form6-k.htm
 

FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Report of Foreign Issuer
 
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the month of January, 2009
 
Commission File Number: 001-02413
 
Canadian National Railway Company
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
 
935 de la Gauchetiere Street West
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3B 2M9
(Address of principal executive offices)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under
cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
 
Form 20-F        
 
 
Form 40-F    X  
 

 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
 
Yes        
 
 
No    X  
 

 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
 
Yes        
 
 
No    X  
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this
Form, the Registrant is also thereby furnishing  the information to the Commission
pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
 
Yes        
 
 
No    X  
 

 
If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A
 
 

 
 
 

 

 
Canadian National Railway Company

Table of Contents
 
Item
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
Item 1

CN logo

North America’s Railroad
 
 
 
 
NEWS RELEASE
 
CN reports Q4-2008 net income of C$573 million,
or C$1.21 per diluted share, including deferred
income tax recovery of C$0.09

MONTREAL, Jan. 22, 2009 — CN (TSX: CNR)(NYSE: CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2008.

Fourth-quarter 2008 highlights
 
·  
Net income was C$573 million, or C$1.21 per diluted share, including a deferred income tax recovery of C$42 million, or C$0.09 per diluted share.
·  
Revenues increased 13 per cent over Q4-2007 to C$2,200 million, while operating expenses rose 15 per cent to C$1,380 million.
·  
Operating income was C$820 million, an increase of 11 per cent from the year earlier results, with the operating ratio increasing six-tenths of a point to 62.7 per cent.
·  
Strong full-year 2008 free cash flow of C$794 million. (1)

Net income for the fourth quarter of 2008 was C$573 million, or C$1.21 per diluted share, including a deferred income tax recovery of C$42 million (C$0.09 per diluted share) resulting from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years. Excluding this item, adjusted fourth-quarter 2008 net income was C$531 million, or C$1.12 per diluted share. (1)

Net income for the comparable quarter of 2007 was C$833 million, or C$1.68 per diluted share, including a net deferred income tax recovery of C$284 million (C$0.57 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada, and after-tax gains of C$64 million (C$0.13 per diluted share) on the sale of CN’s Central Station Complex (CSC) in Montreal and C$41 million (C$0.08 per diluted share) on the sale of the Company’s investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS). Excluding these items, CN’s adjusted fourth-quarter 2007 net income was C$444 million, or C$0.90 per diluted share. (1)

E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer, said: “CN turned in a solid fourth-quarter 2008 performance despite significantly lower volumes. Two factors acted as shock absorbers, offsetting the impact of the weaker volumes on our results. One was the decline in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the American dollar, which had a net positive translation impact on the conversion of U.S. dollar-denominated revenues and expenses into Canadian dollars. The second was the two-month lag in CN’s fuel surcharge catching up to lower fuel prices.”

 
1

 

“The North American economy is in recession, and we do not know how long or deep it will be,” said Harrison. “And, although overall freight demand is much weaker, the basic driver of our business – demand for reliable, efficient, cost-effective transportation – remains intact. To meet our long-term objectives, we will continue to maintain pricing discipline and pursue opportunities that extend beyond business-cycle considerations.

“At the same time we will continue to do what’s necessary to manage our assets and costs effectively in response to lower traffic volumes. CN, as one of the rail industry’s most efficient operators, is well positioned to face the challenges of the current economic environment, and we are committed to making additional productivity improvements.”

Harrison added: “CN has a very resilient business model and a highly talented and dedicated team of railroaders, as demonstrated by our 2008 results.  Looking ahead, 2009 will present even greater challenges, but we expect to continue to deliver value to our customers and shareholders.”

Fourth-quarter 2008 results
 
Fourth-quarter 2008 results from operations were affected by significant weakness in almost all markets, primarily as a result of the current economic environment.

Revenue ton-miles, a measurement of the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, declined by 10 per cent during the quarter versus the comparable period of 2007.

