FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of January, 2006

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 1 Press Release dated January 24, 2006, titled “CN reports fourth-quarter 2005 earnings per share of C$1.56 and record full-year 2005 free cash flow of C$1.3 billion”.

 




Item 1

News
North America’s Railroad FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Stock symbols: TSX: CNR / NYSE: CNI

 
www.cn.ca

CN reports fourth-quarter 2005 earnings per share of C$1.56 and record full-year 2005 free cash flow of C$1.3 billion

MONTREAL, Jan. 24, 2006 — CN today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2005.

Fourth-quarter 2005 financial highlights

E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: “I am very pleased with CN’s strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2005. They reflect disciplined execution by the CN team and its ability to overcome some major challenges during the year.

1






“All the pieces came together – stronger pricing, gains from our acquisitions, and solid returns from good service, cost control and improved productivity. Our business model continued to fire on all cylinders, creating substantial shareholder value. That was demonstrated by our record free cash flow of C$1.3 billion for 2005. And that performance, I’m happy to report, allowed CN’s Board of Directors to approve today a 30 per cent increase in our quarterly cash dividend and a two-for-one stock split.”

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2005 increased nine per cent over fourth-quarter 2004 to C$1,886 million, with intermodal, metals and minerals, and automotive commodity groups registering double-digit revenue gains. Forest products, petroleum and chemicals, coal, and grain and fertilizers revenues also improved. These gains were recorded despite the unfavourable C$40-million translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar denominated revenues.

Operating expenses for the quarter increased by three per cent over fourth-quarter 2004 to C$1,166 million and were favourably affected by the C$20-million translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar denominated expenses.

Full-year 2005

Net income for 2005 was C$1,556 million, an increase of 24 per cent, while diluted earnings per share for the year increased 28 per cent to C$5.54. Operating income for 2005 rose 21 per cent to C$2,624 million. Revenues for the year increased by 11 per cent to C$7,240 million, while operating expenses increased by five per cent to C$4,616 million. The company’s 2005 operating ratio improved by 3.1 percentage points to 63.8 per cent.

2






CN’s 2005 revenue performance was driven largely by:

These gains were partly offset by the unfavourable C$260-million translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar denominated revenues.

Revenues by commodity group and operating expenses for 2005

Forest products revenues benefited from continued solid demand for Canadian lumber and panels and an improved market position for paper, while higher intermodal revenues in part reflected strong container imports into the Port of Vancouver.

CN’s improved market position in petroleum products helped to increase petroleum and chemicals revenues, although this was partly offset by soft conditions in several market segments. Grain and fertilizers revenues improved owing to higher export shipments of U.S. corn, as well as increased shipments of Canadian barley and canola, partly offset by the decreased availability of high-quality Canadian wheat for export via west coast ports.

3






Strong shipments of construction materials, aluminum and Canadian steel products helped to drive increased metals and minerals revenues. Automotive revenues benefited from higher import vehicles into the ports of Vancouver and Halifax, and new finished vehicle production in the southern U.S. that began in the second half of 2004, both of which were partly offset by lower auto production at CN-served facilities in southern Ontario and Michigan. CN’s coal revenues improved primarily as a result of new metallurgical-coal mines in western Canada.

The increase in CN’s 2005 operating expenses was largely attributable to higher fuel costs, the inclusion of a full year of GLT and BC Rail expenses, and increased purchased services and material costs. These increases were partly offset by the favourable C$155-million translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar denominated expenses, lower equipment rents, and lower casualty and other expenses.

The financial results in this press release were determined on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP).

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

This news release contains forward-looking statements. CN cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, including the assumption that the positive economic trends in North America and Asia will continue, and that its results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Reference should be made to CN’s most recent Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, its Annual Information Form filed with the Canadian securities regulators, and its 2004 and 2005 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for a summary of major risks.

4






Canadian National Railway Company 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 cities of Toronto, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., Green Bay, Wis., Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, St. Louis, and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America.

