Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

  x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

    

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

OR

 

  ¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

    

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 1-6075

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

UTAH    13-2626465

(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.

  þ  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

  þ   Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer    þ    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

  ¨  Yes    þ  No

As of October 16, 2009, there were 504,549,218 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

  

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended September  30, 2009 and 2008

   3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September  30, 2009 and 2008

   4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)
At September  30, 2009 and December 31, 2008

   5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September  30, 2009 and 2008

   6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’
EQUITY (Unaudited)
    For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008

   7

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

   8

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   25

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   42

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   42

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   42

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   44

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   44

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   44

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   44

Item 5. Other Information

   44

Item 6. Exhibits

   45

Signatures

   47

Certifications

  

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item  1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,

for the Three Months Ended September 30,

   2009    2008

Operating revenues:

     

Freight revenues

   $       3,471     $       4,630 

Other revenues

     200       216 

Total operating revenues

     3,671       4,846 

Operating expenses:

     

Compensation and benefits

     999       1,123 

Fuel

     466       1,135 

Purchased services and materials

     403       481 

Depreciation

     367       348 

Equipment and other rents

     290       326 

Other

     179       218 

Total operating expenses

     2,704       3,631 

Operating income

     967       1,215 

Other income (note 6)

     14       23 

Interest expense

     (156)      (130)

Income before income taxes

     825       1,108 

Income taxes

     (308)      (405)

Net income

   $ 517     $ 703 

Share and Per Share (note 8):

     

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 1.03     $ 1.39 

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 1.02     $ 1.38 

Weighted average number of shares – basic

     503.1       506.6 

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

     507.0       511.3 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.27     $ 0.27 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

     2009      2008

Operating revenues:

     

Freight revenues

   $       9,832     $     13,038 

Other revenues

     557       646 

Total operating revenues

     10,389       13,684 

Operating expenses:

     

Compensation and benefits

     3,045       3,356 

Fuel

     1,222       3,251 

Purchased services and materials

     1,193       1,444 

Depreciation

     1,067       1,034 

Equipment and other rents

     914       1,006 

Other

     558       659 

Total operating expenses

     7,999       10,750 

Operating income

     2,390       2,934 

Other income (note 6)

     172       67 

Interest expense

     (447)      (384)

Income before income taxes

     2,115       2,617 

Income taxes

     (768)      (940)

Net income

   $ 1,347     $ 1,677 

Share and Per Share (note 8):

     

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 2.68     $ 3.27 

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 2.67     $ 3.24 

Weighted average number of shares – basic

     502.9       513.1 

Weighted average number of shares – diluted

     505.4       517.8 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.81     $ 0.71 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions of Dollars    Sep. 30,
2009
   Dec. 31,
2008

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,435     $ 1,249 

Accounts receivable, net

     727       594 

Materials and supplies

     490       450 

Current deferred income taxes

     299       276 

Other current assets

     266       244 

Total current assets

     3,217       2,813 

Investments

     1,013       974 

Net properties (note 10)

     37,122       35,701 

Other assets

     337       234 

Total assets

   $ 41,689     $ 39,722 

Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and other current liabilities (note 11)

   $ 2,575     $ 2,560 

Debt due within one year (note 13)

     173       320 

Total current liabilities

     2,748       2,880 

Debt due after one year (note 13)

     9,620       8,607 

Deferred income taxes

     10,595       10,282 

Other long-term liabilities

     2,297       2,506 

Commitments and contingencies (note 14)

             

Total liabilities

     25,260       24,275 

Common shareholders’ equity:

     

Common shares, $2.50 par value, 800,000,000 authorized;

     

553,505,843 and 552,775,812 issued; 504,534,252 and 503,225,705

     

outstanding, respectively

     1,384       1,382 

Paid-in-surplus

     3,960       3,949 

Retained earnings

     14,752       13,813 

Treasury stock

     (2,954)      (2,993)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (note 9)

     (713)      (704)

Total common shareholders’ equity

     16,429       15,447 

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

   $ 41,689     $ 39,722 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions of Dollars,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

     2009      2008

Operating Activities

     

Net income

   $ 1,347     $ 1,677 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

     

Depreciation

     1,067       1,034 

Deferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits

     314       325 

Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions

     (138)      (30)

Other operating activities, net

     (188)      148 

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

     

Accounts receivable, net

     (133)      (228)

Materials and supplies

     (40)      (116)

Other current assets

     (22)      35 

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

     15       193 

Cash provided by operating activities

     2,222       3,038 

Investing Activities

     

Capital investments

     (1,831)      (2,017)

Proceeds from asset sales

     154       73 

Acquisition of equipment pending financing

     (100)      (386)

Proceeds from sale of assets financed

          386 

Other investing activities, net

     36       (65)

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,741)      (2,009)

Financing Activities

     

Debt issued

     843       1,340 

Common share repurchases (note 15)

          (1,410)

Debt repaid

     (826)      (735)

Dividends paid

     (408)      (344)

Other financing activities, net

     96       99 

Cash used in financing activities

     (295)      (1,050)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     186       (21)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     1,249       878 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $   1,435     $ 857 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

     

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

     

Capital lease financings

   $ 742     $ 175 

Cash dividends declared but not yet paid

     132       132 

Capital investments accrued but not yet paid

     78       100 

Settlement of current liabilities for debt

     14      

Cash paid for:

     

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ (487)    $ (414)

Income taxes

     (273)      (344)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions    Common

Shares

   Treasury

Shares

  

  

  Common
Shares
   Paid-in-

Surplus

   Retained
Earnings
  
  
  Treasury
Stock
  
  
  AOCI

[a]

  

  

    Total   

Balance at December 31, 2007 (note 2)

   552.3    (30.6   $1,381    $3,926    $11,976      $(1,624)      $  (74   $ 15,585   

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

              1,677                 1,677  

Other comp. income

                        6       6  

Total comp. income (note 9)

              1,677          6       1,683  

Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other

   0.5    3.0     1    11         147            159  

Share repurchases (note 15)

      (18.8              (1,328          (1,328

Cash dividends declared ($0.71 per share)

                 (364               (364

Balance at September 30, 2008

   552.8    (46.4   $1,382    $3,937    $13,289      $(2,805   $(68   $ 15,735   
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2008

   552.8    (49.6   $1,382    $3,949    $13,813      $(2,993   $(704   $ 15,447   

Comprehensive income:

                   

Net income

              1,347                 1,347  

Other comp. loss

                        (9     (9

Total comp. income/(loss) (note 9)

              1,347          (9     1,338  

Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other

   0.7    0.6     2    11         39            52  

Cash dividends declared ($0.81 per share)

                 (408               (408

Balance at September 30, 2009

   553.5    (49.0   $1,384    $3,960    $14,752      $(2,954   $(713   $ 16,429   

[a] AOCI = Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (note 9)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED 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. Basis of Presentation – Our Condensed 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 their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2008, 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 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2009.

We evaluated the effects of all subsequent events through October 22, 2009, the date of this report, which is concurrent with the date we file this report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

2. Stock Split – On May 28, 2008, we completed a two-for-one stock split, effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The stock split entitled all shareholders of record at the close of business on May 12, 2008, to receive one additional share of our common stock, par value $2.50 per share, for each share of common stock held on that date. All references to common shares and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split for all periods presented.

