10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

CANADIAN PACIFIC KANSAS CITY LTD/CN Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2020

Filed April 22, 2020For Securities:CP

Summary

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) reported its first quarter 2020 financial results, showing a decrease in net income to $409 million from $434 million in the prior year period, a 6% decline. This was primarily driven by foreign exchange translation losses on debt and lease liabilities in 2020 compared to gains in 2019, alongside higher taxes. However, excluding these foreign exchange impacts, adjusted net income saw a substantial increase of 55% to $607 million, primarily due to a significant rise in operating income. Total revenues increased by 16% to $2,043 million, driven by higher volumes, improved freight rates, and customer volume commitments. The company also demonstrated operational improvements, with an improved operating ratio of 59.2% (down 1,010 basis points) and increased average train speed and weight. Despite the challenges posed by the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, CP reported no material impact on its business or results in the first quarter and is actively implementing measures to ensure operational continuity and employee safety.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased 16% to $2,043 million, driven by higher volumes and freight rates.
  • 2Operating income surged 54% to $834 million, primarily due to increased volumes and improved operational efficiencies.
  • 3Net income decreased 6% to $409 million, largely due to a $215 million foreign exchange loss on debt and lease liabilities.
  • 4Adjusted Net Income (excluding FX impacts) increased 55% to $607 million, reflecting strong operational performance.
  • 5Operating ratio improved significantly by 1,010 basis points to 59.2%, indicating enhanced efficiency.
  • 6Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) decreased slightly by 4% to $2.98, but Adjusted Diluted EPS increased by 58% to $4.42.
  • 7The company maintained a strong liquidity position with $247 million in cash and cash equivalents and drew $100 million on its $1.3 billion revolving credit facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income from $434 million in Q1 2019 to $409 million in Q1 2020 was primarily due to a foreign exchange translation loss of $215 million on U.S. dollar-denominated debt and lease liabilities in 2020, compared to a foreign exchange gain in the prior year period. Higher income taxes also contributed to the decrease.

Operational efficiency improved significantly. The operating ratio decreased by 1,010 basis points to 59.2%, indicating that the company spent less on operating expenses relative to its revenues. Key operational metrics like average train speed and average train weight also increased, reflecting better asset utilization and network fluidity.

For the first quarter of 2020, CP reported no material impact from COVID-19 on its business, financial condition, or results of operations. However, the company acknowledges the highly uncertain future impacts and has updated its 2020 outlook, now expecting volume to be down mid-single digits and adjusted diluted EPS to be roughly flat year-over-year. CP is implementing several measures to ensure employee safety and operational continuity.

The company issued new long-term debt during the quarter, including $500 million in 10-year notes and $300 million in 30-year notes. Total long-term debt, including the current portion, increased from $8,757 million at December 31, 2019, to $10,070 million at March 31, 2020. The company also saw a significant reduction in commercial paper borrowings.