Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street. Upgrade Now
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd (CP) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth ...

In This Article:

  • Quarterly Revenue: $3.9 billion, up 3%.

  • Quarterly Volume Growth: 2% increase.

  • Quarterly Operating Ratio: 57.1%, a 160 basis point improvement.

  • Quarterly Core EPS: $1.29, up 9% year-over-year.

  • Full Year Revenue: $14.5 billion, up 5%.

  • Full Year Volume Growth: 3% increase.

  • Full Year Operating Ratio: 61.3%, a 70 basis point improvement.

  • Full Year Core EPS: $4.25, up 11% year-over-year.

  • Grain Revenue Growth: 11% increase, record Q4 performance.

  • Automotive Revenue Growth: 16% increase, with a 23% volume growth.

  • Intermodal Revenue Decline: 6% decrease, with 1% volume growth.

  • Fuel Expense: $459 million, down 13% year-over-year.

  • Cash Flow from Operations: $5.3 billion in 2024.

  • Capital Expenditures: $2.8 billion in 2024, with a 2025 outlook of $2.9 billion.

  • Free Cash Flow: $2.7 billion adjusted combined for the year.

Release Date: January 29, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd (NYSE:CP) reported a 3% increase in quarterly revenues to $3.9 billion and a 5% increase in full-year revenues to $14.5 billion.

  • The company achieved a 160 basis point improvement in its operating ratio for the quarter, reaching 57.1%, and a 70 basis point improvement for the full year.

  • CPKC was named GM Supplier of the Year for finished vehicles in 2024, highlighting its strong performance in the automotive sector.

  • The company completed the construction of the second span of the Laredo Bridge, enhancing capacity and efficiency at the U.S.-Mexico border.

  • CPKC achieved a 26% year-over-year improvement in personal injury frequency and led the industry with the lowest train accident frequency among Class 1 railroads.

Negative Points

  • The company faced challenges such as work stoppages at the Port of Vancouver and adverse winter weather conditions, impacting operations.

  • Potash revenues declined by 4% due to a 7% volume decline, affected by strikes and weather conditions.

  • Coal revenue decreased by 3% with an 8% decline in volume, driven by a customer outage and weather impacts.

  • International Intermodal volumes were down 1%, primarily due to labor disruptions at the Port of Vancouver.

  • The company anticipates uncertainties in macroeconomic conditions and trade policies, which could impact future growth.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the RTM outlook and how it might be affected by new opportunities or core customer business? A: John Brooks, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, explained that they expect 2% to 3% growth from synergies and another 2% to 3% from organic business initiatives. The growth is expected to be more weighted towards the back half of the year, but they are off to a strong start. The bulk franchise, particularly grain, potash, and coal, is expected to perform well. Additionally, new services and partnerships, such as the CSX route, are anticipated to drive growth.