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CN Announces First Quarter Results

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CN (CNI) reported strong Q1 2025 financial results with diluted EPS of C$1.85, an 8% increase year-over-year. The company achieved revenues of C$4,403 million, up 4%, and improved its operating ratio to 63.4%. Revenue ton miles increased 1% to 60,049 million. CN maintains its 2025 guidance targeting adjusted diluted EPS growth of 10-15% and plans C$3.4 billion in capital investments. For 2024-2026, CN targets high single-digit compound annual adjusted diluted EPS growth. The company notes heightened recessionary risks due to global trade tensions while assuming slightly positive North American industrial production growth and favorable grain crop conditions for 2025.
CN (CNI) ha riportato solidi risultati finanziari nel primo trimestre 2025 con un utile per azione diluito di C$1,85, in aumento dell'8% rispetto all'anno precedente. La società ha registrato ricavi per C$4.403 milioni, in crescita del 4%, migliorando il proprio indice operativo al 63,4%. I ricavi ton-miglia sono aumentati dell'1% raggiungendo 60.049 milioni. CN conferma le sue previsioni per il 2025 puntando a una crescita dell'utile per azione diluito rettificato tra il 10% e il 15% e prevede investimenti in capitale per 3,4 miliardi di C$. Per il periodo 2024-2026, CN mira a una crescita annua composta a una cifra alta dell'utile per azione diluito rettificato. L'azienda segnala rischi recessivi aumentati a causa delle tensioni commerciali globali, pur prevedendo una crescita leggermente positiva della produzione industriale nordamericana e condizioni favorevoli per le colture di cereali nel 2025.
CN (CNI) reportó sólidos resultados financieros en el primer trimestre de 2025 con un beneficio por acción diluido de C$1.85, un aumento del 8% interanual. La compañía alcanzó ingresos de C$4,403 millones, un 4% más, y mejoró su ratio operativo al 63.4%. Los ingresos por tonelada-milla aumentaron un 1% hasta 60,049 millones. CN mantiene su pronóstico para 2025 con un objetivo de crecimiento del beneficio por acción diluido ajustado del 10-15% y planea inversiones de capital por C$3.4 mil millones. Para 2024-2026, CN apunta a un crecimiento anual compuesto de una cifra alta en el beneficio por acción diluido ajustado. La compañía señala riesgos recesivos elevados debido a las tensiones comerciales globales, mientras asume un crecimiento industrial ligeramente positivo en América del Norte y condiciones favorables para los cultivos de granos en 2025.
CN (CNI)는 2025년 1분기에 강력한 재무 실적을 보고했으며, 희석 주당순이익(EPS) C$1.85로 전년 대비 8% 증가했습니다. 회사는 매출액 C$44억 3천만을 기록하며 4% 성장했고, 영업비율을 63.4%로 개선했습니다. 수익 톤마일은 1% 증가한 600억 4,900만을 기록했습니다. CN은 2025년 가이던스를 유지하며 조정 희석 EPS 성장률 10-15%를 목표로 하고 있으며, 34억 캐나다 달러의 자본 투자를 계획하고 있습니다. 2024-2026년 동안 CN은 고단위 싱글 디지트 복합 연간 조정 희석 EPS 성장을 목표로 합니다. 회사는 글로벌 무역 긴장으로 인한 경기 침체 위험이 높아졌다고 언급하면서, 2025년 북미 산업 생산이 다소 긍정적이고 곡물 작황이 양호할 것으로 가정하고 있습니다.
CN (CNI) a annoncé de solides résultats financiers au premier trimestre 2025 avec un BPA dilué de 1,85 C$, soit une augmentation de 8 % d'une année sur l'autre. La société a réalisé un chiffre d'affaires de 4 403 millions C$, en hausse de 4 %, et a amélioré son ratio d'exploitation à 63,4 %. Les revenus en tonnes-milles ont augmenté de 1 % pour atteindre 60 049 millions. CN maintient ses prévisions pour 2025 visant une croissance du BPA dilué ajusté de 10 à 15 % et prévoit des investissements en capital de 3,4 milliards de C$. Pour 2024-2026, CN cible une croissance annuelle composée du BPA dilué ajusté à un chiffre élevé. La société note des risques accrus de récession en raison des tensions commerciales mondiales, tout en supposant une croissance industrielle nord-américaine légèrement positive et des conditions favorables pour les récoltes de céréales en 2025.
CN (CNI) meldete starke Finanzergebnisse für das erste Quartal 2025 mit einem verwässerten Gewinn je Aktie von C$1,85, was einem Anstieg von 8 % im Jahresvergleich entspricht. Das Unternehmen erzielte Umsätze von C$4.403 Millionen, ein Plus von 4 %, und verbesserte seine Betriebsquote auf 63,4 %. Die Umsatztonnenmeilen stiegen um 1 % auf 60.049 Millionen. CN bestätigt seine Prognose für 2025 mit einem Ziel eines bereinigten verwässerten Gewinnwachstums je Aktie von 10-15 % und plant Kapitalinvestitionen in Höhe von 3,4 Milliarden C$. Für den Zeitraum 2024-2026 strebt CN ein jährliches bereinigtes Gewinnwachstum je Aktie im hohen einstelligen Bereich an. Das Unternehmen weist auf erhöhte Rezessionsrisiken aufgrund globaler Handelskonflikte hin, geht jedoch von einem leicht positiven Wachstum der nordamerikanischen Industrieproduktion und günstigen Getreideanbaubedingungen für 2025 aus.
Positive
  • Diluted EPS increased 8% to C$1.85
  • Revenue grew 4% to C$4,403 million
  • Operating ratio improved by 0.2 points to 63.4%
  • Strong 2025 guidance maintained with 10-15% adjusted EPS growth target
  • Revenue ton miles increased 1%
Negative
  • Heightened recessionary risk noted due to tariffs and trade tensions
  • Reduced crude oil price assumptions for 2025 from US$70-80 to US$60-70 per barrel
  • Lowered North American industrial production growth outlook to 'slightly positive' from previous 1%

