UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
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
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each Class |
Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock (Par Value $2.50 per share) | New York Stock Exchange, Inc. |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. þ Yes ¨ No |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes þ No |
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨
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 June 29, 2007, the aggregate market value of the registrants Common Stock held by non-affiliates (using the New York Stock Exchange closing price) was $31.7 billion.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants Common Stock as of January 31, 2008 was 260,700,527.
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 1, 2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. The registrants Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.
UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION
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GENERAL
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of Americas leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad Company, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific Railroad Companys diversified business mix includes agricultural products, automotive, chemicals, energy, industrial products, and intermodal. It offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific Railroad Company connects with Canadas rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North Americas premier rail franchise.
Union Pacific Corporation was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and maintains its principal executive offices at 1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68179. The telephone number at that address is (402) 544-5000. The common stock of Union Pacific Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol UNP.
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.
Available Information Our Internet website is www.up.com. We make available free of charge on our website (under the Investors caption link) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K; our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; our current reports on Form 8-K; our proxy statements; Forms 3, 4, and 5, filed on behalf of directors and executive officers; and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website previously filed SEC reports and exhibits via a link to EDGAR on the SECs 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 NYSE 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.
We have included the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer certifications regarding our public disclosure required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31(a) and (b) to this report. Additionally, we filed with the NYSE the CEOs certification regarding our compliance with the NYSEs Corporate Governance Listing Standards (Listing Standards) pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of the Listing Standards, which was dated May 9, 2007, and indicated that the CEO was not aware of any violations of the Listing Standards by the Corporation.
References to our website address in this report, including references in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7, 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.
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OPERATIONS
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. Additional information regarding our business and operations, including revenue and financial information and data and other information regarding environmental matters, is presented in Selected Financial Data, Item 6; Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7; and the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8.
Operations UPRR is a Class I railroad operating in the United States. We have 32,205 route miles, linking Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast ports with the Midwest and eastern United States gateways and providing several corridors to key Mexican gateways. We serve the western two-thirds of the country and maintain coordinated schedules with other rail carriers to move freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada, and Mexico. Export and import traffic moves through Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports and across the Mexican and Canadian borders. Our freight traffic consists of bulk, manifest, and premium business. Bulk traffic is primarily coal, grain, rock, or soda ash in unit trains trains transporting a single commodity from one source to one destination. Manifest traffic is individual carload or less than train-load business, including commodities such as lumber, steel, paper, and food. The transportation of finished vehicles and intermodal containers is part of our premium business. In 2007, we generated commodity revenue totaling $15.5 billion from the following six commodity groups: |
Agricultural Transporting agricultural products, including whole grains, commodities produced from these grains, and food and beverage products, provided 17% of our 2007 commodity revenue. With access to most major grain markets, we provide a critical link between the Midwest and western producing areas and export terminals in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Gulf ports, as well as Mexico. Unit trains of grain efficiently shuttle between producers and export terminals or domestic markets. We also serve significant domestic markets, including grain processors, animal feeders, and ethanol producers in the Midwest, West, South, and Rocky Mountain states. Primary food commodities consist of a variety of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and beverages, which are moved to major U.S. population centers for consumption. Express Lane and our Produce Unit Train, our premium perishables services that move fruits and vegetables from the PNW and California with priority service to destinations in the East, compete with the trucking industry. We transport frozen meat and poultry to the West Coast ports for export, while beverages, primarily beer, enter the U.S. from Mexico.
Automotive We are the largest automotive carrier west of the Mississippi River, serving seven vehicle assembly plants and distributing imported vehicles from six West Coast ports and Houston. We off-load finished vehicles at 38 vehicle distribution centers for delivery by truck to all major western U.S. cities. In addition to transporting finished vehicles, we provide expedited handling of automotive parts in both boxcars and intermodal containers to several assembly plants. We carry automotive materials bound for assembly plants in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, and we also transport finished vehicles from manufacturing facilities in Mexico. In 2007, transportation of finished vehicles and automotive materials accounted for 9% of our commodity revenue.
Chemicals Transporting chemicals provided 15% of our commodity revenue in 2007. Our franchise enables us to serve the chemical producing areas along the Gulf Coast, as well as the Rocky Mountain region. Two-
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thirds of the chemicals business consists of liquid and dry chemicals, plastics, and liquid petroleum products. In addition to transporting plastics, customers also leverage our storage-in-transit yards for intermediate storage of plastic resins. Soda ash shipments originate in southwestern Wyoming and California destined primarily for glass producing markets in the East, the West, and abroad. Fertilizer movements originate primarily in the Gulf Coast region, as well as the West and Canada, bound for major agricultural users in the Midwest and the western U.S.
Energy Coal transportation accounted for 20% of our 2007 commodity revenue. Our geographic network allows us to transport coal destined for utilities and industrial facilities in 27 states, as well as to the Gulf and rail/barge/ship facilities on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the Great Lakes. We serve mines located in the Southern Powder River Basin of Wyoming (SPRB), Colorado, Utah, southern Wyoming, and southern Illinois. SPRB coal represents the largest growth segment of the market, as utilities continue to favor its lower cost and low-sulfur content.
Industrial Products Our extensive network enables our industrial products group to move numerous commodities between thousands of origin and destination points throughout North America. Lumber shipments originate primarily in the PNW and Canada for destinations throughout the United States for new home construction and repair and remodeling. Commercial and highway construction drives shipments of steel and construction products, consisting of rock, cement, and roofing materials. Paper and consumer goods, including furniture and appliances, are shipped to major metropolitan areas for consumers. Nonferrous metals and industrial minerals are moved for industrial manufacturing. In addition, we provide efficient and safe transportation for government entities and waste companies. In 2007, transporting industrial products provided 20% of our commodity revenue.
Intermodal Our intermodal business, which represented 19% of our 2007 commodity revenue, includes international, domestic, and premium shipments. International business consists of imported container traffic that arrives at West Coast ports via steamship for destinations throughout the United States. Domestic business includes domestic container and trailer traffic for intermodal marketing companies (primarily shipper agents and consolidators) and truckload carriers. Less-than-truckload and package carriers with time-sensitive business requirements account for the majority of our premium service.
Seasonality Some of the commodities we carry have peak shipping seasons, reflecting either or both the nature of the commodity, such as certain agricultural and food products that have specific growing and harvesting seasons, and the demand cycle for the commodity, such as intermodal traffic, which generally has a peak shipping season during the third quarter to meet holiday-related demand for consumer goods during the fourth quarter. The peak shipping seasons for these commodities can vary considerably from year to year depending upon various factors, including the strength of domestic and international economies and currencies and the strength of harvests and market prices of agricultural products. In response to an annual request delivered by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to all of the Class I railroads operating in the U.S., we issue a letter during the third quarter detailing our plans for handling traffic during the third and fourth quarters and providing other information requested by the STB.
Working Capital We currently have, and historically have had, a working capital deficit, which is common in our industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity or financial stability. We maintain adequate resources to meet our daily cash requirements, and we have sufficient financial capacity to satisfy our current liabilities.
Competition We are subject to competition from other railroads, motor carriers, ship and barge operators, and pipelines. Our main rail competitor is Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation. Its rail subsidiary, BNSF Railway Company (BNSF), operates parallel routes in many of our main traffic corridors. In addition, we operate in corridors served by other railroads and motor carriers. Motor carrier competition is particularly strong for five of our six commodity groups (excluding energy). Because of the proximity of our routes to major inland and Gulf Coast waterways, barge competition can be particularly effective, especially for grain and bulk commodities. In addition to price competition, we face competition with respect to transit times and quality and reliability of service. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and
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barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the costs of these alternative modes of transportation, or legislation releasing motor carriers from their size or weight limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Equipment Suppliers We depend on two key domestic suppliers of locomotives. Due to the capital intensive nature and sophistication of this equipment, potential new suppliers face high barriers to entry with respect to this industry. Therefore, if one of these domestic suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives, we could experience a significant cost increase and risk reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary to our operations.
Employees Approximately 86% of our 50,089 full-time-equivalent employees are represented by 14 major rail unions. In January 2005, the U.S. railroads began the current round of negotiations with the unions. In June 2007, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen, the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths, and the Sheet Metal Workers ratified a five-year agreement that provides for wage increases and increased employee health and welfare cost sharing. The annual wage increases (including retroactive increases) are as follows: July 2005 2.5%; July 2006 3.0%; July 2007 3.0%; July 2008 4.0%; July 2009 4.5%. A second bargaining group consisting of the Transportation Communications International Union, the Brotherhood of Railway Carman, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ratified the same agreement in September of 2007. However, the International Association of Machinists (IAM) failed to ratify this agreement in September. We also settled with the American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association in September. We reached a tentative agreement with the United Transportation Union in January of 2008. Therefore, we remain in negotiations with the IAM and United Supervisors Council of America (Yardmasters). Existing agreements with these two unions continue in effect until new agreements are reached or the Railway Labor Acts procedures (which include mediation, cooling-off periods, and the possibility of Presidential intervention) are exhausted. Contract negotiations with the various unions generally take place over an extended period of time, and we rarely experience work stoppages during negotiations. The current agreements provide for periodic cost of living increases until new agreements are reached.
GOVERNMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
Governmental Regulation Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state, and local regulations, generally applicable to all businesses (see also the discussion of certain regulatory proceedings in Legal Proceedings, Item 3).
The operations of the Railroad are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the STB of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). The operations of the Railroad are also subject to the regulations of the Federal Railroad Administration of the DOT and other federal and state agencies. The STB has jurisdiction over rates charged on certain regulated rail traffic; freight car compensation; transfer, extension, or abandonment of rail lines; and acquisition of control of rail common carriers. On January 26, 2007, the STB issued a decision limiting the manner in which U.S. railroads can calculate fuel surcharges on traffic regulated by the STB, and we have complied with this regulation. The STB also has adopted new mechanisms for regulating some of our rates, adopted a new methodology for calculating the cost of capital for railroads, and expanded its review of line sales and leases. Various appeals may affect these regulations prior to final implementation.
DOT, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security, along with other federal agencies, have jurisdiction over certain aspects of safety, movement of hazardous materials, movement and disposal of hazardous waste, emissions requirements, and equipment standards. Various state and local agencies have jurisdiction over disposal of hazardous waste and seek to regulate movement of hazardous materials in areas not otherwise preempted by federal law.
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Environmental Regulation We are subject to extensive federal and state environmental statutes and regulations pertaining to public health and the environment. The statutes and regulations are administered and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by various state environmental agencies. The primary laws affecting our operations are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, regulating the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes; the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, regulating the cleanup of contaminated properties; the Clean Air Act, regulating air emissions; and the Clean Water Act, regulating waste water discharges.
Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies Environmental, Item 7.
The information set forth in this Item 1A should be read in conjunction with the rest of the information included in this report, including Item 7, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
We Are Subject to Significant Governmental Regulation We are subject to governmental regulation by a significant number of federal, state, and local authorities covering a variety of health, safety, labor, environmental (as discussed below), and other matters. Many laws and regulations require us to obtain and maintain various licenses, permits, and other authorizations, and we cannot guarantee that we will continue to be able to do so. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on us. Governments may change the legislative or regulatory frameworks within which we operate without providing us any recourse to address any adverse effects on our business, including, without limitation, regulatory determinations or rules regarding dispute resolution, business relationships with other railroads, calculation of our cost of capital or other inputs relevant to determining or estimating our revenue adequacy, and costs and expenses. Increased regulation of the rail industry likely would restrict our ability to determine prices for certain rail services, affect our ability to control traffic volume, and reduce capital spending on our rail network, facilities and equipment, resulting in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, one or more consolidations of Class I railroads could lead to increased regulation of the rail industry.
We May Be Affected by General Economic Conditions Prolonged negative changes in domestic and global economic conditions affecting the producers and consumers of the commodities we carry may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We May Be Subject to Various Claims and Lawsuits That Could Result in Significant Expenditures The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation related to labor and employment, personal injury, property damage, environmental liability, and other matters. Any material changes to litigation trends or a catastrophic rail accident or series of accidents involving any or all of property damage, personal injury, and environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Are Required to Transport Hazardous Materials Federal laws require railroads, including us, to transport hazardous materials regardless of risk or potential exposure of loss. Any rail accident or other incident or accident on our network, at our facilities, or at the facilities of our customers involving the release of hazardous materials, including toxic inhalation hazard (or TIH) materials such as certain chlorine compounds, could involve significant costs and claims for personal injury, property damage, and environmental penalties and remediation, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Must Manage Both Significant Demand for Our Services and Network Capacity We may experience network difficulties, including congestion and reduced velocity, which may compromise the level of service we
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provide to our customers. This level of demand may compound the impact of weather and weather-related events on our operations and velocity. Although we continue to improve our transportation plan, add capacity, and improve operations at our yards and other facilities, we cannot be sure that these measures will fully or adequately address any service shortcomings. We may experience other difficulties related to network capacity, dramatic and unplanned increases or decreases of demand for rail service with respect to one or more of our commodity groups, or other events that could have a negative impact on our operational efficiency, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Severe Weather Could Result in Significant Business Interruptions and Expenditures Severe weather conditions, events, and other natural phenomena, including earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, mudslides or landslides, extreme temperatures, and significant precipitation may cause business interruptions, including line outages on our rail network that can adversely affect our entire rail network and result in increased costs, increased liabilities, and decreased revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Strikes or Work Stoppages Could Adversely Affect Our Operations as the Majority of Our Employees Belong to Labor Unions and Labor Agreements We are a party to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Disputes with regard to the terms of these agreements or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions could result in, among other things, strikes, work stoppages, or other slowdowns by the affected workers. If unionized workers were to engage in a strike, work stoppage, or other slowdown, or other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations or higher ongoing labor costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, future national labor agreements, or renegotiation of labor agreements or provisions of labor agreements, could compromise our service reliability and significantly increase our costs for healthcare, wages, and other benefits, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
The Availability of Qualified Personnel Could Adversely Affect Our Operations Changes in demographics, training requirements, and the availability of qualified personnel could negatively affect our ability to meet demand for rail service. Unpredictable increases in demand for rail services and a lack of network fluidity may exacerbate such risks, which could have a negative impact on our operational efficiency and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Rely on Technology and Technology Improvements in Our Business Operations We rely on information technology in all aspects of our business. If we do not have sufficient capital to acquire new technology or if we are unable to implement new technology, we may suffer a competitive disadvantage within the rail industry and with companies providing other modes of transportation service, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, if we experience significant disruption or failure of one or more of our information technology systems, including computer hardware, software, and communications equipment, we could experience a service interruption, safety failure, security breach, or other operational difficulties, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Are Subject to Significant Environmental Laws and Regulations Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air; discharges to waters; handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste and other materials; and hazardous material or petroleum releases. We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our operations, and we did so in our former operations. Environmental liability can extend to previously owned or operated properties, leased properties, and properties owned by third parties, as well as to properties we currently own. Environmental liabilities have arisen and may also arise from claims asserted by adjacent landowners or other third parties in toxic tort litigation. We have been and may be subject to allegations or findings that we have violated, or are strictly liable under, these laws or regulations. We could incur significant costs as a result of any of the foregoing, and we may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate
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and remediate known, unknown, or future environmental contamination, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We May Be Affected by Climate Change and Market or Regulatory Responses to Climate Change Climate change, including the impact of global warming, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gasses, including diesel exhaust, could significantly increase our operating costs. Restrictions on emissions could also affect our customers that (a) use commodities that we carry to produce energy, (b) use significant amounts of energy in producing or delivering the commodities we carry, or (c) manufacture or produce goods that consume significant amounts of energy or burn fossil fuels, including chemical producers, farmers and food producers, and automakers and other manufacturers. Significant cost increases, government regulation, or changes of consumer preferences for goods or services relating to alternative sources of energy or emissions reductions could materially affect the markets for the commodities we carry, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Government incentives encouraging the use of alternative sources of energy could also affect certain of our customers and the markets for certain of the commodities we carry in an unpredictable manner that could alter our traffic patterns, including, for example, the impacts of ethanol incentives on farming and ethanol producers. Finally, we could face increased costs related to defending and resolving legal claims and other litigation related to climate change and the alleged impact of our operations on climate change. Any of these factors, individually or in operation with one or more of the other factors, or other unforeseen impacts of climate change could reduce the amount of traffic we handle and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Rising or Elevated Fuel Costs and Whether We Are Able to Mitigate These Costs with Fuel Surcharges Could Materially and Adversely Affect Our Business Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of our transportation expenses. Diesel fuel prices are subject to dramatic fluctuations, and significant price increases could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Although we currently are able to recover a significant amount of our increased fuel expenses through revenue from fuel surcharges, we cannot be certain that we will always be able to mitigate rising or elevated fuel costs through surcharges. Future market conditions or legislative or regulatory activities could adversely affect our ability to apply fuel surcharges or adequately recover increased fuel costs through fuel surcharges. International, political, and economic circumstances affect fuel prices and supplies. Weather can also affect fuel supplies and limit domestic refining capacity. If a fuel supply shortage were to arise higher fuel prices could, despite our fuel surcharge programs, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Face Competition from Other Railroads and Other Transportation Providers We face competition from other railroads, motor carriers, ships, barges, and pipelines. In addition to price competition, we face competition with respect to transit times and quality and reliability of service. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation, or legislation releasing motor carriers from their size or weight limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, any future consolidation of the rail industry could materially affect the competitive environment in which we operate.
We Are Subject to Legislative, Regulatory, and Legal Developments Involving Taxes Taxes are a significant part of our expenses. We are subject to federal and state income, payroll, property, sales and use, fuel, and other types of taxes. Any or all changes in tax rates, enactment of new tax laws, revisions of tax regulations, and claims or litigation with taxing authorities could result in substantially higher taxes and, therefore, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
We Utilize Capital Markets We rely on the capital markets to provide some of our capital requirements, including the issuance of long-term debt instruments and commercial paper from time to time, as well as the sale of certain of our receivables. Significant instability of the capital markets or deterioration of our financial condition due to internal or external factors could restrict or prohibit our access to commercial paper and
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other financing sources and reduce our credit ratings below investment grade, which would prohibit us from utilizing our sale of receivables program and significantly increase the costs associated with issuing both commercial paper and long-term debt.