- 30 -


 

Contacts:
Media
Mark Hallman
System Director, Media Relations
(905) 669-3384

Investment Community
Robert Noorigian
Vice-President, Investor Relations
(514) 399-0052

5






CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (U.S. GAAP)

(In millions, except per share data)
 
 
 
Three months ended
December 31
 
Year ended
December 31
 


    2005     2004 (1)   2005     2004 (1)

    (Unaudited)              
                         
Revenues $ 1,886   $ 1,736   $ 7,240   $ 6,548  

Operating expenses   1,166     1,129     4,616     4,380  

Operating income   720     607     2,624     2,168  
Interest expense   (74 )   (75 )   (299 )   (294 )
Other income (loss)   10     25     12     (20 )

Income before income taxes   656     557     2,337     1,854  
Income tax expense   (226 )   (181 )   (781 )   (596 )

                         
Net income $ 430   $ 376   $ 1,556   $ 1,258  

                         
Earnings per share                        
   Basic $ 1.59   $ 1.32   $ 5.64   $ 4.41  
   Diluted $ 1.56   $ 1.29   $ 5.54   $ 4.34  
                         
Weighted-average number of shares                        
   Basic   270.0     285.1     275.8     285.1  
   Diluted   275.4     290.7     281.1     289.9  

   
(1) Includes Great Lakes Transportation LLC’s railroads and related holdings (GLT) and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.  


These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Canadian National Railway Company's (the Company) financial position as at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three months and years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company's 2005 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with such statements, notes thereto and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A).

6







CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATING INCOME (U.S. GAAP)

(In millions)
 

Three months ended December 31   Year ended December 31  

















2005
 


2004

(1)
Variance
Fav (Unfav)
 
 

2005



2004

(1)
Variance
Fav (Unfav)
 

        (Unaudited)                      
                                 
Revenues                                
Petroleum and chemicals $ 283       $ 268   6%   $ 1,096   $ 1,059   3%  
Metals and minerals   215     193   11%     837     714   17%  
Forest products   436     399   9%     1,738     1,505   15%  
Coal   75     72   4%     331     284   17%  
Grain and fertilizers   310     299   4%     1,119     1,063   5%  
Intermodal   339     300   13%     1,270     1,117   14%  
Automotive   139     125   11%     514     510   1%  
Other items   89     80   11%     335     296   13%  






 




 
    1,886     1,736   9%     7,240     6,548   11%  
                                 
Operating expenses                                
                                 
Labor and fringe benefits   453     469   3%     1,841     1,819   (1% )
Purchased services and material   224     185   (21% )   814     746   (9% )
Depreciation and amortization   157     153   (3% )   627     598   (5% )
Fuel   199     151   (32% )   725     528   (37% )
Equipment rents   46     49   6%     192     244   21%  
Casualty and other   87     122   29%     417     445   6%  






 




 
    1,166     1,129   (3% )   4,616     4,380   (5% )






 




 
                                 
Operating income $ 720      $ 607   19%   $ 2,624   $ 2,168   21 %

















                                 
Operating ratio   61.8 %   65.0 % 3.2     63.8 %   66.9 % 3.1  

















(1) Includes GLT and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.


Certain of the 2004 comparative figures have been reclassified in order to be consistent with the 2005 presentation.

7







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

(In millions)
 
 
 
December 31
2005
 
 
December 31
2004
 

 
Assets            
 
Current assets:            
     Cash and cash equivalents $ 62   $ 147  
     Accounts receivable   623     793  
     Material and supplies   151     127  
     Deferred income taxes   65     364  
     Other   248     279  

    1,149     1,710  
 
Properties   20,078     19,715  
Intangible and other assets   961     940  

 
Total assets $ 22,188   $ 22,365  

 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity            
 
Current liabilities:            
     Accounts payable and accrued charges $ 1,478   $ 1,605  
     Current portion of long-term debt   408     578  
     Other   72     76  

    1,958     2,259  
 
Deferred income taxes   4,817     4,723  
Other liabilities and deferred credits   1,487     1,513  
Long-term debt   4,677     4,586  
 
Shareholders' equity:            
     Common shares   4,580     4,706  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (222 )   (148 )
     Retained earnings   4,891     4,726  

    9,249     9,284  

 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 22,188   $ 22,365  


These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, expressed in Canadian dollars, and prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, and its results of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for the three months and years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared using accounting policies consistent with those used in preparing the Company's 2005 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with such statements, notes thereto and MD&A.

