Item 1. Business
Union Pacific Railroad Company, together with its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and certain affiliates (collectively, the Company, UPRR or the Railroad), is a Class I Railroad, incorporated in Delaware, and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Corporation (the Corporation or UPC). The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 1416 Dodge Street, Room 1230, Omaha, NE 68179. The telephone number at that address is (402) 271-5000.
For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” shall mean Union Pacific Railroad Company.
Union Pacific Railroad Company is the largest railroad in North America, covering 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States. Our operating results include Southern Pacific Rail Corporation, which we acquired in October 1996. In addition, during 1997, we acquired an ownership interest in a consortium, which was granted a 50-year concession to operate the Pacific-North and Chihuahua Pacific lines in Mexico. We made an additional investment in the consortium in 1999 and currently hold a 26% ownership interest.
Available Information - Our Internet website is www.up.com. We make available free of charge on the website (under the “Investors” caption link) our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, the Corporation’s proxy statement and Forms 3, 4 and 5, filed on behalf of the Corporation’s directors and executive officers and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website previously filed SEC reports and exhibits via a link to EDGAR on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. Additionally, the Corporation’s corporate governance materials, including Board Committee charters, governance guidelines and policies and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees may also be found on our website at www.up.com/investors. From time to time, the corporate governance materials on the website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC and NYSE or as desirable to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company. Any security holder wishing to receive, without charge, a copy of any of these SEC filings or corporate governance materials should write to Secretary, Union Pacific Corporation, 1416 Dodge Street, Room 1230, Omaha, NE 68179.
The reference to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website and should not be considered part of this report.
OPERATIONS
We are a Class I railroad that operates in the United States. We have approximately 33,000 route miles linking Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast ports with the Midwest and eastern United States gateways and providing several north/south corridors to key Mexican gateways. We serve the western two-thirds of the country and maintain coordinated schedules with other rail carriers for the handling of freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada and Mexico. Export and import traffic is moved through Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports and across the Mexican and Canadian borders. Commodity revenue totaled $11.0 billion in 2003 and is comprised of the following six commodity groups:
Agricultural - The transportation of Agricultural Products, including whole grains (for animal and human consumption) and commodities produced from these grains, food and beverage products and sweeteners, provided 14% of 2003 commodity revenue. With access to most major grain markets, we provide a critical link between the Midwest and western producing areas and the primary Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Gulf ports, as well as Mexico. We also serve significant domestic markets, including grain processors and feeders, as well as ethanol producers in the Midwest, West, South and Rocky Mountain states. Unit trains of grain efficiently shuttle between producers and export terminals or domestic markets. Primary food commodities consist of a variety of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy products and beverages, which are moved to major U.S. population centers for consumption. Express Lane, our premium and perishables service moving fruits and vegetables from the PNW and California to destinations in the East, continues to
draw market share from trucks. Frozen meat and poultry are also transported to the West Coast ports for export, while beverages are imported into the U.S. from Mexico. Sweeteners are primarily short haul sugar beet movements from the fields to the refineries, both of which are located in Idaho.
Automotive - We are the largest automotive carrier west of the Mississippi River, serving seven vehicle assembly plants and distributing imported vehicles from six West Coast ports and Houston. We serve 42 vehicle distribution centers, from which vehicles are delivered to all major western U.S. cities. These centers serve as railcar-to-truck haulaway operations for major domestic and international automotive manufacturers. In addition to transporting finished vehicles, we currently provide expedited handling of automobile materials in both boxcars and containers to several assembly plants. Converting automotive material shipments from the highway to rail is a key growth opportunity. Mexico is also an important contributor to the automotive market for us, as manufacturers continue to locate both vehicle manufacturing and parts facilities at locations throughout the country. Automotive materials flow north and south across the border bound for assembly plants in Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. In 2003, the transportation of finished vehicles and automobile materials accounted for 11% of total commodity revenue.
Chemicals - The transportation of Chemicals provided 14% of our 2003 commodity revenue. Our franchise enables us to serve the large chemical producing areas along the Gulf Coast, as well as the Rocky Mountain region. More than two-thirds of the chemicals business consists of liquid and dry chemicals, plastics and liquid petroleum products. “Pipeline” service, designed to eliminate unnecessary stops in terminals, reduces delivery times and significantly improves asset utilization for us and our customers. In addition to transporting plastics, customers also leverage our industry leading storage-in-transit yards for intermediate storage of plastic resins. Soda ash shipments originate in southwestern Wyoming and California and are consumed primarily in glass producing markets in the East, the West and abroad. Fertilizer movements originate on the Gulf Coast, as well as in the West and Canada, bound for major agricultural end-users in the Midwest and the western U.S.
Energy - Coal transportation accounted for 22% of our 2003 commodity revenue. Our geographic footprint positions us to transport coal destined for utilities and industrial facilities in 27 states, as well as to the Gulf and rail/barge/ship facilities on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and the Great Lakes. We serve mines located in the Southern Powder River Basin of Wyoming, in addition to Colorado, Utah, southern Wyoming and southern Illinois. Southern Powder River Basin coal represents the largest and fastest growing segment of the market, as utilities continue to favor its low cost and low-sulfur content. In addition, we continue to penetrate markets in the East as electricity generation continues to grow in the face of declining eastern coal production. High-BTU low-sulfur coal from Colorado and Utah is also transported to domestic utilities and industries, as well as for export to Mexico.
Industrial Products - Industrial products includes a broad range of commodities, from bulk products like stone, cement, minerals, waste and scrap to higher-value shipments like lumber, paper and government and consumer goods. Bulk commodities often move in unit train service from origin to a distribution facility in major metropolitan areas. Other commodities move in manifest trains and rely on our extensive network to move between thousands of shippers and customers across North America. We continue to focus on capturing share from trucks by providing consistent and reliable service. In 2003, the transportation of industrial products provided 20% of total commodity revenue.
Intermodal - Our Intermodal business, which represents 19% of 2003 commodity revenues, is classified as international, domestic or premium shipments. International business consists of international container traffic for steamship customers. It arrives at West Coast ports for destinations throughout the United States. Domestic business includes domestic container and trailer traffic handled by intermodal marketing companies (primarily shipper agents and consolidators) and truckload carriers. Less-than-truckload and package carriers with time sensitive business requirements account for the majority of our premium business. Service performance and reliability drive intermodal business growth, as modeled by the 60-hour transcontinental rail service solution provided by us and our partnering rail carrier to UPS in 2003.
Working Capital - We currently have, and historically have had, a working capital deficit, which is not uncommon in our industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity or financial stability. We maintain adequate resources to meet our daily cash requirements, and we have sufficient financial capacity to satisfy our current liabilities.
Competition - We are subject to competition from other railroads, motor carriers and barge operators. Our main rail competitor is Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation. Its rail subsidiary, The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, operates parallel routes in many of our main traffic corridors. In addition, our operations are
conducted in corridors served by other competing railroads and by motor carriers. Motor carrier competition is particularly strong with respect to five of our six commodity groups (excluding energy), due to shorter delivery times offered by such carriers. Because of the proximity of our routes to major inland and Gulf Coast waterways, barge competition can be particularly pronounced, especially for grain and bulk commodities. Competition can pressure both transit time requirements and pricing, as well as place a greater emphasis on the quality and reliability of the service provided. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality of these alternative modes of transportation in the locations in which we operate, or legislation granting materially greater latitude for motor carriers with respect to size or weight limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Equipment Suppliers - We are dependent on two key suppliers of locomotives. Due to the capital intensive nature and sophistication of this equipment and its production, there are strong barriers of entry to potential new suppliers. Therefore, if one of these suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives, we could realize a significant increase in the cost and the potential for reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary to our operations.
Employees - Approximately 86% of our 46,000 full time equivalent employees are represented by 14 major rail unions. National negotiations under the Railway Labor Act to revise the national labor agreements for all crafts began in late 1999.
In May 2001, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) ratified an agreement, which included provisions for wage increases (based on the consumer price index) and progressive employee health and welfare cost sharing rates.
In August 2002, the carriers reached an agreement with the United Transportation Union (UTU) that incorporated wage increases. The agreement also provided for the operation of remote control locomotives by trainmen that was challenged by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). A January 2003 arbitration decision held that the operation of remote control locomotives in terminals does not violate the BLE agreement. In November 2003, agreement was reached with the UTU on employee health and welfare cost sharing rates and plan design changes.
In November 2002, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths (IBB) reached an agreement that incorporated wage increases.
In January 2003, an arbitration award was rendered establishing wage increases and employee health and welfare cost sharing rates for the Transportation Communications International Union (TCU). Health and welfare plan design changes were also part of the TCU agreement.
Other settled agreements that incorporated wage increases and employee health and welfare cost sharing rates combined with plan design changes include the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen (BRS) in September 2003 and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in December 2003. Contract discussions with the remaining unions are either in negotiation or mediation.
All settlements previously discussed include a five year contract period, expiring December 31, 2004.
Effective January 2004, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The BLE has changed its name to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
Additional information regarding our operations is presented within the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8.
GOVERNMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
Governmental Regulation - Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local regulations, generally applicable to all businesses (see also the discussion of certain regulatory proceedings in Legal Proceedings, Item 3).
Our operations are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and other federal and state agencies. Our operations are also subject to the regulations of the Federal Railroad Administration of the DOT. The STB has jurisdiction over rates charged on certain
regulated rail traffic; freight car compensation; transfer, extension or abandonment of rail lines; and acquisition of control of rail common carriers.
The DOT and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with other federal agencies, have jurisdiction over certain aspects of safety, movement of hazardous materials, movement and disposal of hazardous waste and equipment standards. Various state and local agencies have jurisdiction over disposal of hazardous waste and seek to regulate movement of hazardous materials in areas not otherwise preempted by federal law.
Environmental Regulation - In addition to the regulations governing the transportation of hazardous materials, we are subject to extensive federal and state environmental statutes and regulations pertaining to public health and the environment. The statutes and regulations are administered and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by various state environmental agencies. Those laws primarily affecting our operations are the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, regulating the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1976, regulating the cleanup of contaminated properties, the Clean Air Act regulating air emissions and the Clean Water Act, regulating waste water discharges.
Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Environmental, Item 7.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Our primary real estate, equipment and other property (properties) are owned or leased to support our rail operations. We believe that our properties are in good condition and are adequate for current operations. We operate facilities and equipment designated for both maintenance and repair, including locomotives, railcars and other equipment, and for monitoring such maintenance and repair work. The facilities include rail yards, intermodal ramps and maintenance shops throughout the rail system. We had approximately $1.9 billion in capital expenditures during 2003, including non-cash financings of $188 million, for, among other things, building and maintaining track, structures and infrastructure, upgrading and augmenting equipment and implementing new technologies
Certain of our properties are subject to federal, state and local provisions involving the protection of the environment (see discussion of environmental issues in Governmental and Environmental Regulation, Item 1, Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Environmental, Item 7).
Track - We utilize approximately 33,000 main line and branch line route miles in 23 states in the western two-thirds of the United States. We own approximately 27,000 route miles with the remainder of route miles operated under trackage rights or leases. As of and for the years ending December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, route miles operated and track miles installed and replaced are as follows:
Equipment - Our primary rail equipment as of and for the years ending December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, consisted of the following:
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Environmental Matters
The United States Attorney for the Central District of California has notified us that the office intends to present criminal charges against us for alleged violations of federal environmental laws, including the federal Clean Water Act, in connection with releases of oil contaminated wastewater from our Taylor Yard in 2001 and 2003. In addition, the State authorities are proposing civil penalties for these same releases in the amount of $125,000.
After a series of protracted negotiations, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (“DTSC”) threatened civil prosecution against us in November 2003, relating to our failure to register as a hazardous waste transporter under California law from April 2000 to August 2001. We contend that we are exempt from the registration requirements due to federal preemption. The DTSC has proposed civil penalties of $125,160 for the alleged violation. We will vigorously oppose this proposed penalty.
As previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2001, on January 30, 2002, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) issued to us a notice of a proposed penalty assessment in the amount of $195,700. We previously met with the LDEQ regarding this matter to present documentation indicating that no penalty should be assessed. We have filed suit against the LDEQ in Louisiana State District Court challenging the penalty. The LDEQ proposed penalty relates to the derailment of one of our trains carrying hazardous materials near Eunice, Louisiana on May 27, 2000. The derailment caused a fire and explosion that resulted in the evacuation of approximately 3,800 residents of the surrounding area and numerous claims for personal injuries, property damage and business interruption, which was previously reported in our report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2000. To date, several class action claims have been filed against us. The amount of damages have not been specified in these claims; and, therefore, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these proceedings. Settlement discussions with the class representatives are ongoing. We believe we have substantial defenses and, although losses have exceeded self-insured retention amounts, we believe our insurance coverage is adequate to cover any material damage claims or settlements.
As previously reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, a criminal case, relating to a series of alleged releases of hazardous materials, was filed against us by the District Attorneys of Merced, Madera and Stanislaus Counties. The criminal case was dismissed in the last quarter of 2003 and was subsequently refiled as a civil action by several counties. The civil suit seeks civil penalties against us in connection with the release of calcium oxide (“lime”), which leaked from an unidentified railcar between Chowchilla and Sacramento, California, on December 27, 2001, and another incident in which lime leaked from a railcar between Chowchilla and Stockton, California on February 21, 2002. The suit contends that regulatory violations occurred by virtue of our alleged failure to timely report the release of a “hazardous material,” our alleged disposal of hazardous waste, and the alleged release of material into the waters of the State of California. The amount of the claim is not specified but could exceed $100,000.
As previously reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, the San Joaquin County District Attorney filed an action against us on February 3, 2003, alleging claims under the California Business and Professions Code section 17200 (unfair business practices), Fish and Game Code section 5650 and 5650.1, California Health and Safety Code section 25189(d) and Public Nuisance, California Civil Code section 3480. The claims arise from a February 16, 2000 derailment in Stockton, California in which a locomotive struck an object on the tracks, resulting in the puncture of a fuel tank. The District Attorney alleged that diesel fuel from this spill entered waters of the State of California. The complaint also asserted claims under the above referenced statutes for any other diesel spill which may have occurred in the State of California, between 2000 and 2003, in which diesel may have passed into waters of the State of California and seeks injunctive relief, as well as civil penalties of $25,000 for the alleged February 16, 2000 diesel spill and total penalties of not less than $250,000 for all diesel spills which may have occurred since 2000. The District Attorney filed an amended complaint on April 10, 2003, which narrowed the claims to the incident of February 16, 2000. The amended complaint seeks both injunctive relief and daily penalties, which could exceed $100,000, for each day that fuel was in the affected waterway.
As previously reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002, on April 26, 2002, we received written notice of a proposed $250,000 penalty from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency relating to a collision between one of our trains and a train from Conrail. The collision occurred near Momence, Illinois, on March 23, 1999 when an eastbound Conrail train failed to stop at a signal and struck our train that was properly occupying a crossing. The collision resulted in a release of diesel fuel from the fuel tanks of our locomotive, which was promptly reported and remediated. We received notice in January 2003 that the amount of the proposed penalty, including oversight costs, has been reduced to $127,000. We will vigorously oppose this proposed penalty.
We have received notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies alleging that we are or may be liable under certain federal or state environmental laws for remediation costs at various sites throughout the United States, including sites which are on the Superfund National Priorities List or state superfund lists. Although specific claims have been made by the EPA and state regulators with respect to some of these sites, the ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits by third parties cannot be predicted at this time 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/or the speculative nature of remediation costs.
Information concerning environmental claims and contingencies and estimated remediation costs is set forth in Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies - Environmental, Item 7.
Other Matters
As previously reported, Western Resources, Inc. (Western) filed a complaint on January 24, 2000, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas alleging that UPRR and The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) materially breached our service obligations under the transportation contract to deliver coal in a timely manner to Western’s Jeffrey Energy Center. On September 12, 2002, the jury returned a verdict finding that the contract had not been breached by the railroads, and the judgment dismissing the case was entered by the court on September 16, 2002. Western filed a motion for a new trial on September 30, 2002, which was denied by the court on March 6, 2003. Western filed notice of its intent to appeal the verdict to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on April 4, 2003. On October 22, 2003, Western agreed to have the matter dismissed in exchange for a payment of $50,000 by the railroads, which did not constitute an admission of liability, and, on November 5, 2003, the court dismissed the complaint.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters
As of the date of filing this Report, we had the following amounts of capital stock issued and outstanding: 7,130 shares of Common Stock, par value $10.00 per share (our Common Stock), 620 shares of Class A Stock, par value $10.00 per share (our Class A Stock), 4,829 Redeemable Preference Shares (Series A), initial par value $10,000 per share, and 436 Redeemable Preference Shares (Series B), initial par value $10,000 per share (collectively, the Preference Shares). All of our Common Stock and our Class A Stock, which constitutes all of the voting capital stock, is owned by the Corporation or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and all of the Preference Shares, which are non-voting stock, are owned by the Federal Railroad Administration. Accordingly, there is no market for our capital stock.
Our Board of Directors has restricted the availability of retained earnings for payment of dividends by $131 million. This represents (a) the amount by which the estimated fair value of our investment in our non-transportation subsidiaries, as determined by our Board of Directors, exceeded the net book value of such investment, which was transferred to the Corporation by means of a dividend in June 1971 ($110 million) and (b) the amount by which the fair market value exceeded the book value of certain investment securities which were transferred to the Corporation by means of a dividend in November 1972 ($21 million).
Our Class A Stock is entitled to a cash dividend whenever a dividend is declared on the Common Stock, in an amount which equals 8 percent of the sum of the dividends on both the Class A Stock and the Common Stock. Dividends on our Common Stock, which are paid on a quarterly basis, totaled $231 million and $189 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Dividends paid on our Class A Stock were $20 million and $16 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
We are subject to certain restrictions related to the payment of dividends. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $7.5 billion and $6.4 billion at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K. In lieu thereof, a narrative analysis is presented.
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, and other information included in this report.
RISK FACTORS
We Face Competition from Other Railroads and Other Transportation Providers - We are subject to competition from other railroads, which operate parallel routes in many of our traffic corridors, in addition to motor carriers and, to a lesser extent, ships, barges and pipelines. Competition can pressure both transit time requirements and pricing, as well as place a greater emphasis on the rate charged and the quality and reliability of the service provided. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality of these alternative modes of transportation in the locations in which we operate, or legislation granting materially greater latitude for motor carriers with respect to size or weight limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
We Are Subject to Significant Governmental Regulation - We are subject to governmental regulation by a significant number of federal, state and local authorities with respect to our railroad operations and a variety of health, safety, labor, environmental, as discussed below, and other matters. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on us. Governments may change the legislative or regulatory framework within which we operate without providing us with any recourse for any adverse effects that the change may have on our business. Also, some of the regulations require us to obtain and maintain various licenses, permits and other authorizations, and we cannot assure you that we will continue to be able to do so.
We Are Subject to Significant Environmental Laws and Regulations - Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air, discharges to waters and the handling, storage, transportation and disposal of waste and other materials and cleanup of hazardous material or petroleum releases. We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our current operations, and we have done so in our former operations. Environmental liability can extend to previously owned or operated properties, leased properties and properties owned by third parties, as well as to properties currently owned and used by us. Environmental liabilities have arisen and may also arise from claims asserted by adjacent landowners or other third parties in toxic tort litigation. We have been and may be subject to allegations or findings to the effect that we have violated, or are strictly liable under, these laws or regulations. Although, we have appropriately recorded current and long-term liabilities for known future environmental costs, we could incur significant costs as a result of any of the foregoing, and we may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate and remediate known, unknown or future environmental contamination, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Rising Fuel Costs Could Materially and Adversely Affect Our Business - Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of our transportation expenses. Diesel fuel prices are subject to dramatic fluctuations. Significant price increases may have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Additionally, fuel prices and supplies are influenced significantly by international political and economic circumstances. If a fuel supply shortage were to arise from OPEC production curtailments, a disruption of oil imports or otherwise, higher fuel prices and any subsequent price increases would, despite our fuel surcharge programs, materially affect our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
The Majority of Our Employees Belong to Labor Unions, and Strikes or Work Stoppages Could Adversely Affect Our Operations - We are a party to collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions in the United States. Some of these agreements expire within the next two years. Disputes with regard to the terms of these agreements or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions could result in, among other things, strikes, work stoppages or other slowdowns by the affected workers. If the unionized workers were to engage in a strike, work stoppage or other slowdown, or other employees were to become unionized or the terms and conditions in future labor agreements were renegotiated, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations and higher ongoing labor costs.
