Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"). Amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Use of estimates and judgements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts and classification of revenues, expenses, and other income items during the reporting period. These estimates, assumptions, and judgements are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions, and results could differ. Critical estimates, assumptions, and judgements used in the preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements relate to: •Deferred income taxes (Note 6); •Business acquisitions (Note 10); •Properties (Note 12); •Goodwill (Note 13); •Intangible assets (Note 14); •Pensions and other benefits (Note 22); and •Contingent liabilities (Notes 18 and 25). Principles of consolidation The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company's subsidiaries from the date the Company assumed control. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Third-party ownership interest in the Company's subsidiaries is presented in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as activities and amounts attributable to non-controlling interests. Revenues Revenues are primarily derived from the provision of freight rail transportation services. Non-freight revenues are primarily derived from passenger service operators, switching fees, and logistics services, and also from leasing land and other property. Revenue is recognized when promised services are delivered and obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for providing services. In the normal course of business, the Company does not generate material revenues through acting as an agent for other entities. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Freight revenues The Company has master service agreements with customers which establish pricing, terms and conditions for future freight services the Company will provide when service requests or bills of lading are received from those customers. Each bill of lading or service request is a distinct performance obligation. Transaction prices are generally determined when bills of lading or service requests are initiated, and are allocated to distinct performance obligations based on estimated standalone selling prices which are determined based on observable fair market values. The Company also provides freight transportation services to customers at published rates established in public tariff agreements. In those arrangements, a performance obligation is triggered at the time the freight transportation services are ordered by the customer. Freight revenues are recognized over time as transportation services are provided and obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Inputs are used to measure the percentage of completion towards satisfaction of performance obligations. Progress is measured based on elapsed freight transit time relative to total expected freight transit time from origination to destination. The short duration of freight delivery performance obligations generally results in immaterial services in progress at the end of each reporting period. Certain customer arrangements include variable consideration in the form of rebates, discounts, or incentives. The expected value method is used to estimate the amount of variable consideration to allocate to performance obligations as they are satisfied. Volume rebates are accrued based on estimated volumes and contract terms, and recognized as a reduction of freight revenues as the related freight services are provided. Customer incentives are amortized over the term of the related service agreement. Customers are invoiced when a bill of lading or service request is processed. Payment for services are due when performance obligations are satisfied. Amounts outstanding at the end of each reporting period are generally collected in the following reporting period. Performance obligations not fully satisfied at the end of a reporting period are generally expected to be satisfied in the following reporting period. Income taxes The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred income tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of the asset or liability, using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the difference is expected to reverse. The change in the net deferred income tax asset or liability is included in the computation of "Net income" and "Other comprehensive income (loss)". The effect of changes in income tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the reporting period that the change occurs. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not, based on available evidence about future events, that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A liability for "unrecognized tax benefits" is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in the Company’s tax returns that do not have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Investment and other similar tax credits are recognized in "Deferred income taxes" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and in "Deferred income tax expense (recovery)" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as the related asset is recognized in income. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of the Company's Common Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method for determining the dilutive effect of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options. Equity method investments The Company's investments in entities over which it can exercise significant influence or has joint control are accounted for using the equity method. Equity-method investments are initially recognized at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, with adjustments to reflect: •the Company's share of the investment's income or losses, and comprehensive income or losses, based on the Company's share of its common stock and in-substance common stock; •depreciation, amortization, or accretion related to any basis differences identified at the time the investment was initially recognized; •dividends and distributions received; •other-than-temporary impairments; and •the effects of any intra-entity income or losses and capital transactions. Distributions from equity-method investments are classified on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows according to the nature of the activities that generated the distributions. If the Company acquires control of an equity-method investment, it stops accounting for the investment using the equity method. The investment is remeasured to fair value as of the date control was acquired, and any gain or loss is recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. Any amounts in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI") related to the investment are reclassified and included in the calculation of the gain or loss. Any gain or loss on the settlement of a pre-existing relationship between the Company and the investment is recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, separately from the business acquisition. Business acquisitions Management makes estimates and assumptions to determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities and non-controlling interest assumed in a business combination at the acquisition date. Such estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. During the measurement period, the Company may adjust any provisional amounts reported on the acquisition date if additional information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed on the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected their measurement on that date. Adjustments to provisional amounts are recognized with corresponding adjustments to "Goodwill". If the acquisition-date fair value of an