10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2018

CANADIAN PACIFIC KANSAS CITY LTD/CN Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2018

Filed July 19, 2018For Securities:CP

Summary

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) reported its second-quarter 2018 financial results, showing a year-over-year increase in total revenues to $1.75 billion, driven by a 4% growth in revenue ton miles (RTMs), increased freight rates, and higher fuel surcharges. Despite revenue growth, net income decreased by 9% to $436 million ($3.04 diluted EPS), primarily impacted by foreign exchange losses on U.S. dollar-denominated debt and higher fuel prices. However, adjusted diluted EPS, which excludes these items, rose by 14% to $3.16, reflecting operational improvements and a strong performance in key freight segments like energy, chemicals, plastics, and intermodal. The company experienced operational disruptions during the quarter due to labor negotiations, which led to a decrease in average train speed and an increase in terminal dwell time. Despite these challenges, CP announced significant investments in new high-capacity grain hopper cars, signaling a commitment to the agricultural sector. The company also increased its quarterly dividend by 15% to $0.65 per share. CP's financial position remains solid, supported by its credit facilities and a focus on managing operating expenses and capital allocation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 7% to $1.75 billion, driven by volume growth and higher freight rates.
  • 2Diluted EPS decreased by 7% to $3.04, primarily due to foreign exchange losses and higher fuel costs.
  • 3Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) increased by 14% to $3.16, excluding FX losses and other items.
  • 4Operating expenses rose by 9% to $1.12 billion, largely due to increased fuel prices and higher volume-related costs.
  • 5Labor negotiations caused operational disruptions, leading to slower train speeds and increased terminal dwell times.
  • 6The company announced a significant investment of over half a billion dollars in new grain hopper cars.
  • 7Quarterly dividend increased by 15% to $0.65 per share.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in net income was foreign exchange losses on U.S. dollar-denominated debt, which offset gains seen in the prior year. Higher fuel prices also contributed to increased operating expenses, impacting profitability.

Labor negotiations led to disruptions in the network, causing average train speed to decrease by 8% and terminal dwell time to increase by 16% during the second quarter of 2018. These disruptions impacted operational efficiency.

The adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP) figure of $3.16 represents a 14% increase year-over-year. It is considered a more representative measure of operational performance as it excludes items like foreign exchange losses and tax impacts, providing a clearer view of the company's underlying earnings power.

Key growth areas highlighted in the revenue breakdown include Energy, Chemicals and Plastics (up 29% in Q2), Metals, Minerals and Consumer Products (up 7% in Q2), and Intermodal (up 7% in Q2). These segments benefited from increased volumes and higher fuel surcharges.