We May Be Affected by General Economic Conditions - Several of the commodities we transport come from industries with cyclical business operations. As a result, prolonged negative changes in domestic and global economic conditions affecting the producers and consumers of the commodities carried by us may have an adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
Severe Weather Could Result in Significant Business Interruptions and Expenditures - Severe weather conditions and other natural phenomena, including earthquakes, fires and floods, may cause significant business interruptions and result in increased costs, increased liabilities and decreased revenues, which could have an adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
We Are Dependent on Two Key Suppliers of Locomotives - Due to the capital intensive nature and sophistication of locomotives, there are strong barriers to entry for new suppliers. Therefore, if one of these suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives, we could realize a significant increase in the cost and the potential for reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary to our operations.
We May Be Subject to Various Claims and Lawsuits That Could Result in Significant Expenditures - The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation related to labor and employment, personal injury and property damage, environmental and other matters. Any material changes to current litigation trends could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
We May Be Affected by Future Acts of Terrorism or War or Risk of War - Terrorist attacks, such as those that occurred on September 11, 2001, any government response thereto and war or risk of war may adversely affect our results of
operations, financial condition, our ability to raise capital or our future growth. Our rail lines and facilities could be direct targets or indirect casualties of an act or acts of terror, which could cause significant business interruption and result in increased costs and liabilities and decreased revenues and have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or liquidity. Any act of terror, retaliatory strike, sustained military campaign or war or risk of war may have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity by causing or resulting in unpredictable operating or financial conditions, including disruptions of rail lines, volatility or sustained increase of fuel prices, fuel shortages, general economic decline and instability or weakness of financial markets which could restrict our ability to raise capital. In addition, insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverages currently maintained by us could increase dramatically, or certain coverages may not be available to us in the future.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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. The following are our critical accounting policies that affect significant areas of our financial statements and involve judgment and estimates. If these estimates differ significantly from actual results, the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements may be material.
Depreciation - The railroad industry is capital intensive. Properties are carried at cost. Provisions for depreciation are computed principally on the straight-line method based on estimated service lives of depreciable property. The lives are calculated using a separate composite annual percentage rate for each depreciable property group, based on the results of a depreciation study. We are required to submit a report on depreciation studies and proposed depreciation rates every three years for equipment property and every six years for road property, to the Surface Transportation Board for review and approval. The cost (net of salvage) of depreciable rail property retired or replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized. A gain or loss is recognized in other income for all other property upon disposition. The cost of internally developed software is capitalized and amortized over a five-year period. An obsolescence review of capitalized software is performed on a periodic basis.
Capital spending in recent years has increased the total value of our depreciable assets. Capital spending totaled $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2003, including non-cash financings of $188 million. In 2003, we implemented depreciation studies, approved by the Surface Transportation Board, resulting in lower depreciation expense of $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, due to a reduction in depreciation rates for certain track assets (effective January 1, 2003), partially offset by increased rates for locomotives and other assets (effective July 1, 2003). For the year ended December 31, 2003, depreciation expense was $1.1 billion. Various methods are used to estimate useful lives for each group of depreciable property. Due to the capital intensive nature of the business and the large base of depreciable assets, variances to those estimates could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. If the estimated useful lives of all depreciable assets were increased by one year, annual depreciation expense would decrease by $36 million. If the estimated useful lives of all assets to be depreciated were decreased by one year, annual depreciation expense would increase by $39 million.
Environmental - We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our current operations and have done so in our former operations, and we are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified approximately 417 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 51 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 29 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 an environmental issue has been identified with respect to the property owned, leased or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on such property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated.
The liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as for 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. We believe that we have adequately accrued for our ultimate share of costs at sites subject to joint and several liability. However, the ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, 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/or the speculative nature of remediation costs. For the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, we recorded environmental expenses of $26 million and $37 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had a liability of $187 million and $188 million, respectively of which $57 million and $71 million were classified as current.
Income Taxes - We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
As required under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, these expected future tax consequences are measured based on provisions of tax law as currently enacted; the effects of future changes in tax laws are not anticipated. Future tax law changes, such as a change in the corporate tax rate, could have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to offset future tax benefits that may not be realized. In determining whether a valuation allowance is appropriate, we consider whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, based in part upon management’s judgments regarding future events. Based on that analysis, we have determined that a valuation allowance is not appropriate at December 31, 2003.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through the Corporation’s 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. We also provide other postretirement benefits (OPEB). All non-union and certain of our union employees participate in the Corporation’s defined contribution medical and life insurance programs for retirees.
We account for the pension plans in accordance with FASB Statement No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions” (FAS 87) and our postretirement benefits in accordance with FASB Statement No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions” (FAS 106). FAS 87 and FAS 106 require us to make various estimates and assumptions, including discount rates used to value liabilities, expected rates of return on plan assets, salary increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated employee mortality rates and expected future healthcare costs. The estimates we used are based on our historical experience, as well as current facts and circumstances and are updated at least annually. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability associated with these benefits.
Funded Status - The funded status of the pension plans represents the difference between the fair value of pension assets and the present value of pension liabilities (projected benefit obligation, or PBO). The PBO is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of assumed future salary increases. The funded status is impacted by actual asset returns and cash funding, as well as a year-end discount rate, which is used to calculate the present value of the projected benefit obligation. The discount rate we use for this purpose is based on a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds with cash flows matching the plans’ expected benefit payments. The OPEB plan is unfunded and funding occurs as claims are paid. The PBO of the OPEB plan is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation, as the present value of OPEB liabilities is not affected by salary increases. The discount rate used in valuing OPEB obligations is equal to the pension discount rate for both 2003 and 2002.
The following table presents the funded status of the pension and OPEB plans, as well as the key assumptions that impact the funded status as of December 31, 2003:
The following table shows the estimated impact that changes in the assumed discount rate, salary increase and health care cost trend rate would have had on our projected benefit obligation as of December 31, 2003:
Cash Contributions - We follow FAS 87 rules to record the expense and liability associated with the pension plans. However, actual cash funding is governed by employee benefit and tax laws. No cash funding was required for us in 2003. During 2003, we voluntarily contributed $100 million to the funded pension plan.
Contributions required subsequent to 2003 are dependent on asset returns and future discount rates. We do not anticipate minimum pension funding requirements in 2004. We voluntarily contributed $50 million in January of 2004 to help mitigate any potential required funding in the future. Future contributions are expected to be funded primarily by cash generated from operating activities.
Cash funding for OPEB benefits is based on claims paid. Claims paid, net of retiree contributions, totaled $37 million and $46 million for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Expected claims for 2004 total $35 million, net of employee contributions.
Expense - Pension expense for 2003 was $15 million, while we recorded pension income in 2002 of $14 million. OPEB expense for 2003 and 2002 was $43 million and $45 million, respectively. Both pension and OPEB expense is 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 pension plan assets (for pension only). With respect to the value of pension plan assets, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five-year period. This practice is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it can have the effect of delaying the recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate of return assumptions. The expected rate of return on assets was 8% for 2003 and 9% for 2002.
Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.
The following table illustrates the estimated impact on 2003 pension and OPEB expense relative to a change in the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and health care cost trend rate.
Personal Injury and Occupational Illness - The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability. Compensation for work-related accidents is governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). 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. Annual expenses for our personal injury-related events were $250 million and $221 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had a liability of $615 million and $668 million accrued for future personal injury costs, respectively, of which $272 million was recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs in both years. We have additional amounts accrued for claims related to certain alleged occupational illnesses. Changes in estimates can vary due to evolving trends in litigation related to personal injury and occupational illness cases based on large jury awards and public pressures associated with certain occupational related injuries.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Income Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change - The decrease in income before cumulative effect of accounting change in 2003 compared to 2002 was driven by higher fuel prices, inflation, network costs (including expenses associated with increased volumes), and lower gains from real estate sales (2002 asset sales with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) for $141 million pre-tax and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for $73 million pre-tax), which more than offset revenue gains, lower interest expense and productivity improvements. Productivity is measured by both gross ton miles per inflation-adjusted expense dollar and gross ton miles per employee. Gross ton miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of a loaded or empty freight car by the number of miles hauled.
Operating Revenues - Operating revenue is comprised of commodity revenue and other revenues. Other revenues primarily include subsidiary revenue from various companies that are wholly owned or majority owned, revenue from the Chicago commuter rail operations and accessorial revenue earned due to customer detainment of Railroad owned or controlled equipment. We recognize commodity revenues on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. Other revenue is recognized as service is performed or contractual obligations are met.
Operating revenues increased $406 million (4%) to $11.5 billion in 2003 over 2002. Commodity revenue increased $378 million (4%) in 2003. The increase was driven by growth in the Industrial Products, Agricultural, Intermodal and Energy commodity groups, including revenue from our fuel surcharge programs. Revenue carloads increased 1% in 2003,
while average revenue per car (referred to as ARC) increased 2% to $1,195 in 2003. Other revenue increased $28 million (6%) in 2003, driven by increased passenger, subsidiary and accessorial revenues.
The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in commodity revenue, revenue carloads and average revenue per car by commodity type:
Agricultural - Revenue in 2003 rose 5% due to a 4% improvement in ARC and a 1% increase in carloads. The improvement was driven by higher wheat demand for Gulf exports, in addition to added ethanol shipments resulting from heightened demand for the fuel additive. Revenue gains were also achieved through additional shipments of sugar beets due to a favorable crop in 2003 and canned and packaged foods resulting from additional, longer-haul shipments from the west coast. ARC grew due to the positive mix impact of longer average length of haul shipments, as well as price increases and fuel surcharges.
Automotive - Revenue increased 1% in 2003 as a result of a slight rise in both carloads and ARC. Revenue growth was the result of additional volume due to market share gains for materials shipments, partially offset by a decline in revenues from domestic manufacturers, as the softening economy weakened demand for finished vehicles and forced production cuts. ARC was up slightly in 2003, as price increases were partially offset by the mix impact of disproportionate growth in materials shipments, which move at a lower ARC than finished vehicles.
Chemicals - Revenue in 2003 grew 1%, as a 2% decline in carloads was offset by a 3% increase in ARC. Reduced plastics volume led the decline in carloads as the soft economy combined with higher input costs caused producers to lower inventories and reduce shipments. Growth of market demand for domestic and export soda ash partially offset the decline. ARC improved due to a mix shift toward longer average length of haul moves, driven by fewer cars in storage-in-transit, in addition to price increases and fuel surcharges.
