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, 2011

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 14, 2011, there were 483,076,978 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, 2011 and 2010

    3   
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    4   
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)
At September 30, 2011 and December  31, 2010

    5   
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September  30, 2011 and 2010

    6   
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

    7   
 

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

    8   

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    22   

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    36   

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

    36   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

    36   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

    37   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

    38   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

    38   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

    38   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

    39   

Signatures

    40   

Certifications

 

 

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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,

   2011      2010  

Operating revenues:

     

Freight revenues

   $         4,836       $         4,187   

Other revenues

     265         221   

 

Total operating revenues

     5,101         4,408   
                   

Operating expenses:

     

Compensation and benefits

     1,193         1,092   

Fuel

     916         608   

Purchased services and materials

     506         465   

Depreciation

     408         372   

Equipment and other rents

     293         292   

Other

     207         178   

 

Total operating expenses

     3,523         3,007   
                   

Operating income

     1,578         1,401   

Other income (Note 6)

     17         25   

Interest expense

     (142)         (153)   

Income before income taxes

     1,453         1,273   

Income taxes

     (549)         (495)   

 

Net income

   $ 904       $ 778   
                   

Share and Per Share (Note 8):

     

Earnings per share - basic

   $ 1.87       $ 1.58   

Earnings per share - diluted

   $ 1.85       $ 1.56   

Weighted average number of shares - basic

     484.2         493.0   

Weighted average number of shares - diluted

     488.1         497.7   

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.475       $ 0.33   
                   

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

 

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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,

   2011      2010  

Operating revenues:

     

Freight revenues

   $     13,679       $     11,898   

Other revenues

     770         657   

 

Total operating revenues

     14,449         12,555   
                   

Operating expenses:

     

Compensation and benefits

     3,526         3,202   

Fuel

     2,646         1,799   

Purchased services and materials

     1,497         1,369   

Depreciation

     1,204         1,107   

Equipment and other rents

     878         864   

Other

     591         546   

Total operating expenses

     10,342         8,887   
                   

Operating income

     4,107         3,668   

Other income (Note 6)

     58         45   

Interest expense

     (431)         (460)   
                   

Income before income taxes

     3,734         3,253   

Income taxes

     (1,406)         (1,248)   

 

Net income

   $ 2,328       $ 2,005   
                   

Share and Per Share (Note 8):

     

Earnings per share - basic

   $ 4.78       $ 4.01   

Earnings per share - diluted

   $ 4.74       $ 3.98   

Weighted average number of shares - basic

     487.4         499.8   

Weighted average number of shares - diluted

     491.5         504.3   

 

Dividends declared per share

   $ 1.33       $ 0.93   
                   

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

 

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Table of Contents

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions, Except Share and Per Share Amounts

   Sep. 30,
2011
     Dec. 31,
2010
 

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $         1,647      $         1,086  

Accounts receivable, net (Note 10)

     1,424        1,184  

Materials and supplies

     607        534  

Current deferred income taxes (Note 7)

     305        261  

Other current assets

     231        367  

 

Total current assets

     4,214        3,432  
                   

Investments

     1,171        1,137  

Net properties (Note 11)

     39,425        38,253  

Other assets

     256        266  

 

Total assets

   $ 45,066      $ 43,088  
                   

Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 12)

   $ 3,082      $ 2,713  

Debt due within one year (Note 14)

     642        239  

 

Total current liabilities

     3,724        2,952  
                   

Debt due after one year (Note 14)

     8,765        9,003  

Deferred income taxes (Note 7)

     12,290        11,557  

Other long-term liabilities

     1,722        1,813  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)

                 

 

Total liabilities

     26,501        25,325  
                   

Common shareholders’ equity:

     

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

     

554,276,375 and 553,931,181 issued; 483,366,930 and 491,565,880

     

outstanding, respectively

     1,386        1,385  

Paid-in-surplus

     4,020        3,985  

Retained earnings

     18,833        17,154  

Treasury stock

     (4,942)         (4,027)   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9)

     (732)         (734)   

 

Total common shareholders’ equity

     18,565        17,763  
                   

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity

   $ 45,066      $ 43,088  
                   

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

 

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Operating Activities

     

Net income

   $         2,328       $         2,005  

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

     

Depreciation

     1,204         1,107   

Deferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits

     721         433   

Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions

     (11)         (12)   

Other operating activities, net

     (100)         (165)   

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

     

Accounts receivable, net (Note 10)

     (240)         (631)   

Materials and supplies

     (73)         (29)   

Other current assets

     136         (44)   

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

     369         56   

Cash provided by operating activities

     4,334         2,720   

Investing Activities

     

Capital investments

     (2,218)         (1,686)   

Proceeds from asset sales

     51         45   

Acquisition of equipment pending financing

     (85)           

Proceeds from sale of assets financed

     85           

Other investing activities, net

     (74)         (32)   

Cash used in investing activities

     (2,241)         (1,673)   

Financing Activities

     

Common share repurchases (Note 17)

     (1,036)         (1,019)   

Dividends paid

     (607)         (438)   

Debt issued (Note 14)

     486         894   

Debt exchange

     (272)         (98)   

Debt repaid

     (188)         (933)   

Other financing activities, net

     85         55   

Cash used in financing activities

     (1,532)         (1,539)   

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     561         (492)   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     1,086         1,850   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,647       $ 1,358   

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

     

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

     

Cash dividends declared but not yet paid

   $ 225       $ 159   

Capital lease financings

     154           

Capital investments accrued but not yet paid

     116         66   

Common shares repurchased but not yet paid

              

Cash paid for:

     

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ (495)       $ (528)   

Income taxes, net of refunds

     (274)         (796)   
                   

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

 

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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 January 1, 2010

     553.5         (48.5)       $ 1,384        $ 3,968        $ 15,027        $ (2,924)       $ (654)       $ 16,801    

Comprehensive income:

                         

Net income

                             2,005                          2,005   

Other comp. income

                                                     

Total comp. income (Note 9)

                                                          2,010   

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

     0.4         1.8                16                 99                 116   

Share repurchases (Note 17)

             (14.1)                                 (1,025)                 (1,025)   

Cash dividends declared
($0.93 per share)

                                     (466)                         (466)   

Balance at September 30, 2010

     553.9         (60.8)       $ 1,385        $ 3,984        $ 16,566        $ (3,850)       $ (649)       $ 17,436    
   
                                                                         

Balance at January 1, 2011

     553.9         (62.3)       $ 1,385        $ 3,985        $ 17,154        $ (4,027)       $ (734)       $ 17,763    

Comprehensive income:

                         

Net income

                             2,328                          2,328   

Other comp. income

                                                     

Total comp. income (Note 9)

                                                          2,330   

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

     0.4         2.3                35                 121                 157   

Share repurchases (Note 17)

             (10.9)                                 (1,036)                 (1,036)   

Cash dividends declared
($1.33 per share)

                                     (649)                         (649)   

Balance at September 30, 2011

     554.3         (70.9)       $ 1,386        $ 4,020        $ 18,833        $ (4,942)       $ (732)       $ 18,565    
                                                                         

 

[a]

AOCI = Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (See Note 9)

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

 

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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 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, 2010, 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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2011.

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with GAAP as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).

2. Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The standard does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Because this ASU impacts presentation only, it will have no effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Agricultural

   $ 814       $ 750       $ 2,470       $ 2,178   

Automotive

     379         309         1,102         948   

Chemicals

     720         629         2,087         1,808   

Energy

     1,112         922         3,014         2,602   

Industrial Products

     863         697         2,356         1,987   

Intermodal

     948         880         2,650         2,375   

Total freight revenues

     4,836         4,187         13,679         11,898   

Other revenues

     265         221         770         657   

 

Total operating revenues

   $     5,101       $     4,408       $     14,449       $     12,555   
                                     

Although our revenues are principally derived from customers domiciled in the U.S., the ultimate points of origination or destination for some products transported are outside the U.S.

 

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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 are granted. Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:

 

     

Three Months Ended

September 30,

      

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

Millions

   2011      2010        2011      2010  

Stock-based compensation, before tax:

             

Stock options

   $      $        $ 14       $ 14   

Retention awards

     17         15           51         44   

Total stock-based compensation, before tax

   $       22       $       20         $       65       $       58   
                                       

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans

   $      $ 14         $ 71       $ 25   
                                       

Stock Options – We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below shows the year-to-date weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:

 

Weighted-Average Assumptions

   2011      2010  

Risk-free interest rate

     2.3%         2.4%   

Dividend yield

     1.6%         1.8%   

Expected life (years)

     5.3            5.4      

Volatility

     35.9%         35.2%   

 

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted

   $     28.45       $     18.26   
                   

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.

A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is presented below:

 

      Shares
(thous.)
    

Weighted-
Average

Exercise Price

     Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(millions)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2011

     9,815       $ 44.77         5.2 yrs.        $ 470   

Granted

     618         93.60         N/A          N/A    

Exercised

     (2,842)         38.29         N/A          N/A    

Forfeited or expired

     (51)         61.00         N/A          N/A    

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2011

     7,540       $ 51.10         5.5 yrs.        $ 238   
                                     

 

Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2011

     7,451       $ 50.90         5.4 yrs.        $ 236   
                                     

 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2011

     5,897       $     46.22         4.6 yrs.        $     209   
                                     

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, 2011 are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.

 

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At September 30, 2011, there was $20 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Millions

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

   $     11       $     45       $     176       $     71   

Cash received from option exercises

            40         114         74   

Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes

     (3)         (11)         (44)         (19)   

Tax benefit realized from option exercises

            17         67         27   

Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested

                     19         19   

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, 2011 were as follows:

 

      Shares
(thous.)
    

Weighted-Average

Grant-Date Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2011

     2,638         $    54.01   

Granted

     528         93.68   

Vested

     (529)         48.63   

Forfeited

     (73)         57.72   

 

Nonvested at September 30, 2011

     2,564         $    63.18   
                   

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, 2011, there was $79 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Performance Retention Awards – In February 2011, 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 February 2009 and February 2010, including using annual return on invested capital (ROIC) as the performance measure. We define ROIC as net operating profit adjusted for interest expense (including interest on the present value of operating leases) and taxes on interest divided by average invested capital adjusted for the present value of operating leases.

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 2011 grant were as follows:

 

      2011    

Dividend per share for the quarter

   $     0.38     

Risk-free interest rate at date of grant

     1.2%     
          

 

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Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 were as follows:

 

      Shares
(thous.)
    

Weighted-Average

Grant-Date Fair Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2011

     1,151         $  53.93   

Granted

     376         89.87   

Vested

     (195)         60.16   

Forfeited

     (128)         58.89   

 

Nonvested at September 30, 2011

     1,204         $  63.62   
                   

At September 30, 2011, there was $38 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 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 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.

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

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Millions

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Service cost

   $         11       $         6       $         33       $         28   

Interest cost

     35         37         107         107   

Expected return on plan assets

     (45)         (45)         (135)         (134)   

Amortization of:

           

Prior service cost

                           

Actuarial loss

     17         14         52         35   

 

Net periodic pension cost

   $ 19       $ 13       $ 59       $ 39   
                                     

 

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The components of our net periodic OPEB benefit were as follows:

 

     

Three Months Ended

September 30,

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

Millions

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Service cost

   $         1       $       $      $  

Interest cost

                   12         13   

Amortization of:

           

Prior service (credit)

     (9)         (11)         (27)         (33)   

Actuarial loss

                   10         10   

 

Net periodic OPEB benefit

   $ (1)       $ (3)       $ (3)       $ (9)   
                                     

Cash Contributions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we made $100 million of cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Any additional contributions 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, 2011 were voluntary and were made with cash generated from operations. Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by law and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. At September 30, 2011, we do not have minimum funding requirements for 2011.

6. Other Income

Other income included the following:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Millions

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

Rental income

   $       20       $       20       $       59       $       61   

Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions

                   11         12   

Interest income

                            

Early extinguishment of debt

                             (16)   

Non-operating environmental costs and other

     (9)                 (14)         (15)   

 

Total

   $ 17       $ 25       $ 58       $ 45   
                                     

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. Interest calculations may remain open for years prior to 1999. In the second quarter of 2011, the IRS completed its examination and issued a notice of deficiency for tax years 2007 and 2008. The IRS has now completed its examinations and issued notices of deficiency for tax years 1999 through 2008. 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 years 2003 through 2008.

In the second quarter of 2011, based on the IRS examination report for tax years 2007 and 2008, we increased our liability for uncertain tax benefits from $86 million at December 31, 2010 to $149 million at June 30, 2011. Most of this increase was a reclassification from our deferred income tax liability.

In the third quarter of 2011, we reached an agreement in principle with the IRS to resolve all of the issues related to tax years 1999 through 2004, except for calculations of interest. We anticipate signing a closing agreement with the IRS within the next 12 months. Once formalized, this agreement should result in an immaterial reduction of income tax expense. Based on this agreement in principle, we made a $45 million payment to partially cover the tax and interest due for these years. This payment, net of additional accruals for other tax years, reduced our liability for uncertain tax positions to $119 million at September 30, 2011. Of the $119 million, we classified $33 million as current. The majority of this amount relates to the anticipated resolution of tax years 1999 – 2004.

 

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In February 2011, Arizona enacted legislation that will decrease the state’s corporate tax rate. This reduced our deferred tax expense by $14 million in the first quarter of 2011.

8. Earnings Per Share

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

 

Net income

   $       904       $       778       $       2,328       $       2,005   
                                     

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

           

Basic

     484.2         493.0         487.4         499.8   

Dilutive effect of stock options

     2.3         3.3         2.7         3.2   

Dilutive effect of retention shares and units

     1.6         1.4         1.4         1.3   

 

Diluted

     488.1         497.7         491.5         504.3   
                                     

Earnings per share – basic

   $ 1.87       $ 1.58       $ 4.78       $ 4.01   

Earnings per share – diluted

   $ 1.85       $ 1.56       $ 4.74       $ 3.98   

Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive

     0.6                 0.5         0.4   
                                     

9. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income was as follows:

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 

Millions

   2011      2010      2011      2010  

 

Net income

   $       904       $       778       $       2,328       $       2,005   
                                     

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

           

Defined benefit plans

     (1)                          

Foreign currency translation

     (12)         (1)                  

Derivatives

                              

 

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

     (13)         (1)                 
                                     

 

Total comprehensive income

   $ 891       $ 777       $ 2,330       $ 2,010   
                                     

 

[a]

Net of deferred taxes of $(7) million and $2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, and $(1) million and $0 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

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

 

Millions

   Sep. 30,
2011
     Dec. 31,
2010
 

Defined benefit plans

   $       (703)       $       (703)   

Foreign currency translation

     (26)         (28)   

Derivatives

     (3)         (3)   

 

Total

   $ (732)       $ (734)   
                   

10. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes freight and other receivables reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based upon historical losses, credit worthiness of customers, and current economic conditions. At both September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our accounts receivable were reduced by $5 million. Receivables not expected to be collected in one year and the associated

 

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allowances are classified as other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, receivables classified as other assets were reduced by allowances of $42 million and $51 million, respectively.

