Company entered into this four-year revolving credit facility in May 2011 to replace the US$1 billion credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in October 2011. See the section of this MD&A entitled Available financing arrangements for additional information. If the Company were to lose access to its commercial paper program for an extended period of time, the Company could rely on its $800 million revolving credit facility.
The Company has at times had working capital deficits which are considered common in the rail industry because it is capital-intensive, and not an indication of a lack of liquidity. The Company maintains adequate resources to meet daily cash requirements, and has sufficient financial capacity to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and current obligations. As at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $192 million and $490 million, respectively, and a working capital deficit of $222 million and $316 million, respectively. As at September 30, 2011, the Company has pledged as collateral, for a term of three months, cash and cash equivalents of $489 million pursuant to its bilateral letter of credit facilities. The cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral were recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents in Other current assets. See the section of this MD&A entitled Available financing arrangements, for additional information. There are currently no specific requirements relating to working capital other than in the normal course of business as discussed herein.
The Company’s access to long-term funds in the debt capital markets depends on its credit rating and market conditions. The Company believes that it continues to have access to the long-term debt capital market. If the Company were unable to borrow funds at acceptable rates in the long-term debt capital markets, the Company could borrow under its revolving credit facility, 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.

Operating activities
                         
                           
 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
Net cash receipts from customers and other
$
2,326 
$
2,053 
$
273 
 
$
6,659 
$
6,203 
$
456 
Net cash payments for:
                         
     Employee services, suppliers and other expenses
 
 (1,124)
 
 (1,043)
 
 (81)
   
 (3,551)
 
 (3,347)
 
 (204)
     Interest
 
 (87)
 
 (92)
 
 5 
   
 (249)
 
 (264)
 
 15 
     Personal injury and other claims
 
 (15)
 
 (16)
 
 1 
   
 (48)
 
 (47)
 
 (1)
     Pensions
 
 (5)
 
 (305)
 
 300 
   
 (103)
 
 (415)
 
 312 
     Income taxes
 
 (108)
 
 (109)
 
 1 
   
 (323)
 
 (186)
 
 (137)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
987 
$
488 
$
499 
 
$
2,385 
$
1,944 
$
441 

Net cash receipts from customers and other for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased mainly due to higher revenues and a shorter collection cycle. Payments for employee services, suppliers and other expenses for the same period increased principally due to higher payments for fuel that were partly offset by a lower foreign exchange rate on US dollar-denominated payments.
Pension contributions made in the first nine months of 2011 and 2010 mainly represent contributions to the Company’s main pension plan, CN Pension Plan. These contributions are for current service costs as determined under its current actuarial valuations in addition to voluntary contributions, mainly to the CN Pension Plan, made in 2010. The Company continuously monitors the various economic elements that affect the level of contribution it considers necessary to maintain the financial health of its various pension plans.  In 2011, the
 
 
 
40

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Company expects to make total contributions of approximately $470 million for all its pension plans, including its defined contribution plans. Of the $470 million, approximately $350 million represents additional contributions mainly to strengthen the financial position of the CN Pension Plan.
Net income tax payments increased mainly due to the final payment made in the first quarter of 2011 for the 2010 fiscal year and installment payments based on higher pre-tax income. In 2011, net income tax payments are expected to be in the range of $450 million. Expected payments for 2011 include the impact of recent changes in tax laws, specifically, the savings attributable to the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act in the United States (the Act), which increases the accelerated depreciation allowable from 50% to 100% for the period from September 2010 through to the end of 2011. The Act also allows for 50% accelerated depreciation in 2012.

Investing activities
                         
                           
 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
Net cash used in investing activities
$
362 
$
386 
$
24 
 
$
1,110 
$
636 
$
(474)

The Company’s investing activities in the first nine months of 2011 included property additions of $1,012 million, an increase of $188 million when compared to the same period in 2010, cash proceeds of $369 million from the disposal of property of which $70 million was from the disposition of substantially all of the assets of ICRMT in the third quarter of 2011 and $299 million was from the disposition of a segment of the Company’s Kingston subdivision that occurred in the first quarter of 2011. Investing activities also include restricted cash and cash equivalents of $489 million related to the Company’s bilateral letter of credit facilities. Investing activities in the first nine months of 2010 included cash proceeds of $167 million from the disposition of the Company’s Oakville subdivision. See the Disposal of property section of this MD&A for additional information.
The following table details property additions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:

     
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
   
2011 
 
2010 
   
2011 
 
2010 
Track and roadway
 
$
334 
$
316 
 
$
781 
$
657 
Rolling stock
   
 20 
 
33 
   
 89 
 
127 
Buildings
   
 16 
 
   
 30 
 
20 
Information technology
   
 34 
 
24 
   
 88 
 
66 
Other
   
 11 
 
 7 
   
 66 
 
 16 
Gross property additions
   
 415 
 
 389 
   
 1,054 
 
 886 
Less: capital leases (1)
   
 - 
 
 - 
   
 42 
 
 62 
Property additions
 
$
415 
$
389 
 
$
1,012 
$
824 
                       
(1)
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded nil and $42 million, respectively, of assets acquired through equipment leases (nil and $62 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively), for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

On an ongoing basis, the Company invests in capital expenditure programs for the renewal of the basic track infrastructure, the acquisition of rolling stock and other investments to take advantage of growth opportunities and to improve the Company’s productivity and the fluidity of its network.
       For 2011, the Company expects to invest approximately $1.7 billion for its capital programs, of which approximately $1 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue to operate a safe railway and to improve the productivity and fluidity of the network.
 

