false--12-31Q320200000100885YesYes00001008852007-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2020-10-012020-10-210000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2020-02-192020-06-300000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2020-01-012020-03-310000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2019-02-262019-03-310000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2019-01-012019-03-310000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2020-01-012020-09-3000001008852020-01-012020-03-3100001008852019-04-012019-06-300000100885unp:AcceleratedShareRepurchaseAgreementMember2019-01-012019-09-3000001008852019-01-012019-03-3100001008852019-04-010000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:StockOptionMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885us-gaap:StockOptionMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:StockOptionMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885unp:RetentionAwardsMember2019-12-310000100885unp:PerformanceRetentionAwardsMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:CargoAndFreightMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885unp:PremiumMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885unp:IndustrialMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885unp:BulkMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885country:MX2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:CargoAndFreightMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:PremiumMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:IndustrialMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:BulkMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885country:MX2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:CargoAndFreightMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885unp:PremiumMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885unp:IndustrialMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885unp:BulkMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885country:MX2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:CargoAndFreightMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885unp:PremiumMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885unp:IndustrialMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885unp:BulkMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885country:MX2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherCurrentAssetsMember2019-09-300000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:TechnologyEquipmentMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:RoadTiesMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:RoadrailAndOtherTrackMaterialMemberMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:RoadOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:RoadBallastMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentWorkEquipmentAndOtherMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentLocomotivesMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentFreightCarsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TechnologyEquipmentMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:RoadTiesMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:RoadrailAndOtherTrackMaterialMemberMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:RoadOtherMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:RoadBallastMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentWorkEquipmentAndOtherMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentLocomotivesMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentFreightCarsMember2019-01-012019-12-310000100885us-gaap:LandMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:LandMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885srt:MinimumMemberunp:PersonalInjuryMember2020-09-300000100885srt:MaximumMemberunp:PersonalInjuryMember2020-09-300000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2019-12-310000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2019-09-300000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2018-12-3100001008852020-05-112020-09-300000100885srt:MinimumMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:BankTimeDepositsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:GuaranteeObligationsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:GuaranteeObligationsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:GuaranteeObligationsMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RetentionAwardsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:StockOptionMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RetentionAwardsMember2020-09-300000100885unp:PerformanceRetentionAwardsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-07-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2019-07-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-01-012019-09-300000100885unp:DebtRedemptionMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20703750PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20503250PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20503250PercentApril2020Memberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20302400PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20272150PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:DebtRedemptionMember2020-09-300000100885unp:NotesDue20503250PercentApril2020Memberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-04-070000100885unp:NotesDue20703750PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-310000100885unp:NotesDue20503250PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-310000100885unp:NotesDue20302400PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-310000100885unp:NotesDue20272150PercentMemberus-gaap:UnsecuredDebtMember2020-01-310000100885srt:MinimumMember2020-01-012020-09-150000100885srt:MaximumMember2020-01-012020-09-1500001008852020-01-012020-09-1500001008852020-09-162020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:TreasuryStockMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:CommonStockMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-06-3000001008852020-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-09-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2019-06-3000001008852019-06-300000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember2018-12-310000100885us-gaap:TechnologyEquipmentMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:EquipmentMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RoadTiesMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RoadrailAndOtherTrackMaterialMemberMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RoadOtherMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RoadMember2020-09-300000100885unp:RoadBallastMember2020-09-300000100885unp:FinanceLeaseAssetsMember2020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentWorkEquipmentAndOtherMember2020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentLocomotivesMember2020-09-300000100885unp:EquipmentFreightCarsMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:TechnologyEquipmentMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:EquipmentMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RoadTiesMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RoadrailAndOtherTrackMaterialMemberMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RoadOtherMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RoadMember2019-12-310000100885unp:RoadBallastMember2019-12-310000100885unp:FinanceLeaseAssetsMember2019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentWorkEquipmentAndOtherMember2019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentLocomotivesMember2019-12-310000100885unp:EquipmentFreightCarsMember2019-12-3100001008852018-12-310000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2020-09-300000100885unp:TtxCompanyMember2019-12-310000100885us-gaap:StockOptionMember2020-01-012020-09-3000001008852019-09-300000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2020-09-300000100885unp:PerformanceRetentionAwardsMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2020-01-012020-09-300000100885unp:PersonalInjuryMember2019-01-012019-09-3000001008852019-06-302019-06-300000100885us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2020-09-300000100885us-gaap:LineOfCreditMember2020-01-012020-09-3000001008852020-09-3000001008852019-12-3100001008852020-07-012020-09-3000001008852019-07-012019-09-3000001008852019-01-012019-09-3000001008852020-10-1600001008852020-01-012020-09-30unp:itemiso4217:USDxbrli:sharesxbrli:pureiso4217:USDxbrli:shares

a

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

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

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, Nebraska

(Address of principal executive offices)

68179

(Zip Code)

(402) 544-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each Class

Trading Symbol

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock (Par Value $2.50 per share)

UNP

New York Stock Exchange

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.

x Yes     ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

x Yes     ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer 

þ

Accelerated Filer 

¨

Non-Accelerated Filer

¨

Smaller Reporting Company 

¨

Emerging Growth Company

¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

¨ Yes     x No

As of October 16, 2020, there were 673,868,865 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)

At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019

5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

7

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

8

Item 2.

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

24

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

38

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

38

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,

for the Three Months Ended September 30,

2020

2019 

Operating revenues:

Freight revenues

$

4,596 

$

5,146 

Other revenues

323 

370 

Total operating revenues

4,919 

5,516 

Operating expenses:

Compensation and benefits

1,008 

1,134 

Depreciation

555 

557 

Purchased services and materials

508 

574 

Fuel

301 

504 

Equipment and other rents

217 

236 

Other

299 

277 

Total operating expenses

2,888 

3,282 

Operating income

2,031 

2,234 

Other income (Note 6)

37 

53 

Interest expense

(295)

(266)

Income before income taxes

1,773 

2,021 

Income taxes

(410)

(466)

Net income

$

1,363 

$

1,555 

Share and Per Share (Note 8):

Earnings per share - basic

$

2.02 

$

2.22 

Earnings per share - diluted

$

2.01 

$

2.22 

Weighted average number of shares - basic

675.0 

699.3 

Weighted average number of shares - diluted

676.8 

701.9 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Millions,

for the Three Months Ended September 30,

2020

2019 

Net income

$

1,363 

$

1,555 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Defined benefit plans

18 

11 

Foreign currency translation

3 

(18)

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

21 

(7)

Comprehensive income

$

1,384 

$

1,548 

[a]Net of deferred taxes of ($6) million and ($4) million during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020

2019

Operating revenues:

Freight revenues

$

13,448 

$

15,392 

Other revenues

944 

1,104 

Total operating revenues

14,392 

16,496 

Operating expenses:

Compensation and benefits

2,972 

3,484 

Depreciation

1,653 

1,657 

Purchased services and materials

1,470 

1,723 

Fuel

982 

1,595 

Equipment and other rents

655 

754 

Other

832 

829 

Total operating expenses

8,564 

10,042 

Operating income

5,828 

6,454 

Other income (Note 6)

221 

187 

Interest expense

(862)

(772)

Income before income taxes

5,187 

5,869 

Income taxes

(1,218)

(1,353)

Net income

$

3,969 

$

4,516 

Share and Per Share (Note 8):

Earnings per share - basic

$

5.85 

$

6.39 

Earnings per share - diluted

$

5.83 

$

6.36 

Weighted average number of shares - basic

679.0 

707.2 

Weighted average number of shares - diluted

680.7 

709.8 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020

2019

Net income

$

3,969 

$

4,516 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

Defined benefit plans

58 

103 

Foreign currency translation

(53)

7 

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

5 

110 

Comprehensive income

$

3,974 

$

4,626 

[a] Net of deferred taxes of ($18) million and ($35) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

September 30,

December 31,

Millions, Except Share and Per Share Amounts

2020

2019

Assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,601 

$

831 

Short-term investments (Note 13)

60 

60 

Accounts receivable, net (Note 10)

1,565 

1,595 

Materials and supplies

649 

751 

Other current assets

255 

222 

Total current assets

5,130 

3,459 

Investments

2,071 

2,050 

Net properties (Note 11)

54,375 

53,916 

Operating lease assets (Note 16)

1,642 

1,812 

Other assets

496 

436 

Total assets

$

63,714 

$

61,673 

Liabilities and Common Shareholders' Equity

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 12)

$

2,861 

$

3,094 

Debt due within one year (Note 14)

1,980 

1,257 

Total current liabilities

4,841 

4,351 

Debt due after one year (Note 14)

26,080 

23,943 

Operating lease liabilities (Note 16)

1,293 

1,471 

Deferred income taxes

12,328 

11,992 

Other long-term liabilities

1,973 

1,788 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)

 

 

Total liabilities

46,515 

43,545 

Common shareholders' equity:

Common shares, $2.50 par value, 1,400,000,000 authorized;

1,112,246,049 and 1,112,014,840 issued; 675,033,254 and 692,100,651

outstanding, respectively

2,781 

2,780 

Paid-in-surplus

4,849 

4,523 

Retained earnings

50,600 

48,605 

Treasury stock

(39,680)

(36,424)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9)

(1,351)

(1,356)

Total common shareholders' equity

17,199 

18,128 

Total liabilities and common shareholders' equity

$

63,714 

$

61,673 

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

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020

2019

Operating Activities

Net income

$

3,969 

$

4,516 

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

Depreciation

1,653 

1,657 

Deferred and other income taxes

327 

297 

Other operating activities, net

119 

102 

Changes in current assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net

30 

105 

Materials and supplies

102 

(29)

Other current assets

(7)

(12)

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

(215)

(257)

Income and other taxes

15 

(115)

Cash provided by operating activities

5,993 

6,264 

Investing Activities

Capital investments

(2,294)

(2,495)

Proceeds from asset sales

119 

63 

Maturities of short-term investments (Note 13)

106 

120 

Purchases of short-term investments (Note 13)

(106)

(110)

Other investing activities, net

94 

(85)

Cash used in investing activities

(2,081)

(2,507)

Financing Activities

Debt issued (Note 14)

4,004 

3,986 

Share repurchase programs (Note 18)

(2,956)

(5,162)

Dividends paid

(1,974)

(1,925)

Debt repaid

(832)

(642)

Debt exchange

(327)

-

Net issuance of commercial paper (Note 14)

(2)

(5)

Other financing activities, net

(63)

(34)

Cash used in financing activities

(2,150)

