form6k.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 July, 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
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
6.
XBRL exhibits

 
 
 
 

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 
 
Item 1
 
 
North America’s Railroad
 

 

NEWS RELEASE
 
CN reports Q2-2009 net income of C$387 million, or C$0.82 per diluted share, compared with year-earlier net income
of C$459 million, or C$0.95 per diluted share

MONTREAL, July 20, 2009 — CN (TSX: CNR)(NYSE: CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

Second-quarter 2009 highlights
 
·  
Net income declined to C$387 million, or C$0.82 per diluted share, from year-earlier net income of C$459 million, or C$0.95 per diluted share, as a result of depressed North American and global economies driving lower volumes.
·  
Revenues declined 15 per cent to C$1,781 million, carloads declined 22 per cent to 928,000, and revenue ton-miles declined 14 per cent, with weakness in almost all market segments.
·  
Operating expenses declined 14 per cent to C$1,198 million, reflecting a significant reduction in year-over-year fuel prices and extensive cost-containment measures in response to lower traffic.
·  
Operating income declined 18 per cent to C$583 million, while the operating ratio increased by one percentage point to 67.3 per cent.
·  
Six-month 2009 free cash flow increased to C$463 million from C$225 million generated during the first-half of 2008. (1)

CN’s second-quarter 2009 net income included:

·  
A deferred income tax recovery of C$28 million ($0.06 per diluted share), of which C$12 million (C$0.03 per diluted share) resulted from the enactment of a lower provincial corporate income tax rate and C$16 million (C$0.03 per diluted share) resulted from the re-capitalization of a foreign investment.
·  
Costs of C$2 million after-tax (nil per diluted share) related to the acquisition of the principal rail lines of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E).

Excluding these items, CN reported adjusted second-quarter 2009 net income of C$361 million, or C$0.76 per diluted share. (1)
 
The strengthening of the U.S. dollar affected the conversion of the Company’s U.S.-dollar-denominated revenues and expenses, increasing second-quarter 2009 net income by C$15 million, or C$0.03 per diluted share.
 
 
 
 
1

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 
 
CN’s second-quarter 2008 net income also included a deferred income tax recovery of C$23 million (C$0.05 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates. Excluding that item, adjusted second-quarter 2008 net income was C$436 million, or C$0.90 per diluted share. (1)

E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer, said: “The second quarter of 2009 saw a continuation of significant weakness in most of our commodity groups as a result of the current recession in North America and difficult global economic conditions, with all groups but coal registering double-digit declines in carloadings. The biggest declines were in metals and minerals shipments, principally on account of a sharp reduction in short-haul iron ore movements in northern Minnesota, and in automotive and forest products traffic. Intermodal, grain and fertilizers, and petroleum and chemicals saw lesser declines. Coal was a bright spot, however, as a result of higher U.S. shipments resulting from our acquisition of the EJ&E.

“While the current economic environment continues to affect our business significantly and we remain focused on adjusting expenses accordingly, we see some signs that several markets are stabilizing and we hope the economy will begin to recover in the second half of this year. CN’s solid cost structure and operational expertise will position us well to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Second-quarter 2009 revenues, traffic volumes and expenses

The 15 per cent decline in second-quarter 2009 revenues resulted from significantly lower volumes in almost all markets as a result of prevailing economic conditions in the North American and global economies, and a lower fuel surcharge due to year-over-year decreases in applicable fuel prices as well as lower volumes. Partly offsetting these factors were the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated revenues, freight rate increases, and a positive change in traffic mix.

Second-quarter 2009 carloadings declined 22 per cent to 928,000 from 1,188 thousand in the year-earlier period. Revenue ton-miles, measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by CN, declined by 14 per cent from second-quarter 2008.

Rail freight revenue per revenue ton-mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, was flat in the second quarter of 2009 when compared to the same period of 2008. The positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases were entirely offset during the quarter by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge and an increase in the average length of haul.

The 14 per cent decline in second-quarter 2009 operating expenses was primarily due to lower fuel costs and reduced expenses for purchased services and material and labor, partly reflecting the impact of reduced freight volumes and management’s cost-reduction initiatives. These factors were partially offset by the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated expenses.

(1) Please see discussion and reconciliation of non-GAAP adjusted performance measures in the attached supplementary schedule, Non-GAAP Measures.
 
 
 
2

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
PRESS RELEASE
 
 
 
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 the current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. 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, the effects of adverse general economic and business conditions, including the current deep recession in the North American economy and the global economic contraction in 2009, industry competition, inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations, changes in fuel prices, legislative and/or regulatory developments, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, actions by regulators, various events which could disrupt operations, including natural events such as severe weather, droughts, floods and earthquakes, labor negotiations and disruptions, environmental claims, uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation, risks and liabilities arising from derailments, 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, 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 assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

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


 
 
3

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions, except per share data)
Item 2

 
                         
   
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
   
June 30
 
June 30
                         
     
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
   
(Unaudited)
Revenues
$
 1,781 
 
$
 2,098 
 
$
 3,640 
 
$
 4,025 
                         
Operating expenses
                     
 
Labor and fringe benefits
 
 413 
   
 392 
   
 867 
   
 853 
 
Purchased services and material
 
 253 
   
 283 
   
 544 
   
 568 
 
Fuel
 
 174 
   
 399 
   
 356 
   
 709 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 199 
   
 176 
   
 402 
   
 351 
 
Equipment rents
 
 70 
   
 60 
   
 152 
   
 124 
 
Casualty and other
 
 89 
   
 81 
   
 255 
   
 190 
Total operating expenses
 
 1,198 
   
 1,391 
   
 2,576 
   
 2,795 
                         
Operating income
 
 583 
   
 707 
   
 1,064 
   
 1,230 
                         
Interest expense
 
 (108)
   
 (87)
   
 (220)
   
 (173)
Other income  (Note 3)
 
 9 
   
 9 
   
 170 
   
 3 
Income before income taxes
 
 484 
   
 629 
   
 1,014 
   
 1,060 
                         
Income tax expense (Note 7)
 
 (97)
   
 (170)
   
 (203)
   
 (290)
Net income
$
 387 
 
$
 459 
 
$
 811 
 
$
 770 
                         
Earnings per share (Note 10)
                     
 
Basic
$
 0.83 
 
$
 0.96 
 
$
 1.73 
 
$
 1.61 
 
Diluted
$
 0.82 
 
$
 0.95 
 
$
 1.72 
 
$
 1.59 
                         
Weighted-average number of shares
                     
 
Basic
 
 468.7 
   
 476.4 
   
 468.5 
   
 479.6 
 
Diluted
 
 473.0 
   
 482.0 
   
 472.7 
   
 485.3 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
4

 

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

                 
 
June 30
 
     December 31
 
June 30
   
2009 
   
2008 
   
2008 
   
(Unaudited)
         
(Unaudited)
Assets
               
                 
Current assets:
               
     Cash and cash equivalents
$
 431 
 
$
 413 
 
$
 161 
     Accounts receivable (Note 4)
 
 865 
   
 913 
   
 843 
     Material and supplies
 
 258 
   
 200 
   
 217 
     Deferred income taxes
 
 113 
   
 98 
   
 67 
     Other
 
 96 
   
 132 
   
 88 
   
 1,763 
   
 1,756 
   
 1,376 
                 
Properties
 
 23,160 
   
 23,203 
   
 20,864 
Intangible and other assets
 
 1,814 
   
 1,761 
   
 2,113 
                 
Total assets
$
 26,737 
 
$
 26,720 
 
$
 24,353 
                 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
               
                 
Current liabilities:
               
     Accounts payable and other
$
 1,270 
 
$
 1,386 
 
$
 1,289 
     Current portion of long-term debt
 
 506 
   
 506 
   
 85 
   
 1,776 
   
 1,892 
   
 1,374 
                 
Deferred income taxes
 
 5,443 
   
 5,511 
   
 5,100 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
 
 1,319 
   
 1,353 
   
 1,381 
Long-term debt (Note 4)
 
 7,093 
   
 7,405 
   
 6,389 
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
     Common shares
 
 4,203 
   
 4,179 
   
 4,208 
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 (207)
   
 (155)
   
 (1)
     Retained earnings
 
 7,110 
   
 6,535 
   
 5,902 
   
 11,106 
   
 10,559 
   
 10,109 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
 26,737 
 
$
 26,720 
 
$
 24,353 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
     

 
5

 

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

  
                     
  
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
  
June 30
 
June 30
  
 
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
  
(Unaudited)
Common shares  (1)
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 4,188 
 
$
 4,241 
 
$
 4,179 
 
$
 4,283 
    Stock options exercised and other
 
 15 
   
 19 
   
 24 
   
 42 
    Share repurchase programs (Note 4)
 
 -
   
 (52)
   
 -
   
 (117)
Balance, end of period
$
4,203 
 
$
4,208 
 
$
4,203 
 
$
4,208 
  
                     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 (126)
 
$
 9 
 
$
 (155)
 
$
 (31)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                     
Unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) on:
                     
    Translation of the net investment in foreign operations
 
 (583)
   
 (47)
   
 (332)
   
 140 
    Translation of U.S. dollar-denominated long-term debt
                     
       designated as a hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries
 
 580 
   
 41 
   
 322 
   
 (141)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans (Note 6):
                     
    Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost (income) 
 
 1 
   
 (1)
   
 1 
   
 (2)
    Amortization of prior service cost included in net 
                     
       periodic benefit cost (income) 
 
 -
   
 6 
   
 1 
   
 12 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes
 
 (2)
   
 (1)
   
 (8)
   
 9 
Income tax recovery (expense)
 
 (79)
   
 (9)
   
 (44)
   
 21 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 (81)
   
 (10)
   
 (52)
   
 30 
Balance, end of period
$
 (207)
 
$
 (1)
 
$
 (207)
 
$
 (1)
  
                     
Retained earnings 
                     
Balance, beginning of period
$
 6,841 
 
$
 5,823 
 
$
 6,535 
 
$
 5,925 
    Net income
 
 387 
   
 459 
   
 811 
   
 770 
    Share repurchase programs (Note 4)
 
 -
   
 (271)
   
 -
   
 (573)
    Dividends
 
 (118)
   
 (109)
   
 (236)
   
 (220)
Balance, end of period
$
 7,110 
 
$
 5,902 
 
$
 7,110 
 
$
 5,902 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

(1)
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company issued 0.6 million and 0.8 million common shares, respectively, as a result of stock options exercised. At June 30, 2009, the Company had 469.0 million common shares outstanding.


 
6

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  (U.S. GAAP)
(In millions)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
   
June 30
   
June 30
   
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
   
(Unaudited)
Operating activities
                     
Net income
$
 387 
 
$
 459 
 
$
 811 
 
$
 770 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                     
   provided from operating activities:
                     
     Depreciation and amortization
 
 199 
   
 176 
   
 402 
   
 351 
     Deferred income taxes
 
 40 
   
 89 
   
 50 
   
 114 
     Gain on disposal of property (Note 3)
 
 -
   
-
   
 (157)
   
 -
     Other changes in:
                     
        Accounts receivable
 
 28 
   
 (233)
   
 29 
   
 (468)
        Material and supplies
 
 4 
   
 (6)
   
 (49)
   
 (54)
        Accounts payable and other
 
 (9)
   
 (39)
   
 (141)
   
 (98)
        Other current assets
 
 5 
   
 22 
   
 41 
   
 51 
     Other
 
 (22)
   
 (59)
   
 (36)
   
 (92)
Cash provided from operating activities
 
 632 
   
 409 
   
 950 
   
 574 
                       
Investing activities
                     
Property additions
 
 (309)
   
 (352)
   
 (496)
   
 (529)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3)
 
 -
   
 -
   
 (373)
   
 -
Disposal of property (Note 3)
 
 40 
   
 -
   
 150 
   
 -
Other, net
 
 33 
   
 9 
   
 37 
   
 20 
Cash used by investing activities
 
 (236)
   
 (343)
   
 (682)
   
 (509)
                       
Financing activities
                     
Issuance of long-term debt
 
 -
   
 1,597 
   
 1,440 
   
 2,652 
Reduction of long-term debt
 
 (187)
   
 (1,418)
   
 (1,459)
   
 (1,998)
Issuance of common shares due to exercise of stock
                 
   options and related excess tax benefits realized
 
 13 
   
 16 
   
 15 
   
 34 
Repurchase of common shares
 
 -
   
 (323)
   
 -
   
 (690)
Dividends paid
 
 (118)
   
 (109)
   
 (236)
   
 (220)
Cash used by financing activities
 
 (292)
   
 (237)
   
 (240)
   
 (222)
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S.
                     
   dollar-denominated cash and cash equivalents
 
 (22)
   
 (2)
   
 (10)
   
 8 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 82 
   
 (173)
   
 18 
   
 (149)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
 349 
   
 334 
   
 413 
   
 310 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
 431 
 
$
 161 
 
$
 431 
 
$
 161 
                       
Supplemental cash flow information
                     
   Net cash receipts from customers and other
$
 1,834 
 
$
 1,886 
 
$
 3,738 
 
$
 3,634 
   Net cash payments for:
                     
        Employee services, suppliers and other expenses
 
 (970)
   
 (1,215)
   
 (2,332)
   
 (2,554)
        Interest
 
 (93)
   
 (90)
   
 (199)
   
 (190)
        Workforce reductions
 
 (4)
   
 (6)
   
 (8)
   
 (12)
        Personal injury and other claims
 
 (35)
   
 (18)
   
 (65)
   
 (44)
        Pensions
 
 (28)
   
 (31)
   
 (28)
   
 (53)
        Income taxes
 
 (72)
   
 (117)
   
 (156)
   
 (207)
Cash provided from operating activities
$
 632 
 
$
 409 
 
$
 950 
 
$
 574 
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
                       

 
7

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Note 1 - Basis of presentation

In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial statements, contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Canadian National Railway Company’s (the Company) financial position as at June 30, 2009, December 31, 2008, and June 30, 2008, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.

These unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements, except as disclosed in Note 2 – Accounting change. While management believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) and the 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

These unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and issued on July 20, 2009. As at such date, there were no material subsequent events affecting any conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including any estimates inherent in the process of preparing the financial statements.
 
 
Note 2 – Accounting change

On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (R), “Business Combinations,” which became effective for acquisitions with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Until December 31, 2008, the Company was subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” which required that acquisition-related costs be included as part of the purchase cost of an acquired business. As such, the Company had reported acquisition-related costs in Other current assets pending the closing of its acquisition of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E), which had been subject to an extensive U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval process. On January 31, 2009, the Company completed its acquisition of the EJ&E and accounted for the acquisition under SFAS No. 141 (R). The Company incurred acquisition-related costs, including costs to obtain regulatory approval, of approximately $49 million, of which $3 million was incurred in the second quarter of 2009. These costs were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 pursuant to SFAS No. 141 (R) requirements. At the time of adoption, this change in accounting policy had the effect of decreasing net income by $28 million ($0.06 per basic or diluted earnings per share) and Other current assets by $46 million. This change had no effect on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Disclosures prescribed by SFAS No. 141 (R) are presented in Note 3 – Acquisition and disposal of property.


Note 3 - Acquisition and disposal of property

Acquisition of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company
On January 31, 2009, the Company acquired the principal rail lines of the EJ&E for a total cash consideration of U.S.$300 million (Cdn$373 million), paid with cash on hand. The EJ&E is a short-line railway previously owned by U.S. Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) that operates over 198 miles of track and serves steel mills, petrochemical customers, utility plants and distribution centers in Illinois and Indiana, as well as connects with all the major railroads entering Chicago. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the railroad operations of EJ&E, except those that support the Gary Works site in northwest Indiana and the steelmaking operations of U.S. Steel. The acquisition is expected to drive new efficiencies and operating improvements on CN’s network as a result of streamlined rail operations and reduced congestion in the Chicago area.
The Company and EJ&E had entered into the acquisition agreement on September 25, 2007, and the Company had filed an application for authorization of the transaction with the STB on October 30, 2007. Following an extensive regulatory approval process, which included an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that resulted in conditions imposed to mitigate
 
 
8

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 
municipalities’ concerns regarding increased rail activity, expected along the EJ&E line, the STB approved the transaction on December 24, 2008. The STB also imposed a five-year monitoring and oversight condition, during which the Company is required to file with the STB monthly operational reports as well as quarterly reports on the implementation status of the STB-imposed mitigation conditions. This permits the STB to take further action if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances upon which it relied in imposing the specific mitigation conditions. Over the next few years, the Company has committed to spend approximately U.S.$100 million for railroad infrastructure improvements and over U.S.$60 million under a series of agreements with individual communities, a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program that addresses municipalities’ concerns, and additional STB-imposed conditions that the Company has accepted with one exception. The Company has filed an appeal challenging the STB's condition requiring the installation of grade separations at two locations along the EJ&E at Company funding levels significantly beyond prior STB practice. Although the STB granted the Company’s application to acquire control of the EJ&E, challenges have since been made by certain communities as to the sufficiency of the EIS which, if successful, could result in further consideration of the environmental impact of the transaction and mitigation conditions imposed. The Company strongly disputes the merit of these challenges, and has intervened in support of the STB’s defense against them. The final outcome of such challenges, as well as the resolution of matters that could arise during the STB's five-year oversight of the transaction, cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore, there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company has accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to SFAS No. 141 (R), “Business Combinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of EJ&E as of January 31, 2009, the date of acquisition. The costs incurred to-date to acquire the EJ&E of approximately $49 million were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 (see Note 2 - Accounting change).
     The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date. The Company has not finalized its valuation of such assets and liabilities. As such, the fair value is subject to change, although no material change is anticipated.

