Summary
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) announced a one-time pre-tax expense of approximately $70 million in the second quarter of 2023 due to a newly ratified crew staffing agreement with SMART-TD. This expense is projected to negatively impact the second quarter operating ratio by about 120 basis points. Consequently, the company anticipates its full-year 2023 operating ratio to exceed 2022 levels, influenced by this labor cost increase, lower business volumes, and other rising operating expenses. Offsetting some of this impact, Union Pacific expects a nearly $75 million boost to after-tax income in the second quarter stemming from a recent change in the Nebraska State income tax rate. Despite these adjustments, the company reaffirmed its prior guidance concerning volume, pricing, and capital allocation strategies. Investors should monitor the full-year operating ratio performance closely in light of these developments.
Key Highlights
- 1Union Pacific expects a one-time pre-tax expense of $70 million in Q2 2023 related to a crew staffing agreement.
- 2This expense is projected to worsen the Q2 operating ratio by approximately 120 basis points.
- 3The full-year 2023 operating ratio is now expected to exceed 2022 levels due to increased labor costs, lower volumes, and rising operating expenses.
- 4A Nebraska State income tax rate change is anticipated to provide a nearly $75 million after-tax income benefit in Q2 2023.
- 5Prior guidance for volume, price, and capital allocation has been reaffirmed.
- 6Management presented at the 2023 Wells Fargo Industrial Conference.
- 7The company has reaffirmed its forward-looking statements with standard disclaimers regarding risks and uncertainties.