Revenues for the final quarter of 2008 increased 13 per cent to C$2,200 million. The increase was mainly due to the positive C$230-million translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated revenues and freight rate increases, including a higher fuel surcharge resulting from year-over-year net increases in applicable fuel prices. These gains were partly offset by lower volumes in almost all commodity groups due to weak market conditions. In addition, the decision of the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) to retroactively reduce rail revenue entitlement for grain transportation and the CTA’s determination that CN exceeded the revenue cap for the 2007-08 crop year reduced grain revenues by C$26 million. Associated penalties of C$4 million increased the Company’s casualty and other expense.

Operating expenses for the fourth quarter increased by 15 per cent to C$1,380 million, primarily owing to the C$145-million negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated expenses, and increased casualty and other and labor and fringe benefit expenses. These factors were partly offset by lower fuel costs, as a result of a decrease in the average price per U.S. gallon of fuel during the quarter.

Operating income increased 11 per cent to C$820 million, while the operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, increased by 0.6 of a point to 62.7 per cent.

The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar, which affects the conversion of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, increased fourth-quarter 2008 net income by approximately C$45 million, or 10 cents per diluted share.

 
2

 

Full-year 2008 results
 
Net income for 2008 was C$1,895 million, or C$3.95 per diluted share, compared with net income of C$2,158 million, or C$4.25 per diluted share, for 2007.

CN’s 2008 net income included a deferred income tax recovery of C$117 million (C$0.24 per diluted share), of which C$83 million was due to the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years, C$23 million was due to lower corporate income tax rates in Canada, and C$11 million was due to net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary. Excluding the deferred income tax recovery, adjusted 2008 net income was C$1,778 million, or C$3.71 per diluted share. (1)

Included in 2007 net income was a net deferred income tax recovery of C$328 million (C$0.64 per diluted share), resulting mainly from the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada, and gains on the sales of the CSC of C$64 million after-tax (C$0.13 per diluted share) and the Company’s investment in EWS of C$41 million after-tax (C$0.08 per diluted share). Excluding benefits from favourable tax adjustments and major asset sales, adjusted net income for 2007 was C$1,725 million, or C$3.40 per diluted share. (1)

Operating income for 2008 increased to C$2,894 million from C$2,876 million in 2007.

Revenues for 2008 increased by seven per cent to C$8,482 million, mainly due to freight rate increases, of which approximately half were related to a higher fuel surcharge resulting from year-over-year net increases in applicable fuel prices, and higher volumes in specific commodity groups, particularly metals and minerals, intermodal, and coal, which also reflect the negative impact of a conductors’ strike on first-quarter 2007 volumes.

These gains were partly offset by lower volumes due to weakness in specific markets, particularly forest products and automotive, the impact of harsh weather conditions in Canada and the U.S. Midwest during first-quarter 2008, and reduced grain volumes as a result of depleted stockpiles. In addition, the decision of the CTA to retroactively reduce rail revenue entitlement for grain transportation and the CTA’s determination that CN exceeded the revenue cap for the 2007-08 crop year reduced grain revenues by C$26 million. Associated penalties of C$4 million increased the Company’s casualty and other expense.

In the first nine months of the year, CN experienced a C$245 million negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated revenues that was almost entirely offset in the fourth quarter as a result of the weakened Canadian dollar.

Revenue ton-miles, a measurement of the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, declined by three per cent in 2008 from the 2007 level.

CN’s 2008 operating expenses increased by 11 per cent, to C$5,588 million, mainly due to higher fuel costs and increases in purchased services and material and in casualty and other expenses.  These factors were partly offset by lower labor and fringe benefits expense.


 
3

 

In the first nine months of the year, CN experienced a positive C$145 million translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated expenses that was almost entirely offset in the fourth quarter as a result of the weakened Canadian dollar.

The operating ratio was 65.9 per cent in 2008, compared with 63.6 per cent in 2007, a 2.3-point increase.

The fluctuation of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar reduced 2008 net income by approximately C$10 million, or C$0.02 per diluted share.