Insights

CN reported 8% EPS growth despite challenging conditions, maintains positive guidance but warns of heightened recession risk from trade tensions.

CN delivered quarterly financial results showing measured growth across key metrics. Revenue increased 4% to C$4,403 million, while operating income grew at the same rate to C$1,610 million. Diluted EPS reached C$1.85, representing a more substantial 8% increase, which suggests effective bottom-line management.

The company's operating ratio - a critical efficiency metric for railroads where lower is better - improved slightly to 63.4%, a 0.2-point gain. This modest improvement, coupled with management's reference to "tight cost control," indicates CN is maintaining disciplined operations despite winter challenges mentioned in their statement.

The volume-to-revenue relationship tells an important story: Revenue ton miles (the volume metric) increased just 1% while revenue grew 4%, indicating that pricing rather than volume is currently driving financial performance. This difference becomes significant when considering CN's revised economic outlook.

Despite maintaining its 2025 guidance of 10-15% adjusted EPS growth and its three-year target of high single-digit compound growth, CN has revised several key economic assumptions:

  • North American industrial production growth lowered to "slightly positive" (previously approximately 1%)
  • Crude oil price expectations reduced to US$60-70 per barrel (from US$70-80)
  • U.S. grain crop outlook improved to "above five-year average"

Most notably, CN twice mentions a "heightened recessionary risk related to tariffs and trade actions taken by various countries" - language that signals increasing economic uncertainty. This cautionary tone, combined with the downward revision of industrial production expectations, suggests CN anticipates potential headwinds while maintaining confidence in its operational capabilities.

The company's commitment to invest C$3.4 billion in its capital program demonstrates long-term strategic focus despite near-term economic concerns. For investors tracking this Canadian transportation leader, the combination of current performance metrics and forward-looking guidance presents a nuanced picture of operational resilience against an increasingly uncertain economic backdrop.