8






CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (U.S. GAAP)

(In millions)
 
Three months ended
December 31
 

Year ended
December 31

 



  2005     2004 (1)   2005     2004 (1)


    (Unaudited)              
Common shares (2)                        
                         
Balance, beginning of period $ 4,605   $ 4,742   $ 4,706   $ 4,664  
  Stock options exercised and other   30     30     176     108  
  Share repurchase programs (3)   (55 )   (66 )   (302 )   (66 )


Balance, end of period $ 4,580   $ 4,706   $ 4,580   $ 4,706  


                         
Accumulated other comprehensive loss                        
                         
Balance, beginning of period $ (169 ) $ (57 ) $ (148 ) $ (129 )
                         
Other comprehensive income (loss):                        
                         
Unrealized foreign exchange gain on translation of                        
  U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt designated as a                        
  hedge of the net investment in U.S. subsidiaries   29     217     152     326  
                         
Unrealized foreign exchange loss on translation of                        
  the net investment in foreign operations   (43 )   (302 )   (233 )   (428 )
                         
Increase (decrease) in unrealized holding gains on fuel                        
  derivative instruments   (70 )   (58 )   (35 )   54  
                         
Realized gain on settlement of interest rate swaps   -     -     -     12  
                         
Minimum pension liability adjustment   4     8     4     8  


Other comprehensive loss before income taxes   (80 )   (135 )   (112 )   (28 )
Income tax recovery   27     44     38     9  


Other comprehensive loss   (53 )   (91 )   (74 )   (19 )


Balance, end of period $ (222 ) $ (148 ) $ (222 ) $ (148 )


                         
Retained earnings                        
                         
Balance, beginning of period $ 4,763   $ 4,612   $ 4,726   $ 3,897  
  Net income   430     376     1,556     1,258  
  Share repurchase programs (3)   (235 )   (207 )   (1,116 )   (207 )
  Dividends   (67 )   (55 )   (275 )   (222 )


Balance, end of period $ 4,891   $ 4,726   $ 4,891   $ 4,726  



(1) Includes GLT and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.
   
(2) For the three months and year ended December 31, 2005, the Company issued 0.3 million and 3.3 million common shares, respectively, as a result of stock options exercised. At December 31, 2005, the Company had 268.4 million common shares outstanding.
   
(3) In 2005, the Company repurchased 18.0 million common shares under its share repurchase programs; 8.0 million common shares for $670 million (average price of $83.81 per share) under its new 16.0 million share repurchase program and 10.0 million common shares for $748 million (average price of $74.78 per share) under its previous 14.0 million share repurchase program, which was completed by the second quarter of 2005.

9






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

(In millions)
 
 
 
Three months ended
December 31
 
 
 
Year ended
December 31
 


    2005     2004 (1)     2005     2004 (1)

    (Unaudited)                  
Operating activities                          
                           
Net income $ 430   $ 376     $ 1,556   $ 1,258  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from                          
 operating activities:                          
     Depreciation and amortization   157     154       630     602  
     Deferred income taxes   103     66       547     366  
     Equity in earnings of English Welsh and Scottish Railway   2     (3 )     (4 )   4  
     Other changes in:                          
         Accounts receivable   18     (93 )     142     (233 )
         Material and supplies   25     18       (25 )   10  
         Accounts payable and accrued charges   28     115       (156 )   5  
         Other net current assets and liabilities   (75 )   (24 )     8     21  
     Other   6     79       7     106  