At January 31, 2009
(In U.S. millions)
 
     
Consideration
 
Cash
$
300 
Fair value of total consideration transferred
$
300 
     
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
   
Current assets
$
Other long-term assets
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
304 
Current liabilities
 
 (4)
Other long-term liabilities
 
 (10)
Total identifiable net assets
$
 300 

The amount of revenues and net income of EJ&E included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date to June 30, 2009, were $34 million and $7 million, respectively. The Company has not provided supplemental pro forma information relating to the pre-acquisition period as it was not considered material to the results of operations of the Company.



 
9

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Disposal of Weston subdivision
In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with GO Transit to sell the property known as the Weston subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for cash proceeds of $110 million before transaction costs, with a balance on sale of about $50 million placed in escrow on the Company’s behalf and to be released in accordance with the terms of the agreement but no later than December 31, 2009. At June 30, 2009, $40 million had been released from escrow and was received by the Company. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposition of $157 million ($135 million after-tax), including amounts related to the real estate as well as the retention of trackage and other rights. The Company accounted for the transaction in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.


Note 4 - Financing activities

Shelf prospectus and registration statement
In February 2009, the Company issued U.S.$550 million (Cdn$684 million) of 5.55% Notes due 2019. The debt offering was made under the Company’s currently effective shelf prospectus and registration statement, filed by the Company in December 2007.  Accordingly, the amount registered for offering under the shelf prospectus and registration statement has been reduced to U.S.$1.3 billion. The Company used the net proceeds of U.S.$540 million (Cdn$672 million) from the offering to repay a portion of its then outstanding commercial paper and to reduce a portion of its accounts receivable securitization program.

Revolving credit facility
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had letters of credit drawn on its U.S.$1 billion revolving credit facility, expiring in October 2011, of $236 million ($181 million as at December 31, 2008). The Company also had total borrowings under its commercial paper program of $5 million denominated in Canadian dollars. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 1.01%.
     As at December 31, 2008, total borrowings under the Company’s commercial paper program were $626 million, of which $256 million was denominated in Canadian dollars and $370 million was denominated in U.S. dollars (U.S.$303 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.42%.

Accounts receivable securitization
The Company has a five-year agreement, expiring in May 2011, to sell an undivided co-ownership interest for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company reduced the program limit from $600 million to $400 million until the end of 2009 to reflect the anticipated reduction in the use of the program.
Pursuant to the agreement, the Company sells an interest in its receivables and receives proceeds net of the required reserve as stipulated in the agreement. The required reserve represents an amount set aside to allow for possible credit losses and is recognized by the Company as retained interest and recorded in Other current assets in its Consolidated Balance Sheet. The eligible freight receivables as defined in the agreement may not include delinquent or defaulted receivables, or receivables that do not meet certain obligor-specific criteria, including concentrations in excess of prescribed limits with any one customer.
During the first half of 2009, proceeds from collections reinvested in the securitization program were approximately $138 million and purchases of previously transferred accounts receivable were approximately $4 million. At June 30, 2009, the servicing asset and liability were not significant. Subject to customary indemnifications, the trust’s recourse is generally limited to the receivables.
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had sold receivables that resulted in proceeds of $2 million under this program ($71 million at December 31, 2008), and recorded retained interest of approximately 10% of this amount in Other current assets (retained interest of approximately 10% recorded as at December 31, 2008). The fair value of the retained interest approximated carrying value as a result of the short collection cycle and negligible credit losses.

 
10

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 
Share repurchase program
During the first half of 2009, the Company did not repurchase any common shares under its 25.0 million share repurchase program, which expired on July 20, 2009. The Company repurchased a total of 6.1 million common shares since July 28, 2008, the inception of the program, for $331 million, at a weighted-average price of $54.42 per share.

Note 5 - Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the plans is provided in Note 11 – Stock plans, to the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded total compensation expense for awards under all plans of $25 million and $40 million, respectively, and $6 million and $34 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008. The total tax benefit recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $7 million and $11 million, respectively, and $3 million and $10 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008.

Cash settled awards
Following approval by the Board of Directors in January 2009, the Company granted 0.9 million restricted share units (RSUs) to designated management employees entitling them to receive payout in cash based on the Company’s share price. The RSUs granted by the Company are generally scheduled for payout in cash after three years (“plan period”) and vest conditionally upon the attainment of a target relating to return on invested capital over the plan period. Payout is conditional upon the attainment of a minimum share price calculated using the average of the last three months of the plan period. As at June 30, 2009, 0.1 million RSUs remained authorized for future issuance under this plan.
        The following table provides the 2009 activity for all cash settled awards:
       
   
     
RSUs
 
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP)
 
In millions
   
Nonvested
Vested
 
Nonvested
Vested
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
   
1.3 
0.9 
 (1)
0.1 
1.8 
 
Granted
   
0.9 
 
0.1 
 (2)
Transferred into plan
   
 
0.1 
 
Payout
   
(0.9)
 
(0.1)
 
Outstanding at June 30, 2009
   
2.2 
 
0.1 
1.9 
 
(1)  Includes 0.1 million of 2004 time-vested RSUs.
         
(2)  Includes the Company's match and dividends earned on original deferred share units.
 

 
11

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 


        The following table provides valuation and expense information for all cash settled awards:
                               
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
RSUs (1)
 
Vision (1)
 
VIDP (2)
   
Total
 
  
                                   
2003 
     
Year of grant
2009 
 
2008 
 
2007 
 
2006 
 
2004 
 
2005 
 
onwards
     
 
  
                                             
Stock-based compensation expense (recovery)
                                   
 
recognized over requisite service period
                                   
Six months ended June 30, 2009
$
14 
 
    $
 
$
 
$
(2)
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
$
14 
 
$
31 
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
N/A
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
26 
 
  
                                             
Liability outstanding
                                             
June 30, 2009
$
14 
 
$
10 
 
$
12 
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
   
N/A
 
$
98 
 
$
134 
December 31, 2008
 
N/A
 
$
 
$
 
$
53 
 
$
 
$
 -
 
$
88 
 
$
161 
 
  
                                             
Fair value per unit  
                                             
June 30, 2009 ($)
$
 35.19 
 
$
 28.36 
 
$
 22.93 
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
$
 49.97 
   
N/A
 
  
                                             
Fair value of awards vested during period
                                   
Six months ended June 30, 2009
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
$
 
$
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
N/A
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 -
 
$
 2 
 
$
 2 
 
  
                                             
Nonvested awards at June 30, 2009
                                   
Unrecognized compensation cost  
$
13 
 
$
 
$
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
$
 
$
19 
Remaining recognition period (years)
 
 2.50 
   
 1.50 
   
 0.50 
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
 3.50 
   
N/A
 
  
                                             
Assumptions  (3)
                                             
Stock price ($)
$
 49.97 
 
$
 49.97 
 
$
 49.97 
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
$
 49.97 
   
N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (4)
 
29%
   
32%
   
37%
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
Expected term (years) (5)
 
 2.50 
   
 1.50 
   
 0.50 
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
Risk-free interest rate  (6)
 
1.52%
   
0.86%
   
0.31%
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
Dividend rate ($) (7)
$
 1.01 
 
$
 1.01 
 
$
 1.01 
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
   
N/A
 
  
                                             
(1)
Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the awards at period-end using the lattice-based valuation model that uses the assumptions as presented herein.
 
  
                                             
(2)
Compensation cost is based on intrinsic value.
                         
 
  
                                             
(3)
Assumptions used to determine fair value are at June 30, 2009.
                       
 
  
                                             
(4)
Based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award.
 
  
                                             
(5)
Represents the remaining period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding.
 
 
  
                                             
(6)
Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
 
  
                                             
(7)
Based on the annualized dividend rate.
                                   

Stock option awards
Following approval by the Board of Directors in January 2009, the Company granted 1.2 million conventional stock options to designated senior management employees. The stock option plan allows eligible employees to acquire common shares of the Company upon vesting at a price equal to the market value of the common shares at the date of grant. The options are exercisable during a period not exceeding 10 years. The right to exercise options generally accrues over a period of four years of continuous employment. Options are not generally exercisable during the first 12 months after the date of grant. At June 30, 2009, 12.3 million common shares remained authorized for future issuances under this plan. The total number of options outstanding at June 30, 2009, including conventional and performance-accelerated options, was 10.5 million and 3.1 million, respectively.


 
12

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

The following table provides the activity of stock option awards in 2009. The table also provides the aggregate intrinsic value for in-the-money stock options, which represents the amount that would have been received by option holders had they exercised their options on June 30, 2009 at the Company’s closing stock price of $49.97.

 
Options outstanding
   
Weighted-
   
   
Number
average
Weighted-average
Aggregate
   
of options
exercise price
years to expiration
intrinsic value
 
In millions
     
In millions
Outstanding at December 31, 2008(1)
13.2 
$
29.05 
     
Granted
1.2 
$
 42.13 
     
Exercised
(0.8)
$
 15.33 
     
Outstanding at June 30, 2009 (1)
13.6 
$
 30.47 
4.5 
$
273 
Exercisable at June 30, 2009 (1)
11.0 
$
 26.59 
3.5 
$
261 
               
(1)
Stock options with a U.S. dollar exercise price have been translated to Canadian dollars using the foreign exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.

 
13

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 


        The following table provides valuation and expense information for all stock option awards:
     
  
                                 
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
                                 
Year of grant
  
 
2009 
   
2008 
   
2007 
   
2006 
   
2005 
   
Total
     
  
                                 
Stock-based compensation expense
                                 
   recognized over requisite service period  (1)
                                 
Six months ended June 30, 2009
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
N/A
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
     
  
                                 
Fair value per unit
  
                                 
At grant date ($)
$
 12.60 
 
$
 12.44 
 
$
 13.36 
 
$
 13.80 
 
$
 9.19 
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
Fair value of awards vested during period
                                 
Six months ended June 30, 2009
$
 -
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 12 
Six months ended June 30, 2008
 
N/A
 
$
 -
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 3 
 
$
 9 
     
  
                                 
Nonvested awards at June 30, 2009
                                 
Unrecognized compensation cost
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
 
$
14 
Remaining recognition period (years)
 
 3.5 
   
 2.5 
   
 1.5 
   
 0.5 
   
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
Assumptions  
                                 
Grant price ($)
$
 42.13 
 
$
 48.51 
 
$
 52.79 
 
$
 51.51 
 
$
 36.33 
   
N/A
Expected stock price volatility  (2)
 
39%
   
27%
   
24%
   
25%
   
25%
   
N/A
Expected term (years) (3)
 
 5.3 
   
 5.3 
   
 5.2 
   
 5.2 
   
 5.2 
   
N/A
Risk-free interest rate (4)
 
1.97%
   
3.58%
   
4.12%
   
4.04%
   
3.50%
   
N/A
Dividend rate ($) (5)
$
 1.01 
 
$
 0.92 
 
$
 0.84 
 
$
 0.65 
 
$
 0.50 
   
N/A
     
  
                                 
(1)
Compensation cost is based on the grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses the assumptions at the grant date.
     
  
                                 
(2)
Based on the average of the historical volatility of the Company's stock over a period commensurate with the expected term of the award and the implied volatility from traded options on the Company's stock.
     
  
                                 
(3)
Represents the period of time that awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination, and groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately.
     
  
                                 
(4)
Based on the implied yield available on zero-coupon government issues with an equivalent term commensurate with the expected term of the awards.
     
  
                                 
(5)
Based on the annualized dividend rate.
                                 

 
14

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Note 6 - Pensions and other postretirement benefits

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pensions and other postretirement benefits were as follows:

(a) Components of net periodic benefit income for pensions
                   
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
   
June 30
   
June 30
In millions
 
 2009 
 
 2008 
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
Service cost
$
22 
$
35 
 
$
44 
$
70 
Interest cost
 
221 
 
200 
   
443 
 
400 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(252)
 
(251)
   
(504)
 
(502)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
   
 
10 
Recognized net actuarial loss
 
 
   
 
Net periodic benefit (income)
$
(7)
$
(11)
 
$
(14)
$
(22)
                   
(b) Components of net periodic benefit cost for other postretirement benefits
                   
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
   
June 30
   
June 30
In millions
 
 2009 
 
 2008 
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
Service cost
$
$
 
$
$
Interest cost
 
 
   
 
Curtailment gain
 
 
(1)
   
(3)
 
(3)
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 
   
 
Recognized net actuarial gain
 
(1)
 
(1)
   
(2)
 
(2)
Net periodic benefit cost
$
$
 
$
$

     In 2009, the Company expects to make total contributions of approximately $130 million for all its defined benefit plans, of which $28 million was disbursed as at June 30, 2009.


Note 7 – Income taxes

In 2009, the Company recorded a deferred income tax recovery of $43 million in the Consolidated Statement of Income, of which $12 million and $15 million, recorded in the second and first quarters, respectively, resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates; and $16 million recorded in the second quarter resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment.

In 2008, the Company recorded a deferred income tax recovery of $34 million in the Consolidated Statement of Income, of which $23 million, recorded in the second quarter, was due to the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates and $11 million, recorded in the first quarter, resulted from net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.

 
15

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Note 8 - Major commitments and contingencies

A. Commitments
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had commitments to acquire railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment and services, as well as outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses, at an aggregate cost of $797 million ($1,006 million at December 31, 2008). The Company also has agreements with fuel suppliers to purchase approximately 95% of the estimated remaining 2009 volume, 64% of its anticipated 2010 volume, and 28% of its anticipated volumes for each of the years from 2011 through 2013, at market prices prevailing on the date of the purchase.

B. Contingencies
The Company becomes involved, from time to time, in various legal actions, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to personal injuries, occupational disease, and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents.
 
Canada
Employee injuries are governed by the workers’ compensation legislation in each province whereby employees may be awarded either a lump sum or future stream of payments depending on the nature and severity of the injury. Accordingly, the Company accounts for costs related to employee work-related injuries based on actuarially developed estimates of the ultimate cost associated with such injuries, including compensation, health care and third-party administration costs. For all other legal actions, the Company maintains, and regularly updates on a case-by-case basis, provisions for such items when the expected loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information.

United States
Employee work-related injuries, including occupational disease claims, are compensated according to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which requires either the finding of fault through the U.S. jury system or individual settlements, and represent a major liability for the railroad industry. With limited exceptions where claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the Company follows an actuarial-based approach and accrues the expected cost for personal injury and property damage claims and asserted and unasserted occupational disease claims, based on actuarial estimates of their ultimate cost. A comprehensive actuarial study is conducted on an annual basis, in the fourth quarter, by an independent actuarial firm for occupational disease claims and non-occupational disease claims. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and compares the assumptions inherent in the latest actuarial study with the current claim experience and, if required, adjustments to the liability are recorded.
 
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had aggregate reserves for personal injury and other claims of $424 million, of which $114 million was recorded as a current liability ($454 million, of which $118 million was recorded as a current liability at December 31, 2008).
Although the Company considers such provisions to be adequate for all its outstanding and pending claims, the final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at June 30, 2009, or with respect to future claims, cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

C. Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances, and other materials; decommissioning of underground and aboveground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations.


 
16

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Known existing environmental concerns
The Company has identified approximately 325 sites at which it is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties, associated with alleged contamination and is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions, including those imposed by the United States Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, or analogous state laws. CERCLA and similar state laws, in addition to other similar Canadian and U.S. laws generally impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site, as well as those whose waste is disposed of at the site, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. The Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and clean-up costs at approximately 10 sites governed by the Superfund law (and analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined and, in many instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.
   The ultimate cost of addressing these known contaminated sites cannot be definitely established given that the estimated environmental liability for any given site may vary depending on the nature and extent of the contamination, the available clean-up techniques, the Company’s share of the costs and evolving regulatory standards governing environmental liability. As a result, a liability is initially recorded when environmental assessments occur and/or remedial efforts are probable, and when the costs, based on a specific plan of action in terms of the technology to be used and the extent of the corrective action required, can be reasonably estimated. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as additional information becomes available.
The Company’s provision for specific environmental sites is undiscounted, is recorded net of insurance recoveries, and includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as significant monitoring costs. Environmental accruals, which are classified as Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income, include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants as well as adjustments to initial estimates.
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had aggregate accruals for environmental costs of $112 million, of which $31 million was recorded as a current liability ($125 million, of which $30 million was recorded as a current liability as at December 31, 2008). The Company anticipates that the majority of the liability at June 30, 2009 will be paid out over the next five years. However, some costs may be paid out over a longer period.  No individual site is considered to be material.  Based on the information currently available, the Company considers its provisions to be adequate.