The financial results in this news release were determined on the basis of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP).

(1) Please see discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted performance measures in the attached supplementary schedule, Non-GAAP Measures.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. CN cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Implicit in these statements, particularly in respect of long-term growth opportunities, is the Company’s assumption that such growth opportunities are less affected by the current situation in the North American and global economies. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. The current situation in financial markets is adding a substantial amount of risk to the North American economy, which is already in a recession, and to the global economy, which is significantly slowing down. The Company cautions that its results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, industry competition, legislative and/or regulatory developments, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes, the effects of adverse general economic and business conditions, inflation, currency fluctuations, changes in fuel prices, labor disruptions, environmental claims, investigations or proceedings, other types of claims and litigation, and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” in CN’s annual and interim reports and Annual Information Form and Form 40-F filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, available on CN’s website, for a summary of major risks.

CN – Canadian National Railway Company and its operating railway subsidiaries – spans Canada and mid-America, from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to the Gulf of Mexico, serving the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the key metropolitan areas of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information on CN, visit the Company’s website at www.cn.ca.
 
- 30 -


Contacts:
Media
Investment Community
Mark Hallman
Robert Noorigian
Director, Communications, Media
Vice-President, Investor Relations
(905) 669-3384
(514) 399-0052

 
 
 
4

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions, except per share data)

                         
   
Three months ended
 
Year ended
   
December 31
 
December 31
                         
     
2008 
   
2007 
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
(Unaudited)
Revenues
$
 2,200 
 
$
 1,941 
 
$
 8,482 
 
$
 7,897 
                         
Operating expenses
                     
 
Labor and fringe benefits
 
 397 
   
 340 
   
 1,674 
   
 1,701 
 
Purchased services and material
 
 301 
   
 259 
   
 1,137 
   
 1,045 
 
Fuel
 
 304 
   
 307 
   
 1,403 
   
 1,026 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 197 
   
 173 
   
 725 
   
 677 
 
Equipment rents
 
 79 
   
 60 
   
 262 
   
 247 
 
Casualty and other
 
 102 
   
 66 
   
 387 
   
 325 
Total operating expenses
 
 1,380 
   
 1,205 
   
 5,588 
   
 5,021 
                         
Operating income
 
 820 
   
 736 
   
 2,894 
   
 2,876 
                         
Interest expense
 
 (110)
   
 (85)
   
 (375)
   
 (336)
Other income
 
 19 
   
 159 
   
 26 
   
 166 
Income before income taxes
 
 729 
   
 810 
   
 2,545 
   
 2,706 
                         
Income tax recovery (expense)
 
 (156)
   
 23 
   
 (650)
   
 (548)
Net income
$
 573 
 
$
 833 
 
$
 1,895 
 
$
 2,158 
                         
Earnings per share
                     
 
Basic
$
 1.22 
 
$
 1.70 
 
$
 3.99 
 
$
 4.31 
 
Diluted
$
 1.21 
 
$
 1.68 
 
$
 3.95 
 
$
 4.25 
                         
Weighted-average number of shares
                     
 
Basic
 
 468.1 
   
 489.8 
   
 474.7 
   
 501.2 
 
Diluted
 
 472.5 
   
 495.9 
   
 480.0 
   
 508.0 
                         
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Canadian National Railway Company's (the Company) financial position as at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three months and years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company's 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with such statements, notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).

 
5

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET  (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions)

           
 
December 31
 
     December 31
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
(Unaudited)
     
Assets
         
           
Current assets:
         
     Cash and cash equivalents
$
 413 
 
$
 310 
     Accounts receivable
 
 913 
   
 370 
     Material and supplies
 
 200 
   
 162 
     Deferred income taxes
 
 98 
   
 68 
     Other
 
 132 
   
 138 
   
 1,756 
   
 1,048 
           
Properties
 
 23,203 
   
 20,413 
Intangible and other assets
 
 1,761 
   
 1,999 
           
Total assets
$
 26,720 
 
$
 23,460 
           
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
         
           
Current liabilities:
         
