Item 1. Business
CSX Corporation (“CSX”), and together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation's leading transportation companies. The Company provides rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers.
The Company’s annual average number of employees was approximately 32,000 in 2014, which includes approximately 26,000 union employees. Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services.
CSX Transportation, Inc.
CSX’s principal operating subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSXT”), provides an important link to the transportation supply chain through its approximately 21,000 route mile rail network, which serves major population centers in 23 states east of the Mississippi River, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company’s intermodal business links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections to approximately 240 short-line and regional railroads.
Lines of Business
During 2014, the Company services generated $12.7 billion of revenue and served three primary lines of business:
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The merchandise business shipped over 2.9 million carloads and generated approximately 60% of revenue and 42% of volume in 2014. The Company’s merchandise business is the most diverse and transports aggregates (which include crushed stone, sand and gravel), metal, phosphate, fertilizer, food, consumer (manufactured goods and appliances), agricultural, automotive, paper and chemical products.
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The coal business shipped nearly 1.3 million carloads and accounted for nearly 22% of revenue and 18% of volume in 2014. The Company transports domestic coal, coke and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers and industrial plants as well as export coal to deep-water port facilities. Almost half of export coal and nearly all of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.
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The intermodal business accounted for approximately 14% of revenue and 40% of volume in 2014. The intermodal line of business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the short-haul flexibility of trucks and offers a competitive cost advantage over long-haul trucking. Through a network of more than 50 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.
Other revenue accounted for approximately 4% of the Company’s total revenue in 2014. This revenue category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads, demurrage, revenue for customer volume commitments not met, switching and other incidental charges. Revenue from regional railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate. Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars are held beyond a specified period of time. Switching revenue is primarily generated when CSXT switches cars for a customer or another railroad.
CSX CORPORATION
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Other Entities
In addition to CSXT, the Company’s subsidiaries include CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (“CSX Intermodal Terminals”), Total Distribution Services, Inc. (“TDSI”), Transflo Terminal Services, Inc. (“Transflo”), CSX Technology, Inc. (“CSX Technology”) and other subsidiaries. CSX Intermodal Terminals owns and operates a system of intermodal terminals, predominantly in the eastern United States and also performs drayage services (the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments) for certain CSXT customers and trucking dispatch operations. TDSI serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations. Transflo connects non-rail served customers to the many benefits of rail by transferring products from rail to trucks. Today, the biggest Transflo markets are chemicals and agriculture, which includes shipments of plastics and ethanol. CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.
CSX’s other holdings include CSX Real Property, Inc., a subsidiary responsible for the Company’s real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities. These activities are classified in other income because they are not considered by the Company to be operating activities. Results of these activities fluctuate with the timing of non-operating real estate transactions.
Financial Information
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for operating revenue, operating income and total assets for each of the last three fiscal years.
Company History
A leader in freight rail transportation for more than 185 years, the Company’s heritage dates back to the early nineteenth century when The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company (“B&O”) - the nation’s first common carrier - was chartered in 1827. Since that time, the Company has built on this foundation to create a railroad that could safely and reliably service the ever-increasing demands of a growing nation.
Since its founding, numerous railroads have combined with the former B&O through merger and consolidation to create what has become CSX. Each of the railroads that combined into the CSX family brought new geographical reach to valuable markets, gateways, cities, ports and transportation corridors.
CSX was incorporated in 1978 under Virginia law. In 1980, the Company completed the merger of the Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries into CSX. The merger allowed the Company to connect northern population centers and Appalachian coal fields to growing southeastern markets. Later, the Company’s acquisition of key portions of Conrail, Inc. ("Conrail") allowed CSXT to link the northeast, including New England and the New York metropolitan area, with Chicago and midwestern markets as well as the growing areas in the Southeast already served by CSXT. This current rail network allows the Company to directly serve every major market in the eastern United States with safe, dependable, environmentally responsible and fuel efficient freight transportation and intermodal service.
Competition
The business environment in which the Company operates is highly competitive. Shippers typically select transportation providers that offer the most compelling combination of service and price. Service requirements, both in terms of transit time and reliability, vary by shipper and commodity. As a result, the Company’s primary competition varies by commodity, geographic location and mode of available transportation.