Railroad Delivers Q1 Diluted EPS of C$1.85, an 8% increase

MONTREAL, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

“Our team delivered a strong performance this quarter through tight cost control and disciplined adherence to our plan, mitigating the impact of winter conditions. In the context of a volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, we will remain focused on agility and customer collaboration. We are committed to continue driving operational and service excellence across our network in 2025 to deliver for our customers and shareholders.”
– Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN

Quarterly highlights

  • Revenue ton miles (RTMs) increased 1% to 60,049 (millions).
  • Revenues of C$4,403 million, an increase of C$154 million, or 4%.
  • Operating income of C$1,610 million, an increase of $64 million, or 4%.
  • Operating ratio, defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, of 63.4%, an improvement of 0.2 points.
  • Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.85, an increase of 8%.

2025 guidance and 2024-2026 financial outlook (1)(2)

In 2025, CN continues to expect to deliver adjusted diluted EPS growth of 10%-15% and plans to invest approximately C$3.4 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers.

Over the 2024-2026 period, CN continues to target compounded annual adjusted diluted EPS growth in the high single-digit range.

While CN's 2025 guidance and 2024-2026 financial outlook remain unchanged, the Company notes there is a heightened recessionary risk related to tariffs and trade actions taken by various countries.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS
CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's outlook in a conference call starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on May 1. Tracy Robinson, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, will lead the call. Parties wishing to participate via telephone may dial 1-800-715-9871 (Canada/U.S.), or 1-647-932-3411 (International), using 3839820 as the passcode. Participants are advised to dial in 10 minutes prior to the call.

(1) Non-GAAP Measures
CN's outlook, guidance, or targets (2) exclude certain adjustments, which are expected to be comparable to adjustments made in prior years. However, management cannot individually quantify on a forward-looking basis the impact of these adjustments, which could be significant, are difficult to predict and may be highly variable. As a result, CN does not provide a corresponding GAAP measure for, or reconciliation to, its outlook, guidance or targets.

(2) Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws, including statements based on management’s assessment and assumptions and publicly available information with respect to CN. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets", or other similar words.

2025 key assumptions
CN has made a number of economic and market assumptions in preparing its 2025 outlook. The Company now assumes slightly positive growth in North American industrial production in 2025 (compared to its January 30, 2025 assumption of approximately 1%). For the 2024/2025 crop year, the grain crop in Canada was in line with its five-year average and the U.S. grain crop was above its five-year average. The Company continues to assume that the 2025/2026 grain crop in Canada will be in line with its five-year average and now assumes that the U.S. grain crop will be above its five-year average (compared to its January 30, 2025 assumption that the 2025/2026 grain crop in the U.S. will be in line with its five-year average). CN continues to assume RTM growth will be in the low to mid single-digit range. CN also continues to assume that in 2025, the value of the Canadian dollar in U.S. currency will be approximately $0.70, and now assumes that in 2025 the average price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) will be in the range of US$60 - US$70 per barrel (compared to its January 30, 2025 assumption of being in the range of US$70 - US$80 per barrel).

2024-2026 key assumptions
CN has made a number of economic and market assumptions in preparing its three-year financial perspective. CN continues to assume that the North American industrial production will increase by approximately 1% CAGR over the 2024 to 2026 period. CN continues to assume pricing above rail inflation. CN continues to assume that the value of the Canadian dollar in U.S. currency will be approximately $0.70 and that the average price of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) will be in the range of US$70 - US$80 per barrel during this period.

The Company notes there is a heightened recessionary risk related to tariffs and trade actions taken by various countries. Should the recessionary risk materialize, demand for freight transportation would be negatively impacted.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of CN to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting global supply chains such as pandemics and geopolitical conflicts and tensions; trade restrictions, trade barriers, or the imposition of tariffs or other changes to international trade arrangements; 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; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats; reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including illegal blockades of rail networks, and natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings and other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; timing and completion of capital programs; the availability of and cost competitiveness of renewable fuels and the development of new locomotive propulsion technology; reputational risks; supplier concentration; pension funding requirements and volatility; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should also be made to Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in CN’s annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F, filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators and available on CN’s website, for a description of major risk factors relating to CN.

