10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2024

CANADIAN PACIFIC KANSAS CITY LTD/CN Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2024

Filed October 24, 2024For Securities:CP

Summary

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. (CPKC) reported a 6% increase in total revenues to $3,549 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year, driven by higher volumes and increased freight revenue per revenue ton-mile. Net income attributable to controlling shareholders rose to $837 million, resulting in a diluted EPS of $0.90, a 7% increase year-over-year. The company's operating ratio slightly increased to 66.1%, but the core adjusted combined operating ratio remained strong at 62.9%, reflecting effective cost management. The nine-month period saw a significant 22% revenue increase to $10,672 million, largely bolstered by the integration of Kansas City Southern (KCS). While net income for the nine months was $2,517 million, down from $2,904 million in the prior year, this was heavily influenced by a large deferred income tax recovery in the prior year related to the KCS acquisition. Excluding these non-recurring items, the adjusted performance shows positive trends. CPKC continues to manage its debt effectively, with a solid credit rating and ample liquidity. The company is navigating various operational and market conditions, including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fuel prices, while focusing on integration synergies and operational efficiency.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 6% to $3,549 million in Q3 2024, driven by higher volumes and freight revenue per RTM.
  • 2Diluted EPS rose by 7% to $0.90 in Q3 2024.
  • 3Nine-month revenues surged by 22% to $10,672 million, significantly benefiting from KCS integration.
  • 4The operating ratio slightly increased to 66.1% in Q3 2024, while the core adjusted combined operating ratio remained strong at 62.9%.
  • 5Strong performance in key segments like Grain, Energy, Chemicals, and Plastics contributed to revenue growth.
  • 6The company is actively managing its debt, with credit ratings from S&P and Moody's indicating financial stability.
  • 7Acquisition-related costs and KCS purchase accounting adjustments are noted, impacting year-over-year comparisons for net income but core operational trends remain positive.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the 6% increase in total revenues to $3,549 million for the third quarter of 2024 was higher volumes, as measured by revenue ton-miles (RTMs), and an increase in freight revenue per RTM.

The integration of KCS has significantly contributed to the 22% increase in total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, reaching $10,672 million. While this integration has driven topline growth, certain non-recurring items related to the acquisition, such as deferred income tax recoveries in the prior year, make direct year-over-year net income comparisons complex. The company also incurred acquisition-related costs and KCS purchase accounting adjustments.

CPKC believes its primary sources of liquidity, including cash on hand, its commercial paper program, and letter of credit facilities, are adequate to meet its short-term and long-term cash requirements. The company's credit ratings from Standard & Poor's (BBB+) and Moody's (Baa2) indicate financial stability.

The company is involved in several legal proceedings, most notably those related to the Lac-Mégantic rail accident, where claims are ongoing but a Quebec Superior Court decision dismissed claims against the company. There is also a significant tax assessment in Mexico (2014 Tax Assessment) that is in litigation. Environmental liabilities are actively managed with accruals in place. While management believes these will not have a material adverse effect, an unexpected adverse resolution could impact results in a particular period.