3. Operations and Segmentation – The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable operating segment. Although revenue is analyzed by commodity group, we analyze the net financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of our rail network. The following table provides freight revenue by commodity group:

 

      

 

Three Months Ended

September 30,

    

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Agricultural

       $ 649         $ 848         $ 1,928     $ 2,382 

Automotive

     227       324       552       1,039 

Chemicals

     551       659       1,563       1,916 

Energy

     831       1,051       2,353       2,827 

Industrial Products

     557       906       1,634       2,556 

Intermodal

     656       842       1,802       2,318 

Total freight revenues

       $ 3,471         $ 4,630         $ 9,832     $ 13,038 

Other revenues

     200       216       557       646 

Total operating revenues

       $ 3,671         $ 4,846         $ 10,389     $ 13,684 

 

8


Table of Contents

4. Stock-Based Compensation – We have several stock-based compensation plans under which employees and non-employee directors receive stock options, nonvested retention shares, and nonvested stock units. We refer to the nonvested shares and stock units collectively as “retention awards”. We have elected to issue treasury shares to cover option exercises and stock unit vestings, while new shares are issued when retention shares vest. Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Stock-based compensation, before tax:

           

Stock options

   $      4     $      6     $    14     $    18 

Retention awards

   13     11     27     30 

Total stock-based compensation, before tax

   $    17     $    17     $    41     $    48 

Total stock-based compensation, after tax

   $    10     $    11     $    25     $    30 

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans

   $      2     $    12     $      5     $    52 

Stock Options – We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Groups of employees and non-employee directors that have similar historical and expected exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The table below shows the year-to-date weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:

 

     

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

Weighted-Average Assumptions    2009    2008

Risk-free interest rate

      1.9%      2.8%

Dividend yield

        2.3%      1.4%

Expected life (years)

     5.1          5.3   

Volatility

      31.3%      22.2%

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted

   $     11.33        $     13.35   

The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant; the dividend yield is calculated as the ratio of dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of grant; the expected life is based on historical and expected exercise behavior; and volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price over the expected life of the option.

 

9


Table of Contents

A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is presented below:

 

     Shares
(thous.)
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
   Weighted-Average

Remaining
Contractual Term

   Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2009

   11,983     $    40.81     5.6 yrs.     $      108 

Granted

   1,865     47.28     N/A     N/A 

Exercised

   (511)    34.16     N/A     N/A 

Forfeited or expired

   (14)    56.49     N/A     N/A 

Outstanding at September 30, 2009

   13,323     $    41.95     5.5 yrs.     $      225 

Vested or expected to vest at

  September 30, 2009

   13,224     $    41.88     5.5 yrs.     $      224 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2009

   9,999     $    38.63     4.5 yrs.     $      199 

Stock options are granted at the closing price on the date of grant, have ten-year contractual terms, and vest no later than three years from the date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2009 are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.

At September 30, 2009, there was $27 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

   $           7     $         38     $           11     $     163 

Cash received from option exercises

     12       17       18       79 

Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes

     (3)      (3)      (3)      (28)

Tax benefit realized from option exercises

          14            61 

Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested

               29       21 

 

10


Table of Contents

Retention Awards – The fair value of retention awards is based on the closing price of the stock on the grant date. Dividends and dividend equivalents are paid to participants during the vesting periods.

Changes in our retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

     Shares
(thous.)
   Weighted-Average

Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2009

   2,015     $    49.39 

Granted

   980     47.28 

Vested

   (230)    32.01 

Forfeited

   (32)    51.55 

Nonvested at September 30, 2009

   2,733     $    50.08 

Retention awards are granted at no cost to the employee or non-employee director and vest over periods lasting up to four years. At September 30, 2009, there was $72 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

Performance Retention Awards – In February 2009, our Board of Directors approved performance stock unit grants. Other than different performance targets, the basic terms of these performance stock units are identical to those granted in January 2007 and 2008, including using annual return on invested capital (ROIC) as the performance measure. Additionally, a change was made to an underlying assumption used in connection with calculating a component of ROIC. The discount rate used in both the numerator and denominator when calculating the present value of our future operating lease payments may fluctuate to reflect changes to interest rates and our financing costs. Stock units awarded to selected employees under these grants are subject to continued employment for 37 months and the attainment of certain levels of ROIC. We expense the fair value of the units that are probable of being earned based on our forecasted ROIC over the 3-year performance period. We measure the fair value of these performance stock units based upon the closing price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends. Dividend equivalents are paid to participants only after the units are earned.

The assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the February 2009 grant were as follows:

 

     2009

Dividend per share per quarter

   $    0.27

Risk-free interest rate at date of grant

   1.9%

 

11


Table of Contents

Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

     Shares
(thous.)
   Weighted-Average

Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2009

   873     $    50.70 

Granted

   449     47.28 

Vested

   (240)    43.23 

Forfeited

   (20)    53.75 

Nonvested at September 30, 2009

   1,062     $    50.88 

At September 30, 2009, there was $26 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. A portion of this expense is subject to achievement of the ROIC levels established for the performance stock unit grants.

5. 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.

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. 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 in net income immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.

 

12


Table of Contents

The components of our net periodic pension cost were as follows:

 

      Pension
     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Service cost

   $         10     $         8     $         29     $         26 

Interest cost

     35       35       104       101 

Expected return on plan assets

     (39)      (38)      (120)      (114)

Amortization of:

           

Prior service cost

                   

Actuarial loss

               22      

Net periodic benefit cost

   $         16     $         9     $         39     $         23 

The components of our net periodic OPEB cost/(benefit) were as follows:

 

           
      OPEB
     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Service cost

   $         -     $         -     $         2     $         2 

Interest cost

               15       17 

Amortization of:

           

Prior service credit

     (14)      (9)      (31)      (26)

Actuarial loss

               10      

Net periodic benefit cost/(benefit)

   $ (10)    $    $ (4)    $

Cash Contributions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we have made $205 million of cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Any additional contributions made in the fourth quarter will be based on cash generated from operations and financial market considerations. All contributions made to the qualified pension plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were voluntary and were made with cash generated from operations.

 

13


Table of Contents

6. Other Income – Other income included the following:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Rental income

   $ 17     $ 23     $ 56     $ 67 

Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions

          11       138       30 

Interest income

                    16 

Sale of receivables fees

     (2)      (5)      (7)      (17)

Non-operating environmental costs and other

     (8)      (10)      (20)      (29)

Total

   $ 14     $ 23     $ 172     $ 67 

In June of 2009, we completed a $118 million sale of land to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Colorado, resulting in a $116 million pre-tax gain. The agreement with the RTD involves a 33-mile industrial lead track in Boulder, Colorado.

7. Income Taxes – Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations have been completed and settled for all years prior to 1999, and the statute of limitations bars any additional tax assessments. Some interest calculations remain open back to 1986. The IRS has completed its examinations and issued notices of deficiency for tax years 1999 through 2006. We disagree with many of their proposed adjustments, and we are at IRS Appeals for these years. Additionally, several state tax authorities are examining our state income tax returns for tax years 2000 through 2006.

At September 30, 2009, our liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $50 million, of which we classified a net receivable of $8 million as current, primarily in anticipation of interest refunds we expect to receive within the next 12 months.

In February of 2009, California enacted legislation that changed how corporate taxpayers determine the amount of their income subject to California tax. The change reduced our deferred tax expense by $14 million in the first quarter of 2009.

 

14


Table of Contents

8. Earnings Per Share

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions, Except Per Share Amounts    2009    2008    2009    2008

Net income

   $ 517     $ 703     $ 1,347     $ 1,677 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     503.1       506.6       502.9       513.1 

Dilutive effect of stock options

     2.5       3.6       1.3       3.7 

Dilutive effect of retention shares and units

     1.4       1.1       1.2       1.0 

Diluted

     507.0       511.3       505.4       517.8 

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 1.03     $ 1.39     $ 2.68     $ 3.27 

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 1.02     $ 1.38     $ 2.67     $ 3.24 

Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive

     2.1            5.7       0.5 

9. Comprehensive Income/(Loss) – Comprehensive income/(loss) was as follows:

 

           
      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    2009    2008

Net income

   $ 517     $ 703     $ 1,347     $ 1,677 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

           

Defined benefit plans

               (11)      (4)

Foreign currency translation

                    10 

Derivatives

                   

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

               (9)     

Total comprehensive income

   $ 518     $ 704     $ 1,338     $ 1,683 

 

[a]

Net of deferred taxes of $1 million and $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively, and $1 million and $7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively.