Energy - Revenue climbed 3% in 2003. Strong utility demand due to lower inventories in the last three quarters more than offset the absence of export traffic from the Colorado and Utah mining regions (which Japan is now sourcing from other Far Eastern producers), resulting in a 1% increase in carloads. Fourth quarter carloads were the highest ever from the Southern Powder River Basin and Colorado and Utah mining regions. During 2003, tonnage moved from the Southern Powder River Basin was also the highest ever for us. ARC increased 2%, primarily due to index-based contract escalators.
Industrial Products - Revenue increased 7% in 2003. Revenue was driven by 3% growth in ARC and a 4% improvement in carloads, which was attributable to government, steel and lumber business growth. The increase in government shipments was driven by movement of military equipment and ammunition in support of the war effort. Lumber positively impacted carloads, as housing starts and low interest rates continue to drive demand. Steel and scrap shipments also increased as the weakening dollar created higher domestic and export demand for U.S. produced steel, augmented by market share gains. ARC rose due to price increases, fuel surcharges and more high-ARC lumber moves.
Intermodal - Revenue climbed 4% in 2003 driven by a 3% increase in ARC and a 1% gain in carloads. Carloads were up due to strong imports and improved economic conditions, as well as the year over year impact of the labor dispute between the International Longshoreman and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) which occurred primarily in the fourth quarter of 2002. ARC improved due to fuel surcharges and price increases.
Mexico Business - Included in the commodity revenue reported above is revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. This revenue grew 2% to $893 million in 2003 compared to $873 million for 2002. Business growth in 2003 was led by market share gains in auto parts shipments and increased revenue for agricultural products resulting from higher corn and meal exports, as well as increased beer imports.
Operating Expenses - Operating expenses increased $597 million (7%) to $9.4 billion in 2003 compared to 2002. The increase in expenses was due primarily to higher fuel prices in addition to wage and benefit inflation and volume-related costs, as gross ton miles increased 3% for the year. A 2% reduction in employment levels, combined with lower depreciation expense and cost control efforts partially offset the increase. Cost control efforts are defined as focused actions to reduce discretionary spending and failure costs. Expenses in the third and fourth quarters were also negatively affected by increased crew and asset utilization costs, associated with a deterioration in network fluidity as discussed under Other Matters in this Item 7.
Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits - Salaries, wages and employee benefits were $3.8 billion and $3.6 billion in 2003 and 2002, respectively. The increase in 2003 of $213 million (6%) was driven by the adoption of FASB Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (FAS 143), which accounted for $110 million of the increase. Other drivers included inflation, volume-related costs (driven by a 3% increase in gross ton miles), protection costs, increased crew utilization costs due to a shortage of available crews and pension expense. Protection cost represents the differential payment when the wage earned for active employment is lower than an employee’s “protected” rate of pay. An individual’s protected rate is imposed by the Surface Transportation Board for employees adversely affected by a merger or is established by collective bargaining agreements in other cases.
Equipment and Other Rents - Equipment and other rents primarily includes rental expense we pay for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal and locomotive leases; other specialty equipped vehicle leases; and office and other rentals. Expenses decreased $17 million (1%) in 2003 compared to 2002. The decrease was due primarily to lower rental prices for private railcars, partially offset by higher locomotive lease expense and increased car cycle times driven by higher inventory of cars on the system due to slower network train speed in the third and fourth quarters. Car cycle time for equipment and other rents is defined as the average number of accumulated days that loaded and empty cars from other railroads spend on our system. The higher locomotive lease expense is attributable to our increased leasing of new, more reliable and fuel efficient locomotives. These new locomotives replaced older, non-leased models in the fleet, which helped reduce expenses for depreciation, labor, materials and fuel during the year.
Depreciation - The majority of depreciation relates to track structure, including rail, ties and other track material. Depreciation expense decreased $76 million (7%) in 2003 from 2002 levels. The decrease was driven by the adoption of
FAS 143 as well as the implementation of depreciation studies approved by the Surface Transportation Board, which resulted in lower depreciation rates in 2003 for certain track assets, partially offset by increased rates for locomotives and other assets. Conversely, capital spending in recent years has increased the total value of depreciable assets, partially offsetting the favorable impact of FAS 143 and the depreciation studies in 2003.
Fuel and Utilities - Fuel and utilities include locomotive fuel, utilities other than telephone and gasoline and other fuels. Expenses increased $276 million (26%) in 2003 over 2002. The increase was driven by fuel prices, which averaged 92 and 73 cents per gallon in 2003 and 2002, respectively (including taxes and transportation costs). The higher fuel price in 2003 contributed $255 million to the increase; however, approximately 44% of these costs were recovered through our fuel surcharge programs and are included in operating revenues. A 3% increase in gross ton miles in 2003 resulted in an additional $25 million in fuel expense. Additionally, we hedged approximately 13% and 42% of our fuel consumption for 2003 and 2002, in accordance with the Company’s policy applicable to hedging, which decreased fuel costs by $28 million in 2003 and $55 million in 2002.
Materials and Supplies - Materials used for the maintenance of our rail lines, structures and equipment is the principal component of materials and supplies expense. Office, small tools and other supplies and the costs of freight services purchased to ship company materials are also included. Expenses decreased by $51 million (11%) in 2003. The lower expense in 2003 was primarily driven by costs associated with track removal. Additionally, expense decreased due to fewer locomotives repaired, cost control measures and a shift to more contracting of locomotive repairs, which resulted in a corresponding increase to Purchased Services and Other Costs. The reduction was partially offset by higher costs for locomotive materials.
Casualty Costs - The largest component of casualty costs is personal injury expense. Freight and property damage, insurance, environmental matters and occupational illness expense are also included in casualty costs. Costs in 2003 increased $51 million (14%). The increase in 2003 was driven by higher personal injury expense, insurance costs due to increased premiums and expenses associated with destruction of foreign equipment. Destruction of foreign equipment expense is incurred when equipment owned by other railroads is damaged while in our possession.
Purchased Services and Other Costs - Purchased services and other costs include the costs of services purchased from outside contractors, state and local taxes, net costs of operating facilities jointly used by us and other railroads, transportation and lodging for train crew employees, trucking and contracting costs for intermodal containers, leased automobile maintenance expenses, telephone and cellular expense, employee travel expense and computer and other general expenses. Expenses increased $201 million (22%) in 2003, as a result of higher state and local taxes, increased spending for contract services and joint facility expense. Crew transportation costs and trucking expenses for intermodal containers also increased due to network performance. State and local taxes increased primarily as a result of higher income levels used to assess property taxes. Growth in contract services was primarily driven by higher costs for contracting of locomotive maintenance (referenced in Materials and Supplies) and contract-related expenses resulting from the cost of track removal. Joint facilities costs were up due to reduced haulage receipts and increased expenses associated with a new joint facility contract.
Operating Income - Operating income decreased $191 million (8%) to $2.1 billion in 2003. Revenue growth, productivity gains and lower depreciation expense were more than offset by higher fuel prices, inflation, volume and resource utilization costs.
Non-Operating Items - Interest expense decreased $49 million (9%) in 2003. The improvement was a result of lower weighted-average debt levels, including intercompany borrowings, of $6,587 million and $7,117 million in 2003 and 2002, as well as lower weighted-average interest rates of 7.5% in 2003 and 7.6% in 2002. Other income fell $202 million in 2003. The reduction was primarily a result of higher 2002 real estate gains (2002 asset sales to the Utah Transit Authority with a pre-tax value of $141 million and the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority with a pre-tax value of $73 million). Income tax expense decreased $110 million (15%) in 2003 versus 2002. The decrease was driven by lower pre-tax income, which was partially offset by a tax adjustment recognized in 2002 for prior years’ income tax examinations.
OTHER MATTERS
Intercompany Relationship with UPC - At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had $972 million and $904 million working capital deficit balances, respectively, relating to UPC’s management of our cash position. As part of UPC’s cash management activities, we advance excess cash (cash available after satisfying all of our obligations and paying dividends to UPC) to UPC. We declare and pay dividends to UPC which typically approximate the dividends that UPC declares to its shareholders; however, there is no formal requirement to do so. The dividend declaration between us and UPC is determined solely by our Board of Directors. To the extent we require additional cash for use in our operations, UPC makes such funds available to us for borrowing. Transactions between UPC and us are treated as net intercompany borrowings in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The majority of our intercompany borrowings from UPC relate to the acquisitions of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company and Southern Pacific Rail Corporation which were funded by UPC on our behalf. We assumed these acquisition costs in the form of intercompany borrowings from UPC. The intercompany borrowings accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5%, which may be adjusted from time to time, and are payable on demand. There are no restrictions on the amount we are able to borrow from UPC. Intercompany borrowings are unsecured and rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.
UPC provides us with various services, including strategic planning, legal, treasury, accounting, auditing, insurance, human resources and corporate affairs. In 2003, pursuant to a services agreement, UPC will continue to provide services to us, and we will pay UPC its share of the costs as determined by an independent review. Billings for these services were $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges - For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, our ratio of earnings to fixed charges was 3.7 and 3.9, respectively. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is based on continuing operations. Earnings represent income before cumulative effect of accounting change, less equity in undistributed earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, plus fixed charges and income taxes. Fixed charges represent interest charges, amortization of debt discount and the estimated amount representing the interest portion of rental charges. The change in our ratio is due primarily to the changes in our income from continuing operations.
Inflation - The cumulative effect of long periods of inflation has significantly increased asset replacement costs for capital-intensive companies. As a result, assuming that all operating assets are replaced at current price levels, depreciation charges (on an inflation-adjusted basis) would be substantially greater than historically reported amounts.
Derivative Financial Instruments - We use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. We use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts to mitigate the downside risk of adverse price movements and hedge the exposure to variable cash flows. The use of these instruments also limits future gains from favorable movements. The purpose of these programs is to protect our operating margins and overall profitability from adverse fuel price changes.
Market and Credit Risk - We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying item being hedged. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At December 31, 2003 we have not been required to provide collateral, nor have we received collateral relating to our hedging activities.
In addition, we enter into secured financings in which the debtor has pledged collateral. The collateral is based upon the nature of the financing and the credit risk of the debtor. We generally are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral unless the debtor defaults.
Determination of Fair Value - The fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were determined based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the swap spread.
Sensitivity Analyses - The sensitivity analyses that follow illustrate the economic effect that hypothetical changes in interest rates or fuel prices could have on our results of operations and financial condition. These hypothetical changes do not consider other factors that could impact actual results.