(3,782)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

1,762 

(25)

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year

856 

1,328 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

$

2,618 

$

1,303 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Capital investments accrued but not yet paid

$

152 

$

151 

Common shares repurchased but not yet paid

-

42 

Cash (paid for)/received from:

Income taxes, net of refunds

$

(925)

$

(1,104)

Interest, net of amounts capitalized

(911)

(855)

Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,601 

$

1,250 

Restricted cash equivalents in other current assets

5 

41 

Restricted cash equivalents in other assets

12 

12 

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents per above

$

2,618 

$

1,303 

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

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies


Millions

Common
Shares

Treasury
Shares

Common Shares

Paid-in-Surplus

Retained Earnings

Treasury Stock

AOCI
[a]

Total 

Balance at July 1, 2019

1,112.0 

(407.1)

$   2,780 

$   3,954 

$   46,997 

$   (34,262)

$   (1,298)

$    18,171 

Net income

-

-

1,555 

-

-

1,555 

Other comprehensive loss

-

-

-

-

(7)

(7)

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

-

0.1 

-

23 

-

7 

-

30 

Share repurchase programs
   (Note 18)

-

(9.5)

-

528 

-

(1,584)

-

(1,056)

Cash dividends declared
($0.97 per share)

-

-

-

-

(677)

-

-

(677)

Balance at September 30, 2019

1,112.0 

(416.5)

$   2,780 

$   4,505 

$   47,875 

$   (35,839)

$   (1,305)

$    18,016 

Balance at July 1, 2020

1,112.3 

(433.6)

$   2,781 

$   4,135 

$   49,892 

$   (38,984)

$   (1,372)

$    16,452 

Net income

-

-

1,363 

-

-

1,363 

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

21 

21 

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

(0.1)

0.4 

-

4 

-

14 

-

18 

Share repurchase programs
   (Note 18)

-

(4.0)

-

710 

-

(710)

-

-

Cash dividends declared
($0.97 per share)

-

-

-

-

(655)

-

-

(655)

Balance at September 30, 2020

1,112.2 

(437.2)

$   2,781 

$   4,849 

$   50,600 

$   (39,680)

$   (1,351)

$    17,199 


Millions

Common
Shares

Treasury
Shares

Common Shares

Paid-in-Surplus

Retained Earnings

Treasury Stock

AOCI 
[a]

Total 

Balance at January 1, 2019

1,111.7 

(386.6)

$   2,779 

$   4,449 

$   45,284 

$   (30,674)

$   (1,415)

$    20,423 

Net income

-

-

4,516 

-

-

4,516 

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

110 

110 

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

0.3 

1.5 

1 

28 

-

67 

-

96 

Share repurchase programs
    (Note 18)

-

(31.4)

-

28 

-

(5,232)

-

(5,204)

Cash dividends declared
    ($2.73 per share)

-

-

-

-

(1,925)

-

-

(1,925)

Balance at September 30, 2019

1,112.0 

(416.5)

$   2,780 

$   4,505 

$   47,875 

$   (35,839)

$   (1,305)

$    18,016 

Balance at January 1, 2020

1,112.0 

(419.9)

$   2,780 

$   4,523 

$   48,605 

$   (36,424)

$   (1,356)

$    18,128 

Net income

-

-

3,969 

-

-

3,969 

Other comprehensive income

-

-

-

-

5 

5 

Conversion, stock option
exercises, forfeitures, and other

0.2 

1.0 

1 

16 

-

10 

-

27 

Share repurchase programs
    (Note 18)

-

(18.3)

-

310 

-

(3,266)

-

(2,956)

Cash dividends declared
    ($2.91 per share)

-

-

-

-

(1,974)

-

-

(1,974)

Balance at September 30, 2020

1,112.2 

(437.2)

$   2,781 

$   4,849 

$   50,600 

$   (39,680)

$   (1,351)

$    17,199 

[a]AOCI = Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Note 9)

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

 

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “Company”, “UPC”, “we”, “us”, and “our” mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which will be separately referred to herein as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.

 

1. Basis of Presentation

Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2019, is derived from audited financial statements. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2020.

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

2. Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the existing incurred credit loss model for an expected credit loss model. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-14 (ASU 2018-14), Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021, and early adoption is permitted. Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement disclosure requirements.

 

3. Operations and Segmentation

The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable operating segment. Although we provide and analyze revenue by three commodity groups, we treat the financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of our rail network. Our operating revenues are primarily derived from contracts with customers for the transportation of freight from origin to destination. Prior to 2020, we reported on four commodity groups, thus 2019 freight revenues have been realigned to the new reporting format.


The following table represents a disaggregation of our freight and other revenues:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019

2020 

2019

Bulk

$

1,478 

$

1,682 

$

4,398 

$

4,980 

Industrial

1,567 

1,902 

4,961 

5,678 

Premium

1,551 

1,562 

4,089 

4,734 

Total freight revenues

$

4,596 

$

5,146 

$

13,448 

$

15,392 

Other subsidiary revenues

193 

223 

557 

665 

Accessorial revenues

114 

132 

334 

388 

Other

16 

15 

53 

51 

Total operating revenues

$

4,919 

$

5,516 

$

14,392 

$

16,496 

 

Although our revenues are principally derived from customers domiciled in the U.S., the ultimate points of origin or destination for some products we transport are outside the U.S. Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Included in the above table are freight revenues from our Mexico business which amounted to $556 million and $602 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and $1.5 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

4. Stock-Based Compensation

We have several stock-based compensation plans under which employees and non-employee directors receive stock options, nonvested retention shares, and nonvested stock units. We refer to the nonvested shares and stock units collectively as “retention awards”. We have elected to issue treasury shares to cover option exercises and stock unit vestings, while new shares are issued when retention shares are granted.

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020

2019

2020

2019

Stock-based compensation, before tax:

Stock options

$

4 

$

5 

$

12 

$

14 

Retention awards

13 

19 

45 

61 

Total stock-based compensation, before tax

$

17 

$

24 

$

57 

$

75 

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans

$

16 

$

3 

$

51 

$

48 

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

Weighted-Average Assumptions

2020

2019

Risk-free interest rate

1.5%

2.5%

Dividend yield

2.1%

2.2%

Expected life (years)

4.9 

5.2 

Volatility

23.4%

22.7%

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted

$

32.20 

$

30.37 

 

The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant; the expected 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 expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price over the expected life of the option.

A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, is presented below:

Options (thous.)

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term

Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2020

3,502 

$

113.38 

6.1 

yrs.

$

236 

Granted

558 

176.63 

N/A

N/A

Exercised

(1,271)

101.56 

N/A

N/A

Forfeited or expired

(38)

161.13 

N/A

N/A

Outstanding at September 30, 2020

2,751 

$

131.01 

6.6 

yrs.

$

181 

Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2020

2,718 

$

130.61 

6.6 

yrs.

$

180 

Options exercisable at September 30, 2020

1,637 

$

110.85 

5.4 

yrs.

$

141 

 

Stock options are granted at the closing price on the date of grant, have 10 year contractual terms, and vest no later than 3 years from the date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2020, are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.

At September 30, 2020, there was $20 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the following table:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Intrinsic value of stock options exercised

$

40 

$

10 

$

105 

$

174 

Cash received from option exercises

29 

10 

80 

108 

Treasury shares repurchased for employee taxes

(8)

(3)

(20)

(32)

Tax benefit realized from option exercises

11 

3 

25 

43 

Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested

-

-

14 

15 

 

Retention Awards – The fair value of retention awards is based on the closing price of the stock on the grant date. Dividends and dividend equivalents are paid to participants during the vesting periods.

Changes in our retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, were as follows:

Shares
(thous.)

Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2020

1,898 

$

112.12 

Granted

305 

185.99 

Vested

(634)

76.89 

Forfeited

(68)

140.94 

Nonvested at September 30, 2020

1,501 

$

140.71 

 

Retention awards are granted at no cost to the employee or non-employee director and vest over periods lasting up to 4 years. At September 30, 2020, there was $98 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

Performance Retention Awards – In February 2020, our Board of Directors approved performance stock unit grants. The basic terms of these performance stock units are identical to those granted in February 2019, except for different annual return on invested capital (ROIC) performance targets. The plan also includes relative operating income growth (OIG) as a modifier compared to the companies included in the S&P 500 Industrials Index. We define ROIC as net operating profit adjusted for interest expense (including interest on average operating lease liabilities) and taxes on interest divided by average invested capital adjusted for average operating lease liabilities. The modifier can be up to +/- 25% of the award earned based on the ROIC achieved.

Stock units awarded to selected employees under these grants are subject to continued employment for 37 months and the attainment of certain levels of ROIC, modified for the relative OIG. We expense the fair value of the units that are probable of being earned based on our forecasted ROIC over the 3-year performance period, and with respect to the third year of the plan, the relative OIG modifier. We measure the fair value of these performance stock units based upon the closing price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends. Dividend equivalents are paid to participants only after the units are earned.

The assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the February 2020 grant were as follows:

2020

Dividend per share per quarter

$

0.97 

Risk-free interest rate at date of grant

1.4%

 

Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, were as follows:

Shares
(thous.)

Weighted-Average
Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2020

929 

$

123.32 

Granted

287 

166.63 

Vested

(339)

102.79 

Unearned

(8)

150.42 

Forfeited

(55)

143.12 

Nonvested at September 30, 2020

814 

$

145.54 

 

At September 30, 2020, there was $21 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years. This expense is subject to achievement of the performance measures established for the performance stock unit grants.

 

5. Retirement Plans

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension Plans – We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment, with specific reductions made for early retirements. Non-union employees hired on or after January 1, 2018 are no longer eligible for pension benefits, but are eligible for an enhanced 401(k) plan.

Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) – We provide medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees hired before January 1, 2004. These benefits are funded as medical claims and life insurance premiums are paid.

Expense

Both pension and OPEB expense are determined based upon the annual service cost of benefits (the actuarial cost of benefits earned during a period) and the interest cost on those liabilities, less the expected return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a 5 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 in accumulated other comprehensive income and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.


