10-KPeriod: FY2014

UNION PACIFIC CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2014

Filed February 6, 2015For Securities:UNP

Summary

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) reported a strong financial performance in 2014, setting records for earnings per share ($5.75) and operating ratio (63.5%), indicating improved efficiency. The company also saw robust volume growth of 7%, driven by agricultural products and industrial products, alongside increases in intermodal, automotive, and coal segments. Shareholder returns were enhanced through a 29% increase in declared dividends and a $3.2 billion share repurchase program. The company invested $4.1 billion in capital expenditures to strengthen its infrastructure and support future growth, including progress on the federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) project. Despite network performance challenges due to significant carload growth and weather disruptions, Union Pacific demonstrated resilience. The company expanded its workforce and locomotive fleet to improve operational fluidity and customer service. Looking ahead, Union Pacific expressed confidence in its well-positioned franchise to capitalize on future growth opportunities and continue delivering shareholder value through ongoing efficiency improvements and strategic capital investments.

Financial Highlights

48 data points
Beta

Revenue

$23.99B

Net Income

$5.18B

21.6% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$5.75

Total Assets

$52.37B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.59B

Free Cash Flow

$3.04B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$23.99B
Operating Expenses$15.23B
Operating Income$8.75B
Interest Expense$561.00M
Net Income$5.18B
EPS (Basic)$5.77
EPS (Diluted)$5.75
Shares Outstanding (Basic)897.10M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)901.10M

Key Highlights

  • 1Record earnings per share of $5.75 and an all-time low operating ratio of 63.5% in 2014.
  • 2Overall freight revenues increased by 9% to $22.6 billion, driven by a 7% volume growth and 2.5% core pricing gains.
  • 3Shareholder returns significantly improved, with a 29% increase in dividends declared and $3.2 billion in share repurchases.
  • 4Capital expenditures totaled $4.1 billion in 2014, focused on infrastructure enhancement, service improvements, and growth initiatives.
  • 5Strong performance in Agricultural Products (15% revenue growth) and Industrial Products (15% revenue growth) were key drivers.
  • 6Despite network challenges (8% decrease in average train speed, 12% increase in terminal dwell), the company took steps to improve operational fluidity by increasing workforce and locomotives.
  • 7The company maintained a strong safety record, achieving an all-time record low reportable personal injury rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2014, Union Pacific achieved record earnings per share of $5.75 and an all-time best operating ratio of 63.5%. Operating income grew by 18% to $8.8 billion, and net income reached $5.2 billion. Freight revenues increased by 9% to $22.6 billion due to strong volume growth and pricing.

Union Pacific significantly enhanced shareholder returns by increasing its quarterly dividend per share twice, leading to a 29% increase in total dividends declared for 2014 compared to 2013. Additionally, the company repurchased $3.2 billion worth of its own shares, a 45% increase from the previous year.

Revenue growth was driven by a combination of factors including a 7% increase in overall volume and a 2.5% core pricing gain. Specific commodity groups that showed strong performance included Agricultural Products (15% revenue growth) and Industrial Products (15% revenue growth), alongside positive contributions from Intermodal, Automotive, and Chemicals.

Yes, Union Pacific experienced operational challenges due to significant carload growth and severe weather. This resulted in an 8% decrease in average train speed and a 12% increase in average terminal dwell time. To address this, the company increased its workforce by over 1,700 employees and added approximately 800 locomotives to improve network fluidity and customer service.