 
41

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Free Cash Flow

The Company generated $505 million and $1,328 million of free cash flow for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, compared to utilized free cash flow of $20 million and generated free cash flow of $938 million for the same periods in 2010, respectively. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of performance as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate cash after the payment of capital expenditures and dividends. The Company defines free cash flow as the sum of net cash provided by operating activities, adjusted for changes in the accounts receivable securitization program, if any, and in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations; and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents, if any, for the impact of major acquisitions, if any, and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
Nine months ended
 
September 30
 
September 30
In millions
 
2011 
   
2010 
   
2011 
   
2010 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
 987 
 
$
 488 
 
$
 2,385 
 
$
 1,944 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 (362)
   
 (386)
   
 (1,110)
   
 (636)
Net cash provided before financing activities
 
 625 
   
 102 
   
 1,275 
   
 1,308 
                       
Adjustments:
                     
   Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents
 
 22 
   
 - 
   
 489 
   
 - 
   Dividends paid
 
 (145)
   
 (125)
   
 (441)
   
 (378)
   Change in accounts receivable securitization
 
 - 
   
 - 
   
 - 
   
 2 
   Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on US dollar-denominated
         
        cash and cash equivalents
 
 3 
   
 3 
   
 5 
   
 6 
Free cash flow
$
 505 
 
$
 (20)
 
$
 1,328 
 
$
 938 


Financing activities
                         
                           
 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
 
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
Variance
Net cash used in financing activities
$
611
$
453 
$
(158)
 
$
1,578 
$
1,118 
$
(460)

In the first nine months of 2011, the Company issued $196 million of commercial paper. There were no issuances of commercial paper in 2010. In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, repayments of debt of $186 million and $225 million, respectively, related principally to the Company’s commercial paper program. In the first nine months of 2010, the repayments of debt related entirely to the Company’s capital lease obligations. On October 12, 2011, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, repurchased 76% of the 6.38% Notes due on October 15, 2011 with a carrying value of US$303 million pursuant to a tender offer for a total cost of US$304 million, including consent payments. The remaining 24% of the 6.38% Notes with a carrying value of US$97 million were paid upon maturity.
 Cash received from stock options exercised and the related tax benefit realized upon exercise was $5 million and $56 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively, and $27 million and $101 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2010, respectively.
In the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, the Company repurchased 6.0 million and 16.5 million common shares for $417 million and $1,164 million, respectively, compared to 3.8 million and 11.5 million common shares for $237 million and $683 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2010, under its share repurchase programs. See the section of this MD&A entitled Common shares for the activity under the 2011 and 2010 share repurchase programs.
 
 
 
42

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


The Company paid quarterly dividends of $0.325 per share amounting to $145 million in the third quarter and $441 million in the first nine months of 2011, compared to $125 million and $378 million, respectively, at the rate of $0.270 per share, for the same periods in 2010.

Credit measures

Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio is a useful credit measure that aims to show the true leverage of the Company. Similarly, the adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio is another useful credit measure because it reflects the Company’s ability to service its debt. The Company excludes Other income in the calculation of EBITDA. However, since these measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, as such, should not be considered in isolation.

Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio
         
   
September 30,
 
2011 
 
2010 
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (1)
   
35.5%
 
34.4%
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments plus securitization financing (2)
   
1.7%
 
1.9%
Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio
   
37.2%
 
36.3%
             
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
         
$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated
Twelve months ended September 30,
 
 2011 
 
 2010 
Debt
 
$
6,403 
$
6,226 
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments plus securitization financing (2)
   
513 
 
536 
Adjusted debt
   
6,916 
 
6,762 
             
Operating income
   
 3,231 
 
 2,903 
Add: Depreciation and amortization
   
 873 
 
 811 
EBITDA (excluding Other income)
   
 4,104 
 
 3,714 
Add: Deemed interest on operating leases
   
29 
 
31 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
4,133 
$
3,745 
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
 
1.67 times
1.81 times
             
(1)
Debt-to-total capitalization is calculated as total long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt, divided by the sum of total debt plus total shareholders’ equity.
(2)
The operating lease commitments have been discounted using the Company’s implicit interest rate for each of the periods presented.

The increase in the Company’s adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio at September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010 was mainly due to a weaker Canadian-to-US dollar foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. The improvement in the Company’s adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple, as compared to the same period in 2010, was mainly due to the higher operating income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011, partially offset by the impact of increased debt level as at September 30, 2011.

 

 
 
43

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Available financing arrangements
 
Revolving credit facility
In May 2011, the Company entered into a $800 million four-year revolving credit facility agreement with a consortium of lenders. The agreement allows for an increase in amount, up to a maximum of $500 million, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders. The Company plans to use the credit facility for working capital and general corporate purposes, including backstopping its commercial paper program. This facility, containing customary terms and conditions, replaces the US$1 billion credit facility that was scheduled to expire in October 2011. 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 September 30, 2011, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility (nil as at December 31, 2010).