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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Service cost

$

19 

$

23 

$

72 

$

67 

Interest cost

33 

40 

102 

120 

Expected return on plan assets

(71)

(68)

(211)

(204)

Amortization of actuarial loss

27 

16 

79 

48 

Net periodic pension cost

$

8 

$

11 

$

42 

$

31 

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Service cost

$

-

$

-

$

1 

$

1 

Interest cost

1 

3 

4 

8 

Amortization of:

Prior service cost

(3)

(4)

(10)

(4)

Actuarial loss

1 

1 

5 

4 

Net periodic OPEB cost

$

(1)

$

-

$

-

$

9 

On June 30, 2019, the OPEB plan was remeasured to reflect an announced plan amendment effective January 1, 2020, that reduced and eliminated certain medical benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees. This plan amendment resulted in a reduction in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of approximately $92 million with a corresponding adjustment of $69 million in other comprehensive income, net of $23 million in deferred taxes. This amount is being amortized as a reduction of future net periodic OPEB cost over approximately 8 years, which represents the future remaining service period of eligible employees.

Cash Contributions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, cash contributions totaled $0 to the qualified pension plan. Any contributions made during 2020 will be based on cash generated from operations and financial market considerations. Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by law and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. At September 30, 2020, we do not have minimum cash funding requirements for 2020.

6. Other Income

Other income included the following:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions [a]

$

3 

$

4 

$

97 

$

14 

Rental income

29 

34 

90 

96 

Net periodic pension and OPEB costs

12 

12 

31 

28 

Interest income

2 

10 

11 

25 

Interest income on employment tax refund

-

1 

-

31 

Non-operating environmental costs and other

(9)

(8)

(8)

(7)

Total

$

37 

$

53 

$

221 

$

187 

 

[a] The nine months ended September 30, 2020 includes a $69 million gain from a land and permanent easement sale to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

7. Income Taxes

UPC is not currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The statute of limitations has run for all years prior to 2017. Several state tax authorities are examining our state tax returns for years 2015 through 2018. At September 30, 2020, we had a net liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $74 million.

8. Earnings Per Share

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

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Net income

$

1,363 

$

1,555 

$

3,969 

$

4,516 

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:

Basic

675.0 

699.3 

679.0 

707.2 

Dilutive effect of stock options

0.9 

1.2 

0.8 

1.3 

Dilutive effect of retention shares and units

0.9 

1.4 

0.9 

1.3 

Diluted

676.8 

701.9 

680.7 

709.8 

Earnings per share – basic

$

2.02 

$

2.22 

$

5.85 

$

6.39 

Earnings per share – diluted

$

2.01 

$

2.22 

$

5.83 

$

6.36 

Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive

0.5 

0.6 

0.7 

0.5 

 

9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, and 2019, were as follows (net of tax):

Millions

Defined
benefit
plans

Foreign
currency
translation

Total

Balance at July 1, 2020

$

(1,110)

$

(262)

$

(1,372)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

-

3 

3 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

18 

-

18 

Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss),
net of taxes of ($6) million

18 

3 

21 

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

(1,092)

$

(259)

$

(1,351)

Balance at July 1, 2019

$

(1,100)

$

(198)

$

(1,298)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

-

(18)

(18)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

11 

-

11 

Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss),
net of taxes of ($4) million

11 

(18)

(7)

Balance at September 30, 2019

$

(1,089)

$

(216)

$

(1,305)

[a]The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.


Millions

Defined
benefit
plans

Foreign
currency
translation

Total

Balance at January 1, 2020

$

(1,150)

$

(206)

$

(1,356)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

3 

(53)

(50)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

55 

-

55 

Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss),
net of taxes of ($18) million

58 

(53)

5 

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

(1,092)

$

(259)

$

(1,351)

Balance at January 1, 2019

$

(1,192)

$

(223)

$

(1,415)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications

(25)

7 

(18)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]

36 

-

36 

OPEB Plan amendment (Note 5)

92 

-

92 

Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss),
net of taxes of ($35) million

103 

7 

110 

Balance at September 30, 2019

$

(1,089)

$

(216)

$

(1,305)

[a]The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.

10. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes freight and other receivables reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based upon historical losses, creditworthiness of customers, and current economic conditions. At September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, our accounts receivable were reduced by $18 million and $4 million, respectively. Receivables not expected to be collected in one year and the associated allowances are classified as other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, receivables classified as other assets were reduced by allowances of $50 million and $35 million, respectively.

Receivables Securitization Facility – The Railroad maintains an $800 million, 3-year receivables securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) maturing in July 2022. Under the Receivables Facility, the Railroad sells most of its eligible third-party receivables to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a consolidated, wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary that may subsequently transfer, without recourse, an undivided interest in accounts receivable to investors. The investors have no recourse to the Railroad’s other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI.

The amount recorded under the Receivables Facility was $400 million at both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019. The Receivables Facility was supported by $1.3 billion of accounts receivable as collateral at both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, which, as a retained interest, is included in accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

The outstanding amount the Railroad is allowed to maintain under the Receivables Facility, with a maximum of $800 million, may fluctuate based on the availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by business volumes and credit risks, including receivables payment quality measures such as default and dilution ratios. If default or dilution ratios increase one percent, the allowable outstanding amount under the Receivables Facility would not materially change.

The costs of the Receivables Facility include interest, which will vary based on prevailing benchmark and commercial paper rates, program fees paid to participating banks, commercial paper issuance costs, and fees of participating banks for unused commitment availability. The costs of the Receivables Facility are included in interest expense and were $2 million and $4 million for the three months ended September 30,

2020 and 2019, respectively, and $6 million and $11 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

11. Properties

The following tables list the major categories of property and equipment, as well as the weighted-average estimated useful life for each category (in years):

Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life

Accumulated 

Net Book 

Estimated 

As of September 30, 2020

Cost 

Depreciation

Value 

Useful Life

Land

$

5,274 

$

N/A

$

5,274 

N/A

Road:

Rail and other track material

17,521 

6,550 

10,971 

42 

Ties

10,997 

3,294 

7,703 

34 

Ballast

5,893 

1,723 

4,170 

34 

Other roadway [a]

20,759 

4,259 

16,500 

48 

Total road

55,170 

15,826 

39,344 

N/A

Equipment:

Locomotives

9,427 

3,548 

5,879 

17 

Freight cars

2,082 

790 

1,292 

25 

Work equipment and other

1,101 

340 

761 

18 

Total equipment

12,610 

4,678 

7,932 

N/A

Technology and other

1,176 

508 

668 

12 

Construction in progress

1,157 

-

1,157 

N/A

Total

$

75,387 

$

21,012 

$

54,375 

N/A

 

Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life

Accumulated 

Net Book 

Estimated 

As of December 31, 2019

Cost 

Depreciation

Value

Useful Life

Land

$

5,276 

$

N/A

$

5,276 

N/A

Road:

Rail and other track material

17,178 

6,381 

10,797 

42 

Ties

10,693 

3,186 

7,507 

34 

Ballast

5,752 

1,669 

4,083 

34 

Other roadway [a]

20,331 

4,056 

16,275 

48 

Total road

53,954 

15,292 

38,662 

N/A

Equipment:

Locomotives

9,467 

3,434 

6,033 

18 

Freight cars

2,083 

779 

1,304 

25 

Work equipment and other

1,081 

322 

759 

18 

Total equipment

12,631 

4,535 

8,096 

N/A

Technology and other

1,136 

503 

633 

12 

Construction in progress

1,249 

-

1,249 

N/A

Total

$

74,246 

$

20,330 

$

53,916 

N/A

[a]Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

 

12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities

Sep. 30,

Dec. 31,

Millions

2020 

2019 

Accounts payable

$

649 

$

749 

Income and other taxes payable

550 

496 

Accrued wages and vacation

341 

370 

Current operating lease liabilities (Note 16)

308 

362 

Interest payable

200 

289 

Accrued casualty costs

180 

190 

Equipment rents payable

109 

100 

Other

524 

538 

Total accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

2,861 

$

3,094 

 

13. Financial Instruments

Short-Term Investments – All of the Company’s short-term investments consist of time deposits and government agency securities. These investments are considered Level 2 investments and are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $75 million of short-term investments, of which $15 million are in a trust for the purpose of providing collateral for payment of certain other long-term liabilities, and as such are classified as other assets. All short-term investments have a maturity of less than one year and are classified as held-to-maturity.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The fair value of our short- and long-term debt was estimated using a market value price model, which utilizes applicable U.S. Treasury rates along with current market quotes on comparable debt securities. All of the inputs used to determine the fair market value of the Corporation’s long-term debt are Level 2 inputs and obtained from an independent source. At September 30, 2020, the fair value of total debt was $33.2 billion, approximately $5.1 billion more than the carrying value. At December 31, 2019, the fair value of total debt was $27.2 billion, approximately $2.0 billion more than the carrying value. The fair value of the Corporation’s debt is a measure of its current value under present market conditions. The fair value of our cash equivalents approximates their carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

 

14. Debt

Debt Exchange - On September 16, 2020, we exchanged $1,047 million of various outstanding notes and debentures due between May 1, 2037, and March 1, 2049 (the Existing Notes), for $1,047 million of 2.973% notes (the New Notes) due September 16, 2062, plus cash consideration of approximately $319 million in addition to $4 million for accrued and unpaid interest on the Existing Notes. In accordance with ASC 470-50-40, Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments-Derecognition, this transaction was accounted for as a debt exchange, as the exchanged debt instruments are not considered to be substantially different. The cash consideration was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt, and the balance of the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the terms of the New Notes. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the exchange. Costs related to the debt exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders totaled approximately $9 million and were included in interest expense during the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Debt Redemption – On September 30, 2020, we provided notice we will redeem, in entirety, the 4.0% notes due February 1, 2021, on November 1, 2020, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The notes have principal outstanding of $500 million.

Credit Facilities – At September 30, 2020, we had $2.0 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility (the Facility), which is designated for general corporate purposes and can be used to support the issuance of commercial paper. Credit facility withdrawals totaled $0 during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. 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 credit ratings for

our senior unsecured debt. The 5 year facility, set to expire on June 8, 2023, requires UPC to maintain a debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) coverage ratio.

The definition of debt used for purposes of calculating the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio includes, among other things, certain credit arrangements, finance leases, guarantees, unfunded and vested pension benefits under Title IV of ERISA, and unamortized debt discount and deferred debt issuance costs. At September 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio, which allows us to carry up to $36.2 billion of debt (as defined in the Facility), and we had $29.6 billion of debt (as defined in the Facility) outstanding at that date. The Facility does not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing), or any other provision that could require us to post collateral. The Facility also includes a $150 million cross-default provision and a change-of-control provision.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we issued $2.1 billion and repaid $2.1 billion of commercial paper with maturities ranging from 14 to 74 days, and at September 30, 2020, we had $200 million of commercial paper outstanding. Our revolving credit facility can be used to support our outstanding commercial paper balances, and, unless we change the terms of our commercial paper program, our aggregate issuance of commercial paper will not exceed the amount of borrowings available under the Facility.