 

15


Table of Contents

The after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

 

Millions of Dollars     

 

Sep. 30,

2009

    

 

Dec. 31,

2008

Defined benefit plans

   $ (670)    $ (659)

Foreign currency translation

     (39)      (41)

Derivatives

     (4)      (4)

Total

   $ (713)    $ (704)

10. Properties

The following table lists the major categories of property and equipment, as well as the weighted-average composite depreciation rate for each category:

 

Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages     
 
Sep. 30,
2009
    
 
Dec. 31,
2008
   Depreciation
Rate for 2009

Land

   $    4,857     $ 4,861     N/A 

Road:

        

Rail and other track material [a]

     11,824       11,366     3.6%

Ties

     7,170       6,827     2.7%

Ballast

     3,812       3,635     2.9%

Other [b]

     12,873       12,520     2.4%

Total Road

     35,679       34,348     2.9%

Equipment:

        

Locomotives

     6,052       5,157     4.9%

Freight cars

     1,950       1,985     4.2%

Work equipment and other

     163       158     3.6%

Total Equipment

     8,165       7,300     4.7%

Technology and other

     510       468     12.1%

Construction in progress

     835       938     N/A 

Total properties

   $  50,046     $  47,915     N/A 

Accumulated depreciation

      (12,924)       (12,214)    N/A 

Net properties

   $  37,122     $  35,701     N/A 

 

[a]

Includes a weighted-average composite rate for rail in high-density traffic corridors, which is depreciated primarily on the basis of use as measured in gross ton-miles.

 

[b]

Other includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

 

16


Table of Contents

11. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities

 

Millions of Dollars     

 

Sep. 30,

2009

    

 

Dec. 31,

2008

Accounts payable

   $ 615     $ 629 

Accrued casualty costs

     382       390 

Income and other taxes

     373       207 

Accrued wages and vacation

     350       367 

Dividends and interest

     282       328 

Equipment rents payable

     92       93 

Other

     481       546 

Total accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $ 2,575     $ 2,560 

12. Financial Instruments

Strategy and Risk – We may use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to assist in managing our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and fuel prices. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivative 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 at inception, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions, and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are charged to earnings. We may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or forward contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in interest rates and fuel prices; however, the use of these derivative financial instruments may limit future benefits from favorable interest rate and fuel price movements.

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. We manage credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we were not required to provide collateral, nor had we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities.

Determination of Fair Value – We determine the fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or the present value of expected future cash flows.

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. We generally manage the mix of fixed and floating rate debt through the issuance of targeted amounts of each as debt matures or as we require incremental borrowings. We employ derivatives, primarily swaps, 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 of and managing 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 interest rates. We account for swaps as fair value

 

17


Table of Contents

hedges using the short-cut method as required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC); therefore, we do not record any ineffectiveness within our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following is a summary of our interest rate derivatives qualifying as fair value hedges:

 

Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages     

 

Sep. 30,

2009

    

 

Dec. 31,

2008

Amount of debt hedged

   $ 250    $ 250

Percentage of total debt portfolio

     3%      3%

Gross fair value asset position

   $ 17    $ 19

We determined the fair value of our interest rate derivative based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers. As required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC, we recognized the fair value as a Level 2 valuation. A Level 2 valuation is defined as observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges – We report changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income/loss until the hedged item affects earnings. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had reductions of $4 million recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive income/loss that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.

Earnings Impact – Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income for the nine months ended:

 

Millions of Dollars     

 

Sep. 30,

2009

    

 

Sep. 30,

2008

Decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedging

   $    $

Decrease in fuel expense from fuel derivatives

         

Increase in pre-tax income

   $    $

Fair Value of Debt Instruments – The fair value of our short- and long-term debt was estimated using quoted market prices, where available, or current borrowing rates. At September 30, 2009, the fair value of total debt was $11.1 billion, approximately $1.3 billion more than the carrying value. At December 31, 2008, the fair value of total debt was $8.7 billion, approximately $247 million less than the carrying value. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, approximately $320 million of fixed-rate debt securities contained call provisions that allowed us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par.

 

18


Table of Contents

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 and $700 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $400 million and $584 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, UPRI reduced the outstanding undivided interest held by investors due to a decrease in available receivables. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $921 million and $1,015 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $521 million and $431 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Condensed 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 ratios increase one percent, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would not change as of September 30, 2009. 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 services the sold receivables; however, the Railroad does not recognize any servicing asset or liability as the servicing fees adequately compensate the Railroad for these responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $3.4 billion and $4.7 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $10.1 billion and $13.3 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.

The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $2 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $7 million and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, 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 do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI.

In August 2009, the sale of receivables facility was renewed for an additional 364-day period at comparable terms and conditions, although the capacity to sell undivided interests was reduced from $700 million to $600 million.

13. Debt

Credit Facilities – At September 30, 2009, we had $1.9 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility (the facility). The facility is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on the facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facility are similar to fees and rates

 

19


Table of Contents

available to comparably rated, investment-grade borrowers. The facility allows for borrowings at floating rates based on London Interbank Offered Rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facility requires us to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition to making a borrowing. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (and at all times during the first, second, and third quarters), we were in compliance with this covenant.

The definition of debt used for purposes of calculating the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio includes, among other things, certain credit arrangements, capital leases, guarantees and unfunded and vested pension benefits under Title IV of ERISA. At September 30, 2009, the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowed us to carry up to $33 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $10.7 billion of debt (as defined in the facility) outstanding at that date. Under our current capital plans, we expect to continue to satisfy the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio; however, many factors beyond our reasonable control could affect our ability to comply with this provision in the future. The facility does not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing), or any other provision that could require us to post collateral. The facility also includes a $75 million cross-default provision and a change-of-control provision. The term of the facility will expire in April 2012, and we currently intend to replace the facility with a substantially similar credit agreement on or before the expiration date, which is consistent with our past practices with respect to our credit facilities.

At September 30, 2009, we had no commercial paper outstanding. Outstanding commercial paper balances are supported by our revolving credit facility but do not reduce the amount of borrowings available under the facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we issued $100 million of commercial paper and repaid $200 million.

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our 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.

On February 20, 2009, we issued a total of $750 million of unsecured fixed-rate notes under our shelf registration statement. We issued $350 million of 5.125% notes due February 15, 2014 and $400 million of 6.125% notes due February 15, 2020. The net proceeds from this offering are for general corporate purposes.

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 our shelf registration, and, therefore, we may issue additional debt securities at any time. At September 30, 2009, we had remaining authority from our Board of Directors to issue up to $2.25 billion of debt securities under our shelf registration.

As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we have reclassified as long-term debt approximately $320 million and $400 million, respectively, of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflects our ability and intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis.

During the second quarter of 2009, we restructured lease agreements for 813 locomotives resulting in a change in lease classification from operating to capital. As part of the restructuring arrangements, we received $87 million in cash consideration. We recorded capital lease assets of approximately $742 million and related capital lease obligations totaling approximately $843 million. Included in our capital lease obligations is the $87 million in cash consideration and $14 million of accrued operating lease

 

20


Table of Contents

payables that were reclassified as part of our capital lease obligations. Capital lease obligations are reported in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt.

On October 15, 2009, we entered into a capital lease agreement for 44 locomotives with a total equipment cost of $100 million. The lessor purchased the 44 locomotives from the Corporation and subsequently leased the locomotives back to the Railroad. These capital lease obligations will be reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt at December 31, 2009.

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Asserted and Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We cannot fully determine the effect of all asserted and unasserted claims on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities and insurance recoveries 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 measuring the expense and liability, including unasserted claims. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. 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 personal injury liability is discounted to present value using applicable U.S. Treasury rates. Approximately 86% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims, and approximately 14% related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2009. Cost estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.

Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:

 

      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Beginning balance

   $ 621     $ 593 

Accruals

     99       162 

Payments

     (126)      (123)

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 594     $ 632 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $ 185     $ 204 

Asbestos – We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which current and former employees and other parties 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

 

21


Table of Contents

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.

Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows:

 

      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Beginning balance

   $ 213     $ 265 

Accruals

     -        -  

Payments

     (8)      (9)

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 205     $ 256 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $ 12     $ 11 

We have insurance coverage for a portion of the costs incurred to resolve asbestos-related claims, and we have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

We believe that our estimates of liability for asbestos-related claims and insurance recoveries are reasonable and probable. 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 also may vary in the future if strategies, activities, and outcomes of asbestos litigation materially change; federal and state laws governing asbestos litigation increase or decrease the probability or amount of compensation of claimants; or there are material changes with respect to payments made to claimants by other defendants.

Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We identified 318 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 32 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 17 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 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. At September 30, 2009, approximately 13% of our environmental liability was discounted at 3.59%, while approximately 13% of our environmental liability was discounted at 3.53% at December 31, 2008.

 

22


Table of Contents

Our environmental liability activity was as follows:

 

      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Beginning balance

   $ 209     $ 209 

Accruals

     26       34 

Payments

     (35)      (35)

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 200     $ 208 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $ 60     $ 58 

The environmental liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as 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. The ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties, 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. Estimates of liability may vary over time due to changes in federal, state, and local laws governing environmental remediation. Current obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Guarantees – At September 30, 2009, we were contingently liable for $423 million in guarantees. We have recorded a liability of $4 million for the fair value of these obligations as of both September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008. We entered into these contingent guarantees in the normal course of business, and they include guaranteed obligations related to our headquarters building, equipment financings, and affiliated operations. The final guarantee expires in 2022. We are not aware of any existing event of default that would require us to satisfy these guarantees. We do not expect that these guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

Indemnities – Our maximum potential exposure under indemnification arrangements, including certain tax indemnifications, can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, depending on the nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved, we cannot reasonably determine the probability of an adverse claim or reasonably estimate any adverse liability or the total maximum exposure under these indemnification arrangements. We do not have any reason to believe that we will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions.

15. Share Repurchase Program – On January 30, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of Union Pacific Corporation common stock through the end of 2009. On May 1, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 40 million common shares by March 31, 2011. Management’s assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we did not repurchase shares under this program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased approximately 5.9 million and 18.8 million shares, respectively, under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $445 million and $1,328 million, respectively.

 

23


Table of Contents

Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.

16. Accounting Pronouncements – In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (FAS 166). On and after the effective date of FAS 166, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. Therefore, formerly qualifying special-purpose entities (as defined under previous accounting standards) should be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities on and after the effective date in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. FAS 166 must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. We are in the process of evaluating the impact FAS 166 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (FAS 167). FAS 167 retains the scope of Interpretation 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, with the addition of entities previously considered qualifying special-purpose entities, as the concept of these entities was eliminated in FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. FAS 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. We are in the process of evaluating the impact FAS 167 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (FAS 168). The Codification will become the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of FAS 168, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. FAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of FAS 168 did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (FAS 165) (codified as FASB ASC 855-10-50). FAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. FAS 165 was effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of FAS 165 did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (codified as FASB ASC 820-10-50). This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 107, to require disclosures about fair values of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. The FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28 to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. This FSP was effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this FSP did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

24


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to “UPC”, “Corporation”, “we”, “us”, and “our” shall mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which we separately refer to as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1, and other information included in this report. Our Condensed 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 their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment. Although revenue is analyzed by commodity, we analyze the net financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of the rail network.

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 By-Laws, Board Committee charters, governance guidelines and policies, and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and employees are available on our website. 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 in this report, including references in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, 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, or available through, the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We base our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires

 

25


Table of Contents

estimation and judgment that affect the reported amounts of revenues, 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 Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be material. Our critical accounting policies are available in Item 7 of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have not been any significant changes with respect to these policies during the first nine months of 2009.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarterly Summary

We reported earnings of $1.02 per diluted share on net income of $517 million in the third quarter of 2009 compared to earnings of $1.38 per diluted share on net income of $703 million for the third quarter of 2008. Year-to-date, net income was $1.3 billion versus $1.7 billion for the same period in 2008. Freight revenues (excluding fuel surcharges) declined $569 million in the third quarter compared to the same period of 2008 driven by a 15% reduction in volume levels. Economic conditions continued to impact demand for our services across most market sectors. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which hit the Gulf Coast area in September 2008, impacted third quarter 2008 business levels, thus favorably affecting year-over-year volume comparisons for the quarter.

Consistent with the second quarter, we continued Corporation-wide efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs, in addition to adjusting our resources to reflect demand levels. As of September 30, 2009, we have stored approximately 1,800 road locomotives and 53,500 freight cars. Additionally, these demand-driven resource adjustments and our productivity initiatives combined to reduce our workforce by 11% compared to the third quarter 2008. These actions coupled with continued pricing gains, improved productivity, and lower fuel prices partially offset the impact of the volume decline.

Operationally, we improved network fluidity versus the third quarter of 2008. As reported to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), average train speed improved 16% during the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Lower volume levels, network management initiatives, and continued focus on enhancing terminal processing all contributed to the improvement.

Operating Revenues

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   %
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Freight revenues

   $   3,471     $   4,630     (25)%    $ 9,832     $ 13,038     (25)%

Other revenues

     200       216     (7)          557       646     (14)    

Total

   $ 3,671     $ 4,846     (24)%    $   10,389     $   13,684     (24)%

Freight revenues are revenues generated by transporting freight or other materials from our six commodity groups. Freight revenues vary with volume (carloads) and average revenue per car (ARC). ARC is driven by changes in price, traffic mix, and fuel surcharges. As a result of contractual obligations with some of our customers, we have provided incentives for meeting or exceeding specified cumulative volumes or shipping to and from specific locations, which we record as a reduction to freight revenues

 

26


Table of Contents

based on the actual or projected future shipments. We recognize freight revenues on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. We allocate freight revenues between reporting periods based on the relative transit time in each reporting period and recognize expenses as we incur them.

Other revenues include revenues earned by our subsidiaries, revenues from our commuter rail operations, and accessorial revenues, which we earn when customers retain equipment owned or controlled by us or when we perform additional services such as switching or storage. We recognize other revenues as we perform services or meet contractual obligations.

Freight revenues and volume levels for all six commodity groups decreased during the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009, reflecting adverse economic conditions. We experienced the largest declines in automotive and industrial products. Lower fuel surcharges due to lower fuel prices also reduced freight revenues in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008. ARC decreased 12% and 7% during the third quarter and year-to-date period driven by lower fuel cost recoveries, which were partially offset by core pricing gains. Fuel cost recoveries include fuel surcharge revenue and the impact of resetting the base fuel price for certain traffic, which is described below in more detail.

Our fuel surcharge programs (excluding index-based contract escalators that contain some provision for fuel) generated $160 million and $391 million in freight revenues in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009, compared to $750 million and $1.8 billion in the same periods of 2008, respectively. Declines in both fuel prices and volume levels drove the lower fuel surcharge amounts in both periods. Additionally, fuel surcharge revenue is not entirely comparable to prior periods due to implementation of new mileage-based fuel surcharge programs. In April 2007, we converted regulated traffic, which represents approximately 20% of our current revenue base, to mileage-based fuel surcharge programs. In addition, we continue to convert portions of our non-regulated traffic to mileage-based fuel surcharge programs. We also reset the base fuel price at which the new mileage-based fuel surcharges take effect. The resetting of the fuel price at which the fuel surcharge begins, in conjunction with rebasing the affected transportation rates to include a portion of what had been in the fuel surcharge, did not materially change our freight revenue as higher base rates offset lower fuel surcharge revenue.

The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in freight revenues, revenue carloads, and ARC by commodity type:

 

Freight Revenues    Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   %
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Agricultural

   $ 649     $ 848     (23)%    $ 1,928     $ 2,382     (19)%

Automotive

     227       324     (30)          552       1,039     (47)    

Chemicals

     551       659     (16)          1,563       1,916     (18)    

Energy

     831       1,051     (21)          2,353       2,827     (17)    

Industrial Products

     557       906     (39)          1,634       2,556     (36)    

Intermodal

     656       842     (22)          1,802       2,318     (22)    

Total

   $   3,471     $   4,630     (25)%    $   9,832     $   13,038     (25)%

 

27


Table of Contents
Revenue Carloads   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   %   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   %
Thousands    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Agricultural

     215       243     (12)%      630       719     (12)%

Automotive

     124       153     (19)          314       517     (39)    

Chemicals

     202       224     (10)          570       690     (17)    

Energy

     531       615     (14)          1,522       1,758     (13)    

Industrial Products

     235       329     (29)          686       979     (30)    

Intermodal

     728       834     (13)          2,012       2,441     (18)    

Total

     2,035       2,398     (15)%      5,734       7,104     (19)%
                 
      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   %
Average Revenue per Car    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Agricultural

   $   3,026     $ 3,486     (13)%    $   3,062     $   3,314     (8)%

Automotive

     1,827       2,114     (14)          1,759       2,010     (12)    

Chemicals

     2,730       2,951     (7)          2,742       2,778     (1)    

Energy

     1,564       1,709     (8)          1,546       1,608     (4)    

Industrial Products

     2,367       2,747     (14)          2,381       2,609     (9)    

Intermodal

     901       1,010     (11)          896       950     (6)    

Average

   $ 1,706     $ 1,931     (12)%    $ 1,715     $ 1,835     (7)%

Agricultural Products – Lower volume and fuel surcharges decreased agricultural freight revenue in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus 2008. Price improvements partially offset these declines. Declines in export and domestic markets lowered shipments of corn and feed grains by 15% and 21% in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008. Lower worldwide demand also reduced export shipments of wheat and food grains in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to the same periods of 2008.