asset or liability arising from pre-acquisition contingencies cannot be determined as of the acquisition date or during the measurement period, the estimated amount of the asset or liability is recognized if it is probable that the asset existed or the liability had been incurred as of the acquisition date based on information available prior to the end of the measurement period and the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. The measurement period ends at the earlier of one year or the date that the necessary information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date concerning the provisional amounts is obtained. Foreign currency translation Foreign currency transactions Foreign currency transactions are denominated in currencies other than CPKC's functional currency, which is the Canadian dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing on the day of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured to the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the reporting period they arise. Foreign operations Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of the Company's foreign subsidiaries’ and equity-method investees' functional currencies to CPKC's Canadian dollar presentation are included in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and recognized in income upon the sale of the foreign operation. Asset and liability accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect as at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates. U.S. dollar-denominated debt, finance lease obligations, and operating lease liabilities are designated as hedges of the Company's net investment in foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity-method investees. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses arising from the translation of the designated U.S. dollar-denominated debt, finance lease obligations, and operating lease liabilities are offset against gains and losses arising from the translation of the Company's foreign operations' accounts in "Other comprehensive income (loss)". Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months. Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of an allowance for expected credit losses. The allowance for expected credit losses is estimated based on relevant information about historical credit loss experience of receivables with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and forecasts of future conditions expected to affect collectability. Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for credit losses when it is probable that the remaining contractual payments will not be collected. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to income in the reporting period they are recovered. Materials and supplies Materials and supplies, including fuel and parts used in the repair and maintenance of track structures, equipment, locomotives, and freight cars, are measured at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Properties Properties are reported at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation or amortization and any impairment. The Company reviews property for impairment when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the estimated fair values, measured using discounted cash flows, and a corresponding impairment loss is recognized in income. Additions to properties For property additions and betterments, the Company capitalizes all costs necessary to make the assets ready for their intended use. A large amount of the Company's capital expenditures are for self-constructed properties, both new and the replacement of existing properties. Self-constructed assets are initially recorded at cost, including direct costs, attributable indirect costs, overheads, and carrying costs. •direct costs include labour, purchased services, materials and equipment, project supervision costs, and fringe benefits. •attributable indirect costs mainly include costs associated with work trains, material distribution, highway vehicles, and work equipment. •overheads primarily relate to engineering department costs of planning, designing, and administering the capital projects, which are allocated to projects using a measure consistent with the nature of the cost, based on cost studies. The Company capitalizes costs incurred for replacements or betterments that enhance the service potential or extend the useful life of the properties, when the expenditures exceed minimum physical and financial thresholds: •The cost of ballast programs, including undercutting, shoulder ballasting, and renewal programs that form part of the annual track program are capitalized because the work and related added ballast material significantly improves drainage, which in turn extends the life of ties and other track materials. The cost of ballast programs are tracked separately from the underlying assets and depreciated over the estimated period to the next similar ballast program. Spot replacement of ballast is considered a repair, which is expensed as incurred. •Significant freight car refurbishments, locomotive overhauls, and other capital improvements that enhance service potential or extend useful life are capitalized. •Replacement project costs, including dismantling costs, are expensed or capitalized based on studies of the activities performed in the projects. Costs to repair or maintain the service potential of properties are expensed. The Company also capitalizes development costs for major new computer systems. Group depreciation The Company primarily uses the group method of depreciation, in which properties with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are allocated to asset groups: •The asset groups are depreciated on a straight-line basis reflecting their expected economic lives, using composite depreciation rates. All track assets are depreciated using a straight-line method which recognizes the value of the asset consumed as a percentage of the whole life of the asset. •Composite depreciation rates are established through depreciation studies, which are regular, detailed reviews, performed by asset group, of service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other related matters. •The depreciation studies also estimate accumulated depreciation surpluses or deficiencies for each asset group, which are amortized over the remaining life of the respective asset group. •When depreciable property is retired or otherwise disposed in the normal course of business, its life generally approximates its expected useful life as determined in the depreciation studies. For this reason, under group depreciation, a gain or loss on disposal is not recognized. Instead, the asset's net book value, less net salvage proceeds, is charged to accumulated depreciation. •For certain asset groups, the historical cost of the asset is separately recorded in the Company's property records. This amount is retired from the property records upon retirement of the asset. For assets for which the historical cost cannot be separately identified, the asset's gross book value is estimated using an indexation methodology, whereby the retired property's current replacement cost is indexed to its estimated year of installation, or a first-in, first-out approach, or statistical analysis is used to determine its retired age. The Company uses indices that closely correlate to the principal costs of the assets. •When removal costs exceed the property's salvage value and removal is not a legal obligation, the removal costs are charged to income when the property is removed. •For the disposal of larger groups of depreciable assets that are unusual and were not considered in the Company's depreciation studies, the Company records a gain or loss for the difference between the net proceeds and the net