We Are Dependent on Two Key Domestic Suppliers of Locomotives Due to the capital intensive nature and sophistication of locomotive equipment, potential new suppliers face high barriers to entry with respect to this industry. Therefore, if one of these domestic suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives, we could experience a significant cost increase and risk reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary to our operations.
We May Be Affected by Acts of Terrorism, War, or Risk of War Our rail lines, facilities, and equipment, including rail cars carrying hazardous materials, could be direct targets or indirect casualties of terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks, or other similar events, any government response thereto, and war or risk of war may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. In addition, insurance premiums for some or all of our current coverages could increase dramatically, or certain coverages may not be available to us in the future.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
We employ a variety of assets in the management and operation of our rail business. Our rail network links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the U.S.
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Track Our rail network includes 32,205 route miles. We own 26,354 miles and operate on the remainder pursuant to trackage rights or leases. The following table describes track miles at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
2007 | 2006 | |||
Route miles |
32,205 | 32,339 | ||
Other main line |
6,404 | 6,295 | ||
Passing lines and turnouts |
3,021 | 2,962 | ||
Switching and classification yard lines |
9,270 | 10,000 | ||
Total |
50,900 | 51,596 |
Harriman Dispatching Center The Harriman Dispatching Center (HDC), located in Omaha, Nebraska, is our primary dispatching facility. It is linked to regional dispatching and locomotive management facilities at various locations along our network. The HDC moves locomotives and trains, manages traffic on our network, and coordinates interchanges with other railroads. Over 700 employees currently work on-site in the facility.
Rail Facilities In addition to our track structure, we operate numerous facilities, including terminals for intermodal and other freight; rail yards for train-building, switching, storage-in-transit (the temporary storage of customer goods in rail cars prior to shipment) and other activities; offices to administer and manage our operations; dispatch centers to direct traffic on our rail network; crew quarters to house train crews along our network; and shops and other facilities for fueling, maintenance, and repair of locomotives and repair and maintenance of rail cars and other equipment. The following tables include the major yards and terminals on our system:
Avg. Daily Car Volume | ||||
Top 10 Classification Yards | 2007 | 2006 | ||
North Platte, Nebraska |
2,700 | 2,900 | ||
North Little Rock, Arkansas |
1,600 | 1,600 | ||
Proviso (Chicago), Illinois |
1,600 | 1,700 | ||
Roseville, California |
1,400 | 1,400 | ||
Englewood (Houston), Texas |
1,300 | 1,400 | ||
West Colton, California |
1,300 | 1,300 | ||
Livonia, Louisiana |
1,300 | 1,400 | ||
Pine Bluff, Arkansas |
1,300 | 1,300 | ||
Fort Worth, Texas |
1,200 | 1,300 | ||
Neff (Kansas City), Missouri |
1,000 | 1,000 |
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Annual Lifts | ||||
Top 10 Intermodal Terminals | 2007 | 2006 | ||
ICTF (Los Angeles), California |
719,000 | 725,000 | ||
Marion (Memphis), Tennessee |
414,000 | 406,000 | ||
East Los Angeles, California |
360,000 | 329,000 | ||
Global II (Chicago), Illinois |
353,000 | 297,000 | ||
Global I (Chicago), Illinois |
310,000 | 321,000 | ||
Dallas, Texas |
292,000 | 284,000 | ||
Seattle, Washington |
250,000 | 238,000 | ||
Yard Center (Chicago), Illinois |
238,000 | 248,000 | ||
Oakland, California |
236,000 | 268,000 | ||
Englewood (Houston), Texas |
214,000 | 206,000 |
Rail Equipment Our equipment includes owned and leased locomotives and rail cars; heavy maintenance equipment and machinery; other equipment and tools in our shops, offices, and facilities; and vehicles for maintenance, transportation of crews, and other activities. As of December 31, 2007, we owned or leased the following units of equipment:
Locomotives | Owned | Leased | Total | Average Age (yrs.) | ||||
Road |
4,330 | 3,704 | 8,034 | 14.8 | ||||
Switching |
488 | 32 | 520 | 30.5 | ||||
Other |
112 | 55 | 167 | 20.6 | ||||
Total locomotives |
4,930 | 3,791 | 8,721 | N/A |
Freight cars | Owned | Leased | Total | Average Age (yrs.) | ||||
Covered hopper |
13,864 | 21,573 | 35,437 | 28.7 | ||||
Open hoppers |
13,431 | 5,216 | 18,647 | 28.6 | ||||
Gondolas |
7,639 | 6,141 | 13,780 | 26.6 | ||||
Boxcars |
8,132 | 4,140 | 12,272 | 27.1 | ||||
Mechanical refrigerated |
3,309 | 5,291 | 8,600 | 22.3 | ||||
Flat cars |
3,687 | 1,149 | 4,836 | 30.2 | ||||
Other |
127 | 585 | 712 | N/A | ||||
Total freight cars |
50,189 | 44,095 | 94,284 | N/A |
Capital Expenditures Our rail network requires significant annual capital investments for maintenance, improvement, and expansion. These investments maintain and enhance safe operations, support the transportation needs of our customers, and improve our operational efficiency. Additionally, we add new locomotives and freight cars to our fleet to replace older, less efficient equipment, to support growth and customer demand, and to reduce our impact on the environment through the acquisition of more fuel efficient and low emission locomotives, including yard engines that use new hybrid technology.
2007 Capital Expenditures During 2007, we made capital investments totaling $3.1 billion, which included cash spending of $2.5 billion (see the capital expenditures table in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Financial Condition, Item 7). We also acquired 259 locomotives and 150 freight cars under long-term operating leases with an aggregate net present value of $434 million. We procured an additional 56 locomotives and other equipment through capital lease financings valued at $82 million.
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Sunset Corridor Expansion One of our critical routes is the Sunset Corridor, a 760-mile route running between Los Angeles and El Paso, Texas. This heavily traveled corridor carries about 20 percent of our traffic, including a significant amount of intermodal traffic. In 2007, we added 33 miles of double track to the corridor, which now includes nearly 410 miles of double track (approximately 54% of the route).
SPRB Joint-Line Expansion An important part of our franchise is our access to the coal-producing SPRB through a joint line, which we own with BNSF (the Joint Line). In addition to the significant annual maintenance required on the Joint Line (due to the volume of trains, the weight of loaded coal cars, and the impact of coal dust on rail beds), a capacity expansion project is underway. During 2007, we completed the installation of additional main line track so the entire Joint Line now has triple track.
2008 Capital Expenditures In 2008, we expect to make capital investments of approximately $3.1 billion (which may be revised if revenue, tax, and business conditions require changing, or new laws or regulations affect our ability to generate sufficient returns on, these investments). See discussion of our 2008 capital plan in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 2008 Outlook, Item 7.
Equipment Encumbrance Equipment with a carrying value of approximately $2.8 billion at both December 31, 2007 and 2006 serves as collateral for capital leases and other types of equipment obligations in accordance with the secured financing arrangements utilized to acquire such railroad equipment.
As a result of the merger of Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MPRR) with and into UPRR on January 1, 1997, and pursuant to the underlying indentures for the MPRR mortgage bonds, UPRR must maintain the same value of assets after the merger in order to comply with the security requirements of the mortgage bonds. As of the merger date, the value of the MPRR assets that secured the mortgage bonds was approximately $6.0 billion. In accordance with the terms of the indentures, this collateral value must be maintained during the entire term of the mortgage bonds irrespective of the outstanding balance of such bonds.
Certain of our properties are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment (see discussion of environmental issues in Business Governmental and Environmental Regulation, Item 1, and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies Environmental, Item 7).
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that occur in connection with our business. Management routinely assesses our liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest available information. Consistent with SEC rules and requirements, we describe below material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business), material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities, other proceedings arising under federal, state, or local environmental laws and regulations (including governmental proceedings involving potential fines, penalties, or other monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000) and such other pending matters that we may determine to be appropriate.
Environmental Matters
As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007, the Railroad received notice from the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) that, during its construction efforts to restore service to the Caliente Subdivision after severe flooding in January 2005, the Railroad may have exceeded its authority under emergency authorizations and permits issued by the Corps. Subsequently, the Corps referred the matter to the EPA, which has demanded that the Railroad repair claimed impacts to the adjacent waterway, perform compensatory mitigation, and pay a civil penalty in connection with this project and related storm water issues. The Railroad and the EPA have discussed the scope of additional work to be performed by the Railroad to address alleged impacts of its construction activities, as well as compensatory
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mitigation and potential penalties. To date, we have not reached an agreement with the EPA, and, therefore, the ultimate amount of the civil penalty cannot be determined. However, the penalty component of the settlement will exceed $100,000.
As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, the Illinois Attorney Generals office filed an Agreed Order and Complaint and a Complaint for Injunctive and Other Relief on October 7, 2004, in the Circuit Court for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit (St. Clair County) against The Alton & Southern Railway Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Railroad, as a result of a collision and derailment on September 21, 2004. The State of Illinois seeks to enjoin The Alton & Southern Railway Company from further violations, as well as a monetary penalty. The Railroad reached a tentative agreement with the State of Illinois that will require the payment of a penalty in the amount of $48,000. The agreement should be executed in the first quarter of 2008.
As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, the EPA considers the Railroad a potentially responsible party for the Omaha Lead Site. The Omaha Lead Site consists of approximately 12,800 acres of residential property in the eastern part of Omaha, Nebraska, allegedly impacted by air emissions from two former lead smelters/refineries. One refinery was operated by ASARCO. The EPA identified the Railroad as a potentially responsible party because more than 60 years ago the Railroad owned land that was leased to ASARCO. The Railroad disputes both the legal and technical basis of the EPAs allegations. It has nonetheless engaged in extensive negotiations with the EPA. These negotiations reached an apparent impasse. The EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order with an effective date of December 16, 2005, directing the Railroad to implement an interim remedy at the site at an estimated cost of $50 million. Failure to comply with the order without just cause could subject the Railroad to penalties of up to $32,500 per day and triple the EPAs costs in performing the work. The Railroad believes it has just cause not to comply with the order, but it offered to perform some of the work specified in the order as a compromise. To date, the EPA has rejected all of the Railroads offers to settle or resolve this matter. The Railroad will vigorously contest liability and the imposition of any penalties.
As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, the Illinois Attorney Generals office filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit (St. Clair County) seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties against the Railroad relating to a collision between UPRR and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NS) trains near Momence, Illinois, on November 24, 2005. The collision derailed approximately five locomotives and 30 railcars. Two of the UPRR locomotives and two of the NS locomotives caught fire, and four of the locomotives released approximately 16,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Other cars carrying food products derailed and released an unknown amount of product. The State of Illinois seeks a permanent injunction against the Railroad ordering UPRR to continue remediation. The State of Illinois seeks to enjoin UPRR from further violations and payment of a monetary penalty. Union Pacific reached a tentative agreement with the State of Illinois that will require payment of $60,000, which includes a penalty payment and the amount of the States response costs. The agreement should be executed in the first quarter of 2008.
As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, the Illinois Attorney Generals office filed a complaint in the Circuit Court for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit (St. Clair County) for injunctive and other relief on November 28, 2005, against the Railroad, alleging a diesel fuel spill from an above-ground storage tank in a rail yard in Dupo, St. Clair County, Illinois. The State of Illinois seeks to enjoin UPRR from further violations and a monetary penalty. The amount of the proposed penalty is uncertain.
As we reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003, the United States Attorney for the Central District of California notified the Railroad that the office intended to pursue criminal charges against the Railroad for alleged violations of federal environmental laws, including the federal Clean Water Act, in connection with releases of oil contaminated wastewater from our Taylor Yard in 2001 and 2003. On July 31, 2006, the United States Attorney filed criminal misdemeanor charges against us for these releases in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and we received the Summons from the Court on August 8, 2006. We will vigorously defend the charges.
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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 United States, including sites on the Superfund National Priorities List or state superfund lists. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs.
Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies Environmental, Item 7.
Other Matters
As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, 20 small rail shippers (many of whom are represented by the same law firms) filed virtually identical antitrust lawsuits in various federal district courts against us and four other Class I railroads in the U.S. The original plaintiff filed the first of these claims in the U.S. District Court in New Jersey on May 14, 2007, and the additional plaintiffs filed claims in district courts in various states, including Florida, Illinois, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. These suits allege that the railroads engaged in price-fixing by establishing common fuel surcharges for certain rail traffic.
We received additional complaints during the third and fourth quarters of 2007, increasing the total number of complaints to 30. A few of these suits involve plaintiffs alleging that they are or were indirect purchasers of rail transportation and seeking to represent the class of indirect purchasers of rail transportation that paid fuel surcharges. These complaints have added allegations under state antitrust and consumer protection laws. All of these copycat lawsuits (whether filed by direct or indirect purchasers of rail transportation) are being filed by various groups of plaintiffs lawyers seeking to become lead counsel in a nationwide class action against the railroads. Each of the plaintiffs requests certification of its complaint as a class-action. On November 6, 2007, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all of the rail fuel surcharge cases be transferred to the U.S. District Court in D.C. for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.
Additionally, the Attorney General of a state outside our service area issued a grand jury subpoena to us requesting documents pertaining to our fuel surcharge program. We met with representatives of this Attorney Generals office, and we plan to have additional meetings in the future in an effort to resolve that offices interest in this matter.
We deny the allegations that our fuel surcharge program violates the antitrust laws or any other laws. We believe that these lawsuits are without merit, and we will vigorously defend our actions. Therefore, we currently believe that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on any of our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant and Principal Executive Officers of Subsidiaries
The Board of Directors typically elects and designates our executive officers on an annual basis at the board meeting held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, and they hold office until their successors are elected. Executive officers also may be elected and designated throughout the year, as the Board of Directors considers appropriate. There are no family relationships among the officers, nor any arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected. The following table sets forth certain information, as of February 15, 2008, relating to the executive officers.
Name |
Position | Age | Business Experience During Past Five Years | |||
James R. Young |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of UPC and the Railroad |
55 | (1) | |||
Robert M. Knight, Jr. |
Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of UPC and the Railroad |
50 | (2) | |||
J. Michael Hemmer |
Senior Vice President Law and General Counsel of UPC and the Railroad |
58 | (3) | |||
Barbara W. Schaefer |
Senior Vice President Human Resources and Secretary of UPC and the Railroad |
54 | (4) | |||
Jeffrey P. Totusek |
Vice President and Controller of UPC and Chief Accounting Officer and Controller of the Railroad |
49 | (5) | |||
Dennis J. Duffy |
Executive Vice President Operations of the Railroad |
57 | Current Position | |||
John J. Koraleski |
Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales of the Railroad |
57 | Current Position |
(1) | Mr. Young was elected Chief Executive Officer and President of UPC and the Railroad effective January 1, 2006. He was elected to the additional position of Chairman effective February 1, 2007. He was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of the Railroad, effective February 1, 2004, and he previously was Executive Vice President Finance of UPC and Chief Financial Officer of the Railroad. |
(2) | Mr. Knight was elected to his current position effective February 1, 2004. He previously was Senior Vice President Finance for UPC and the Railroad. |
(3) | Mr. Hemmer was elected to his current position effective June 1, 2004. Mr. Hemmer previously was Vice President Law of the Railroad. |
(4) | Mrs. Schaefer has held the position of Senior Vice President Human Resources for the past five years. In addition, she was elected Secretary of UPC and the Railroad effective June 1, 2004. |
(5) | Mr. Totusek was elected to his current position effective January 1, 2008. He previously was Assistant Vice President Financial Analysis of the Railroad. |
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Item 5. Market for the Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UNP. The following table presents the dividends declared and the high and low closing prices of our common stock for each of the indicated quarters.
2007 - Dollars Per Share |
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | ||||
Dividends |
$ 0.35 | $ 0.35 | $ 0.35 | $ 0.44 | ||||
Common stock price: |
||||||||
High |
105.84 | 122.79 | 129.36 | 137.56 | ||||
Low |
89.58 | 100.41 | 99.38 | 110.07 | ||||
2006 - Dollars Per Share |
||||||||
Dividends |
$ 0.30 | $ 0.30 | $ 0.30 | $ 0.30 | ||||
Common stock price: |
||||||||
High |
93.73 | 97.49 | 92.96 | 96.16 | ||||
Low |
77.62 | 83.83 | 78.65 | 86.27 |
At January 31, 2008, there were 260,700,527 shares of outstanding common stock and 35,295 common shareholders of record. At that date, the closing price of the common stock on the NYSE was $124.76. We have paid dividends to our common shareholders during each of the past 108 years. We declared dividends totaling $396 million in 2007 and $323 million in 2006. On November 15, 2007, we increased the quarterly dividend to $0.44 per share, payable beginning on January 2, 2008, to shareholders of record on November 29, 2007. We are subject to certain restrictions regarding retained earnings with respect to the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends increased to $11.5 billion at December 31, 2007, from $7.8 billion at December 31, 2006. See discussion of this restriction in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources, Item 7. We do not believe the restriction on retained earnings will affect our ability to pay dividends, and we currently expect to pay dividends in 2008 comparable to 2007.
Comparison Over One- and Three-Year Periods The following table presents the cumulative total shareholder returns, assuming reinvested dividends, over one- and three-year periods for the Corporation, a peer group index (comprised of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, CSX Corporation, and Norfolk Southern Corporation), the Dow Jones Transportation Index (Dow Jones), and the Standard & Poors 500 Stock Index (S&P 500).
Period |
UPC | Peer Group |
|
Dow Jones |
|
S&P 500 |
| |||||
1 Year (2007) |
37.9 | % | 12.6 | % | 1.4 | % | 5.5 | % | ||||
3 Year (2005-2007) |
94.6 | 74.7 | 24.2 | 28.2 |
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Five-Year Performance Comparison The following graph provides an indicator of cumulative total shareholder returns for the Corporation as compared to the peer group index (described above), the Dow Jones, and the S&P 500. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the common stock of Union Pacific Corporation and each index was $100 on December 31, 2002, and that all dividends were reinvested.