     Accounts payable and other
$
 1,386 
 
$
 1,336 
     Current portion of long-term debt
 
 506 
   
 254 
   
 1,892 
   
 1,590 
           
Deferred income taxes
 
 5,511 
   
 4,908 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
 
 1,353 
   
 1,422 
Long-term debt
 
 7,405 
   
 5,363 
           
Shareholders' equity:
         
     Common shares
 
 4,179 
   
 4,283 
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (155)
   
 (31)
     Retained earnings
 
 6,535 
   
 5,925 
   
 10,559 
   
 10,177 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
 26,720 
 
$
 23,460 
Certain of the 2007 figures have been restated to conform to the 2008 presentation.           
 
These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three months and years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company's 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with such statements, notes thereto and MD&A.
 
Subsequent event
         
The Company's agreement to acquire the principal lines of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) for a purchase price of approximately U.S.$300 million received all necessary regulatory approvals, including the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) ruling rendered on December 24, 2008.  The STB's decision will become effective on January 23, 2009 and the Company expects to close the transaction shortly thereafter and pay the purchase price with cash on hand.  The Company will account for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141(R), "Business Combinations," which became effective for acquisitions closing on or after January 1, 2009.

 
6

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions)

  
                     
  
Three months ended
 
Year ended
  
December 31
 
December 31
  
 
2008 
   
2007 
   
2008 
   
2007 
  
(Unaudited)
Common shares  
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 4,171 
 
$
 4,359 
 
$
 4,283 
 
$
 4,459 
    Stock options exercised and other
 
 9 
   
 6 
   
 68 
   
 89 
    Share repurchase programs  
 
 (1)
   
 (82)
   
 (172)
   
 (265)
Balance, end of period
$
4,179 
 
$
4,283 
 
$
4,179 
 
$
4,283 
  
                     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 54 
 
$
 (257)
 
$
 (31)
 
$
 (44)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                     
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on:
                     
    Translation of the net investment in foreign operations
 
 860 
   
 (90)
   
 1,259 
   
 (1,004)
    Translation of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
                     
       designated as a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries
 
 (877)
   
 22 
   
 (1,266)
   
 788 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans: 
                     
    Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period 
 
 (452)
   
 391 
   
 (452)
   
 391 
    Prior service cost arising during the period 
 
 (3)
   
 (12)
   
 (3)
   
 (12)
    Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost 
 
 -
   
 11 
   
 (2)
   
 49 
    Amortization of prior service cost included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost 
 
 3 
   
 5 
   
 21 
   
 21 
Derivative instruments 
 
 -
   
 (1)
   
 -
   
 (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
 
 (469)
   
 326 
   
 (443)
   
 232 
Income tax recovery (expense)
 
 260 
   
 (100)
   
 319 
   
 (219)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 (209)
   
 226 
   
 (124)
   
 13 
Balance, end of period
$
 (155)
 
$
 (31)
 
$
 (155)
 
$
 (31)
  
                     
Retained earnings 
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 6,073 
 
$
 5,557 
 
$
 5,925 
 
$
 5,409 
    Adoption of new accounting pronouncements   (1)
 
 -
   
 -
   
 -
   
 95 
  
                     
Restated balance, beginning of period
 
 6,073 
   
 5,557 
   
 5,925 
   
 5,504 
    Net income
 
 573 
   
 833 
   
 1,895 
   
 2,158 
    Share repurchase programs  
 
 (3)
   
 (363)
   
 (849)
   
 (1,319)
    Dividends
 
 (108)
   
 (102)
   
 (436)
   
 (418)
Balance, end of period
$
 6,535 
 
$
 5,925 
 
$
 6,535 
 
$
 5,925 

(1)
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” and early adopted the measurement date provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).”  The application of FIN No. 48 on January 1, 2007 had the effect of decreasing the net deferred income tax liability and increasing Retained earnings by $98 million.  The application of SFAS No. 158 on January 1, 2007 had the effect of decreasing Retained earnings by $3 million.