Interest Rates - At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had variable-rate debt representing approximately 1% of our total debt for both years. If variable interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2004 than our December 31, 2003 variable rate, which was approximately 3%, our interest expense would increase by less than $1 million. If variable interest rates averaged one percentage point higher in 2003 than our 2002 annual variable rate, which was approximately 3%, our interest expense would have increased by less than $1 million. This amount was determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on the balances of our variable-rate debt at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Market risk for fixed-rate debt is estimated as the potential increase in fair value resulting from a hypothetical one percentage point decrease in interest rates as of December 31, 2003, and amounts to approximately $201 million at December 31, 2003. Market risk resulting from a hypothetical one percentage point decrease in interest rates as of December 31, 2002, amounted to approximately $198 million at December 31, 2002. The fair values of our fixed-rate debt were estimated by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on quoted market prices and current borrowing rates.
Fuel - Fuel costs are a significant portion of our total operating expenses. As a result of the significance of fuel costs and the historical volatility of fuel prices, we periodically use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts, as well as our fuel surcharge programs, to mitigate the impact of adverse fuel price changes.
As of December 31, 2003, collars are in place for 9% of expected fuel consumption for 2004. The collars have a floor of $0.64, a cap of $0.74 and a ceiling of $0.86 per gallon, excluding taxes, transportation costs and regional pricing spreads. As of December 31, 2003, we had no outstanding hedges for 2005. Based on annualized fuel consumption during 2003, and excluding the impact of the hedging program, each one-cent increase in the price of fuel would have resulted in approximately $8 million of additional fuel expense, after tax.
As of December 31, 2002, we hedged approximately 7% of our forecasted 2003 fuel consumption using fuel swaps at $0.58 per gallon, excluding taxes, transportation costs and regional pricing spreads.
Accounting Pronouncements - In December 2003, the FASB published a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46) to clarify some of the provisions and to exempt certain entities from its requirements. Under the new guidance, special effective date provisions apply to enterprises that have fully or partially applied FIN 46 prior to issuance of the revised interpretation. We adopted FIN 46 in June of 2003. The revision did not require us to modify our accounting related to the implementation of FIN 46.
Network Performance - Our network performance and operating efficiency were adversely affected in the third and fourth quarters by a shortage of trainmen and engineers, combined with an expanded summer track maintenance program and fourth quarter record-level volumes. Additional operating expenses were incurred as crew utilization costs and car cycle times increased due to slower network train speed. As discussed under Operating Expenses in this Item 7, labor, rent expense and other costs were affected by our network performance. Programs have been put in place, which we believe should remedy the situation, including, among other things, hiring and training additional employees and accelerating certain locomotive acquisitions.
Commitments and Contingencies - There are various claims and lawsuits pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We are also subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, pursuant to which we are currently participating in the investigation and remediation of various sites.
CAUTIONARY INFORMATION
Certain statements in this report are, and statements in other material filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us) are, or will be, forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding: expectations as to operational improvements; expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth and earnings; the time by which certain objectives will be achieved; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; proposed new products and services; expectations that claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity; and statements concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results, and future economic performance, statements of management’s goals and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management’s good faith belief with respect to future events, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.
The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 7, 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:
•
whether we are fully successful in implementing our financial and operational initiatives, including gaining new customers and retaining existing ones, along with containment of operating costs;
•
material adverse changes in economic and industry conditions, both within the United States and globally;
•
the effects of adverse general economic conditions affecting customer demand and the industries and geographic areas that produce and consume commodities carried by us;
•
industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation;
•
general legislative and regulatory developments, including possible enactment of initiatives to re-regulate the rail industry;
•
legislative, regulatory, or legal developments involving taxation, including enactment of new federal or state income tax rates, revisions of controlling authority, and the outcome of tax claims and litigation;
•
changes in securities and capital markets;
•
natural events such as severe weather, fire, floods, earthquakes or other disruptions of our operating systems, structures and equipment;
•
any adverse economic or operational repercussions from terrorist activities and any governmental response thereto;
•
war or risk of war;
•
changes in fuel prices;
•
changes in labor costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either our operations or our customers’ abilities to deliver goods to us for shipment; and
•
the outcome of claims and litigation, including those related to environmental contamination, personal injuries and occupational illnesses arising from hearing loss, repetitive motion and exposure to asbestos and diesel fumes.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Information concerning market risk sensitive instruments is set forth under Management’s Narrative Analysis of the Results of Operations - Other Matters, Item 7.
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Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the Board of Directors
Union Pacific Railroad Company
Omaha, Nebraska
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Union Pacific Railroad Company (an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Corporation) and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies (the Company) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in common shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Table of Contents at Part IV, Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations in 2003.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Omaha, Nebraska
February 6, 2004
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies
[a] Common stock $10.00 par value: 9,200 shares authorized; 4,465 outstanding (see note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).
[b] Class A stock, $10.00 par value: 800 shares authorized, 388 outstanding.
[c] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax of $16, $(85) and $(6) in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate ompanies
For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our” mean Union Pacific Railroad Company.
Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation - The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Union Pacific Railroad Company, a Delaware corporation, and all of its subsidiaries and certain affiliates (collectively, the Company, UPRR or the Railroad). The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific Corporation, a Utah corporation (the Corporation or UPC). Investments in affiliated companies (20% to 50% owned) are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.
Cash and Temporary Investments - Temporary investments are stated at cost which approximates fair value and consist of investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Inventories - Inventories consist of materials and supplies carried at the lower of average cost or market.
Property and Depreciation - Properties are carried at cost. Provisions for depreciation are computed principally on the straight-line method based on estimated service lives of depreciable property. The cost (net of salvage) of depreciable rail property retired or replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized. A gain or loss is recognized in other income for all other property upon disposition. The cost of internally developed software is capitalized and amortized over a five-year period. An obsolescence review of capitalized software is performed on a periodic basis.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets - We review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangibles, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated fair value as measured by the discounted cash flows.
Revenue Recognition - We recognize commodity revenues on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. Other revenue is recognized as service is performed or contractual obligations are met.
Translation of Foreign Currency - Our portion of the assets and liabilities related to foreign investments are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Unrealized adjustments are reflected within shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Transaction gains and losses related to intercompany accounts are not significant.
Financial Instruments - The carrying value of our non-derivative financial instruments approximates fair value. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable swap spread.
We periodically use derivative financial instruments, for other than trading purposes, to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices.
Stock-Based Compensation - We participate in UPC’s stock incentive programs. At December 31, 2003, the Corporation had several stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in note 9. We account for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation expense, related to stock option grants, is reflected in net income as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based employee compensation expense related
to restricted stock, units and other incentive plans is reflected in net income. The following table illustrates the effect on net income if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to stock-based employee compensation.
Use of Estimates - Our Consolidated Financial Statements include estimates and assumptions regarding certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of certain contingent assets and liabilities. Actual future results may differ from such estimates.
Income Taxes - We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are: (1) to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year; and (2) to recognize the future tax consequences (deferred taxes) associated with items of income or expense that are reported in an entity’s financial statements in different time periods than its tax returns. Deferred taxes are measured using current tax law; future changes in tax laws are not anticipated, but such future changes could have a material impact on our financial condition or our results of operations.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits - We incur certain employment-related expenses associated with pensions and postretirement health benefits. In order to measure the expense associated with these benefits, we must make various estimates including discount rates used to value certain liabilities, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses, salary increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates and expected future healthcare costs. The estimates used by us are based on our historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. We use third-party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability associated with these benefits. Actual results that vary from the previously mentioned assumptions could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
Personal Injury - The cost of injuries to employees and others on our property is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability.
Environmental - When environmental issues have been identified with respect to the property owned, leased or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on such property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated.
Differences in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Surface Transportation Board (STB) Accounting - STB accounting rules require that railroads accrue the cost of removing track structure over the expected useful life of these assets. Railroads historically used this prescribed accounting for reports filed with both the STB and SEC. In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (FAS 143). This statement was effective for us beginning January 1, 2003, and prohibits the accrual of removal costs unless there is a legal obligation to remove the track structure at the end of its life. We concluded that we did not have a legal obligation to remove the track structure, and therefore, under generally accepted accounting principles, we could not accrue the cost of removal in advance. As a result, reports filed with the SEC will reflect the expense of removing these assets in the period in which they are removed.
Change in Presentation - Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 Consolidated Financial Statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported operating income or net income.
1. Operations
We are a Class I railroad that operates in the United States. Our operating results have included Southern Pacific Rail Corporation since October 1996. In addition, during 1997, we acquired an ownership interest in a consortium, which was granted a 50-year concession to operate the Pacific-North and Chihuahua Pacific lines in Mexico. We made an additional investment in the consortium in 1999 and currently hold a 26% ownership interest in the consortium.
We have approximately 33,000 route miles linking Pacific Coast and Gulf Coast ports with the Midwest and eastern United States gateways and providing several north/south corridors to key Mexican gateways. We serve the western two-thirds of the country and maintain coordinated schedules with other rail carriers for the handling of freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada and Mexico. Export and import traffic is moved through Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports and across the Mexican and Canadian borders. Railroad freight is comprised of six commodity groups (percent of total commodity revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003): agricultural (14%), automotive (11%), chemicals (14%), energy (22%), industrial products (20%) and intermodal (19%).
Employees - Approximately 86% of our 46,000 full time equivalent employees are represented by 14 major rail unions. National negotiations under the Railway Labor Act to revise the national labor agreements for all crafts began in late 1999.
In May 2001, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) ratified an agreement, which included provisions for wage increases (based on the consumer price index) and progressive employee health and welfare cost sharing rates.
In August 2002, the carriers reached an agreement with the United Transportation Union (UTU) that incorporated wage increases. The agreement also provided for the operation of remote control locomotives by trainmen that was challenged by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE). A January 2003 arbitration decision held that the operation of remote control locomotives in terminals does not violate the BLE agreement. In November 2003, agreement was reached with the UTU on employee health and welfare cost sharing rates and plan design changes.
In November 2002, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Blacksmiths (IBB) reached an agreement that incorporated wage increases.
In January 2003, an arbitration award was rendered establishing wage increases and employee health and welfare cost sharing rates for the Transportation Communications International Union (TCU). Health and welfare plan design changes were also part of the TCU agreement.