December 31 | ||||||||||||
2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | |||||||
UPC |
100 | 118 | 116 | 142 | 164 | 227 | ||||||
S&P 500 |
100 | 129 | 143 | 150 | 173 | 183 | ||||||
Peer Group |
100 | 125 | 180 | 252 | 282 | 318 | ||||||
DJ Trans |
100 | 132 | 168 | 188 | 206 | 209 |
Purchases of Equity Securities During 2007, we repurchased 13,266,070 shares of our common stock at an average price of $115.66. During the first nine months of 2007, we repurchased 10,639,916 shares of our common stock at an average price per share of $112.68. The following table presents common stock repurchases during each month for the fourth quarter of 2007:
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 |
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Program [b] | ||||
Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 |
99,782 | $ 128.78 | - | 9,774,279 | ||||
Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 |
540,294 | 124.70 | 528,000 | 9,246,279 | ||||
Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 |
1,986,078 | 128.53 | 1,869,800 | 7,376,479 | ||||
Total |
2,626,154 | $ 127.75 | 2,397,800 | N/A |
[a] | Total number of shares purchased during the quarter includes 228,354 shares delivered or attested to UPC by employees to pay stock option exercise prices, satisfy excess tax withholding obligations for stock option exercises or vesting of retention units, and pay withholding obligations for vesting of retention shares. |
[b] | On January 30, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 20 million shares of our common stock through December 31, 2009. We may make these repurchases on the open market or through other transactions. Our management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions. |
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table presents as of, and for the years ended, December 31, our selected financial data for each of the last five years. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7, and with the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8. The information below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations.
Millions of Dollars, Except per Share Amounts, Carloads, Employee Statistics, and Ratios |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 [a] | 2004 [b] | 2003 [c] | |||||
For the Year Ended December 31 |
||||||||||
Operating revenue [d] |
$ 16,283 | $ 15,578 | $ 13,578 | $ 12,215 | $ 11,551 | |||||
Operating income |
3,375 | 2,884 | 1,795 | 1,295 | 2,133 | |||||
Income from continuing operations |
1,855 | 1,606 | 1,026 | 604 | 1,056 | |||||
Net income |
1,855 | 1,606 | 1,026 | 604 | 1,585 | |||||
Per share basic: |
||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
6.97 | 5.96 | 3.89 | 2.33 | 4.15 | |||||
Net income |
6.97 | 5.96 | 3.89 | 2.33 | 6.23 | |||||
Per share diluted: |
||||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
6.91 | 5.91 | 3.85 | 2.30 | 4.07 | |||||
Net income |
6.91 | 5.91 | 3.85 | 2.30 | 6.04 | |||||
Dividends declared per share |
1.49 | 1.20 | 1.20 | 1.20 | 0.99 | |||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
3,277 | 2,880 | 2,595 | 2,257 | 2,443 | |||||
At December 31 |
||||||||||
Total assets |
$ 38,033 | $ 36,515 | $ 35,620 | $ 34,596 | $ 33,496 | |||||
Debt due after one year |
7,543 | 6,000 | 6,760 | 7,981 | 7,822 | |||||
Common shareholders equity |
15,585 | 15,312 | 13,707 | 12,655 | 12,354 | |||||
Equity per common share [e] |
59.74 | 56.68 | 51.41 | 48.58 | 47.85 | |||||
Additional Data |
||||||||||
Commodity revenue [d] |
$ 15,516 | $ 14,862 | $ 12,957 | $ 11,692 | $ 11,041 | |||||
Carloads (000) |
9,733 | 9,852 | 9,544 | 9,458 | 9,239 | |||||
Operating margin (%) [f] |
20.7 | 18.5 | 13.2 | 10.6 | 18.5 | |||||
Operating ratio (%) [f] |
79.3 | 81.5 | 86.8 | 89.4 | 81.5 | |||||
Average employees (000) |
50.1 | 50.7 | 49.7 | 48.3 | 46.4 | |||||
Operating revenue per employee (000) |
$ 325.0 | $ 307.2 | $ 273.2 | $ 252.9 | $ 248.9 | |||||
Financial Ratios (%) |
||||||||||
Debt to capital [g] |
33.0 | 30.7 | 35.1 | 39.1 | 39.3 | |||||
Return on average common shareholders equity |
12.0 | 11.1 | 7.8 | 4.8 | 13.8 |
[a] | 2005 net income includes a $118 million tax expense reduction to reflect a reduction in the estimated deferred income tax liability. |
[b] | 2004 operating income and net income includes a $247 million pre-tax ($154 million after-tax) charge for unasserted asbestos-related claims. |
[c] | Net income and total assets include the effects of the disposition of all of our trucking interests in 2003. |
[d] | Includes fuel surcharge revenue of $1,478 million, $1,619 million, $963 million, $292 million, and $93 million for 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively, which partially offsets increased operating expenses for fuel. 2007 fuel surcharge revenue is not comparable to prior periods due to implementation of new mileage-based fuel surcharge programs. See further discussion in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Operating Revenue, Item 7. |
[e] | Equity per common share is calculated as follows: common shareholders equity divided by common shares issued less treasury shares outstanding. |
[f] | Operating margin is defined as operating income divided by operating revenue. Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses divided by operating revenue. |
[g] | Debt to capital is determined as follows: total debt divided by total debt plus equity. |
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Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8, and other information in this report, including Risk Factors set forth in Item 1A and Critical Accounting Policies and Cautionary Information at the end of this Item 7.
The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable operating segment. Although we analyze revenue by commodity group, we analyze the net financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of our rail network.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2007 Results
| Safety We operated a safer railroad in 2007, improving safety for our employees, customers, and the public. The employee injury incident rate per 200,000 man-hours declined to its lowest level. A continued focus on derailment prevention in 2007 resulted in a 14% reduction in incidents, with associated costs declining 13%. In the area of public safety, we closed 482 grade crossings to reduce our exposure incidents, and we installed additional video cameras in our road locomotives. As a result of this installation work, we now have camera-equipped locomotives in the lead position of over 85% of our road trains. These video cameras allow us to better analyze grade crossing incidents, thereby increasing safety for our employees and the public. The number of grade crossing incidents decreased 9% during the year, despite the combination of increasing highway traffic and urban expansion. Also, through extensive trespass reduction programs, we were able to reduce trespasser incidents by 21%. All of these improvements are the result of comprehensive efforts to enhance employee training, increase public education, make capital investments, and take proactive steps to reduce safety risks. |
| Financial Performance In 2007, we generated record operating income of $3.4 billion despite lower volume. Yield increases, network management initiatives, and improved productivity drove the 17% increase in operating income. Our operating ratio was 79.3% for the year, a 2.2 point improvement compared to 2006. Net income of $1.86 billion also exceeded our previous milestone, translating into earnings of $6.91 per diluted share. |
| Commodity Revenue Our commodity revenue grew 4% year-over-year to $15.5 billion, the highest level in our history. We achieved record revenue levels in five of our six commodity groups, driven primarily by better pricing and fuel surcharges. Since 2004, we have repriced approximately 75% of our business. Volume decreased 1% in 2007 due to softening markets for some of our commodities and adverse weather conditions. |
| Network Operations In 2007, we significantly improved the fluidity and efficiency of our transportation network. Continued focus on increasing velocity, eliminating work events, improving asset utilization, and expanding capacity were key drivers of our operational improvement. We reduced average terminal dwell time by 8%, improved car utilization by 7%, and increased average train speed by 2% with ongoing enhancements to our Unified Plan (an ongoing program that streamlines segments of our transportation plan) and implementation of initiatives to make train processing at our terminals more efficient. We completed implementation of Customer Inventory Management System, an operational productivity initiative that complements the Unified Plan by reducing the number of rail cars in our terminals without adding capacity. We also expanded capacity and continued to use industrial engineering techniques to further improve network fluidity, ease capacity constraints, and improve asset utilization. Our customer satisfaction improved during 2007, an indication that efforts to improve network operations translated into better customer service. |
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| Fuel Prices Crude oil prices increased at a steady rate in 2007, rising from a low of $56.58 per barrel in January to close at nearly $96.00 per barrel at the end of December. Our 2007 average fuel price increased by 9% and added $242 million of operating expenses compared to 2006. Our fuel surcharge programs are designed to help offset the impact of higher fuel prices. In addition, our fuel conservation efforts allowed us to improve our consumption rate by 2%. Locomotive simulator training, operating practices, and technology all contributed to this improvement, saving approximately 21 million gallons of fuel in 2007. |
| Free Cash Flow Cash generated by operating activities totaled a record $3.3 billion, yielding free cash flow of $487 million in 2007. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities, 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 United States (GAAP) by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe free cash flow is important 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 of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 3,277 | $ | 2,880 | $ | 2,595 | ||||||
Cash used in investing activities |
(2,426 | ) | (2,042 | ) | (2,047 | ) | ||||||
Dividends paid |
(364 | ) | (322 | ) | (314 | ) | ||||||
Free cash flow |
$ | 487 | $ | 516 | $ | 234 |
2008 Outlook
| Safety Operating a safe railroad benefits our employees, our customers, our shareholders, and the public. We will continue using a multi-faceted approach to safety, utilizing technology, risk assessment, quality control, and training for, and engaging with our employees. We plan to implement Total Safety Culture (TSC) throughout our operations. TSC, an employee-focused initiative that has helped improve safety, is a process designed to establish, maintain, and promote safety among co-workers. With respect to public safety, we will continue our efforts to maintain, upgrade, and close crossings, install video cameras on locomotives, and educate the public about crossing safety through various internal and industry programs, along with other activities. |
| Commodity Revenue Despite uncertainty regarding the U.S. economy, we expect record revenue in 2008 based on current economic indicators, forecasted demand, improved customer service, and additional opportunities to reprice certain of our business. Yield increases and fuel surcharges will be the primary drivers of commodity revenue growth in 2008. We expect that overall volume will fall within a range of 1% higher to 1% lower than 2007, with continued softness in some market sectors. |
| Transportation Plan In 2008, we will continue to evaluate traffic flows and network logistic patterns to identify additional opportunities to simplify operations and improve network efficiency and asset utilization. We plan to maintain adequate manpower and locomotives, improve productivity using industrial engineering techniques, and improve our operating margins. |
| Fuel Prices Fuel prices should remain volatile, with crude oil prices and conversion and regional spreads fluctuating throughout the year. On average, we expect fuel prices to increase 15% to 20% above the average price in 2007. To reduce the impact of fuel price on earnings, we will continue to seek recovery from our customers through our fuel surcharge programs and expand our fuel conservation efforts. |
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| Capital Plan In 2008, we expect to make capital investments of approximately $3.1 billion (which may be revised if revenue, tax, or business conditions require changing, or new laws or regulations affect our ability to generate sufficient returns on, these investments). Major investment categories include $1.6 billion to maintain and improve track infrastructure; $840 million to increase network and terminal capacity; $490 million to upgrade our locomotive and freight car fleet, including the acquisition of 175 high-horsepower locomotives and new covered hoppers; and $170 million primarily to upgrade information technology systems, including the testing of positive train control, and other capital projects. We expect to fund our 2008 cash capital investments through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand at December 31, 2007. Our annual capital plan is a critical component of our long-term strategic plan, which we designed to enhance the long-term value of the Corporation for our shareholders by providing sufficient resources to (i) maintain and improve our existing track infrastructure to provide safe and fluid operations, (ii) increase network efficiency by adding or improving facilities and track, and (iii) make investments that meet customer demand and take advantage of opportunities for long-term growth. |
| Financial Expectations We are cautious about the economic environment; however, we anticipate revenue growth and continued network improvement in 2008, which should produce financial results that exceed 2007. We expect to generate earnings of $7.75 to $8.25 per diluted share and improve our operating ratio and return on invested capital. |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Operating Revenue
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| |||||
Commodity revenue |
$ 15,516 | $ 14,862 | $ 12,957 | 4 | % | 15 | % | |||||
Other revenue |
767 | 716 | 621 | 7 | 15 | |||||||
Total |
$ 16,283 | $ 15,578 | $ 13,578 | 5 | % | 15 | % |
Operating revenue includes commodity revenue and other revenue. The primary drivers of commodity revenue are volume (carloads) and average revenue per car (ARC). ARC varies with changes in price, commodity mix, and fuel surcharges. Other revenue consists primarily of revenue earned by our subsidiaries, revenue from our commuter rail operations, and accessorial revenue, 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 commodity revenue on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. We allocate revenue between reporting periods based on the relative transit time in each reporting period and recognize expenses as we incur them. We recognize other revenue as service is performed or contractual obligations are met. We provide incentives to our customers for meeting or exceeding specified cumulative volumes or shipping to and from specific locations, which we record as a reduction to revenue based on the actual or projected future shipments.
Revenue from five of our six commodity groups increased during 2007, while revenue generated from industrial products shipments declined. ARC increased 6% during 2007 driven by core price improvement. Lower shipments of industrial and agricultural products drove volume down 1% in 2007, more than offsetting an increase in chemical shipments. Our fuel surcharge programs (excluding index-based contract escalators that contain some provision for fuel) generated $1.5 billion in commodity revenue in 2007. Fuel surcharge revenue is not comparable to prior periods due to implementation of new mileage-based fuel surcharge programs for certain traffic. As previously disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the STB issued a decision limiting the manner in which U.S. railroads can calculate fuel surcharges on traffic regulated by the
22
STB. Effective April 26, 2007, we implemented new fuel surcharge programs covering this regulated traffic, which represents approximately 19% of our current revenue base. These new programs use mileage (as opposed to percent of revenue) as the basis for calculating fuel surcharges, and they use the On-Highway Diesel Price index published by the Energy Information Administration for purposes of determining fuel costs. The new programs affect fuel surcharges assessed for certain shipments of agricultural, chemical, and industrial products, and, to a lesser extent, coal. In addition, we reset the effective base fuel price at which our new mileage-based fuel surcharge programs take effect, resulting in a higher starting point of $2.30 per gallon versus $1.35 per gallon.
All six commodity groups produced double-digit revenue growth in 2006, including over 20% growth of revenue from agricultural commodities. Price increases, fuel surcharges, and index-based contract escalators, which are formulas in our shipping contracts that correlate price adjustments to certain economic indices, all contributed to higher ARC. Our fuel surcharge programs (excluding index-based contract escalators that contain some provision for fuel) generated an additional $656 million in commodity revenue compared to 2005, contributing 5% to commodity revenue growth. Volume increased 3% during the year, led by solid growth of intermodal and energy shipments, which were partially offset by lower shipments of industrial products and chemicals. Lower volume in 2005 due to the January West Coast storm, SPRB Joint Line disruptions, Hurricane Rita and the Kansas washouts also contributed to this year-over-year growth.
The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in commodity revenue, revenue carloads, and ARC by commodity type:
Commodity Revenue Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| |||||
Agricultural |
$ 2,597 | $ 2,395 | $ 1,971 | 8 | % | 22 | % | |||||
Automotive |
1,469 | 1,438 | 1,273 | 2 | 13 | |||||||
Chemicals |
2,293 | 2,098 | 1,848 | 9 | 13 | |||||||
Energy |
3,136 | 2,953 | 2,578 | 6 | 15 | |||||||
Industrial Products |
3,110 | 3,168 | 2,814 | (2 | ) | 13 | ||||||
Intermodal |
2,911 | 2,810 | 2,473 | 4 | 14 | |||||||
Total |
$ 15,516 | $ 14,862 | $ 12,957 | 4 | % | 15 | % | |||||
Revenue Carloads Thousands |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| |||||
Agricultural |
902 | 923 | 883 | (2 | )% | 5 | % | |||||
Automotive |
826 | 834 | 797 | (1 | ) | 5 | ||||||
Chemicals |
928 | 896 | 912 | 4 | (2 | ) | ||||||
Energy |
2,299 | 2,296 | 2,178 | - | 5 | |||||||
Industrial Products |
1,325 | 1,446 | 1,503 | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||
Intermodal |
3,453 | 3,457 | 3,271 | - | 6 | |||||||
Total |
9,733 | 9,852 | 9,544 | (1 | )% | 3 | % | |||||
Average Revenue per Car |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| |||||
Agricultural |
$ 2,880 | $ 2,595 | $ 2,233 | 11 | % | 16 | % | |||||
Automotive |
1,779 | 1,724 | 1,598 | 3 | 8 | |||||||
Chemicals |
2,471 | 2,342 | 2,026 | 6 | 16 | |||||||
Energy |
1,364 | 1,286 | 1,184 | 6 | 9 | |||||||
Industrial Products |
2,347 | 2,190 | 1,871 | 7 | 17 | |||||||
Intermodal |
843 | 813 | 756 | 4 | 8 | |||||||
Average |
$ 1,594 | $ 1,509 | $ 1,358 | 6 | % | 11 | % |
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Agricultural Price increases were the primary drivers of agricultural commodity revenue in 2007, partially offset by a decline in volume levels. Shipments of whole grains used in feed declined as barge operators captured more shipments destined for export from the Gulf Coast due to both favorable barge rates and improved navigation conditions on the Mississippi River. Conversely, wheat and food grain shipments improved as a strong wheat crop generated record shipments to the Gulf Coast for export. Shipments of ethanol, a grain product used as an alternative fuel and fuel additive, and its co-products (primarily livestock feed) also increased substantially.
Price increases, volume growth, and fuel surcharges increased agricultural commodity revenue in 2006 versus 2005. Whole grains increased as strong gulf exports and higher freight charges for barge traffic shifted feed grain shipments to rails. Shipments of ethanol |
||
and its co-products (primarily livestock feed) also experienced strong growth, reflecting continued demand in this growing industry. Conversely, wheat shipments declined due to extremely low crop production levels in 2006 primarily due to drought conditions in wheat producing states. Price and fuel surcharge increases improved ARC in 2006. |
Automotive Price increases drove the growth in automotive revenue, partially offset by lower finished vehicle shipments. A decline in vehicle production levels primarily drove the volume decline. Conversely, automotive parts shipments grew due to increased volumes from domestic manufacturers, new business acquired in the middle of 2006, and our new intermodal train service between Mexico and Michigan.
Price increases, volume growth, and fuel surcharges increased automotive commodity revenue in 2006 over 2005. Shipments of finished vehicles grew as higher manufacturer inventories at the end of 2005 translated into record volume growth in 2006. Shipments remained relatively strong through the second quarter due to the production ramp-up of new models at plants served by us. Automotive parts shipments also grew due to conversion of traffic from trucks, new business growth, and production increases at several assembly plants served by us. Fuel surcharges and price increases drove the ARC improvement. |
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Chemicals Price increases and volume growth drove the increase in revenue in 2007 versus 2006. Strong demand for potash exports through Pacific Northwest ports and a robust planting season for corn to supply ethanol producers increased demand for fertilizer shipments in 2007. New business acquired in June 2007 contributed to more shipments of plastics. Soda ash volume increased as export demand grew in the Gulf area and Mexico. Lower production at Canadian locations during the year boosted shipments of liquid and dry chemicals from U.S. sources.