Receivables Securitization Facility – Under the receivables securitization facility, the Railroad sells most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. UPRI may subsequently transfer, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in eligible accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to transfer undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $100 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt due after one year. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1.2 billion and $960 million of accounts receivable at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $1.2 billion and $960 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

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, 2011. 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 collected approximately $4.9 billion and $4.3 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $13.8 billion and $12.0 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.

The costs of the receivables securitization facility include interest, which will vary based on prevailing commercial paper rates, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability. The costs of the receivables securitization facility are included in interest expense and were $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and $3 million and $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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 2011, the receivables securitization facility was renewed for an additional 364-day period at comparable terms and conditions.

 

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11. Properties

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

 

Millions, Except Percentages

As of September 30, 2011

   Cost      Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net Book
Value
     Depreciation
Rate for 2011
 

 

Land

   $ 5,008       $ N/A        $ 5,008         N/A    
                                     

Road:

           

Rail and other track material [a]

     12,332         4,552         7,780         3.3%    

Ties

     7,903         1,991         5,912         2.9%    

Ballast

     4,135         988         3,147         3.0%    

Other [b]

     13,846         2,499         11,347         2.6%    

 

Total road

     38,216         10,030         28,186         2.9%    
                                     

Equipment:

           

Locomotives

     6,433         2,905         3,528         5.7%    

Freight cars

     1,918         1,048         870         3.5%    

Work equipment and other

     516         49         467         5.8%    

 

Total equipment

     8,867         4,002         4,865         5.2%    
                                     

Technology and other

     563         253         310         12.8%    

Construction in progress

     1,056                 1,056         N/A    

 

Total

   $   53,710       $   14,285       $   39,425         N/A    
                                     

 

Millions, Except Percentages

As of December 31, 2010

   Cost      Accumulated
Depreciation
     Net Book
Value
     Depreciation
Rate for 2010
 

 

Land

   $ 4,984       $ N/A        $ 4,984         N/A    
                                     

Road:

           

Rail and other track material [a]

     11,992         4,458         7,534         3.1%    

Ties

     7,631         1,858         5,773         2.8%    

Ballast

     4,011         944         3,067         3.0%    

Other [b]

     13,634         2,376         11,258         2.5%    

 

Total road

     37,268         9,636         27,632         2.8%    
                                     

Equipment:

           

Locomotives

     6,136         2,699         3,437         5.6%    

Freight cars

     1,886         1,040         846         3.6%    

Work equipment and other

     305         39         266         4.0%    

 

Total equipment

     8,327         3,778         4,549         5.1%    
                                     

Technology and other

     565         241         324         13.2%    

Construction in progress

     764                 764         N/A    

 

Total

   $   51,908       $   13,655       $   38,253         N/A    
                                     

 

[a]

Includes a weighted-average composite depreciation rate for rail in high-density traffic corridors.

 

[b]

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

 

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12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities

 

Millions

   Sep. 30,
2011
     Dec. 31,
2010
 

Accounts payable

   $ 793       $ 677   

Income and other taxes

     567         337   

Accrued wages and vacation

     363         357   

Dividends and interest

     358         383   

Accrued casualty costs

     307         325   

Equipment rents payable

     93         86   

Other

     601         548   

 

Total accounts payable and other current liabilities

   $     3,082       $     2,713   
                   

13. 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 market 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 price movements.

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 Cash Flow Hedges – We report changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item affects earnings. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we had reductions of $2 million and $3 million, respectively, recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive loss that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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 September 30:

 

Millions

   2011      2010  

Decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedging

   $         -        $         2   

Increase in pre-tax income

   $         -        $         2   
                   

Fair Value of Financial 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, 2011, the fair value of total debt was $11 billion, approximately $1.6 billion more than the carrying value. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of total debt was $10.4 billion, approximately $1.2 billion more than the carrying value. At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, approximately $303 million of fixed-rate debt securities contained call provisions that allow us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par. The fair value of our cash equivalents approximates their carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

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14. Debt

Credit Facilities – During the second quarter of 2011, we replaced our $1.9 billion revolving credit facility, which would have expired in April 2012, with a new $1.8 billion facility that expires in May 2015 (the facility). The facility is based on substantially similar terms as those in the previous credit facility. On September 30, 2011, we had $1.8 billion of credit available under the facility, which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on either facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. 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 Union Pacific Corporation to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition to making a borrowing. At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010 (and at all times during the year), 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, 2011, the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowed us to carry up to $37.1 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $9.8 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.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we did not issue or repay any commercial paper, and at September 30, 2011, 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.

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our current shelf registration, 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. 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.

On August 9, 2011, we issued a total of $500 million of 4.75% unsecured fixed-rate notes under our shelf registration statement. The notes will mature on September 15, 2041; proceeds from this offering are for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program.

During the third quarter, we renegotiated and extended for three years on substantially similar terms a $100 million floating-rate term loan, which will mature on August 5, 2016.

As of both September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, we reclassified as long-term debt approximately $100 million 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.

Debt Exchange – On June 23, 2011, we exchanged $857 million of various outstanding notes and debentures due between 2013 and 2019 (Existing Notes) for $750 million of 4.163% notes (New Notes) due July 15, 2022, plus cash consideration of approximately $267 million and $17 million for accrued and unpaid interest on the Existing Notes. The cash consideration was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt, and the balance of the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the term of the New Notes. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the exchange. Costs related to the debt exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders totaled approximately $6 million and were included in interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

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The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged:

 

Millions

   Principal amount
exchanged
 

7.875% Notes due 2019

   $ 196   

5.450% Notes due 2013

     50   

5.125% Notes due 2014

     45   

5.375% Notes due 2014

     55   

5.700% Notes due 2018

     277   

5.750% Notes due 2017

     178   

7.000% Debentures due 2016

     38   

5.650% Notes due 2017

     18   

 

Total

   $     857   
          

Debt Redemption – On March 22, 2010, we redeemed $175 million of our 6.5% notes due April 15, 2012. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $16 million in the first quarter of 2010.

15. Variable Interest Entities

We have entered into various lease transactions in which the structure of the leases contain variable interest entities (VIEs). These VIEs were created solely for the purpose of doing lease transactions (principally involving railroad equipment and facilities) and have no other activities, assets or liabilities outside of the lease transactions. Within these lease arrangements, we have the right to purchase some or all of the assets at fixed prices. Depending on market conditions, fixed-price purchase options available in the leases could potentially provide benefits to us; however, these benefits are not expected to be significant.

We maintain and operate the assets based on contractual obligations within the lease arrangements, which set specific guidelines consistent within the railroad industry. As such, we have no control over activities that could materially impact the fair value of the leased assets. We do not hold the power to direct the activities of the VIEs and, therefore, do not control the ongoing activities that have a significant impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, we do not have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs or the right to receive benefits of the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs.

We are not considered to be the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate these VIEs because our actions and decisions do not have the most significant effect on the VIE’s performance and our fixed-price purchase price options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIE’s. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $4.0 billion as of September 30, 2011.

16. 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.

 

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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 an actuarial analysis to measure 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 88% of the recorded liability is related to asserted claims, and approximately 12% is related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2011. Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.

Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Beginning balance

   $ 426       $     545   

Current year accruals

     99         125   

Changes in estimates for prior years

     (51)         (69)   

Payments

     (83)         (141)   

 

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 391       $ 460   
                   

 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $     140       $ 157   
                   

Asbestos – We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which current and former employees and other parties allege exposure to asbestos. We assess our potential liability using a statistical analysis of resolution costs for asbestos-related claims. This liability is updated annually and excludes future defense and processing costs. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based on the following assumptions:

 

   

The ratio of future claims by alleged disease would be consistent with historical averages.

   

The number of claims filed against us will decline each year.

   

The average settlement values for asserted and unasserted claims will be equivalent to historical averages.

   

The percentage of claims dismissed in the future will be equivalent to historical averages.

Our liability for asbestos-related claims is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 20% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims and approximately 80% related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2011.

Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows:

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Beginning balance

   $     162       $     174   

Accruals

               

Payments

     (7)         (8)   

 

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 155       $ 166   
                   

 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $ 11       $ 13   
                   

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, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

 

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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 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; and 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 have identified 293 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 we identify an environmental issue 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, 2011, less than 1% of our environmental liability was discounted at 2.3%, while approximately 5% of our environmental liability was discounted at 2.8% at December 31, 2010.

Our environmental liability activity was as follows:

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Beginning balance

   $     213       $     217   

Accruals

     26         23   

Payments

     (61)         (26)   

 

Ending balance at September 30

   $ 178       $ 214   
                   

 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

   $ 49       $ 61   
                   

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, 2011, we were contingently liable for $340 million in guarantees. We have recorded a liability of $3 million for the fair value of these obligations as of both September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010. 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.

 

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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.

Operating Leases – At September 30, 2011, we had commitments for future minimum lease payments under operating leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year of approximately $4.6 billion.

Gain Contingency – UPRR and Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines (a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.) currently are engaged in a proceeding to resolve the fair market rent payable to UPRR under a 10 year agreement commencing on January 1, 2004 for pipeline easements on UPRR rights-of-way (Union Pacific Railroad Company vs. Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines, Inc., SFPP, L.P., Kinder Morgan Operating L.P. “D” Kinder Morgan G.P., Inc., et al., Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, filed July 28, 2004). In February 2007, a trial began to resolve this issue, and, on September 28, 2011, the judge issued a tentative Statement of Decision, which concluded that SFPP may owe back rent to UPRR for the years 2004 through 2011. Each party has 60 days to file objections and motions responsive to the tentative Statement of Decision, with subsequent hearings to follow. A favorable final judgment may materially affect the Company’s results of operations in the period of any monetary recoveries, however, due to the uncertainty regarding the amount and timing of any recovery, the Company considers this a gain contingency and no amounts are reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2011.

17. Share Repurchase Program

The shares repurchased in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, shown in the table below, were repurchased under our authorized repurchase program that expired on March 31, 2011. Effective April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 40 million common shares of UPC by March 31, 2014, replacing our previous repurchase program. The shares repurchased in the second and third quarters of 2011, shown in the table below, were purchased under the new program. As of September 30, 2011, we repurchased a total of $5.2 billion of UPC common stock since the commencement of our repurchase programs.

 

          Number of Shares Purchased      Average Price Paid  
      2011                  2010      2011                  2010  

First quarter

     2,636,178               $ 94.10       $   

Second quarter

     3,576,399         6,496,400         100.75         71.74   

Third quarter

     4,681,535         7,643,400         91.45         73.19   

 

Total

     10,894,112         14,139,800       $     95.14       $ 72.52   
                                     

 

Remaining number of shares that may yet be repurchased

  

        31,742,066   
                                     

Management’s assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. We expect to fund any share repurchases under this program through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand. Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.

 

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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, 2011, Compared to

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010

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; eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents; 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 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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have not been any significant changes with respect to these policies during the first nine months of 2011.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarterly Summary

We reported record earnings of $1.85 per diluted share on net income of $904 million in the third quarter of 2011 compared to earnings of $1.56 per diluted share on net income of $778 million for the third quarter of 2010. Year-to-date, net income was $2.3 billion, or $4.74 per diluted share versus $2.0 billion, or $3.98 per diluted share for the same period of 2010. Freight revenues increased $649 million in the third quarter compared to the same period of 2010 driven by higher fuel surcharges, core pricing gains, and volume growth of 1%. Demand for our services increased across four of the six commodity groups compared to the third quarter of 2010. Lower intermodal volumes due to fewer imports during the quarter reflected continuing economic uncertainties. Overall, improved pricing and volume growth partially offset by inflation and weather-related costs generated record earnings in the third quarter of 2011.

While our recovery efforts to address the impact of Midwest flooding substantially improved operations in the affected areas, the extreme temperatures and drought in the South presented more significant challenges in the third quarter. Severe heat and extended drought conditions compromised large portions of our track structure, resulting in speed restrictions that consumed capacity and resources in the affected areas. In the third quarter, the impact of the heat and drought increased operating expenses by $18 million. Although conditions are improving in the Southern Region, we expect the adverse impact will carry over into the fourth quarter.

Weather impacted our operations more significantly during the third quarter of 2011 than in the same period last year. We deployed resources to address adverse conditions and maintained reliable network operations. As reported to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), average train speed decreased 4% in the third quarter of 2011 versus 2010, reflecting the weather challenges, in addition to increased carloadings and traffic mix changes. Average rail car inventory remained flat despite modest volume growth as we continued to adjust our freight car fleet to match operating performance and demand. During the period, faster equipment cycle times and improved service reliability allowed us to handle more freight with the same number of freight cars. Average terminal dwell time increased 5% during the third quarter of 2011 compared to 2010. Additional volume, weather conditions, track replacement work, and a shift in mix to more manifest traffic, which requires additional terminal processing, all contributed to the increase in terminal dwell time.

Operating Revenues

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     %      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     %  

Millions

   2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Freight revenues

   $ 4,836       $ 4,187         16%       $ 13,679       $ 11,898         15%   

Other revenues

     265         221         20            770         657         17      

 

Total

   $     5,101       $     4,408         16%       $     14,449       $     12,555         15%   
                                                       

We generate freight revenues by transporting freight or other materials from our six commodity groups. Freight revenues vary with volume (carloads) and average revenue per car (ARC). Changes in price, traffic mix, and fuel surcharges drive ARC. We provide some of our customers with contractual incentives for meeting or exceeding specified cumulative volumes or shipping to and from specific locations, which we record as reductions to freight revenues based on the actual or projected future shipments. We recognize freight revenues as shipments move 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 for all six commodity groups increased during the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2011 compared to 2010, reflecting better demand in many market sectors, with particularly strong growth in chemicals, industrial products, and automotive shipments for the year-to-date period. ARC

 

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increased 14% and 12% during the third quarter and year-to-date period, respectively, driven by higher fuel cost recoveries and 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. Higher fuel prices, volume growth, and new fuel surcharge provisions in renegotiated contracts all combined to increase revenues from fuel surcharges.

