Union Pacific Corporation is an American company based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company is part of the Dow Jones Composite Average and Dow Jones Transportation Average indices. It is the parent company of the Union Pacific Railroad and had a network of 51,610km (32,068 miles) in 2016.
FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005
- OR -
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-6075
UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1400 DOUGLAS STREET, OMAHA, NEBRASKA
(Address of principal executive offices)
68179
(Zip Code)
(402) 544-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES x NO ¨
As of April 30, 2005, there were 262,986,225 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements:
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY(Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Legal Proceedings
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
Certifications
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Operating revenue
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits
Equipment and other rents
Depreciation
Fuel and utilities
Materials and supplies
Casualty costs
Purchased services and other costs
Total operating expenses
Operating income
Other income
Interest expense
Income before income taxes
Income taxes
Net income
Share and Per Share
Earnings per share—basic
Earnings per share—diluted
Weighted average number of shares—basic
Weighted average number of shares—diluted
Dividends
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)
Millions of Dollars
March 31,
2005
December 31,
2004
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and temporary investments
Accounts receivable, net
Current deferred income taxes
Other current assets
Total current assets
Investments:
Investments in and advances to affiliated companies
Other investments
Total investments
Properties:
Road
Equipment
Other
Total cost
Accumulated depreciation
Net properties
Other assets
Total assets
Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued wages and vacation
Accrued casualty costs
Income and other taxes
Dividends and interest
Debt due within one year
Equipment rents payable
Other current liabilities
Total current liabilities
Debt due after one year
Deferred income taxes
Retiree benefits obligation
Other long-term liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Total liabilities
Common shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, $2.50 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 275,803,111 and 275,694,761 shares issued, respectively
Paid-in-surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total common shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity
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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Millions of Dollars,
Operating Activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Cash paid to fund pension plan
Other, net
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net
Cash provided by operating activities
Investing Activities
Capital investments
Proceeds from asset sales
Other investing activities, net
Cash used in investing activities
Financing Activities
Dividends paid
Debt repaid
Cash received from exercise of stock options
Financings, net
Cash used in financing activities
Net change in cash and temporary investments
Cash and temporary investments at beginning of period
Cash and temporary investments at end of period
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities, Net
Accounts, wages, and vacation payable
Total
Supplemental cash flow information:
Non-cash capital lease financings
Cash (paid) received during the period for:
Interest
Income taxes, net
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Thousands of Shares
Paid-
in-Surplus
Balance at January 1, 2005
Comprehensive income/(loss):
Other comp. income/(loss) [a]
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
Conversion, exercises of stock options, forfeitures, and other
Dividends declared ($0.30 per share)
Balance at March 31, 2005
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UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “UPC”, “we”, “us”, and “our” mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which will be separately referred to herein as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.
1. Responsibilities for Financial Statements – Our Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods presented. Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2004 is derived from audited financial statements. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2005. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2005 financial statement presentation.
2. Stock-Based Compensation – We have several stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described in note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, in our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K. We account for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation expense related to stock option grants is reflected in net income as all options granted under those plans had a grant price equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense related to retention shares, stock units, and other incentive plans is reflected in net income. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation. See note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of FASB Statement No. 123(R). See note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation between basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.
Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts
Net income, as reported
Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax [a]
Pro forma net income
EPS – basic, as reported
EPS – basic, pro forma
EPS – diluted, as reported
EPS – diluted, pro forma
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The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted during the first three months of 2005 and 2004:
Risk-free interest rates
Dividend yield
Expected lives-years
Volatility
Weighted-average fair value of options granted
3. Operations and Segmentation – The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment.
4. Financial Instruments
Strategy and Risk – We use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices and to achieve our interest rate objectives. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions, and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. We may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or forward contracts to mitigate the downside risk of adverse price movements and to hedge the exposure to variable cash flows. The use of these instruments also limits future benefits from favorable movements. The purpose of these programs is to protect our operating margins and overall profitability from adverse fuel price changes or interest rate fluctuations.
Market and Credit Risk – We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying hedged item. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At March 31, 2005, we have not been required to provide collateral, nor have we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities.
Determination of Fair Value – The fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were determined based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury rate, London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), or swap spread.
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges – We manage our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by adjusting the proportion of fixed and floating rate debt instruments within our debt portfolio over a given period. The mix of fixed and floating rate debt is largely managed through the issuance of targeted amounts of each as debt matures or as incremental borrowings are required. Derivatives are used as one of the tools to obtain the targeted mix. In addition, we also obtain flexibility in managing interest costs and the interest rate mix within our debt portfolio by evaluating the issuance and management of outstanding callable fixed-rate debt securities.
Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in the debt’s fair value attributable to the changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR). The swaps have been accounted for using the short-cut method as allowed by FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; therefore, no ineffectiveness has been recorded within our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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The following is a summary of our interest rate derivatives qualifying as fair value hedges:
Millions,
Except Percentages
Interest rate fair value hedging:
Amount of debt hedged
Percentage of total debt portfolio
Gross fair value asset position
Gross fair value (liability) position
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges– Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the hedged item.
In 2004, we entered into treasury lock transactions that are accounted for as cash flow hedges. These treasury lock transactions resulted in a payment of $11 million that is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10-years, ending September 30, 2014. The unamortized portion of the payment is recorded as a $6 million after-tax reduction to common shareholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 31, 2005. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.
Fuel Cash Flow Hedges – Fuel costs are a significant portion of our total operating expenses. In 2005 and 2004, our primary means of mitigating the impact of adverse fuel price changes has been our fuel surcharge program. However, we may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or forward contracts to further mitigate the impact of adverse fuel price changes. We hedged 120 million gallons of fuel during 2004 using collars with average cap, floor, and ceiling prices of $0.74, $0.64, and $0.86 per gallon, respectively. Our use of fuel hedges decreased fuel expense by $4 million in the first quarter of 2004. We did not have any fuel hedges in place during the first quarter of 2005, and at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004 there were no fuel hedges outstanding.
Earnings Impact – Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income:
Decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedging
Decrease in fuel expense from fuel hedging
Increase in pre-tax income
Sale of Receivables – The Railroad transfers most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, as part of a sale of receivables facility. UPRI sells, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in such accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to sell undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at March 31, 2005. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $600 million and $590 million at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1,112 million and $1,089 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $512 million and $499 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The interest sold to investors is sold at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and there is no gain or loss recognized from the transaction.
The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors could fluctuate based upon the availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, including default and dilution. If default or dilution percentages were to increase one percentage point, the amount of eligible receivables would decrease by $6 million. Should our credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.
The Railroad has been designated to service the sold receivables; however, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized as the servicing fees adequately compensate the Railroad for its responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $3 billion during each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and UPRI used such proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.
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The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $4 million and $2 million for the first three months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The costs include interest, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability.
The investors have no recourse to the Railroad’s other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad have no recourse to the assets of UPRI.
5. Debt
Credit Facilities– On March 31, 2005, we had $2 billion in revolving credit facilities available, including $1 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 and $1 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2010 (collectively, the “facilities”). The facilities are designated for general corporate purposes and support the issuance of commercial paper. Neither of the facilities were drawn as of March 31, 2005. The 5-year facility expiring in March 2010 replaced a $1 billion 364-day revolving credit facility that expired in March 2005, while the 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 was put in place in 2004 to replace a 5-year revolving credit facility that was due to expire in March 2005. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facilities are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. These facilities allow for borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facilities do not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing) or any other provision that could require the posting of collateral. The facilities require the maintenance of a minimum net worth and a debt to net worth coverage ratio. At March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with these covenants.
To the extent we have long-term credit facilities available, we have reclassified certain short-term debt to a long-term basis. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, approximately $811 million and $440 million of short-term borrowings that we intend to refinance were reclassified as long-term debt, respectively. This reclassification reflects our ability and intent to refinance these short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis through the issuance of commercial paper or new long-term financings, or by using the currently available long-term credit facility if alternative financing is not available.
Dividend Restrictions – We are subject to certain restrictions related to the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $5.3 billion and $5.2 billion at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. We do not expect that these restrictions will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
Shelf Registration Statement – Under a current shelf registration statement, we may issue, from time to time, any combination of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, or warrants for debt securities or preferred stock in one or more offerings. At March 31, 2005, we had $500 million remaining for issuance under the current shelf registration statement. We have no immediate plans to issue equity securities; however, we will continue to explore opportunities to replace existing debt or access capital through issuances of debt securities under this shelf registration.
Debt Redemption – On May 1, 2005, we redeemed approximately $113 million of 8.35% debentures with a maturity date of May 1, 2025. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of approximately $4 million in the second quarter of 2005.
6. Retirement Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Plans – We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment, with specific reductions made for early retirements.
Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) – We provide defined contribution medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. These benefits are funded as medical claims and life insurance premiums are paid.
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Expense
Both pension and OPEB expense are determined based upon the annual service cost of benefits (the actuarial cost of benefits earned during a period) and the interest cost on those liabilities, less the expected return on plan assets. With respect to the value of pension plan assets, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five-year period. This practice is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it can have the effect of delaying the recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate of return assumptions. Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.