In May 2020, we entered into three bilateral revolving credit lines which mature by May 18, 2021, totaling $600 million of available credit. Since entering into the three bilateral revolving credit lines, we drew $300 million and repaid $0, and at September 30, 2020, we had $300 million outstanding.

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – In 2019, our Board of Directors reauthorized the issuance of up to $6 billion of debt securities. Under our 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.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we issued the following unsecured, fixed-rate debt securities under our current shelf registration:

Date

Description of Securities

January 31, 2020

$500 million of 2.150% Notes due February 5, 2027

$750 million of 2.400% Notes due February 5, 2030

$1.0 billion of 3.250% Notes due February 5, 2050

$750 million of 3.750% Notes due February 5, 2070

April 7, 2020

$750 million of 3.250% Notes due February 5, 2050

We used the net proceeds from these offerings for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase programs. These debt securities include change-of-control provisions. At September 30, 2020, we had remaining authority from the Board of Directors to issue up to $2.25 billion of debt securities under our shelf registration.

Receivables Securitization Facility – As of both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, we recorded $400 million of borrowings under our Receivables Facility as secured debt. (See further discussion of our receivables securitization facility in Note 10).

 

15. Variable Interest Entities

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

We maintain and operate the assets based on contractual obligations within the lease arrangements, which set specific guidelines consistent within the railroad industry. As such, we have no control over activities

that could materially impact the fair value of the leased assets. We do not hold the power to direct the activities of the VIEs and, therefore, do not control the ongoing activities that have a significant impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, we do not have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs or the right to receive benefits of the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs.

We are not considered to be the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate these VIEs because our actions and decisions do not have the most significant effect on the VIE’s performance and our fixed-price purchase options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIEs. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2020, and are recorded as operating lease liabilities at present value in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

16. Leases

We lease certain locomotives, freight cars, and other property for use in our rail operations. We determine if an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components and we have elected to not separate lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position; we recognize lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Leases with initial terms in excess of 12 months are recorded as operating or financing leases in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Operating leases are included in operating lease assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities, and operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Finance leases are included in net properties, debt due within one year, and debt due after one year on our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

Operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use a collateralized incremental borrowing rate for all operating leases based on the information available at commencement date, including lease term, in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and reported in equipment and other rents and financing lease expense is recorded as depreciation and interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following are additional details related to our lease portfolio:

Sep. 30,

Dec. 31,

Millions

Classification

2020 

2019 

Assets

Operating leases

Operating lease assets

$

1,642 

$

1,812 

Finance leases

Net properties [a]

444 

468 

Total leased assets

$

2,086 

$

2,280 

Liabilities

Current

Operating leases

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

$

308 

$

362 

Finance leases

Debt due within one year

95 

114 

Noncurrent

Operating leases

Operating lease liabilities

1,293 

1,471 

Finance leases

Debt due after one year

374 

491 

Total lease liabilities

$

2,070 

$

2,438 

[a] Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $723 million and $797 million as of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019.


The lease cost components are classified as follows:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

Classification

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

Operating lease cost [a]

Equipment and other rents

$

70 

$

75 

$

207 

$

253 

Finance lease cost

Amortization of leased assets

Depreciation

16 

18 

50 

54 

Interest on lease liabilities

Interest expense

7 

9 

21 

26 

Net lease cost

$

93 

$

102 

$

278 

$

333 

[a] Includes short-term lease costs of $0.6 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $1.4 million and $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and variable lease costs of $1.8 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $5.0 million and $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The following table presents aggregate lease maturities as of September 30, 2020:

Millions

Operating Leases

Finance Leases

Total 

2020

$

41 

$

15 

$

56 

2021

304 

141 

445 

2022

269 

115 

384 

2023

226 

81 

307 

2024

218 

68 

286 

After 2024

784 

122 

906 

Total lease payments

$

1,842 

$

542 

$

2,384 

Less: Interest

241 

73 

314 

Present value of lease liabilities

$

1,601 

$

469 

$

2,070 

The following table presents the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate:

Sep. 30,

2020 

 Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

Operating leases

8.1 

Finance leases

5.5 

 Weighted-average discount rate (%)

Operating leases

3.7 

Finance leases

5.2 

The following table presents other information related to our operating and finance leases:

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

313 

315 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

25 

30 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

102 

102 

Leased assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities

-

-

Leased assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities

54 

62 

 

17. Commitments and Contingencies

Asserted and Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We cannot fully determine the effect of all asserted and unasserted claims on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. To the extent possible, we have recorded a liability where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities and insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters.

Personal Injury – The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use an actuarial analysis to measure the expense and liability, including unasserted claims. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. Under FELA, damages are assessed based on a finding of fault through litigation or out-of-court settlements. We offer a comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work.

Our personal injury liability is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 95% of the recorded liability is related to asserted claims and approximately 5% is related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2020. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate outcome of personal injury claims, it is reasonably possible that future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $266 million to $290 million. We record an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is more probable than any other. Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.

Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Beginning balance

$

265 

$

271 

Current year accruals

52 

59 

Changes in estimates for prior years

(4)

(17)

Payments

(47)

(41)

Ending balance at September 30

$

266 

$

272 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

$

62 

$

61 

 

We reassess our estimated insurance recoveries annually and have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019. Any changes to recorded insurance recoveries are included in the above table in the changes in estimates for prior years category.

Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified 375 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 29 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 18 of which are currently on the Superfund National Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified sites; consequently, our ultimate environmental liability may include costs relating to activities of other parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.

When we identify an environmental issue with respect to property owned, leased, or otherwise used in our business, we perform, with assistance of our consultants, environmental assessments on the property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Our environmental liability is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments.

Our environmental liability activity was as follows:

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Beginning balance

$

227 

$

223 

Accruals

55 

52 

Payments

(47)

(49)

Ending balance at September 30

$

235 

$

226 

Current portion, ending balance at September 30

$

65 

$

62 

 

The environmental liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and existing technology, laws, and regulations. The ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties, site-specific cost sharing arrangements with other potentially responsible parties, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs. Estimates of liability may vary over time due to changes in federal, state, and local laws governing environmental remediation. Current obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Insurance – The Company has a consolidated, wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary (the captive), that provides insurance coverage for certain risks including FELA claims and property coverage which are subject to reinsurance. The captive entered into annual reinsurance treaty agreements that insure workers compensation, general liability, auto liability, and FELA risk. The captive cedes a portion of its FELA exposure through the treaty and assumes a proportionate share of the entire risk. The captive receives direct premiums, which are netted against the Company’s premium costs in other expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The treaty agreements provide for certain protections against the risk of treaty participants’ non-performance, and we do not believe our exposure to treaty participants’ non-performance is material at this time. We record both liabilities and reinsurance receivables using an actuarial analysis based on historical experience in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Effective January 2019, the captive insurance subsidiary no longer participates in the reinsurance treaty agreement. The Company established a trust in the fourth quarter of 2018 for the purpose of providing collateral as required under the reinsurance treaty agreement for prior years’ participation.

Guarantees – At both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, we were contingently liable for $15 million in guarantees. The fair value of these obligations as of both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, was $0. We entered into these contingent guarantees in the normal course of business, and they include guaranteed obligations related to our 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.

Indemnities – We are contingently obligated under a variety of indemnification arrangements, although in some cases the extent of our potential liability is limited, 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.

18. Share Repurchase Programs

Effective April 1, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 150 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2022. These repurchases may be made on the open market or through other transactions. Our management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions. As of September 30, 2020, we repurchased a total of $40.1 billion of our common stock

since commencement of our repurchase programs in 2007. The table below represents shares repurchased under repurchase programs in the first, second, and third quarters of 2020 and 2019:

Number of Shares Purchased 

Average Price Paid [a]

2020 

2019 

2020 

2019 

First quarter [b]

14,305,793 

18,149,450 

$

178.66 

$

165.79 

Second quarter

-

3,732,974 

-

171.24 

Third quarter [c]

4,045,575 

9,529,733 

98.87 

163.30 

Total

18,351,368 

31,412,157 

$

161.07 

$

165.68 

Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority

114,803,713 

[a]In the period of the final settlement, the average price paid under the accelerated share repurchase programs is calculated based on the total program value less the value assigned to the initial delivery of shares. The average price of the completed 2020 and 2019 accelerated share repurchase programs was $155.86 and $167.01, respectively.

[b]Includes 8,786,380 and 11,795,930 shares repurchased in February 2020 and 2019, respectively, under accelerated share repurchase programs.

[c]Includes an incremental 4,045,575 and 3,172,900 shares received upon final settlement in July 2020 and August 2019, respectively, under accelerated share repurchase programs.

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

From October 1, 2020, through October 21, 2020, we repurchased 426 thousand shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $87 million.

Accelerated Share Repurchase Programs The Company has established accelerated share repurchase programs (ASRs) with financial institutions to repurchase shares of our common stock. These ASRs have been structured so that at the time of commencement, we pay a specified amount to the financial institutions and receive an initial delivery of shares. Additional shares may be received at the time of settlement. The final number of shares to be received is based on the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the ASR term, less a discount and subject to potential adjustments pursuant to the terms of such ASR.

On February 19, 2020, the Company received 8,786,380 shares of its common stock repurchased under ASRs for an aggregate of $2.0 billion. Upon settlement of these ASRs in the third quarter of 2020, we received 4,045,575 additional shares.

On February 26, 2019, the Company received 11,795,930 shares of its common stock repurchased under ASRs for an aggregate of $2.5 billion. Upon settlement of these ASRs in the third quarter of 2019, we received 3,172,900 additional shares.

ASRs are accounted for as equity transactions, and at the time of receipt, shares are included in treasury stock at fair market value as of the corresponding initiation or settlement date. The Company reflects shares received as a repurchase of common stock in the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share.

19. Related Parties

UPRR and other North American railroad companies jointly own TTX Company (TTX). UPRR has a 36.79% economic and voting interest in TTX while the other North American railroads own the remaining interest. In accordance with ASC 323 Investments - Equity Method and Joint Venture, UPRR applies the equity method of accounting to our investment in TTX.

TTX is a railcar pooling company that owns railcars and intermodal wells to serve North America’s railroads. TTX assists railroads in meeting the needs of their customers by providing railcars in an efficient, pooled environment. All railroads have the ability to utilize TTX railcars through car hire by renting railcars at stated rates.