book value of the assets sold or retired. The accumulated depreciation that is derecognized includes asset-specific accumulated depreciation, when known, or an appropriate portion of the accumulated depreciation recorded for the relevant asset class as a whole, calculated using a cost-based allocation. Concession assets CPKC holds a concession from the Mexican government which authorizes the Company to provide freight transportation services over certain rail lines, including the use of all related track and other assets necessary for the rail lines' operation (the "Concession"). The Concession term ends in June 2047, but is renewable under certain conditions, for additional periods, each up to 50 years. The underlying tangible assets that the Concession provides the Company with the right to use are capitalized in "Properties", and amortized using the group method. Amortization is recognized over the lesser of the expected concession term, including one renewal period of 50 years, or the estimated useful life of the underlying asset groups. The intangible rights granted under the Concession are amortized over the expected term of the Concession. Finance lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets Finance lease ROU assets included in "Properties" are amortized to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the ROU asset or the end of the lease term. Government assistance The Company records government assistance from various levels of governments and government agencies when there is reasonable assurance that the assistance will be received. Government assistance in connection with the acquisition or construction of properties sometimes includes conditions which, if not met within a certain period of time, may require repayment of some or all of the assistance received. It is the Company's intention to comply with all conditions imposed by the terms of government assistance accepted. Government assistance received or receivable related to property is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the property and amortized over the same period as the related assets. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets upon acquisition of a business. On the acquisition date, goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit expected to benefit from the acquisition. The carrying value of goodwill, which is not amortized, is assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances arise that suggest goodwill may be impaired. The Company's annual review of goodwill is performed in the fourth quarter, on the October 1 balance. The Company first assesses qualitative factors, including, but not limited to economic, market, and industry conditions, the reporting unit's overall financial performance, and events such as notable changes in management or customers. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative assessment is undertaken. The quantitative assessment is a comparison of the reporting unit's carrying value and fair value. The reporting unit's fair value is defined as the price expected to be received if it was sold in an orderly transaction between market participants. It is determined based on pre-tax discounted cash flows that reflect management's best estimates of the time value of money and risks specific to the reporting unit and its assets. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recognized, measured at the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value. Intangible assets Intangible assets with finite lives, consisting primarily of customer contracts, customer relationships, and favourable leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. When there is a change in the estimated useful life of an intangible asset with a finite life, amortization is adjusted prospectively. An intangible asset with a finite life is assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are primarily trackage rights that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. They are not amortized but an evaluation is made at least annually of whether indicators of impairment exist. A quantitative impairment assessment is performed if such indicators are identified. When assessing an intangible asset for impairment, if the undiscounted cash flows indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount that its carrying amount exceeds its fair value, determined based on pre-tax discounted cash flows that reflect management's best estimates of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset. Financial instruments Financial instruments are contracts that give rise to a financial asset of one party and a financial liability or equity instrument of another party. Financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value, which is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s-length transaction between willing parties. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Accounts receivable and investments consisting of loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, other long-term liabilities, and long-term debt are also subsequently measured at amortized cost. Derivative financial instruments Derivative financial instruments may be used from time to time to manage the Company's exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, fuel price, and certain compensation tied to the Company's Common Share price. When derivative instruments are used in hedging relationships, the Company identifies, designates, and documents those hedging transactions and regularly tests the transactions to demonstrate effectiveness in order to continue hedge accounting. The Company's derivative instruments are classified as held-for-trading and recorded at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as current or non-current assets or liabilities depending on the timing of settlements and the resulting cash flows associated with the instrument. Any changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in income in the reporting period the change occurs. For fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are recognized in income along with changes in the fair value of the hedged risk of the asset or liability that is designated as part of the hedging relationship. For designated cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are recorded in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and reclassified to income when the hedged item impacts income. If a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge ceases to be effective or is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued and the gain or loss at that date is deferred in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and recognized in income concurrently with the related transaction. If an anticipated hedged transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in income. Subsequent gains and losses from derivative instruments for which hedge accounting has been discontinued are recognized in income in the reporting period in which they occur. Cash flows relating to derivative instruments designated as hedges are included in the same category as the related hedged items on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Leases The Company leases rolling stock, buildings, vehicles, railway equipment, roadway machines, and information systems hardware. Lease liabilities and ROU assets are recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for finance leases and operating leases with fixed terms and in-substance fixed terms. •ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized on the lease commencement date at the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. Lease payments include fixed and variable payments that are based on an index or a rate. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses internal incremental secured borrowing rates for a comparable tenor and in the same currency at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. •Certain leases of rolling stock and roadway machines are fully variable or contain both fixed and variable components. Variable components are dependent on the hours and miles that the underlying equipment has been used. Fixed-term, short-term, and variable operating lease costs are recorded in "Equipment rents" and "Purchased services and other" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. •Components of finance lease costs are recorded in "Depreciation and amortization" and "Net interest expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. •ROU assets are adjusted for lease prepayments, initial direct costs, and lease incentives. •Lease terms include periods associated with options to extend or exclude periods associated with termination options when the Company is reasonably certain of exercising such options. •Non-lease components are accounted for separately from lease components of roadway machine, information systems hardware, and fleet vehicle lease contracts. Otherwise, lease and non-lease components are combined and accounted as a single lease component. Leases with terms of 12 months or less that do not contain an option to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term that the Company intends to exercise are not recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets; lease payments are recognized as expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Provision for environmental remediation Environmental remediation accruals, covering site-specific remediation programs, are recorded on an undiscounted basis unless a reliably determinable estimate of the amount and timing of costs can be established. The accruals are recorded when the costs to remediate are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Certain future costs to monitor sites are discounted at an adjusted risk-free rate. Provisions for environmental remediation costs are recorded in "Other long-term liabilities", except for the current portion, which is recorded in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities". Pensions and other benefits Obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the Company's defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined using the projected benefit method, pro-rated over the credited service periods of employees. This method incorporates management’s best estimates of actuarial assumptions, such as discount rates, salary and other cost escalations, employees' retirement ages and mortality. The discount rates are based on blended market interest rates on high-quality debt instruments with matching cash flows. Plan assets are measured at fair value. The expected return on plan assets is calculated using market-related asset values, developed from a five-year average of adjusted market values for the fund’s public equity securities and absolute return strategies, plus the market value of the fund’s other asset classes, subject to the market-related asset value not being greater than 120% nor less than 80% of the market value. Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual and expected return on plan assets, and changes in the measurement of the benefit obligation. Periodic net actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs are accumulated and presented as a component of AOCI on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the Company's other post-retirement and post-employment benefits are actuarially determined on a similar basis. The status of over and under funded defined benefit pension and benefit plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of a plan's assets and benefit obligation, are reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Components of net periodic benefit cost included in "Operating income" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income include: •current service costs for defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefits, and the Company's contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recorded in "Compensation and benefits" expense; and •current service costs for self-insured workers' compensation and long-term disability benefits, which are recorded in "Purchased services and other". Other components of net periodic benefit cost or recovery, recognized outside of "Operating income" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income are: •interest cost on benefit obligation; •expected return on plan assets; •amortization of net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service period of the plan's active employee group (approximately 13 years); •amortization of prior service costs arising from collectively bargained amendments to pension plan benefit provisions (over the term of the applicable union agreement) and from all other sources (over the expected average remaining service period of active employees who are expected to receive benefits under the plan at the date of the amendment); and •gains and losses on post-employment benefits that do not vest or accumulate, including some workers’ compensation and long-term disability benefits in Canada. Stock-based compensation Stock options The cost of awards of equity-settled employee stock options is measured based on their grant date fair values. "Compensation and benefits" expense, with a corresponding increase to "Additional paid-in capital" in "Shareholders' equity" is recognized over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the grant date to the date the employee becomes eligible to retire. The grant date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Forfeitures are estimated at the grant date, and changes in the estimate of forfeitures in subsequent reporting periods are recognized as adjustments to"Compensation and benefits" expense in the reporting period that the change in estimate occurs. As stock options are exercised, the related amount accumulated in "Additional paid-in capital" is reclassified to "Share Capital" and the proceeds are recognized in "Share Capital". Share units The Company also issues cash-settled awards, including deferred share units ("DSUs"), performance share units (“PSUs”) and performance deferred share units ("PDSUs"), for which a liability is remeasured each financial reporting period until settlement. For DSUs,"Compensation and benefits" expense is recognized over the shorter of the vesting term, or the period from the grant date to the date the employee is eligible to retire, based on the number of units outstanding and the closing price of CPKC's Common Shares on the reporting date. For PSUs and PDSUs, fair values are recognized for units that are probable of vesting, based on forecasted performance factors, and"Compensation and benefits" expense is recognized over the performance period. Forfeitures of share units are estimated at the grant date, and changes in the estimate of forfeitures in subsequent periods are recognized as adjustments to "Compensation and benefits" expense in the period that the change in estimate occurs. Share purchase plan The Company's contributions to the employee share purchase plan gives rise to compensation expense that is recognized at the issue price and recognized as "Compensation and benefits" expense over a one year vesting period.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts and classification of revenues, expenses, and other income items during the reporting period. These estimates, assumptions, and judgements are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions, and results could differ. Critical estimates, assumptions, and judgements used in the preparation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements relate to:

The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company's subsidiaries from the date the Company assumed control. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Third-party ownership interest in the Company's subsidiaries is presented in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements as activities and amounts attributable to non-controlling interests.

Revenues are primarily derived from the provision of freight rail transportation services. Non-freight revenues are primarily derived from passenger service operators, switching fees, and logistics services, and also from leasing land and other property.

Revenue is recognized when promised services are delivered and obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for providing services. In the normal course of business, the Company does not generate material revenues through acting as an agent for other entities. Revenues are presented net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

The Company has master service agreements with customers which establish pricing, terms and conditions for future freight services the Company will provide when service requests or bills of lading are received from those customers. Each bill of lading or service request is a distinct performance

obligation. Transaction prices are generally determined when bills of lading or service requests are initiated, and are allocated to distinct performance obligations based on estimated standalone selling prices which are determined based on observable fair market values. The Company also provides freight transportation services to customers at published rates established in public tariff agreements. In those arrangements, a performance obligation is triggered at the time the freight transportation services are ordered by the customer.

Freight revenues are recognized over time as transportation services are provided and obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Inputs are used to measure the percentage of completion towards satisfaction of performance obligations. Progress is measured based on elapsed freight transit time relative to total expected freight transit time from origination to destination. The short duration of freight delivery performance obligations generally results in immaterial services in progress at the end of each reporting period.

Certain customer arrangements include variable consideration in the form of rebates, discounts, or incentives. The expected value method is used to estimate the amount of variable consideration to allocate to performance obligations as they are satisfied. Volume rebates are accrued based on estimated volumes and contract terms, and recognized as a reduction of freight revenues as the related freight services are provided. Customer incentives are amortized over the term of the related service agreement.

Customers are invoiced when a bill of lading or service request is processed. Payment for services are due when performance obligations are satisfied. Amounts outstanding at the end of each reporting period are generally collected in the following reporting period. Performance obligations not fully satisfied at the end of a reporting period are generally expected to be satisfied in the following reporting period.

The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, a deferred income tax asset or liability is determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax basis of the asset or liability, using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the difference is expected to reverse. The change in the net deferred income tax asset or liability is included in the computation of "Net income" and "Other comprehensive income (loss)". The effect of changes in income tax rates on deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized in income in the reporting period that the change occurs.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce deferred income tax assets if it is more likely than not, based on available evidence about future events, that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. A liability for "unrecognized tax benefits" is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in the Company’s tax returns that do not have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

Investment and other similar tax credits are recognized in "Deferred income taxes" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets and in "Deferred income tax expense (recovery)" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as the related asset is recognized in income.

Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of the Company's Common Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method for determining the dilutive effect of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options.

The Company's investments in entities over which it can exercise significant influence or has joint control are accounted for using the equity method. Equity-method investments are initially recognized at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets, with adjustments to reflect:

If the Company acquires control of an equity-method investment, it stops accounting for the investment using the equity method. The investment is remeasured to fair value as of the date control was acquired, and any gain or loss is recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. Any amounts in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" ("AOCI") related to the investment are reclassified and included in the calculation of the gain or loss. Any gain or loss on the settlement of a pre-existing relationship between the Company and the investment is recognized in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, separately from the business acquisition.