Automotive – A 28% and 6% decline in shipments of finished vehicles and auto parts, respectively, combined with lower fuel surcharges reduced freight revenue in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Year-to-date, shipments of finished vehicles and auto parts declined 45% and 31%, respectively, compared to 2008 due to the impact of economic conditions that led to weaker sales and reduced vehicle production. Although the federal Car Allowance Rebate System program (aka “cash for clunkers”) helped stimulate vehicle sales and shipments in the third quarter of 2009, production cuts and soft demand more than offset the program’s benefits.

Chemicals – Reduced volume levels and fuel surcharges decreased freight revenue from chemical shipments in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus the same periods of 2008. Pricing improvements partially offset these declines. Weak market conditions reduced shipments of liquid and dry chemicals in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008, with volume levels down 11% and 21%, respectively. In addition, high inventories, production curtailments, and delayed purchases combined to reduce fertilizer shipments in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 by 24% and 34%, respectively. Additionally, business interruptions resulting from Hurricanes Gustav and

 

28


Table of Contents

Ike lowered volume levels in the third quarter of 2008, contributing to a more favorable year-over-year comparison.

Energy – Lower volume and fuel surcharges reduced freight revenue from energy shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus the same periods of 2008. Price increases partially offset these declines. Shipments from the Southern Powder River Basin of Wyoming (SPRB) and the Colorado and Utah mines decreased 13% and 22%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Year-to-date, shipments from the SPRB and the Colorado and Utah mines were down 13% and 27%, respectively, compared to 2008. Higher coal inventories and continued weakness in the economy resulted in reduced demand at our utility customers, resulting in lower volumes. Production problems at the Colorado and Utah mines and the loss of SPRB customer contracts also contributed to the volume declines.

Industrial Products – Reduced volume and fuel surcharges resulted in lower freight revenue from industrial products shipments in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus the same periods of 2008. Price improvements partially offset these declines. Weak demand and inventory reductions resulting from the economic downturn drove a 57% decline in steel shipments in both the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008. The continued weakness in the housing market, surplus production, and overall market uncertainty resulted in lower lumber, paper, and newsprint shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus 2008. In addition, cement and stone shipments declined in both periods due to both high inventories and weak commercial and residential construction activity.

Intermodal – Decreased volumes and fuel surcharges reduced freight revenue from intermodal shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus the same periods of 2008, partially offset by pricing gains. Volume from international traffic decreased 25% and 28%, respectively, in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008, reflecting the recessionary economy, continued weak imports from Asia, and diversions to non-UPRR served ports. Additionally, continued weakness in the domestic housing and automotive sectors translated into weak demand in large sectors of the international intermodal market, which also contributed to the volume declines. Conversely, domestic traffic increased 9% and 1%, respectively, in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008. A new contract with an existing customer, which included additional shipments, was executed in the second quarter of 2009 and more than offset the impact of weak market conditions in the third quarter 2009.

Mexico Business – Each of our commodity groups include revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Revenue from Mexico business decreased 28% in the third quarter of 2009 versus 2008 to $302 million. Volume declined in five of our six commodity groups, down 15% in the third quarter of 2009, driven by a 30% reduction in industrial products shipments and an 18% decline in both agricultural and intermodal shipments. Year-to-date, revenue decreased 30% versus 2008 to $859 million, driven by volume declines of 24% versus 2008.

 

29


Table of Contents

Operating Expenses

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   %
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Compensation and benefits

   $ 999     $ 1,123     (11)%    $ 3,045     $ 3,356     (9)%

Fuel

     466       1,135     (59)          1,222       3,251     (62)    

Purchased services and materials

     403       481     (16)          1,193       1,444     (17)    

Depreciation

     367       348     5           1,067       1,034     3     

Equipment and other rents

     290       326     (11)          914       1,006     (9)    

Other

     179       218     (18)          558       659     (15)    

Total

   $   2,704     $ 3,631     (26)%    $   7,999     $   10,750     (26)%

Operating expenses decreased $927 million and $2.8 billion in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus the comparable periods in 2008. Our fuel price per gallon declined 49% and 51% during the third quarter and year-to-date period, decreasing operating expenses by $442 million and $1.2 billion, compared to 2008. Cost savings from lower volume, productivity improvements, and better resource utilization also decreased operating expenses in both periods. In addition, lower casualty expense primarily driven by improved trends in safety performance decreased operating expenses in the year-to-date period. Conversely, wage and benefit inflation partially offset these reductions.

Compensation and Benefits – Compensation and benefits include wages, payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension costs, other postretirement benefits, and incentive costs. Lower volume and productivity initiatives led to 11% and 10% declines in our workforce in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008, saving $150 million and $406 million, respectively. Conversely, general wage and benefit inflation increased expenses in the third quarter and year-to-date period, partially offsetting these savings.

Fuel – Fuel includes locomotive fuel and gasoline for highway and non-highway vehicles and heavy equipment. Lower diesel fuel prices, which averaged $1.87 and $1.65 per gallon (including taxes and transportation costs) in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to $3.70 and $3.36 per gallon in the same periods in 2008, reduced expenses by $442 million and $1.2 billion. Volume, as measured by gross ton-miles, decreased 17% and 19% in the third quarter and nine-month period versus 2008, lowering expenses by $180 million and $592 million, respectively, compared to 2008. Our fuel consumption rate improved 2% and 5% in the third quarter and nine-month period, respectively, resulting in $23 million and $134 million of cost savings versus 2008. Newer, more fuel efficient locomotives; increased use of distributed locomotive power; our fuel conservation programs; and improved network operations drove the improvement.

Purchased Services and Materials – Purchased services and materials expense includes the costs of services purchased from outside contractors; materials used to maintain the Railroad’s lines, structures, and equipment; 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; and tools and supplies. Contract services expense (including equipment maintenance) decreased $36 million in the third quarter of 2009 versus 2008 due to lower volume levels and a favorable year-over-year comparison due to expenses resulting from the September 2008 hurricanes. In addition, lower volume levels drove cost reductions of $13 million in transportation and lodging costs and $6 million in expenses associated with operating jointly owned facilities in the third

 

30


Table of Contents

quarter of 2009 versus 2008. Year-to-date, contract services expense (including equipment maintenance), transportation and lodging costs, and expenses associated with operating jointly owned facilities decreased $135 million, $46 million and $24 million, respectively, versus the same period of 2008. In addition, we performed fewer locomotive and freight car repairs as a result of lower volumes and having portions these fleets stored, which reduced related materials expenses by $27 million and $58 million during the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus 2008. Clean-up and restoration expenses related to the January 2008 Cascade mudslide, June 2008 Midwest flooding, and September 2008 hurricanes also increased expenses in the nine-month period of 2008, creating a favorable year-over-year comparison.

Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to road property, including rail, ties, ballast, and other track material. A higher depreciable asset base, reflecting higher capital spending in recent years, increased depreciation expense in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009. Lower depreciation rates for rail and other track material offset most of the increase. The lower rates, which became effective January 1, 2009, resulted from longer asset lives as determined by service life studies and reduced track usage (based on lower gross ton-miles). Costs also increased $15 million and $20 million, respectively, in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 due to the restructuring of equipment leases (see further discussion in this Item 2 under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities).