Our fuel surcharge programs (excluding index-based contract escalators that contain some provision for fuel) generated $637 million and $1.6 billion in freight revenues in the third quarter and year-to-date period of 2011, compared to $331 million and $896 million in the same periods of 2010, respectively. Increases in both fuel prices and volume levels drove the higher 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 17% 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. At the time of the conversion, we also reset the base fuel price at which the new mileage-based fuel surcharges take effect. Resetting 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, does 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

Millions

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
     %      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     %  
   2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Agricultural

   $ 814       $ 750         9%       $ 2,470       $ 2,178         13%   

Automotive

     379         309         23            1,102         948         16      

Chemicals

     720         629         14            2,087         1,808         15      

Energy

     1,112         922         21            3,014         2,602         16      

Industrial Products

     863         697         24            2,356         1,987         19      

Intermodal [a]

     948         880         8            2,650         2,375         12      

 

Total

   $     4,836       $     4,187         16%       $     13,679       $     11,898         15%   
                                                       
                 

Revenue Carloads

Thousands

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
    

%

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    

%

 
   2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Agricultural

     223         229         (3)%         698         670         4%   

Automotive

     160         146         10            482         456         6      

Chemicals

     233         221         5            689         633         9      

Energy

     572         535         7            1,606         1,537         4      

Industrial Products

     305         282         8            865         810         7      

Intermodal [a]

     848         903         (6)           2,437         2,472         (1)     

 

Total

     2,341         2,316         1%         6,777         6,578         3%   
                                                       

 

[a]

Each intermodal container or trailer equals one carload.

 

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      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     %      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     %  

Average Revenue per Car

   2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Agricultural

   $ 3,655       $ 3,271         12%        $ 3,537       $ 3,249         9%    

Automotive

     2,364         2,114         12             2,287         2,076         10       

Chemicals

     3,087         2,858         8             3,029         2,858         6       

Energy

     1,945         1,721         13             1,877         1,692         11       

Industrial Products

     2,832         2,470         15             2,724         2,453         11       

Intermodal [a]

     1,119         974         15             1,087         961         13       

 

Average

   $   2,066       $   1,807        14%        $   2,019       $   1,809         12%    
                                                       

 

[a]

Each intermodal container or trailer equals one carload.

Agricultural Products – Fuel surcharges and price improvements, partially offset by lower volume, increased agricultural freight revenue in the third quarter of 2011 versus 2010. Increased world production, higher corn prices in the U.S. and crop storage led to reduced corn and soybean exports during the third quarter. The federal mandate for higher levels of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply and new business increased shipments of ethanol by 13% in the third quarter of 2011 versus 2010, which partially offset overall volume declines. Higher volume, core pricing gains and fuel surcharges increased freight revenue for the year-to-date period of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Despite a 19% decrease in wheat and food grains shipments in the third quarter, strong export demand for U.S. wheat via Gulf ports in the first half of 2011 primarily drove a 15% increase in wheat and food grains shipments for the nine-month period of 2011 compared to 2010. Poor wheat production in some foreign markets drove this export demand.

Automotive – Fuel surcharges and core pricing gains, combined with increased shipments of finished vehicles and automotive parts in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011, improved automotive freight revenue from 2010 levels. Although higher production and sales levels during the first nine months of 2011 contributed to volume growth, the disaster in Japan partially offset this growth. The disruption of this event reduced parts shipments in the second quarter and shipments of international vehicles both in the second and third quarters.

Chemicals – Higher volume, fuel surcharges and price improvements increased freight revenue from chemicals in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011 versus 2010. In mid-2010, we began moving crude oil shipments from the Bakken formation in North Dakota to facilities in Louisiana. This new business, along with shipments from the Eagle Ford shale formation in south Texas, contributed to 35% and 33% increases in shipments of petroleum products during the third quarter and year-to-date period, respectively. Additionally, improving market conditions increased demand for industrial chemicals during the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011, driving volume levels up versus 2010.

Energy – Increased shipments, higher fuel surcharges, and core pricing gains improved freight revenue from energy shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 versus 2010. Volumes in the third quarter increased 7% reflecting higher demand from utilities replacing reduced coal stockpiles due to extreme summer heat and recovery of a substantial portion of shipments lost during the second quarter due to Midwest flooding. Shipments of coal from the Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB) were up 5% in the third quarter and 4% year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010, reflecting new business from existing Wisconsin facilities and the start-up of a new power plant near Waco, TX. After completion of a year-long equipment relocation process at one of the mines and minimal production problems elsewhere, shipments from Colorado and Utah mines increased 10% in the third quarter of 2011 versus 2010. These third quarter gains, along with increased exports to Europe and Asia, offset first half production problems and weak demand from eastern coal utilities.

Industrial Products – Volume gains, fuel surcharges, and core pricing improvement increased freight revenue from industrial products in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2011 versus 2010. Similar to the second quarter of 2011, shipments of non-metallic minerals (primarily frac sand) grew in response to a dramatic rise in horizontal drilling activity for natural gas and oil, while steel shipments increased due to higher demand for steel coils and plate for automotive and pipe production. In addition, higher demand in China for iron ore also drove volume growth. Conversely, lower commercial construction activity

 

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negatively impacted stone, sand and gravel shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date periods in 2011 compared to 2010.

Intermodal – Fuel surcharge gains, including better contract provisions for fuel cost recovery, and pricing improvements drove an increase in freight revenue from intermodal shipments in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010. Volume from international traffic decreased 12% and 4% in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011 versus 2010, respectively, reflecting softer economic conditions and the loss of a customer contract. Conversely, conversions from truck to rail offset weaker consumer demand and competition for domestic shipments, resulting in 2% and 1% volume increases in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011, respectively.

Mexico Business – Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Revenue from Mexico business increased 15% to $458 million in the third quarter of 2011 versus the same period in 2010. Volume levels for four of the six commodity groups increased (energy and agricultural products shipments declined), up 10% in aggregate versus the third quarter of 2010, with particularly strong growth in automotive and industrial products. Year-to-date, revenue grew 16% versus 2010 to $1.3 billion, driven by volume growth of 10% versus 2010.

Operating Expenses

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
     %      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     %  

Millions

   2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Compensation and benefits

   $ 1,193       $ 1,092         9%        $ 3,526       $ 3,202         10%    

Fuel

     916         608         51             2,646         1,799         47       

Purchased services and materials

     506         465         9             1,497         1,369         9       

Depreciation

     408         372         10             1,204         1,107         9       

Equipment and other rents

     293         292         -             878         864         2       

Other

     207         178         16             591         546         8       

 

Total

   $   3,523       $   3,007         17%        $   10,342       $   8,887         16%    
                                                       

Operating expenses increased $516 million and $1.5 billion in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011 versus the comparable periods in 2010. Our fuel price per gallon increased 42% and 39% during the third quarter and year-to-date, accounting for $260 million and $723 million of the increases, respectively. Wage and benefit inflation, volume-related costs, depreciation, and property taxes also contributed to higher expenses during both periods. Year to date, expenses increased $20 million for flood-related costs and $18 million due to the impact of severe heat and drought in the South. Cost savings from productivity improvements and better resource utilization partially offset these increases. A $45 million one-time payment relating to a transaction with CSX Intermodal, Inc (CSXI) increased operating expenses during the first quarter of 2010, which favorably affects expenses year-to-date in 2011 when compared to 2010.

Compensation and Benefits – Compensation and benefits include wages, payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension costs, other postretirement benefits, and incentive costs. General wage and benefit inflation, volume-related expenses, higher training costs associated with new hires, additional crew costs due to speed restrictions caused by the heat and drought, and higher pension expense drove the increase during the third quarter and year-to-date of 2011 compared to the same periods in 2010.