Price increases, fuel surcharges, and index-based contract escalators drove the increase in revenue and ARC in 2006 versus 2005. Fewer fertilizer shipments largely drove the volume decrease. Wet weather conditions in the Midwest led to weak demand during the fall planting season. In addition, softer export markets for potash, a fertilizer product, also led to reduced volumes. Business interruptions |
| |
in the third quarter of 2005, primarily attributable to Hurricane Rita, reduced chemicals shipments leading to favorable volume comparisons in 2006. |
Energy Price increases during 2007 improved both revenue and ARC over 2006 levels. Volume was flat, however, as severe storms in the first quarter and heavy rains in May flooded coal pits in the SPRB, which closed several rail lines and reduced volume levels. Shipments from the Colorado and Utah mines were down 1% due to lower mine production, predominately in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Price increases, fuel
surcharges, and index-based contract escalators primarily drove the increases in revenue and ARC in 2006 over 2005. Volume increases also contributed to revenue growth as coal shipments from the SPRB mines improved 8% during the year. These
increases in 2006 partially reflect lower volume levels in 2005, as SPRB Joint Line disruptions, network disruptions resulting from Hurricane Rita, and the October Kansas washouts hampered coal shipments in 2005. Conversely, shipments from the
Colorado and Utah mines declined 6% in 2006 due to mine shutdowns during |
||
the first quarter of 2006, along with the impact of mining production problems and network maintenance throughout the third quarter of 2006. |
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Industrial Products Volume declines more than offset price increases, driving industrial products revenue lower in 2007 compared to 2006. Continued softening of the housing construction market, surplus inventories, and general market uncertainty resulted in lower lumber shipments. Delays of rail expansion projects, customer production problems, unfavorable weather, and the ongoing impact of a weak residential construction market reduced stone shipments during the year.
Price increases and fuel surcharges improved revenue and ARC in 2006 over 2005. Volume levels declined due to lower lumber, paper, and newsprint shipments, which were partially offset by higher steel shipments. The softening of the housing construction market, lower production levels, and general market uncertainty drove the reduction in lumber shipments. Conversely, strong domestic markets throughout most of the year drove the increase in |
||
construction-related steel material and pipe, particularly those materials used in oil and gas drilling. Hurricane Rita reduced shipment volumes of industrial products in 2005, which favorably affected volume comparisons with 2006. |
Intermodal Price increases improved intermodal revenue in 2007 compared to 2006. Volume was flat versus 2006 as increased domestic traffic due to new service offerings and increased business under some of our older, long-term contracts were offset by a decrease of premium shipments. International traffic was flat in 2007 compared to 2006 due to general softening of imports from Asia.
Record volume growth, fuel surcharges, price increases, and index-based contract escalators combined to improve revenue in 2006 over 2005, in addition to the favorable impact from weaker intermodal revenue during 2005 due to the January West Coast storm. Carloadings grew due to strong imports, primarily from Asia, partially offset by decreased domestic traffic. ARC improved due to price increases, fuel surcharges, and contract escalators. |
||
Mexico Business Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Revenue from Mexico business increased 5% to $1.44 billion in 2007 compared to 2006. Price increases and more shipments of automotive parts and intermodal containers drove revenue growth in 2007. Volume declines in cement, some agricultural products, and newsprint shipments partially offset the increases.
Revenue from Mexico business increased 23% to $1.37 billion in 2006 compared to 2005. Price increases, fuel surcharges, and increased shipments of finished vehicles, automotive parts, import beer, dry feed ingredients, and intermodal drove revenue growth in 2006. Volume declines in coal, newsprint, and sulfur shipments partially offset the increases. |
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Operating Expenses
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| |||||
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits |
$ 4,591 | $ 4,599 | $ 4,375 | - | % | 5 | % | |||||
Fuel and utilities |
3,164 | 3,012 | 2,562 | 5 | 18 | |||||||
Equipment and other rents |
1,423 | 1,455 | 1,402 | (2 | ) | 4 | ||||||
Depreciation |
1,321 | 1,237 | 1,175 | 7 | 5 | |||||||
Materials and supplies |
714 | 691 | 546 | 3 | 27 | |||||||
Casualty costs |
321 | 410 | 411 | (22 | ) | - | ||||||
Purchased services and other costs |
1,374 | 1,290 | 1,312 | 7 | (2 | ) | ||||||
Total |
$ 12,908 | $ 12,694 | $ 11,783 | 2 | % | 8 | % |
Operating expenses increased $214 million in 2007. Higher fuel prices, which rose 9% during the period, increased operating expenses by $242 million. Wage, benefit and materials inflation and higher depreciation expense also increased expenses during the year. Productivity improvements, better resource utilization, and a lower fuel consumption rate helped offset these increases.
Operating expenses increased $911 million in 2006. Higher fuel prices, which rose 16% during the period, accounted for $393 million of the increase. Our fuel surcharge programs helped offset these expenses in the form of higher revenue. Wages, benefits, and materials and supplies inflation; a larger workforce; volume-related expenses; and higher locomotive and freight car maintenance and lease expenses accounted for most of the additional increase in 2006. Settlement of all remaining insurance claims related to the January 2005 West Coast storm, an improved fuel consumption rate, and improved car cycle times (which reduced freight car rental |
||
expense) partially offset the cost increases. Additional clean-up and restoration costs for the January 2005 West Coast storm favorably affects comparison of 2006 operating expenses with those in 2005. | ||
Salaries, Wages, and Employee Benefits Operational improvements and lower volume levels led to a 1% decline in our workforce, saving $79 million in 2007. A smaller workforce and less need for new train personnel reduced training costs during the year, which contributed to the improvement. General wage and benefit inflation mostly offset the reductions, reflecting higher salaries and wages and the impact of higher healthcare and other benefit costs.
General wage and benefit inflation increased expenses in 2006, reflecting higher salaries and wages and the impact of higher healthcare and other benefit costs. A larger workforce, driven by higher volume levels, and stock option expense required by new accounting rules also contributed to higher expenses. Conversely, reduced protection costs and operational improvements, boosted by network management initiatives and investment in capacity, partially offset these increases. Protection costs represent the differential payment when the wage earned for active employment is lower than an employees protected rate of pay. An individuals protected rate is imposed by the STB for employees adversely affected by a merger or is established by collective bargaining agreements with our labor unions in certain cases. Additionally, we incurred higher labor expenses in 2005 for clean-up and restoration of property damaged by the January West Coast storm.
Fuel and Utilities Fuel and utilities include locomotive fuel, utilities other than telephone, and gasoline and other fuels. Higher diesel fuel prices, which averaged $2.24 per gallon (including taxes and transportation |
27
costs) in 2007 compared to $2.06 per gallon in 2006, increased expenses by $242 million. A 2% improvement of our fuel consumption rate resulting from the use of newer, more fuel-efficient locomotives and our fuel conservation programs reduced fuel expense by $43 million, and a 2% decrease of gross ton miles reduced fuel expense by an additional $53 million.
Higher diesel fuel prices, which averaged $2.06 per gallon (including taxes and transportation costs) in 2006 compared to $1.77 per gallon in 2005, increased expenses by $393 million during 2006. A 3% increase in gross ton-miles resulted in $63 million of additional expenses, which was partially offset by a 2% improvement in our fuel consumption rate due to the use of newer, more fuel-efficient locomotives and our fuel conservation programs. As noted above (and described in this Item 7), we offset a significant portion of increased locomotive fuel expenses through revenue from fuel surcharges. Gasoline, utilities, and propane and other fuel expenses increased $20 million in 2006 due to higher prices and increased usage.
Equipment and Other Rents Equipment and other rents includes primarily rental expense we pay for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal, and locomotive leases; other specialty equipment leases; and office and other rentals. Fewer shipments of industrial products, combined with improved car-cycle times, which reflect operational improvement and better asset utilization, reduced our short-term freight car rental expense by $46 million in 2007 compared to 2006. Lower lease expenses for freight cars, intermodal containers, and fleet vehicles and equipment decreased costs by $20 million in 2007. Conversely, higher locomotive lease expense resulted in a $33 million increase in costs during the year.
Lease expense increased in 2006 compared to 2005 as we leased more locomotives and freight cars. Growth in automotive and intermodal shipments also increased our short-term freight car rental expense. Improved car-cycle times driven by network management initiatives partially offset this increase.
Depreciation The majority of depreciation relates to track structure, including rail, ties, and other track material. A higher depreciable asset base, reflecting higher capital spending in recent years, increased depreciation expense in 2007 and 2006.
Materials and Supplies Materials used to maintain our lines, structures, and equipment are the principal components of materials and supplies expense. This expense item also includes small tools, office supplies, other materials, and the costs of freight services to ship supplies and materials. Increased use of higher cost components to repair and maintain our fleet of locomotives (including a growing number of units not covered by warranties) added $32 million to materials and supplies expense during 2007. Conversely, we used fewer parts for freight car repairs due to program maintenance scheduling, which lowered costs by $11 million and partially offset the increase for 2007.
We used more repair materials at higher component costs to repair and maintain freight cars and locomotives in 2006, including a growing number of units not covered by warranties. In addition, we performed more maintenance on locomotives that were maintained internally and not subject to maintenance contracts with third-party contractors compared to 2005.
Casualty Costs Personal injury costs, freight and property damage, insurance, and environmental expense are the primary components of casualty costs. Casualty costs were lower in 2007 compared to 2006 driven primarily by a reduction in personal injury expense. Actuarial studies completed during 2007 resulted in a reduction in personal injury expense of approximately $80 million, which was partially offset by an adverse development with respect to one claim.
Costs were flat in 2006 compared to 2005 as lower bad debt expenses, lower freight damage expenses, and lower expenses for destruction of foreign or leased equipment all offset increased personal injury costs and higher settlement expenses.
Purchased Services and Other Costs Purchased services and other costs include expenses associated with outside contractors, state and local taxes, net costs of operating facilities jointly used with other railroads,
28
transportation and lodging for train crew employees, trucking and contracting costs for intermodal containers, leased automobile maintenance expenses, telephone and cellular expense, employee travel expense, and computer and other general expenses. Higher consulting fees and higher contract expenses (including equipment maintenance) increased costs by $58 million. In addition, crew transportation and lodging costs increased $17 million in 2007 due to higher gas prices and rate inflation. Conversely, lower drayage expense of $13 million, settlement of insurance claims in 2007 related to Hurricane Rita, and higher equity income partially offset these increases. In addition, the year-over-year comparison was affected by the settlement of insurance claims totaling $23 million in 2006 related to the January 2005 West Coast storm and a $9 million gain in 2006 from the sale of two Company-owned airplanes.
Volume-related expenses, including crew transportation and lodging costs, increased in 2006 driven by 3% growth in carloads. Higher state and local taxes (primarily sales and use taxes related to higher diesel fuel prices) also increased expenses in 2006 compared to 2005. Conversely, lower locomotive contract maintenance costs and lower expenses associated with jointly-owned operating facilities reduced expenses in 2006 compared to 2005. Settlement of all remaining insurance claims related to the January 2005 West Coast storm and the gain from the sale of two airplanes also reduced expenses in 2006. Finally, clean-up and restoration costs related to the January West Coast storm increased expenses in 2005.
Non-Operating Items
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| ||||||||
Other income |
$ 116 | $ 118 | $ 145 | (2 | )% | (19 | )% | ||||||||
Interest expense |
(482 | ) | (477 | ) | (504 | ) | 1 | (5 | ) | ||||||
Income taxes |
(1,154 | ) | (919 | ) | (410 | ) | 26 | 124 |
Other Income Lower net gains from non-operating asset sales (primarily real estate) drove the reduction in other income in 2007. Recognition of rental income in 2006 from the settlement of a rent dispute also contributed to the year-over-year decrease in other income. Cash investment returns increased $21 million due to larger cash balances and higher interest rates.
Lower net gains from non-operating asset sales (primarily real estate) and higher expenses due to rising interest rates associated with our sale of receivables program resulted in a reduction in other income in 2006, which was partially offset by higher rental income for the use of our right-of-way (including 2006 settlements of rate disputes from prior years) and cash investment returns due to higher interest rates.
Interest Expense Higher interest expense in 2007 was driven by an increase in the weighted-average debt levels of $7.3 billion, compared to $7.1 billion in 2006. A lower effective interest rate of 6.6% in 2007, compared to 6.7% in 2006, partially offset the effects of the higher debt level.
Lower interest expense in 2006 was due to a decline in the weighted-average debt level from $7.8 billion in 2005 to $7.1 billion in 2006. A higher effective interest rate of 6.7% in 2006, compared to 6.5% in 2005, partially offset the effects of the declining debt level.
Income Taxes Income taxes were $235 million higher in 2007, due primarily to higher pre-tax income and the effect of new tax legislation in the State of Illinois that changed how we determine the amount of our income subject to Illinois tax. The Illinois legislation increased our deferred tax expense by $27 million in 2007. Our effective tax rates were 38.4% and 36.4% in 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Income tax expense was $509 million higher in 2006 than 2005. Higher pre-tax income resulted in additional taxes of $414 million and $118 million of the increase resulted from a reduction of deferred tax expense in 2005. Final settlements of pre-1995 tax years and Internal Revenue Service Examination Reports for 1995
29
through 2002, among other things, resulted in the $118 million reduction in 2005. Our effective tax rate was 36.4% and 28.6% in 2006 and 2005, respectively.
OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS
We report key Railroad performance measures weekly to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), including carloads, average daily inventory of rail cars on our system, average train speed, and average terminal dwell time. We provide this data on our website at www.up.com/investors/reports/index.shtml.
Operating/Performance Statistics
Railroad performance measures reported to the AAR, as well as other performance measures, are included in the table below:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | % Change 2007 v 2006 |
|
% Change 2006 v 2005 |
| ||||||
Avg. train speed (miles per hour) |
21.8 | 21.4 | 21.1 | 2 | % | 1 | % | |||||
Avg. terminal dwell time (hours) |
25.1 | 27.2 | 28.7 | (8 | )% | (5 | )% | |||||
Gross ton-miles (billions) |
1,052.3 | 1,072.5 | 1,043.9 | (2 | )% | 3 | % | |||||
Revenue ton-miles (billions) |
561.8 | 565.2 | 548.8 | (1 | )% | 3 | % | |||||
Operating ratio |
79.3 | 81.5 | 86.8 | 2.2 | pt | 5.3 | pt | |||||
Avg. full-time-equivalent employees |
50,089 | 50,739 | 49,747 | (1 | )% | 2 | % | |||||
Customer satisfaction index |
79 | 72 | 64 | 7 | pt | 8 | pt |
Average Train Speed Average train speed is calculated by dividing train miles by hours operated on our main lines between terminals. Ongoing network management initiatives and capacity expansion contributed to 2% and 1% improvements of average train speed during 2007 and 2006, respectively.
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 is favorable. Average terminal dwell improved 8% and 5% in 2007 and 2006, respectively, as a result of ongoing management initiatives and directed efforts to more timely deliver rail cars to our interchange partners and customers. Average terminal dwell time was also impacted by 1% lower volume levels in 2007 and a 3% increase in volume levels during 2006.
Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of loaded or empty freight cars by the number of miles hauled. Revenue ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of freight by the number of tariff miles. Revenue ton-miles declined 1% in relation to the 1% reduction in carloadings in 2007 compared to 2006. Gross ton-miles decreased 2% in 2007 driven by a mix shift in freight shipments. In 2006, gross and revenue-ton miles grew 3% in relation to the 3% increase in carloadings as volume was balanced between the higher and lower density commodities.
Operating Ratio Operating ratio is defined as our operating expenses as a percentage of revenue. Our operating ratio improved 2.2 points to 79.3% in 2007 as a result of yield increases, network management initiatives, and improved productivity. In 2006, our operating ratio improved 5.3 points to 81.5% as a result of solid demand, yield increases, and improved operational efficiency.
Average Full-Time-Equivalent Employees Lower employee levels in 2007 versus 2006 resulted from fewer train and engine personnel due to improved network productivity and 1% lower volume levels, partially offset by more employees maintaining our larger locomotive fleet. The larger full-time-equivalent number in 2006, included more people to maintain our larger locomotive and freight car fleet, more employees needed for increased track repair and maintenance programs, more operations management personnel (including an expanded management training program), and more train and engine personnel to meet demand levels.
30
Customer Satisfaction Index The customer satisfaction survey asks customers to rate how satisfied they are with our performance over the last 12 months on a variety of attributes. A higher score indicates higher customer satisfaction. The improvement in survey results in 2007 and 2006 generally reflects customer recognition of our improving service.
Return on Average Common Shareholders Equity
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 1,855 | $ | 1,606 | $ | 1,026 | ||||||
Average equity |
$ | 15,448 | $ | 14,510 | $ | 13,181 | ||||||
Return on average common shareholders equity |
12.0 | % | 11.1 | % | 7.8 | % |
Return on Invested Capital as Adjusted (ROIC)
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 1,855 | $ | 1,606 | $ | 1,026 | ||||||
Add: Interest expense |
482 | 477 | 504 | |||||||||
Add: Sale of receivables fees |
35 | 33 | 23 | |||||||||
Add: Interest on present value of operating leases |
292 | 268 | 218 | |||||||||
Less: Taxes on interest and fees |
(310 | ) | (283 | ) | (213 | ) | ||||||
Net operating profit after taxes as adjusted (a) |
$ | 2,354 | $ | 2,101 | $ | 1,558 | ||||||
Average equity |
$ | 15,448 | $ | 14,510 | $ | 13,181 | ||||||
Add: Average debt |
7,232 | 7,098 | 7,774 | |||||||||
Add: Average value of sold receivables |
600 | 600 | 595 | |||||||||
Add: Average present value of operating leases |
3,648 | 3,349 | 2,729 | |||||||||
Average invested capital as adjusted (b) |
$ | 26,928 | $ | 25,557 | $ | 24,279 | ||||||
Return on invested capital as adjusted (a/b) |
8.7 | % | 8.2 | % | 6.4 | % |
ROIC is considered a non-GAAP financial measure by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K. We believe this measure is important in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the Corporations long-term capital investments, and we currently use ROIC as a performance criteria in determining certain elements of equity compensation for our executives. ROIC should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, other information provided in accordance with GAAP. A comparable GAAP measure is Return on Average Common Shareholders Equity. The tables above provide a reconciliation from return on average common shareholders equity to ROIC.