Unknown existing environmental concerns
While the Company believes that it has identified the costs likely to be incurred for environmental matters in the next several years based on known information, newly discovered facts, changes in law, the possibility of spills and releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environment liabilities that may be associated with its properties may lead to future environmental investigations, which may result in the identification of additional environmental liabilities and related costs. The magnitude of such additional liabilities and the costs of complying with future environmental laws and containing or remediating contamination cannot be reasonably estimated due to many factors, including:

(i)
the lack of specific technical information available with respect to many sites;
(ii)
the absence of any government authority, third-party orders, or claims with respect to particular sites;
(iii)
the potential for new or changed laws and regulations and for development of new remediation technologies and uncertainty regarding the timing of the work with respect to particular sites;
(iv)
the ability to recover costs from any third parties with respect to particular sites; and

therefore, the likelihood of any such costs being incurred or whether such costs would be material to the Company cannot be determined at this time. There can thus be no assurance that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future, or will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year, or that the Company’s liquidity will not be adversely impacted by such liabilities or costs, although management believes, based on current information, that the costs to address environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or liquidity. Costs related to any unknown existing or future contamination will be accrued in the period in which they become probable and reasonably estimable.

 
17

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

D. Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing certain guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreement. These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.
The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.

(i) Guarantee of residual values of operating leases
The Company has guaranteed a portion of the residual values of certain of its assets under operating leases with expiry dates between 2009 and 2020, for the benefit of the lessor. If the fair value of the assets, at the end of their respective lease term, is less than the fair value, as estimated at the inception of the lease, then the Company must, under certain conditions, compensate the lessor for the shortfall. At June 30, 2009, the maximum exposure in respect of these guarantees was $225 million. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

(ii) Other guarantees
The Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, has granted irrevocable standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, issued by highly rated financial institutions, to third parties to indemnify them in the event the Company does not perform its contractual obligations. As at June 30, 2009, the maximum potential liability under these guarantees was $466 million, of which $406 million was for workers’ compensation and other employee benefits and $60 million was for equipment under leases and other. During 2009, the Company has granted guarantees for which no liability has been recorded, as they relate to the Company’s future performance.
As at June 30, 2009, the Company had not recorded any additional liability with respect to these guarantees, as the Company does not expect to make any additional payments associated with these guarantees. The majority of the guarantee instruments mature at various dates between 2009 and 2012.

(iii) General indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company has provided indemnifications, customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business, in various agreements with third parties, including indemnification provisions where the Company would be required to indemnify third parties and others. Indemnifications are found in various types of contracts with third parties which include, but are not limited to:
(a)  
contracts granting the Company the right to use or enter upon property owned by third parties such as leases, easements, trackage rights and sidetrack agreements;
(b)  
contracts granting rights to others to use the Company’s property, such as leases, licenses and easements;
(c)  
contracts for the sale of assets and securitization of accounts receivable;
(d)  
contracts for the acquisition of services;
(e)  
financing agreements;
(f)  
trust indentures, fiscal agency agreements, underwriting agreements or similar agreements relating to debt or equity securities of the Company and engagement agreements with financial advisors;
(g)  
transfer agent and registrar agreements in respect of the Company’s securities;
(h)  
trust and other agreements relating to pension plans and other plans, including those establishing trust funds to secure payment to certain officers and senior employees of special retirement compensation arrangements;
(i)  
pension transfer agreements;
(j)  
master agreements with financial institutions governing derivative transactions; and
(k)  
settlement agreements with insurance companies or other third parties whereby such insurer or third party has been indemnified for any present or future claims relating to insurance policies, incidents or events covered by the settlement agreements.

      To the extent of any actual claims under these agreements, the Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate.  Due to the nature of the indemnification clauses, the maximum exposure for future payments may be material.  However, such exposure cannot be determined with certainty.
 
 
18

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 
 
During the period, the Company has entered into various indemnification contracts with third parties for which the maximum exposure for future payments cannot be determined with certainty. As a result, the Company was unable to determine the fair value of these guarantees and accordingly, no liability was recorded. There are no recourse provisions to recover any amounts from third parties.

Note 9 – Fair value of financial instruments

Generally accepted accounting principles define the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which the carrying amounts are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under the following captions:

(i) Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Other current assets, Accounts payable and other:
The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

(ii) Other assets:
Investments: The Company has various equity investments for which the carrying value approximates the fair value, with the exception of certain cost investments for which the fair value was estimated based on the Company’s proportionate share of the underlying net assets.

(iii) Long-term debt:
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar debt instruments, as well as discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 for which the carrying values on the Consolidated Balance Sheet are different from their fair values:

In millions
 
June 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
     
Carrying
 
Fair
   
Carrying
 
Fair
     
amount
 
value
   
amount
 
value
Financial assets
                 
 
Investments
$
23 
$
119 
 
$
24 
$
127 
Financial liabilities
                 
 
Long-term debt (including current portion)
$
7,599 
$
8,156 
 
$
7,911 
$
8,301 
                     


 
19

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (U.S. GAAP)
 

Note 10 – Earnings per share

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30
 
June 30
In millions, except per share data
 
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
                       
Net income
$
 387 
 
$
 459 
 
$
 811 
 
$
 770 
                       
Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
468.7 
   
476.4 
   
 468.5 
   
 479.6 
Effect of stock options
 
4.3 
   
 5.6 
   
 4.2 
   
 5.7 
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding
 
 473.0 
   
482.0 
   
 472.7 
   
 485.3 
                       
Basic earnings per share
$
 0.83 
 
$
 0.96 
 
$
 1.73 
 
$
 1.61 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 0.82 
 
$
 0.95 
 
$
 1.72 
 
$
 1.59 

The weighted-average number of stock options that were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have had an anti-dilutive impact, was 0.4 million and 0.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and  0.1 million for both corresponding periods in 2008.
 
 
Note 11 – Comparative figures

Certain figures, previously reported in 2008, have been reclassified to conform with the basis of presentation adopted in 2009.

 
20

 

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

           
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30
 
June 30
 
2009 
2008 
 
2009 
2008 
 
(Unaudited)
Statistical operating data
         
           
Rail freight revenues ($ millions)
1,601 
1,876 
 
3,297 
3,636 
Gross ton miles (GTM) (millions)
74,556 
87,287 
 
148,113 
171,614 
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)
38,865 
45,264 
 
77,556 
90,223 
Carloads (thousands)
928 
1,188 
 
1,882 
2,320 
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.)
21,104 
20,421 
 
21,104 
20,421 
Employees (end of period)
21,717 
23,147 
 
21,717 
23,147 
Employees (average for the period)
21,827 
22,953 
 
22,043 
22,795 
           
Productivity
         
           
Operating ratio (%)
67.3 
66.3 
 
70.8 
69.4 
Rail freight revenue per RTM (cents)
4.12 
4.14 
 
4.25 
4.03 
Rail freight revenue per carload ($)
1,725 
1,579 
 
1,752 
1,567 
Operating expenses per GTM (cents)
1.61 
1.59 
 
1.74 
1.63 
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)
0.55 
0.45 
 
0.59 
0.50 
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)
3,416 
3,803 
 
6,719 
7,529 
Diesel fuel consumed (U.S. gallons in millions)
80 
96 
 
165 
195 
Average fuel price ($/U.S. gallon)
2.00 
3.82 
 
1.99 
3.41 
GTMs per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed
932 
909 
 
898 
880 
           
Safety indicators
         
           
Injury frequency rate per 200,000 person hours (2)
1.68 
1.16 
 
1.48 
1.64 
Accident rate per million train miles (2)
1.71 
2.68 
 
1.92 
2.67 
           
Financial ratio
         
           
Debt to total capitalization ratio (% at end of period)
40.6 
39.0 
 
40.6 
39.0 
(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.

 
21

 

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

 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
     
Variance
     
Variance
 
2009 
2008 
Fav (Unfav)
 
2009 
2008 
Fav (Unfav)
 
(Unaudited)
Revenues (millions of dollars)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 309 
 322 
(4%)
 
 649 
 641 
1%
Metals and minerals
 158 
 239 
(34%)
 
 356 
 444 
(20%)
Forest products
 283 
 357 
(21%)
 
 585 
 687 
(15%)
Coal
 111 
 107 
4%
 
 214 
 206 
4%
Grain and fertilizers
 330 
 334 
(1%)
 
 687 
 674 
2%
Intermodal
 318 
 393 
(19%)
 
 637 
 744 
(14%)
Automotive
 92 
 124 
(26%)
 
 169 
 240 
(30%)
Total rail freight revenue
 1,601 
 1,876 
(15%)
 
 3,297 
 3,636 
(9%)
Other revenues
 180 
 222 
(19%)
 
 343 
 389 
(12%)
Total revenues
 1,781 
 2,098 
(15%)
 
 3,640 
 4,025 
(10%)
               
Revenue ton miles (millions)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 7,114 
 7,970 
(11%)
 
 14,641 
 16,396 
(11%)
Metals and minerals
 2,813 
 4,740 
(41%)
 
 6,065 
 8,831 
(31%)
Forest products
 6,782 
 8,826 
(23%)
 
 13,396 
 17,284 
(22%)
Coal
 3,445 
 3,638 
(5%)
 
 6,286 
 7,030 
(11%)
Grain and fertilizers
 10,049 
 10,707 
(6%)
 
 20,607 
 22,536 
(9%)
Intermodal
 8,108 
 8,666 
(6%)
 
 15,584 
 16,755 
(7%)
Automotive
 554 
 717 
(23%)
 
 977 
 1,391 
(30%)
 
 38,865 
 45,264 
(14%)
 
 77,556 
 90,223 
(14%)
Rail freight revenue / RTM (cents)
             
Total rail freight revenue per RTM
 4.12 
 4.14 
 
 4.25 
 4.03 
5%
Commodity groups:
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 4.34 
 4.04 
7%
 
 4.43 
 3.91 
13%
Metals and minerals
 5.62 
 5.04 
12%
 
 5.87 
 5.03 
17%
Forest products
 4.17 
 4.04 
3%
 
 4.37 
 3.97 
10%
Coal
 3.22 
 2.94 
10%
 
 3.40 
 2.93 
16%
Grain and fertilizers
 3.28 
 3.12 
5%
 
 3.33 
 2.99 
11%
Intermodal
 3.92 
 4.53 
(13%)
 
 4.09 
 4.44 
(8%)
Automotive
 16.61 
 17.29 
(4%)
 
 17.30 
 17.25 
               
Carloads (thousands)
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 125 
 140 
(11%)
 
 253 
 285 
(11%)
Metals and minerals
 128 
 272 
(53%)
 
 308 
 510 
(40%)
Forest products
 100 
 136 
(26%)
 
 200 
 263 
(24%)
Coal
 107 
 90 
19%
 
 197 
 177 
11%
Grain and fertilizers
 130 
 148 
(12%)
 
 262 
 299 
(12%)
Intermodal
 300 
 348 
(14%)
 
 592 
 675 
(12%)
Automotive
 38 
 54 
(30%)
 
 70 
 111 
(37%)
 
 928 
 1,188 
(22%)
 
 1,882 
 2,320 
(19%)
Rail freight revenue / carload (dollars)
             
Total rail freight revenue per carload
 1,725 
 1,579 
9%
 
 1,752 
 1,567 
12%
Commodity groups:
             
Petroleum and chemicals
 2,472 
 2,300 
7%
 
 2,565 
 2,249 
14%
Metals and minerals
 1,234 
 879 
40%
 
 1,156 
 871 
33%
Forest products
 2,830 
 2,625 
8%
 
 2,925 
 2,612 
12%
Coal
 1,037 
 1,189 
(13%)
 
 1,086 
 1,164 
(7%)
Grain and fertilizers
 2,538 
 2,257 
12%
 
 2,622 
 2,254 
16%
Intermodal
 1,060 
 1,129 
(6%)
 
 1,076 
 1,102 
(2%)
Automotive
 2,421 
 2,296 
5%
 
 2,414 
 2,162 
12%

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.

 
22

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES - unaudited


Adjusted performance measures

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company reported adjusted net income of $361 million, or $0.76 per diluted share and $663 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, respectively. The adjusted figures for the three months ended June 30, 2009 exclude a deferred income tax recovery of $28 million ($0.06 per diluted share), of which $12 million ($0.03 per diluted share) resulted from the enactment of a lower provincial corporate income tax rate and $16 million ($0.03 per diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, as well as the impact of EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $3 million or $2 million after tax. The adjusted figures for the six months ended June 30, 2009 exclude the gain on sale of the Weston subdivision of $157 million or $135 million after-tax ($0.29 per diluted share), EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $49 million or $30 million after-tax ($0.06 per diluted share) and a deferred income tax recovery of $43 million ($0.09 per diluted share), of which $27 million ($0.06 per diluted share) resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates and $16 million ($0.03 per diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company reported adjusted net income of $436 million, or $0.90 per diluted share and $736 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, respectively. These adjusted figures exclude a deferred income tax recovery of $23 million ($0.05 per diluted share) for both the three- and six-month periods that resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates. Also excluded from adjusted net income for the six-month period was a deferred income tax recovery of $11 million ($0.02 per diluted share) due to net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.
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 2009 unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto. The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income and earnings per share, as reported for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, to the adjusted performance measures presented herein.

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
   
June 30, 2009
   
June 30, 2009
                           
In millions, except per share data
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
                           
Revenues
$
 1,781 
$
 -
$
 1,781 
 
$
 3,640 
$
 -
$
 3,640 
Operating expenses
 
 1,198 
 
 (3)
 
 1,195 
   
 2,576 
 
 (49)
 
 2,527 
Operating income
 
 583 
 
 3 
 
 586 
   
 1,064 
 
 49 
 
 1,113 
Interest expense
 
 (108)
 
 -
 
 (108)
   
 (220)
 
 -
 
 (220)
Other income
 
 9 
 
 -
 
 9 
   
 170 
 
 (157)
 
 13 
Income before income taxes
 
 484 
 
 3 
 
 487 
   
 1,014 
 
 (108)
 
 906 
Income tax expense
 
 (97)
 
 (29)
 
 (126)
   
 (203)
 
 (40)
 
 (243)
Net income
$
 387 
$
 (26)
$
 361 
 
$
 811 
$
 (148)
$
 663 
Operating Ratio
 
67.3%
     
67.1%
   
70.8%
     
69.4%
Basic earnings per share
$
 0.83 
$
 (0.06)
$
 0.77 
 
$
 1.73 
$
 (0.32)
$
 1.41 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 0.82 
$
 (0.06)
$
 0.76 
 
$
 1.72 
$
 (0.32)
$
 1.40 
                                           


 
23

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURES - unaudited


   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
   
June 30, 2008
   
June 30, 2008
                           
In millions, except per share data
 
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
   
Reported
 
Adjustments
 
Adjusted
                           
                           
Revenues
$
 2,098 
$
 -
$
 2,098 
 
$
 4,025 
$
 -
$
 4,025 
Operating expenses
 
 1,391 
 
 -
 
 1,391 
   
 2,795 
 
 -
 
 2,795 
Operating income
 
 707 
 
 -
 
 707 
   
 1,230 
 
 -
 
 1,230 
Interest expense
 
 (87)
 
 -
 
 (87)
   
 (173)
 
 -
 
 (173)
Other income
 
 9 
 
 -
 
 9 
   
 3 
 
 -
 
 3 
Income before income taxes
 
 629 
 
 -
 
 629 
   
 1,060 
 
 -
 
 1,060 
Income tax expense
 
 (170)
 
 (23)
 
 (193)
   
 (290)
 
 (34)
 
 (324)
Net income
$
 459 
$
 (23)
$
 436 
 
$
 770 
$
 (34)
$
 736 
Operating Ratio
 
66.3%
     
66.3%
   
69.4%
     
69.4%
Basic earnings per share
$
 0.96 
$
 (0.05)
$
 0.91 
 
$
 1.61 
$
 (0.07)
$
 1.54 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 0.95 
$
 (0.05)
$
 0.90 
 
$
 1.59 
$
 (0.07)
$
 1.52 

Free cash flow

The Company generated $256 million and $463 million of free cash flow for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $164 million and $225 million for the same periods in 2008. 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, adjusted for changes in the accounts receivable securitization program and in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations, less cash used by investing activities, adjusted for the impact of major acquisitions, and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30
 
June 30
In millions
 
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
                 
Cash provided from operating activities
$
 632 
 
$
 409 
 
$
 950 
 
$
 574 
Cash used by investing activities
 
 (236)
   
 (343)
   
 (682)
   
 (509)
Cash provided before financing activities
 
 396 
   
 66 
   
 268 
   
 65 
                       
Adjustments:
                     
   Change in accounts receivable securitization
 
 -
   
 209 
   
 68 
   
 372 
   Dividends paid
 
 (118)
   
 (109)
   
 (236)
   
 (220)
   Acquisition of EJ&E
 
 -
   
 -
   
 373 
   
 -
   Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar-denominated
         
      cash and cash equivalents
 
 (22)
   
 (2)
   
 (10)
   
 8 
Free cash flow
$
 256 
 
$
 164 
 
$
 463 
 
$
 225 
 

 
24

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)

Item 3

Management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) relates to the financial position and results of operations of Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, collectively “CN” or “the Company.” Canadian National Railway Company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges. Except where otherwise indicated, all financial information reflected herein is expressed in Canadian dollars and determined on the basis of United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP). The Company’s objective is to provide meaningful and relevant information reflecting the Company’s financial position and results of operations. In certain instances, the Company may make reference to certain non-GAAP measures that, from management’s perspective, are useful measures of performance. The reader is advised to read all information provided in the MD&A in conjunction with the Company’s 2009 unaudited Interim Consolidated financial Statements and Notes thereto as well as the 2008 Annual MD&A.