 
7

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions)
 
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
   
December 31
   
December 31
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
(Unaudited)
Operating activities
                     
Net income
$
 573 
 
$
 833 
 
$
 1,895 
 
$
 2,158 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                     
   provided from operating activities:
                     
     Depreciation and amortization
 
 197 
   
 172 
   
 725 
   
 678 
     Deferred income taxes
 
 43 
   
 (207)
   
 230 
   
 (82)
     Gain on sale of Central Station Complex
 
 -
   
 (92)
   
 -
   
 (92)
     Gain on sale of investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway
 -
   
 (61)
   
 -
   
 (61)
     Other changes in:
                     
        Accounts receivable
 
 (173)
   
 267 
   
 (432)
   
 229 
        Material and supplies
 
 25 
   
 44 
   
 (23)
   
 18 
        Accounts payable and other
 
 (28)
   
 99 
   
 (127)
   
 (396)
        Other current assets
 
 2 
   
 (9)
   
 37 
   
84 
     Other
 
 (139)
   
 (122)
   
 (274)
   
 (119)
Cash provided from operating activities
 
 500 
   
 942 
   
 2,031 
   
 2,417 
                       
Investing activities
                     
Property additions
 
 (480)
   
 (490)
   
 (1,424)
   
 (1,387)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 
 (50)
   
 (25)
   
 (50)
   
 (25)
Sale of Central Station Complex
 
 -
   
 351 
   
 -
   
 351 
Sale of investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway
 
 -
   
 114 
   
 -
   
 114 
Other, net
 
 32 
   
 26 
   
 74 
   
 52 
Cash used by investing activities
 
 (498)
   
 (24)
   
 (1,400)
   
 (895)
                       
Financing activities
                     
Issuance of long-term debt
 
 1,003 
   
 846 
   
 4,433 
   
 4,171 
Reduction of long-term debt
 
 (793)
   
 (1,120)
   
 (3,589)
   
 (3,589)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock options and
                 
   related excess tax benefits realized
 
 6 
   
 4 
   
 54 
   
 77 
Repurchase of common shares
 
 (4)
   
 (445)
   
 (1,021)
   
 (1,584)
Dividends paid
 
 (108)
   
 (102)
   
 (436)
   
 (418)
Cash provided from (used by) financing activities
 
 104 
   
 (817)
   
 (559)
   
 (1,343)
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar-
                     
   denominated cash and cash equivalents
 
 19 
   
 (5)
   
 31 
   
 (48)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 125 
   
 96 
   
 103 
   
 131 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
 288 
   
 214 
   
 310 
   
 179 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
 413 
 
$
 310 
 
$
 413 
 
$
 310 
                       
Supplemental cash flow information
                     
   Net cash receipts from customers and other
$
 1,987 
 
$
 2,209 
 
$
 8,012 
 
$
 8,139 
   Net cash payments for:
                     
        Employee services, suppliers and other expenses
 
 (1,171)
   
 (979)
   
 (4,920)
   
 (4,323)
        Interest
 
 (124)
   
 (67)
   
 (396)
   
 (340)
        Workforce reductions
 
 (5)
   
 (7)
   
 (22)
   
 (31)
        Personal injury and other claims
 
 (29)
   
 (28)
   
 (91)
   
 (86)
        Pensions
 
 (50)
   
 (25)
   
 (127)
   
 (75)
        Income taxes
 
 (108)
   
 (161)
   
 (425)
   
 (867)
Cash provided from operating activities
$
 500 
 
$
 942 
 
$
 2,031 
 
$
 2,417 
Certain of the 2007 figures have been restated to conform to the 2008 presentation.
 