Management makes estimates and assumptions to determine the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities and non-controlling interest assumed in a business combination at the acquisition date. Such estimates and assumptions are inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. During the measurement period, the Company may adjust any provisional amounts reported on the acquisition date if additional information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed on the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected their measurement on that date. Adjustments to provisional amounts are recognized with corresponding adjustments to "Goodwill".

If the acquisition-date fair value of an asset or liability arising from pre-acquisition contingencies cannot be determined as of the acquisition date or during the measurement period, the estimated amount of the asset or liability is recognized if it is probable that the asset existed or the liability had been incurred as of the acquisition date based on information available prior to the end of the measurement period and the amount of the asset or liability can be reasonably estimated. The measurement period ends at the earlier of one year or the date that the necessary information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date concerning the provisional amounts is obtained.

Foreign currency transactions are denominated in currencies other than CPKC's functional currency, which is the Canadian dollar. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing on the day of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured to the functional currency using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the reporting period they arise.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of the Company's foreign subsidiaries’ and equity-method investees' functional currencies to CPKC's Canadian dollar presentation are included in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and recognized in income upon the sale of the foreign operation. Asset and liability accounts are translated at the exchange rates in effect as at the balance sheet date, and revenues and expenses are translated using monthly average exchange rates.

U.S. dollar-denominated debt, finance lease obligations, and operating lease liabilities are designated as hedges of the Company's net investment in foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity-method investees. Accordingly, unrealized gains and losses arising from the translation of the designated U.S. dollar-denominated debt, finance lease obligations, and operating lease liabilities are offset against gains and losses arising from the translation of the Company's foreign operations' accounts in "Other comprehensive income (loss)".

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost net of an allowance for expected credit losses. The allowance for expected credit losses is estimated based on relevant information about historical credit loss experience of receivables with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and forecasts of future conditions expected to affect collectability.

Accounts receivable are written off against the allowance for credit losses when it is probable that the remaining contractual payments will not be collected. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to income in the reporting period they are recovered.

Materials and supplies, including fuel and parts used in the repair and maintenance of track structures, equipment, locomotives, and freight cars, are measured at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.

Properties are reported at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation or amortization and any impairment. The Company reviews property for impairment when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the estimated fair values, measured using discounted cash flows, and a corresponding impairment loss is recognized in income.

A large amount of the Company's capital expenditures are for self-constructed properties, both new and the replacement of existing properties. Self-constructed assets are initially recorded at cost, including direct costs, attributable indirect costs, overheads, and carrying costs.

•overheads primarily relate to engineering department costs of planning, designing, and administering the capital projects, which are allocated to projects using a measure consistent with the nature of the cost, based on cost studies.

The Company capitalizes costs incurred for replacements or betterments that enhance the service potential or extend the useful life of the properties, when the expenditures exceed minimum physical and financial thresholds:

•The cost of ballast programs, including undercutting, shoulder ballasting, and renewal programs that form part of the annual track program are capitalized because the work and related added ballast material significantly improves drainage, which in turn extends the life of ties and other track materials. The cost of ballast programs are tracked separately from the underlying assets and depreciated over the estimated period to the next similar ballast program. Spot replacement of ballast is considered a repair, which is expensed as incurred.

•The asset groups are depreciated on a straight-line basis reflecting their expected economic lives, using composite depreciation rates. All track assets are depreciated using a straight-line method which recognizes the value of the asset consumed as a percentage of the whole life of the asset.

•Composite depreciation rates are established through depreciation studies, which are regular, detailed reviews, performed by asset group, of service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other related matters.

•When depreciable property is retired or otherwise disposed in the normal course of business, its life generally approximates its expected useful life as determined in the depreciation studies. For this reason, under group depreciation, a gain or loss on disposal is not recognized. Instead, the asset's net book value, less net salvage proceeds, is charged to accumulated depreciation.

•For certain asset groups, the historical cost of the asset is separately recorded in the Company's property records. This amount is retired from the property records upon retirement of the asset. For assets for which the historical cost cannot be separately identified, the asset's gross book value is estimated using an indexation methodology, whereby the retired property's current replacement cost is indexed to its estimated year of installation, or a first-in, first-out approach, or statistical analysis is used to determine its retired age. The Company uses indices that closely correlate to the principal costs of the assets.