Business profile

CN is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN’s network of approximately 21,100 route miles of track spans Canada and mid-America, connecting three coasts: the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. CN’s extensive network, and its co-production arrangements, routing protocols, marketing alliances, and interline agreements, provide CN customers access to all three North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) nations.
CN’s freight revenues are derived from seven commodity groups representing a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods transported between a wide range of origins and destinations. This product and geographic diversity better positions the Company to face economic fluctuations and enhances its potential for growth opportunities. In 2008, no individual commodity group accounted for more than 19% of revenues. From a geographic standpoint, 19% of revenues came from United States (U.S.) domestic traffic, 31% from transborder traffic, 24% from Canadian domestic traffic and 26% from overseas traffic. The Company is the originating carrier for approximately 86% of traffic moving along its network, which allows it both to capitalize on service advantages and build on opportunities to efficiently use assets.


Corporate organization

The Company manages its rail operations in Canada and the United States as one business segment. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income and cash flow from operations, is used by the Company’s corporate management in evaluating financial and operational performance and allocating resources across CN’s network. The Company’s strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed centrally by corporate management and are communicated to its regional activity centers (the Western Region, Eastern Region and Southern Region), whose role is to manage the day-to-day service requirements of their respective territories, control direct costs incurred locally, and execute the corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management.
See Note 15 – Segmented information, to the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company’s corporate organization, as well as selected financial information by geographic area.


Strategy overview

CN’s focus is on running a safe and efficient railroad. While remaining at the forefront of the rail industry, CN’s goal is to be internationally regarded as one of the best-performing transportation companies.
CN’s commitment is to create value for both its customers and shareholders. By providing quality and cost-effective service, CN seeks to create value for its customers. By striving for sustainable financial performance through profitable growth, solid free cash flow and a high return on investment, CN seeks to deliver increased shareholder value.
CN has a unique business model, which is anchored on five key principles: providing quality service, controlling costs, focusing on asset utilization, committing to safety, and developing people. “Precision railroading” is at the core of CN’s business model. It is a highly disciplined process whereby CN handles individual rail shipments according to a specific trip plan and manages all aspects of railroad operations to meet customer commitments efficiently and profitably. Precision railroading demands discipline to execute the trip plan, the

 
25

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


relentless measurement of results, and the use of such results to generate further execution improvements. Precision railroading increases velocity, improves reliability, lowers costs, enhances asset utilization and, ultimately, helps the Company to grow the top line. It has been a key contributor to CN’s earnings growth and improved return.

Although several industries, including transportation, have been impacted by the current economic conditions, the basic driver of the business remains intact – demand for reliable, efficient, and cost effective transportation. The Company’s focus during these volatile times is to continue to pursue its long-term business plan, maintain a high level of service to customers, operate safely and efficiently, and meet short- and long-term financial commitments.
With the North American economy in a deep recession and the global economy contracting in 2009, most of the Company’s commodity groups have been significantly impacted, including forest products, automotive, petroleum and chemicals, metals and minerals and intermodal. The Company has been making necessary changes to its operations to reflect the reduced volumes and has imposed certain cost-reduction measures.
To meet its long-term business plan objectives, the Company continues to focus on top-line growth by maintaining its pricing strategy and focusing on opportunities that extend beyond the business cycle, such as market share gains versus truck, commodities related to oil and gas development in western Canada, the Prince Rupert Intermodal Terminal, opportunities in the bulk sector, such as Illinois basin coal, and the expansion of its non-rail services.
To operate efficiently and safely while maintaining a high level of customer service, the Company will continue to leverage its unique North American franchise consisting of its rail network, unique network of ports and efficient international trade gateways and non-rail service offerings; and its superior business model. The Company plans to continue to invest in capital programs to maintain a safe railway and pursue strategic initiatives to leverage and/or expand its franchise. The Company continuously seeks productivity initiatives to reduce costs and leverage its assets. Opportunities to improve productivity extend across all functions in the organization. Train productivity is being improved through the use of locomotives equipped with “distributed power,” which allows the Company to run longer, heavier trains, including in cold weather conditions, while improving train handling, reducing train separations and ensuring the overall safety of operations. This initiative, combined with CN’s investments in longer sidings, can offer train-mile savings, allow for long-train operations and, reduce wear on rail and wheels. Yard throughput is being improved through SmartYard, an innovative use of real-time traffic information to sequence cars effectively and get them out on the line more quickly in the face of constantly changing conditions. In Engineering, the Company is continuously working to increase the productivity of its field forces, through better use of traffic information and the optimization of work scheduling, and as a result, better management of its engineering forces on the track. The Company also intends to maintain a solid focus on reducing accidents and related costs, as well as costs for legal claims and health care.
CN’s capital programs support the Company’s commitment to the five key principles and its ability to grow the business profitably. In 2009, CN plans to invest approximately $1.5 billion on capital programs, of which close to $1 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue to operate a safe railway and to improve the productivity and fluidity of the network, and includes the replacement of rail, ties, and other track materials and bridge improvements, as well as rail-line improvements for its recently acquired Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company (EJ&E) property. This amount also includes funds for strategic initiatives and additional enhancements to the track infrastructure in western Canada. CN’s equipment spending, targeted to reach approximately $200 million in 2009, is intended to improve the quality of the fleet to meet customer requirements. CN also expects to spend approximately $300 million on facilities to grow the business, including transloads and distribution centers; on information technology to improve service and operating efficiency; and on other projects to increase productivity.
The Company also invests in various strategic initiatives to expand the scope of its business. A key initiative was the recent acquisition of the EJ&E lines, which will drive new efficiencies and operating improvements on CN's network as a result of streamlined rail operations and reduced congestion. Other initiatives include the acquisition of short-lines in Quebec and Alberta; the development of CN WorldWide International, the Company’s international freight-forwarding subsidiary; and the formation of CN WorldWide North America, to manage and expand the scope and scale of the Company’s existing non-rail capabilities such as warehousing and distribution, bulk management operations, trucking and transportation management services across North America.
To meet short- and long-term financial commitments, the Company pursues a solid financial policy framework with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet, by monitoring its adjusted debt-to-total capitalization and adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratios, and preserving a strong credit rating to be able to maintain access to public financing. The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations, which can be supplemented by its

 
26

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


commercial paper program and its accounts receivable securitization program, to meet short-term liquidity needs. The Company’s primary uses of funds are for working capital requirements, including income tax installments as they become due and pension contributions, contractual obligations, capital expenditures relating to track infrastructure and other, acquisitions, dividend payouts, and the repurchase of shares through the share buyback program, when applicable. The Company sets priorities on its uses of available funds based on short-term operational requirements, expenditures to continue to operate a safe railway and strategic initiatives, while also considering its long-term contractual obligations and returning value to its shareholders.

The Company’s commitment to safety is reflected in the wide range of initiatives that CN is pursuing and in the size of its capital programs. Comprehensive plans are in place to address safety, security, employee well-being and environmental management. CN's Integrated Safety Plan is the framework for putting safety at the center of its day-to-day operations. This proactive plan, which is fully supported by senior management, is designed to minimize risk and drive continuous improvement in the reduction of injuries and accidents, and engages employees at all levels of the organization.
Environmental protection is also an integral part of CN’s day-to-day activities. A combination of key resource people, training, policies, monitoring and environmental assessments helps to ensure that the Company’s operations comply with CN’s Environmental Policy, a copy of which is available on CN’s website.
CN’s ability to develop the best railroaders in the industry has been a key contributor to the Company’s success. CN recognizes that without the right people – no matter how good a service plan or business model a company may have – it will not be able to fully execute. The Company is focused on recruiting the right people, developing employees with the right skills, motivating them to do the right thing, and training them to be the future leaders of the Company.

The forward-looking statements provided in the above section and in other parts of this MD&A are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements and are based on certain factors and assumptions which the Company considers reasonable, about events, developments, prospects and opportunities that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. See the sections of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements and Business risks for assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

 
27

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Financial and statistical highlights
                 
 
  
                 
 
  
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
$ in millions, except per share data, or unless otherwise indicated
 
 2009 
 
 2008 
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
 
  
(Unaudited)
Financial results
                 
    Revenues  
$
 1,781 
$
 2,098 
 
$
 3,640 
$
 4,025 
    Operating income (a)
$
 583 
$
 707 
 
$
 1,064 
$
 1,230 
    Net income  (a) (b)
$
 387 
$
 459 
 
$
 811 
$
 770 
 
  
                 
    Operating ratio  (a)
 
67.3%
 
66.3%
   
70.8%
 
69.4%
 
  
                 
    Basic earnings per share  (a) (b)
$
 0.83 
$
 0.96 
 
$
 1.73 
$
 1.61 
    Diluted earnings per share  (a) (b)
$
 0.82 
$
 0.95 
 
$
 1.72 
$
 1.59 
 
  
                 
    Dividend declared per share
$
 0.2525 
$
 0.2300 
 
$
 0.5050 
$
 0.4600 
 
  
                 
Financial position
                 
    Total assets
$
 26,737 
$
 24,353 
 
$
 26,737 
$
 24,353 
    Total long-term financial liabilities
$
 13,855 
$
 12,870 
 
$
 13,855 
$
 12,870 
Statistical operating data and productivity measures  (c)
                 
    Employees (average for the period)
 
 21,827 
 
 22,953 
   
 22,043 
 
 22,795 
    Gross ton miles (GTM) per average number of employees (thousands)
 3,416 
 
 3,803 
   
 6,719 
 
 7,529 
    GTMs per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed
 
 932 
 
 909 
   
 898 
 
 880 
 
  
                 
(a)
The figures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 include $3 million or $2 million after-tax and $49 million or $30 million after-tax ($0.06 per basic or diluted share), respectively, for EJ&E acquisition-related costs.
 
  
                 
(b)
The figures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 include a deferred income tax recovery of $28 million of which $12 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from an income tax rate enactment and $16 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) from the recapitalization of a foreign investment. The figures for the six months ended June 30, 2009 also include a gain on sale of the Company's Weston subdivision of $157 million or $135 million after-tax ($0.29 per basic or diluted share) and a deferred income tax recovery of $15 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulting from an income tax rate enactment.  The figures for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 include a deferred income tax recovery of $23 million ($0.05 per basic or diluted share) and $34 million ($0.07 per basic or diluted share), respectively. Of the $34 million, $23 million resulted from income tax rate enactments and $11 million ($0.02 per basic or diluted share) from net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.
 
  
                 
(c)
Based on estimated data available at such time and subject to change as more complete information becomes available.

 
28

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Financial results

Second quarter and first half of 2009 compared to corresponding periods in 2008

Second quarter 2009 net income was $387 million, a decrease of $72 million, when compared to the same period in 2008, with diluted earnings per share decreasing 14% to $0.82. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was $811 million, an increase of $41 million, or 5%, when compared to the same period in 2008, with diluted earnings per share rising 8% to $1.72.
The Company’s results of operations, particularly in 2009, were affected by significant weakness across markets due to prevailing economic conditions, while 2008 was also marked by severe weather conditions in the first quarter. The 2009 and 2008 figures include items affecting the comparability of the results of operations. Included in the results for second-quarter 2009 was a deferred income tax recovery of $28 million ($0.06 per basic or diluted share), of which $12 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the enactment of a lower provincial corporate income tax rate and $16 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment, as well as EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $3 million or $2 million after-tax. Included in the results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 was the gain on sale of the Weston subdivision of $157 million or $135 million after-tax ($0.29 per basic or diluted share), EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $49 million or $30 million after-tax ($0.06 per basic or diluted share) and a deferred income tax recovery of $43 million ($0.09 per basic or diluted share), of which $27 million ($0.06 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates and $16 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment.
Included in the results for second-quarter and first half 2008 was a deferred income tax recovery of $23 million ($0.05 per basic or diluted share), resulting from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates. Also included in the results for the first half of 2008 was a deferred income tax recovery of $11 million ($0.02 per basic or diluted share) resulting from net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.
Foreign exchange fluctuations have also had an impact on the comparability of the results of operations. 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, has resulted in an increase of approximately $15 million ($0.03 per basic or diluted share) to net income in the second quarter of 2009 and approximately $45 million ($0.10 per basic or diluted share) in the first six months of 2009.
Revenues for the second quarter of 2009 decreased by $317 million, or 15%, to $1,781 million when compared to the same period in 2008. Revenues for the first half of 2009 decreased by $385 million, or 10%, to $3,640 million. The reduction in revenues was mainly due to significantly lower volumes in almost all markets as a result of prevailing economic conditions in the North American and global economies; and a lower fuel surcharge due to year-over-year decreases in applicable fuel prices as well as lower volumes. Partly offsetting these factors were the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated revenues, freight rate increases and a positive change in traffic mix.
Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2009 decreased by $193 million, or 14%, to $1,198 million. Operating expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2009 decreased by $219 million, or 8%, to $2,576 million. The decrease in expenses was primarily due to lower fuel costs and reduced expenses for purchased services and material and labor, partly reflecting the impact of reduced freight volumes as well as management’s cost-reduction initiatives. These factors were partially offset by the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated expenses and higher casualty and other expense mainly due to EJ&E acquisition-related costs in the first quarter of 2009.
The operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 67.3% in the current quarter compared to 66.3% in the second quarter of 2008, a 1.0-point increase. The six-month operating ratio was 70.8% in 2009, compared to 69.4% in 2008, a 1.4-point increase.


 
29

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Revenues
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
In millions, unless otherwise indicated
 
2009 
 
2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
 
(Unaudited)
Rail freight revenues
$
1,601 
$
 1,876 
(15%)
 
$
 3,297 
$
 3,636 
(9%)
Other revenues
 
180 
 
 222 
(19%)
   
 343 
 
 389 
(12%)
Total revenues
$
1,781 
$
 2,098 
(15%)
 
$
 3,640 
$
 4,025 
(10%)
Rail freight revenues:
                     
Petroleum and chemicals
$
309 
$
 322 
(4%)
 
$
 649 
$
 641 
1%
Metals and minerals
 
158 
 
 239 
(34%)
   
 356 
 
 444 
(20%)
Forest products
 
283 
 
 357 
(21%)
   
 585 
 
 687 
(15%)
Coal
 
111 
 
 107 
4%
   
 214 
 
 206 
4%
Grain and fertilizers
 
330 
 
 334 
(1%)
   
 687 
 
 674 
2%
Intermodal
 
318 
 
 393 
(19%)
   
 637 
 
 744 
(14%)
Automotive
 
92 
 
 124 
(26%)
   
 169 
 
 240 
(30%)
Total rail freight revenues
$
1,601 
$
 1,876 
(15%)
 
$
 3,297 
$
 3,636 
(9%)
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions)
 
38,865 
 
 45,264 
(14%)
   
 77,556 
 
 90,223 
(14%)
Rail freight revenue/RTM (cents)
 
4.12 
 
 4.14 
   
 4.25 
 
 4.03 
5%

Revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 totaled $1,781 million compared to $2,098 million for the same period in 2008, a decrease of $317 million, or 15%. Revenues for the first half of 2009 were $3,640 million, a decrease of $385 million, or 10%, when compared to the same period in 2008. The decreases in both the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to significantly lower volumes in almost all markets as a result of prevailing economic conditions in the North American and global economies; and a lower fuel surcharge in the range of $200 million for the second quarter and $350 million for the first six months of the year due to year-over-year decreases in applicable fuel prices, as well as lower volumes. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated revenues representing a benefit of approximately $125 million for the second quarter and $320 million for the first half of 2009, freight rate increases and a positive change in traffic mix.
Revenue ton miles (RTM), measuring the relative weight and distance of rail freight transported by the Company, declined by 14% for both the second quarter and first half of 2009, when compared to the same periods in 2008. Rail freight revenue per revenue ton mile, a measurement of yield defined as revenue earned on the movement of a ton of freight over one mile, was flat in the second quarter and increased by 5% in the first half of 2009, when compared to the same periods in 2008, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases that were entirely offset in the second quarter and partly offset in the first half of the year by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge and an increase in the average length of haul.