 
8

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
SELECTED RAILROAD STATISTICS (1) (U.S. GAAP)
 

           
 
Three months ended
 
Year ended
 
December 31
 
December 31
 
2008 
2007 
 
2008 
2007 
 
(Unaudited)
Statistical operating data
         
           
Rail freight revenues ($ millions)
1,977 
1,763 
 
7,641 
7,186 
Gross ton miles (GTM) (millions)
81,871 
89,315 
 
339,854 
347,898 
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)
42,382 
47,151 
 
177,951 
184,148 
Carloads (thousands)
1,078 
1,205 
 
4,615 
4,744 
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.)
20,961 
20,421 
 
20,961 
20,421 
Employees (end of period)
22,227 
22,696 
 
22,227 
22,696 
Employees (average for the period)
22,461 
22,796 
 
22,695 
22,389 
           
Productivity
         
           
Operating ratio (%)
62.7 
62.1 
 
65.9 
63.6 
Rail freight revenue per RTM (cents)
4.66 
3.74 
 
4.29 
3.90 
Rail freight revenue per carload ($)
1,834 
1,463 
 
1,656 
1,515 
Operating expenses per GTM (cents)
1.69 
1.35 
 
1.64 
1.44 
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)
0.48 
0.38 
 
0.49 
0.49 
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)
3,645 
3,918 
 
14,975 
15,539 
Diesel fuel consumed (U.S. gallons in millions)
93 
102 
 
380 
392 
Average fuel price ($/U.S. gallon)
2.88 
2.70 
 
3.39 
2.40 
GTMs per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed
880 
876 
 
894 
887 
           
Safety indicators
         
           
Injury frequency rate per 200,000 person hours (2)
1.7 
2.1 
 
1.8 
1.9 
Accident rate per million train miles (2)
2.8 
3.6 
 
2.6 
2.7 
           
Financial ratio
         
           
Debt to total capitalization ratio (% at end of period)
42.8 
35.6 
 
42.8 
35.6 
(1) Includes data relating to companies acquired as of the date of acquisition.
(2) Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.














Certain statistical data and related productivity measures are based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

 
9

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (U.S. GAAP)
 

 
Three months ended December 31
 
Year ended December 31
     
Variance
     
Variance
 
2008 
2007 
Fav (Unfav)
 
2008 
2007 
Fav (Unfav)
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues (millions of dollars)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 359 
 306 
17%
 
 1,346 
 1,226 
10%
Metals and minerals
 237 
 195 
22%
 
 950 
 826 
15%
Forest products
 366 
 336 
9%
 
 1,436 
 1,552 
(7%)
Coal
 132 
 98 
35%
 
 478 
 385 
24%
Grain and fertilizers
 381 
 350 
9%
 
 1,382 
 1,311 
5%
Intermodal
 390 
 362 
8%
 
 1,580 
 1,382 
14%
Automotive
 112 
 116 
(3%)
 
 469 
 504 
(7%)
Total rail freight revenue
 1,977 
 1,763 
12%
 
 7,641 
 7,186 
6%
Other revenues
 223 
 178 
25%
 
 841 
 711 
18%
Total revenues
 2,200 
 1,941 
13%
 
 8,482 
 7,897 
7%
               
Revenue ton miles (millions)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 7,678 
 8,473 
(9%)
 
 32,346 
 32,761 
(1%)
Metals and minerals
 3,982 
 4,305 
(8%)
 
 17,953 
 16,719 
7%
Forest products
 7,848 
 9,156 
(14%)
 
 33,847 
 39,808 
(15%)
Coal
 3,697 
 3,432 
8%
 
 14,886 
 13,776 
8%
Grain and fertilizers
 10,592 
 12,550 
(16%)
 
 42,507 
 45,359 
(6%)
Intermodal
 8,027 
 8,493 
(5%)
 
 33,822 
 32,607 
4%
Automotive
 558 
 742 
(25%)
 
 2,590 
 3,118 
(17%)
 
 42,382 
 47,151 
(10%)
 
 177,951 
 184,148 
(3%)
Rail freight revenue / RTM (cents)
             
Total rail freight revenue per RTM
 4.66 
 3.74 
25%
 
 4.29 
 3.90 
10%
Commodity groups:
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 4.68 
 3.61 
30%
 
