Summary
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) reported revenues of $1,942 million for the third quarter of 2021, an increase of 4% compared to the same period in 2020. Despite the revenue growth, net income decreased by 21% to $472 million, primarily due to significant acquisition-related costs associated with the pending Kansas City Southern (KCS) transaction and foreign exchange losses. However, on an adjusted basis, excluding these one-time items, adjusted diluted EPS increased by 7% to $0.88 and adjusted income rose by 6% to $592 million, demonstrating underlying operational strength. The company is actively pursuing the acquisition of Kansas City Southern, which is progressing through regulatory approvals with an expected close into a voting trust in Q1 2022. This strategic move is poised to create the first single-line rail network connecting Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. While acquisition-related costs impacted the reported net income, the company maintains a strong operational performance with improvements in average train weight and length, alongside a focus on safety and environmental sustainability, including the publication of its first comprehensive Climate Strategy.
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by 4% year-over-year to $1,942 million in Q3 2021, driven by higher freight revenue per RTM, partially offset by lower volumes.
- 2Net income decreased by 21% to $472 million, primarily due to $83 million in acquisition-related costs for the KCS transaction and unfavorable foreign exchange movements.
- 3Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 7% to $0.88 and adjusted income rose by 6% to $592 million, excluding significant acquisition-related costs and FX impacts.
- 4The company made a significant payment of $1,773 million (U.S. $1,400 million) towards the acquisition of Kansas City Southern, which is progressing through regulatory approvals and is expected to close into a voting trust in Q1 2022.
- 5Operating expenses increased by 8% to $1,168 million, largely due to higher fuel prices, acquisition-related costs, and increased depreciation and amortization.
- 6Cash provided by operating activities increased by 11% to $548 million in Q3 2021.
- 7CP published its first comprehensive Climate Strategy, outlining its approach to climate action and setting science-based emissions reduction targets for locomotive and non-locomotive operations.