 
30

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Petroleum and chemicals
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 309 
$
 322 
(4%)
 
$
 649 
$
 641 
1%
RTMs (millions)
 
 7,114 
 
 7,970 
(11%)
   
 14,641 
 
 16,396 
(11%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 4.34 
 
 4.04 
7%
   
 4.43 
 
 3.91 
13%

Petroleum and chemicals comprises a wide range of commodities, including chemicals, sulfur, plastics, petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products. The primary markets for these commodities are within North America, and as such, the performance of this commodity group is closely correlated with the North American economy. Most of the Company’s petroleum and chemicals shipments originate in the Louisiana petrochemical corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge; in northern Alberta, which is a major center for natural gas feedstock and world scale petrochemicals and plastics; and in eastern Canadian regional plants. These shipments are destined for customers in Canada, the United States and overseas. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $13 million, or 4%, for the second quarter and increased by $8 million, or 1%, for the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decrease in the second quarter was mainly due to the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, reduced volumes for chemical products due to weakness in industrial production, and reduced sulphur shipments. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases. The increase in the six-month period was mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, freight rate increases, and an increase in condensate volumes, particularly in the first three months of the year. These factors were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, reduced chemicals volumes, and lower sulphur shipments.  Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 7% for the second quarter and 13% for the first half of 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge.

Metals and minerals
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 158 
$
 239 
(34%)
 
$
 356 
$
 444 
(20%)
RTMs (millions)
 
 2,813 
 
 4,740 
(41%)
   
 6,065 
 
 8,831 
(31%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 5.62 
 
 5.04 
12%
   
 5.87 
 
 5.03 
17%

The metals and minerals commodity group consists primarily of nonferrous base metals, concentrates, iron ore, steel, construction materials, machinery and dimensional (large) loads. The Company provides unique rail access to aluminum, mining, steel and iron ore producing regions, which are among the most important in North America. This access, coupled with the Company’s transload and port facilities, has made CN a leader in the transportation of copper, lead, zinc, concentrates, iron ore, refined metals and aluminum. Mining, oil and gas development and non-residential construction are the key drivers for metals and minerals. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $81 million, or 34%, for the second quarter and $88 million, or 20%, for the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases in both the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to weakness in the steel industry, which reduced shipments of steel products and iron ore, and the impact of a lower fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 12% for the second quarter and 17% for the first half of 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge and a significant increase in the average length of haul.


 
31

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Forest products
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 283 
$
 357 
(21%)
 
$
 585 
$
 687 
(15%)
RTMs (millions)
 
 6,782 
 
 8,826 
(23%)
   
 13,396 
 
 17,284 
(22%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 4.17 
 
 4.04 
3%
   
 4.37 
 
 3.97 
10%

The forest products commodity group includes various types of lumber, panels, paper, wood pulp and other fibers such as logs, recycled paper and wood chips. The Company has superior rail access to the western and eastern Canadian fiber-producing regions, which are among the largest fiber source areas in North America. In the United States, the Company is strategically located to serve both the Midwest and southern U.S. corridors with interline connections to other Class I railroads. The key drivers for the various commodities are: for newsprint, advertising lineage, non-print media and overall economic conditions, primarily in the United States; for fibers (mainly wood pulp), the consumption of paper in North American and offshore markets; and for lumber and panels, housing starts and renovation activities in the United States. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $74 million, or 21%, for the second quarter and $102 million, or 15%, for the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases in the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to lower volumes from overall weak demand that resulted in several customer mill closures and production curtailments, and the impact of a lower fuel surcharge. These factors were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.  Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 3% for the second quarter and 10% for the first half of 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge.

Coal
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 111 
$
 107 
4%
 
$
 214 
$
 206 
4%
RTMs (millions)
 
 3,445 
 
 3,638 
(5%)
   
 6,286 
 
 7,030 
(11%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 3.22 
 
 2.94 
10%
   
 3.40 
 
 2.93 
16%

The coal commodity group consists primarily of thermal grades of bituminous coal. Canadian thermal coal is delivered to power utilities primarily in eastern Canada; while in the United States, thermal coal is transported from mines served in southern Illinois, or from western U.S. mines via interchange with other railroads, to major utilities in the Midwest and southeast United States. The coal business also includes the transport of Canadian metallurgical coal, which is largely exported via terminals on the west coast of Canada to steel producers. Revenues for this commodity group increased by $4 million, or 4%, for the second quarter and $8 million, or 4%, for the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The increases in both the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, freight rate increases, and higher shipments of U.S. coal related to both the acquisition of the EJ&E and a new mine operation that began in early 2008. These factors were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, and reduced shipments of metallurgical coal from Canadian mines. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 10% for the second quarter and 16% for the first half of 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, freight rate increases, and a significant decrease in the average length of haul that were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge.
 

 
32

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Grain and fertilizers
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 330 
$
 334 
(1%)
 
$
 687 
$
 674 
2%
RTMs (millions)
 
 10,049 
 
 10,707 
(6%)
   
 20,607 
 
 22,536 
(9%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 3.28 
 
 3.12 
5%
   
 3.33 
 
 2.99 
11%

The grain and fertilizers commodity group depends primarily on crops grown and fertilizers processed in western Canada and the U.S. Midwest. The grain segment consists of three primary segments: food grains (mainly wheat, oats and malting barley), feed grains (including feed barley, feed wheat, and corn), and oilseeds and oilseed products (primarily canola seed, oil and meal, and soybeans). Production of grain varies considerably from year to year, affected primarily by weather conditions, seeded and harvested acreage, the mix of grains produced and crop yields. Grain exports are sensitive to the size and quality of the crop produced, international market conditions and foreign government policy. The majority of grain produced in western Canada and moved by CN is exported via the ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert and Thunder Bay. Certain of these rail movements are subject to government regulation and to a revenue cap, which effectively establishes a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn. In the U.S., grain grown in Illinois and Iowa is exported, as well as transported to domestic processing facilities and feed markets. The Company also serves major producers of potash in Canada, as well as producers of ammonium nitrate, urea and other fertilizers across Canada and the U.S. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $4 million, or 1%, for the second quarter and increased by $13 million, or 2%, for the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decrease in the second quarter of 2009 was mainly due to the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, reduced shipments of potash in North America, and weak corn exports in the U.S. These factors were partly offset by increased export wheat and canola volumes through western Canadian ports, the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases. The increase in the first half of 2009 was mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, increased export wheat and canola volumes through western Canadian ports, and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by reduced shipments of potash in North America, the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, reduced U.S. soybean shipments, including meal and oil, and a decline in U.S. export corn volumes. Revenue per revenue ton mile increased by 5% in the second quarter and 11% in the first half of 2009, mainly due to the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases that were partly offset by the impact of a lower fuel surcharge and an increase in the average length of haul.

Intermodal
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 318 
$
 393 
(19%)
 
$
 637 
$
 744 
(14%)
RTMs (millions)
 
 8,108 
 
 8,666 
(6%)
   
 15,584 
 
 16,755 
(7%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 3.92 
 
 4.53 
(13%)
   
 4.09 
 
 4.44 
(8%)

The intermodal commodity group is comprised of two segments: domestic and international. The domestic segment transports consumer products and manufactured goods, operating through both retail and wholesale channels, within domestic Canada, domestic U.S., Mexico and transborder, while the international segment handles import and export container traffic, directly serving the major ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal, Halifax and New Orleans. The domestic segment is driven by consumer markets, with growth generally tied to the economy. The international segment is driven by North American economic and trade conditions. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $75 million, or 19%, in the second quarter and $107 million, or 14%, in the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases in the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, lower volumes through the port of Vancouver, and reduced domestic wholesale traffic. These factors were partly offset by higher volumes through the Port of Prince Rupert, freight rate increases, and the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 13% in the second quarter and 8% in the first half of 2009, mainly due to the impact of a lower fuel surcharge that was partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.
 

 
33

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Automotive
                     
                       
 
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
   
 2009 
 
 2008 
% Change
Revenues (millions)
$
 92 
$
 124 
(26%)
 
$
 169 
$
 240 
(30%)
RTMs (millions)
 
 554 
 
 717 
(23%)
   
 977 
 
 1,391 
(30%)
Revenue/RTM (cents)
 
 16.61 
 
 17.29 
(4%)
   
 17.30 
 
 17.25 

The automotive commodity group moves both finished vehicles and parts throughout North America, providing rail access to all vehicle assembly plants in Canada and certain assembly plants in Michigan and in Mississippi. The Company also serves vehicle distribution facilities in Canada and the U.S., as well as parts production facilities in Michigan and Ontario. CN’s broad coverage enables it to consolidate full trainloads of automotive traffic for delivery to connecting railroads at key interchange points. The Company serves shippers of import vehicles via the ports of Halifax and Vancouver, and through interchange with other railroads. The Company’s automotive revenues are closely correlated to automotive production and sales in North America. Revenues for this commodity group decreased by $32 million, or 26%, in the second quarter and $71 million, or 30%, in the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases in the second quarter and first half of 2009 were mainly due to significantly lower volumes of finished vehicles, the impact of a lower fuel surcharge, and reduced shipments of parts traffic. These factors were partly offset by the 2008 labor-related temporary curtailment in the operations of a CN-served customer, the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, and freight rate increases. Revenue per revenue ton mile decreased by 4% in the second quarter and was flat in the first half of 2009, mainly due to the impact of a lower fuel surcharge and a significant increase in the average length of haul that were partly offset in the second quarter and entirely offset in the first half of the year by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and freight rate increases.

Other revenues
Other revenues include revenues from non-rail transportation services, interswitching, and maritime operations. Other revenues decreased by $42 million, or 19%, in the second quarter and $46 million, or 12%, in the first six months of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008, mainly due to a decrease in non-rail transportation services attributable to CN WorldWide activities and reduced interswitching revenues that were partly offset by the positive translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.

 
34

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Operating expenses

In the second quarter of 2009, operating expenses amounted to $1,198 million, compared to $1,391 million in the same quarter of 2008. Operating expenses for the first half of 2009 were $2,576 million, compared to $2,795 million in the same period of 2008. The decreases of $193 million, or 14%, in the second quarter and $219 million, or 8%, in the first half of 2009 were mainly due to lower fuel costs and reduced expenses for purchased services and labor, partly reflecting the impact of reduced freight volumes as well as management’s cost-reduction initiatives. These factors were partially offset by the negative translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated expenses of approximately $90 million in the second quarter and $225 million in the first half of 2009, and higher casualty and other expense mainly due to EJ&E acquisition-related costs in the first quarter of 2009.

 
Three months ended June 30
   
Six months ended June 30
         
% Change
 
Percentage of revenues
         
% Change
 
Percentage of revenues
In millions
 
2009 
 
2008 
 
2009 
2008 
   
2009 
 
2008 
 
2009 
2008 
 
(Unaudited)
Labor and fringe benefits
$
413 
$
392 
(5%)
 
23.2%
18.7%
 
$
867 
$
853 
(2%)
 
23.8%
21.2%
Purchased services and material
 
253 
 
283 
11%
 
14.2%
13.5%
   
544 
 
568 
4%
 
15.0%
14.1%
Fuel
 
174 
 
399 
56%
 
9.8%
19.0%
   
356 
 
709 
50%
 
9.8%
17.6%
Depreciation and amortization
 
199 
 
176 
(13%)
 
11.2%
8.4%
   
402 
 
351 
(15%)
 
11.0%
8.7%
Equipment rents
 
70 
 
60 
(17%)
 
3.9%
2.8%
   
152 
 
124 
(23%)
 
4.2%
3.1%
Casualty and other
 
89 
 
81 
(10%)
 
5.0%
3.9%
   
255 
 
190 
(34%)
 
7.0%
4.7%
Total operating expenses
$
1,198 
$
1,391 
14%
 
67.3%
66.3%
 
$
2,576 
$
2,795 
8%
 
70.8%
69.4%

Labor and fringe benefits: Labor and fringe benefits expense includes wages, payroll taxes, and employee benefits such as incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, health and welfare, and pensions and other postretirement benefits. Certain incentive and stock-based compensation plans are based on financial and market performance targets and the related expense is recorded in relation to the attainment of such targets. Labor and fringe benefits expense increased by $21 million, or 5%, in the second quarter and $14 million, or 2%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The increases in both the three- and six-month periods were mainly due to the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar, higher stock-based compensation expense, particularly in the second quarter of 2009, and lower pension income. Partly offsetting these factors was the impact of a reduced workforce as well as lower labor costs as a result of the decline in freight volumes.

Purchased services and material: Purchased services and material expense primarily includes the costs of services purchased from outside contractors, materials used in the maintenance of the Company’s track, facilities and equipment, transportation and lodging for train crew employees, utility costs and the net costs of operating facilities jointly used by the Company and other railroads. These expenses decreased by $30 million, or 11%, in the second quarter and $24 million, or 4%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decrease in both the three- and six-month periods was mainly a result of reduced third-party non-rail transportation services, contracted services and discretionary costs, reflecting the decline in freight volumes as well as management’s cost-reduction initiatives. Partly offsetting these factors was the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Fuel: Fuel expense includes the cost of fuel consumed by locomotives, intermodal equipment and other vehicles. These expenses decreased by $225 million, or 56%, in the second quarter and $353 million, or 50%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The decreases in both the three- and six-month periods were primarily due to a lower average price for fuel, reduced freight volumes, and productivity improvements, which were partly offset by the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar.

Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expense relates to the Company’s rail operations. These expenses increased by $23 million, or 13%, in the second quarter and $51 million, or 15%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The increases in both the three- and six-month periods were mainly due to the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar and the impact of net capital additions.

 
35

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Equipment rents: Equipment rents expense includes rental expense for the use of freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies and for the short- or long-term lease of freight cars, locomotives and intermodal equipment, net of rental income from other railroads for the use of the Company’s cars and locomotives. These expenses increased by $10 million, or 17%, in the second quarter and $28 million, or 23%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The increases in both the three- and six-month periods were primarily due to lower car hire income due to fewer shipments offline and the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar that were partly offset by reduced car hire expense from fewer foreign cars online.

Casualty and other: Casualty and other expense includes expenses for personal injuries, environmental, freight and property damage, insurance, bad debt and operating taxes, as well as travel expenses. These expenses increased by $8 million, or 10%, in the second quarter and $65 million, or 34%, in the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008. The increases in both the three- and six-month periods were mainly due to the EJ&E acquisition-related costs of $3 million in the second quarter and $49 million for the first half of 2009; higher settlements for legal claims in 2009 as well as a 2008 reduction to the liability for U.S. personal injury claims; and the translation impact of the weaker Canadian dollar. These factors were partly offset by reduced travel-related expenses, reflecting management’s cost-reduction initiatives.


Other

Interest expense: Interest expense increased by $21 million, or 24%, for the second quarter and $47 million, or 27%, for the first half of 2009 when compared to the same periods in 2008, mainly due to the impact of the weaker Canadian dollar on U.S. dollar-denominated interest expense and a higher average debt balance.

Other income: In the second quarter and first half of 2009, the Company recorded Other income of $9 million and $170 million, respectively, compared to $9 million and $3 million, respectively for the same periods in 2008. The increase of $167 million in the first half of the year was mainly due to the gain on sale of the Weston subdivision of $157 million, a net foreign exchange gain in 2009 as compared to a loss in 2008, and lower fees related to the accounts receivable securitization program.

Income tax expense: The Company recorded income tax expense of $97 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $170 million for the same period in 2008. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2009, income tax expense was $203 million compared to $290 million for the same period in 2008. Included in income tax expense for the first half of 2009 was a deferred income tax recovery of $43 million, of which $12 million and $15 million, recorded in the second and first quarters, respectively, resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates; and $16 million recorded in the second quarter resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment. Included in income tax expense for the first half of 2008 was a deferred income tax recovery of $34 million, of which $23 million, recorded in the second quarter, was due to the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates and $11 million, recorded in the first quarter, resulted from net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was 20.0% in both periods compared to 27.0% and 27.4%, respectively, for the same periods in 2008. Excluding the deferred income tax recoveries discussed herein, the effective tax rates for the second quarter and first half of 2009 were 25.8% and 24.3%, respectively, and 30.7% and 30.6%, respectively, in 2008. The year-over-year decreases in the effective tax rates were mainly due to the impact of a higher proportion of the Company’s pretax income earned in lower-taxed jurisdictions. Also affecting the decrease in the effective tax rate for the six-month period was the impact of the favorable capital gains inclusion rate applied to the gain on sale of the Weston subdivision.

