10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2007

UNION PACIFIC CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed July 26, 2007For Securities:UNP

Summary

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) reported a solid financial performance for the second quarter and the first half of 2007. The company saw a 3% increase in operating revenue for both periods, reaching $4.05 billion for the quarter and $7.90 billion year-to-date. This growth was primarily driven by core price increases and index-based contract escalators, which led to a 7% rise in average revenue per car for the quarter, despite a 3% decline in overall carloads. Net income rose to $446 million ($1.65 per diluted share) for the quarter and $832 million ($3.06 per diluted share) year-to-date, up from $390 million and $701 million in the prior year periods, respectively. Key operational improvements, such as enhanced network fluidity, manifested in an 11% decrease in average terminal dwell time and a 2% increase in average train speed. The company also benefited from lower casualty costs and improved operational efficiencies. However, operations were impacted by severe weather events in May 2007, which caused an estimated $0.10 per diluted share reduction in earnings, alongside challenges from winter weather, extended automotive plant shutdowns, and softening in some market sectors. The company continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately 5.7 million shares in the first half of the year, and maintained a healthy debt-to-capital ratio.

Key Highlights

  • 1Operating revenue increased by 3% to $4.05 billion in Q2 2007 and by 3% to $7.90 billion for the first six months of 2007, driven by price increases and contract escalators.
  • 2Net income grew to $446 million ($1.65 diluted EPS) in Q2 2007 and $832 million ($3.06 diluted EPS) year-to-date, demonstrating improved profitability compared to the prior year.
  • 3Operational efficiency improved with average train speed increasing by 2% and average terminal dwell time decreasing by 11% in Q2 2007.
  • 4Carloads decreased by 3% year-over-year for both the quarter and the six-month period, primarily due to weather disruptions and market softening.
  • 5Fuel and utilities expenses decreased by 4% in Q2 2007 due to lower gross ton-miles, despite a slight increase in diesel fuel prices.
  • 6Casualty costs saw a significant reduction of 11% in Q2 2007 and 24% year-to-date, mainly due to lower personal injury expenses.
  • 7Union Pacific continued its share repurchase program, buying back approximately 5.7 million shares for $627 million in the first half of 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of the revenue increase was core price increases and index-based contract escalators, which contributed to a 7% rise in average revenue per car, more than offsetting a 3% decline in carloads.

The severe rain storms, high winds, and flash flooding in May 2007 damaged the rail network, leading to bridge outages and track washouts, which reduced shipments. The company estimated the financial impact of these storms to be approximately $0.10 per diluted share.

Union Pacific's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 20 million shares through the end of 2009. As of June 30, 2007, approximately 5.7 million shares had been repurchased for $627 million. The timing and volume of future purchases are subject to management's assessment of market conditions.

Union Pacific had approximately $7.24 billion in debt at June 30, 2007, with a debt-to-capital ratio of 31.9%. The company entered into a new $1.9 billion revolving credit facility in April 2007, which expires in April 2012. The company also issued $500 million in fixed-rate debt in April 2007. The company actively manages its leverage and reported a healthy ratio of earnings to fixed charges.