Commercial paper
The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the US dollar equivalent. As at September 30, 2011, the Company had borrowings of $23 million of commercial paper (nil as at December 31, 2010) which were presented in Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt on the Balance Sheet.

Bilateral letter of credit facilities
In April 2011, the Company entered into a series of three-year bilateral letter of credit facility agreements with various banks to support its requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As at September 30, 2011, from a total committed amount of $520 million by the various banks, the Company had letters of credit drawn of $489 million ($436 million as at December 31, 2010, under its previous US$1 billion credit facility). 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 three months, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at September 30, 2011, cash and cash equivalents of $489 million were pledged as collateral and recorded as Restricted cash and cash equivalents in Other current assets.


All forward-looking information provided in this section is subject to risks and uncertainties and is 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.






 
44

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Contractual obligations

In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations.  The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations for the following items as at September 30, 2011:
In millions
 
Total
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2013 
 
2014 
 
2015 
 
2016 & thereafter
Debt obligations (1)
$
5,421 
$
442 
$
 - 
$
417 
$
339 
$
 - 
$
4,223 
Interest on debt obligations
 
5,113 
 
77 
 
303 
 
294 
 
276 
 
268 
 
3,895 
Capital lease obligations (2)
 
1,292 
 
54 
 
94 
 
118 
 
277 
 
112 
 
637 
Operating lease obligations (3)
 
628 
 
31 
 
113 
 
91 
 
63 
 
50 
 
280 
Purchase obligations (4)
 
721 
 
264 
 
220 
 
122 
 
70 
 
45 
 
 - 
Other long-term liabilities reflected on
                           
   the balance sheet (5)
 
844 
 
     48
 
65 
 
81 
 
63 
 
45 
 
542 
Other commitments(6)
 
360 
 
33 
 
102 
 
48 
 
47 
 
84 
 
46 
Total obligations
$
14,379 
$
949 
$
897 
$
1,171 
$
1,135 
$
604 
$
9,623 
                               
(1)
Presented net of unamortized discounts, of which $834 million relates to non-interest bearing Notes due in 2094, and excludes capital lease obligations of $982 million which are included in “Capital lease obligations.”
                               
(2)
Includes $982 million of minimum lease payments and $310 million of imputed interest at rates ranging from 0.5% to 11.8%.
                               
(3)
Includes minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of one year or more. The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter. The estimated annual rental payments for such leases are approximately $30 million and generally extend over five years.
                               
(4)
Includes commitments for railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives and other equipment and services, and outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses.
                               
(5)
Includes expected payments for workers’ compensation, workforce reductions, postretirement benefits other than pensions and environmental liabilities that have been classified as contractual settlement agreements.
                               
(6)
The Company has remaining estimated commitments totaling approximately $150 million in relation to the EJ&E acquisition for railroad infrastructure improvements, grade separation projects as well as commitments under a series of agreements with individual communities and a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program established to address surrounding municipalities' concerns. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment. In addition, remaining implementation costs associated with the U.S. federal government legislative requirement to implement positive train control (PTC) by 2015 are estimated to be approximately $210 million (US$200 million).

For 2011 and the foreseeable future, the Company expects cash flow from operations and from its various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its debt repayments and future obligations, and to fund anticipated capital expenditures.
See the section of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.






 
45

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Disposal of property

2011 - Disposal of IC RailMarine Terminal
In August 2011, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of ICRMT, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, to Raven Energy, LLC, an affiliate of Foresight Energy, LLC (Foresight) and the Cline Group (Cline) for cash proceeds of $70 million (US$73 million) before transaction costs.  ICRMT is located on the east bank of the Mississippi River and stores and transfers bulk commodities and liquids between rail, ship and barge, serving customers in North American and global markets. Under the sale agreement, the Company will benefit from a 10-year rail transportation agreement with Savatran LLC, an affiliate of Foresight and Cline, to haul a minimum annual volume of coal from four Illinois mines to the ICRMT transfer facility. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $60 million ($38 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income.

2011 - Disposal of Lakeshore East
In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a segment of the Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East in Pickering and Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for cash proceeds of $299 million before transaction costs. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $288 million ($254 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.

2010 - Disposal of Oakville subdivision
In March 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to sell a portion of the property known as the Oakville subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for proceeds of $168 million before transaction costs, of which $24 million was placed in escrow at the time of disposal and was entirely released by December 31, 2010 in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposal of $152 million ($131 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.


Off balance sheet arrangements

Accounts receivable securitization program
The Company had a five-year agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million. The agreement expired on May 31, 2011 and was not renewed.

Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreements.  These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.
The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.
The nature of these guarantees or indemnifications, the maximum potential amount of future payments, the carrying amount of the liability, if any, and the nature of any recourse provisions are disclosed in Note 7 – Major commitments and contingencies to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
46

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the Company’s major plans is provided in Note 11 – Stock plans, to the Company’s 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table provides total stock-based compensation expense for awards under all plans, as well as the related tax benefit recognized in income, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. For the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded a stock-based compensation benefit and the related tax expense recognized in income due to a decrease in the fair value for the Company’s cash settled awards resulting from the lower stock price at September 30, 2011.
   