Fuel – Fuel includes locomotive fuel and gasoline for highway and non-highway vehicles and heavy equipment. Higher locomotive diesel fuel prices, which averaged $3.18 and $3.11 per gallon (including taxes and transportation costs) in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011, compared to $2.24 and $2.23 per gallon in the same periods in 2010, increased expenses by $260 million and $723 million, respectively. In addition, higher gasoline prices for highway and non-highway vehicles also increased in both periods. Volume, as measured by gross ton-miles, increased 5% in both the third quarter and nine-month period versus 2010, driving expense up by $27 million and $86 million, respectively.

 

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Purchased Services and Materials – Expense for purchased services and materials includes the costs of services purchased from outside contractors (including equipment maintenance and contract expenses incurred by our subsidiaries for external transportation services); 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. Expenses for contract services increased $21 million and $88 million, respectively, in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011 versus 2010, driven by volume-related external transportation services, incurred by our subsidiaries, equipment maintenance, and various other types of contractual services including flood-related service work. Volume-related crew transportation and lodging costs, as well as expenses associated with jointly owned operating facilities, also increased costs in both periods compared to 2010. In addition, an increase in locomotive maintenance materials used to prepare a portion of our locomotive fleet for return to active service due to increased volume and additional capacity for flood related reroutes increased expenses during the year-to-date period compared to 2010.

Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to road property, including rail, ties, ballast, and other track material. A higher depreciable asset base, reflecting ongoing capital spending, increased depreciation expense in the third quarter and year-to-date in 2011 compared to 2010. Higher depreciation rates for rail and other track material also drove the increase. The higher rates, which became effective January 1, 2011, resulted primarily from increased track usage (based on higher gross ton-miles in 2010).

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; and office and other rent expenses. Third quarter expense was flat year-over-year as higher short-term freight car rental expense and container lease expense offset lower locomotive lease expense. Year-to-date, container lease and short-term freight car rental expense increased, but lower freight car lease expense led to decreased costs compared to the nine month period of 2010.

Other – Other expenses include personal injury, freight and property damage, destruction of equipment, insurance, environmental, bad debt, state and local taxes, utilities, telephone and cellular, employee travel, computer software, and other general expenses. Higher property taxes, casualty costs associated with destroyed equipment and environmental costs increased other costs in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. Other costs were partially offset in the third quarter 2011 by continual improvement of our safety performance and lower estimated liability costs, reducing our personal injury liability for past years. In the year-to-date comparison to 2010, higher property taxes and casualty costs were partially offset by the $45 million one-time payment in the first quarter of 2010 related to a transaction with CSXI.

Non-Operating Items

 

      Three Months Ended
September 30,
          Nine Months Ended
September 30,
      

Millions

   2011      2010      Change       2011      2010      Change   

Other income

   $ 17       $ 25             (32)%        $ 58       $ 45             29%    

Interest expense

     (142)          (153)              (7)             (431)          (460)              (6)       

Income taxes

     (549)          (495)              11             (1,406)          (1,248)              13       
                                                       

Other Income – Other income decreased in the third quarter of 2011 versus the same period of 2010 due to a loss on non-operating property. Year-to-date, other income increased due to premiums paid for early redemption of existing long-term debt in the first quarter of 2010 and lower environmental costs.

Interest Expense – Interest expense decreased in the third quarter of 2011 versus 2010 due to a lower weighted-average debt level of $9.2 billion versus $9.5 billion. The effective interest rate was 6.2% and 6.4% in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively. A lower weighted-average debt level of $9.2 billion in 2011 versus $9.7 billion in 2010 drove the decrease in year-to-date interest expense. The effective interest rate was 6.2% versus 6.3% year-to-date in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

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Income Taxes – Higher pre-tax income increased income taxes in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010. Our effective tax rates were 37.8% and 37.7% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 38.9% and 38.4% for the corresponding periods of 2010. Changes in the distribution of taxable income between states generated higher effective tax rates in 2010.

OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS

We report key performance measures weekly to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), including carloads, average daily inventory of freight 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.

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,
     %  
      2011      2010      Change      2011      2010      Change  

Average train speed (miles per hour)

     24.6         25.7         (4)%          25.6         26.1         (2)%    

Average terminal dwell time (hours)

     26.2         25.0         5 %          26.1         25.3         3 %    

Average rail car inventory (thousands)

     274.4         274.4                 272.5         275.7         (1)%    

Gross ton-miles (billions)

     250.9         239.5         5 %          725.5         691.3         5 %    

Revenue ton-miles (billions)

     140.0         134.5         4 %          405.0         387.6         4 %    

Operating ratio

     69.1         68.2         0.9 pts          71.6         70.8         0.8 pts    

Employees (average)

     45,507         43,375         5 %          44,841         42,692         5 %    

Customer satisfaction index

     91         90         1 pt          91         89         2 pts    
                                                       

Average Train Speed – Average train speed is calculated by dividing train miles by hours operated on our main lines between terminals. Average train speed decreased 4% in the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 reflecting the weather challenges, in addition to increased carloadings and traffic mix changes. The severe heat and drought in the South, combined with extreme winter weather in February and severe Midwest flooding, had a greater impact than weather events in 2010 and drove the 2% decline in the nine-month period of 2011 compared to 2010. Overall, we continued operating a fluid and efficient network during 2011, effectively handling the 3% increase in carloads compared to the year-to-date period of 2010.

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 increased 5% and 3% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010, respectively. Additional volume, weather challenges, track replacement programs, and a shift of traffic mix to more manifest traffic, which requires additional terminal processing, all contributed to the year-to-date increase.

Average Rail Car Inventory – Average rail car inventory is the daily average number of rail cars on our lines, including rail cars in storage. Lower average rail car inventory reduces congestion in our yards and sidings, which increases train speed, reduces average terminal dwell time, and improves rail car utilization. Average rail car inventory remained flat and decreased 1% in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010, respectively, as we continue to adjust the size of our freight car fleet.

Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles – Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of loaded and 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 increased 5% and 4%, respectively, in both the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 compared to 2010, driven by a 1% and 3% increase in carloads, respectively and mix changes to heavier commodity groups.

 

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Operating Ratio – Operating ratio is our operating expenses reflected as a percentage of operating revenue. Our operating ratio increased 0.9 points to 69.1% in the third quarter of 2011 versus the same period of 2010 and 0.8 points to 71.6% in the nine-month period of 2011 versus 2010. Higher fuel prices, inflation and weather related costs partially offset by core pricing gains and productivity initiatives drove the increase.

Employees – Employee levels were up 5% in both the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2011 versus 2010, respectively, driven by a 1% and 3% increase in volume levels, a higher number of Trainmen, Engineers, and Yard employees currently in training, and increased work on capital projects.

Customer Satisfaction Index – Our 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. We believe that improvement in survey results in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2011 generally reflects customer recognition of our service quality supported by our capital investment program.

Debt to Capital / Adjusted Debt to Capital

 

Millions, Except Percentages

   Sep. 30,
2011
     Dec. 31,
2010
 

Debt (a)

   $ 9,407       $ 9,242   

Equity

     18,565         17,763   

Capital (b)

   $     27,972       $ 27,005   

 

Debt to capital (a/b)

     33.6%         34.2%   
                   
     

Millions, Except Percentages

   Sep. 30,
2011
     Dec. 31,
2010
 

Debt

   $ 9,407       $ 9,242   

Net present value of operating leases

     3,267         3,476   

Unfunded pension and OPEB

     421         421   

Adjusted debt (a)

   $ 13,095       $ 13,139   

Equity

     18,565         17,763   

Adjusted capital (b)

   $ 31,660       $ 30,902   

 

Adjusted debt to capital (a/b)

     41.4%         42.5%   
                   

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 6.2% at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 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 reconciliations from debt to capital to adjusted debt to capital.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

 

Cash Flows

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 4,334       $ 2,720   

Cash used in investing activities

     (2,241)          (1,673)    

Cash used in financing activities

     (1,532)          (1,539)    

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 561       $ (492)    
                   

 

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Operating Activities

Higher net income and lower cash income tax payments in the first nine months of 2011 increased cash provided by operating activities compared to the same period of 2010. In addition, the adoption of a new accounting standard in January of 2010 changed the accounting treatment for our receivables securitization facility from a sale of undivided interests (recorded as an operating activity) to a secured borrowing (recorded as a financing activity), which decreased cash provided by operating activities by $400 million in 2010.

