The Share Split will not change the rights of holders of common shares and will not change a shareholder’s proportionate ownership in CP. All future dividends declared by CP will reflect the Share Split. CP believes the Share Split will encourage greater market liquidity and wider distribution of its common shares among a broader investor base.
The New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange have determined that CP’s common shares will trade on a due bill basis from May 4, 2021 (being one trading day prior to the Record Date) to the Payment Date (i.e., May 13, 2021), inclusive. A due bill is an entitlement attached to listed securities undergoing a material corporate action, such as the Share Split. In this instance, the entitlement is to the additional common shares issuable as a result of the Share Split. Any trades that are executed during the due bill period will be flagged to ensure purchasers receive the entitlement to the additional common shares issuable as a result of the Share Split. Ex-distribution trading in the common shares on a split-adjusted basis will commence on May 14, 2021, as of which date purchases of common shares will no longer have the attaching entitlement to the additional common shares. The due bill redemption date will be May 17, 2021.
Shareholders do not need to take any action. Currently outstanding share certificates representing common shares will continue to be effective. They should be retained by shareholders and should not be forwarded to CP or Computershare. CP will use the direct registration system (“DRS”) to electronically register the common shares issued pursuant to the Share Split, rather than issuing physical share certificates. On May 14, 2021 (i.e. one day after the Payment Date), Computershare will send out DRS advice statements to registered shareholders indicating the number of additional common shares that they are receiving as a result of the Share Split. This will allow shareholders to hold their additional common shares in book-entry form without having a physical share certificate issued. In addition, Computershare will electronically issue the appropriate number of common shares to CDS Clearing and Depositary Services Inc. and the Depository Trust Company for distribution to non-registered (beneficial) shareholders. Non-registered (beneficial) shareholders who hold their common shares in an account with their investment dealer or other intermediary will have their accounts automatically updated to reflect the Share Split in accordance with the applicable brokerage account providers’ usual procedures.
The Share Split is not expected to result in taxable income or in any gain or loss to shareholders for Canadian federal income tax purposes. Shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax advisors for further information. The Share Split will not dilute shareholders’ equity. All share and per share data for future periods will reflect the Share Split. CP’s equity compensation plan as well as CP’s normal course issuer bid will be adjusted to reflect the Share Split.
The Share Split would result in Kansas City Southern (“KCS”) stockholders receiving the right to receive 2.445 CP shares and US$90.00 in cash for each share of KCS common stock held upon consummation of the previously announced transaction with KCS.
Further details of the Share Split are contained in CP’s management proxy circular dated March 10, 2021, which was filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under CP’s profile on March 16, 2021 and which is available on CP’s website (www.cpr.ca).
Note on forward-looking information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information 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 “will”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “should” or similar words suggesting future outcomes.
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