Three months ended September 30
   
Nine months ended September 30
In millions
 
2011 
 
2010 
   
2011 
 
2010 
                   
Cash settled awards
                 
Restricted share unit plan
$
 (8)
$
 22 
 
$
 39 
$
 61 
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)
 
 (13)
 
 9 
   
 5 
 
 15 
   
 (21)
 
 31 
   
 44 
 
 76 
Stock option awards
 
 2 
 
 3 
   
 7 
 
 8 
Total stock-based compensation expense (benefit)
$
 (19)
$
 34 
 
$
 51 
$
 84 
                   
Tax benefit (expense) recognized in income
$
 (6)
$
 8 
 
$
 12 
$
 21 
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 4 – Stock plans to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial instruments

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. At September 30, 2011, the Company did not have any significant derivative financial instruments outstanding. At September 30, 2011, Accumulated other comprehensive loss included an unamortized gain of $9 million, $7 million after-tax ($10 million, $7 million after-tax at December 31, 2010) relating to treasury lock transactions settled in a prior year, which is being amortized over the term of the related debt.
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 18 – Financial instruments to the Company’s 2010 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements as well as Note 8 – Financial instruments to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Common shares

Share repurchase programs
In January, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program which allowed for the repurchase of up to 16.5 million common shares to the end of December, 2011 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange. This share repurchase program was completed by September 30, 2011.
The following table provides the activity under such share repurchase program, as well as the share repurchase program of the prior year:
 
Three months ended September 30
 
Nine months ended September 30
 In millions, except per share data
2011 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2010 
Number of common shares repurchased (1)
 
6.0 
   
3.8 
   
16.5 
   
11.5 
Weighted-average price per share (2)
$
69.48 
 
$
62.26 
 
$
70.56 
 
$
59.35 
Amount of repurchase
$
417 
 
$
237 
 
$
1,164 
 
$
683 
(1) Includes common shares purchased in the first quarter of 2011 and in the second and third quarters of 2010 pursuant to private agreements between the Company and arm's-length third-party sellers.
(2) Includes brokerage fees.
           

On October 25, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a new share repurchase program which allows for the repurchase of up to 17.0 million common shares between October 28, 2011 and October 27, 2012 pursuant to a normal course issuer bid at prevailing market prices or such other prices as may be permitted by the Toronto Stock Exchange.
 
 
47

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Outstanding share data
As at October 25, 2011, the Company had 444.9 million common shares and 7.5 million stock options outstanding.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amendments related to the presentation of the Statement of Comprehensive Income.  The update eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, and requires reclassification adjustments from Other comprehensive income to Net income to be presented on the face of the financial statements. The update will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012 and will not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Accounting Standards Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants requires all publicly accountable enterprises to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. However, National Instrument 52-107 issued by the Ontario Securities Commission allows foreign private issuers, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as CN, to file with Canadian securities regulators financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As such, the Company has decided not to report under IFRS in 2011 and to continue reporting under U.S. GAAP. The SEC has issued a roadmap for the potential convergence to IFRS for U.S. issuers and foreign issuers which stipulates that they will decide later this year whether to move forward with convergence to IFRS. Should the SEC make such a decision, the Company will convert its reporting to IFRS at such time.

Critical accounting policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company’s policies for personal injury and other claims, environmental claims, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes, 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 discussion on the methodology and assumptions underlying these critical accounting estimates, their effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position for the past three years ended December 31, 2010, as well as the effect of changes to these estimates, can be found on pages 32 to 39 of the Company’s 2010 Annual Report. Such discussions have not changed except as they relate to Depreciation as discussed herein.
In the first quarter of 2011, the Company completed the final phase of its depreciation studies that began in 2010 for Canadian properties and U.S. rolling stock and equipment. As a result of this phase of the studies, in the first quarter of 2011, the Company changed the estimated service lives for various assets and their related composite depreciation rates. Overall, the depreciation studies resulted in an annualized increase to depreciation expense of approximately $30 million.
As at September 30, 2011 and December 31 and September 30, 2010, the Company had the following amounts outstanding relating to its critical accounting policies:
               
     
September 30
 
December 31
 
September 30
In millions
   
2011 
 
2010 
 
2010 
     
(Unaudited)
     
(Unaudited)
Pension asset
 
$
 618 
$
 442 
$
 1,299 
Pension liability
   
 259 
 
 245 
 
 221 
Other postretirement benefits liability
   
 289 
 
 283 
 
 266 
Provision for personal injury and other claims
   
 353 
 
 346 
 
 367 
Provision for environmental costs
   
 158 
 
 150 
 
 161 
Net deferred income tax provision
   
 5,561 
 
 5,099 
 
 5,387 
Properties
   
 23,800 
 
 22,917 
 
 22,646 

Management discusses the development and selection of the Company’s critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s related disclosures.
 
 
48

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


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 following is a discussion of key areas of business risks and uncertainties.

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, and transportation via the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Seaway and the Mississippi River. 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 our 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 United States has resulted in larger rail systems that are able to offer seamless services in larger market areas and, accordingly, compete effectively with the Company in numerous markets. This requires the Company to consider arrangements or other initiatives that would similarly enhance its own service.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors in the transportation industry, and that further consolidation within the transportation industry and legislation allowing for more leniency in size and weight for motor carriers will not adversely affect the Company’s competitive position.  No assurance can be given that competitive pressures will not lead to reduced revenues, profit margins or both.

Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States 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, newly discovered facts, 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-by-inhalation hazardous materials such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia, commodities that the Company may be required to transport to the extent of its common carrier obligations. As a result, 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.
 
 
49

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


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 and emergency plans and procedures), 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, and reputation in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

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 September 30, 2011, 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
Canadian workforce
As at September 30, 2011, CN employed a total of 16,363 employees in Canada, of which 12,383 were unionized employees. From time to time, the Company negotiates to renew collective agreements with various unionized groups of employees. In such cases, the collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process has been exhausted as per the Canada Labour Code.
On September 1, 2010, CN and the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) had initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of four collective agreements applicable to clerical and intermodal employees, shopcraft mechanics and electricians, excavator operators and owner operator truck drivers working for a CN subsidiary, which were to expire on December 31, 2010. On January 24, 2011, the parties reached agreements for all groups, thus concluding bargaining without a labor disruption. The agreements were ratified on February 14, 2011 and will expire on December 31, 2014.
On September 15, 2011 and October 11, 2011, CN and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of the collective agreements covering approximately 200 rail traffic controllers and 1,500 locomotive engineers respectively, which expire on December 31, 2011.
On September 21, 2011, CN and the Steelworkers (USW) initiated the bargaining process for the renewal of the collective agreement covering approximately 2,900 track maintenance employees, which expires on December 31, 2011.

Disputes with bargaining units could potentially result in strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns and loss of business. Future labor agreements or renegotiated agreements could increase labor and fringe benefits expense. 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.

U.S. workforce
As at September 30, 2011, CN employed a total of 6,990 employees in the United States, of which 5,808 were unionized employees.
As of October 2011, the Company had in place agreements with bargaining units representing the entire unionized workforce at Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW); Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Company (DWP); Illinois Central Railroad Company (ICRR); companies owned by CCP Holdings, Inc. (CCP); Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway Company (DMIR); Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE); The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD); EJ&E; and all but one of the unions at companies owned by Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (WC). Agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, ranging from 2004 to 2014, which
 
 
50

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


preserve the status quo in respect of given areas during the terms of such moratoriums. Several of these agreements are currently under renegotiation. The WC rail traffic controllers are in the process of negotiating their first collective agreement.
In conjunction with a notice of exemption filed with the Surface Transportation Board (STB) allowing for the intra-corporate merger of DWP, DMIR and WC, the Company has served notice to unions representing train and engine service employees on those properties to consolidate the collective agreements. This process is governed by the New York Dock labor protective conditions which provide a mechanism to ensure that the change is achieved without disruption in the event that new agreements cannot be reached voluntarily.
On August 2, 2011, a tentative agreement was reached with the United Transport Union (UTU) to merge the collective bargaining agreements of those three properties under the general terms of the WC agreement and to extend that agreement for a period of three years ending December 31, 2014. The agreement was ratified on October 14, 2011.

The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis. GTW, DWP, ICRR, CCP, WC, DMIR, BLE, PCD and EJ&E have bargained on a local basis rather than holding national, industry-wide negotiations because they believe it results in agreements that better address both the employees’ concerns and preferences, and the railways’ actual operating environment. However, local negotiations may not generate federal intervention in a strike or lockout situation, since a dispute may be localized. The Company believes the potential mutual benefits of local bargaining outweigh the risks.
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.

There can be no assurance that there will not be any work action by any of the bargaining units with which the Company is currently in negotiations or that the resolution of these negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

Regulation
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to (i) economic regulation by the Canadian Transportation Agency (the Agency) under the Canada Transportation Act (the CTA), and (ii) safety regulation by the federal Minister of Transport under the Railway Safety Act and certain other statutes.  The Company’s U.S. rail operations are subject to (i) economic regulation by the STB and (ii) safety regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Economic regulation – Canada
The CTA provides rate and service remedies, including final offer arbitration (FOA), competitive line rates and compulsory interswitching. In addition, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties.
On August 12, 2008, Transport Canada announced the Terms of Reference for the Rail Freight Service Review to examine the services offered by CN and CP to Canadian shippers and customers. The review was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 consisted of analytical work to achieve a better understanding of the state of rail service. Phase 2 commenced on September 23, 2009 with the appointment of a panel to develop recommendations in consultation with stakeholders. Approximately 110 public submissions were made, including three from CN, in response to the panel’s invitation to all interested parties to provide written submissions. The panel issued an interim report on October 8, 2010, and filed its final report and recommendations with the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure in December 2010. This report, which was released to the public on March 18, 2011, recommends streamlined commercial dispute resolution, the establishment of service level agreements with customers, and public reporting of various system metrics amongst other recommendations. The Government of Canada accepted the panel’s report and announced that it intended to implement certain steps to improve the entire rail supply chain, including tabling legislation to give shippers the right to a service agreement. To date, the Government has introduced no new legislation.

No assurance can be given that any current or future legislative action by the federal government or other future government initiatives will not materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Economic regulation – U.S.
The STB serves as both an adjudicatory and regulatory body and has jurisdiction over railroad rate and service issues and rail restructuring transactions such as mergers, line sales, line construction and line abandonments. As such, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties.
 