The components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs were as follows:
Three Months Ended
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of:
Transition obligation
Prior service cost (credit)
Actuarial loss
Total net periodic benefit cost
Cash Contributions
We did not contribute to our pension plans during the first quarter of 2005 and we currently do not have minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws. We voluntarily contributed $50 million to our pension plans during the first quarter of 2004.
7. Earnings Per Share – The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
Net income available to common shareholders
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic
Dilutive effect of stock options
Dilutive effect of retention shares, stock units and restricted stock
Diluted
Earnings per share – basic
Earnings per share – diluted
Common stock options totaling 3.5 million shares and 2.2 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of these options exceeded the average market price of our common stock for the respective periods, and the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. It is not possible at this time for us to determine fully the effect of all unasserted claims on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where unasserted claims can be estimated and where such claims are considered probable, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any
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known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities previously recorded for these matters.
Personal Injury – The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability, including unasserted claims. Compensation for work-related accidents is governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Under FELA, damages are assessed based on a finding of fault through litigation or out-of-court settlements. We offer a comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work. Our expenses for our personal injury-related events were $63 million and $100 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Our 2004 expense was negatively impacted by a $30 million jury verdict, excluding interest, upheld against the Railroad for a 1998 grade-crossing accident. As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had accrued a liability of $642 million and $639 million, respectively, for personal injury costs, of which $274 million was recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs at the end of both periods. Our personal injury liability is discounted to present value using applicable U.S. Treasury rates.
Asbestos – We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which current and former employees allege exposure to asbestos. Additionally, we have received claims for asbestos exposure that have not been litigated. The claims and lawsuits (collectively referred to as “claims”) allege occupational illness resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing products. In most cases, the claimants do not have credible medical evidence of physical impairment resulting from the alleged exposures. Additionally, most claims filed against us do not specify an amount of alleged damages.
The greatest potential for asbestos exposure in the railroad industry existed while steam locomotives were used. The railroad industry, including UPRR and its predecessors, phased out steam locomotives between 1955 and 1960. The use of asbestos-containing products in the railroad industry was substantially reduced after steam locomotives were discontinued, although it was not completely eliminated. Some asbestos-containing products were still manufactured in the building trade industry and were used in isolated component parts on locomotives and railroad cars during the 1960s and 1970s. By the early 1980s, manufacturers of building materials and locomotive component parts developed non-asbestos alternatives for their products and ceased manufacturing asbestos-containing materials.
Prior to 2004, we concluded it was not possible to reasonably estimate the cost of disposing of asbestos-related claims that might be filed against us in the future, due to a lack of sufficient comparable history from which to reasonably estimate unasserted asbestos-related claims. As a result, we recorded a liability for asbestos-related claims only when the claims were asserted.
During 2004, we determined we could reasonably estimate our liability for unasserted asbestos-related claims because we had sufficient comparable loss data and there was no immediate legislative solution to asbestos litigation. During 2004, we engaged a third-party expert with extensive experience in estimating resolution costs for asbestos-related claims to assist us in assessing the number and value of these unasserted claims through 2034, based on our average claims experience over a multi-year period. As a result, we increased our liability for asbestos-related claims to $326 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based on the following assumptions:
Our liability for asbestos-related claims is not discounted to present value and was $324 million at both March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. At March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, $17 million was classified as current liabilities, while the remainder was classified as long-term accrued casualty costs. Approximately 14% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims, and approximately 86% related to unasserted claims. These claims are expected to be paid out over the next 30 years. During the first quarter of 2005, we evaluated actual experience
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compared to forecasted future claims and claim payments and determined that no adjustment to our estimate was necessary. We will also obtain annual updates of the study and make adjustments to our estimate if necessary.
We received 338 claims during the first quarter of 2005 and 158 claims in the first quarter of 2004. We settled or dismissed 216 claims during the first quarter of 2005 and 198 claims in the first quarter of 2004. Payments for asbestos-related claims were $1.5 million and $3.5 million during the first three months of 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Insurance coverage reimburses us for a portion of the costs incurred to resolve asbestos-related claims and we have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries.
We believe that our liability estimates for asbestos-related claims and the estimated insurance recoveries reflect reasonable and probable estimates. The amounts recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and related insurance recoveries were based on currently known facts. However, future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, average settlement costs, and insurance coverage issues could cause the actual costs and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than the projected amounts. Estimates may also vary due to changes in the litigation environment, federal and state law governing compensation of asbestos claimants, and the level of payments made to claimants by other defendants.
Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified approximately 384 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 52 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 31 of which are currently on the Superfund National Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified sites; consequently, our ultimate environmental liability may include costs relating to activities of other parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.