Other settled agreements that incorporated wage increases and employee health and welfare cost sharing rates combined with plan design changes include the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen (BRS) in September 2003 and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in December 2003. Contract discussions with the remaining unions are either in negotiation or mediation.
All settlements previously discussed include a five year contract period, expiring December 31, 2004.
Effective January 2004, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). The BLE has changed its name to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
Competition - We are subject to competition from other railroads, motor carriers and barge operators. Our main rail competitor is Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation. Its rail subsidiary, The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, operates parallel routes in many of our main traffic corridors. In addition, our operations are conducted in corridors served by other competing railroads and by motor carriers. Motor carrier competition is particularly strong with respect to five of our six commodity groups (excluding energy), due to shorter delivery times offered by such carriers. Because of the proximity of our routes to major inland and Gulf Coast waterways, barge competition can be particularly pronounced, especially for grain and bulk commodities. Competition can pressure both transit time requirements and pricing, as well as place a greater emphasis on the quality and reliability of the service provided. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality of these alternative modes of transportation in the locations in which we operate, or legislation granting materially greater latitude
for motor carriers with respect to size or weight limitations, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Equipment Suppliers - We are dependent on two key suppliers of locomotives. Due to the capital intensive nature and sophistication of this equipment and its production, there are strong barriers of entry to potential new suppliers. Therefore, if one of these suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives, we could realize a significant increase in the cost and the potential for reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary to our operations.
2. Transactions with Affiliates
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had $972 million and $904 million working capital deficit balances, respectively, relating to UPC’s management of our cash position. As part of UPC’s cash management activities, we advance excess cash (cash available after satisfying all of our obligations and paying dividends to UPC) to UPC. We declare and pay dividends to UPC which typically approximate the dividends that UPC declares to its shareholders; however, there is no formal requirement to do so. The dividend declaration between us and UPC is determined solely by our Board of Directors. To the extent we require additional cash for use in our operations, UPC makes such funds available to us for borrowing. Transactions between UPC and us are treated as net intercompany borrowings in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The majority of our intercompany borrowings from UPC relate to the acquisitions of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company and Southern Pacific Rail Corporation which were funded by UPC on our behalf. We assumed these acquisition costs in the form of intercompany borrowings from UPC. The intercompany borrowings accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5%, which may be adjusted from time to time, and are payable on demand. There are no restrictions on the amount we are able to borrow from UPC. Intercompany borrowings are unsecured and rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness.
UPC provides us with various services, including strategic planning, legal, treasury, accounting, auditing, insurance, human resources and corporate affairs. In 2003, pursuant to a services agreement, UPC will continue to provide services to us, and we will pay UPC its share of the costs as determined by an independent review. Billings for these services were $58 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
3. Financial Instruments
Strategy and Risk - We use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. We use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts to mitigate the downside risk of adverse price movements and hedge the exposure to variable cash flows. The use of these instruments also limits future benefits from favorable movements. The purpose of these programs is to protect our operating margins and overall profitability from adverse fuel price changes.
Market and Credit Risk - We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying hedged item. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At December 31, 2003, we had not been required to provide collateral, nor have we received collateral relating to our hedging activities.
In addition, we enter into secured financings in which the debtor has pledged collateral. The collateral is based upon the nature of the financing and the credit risk of the debtor. We generally are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral unless the debtor defaults.
Determination of Fair Value - The fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions at December 31, 2003 and 2002, were determined based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the swap spread.
Fuel Strategy - Fuel costs are a significant portion of our total operating expenses. As a result of the significance of fuel costs and the historical volatility of fuel prices, we periodically use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts, as well as our fuel surcharge programs, to mitigate the impact of adverse fuel price changes.
The following is a summary of our derivative financial instruments for continuing operations at December 31, 2003 and 2002:
[a] Fuel hedges which were in effect during 2002.
[b] Excludes taxes, transportation costs and regional pricing spreads.
[c] Fuel hedges which were in effect during 2003. These hedges expired December 31, 2003.
The fair value asset and liability positions of our outstanding derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
Fuel hedging positions will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to fuel expense over the life of the hedge as fuel is consumed.
Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:
Fair Value of Debt Instruments - The fair value of our long-term and short-term debt has been estimated using quoted market prices, where available, or current borrowing rates. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the fair value of total debt exceeded the carrying value by approximately $247 million and $323 million, respectively. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, approximately $262 million and $251 million, respectively, of fixed-rate debt securities contain call provisions that allow us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par.
Sale of Receivables - We have sold without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in a designated pool of accounts receivable to investors through Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, UPRI had transferred $695 million and $667 million, respectively, of accounts receivable to the investors. UPRI subsequently sells an interest in such pool to the investors and retains an undivided interest in a portion of these receivables. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Consolidated Financial Statements. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, UPRI had a retained interest of $105 million and $67 million, respectively. The outstanding undivided interest held by investors of $590 million and $600 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, is sold at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and there is no gain or loss recognized from the transaction. These sold receivables are no longer included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On August 7, 2003, the program was renewed for one year with a capacity to sell to the investors an undivided interest in accounts receivable of $600 million. The amount of receivables sold fluctuates based upon the availability of the amount of receivables eligible for sale and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, including default and dilution. If default or dilution percentages were to increase one percentage point, the amount of receivables available for sale would decrease by $6 million. Should UPC’s credit rating fall below investment grade, the amount of receivables sold would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors have the right to discontinue this reinvestment.
We have been designated by the investors to service the sold receivables; however, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized as the servicing fees adequately compensate us for our responsibilities. The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $10 million, $13 million and $27 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The costs include interest, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability. Payments collected from sold receivables can be reinvested in new receivables on behalf of the buyers. Proceeds from collections reinvested in the program were approximately $11 billion in both 2003 and 2002.
In January 2004, UPRI reduced the outstanding undivided interest held by investors by $30 million to $560 million, due to a decrease in available receivables at December 31, 2003.
4. Income Taxes
We are included in the consolidated income tax return of the Corporation. The consolidated income tax liability of the Corporation is allocated among the parent and its subsidiaries on the basis of the separate contributions to the consolidated income tax liability, with the benefit of tax losses and credits utilized in consolidation allocated to the companies generating such losses and credits.
Components of income tax expense were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:
Deferred income tax liabilities (assets) were comprised of the following at December 31, 2003 and 2002:
For the years ending December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, a reconciliation between statutory and effective tax rates is as follows:
All federal income tax years prior to 1986 are closed. Federal income tax liabilities for 1986 through 1994 have been resolved, pending final resolution of interest calculations, which may take several years. Resolution of these years resulted in a decrease in income tax expense of $33 million in 2002. Years 1995 through 1998 are currently under examination by the IRS.
We believe we have adequately reserved for federal and state income taxes.
5. Debt
Other than intercompany borrowings, the majority of our debt is publicly held. The intercompany borrowings accrue interest at an annual rate of 7.5%, which may be adjusted from time to time, and are payable on demand. There are no restrictions on the amount we are able to borrow from UPC. Intercompany borrowings are unsecured and rank equally with all of our other unsecured indebtedness. Total debt as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, is summarized below:
Debt Maturities - Aggregate debt maturities, excluding intercompany borrowings, as of December 31, 2003, are as follows:
In February 2004, we called our 4.25% mortgage bonds, with an outstanding balance of approximately $92 million and maturity date of January 1, 2005, for redemption in April 2004.
Mortgaged Properties - Equipment with a carrying value of approximately $3.5 billion and $3.7 billion at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, serves as collateral for the capital leases and other types of equipment obligations in accordance with the secured financing arrangements utilized to acquire such railroad equipment.
As a result of the merger of Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MPRR) with and into UPRR on January 1, 1997, and pursuant to the underlying indentures for the MPRR mortgage bonds, UPRR must maintain the same value of assets after the merger in order to comply with the security requirements of the mortgage bonds. As of the merger date, the value of the MPRR assets which secured the mortgage bonds was approximately $5.8 billion. In accordance with the terms on the indentures, this collateral value must be maintained during the entire term of the mortgage bonds irrespective of the outstanding balance of such bonds.
Income-Based Securities - We have certain debt instruments which contain provisions that limit the payment of interest, require sinking fund installments and impose certain restrictions in the event all interest is not paid based upon available income levels. Other debt instruments contain provisions that may impose restrictions on the Company’s ability to declare dividends on certain classes of capital stock (note 8).
Significant New Financings - During May 2003, we entered into a capital lease covering new locomotives. The related capital lease obligation totaled approximately $188 million and is included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt.
6. Leases
We lease certain locomotives, freight cars and other property. Future minimum lease payments for operating and capital leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2003 were as follows:
Rent expense for operating leases with terms exceeding one month was $583 million in 2003, $581 million in 2002, and $571 million in 2001. Contingent rentals and sub-rentals are not significant.
7. Retirement Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Pension Plans - We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through the Corporation’s qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment with specific reductions made for early retirements.
Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) - All non-union and certain of our union employees participate in the Corporation’s defined contribution medical and life insurance programs for retirees. These costs are funded as paid.
Medicare Reform Act
On December 13, 2003, Congress passed the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Reform Act). The provisions of the Medicare Reform Act include prescription drug benefits for Medicare eligible individuals. We have elected to recognize this legislation in 2003, in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 106-1, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003”, which results in a $47 million reduction to the accumulated benefit obligation for other postretirement benefits as of December 31, 2003. This reduction is based on the value of the projected federal subsidy, assumes no changes in participation rates and is recorded as an unrecognized actuarial gain. The estimated reduction in post-65 per capita claim costs was 17%. There was no effect on 2003 expense. For 2004, we expect a reduction in OPEB expense of $7 million. Future guidance from either Congress or the FASB could result in a change to this recognition.
Funded Status
Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) - The projected benefit obligation of the pension plans is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of assumed future salary increases. The PBO of the OPEB plan is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation, as the present value of OPEB liabilities are not affected by salary increases. Changes in our projected benefit obligation are as follows for the years ended December 31:
Assets - Assets used in calculating the funded status are measured at the fair value at December 31. Changes in the fair value of the plan assets are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:
Funded Status - The funded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of the plan assets. Below is a reconciliation of the funded status of the benefit plans to the net liability recognized for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:
Liability Recorded in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position - The net liability represents the amount previously accrued by us for pension and OPEB costs. The following table presents the components of the benefit plan liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position for December 31, 2003 and 2002:
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, $35 million and $43 million, respectively, of the total pension and other postretirement liability were classified as a current liability.
Unfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation - The accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no future salary growth. The unfunded accumulated benefit obligation represents the difference between the accumulated benefit obligation and the fair value of the plan assets. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of the fair value of the plan assets were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002:
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Assumptions - The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:
Expense
Both pension and OPEB expense is 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. With respect to the value of pension plan assets, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five-year period. This practice is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it can have the effect of delaying the recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate of return assumptions. The expected rate of return on assets was 8% for 2003 and 9% for 2002.
Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.
The components of our net periodic pension and other postretirement costs (income) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:
Assumptions - The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:
The discount rate we used is based on a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds with cash flows matching the plans’ expected benefit payments at December 31. The expected return on plan assets is based on our asset allocation mix and our historical return, taking into account current and expected market conditions. The actual return on pension plan assets was approximately 25% in 2003, compared to an 11% loss in 2002. Our historical annualized ten-year rate of return on plan assets is approximately 9%. During 2003, we decreased our expected return on plan assets from 9% to 8%. This assumption change resulted in an increase to 2003 pension expense of $17 million.
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the expense and liabilities reported for health care plans. The health care cost trend rate is based on historical rates and expected market conditions. A one-percentage point change in the expected health care cost trend rates would have the following effects on OPEB:
Equity Adjustment
During 2002, actual asset returns for the pension plans were adversely impacted by continued deterioration in the equity markets. Also during 2002, corporate bond yields, which are used in determining the discount rate for future pension obligations, continued to decline. As a result of negative asset returns and lower discount rates, we were required to recognize an additional minimum pension liability. An additional minimum pension liability adjustment is required when our accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the plan assets, and that difference exceeds the net pension liability. The liability was recorded as a $141 million after-tax reduction to common shareholders’ equity as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2002.
Because the fair value of plan assets improved in 2003, the 2003 adjustment to shareholders’ equity was $39 million, after-tax, recorded as an increase to equity in accumulated other comprehensive income.
The remaining equity reduction from 2002 will be restored to the balance sheet in future periods if the fair value of plan assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligations. Recognition of this reduction to equity did not affect net income or cash flow in 2003 and had no impact on compliance with debt covenants.
Cash Contributions
The following table details our cash contributions for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the expected contributions for 2004:
Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. There are currently no minimum funding requirements, as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws. All contributions made to the funded pension plans for 2002 and 2003 were voluntary. The 2004 funded pension plan contribution was voluntary and was made in January 2004 with cash generated from operations.
All benefit payments for other postretirement benefits are voluntary, as the postretirement plans are not funded, and are not subject to any minimum regulatory funding requirements. Benefit payments for each year represent claims paid for medical and life insurance, and we anticipate our 2004 OPEB payments will be made from cash generated from operations.
Benefit Payments
The following table details expected benefit payments for the years 2004 though 2013:
Expected benefit payments for other postretirement benefits are adjusted for estimated reimbursements for prescription drugs beginning in 2006, based on the Medicare Reform Act passed in 2003.
Asset Allocation Strategy
The pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and target allocation for 2004 are as follows:
The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio designed to achieve our target of an average long-term rate of return of 8%. While we believe we can achieve a long-term average rate of return of 8%, we cannot be certain that the portfolio will perform to our expectations. Assets are strategically allocated between equity and debt securities in order to achieve a diversification level that mitigates wide swings in investment returns. Asset allocation target ranges for equity and debt portfolios are evaluated at least every three years with the assistance of an external consulting firm. Actual asset allocations are monitored monthly and rebalancing actions are executed at least quarterly, if needed.
The majority of the plan’s assets are invested in equity securities because equity portfolios have historically provided higher returns than debt portfolios over extended time horizons and are expected to do so in the future. Correspondingly, equity investments also entail greater risks than debt investments. The risk of loss in the plan’s equity portfolio is mitigated by investing in a broad range of equity types. Equity diversification includes large-capitalization and small-capitalization companies, growth-oriented and value-oriented investments, and U.S. and non-U.S. securities.
Equity risks are further balanced by investing a significant portion of the plan’s assets in high quality debt securities. The average quality rating of the debt portfolio exceeded AA as of December 31, 2003 and 2002. The debt portfolio is also broadly diversified and primarily invested in U.S. Treasury, mortgage, and corporate securities with an intermediate average maturity. The weighted-average maturity of the debt portfolio was 6.1 years at December 31, 2003 and 7.0 years as of December 31, 2002.
The investment of pension plan assets in Union Pacific securities is specifically prohibited for both the equity and debt portfolios other than through index fund holdings.
Other Retirement Programs
Thrift Plan - The Corporation provides a defined contribution plan (thrift plan) to eligible non-union employees, and we make matching contributions to the thrift plan. We match 50 cents for each dollar contributed by employees up to the first 6 percent of compensation contributed. The thrift plan contributions were $11 million, $10 million and $11 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
Railroad Retirement System - All Railroad employees are covered by the Railroad Retirement System (the System). On December 21, 2001, The Railroad Retirement and Survivors’ Improvement Act of 2001 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act was a result of historic cooperation between rail management and labor, and provides improved railroad retirement benefits for employees and reduced payroll taxes for employers. Contributions made to the System are expensed as incurred and amounted to approximately $562 million in 2003, $595 million in 2002 and $607 million in 2001.
Collective Bargaining Agreements - Under collective bargaining agreements, we participate in multi-employer benefit plans, which provide certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits for eligible union employees. Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $27 million in 2003, $16 million in 2002 and $13 million in 2001.
8. Capital Stock and Dividend Restrictions
Our Board of Directors has restricted the availability of retained earnings for payment of dividends by $131 million. This represents (a) the amount by which the estimated fair value of our investment in our non-transportation subsidiaries, as determined by our Board of Directors, exceeded the net book value of such investment, which was transferred to the Corporation by means of a dividend in June 1971 ($110 million) and (b) the amount by which the fair market value exceeded the book value of certain investment securities which were transferred to the Corporation by means of a dividend in November 1972 ($21 million).
Our capital structure consists of Class A Stock, Common Stock and Redeemable Preference Shares (Series A). The Class A Stock is entitled to a cash dividend whenever a dividend is declared on the Common Stock, in an amount which equals 8 percent of the sum of the dividends on both the Class A Stock and the Common Stock. All of our Common Stock and our Class A Stock, which constitutes all of the voting capital stock, is owned by the Corporation or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, and all of the Preference Shares, which are non-voting stock, are owned by the Federal Railroad Administration. Accordingly, there is no market for our capital stock.
The number of shares shown in the Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity in the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, excludes 2,665 shares of Common Stock and 232 shares of Class A Stock owned by Southern Pacific Rail Corporation, whose results are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We are subject to certain restrictions related to the payment of dividends. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $7.5 billion and $6.4 billion at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
9. Stock Options and Other Stock Plans
We participate in the Corporation’s stock incentive plans. There are no options outstanding for Railroad participants under the 1988 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan of Union Pacific Corporation (1988 Plan) and 5,069,640 options outstanding under the 1993 Stock Option and Retention Stock Plan of Union Pacific Corporation (1993 Plan) for Railroad participants. There are 878,044 retention shares and stock units (the right to receive shares of common stock)
outstanding under the 1993 Plan for Railroad participants. The Corporation no longer grants options or awards of restricted stock under the 1988 Plan or the 1993 Plan.
The UP Shares Stock Option Plan of Union Pacific Corporation (UP Shares Plan) was approved by UPC’s Board of Directors on April 30, 1998. The UP Shares Plan reserved 12,000,000 shares of UPC common stock for issuance. The UP Shares Plan was a broad-based option program that granted eligible active employees on April 30, 1998 an option to purchase 200 shares of UPC common stock at $55.00 per share. All options granted were non-qualified options that became exercisable on May 1, 2001 and remain exercisable until April 30, 2008. If an optionee’s employment terminates for any reason, the option remains exercisable for a period of one year after the date of termination, but no option is exercisable after April 30, 2008. No further options may be granted under the UP Shares Plan. As of December 31, 2003, there were 5,230,166 options outstanding for Railroad participants under the UP Shares Plan.
The Corporation adopted the Executive Stock Purchase Incentive Plan (ESPIP) effective October 1, 1999, in order to encourage and facilitate ownership of UPC common stock by officers and other key executives of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Under the ESPIP, participants purchased a total of 1,008,000 shares of UPC common stock with the proceeds of 6.02% interest-bearing, full recourse loans from the Corporation. Loans totaled $47 million and have a final maturity date of January 31, 2006. Deferred cash payments were to be awarded to the participants to repay interest and the loan principal if certain performance and retention criteria were met within a 40-month period ending January 31, 2003. Dividends paid on the purchased shares were originally assigned to the Corporation to offset the accrued interest on the loan balance until March 2001 when the first performance criterion was satisfied and, accordingly thereafter, the dividends on the purchased shares were paid directly to the participants. Satisfaction of the first performance criterion also entitled participants to receive a cash payment equal to the net accrued interest on the outstanding principal balance of the loan. Satisfaction of the second performance criterion, in December 2002, entitled participants to receive a cash payment equal to one-third of the outstanding principal balance of their loan, and satisfaction of the retention criterion of continued employment with the Corporation until January 31, 2003, entitled participants to receive an additional cash payment equal to one-third of the outstanding principal balance of their loan. Such payments have been applied against the participants’ outstanding loan balance pursuant to the terms of the ESPIP. The remaining balance of the loan is payable in three equal installments on January 31, 2004, January 31, 2005 and January 31, 2006. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the outstanding loan balance was $8 million and $45 million, respectively. None of the Corporation’s executive officers subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, had outstanding loans as of January 31, 2004. The remaining outstanding loans were $1 million at January 31, 2004.
In November 2000, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the 2001 Long Term Plan (LTP). Participants were awarded retention shares or stock units and cash awards subject to the attainment of certain performance targets and continued employment through January 31, 2004, or other applicable vesting dates. The LTP performance criteria include three year (for fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003) cumulative earnings per share and stock price targets. The Corporation met the cumulative earnings per share target at December 31, 2003, which entitled Railroad participants to receive 76,260 shares, 260,592 stock units and $24 million at January 31, 2004, or other applicable vesting dates, totaling 48% of the maximum amount available under the LTP.