Equipment and Other Rents – Equipment and other rents expense primarily includes rental expense that 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. Fewer shipments of industrial products and intermodal containers primarily contributed to the $14 million and $62 million reductions in our short-term freight car rental expense in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus 2008. In addition, the restructuring of equipment leases reduced locomotive lease expense by $22 million and $30 million in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008 (see further discussion in this Item 2 under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities). Lower lease expense for freight cars, intermodal containers, and fleet vehicles also decreased costs in both periods.

Other – Other expenses include personal injury, freight and property damage, insurance, environmental, bad debt, state and local taxes, utilities, telephone and cellular, employee travel, computer software, and other general expenses. Other costs were lower in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008, driven by a decrease in expenses for freight and property damages, employee travel, and utilities. In addition, a lower receivable reserve requirement due to improved collection rates drove lower bad debt expense in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008. Other costs were also lower in the nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008 driven by a reduction in personal injury expense. We completed actuarial studies in both the second quarter 2009 and 2008, which resulted in a net reduction of $38 million in personal injury expense in the year-to-date period versus 2008, reflecting improvements in our safety experience and lower estimated costs to resolve claims. Conversely, higher property taxes partially offset these lower costs in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus 2008.

 

31


Table of Contents

Non-Operating Items

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   %
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008    Change    2009    2008    Change

Other income

   $ 14      $ 23      (39)%    $ 172      $ 67      157 %

Interest expense

     (156)       (130)     20           (447)       (384)     16     

Income taxes

     (308)       (405)     (24)          (768)       (940)     (18)    

Other Income – Other income decreased in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 due to less gains from real estate sales, reduced rental and licensing income, and lower returns on cash investments, reflecting lower interest rates. Lower interest expense on our sale of receivables program, resulting from lower interest rates and a lower outstanding balance, partially offset these increases. Conversely, other income increased in the year-to-date period primarily due to higher gains from real estate sales, which included the $116 million pre-tax gain from a land sale to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Colorado.

Interest Expense – Interest expense increased in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 versus 2008 due to higher weighted-average debt levels. In the third quarter, the weighted-average debt level was $9.9 billion (including the restructuring of equipment leases in May of 2009), compared to $8.4 billion in 2008. Year-to-date, the weighted-average debt level was $9.5 billion compared to $8.2 billion in 2008. Our effective interest rate was 6.3% in both the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009, compared to 6.2% and 6.3% in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2008.

Income Taxes – Income taxes were lower in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008, driven by lower pre-tax income. Our effective tax rates for the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 were 37.3% and 36.3%, compared to 36.6% and 35.9% for the corresponding periods of 2008.

OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS

We report key Railroad performance measures weekly to the AAR, including carloads, average daily inventory of rail cars on our system, average train speed, and average terminal dwell time. We provide this data on our website at www.up.com/investors/reports/index.shtml.

 

32


Table of Contents

Operating/Performance Statistics

Railroad performance measures reported to the AAR, as well as other performance measures, are included in the table below:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   %     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   %  
      2009    2008    Change     2009    2008    Change  

Average train speed (miles per hour)

   27.4     23.7     16 %       27.3     22.9     19 %    

Average terminal dwell time (hours)

   24.5     24.4     - %       24.4     24.7     (1)%    

Average rail car inventory (thousands)

   281.5     300.4     (6)%       283.2     303.3     (7)%    

Gross ton-miles (billions)

   218.8     262.4     (17)%       626.2     776.7     (19)%    

Revenue ton-miles (billions)

   124.0     145.8     (15)%       355.7     427.4     (17)%    

Operating ratio

   73.7     74.9     (1.2) pt   77.0     78.6     (1.6) pt

Employees (average)

   43,248     48,324     (11)%       43,989     48,697     (10)%    

Customer satisfaction index

   88     83     5   pt s     87     82     5   pt s  

Average Train Speed – Average train speed is calculated by dividing train miles by hours operated on our main lines between terminals. Lower volume levels, ongoing network management initiatives, and productivity improvements contributed to 16% and 19% improvements in average train speed during the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 compared to 2008.

Average Terminal Dwell Time – Average terminal dwell time is the average time that a rail car spends at our terminals. Lower average terminal dwell time improves asset utilization and service. Average terminal dwell time was flat in the third quarter and improved 1% during the year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008. Lower volumes combined with initiatives to more timely deliver rail cars to our interchange partners and customers improved dwell time in the year-to-date period.

Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles – 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 calculated by multiplying the weight of freight by the number of tariff miles. Gross and revenue-ton-miles decreased 17% and 15% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 due to a 15% decrease in carloads. Year-to-date, gross and revenue-ton-miles decreased 19% and 17% compared to 2008, due to a 19% decrease in carloads. Commodity mix changes (notably automotive shipments, which were 39% lower in the year-to-date period of 2009 compared to 2008) drove the difference in declines between gross ton-miles and revenue ton-miles.

Operating Ratio – Operating ratio is defined as our operating expense as a percentage of operating revenues. Our operating ratio improved 1.2 points to 73.7% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to 2008 and 1.6 points to 77.0% in the nine-month period of 2009 versus 2008. Price increases, lower fuel prices, network management initiatives, and improved productivity drove the improvements and more than offset the impact of the significant volume declines.

Employees – Productivity initiatives and lower volumes reduced employee levels 11% and 10% throughout the Company in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2009 versus 2008. Fewer train and engine personnel due to lower volumes and network initiatives, combined with improved productivity within the support organizations, contributed to the lower full-time equivalent force levels.

 

33


Table of Contents

Customer Satisfaction Index – The customer satisfaction survey asks customers to rate how satisfied they are with our performance over the last 12 months on a variety of attributes. A higher score indicates higher customer satisfaction. The improvements in survey results for the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2009 generally reflect customer recognition of our service.

Debt to Capital / Adjusted Debt to Capital

 

      Sep. 30,    Dec. 31,
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages    2009    2008

Debt (a)

   $ 9,793     $ 8,927 

Equity

     16,429       15,447 

Capital (b)

   $   26,222     $   24,374 

Debt to capital (a/b)

     37.3%       36.6% 
     
      Sep. 30,    Dec. 31,
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages    2009    2008

Debt

   $ 9,793     $ 8,927 

Net present value of operating leases

     3,604       3,690 

Value of sold receivables

     400       584 

Unfunded pension and OPEB

     733       733 

Adjusted debt (a)

   $   14,530     $   13,934 

Equity

     16,429       15,447 

Adjusted capital (b)

   $ 30,959     $ 29,381 

Adjusted debt to capital (a/b)

     46.9%       47.4% 

Adjusted debt to capital is a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe this measure is important to management and investors in evaluating the total amount of leverage in our capital structure, including off-balance sheet lease obligations, which we generally incur in connection with financing the acquisition of locomotives and freight cars and certain facilities. Operating leases were discounted using 6.3% at September 30, 2009 and 8.0% at December 31, 2008. The lower discount rate reflects changes to interest rates and our current financing costs. We monitor the ratio of adjusted debt to capital as we manage our capital structure to balance cost-effective and efficient access to the capital markets with the Corporation’s overall cost of capital. Adjusted debt to capital should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, debt to capital. The tables above provide a reconciliation from debt to capital to adjusted debt to capital.

 

34


Table of Contents

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

 

Cash Flows    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 2,222     $ 3,038 

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,741)      (2,009)

Cash used in financing activities

     (295)      (1,050)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 186     $ (21)

Cash Provided by Operating Activities – Lower net income in the first nine months of 2009, higher voluntary pension contributions of $205 million, a reduction in the outstanding balance of our accounts receivable securitization program of $184 million, and changes to, and timing of, working capital combined to decrease cash provided by operating activities compared to 2008.

Cash Used in Investing Activities – Lower capital investments and higher proceeds from asset sales drove the decrease in cash used in investing activities, partially offset by an increase from 2008 of the number of locomotives purchased but pending financing.

