10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2022

CANADIAN PACIFIC KANSAS CITY LTD/CN Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2022

Filed April 28, 2022For Securities:CP

Summary

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CP) reported its first quarter 2022 financial results, showing a decrease in total revenues to $1,838 million from $1,959 million in the prior year's comparable period, primarily due to lower freight volumes. Despite the revenue decline, the company saw an increase in freight revenue per revenue ton-mile (RTM) and per carload, driven by higher fuel surcharges and freight rates. The acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS) continues to be a significant factor, with equity earnings from KCS contributing positively to net income, although the integration and associated costs are impacting reported earnings per share. Operational performance faced challenges from harsher winter conditions and a labor dispute with the TCRC, which temporarily impacted volumes but was resolved through binding arbitration. The company maintained its liquidity position and focused on capital allocation, demonstrating resilience in managing operational disruptions and continuing its strategic integration efforts.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues decreased by 6% to $1,838 million, primarily due to lower volumes (RTMs), partially offset by increased freight revenue per RTM.
  • 2Net income decreased by 2% to $590 million, impacted by lower operating income and higher interest expenses related to the KCS acquisition, though partially offset by KCS equity earnings.
  • 3Diluted EPS decreased by 30% to $0.63, largely due to a higher number of shares outstanding post-KCS acquisition.
  • 4Operating ratio increased significantly by 1,070 basis points to 70.9%, reflecting lower volumes and increased operating costs, including those from adverse weather and a TCRC work stoppage.
  • 5The company received $198 million in equity earnings from Kansas City Southern (KCS), a new contributor compared to the prior year.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities increased by 5% to $613 million, notably boosted by a $334 million dividend received from KCS.
  • 7The KCS acquisition regulatory review is ongoing, with completion of the STB's review expected in Q1 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the decrease in total revenues was lower freight volumes, as measured by Revenue Ton-Miles (RTMs), which were down 14% compared to the prior year's first quarter.

The KCS acquisition is reflected in the results through equity earnings of $198 million, a significant new income stream. However, it also increased the average number of shares outstanding, negatively impacting Earnings Per Share (EPS), and led to higher interest expenses due to debt issued for the acquisition. The integration and purchase accounting adjustments also influence reported figures.

The work stoppage by the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) in late March 2022 resulted in lower volumes during the first quarter and contributed to increased operating costs. However, an agreement was reached through binding arbitration, allowing employees to return to work and services to be resumed.

The company's long-term debt increased significantly due to the KCS acquisition. The Adjusted Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio rose to 4.7 for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022, from 2.4 in the prior year, reflecting the increased leverage. CP targets an Adjusted Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.0 to 2.5 in the long term.