When an environmental issue has been identified with respect to property owned, leased, or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on the property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated. We do not discount our environmental liabilities when the timing of the anticipated cash payments is not fixed or readily determinable.
As of March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we had a liability of $205 million and $201 million, respectively, accrued for environmental costs, of which $49 million and $50 million were recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs. The liability includes costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as for ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and existing technology, laws, and regulations. We believe that we have adequately accrued for our ultimate share of costs at sites subject to joint and several liability. However, the ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, site-specific cost sharing arrangements with other potentially responsible parties, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs. We do not expect current obligations to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Purchase Obligations and Guarantees – We periodically enter into financial and other commitments in connection with our business. We do not expect that these commitments or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
At March 31, 2005, we were contingently liable for $468 million in guarantees and $55 million in letters of credit. We entered into these contingent guarantees in the normal course of business and they include guaranteed obligations of affiliated operations. None of the guarantees individually is significant, and we recorded a liability of $6 million for the fair value of these obligations as of March 31, 2005. The final guarantee expires in 2022. We are not aware of any existing event of default that would require us to satisfy these guarantees.
Income Taxes – As previously reported, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has completed its examination of the Corporation’s federal income tax returns for the years 1995 to 1998 and has issued a notice of deficiency. Among other adjustments, the IRS proposes to disallow tax deductions claimed in connection with certain donations of property during those years. We dispute the proposed adjustments and intend to defend our positions through applicable IRS procedures, and, if necessary, litigation. We do not expect that the ultimate resolution of this examination will have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition, or liquidity.
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Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions
Rental income
Interest income
Asset sale of technology subsidiary
10. Accounting Pronouncements – In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This statement requires that companies recognize compensation expense equal to the fair value of stock options or other share-based payments. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission deferred the effective date to January 1, 2006. Assuming that the level of future option grants remains consistent with prior years, we estimate that the impact of this pronouncement for the Corporation will be an annual reduction in net income of approximately $20 million.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1, and other information included in this report.
The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment.
Available Information
Our Internet website is www.up.com. We make available free of charge on our website (under the “Investors” caption link) our annual reports on Form 10-K; our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; our current reports on Form 8-K; our proxy statements; Forms 3, 4, and 5, filed on behalf of directors and executive officers; and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website previously filed SEC reports and exhibits via a link to EDGAR on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. Additionally, our corporate governance materials, including Board Committee charters, governance guidelines and policies, and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and employees may be found on our website at www.up.com/investors. From time to time, the corporate governance materials on our website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange or as desirable to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company. Any security holder wishing to receive, without charge, a copy of any of our SEC filings or corporate governance materials should send a written request to: Secretary, Union Pacific Corporation, 1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68179.
References to our website address and any other references to the website contained in this report, including references in this Item 2, are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be deemed, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimation and judgment that affect the reported amounts of revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. If these estimates differ materially from actual results, the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements may be material. Our critical accounting policies are available in our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K, Item 7. There have been no significant changes with respect to these policies during the first three months of 2005.
Quarterly Summary
We reported earnings of $0.48 per diluted share, or net income of $128 million, in the first quarter of 2005 compared to earnings of $0.63 per diluted share, or net income of $165 million, for the first quarter of 2004. Operating revenue grew to $3.2 billion in the first quarter of 2005 driven by our fuel surcharge recovery programs and yield increases, while a West Coast storm in January 2005 and higher fuel costs increased operating expenses. Higher income taxes also negatively impacted earnings for the first quarter.
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Our operational performance has improved since the beginning of the year, but quarterly earnings were impacted by our continuing network challenges. Average train speed, terminal dwell time, and rail car inventory measures, as reported to the American Association of Railroads, have each improved since December 2004 despite challenges presented by the January storm and continued volume growth. We believe these improvements were driven by the combination of additional resources, including trainmen, locomotives and railcars, and strategic network management initiatives. Average train speed in the first quarter of 2005 was slower than that recorded for the first quarter of 2004, terminal dwell time showed improvement over the same period, and rail car inventory levels remained relatively unchanged. We completed our network analysis related to the Unified Plan at the end of the first quarter of 2005. The Unified Plan essentially calls for adjustments to four major components of our network operations—Automotive, Manifest, Mexico, and Intermodal—and will involve continuing review and analysis to match demand with system capacity. We began implementing changes to our network operations in April 2005. The first phase modifies our Automotive transportation plan, and adjustments to our Manifest, Mexico, and Intermodal plans will follow in phases as we continue to implement the Unified Plan. In addition, we will continue to refine our network operations utilizing industrial engineering techniques, especially at our yard and terminal facilities.