The table below details cash capital investment:

 

      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Road infrastructure

   $   1,289     $   1,320 

Locomotives and freight cars

     255       127 

Capacity and commercial facilities

     215       476 

Technology and other

     72       94 

Total

   $ 1,831     $ 2,017 

Cash Used in Financing Activities – Cash used in financing activities decreased in the first nine months of 2009 versus 2008 due to a decrease of $1.4 billion in the repurchase of common shares, partially offset by lower new debt issuances of $497 million, by higher debt repayments of $91 million, and increased dividends. In addition, the restructuring of equipment leases resulted in receipt of $87 million in cash consideration, further contributing to the decrease (see further discussion in this Item 2 under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities).

 

35


Table of Contents

Free Cash Flow – Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G. We believe free cash flow is important to management and investors 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 below reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).

 

      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Millions of Dollars    2009    2008

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 2,222     $ 3,038 

Cash used in investing activities

     (1,741)      (2,009)

Dividends paid

     (408)      (344)

Free cash flow

   $ 73     $ 685 

Capital Plan

In April 2009, we reduced our projection for capital expenditures for the year to approximately $2.6 billion from $2.8 billion in response to economic conditions and lower revenue. These capital investments may be further adjusted up or down in response to business conditions or regulatory or other developments. In response to rail safety legislation that mandates installation of positive train control by the end of 2015, we are currently planning on allocating approximately $200 million of our 2010 capital expenditures on the implementation of positive train control.

Financing Activities

Credit Facilities – At September 30, 2009, we had $1.9 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility (the facility). The facility is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on the facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facility are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated, investment-grade borrowers. The facility allows for borrowings at floating rates based on London Interbank Offered Rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facility requires us to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition to making a borrowing. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 (and at all times during the first, second, and third quarters), we were in compliance with this covenant.

The definition of debt used for purposes of calculating the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio includes, among other things, certain credit arrangements, capital leases, guarantees and unfunded and vested pension benefits under Title IV of ERISA. At September 30, 2009, the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowed us to carry up to $33 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $10.7 billion of debt (as defined in the facility) outstanding at that date. Under our current capital plans, we expect to continue to satisfy the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio; however, many factors beyond our reasonable control could affect our ability to comply with this provision in the future. The facility does not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing), or any other provision that could require us to post collateral. The facility also includes a $75 million cross-default provision and a change-of-control provision. The term of the facility will expire in April 2012, and we currently intend to replace the facility with a substantially similar credit agreement on or before the expiration date, which is consistent with our past practices with respect to our credit facilities.

 

36


Table of Contents

At September 30, 2009, we had no commercial paper outstanding. Outstanding commercial paper balances are supported by our revolving credit facility but do not reduce the amount of borrowings available under the facility. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we issued $100 million of commercial paper and repaid $200 million.

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our 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.

On February 20, 2009, we issued a total of $750 million of unsecured fixed-rate notes under our shelf registration statement. We issued $350 million of 5.125% notes due February 15, 2014 and $400 million of 6.125% notes due February 15, 2020. The net proceeds from this offering are for general corporate purposes.

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 our shelf registration, and, therefore, we may issue additional debt securities at any time. At September 30, 2009, we had remaining authority from our Board of Directors to issue up to $2.25 billion of debt securities under our shelf registration.

As of September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we have reclassified as long-term debt approximately $320 million and $400 million, respectively, of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflects our ability and intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis.

During the second quarter of 2009, we restructured lease agreements for 813 locomotives resulting in a change in lease classification from operating to capital. As part of the restructuring arrangements, we received $87 million in cash consideration. We recorded capital lease assets of approximately $742 million and related capital lease obligations totaling approximately $843 million. Included in our capital lease obligations is the $87 million in cash consideration and $14 million of accrued operating lease payables that were reclassified as part of our capital lease obligations. Capital lease obligations are reported in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt.

On October 15, 2009, we entered into a capital lease agreement for 44 locomotives with a total equipment cost of $100 million. The lessor purchased the 44 locomotives from the Corporation and subsequently leased the locomotives back to the Railroad. These capital lease obligations will be reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt at December 31, 2009.

Share Repurchase Program – On January 30, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of Union Pacific Corporation common stock through the end of 2009. On May 1, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 40 million common shares by March 31, 2011. Management’s assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we did not repurchase shares under this program. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we repurchased approximately 5.9 million and 18.8 million shares, respectively, under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $445 million and $1,328 million, respectively. Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.

 

37


Table of Contents

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations, and Commercial Commitments

As described in the notes to the Condensed 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 our assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of our 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 adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. In addition, our commercial obligations, financings, and commitments are customary transactions that are similar to those of other comparable corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.

The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2009:

 

           

Oct. 1

through

Dec. 31,

2009

   Payments Due by Dec. 31,

Contractual Obligations

Millions of Dollars

   Total       2010    2011    2012    2013    After
2013
   Other

Debt [a]

   $   12,733     $ 87     $ 846     $ 896     $ 1,106     $ 969     $ 8,829     $

Operating leases

     5,206       72       539       527       449       397       3,222      

Capital lease obligations [b]

     2,892       46       281       280       239       246       1,800      

Purchase obligations [c]

     2,871       148       384       327       238       247       1,495       32 

Other postretirement benefits [d]

     434       10       43       45       45       47       244      

Income tax contingencies [e]

     50            (9)                          58 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 24,186     $   364     $   2,084     $   2,075    $   2,077     $   1,906     $   15,590     $   90 

 

[a]

Excludes capital lease obligations of $1,989 million, unamortized discount of $(111) million, and market value adjustments of $17 million for debt with qualifying hedges that are recorded as liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Includes an interest component of $4,835 million.

[b]

Represents total obligations, including an interest component of $903 million.

[c]

Includes locomotive maintenance contracts; purchase commitments for ties, ballast, and rail; and agreements to purchase other goods and services. For amounts where we can not reasonably estimate the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column.

[d]

Includes estimated other postretirement, medical, and life insurance payments and payments made under the unfunded pension plan for the next ten years. No amounts are included for funded pension as no contributions are currently required.

[e]

Reflects the liability for income tax contingencies, including interest and penalties, recorded as of September 30, 2009. Where we can reasonably estimate the years in which these liabilities may be settled, this is shown in the table. For amounts where we can not reasonably estimate the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column.

 

38


Table of Contents
           

Oct. 1

through

Dec. 31,

2009

   Amount of Commitment Expiration by Dec. 31,

Other Commercial Commitments

Millions of Dollars

   Total       2010    2011    2012    2013    After
2013

Credit facilities [a]

   $   1,900     $        -     $        -     $        -     $   1,900     $        -     $        - 

Sale of receivables [b]

     600            600                     

Guarantees [c]

     423            33       77       24            279 

Standby letters of credit [d]

     22            15                     

Total commercial commitments

   $ 2,945     $    $ 648     $ 77     $ 1,924     $    $ 279 

 

[a]

None of the credit facility was used as of September 30, 2009.

[b]

$400 million of the sale of receivables program was utilized at September 30, 2009. The full program matures in August 2010.

[c]

Includes guaranteed obligations related to our headquarters building, equipment financings, and affiliated operations.

[d]

None of the letters of credit were drawn upon as of September 30, 2009.

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 and $700 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $400 million and $584 million at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, UPRI reduced the outstanding undivided interest held by investors due to a decrease in available receivables. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $921 million and $1,015 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. At September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $521 million and $431 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Condensed 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 ratios increase one percent, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would not change as of September 30, 2009. 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 services the sold receivables; however, the Railroad does not recognize any servicing asset or liability as the servicing fees adequately compensate the Railroad for these responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $3.4 billion and $4.7 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $10.1 billion and $13.3 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.

The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $2 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $7 million and $17

 

39


Table of Contents

million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, 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 do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI.

In August 2009, the sale of receivables facility was renewed for an additional 364-day period at comparable terms and conditions, although the capacity to sell undivided interests was reduced from $700 million to $600 million.

OTHER MATTERS

Asserted and Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We cannot fully determine the effect of all asserted and unasserted claims on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities and insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters.