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Debt to Capital / Adjusted Debt to Capital
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Debt (a) |
$ | 7,682 | $ | 6,780 | $ | 7,416 | ||||||
Equity |
15,585 | 15,312 | 13,707 | |||||||||
Capital (b) |
$ | 23,267 | $ | 22,092 | $ | 21,123 | ||||||
Debt to capital (a/b) |
33.0 | % | 30.7 | % | 35.1 | % |
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Debt |
$ | 7,682 | $ | 6,780 | $ | 7,416 | ||||||
Value of sold receivables |
600 | 600 | 600 | |||||||||
Net present value of operating leases |
3,783 | 3,513 | 3,185 | |||||||||
Adjusted debt (a) |
$ | 12,065 | $ | 10,893 | $ | 11,201 | ||||||
Equity |
15,585 | 15,312 | 13,707 | |||||||||
Adjusted capital (b) |
$ | 27,650 | $ | 26,205 | $ | 24,908 | ||||||
Adjusted debt to capital (a/b) |
43.6 | % | 41.6 | % | 45.0 | % |
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. 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 Corporations overall cost of capital. Adjusted debt to capital should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, debt to capital. The tables above provide a reconciliation from debt to capital to adjusted debt to capital. Our December 31, 2007, debt to capital ratios increased as a result of a $902 million increase in debt from December 31, 2006, and purchases of our common stock under our share repurchase program, partially offset by an increase in retained earnings due to higher earnings in 2007.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2007, our principal sources of liquidity included cash, cash equivalents, the sale of certain receivables, an uncommitted line of credit, and our revolving credit facility, as well as the availability of commercial paper and other sources of financing through the capital markets. We had $1.9 billion of committed credit available under our credit facility, with no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2007. We did not make any short-term borrowings under this facility during the year. We also had a $75 million uncommitted line of credit available, which was not used during the year. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the sale of receivables program was $600 million as of December 31, 2007. The sale of receivables program is subject to certain requirements, including maintenance of an investment grade bond rating. If our bond rating were to deteriorate, it could have an adverse impact on our liquidity. Access to commercial paper as well as other capital market financings is dependent on market conditions. Deterioration of our operating results or financial condition due to internal or external factors could negatively impact our ability to utilize commercial paper as a source of liquidity. Liquidity through the capital markets is also dependent on our financial stability.
At December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, we had working capital deficits of approximately $0.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. A working capital deficit is common in our industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity. We maintain adequate resources to meet our daily cash requirements, and we have sufficient financial capacity to satisfy our current liabilities.
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Financial Condition
Cash Flows | |||||||||
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
$ 3,277 | $ 2,880 | $ 2,595 | ||||||
Cash used in investing activities |
(2,426 | ) | (2,042 | ) | (2,047 | ) | |||
Cash used in financing activities |
(800 | ) | (784 | ) | (752 | ) | |||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
$ 51 | $ 54 | $ (204 | ) |
Cash Provided by Operating Activities We generated higher income in 2007, which was the primary driver of the increase of cash provided by operating activities. Pension contributions in 2006 totaling $150 million also contributed to the year-over-year increase. These increases were partially offset by cash payments representing prior period wage increases in accordance with recent union contract ratifications and higher income tax payments.
Higher income in 2006 generated the increased cash provided by operating activities, which was partially offset by higher income tax payments, $150 million in voluntary pension contributions, higher material and supply inventories, and higher management incentive payments.
Cash Used in Investing Activities Higher capital investments and work in process balances drove the increase in cash used in investing in 2007. The third quarter of 2006 included insurance settlement proceeds for property damages resulting from the 2005 West Coast storm.
An insurance settlement for the January 2005 West Coast storm and lower balances for work in process decreased the amount of cash used in investing activities in 2006. Higher capital investments and lower proceeds from asset sales partially offset this decrease.
Cash Used in Financing Activities The increase in cash used in financing activities resulted primarily from the use of $1.4 billion to repurchase common shares, payment of higher dividends, and lower net proceeds from equity compensation plans ($71 million in 2007 compared to $160 million in 2006). These increases were mostly offset by debt issuances of $1.6 billion in 2007 compared to no issuances in 2006. The increase in cash used in financing activities in 2006 resulted primarily from lower net proceeds from equity compensation plans ($160 million in 2006 compared to $262 million in 2005).
The table below details cash capital investments for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Track |
$ | 1,593 | $ | 1,487 | $ | 1,472 | |||
Capacity and commercial facilities |
534 | 510 | 509 | ||||||
Locomotives and freight cars |
263 | 135 | 98 | ||||||
Other |
106 | 110 | 90 | ||||||
Total |
$ | 2,496 | $ | 2,242 | $ | 2,169 |
In 2008, we expect our total capital investments to be approximately $3.1 billion (which may be revised if revenue, tax, or business conditions require changing, or new laws or regulations affect our ability to generate sufficient returns on, these investments). Major investment categories include $1.6 billion to maintain and improve track infrastructure; $840 million to increase network and terminal capacity; $490 million to upgrade our locomotive and freight car fleet, including the acquisition of 175 high-horsepower locomotives and new covered hoppers; and $170 million primarily to upgrade information technology systems, including the testing of positive train control, and other capital projects. We expect to fund our 2008 cash capital investments
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through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand at December 31, 2007. Our annual capital plan is a critical component of our long-term strategic plan, which we designed to enhance the long-term value of the Corporation for our shareholders by providing sufficient resources to (i) maintain and improve our existing track infrastructure to provide safe and fluid operations, (ii) increase network efficiency by adding or improving facilities and track, and (iii) make investments that meet customer demand and take advantage of opportunities for long-term growth.
For each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, our ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 5.1, 4.4, and 2.9, respectively. The increases in 2007 and 2006 were driven by higher net income. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was computed on a consolidated basis. Earnings represent income from continuing operations, less equity earnings net of distributions, plus fixed charges and income taxes. Fixed charges represent interest charges, amortization of debt discount, and the estimated amount representing the interest portion of rental charges. See Exhibit 12 for the calculation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
Financing Activities
Credit Facilities On December 31, 2007, $1.9 billion of credit was available under our revolving credit facility (the facility), which we entered into on April 20, 2007. The facility is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on the facility during 2007. 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 the maintenance of a debt to net worth coverage ratio. At December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with this covenant. 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, which expires in April 2012, replaced two $1 billion, 5-year facilities with terms ending in March 2009 and March 2010. The facility includes terms that are comparable with those of the prior facilities, although the minimum net worth requirement of $7.5 billion in prior facilities was removed, and the facility includes a change-of-control provision.
In addition to our revolving credit facility, a $75 million uncommitted line of credit was available. The line of credit expires in April 2008, and was not used in 2007. We must have equivalent credit available under our five-year facility to draw on this $75 million line.
At December 31, 2007, we reclassified as long-term debt approximately $550 million of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflected our ability and intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis. At December 31, 2006, we did not reclassify any short-term debt as long-term debt as we did not intend to refinance at that time.
Dividends On November 15, 2007, we increased the quarterly dividend to $0.44 per share, payable beginning on January 2, 2008, to shareholders of record on November 29, 2007. We expect to fund the increase in the quarterly dividend through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, and cash on hand at December 31, 2007.
Dividend Restrictions Our revolving credit facility includes a debt-to-net worth covenant that, under certain circumstances, restricts the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $11.5 billion and $7.8 billion at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. This facility replaced two credit facilities that had minimum net worth covenants that were more restrictive with respect to the amount of retained earnings available for dividends at December 31, 2006.
Share Repurchase Program On January 30, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 20 million shares of Union Pacific Corporation common stock through the end of 2009. Managements
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assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. We expect to fund our common stock repurchases through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand at December 31, 2007.
During 2007, we repurchased approximately 13 million shares under this program at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion. These shares were recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.
Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings Our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of up to $3 billion of debt securities pursuant to a new shelf registration statement, which became effective on March 6, 2007, replacing the $500 million of authority remaining under our shelf registration filed in December 2003. Under the 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 issued the following unsecured, fixed-rate debt securities under our current shelf registration:
Date | Description of Securities | |
Issued during 2007: |
||
April 18, 2007 |
$250 million of 5.65% Notes due May 1, 2017 | |
April 18, 2007 |
$250 million of 6.15% Debentures due May 1, 2037 | |
August 24, 2007 |
$500 million of 5.45% Notes due January 31, 2013 | |
October 30, 2007 |
$500 million of 5.75% Notes due November 15, 2017 | |
Issued subsequent to 2007: |
||
February 5, 2008 |
$750 million of 5.70% Notes due August 15, 2018 |
The net proceeds from these offerings are for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program. These debt securities include change-of-control provisions. 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.
Operating Lease Activities
During 2007, the Railroad, as lessee, entered into long-term operating lease arrangements covering 259 locomotives and 150 rail cars, with a total equipment cost of approximately $538 million. In total, these new lease arrangements will provide for minimum rental payments of approximately $831 million, with a present value of approximately $434 million.
The lessors financed the purchase of the locomotives and freight cars, in part, by issuing equipment notes that are non-recourse to the Railroad and are secured by assignments of the underlying leases and security interests in the equipment. The Corporation and the Railroad do not guaranty payment of the equipment notes. The Railroads obligations to make operating lease payments under the leases are recourse obligations and are not recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The Railroad has certain renewal and purchase options with respect to the locomotives and freight cars. If the Railroad does not exercise these options, the equipment will be returned to the lessors at the end of the lease term.
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Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and as referenced in the tables below, we have contractual obligations and commercial commitments that may affect our financial condition. However, based on our assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, including material sources of off-balance sheet and structured finance arrangements, there is no known trend, demand, commitment, event, or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. In addition, our commercial obligations, financings, and commitments are customary transactions that are similar to those of other comparable corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.
The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2007:
Payments Due by December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations Millions of Dollars |
Total | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
After 2012 |
Other | |||||||||||||||
Debt [a] |
$ | 10,747 | $ | 974 | $ | 789 | $ | 701 | $ | 750 | $ | 944 | $ | 6,589 | $ | - | ||||||||
Operating leases |
6,021 | 639 | 600 | 554 | 522 | 417 | 3,289 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations [b] |
1,845 | 181 | 179 | 160 | 165 | 106 | 1,054 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations [c] |
3,927 | 991 | 649 | 279 | 244 | 223 | 1,541 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Other post retirement benefits [d] |
396 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 41 | 194 | - | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax contingencies [e] |
161 | 140 | - | - | - | - | - | 21 | ||||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations |
$ | 23,097 | $ | 2,964 | $ | 2,257 | $ | 1,735 | $ | 1,722 | $ | 1,731 | $ | 12,667 | $ | 21 |
[a] | Excludes capital lease obligations of $1,219 million, unamortized discount of $(104) million, and market value adjustments of $2 million for debt with qualifying hedges that are recorded as liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Includes an interest component of $4,182 million. |
[b] | Represents total obligations, including interest component of $626 million. |
[c] | Purchase obligations include locomotive maintenance contracts; purchase commitments for locomotives, ties, ballast, and track; and agreements to purchase other goods and services. |
[d] | Includes estimated other postretirement, medical, and life insurance payments and payments made under the unfunded pension plan for the next ten years. No amounts are included for funded pension as no contributions are currently required. |
[e] | Future cash flows for income tax contingencies reflect the recorded liability, including interest and penalties, in accordance with FIN 48 as of December 31, 2007. Where we can reasonably estimate the years in which these liabilities may be settled, this is shown in the table. For amounts where we can not reasonably estimate the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column. |
Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other Commercial Commitments Millions of Dollars |
Total | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | |
After 2012 | |||||||||||||
Credit facilities [a] |
$ | 1,975 | $ | 75 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,900 | $ | - | |||||||
Sale of receivables [b] |
600 | 600 | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Guarantees [c] |
465 | 15 | 19 | 46 | 76 | 22 | 287 | ||||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit [d] |
27 | 10 | 17 | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Total commercial commitments |
$ | 3,067 | $ | 700 | $ | 36 | $ | 46 | $ | 76 | $ | 1,922 | $ | 287 |
[a] | The $75 million line of credit requires equivalent credit available under the revolving credit facility. None of the credit facilities were used as of December 31, 2007. |
[b] | $600 million of the sale of receivables program was utilized at December 31, 2007. |
[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 December 31, 2007. |
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Sale of Receivables The Railroad transfers most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, as part of a sale of receivables facility. UPRI sells, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in such accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to sell undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at both December 31, 2007 and 2006. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $600 million at both December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1,071 million and $1,158 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $471 million and $558 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The interest sold to investors is sold at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and there is no gain or loss recognized from the transaction.
The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors could fluctuate based upon the availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, including default and dilution. If default or dilution percentages were to increase one percentage point, the amount of eligible receivables would decrease by $6 million. Should our credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.
The Railroad services the sold receivables; however, the Railroad does not recognize any servicing asset or liability as the servicing fees adequately compensate us for these responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $16.1 billion and $15.5 billion during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.
The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $35 million, $33 million, and $23 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The costs include interest, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability.
The investors have no recourse to the Railroads other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI. In August 2007, the sale of receivables program was renewed for an additional 364-day period without any significant changes in terms.
Guarantees At December 31, 2007, we were contingently liable for $465 million in guarantees. We have recorded a liability of $5 million and $6 million for the fair value of these obligations as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. 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.
OTHER MATTERS
Inflation The cumulative effect of long periods of inflation significantly increases asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies. As a result, assuming that we replace all operating assets at current price levels, depreciation charges (on an inflation-adjusted basis) would be substantially greater than historically reported amounts.
Derivative Financial Instruments 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
37
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.
Market and Credit Risk We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying hedged item. We manage credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we were not required to provide collateral, nor had we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities.
Determination of Fair Value We determine the fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or the present value of expected future cash flows.
Sensitivity Analyses The sensitivity analyses that follow illustrate the economic effect that hypothetical changes in interest rates could have on our results of operations and financial condition. These hypothetical changes do not consider other factors that could impact actual results.
At December 31, 2007, we had variable-rate debt representing approximately 3% of our total debt. If variable interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2008 than our December 31, 2007 variable rate, which was approximately 7%, our interest expense would increase by approximately $3 million. This amount was determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rate on the balances of our variable-rate debt at December 31, 2007.
Market risk for fixed-rate debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical one percentage point decrease in interest rates as of December 31, 2007, and amounts to an increase of approximately $524 million to the fair value of our debt at December 31, 2007. We estimated the fair values of our fixed-rate debt by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on quoted market prices and current borrowing rates.
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges We manage our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by adjusting the proportion of fixed and floating rate debt instruments within our debt portfolio over a given period. We generally manage the mix of fixed and floating rate debt through the issuance of targeted amounts of each as debt matures or as we require incremental borrowings. We employ derivatives, primarily swaps, as one of the tools to obtain the targeted mix. In addition, we also obtain flexibility in managing interest costs and the interest rate mix within our debt portfolio by evaluating the issuance of and managing outstanding callable fixed-rate debt securities.
Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in the debts fair value attributable to the changes in interest rates. We account for swaps as fair value hedges using the short-cut method pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; therefore, we do not record any ineffectiveness within our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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 December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had reductions of $4 million and $5 million, respectively, recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive loss that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.
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Fuel Swaps Two fuel basis swaps cover a total of 151 million gallons of diesel fuel for the period August 2006 through July 2008. These commodity basis swaps require us to make payments to, or receive payments from, the counterparty based on the difference between certain price indices. Changes in the fair value of these swaps are reflected in fuel expense. We reported a derivative asset of approximately $1 million and $2 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which represents the fair value of the swaps. The swaps increased fuel expense for 2007 by $1 million and reduced fuel expense for 2006 by $3 million. The recognition of the swaps in fuel expense included monthly net settlements with the counterparty and the change in fair value.
Accounting Pronouncements In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The provisions of FAS 157 are effective for us beginning in 2008. We expect this new standard will result in increased disclosures but will not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (FAS 159). The fair value option established by FAS 159 permits, but does not require, all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. An entity would report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. FAS 159 is effective for us beginning in 2008. We do not currently intend to elect the fair value option for any eligible items and do not expect this standard to have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations (FAS 141R). FAS 141R will change the accounting for business combinations. Under FAS 141R, an acquiring entity will be required to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a transaction at the acquisition-date fair value with limited exceptions. FAS 141R will also change the accounting treatment and disclosures with respect to certain specific items in a business combination. FAS 141R applies to us prospectively for business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009. Accordingly, any business combinations we engage in will be recorded and disclosed following existing GAAP until January 1, 2009. We expect FAS 141R will have an impact on accounting for business combinations, but the effect will be dependent upon any potential future acquisitions.
In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements An Amendment of ARB No. 51 (FAS 160). FAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. FAS 160 is effective for us beginning in 2009. We are still assessing the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FAS 160 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached on Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 07-1, Collaborative Arrangements (EITF 07-1), which defines collaborative arrangements and establishes reporting and disclosure requirements for transactions between participants in a collaborative arrangement. The requirements of this EITF will be applied to collaborative arrangements in existence on or after January 1, 2009. We are still assessing the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of EITF 07-1 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
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
39
operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities 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.
Climate Change Although climate change could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial performance in the future (see Risk Factors under Item 1A), we are currently unable to predict the manner or severity of such impact. However, we continue to take steps and explore opportunities to reduce the impact of our operations on the environment, including investments in new technologies, using training programs to reduce fuel consumption, and changing our operations to increase fuel efficiency.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimation and judgment that affect the reported amounts of revenue, 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. The following critical accounting policies are a subset of our significant accounting policies described in note 1 to the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8. These critical accounting policies affect significant areas of our financial statements and involve judgment and estimates. If these estimates differ significantly from actual results, the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements may be material.
Asbestos We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which current and former employees and other parties allege exposure to asbestos. During 2004, we engaged a third party with extensive experience in estimating resolution costs for asbestos-related claims to assist us in assessing our potential liability. During 2007, we updated our potential liability to include actual claim experience since 2004. As a result of this reassessment, we decreased our liability by $20 million in 2007 for both asserted and unasserted asbestos-related claims through 2034. This liability excludes future defense and processing costs. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based on the following assumptions:
| The number of future claims received 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. |
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Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows:
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Beginning balance |
$ 302 | $ 311 | $ 324 | ||||||
Accruals/(credits) |
(20 | ) | - | - | |||||
Payments |
(17 | ) | (9 | ) | (13 | ) | |||
Ending balance at December 31 |
$ 265 | $302 | $311 | ||||||
Current portion, ending balance at December 31 |
$ 11 | $13 | $16 |
Approximately 13% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims and approximately 87% related to unasserted claims. These claims are expected to be paid out over the next 27 years. In conjunction with the liability update performed in 2007, we also reassessed estimated insurance recoveries. We have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at December 31, 2007 and 2006. We will continue to review actual experience and adjust our estimate as warranted.