The achievement of CN’s climate goals is subject to several risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed in the MD&A in CN’s annual and interim reports. While the Company currently believes its goals are reasonably achievable, there can be no certainty that the Company will achieve any or all of these goals within the stated timeframe, or that achieving any of these goals will meet all of the expectations of its stakeholders or applicable legal requirements.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. 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 securities 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. Information contained on, or accessible through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this news release.

This earnings news release, as well as additional information, including the Financial Statements, Notes thereto and MD&A, is contained in CN’s Quarterly Review available on the Company's website at www.cn.ca/financial-results and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca as well as on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR.

About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

Contacts: 
MediaInvestment Community
Ashley MichnowskiStacy Alderson
Senior ManagerAssistant Vice-President
Media RelationsInvestor Relations
(438) 596-4329(514) 399-0052
media@cn.cainvestor.relations@cn.ca



SELECTED RAILROAD STATISTICS - UNAUDITED

 Three months ended March 31
 2025 2024 
Financial measures  
Key financial performance indicators (1)  
Total revenues ($ millions)4,403 4,249 
Freight revenues ($ millions)4,288 4,137 
Operating income ($ millions)1,610 1,546 
Net income ($ millions) 1,161 1,103 
Diluted earnings per share ($) 1.85 1.72 
Free cash flow ($ millions) (2)626 529 
Gross property additions ($ millions)519 576 
Share repurchases ($ millions)101 955 
Dividends per share ($)0.8875 0.8450 
Financial ratio  
Operating ratio (%) (3)63.4%63.6%
Operational measures (4)  
Statistical operating data  
Gross ton miles (GTMs) (millions)114,843 115,627 
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions)60,049 59,749 
Carloads (thousands)1,313 1,343 
Route miles (includes Canada and the U.S., end of period)18,900 18,800 
Employees (end of period)24,911 25,179 
Employees (average for the period)24,627 25,191 
Key operating measures  
Freight revenue per RTM (cents)7.14 6.92 
Freight revenue per carload ($)3,266 3,080 
GTMs per average number of employees (thousands)4,663 4,590 
Operating expenses per GTM (cents)2.43 2.34 
Labor and fringe benefits expense per GTM (cents)0.80 0.77 
Diesel fuel consumed (US gallons in millions)105.3 103.6 
Average fuel price ($ per US gallon)4.39 4.50 
Fuel efficiency (US gallons of locomotive fuel consumed per 1,000 GTMs)0.917 0.896 
Train weight (tons)9,078 9,087 
Train length (feet)7,708 7,787 
Car velocity (car miles per day)189 205 
Through dwell (entire railroad, hours)7.8 7.1 
Through network train speed (miles per hour)17.7 18.7 
Locomotive utilization (trailing GTMs per total horsepower)183 188 
Safety indicators (5)  
Injury frequency rate (per 200,000 person hours)1.11 1.11 
Accident rate (per million train miles)2.09 1.73 


(1)Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars and prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise noted.
(2)This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Free cash flow for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(3)Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
(4)Statistical operating data, key operating measures and safety indicators are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available. Definitions of gross ton miles, revenue ton miles, freight revenue per RTM, fuel efficiency, train weight, train length, car velocity, through dwell and through network train speed are included within the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Definitions of all other indicators are provided on CN's website, www.cn.ca/glossary.
(5)Based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reporting criteria.
  