Indemnities – Our maximum potential exposure under indemnification arrangements, including certain tax indemnifications, can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, depending on the nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved, we cannot reasonably determine the probability of an adverse claim or reasonably estimate any adverse liability or the total maximum exposure under these indemnification arrangements. We do not have any reason to believe that we will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions.

Accounting Pronouncements – In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 (FAS 166). On and after the effective date of FAS 166, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. Therefore, formerly qualifying special-purpose entities (as defined under previous accounting standards) should be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities on and after the effective date in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. FAS 166 must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. We are in the process of evaluating the impact FAS 166 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R) (FAS 167). FAS 167 retains the scope of Interpretation 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, with the addition of entities previously considered qualifying special-purpose entities, as the concept of these entities was eliminated in FASB Statement No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. FAS 167 shall be effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. We are in the process of evaluating the impact FAS 167 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flow.

 

40


Table of Contents

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (FAS 168). The Codification will become the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. On the effective date of FAS 168, the Codification will supersede all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become nonauthoritative. FAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of FAS 168 did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (FAS 165) (codified as FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 855-10-50). FAS 165 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. FAS 165 was effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of FAS 165 did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments (codified as FASB ASC 820-10-50). This FSP amends FASB Statement No. 107, to require disclosures about fair values of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as in annual financial statements. The FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28 to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. This FSP was effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this FSP did not affect our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

CAUTIONARY INFORMATION

Certain statements in this report, and statements in other reports or information filed or to be filed with the SEC (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 and information include, without limitation, the statements and information set forth under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 2, and any other statements or information in this report regarding: expectations as to operational or service improvements; expectations regarding the effectiveness of steps taken or to be taken to improve operations, service, infrastructure improvements, and transportation plan modifications (including statements set forth in Item 2 regarding expectations related to our capital expenditures); expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth, and earnings; the time by which goals, targets, or objectives will be achieved; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, future economic performance, and general economic conditions; proposed new products and services; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; expectations that claims, litigation, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity and any other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements and information reflect the good faith consideration by management of currently available information, and may be based on underlying assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, such information and assumptions (and, therefore, such forward-

 

41


Table of Contents

looking statements and information) are or may be subject to variables or unknown or unforeseeable events or circumstances over which management has little or no influence or control. The Risk Factors in Item 1A of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 6, 2009, 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, and this report (including this Item 2) should be read in conjunction with these Risk Factors. To the extent circumstances require or we deem it otherwise necessary, we will update or amend these risk factors in a Form 10-Q or Form 8-K. Information regarding new risk factors or material changes to our risk factors, if any, is set forth in Item 1A of Part II of this report. 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. 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.

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 were no material changes to the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk previously disclosed in our 2008 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. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. 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 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there have been no 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.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that occur in connection

 

42


Table of Contents

with our business. We routinely assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest available information and, when necessary, we seek input from our third-party advisors when making these assessments. Consistent with SEC rules and requirements, we describe below material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business), material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities, other proceedings arising under federal, state, or local environmental laws and regulations (including governmental proceedings involving potential fines, penalties, or other monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000) and such other pending matters that we may determine to be appropriate.

Environmental Matters

As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Railroad received notice from the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) that, during its construction efforts to restore service to the Caliente Subdivision after severe flooding in January 2005, the Railroad may have exceeded its authority under emergency authorizations and permits issued by the Corps. Subsequently, the Corps referred the matter to the EPA. On August 6, 2009, the Railroad entered into a Consent Decree with the United States and agreed to resolve all of the government’s remaining claims concerning this matter. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, the Railroad will pay a civil penalty of $800,000. Additionally, the Railroad will pay the sum of $98,000 to the Tri-County Weed Program (Nevada) for weed eradication, as compensatory mitigation for the disturbance of alleged jurisdictional areas during the Railroad’s restoration of its rail line which are not otherwise addressed under the Consent Decree. The Railroad also agreed to perform certain site restoration activities, virtually all of which have been completed, and will monitor and maintain restored vegetation and stream functions for a period of between 5 and 7 years. The Court entered the Consent Decree on September 24, 2009.

As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, the EPA considers the Railroad a potentially responsible party for the Omaha Lead Site. The Omaha Lead Site consists of approximately 25 square miles of residential property in the eastern part of Omaha, Nebraska, allegedly impacted by air emissions from two former lead smelters/refineries. One refinery was operated by ASARCO. The EPA identified the Railroad as a potentially responsible party because more than 60 years ago the Railroad owned land that was leased to ASARCO. The Railroad disputes both the legal and technical basis of the EPA’s allegations. It has nonetheless engaged in extensive negotiations with the EPA. These negotiations reached an apparent impasse. The EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order with an effective date of December 16, 2005, directing the Railroad to implement an interim remedy at the site at an estimated cost of $50 million. Failure to comply with the order without just cause could subject the Railroad to penalties of up to $32,500 per day and triple the EPA’s costs in performing the work. The Railroad believes it has just cause not to comply with the order, but it offered to perform some of the work specified in the order as a compromise. To date, the EPA has rejected all of the Railroad’s offers to settle or resolve this matter. The Railroad will vigorously contest liability and the imposition of any penalties. On August 5, 2009, the Railroad received a Special Notice Letter from EPA directing us to perform environmental remediation at approximately 9,000 yards in Omaha and to take other remedial measures as part of a final remedy. The Railroad continues to contest its purported liability for these costs but has submitted an offer to the EPA to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the matter.

We receive notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies from time to time alleging that we are or may be liable under federal or state environmental laws for remediation costs at various sites throughout the United States, including sites on the Superfund National Priorities List or state superfund lists. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, 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.

 

43


Table of Contents

Other Matters

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities – The following table presents common stock repurchases during each month for the third quarter of 2009:

 

Period    Total Number
of Shares
Purchased [a]
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of a
Publicly Announced
Plan or Program [b]
   Maximum Number of
Shares That May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plan or Program [b]

Jul. 1 through Jul. 31

   6,116    $ 58.17    -    32,577,090

Aug. 1 through Aug. 31

   13,231      60.73    -    32,577,090

Sep. 1 through Sep. 30

   12,086      63.12    -    32,577,090

Total

   31,433    $ 61.15    -    N/A

 

[a]

Total number of shares purchased during the quarter includes 31,433 shares delivered or attested to UPC by employees to pay stock option exercise prices, satisfy excess tax withholding obligations for stock option exercises or vesting of retention units, and pay withholding obligations for vesting of retention shares.

[b]

On January 30, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 40 million shares of our common stock through December 31, 2009. These repurchases may be made on the open market or through other transactions. Our management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions. On May 1, 2008, our Board of Directors authorized additional repurchases of up to 40 million shares of our common stock through March 31, 2011.

Dividend Restrictions – Our revolving credit facility includes a debt-to-net worth covenant that, under certain circumstances, restricts the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $11.1 billion and $10.5 billion at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

44


Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

Filed with this Statement

  

10

  

Union Pacific Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, originally effective as of April 16, 2004, as amended, effective as of September 23, 2009.

12(a)

  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

12(b)

  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

31(a)

  

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), of the Exchange Act, as Adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - James R. Young.

31(b)

  

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), of the Exchange Act, as Adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Robert M. Knight, Jr.

32

  

Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - James R. Young and Robert M. Knight, Jr.

101

  

Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents submitted electronically: 101.INS (XBRL Instance Document), 101.SCH (XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document), 101.CAL (XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document), 101.LAB (XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document), 101.DEF (XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document) and 101.PRE (XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document). The following financial and related information from Union Pacific Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (filed with the SEC on October 22, 2009), is formatted in XBRL and submitted electronically herewith: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2009 and 2008, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (unaudited) at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), tagged as blocks of text.

Incorporated by Reference

  

3(a)

  

By-Laws of UPC, as amended, effective May 14, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 15, 2009.

 

45


Table of Contents

3(b)

  

Revised Articles of Incorporation of UPC, as amended through May 1, 2008, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

46


Table of Contents

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: October 22, 2009

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION

(Registrant)

 

 

By

 

/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.

 

Robert M. Knight, Jr.

 

Executive Vice President – Finance and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

By

 

/s/ Jeffrey P. Totusek

 

Jeffrey P. Totusek

 

Vice President and Controller

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

47