 
36

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Summary of quarterly financial data – unaudited

In millions, except per share data
         
 
2009 
 
2008 
   
2007 
 
Quarters
 
Quarters
   
Quarters
   
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
Revenues
$
1,781 
$
1,859 
 
$
2,200 
$
2,257 
$
 2,098 
$
 1,927 
 
$
 1,941 
$
 2,023 
Operating income
$
583 
$
481 
 
$
820 
$
844 
$
 707 
$
 523 
 
$
 736 
$
 768 
Net income
$
387 
$
424 
 
$
573 
$
552 
$
 459 
$
 311 
 
$
 833 
$
 485 
                                     
Basic earnings per share
$
0.83 
$
0.91 
 
$
1.22 
$
1.17 
$
 0.96 
$
 0.64 
 
$
 1.70 
$
 0.97 
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.82 
$
0.90 
 
$
1.21 
$
1.16 
$
 0.95 
$
 0.64 
 
$
 1.68 
$
 0.96 
                                     
Dividend declared per share
$
0.2525 
$
0.2525 
 
$
0.2300 
$
0.2300 
$
0.2300 
$
0.2300 
 
$
0.2100 
$
0.2100 

Revenues generated by the Company during the year are influenced by seasonal weather conditions, general economic conditions, cyclical demand for rail transportation, and competitive forces in the transportation marketplace (see the Business risks section of this MD&A). Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company’s productivity initiatives. The continued fluctuations in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar have also affected the conversion of the Company’s U.S. dollar-denominated revenues and expenses and resulted in fluctuations in net income in the rolling eight quarters presented above.
The Company’s quarterly results included items that impacted the quarter-over-quarter comparability of the results of operations as discussed below:
In millions, except per share data
                     
     
2009 
 
2008 
   
2007 
     
Quarters
 
Quarters
   
Quarters
       
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
 
Second
 
First
   
Fourth
 
Third
Deferred income tax recoveries (a)
$
 28 
$
 15 
 
$
 42 
$
 41 
$
 23 
$
 11 
 
$
 284 
$
 14 
Gain on sale of Weston subdivision (after-tax) (b)
-
 
 135 
   
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
   
-
 
 -
EJ&E acquisition-related costs (after-tax)(c)
 
 (2)
 
 (28)
   
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
   
-
 
 -
Gain on sale of CSC (after-tax) (d)
 
 -
 
 -
   
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
   
 64 
 
 -
Gain on sale of investment in EWS (after-tax) (e)
 -
 
 -
   
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
   
 41 
 
 -
   
Impact on net income
$
 26 
$
 122 
 
$
 42 
$
 41 
$
 23 
$
 11 
 
$
 389 
$
 14 
                                         
Basic earnings per share
$
 0.06 
$
 0.26 
 
$
 0.09 
$
 0.09 
$
 0.05 
$
 0.02 
 
$
 0.79 
$
 0.03 
Diluted earnings per share
$
 0.06 
$
 0.26 
 
$
 0.09 
$
 0.09 
$
 0.05 
$
 0.02 
 
$
 0.78 
$
 0.03 
                                         
(a)
Deferred income tax recoveries resulted mainly from the enactment of corporate income tax rate changes in Canada and the resolution of various income tax matters and adjustments related to tax filings of prior years.
                                         
(b)
The Company sold its Weston subdivision for proceeds of $160 million. A gain on disposition of $157 million ($135 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
                                         
(c)
The Company incurred costs to-date related to the acquisition of the EJ&E of $49 million ($30 million after-tax), which were recorded in Casualty and other expense.
                                         
(d)
The Company sold its Central Station Complex (CSC) in Montreal for proceeds of $355 million before transaction costs.  A gain of $92 million ($64 million after-tax) was recognized in Other income.
                                         
(e)
The Company sold its 32% ownership interest in English Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) for cash proceeds of $114 million, resulting in a gain on disposition of the investment of $61 million ($41 million after-tax), which was recorded in Other income.
                                         

 
37

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Liquidity and capital resources

The Company’s principal source of liquidity is cash generated from operations and is supplemented by borrowings in the money market and the capital market. In addition, from time to time, the Company’s liquidity requirements can be supplemented by the disposal of surplus properties and the monetization of assets.
To meet its short-term liquidity needs, the Company has a commercial paper program, which is backstopped by a portion of its U.S.$1 billion revolving credit facility, and an accounts receivable securitization program. Beginning in the latter part of the third quarter of 2008, unprecedented conditions in the financial markets led to unsettled conditions in the commercial paper and short-term lending markets. During these disruptions, the Company briefly lost access to the commercial paper market, and used its accounts receivable securitization program in lieu of new commercial paper borrowings to cover its short-term liquidity needs. Since then, the credit markets have stabilized and the Company has been able to issue commercial paper when needed. If the Company were to lose access to its commercial paper program and its accounts receivable securitization program for an extended period, the Company intends to rely on its U.S.$1 billion revolving credit facility for its short-term liquidity needs.
The Company’s access to long-term funds in the debt capital markets depends on its credit rating and market conditions. While the global financial crisis has led to debt capital markets that are marked by continued volatility, the Company believes that it continues to have access to the long-term debt capital markets. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company successfully priced a debt offering at reasonable terms. However, if the Company were unable to borrow funds at acceptable rates in the debt capital markets, the Company could borrow under its revolving credit facility, raise cash by disposing of surplus properties or otherwise monetizing assets, reduce discretionary spending or take a combination of these measures to assure that it has adequate funding for its business.

Operating activities: Cash provided from operating activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $632 million and $950 million, respectively, compared to $409 million and $574 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008. Net cash receipts from customers and other were $3,738 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, an increase of $104 million when compared to the same period in 2008, mainly due to a decrease in the collections reinvested in the Company's accounts receivable securitization program and higher customer collections that were partly offset by a decrease in revenues. Payments for employee services, suppliers and other expenses were $2,332 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, a decrease of $222 million when compared to the same period in 2008, principally due to lower payments for fuel. Payments for income taxes in the first half of 2009 were $156 million, a decrease of $51 million when compared to the same period in 2008. Also consuming cash in the six-month period ending June 30, 2009 were payments for interest, workforce reductions and personal injury and other claims totaling $272 million, compared to $246 million for the same period in 2008. Pension contributions are made throughout the year but are generally lower in the first quarter due to the timing of payments. In the first half of 2009 and 2008, pension contributions were $28 million and $53 million, respectively. The 2008 payment included $22 million related to the 2007 funding year. In 2009, pension contributions are expected to be approximately $130 million (See the Business risks section of this MD&A) and income tax payments are expected to be lower than in 2008 to reflect the impact of the current economic conditions on taxable income.
At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had working capital deficits of $13 million and $136 million, respectively. A working capital deficit is common in the rail industry because it is capital-intensive, and does not indicate a lack of liquidity. The Company maintains adequate resources to meet daily cash requirements, and has sufficient financial capacity including the commercial paper program, the accounts receivable securitization program and the revolving credit facility to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and current obligations. There are currently no specific requirements relating to working capital other than in the normal course of business.

Investing activities: Cash used by investing activities in the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 amounted to $236 million and $682 million, respectively, compared to $343 million and $509 million, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2008. The Company’s investing activities in the first half of 2009 included property additions of $496 million, a decrease of $33 million when compared to the same period in 2008, and $373 million for the EJ&E acquisition that was recorded in the first quarter of 2009. Investing activities in the first half of 2009 also included the cash proceeds of $150 million from the disposition of the Company’s Weston subdivision. See the Acquisition and disposal of property section of this MD&A. The following table details property additions for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008:

 
38

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)



   
Three months ended June 30
 
Six months ended June 30
In millions
 
2009 
 
2008 
   
2009 
 
2008 
Track and roadway
$
239 
$
297 
 
$
352 
$
431 
Rolling stock
 
 68 
 
15 
   
 97 
 
68 
Buildings
 
 10 
 
13 
   
 21 
 
17 
Information technology
 
 21 
 
18 
   
 44 
 
35 
Other
 
 11 
 
 9 
   
 22 
 
 22 
Gross property additions
 
 349 
 
 352 
   
 536 
 
 573 
Less: capital leases (a)
 
 40 
 
 -
   
 40 
 
 44 
Property additions
$
309 
$
352 
 
$
496 
$
529 
                     
(a)
For both the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded $40 million of assets acquired through equipment leases, (nil and $44 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively) for which an equivalent amount was recorded in debt.

On an ongoing basis, the Company invests in capital programs for the renewal of the basic plant, the acquisition of rolling stock and other investments to take advantage of growth opportunities and to improve the Company’s productivity and the fluidity of its network. For 2009, the Company expects to invest approximately $1.5 billion for its capital programs, of which approximately $1 billion is targeted towards track infrastructure to continue to operate a safe railway and to improve the productivity and fluidity of the network.

Free cash flow

The Company generated $256 million and $463 million of free cash flow for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, compared to $164 million and $225 million for the same periods in 2008. 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, adjusted for changes in the accounts receivable securitization program and in cash and cash equivalents resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations, less cash used by investing activities, adjusted for the impact of major acquisitions, and the payment of dividends, calculated as follows:

 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
June 30
 
June 30
In millions
 
2009 
   
2008 
   
2009 
   
2008 
                 
Cash provided from operating activities
$
 632 
 
$
 409 
 
$
 950 
 
$
 574 
Cash used by investing activities
 
 (236)
   
 (343)
   
 (682)
   
 (509)
Cash provided before financing activities
 
 396 
   
 66 
   
 268 
   
 65 
                       
Adjustments:
                     
   Change in accounts receivable securitization
 
 -
   
 209 
   
 68 
   
 372 
   Dividends paid
 
 (118)
   
 (109)
   
 (236)
   
 (220)
   Acquisition of EJ&E
 
 -
   
 -
   
 373 
   
 -
   Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on U.S. dollar-denominated
         
      cash and cash equivalents
 
 (22)
   
 (2)
   
 (10)
   
 8 
Free cash flow
$
 256 
 
$
 164 
 
$
 463 
 
$
 225 


 
39

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)

 
Financing activities: Cash used by financing activities for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 totaled $292 million and $240 million, respectively, compared to $237 million and $222 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008. In February 2009, the Company issued U.S.$550 million (Cdn$684 million) of 5.55% Notes due in 2019. The Company used the net proceeds of U.S.$540 million (Cdn$672 million) to repay a portion of its outstanding commercial paper and reduce a portion of its accounts receivable securitization program. In 2009 and 2008, issuances and repayments of long-term debt related principally to the Company’s commercial paper program. In the second quarter of 2009 there were no issuances of long-term debt.
Cash received from stock options exercised during the quarters ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $8 million and $14 million, respectively, and the related tax benefit realized upon exercise was $5 million and $2 million, respectively. Cash received from stock options exercised during the first half of 2009 and 2008 was $10 million and $26 million, respectively, and the related tax benefit realized upon exercise was $5 million and $8 million, respectively.
In the first half of 2009, under its 25.0 million share repurchase program, the Company did not repurchase any common shares. In the second quarter and first half of 2008, the Company repurchased 6.0 million and 13.3 million common shares for $323 million (weighted-average price per share of $53.91) and $690 million (weighted-average price per share of $51.91 per share), respectively, under its previous share repurchase program.
The Company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.2525 per share amounting to $118 million for the second quarter and $236 million for the first six months of 2009, compared to $109 million and $220 million, respectively, at the rate of $0.2300 per share, for the same periods in 2008.

Credit measures
Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio is a useful credit measure that aims to show the true leverage of the Company. Similarly, adjusted debt-to-adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is another useful credit measure because it reflects the Company’s ability to service its debt. The Company excludes Other income in the calculation of EBITDA. However, since these measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and, as such, should not be considered in isolation.

Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio
           
     
June 30,
 
2009 
 
2008 
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (a)
     
40.6%
 
39.0%
 
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments plus securitization financing (b)
 
2.1%
 
3.2%
Adjusted debt-to-total capitalization ratio
     
42.7%
 
42.2%
               
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
           
$ in millions, unless otherwise indicated
Twelve months ended June 30,
 
 2009 
 
 2008 
Debt
   
$
7,599 
$
6,474 
 
Add: Present value of operating lease commitments plus securitization financing (b)
 
665 
 
907 
Adjusted debt
     
8,264 
 
7,381 
               
Operating income
     
 2,728 
 
 2,734 
 
Add: Depreciation and amortization
     
 776 
 
 689 
EBITDA
     
 3,504 
 
 3,423 
 
Add: Deemed interest on operating leases
     
36 
 
40 
Adjusted EBITDA
   
$
3,540 
$
3,463 
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA
   
2.33 times
2.13 times
               
(a)
Debt-to-total capitalization is calculated as total long-term debt plus current portion of long-term debt divided by the sum of total debt plus total shareholders’ equity.
(b)
The operating lease commitments have been discounted using the Company’s implicit interest rate for each of the periods presented.


 
40

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


The Company has access to various financing arrangements:

Revolving credit facility
The Company has a U.S.$1 billion revolving credit facility, expiring in October 2011. The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including back-stopping the Company’s commercial paper program, and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers’ acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offer Rate, plus applicable margins. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. As at June 30, 2009, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility (nil as at December 31, 2008) and had letters of credit drawn of $236 million ($181 million as at December 31, 2008).

Commercial paper
The Company has a commercial paper program, which is backed by a portion of its revolving credit facility, enabling it to issue commercial paper up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $800 million, or the U.S. dollar equivalent. Commercial paper debt is due within one year but is classified as long-term debt, reflecting the Company’s intent and contractual ability to refinance the short-term borrowings through subsequent issuances of commercial paper or drawing down on the long-term revolving credit facility. As at June 30, 2009, the Company had total borrowings of $5 million denominated in Canadian dollars. The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 1.01%. As at December 31, 2008, the Company had total borrowings of $626 million, of which $256 million was denominated in Canadian dollars and $370 million was denominated in U.S. dollars (U.S.$303 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.42%.

Shelf prospectus and registration statement
At June 30, 2009, the Company has U.S.$1.3 billion registered for offering under its currently effective shelf prospectus and registration statement, expiring in January 2010, providing for the issuance of debt securities in one or more offerings.

All forward-looking information provided in this section is subject to risks and uncertainties and is based on assumptions about events and developments that may not materialize or that may be offset entirely or partially by other events and developments. See the sections of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements and Business risks for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statements.

 
41

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Contractual obligations

In the normal course of business, the Company incurs contractual obligations.  The following table sets forth the Company’s contractual obligations for the following items as at June 30, 2009:
In millions
 
Total
 
2009 
 
2010 
 
2011 
 
2012 
 
2013 
 
2014 & thereafter
Long-term debt obligations (a)
$
6,343 
$
350 
$
 -
$
468 
$
 -
$
464 
$
5,061 
Interest on long-term debt obligations
 
6,508 
 
191 
 
366 
 
366 
 
337 
 
326 
 
4,922 
Capital lease obligations (b)
 
1,721 
 
119 
 
158 
 
214 
 
92 
 
139 
 
999 
Operating lease obligations (c)
 
807 
 
74 
 
135 
 
114 
 
91 
 
71 
 
322 
Purchase obligations (d)
 
797 
 
253 
 
258 
 
87 
 
60 
 
55 
 
84 
Other long-term liabilities reflected on
                           
   the balance sheet (e)
 
798 
 
51 
 
70 
 
56 
 
50 
 
47 
 
524 
Total obligations
$
16,974 
$
1,038 
$
987 
$
1,305 
$
630 
$
1,102 
$
11,912 
                               
(a)
Presented net of unamortized discounts, of which $835 million relates to non-interest bearing Notes due in 2094, and excludes capital lease obligations of $1,256 million which are included in “Capital lease obligations.”
                               
(b)
Includes $1,256 million of minimum lease payments and $465 million of imputed interest at rates ranging from 2.1% to 7.9%.
                               
(c)
Includes minimum rental payments for operating leases having initial non-cancelable lease terms of one year or more.  The Company also has operating lease agreements for its automotive fleet with one-year non-cancelable terms for which its practice is to renew monthly thereafter.  The estimated annual rental payments for such leases are approximately $35 million and generally extend over five years.
                               
(d)
Includes commitments for railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives and other equipment and services, and outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses. See the Acquisition and disposal of property section of this MD&A for commitments related to the EJ&E acquisition.
                               
(e)
Includes expected payments for workers’ compensation, workforce reductions, postretirement benefits other than pensions and environmental liabilities that have been classified as contractual settlement agreements.

For 2009 and the foreseeable future, the Company expects cash flow from operations and from its various sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its debt repayments and future obligations, and to fund anticipated capital expenditures.
See the sections of this MD&A entitled Forward-looking statements and Business risks section of this MD&A for a discussion of assumptions and risk factors affecting such forward-looking statement.

