Canadian Pacific announces record fourth-quarter and 2013 full-year financial results

CALGARY, Jan. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) today announced record Q4 and 2013 full-year results that clearly demonstrate the significant progress made to date in its corporate and operational turnaround.

FOURTH-QUARTER 2013 HIGHLIGHTS

• Total revenues were $1.6 billion, an increase of 7 per cent and a quarterly record
• Reported operating expenses were $1.5 billion, an increase of 4 per cent
• Adjusted operating expenses were $1.1 billion, a decrease of 6 per cent
• Reported operating income was $114 million, an increase of 90 per cent
• Adjusted operating income was $547 million, an increase of 45 per cent
• Adjusted operating ratio was 65.9 per cent, a 890 basis-point improvement and an all-time record
• Free cash totaled $212 million, an increase of 194 per cent

Reported net income in the fourth-quarter was $82 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, versus $15 million, or $0.08 per share, in the fourth-quarter 2012.

Adjusted net income in the fourth-quarter was $338 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, representing a 49 per cent improvement versus fourth-quarter 2012.

Adjusted operating expenses, Adjusted operating income, Adjusted operating ratio, Adjusted net income and Free cash are Non-GAAP measures which exclude significant items (*see Non-GAAP Measures below).

"Once again, Canadian Pacific and its outstanding team of railroaders delivered solid results this quarter, closing a historic year with record-setting operational and financial performance," said E. Hunter Harrison, Chief Executive Officer.

FULL-YEAR 2013 HIGHLIGHTS

• Total revenues were $6.1 billion, an increase of 8 per cent and a Company record
• Reported operating expenses were $4.7 billion, a decrease of 1 per cent
• Adjusted operating expenses were $4.3 billion, a decrease of 2 per cent
• Reported operating income was $1.4 billion, an increase of 50 per cent
• Adjusted operating income was $1.8 billion, an increase of 41 per cent
• Adjusted operating ratio was 69.9 per cent, a 710 basis-point improvement and an all-time record
• Free cash totaled $530 million for the year, an increase of 470 per cent

Reported net income for 2013 was $875 million, or $4.96 per diluted share, versus $484 million, or $2.79 per share, in 2012.

Adjusted net income for the year was $1.1 billion, or $6.42 per diluted share, representing a 48 per cent improvement versus year-end 2012.

"The transformational pace of change at CP has definitely exceeded expectations," said Harrison.  "We entered 2013 with an aggressive agenda of change and financial targets that would put us squarely in the path of achieving our goal of once again becoming an industry leader. I am proud to report that we exceeded those targets and have reestablished a sense of pride and accomplishment to this historic organization," added Harrison.

"This journey is far from complete. Riding this positive momentum, I fully anticipate that 2014 will be another year of solid returns for our shareholders," said Harrison.

2014 FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE

• Revenue growth of 6 to 7 per cent
• Operating ratio of 65 per cent or lower
• Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") 30 per cent or greater versus 2013 diluted EPS, excluding significant items (*see Non-GAAP Measures below) of $6.42

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

• Average fuel cost per gallon of US$3.50 per U.S. Gallon
• Tax rate of 28 per cent
• Canadian to U.S. exchange rate of 1.05
• Defined benefit pension income of approximately $50 million in 2014 and 2015
• Capital expenditures of $1.2 to 1.3 billion

FOURTH-QUARTER SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Items that impacted reported fourth-quarter 2013 and 2012 earnings include:

2013:

• $435 million ($257 million after-tax) asset impairment charge and accruals for future costs associated with the sale of the DM&E West which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by $1.45
• $7 million experience gains from our 2012 labour restructuring initiative ($5 million after tax), which favourably impacted diluted EPS by 3 cents
• $5 million management transition costs ($4 million after tax), which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 2 cents

2012:

• $53 million labour restructuring charge ($39 million after tax), which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 22 cents
• $185 million impairment of Powder River Basin and other investment ($111 million after tax), which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 64 cents
• $80 million asset impairment of certain locomotives ($59 million after tax), which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 34 cents

FULL-YEAR SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Items that impacted full year 2013 and 2012 earnings include:

2013:

• In the first quarter, US $9 million (US $6 million after tax) recovery in the complete satisfaction of certain management transition amounts which had been subject to legal proceedings which favourably impacted diluted EPS by 3 cents
• In the third quarter, income tax expense of $7 million as a result of the change in the province of British Columbia's corporate income tax rate which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 4 cents
• $435 million ($257 million after-tax) asset impairment charge and accruals for future costs associated with the sale of the DM&E West which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by $1.46 for the full year
• $7 million experience gains from our 2012 labour restructuring initiative ($5 million after tax), which favourably impacted diluted EPS by 3 cents
• $5 million management transition costs ($4 million after tax), which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 2 cents

2012:

In addition to the fourth quarter significant items of 2012 discussed earlier:

• in the second quarter a charge of $42 million ($29 million after tax) was recorded with respect to compensation and other management transition costs which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 17 cents
• during the first and second quarters of 2012, the Company incurred advisory fees of $27 million ($20 million after tax) related to shareholder matters which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 12 cents
• in the second quarter of 2012, an income tax expense of $11 million as a result of the change in the province of Ontario's corporate income tax rate which unfavourably impacted diluted EPS by 6 cents

Non-GAAP Measures
We present non-GAAP measures and cash flow information to provide a basis for evaluating underlying earnings and liquidity trends in our business that can be compared with the results of our operations in prior periods. These non-GAAP measures exclude significant items that are not among our normal ongoing revenues and operating expenses. They have no standardized meaning and are not defined by GAAP and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted net income provides management with a measure of income that allows a multi-period assessment of long-term profitability and also allows management and other external users of our consolidated financial statements to compare profitability on a long-term basis with that of our peers. Diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted EPS, provides the same information on a per share basis. Operating ratio excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted operating ratio calculated as Operating expenses excluding significant items divided by total revenues, provides the percentage of total revenues used to operate the railway on an ongoing basis. Operating expenses excluding significant items is also referred to as Adjusted operating expenses.