•For the disposal of larger groups of depreciable assets that are unusual and were not considered in the Company's depreciation studies, the Company records a gain or loss for the difference between the net proceeds and the net book value of the assets sold or retired. The accumulated depreciation that is derecognized includes asset-specific accumulated depreciation, when known, or an appropriate portion of the accumulated depreciation recorded for the relevant asset class as a whole, calculated using a cost-based allocation.

CPKC holds a concession from the Mexican government which authorizes the Company to provide freight transportation services over certain rail lines, including the use of all related track and other assets necessary for the rail lines' operation (the "Concession"). The Concession term ends in June 2047, but is renewable under certain conditions, for additional periods, each up to 50 years.

The underlying tangible assets that the Concession provides the Company with the right to use are capitalized in "Properties", and amortized using the group method. Amortization is recognized over the lesser of the expected concession term, including one renewal period of 50 years, or the estimated useful life of the underlying asset groups. The intangible rights granted under the Concession are amortized over the expected term of the Concession.

Government assistance in connection with the acquisition or construction of properties sometimes includes conditions which, if not met within a certain period of time, may require repayment of some or all of the assistance received. It is the Company's intention to comply with all conditions imposed by the terms of government assistance accepted. Government assistance received or receivable related to property is recorded as a reduction of the cost of the property and amortized over the same period as the related assets.

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets upon acquisition of a business. On the acquisition date, goodwill is allocated to the reporting unit expected to benefit from the acquisition. The carrying value of goodwill, which is not amortized, is assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances arise that suggest goodwill may be impaired. The Company's annual review of goodwill is performed in the fourth quarter, on the October 1 balance.

The Company first assesses qualitative factors, including, but not limited to economic, market, and industry conditions, the reporting unit's overall financial performance, and events such as notable changes in management or customers. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a quantitative assessment is undertaken. The quantitative assessment is a comparison of the reporting unit's carrying value and fair value. The reporting unit's fair value is defined as the price expected to be received if it was sold in an orderly transaction between market participants. It is determined based on pre-tax discounted cash flows that reflect management's best estimates of the time value of money and risks specific to the reporting unit and its assets. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, an impairment is recognized, measured at the amount by which the reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value.

Intangible assets with finite lives, consisting primarily of customer contracts, customer relationships, and favourable leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. When there is a change in the estimated useful life of an intangible asset with a finite life, amortization is adjusted prospectively. An intangible asset with a finite life is assessed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are primarily trackage rights that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. They are not amortized but an evaluation is made at least annually of whether indicators of impairment exist. A quantitative impairment assessment is performed if such indicators are identified.

When assessing an intangible asset for impairment, if the undiscounted cash flows indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount that its carrying amount exceeds its fair value, determined based on pre-tax discounted cash flows that reflect management's best estimates of the time value of money and risks specific to the asset.

Financial instruments are contracts that give rise to a financial asset of one party and a financial liability or equity instrument of another party. Financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value, which is the amount of consideration that would be agreed upon in an arm’s-length transaction between willing parties.

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Accounts receivable and investments consisting of loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, other long-term liabilities, and long-term debt are also subsequently measured at amortized cost.

Derivative financial instruments may be used from time to time to manage the Company's exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, fuel price, and certain compensation tied to the Company's Common Share price. When derivative instruments are used in hedging relationships, the Company identifies, designates, and documents those hedging transactions and regularly tests the transactions to demonstrate effectiveness in order to continue hedge accounting.

The Company's derivative instruments are classified as held-for-trading and recorded at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as current or non-current assets or liabilities depending on the timing of settlements and the resulting cash flows associated with the instrument. Any changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized in income in the reporting period the change occurs.

For fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are recognized in income along with changes in the fair value of the hedged risk of the asset or liability that is designated as part of the hedging relationship.

For designated cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument are recorded in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and reclassified to income when the hedged item impacts income. If a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge ceases to be effective or is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued and the gain or loss at that date is deferred in "Other comprehensive income (loss)" and recognized in income concurrently with the related transaction. If an anticipated hedged transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is recognized immediately in income. Subsequent gains and losses from derivative instruments for which hedge accounting has been discontinued are recognized in income in the reporting period in which they occur.