Cash provided from operating activities   694     688       2,705     2,139  

 
Investing activities                          
                           
Net additions to properties   (388 )   (365 )     (1,180 )   (1,072 )
Acquisition of BC Rail   -     -       -     (984 )
Acquisition of GLT   -     -       -     (547 )
Other, net   15     23       105     192  

Cash used by investing activities   (373 )   (342 )     (1,075 )   (2,411 )

 
Dividends paid   (67 )   (55 )     (275 )   (222 )
 
Financing activities                          
                           
Issuance of long-term debt   987     1,353       2,728     8,277  
Reduction of long-term debt   (1,019 )   (1,381 )     (2,865 )   (7,579 )
Issuance of common shares   11     25       115     86  
Repurchase of common shares   (290 )   (273 )     (1,418 )   (273 )

Cash provided from (used by) financing activities   (311 )   (276 )     (1,440 )   511  

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (57 )   15       (85 )   17  
                           
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   119     132       147     130  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 62   $ 147     $ 62   $ 147  

 
Supplemental cash flow information                          
 Net cash receipts from customers and other $ 1,830   $ 1,740     $ 7,375   $ 6,501  
 Net cash payments for:                          
     Employee services, suppliers and other expenses   (921 )   (882 )     (3,872 )   (3,628 )
     Interest   (70 )   (83 )     (306 )   (282 )
     Workforce reductions   (15 )   (12 )     (87 )   (93 )
     Personal injury and other claims   (21 )   (28 )     (92 )   (106 )
     Pensions   (54 )   (34 )     (127 )   (161 )
     Income taxes   (55 )   (13 )     (186 )   (92 )

Cash provided from operating activities $ 694   $ 688     $ 2,705   $ 2,139  

 
(1) Includes GLT and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.                          

10






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

 
 
 
 
Three months ended
December 31
 
 
Year ended
December 31
 
 



2005 2004 (1) 2005 2004 (1)

    (Unaudited)      
Statistical operating data            
               
Freight revenues ($ millions) 1,797   1,656   6,905 6,252  
Gross ton miles (GTM) (millions) 87,828 88,636   342,894 332,807  
Revenue ton miles (RTM) (millions) 45,598 45,973   179,701 174,240  
Carloads (thousands) 1,208 1,245   4,841 4,578  
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S.) 19,221 19,304   19,221 19,304  
Employees (end of period) 21,540 22,679   21,540 22,679  
Employees (average during period) 21,862 23,043   22,246 22,470  

 
Productivity            
             
Operating ratio (%) 61.8 65.0   63.8 66.9  
Freight revenue per RTM (cents) 3.94 3.60   3.84 3.59  
Freight revenue per carload ($) 1,488 1,330   1,426 1,366  
Operating expenses per GTM (cents) 1.33 1.27   1.35 1.32  
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents) 0.52 0.53   0.54 0.55  
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands) 4,017 3,847   15,414 14,811  
Diesel fuel consumed (U.S. gallons in millions) 101 103   403 391  
Average fuel price ($/U.S. gallon) 1.89 1.43   1.72 1.30  
GTMs per U.S. gallon of fuel consumed 870 861   851 851  

 
Safety indicators            
             
Injury frequency rate per 200,000 person hours 2.3 2.3   2.4 2.6  
Accident rate per million train miles 2.5 1.7   1.6 1.6  

 
Financial ratios            
             
Debt-to-total capitalization ratio (% at end of period) 35.5 35.7   35.5 35.7  

(1) Includes GLT and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.

Certain of the comparative statistical data and related productivity measures have been restated to reflect changes to estimated statistical data previously reported.