UPRR had $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion recognized as investments related to TTX in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. TTX car hire expenses of $98 million and $100 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $282 million and $312 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, are included in equipment and other rents in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, UPRR had accounts payable to TTX of $67 million and $62 million as of September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively. 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020, Compared to

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to “UPC”, “Corporation”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” shall mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which we separately refer to as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1, and other information included in this report. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment. Although we provide and analyze revenue by commodity group, we treat the financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of our rail network.

Cautionary Information

Statements in this Form 10-Q/filing, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of and are based on information we have learned as of October 22, 2020. We assume no obligation to update any such information to reflect subsequent developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If we do update one or more of these statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other statements.

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 forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A Securities Act of 1933 and the Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements and information include, without limitation, the statements and information set forth under the caption “Effects from COVID-19” in Item 2 regarding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our business and operations, “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 2 regarding our capital plan, statements under the caption “Share Repurchase Programs”, statements under the caption “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations, and Commercial Commitments”, and statements under the caption “Other Matters.” Forward-looking statements and information also include any other statements or information in this report regarding: potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations, financial results, liquidity, and financial position, and on the world economy (including our customers and supply chains), including as a result of decreased volume and carloadings; closing of customer manufacturing, distribution or production facilities; expectations as to operational or service improvements; expectations regarding the effectiveness of steps taken or to be taken to improve operations, service, infrastructure improvements, and transportation plan modifications; expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth, and earnings; the time by which goals, targets, or objectives will be achieved; projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, future economic performance, and general economic conditions; proposed new products and services; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; estimates and expectations regarding tax matters, expectations that claims, litigation, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity and any other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements and information reflect the good faith consideration by management of currently available information, and may be based on underlying assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, such information and assumptions (and, therefore, such forward-looking statements and information) are or may be subject to risks and uncertainties over which management has little or no influence or control, and many of these risks and uncertainties are currently

amplified by and may continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, the COVID-19 pandemic. The Risk Factors in Item 1A of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 7, 2020, and in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and this report, including this Item 2, should be read in conjunction with these Risk Factors. 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.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We base our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimation and judgment that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. If these estimates differ materially from actual results, the impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be material. Our critical accounting policies are available in Item 7 of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have not been any significant changes with respect to these policies during the first nine months of 2020.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarterly Summary

The Company reported earnings of $2.01 per diluted share on net income of $1.4 billion and an operating ratio of 58.7% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to earnings of $2.22 per diluted share on net income of $1.6 billion and an operating ratio of 59.5% for the third quarter of 2019. Freight revenues decreased 11% in the quarter compared to the same period in 2019 driven by a 4% volume decline and a 7% lower average revenue per car (ARC) due to negative mix of traffic (for example, a relative increase in intermodal shipments, which have a lower ARC) and lower fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by core pricing gains. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact multiple market segments negatively but to a lesser degree than the second quarter of 2020. Despite the weaker economic conditions, a few market segments saw growth from export demand and contract wins. Cost savings from productivity, lower volume, and lower fuel prices drove operating expenses down 12% from 2019. These reductions were not enough to offset the revenue decline resulting in a decrease of operating income down 9% in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2019. Despite the adversity from the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the quarter, our operational transformation produced an all-time best quarter operating ratio of 58.7%.

Effects from COVID-19

As businesses adjusted to operating in the new COVID-19 pandemic environment, demand to ship freight began to rebound in the third quarter. Although carload volumes remain below last year’s pre-COVID-19 levels, we have seen sequential improvement from the second quarter in almost every market segment. By the end of the third quarter, most automotive manufacturing plants were operating at or near capacity, but demand is still lagging as year over year volumes were down versus third quarter 2019. Other market segments that have not seen full recoveries are construction products, industrial chemicals, plastics, food, and refrigerated products. Finally, low crude oil and natural gas prices continue to negatively impact our shipments of coal, petroleum products, and sand.

We adjusted demand-driven resources to reflect the lower volumes and we continue to focus on productivity initiatives to partially offset lost revenue. In addition, during the second quarter we implemented a temporary unpaid leave of absence for management and administrative employees and decreased executive salaries and retainers for members of the Board of Directors by 25%. Unpaid leave of absence and salary reductions were through July, except for our CEO. The retainer reduction for our Board of Directors and salary reduction for our CEO were through August. The repair facilities (a locomotive shop and a freight car shop), closed in the second quarter due to reduced demand, resumed limited operations in the latter part of the third quarter. We continue to incur additional expenses associated with keeping our employees, customers,

and communities safe. The associated expenses were not material to our overall financial results in the third quarter, and are currently not expected to be material for the remainder of the year.

Our rail network remains fluid, and we continue to serve our customers with minimal impact from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As international trade and domestic manufacturing began to rebound, we experienced episodic service issues in our intermodal network as we added resources to meet sharply increased demand. However, we still have ample capacity for further growth.

We have and are continuing to adapt to protect the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. We are committed to continuing to implement appropriate investments and operational changes to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, as they play the most critical role in keeping our operations running. Enhanced safety procedures have been implemented across the system and adjusted based on the local working environment as our employees slowly transition back into our office buildings. We also have devoted resources to address protection of our technology systems and proprietary data while some of our employees are working from home.

During the third quarter, we generated $1.6 billion of cash from operations. On September 30, 2020, we had $2.6 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $2 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility and up to $400 million undrawn on the Receivables Facility. Based on the strength of our cash position, in the third quarter we completed a $1.0 billion debt exchange, provided notice that we intend to redeem the $500 million principal outstanding of 4.0% notes due February 1, 2021, on November 1, 2020, and plan to repay the $300 million outstanding bilateral revolving credit lines we assumed earlier this year. We have $361 million of debt maturing, including $200 million of commercial paper and $150 million in term loans, before the end of the year. Depending upon market conditions, we plan to renew the term loans and continue to maintain the commercial paper program. We have been, and we expect to continue to be, in compliance with our debt covenants. Our bad debt provision was adjusted in the third quarter to reflect deteriorations of customers creditworthiness. We paid our quarterly dividend on September 30, 2020, and plan to maintain the dividend at current levels. In the third quarter, we completed our $2 billion accelerated share repurchase program entered into on February 18, 2020, and resumed share repurchases in the fourth quarter after suspending share repurchases in March.

As we enter the last quarter of 2020, much still remains uncertain with COVID-19 and the economy. The resurgence of COVID-19 and how governments and consumers react could result in or contribute to customer disruptions, an elongated recovery period or a downturn from our current business levels. Therefore, the impact of the pandemic on our 2020 financial and operating results could continue to be material, but ultimately, we continue to focus on what we can manage, such as increasing productivity and seeking new business opportunities, as well as, protecting our employees, customers, and communities and providing excellent service to our customers.

Operating Revenues

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

Change

2020 

2019 

Change

Freight revenues

$

4,596 

$

5,146 

(11)

%

$

13,448 

$

15,392 

(13)

%

Other subsidiary revenues

193 

223 

(13)

557 

665 

(16)

Accessorial revenues

114 

132 

(14)

334 

388 

(14)

Other

16 

15 

53 

51 

Total

$

4,919 

$

5,516 

(11)

%

$

14,392 

$

16,496 

(13)

%

 

We generate freight revenues by transporting freight or other materials from our three commodity groups. Prior to 2020, we reported on four commodity groups, thus 2019 freight revenue, ARC, and carloadings have been realigned to the new reporting format. Freight revenues vary with volume (carloads) and ARC. Changes in price, traffic mix, and fuel surcharges drive ARC. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping to/from specific locations or based on cumulative volumes, are recorded as a reduction to operating revenues. Customer incentives that include variable consideration based on cumulative volumes are estimated using the expected value method, which is based on available historical, current, and forecasted volumes, and recognized as the related performance obligation is satisfied. We recognize freight revenues over time as shipments move 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 revenues consist primarily of revenues earned by our other subsidiaries (primarily logistics and commuter rail operations) and accessorial revenues. Other subsidiary revenues are generally recognized over time as shipments move 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. Accessorial revenues are recognized at a point in time as performance obligations are satisfied.

Freight revenue decreased 11% during the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, resulting from a 4% volume decline, negative mix of traffic, and lower fuel surcharges, partially offset by core pricing gains. Volume declined in almost every market segment due to the economic conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from fuel surcharges. Freight revenues from fuel surcharge programs were $203 million and $760 million in the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2020 compared to $393 million and $1.2 billion in the same period of 2019. The decline was driven by lower fuel prices, the lag impact on fuel surcharge recovery (it can generally take up to two months for changing fuel prices to affect fuel surcharge recoveries), and reduced volume.

Other subsidiary revenues decreased in the third quarter and the year-to-date period compared to 2019 driven primarily by the disruption of the automotive supply chain which drove lower intermodal shipments and revenue at our subsidiaries that broker intermodal and transload logistics services. Accessorial revenue declined in the third quarter driven by lower industrial products traffic, partially offset by increased intermodal shipments. Year-to-date, declines in both commodities drove lower accessorial revenue in 2020 compared to 2019.