 4.16 
 3.74 
11%
Metals and minerals
 5.95 
 4.53 
31%
 
 5.29 
 4.94 
7%
Forest products
 4.66 
 3.67 
27%
 
 4.24 
 3.90 
9%
Coal
 3.57 
 2.86 
25%
 
 3.21 
 2.79 
15%
Grain and fertilizers
 3.60 
 2.79 
29%
 
 3.25 
 2.89 
12%
Intermodal
 4.86 
 4.26 
14%
 
 4.67 
 4.24 
10%
Automotive
 20.07 
 15.63 
28%
 
 18.11 
 16.16 
12%
               
Carloads (thousands)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 123 
 151 
(19%)
 
 547 
 599 
(9%)
Metals and minerals
 228 
 261 
(13%)
 
 1,025 
 1,010 
1%
Forest products
 116 
 134 
(13%)
 
 511 
 584 
(13%)
Coal
 95 
 86 
10%
 
 375 
 361 
4%
Grain and fertilizers
 143 
 162 
(12%)
 
 579 
 601 
(4%)
Intermodal
 332 
 346 
(4%)
 
 1,377 
 1,324 
4%
Automotive
 41 
 65 
(37%)
 
 201 
 265 
(24%)
 
 1,078 
 1,205 
(11%)
 
 4,615 
 4,744 
(3%)
Rail freight revenue / carload (dollars)
             
Total rail freight revenue per carload
 1,834 
 1,463 
25%
 
 1,656 
 1,515 
9%
Commodity groups:
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 2,919 
 2,026 
44%
 
 2,461 
 2,047 
20%
Metals and minerals
 1,039 
 747 
39%
 
 927 
 818 
13%
Forest products
 3,155 
 2,507 
26%
 
 2,810 
 2,658 
6%
Coal
 1,389 
 1,140 
22%
 
 1,275 
 1,066 
20%
Grain and fertilizers
 2,664 
 2,160 
23%
 
 2,387 
 2,181 
9%
Intermodal
 1,175 
 1,046 
12%
 
 1,147 
 1,044 
10%
Automotive
 2,732 
 1,785 
53%
 
 2,333 
 1,902 
23%

Such statistical data and related productivity measures are based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.
 
 
10

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES -  unaudited


Adjusted performance measures
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2008, the Company reported adjusted net income of $531 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, and $1,778 million, or $3.71 per diluted share, respectively.  The fourth quarter adjusted figures exclude the impact of a net deferred income tax recovery of $42 million ($0.09 per diluted share) resulting from the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years.  The year-to-date December 31, 2008 adjusted figures exclude a deferred income tax recovery of $117 million ($0.24 per diluted share), of which $83 million was due to the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years, $23 million was due to the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada and $11 million was due to net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.
During the three months and year ended December 31, 2007, the Company reported adjusted net income of $444 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, and $1,725 million, or $3.40 per diluted share, respectively. These adjusted figures exclude the impact of a net deferred income tax recovery of $284 million ($0.57 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter and $328 million ($0.64 per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2007 that resulted mainly from the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada.  Also excluded from adjusted net income for both the three- and twelve-month periods were the gains on sale of the Central Station Complex of $92 million or $64 million after-tax ($0.13 per diluted share) and the Company’s investment in English Welsh and Scottish Railway of $61 million or $41 million after-tax ($0.08 per diluted share).
Management believes that adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share are useful measures of performance that can facilitate period-to-period comparisons, as they exclude items that do not necessarily arise as part of the normal day-to-day operations of the Company and could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. The exclusion of such items in adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share does not, however, imply that such items are necessarily non-recurring. These adjusted measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The reader is advised to read all information provided in the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income and earnings per share, as reported for the three months and years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, to the adjusted performance measures presented herein.