Operating Revenue
Commodity Revenue
Other Revenue
Total Operating Revenue
Operating revenue is comprised of commodity revenue and other revenue. Other revenue primarily includes subsidiary revenue, revenue from our commuter rail operations, and accessorial revenue earned due to customer detainment of Railroad owned or controlled equipment. We recognize commodity revenue on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period. Other revenue is recognized as service is performed or contractual obligations are met.
The improvement in commodity revenue was led by growth in the energy, industrial products, agricultural, and chemical commodity groups. Volume growth for the first quarter was negatively impacted by the West Coast storm, which affected all commodity groups (intermodal and industrial products were affected the most). Fuel surcharges, price increases, and index-based contract escalators all contributed to an increase of our average revenue per car (ARC). We recognized $175 million and $39 million in commodity revenue from our fuel recovery programs in the first quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Other revenue increased due to higher subsidiary revenue and accessorial revenue.
The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in commodity revenue, revenue carloads, and average revenue per car by commodity type:
Agricultural
Automotive
Chemicals
Energy
Industrial Products
Intermodal
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Revenue Carloads
Thousands
Average Revenue
Per Car
Agricultural – The year-over-year revenue increase was led by corn and feed grains and dry feed ingredients, as both commodities realized solid pricing gains versus 2004. ARC improvement was driven by price increases, fuel surcharges, and the positive mix impact of longer average length of haul moves. Carloads declined due to weak demand for Gulf export wheat and fewer corn and feed shipments.
Automotive – Revenue decreased in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to lower automobile production levels of domestic manufacturers, partially offset by fuel surcharge and price increases in 2005.
Chemicals – Revenue and carload improvements were led by fertilizer shipments, especially increased potash exports. Soda ash revenue and carloads increased as demand for export to Asia, Latin America, and Mexico remained strong. Year-over-year ARC improvement was driven by price increases and fuel surcharges.
Energy – Revenue growth was driven by increased Southern Powder River Basin carloadings, up 9% versus 2004, due to strong demand and new business. Colorado and Utah shipments also contributed to the revenue improvement, with ARC up 12% from 2004 due to fuel surcharges, index-based contract escalators, and the favorable mix impact of more long-haul traffic moving to the east.
Industrial Products – Revenue growth was led by lumber shipments, which have a relatively high ARC, reflecting strong demand for housing materials. Shipments of stone also increased due to larger train sizes and improved car cycle times. Carloads fell due to fewer steel moves and reduced government shipments, combined with an exceptionally strong first quarter in 2004. ARC rose due to price increases and fuel surcharges.
Intermodal – Revenue improved as carloads increased due to strong imports, primarily from China and the rest of Asia, which was partially offset by lost business due to the West Coast storm. ARC in the first quarter of 2005 improved due to price increases, primarily from fuel surcharges, index-based contract escalators, and selective increases.
Mexico Business – Included in the commodity revenue reported above is revenue from shipments to and from Mexico, which grew to $251 million, a 10% increase over the comparable period in 2004. Growth was driven by price increases and fuel surcharges. Year-over-year carloads decreased 1%, with reduced corn and feed exports and auto parts shipments partially offset by gains in industrial products and import beer.
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Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased in the first quarter of 2005 due to significantly higher fuel prices, inflation, additional training and guaranteed wage expenses associated with higher trainmen employment levels, depreciation expense, increased locomotive lease and freight car rental expense, and clean-up and restoration costs associated with the West Coast storm. These costs were partially offset by lower casualty costs relating to expenses recognized in the first quarter of 2004 associated with a 1998 third-party crossing accident.
Salaries, Wages, and Employee Benefits – Higher 2005 expenses were driven by wage and benefit inflation, increased use of train crews due to system velocity and current demand levels, training and guaranteed wage expenses associated with an increase in trainmen employment levels, additional track and mechanical maintenance personnel, and increased labor expenses associated with the West Coast storm.
Equipment and Other Rents – Equipment and other rents primarily includes rental expense the Railroad pays for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal, and locomotive leases; other specialty equipment leases; and office and other rentals. Expenses increased in the first quarter of 2005 due to higher locomotive lease costs and increased car rental expenses. The higher locomotive expense includes additional costs associated with leasing short-term locomotive power, which is more costly than long-term locomotive leases, and the increased leasing of new locomotives, which are being utilized for higher business volumes and to improve network performance. Higher freight car rental expense was driven by volume-related growth in intermodal business, longer car cycle times for equipment used in automotive and intermodal shipments, and an increase in longer-haul traffic in our Industrial Products and Agricultural commodity groups.
Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to track structure, including rail, ties, and other track material. Depreciation expense increased in the first quarter of 2005 primarily due to a higher depreciable asset base caused by significant capital expenditures in recent years.
Fuel and Utilities – Fuel and utilities include locomotive fuel, utilities other than telephone, and gasoline and other fuels. The increase in the first quarter of 2005 was driven by higher diesel fuel prices, which averaged $1.45 per gallon compared to $1.02 per gallon in the first quarter of 2004 (including taxes and transportation costs). The higher fuel price contributed $149 million to the increase, and $136 million of the additional fuel cost was recovered through our fuel surcharge programs and is included in operating revenue. The 3% increase in gross ton-miles in the first quarter of 2005 drove higher fuel usage, resulting in an additional $9 million of fuel expense for the quarter. This was more than offset by a 4% improvement in the fuel consumption rate, saving $12 million in first quarter fuel expense versus 2004. The Railroad did not have any fuel hedges in place during the first quarter of 2005. In the first quarter of 2004, our fuel hedges decreased fuel costs by $4 million. Gasoline, utilities, and propane expenses increased $4 million in the first quarter of 2005 due to higher prices.
Materials and Supplies – Materials used to maintain the Railroad’s lines, structures, and equipment are the principal component of materials and supplies expense. Office, small tools and other supplies, and the costs of freight services to ship Railroad materials are also included. Expenses increased in the first quarter of 2005 due to the increased use of locomotive repair materials associated with maintaining a larger fleet that includes older units not covered by warranties, additional freight car repairs, and higher material costs. Material cost increases were driven primarily by higher prices for freight car wheel sets and lube oil prices.
Casualty Costs – Personal injury expense, freight and property damage, insurance, and environmental costs are included in casualty costs. Costs in the first quarter of 2005 were lower due to expense recognized in 2004 as a result of a court ruling on a 1998 third-party crossing accident. Lower freight loss and damage expense, lower expenses associated with destruction of foreign equipment, and lower costs associated with asbestos claims due to the one-
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time charge recognized in the fourth quarter of 2004 for future unasserted claims also contributed to the lower expense. Destruction of foreign equipment expense is incurred when equipment owned by other railroads is damaged while in our possession.
Purchased Services and Other Costs – Purchased services and other costs include the costs of services purchased from outside contractors, state and local taxes, net costs of operating facilities jointly used by UPRR and other railroads, transportation and lodging for train crew employees, trucking and contracting costs for intermodal containers, leased automobile maintenance expenses, telephone and cellular expense, employee travel expense, and computer and other general expenses. Expenses increased in the first quarter of 2005 as a result of West Coast flood clean-up and restoration expenses, increased trucking expenses for intermodal carriers, and crew transportation and lodging costs.
Non-Operating Items
%
Change
Other Income – The reduction in 2005 was primarily a result of the sale of assets of a technology subsidiary in 2004.
Interest Expense – The improvement in interest expense in the first quarter of 2005 was due to $6 million of interest expense recognized in 2004 as a result of a court ruling on a 1998 third-party crossing accident. The effective interest rate was 6.6% in 2005 compared to 6.8% in the first quarter of 2004. Weighted-average debt levels were $8.1 billion and $8.0 billion in the first quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively.
Income Taxes – Income tax expense increased in 2005 due to a 2004 reduction in the deferred state income tax liability primarily attributable to relocating support operations to Omaha, Nebraska, and state income tax credits earned in 2004 in connection with the new headquarters building in Omaha, offset by lower 2005 pre-tax income.
Other Operating and Financial Statistics
We report key Railroad performance measures weekly to the American Association of Railroads, including carloads, average train speed, average daily inventory of rail cars on our system, and average terminal dwell time. The operating data are available on our website at www.up.com/investors/reports/index.shtml.
Average train speed (miles per hour)
Average terminal dwell time (hours)
Gross ton-miles (billions)
Revenue ton-miles (billions)
Rail car inventory (thousands)
Average full-time equivalent employees
Average Train Speed – The West Coast storm and continued service inefficiencies adversely impacted our average train speed. Average train speed is calculated by dividing train miles by hours operated on our main lines between terminals.
Average Terminal Dwell Time – The improvement in dwell time was the result of network management initiatives and directed efforts to more timely deliver rail cars off-line to our interchange partners and customers. Average terminal dwell time is the average time that a rail car spends at our terminals. Lower average terminal dwell time is favorable.
Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles –Gross and revenue ton-miles were positively impacted in 2005 by volume growth in the higher density commodity groups of energy and chemicals, combined with a minimal increase in intermodal carloads and a substantial decrease in automotive shipments, which are lower density commodities. Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of loaded or empty freight cars by the number of miles hauled. Revenue ton-miles are based on tariff miles and do not include the weight of freight cars.