Our asbestos-related claims activity was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Open claims, beginning balance |
2,277 | 2,435 | 2,316 | ||||||
New claims |
269 | 316 | 741 | ||||||
Settled or dismissed claims |
(460 | ) | (474 | ) | (622 | ) | |||
Open claims, ending balance at December 31 |
2,086 | 2,277 | 2,435 |
We believe that our estimates of liability for asbestos-related claims and insurance recoveries are reasonable and probable. The amounts recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and related insurance recoveries were based on currently known facts. However, future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, average settlement costs, and insurance coverage issues could cause the actual costs and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than the projected amounts. Estimates also may vary in the future if: strategies, activities, and outcomes of asbestos litigation materially change; federal and state laws governing asbestos litigation increase or decrease the probability or amount of compensation of claimants; and there are material changes with respect to payments made to claimants by other defendants.
Environmental We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We identified 339 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 41 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 22 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. Our environmental liability activity was as follows:
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Beginning balance |
$ 210 | $ 213 | $ 201 | ||||||
Accruals |
41 | 39 | 45 | ||||||
Payments |
(42 | ) | (42 | ) | (33 | ) | |||
Ending balance at December 31 |
$ 209 | $ 210 | $ 213 | ||||||
Current portion, ending balance at December 31 |
$ 63 | $ 54 | $ 46 |
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Our environmental site activity was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Open sites, beginning balance |
367 | 370 | 384 | ||||||
New sites |
72 | 50 | 56 | ||||||
Closed sites |
(100 | ) | (53 | ) | (70 | ) | |||
Open sites, ending balance at December 31 |
339 | 367 | 370 |
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 we can reasonably estimate such costs. We do not discount our environmental liabilities when the timing of the anticipated cash payments is not fixed or readily determinable.
The 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.
Personal Injury The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in measuring the expense and liability, including unasserted claims. The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. Under FELA, damages are assessed based on a finding of fault through litigation or out-of-court settlements. We offer a comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work.
Our personal injury liability is discounted to present value using applicable U.S. Treasury rates. Approximately 89% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims, and approximately 11% related to unasserted claims. Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation. Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:
Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 631 | $ | 619 | $ | 639 | ||||||
Accruals |
165 | 240 | 247 | |||||||||
Payments |
(203 | ) | (228 | ) | (267 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance at December 31 |
$ | 593 | $ | 631 | $ | 619 | ||||||
Current portion, ending balance at December 31 |
$ | 204 | $ | 233 | $ | 274 |
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Our personal injury claims activity was as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||
Open claims, beginning balance |
4,126 | 4,197 | 4,028 | ||||||
New claims |
4,133 | 4,190 | 4,584 | ||||||
Settled or dismissed claims |
(4,175 | ) | (4,261 | ) | (4,415 | ) | |||
Open claims, ending balance at December 31 |
4,084 | 4,126 | 4,197 |
Depreciation The railroad industry is capital intensive. Properties are carried at cost. Provisions for depreciation are computed principally on the straight-line method based on estimated service lives of depreciable property. The lives are calculated using a separate composite annual percentage rate for each depreciable property group, based on the results of internal depreciation studies. We are required to submit a report on depreciation studies and proposed depreciation rates to the STB for review and approval every three years for equipment property and every six years for road property. The cost (net of salvage) of depreciable railroad property retired or replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized. A gain or loss is recognized in other income for all other property upon disposition because the gain or loss is not part of rail operations. The cost of internally developed software is capitalized and amortized based on estimated service lives of the software.
Significant capital spending in recent years increased the total value of our depreciable assets. Cash capital spending totaled $2.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2007, depreciation expense was $1.3 billion. We use various methods to estimate useful lives for each group of depreciable property. Due to the capital intensive nature of the business and the large base of depreciable assets, variances to those estimates could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. If the estimated useful lives of all depreciable assets were increased by one year, annual depreciation expense would decrease by approximately $47 million. If the estimated useful lives of all assets to be depreciated were decreased by one year, annual depreciation expense would increase by approximately $50 million.
Income Taxes As required under FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax law are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as a change in the corporate tax rate, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. For example, a 1% increase in the federal income tax rate would increase our deferred tax liability by approximately $250 million.
When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on managements judgments regarding the best available evidence about future events. Based on that analysis, there was no valuation allowance at December 31, 2007 or 2006.
When we have claimed tax benefits that may be challenged by a tax authority, these uncertain tax benefits are accounted for under FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). We adopted FIN 48 beginning January 1, 2007. Prior to 2007, income tax contingencies were accounted for under FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies.
Under FIN 48, we recognize tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for unrecognized tax benefits is recorded for any tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement
43
standards. For additional information on the adoption of FIN 48, see note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the liabilities and expenses associated with providing pension and defined contribution medical and life insurance benefits (OPEB) to eligible employees. In order to use actuarial methods to value the liabilities and expenses we must make several assumptions. The critical assumptions used to measure pension obligations and expenses are the discount rate and expected rate of return on pension assets. For OPEB, the critical assumptions are the discount rate and healthcare cost trend rate.
We evaluate our critical assumptions at least annually, and selected assumptions are based on the following factors:
| Discount rate is based on a hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds (rated AA by a recognized rating agency) for which the timing and amount of cash flows matches our plans expected benefit payments. |
| Expected return on plan assets is based on our asset allocation mix and our historical return, taking into consideration current and expected market conditions. |
| Healthcare cost trend rate is based on our historical rates of inflation and expected market conditions. |
The following tables present the key assumptions used to measure pension and OPEB expense for 2007 and the estimated impact on 2007 pension and OPEB expense relative to a change in those assumptions:
Assumptions |
Pension | OPEB | ||||
Discount rate |
6.00 | % | 6.00 | % | ||
Salary increase |
3.00 | % | N/A | |||
Expected return on plan assets |
8.00 | % | N/A | |||
Healthcare cost trend rate: |
||||||
Pre-65 current |
N/A | 9.00 | % | |||
Pre-65 level in 2011 |
N/A | 5.00 | % | |||
Post-65 current |
N/A | 11.00 | % | |||
Post-65 level in 2013 |
N/A | 5.00 | % |
Sensitivities |
Increase in Expense | |||
Millions of Dollars |
Pension | OPEB | ||
0.25% decrease in discount rate |
$ 6 | $ 2 | ||
0.25% increase in salary scale |
$ 2 | N/A | ||
0.25% decrease in expected return on plan assets |
$ 4 | N/A | ||
1% increase in healthcare cost trend rate |
N/A | $ 5 |
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 include, without limitation, statements regarding dividends in Item 5 and statements and information set forth under the caption 2008 Outlook in this Item 7, and any other statements or information in this report (including information incorporated herein by reference) 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,
44
transportation plan modifications, and management of customer traffic on the system to meet demand (including statements set forth in Item 2 regarding expectations related to our capital expenditures); expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth, and earnings; the time by which goals, targets, or objectives will be achieved; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, future economic performance, and general economic conditions; proposed new products and services; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; expectations that claims, litigation, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity and any other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.
Forward-looking statements 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 this report 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.
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 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Information concerning market risk sensitive instruments is set forth under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Other Matters, Item 7.
****************************************
45
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements | Page | |
47 | ||
Consolidated Statements of Income |
48 | |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
49 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
50 | |
51 | ||
52 |
46
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Union Pacific Corporation, its Directors, and Shareholders:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies (the Corporation) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in common shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Table of Contents at Part IV, Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Corporations management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2006 the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Corporations internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 15, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Corporations internal control over financial reporting.
|
Omaha, Nebraska |
February 15, 2008 |
47
Consolidated Statements of Income
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Millions, Except Per Share Amounts, for the Years Ended December 31, |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Operating revenue |
$ 16,283 | $ 15,578 | $ 13,578 | ||||||
Operating expenses: |
|||||||||
Salaries, wages, and employee benefits |
4,591 | 4,599 | 4,375 | ||||||
Fuel and utilities |
3,164 | 3,012 | 2,562 | ||||||
Equipment and other rents |
1,423 | 1,455 | 1,402 | ||||||
Depreciation |
1,321 | 1,237 | 1,175 | ||||||
Materials and supplies |
714 | 691 | 546 | ||||||
Casualty costs |
321 | 410 | 411 | ||||||
Purchased services and other costs |
1,374 | 1,290 | 1,312 | ||||||
Total operating expenses |
12,908 | 12,694 | 11,783 | ||||||
Operating income |
3,375 | 2,884 | 1,795 | ||||||
Other income |
116 | 118 | 145 | ||||||
Interest expense |
(482 | ) | (477 | ) | (504 | ) | |||
Income before income taxes |
3,009 | 2,525 | 1,436 | ||||||
Income taxes |
(1,154 | ) | (919 | ) | (410 | ) | |||
Net income |
$ 1,855 | $ 1,606 | $ 1,026 | ||||||
Share and Per Share (note 9): |
|||||||||
Earnings per share basic |
$ 6.97 | $ 5.96 | $ 3.89 | ||||||
Earnings per share diluted |
$ 6.91 | $ 5.91 | $ 3.85 | ||||||
Weighted average number of shares basic |
265.9 | 269.4 | 263.4 | ||||||
Weighted average number of shares diluted |
268.4 | 272.0 | 266.5 | ||||||
Dividends declared per share |
$ 1.49 | $ 1.20 | $ 1.20 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
48
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Millions of Dollars, as of December 31, | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Assets |
||||||
Current assets: |
||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ 878 | $ 827 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
632 | 679 | ||||
Materials and supplies |
453 | 395 | ||||
Current deferred income taxes |
336 | 319 | ||||
Other current assets |
295 | 191 | ||||
Total current assets |
2,594 | 2,411 | ||||
Investments: |
||||||
Investments in and advances to affiliated companies |
912 | 865 | ||||
Other investments |
11 | 12 | ||||
Total investments |
923 | 877 | ||||
Properties: |
||||||
Road |
37,661 | 35,634 | ||||
Equipment |
7,818 | 7,637 | ||||
Other |
175 | 177 | ||||
Total cost |
45,654 | 43,448 | ||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(11,496 | ) | (10,575 | ) | ||
Net properties |
34,158 | 32,873 | ||||
Other assets |
358 | 354 | ||||
Total assets |
$ 38,033 | $ 36,515 | ||||
Liabilities and Common Shareholders Equity |
||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||
Accounts payable |
$ 732 | $ 684 | ||||
Accrued wages and vacation |
394 | 412 | ||||
Accrued casualty costs |
371 | 409 | ||||
Income and other taxes |
343 | 279 | ||||
Dividends and interest |
284 | 238 | ||||
Debt due within one year |
139 | 780 | ||||
Equipment rents payable |
103 | 108 | ||||
Other current liabilities |
675 | 629 | ||||
Total current liabilities |
3,041 | 3,539 | ||||
Debt due after one year |
7,543 | 6,000 | ||||
Deferred income taxes |
10,050 | 9,696 | ||||
Accrued casualty costs |
799 | 868 | ||||
Retiree benefits obligation |
462 | 504 | ||||
Other long-term liabilities |
553 | 596 | ||||
Commitments and contingencies (note 10) |
||||||
Total liabilities |
22,448 | 21,203 | ||||
Common shareholders equity: |
||||||
Common shares, $2.50 par value, 500,000,000 authorized; 276,162,141 and 275,962,411 |
690 | 690 | ||||
Paid-in-surplus |
3,926 | 3,943 | ||||
Retained earnings |
12,667 | 11,215 | ||||
Treasury stock |
(1,624 | ) | (394 | ) | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(74 | ) | (142 | ) | ||
Total common shareholders equity |
15,585 | 15,312 | ||||
Total liabilities and common shareholders equity |
$ 38,033 | $ 36,515 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
49
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Millions of Dollars, for the Years Ended December 31, |
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Operating Activities |
|||||||||
Net income |
$ 1,855 | $ 1,606 | $ 1,026 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: |
|||||||||
Depreciation |
1,321 | 1,237 | 1,175 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits |
332 | 235 | 320 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation expense |
44 | 35 | 21 | ||||||
Net gain from asset sales |
(52 | ) | (72 | ) | (135 | ) | |||
Other operating activities, net |
(251 | ) | (175 | ) | 37 | ||||
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net |
28 | 14 | 151 | ||||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
3,277 | 2,880 | 2,595 | ||||||
Investing Activities |
|||||||||
Capital investments |
(2,496 | ) | (2,242 | ) | (2,169 | ) | |||
Proceeds from asset sales |
122 | 133 | 185 | ||||||
Acquisition of equipment pending financing |
(621 | ) | (536 | ) | (872 | ) | |||
Proceeds from completed equipment financings |
621 | 536 | 872 | ||||||
Other investing activities |
(52 | ) | 67 | (63 | ) | ||||
Cash used in investing activities |
(2,426 | ) | (2,042 | ) | (2,047 | ) | |||
Financing Activities |
|||||||||
Common share repurchases (note 12) |
(1,375 | ) | - | - | |||||
Dividends paid |
(364 | ) | (322 | ) | (314 | ) | |||
Debt repaid |
(792 | ) | (657 | ) | (699 | ) | |||
Debt issued |
1,581 | - | - | ||||||
Net proceeds from equity compensation plans |
71 | 160 | 262 | ||||||
Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans |
76 | 29 | - | ||||||
Other financing activities |
3 | 6 | (1 | ) | |||||
Cash used in financing activities |
(800 | ) | (784 | ) | (752 | ) | |||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
51 | 54 | (204 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
827 | 773 | 977 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ 878 | $ 827 | $ 773 | ||||||
Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities, Net of Acquisitions |
|||||||||
Accounts receivable, net |
$47 | $68 | $ (201 | ) | |||||
Materials and supplies |
(58 | ) | (64 | ) | (22 | ) | |||
Other current assets |
(104 | ) | (21 | ) | 12 | ||||
Accounts, wages, and vacation payable |
30 | (102 | ) | 224 | |||||
Other current liabilities |
113 | 133 | 138 | ||||||
Total |
$ 28 | $ 14 | $ 151 | ||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information |
|||||||||
Non-cash activity: |
|||||||||
Capital investments accrued but not yet paid |
$ 126 | $ 106 | $ 103 | ||||||
Capital lease financings |
82 | 16 | - | ||||||
Common shares repurchased but not yet paid |
82 | - | - | ||||||
Cash dividends declared but not yet paid |
112 | 80 | 78 | ||||||
Cash paid during the year for: |
|||||||||
Interest, net of amounts capitalized |
$ (467 | ) | $ (492 | ) | $ (510 | ) | |||
Income taxes, net of refunds |
(839 | ) | (549 | ) | (29 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
50
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders Equity
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies
Millions of Dollars Thousands of Shares |
Common Shares |
Treasury Shares |
|
Common Shares |
Paid- in- |
|
Retained Earnings |
|
Treasury Stock |
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (note 13) |
|
Total | |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2005 |
275,695 | (15,175 | ) | $689 | $3,917 | $9,222 | $(936 | ) | $(237 | ) | $12,655 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
- | - | 1,026 | - | - | 1,026 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comp. income |
- | - | - | - | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
Total comp. income (note 13) |
- | - | 1,026 | - | 7 | 1,033 | ||||||||||||||||
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other |
104 | 6,011 | - | (2 | ) | - | 337 | - | 335 | |||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share) |
- | - | - | - | (316 | ) | - | - | (316 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
275,799 | (9,164 | ) | $689 | $3,915 | $9,932 | $(599 | ) | $(230 | ) | $13,707 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
- | - | 1,606 | - | - | 1,606 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comp. income |
- | - | - | - | 167 | 167 | ||||||||||||||||
Total comp. income (note 13) |
- | - | 1,606 | - | 167 | 1,773 | ||||||||||||||||
FAS 158 adoption (note 7) |
- | - | - | - | - | - | (79 | ) | (79 | ) | ||||||||||||
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other |
163 | 3,374 | 1 | 28 | - | 205 | - | 234 | ||||||||||||||
Dividends declared ($1.20 per share) |
- | - | - | - | (323 | ) | - | - | (323 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
275,962 | (5,790 | ) | $690 | $3,943 | $11,215 | $(394 | ) | $(142 | ) | $15,312 | |||||||||||
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48 (note 4) |
- | - | - | - | (7 | ) | - | - | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2007 |
275,962 | (5,790 | ) | $690 | $3,943 | $11,208 | $(394 | ) | $(142 | ) | $15,305 | |||||||||||
Comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
- | - | 1,855 | - | - | 1,855 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comp. income |
- | - | - | - | 68 | 68 | ||||||||||||||||
Total comp. income (note 13) |
- | - | 1,855 | - | 68 | 1,923 | ||||||||||||||||
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other |
200 | 3,122 | - | (17 | ) | - | 227 | - | 210 | |||||||||||||
Share repurchases (note 12) |
- | (12,624 | ) | - | - | - | (1,457 | ) | - | (1,457 | ) | |||||||||||
Dividends declared ($1.49 per share) |
- | - | - | - | (396 | ) | - | - | (396 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
276,162 | (15,292 | ) | $690 | $3,926 | $12,667 | $(1,624 | ) | $(74 | ) | $15,585 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
51
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
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. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Union Pacific Corporation and all of its subsidiaries. Investments in affiliated companies (20% to 50% owned) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. The Corporation evaluates its less than majority-owned investments for consolidation pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (FIN 46(R)). We currently have no less than majority-owned investments that require consolidation under FIN 46(R).
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents consist of investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies are carried at the lower of average cost or market.
Property and Depreciation Properties are carried at cost. Provisions for depreciation are computed principally on the straight-line method based on estimated service lives of depreciable property. The cost (net of salvage) of depreciable rail property retired or replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized. A gain or loss is recognized in other income for all other property upon disposition because the gain or loss is not part of rail operations. The cost of purchased and internally developed software is capitalized and amortized based on estimated service lives of the software.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets We review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangibles, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value as measured by the discounted cash flows.