The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in freight revenues, revenue carloads, and ARC by commodity type:

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Freight Revenues

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

Change 

2020 

2019 

Change 

Grain & grain products

$

695 

$

704 

(1)

%

$

2,028 

$

2,080 

(3)

%

Fertilizer

157 

161 

(2)

499 

492 

Food & refrigerated

239 

253 

(6)

694 

767 

(10)

Coal & renewables

387 

564 

(31)

1,177 

1,641 

(28)

Bulk

1,478 

1,682 

(12)

4,398 

4,980 

(12)

Industrial chemicals & plastics

454 

494 

(8)

1,384 

1,428 

(3)

Metals & minerals

365 

520 

(30)

1,202 

1,613 

(25)

Forest products

284 

290 

(2)

853 

878 

(3)

Energy & specialized markets

464 

598 

(22)

1,522 

1,759 

(13)

Industrial

1,567 

1,902 

(18)

4,961 

5,678 

(13)

Automotive

481 

542 

(11)

1,194 

1,616 

(26)

Intermodal

1,070 

1,020 

2,895 

3,118 

(7)

Premium

1,551 

1,562 

(1)

4,089 

4,734 

(14)

Total

$

4,596 

$

5,146 

(11)

%

$

13,448 

$

15,392 

(13)

%


Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Revenue Carloads

September 30,

September 30,

Thousands,

2020 

2019 

Change 

2020 

2019 

Change 

Grain & grain products

187 

181 

%

529 

528 

-

%

Fertilizer

50 

48 

149 

145 

Food & refrigerated

48 

48 

-

137 

147 

(7)

Coal & renewables

213 

271 

(21)

607 

771 

(21)

Bulk

498 

548 

(9)

1,422 

1,591 

(11)

Industrial chemicals & plastics

144 

158 

(9)

439 

463 

(5)

Metals & minerals

156 

200 

(22)

492 

579 

(15)

Forest products

55 

55 

-

161 

167 

(4)

Energy & specialized markets

125 

157 

(20)

402 

460 

(13)

Industrial

480 

570 

(16)

1,494 

1,669 

(10)

Automotive

203 

222 

(9)

490 

650 

(25)

Intermodal [a]

863 

789 

2,296 

2,443 

(6)

Premium

1,066 

1,011 

2,786 

3,093 

(10)

Total

2,044 

2,129 

(4)

%

5,702 

6,353 

(10)

%

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Average Revenue per Car

2020 

2019 

Change 

2020 

2019 

Change 

Grain & grain products

$

3,705 

$

3,900 

(5)

%

$

3,832 

$

3,939 

(3)

%

Fertilizer

3,172 

3,334 

(5)

3,361 

3,391 

(1)

Food & refrigerated

4,891 

5,203 

(6)

5,053 

5,211 

(3)

Coal & renewables

1,820 

2,082 

(13)

1,938 

2,129 

(9)

Bulk

2,964 

3,068 

(3)

3,092 

3,130 

(1)

Industrial chemicals & plastics

3,154 

3,131 

3,150 

3,087 

Metals & minerals

2,337 

2,599 

(10)

2,444 

2,785 

(12)

Forest products

5,181 

5,275 

(2)

5,300 

5,249 

Energy & specialized markets

3,742 

3,797 

(1)

3,791 

3,822 

(1)

Industrial

3,271 

3,336 

(2)

3,321 

3,402 

(2)

Automotive

2,368 

2,436 

(3)

2,438 

2,485 

(2)

Intermodal [a]

1,238 

1,294 

(4)

1,261 

1,276 

(1)

Premium

1,454 

1,545 

(6)

1,468 

1,530 

(4)

Average

$

2,248 

$

2,417 

(7)

%

$

2,359 

$

2,423 

(3)

%

[a] For intermodal shipments each container or trailer equals one carload.

Bulk Bulk includes shipments of grain and grain products, fertilizer, food and refrigerated goods, and coal and renewables. Freight revenue from bulk shipments decreased in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 due to a 9% volume decline and lower fuel surcharge revenue. Volume declines were driven by a reduction in coal shipments, partially offset by increased shipments of export feed grain and beverages. Continued softness in market conditions due to low natural gas prices and weak export demand drove the 23% decline in coal shipments in the third quarter 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted production of some food products and the demand for ethanol and related products driving the year-over-year declines in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2019. Year-to-date, freight revenue from bulk shipments decreased compared to the same period in 2019, driven by an 11% volume decline and lower fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by core pricing gains and positive mix of traffic. Volume declines were driven by a 23% reduction in coal shipments, partially offset by growth in renewables and export grain shipments. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted production of imported beer, food products, and the demand for ethanol and related products in the year-to-date period.


Industrial – Industrial includes shipments of industrial chemicals and plastics, metals and minerals, forest products, and energy and specialized markets. Freight revenue from industrial shipments decreased in the third quarter and nine-month period compared to the same period in 2019 due to lower volume, negative mix of traffic, and lower fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by core pricing gains. In the third quarter of 2020, low oil prices were the primary driver of a 44% decline in petroleum product shipments and a 68% decline in sand shipments compared to the third quarter of 2019. During the third quarter, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact a wide span of industries driving declines in many of our market segments, including rock, industrial chemicals, soda ash, and plastics. Although volume from industrial shipments were up in the first quarter, it was not enough to overcome the weak demand in the second and third quarters, resulting in a year-to-date volume decline of 10% compared to last year driven by declines in sand, petroleum products, industrial chemicals, soda ash, and rock.

PremiumPremium includes shipments of finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers, both domestic and international. Premium freight revenue declined 1% in the third quarter compared to 2019 due to a lower fuel surcharge revenue and negative mix of traffic, partially offset by a 5% volume increase and core pricing gains. Volume increases were driven by recent contract wins and continued strength of e-commerce parcel shipments, partially offset by COVID-19 related market weakness in automobiles and products shipped from Asia. Year-to-date, freight revenue declined 14% due to decreased volume, lower fuel surcharge revenue, and negative mix of traffic, partially offset by core pricing gains. Volume declines in international intermodal due to trade uncertainty and the COVID-19 impact on supply chains between Asia and the U.S., along with the temporary automotive production halt, drove the 10% decline in premium shipments for the nine-month period of 2020 compared to 2019. These declines were partially offset by contract wins beginning in the third quarter.

Mexico BusinessEach of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Revenue from Mexico business decreased 8% to $556 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 driven by a 6% volume decline and lower fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by core pricing gains. The volume decline was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic with declines in automotive and intermodal shipments, partially offset by increases in beer and grain. Year-to-date, freight revenue decreased 14% to $1.5 billion as a result of volume declines in automotive, intermodal, and coal shipments and lower fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by core pricing gains.

 

Operating Expenses

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

Change 

2020 

2019 

Change 

Compensation and benefits

$

1,008 

$

1,134 

(11)

%

$

2,972 

$

3,484 

(15)

%

Depreciation

555 

557 

-

1,653 

1,657 

-

Purchased services and materials

508 

574 

(11)

1,470 

1,723 

(15)

Fuel

301 

504 

(40)

982 

1,595 

(38)

Equipment and other rents

217 

236 

(8)

655 

754 

(13)

Other

299 

277 

832 

829 

-

Total

$

2,888 

$

3,282 

(12)

%

$

8,564 

$

10,042 

(15)

%

 

Operating expenses decreased $394 million and $1.5 billion in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to 2019 driven by volume declines, productivity initiatives, lower fuel prices, and lower destroyed equipment and freight costs. Partially offsetting these decreases compared to 2019 are inflation, increased bad debt expense, and higher state and local taxes. In addition, the year-to-date decreases were positively impacted by lower year-over-year weather-related costs and an insurance reimbursement for last year’s weather-related losses, partially offset by an employment tax refund recognized in 2019.

Compensation and Benefits Compensation and benefits include wages, payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension costs, other postretirement benefits, and incentive costs. For the third quarter period, expenses decreased 11% compared to 2019 due to declines in carload volumes; productivity initiatives; management’s actions responding to the sharp decline in volume, including one month of temporary unpaid leave and salary reductions, and almost three months of large shop closures (a locomotive shop, a freight car shop, and a maintenance-of-way shop); partially offset by wage inflation and severance costs. The

year-to-date period compared to 2019 was favorably impacted by decreased weather-related costs, offset by an employment tax refund recognized in 2019. Severance costs were relatively flat for the year-to-date period.

Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to road property, including rail, ties, ballast, and other track material. Depreciation expense was essentially flat compared to the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2020 compared to 2019.

Purchased Services and Materials Expense for purchased services and materials includes the costs of services purchased (including equipment maintenance and contract expenses incurred by our subsidiaries for external transportation services); materials used to maintain the Railroad’s lines, structures, and equipment; costs of operating facilities jointly used by UPRR and other railroads; transportation and lodging for train crew employees; trucking and contracting costs for intermodal containers; leased automobile maintenance expenses; and tools and supplies. Purchased services and materials decreased 11% in the third quarter compared to 2019 primarily due to lower locomotive maintenance expenses due to a smaller active fleet, lower volume-related costs for intermodal and transload services, lower costs for transportation and lodging for train crews, partially offset by costs associated with derailments. For the nine-month period purchased services and materials decreased 15% compared to the same period in 2019, driven by lower volume-related costs for intermodal and transload services, lower locomotive maintenance expenses due to a smaller active fleet, lower costs for transportation and lodging for the train crews, professional services expense, costs associated with derailments, and lower year-over-year weather-related costs.

Fuel Fuel includes locomotive fuel and fuel for highway and non-highway vehicles and heavy equipment. A 35% decline in locomotive diesel fuel prices, which averaged $1.36 per gallon (including taxes and transportation costs) in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $2.09 per gallon in the same period in 2019, a 9% decline in gross ton-miles partially offset by a 1% deterioration in the fuel consumption rate, computed as gallons of fuel consumed divided by gross ton-mile in thousands, drove the decrease in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2019. For the nine-month period, locomotive diesel fuel prices averaged $1.51 per gallon in 2020 compared to $2.13 in 2019, the main driver of the 38% decrease in expense. In addition, gross ton-miles decreased 12% and the fuel consumption rate improved 2% during the year-to-date period, also driving lower fuel expense compared to 2019.

Equipment and Other Rents Equipment and other rents expense primarily includes rental expense that the Railroad pays for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal, and locomotive leases; and office and other rentals. Equipment and other rents expense decreased 8% in the third quarter compared to 2019 driven by decreased car rent expense due to improved cycle times, lower locomotive and freight car lease expenses, and volume declines. The year-to-date period was down 13% compared to the same period last year, driven by the same factors as the third quarter except expense was negatively impacted by lower equity income from our investment in TTX Company and longer auto racks cycle times.

Other Other expenses include state and local taxes; freight, equipment and property damage; utilities, insurance, personal injury, environmental, employee travel, telephone and cellular, computer software, bad debt, and other general expenses. Other costs increased 8% in the third quarter driven by higher state and local taxes, bad debt expense, write off of certain in-progress capital projects and lease impairments, and lower equity income from our investment in Grupo Ferroviaro Mexicano, partially offset by lower costs associated with freight loss and damage, employee travel, and destroyed equipment. In addition, we received an insurance reimbursement for weather-related expenses incurred last year in the second quarter of 2020, driving our year-to-date other expenses to be essentially flat when compared to the same period last year.

 

 Non-Operating Items

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

Millions

2020 

2019 

Change 

2020 

2019 

Change 

Other income

$

37 

$

53 

(30)

%

$

221 

$

187 

18 

%

Interest expense

(295)

(266)

11 

(862)

(772)

12 

Income taxes

(410)

(466)

(12)

(1,218)

(1,353)

(10)

Other IncomeOther income decreased in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 as a result of lower interest income and rental income. The year-to-date period increased due to larger gains from real estate sales, including a $69 million gain from a land and permanent easement sale to the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority partially offset by $31 million in interest income associated with an employment tax refund in 2019 and lower interest income.