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Rail Car Inventory – Our rail car inventory was essentially unchanged from 2004 as we continued to focus on the implementation of our strategic network management initiatives. Rail car inventory is the number of freight cars on-line throughout our system. Lower rail car inventory is favorable.
Average Full-Time Equivalent Employees – The 2005 increase in employees resulted primarily from the addition of train crew personnel, who were hired to handle increased customer demand and improve service. The number of track maintenance personnel also increased due to the higher level of track repair and replacement programs.
Debt to capital
Lease adjusted debt to capital
Debt to Capital/Lease Adjusted Debt to Capital – Debt to capital is computed by dividing total debt by total debt plus equity. Lease adjusted debt to capital is derived by dividing total debt plus the net present value of operating leases by total debt plus equity plus the net present value of operating leases. We believe these measures are important in managing our capital structure to allow efficient access to the debt market while minimizing our cost of capital. The improvement in our debt to capital ratios resulted from an increase in equity due to earnings, along with reductions in our debt levels.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financial Condition
Cash Flows
Cash Provided by Operating Activities – The increase in the first quarter of 2005 was due to a $50 million pension payment in the first quarter of 2004, lower management incentive payments, and changes in other working capital accounts, partially offset by lower net income and higher materials and supplies and receivable balances.
Cash Used in Investing Activities – The increase in the first quarter of 2005 resulted from increased capital spending and lower proceeds from asset sales.
The following table details capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31:
Capital Expenditures
Millions
Track
Locomotives
Freight cars
Facilities and other
Cash Used in Financing Activities – The decrease in the first quarter of 2005 was driven primarily by an increase in proceeds from stock option exercises ($76 million in 2005 compared to $44 million in 2004).
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Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow
Free Cash Flow – Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure by SEC Regulation G. We believe free cash flow is important in evaluating our financial performance and measures our ability to generate cash without incurring additional external financings. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities. The table above reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).
Credit Facilities – On March 31, 2005, we had $2 billion in revolving credit facilities available, including $1 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 and $1 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2010 (collectively, the “facilities”). The facilities are designated for general corporate purposes and support the issuance of commercial paper, if any. The 5-year facility expiring in March 2010 replaced a $1 billion 364-day revolving credit facility that expired in March 2005, while the 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 was put in place in 2004 to replace a 5-year revolving credit facility that was due to expire in March 2005. Neither of the facilities were drawn as of March 31, 2005. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facilities are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. These facilities allow for borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facilities do not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing) or any other provision that could require the posting of collateral. The facilities require the maintenance of a minimum net worth and a debt to net worth coverage ratio. At March 31, 2005, we were in compliance with these covenants.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges – Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 2.1 for each quarter ended March 31, 2005 and 2004. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed on a consolidated basis. Earnings represent net income, less equity earnings net of distributions, plus fixed charges and income taxes. Fixed charges represent interest charges, amortization of debt discount, and an estimated amount representing the interest portion of rental charges.
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations, and Commercial Commitments
As described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and as referenced in the tables below, we have contractual obligations and commercial commitments that may affect our financial condition. However, based on management’s assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of the material contractual obligations and commercial commitments, including material sources of off-balance sheet and structured finance arrangements, there is no known trend, demand, commitment, event, or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur that would have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. In addition, the commercial obligations, financings and commitments we make are customary transactions, similar to those of other comparable industrial corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.
The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2005:
Contractual Obligations
Debt [a]
Operating leases
Capital lease obligations [b]
Purchase obligations [c]
Pension and other postretirement benefits [d]
Total contractual obligations
Other Commercial Commitments
Credit facilities [a]
Sale of receivables [b]
Guarantees [c]
Standby letters of credit [d]
Total commercial commitments
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OTHER MATTERS
Commitments and Contingencies – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We are also subject to various federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, pursuant to which we are currently participating in the investigation and remediation of various sites.
Accounting Pronouncements – In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. This statement requires that companies recognize compensation expense equal to the fair value of stock options or other share-based payments. On April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission deferred the effective date to January 1, 2006. Assuming that the level of future option grants remains consistent with prior years, we estimate that the impact of this pronouncement for the Corporation will be an annual reduction in net income of approximately $20 million.