 
42

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Acquisition and disposal of property

Acquisition of Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Company
On January 31, 2009, the Company acquired the principal rail lines of the EJ&E for a total cash consideration of U.S.$300 million (Cdn$373 million), paid with cash on hand. The EJ&E is a short-line railway previously owned by U.S. Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) that operates over 198 miles of track and serves steel mills, petrochemical customers, utility plants and distribution centers in Illinois and Indiana, as well as connects with all the major railroads entering Chicago. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the railroad operations of EJ&E, except those that support the Gary Works site in northwest Indiana and the steelmaking operations of U.S. Steel. The acquisition is expected to drive new efficiencies and operating improvements on CN’s network as a result of streamlined rail operations and reduced congestion in the Chicago area.
The Company and EJ&E had entered into the acquisition agreement on September 25, 2007, and the Company had filed an application for authorization of the transaction with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) on October 30, 2007. Following an extensive regulatory approval process, which included an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that resulted in conditions imposed to mitigate municipalities’ concerns regarding increased rail activity expected along the EJ&E line, the STB approved the transaction on December 24, 2008. The STB also imposed a five-year monitoring and oversight condition, during which the Company is required to file with the STB monthly operational reports as well as quarterly reports on the implementation status of the STB-imposed mitigation conditions. This permits the STB to take further action if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances upon which it relied in imposing the specific mitigation conditions. Over the next few years, the Company has committed to spend approximately U.S.$100 million for railroad infrastructure improvements and over U.S.$60 million under a series of agreements with individual communities, a comprehensive voluntary mitigation program that addresses municipalities’ concerns, and additional STB-imposed conditions that the Company has accepted with one exception. The Company has filed an appeal challenging the STB's condition requiring the installation of grade separations at two locations along the EJ&E at Company funding levels significantly beyond prior STB practice. Although the STB granted the Company’s application to acquire control of the EJ&E, challenges have since been made by certain communities as to the sufficiency of the EIS which, if successful, could result in further consideration of the environmental impact of the transaction and mitigation conditions imposed. The Company strongly disputes the merit of these challenges, and has intervened in support of the STB’s defense against them. The final outcome of such challenges, as well as the resolution of matters that could arise during the STB's five-year oversight of the transaction, cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore, there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
The Company has accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141 (R), “Business Combinations,” which the Company adopted on January 1, 2009. As such, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of EJ&E as of January 31, 2009, the date of acquisition. The costs incurred to-date to acquire the EJ&E of approximately $49 million were expensed and reported in Casualty and other in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the six months ended June 30, 2009 (see Note 2 - Accounting change to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements).

 
43

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


The following table summarizes the consideration paid for EJ&E and the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed that were recognized at the acquisition date. The Company has not finalized its valuation of such assets and liabilities. As such, the fair value is subject to change, although no material change is anticipated.

At January 31, 2009
(In U.S. millions)
 
     
Consideration
 
Cash
$
300 
Fair value of total consideration transferred
$
300 
     
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
   
Current assets
$
Other long-term assets
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
304 
Current liabilities
 
 (4)
Other long-term liabilities
 
 (10)
Total identifiable net assets
$
 300 

The amount of revenues and net income of EJ&E included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the acquisition date to June 30, 2009, were $34 million and $7 million, respectively. The Company has not provided supplemental pro forma information relating to the pre-acquisition period as it was not considered material to the results of operations of the Company.

Disposal of Weston subdivision
In March 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with GO Transit to sell the property known as the Weston subdivision in Toronto, Ontario, together with the rail fixtures and certain passenger agreements (collectively the “Rail Property”), for cash proceeds of $110 million before transaction costs, with a balance on sale of about $50 million placed in escrow on the Company’s behalf and to be released in accordance with the terms of the agreement but no later than December 31, 2009. At June 30, 2009, $40 million had been released from escrow and was received by the Company. Under the agreement, the Company obtained the perpetual right to operate freight trains over the Rail Property at its then current level of operating activity, with the possibility of increasing its operating activity for additional consideration. The transaction resulted in a gain on disposition of $157 million ($135 million after-tax), including amounts related to the real estate as well as the retention of trackage and other rights. The Company accounted for the transaction in Other income under the full accrual method of accounting for real estate transactions.


Off balance sheet arrangements

Accounts receivable securitization program
The Company has a five-year agreement, expiring in May 2011, to sell an undivided co-ownership interest for maximum cash proceeds of $600 million in a revolving pool of freight receivables to an unrelated trust. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company sells an interest in its receivables and receives proceeds net of the required reserve as stipulated in the agreement. The required reserve represents an amount set aside to allow for possible credit losses and is recognized by the Company as a retained interest and recorded in Other current assets in its Consolidated Balance Sheet. The eligible freight receivables as defined in the agreement may not include delinquent or defaulted receivables, or receivables that do not meet certain obligor-specific criteria, including concentrations in excess of prescribed limits with any one customer.
The Company has retained the responsibility for servicing, administering and collecting the receivables sold and receives no fee for such ongoing servicing responsibilities. The average servicing period is approximately one month. During the first half of 2009, proceeds from collections reinvested in the securitization program were approximately $138 million and purchases of previously transferred accounts receivable were approximately $4 million. At June 30, 2009, the servicing asset and liability were not significant. Subject to customary indemnifications, the trust’s recourse is generally limited to the receivables.
 

 
44

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)

 
The Company accounted for the accounts receivable securitization program as a sale, because control over the transferred accounts receivable was relinquished. Due to the relatively short collection period and the high quality of the receivables sold, the fair value of the undivided interest transferred to the trust approximated the book value thereof. As such, no gain or loss was recorded.
The Company is subject to customary requirements that include reporting requirements as well as compliance to specified ratios, for which failure to comply with could result in termination of the program. In addition, the trust is subject to customary credit rating requirements, which if not met, could also result in termination of the program. The Company monitors its requirements and is currently not aware of any trends, events or conditions that could cause such termination.
The accounts receivable securitization program provides the Company with readily available short-term financing for general corporate use. In the second quarter of 2009, the Company reduced the program limit from $600 million to $400 million until the end of 2009 to reflect the anticipated reduction in the use of the program. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company may change the percentage of co-ownership interest sold at any time. In the event the program is terminated before its scheduled maturity, the Company expects to meet its future payment obligations through its various sources of financing, including its revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, and/or access to capital markets.
At June 30, 2009, the Company had sold receivables that resulted in proceeds of $2 million under the accounts receivable securitization program ($71 million at December 31, 2008), and recorded the retained interest of approximately 10% of this amount (retained interest of approximately 10% recorded at December 31, 2008). The fair value of the retained interest approximated carrying value as a result of the short collection cycle and negligible credit losses.

Guarantees and indemnifications
In the normal course of business, the Company, including certain of its subsidiaries, enters into agreements that may involve providing certain guarantees or indemnifications to third parties and others, which may extend beyond the term of the agreement.  These include, but are not limited to, residual value guarantees on operating leases, standby letters of credit and surety and other bonds, and indemnifications that are customary for the type of transaction or for the railway business.
The Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing certain guarantees on the date the guarantee is issued or modified. In addition, where the Company expects to make a payment in respect of a guarantee, a liability will be recognized to the extent that one has not yet been recognized.
The nature of these guarantees or indemnifications, the maximum potential amount of future payments, the carrying amount of the liability, if any, and the nature of any recourse provisions are disclosed in Note 8 – Major commitments and contingencies, to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


Stock plans

The Company has various stock-based incentive plans for eligible employees. A description of the plans is provided in Note 11 – Stock plans, to the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 the Company recorded total compensation expense for awards under all plans of $25 million and $40 million, respectively, and $6 million and $34 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008. The total tax benefit recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $7 million and $11 million, respectively, and $3 million and $10 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2008.
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 5 – Stock plans, to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.



 
45

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Financial instruments

The Company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes. At June 30, 2009, the Company did not have any derivative financial instruments outstanding. At June 30, 2009, Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included an unamortized gain of $11 million, $8 million after-tax ($11 million, $8 million after-tax at December 31, 2008) relating to treasury lock transactions settled in 2004, which are being amortized over the term of the related debt.
Additional disclosures are provided in Note 18 – Financial instruments to the Company’s 2008 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements as well as Note 9 – Fair value of financial instruments to the Company’s unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


Income taxes

Rate enactments and other
In 2009, the Company recorded a deferred income tax recovery of $43 million in the Consolidated Statement of Income, of which $12 million and $15 million, recorded in the second and first quarters, respectively, resulted from the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates; and $16 million recorded in the second quarter resulted from the recapitalization of a foreign investment.

In 2008, the Company recorded a deferred income tax recovery of $34 million in the Consolidated Statement of Income, of which $23 million, recorded in the second quarter, was due to the enactment of lower provincial corporate income tax rates and $11 million, recorded in the first quarter, resulted from net capital losses arising from the reorganization of a subsidiary.

Future rate enactments
The Ontario government has proposed a graduated reduction to the provincial corporate income tax rate as part of its Provincial Budget. As a result, the Company’s net deferred income tax liability will be reduced by approximately $100 million when enacted into law.

Common stock

Share repurchase program
During the first half of 2009, the Company did not repurchase any common shares under its 25.0 million share repurchase program, which expired on July 20, 2009. The Company repurchased a total of 6.1 million common shares since July 28, 2008, the inception of the program, for $331 million, at a weighted-average price of $54.42 per share.

Outstanding share data
As at July 20, 2009, the Company had 469.0 million common shares and 13.6 million stock options outstanding.



 
46

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Recent accounting pronouncements

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets - an amendment of FASB Statement No.140,” and SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation (FIN) No 46(R)” which are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2009.
SFAS No. 166 removes the concept of a qualifying special purpose entity from SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities” and removes the exception from applying FIN No. 46(R), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” to qualifying special purpose entities. SFAS No. 166 also modifies the circumstances in which a transferor derecognizes a portion or component of a financial asset and defines the term participating interest to establish specific conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale and clarifies the determination of whether a transferor has surrendered control over transferred financial assets. The standard requires enhanced disclosures about transfers of financial assets and a transferor’s continuing involvement with transfers of financial assets that are accounted for as sales.
SFAS No. 167 retains the scope of FIN No. 46(R) with the addition of qualifying special purpose entities, as the concept of these entities was eliminated in SFAS No. 166.  This Statement amends certain guidance in FIN No. 46(R) for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity, requires more frequent analysis to determine whether an enterprise has a controlling financial interest in or is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, and eliminates the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.  The standard requires enhanced disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these statements on its financial statements and related disclosures.


Critical accounting policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based upon currently available information. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The Company’s policies for personal injury and other claims, environmental claims, depreciation, pensions and other postretirement benefits, and income taxes, require management’s more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements and, as such, are considered to be critical. The discussion on the methodology and assumptions underlying these critical accounting estimates, their effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position for the past three years ended December 31, 2008, as well as the effect of changes to these estimates, can be found on pages 48 to 53 of the Company’s 2008 Annual Report.
As at June 30, 2009 and December 31 and June 30, 2008, the Company had the following amounts outstanding relating to its critical accounting estimates:
               
     
June 30
 
December 31
 
June 30
In millions
   
2009 
 
2008 
 
2008 
     
(Unaudited)
     
(Unaudited)
Pension asset
 
$
 1,578 
$
 1,522 
$
 1,858 
Pension liability
   
 245 
 
 237 
 
 193 
Other postretirement benefits liability
   
 255 
 
 260 
 
 268 
Provision for personal injury and other claims
   
 424 
 
 454 
 
 450 
Provision for environmental costs
   
 112 
 
 125 
 
 108 
Net deferred income tax provision
   
 5,330 
 
 5,413 
 
 5,033 
Properties
   
 23,160 
 
 23,203 
 
 20,864 

Management discusses the development and selection of the Company’s critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the Company’s related disclosures.


 
47

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Forward-looking statements

Certain information included in this MD&A may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. CN cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and 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 assumptions used by the Company to prepare its forward-looking statements, although considered reasonable by the Company at the time of preparation, may not materialize. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company or the rail industry to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Such factors include the effects of the deep recession in the North American economy and the contraction in the global economy in 2009, the specific risks set forth below as well as other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with securities regulators in Canada and the United States.


Business risks
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to various business risks and uncertainties that can have an effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk mitigation strategies, many risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s control or are of a nature which cannot be eliminated. The following is a discussion of key areas of business risks and uncertainties.


Competition
The Company faces significant competition from rail carriers and other modes of transportation, and is also affected by its customers’ flexibility to select among various origins and destinations, including ports, in getting their products to market. Specifically, the Company faces competition from Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP), which operates the other major rail system in Canada and services most of the same industrial areas, commodity resources and population centers as the Company; major U.S. railroads and other Canadian and U.S. railroads; long-distance trucking companies, and transportation via the St. Lawrence-Great Lakes Seaway and the Mississippi River. Competition is generally based on the quality and the reliability of the service provided, access to markets, as well as price. Factors affecting the competitive position of customers, including exchange rates and energy cost, could materially adversely affect the demand for goods supplied by the sources served by the Company and, therefore, the Company’s volumes, revenues and profit margins. Factors affecting the general market conditions for our customers, including the current situation in the North American and global economies, can result in an imbalance of transportation capacity relative to demand. An extended period of supply/demand imbalance could negatively impact market rate levels for all transportation services, and more specifically the Company’s ability to maintain or increase rates. This, in turn, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations or financial position.
The significant consolidation of rail systems in the United States has resulted in larger rail systems that are able to offer seamless services in larger market areas and accordingly, compete effectively with the Company in numerous markets. This consolidation requires the Company to consider arrangements or other initiatives that would similarly enhance its own service.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete effectively against current and future competitors in the transportation industry and that further consolidation within the transportation industry will not adversely affect the Company’s competitive position.  No assurance can be given that competitive pressures will not lead to reduced revenues, profit margins or both.


 
48

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Environmental matters
The Company’s operations are subject to numerous federal, provincial, state, municipal and local environmental laws and regulations in Canada and the United States concerning, among other things, emissions into the air; discharges into waters; the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste, hazardous substances and other materials; decommissioning of underground and
above-ground storage tanks; and soil and groundwater contamination. A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations.  As a result, the Company incurs significant compliance and capital costs, on an ongoing basis, associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property.
While the Company believes that it has identified the compliance and capital costs likely to be incurred in the next several years, newly discovered facts, changes in law, the possibility of future spills and releases of hazardous materials into the environment and the Company’s ongoing efforts to identify potential environmental liabilities that may be associated with its properties, may result in additional environmental liabilities and related costs.
In railroad and related transportation operations, it is possible that derailments or other accidents, including spills and releases of hazardous materials, may occur that could cause harm to human health or to the environment. In addition, the Company is also exposed to potential catastrophic liability risk, faced by the railroad industry generally, in connection with the transportation of toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia, commodities that the Company may be required to transport to the extent of its common carrier obligations. As a result, the Company may incur costs in the future, which may be material, to address any such harm, compliance with laws or other risks, including costs relating to the performance of clean-ups, payment of environmental penalties and remediation obligations, and damages relating to harm to individuals or property.
The environmental liability for any given contaminated site varies depending on the nature and extent of the contamination, the available clean-up techniques, the Company’s share of the costs and evolving regulatory standards. As such, the ultimate cost of addressing known contaminated sites cannot be definitively established. Also, additional contaminated sites yet unknown may be discovered or future operations may result in accidental releases.
While some exposures may be reduced by the Company’s risk mitigation strategies (including periodic audits, employee training programs and emergency plans and procedures), many environmental risks are driven by external factors beyond the Company’s control or are of a nature which cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore, there can be no assurance, notwithstanding the Company’s mitigation strategies, that liabilities or costs related to environmental matters will not be incurred in the future or that environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Personal injury and other claims
The Company becomes involved, from time to time, in various legal actions, including actions brought on behalf of various purported classes of claimants and claims relating to personal injuries, occupational disease, and property damage, arising out of harm to individuals or property allegedly caused by, but not limited to, derailments or other accidents. The Company maintains provisions for such items, which it considers to be adequate for all of its outstanding or pending claims. The final outcome with respect to actions outstanding or pending at June 30, 2009, or with respect to future claims, cannot be predicted with certainty, and therefore there can be no assurance that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity, in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

Labor negotiations
Canadian workforce
As at June 30, 2009, CN employed a total of 14,993 employees in Canada, of which 11,480 were unionized employees.
On November 14, 2008, the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) served a Notice to Bargain on CN, in order to reopen the collective agreements of the conductors, trainpersons and yard persons (CTY) that were imposed by virtue of federal back-to-work legislation to resolve the labor dispute between the United Transportation Union (UTU) and CN in 2007. In the Company's view these agreements are binding on the TCRC, the successor bargaining agent to the UTU, until they expire on July 22, 2010. The TCRC filed a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), challenging the Company's position. The complaint  was dismissed on June 11, 2009. The TCRC is now asking the Federal Court of Appeal to reverse this decision.
 

 
49

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)

 
On January 30, 2009, the TCRC filed an application requesting the CIRB to consolidate the bargaining units for which they hold a certificate (conductors, locomotive engineers and train dispatchers). The CIRB dismissed the application on April 1, 2009. The TCRC asked the CIRB to reconsider its decision, which was declined on July 8, 2009. The TCRC also filed an application in the Federal Court of Appeal to have the initial CIRB decision set aside.
The collective agreements between CN and the TCRC, covering approximately 1,500 locomotive engineers in one bargaining unit, and approximately 200 rail traffic controllers in a separate bargaining unit, expired on December 31, 2008. Negotiations, which commenced in September 2008, are ongoing to renew these collective agreements. At CN’s request, the Minister of Labour has appointed two conciliation officers to assist the parties in their negotiations for the locomotive engineers’ agreements. If no agreement is reached upon completion of the conciliation process, the Company and its union will be, after a twenty-one day cooling-off period, in a legal position to declare a lockout or a strike, as the case may be. As the fourteen day conciliation period is routinely extended to sixty days, the Company expects the earliest a lockout or a strike can be declared is September 19, 2009. The TCRC is currently asking the Federal Court of Appeal to direct the parties to suspend negotiations, pending the outcome of the litigation relating to the CIRB decisions; CN is opposing this request, which would delay the bargaining process if granted. The agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process has been exhausted.
From time to time, the Company negotiates to renew collective agreements with various unionized groups of employees. In such cases, the agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process has been exhausted.