The Union Pacific Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (2001 Plan) was approved by the shareholders in April 2001. The 2001 Plan reserved 12,000,000 shares of UPC common stock for issuance to eligible employees of the Corporation in the form of non-qualified options, incentive stock options, retention shares, stock units and incentive bonus awards. Awards and options under the 2001 Plan may be granted to employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Non- employee directors are not eligible. As of December 31, 2003, there were 652,364 retention shares and stock units outstanding for Railroad participants under the 2001 Plan, and there were 2,759,550 options outstanding for Railroad participants under the 2001 Plan.
Pursuant to the above plans, 6,899,211, 9,544,569 and 12,461,025 shares of UPC common stock were available for grant by the Corporation at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.
Options - Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock as of the date of the grant. Options are granted with a 10-year term and are generally exercisable one to two years after the date of the grant. A summary of the stock options issued under the 1988 Plan, the 1993 Plan, the UP Shares Plan and the 2001 Plan and changes during the years ending December 31 are as follows:
The following table summarizes information about our outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2003:
The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted in 2003, 2002, and 2001.
Restricted Stock and Other Incentive Plans - The Corporation’s plans provide for awarding retention shares of common stock or stock units to eligible employees. These awards are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates during the prescribed retention period, generally three or four years, or, in some cases, if a certain prescribed stock price or other financial criteria is not met. Restricted stock awards are issued to non-employee directors and are subject to forfeiture if certain service requirements are not met. During the year ended December 31, 2003, 197,703 retention shares, stock units and restricted shares were issued to Railroad participants at a weighted-average fair value of $56.01. During 2002, 436,270 retention shares, stock units and restricted shares were issued to Railroad participants at a weighted-average fair value of $58.25. During 2001, 223,502 retention shares, stock units and restricted shares were issued to Railroad participants at a weighted-average fair value of $49.95. The cost of retention and restricted awards is amortized to expense over the retention period.
Under the LTP, no performance retention stock units were issued in 2003, 4,400 performance retention stock units and 766,900 performance retention shares and stock units were issued to Railroad participants at a weighted-average fair value of $60.68 and $50.11 during 2002 and 2001, respectively. The cost of the LTP is marked to market and is expensed over the performance period, which ended January 31, 2004.
The cost associated with the ESPIP retention criterion was amortized to expense over the 40-month period. The cost associated with the ESPIP first performance criterion is expensed over the life of the loan, and the cost associated with the second performance criterion was expensed in December 2002.
During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, we expensed $27 million, $13 million and $8 million, respectively, related to the other incentive plans described above. During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, UPC expensed $1 million, $15 million and $4 million, respectively, attributable to Railroad participants in the other incentive plans described above.
10. Commitments and Contingencies
Unasserted Claims - There are various claims and lawsuits pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. It is not possible at this time for us to determine fully the effect of all unasserted claims on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where unasserted claims can be estimated and where such claims are considered probable, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Personal Injury and Occupational Illness - The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use third party actuaries to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability. Compensation for work-related accidents is governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). 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. Annual expenses for our personal injury-related events were $250 million in 2003, $221 million in 2002 and $200 million in 2001. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had a liability of $615 million and $668 million, respectively, accrued for future personal injury costs, of which $272 million was recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty for each year. We have additional amounts accrued for claims related to certain alleged occupational illnesses. The impact of current obligations is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Environmental Costs - We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our current operations, and have done so in our former operations, and are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified approximately 417 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 51 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 29 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 an environmental issue has been identified with respect to the property owned, leased or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on such property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated.
As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had a liability of $187 million and $188 million, respectively, accrued for future environmental costs, of which $57 million and $71 million were recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs. The liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as for 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. We believe that we have adequately accrued for our ultimate share of costs at sites subject to joint and several liability. However, the ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, 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/or the speculative nature
of remediation costs. The impact of current obligations is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Remediation of identified sites previously used in operations, used by tenants or contaminated by former owners required cash spending of $36 million in 2003, $68 million in 2002, and $63 million in 2001. We are also engaged in reducing emissions, spills and migration of hazardous materials, and spent cash of $8 million, $6 million and $5 million in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively, for control and prevention. In 2004, we anticipate spending $52 million for remediation and $8 million for control and prevention. The impact of current obligations is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.
Purchase Obligations and Guarantees - We periodically enter into financial and other commitments in connection with our businesses. We do not expect that these commitments or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
At December 31, 2003, we had unconditional purchase obligations of $100 million for the acquisition of locomotives as part of our multi-year capital asset acquisition plan. In addition, we were contingently liable for $360 million in guarantees and $27 million in letters of credit at December 31, 2003. These contingent guarantees were entered into in the normal course of business and include guaranteed obligations of affiliated operations. None of the guarantees individually are significant, and a liability of $7 million has been recorded related to these guarantees as of December 31, 2003. The final guarantee expires in 2022. We are not aware of any existing event of default, which would require us to satisfy these guarantees.
Headquarters Building - We have a synthetic operating lease arrangement to finance a new headquarters building, which is being constructed in Omaha, Nebraska. The expected completion date of the building is mid-2004. It will total approximately 1.1 million square feet with approximately 3,800 office workspaces. The cost to construct the new headquarters, including capitalized interest, is approximately $260 million. The Corporation has guaranteed all of our obligation under this lease.
We are the construction agent for the lessor during the construction period. We have guaranteed, in the event of a loss caused by, or resulting from, our actions or failures to act as construction agent, 89.9% of the building related construction costs incurred up to that point during the construction period. Total building related costs incurred and drawn from the lease funding commitments as of December 31, 2003, were approximately $125 million. Accordingly, our guarantee at December 31, 2003, was approximately $113 million. As construction continues and additional costs are incurred, this guarantee will increase accordingly. At December 31, 2003, we had a liability recorded of approximately $7 million related to the fair value of this guarantee.
After construction is complete, we will lease the building under an initial term of five years with provisions for renewal for an extended period subject to agreement between us and the lessor. At any time during the lease, we may, at our option, purchase the building at approximately the amount expended by the lessor to construct the building. If we elect not to purchase the building or renew the lease, the building is returned to the lessor for remarketing, and we have guaranteed a residual value equal to 85% of the total construction related costs. The guarantee will be approximately $220 million.
11. Other Income
Other income included the following:
Included in the 2002 gain on non-operating asset dispositions is a pre-tax gain of $141 million related to the sale of land, track, operating rights and facilities to the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) for $185 million, which included approximately 175 miles of track that stretches from Brigham City, Utah, through Salt Lake City, Utah, south to Payson, Utah. The transaction contributed $88 million to our earnings on an after-tax basis.
Also included in the 2002 gain on non-operating asset dispositions is a pre-tax gain of $73 million related to the sale of land and track to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for $80 million, which included approximately 15 miles of track that stretches from William Street in San Jose, California, north to Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont, California. The transaction contributed $45 million to our earnings on an after-tax basis.
12. Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2003, the FASB published a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46) to clarify some of the provisions and to exempt certain entities from its requirements. Under the new guidance, special effective date provisions apply to enterprises that have fully or partially applied FIN 46 prior to issuance of the revised interpretation. We adopted FIN 46 in June of 2003. The revision did not require us to modify our accounting related to the implementation of FIN 46.
13. Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
Surface Transportation Board (STB) accounting rules require that railroads accrue the cost of removing track structure over the expected useful life of these assets. Railroads historically used this prescribed accounting for reports filed with both the STB and SEC. In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” (FAS 143). This statement was effective for us beginning January 1, 2003, and prohibits the accrual of removal costs unless there is a legal obligation to remove the track structure at the end of its life. We concluded that we did not have a legal obligation to remove the track structure, and therefore, under generally accepted accounting principles, we could not accrue the cost of removal in advance. As a result, reports filed with the SEC will reflect the expense of removing these assets in the period in which they are removed. For STB reporting requirements only, we will continue to follow the historical method of accruing in advance, as prescribed by the STB. FAS 143 also requires us to record a liability for legally obligated asset retirement costs associated with tangible long-lived assets. In the first quarter of 2003, we recorded income from a cumulative effect of accounting change, related to the adoption of FAS 143, of $274 million, net of income tax expense of $167 million. The accounting change had no effect on our liquidity. Had the change been retroactively applied, the change would not have had a material impact on net income.
14. Selected Quarterly Data
Selected unaudited quarterly data are as follows:
[a] Cumulative effect of accounting change is shown net of income tax expense of $167 million.
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Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them, in a timely manner, to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.
Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there have been no changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Omitted in accordance with General Instruction I of Form 10-K.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information concerning the independent auditor fees billed and the nature of services comprising the fees for UPC, including accounting fees and services for UPRR, for each of the two most recent fiscal years in each of the following categories: (i) audit fees, (ii) audit - related fees, (iii) tax fees and (iv) all other fees, is set forth in the Audit Committee Report segment of the Corporation’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information concerning the Corporation’s Audit Committee’s policies and procedures pertaining to pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by its independent auditor is set forth in the Audit Committee segment of the Corporation’s Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)
Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits:
(1)
Financial Statements
The financial statements filed as part of this filing are listed on the index to Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, on page 23.
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, or notes thereto.
Exhibits are listed in the exhibit index on page 53.
On March 1, 2004, UPRR furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K updating UPC’s earnings outlook for the first quarter of 2004.*
On January 21, 2004, UPRR furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing UPC’s financial results for the fourth quarter of 2003.*
On October 23, 2003, UPRR furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K announcing UPC’s financial results for the third quarter of 2003.*
* These reports, or certain portions thereof, were furnished under Item 9 or Item 12 of Form 8-K and are referenced herein for informational purposes only. Therefore, such reports or applicable provisions thereof are not, and such contents should not be deemed, incorporated by reference into any registration statements filed by Union Pacific Railroad Company with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on this 5th day of March, 2004.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below, on this 5th day of March, 2004, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AND DIRECTOR:
/s/ Richard K. Davidson
Richard K. Davidson, Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:
/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.
Robert M. Knight, Jr.,
Executive Vice President-Finance
and Chief Financial Officer
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER:
/s/ Richard J. Putz
Richard J. Putz,
Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
DIRECTORS:
Philip F. Anschutz*
Elbridge T. Gerry, Jr.*
Thomas J. Donohue*
Judith Richards Hope*
Archie W. Dunham*
Richard J. Mahoney*
Spencer F. Eccles*
Steven R. Rogel*
Ivor J. Evans*
Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon*
*By
/s/ Thomas E. Whitaker
Thomas E. Whitaker, Attorney-in-fact
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Union Pacific Railroad Company and Consolidated Subsidiary and Affiliate Companies
Union Pacific Railroad Company
Exhibit Index