Investing Activities

Higher capital investments in the first nine months of 2011 drove the increase in cash used in investing activities compared to the same period in 2010.

The table below details cash capital investments:

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Rail and other track material

   $ 513       $ 497   

Ties

     302         355   

Ballast

     169         149   

Other [a]

     220         221   

 

Total road infrastructure replacements

     1,204         1,222   

Line expansion and other capacity projects

     213         67   

Commercial facilities

     33         114   

 

Total capacity and commercial facilities

     246         181   

Locomotives and freight cars

     550         150   

Positive train control

     144         50   

Technology and other

     74         83   

 

Total cash capital investments

   $       2,218       $       1,686   
                   

 

[a]

Other includes bridges and tunnels, signals, other road assets, and road work equipment.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities decreased slightly in the first nine months of 2011 versus the same period of 2010. Higher dividend payments in 2011 of $607 million compared to $438 million in 2010, reflecting our increased dividend rate, were offset by additional net debt of $163 million. Shares repurchased under our common stock repurchase program were consistent for both periods.

 

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Free Cash Flow – Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities (adjusted for the reclassification of our receivables securitization facility), less cash used in investing activities and dividends paid.

Free cash flow is not considered a financial measure under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe free cash flow is important to management and investors in evaluating our financial performance and measures our ability to generate cash without additional external financings. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities. The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure):

 

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   2011      2010  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 4,334       $ 2,720   

Receivables securitization facility [a]

             400   

 

Cash provided by operating activities adjusted for the receivables securitization facility

     4,334         3,120   

Cash used in investing activities

     (2,241)          (1,673)    

Dividends paid

     (607)          (438)    

 

Free cash flow

   $ 1,486       $ 1,009   
                   

 

[a]

Effective January 1, 2010, a new accounting standard required us to account for receivables transferred under our receivables securitization facility as secured borrowings in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and as financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The receivables securitization facility is included in our free cash flow calculation to adjust cash provided by operating activities as though our receivables securitization facility had been accounted for under the new accounting standard for all periods presented.

Credit Facilities – During the second quarter of 2011, we replaced our $1.9 billion revolving credit facility, which would have expired in April 2012, with a new $1.8 billion facility that expires in May 2015 (the facility). The facility is based on substantially similar terms as those in the previous credit facility. On September 30, 2011, we had $1.8 billion of credit available under the facility, which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on either facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. 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 Union Pacific Corporation to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition to making a borrowing. At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010 (and at all times during the year), 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, 2011, the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowed us to carry up to $37.1 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $9.8 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.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we did not issue or repay any commercial paper, and at September 30, 2011, 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.

 

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Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our current shelf registration, 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. 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.

On August 9, 2011 we issued a total of $500 million of 4.75% unsecured fixed-rate notes under our shelf registration statement. The notes mature on September 15, 2041; proceeds from this offering are for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program.

During the third quarter, we renegotiated and extended for three years on substantially similar terms a $100 million floating-rate term loan, which will mature on August 5, 2016.

As of both September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, we reclassified as long-term debt approximately $100 million 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.

Receivables Securitization Facility – Under the receivables securitization facility, the Railroad sells most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. UPRI may subsequently transfer, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in eligible accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to transfer undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $100 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt due after one year. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1.2 billion and $960 million of accounts receivable at September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. At September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $1.2 billion and $960 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

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, 2011. 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 collected approximately $4.9 billion and $4.3 billion during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $13.8 billion and $12.0 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.

The costs of the receivables securitization facility include interest, which will vary based on prevailing commercial paper rates, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability. The costs of the receivables securitization facility are included in interest expense and were $1 million and $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and $3 million and $5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

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 2011, the receivables securitization facility was renewed for an additional 364-day period at comparable terms and conditions.

Debt Exchange – On June 23, 2011, we exchanged $857 million of various outstanding notes and debentures due between 2013 and 2019 (Existing Notes) for $750 million of 4.163% notes (New Notes) due July 15, 2022, plus cash consideration of approximately $267 million and $17 million for accrued and unpaid interest on the Existing Notes. The cash consideration was recorded as an adjustment to the

 

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carrying value of debt, and the balance of the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the term of the New Notes. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the exchange. Costs related to the debt exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders totaled approximately $6 million and were included in interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged:

 

Millions

   Principal amount
exchanged
 

7.875% Notes due 2019

   $ 196   

5.450% Notes due 2013

     50   

5.125% Notes due 2014

     45   

5.375% Notes due 2014

     55   

5.700% Notes due 2018

     277   

5.750% Notes due 2017

     178   

7.000% Debentures due 2016

     38   

5.650% Notes due 2017

     18   

 

Total

   $     857   
          

Debt Redemption – On March 22, 2010, we redeemed $175 million of our 6.5% notes due April 15, 2012. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $16 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Share Repurchase Program – The shares repurchased in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, shown in the table below, were repurchased under our repurchase program that expired on March 31, 2011. Effective April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 40 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2014, replacing our previous repurchase program. The shares repurchased in the second and third quarters of 2011, shown in the table below, were purchased under the new program. As of September 30, 2011, we repurchased a total of $5.2 billion of our common stock since the commencement of purchases under our repurchase programs.

 

      Number of Shares Purchased      Average Price Paid  
      2011      2010      2011      2010  

First quarter

     2,636,178               $ 94.10       $   

Second quarter

     3,576,399         6,496,400         100.75         71.74   

Third quarter

     4,681,535         7,643,400         91.45         73.19   

 

Total

     10,894,112         14,139,800       $ 95.14       $ 72.52   
                                     

 

Remaining number of shares that may yet be repurchased

  

     31,742,066   
            

Management’s assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. We expect to fund any share repurchases under this program through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand. Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.

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.

 

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The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2011:

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Millions

           Oct. 1
through
Dec. 31,
2011
     Payments Due by Dec. 31,  
   Total         2012      2013      2014      2015      After
2015
     Other  

Debt [a]

   $ 13,071       $ 67       $ 1,027       $ 851       $ 886       $ 614       $ 9,626       $   

Operating leases [b]

     4,584         83         528         481         411         373         2,708           

Capital lease obligations [c]

     2,588         33         273         275         283         283         1,441           

Purchase obligations [d]

     4,576         708         1,678         525         464         231         938         32   

Other postretirement benefits [e]

     403         10         42         43         43         44         221           

Income tax contingencies [f]

     119                30                                         86   

 

Total contractual obligations

   $   25,341       $   904       $   3,578       $   2,175       $   2,087       $   1,545       $   14,934       $   118   
                                                                         

 

[a]

Excludes capital lease obligations of $1,885 million and unamortized discount of $(367) million. Includes an interest component of $5,182 million.

 

[b]

Includes leases for locomotives, freight cars, other equipment, and real estate.