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION - UNAUDITED

 Three months ended March 31
 2025 2024 % Change
Fav (Unfav)
% Change at
constant
currency(1)
Fav (Unfav)
Revenues ($ millions) (2)      
Petroleum and chemicals915 857 7%3%
Metals and minerals523 530 (1%)(6%)
Forest products494 494 %(5%)
Coal246 221 11%9%
Grain and fertilizers951 860 11%7%
Intermodal940 959 (2%)(3%)
Automotive219 216 1%(3%)
Total freight revenues4,288 4,137 4%%
Other revenues115 112 3%(1%)
Total revenues4,403 4,249 4%%
Revenue ton miles (RTMs) (millions) (3)      
Petroleum and chemicals11,836 11,714 1%1%
Metals and minerals6,752 7,350 (8%)(8%)
Forest products5,387 5,769 (7%)(7%)
Coal5,446 4,638 17%17%
Grain and fertilizers17,250 17,032 1%1%
Intermodal12,586 12,531 %%
Automotive792 715 11%11%
Total RTMs60,049 59,749 1%1%
Freight revenue / RTM (cents) (2)(3)      
Petroleum and chemicals7.73 7.32 6%2%
Metals and minerals7.75 7.21 7%2%
Forest products9.17 8.56 7%2%
Coal4.52 4.76 (5%)(7%)
Grain and fertilizers5.51 5.05 9%6%
Intermodal7.47 7.65 (2%)(4%)
Automotive27.65 30.21 (8%)(13%)
Total freight revenue / RTM7.14 6.92 3%%
Carloads (thousands) (3)      
Petroleum and chemicals163 165 (1%)(1%)
Metals and minerals213 240 (11%)(11%)
Forest products73 78 (6%)(6%)
Coal118 112 5%5%
Grain and fertilizers178 171 4%4%
Intermodal517 527 (2%)(2%)
Automotive51 50 2%2%
Total carloads1,313 1,343 (2%)(2%)
Freight revenue / carload ($) (2)(3)      
Petroleum and chemicals5,613 5,194 8%4%
Metals and minerals2,455 2,208 11%6%
Forest products6,767 6,333 7%2%
Coal2,085 1,973 6%3%
Grain and fertilizers5,343 5,029 6%3%
Intermodal1,818 1,820 %(2%)
Automotive4,294 4,320 (1%)(5%)
Total freight revenue / carload3,266 3,080 6%3%


(1)This non-GAAP measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. See the supplementary schedule entitled Non-GAAP Measures – Constant currency for an explanation of this non-GAAP measure.
(2)Amounts expressed in Canadian dollars.
(3)Statistical operating data and related key operating measures are unaudited and based on estimated data available at such time and are subject to change as more complete information becomes available.
  

NON-GAAP MEASURES - UNAUDITED

In this supplementary schedule, the "Company" or "CN" refers to Canadian National Railway Company, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Financial information included in this schedule is expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted.

CN reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The Company also uses non-GAAP measures that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP, including adjusted performance measures, free cash flow, constant currency and adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. From management's perspective, these non-GAAP measures are useful measures of performance and provide investors with supplementary information to assess the Company's results of operations and liquidity. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The Company did not present any adjusted performance measures (adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted operating income, adjusted operating expenses and adjusted operating ratio) as there were no adjustments in the first quarter of 2025 and 2024.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate cash for debt obligations and for discretionary uses such as payment of dividends, share repurchases, and strategic opportunities. The Company defines its free cash flow measure as the difference between net cash provided by operating activities and net cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of (i) business acquisitions and combinations (ii) merger transaction-related payments, cash receipts and cash income taxes, which are items that are not indicative of operating trends. Free cash flow does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities in accordance with GAAP, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, to the non-GAAP free cash flow presented herein:

  
 Three months ended March 31
In millions 2025  2024 
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,164 $1,117 
Net cash used in investing activities (538) (588)
Free cash flow$626 $529 
       

Constant currency

Financial results at constant currency allow results to be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons in the analysis of trends in business performance. Measures at constant currency are considered non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Financial results at constant currency are obtained by translating the current period results denominated in US dollars at the weighted average foreign exchange rates used to translate transactions denominated in US dollars of the comparable period of the prior year.

The average foreign exchange rates were $1.435 and $1.349 per US$1.00 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 respectively. On a constant currency basis, the Company's net income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 would have been lower by $34 million ($0.05 per diluted share).