Interest Expense Interest expense increased in the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 due to an increase in the weighted-average debt level of $28.3 billion in 2020 compared to $25.4 billion in 2019, partially offset by a lower effective interest rate of 4.1% in 2020 compared to 4.3% in 2019. Year-to-date, interest expense increased due to an increased weighted-average debt level of $28.0 billion in 2020 from $24.6 billion in 2019, partially offset by a lower effective interest rate of 4.1% in 2020 compared to 4.3% in 2019.

Income Taxes – Income taxes decreased in the third quarter and nine-month periods of 2020 compared to 2019 due to lower pre-tax income. Our effective tax rates year-to-date 2020 and 2019 were 23.5% and 23.1%, respectively.

OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS

We report a number of key performance measures weekly to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). We provide this data on our website at www.up.com/investor/aar-stb_reports/index.htm.

Operating/Performance Statistics

Management continuously measures these key operating metrics to evaluate our productivity, asset utilization, and network efficiency in striving to provide a consistent, reliable service product to our customers.

Railroad performance measures are included in the table below:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

September 30,

2020 

2019 

Change

2020 

2019 

Change

Gross ton-miles (GTMs) (billions)

197.0 

215.5 

(9)

%

568.9 

645.8 

(12)

%

Revenue ton-miles (billions)

97.9 

108.1 

(9)

283.5 

323.5 

(12)

Freight car velocity (daily miles per car) [a]

220 

214 

217 

203 

Average train speed (miles per hour) [a] [b]

25.3 

25.2 

-

25.8 

24.8 

Average terminal dwell time (hours) [a] [b]

22.8 

23.6 

(3)

22.8 

25.3 

(10)

Locomotive productivity (GTMs per horsepower day)

138 

124 

11 

135 

118 

14 

Train length (feet)

8,984 

7,924 

13 

8,676 

7,618 

14 

Intermodal car trip plan compliance (%)

77 

81 

(4)

pts

81 

72 

pts

Manifest/Automotive car trip plan compliance (%)

72 

67 

pts

70 

63 

pts

Workforce productivity (car miles per employee)

998 

883 

13 

920 

853 

Total employees (average)

30,155 

36,659 

(18)

31,362 

38,456 

(18)

Operating ratio

58.7 

59.5 

(0.8)

pts

59.5 

60.9 

(1.4)

pts

[a] Prior years have been recast to conform to the current year presentation which reflects minor refinements.

[b] As reported to the STB.

Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles – Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of loaded and empty freight cars by the number of miles hauled. Revenue ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of freight by the number of tariff miles. Gross ton-miles and revenue ton-miles both decreased 9% during the third quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, driven by a 4% decline in carloadings. Changes in commodity mix drove the variance in year-over-year decreases between gross ton-miles, revenue ton-miles, and carloads. Year-to-date, gross ton-miles and revenue ton-miles both decreased 12% compared to 2019, driven by a 10% decrease in carloadings.

Freight Car VelocityFreight car velocity measures the average daily miles per car on our network. The two key drivers of this metric are the speed of the train between terminals (average train speed) and the time a rail car spends at the terminals (average terminal dwell time). Continued implementation of our new

operating plan was the primary driver of the improvement from 2019 as both average terminal dwell and average train speed improved in the third quarter and the nine-month period of 2020 compared to the same periods in 2019. Average terminal dwell time in 2020 decreased compared to 2019 largely due to improved terminal processes, transportation plan changes to eliminate switches, and reduced carload volumes due to COVID-19. Average train speed in 2020 improved slightly in the third quarter as weather-related challenges that slowed trains partially offset gains achieved through the implementation of our new operating plan.

Locomotive Productivity Locomotive productivity is gross ton-miles per average daily locomotive horsepower. Locomotive productivity increased in the third quarter and year-to-date period compared to the same periods in 2019 driven by a reduction in our average active fleet size due to transportation plan changes and lower locomotive dwell times.

Train LengthTrain length is the average maximum train length on a route measured in feet. Our train length increased in the third quarter and nine-month period compared to same periods in 2019 as a result of blending service products and transportation plan changes.

Car Trip Plan ComplianceCar trip plan compliance is the percentage of cars delivered on time in accordance with our original trip plan. Our network trip plan compliance is broken into the intermodal and manifest products. Intermodal trip plan compliance deteriorated in the third quarter of 2020 compared to same period in 2019 as a result of the surge in intermodal shipments towards the end of the second quarter. Since the drop in service performance at the beginning of the third quarter, the metric has improved sequentially throughout the quarter. Despite the deterioration in the third quarter, intermodal car trip plan compliance was better for the nine-month period compared to 2019 due to improved train speed and reduced dwell at our origin and destination ramps. Manifest car trip plan compliance improved in the third quarter and nine-month period compared to 2019 due to improved car dwell in our yards, increased train velocity across the network, and more reliable first mile last mile service. Compared to the nine month period of 2019, both metrics were aided by reduced carload volumes due to COVID-19 and milder weather.

Workforce Productivity – Workforce productivity is average daily car miles per employee. Workforce productivity improved 13%, reaching a quarterly record in the third quarter as average daily car miles decreased 7% while employees decreased 18% compared to 2019. Lower volume drove the decline in average daily car miles. The 18% decline in employee levels was driven by productivity initiatives, a 4% decline in carload volumes, and a smaller capital workforce. Year-to-date, workforce productivity improved 8% as average daily car miles decreased 12% while employees decreased 18% compared to 2019. At the end of the third quarter, approximately 5,100 employees across all crafts were furloughed.

Operating RatioOperating ratio is our operating expenses reflected as a percentage of operating revenue. Our operating ratio of 58.7% was an all-time record and improved 0.8 points compared to 2019 mainly driven by productivity initiatives, lower fuel prices, and core pricing gains; which were partially offset by a negative mix of traffic, inflation, and other cost increases. Our year-to-date operating ratio of 59.5% improved 1.4 points compared to 2019.


Adjusted Debt / Adjusted EBITDA

Millions, Except Ratios

Sep. 30,

Dec. 31,

for the Trailing Twelve Months Ended [a]

2020 

2019 

Net income

$

5,372 

$

5,919 

Add:

Income tax expense

1,693 

1,828 

Depreciation

2,212 

2,216 

Interest expense

1,140 

1,050 

EBITDA

$

10,417 

$

11,013 

Adjustments:

Other income

(277)

(243)

Interest on operating lease liabilities [b]

59 

68 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

10,199 

$

10,838 

Debt

$

28,060 

$

25,200 

Operating lease liabilities

1,601 

1,833 

Unfunded pension and OPEB, net of taxes of $107 and $124

349 

400 

Adjusted debt

$

30,010 

$

27,433 

Adjusted debt / Adjusted EBITDA

2.9 

2.5 

[a]The trailing twelve month income statement information ended September 30, 2020, is recalculated by taking the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, subtracting the nine months ended September 30, 2019, and adding the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

[b]Represents the hypothetical interest expense we would incur (using the incremental borrowing rate) if the property under our operating leases were owned or accounted for as finance leases.

Adjusted debt to Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other income, and interest on operating lease liabilities) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We believe this measure is important to management and investors in evaluating the Company’s ability to sustain given debt levels (including leases) with the cash generated from operations. In addition, a comparable measure is used by rating agencies when reviewing the Company’s credit rating. Adjusted debt to Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, net income. The table above provides reconciliations from net income to adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDA. At both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, the incremental borrowing rate on operating lease liabilities was 3.7%.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

Cash Flows

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Cash provided by operating activities

$

5,993 

$

6,264 

Cash used in investing activities

(2,081)

(2,507)

Cash used in financing activities

(2,150)

(3,782)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

1,762 

$

(25)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities decreased in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 due primarily to lower net income, partially offset by a deferral of employment taxes paid, allowed by a provision in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).


Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities decreased in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 primarily driven by reduced capital investment on locomotives and increased real estate sales.

The table below details cash capital investments:

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Rail and other track material

$

393 

$

418 

Ties

415 

328 

Ballast

188 

203 

Other [a]

456 

477 

Total road infrastructure replacements

1,452 

1,426 

Line expansion and other capacity projects

234 

240 

Commercial facilities

125 

109 

Total capacity and commercial facilities

359 

349 

Locomotives and freight cars [b]

210 

419 

Positive train control

52 

57 

Technology and other

221 

244 

Total cash capital investments

$

2,294 

$

2,495 

 

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

[b]Locomotives and freight cars include lease buyouts of $32 million in 2020 and $214 million in 2019.

Capital Plan

We estimate our 2020 capital expenditures to be approximately $2.9 billion, consistent with our previously announced reduction of $150 to $200 million to our capital plan as a result of economic uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact to our business. Further revisions may occur if business conditions or the regulatory environment affect our ability to generate sufficient returns on these investments.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities decreased in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period of 2019, driven by decreased share repurchases.

See Note 14 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of all our outstanding financing arrangements and significant new borrowings and Note 18 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our share repurchase programs.

Free Cash FlowFree cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in investing activities and dividends paid. Cash flow conversion rate is cash from operations less cash used for capital investments as a ratio of net income.

Free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate are not considered financial measures under GAAP by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K and may not be defined and calculated by other companies in the same manner. We believe free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate are important to management and investors in evaluating our financial performance and measures our ability to generate cash without additional external financing. Free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities.

The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure):

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Cash provided by operating activities

$

5,993 

$

6,264 

Cash used in investing activities

(2,081)

(2,507)

Dividends paid

(1,974)

(1,925)

Free cash flow

$

1,938 

$

1,832 

 

The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to cash flow conversion rate (non-GAAP measure):

Millions,

for the Nine Months Ended September 30,

2020 

2019 

Cash provided by operating activities

$

5,993 

$

6,264 

Cash used in capital investments

(2,294)

(2,495)

Total (a)

3,699 

3,769 

Net income (b)

3,969 

4,516 

Cash flow conversion rate (a/b)

93 

%

83 

%

Current Liquidity Status

We are continually evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on our financial condition and liquidity. Although the situation is fluid and highly uncertain, we continue to analyze a wide range of economic scenarios and the impact on our ability to generate cash. These analyses inform our liquidity plans and activities outlined below and indicate we have sufficient capacity to sustain an extended period of lower volumes.