Revenue Recognition We recognize commodity revenue on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Other revenue is recognized as service is performed or contractual obligations are met. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to operating revenue based on actual or projected future customer shipments.
Translation of Foreign Currency Our portion of the assets and liabilities related to foreign investments are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Unrealized adjustments are reflected within common shareholders equity as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss.
Financial Instruments The carrying value of our non-derivative financial instruments approximates fair value. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the present value of expected future cash flows.
We periodically use derivative financial instruments, for other than trading purposes, to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices and interest rates.
52
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 issue treasury shares to cover option exercises and stock unit vestings, while new shares are issued when retention shares vest.
We adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (FAS 123(R)), on January 1, 2006. FAS 123(R) requires us to measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options. Compensation expense is based on the calculated fair value of the awards as measured at the grant date and is expensed ratably over the service period of the awards (generally the vesting period). The fair value of retention awards is the closing stock price on the date of grant, while the fair value of stock options is determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by FAS 123(R) and did not restate financial results for prior periods. We did not make an adjustment for the cumulative effect of estimated forfeitures, as the impact was not material.
As a result of the adoption of FAS 123(R), we recognized expense for stock options in 2007 and 2006, in addition to retention awards, which were expensed prior to 2006. Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | ||
Stock-based compensation, before tax: |
||||
Stock options |
$ 21 | $ 14 | ||
Retention awards |
23 | 21 | ||
Total stock-based compensation, before tax |
$ 44 | $ 35 | ||
Total stock-based compensation, after tax |
$ 27 | $ 22 |
Prior to the adoption of FAS 123(R), we applied the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation expense related to stock option grants was reflected in net income, as all options granted under those plans had a grant price equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense related to retention shares, stock units, and other incentive plans was reflected in net income.
53
The following table details the effect on net income and earnings per share had compensation expense for all of our stock-based awards, including stock options, been recorded in the year ended December 31, 2005 based on the fair value method under FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
Pro Forma Stock-Based Compensation Expense Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts |
2005 | ||
Net income, as reported |
$ 1,026 | ||
Stock-based employee compensation expense, reported in net income, net of tax |
13 | ||
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair valuebased method for all awards, net of tax [a] |
(50 | ) | |
Pro forma net income |
$ 989 | ||
Earnings per share basic, as reported |
$ 3.89 | ||
Earnings per share basic, pro forma |
$ 3.75 | ||
Earnings per share diluted, as reported |
$ 3.85 | ||
Earnings per share diluted, pro forma |
$ 3.71 |
[a] | Stock options for executives granted in 2003 and 2002 included a reload feature. This reload feature allowed executives to exercise their options using shares of Union Pacific Corporation common stock that they already owned and obtain a new grant of options in the amount of the shares used for exercise plus any shares withheld for tax purposes. The reload feature of these option grants could only be exercised if the price of our common stock increased at least 20% from the price at the time of the reload grant. During the year ended December 31, 2005, reload option grants represented $19 million of the pro forma expense noted above. There were no reload option grants during 2007 and 2006 as stock options exercised after January 1, 2006 are not eligible for the reload feature. |
Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share include shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options and stock-based awards where the conversion of such instruments would be dilutive.
Use of Estimates Our Consolidated Financial Statements include estimates and assumptions regarding certain assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses and the disclosure of certain contingent assets and liabilities. Actual future results may differ from such estimates.
Income Taxes As required under FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, we account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as a change in the corporate tax rate, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on managements judgments regarding the best available evidence about future events.
When we have claimed tax benefits that may be challenged by a tax authority, these uncertain tax positions are accounted for under FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). We adopted FIN 48 beginning January 1, 2007. Prior to 2007, income tax contingencies were accounted for under FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies.
Under FIN 48, we recognize tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for unrecognized tax benefits is
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recorded for any tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement criteria. For additional information on the adoption of FIN 48, see note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits We incur certain employment-related expenses associated with pensions and postretirement health benefits. In order to measure the expense associated with these benefits, we must make various assumptions including discount rates used to value certain liabilities, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses, salary increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, and expected future healthcare costs. The assumptions used by us are based on our historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability associated with these benefits.
Personal Injury The cost of injuries to employees and others on our property is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability. Our personal injury liability is discounted to present value using applicable U.S. Treasury rates. Legal fees and incidental costs are expensed as incurred.
Environmental When environmental issues have been identified with respect to property currently or formerly owned, leased, or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on such 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. Legal fees and incidental costs are expensed as incurred.
Asbestos We estimate a liability for asserted and unasserted asbestos-related claims based on an assessment of the number and value of those claims. We use an external consulting firm to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability. Our liability for asbestos-related claims is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments. Legal fees and incidental costs are expensed as incurred.
2. Operations and Segmentation
We are a Class I railroad that operates in the United States. We have 32,205 route miles, linking Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast ports with the Midwest and eastern United States gateways and providing several corridors to key Mexican gateways. We serve the western two-thirds of the country and maintain coordinated schedules with other rail carriers for the handling of freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada, and Mexico. Export and import traffic is moved through Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports and across the Mexican and Canadian borders.
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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 revenue by commodity group:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||
Agricultural |
$ 2,597 | $ 2,395 | $ 1,971 | |||
Automotive |
1,469 | 1,438 | 1,273 | |||
Chemicals |
2,293 | 2,098 | 1,848 | |||
Energy |
3,136 | 2,953 | 2,578 | |||
Industrial Products |
3,110 | 3,168 | 2,814 | |||
Intermodal |
2,911 | 2,810 | 2,473 | |||
Total commodity revenue |
$ 15,516 | $ 14,862 | $ 12,957 | |||
Other revenue |
767 | 716 | 621 | |||
Total operating revenue |
$ 16,283 | $ 15,578 | $ 13,578 |
3. 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.
Market and Credit Risk We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying hedged item. We manage credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, we were not required to provide collateral, nor had we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities.
Determination of Fair Value We determine the fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or the present value of expected future cash flows.
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges We manage our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by adjusting the proportion of fixed and floating rate debt instruments within our debt portfolio over a given period. We generally manage the mix of fixed and floating rate debt through the issuance of targeted amounts of each as debt matures or as we require incremental borrowings. We employ derivatives, primarily swaps, as one of the tools to obtain the targeted mix. In addition, we also obtain flexibility in managing interest costs and the interest rate mix within our debt portfolio by evaluating the issuance of and managing outstanding callable fixed-rate debt securities.
Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in the debts fair value attributable to the changes in interest rates. We account for swaps as fair value hedges using the short-cut method pursuant to FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; therefore, we do not record any ineffectiveness within our Consolidated Financial Statements.
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The following is a summary of our interest rate derivatives qualifying as fair value hedges:
Millions of Dollars, Except Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Amount of debt hedged |
$ 250 | $ 500 | ||||
Percentage of total debt portfolio |
3 | % | 7 | % | ||
Gross fair value asset/(liability) position |
$ 2 | $ (14 | ) |
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 December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had reductions of $4 million and $5 million, respectively, recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive loss that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through September 30, 2014. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.
Fuel Swaps Two fuel basis swaps cover a total of 151 million gallons of diesel fuel for the period August 2006 through July 2008. These commodity basis swaps require us to make payments to, or receive payments from, the counterparty based on the difference between certain price indices. Changes in the fair value of these swaps are reflected in fuel expense. We reported a derivative asset of approximately $1 million and $2 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which represents the fair value of the swaps. The swaps increased fuel expense for 2007 by $1 million and reduced fuel expense for 2006 by $3 million. The recognition of the swaps in fuel expense included monthly net settlements with the counterparty and the change in fair value.
Earnings Impact Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income for the years ended December 31:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||
(Increase)/decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedging |
$ (8 | ) | $ (8 | ) | $ 5 | |||
(Increase)/decrease in fuel expense from fuel derivatives |
(1 | ) | 3 | - | ||||
Increase/(decrease) in pre-tax income |
$ (9 | ) | $ (5 | ) | $ 5 |
Fair Value of Debt Instruments The fair value of our short- and long-term debt was estimated using quoted market prices, where available, or current borrowing rates. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the fair value of total debt exceeded the carrying value by approximately $96 million and $273 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, approximately $164 million and $165 million, respectively, of fixed-rate debt securities contained call provisions that allowed us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par.
Sale of Receivables The Railroad transfers most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, as part of a sale of receivables facility. UPRI sells, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in such accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to sell undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at both December 31, 2007 and 2006. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $600 million at both December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1,071 million and $1,158 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $471 million and $558 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The interest sold to investors is sold at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and there is no gain or loss recognized from the transaction.
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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 percentages were to increase one percentage point, the amount of eligible receivables would decrease by $6 million. Should our credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.
The Railroad services the sold receivables; however, the Railroad does not recognize any servicing asset or liability as the servicing fees adequately compensate us for these responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $16.1 billion and $15.5 billion during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. UPRI used certain of these proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.
The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $35 million, $33 million, and $23 million for 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The costs include interest, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability.
The investors have no recourse to the Railroads other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI. In August 2007, the sale of receivables program was renewed for an additional 364-day period without any significant changes in terms.
4. Income Taxes
Components of income tax expense/(benefit) were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Current |
$ 822 | $ 684 | $ 90 | ||||||
Deferred |
354 | 235 | 320 | ||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits |
(22 | ) | N/A | N/A | |||||
Total income tax expense |
$ 1,154 | $ 919 | $ 410 | ||||||
For the years ended December 31, reconciliation between statutory and effective tax rates is as follows:
|
| ||||||||
Tax Rate Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Federal statutory tax rate |
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | |||
State statutory rates, net of federal benefits |
2.9 | 2.9 | 2.9 | ||||||
Deferred tax adjustments |
1.0 | (0.5 | ) | (8.2 | ) | ||||
Tax credits |
(0.6 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (1.2 | ) | |||
Other |
0.1 | - | 0.1 | ||||||
Effective tax rate |
38.4 | % | 36.4 | % | 28.6 | % |
As reported in our Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005, the final settlements of income tax examinations for pre-1995 tax years, along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Examination Reports for tax years 1995 through 2002, among other things, were considered in a re-evaluation of our estimated deferred tax assets and liabilities. This resulted in a reduction of deferred tax liabilities and income tax expense of $118 million in the third quarter of 2005.
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Deferred income tax liabilities/(assets) were comprised of the following at December 31:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Net current deferred income tax asset |
$ (336 | ) | $ (319 | ) | ||
Property |
$ 9,467 | $ 9,356 | ||||
State taxes, net of federal benefits |
691 | 617 | ||||
Other |
(108 | ) | (277 | ) | ||
Net long-term deferred income tax liability |
$ 10,050 | $ 9,696 | ||||
Net deferred income tax liability |
$ 9,714 | $ 9,377 |
In June 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48. We adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Under FIN 48, tax benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards.
At adoption, our total liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were $227 million pre-tax, or $173 million after including tax benefits for the deductibility of interest and state taxes. Of this amount, $7 million was recorded as a decrease to beginning retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48. The remaining $166 million had been previously accrued under either FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, or FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The entire $173 million was classified as non-current in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
A reconciliation of changes in pre-tax unrecognized tax benefits liabilities/(assets) from the beginning to the end of the reporting period is as follows:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | ||
Unrecognized Tax Benefits at adoption on January 1, 2007 |
$ 227 | ||
Increases for positions taken in current year |
15 | ||
Increases for positions taken in prior years |
7 | ||
Decreases for positions taken in prior years |
(45 | ) | |
Decreases for positions expected to be taken in future years |
(41 | ) | |
Settlements with taxing authorities |
(1 | ) | |
Increases (decreases) for interest and penalties |
3 | ||
Other increases (decreases) |
(4 | ) | |
Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2007 |
$ 161 |
Included in the $161 million balance at December 31, 2007 and the $227 million balance at adoption were $142 million and $182 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would reduce our effective tax rate. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions for which ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Recognition of these tax benefits would reduce our effective tax rate only through a reduction of accrued interest and penalties.
We recognize interest and penalties as part of income tax expense. Total accrued pre-tax liabilities for interest and penalties were $78 million ($47 million after-tax) at December 31, 2007 and $75 million ($45 million after-tax) at adoption.
For all federal income tax years prior to 1995, the IRS examinations have been completed and the statute of limitations bars any additional assessments by the IRS. We have filed interest refund claims for years 1986
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through 1994, which may be disputed by the IRS. The IRS has completed its examinations and issued notices of deficiency for tax years 1995 through 2004, and we are in different stages of the IRS appeals process for these years. The IRS is examining our tax returns for tax years 2005 and 2006. In the third quarter of 2007, we believe that we reached an agreement in principle with the IRS to resolve all of the issues, except interest, related to tax years 1995 through 1998, including the previously reported dispute over certain donations of property. We anticipate signing a closing agreement in 2008. Once formalized, we anticipate that this agreement will result in an immaterial reduction of income tax expense.
Upon resolution of the federal income tax examinations described above, we will report any changes to our taxable income to state and local taxing authorities in compliance with state and local requirements. Additionally, several state taxing authorities are currently examining our state income tax returns for tax years 2001 through 2005.
In the third quarter of 2007, the State of Illinois enacted new tax legislation that changed how we determine the amount of our income subject to Illinois tax. This legislation caused an increase to our deferred tax expense by $27 million in the third quarter. In addition, because the legislation reduced uncertainty about determining future income subject to Illinois tax, $41 million pre-tax ($26 million after-tax) of deferred taxes are no longer considered part of unrecognized tax benefits. In January of 2008, Illinois enacted technical corrections legislation that made additional changes in how we determine the amount of our income subject to Illinois tax. This technical corrections legislation will result in a reduction of deferred tax expense of approximately $14 million in the first quarter of 2008.
We expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly during the next 12 months. Of the $161 million balance at December 31, 2007, $140 million is classified as current in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, primarily due to the anticipated settlement for tax years 1995 through 1998 described above. It is also reasonably possible that we may resolve the interest claims for 1986 through 1994 described above, which would likely result in an immaterial change to unrecognized tax benefits.
5. Debt
Total debt as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, net of interest rate swaps designated as hedges, is summarized below:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | ||||
Notes and debentures, 3.0% to 7.4% due through 2054 [a] |
$ 5,968 | $ 4,803 | ||||
Capitalized leases, 4.7% to 9.3% due through 2026 |
1,219 | 1,236 | ||||
Medium-term notes, 9.2% to 10.0% due through 2020 |
61 | 362 | ||||
Equipment obligations, 6.2% to 8.1% due through 2031 |
291 | 232 | ||||
Mortgage bonds, 4.8% due through 2030 |
59 | 59 | ||||
Tax-exempt financings, 5.0% to 5.7% due through 2026 |
188 | 191 | ||||
Unamortized discount |
(104 | ) | (103 | ) | ||
Total debt [a] |
$ 7,682 | $ 6,780 | ||||
Less current portion [b] |
(139 | ) | (780 | ) | ||
Total long-term debt |
$ 7,543 | $ 6,000 |
[a] | 2007 included a write-up of $2 million while 2006 included a collective write-down of $14 million due to market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges that are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. |
[b] | 2006 included a write-down of $4 million due to short-term market value adjustments for debt with qualifying hedges that are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. |
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Debt Maturities The following table presents aggregate debt maturities as of December 31, 2007, excluding market value adjustments.
Millions of Dollars | ||
2008 |
$ 689 | |
2009 |
542 | |
2010 |
462 | |
2011 |
550 | |
2012 |
720 | |
Thereafter |
4,717 | |
Total debt |
$ 7,680 |
At December 31, 2007, we reclassified as long-term debt approximately $550 million of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflected our ability and intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis. At December 31, 2006, we did not reclassify any short-term debt as long-term debt as we did not intend to refinance at that time.
Mortgaged Properties Equipment with a carrying value of approximately $2.8 billion at both December 31, 2007 and 2006 serves as collateral for capital leases and other types of equipment obligations in accordance with the secured financing arrangements utilized to acquire such railroad equipment.
As a result of the merger of Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MPRR) with and into UPRR on January 1, 1997, and pursuant to the underlying indentures for the MPRR mortgage bonds, UPRR must maintain the same value of assets after the merger in order to comply with the security requirements of the mortgage bonds. As of the merger date, the value of the MPRR assets that secured the mortgage bonds was approximately $6.0 billion. In accordance with the terms of the indentures, this collateral value must be maintained during the entire term of the mortgage bonds irrespective of the outstanding balance of such bonds.
Credit Facilities On December 31, 2007, $1.9 billion of credit was available under our revolving credit facility (the facility), which we entered into on April 20, 2007. The facility is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on the facility during 2007. 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 the maintenance of a debt to net worth coverage ratio. At December 31, 2007, we were in compliance with this covenant. 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, which expires in April 2012, replaced two $1 billion, 5-year facilities with terms ending in March 2009 and March 2010. The facility includes terms that are comparable with those of the prior facilities, although the minimum net worth requirement of $7.5 billion in prior facilities was removed, and the facility includes a change-of-control provision.
In addition to our revolving credit facility, a $75 million uncommitted line of credit was available. The line of credit expires in April 2008, and was not used in 2007. We must have equivalent credit available under our five-year facility to draw on this $75 million line.
Dividend Restrictions Our revolving credit facility includes a debt-to-net worth covenant that, under certain circumstances, would restrict the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $11.5 billion and $7.8 billion at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. This facility replaced two credit facilities that had minimum net worth covenants that were more restrictive with respect to the amount of retained earnings available for dividends at December 31, 2006.
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Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings Our Board of Directors authorized the issuance of up to $3 billion of debt securities pursuant to a new shelf registration statement, which became effective on March 6, 2007, replacing the $500 million of authority remaining under our shelf registration filed in December 2003. Under the 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 issued the following unsecured, fixed-rate debt securities under our current shelf registration:
Date | Description of Securities | |
Issued during 2007: |
||
April 18, 2007 |
$250 million of 5.65% Notes due May 1, 2017 | |
April 18, 2007 |
$250 million of 6.15% Debentures due May 1, 2037 | |
August 24, 2007 |
$500 million of 5.45% Notes due January 31, 2013 | |
October 30, 2007 |
$500 million of 5.75% Notes due November 15, 2017 | |
Issued subsequent to 2007: |
||
February 5, 2008 |
$750 million of 5.70% Notes due August 15, 2018 |
The net proceeds from these offerings are for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program. These debt securities include change-of-control provisions. 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.