 

[c]

Represents total obligations, including interest component of $703 million.

 

[d]

Purchase obligations include locomotive maintenance contracts; purchase commitments for fuel purchases, locomotives, ties, ballast, and rail; and agreements to purchase other goods and services. For amounts where we cannot reasonably estimate the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column.

 

[e]

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 obligations as no contributions are currently required.

 

[f]

Future cash flows for income tax contingencies reflect the recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of September 30, 2011. Where we can reasonably estimate the years in which these liabilities may be settled, this is shown in the table. For amounts where we cannot reasonably estimate the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column.

 

Other Commercial Commitments

 

Millions

          

Oct. 1
through
Dec. 31,
2011

     Amount of Commitment Expiration by Dec.  31,  
   Total         2012      2013      2014      2015      After
2015
 

Credit facilities [a]

   $ 1,800               $       $       $       $ 1,800      $   

Receivables securitization facility [b]

     600                 600                                   

Guarantees [c]

     340         16         20                214         12         70   

Standby letters of credit [d]

     24                17                                   

 

Total commercial commitments

   $   2,764       $   23      $   637      $     8       $   214       $   1,812       $   70   
                                                                

 

[a]

None of the credit facility was used as of September 30, 2011.

 

[b]

$100 million of the receivables securitization facility was utilized at September 30, 2011, which is accounted for as debt. The full program matures in August 2012.

 

[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, 2011.

OTHER MATTERS

Labor Agreements – The U.S. Class I railroads have been in collective bargaining with rail labor unions since January 2010. On September 2, 2011, the largest union in national rail bargaining, the United Transportation Union (UTU), ratified an agreement with the railroads, which covers nearly a third of railroad employees in collective bargaining. The remaining unsettled unions rejected the terms of the UTU agreement and subsequently the National Mediation Board released the parties from federal mediation. As a result, on October 6, 2011, President Obama signed an Executive Order creating a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to investigate the dispute between the railroads and two coalitions representing 11 unions. The appointment of the PEB extends the collective bargaining process for 60 days: 30 days for the PEB to investigate and make its recommendation, followed by a 30-day cooling off period.

 

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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 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 will require companies to present the components of net income and other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements. It eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The standard does not change the items which must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Because this ASU impacts presentation only, it will have no effect on our financial condition, 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 regarding the future impact of severe heat and drought under the caption “Quarterly Summary” and the statements and information set forth under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this 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; 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; projections, estimates and expectations regarding tax matters, 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-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 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 4, 2011, 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.

 

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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 2010 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 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

Omaha Lead Site – As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considered 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. ASARCO operated one refinery. 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 contested its purported liability for these costs and submitted an offer to the EPA to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the matter. On June 23, 2010, the Railroad filed suit in federal district court in Omaha, Nebraska against the EPA and its Administrator under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Administrative Procedure Act and the Federal Records Act asking the court to compel EPA to

 

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respond fully to outstanding FOIA requests and to prevent EPA from destroying records. The court granted the Railroad a temporary restraining order prohibiting further document destruction. On August 26, 2010, the Court entered an agreed Preliminary Injunction preventing destruction of records by EPA. In November 2010, the Railroad reached a tentative, confidential settlement agreement subject to further negotiation to resolve its liability at the Omaha Lead Site. The Railroad and EPA stayed the FOIA litigation pending possible resolution of the case. In May 2011, EPA and the Railroad executed a settlement. On June 1, 2011, the Consent Decree implementing the settlement was filed with the United States District Court in Omaha, Nebraska. On June 8, 2011, the Notice of the settlement was published in the Federal Register. On August 9, 2011, the Court entered the Consent Decree finalizing the settlement, which included a payment of $25 million by the Railroad. The settlement did not include an admission of liability by the Railroad. The court dismissed the FOIA litigation on August 12, 2011.

We received notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies alleging that we are or may be liable under federal or state environmental laws for remediation costs at various sites throughout the U.S., 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.

Other Matters

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Dispute and Litigation – As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, CBP directed its field offices to issue penalties against the Railroad beginning in December 2007 for discoveries of illegal drugs in freight cars crossing the border from Mexico. The freight cars were in trains delivered by Mexican railroads directly to CBP; the Railroad received the trains only after CBP inspected them. Additionally, CBP imposed or reinstated earlier penalties that had been held in abeyance while the Railroad and CBP pursued a collective plan to address drug smuggling. In some instances, CBP seized freight cars in which drugs were found. The parties resolved their dispute over the seized freight cars, which were released by CBP for a payment by the Railroad of $40,000. The total amount of fines asserted by CBP for drug seizures received by the Railroad prior to June 1, 2011, exceeded $500 million.

On July 22, 2011, the Railroad and the Acting Commissioner of CBP signed an agreement under which the Railroad does not pay any fines but commits to participate in, and provide $50 million to fund, a major initiative to enhance border and supply chain security for rail shipments transiting the border with Mexico. CBP will reduce all fines asserted prior to June 1, 2011 (other than those involved in the Nebraska litigation discussed below) to zero on a pro rata basis as the Railroad makes expenditures of its $50 million commitment. Under the agreement, CBP also agrees that it will not assert penalties for drugs found on or after June 1, 2011, for a period of five years unless the Railroad fails to carry out the agreement or the Railroad or its personnel have specified degrees of involvement in drug smuggling. The agreement does not compromise the position of either party regarding the validity of the fines. CBP maintains its position that the fines were required by law, while the Railroad maintains its position that it has complied with all laws.

As previously reported in our disclosures regarding the CBP dispute and litigation, the Railroad filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska on July 31, 2008, asking the court to enter (1) a judgment declaring that CBP’s penalties are invalid and unenforceable and (2) preliminary and permanent injunctions prohibiting CBP from enforcing penalties and holding seized freight cars and directing CBP to refrain from issuing additional penalties and from future equipment seizures. The parties agreed to stay the action to discuss settlement of the matter. However, settlement discussions were unsuccessful. As a result, the Railroad reinstituted its lawsuit on February 18, 2009. The Railroad and CBP both desire to continue this litigation to receive a judicial determination that clarifies the meaning of federal laws involved in the dispute. The amount of fines involved in the Nebraska litigation, approximately $38 million, is not material to the Railroad. Therefore, the resolution of this matter will not have a material adverse effect on any of our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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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 2011:

 

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. 30

     192,948      $ 103.34        148,400        36,275,201  

Aug. 1 through Aug. 31

     3,703,775        91.93        3,701,876        32,573,325  

Sep. 1 through Sep. 30

     831,259        87.35        831,259        31,742,066  

 

Total

     4,727,982      $ 91.59        4,681,535        N/A   
                                     

 

[a]

Total number of shares purchased during the quarter includes 46,477 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 February 3, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2014. 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.

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 $13.7 billion and $12.9 billion at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

Filed with this Statement

10

  

Supplemental Pension Plan (409A Non-Grandfathered Component) for Officers and Managers of Union Pacific Corporation and Affiliates, as amended July 22, 2011.

12(a)

  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

12(b)

  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

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 period ended September 30, 2011 (filed with the SEC on October 21, 2011), is formatted in XBRL and submitted electronically herewith: (i) Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity for the periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Incorporated by Reference

3(a)

  

Restated Articles of Incorporation of UPC, as amended and restated through June 27, 2011, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated June 30, 2011.

3(b)

  

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.

4

  

Form of 4.75% Note due 2041 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2011.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: October 21, 2011

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)

 

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