Free cash is used by management to provide information with respect to the relationship between cash provided by operating activities and investment decisions and provides a comparable measure for period to period changes.

For further information regarding non-GAAP measures, including reconciliations to the nearest GAAP measures, see our 2012 annual Management's Discussion and Analysis or the attached supplementary schedule, Non-GAAP Measures.

Note on Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating, but not limited, to our operations, priorities and plans, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, planned capital expenditures, programs and strategies.  This forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance.  Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "will", "outlook", "should" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. To the extent that CP has provided guidance that is a non-GAAP financial measure, the Company may not be able to provide a reconciliation to a GAAP measure, due to unknown variables and uncertainty related to future results.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking information.  Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance.  By its nature, CP's forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including but not limited to the following factors: changes in business strategies; general North American and global economic, credit and business conditions; risks in agricultural production such as weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing pressures; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; changes in commodity prices; uncertainty surrounding timing and volumes of commodities being shipped via CP; inflation; changes in laws and regulations, including regulation of rates; changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance and operating costs; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; labour disputes; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects; currency and interest rate fluctuations; effects of changes in market conditions and discount rates on the financial position of pension plans and investments; and various events that could disrupt operations, including severe weather, droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes as well as security threats and governmental response to them, and technological changes.  The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

These and other factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CP with securities regulators in Canada and the United States.  Reference should be made to "Management's Discussion and Analysis" in CP's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections and it is possible that predictions, forecasts, projections, and other forms of forward-looking information will not be achieved by CP.  Except as required by law, CP undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP) is a transcontinental railway in Canada and the United States with direct links to eight major ports, including Vancouver and Montreal, providing North American customers a competitive rail service with access to key markets in every corner of the globe. CP is a low-cost provider that is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpr.ca to see the rail advantages of Canadian Pacific.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME     
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per share data)
(unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
(unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except common share amounts)
(unaudited)

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY LIMITED 
NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
December 31, 2013
(unaudited)

1  Basis of presentation

This unaudited interim consolidated financial information of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited ("CP", or "the Company") reflect management's estimates and assumptions that are necessary for its fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  They do not include all disclosures required under GAAP for annual and interim financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the 2012 consolidated financial statements and 2013 consolidated interim financial statements. The accounting policies used are consistent with the accounting policies used in preparing the 2012 consolidated financial statements.

CP's operations can be affected by seasonal fluctuations such as changes in customer demand and weather-related issues.  This seasonality could impact quarter-over-quarter comparisons.

In management's opinion, the unaudited interim consolidated financial information includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly such information.

2  Asset impairments

On January 2, 2014, the Company executed an agreement with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. ("G&W") for the sale of a portion of CP's Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern line between Tracy, Minnesota and Rapid City, South Dakota, Colony, Wyoming and Crawford, Nebraska and connecting branch lines ("DM&E West").  The sale, which is subject to regulatory approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, is expected to generate approximately US$215 million in gross proceeds, subject to closing adjustments.

At December 31, 2013, CP has classified DM&E West as an asset held for sale carried at CDN$222 million, being its estimated fair value less estimated direct selling costs.  As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge and accruals for future costs associated with the sale totaling CDN$435 million ($257 million after-tax).  The components of the asset impairment charge and charge for the accruals, which are subject to closing adjustments, that were recorded against income as "Asset impairments" are as follows:

3  Pensions and other benefits

As a result of higher discount rates at December 31, 2013, compared with December 31, 2012, as well as favourable 2013 equity returns, "Pension and other benefit liabilities" decreased by $709 million, and a "Pension asset" was recognized of $1,028 million.  In addition, "Other comprehensive income" from the change in defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans was $1,681 million and the Company's deferred tax liability increased by $446 million.  The Company used a discount rate of 4.90% at December 31, 2013, (2012 - 4.28%) to determine the pension and other benefits obligation.   

Non-GAAP Measures - Unaudited

We present non-GAAP measures and cash flow information to provide a basis for evaluating underlying earnings and liquidity trends in our business that can be compared with the results of our operations in prior periods. These non-GAAP measures exclude significant items that are not among our normal ongoing revenues and operating expenses.  They have no standardized meanings and are not defined by GAAP and, therefore, are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

Adjusted Performance Measures

Income, excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted net income, provides management with a measure of income that allows a multi-period assessment of long-term profitability and also allows management and other external users of our consolidated financial statements to compare profitability on a long-term basis with that of our peers.

Operating income, excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted operating income, provides a measure of the profitability of the railway on an ongoing basis.

Operating expenses, excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted operating expenses, provides relevant and useful information for evaluating the effectiveness of our operations and underlying business trends.

Diluted earnings per share ("EPS"), excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted EPS, provides the same information on a per share basis.

Operating ratio, excluding significant items, also referred to as Adjusted operating ratio, and calculated as Operating expenses, excluding significant items divided by total revenues, provides the percentage of total revenues used to operate the railway on an ongoing basis.

Significant items are material transactions that may include, but are not limited to, restructuring and asset impairment charges, gains and losses on non-routine sales of assets and other items that are not normal course business activities.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures

The following tables reconcile Adjusted operating expenses, Adjusted operating income and Adjusted net income, to Operating expenses, Operating income and Net income, respectively.

The following tables reconcile Diluted earnings per share, excluding significant items and Adjusted operating ratio, excluding significant items to Diluted earnings per share and Operating ratio, respectively.