During the third quarter, we generated $1.6 billion of cash from operations. On September 30, 2020, we had $2.6 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $2 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility and up to $400 million undrawn on the Receivables Facility. Based on the strength of our cash position, in the third quarter we completed a $1.0 billion debt exchange, provided notice that we intend to redeem the $500 million principal outstanding of 4.0% notes due February 1, 2021, on November 1, 2020, and plan to repay the $300 million outstanding bilateral revolving credit lines we assumed earlier this year. We have $361 million of debt maturing, including $200 million of commercial paper and $150 million in term loans, before the end of the year. Depending upon market conditions, we plan to renew the term loans and continue to maintain the commercial paper program. We have been, and we expect to continue to be, in compliance with our debt covenants. Our bad debt provision was adjusted in the third quarter to reflect deteriorations of customers’ creditworthiness. We paid our quarterly dividend on September 30, 2020, and plan to maintain the dividend at current levels. In the third quarter, we completed our $2 billion accelerated share repurchase program entered into on February 18, 2020, and resumed share repurchases in the fourth quarter after suspending share repurchases in March.

Share Repurchase Programs

Effective April 1, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 150 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2022. These repurchases may be made on the open market or through other transactions. Our management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions. As of September 30, 2020, we repurchased a total of $40.1 billion of our common stock since commencement of our repurchase programs in 2007.


The table below represents shares repurchased under repurchase programs in the first, second, and third quarters of 2020 and 2019:

Number of Shares Purchased 

Average Price Paid [a]

2020

2019

2020

2019

First quarter [b]

14,305,793 

18,149,450 

$

178.66 

$

165.79 

Second quarter

-

3,732,974 

-

171.24 

Third quarter [c]

4,045,575 

9,529,733 

98.87 

163.30 

Total

18,351,368 

31,412,157 

$

161.07 

$

165.68 

Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority

114,803,713 

[a]In the period of the final settlement, the average price paid under the accelerated share repurchase programs are calculated based on the total program value less the value assigned to the initial delivery of shares. The average price of the completed 2020 and 2019 accelerated share repurchase programs was $155.86 and $167.01, respectively.

[b]Includes 8,786,380 and 11,795,930 shares repurchased in February 2020 and 2019, respectively, under accelerated share repurchase programs.

[c]Includes an incremental 4,045,575 and 3,172,900 shares received upon final settlement in July 2020 and August 2019, respectively, under accelerated share repurchase programs.

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

From October 1, 2020, through October 21, 2020, we repurchased 426 thousand shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $87 million.

Accelerated Share Repurchase Programs The Company has established accelerated share repurchase programs (ASRs) with financial institutions to repurchase shares of our common stock. These ASRs have been structured so that at the time of commencement, we pay a specified amount to the financial institutions and receive an initial delivery of shares. Additional shares may be received at the time of settlement. The final number of shares to be received is based on the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the ASR term, less a discount and subject to potential adjustments pursuant to the terms of such ASR.

On February 19, 2020, the Company received 8,786,380 shares of its common stock repurchased under ASRs for an aggregate of $2.0 billion. Upon settlement of these ASRs in the third quarter of 2020, we received 4,045,575 additional shares.

On February 26, 2019, the Company received 11,795,930 shares of its common stock repurchased under ASRs for an aggregate of $2.5 billion. Upon settlement of these ASRs in the third quarter of 2019, we received 3,172,900 additional shares.

ASRs are accounted for as equity transactions, and at the time of receipt, shares are included in treasury stock at fair market value as of the corresponding initiation or settlement date. The Company reflects shares received as a repurchase of common stock in the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations, and Commercial Commitments

As described in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and as referenced in the tables below, we have contractual obligations and commercial commitments that may affect our financial condition. However, based on our assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, including material sources of off-balance sheet and structured finance arrangements, there is no known trend, demand, commitment, event, or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. In addition, our commercial obligations, financings, and commitments are customary transactions that are similar to those of other comparable corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.


The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2020:

Oct. 1

Payments Due by Dec. 31,

through

Contractual Obligations

Dec. 31,

After

Millions

Total

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2024

Other

Debt [a]

$

49,983 

$

983 

$

2,050 

$

2,680 

$

2,246 

$

2,265 

$

39,759 

$

-

Operating leases [b]

1,842 

41 

304 

269 

226 

218 

784 

-

Finance lease obligations [c]

542 

15 

141 

115 

81 

68 

122 

-

Purchase obligations [d]

2,877 

425 

922 

465 

248 

188 

626 

Other postretirement benefits [e]

197 

12 

24 

22 

22 

20 

97 

-

Income tax contingencies [f]

74 

-

-

-

-

-

73 

Total contractual obligations

$

55,515 

$

1,477 

$

3,441 

$

3,551 

$

2,823 

$

2,759 

$

41,388 

$

76 

 

[a]Excludes finance lease obligations of $469 million, as well as unamortized discount and deferred issuance costs of ($1,552) million. Includes an interest component of $20,840 million.

[b] Includes leases for locomotives, freight cars, other equipment, and real estate. Includes an interest component of $241 million.

[c]Represents total obligations, including interest component of $73 million.

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

[e]Includes estimated other postretirement, medical, and life insurance payments and payments made under the unfunded pension plan for the next ten years.

[f]Future cash flows for income tax contingencies reflect the recorded liabilities and assets for unrecognized tax benefits, including any interest or penalties, as of September 30, 2020. For amounts where the year of settlement is uncertain, they are included in the Other column.

Oct. 1

Amount of Commitment Expiration by Dec. 31,

through

Other Commercial Commitments

Dec. 31,

After

Millions

Total

2020 

2021

2022

2023

2024

2024

Credit facilities [a]

$

2,000 

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

2,000 

$

-

$

-

Receivables securitization facility [b]

800 

-

-

800 

-

-

-

Bilateral revolving credit lines [c]

600 

-

600 

-

-

-

-

Guarantees [d]

15 

-

-

-

Standby letters of credit [e]

18 

11 

-

-

-

-

Total commercial commitments

$

3,433 

$

12 

$

616 

$

805 

$

2,000 

$

-

$

-

 

[a] None of the credit facility was used as of September 30, 2020.

[b] $400 million of the receivables securitization facility was utilized as of September 30, 2020, which is accounted for as debt. The full program matures in July 2022.

[c]$300 million of the bilateral revolving credit lines were utilized as of September 30, 2020, which is accounted for as debt. The programs mature in May 2021.

[d]Includes guaranteed obligations related to our affiliated operations.

[e]None of the letters of credit were drawn upon as of September 30, 2020.

 

OTHER MATTERS

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. To the extent possible, we have recorded a liability where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities and insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters.


IndemnitiesWe are contingently obligated under a variety of indemnification arrangements, although in some cases the extent of our potential liability is limited, depending on the nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved, we cannot reasonably determine the probability of an adverse claim or reasonably estimate any adverse liability or the total maximum exposure under these indemnification arrangements. We do not have any reason to believe that we will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions.

Accounting Pronouncements – See Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 any such reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website previously filed SEC reports and exhibits via a link to EDGAR on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. We provide these previously filed reports as a convenience and their contents reflect only information that was true and correct as of the date of the report. We assume no obligation to update this historical information. Additionally, our corporate governance materials, including By-Laws, Board Committee charters, governance guidelines and policies, and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and employees are available on our website. From time to time, the corporate governance materials on our website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange or as desirable to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company. Any security holder wishing to receive, without charge, a copy of any of our SEC filings or corporate governance materials should send a written request to: Corporate Secretary, Union Pacific Corporation, 1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68179.

References to our website address in this report, including references in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 2, are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be deemed, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There were no material changes to the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk previously disclosed in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there were no changes to the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and litigation that occur in connection with our business. We routinely assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest available information and, when necessary, we seek input from our third-party advisors when making these assessments. Consistent with SEC rules and requirements, we describe below material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business), material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities, other proceedings arising under federal, state, or local environmental laws and regulations (including governmental proceedings involving potential fines, penalties, or other monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000), and such other pending matters that we may determine to be appropriate.

Environmental Matters

We receive notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies alleging that we are or may be liable under federal or state environmental laws for remediation costs at various sites throughout the U.S., including sites on the Superfund National Priorities List or state superfund lists. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs.

Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Environmental, Item 7 of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020. These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations (including revenues and profitability), and/or stock price. Our business also could be affected by risks that we are not presently aware of or that we currently consider immaterial to our operations.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Purchases of Equity Securities – The following table presents common stock repurchases during each month for the third quarter of 2020:

Period

Total Number of 
Shares
Purchased [a]

Average
Price Paid
Per Share [b]

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of a
Publicly Announced Plan
or Program [c]

Maximum Number of 
Shares That May Be
Purchased Under Current
Authority [d]

Jul. 1 through Jul. 31

4,048,950

$

98.93 

4,045,575 

114,803,713

Aug. 1 through Aug. 31

54,931

194.64 

-

114,803,713

Sep. 1 through Sep. 30

52,662

202.19 

-

114,803,713

Total

4,156,543

$

101.50 

4,045,575 

N/A

[a]Total number of shares purchased during the quarter includes 110,968 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]In the period of the final settlement, the average price paid under the ASR program is calculated based on the total program value less the value assigned to the initial delivery of shares. The average price of the completed 2020 and 2019 ASR programs was $155.86 and $167.01, respectively.

[c]Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced plan or program includes 4,045,575 shares repurchased in July under ASRs. See Note 18 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

[d]Effective April 1, 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 150 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2022. These repurchases may be made on the open market or through other transactions. Our management has sole discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None. 


Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit No.

Description

Filed with this Statement

31(a)

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), of the Exchange Act, as Adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Lance M. Fritz.

31(b)

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), of the Exchange Act, as Adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Jennifer L. Hamann

32

Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Lance M. Fritz and Jennifer L. Hamann

101

The following financial and related information from Union Pacific Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2020 (filed with the SEC on October 22, 2020), formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and (vi) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL (contained in Exhibit 101).

Incorporated by Reference

3(a)

Restated Articles of Incorporation of UPC, as amended and restated through June 27, 2011, and as further amended May 15, 2014, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

3(b)

By-Laws of UPC, as amended, effective November 19, 2015, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 19, 2015.

SIGNATURES

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

Dated: October 22, 2020

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION (Registrant)

By

/s/ Jennifer L. Hamann

Jennifer L. Hamann

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

By

/s/ Todd M. Rynaski

Todd M. Rynaski

Vice President and Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

42

Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Union Pacific Charts.
Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Union Pacific Charts.