CSX CORPORATION
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CSXT’s primary rail competitor is Norfolk Southern Railway, which operates throughout much of the Company’s territory. Other railroads also operate in parts of the Company’s territory. Depending on the specific market, competing railroads and deregulated motor carriers may exert pressure on price and service levels. For further discussion on the risk of competition to the Company, see Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risks set forth in the following risk factors could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company's forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently does not deem to be material also may materially impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
New legislation or regulatory changes could impact the Company's earnings or restrict its ability to independently negotiate prices.
Legislation passed by Congress or new regulations issued by federal agencies can significantly affect the revenues, costs and profitability of the Company's business. For instance, several of the proposals under consideration by the STB could have a significant negative impact on the Company's ability to negotiate prices for the value of rail services provided and meet service standards, which could force a reduction in capital spending. In addition, statutes imposing price constraints or affecting rail-to-rail competition could adversely affect the Company's profitability.
Government regulation and compliance risks may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.
The Company is subject to the jurisdiction of various regulatory agencies, including the STB, FRA, PHMSA, TSA, EPA and other state, provincial and federal regulatory agencies for a variety of economic, health, safety, labor, environmental, tax, legal and other matters. New rules or regulations by these agencies could increase the Company's operating costs or reduce operating efficiencies. For example, the RSIA mandated that the installation of PTC be completed by December 31, 2015 on main lines that carry certain hazardous materials and on lines that have commuter or passenger operations. Noncompliance with these and other applicable laws or regulations could erode public confidence in the Company and can subject the Company to fines, penalties and other legal or regulatory sanctions.
Climate change and other emissions-related legislation and regulation could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.
Climate change and other emissions-related legislation and regulation have been proposed and, in some cases adopted, on the federal, state, provincial and local levels. These final and proposed laws and regulations take the form of restrictions, caps, taxes or other controls on emissions. In particular, the EPA has issued various regulations and is expected to issue additional regulations targeting emissions, including rules and standards governing emissions from certain stationary sources and from vehicles.
Any of these pending or proposed laws or regulations could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results by, among other things: (i) reducing coal-fired electricity generation due to mandated emission standards; (ii) reducing the consumption of coal as a viable energy resource in the United States; (iii) increasing the Company's fuel, capital and other operating costs and negatively affecting operating and fuel efficiencies; and (iv) making it difficult for the Company's customers in the U.S. and Canada to produce products in a cost competitive manner (particularly in the absence of similar regulations in other manufacturing countries). Any of these factors could reduce the amount of shipments the Company handles and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Capacity constraints could have a negative impact on service and operating efficiency.
CSXT may experience rail network difficulties related to: (i) increased volume; (ii) locomotive or crew shortages; (iii) extreme weather conditions; (iv) increased passenger activities, including high-speed rail; or (v) regulatory changes impacting when CSXT can transport freight or maintain routes, which could have a negative effect on CSXT's operational fluidity, leading to deterioration of service, asset utilization and overall efficiency.
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Global economic conditions could negatively affect demand for commodities and other freight.
A decline or disruption in general domestic and global economic conditions that affects demand for the commodities and products the Company transports, including import and export volume, could reduce revenues or have other adverse effects on the Company's cost structure. For example, if the rate of economic growth in Asia slows or if European economies contract, U.S. export coal volume could be adversely impacted resulting in lower revenue for CSX. If the Company experiences significant declines in demand for its transportation services with respect to one or more commodities and products, the Company may experience reduced revenue and increased operating costs associated with the storage of locomotives, railcars and other equipment, workforce adjustments, and other related activities, which could have a material adverse effect on operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets could negatively impact profitability.
Domestic energy production continues to evolve creating both opportunities and challenges for CSX. Increased production of crude oil from the new domestic oil fields, particularly those located in the Bakken Shale region of North Dakota, has created opportunities for CSX to transport crude oil by rail to East Coast refineries. Crude oil production from this region is subject to the volatility of global crude oil prices. Depressed crude oil prices due to increased supply or lower demand could result in a decrease in domestic crude oil production, which could have an adverse effect on crude oil volumes for CSX. In addition, new regulations related to the shipment of crude oil by rail, including proposed rail car safety standards, could increase costs for CSX, negatively impact network fluidity or have an adverse impact on customers.
Over the past few years, production of natural gas in the U.S. has also increased dramatically, which has resulted in lower natural gas prices. As a result of sustained low natural gas prices, coal-fired power plants have been displaced by natural gas-fired power generation facilities. If natural gas prices were to remain low, additional coal-fired plants could be displaced, which could further reduce the Company's domestic coal volumes and revenues.
CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, is required by law to transport hazardous materials, which could expose the Company to significant costs and claims.
A train accident involving the transport of hazardous materials could result in significant claims arising from personal injury, property or natural resource damage, environmental penalties and remediation obligations. Such claims, if insured, could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates. Under federal regulations, CSXT is required to transport hazardous materials under the legal duty referred to as the common carrier mandate.
CSXT is also required to comply with regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials. In November 2008, the TSA issued final rules placing significant new security and safety requirements on passenger and freight railroad carriers, rail transit systems and facilities that ship hazardous materials by rail. Noncompliance with these rules can subject the Company to significant penalties and could be a factor in litigation arising out of a train accident. Finally, legislation preventing the transport of hazardous materials through certain cities could result in network congestion and increase the length of haul for hazardous substances, which could increase operating costs, reduce operating efficiency or increase the risk of an accident involving the transport of hazardous materials.
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The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that may result in significant costs.
The Company is subject to wide-ranging federal, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions into the air, ground and water; the handling, storage, use, generation, transportation and disposal of waste and other materials; the clean-up of hazardous material and petroleum releases and the health and safety of our employees. If the Company violates or fails to comply with these laws and regulations, CSX could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. The Company can also be held liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to any hazardous substances for which CSX is responsible. In certain circumstances, environmental liability can extend to formerly owned or operated properties, leased properties, adjacent properties and properties owned by third parties or Company predecessors, as well as to properties currently owned, leased or used by the Company.
The Company has been, and may in the future be, subject to allegations or findings to the effect that it has violated, or is strictly liable under, environmental laws or regulations, and such violations can result in the Company's incurring fines, penalties or costs relating to the clean-up of environmental contamination. Although the Company believes it has appropriately recorded current and long-term liabilities for known and reasonably estimable future environmental costs, it could incur significant costs that exceed reserves or require unanticipated cash expenditures as a result of any of the foregoing. The Company also may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate and remediate known, unknown or future environmental contamination.
The Company relies on the stability and availability of its technology systems to operate its business.
The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. The performance and reliability of the Company's technology systems are critical to its ability to operate and compete safely and effectively. A cybersecurity attack, which is a deliberate theft of data or impairment of information technology systems, or other significant disruption or failure, could result in a service interruption, train accident, misappropriation of confidential information, process failure, security breach or other operational difficulties. Such an event could result in increased capital, insurance or operating costs, including increased security costs to protect the Company's infrastructure. A disruption or compromise of the Company's information technology systems, even for short periods of time, could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Disruption of the supply chain could negatively affect operating efficiency and increase costs.
The capital intensive nature and sophistication of core rail equipment (including rolling stock equipment, locomotives, rail, and ties) limits the number of railroad equipment suppliers. If any of the current manufacturers stops production or experiences a supply shortage, CSXT could experience a significant cost increase or material shortage. In addition, a few critical railroad suppliers are foreign and, as such, adverse developments in international relations, new trade regulations, disruptions in international shipping or increases in global demand could make procurement of these supplies more difficult or increase CSXT's operating costs. Additionally, if a fuel supply shortage were to arise, whether due to production restrictions, lower refinery outputs, a disruption of oil imports, adverse political developments or otherwise, the Company would be negatively impacted.
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Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages.
Most of CSX's employees are represented by labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Most of these agreements are bargained for nationally by the National Carriers Conference Committee and negotiated over the course of several years and previously have not resulted in any extended work stoppages. Under the Railway Labor Act's procedures (which include mediation, cooling-off periods and the possibility of Presidential intervention), during negotiations neither party may take action until the procedures are exhausted. If, however, CSX is unable to negotiate acceptable agreements, or if terms of existing agreements are disputed, the employees covered by the Railway Labor Act could strike, which could result in loss of business and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union members.
The Company faces competition from other transportation providers.
The Company experiences competition in pricing, service, reliability and other factors from various transportation providers including railroads and motor carriers that operate similar routes across its service area and, to a less significant extent, barges, ships and pipelines. Other transportation providers generally use public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by governmental entities, while CSXT and other railroads must build and maintain rail networks largely using internal resources. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation, or legislation providing for less stringent size or weight restrictions on trucks, could negatively impact the Company's competitive position.
Future acts of terrorism, war or regulatory changes to combat the risk of terrorism may cause significant disruptions in the Company's operations.