                           
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
   
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2008
In millions, except per share data
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
Revenues
$
 2,200 
$
 -
$
 2,200 
 
$
 8,482 
$
 -
$
 8,482 
Operating expenses
 
 1,380 
 
 -
 
 1,380 
   
 5,588 
 
 -
 
 5,588 
Operating income
 
 820 
 
 -
 
 820 
   
 2,894 
 
 -
 
 2,894 
Interest expense
 
 (110)
 
 -
 
 (110)
   
 (375)
 
 -
 
 (375)
Other income
 
 19 
 
 -
 
 19 
   
 26 
 
 -
 
 26 
Income before income taxes
 
 729 
 
 -
 
 729 
   
 2,545 
 
 -
 
 2,545 
Income tax expense
 
 (156)
 
 (42)
 
 (198)
   
 (650)
 
 (117)
 
 (767)
Net income
$
 573 
$
 (42)
$
 531 
 
$
 1,895 
$
 (117)
$
 1,778 
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
 1.22 
$
 (0.09)
$
 1.13 
 
$
 3.99 
$
 (0.24)
$
 3.75 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 1.21 
$
 (0.09)
$
 1.12 
 
$
 3.95 
$
 (0.24)
$
 3.71 

 
11

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES -  unaudited


                           
   
Three months ended
   
Year ended
   
December 31, 2007
   
December 31, 2007
In millions, except per share data
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
Revenues
$
 1,941 
$
 -
$
 1,941 
 
$
 7,897 
$
 -
$
 7,897 
Operating expenses
 
 1,205 
 
 -
 
 1,205 
   
 5,021 
 
 -
 
 5,021 
Operating income
 
 736 
 
 -
 
 736 
   
 2,876 
 
 -
 
 2,876 
Interest expense
 
 (85)
 
 -
 
 (85)
   
 (336)
 
 -
 
 (336)
Other income
 
 159 
 
 (153)
 
 6 
   
 166 
 
 (153)
 
 13 
Income before income taxes
 
 810 
 
 (153)
 
 657 
   
 2,706 
 
 (153)
 
 2,553 
Income tax recovery (expense)
 
 23 
 
 (236)
 
 (213)
   
 (548)
 
 (280)
 
 (828)
Net income
$
 833 
$
 (389)
$
 444 
 
$
 2,158 
$
 (433)
$
 1,725 
                           
Basic earnings per share
$
 1.70 
$
 (0.79)
$
 0.91 
 
$
 4.31 
$
 (0.87)
$
 3.44 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 1.68 
$
 (0.78)
$
 0.90 
 
$
 4.25 
$
 (0.85)
$
 3.40 

Free cash flow
The Company generated $311 million and $794 million of free cash flow for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, compared to $635 million and $828 million of free cash flow for the same periods in 2007.  Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and may, therefore, not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.  The Company believes that free cash flow is a useful measure of performance as it demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate cash after the payment of capital expenditures and dividends.  The Company defines free cash flow as cash provided from operating activities, excluding changes in the accounts receivable securitization program and changes in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations, less cash used by investing activities and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
Year ended
 
December 31
 
December 31
In millions
 
2008 
   
2007 
   
2008 
   
2007 
                 
Cash provided from operating activities
$
 500 
 
$
 942 
 
$
 2,031 
 
$
 2,417 
Cash used by investing activities
 
 (498)
   
 (24)
   
 (1,400)
   
 (895)
Cash provided before financing activities
 
 2 
   
 918 
   
 631 
   
 1,522 
                       
Adjustments:
                     
   Change in accounts receivable securitization
 
 398 
   
 (176)
   
 568 
   
 (228)
   Dividends paid
 
 (108)
   
 (102)
   
 (436)
   
 (418)
   Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar-
                     
      denominated cash and cash equivalents
 
 19 
   
 (5)
   
 31 
   
 (48)
Free cash flow
$
 311 
 
$
 635 
 
$
 794 
 
$
 828 



 
12

 

SIGNATURES
 
          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
   
Canadian National Railway Company
 
           
Date: January 22, 2009
By:
/s/ Cristina Circelli
 
     
Name:
Cristina Circelli
 
     
Title:
Deputy Corporate Secretary and
General Counsel