The Company leases rolling stock, buildings, vehicles, railway equipment, roadway machines, and information systems hardware. Lease liabilities and ROU assets are recognized on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for finance leases and operating leases with fixed terms and in-substance fixed terms.

•ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized on the lease commencement date at the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term. Lease payments include fixed and variable payments that are based on an index or a rate. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses internal incremental secured borrowing rates for a comparable tenor and in the same currency at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments.

•Certain leases of rolling stock and roadway machines are fully variable or contain both fixed and variable components. Variable components are dependent on the hours and miles that the underlying equipment has been used. Fixed-term, short-term, and variable operating lease costs are recorded in "Equipment rents" and "Purchased services and other" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

•Non-lease components are accounted for separately from lease components of roadway machine, information systems hardware, and fleet vehicle lease contracts. Otherwise, lease and non-lease components are combined and accounted as a single lease component.

Leases with terms of 12 months or less that do not contain an option to purchase the underlying asset at the end of the lease term that the Company intends to exercise are not recorded on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets; lease payments are recognized as expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Environmental remediation accruals, covering site-specific remediation programs, are recorded on an undiscounted basis unless a reliably determinable estimate of the amount and timing of costs can be established. The accruals are recorded when the costs to remediate are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Certain future costs to monitor sites are discounted at an adjusted risk-free rate. Provisions for environmental remediation costs are recorded in "Other long-term liabilities", except for the current portion, which is recorded in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities".

Obligations and net periodic benefit costs for the Company's defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined using the projected benefit method, pro-rated over the credited service periods of employees. This method incorporates management’s best estimates of actuarial assumptions, such as

discount rates, salary and other cost escalations, employees' retirement ages and mortality. The discount rates are based on blended market interest rates on high-quality debt instruments with matching cash flows.

Plan assets are measured at fair value. The expected return on plan assets is calculated using market-related asset values, developed from a five-year average of adjusted market values for the fund’s public equity securities and absolute return strategies, plus the market value of the fund’s other asset classes, subject to the market-related asset value not being greater than 120% nor less than 80% of the market value.

Actuarial gains and losses arise from the difference between the actual and expected return on plan assets, and changes in the measurement of the benefit obligation. Periodic net actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs are accumulated and presented as a component of AOCI on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The status of over and under funded defined benefit pension and benefit plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of a plan's assets and benefit obligation, are reported on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

•amortization of net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service period of the plan's active employee group (approximately 13 years);

•amortization of prior service costs arising from collectively bargained amendments to pension plan benefit provisions (over the term of the applicable union agreement) and from all other sources (over the expected average remaining service period of active employees who are expected to receive benefits under the plan at the date of the amendment); and

The cost of awards of equity-settled employee stock options is measured based on their grant date fair values. "Compensation and benefits" expense, with a corresponding increase to "Additional paid-in capital" in "Shareholders' equity" is recognized over the shorter of the vesting period or the period from the grant date to the date the employee becomes eligible to retire. The grant date fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Forfeitures are estimated at the grant date, and changes in the estimate of forfeitures in subsequent reporting periods are recognized as adjustments to"Compensation and benefits" expense in the reporting period that the change in estimate occurs. As stock options are exercised, the related amount accumulated in "Additional paid-in capital" is reclassified to "Share Capital" and the proceeds are recognized in "Share Capital".

The Company also issues cash-settled awards, including deferred share units ("DSUs"), performance share units (“PSUs”) and performance deferred share units ("PDSUs"), for which a liability is remeasured each financial reporting period until settlement.

For DSUs,"Compensation and benefits" expense is recognized over the shorter of the vesting term, or the period from the grant date to the date the employee is eligible to retire, based on the number of units outstanding and the closing price of CPKC's Common Shares on the reporting date. For PSUs and PDSUs, fair values are recognized for units that are probable of vesting, based on forecasted performance factors, and"Compensation and benefits" expense is recognized over the performance period. Forfeitures of share units are estimated at the grant date, and changes in the estimate of forfeitures in subsequent periods are recognized as adjustments to "Compensation and benefits" expense in the period that the change in estimate occurs.

The Company's contributions to the employee share purchase plan gives rise to compensation expense that is recognized at the issue price and recognized as "Compensation and benefits" expense over a one year vesting period.