CAUTIONARY INFORMATION
Certain statements in this report, and statements in other material filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us), are, or will be, forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: expectations as to operational or service improvements; statements concerning expectations of the effectiveness of steps taken or to be taken to improve operations, service, or to stabilize the rail system, including the hiring and training of train crews, acquisition of additional locomotives, infrastructure improvements, transportation plan modifications, and management of customer traffic on the system to meet demand; expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth, and earnings; the time by which certain objectives will be achieved; statements or information concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, future economic performance, and general economic conditions; statements of management’s goals and objectives; proposed new products and services; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; expectations that claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity and any other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved, including expectations as to operational, service, and network fluidity improvements. Forward-looking information is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.
The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 7 of our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements:
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Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided under “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Item 7A of our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them, in a timely manner, to material information relating to the Corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Corporation’s periodic SEC filings.
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Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there have been no significant changes to the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (the District) issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to Union Pacific, asserting that the Railroad violated its air permit relating to locomotive diesel fueling at its Dolores Yard in Carson California, by dispensing fuel in excess of its permit limits over the course of 21 months. The District proposed settlement of this NOV for payment by the Railroad of $105,000. The actual settlement amount must be determined by a court, and, therefore, the amount of the penalty is uncertain. The Railroad applied for and received a permit modification that will accommodate its operations at this yard.
Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Environmental, Item 7 of our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K and note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1 of this quarterly report.
As previously reported in a current report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2005, Union Pacific Corporation (the Corporation) was served with a complaint in a purported shareholder derivative lawsuit, which names as defendants all the current directors and one former director of the Corporation. The complaint was filed in state court in Salt Lake County, Utah on April 4, 2005. The complaint alleges that the director defendants breached their fiduciary duty to the Corporation and its shareholders by, among other things, disregarding problems relating to railroad safety, compliance with governmental regulations, including reporting requirements with respect to rail accidents, and the handling of evidence in rail accident cases. The complaint contends that, as a consequence of such alleged breach of duty, the Corporation suffered substantial monetary losses and other injuries and seeks, among other things, an award of compensatory damages against the defendant directors, other non-monetary remedies and relief, and an award of the plaintiff’s reasonable expenses and attorneys’ fees.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Purchases of Equity Securities – We do not currently have a formal publicly announced plan or program to repurchase shares of our common stock. The purchased shares presented below relate solely to our equity compensation plans described in note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8 in our 2004 annual report on Form 10-K. The following table presents common stock repurchases during each month for the quarter ended March 31, 2005:
Period
TotalNumber
of SharesPurchased
Maximum Number of
Shares That May YetBe Purchased Underthe Plan or Program
Jan. 1 through Jan. 31 Employee transactions [a]
Feb. 1 through Feb. 28 Employee transactions [a]
March 1 through March 31 Employee transactions [a]
Dividend Restrictions – We are subject to certain restrictions on the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $5.3 billion and $5.2 billion at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. We do not expect that these restrictions will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. See the discussion of credit facilities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Item 2, Part I.
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Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
(a) The annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation was held on May 5, 2005.
(b) At the Annual Meeting, the Corporation’s shareholders voted for the election of Philip F. Anschutz (218,598,823 shares in favor; 22,191,760 shares withheld), Richard K. Davidson (230,962,326 shares in favor; 9,828,257 shares withheld), Erroll B. Davis, Jr. (201,880,897 shares in favor; 38,909,686 shares withheld), Thomas J. Donohue (204,605,524 shares in favor; 36,185,059 shares withheld), Archie W. Dunham (234,490,439 shares in favor; 6,300,144 shares withheld), Spencer F. Eccles (207,179,413 shares in favor; 33,611,170 shares withheld), Judith Richards Hope (227,370,725 shares in favor; 13,419,858 shares withheld), Michael W. McConnell (208,934,469 shares in favor; 31,856,114 shares withheld), Steven R. Rogel (207,252,673 shares in favor; 33,537,910 shares withheld), James R. Young (231,635,918 shares in favor; 9,154,665 shares withheld), and E. Zedillo (234,433,584 shares in favor; 6,356,999 shares withheld), as directors of the Corporation. In addition, the Corporation’s shareholders voted to adopt the Executive Incentive Plan (165,884,694 shares in favor; 45,587,088 shares against, 2,139,872 shares withheld, and 27,178,929 shares not voted by brokers), to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Corporation (235,561,007 shares in favor; 3,682,930 shares against, and 1,546,645 shares withheld), and to defeat a shareholder proposal regarding a performance and time-based restricted share grant program for senior executives (32,519,156 shares in favor; 178,373,993 shares against, 2,719,208 shares withheld, and 27,178,226 shares not voted by brokers).
Item 6. Exhibits
Description of Exhibits Filed with this Statement
Description of Exhibits Incorporated by Reference
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 6, 2005
(Registrant)
By
/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.
Robert M. Knight, Jr.,
Executive Vice President - Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Richard J. Putz
Richard J. Putz,
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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