 
51

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)

 
On April 8, 2011, the Company filed with the STB a notice of exemption that would allow for the intra-corporate merger of WC, DMIR, and DWP. The transaction would simplify the corporate structure of CN’s U.S. operating subsidiaries and allow for operational efficiencies and service improvements. The notice became effective May 8, 2011, and the Company expects to consummate the transaction later in the year after completing labor implementing agreements.
The STB has undertaken proceedings in a number of areas recently on rail issues. The STB held a hearing on February 24, 2011 to review the commodities and forms of service currently exempt from STB regulation, and in 2010 commenced a proceeding to review the liability of third parties for rail car demurrage. On June 22 – 23, 2011, the STB held a hearing on the current state of competition in the railroad industry. The STB will be considering the comments on these matters and may take further action.
As part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA), the U.S. Congress has authorized the STB to investigate any railroad over whose track Amtrak operates that fails to meet an 80 percent on-time performance standard for Amtrak operations extending over two calendar quarters and to determine the cause of such failures. Compliance with this mandate began with the third quarter of 2010 and is governed by performance metrics and standards jointly issued by the FRA and Amtrak on May 12, 2010. The Company is participating in a railroad industry lawsuit filed in August 2011 in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. challenging the constitutionality of these performance metrics and standards. 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.
The U.S. Congress has had under consideration for several years various pieces of legislation that would increase federal economic regulation of the railroad industry.  During the 111th Congress (2009 – 2010), legislation to repeal the railroad industry’s limited antitrust exemptions was introduced in both Houses of Congress and was approved by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. Broader legislation to modify the system of economic regulation of the railroad industry was introduced and approved by the Senate Commerce Committee on December 17, 2009. If enacted, these bills would have made significant changes to the economic regulatory system governing rail operations in the United States. The 111th Congress adjourned without taking final action on this legislation. Broad legislation to modify economic regulation of the rail industry (S. 158) and legislation to repeal the rail industry’s limited antitrust exemptions (S. 49) have been introduced in 2011 in the Senate.  S. 49 has also been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and there is no assurance that this or similar legislation will not progress through the legislative process.
The acquisition of the EJ&E in 2009 followed an extensive regulatory approval process by the STB, which included an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that resulted in conditions imposed to mitigate municipalities’ concerns regarding increased rail activity expected along the EJ&E line (see Contractual obligations section of this MD&A). The Company accepted the STB-imposed conditions with one exception. The Company filed an appeal at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit challenging the STB’s condition requiring the installation of grade separations at two locations along the EJ&E line at Company funding levels significantly beyond prior STB practice. Appeals were also filed by certain communities challenging the sufficiency of the EIS. On March 15, 2011, the Court denied the CN and community appeals. As such, the Company estimates its total remaining commitment related to the acquisition to be approximately $150 million. The commitment for the grade separation projects is based on estimated costs provided by the STB at the time of acquisition and could be subject to adjustment.
The STB also imposed a five-year monitoring and oversight condition, during which the Company is required to file with the STB monthly operational reports as well as quarterly reports on the implementation status of the STB-imposed mitigation conditions. This permits the STB to take further action if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances upon which it relied in imposing the specific mitigation conditions. In early 2010, the STB directed an audit of the Company’s EJ&E operational and environmental mitigation reports and released the results of the audit to the public in April 2010. The audit generally confirmed CN’s compliance with the STB’s reporting conditions and its cooperation with local communities to mitigate the adverse impacts of additional traffic expected as a result of the EJ&E transaction. However, the audit recommended clarification of reporting requirements for blocked crossings on the EJ&E line. Based on the audit and subsequent direction by the STB, CN provided requested information to the STB on April 26, 2010. On April 28, 2010, the STB held a hearing to review CN’s reporting on blocked crossing occurrences along the EJ&E line. On December 21, 2010, the STB concurred with the audit’s findings as to CN’s general compliance with the reporting and mitigation conditions it had imposed. The STB indicated that it will continue monitoring blocked crossing occurrences, asked for additional information from CN on certain crossing areas for future quarterly environmental reports, and indicated it would commence another audit in 2011. The STB also extended the original monitoring and oversight condition for an additional year. In a separate decision, the STB imposed a US$250,000 civil penalty on CN, which the Company paid in January 2011, based on its finding that the Company breached the Board’s oversight requirement that it report all blocked crossing occurrences of 10 minutes or more on the EJ&E line, regardless of cause. On October 14, 2011, the Village of Barrington, IL filed a petition
 
 
 
52

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


requesting that the STB impose additional mitigation that would require CN to fund the substantial portion of a grade separation at a location along the EJ&E line in Barrington.
The resolution of matters that could arise during the STB’s remaining oversight of the transaction 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 financial position or results of operations.
The Company’s ownership of the former Great Lakes Transportation vessels is 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 (EPA) has authority to regulate air emissions from these vessels.  On August 28, 2009, the EPA issued a proposed rule to extend an ongoing rulemaking to limit sulfur emissions for ocean-going vessels to operations in the Great Lakes. The EPA’s proposed rule would have had an adverse impact on the Company’s Great Lakes Fleet operations. The Company’s U.S.-flag vessel operator filed comments on September 28, 2009 in the proceeding. On December 22, 2009, the EPA issued its final emissions regulations, which addressed many of Great Lakes Fleet’s concerns. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard on August 28, 2009 proposed to amend its regulations on ballast water management; the Company’s U.S.-flag vessel operator is participating in this rulemaking proceeding. On October 5, 2011, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), which has authority over oceanborne transport of cargo into and out of the United States, initiated a Notice of Inquiry to examine whether the U.S. Harbor Maintenance tax and other factors may be contributing to the diversion of U.S.-bound cargo to Canadian and Mexican seaports, which could affect CN rail operations.