There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to renew and have its collective agreements ratified without any strikes or lockouts or that the resolution of these collective bargaining negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

U.S. workforce
As at June 30, 2009, CN employed a total of 6,724 employees in the United States, of which 5,533 were unionized employees.
As of July 2009, the Company had in place agreements with bargaining units representing the entire unionized workforce at Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW); Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Company (DWP); Illinois Central Railroad Company (ICRR); companies owned by CCP Holdings, Inc. (CCP); Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway Company (DMIR); Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE); The Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD); Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway Company (EJE); and all but one of the unions at companies owned by Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation (WC). The WC dispatchers became represented in May 2008 and are currently in the process of negotiating their first agreement. Agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, ranging from 2004 to 2014, which preserve the status quo in respect of given areas during the terms of such moratoriums. Several of these agreements are currently under renegotiation.
The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis. GTW, DWP, ICRR, CCP, WC, DMIR, BLE, PCD and EJE have bargained on a local basis rather than holding national, industry-wide negotiations because they believe it results in agreements that better address both the employees’ concerns and preferences, and the railways’ actual operating environment. However, local negotiations may not generate federal intervention in a strike or lockout situation, since a dispute may be localized. The Company believes the potential mutual benefits of local bargaining outweigh the risks.
Negotiations are ongoing with the bargaining units with which the Company does not have agreements or settlements. Until new agreements are reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply.

There can be no assurance that there will not be any work action by any of the bargaining units with which the Company is currently in negotiations or that the resolution of these negotiations will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.


 
50

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Regulation
The Company’s rail operations in Canada are subject to (i) economic regulation by the Canadian Transportation Agency (the Agency) under the Canada Transportation Act (the CTA), and (ii) safety regulation by the federal Minister of Transport under the Railway Safety Act and certain other statutes.  The Company’s U.S. rail operations are subject to (i) economic regulation by the STB and (ii) safety regulation by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

Economic regulation – Canada
The following actions have been taken by the federal government:

(i) The Agency adjusted the index used to determine the maximum railway revenue entitlement that railways can earn on the movement of regulated grain produced in western Canada, to reflect costs incurred by CN and CP for the maintenance of hopper cars. The retroactive component of the Agency’s decision estimated to be $23 million has been recorded as a reduction of the Company’s fourth-quarter 2008 Canadian grain revenues for the 2007-08 grain crop year. This decision was confirmed by the Federal Court of Appeal in November 2008. The Company sought and was not granted leave to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court of Canada.

(ii) Bill C-8, entitled An Act to amend the Canada Transportation Act (railway transportation) became law on February 28, 2008, and extends the availability of the Final Offer Arbitration recourse to groups of shippers and adds new shipper recourse to the Agency in respect of charges for incidental services provided by a railway company other than transportation services.

(iii) On August 12, 2008, Transport Canada announced the Terms of Reference for the Rail Freight Service Review to examine the services offered by CN and CP to Canadian shippers and customers. The review will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1, which is currently underway, consists of analytical work to achieve a better understanding of the state of the rail service. Phase 2 will commence with the appointment of a panel who will develop recommendations in consultation with stakeholders and submit a final report to the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, which is currently projected to be in spring 2010.

No assurance can be given that any current or future legislative action by the federal government or other future government initiatives will not materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Economic regulation – U.S.
Various business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties. The Company is also subject to government oversight with respect to rate, service and business practice issues. The STB has completed the following recent proceedings:

(i) A review of the practice of rail carriers, including the Company and the majority of other large railroads operating within the U.S., of assessing a fuel surcharge computed as a percentage of the base rate for service, whereby the STB directed carriers to adjust their fuel surcharge programs on a basis more closely related to the amount of fuel consumed on individual movements. The Company implemented a mileage-based fuel surcharge, effective April 26, 2007, to conform to the STB’s decision.

(ii) A review of rate dispute resolution procedures, whereby the STB modified its rate guidelines for handling medium-sized and smaller rate disputes.

(iii) A review that changed the methodology for calculating the cost of equity component of the industry cost of capital that is used to determine carrier revenue adequacy and in rate, abandonment and other regulatory proceedings.

As part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, the U.S. Congress has authorized the STB to investigate any railroad over whose track Amtrak operates that fails to meet an 80 percent on-time performance standard extending over two calendar quarters for Amtrak operations and to determine the cause of such failures. If the STB determines that a failure to meet these standards is due to the host railroad’s failure to provide preference to Amtrak, the STB is authorized to assess damages against the host railroad. The FRA is responsible for the metrics and standards to be used by the STB in assessing Amtrak’s performance.
 

 
51

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


    The U.S. Congress has had under consideration for several years various pieces of legislation that would increase federal economic regulation of the railroad industry. Legislation to repeal the railroad industry’s limited antitrust exemptions has been introduced in 2009 in both Houses of Congress. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved its version of the legislation in March 2009. Broader legislation to modify the system of economic regulation of the railroad industry is expected to be introduced in both Houses of Congress in the near future.
The Company’s ownership of the former Great Lakes Transportation vessels is subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, which regulate the ownership and operation of vessels operating on the Great Lakes and in U.S. coastal waters.

No assurance can be given that these or any future regulatory initiatives by the U.S. federal government will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.

Safety regulation - Canada
Rail safety regulation in Canada is the responsibility of Transport Canada, which administers the Canadian Railway Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety-related statutes.  The following action has been taken by the federal government:

A full review of the Railway Safety Act was conducted by the Railway Safety Act Review Panel and the Panel’s report has been tabled in the House of Commons.  The Report includes more than 50 recommendations to improve rail safety in Canada but concludes that the current framework of the Railway Safety Act is sound.  The recommendations propose amendments to the act in a number of areas including governance, regulatory framework and proximity issues. The Company will be participating in the Rail Safety Advisory Committee to be created by the Minister of Transport.

Safety Regulation - U.S.
Rail safety regulation in the U.S. is the responsibility of the FRA, which administers the Federal Railroad Safety Act, as well as the rail portions of other safety statutes. In 2008, the U.S. federal government enacted legislation reauthorizing the Federal Railroad Safety Act. This legislation covers a broad range of safety issues, including fatigue management, positive train control (PTC), grade crossings, bridge safety, and other matters. The legislation requires all Class I railroads and intercity passenger and commuter railroads to implement a PTC system by December 31, 2015 on mainline track where intercity passenger railroads and commuter railroads operate and where toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials are transported. The Company is currently analyzing the impact of this requirement on its network and taking steps to ensure implementation in accordance with the new law. The legislation also would cap the number of on-duty and limbo time hours for certain rail employees on a monthly basis. The Company is taking appropriate steps to ensure that its operations conform to the new requirements. The Company is currently evaluating the financial and operational implications of this legislation.

Security
The Company is subject to statutory and regulatory directives in the United States addressing homeland security concerns. In the U.S., safety matters related to security are overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which, like the FRA, is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Border security falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border protection (CBP), which is part of the DHS. In Canada, the Company is subject to regulation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).  More specifically, the Company is subject to:

(i) Border security arrangements, pursuant to an agreement the Company and CP entered into with the CBP and the CBSA.

(ii) The CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and designation as a low-risk carrier under CBSA’s Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program.

(iii) Regulations imposed by the CBP requiring advance notification by all modes of transportation for all shipments into the United States. The CBSA is also working on similar requirements for Canada-bound traffic.
 

 
52

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


(iv) Inspection for imported fruits and vegetables grown in Canada and the agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fee for traffic entering the U.S. from Canada.

The Company has worked with the Association of American Railroads to develop and put in place an extensive industry-wide security plan to address terrorism and security-driven efforts by state and local governments seeking to restrict the routings of certain hazardous materials.  If such state and local routing restrictions were to go into force, they would be likely to add to security concerns by foreclosing the Company’s most optimal and secure transportation routes, leading to increased yard handling, longer hauls, and the transfer of traffic to lines less suitable for moving hazardous materials, while also infringing upon the exclusive and uniform federal oversight over railroad security matters.

Transportation of hazardous materials
The Company may be required to transport toxic-by-inhalation (TIH) hazardous materials to the extent of its common carrier obligations and, as such, is exposed to additional regulatory oversight.

(i) Beginning in 2009, the PHMSA requires carriers operating in the U.S. to report annually the volume and route-specific data for cars containing these commodities; conduct a safety and security risk analysis for each used route; identify a commercially practicable alternative route for each used route; and select for use the practical route posing the least safety and security risk.

(ii) The TSA has issued regulations that, beginning December 26, 2008, require rail carriers to provide upon request, within five minutes for a single car and 30 minutes for multiple cars, location and shipping information on cars on their networks containing TIH materials and certain radioactive or explosive materials; and beginning April 1, 2009, ensure the secure, attended transfer of all such cars to and from shippers, receivers and other carriers that will move from, to, or through designated high-threat urban areas.

(iii) The PHMSA has issued regulations, effective March 14, 2009, revising standards to enhance the crashworthiness protection of tank cars used to transport TIH and to limiting the operating conditions of such cars.

(iv) In Canada, the government amended the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act on June 16, 2009. The amendments require security training and screening of personnel working with dangerous goods. The amendments also enable the development of a program to require a transportation security clearance for dangerous goods and enable the establishment of regulations requiring that dangerous goods be tracked during transport.

While the Company will continue to work closely with the CBSA, CBP, and other Canadian and U.S. agencies, as described above, no assurance can be given that these and future decisions by the U.S., Canadian, provincial, state, or local governments on homeland security matters, legislation on security matters enacted by the U.S. Congress, or joint decisions by the industry in response to threats to the North American rail network, will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.


 
53

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Other risks
Economic conditions
The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to changes in the economic conditions of the industries and geographic areas that produce and consume the freight it transports or the supplies it requires to operate. In addition, many of the goods and commodities carried by the Company experience cyclicality in demand. Many of the bulk commodities the Company transports move offshore and are affected more by global rather than North American economic conditions. Adverse North American and global economic conditions such as the current recession, or economic or industrial restructuring, that affect the producers and consumers of the commodities carried by the Company, including customer insolvency, may have a material adverse effect on the volume of rail shipments carried by the Company, and thus materially and negatively affect its results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

Trade restrictions
Global as well as North American trade conditions, including trade barriers on certain commodities, may interfere with the free circulation of goods across Canada and the United States.

Terrorism and international conflicts
Potential terrorist actions can have a direct or indirect impact on the transportation infrastructure, including railway infrastructure in North America, and interfere with the free flow of goods. International conflicts can also have an impact on the Company’s markets.

Customer credit risk
In the normal course of business, the Company monitors the financial condition and credit limits of its customers and reviews the credit history of each new customer.  Although the Company believes there are no significant concentrations of credit risk, the current economic conditions have affected many of the Company’s customers, in particular those in the automotive and forest products sectors, and have thus resulted in an increase to the Company’s credit risk and exposure to business failures of its customers. To manage its credit risk, the Company’s focus is on keeping the average daily sales outstanding within an acceptable range, and working with customers to ensure timely payments, and in certain cases, requiring financial security, including letters of credit. A widespread deterioration of customer credit and business failures of customers could have a material adverse affect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Pension funding
Overall return in the capital markets and the level of interest rates affect the funded status of the Company's pension plans, particularly the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Pension Plan (the “CN Plan”). For all pension plans, the funded status is calculated under generally accepted accounting principles. For the Company’s Canadian pension plans, the funded status is also calculated under a solvency or wind-up scenario under guidance issued by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA). Adverse changes with respect to pension plan returns and the level of interest rates from the date of the last actuarial valuation may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity by significantly increasing future pension contributions. The Company’s funding requirements, as well as the impact on the results of operations, are determined upon completion of actuarial valuations, which for the Company’s Canadian pension plans, are generally required by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) on a triennial basis or when deemed appropriate. Based on the last actuarial valuation of the Company’s main pension plan, the CN Plan, filed by the Company as at December 31, 2007, as well as the latest actuarial valuations of its other plans, the Company expects to make contributions of approximately $130 million in 2009 for all its pension plans. The Company may elect or may be required by OSFI, to file an actuarial valuation for the CN Plan as at December 31, 2008. In such event, the actuarial valuation could indicate a funding deficit under a solvency or wind-up scenario as calculated under the guidance issued by the CIA. As a result, the Company’s future contributions could significantly increase. The CIA allows for any funding deficit to be paid over a number of years and resets the funding requirements at each valuation date. Should the Company elect to file its 2008 actuarial valuation in 2009 or be required by OSFI to do so, the Company expects cash from operations and its other sources of financing to be sufficient to meet its funding obligation.


 
54

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Availability of qualified personnel
The Company, like other railway companies in North America, may experience demographic challenges in the employment levels of its workforce. Changes in employee demographics, training requirements and the availability of qualified personnel could negatively impact the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. The Company monitors employment levels to ensure that there is an adequate supply of personnel to meet rail service requirements. However, the Company’s efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel may be hindered by specific conditions in the job market. No assurance can be given that demographic or other challenges will not materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its financial position.

Fuel costs
The Company, like other railroads, is susceptible to the volatility of fuel prices due to changes in the economy or supply disruptions. Rising fuel prices could materially adversely affect the Company’s expenses. As such, CN has implemented a fuel surcharge program with a view of offsetting the impact of rising fuel prices. The surcharge applied to customers is determined in the second calendar month prior to the month in which it is applied, and is calculated using the average monthly price of West-Texas Intermediate crude oil (WTI) for revenue-based tariffs and On-Highway Diesel (OHD) for mileage-based tariffs. Increases in fuel prices or supply disruptions may materially adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or its financial position.

Foreign exchange
The Company conducts its business in both Canada and the U.S. and as a result, is affected by currency fluctuations. Based on the Company’s current operations, the estimated annual impact on net income of a year-over-year one-cent change in the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar is approximately $5 million. Changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and other currencies (including the U.S. dollar) make the goods transported by the Company more or less competitive in the world marketplace and thereby further affect the Company’s revenues and expenses.

Reliance on technology
The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. While the Company has a disaster recovery plan in place, a significant disruption or failure of its information technology systems could result in service interruptions, safety failures, security violations, regulatory compliance failures and the inability to protect corporate information and assets against intruders or other operational difficulties and, as such, could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Transportation network disruptions
Due to the integrated nature of the North American freight transportation infrastructure, the Company’s operations may be negatively affected by service disruptions of other transportation links such as ports and other railroads which interchange with the Company. A significant prolonged service disruption of one or more of these entities could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Weather and climate change
The Company’s success is dependent on its ability to operate its railroad efficiently. Severe weather and natural disasters, such as extreme cold, flooding, drought and hurricanes, can disrupt operations and service for the railroad, including affecting the performance of locomotives and rolling stock, as well as disrupt operations for the Company’s customers. Climate change, including the impact of global warming, could increase the frequency of adverse weather events, which can disrupt the Company's operations, damage its infrastructure or properties, or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In addition, although the Company believes that the growing support for climate change legislation is likely to result in changes to the regulatory framework in Canada and the U.S., it is difficult to predict the timing or the specific composition of such changes, and their impacts on the Company at this time. Restrictions, caps, and/or taxes on the emission of greenhouse gasses, including diesel exhaust, could significantly increase the Company's capital and operating costs or affect the markets for, or the volume of, the goods the Company carries.


 
55

 

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (U.S. GAAP)


Freight forwarding
CN WorldWide International, the Company’s international freight-forwarding subsidiary, was formed to leverage existing non-rail capabilities. This subsidiary operates in a highly competitive market and no assurance can be given that the expected benefits will be realized given the nature and intensity of the competition in that market.

Depreciation understated due to current asset replacement cost
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require the use of historical cost as the basis of reporting in financial statements. As a result, the cumulative effect of inflation, which has significantly increased asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies such as CN, is not reflected in operating expenses. Depreciation charges on an inflation-adjusted basis, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at current price levels, would be substantially greater than historically reported amounts.

Controls and procedures

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of June 30, 2009, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries would have been made known to them.
During the second quarter ending June 30, 2009, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Additional information, including the Company’s 2008 Annual Information Form (AIF) and Form 40-F, may be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, respectively.  Copies of such documents may be obtained by contacting the Corporate Secretary’s office.

Montreal, Canada
July 20, 2009


 
56

 
 
Item 4


Statement of CEO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings


I, E. Hunter Harrison, certify that:

(1)  
I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
(5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


Date:  July 23, 2009
/s/ E. Hunter Harrison
E. Hunter Harrison
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
 
Item 5

Statement of CFO Regarding Facts and
Circumstances Relating to Exchange Act Filings


I, Luc Jobin, certify that:

(1)  
I have reviewed this report on Form 6-K of Canadian National Railway Company;

(2)  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

(3)  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

(4)  
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 
(5)
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 23, 2009
/s/ Luc Jobin
Luc Jobin
Executive Vice-President and Chief
Financial Officer

 
 

 

 
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: July 23, 2009 
By:
/s/ Cristina Circelli
 
     
Name:
Cristina Circelli
 
     
Title:
Deputy Corporate Secretary and
General Counsel