The following table provides a reconciliation of the impact of constant currency and related percentage change at constant currency on the financial results, as reported for the three months ended March 31, 2025:

  
 Three months ended March 31
In millions, except per share data 2025 Constant currency impact 2024 % Change at constant currency
Fav (Unfav)
Revenues    
Petroleum and chemicals$915 $(33)$857 3%
Metals and minerals 523  (26) 530 (6%)
Forest products 494  (23) 494 (5%)
Coal 246  (5) 221 9%
Grain and fertilizers 951  (27) 860 7%
Intermodal 940  (14) 959 (3%)
Automotive 219  (10) 216 (3%)
Total freight revenues 4,288  (138) 4,137 %
Other revenues 115  (4) 112 (1%)
Total revenues 4,403  (142) 4,249 %
Operating expenses    
Labor and fringe benefits 920  (21) 894 (1%)
Purchased services and material 577  (11) 571 1%
Fuel 518  (29) 514 5%
Depreciation and amortization 493  (12) 462 (4%)
Equipment rents 118  (6) 99 (13%)
Other 167  (8) 163 2%
Total operating expenses 2,793  (87) 2,703 %
Operating income 1,610  (55) 1,546 1%
Interest expense (233) 11  (210)(6%)
Other components of net periodic benefit income 125    113 11%
Other income 25  (1) 2 1100%
Income before income taxes  1,527  (45) 1,451 2%
Income tax expense (366) 11  (348)(2%)
Net income$1,161 $(34)$1,103 2%
Diluted earnings per share $1.85 $(0.05)$1.72 5%
            

Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple

Management believes that the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple is a useful credit measure because it reflects the Company's ability to service its debt and other long-term obligations. The Company calculates the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple as adjusted debt divided by the last twelve months of adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted debt is defined as the sum of Long-term debt and Current portion of long-term debt as reported on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as Operating lease liabilities, including current portion and pension plans in deficiency recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets due to the debt-like nature of their contractual and financial obligations. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net income excluding Interest expense, Income tax expense, Depreciation and amortization, operating lease cost, Other components of net periodic benefit income, Other income (loss), and other significant items that are not reflective of CN's underlying business operations and which could distort the analysis of trends in business performance. Adjusted debt and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures used to compute the adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore, may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of debt and Net income in accordance with GAAP, reported as at and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, to the adjusted measures presented herein, which have been used to calculate the non-GAAP adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple:

In millions, unless otherwise indicatedAs at and for the twelve months ended March 31, 2025  2024 
Debt$20,792 $19,761 
Adjustments:  
Operating lease liabilities, including current portion (1) 466  387 
Pension plans in deficiency (2) 348  360 
Adjusted debt$21,606 $20,508 
Net income$4,506 $5,508 
Interest expense 914  767 
Income tax expense 1,422  814 
Depreciation and amortization 1,923  1,831 
Operating lease cost (3) 155  151 
Other components of net periodic benefit income (466) (473)
Other income (65) (135)
Adjustment:  
Loss on assets held for sale (4) 78   
Adjusted EBITDA$8,467 $8,463 
Adjusted debt-to-adjusted EBITDA multiple (times) 2.55  2.42 


(1)Represents the present value of operating lease payments.
(2)Represents the total funded deficit of all defined benefit pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.
(3)Represents the operating lease costs recorded in Purchased services and material and Equipment rents within the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4)Relates to a loss on assets held for sale of $78 million recorded in the second quarter of 2024, resulting from an agreement to transfer the ownership and related risks and obligations of the Quebec Bridge located in Quebec, Canada, to the Government of Canada. See the section entitled 2024 Highlights – Assets held for sale of the Company's 2024 Annual MD&A for additional information.

FAQ

What were CNI's Q1 2025 earnings per share?

CN reported Q1 2025 diluted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.85, representing an 8% increase year-over-year.

What is CN's revenue growth in Q1 2025?

CN's revenues grew 4% to C$4,403 million in Q1 2025.

What is CN's operating ratio for Q1 2025?

CN's operating ratio improved by 0.2 points to 63.4% in Q1 2025.

What is CN's EPS growth guidance for 2025?

CN maintains its guidance for adjusted diluted EPS growth of 10-15% in 2025.

What are the main risks highlighted in CN's outlook?

CN highlighted heightened recessionary risks related to tariffs and trade actions taken by various countries, which could negatively impact freight transportation demand.
Canadian National Railway

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