11






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

 
 
 
 
Three months ended December 31  
 
 
Year ended December 31
 
 


 
2005
 
2004
 
(1)
Variance
Fav (Unfav)
 
2005
 
2004

(1)
Variance
Fav (Unfav)

        (Unaudited)          
Revenue ton miles (millions)                    
                     
Petroleum and chemicals 7,949 8,057   (1% ) 31,235 31,421   (1% )
Metals and minerals 4,245 4,066   4%   16,848 16,352   3%  
Forest products 10,581 10,191   4%   42,330 39,369   8%  
Coal 3,003 3,342   (10% ) 13,576 12,684   7%  
Grain and fertilizers 10,918 11,290   (3% ) 40,393 40,091   1%  
Intermodal 8,094 8,185   (1% ) 32,184 31,002   4%  
Automotive 808 842   (4% ) 3,135 3,321   (6% )


  45,598 45,973   (1% ) 179,701 174,240   3%  
 
Freight revenue / RTM (cents)                    
                     
Total freight revenue per RTM 3.94 3.60   9%   3.84 3.59   7%  
Commodity groups:                    
Petroleum and chemicals 3.56 3.33   7%   3.51 3.37   4%  
Metals and minerals 5.06   4.75   7%   4.97 4.37   14%  
Forest products 4.12 3.92   5%   4.11 3.82   8%  
Coal 2.50 2.15   16%   2.44 2.24   9%  
Grain and fertilizers 2.84 2.65   7%   2.77 2.65   5%  
Intermodal 4.19 3.67   14%   3.95 3.60   10%  
Automotive 17.20 14.85   16%   16.40 15.36   7%  


 
Carloads (thousands)                    
                     
Petroleum and chemicals 146 151   (3% ) 594 596   -  
Metals and minerals 246 254   (3% ) 994 801   24%  
Forest products 172 181   (5% ) 712 678   5%  
Coal 101 113   (11% ) 448 429   4%  
Grain and fertilizers 151 157   (4% ) 566 577   (2% )
Intermodal 322 314   3%   1,248 1,202   4%  
Automotive 70 75   (7% ) 279 295   (5% )


  1,208 1,245   (3% ) 4,841 4,578   6%  
 
Freight revenue / carload (dollars)                    
                     
Total freight revenue per carload 1,488 1,330   12%   1,426 1,366   4%  
Commodity groups:                    
Petroleum and chemicals 1,938 1,775   9%   1,845 1,777   4%  
Metals and minerals 874 760   15%   842 891   (5% )
Forest products 2,535 2,204   15%   2,441 2,220   10%  
Coal 743 637   17%   739 662   12%  
Grain and fertilizers 2,053 1,904   8%   1,977 1,842   7%  
Intermodal 1,053 955   10%   1,018 929   10%  
Automotive 1,986 1,667   19%   1,842 1,729   7%  

(1) Includes GLT and BC Rail from May 10, 2004 and July 14, 2004, respectively.

Certain of the comparative statistical data and related productivity measures have been restated to reflect changes to estimated statistical data previously reported and reclassified in order to be consistent with the 2005 presentation.

12






CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (U.S. GAAP)

(In millions, except per share data)
 
  
Year ended December 31
 
   
  2005  
 
2004
pro forma
(1)
Variance
 Fav (Unfav)
 

            (Unaudited)      
                   
Revenues                  
Petroleum and chemicals $   1,096   $ 1,086   1%  
Metals and minerals     837     773   8%  
Forest products     1,738     1,606   8%  
Coal     331     291   14%  
Grain and fertilizers     1,119     1,068   5%  
Intermodal     1,270     1,117   14%  
Automotive     514     510   1%  
Other items     335     322   4%  

 
      7,240     6,773   7%  
                   
Operating expenses                  
Labor and fringe benefits     1,841     1,895   3%  
Purchased services and material     814     788   (3% )
Depreciation and amortization     627     618   (1% )
Fuel     725     550   (32% )
Equipment rents     192     234   18%  
Casualty and other     417     460   9%  

 
      4,616     4,545   (2% )
                   
Operating income     2,624     2,228   18%  
                   
Interest expense     (299 )   (337 )    
Other income (loss)     12     (19 )    

 
Income before income taxes     2,337     1,872      
Income tax expense     (781 )   (600 )    

 
                   
Net income $   1,556   $ 1,272      

 
                   
Operating ratio     63.8 %   67.1 % 3.3  

 
                   
Diluted earnings per share $   5.54   $ 4.39      
                   
Diluted weighted-average number of shares     281.1     289.9      

(1) The pro forma figures reflect the Company's results of operations as if the Company had acquired GLT and BC Rail on January 1, 2004.