No assurance can be given that these or any future regulatory initiatives by the U.S. federal government will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Safety regulation – Canada
Rail safety regulation in Canada is the responsibility of Transport Canada, which administers the Canadian Railway Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety-related statutes.  The following actions have been taken by the federal government:

(i) In 2008, a full review of the Railway Safety Act was conducted by the Railway Safety Act Review Panel (Review Panel) and their report was tabled in the House of Commons.  The Report includes more than 50 recommendations to improve rail safety in Canada but concludes that the current framework of the Railway Safety Act is sound.

(ii) On June 4, 2010, the Minister of Transport tabled Bill C-33 proposing a number of amendments to the Railway Safety Act addressing the recommendations made by the Review Panel. The Committee completed its study of Bill C-33, but the Bill died on the Order Paper when Parliament was dissolved in March 2011. On October 6, 2011, the Government tabled Bill S-4 which included essentially the same provisions as those that were in Bill C-33.

Safety regulation – U.S.
Rail safety regulation in the U.S. is the responsibility of the FRA, which administers the Federal Railroad Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety statutes. In 2008, the U.S. federal government enacted legislation reauthorizing the Federal Railroad Safety Act. This legislation covers a broad range of safety issues, including fatigue management, positive train control (PTC), grade crossings, bridge safety, and other matters. The legislation requires 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-by-inhalation hazardous materials are transported. PTC is a collision avoidance technology intended to override locomotive controls and stop a train before an accident. The Company is taking steps to ensure implementation in accordance with the new law, including working with other Class I railroads to satisfy the requirements for U.S. network interoperability. The Company’s PTC Implementation Plan, submitted in April 2010, has been approved by the FRA. Total implementation costs associated with PTC are estimated to be US$220 million. The legislation also caps the number of on-duty and limbo time hours for certain rail employees on a monthly basis. The Company is taking appropriate steps and working with the FRA to ensure that its operations conform to the law’s requirements.

No assurance can be given that these or any future regulatory initiatives by the Canadian and U.S. federal governments will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

 
 
53

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Security
The Company is subject to statutory and regulatory directives in the United States addressing homeland security concerns. In the U.S., safety matters related to security are overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (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). More specifically, the Company is subject to:

(i) Border security arrangements, pursuant to an agreement the Company and CP entered into with the CBP and the CBSA.

(ii) 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.

(iii) Regulations imposed by the CBP requiring advance notification by all modes of transportation for all shipments into the United States. The CBSA is also working on similar requirements for Canada-bound traffic.

(iv) 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.

The Company has worked with the Association of American Railroads 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.

Transportation of hazardous materials
The Company may be required to transport toxic-by-inhalation (TIH) hazardous materials to the extent of its common carrier obligations and, as such, is exposed to additional regulatory oversight.

(i) The 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.

(ii) The 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 TIH 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.

(iii) The PHMSA has issued regulations to enhance the crashworthiness protection of tank cars used to transport TIH and to limit the operating conditions of such cars.

(iv) In Canada, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act establishes the safety requirements for the transportation of goods classified as dangerous and enables the establishment of regulations for security training and screening of personnel working with dangerous goods, as well as the development of a program to require a transportation security clearance for dangerous goods and that dangerous goods be tracked during transport.

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
 
 
54

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


to the North American rail network, will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Other risks
Economic conditions
The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to changes in the economic conditions of the industries and geographic areas that produce and consume the freight it transports or the supplies it requires to operate. In addition, many of the goods and commodities carried by the Company experience cyclicality in demand. Many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move offshore and are affected more by global rather than North American economic conditions. Adverse North American and global economic conditions, or economic or industrial restructuring, that affect the producers and consumers of the commodities carried by the Company, including customer insolvency, may have a material adverse effect on the volume of rail shipments and/or revenues from commodities carried by the Company, and thus materially and negatively affect its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

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 United States.

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 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 coverage and premiums could also increase significantly or become unavailable.

Customer credit risk
In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer. Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, economic conditions can affect the Company’s customers and can result in an increase to the Company’s credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. To manage its credit risk on an ongoing basis, the Company’s focus is on keeping the average daily sales outstanding within an acceptable range and working with customers to ensure timely payments, and in certain cases, requiring financial security, including letters of credit. A widespread deterioration of customer credit and business failures of customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Liquidity
Disruptions in the financial markets or deterioration of the Company's credit ratings could hinder the Company's access to external sources of funding to meet its liquidity needs. There can be no assurance that changes in the financial markets will not have a negative effect on the Company’s liquidity and its access to capital at acceptable rates.