6. Leases
We lease certain locomotives, freight cars, and other property. The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 included $2,062 million, net of $887 million of amortization, and $1,982 million, net of $800 million of amortization, respectively, for properties under capital leases. A charge to income resulting from the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included within depreciation expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Future minimum lease payments for operating and capital leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2007 were as follows:
Millions of Dollars | Operating Leases |
Capital Leases |
| ||
2008 |
$ 639 | $ 181 | |||
2009 |
600 | 179 | |||
2010 |
554 | 160 | |||
2011 |
522 | 165 | |||
2012 |
417 | 106 | |||
Later Years |
3,289 | 1,054 | |||
Total minimum lease payments |
$ 6,021 | $ 1,845 | |||
Amount representing interest |
N/A | (626 | ) | ||
Present value of minimum lease payments |
N/A | $ 1,219 |
Rent expense for operating leases with terms exceeding one month was $810 million in 2007, $798 million in 2006, and $728 million in 2005. When cash rental payments are not made on a straight-line basis, we
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recognize variable rental expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent rentals and sub-rentals are not significant.
7. Retirement Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Plans We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment, with specific reductions made for early retirements.
Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) We provide defined contribution medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. These benefits are funded as medical claims and life insurance premiums are paid.
Funded Status
We adopted FASB Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (FAS 158), at the end of 2006, which required us to separately recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our pension and OPEB plans as an asset or liability. The funded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and the fair value of the plan assets. The PBO is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of assumed future salary increases. The PBO of the OPEB plan is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation, as the present value of the OPEB liabilities is not affected by salary increases. Plan assets are measured at fair value. We use a December 31 measurement date for plan assets and obligations for all our retirement plans.
Changes in our PBO and plan assets are as follows for the years ended December 31:
Funded Status | Pension | OPEB | ||||||||||||||
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||||||
Projected Benefit Obligation |
||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year |
$ | 2,113 | $ | 2,065 | $ | 374 | $ | 476 | ||||||||
Service cost |
34 | 35 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost |
124 | 117 | 20 | 21 | ||||||||||||
Plan amendments |
- | - | (10 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||||||
Actuarial loss (gain) |
(33 | ) | 16 | (34 | ) | (58 | ) | |||||||||
Gross benefits paid |
(126 | ) | (120 | ) | (27 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||
Projected benefit obligation at end of year |
$ | 2,112 | $ | 2,113 | $ | 326 | $ | 374 | ||||||||
Plan Assets |
||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |
$ | 1,989 | $ | 1,707 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Actual return on plan assets |
183 | 243 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Voluntary funded pension plan contributions |
- | 150 | - | - | ||||||||||||
Non-qualified plan benefit contributions |
12 | 9 | 27 | 31 | ||||||||||||
Gross benefits paid |
(126 | ) | (120 | ) | (27 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |
$ | 2,058 | $ | 1,989 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Funded status at end of year |
$ | (54 | ) | $ | (124 | ) | $ | (326 | ) | $ | (374 | ) |
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Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 consist of:
Pension | OPEB | |||||||||||
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | ||||||||
Noncurrent assets |
$ 120 | $ 45 | $ - | $ - | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
(11 | ) | (12 | ) | (27 | ) | (27 | ) | ||||
Noncurrent liabilities |
(163 | ) | (157 | ) | (299 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||
Net amounts recognized at end of year |
$ (54 | ) | $ (124 | ) | $ (326 | ) | $ (374 | ) |
Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) as of December 31, 2007 consist of:
Millions of Dollars | Pension | OPEB | Total | ||||||
Prior service (cost)/credit |
$ (18 | ) | $ 137 | $ 119 | |||||
Net actuarial loss |
(158 | ) | (85 | ) | (243 | ) | |||
Total |
$ (176 | ) | $ 52 | $ (124 | ) |
Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) as of December 31, 2006 consist of:
Millions of Dollars | Pension | OPEB | Total | ||||||
Prior service (cost)/credit |
$ (24) | $ 161 | $ 137 | ||||||
Net actuarial loss |
(249 | ) | (126 | ) | (375 | ) | |||
Total |
$ (273 | ) | $ 35 | $ (238 | ) |
Other pre-tax changes recognized in other comprehensive income during 2007 were as follows:
Millions of Dollars | Pension | OPEB | Total | ||||||
Prior service credit arising during the year |
$ - | $ (10 | ) | $ (10 | ) | ||||
Net actuarial (gain)/loss arising during the year |
(73 | ) | (32 | ) | (105 | ) | |||
Amortization of prior service (cost)/credit |
(6 | ) | 33 | 27 | |||||
Amortization of actuarial gain/(loss) |
(18 | ) | (8 | ) | (26 | ) | |||
Total |
$ (97 | ) | $ (17 | ) | $ (114 | ) |
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be amortized into net periodic cost (benefit) during 2008:
Millions of Dollars | Pension | OPEB | Total | |||||
Prior service cost (credit) |
$ 6 | $ (33 | ) | $ (27 | ) | |||
Net actuarial loss |
5 | 6 | 11 | |||||
Total |
$ 11 | $ (27 | ) | $ (16 | ) |
Underfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no future salary growth. The underfunded accumulated benefit obligation represents the difference between the ABO and the fair value of plan assets. At December 31, 2007, the only pension plan that was underfunded was our non-qualified (supplemental) plan, which is not funded by
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design. The non-qualified (supplemental) plan is funded with cash from operations as benefits are paid to plan participants. Each of our qualified plans was fully funded at December 31, 2007. The PBO, ABO, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of the plan assets were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Underfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation Millions of Dollars |
2007 | 2006 | ||||
Projected benefit obligation |
$ (175 | ) | $ (169 | ) | ||
Accumulated benefit obligation |
$ (172 | ) | $ (168 | ) | ||
Fair value of plan assets |
- | - | ||||
Underfunded accumulated benefit obligation |
$ (172 | ) | $ (168 | ) |
The ABO for all defined benefit pension plans was $2.0 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Assumptions The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
Pension | OPEB | |||||||||||||||||
Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||
Discount rate |
6.50 | % | 6.00 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.50 | % | 6.00 | % | 5.75 | % | ||||||
Salary increase |
3.50 | 3.00 | 2.75 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The following table presents assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine benefit obligations and OPEB expense:
Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year |
9.0 | % | 8.0 | % | 9.0 | % | |||
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is expected to decline and remain |
5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | 5.0 | % | |||
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate |
2011 | 2010 | 2010 |
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.
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The components of our net periodic pension and OPEB cost/(benefit) were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension | OPEB | |||||||||||||||||
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost: |
||||||||||||||||||
Service cost |
$ 34 | $ 35 | $ 28 | $ 3 | $ 4 | $ 4 | ||||||||||||
Interest cost |
124 | 117 | 115 | 20 | 21 | 25 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(144 | ) | (134 | ) | (134 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||
Amortization of: |
||||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost/(credit) |
6 | 7 | 7 | (33 | ) | (33 | ) | (30 | ) | |||||||||
Actuarial loss |
18 | 21 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 14 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost/(benefit) |
$ 38 | $ 46 | $ 21 | $ (2 | ) | $ 5 | $ 13 |
Assumptions The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense were as follows for the years ended December 31:
Pension | OPEB | |||||||||||||||||
Percentages | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||
Discount rate |
6.00 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.00 | % | 6.00 | % | 5.75 | % | 6.00 | % | ||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
8.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Salary increase |
3.00 | 2.75 | 3.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
The discount rate is based on a hypothetical portfolio of high quality corporate bonds with cash flows matching our plans expected benefit payments. The expected return on plan assets is based on our asset allocation mix and our historical return, taking into account current and expected market conditions. The actual return on pension plan assets, net of fees, was approximately 9% in 2007, 14% in 2006, and 7% in 2005. Our historical annualized ten-year rate of return on plan assets is approximately 8%.
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the expense and liabilities reported for healthcare plans. The assumed healthcare cost trend rate is based on historical rates and expected market conditions. A one-percentage point change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects on OPEB:
Millions of Dollars | One % pt. Increase |
One % pt. Decrease |
| ||
Effect on total service and interest cost components |
$ 2 | $ (2 | ) | ||
Effect on accumulated benefit obligation |
25 | (21 | ) |
Cash Contributions
The following table details our cash contributions for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the expected contributions for 2008:
Pension | ||||||
Millions of Dollars | Qualified | Non-qualified | OPEB | |||
2006 |
$ 150 | $ 9 | $ 31 | |||
2007 |
- | 12 | 27 | |||
2008 |
- | 12 | 27 |
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Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. All contributions made to the qualified pension plans in 2006 were voluntary and were made with cash generated from operations. At December 31, 2007, our qualified pension plans were fully funded. No required contributions are expected in 2008.
The OPEB plans are not funded and are not subject to any minimum regulatory funding requirements. Benefit payments for each year represent claims paid for medical and life insurance, and we anticipate our 2008 OPEB payments will be made from cash generated from operations.
Benefit Payments
The following table details expected benefit payments for the years 2008 though 2017:
Millions of Dollars | Pension | OPEB | ||
2008 |
$ 125 | $ 27 | ||
2009 |
128 | 28 | ||
2010 |
131 | 29 | ||
2011 |
137 | 29 | ||
2012 |
142 | 29 | ||
Years 2013 2017 |
795 | 139 |
Asset Allocation Strategy
Our pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and target allocation for 2008, are as follows:
Target Allocation |
|
Percentage of Plan Assets December 31, |
| ||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Equity securities |
60% to 70 | % | 68 | % | 70 | % | |||
Debt securities |
20% to 30 | % | 23 | 26 | |||||
Real estate |
2% to 8 | % | 4 | 2 | |||||
Commodities |
4% to 6 | % | 5 | 2 | |||||
Total |
100 | % | 100 | % |
The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio designed to achieve our target of an average long-term rate of return of 8%. While we believe we can achieve a long-term average rate of return of 8%, we cannot be certain that the portfolio will perform to our expectations. Assets are strategically allocated among equity, debt, and other instruments in order to achieve a diversification level that mitigates wide swings in investment returns. Asset allocation target ranges for equity, debt, and other portfolios are evaluated at least every three years with the assistance of an independent external consulting firm. Actual asset allocations are monitored monthly, and rebalancing actions are executed at least quarterly, if needed.
Plan assets are valued at fair value. Investments in securities traded on national security exchanges are valued at their closing market prices on the valuation date; where no sale was made on the valuation date, the security is valued at its bid price. Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their last sale or bid price. Investments in mortgage-backed securities are carried at estimated fair value based on the characteristics of the underlying mortgages. Certain short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair
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value. Venture capital funds, where no quoted market prices are available, are valued at their estimated fair values as determined by the investment manager. Investments in limited partnerships are valued at estimated fair value based on their proportionate share of the partnerships fair value. The partnerships invest primarily in readily marketable securities.
The majority of the plans assets are invested in equity securities, because equity portfolios have historically provided higher returns than debt and other asset classes over extended time horizons, and are expected to do so in the future. Correspondingly, equity investments also entail greater risks than other investments. The risk of loss in the plans equity portfolio is mitigated by investing in a broad range of equity types. Equity diversification includes large-capitalization and small-capitalization companies, growth-oriented and value-oriented investments, and U.S. and non-U.S. securities.
Equity risks are further balanced by investing a significant portion of the plans assets in high quality debt securities. The average quality rating of the debt portfolio exceeded AA as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. The debt portfolio is also broadly diversified and invested primarily in U.S. Treasury, mortgage, and corporate securities with an intermediate average maturity. The weighted-average maturity of the debt portfolio was 6.4 years at both December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
The investment of pension plan assets in our securities is specifically prohibited for both the equity and debt portfolios, other than through index fund holdings.
Other Retirement Programs
Thrift Plan We provide a defined contribution plan (thrift plan) to eligible non-union employees and make matching contributions to the thrift plan. We match 50 cents for each dollar contributed by employees up to the first six percent of compensation contributed. Our thrift plan contributions were $14 million in 2007, $13 million in 2006, and $12 million in 2005.
Railroad Retirement System All Railroad employees are covered by the Railroad Retirement System (the System). Contributions made to the System are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $616 million in 2007, $615 million in 2006, and $595 million in 2005.
Collective Bargaining Agreements Under collective bargaining agreements, we provide certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible union employees. Premiums under the plans are expensed as incurred and amounted to $40 million in both 2007 and 2006, and $41 million in 2005.
8. Stock Options and Other Stock Plans
We have 600,793 options outstanding under the 1993 Stock Option and Retention Stock Plan of Union Pacific Corporation (1993 Plan). There are 3,570 restricted shares outstanding under the 1992 Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors of Union Pacific Corporation. We no longer grant options or awards of retention shares and units under these plans.
The UP Shares Stock Option Plan of Union Pacific Corporation (UP Shares Plan) was approved by our Board of Directors on April 30, 1998. The UP Shares Plan reserved 12,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. The UP Shares Plan was a broad-based option program that granted options to purchase 200 shares of our common stock at $55.00 per share to eligible active employees on April 30, 1998. All options granted were non-qualified options that became exercisable on May 1, 2001, and remain exercisable until April 30, 2008. If an optionees employment terminates for any reason, the option remains exercisable for a period of one year after the date of termination, but no option is exercisable after April 30, 2008. No further options may be granted under the UP Shares Plan. As of December 31, 2007, there were 432,689 options outstanding under the UP Shares Plan.
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In April 2000, the shareholders approved the Union Pacific Corporation 2000 Directors Plan (Directors Plan) whereby 550,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance to our non-employee directors. Under the Directors Plan, each non-employee director, upon his or her initial election to the Board of Directors, receives a grant of 1,000 shares of retention shares or retention stock units. Additionally, each non-employee director receives annually an option to purchase at fair value a number of shares of our common stock, not to exceed 5,000 shares during any calendar year, determined by dividing 60,000 by 1/3 of the fair market value of one share of our common stock on the date of such Board of Directors meeting, with the resulting quotient rounded up or down to the nearest 50 shares. After December 31, 2007, non-employee directors will not receive these annual options. As of December 31, 2007, 7,000 restricted shares were outstanding under the Directors Plan and 155,500 options were outstanding under the Directors Plan.
The Union Pacific Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (2001 Plan) was approved by the shareholders in April 2001. The 2001 Plan reserved 12,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance to eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in the form of non-qualified options, incentive stock options, retention shares, stock units, and incentive bonus awards. Non-employee directors were not eligible for awards under the 2001 Plan. As of December 31, 2007, 2,963,203 options and 86,250 retention shares and stock units were outstanding under the 2001 Plan. We no longer grant any stock options or other stock or unit awards under this plan.
The Union Pacific Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (2004 Plan) was approved by shareholders in April 2004. The 2004 Plan reserved 21,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance, plus any shares subject to awards made under the 2001 Plan and the 1993 Plan that were outstanding on April 16, 2004, and became available for regrant pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Plan. Under the 2004 Plan, non-qualified options, stock appreciation rights, retention shares, stock units, and incentive bonus awards may be granted to eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Non-employee directors are not eligible for awards under the 2004 Plan. As of December 31, 2007, 3,471,156 options and 1,020,420 retention shares and stock units were outstanding under the 2004 Plan.
Pursuant to the above plans, 19,300,864; 19,544,245; and 20,695,817 shares of our common stock were authorized and available for grant at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Stock Options We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Groups of employees and non-employee directors that have similar historical and expected exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. The table below shows the annual weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:
Weighted-Average Assumptions | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.9 | % | 4.5 | % | 3.8 | % | |||
Dividend yield |
1.4 | % | 1.4 | % | 1.9 | % | |||
Expected life (years) |
4.7 | 6.0 | 4.8 | ||||||
Volatility |
20.9 | % | 25.3 | % | 20.6 | % | |||
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted |
$ 22.38 | $ 24.97 | $ 12.92 |
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.
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A summary of stock option activity during 2007 is presented below:
Shares (thous.) |
|
Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions) | |||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2007 |
10,044 | $ 64.22 | 6.0 yrs. | $ 279 | |||||
Granted |
1,103 | 96.94 | N/A | N/A | |||||
Exercised |
(3,542 | ) | 58.61 | N/A | N/A | ||||
Forfeited or expired |
(42 | ) | 79.18 | N/A | N/A | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
7,563 | $ 71.53 | 6.0 yrs. | $ 409 | |||||
Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2007 |
7,501 | $ 71.36 | 6.0 yrs. | $ 407 | |||||
Options exercisable at December 31, 2007 |
5,487 | $ 63.88 | 5.0 yrs. | $ 339 |
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 December 31, 2007 are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.
At December 31, 2007, there was $26 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:
Millions of Dollars | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised |
$ 208 | $ 124 | $ 142 | |||
Cash received from option exercises |
132 | 177 | 296 | |||
Tax benefit realized from option exercises |
78 | 44 | 55 | |||
Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested [a] |
11 | 26 | 62 |
[a] | Stock options for executives granted in 2003 and 2002 included a reload feature. This reload feature allowed executives to exercise their options using shares of Union Pacific Corporation common stock that they already owned and obtain a new grant of options with immediate vesting in the amount of the shares used for exercise plus any shares withheld for tax purposes. The reload feature of these option grants could only be exercised if the price of our common stock increased at least 20% from the price at the time of the reload grant. During the year ended December 31, 2005, reload option grants represented $31 million of the aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested. There were no reload option grants during 2007 and 2006 as stock options exercised after January 1, 2006 are not eligible for the reload feature. |
Retention Awards The fair value of retention awards is based on the closing price of the stock at the grant date. Dividend equivalents are paid to participants during the vesting periods.
Changes in our retention awards during 2007 were as follows:
Shares (thous.) |
|
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||
Nonvested at January 1, 2007 |
778 | $ 71.72 | |||
Granted |
306 | 97.01 | |||
Vested |
(253 | ) | 61.66 | ||
Forfeited |
(19 | ) | 81.80 | ||
Nonvested at December 31, 2007 |
812 | $ 84.09 |
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Retention awards are granted at no cost to the employee or non-employee director and vest over periods lasting up to four years. At December 31, 2007, there was $38 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
Performance Retention Awards In January 2007, our Board of Directors approved performance stock unit grants. Other than raising the performance targets, the basic terms of these performance stock units are identical to those granted in January 2006, including annual return on invested capital (ROIC) as the performance measure. Stock units awarded to selected employees under these grants are subject to continued employment for 37 months and the attainment of certain le