Certain of the 2004 comparative figures have been reclassified in order to be consistent with the 2005 presentation.

 

13






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

 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31  

2005 2004
pro forma
 (1)  Variance
 Fav (Unfav)
 
 

    (Unaudited)    
Revenue ton miles (millions)        
 
Petroleum and chemicals 31,235 31,868 (2 %)
Metals and minerals 16,848   17,257 (2 %)
Forest products 42,330 41,119 3 %
Coal 13,576 12,791   6 %
Grain and fertilizers 40,393 40,248 -  
Intermodal 32,184 31,002 4 %
Automotive 3,135 3,321 (6 %)

  179,701 177,606 1 %
 
Freight revenue / RTM (cents)        
 
Total freight revenue per RTM 3.84 3.63 6 %
Commodity groups:        
Petroleum and chemicals 3.51 3.41 3 %
Metals and minerals 4.97 4.48 11 %
Forest products 4.11 3.91 5 %
Coal 2.44 2.28 7 %
Grain and fertilizers 2.77 2.65 5 %
Intermodal 3.95 3.60 10 %
Automotive 16.40 15.36 7 %

 
Carloads (thousands)        
 
Petroleum and chemicals 594 603 (1 %)
Metals and minerals 994 991 -  
Forest products 712 729 (2 %)
Coal 448 446 -  
Grain and fertilizers 566 579 (2 %)
Intermodal 1,248 1,202 4 %
Automotive 279 295 (5 %)

  4,841 4,845 -  
 
Freight revenue / carload (dollars)        
 
Total freight revenue per carload 1,426 1,331 7 %
Commodity groups:        
Petroleum and chemicals 1,845 1,801 2 %
Metals and minerals 842 780 8 %
Forest products 2,441 2,203 11 %
Coal 739 652 13 %
Grain and fertilizers 1,977 1,845 7 %
Intermodal 1,018 929 10 %
Automotive 1,842 1,729 7 %


(1) The pro forma figures reflect the Company's results of operations as if the Company had acquired GLT and BC Rail on January 1, 2004.

Certain of the comparative statistical data and related productivity measures have been restated to reflect changes to estimated statistical data previously reported and reclassified in order to be consistent with the 2005 presentation.

14






CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY
NON-GAAP MEASURE (U.S. GAAP)

Free cash flow
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. 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 defines free cash flow as cash provided from operating activities, excluding changes in the level of accounts receivable sold under the securitization program, less investing activities and dividends paid, and adjusted for significant acquisitions as they are not indicative of normal day-to-day investments in the Company’s asset base, calculated as follows:


In millions   Three months ended
December 31
 
 
 
 
Year ended
December 31


  2005     2004   2005     2004  

 
Cash provided from operating activities $ 694   $ 688   $ 2,705   $ 2,139  
                           
Less:                          
 Investing activities   (373 )   (342 )   (1,075 )   (2,411 )
 Dividends paid   (67 )   (55 )   (275 )   (222 )

Cash provided (used) before financing activities   254     291     1,355     (494 )

 
Adjustments:                        
 Change in accounts receivable sold   (11 )   (20 )   (54 )   (12 )
 Acquisition of BC Rail   -     -     -     984  
 Acquisition of GLT   -     -     -     547  

Free cash flow $ 243   $ 271   $ 1,301   $ 1,025  

 

15







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:Janaury 25, 2006 By: /s/ Cristina Circelli
   
    Name: Cristina Circelli
Title:    General Counsel