Supplier risk
The Company operates in a capital-intensive industry where the complexity of rail equipment limits the number of suppliers available. The supply market could be disrupted if changes in the economy caused any of the Company’s suppliers to cease production or to experience capacity or supply shortages. This could also result in cost increases to the Company and difficulty in obtaining and maintaining the Company’s rail equipment and materials. Since the Company also has foreign suppliers, international relations, trade restrictions and global economic and other conditions may potentially interfere with the Company’s ability to procure necessary equipment. To manage its supplier risk, it is the Company’s long-standing practice to ensure that more than one source of supply for a key product or service, where feasible, is available. Widespread business failures of, or restrictions on suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 
55

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Pensions
Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans.
For accounting purposes, the funded status of all pension plans is calculated at the measurement date, which for the Company is December 31, using generally accepted accounting principles.  Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the last measurement date of December 31, 2010 may have a material adverse effect on the funded status and may significantly impact future pension income or expense.
For funding purposes, the funded status of the Canadian pension plans is calculated to determine the required level of contribution using going-concern and solvency scenarios under guidance issued by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date of the last actuarial valuations as well as changes to existing federal pension legislation may significantly impact future pension contributions and have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans and the Company’s results of operations. The Company’s funding requirements, as well as the impact on the results of operations, are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations. Due to recent legislative changes, actuarial valuations will be required on an annual basis as at December 31, 2011 for all Canadian plans, or when deemed appropriate by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. The federal pension legislation allows for funding of deficits, if any, to be paid over a number of years. Actuarial valuations are also required annually for the Company’s U.S. pension plans.
Should the current return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates continue to the next measurement date of December 31, 2011, the Company expects that the funded status of its pension plans would be significantly impacted. From an accounting perspective, these factors would significantly impact future pension income or expense and have a material adverse effect on the funded status of the plans.  From a funding perspective, these factors would result in a funding deficit under a solvency or wind-up scenario and as a result, the Company’s contributions would significantly increase. The Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its funding obligation.
 
 Availability of qualified personnel
The Company, like other companies in North America, may experience demographic challenges in the employment levels of its workforce. Changes in employee demographics, training requirements and the availability of qualified personnel, particularly locomotive engineers and trainmen, could negatively impact the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. The Company expects that approximately 45% of its workforce will be eligible to retire or leave through normal attrition (death, termination, resignation) within the next five-year period. The Company monitors employment levels to ensure that there is an adequate supply of personnel to meet rail service requirements. However, the Company’s efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel may be hindered by specific conditions in the job market. No assurance can be given that demographic or other challenges will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its financial position.

Fuel costs
The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to the volatility of fuel prices due to changes in the economy or supply disruptions. Fuel shortages can occur due to refinery disruptions, production quota restrictions, climate, and labor and political instability. Rising fuel prices could materially adversely affect the Company’s expenses. As such, CN has implemented a fuel surcharge program with a view of offsetting the impact of rising fuel prices. The surcharge applied to customers is determined in the second calendar month prior to the month in which it is applied, and is calculated using the average monthly price of West-Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI) for revenue-based tariffs and On-Highway Diesel (OHD) for mileage-based tariffs. Increases in fuel prices or supply disruptions may materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Foreign currency
The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. The estimated annual impact on net income of a year-over-year one-cent change in the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar is in the range of $5 million to $10 million. 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 further affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

 
56

 
CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Reliance on technology
The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. While the Company has a disaster recovery plan in place, a significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures or other operational difficulties and compromise corporate information and assets against intruders  and, as such, could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. If the Company is unable to acquire or implement new technology, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage, which could also have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

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.

Weather and climate change
The Company’s success is dependent on its ability to operate its railroad efficiently. Severe weather and natural disasters, such as extreme cold or heat, flooding, drought, hurricanes and earthquakes, can disrupt operations and service for the railroad, affect the performance of locomotives and rolling stock, as well as disrupt operations for both the Company and its customers. Climate change, including the impact of global warming, has the potential physical risk of increasing the frequency of adverse weather events, which can disrupt the Company's operations, damage its infrastructure or properties, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In addition, although the Company believes that the growing support for climate change legislation is likely to result in changes to the regulatory framework in Canada and the U.S., it is too early to predict the manner or degree of such impact on the Company at this time. Restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gasses, including diesel exhaust, could significantly increase the Company's capital and operating costs or affect the markets for, or the volume of, the goods the Company carries thereby resulting in a material adverse effect on operations, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. More specifically, climate change legislation and regulation could (a) affect CN’s utility coal customers due to coal capacity being replaced with natural gas generation and renewable energy; (b) make it difficult for CN’s customers to produce products in a cost-competitive manner due to increased energy costs; and (c) 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 September 30, 2011, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
During the third quarter ended September 30, 2011, 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.


The Company’s 2010 Annual Information Form (AIF) and Form 40-F, may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, respectively. Copies of such documents, as well as the Company’s Notice of Intention to Make a Normal Course Issuer Bid, may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary’s office.

Montreal, Canada
October 25, 2011


 
57

 

 Item 4

Statement of CEO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings


I, Claude Mongeau, certify that:

(1)  
I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
(5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Date:  October 27, 2011
/s/ Claude Mongeau
Claude Mongeau
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
58

 
 
   Item 5
Statement of CFO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings


I, Luc Jobin, certify that:

(1)  
I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
(5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: October 27, 2011

/s/ Luc Jobin
Luc Jobin
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

 
59

 


SIGNATURES
 
        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
Canadian National Railway Company
 
           
Date: October 27, 2011 
By:
/s/ Cristina Circelli
 
     
Name:
Cristina Circelli
 
     
Title:
Deputy Corporate Secretary and
General Counsel