Terrorist attacks, along with any government response to those attacks, may adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. CSXT's rail lines or other key infrastructure may be direct targets or indirect casualties of acts of terror or war. This risk could cause significant business interruption and result in increased costs and liabilities and decreased revenues. In addition, premiums charged for some or all of the insurance coverage currently maintained by the Company could increase dramatically, or the coverage may no longer be available.
Furthermore, in response to the heightened risk of terrorism, federal, state and local governmental bodies are proposing and, in some cases, have adopted legislation and regulations relating to security issues that impact the transportation industry. For example, the Department of Homeland Security adopted regulations that require freight railroads to implement additional security protocols when transporting hazardous materials. Complying with these or future regulations could continue to increase the Company's operating costs and reduce operating efficiencies.
Severe weather or other natural occurrences could result in significant business interruptions and expenditures in excess of available insurance coverage.
The Company's operations may be affected by external factors such as severe weather and other natural occurrences, including floods, fires, hurricanes and earthquakes. As a result, the Company's rail network may be damaged, its workforce may be unavailable, fuel costs may rise and significant business interruptions could occur. In addition, the performance of locomotives and railcars could be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions. Insurance maintained by the Company to protect against loss of business and other related consequences resulting from these natural occurrences is subject to coverage limitations, depending on the nature of the risk insured. This insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of the Company's damages or damages to others, and this insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates. Even with insurance, if any natural occurrence leads to a catastrophic interruption of service, the Company may not be able to restore service without a significant interruption in operations.
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The Company may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures.
As part of its railroad operations, the Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits related to disputes over commercial practices, labor and unemployment matters, occupational and personal injury claims, property damage, environmental and other matters. The Company may experience material judgments or incur significant costs to defend existing and future lawsuits. Although the Company establishes reserves and maintains insurance to cover these types of claims, final amounts determined to be due on any outstanding matters may differ materially from the recorded reserves and exceed the Company's insurance coverage. Additionally, the Company is subject to adverse developments not currently reflected in the Company's reserve estimates.
The unavailability of critical resources could adversely affect the Company’s operational efficiency and ability to meet demand.
Marketplace conditions for resources like locomotives as well as the availability of qualified personnel, particularly engineers and trainmen, could each have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. Although the Company believes that it has adequate personnel for the current business environment, unpredictable increases in demand for rail services or extreme weather conditions may exacerbate such risks, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s operational efficiency and otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
Weaknesses in the capital and credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s access to capital.
Due to the significant capital expenditures required to operate and maintain a safe and efficient railroad, the Company regularly relies on capital markets for the issuance of long-term debt instruments as well as on bank financing from time to time. Instability or disruptions of the capital markets, including credit markets, or the deterioration of the Company’s financial condition due to internal or external factors, could restrict or prohibit access and could increase the cost of financing sources. A significant deterioration of the Company’s financial condition could also reduce credit ratings and could limit or affect its access to external sources of capital and increase the costs of short and long-term debt financing.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None
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Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
The Company’s properties primarily consist of track and its related infrastructure, locomotives and freight cars and equipment. These categories and the geography of the network are described below.
Track and Infrastructure
Serving 23 states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, the CSXT rail network serves, among other markets, New York, Philadelphia and Boston in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the southeast markets of Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans, and the midwestern cities of St. Louis, Memphis and Chicago.
CSXT’s track structure includes main thoroughfares, connecting terminals and yards (known as mainline track), track within terminals and switching yards, track adjacent to the mainlines used for passing trains, track connecting the mainline track to customer locations and track that diverts trains from one track to another known as turnouts. Total track miles are greater than CSXT’s approximately 21,000 route miles, which reflect the size of CSXT’s network that connects markets, customers and western railroads. At December 2014, the breakdown of track miles was as follows:
In addition to its physical track structure, CSXT operates numerous yards and terminals. These serve as hubs between CSXT and its local customers and as sorting facilities where railcars often are received, re-sorted and placed onto new outbound trains. The Company’s ten largest yards and terminals based on annual volume (number of railcars or intermodal containers processed) are listed below:
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Network Geography
CSXT’s operations are primarily focused on four major transportation networks and corridors which are defined geographically and by commodity flows below.
Interstate 90 (I-90) Corridor - This CSXT corridor links Chicago and the Midwest to metropolitan areas in New York and New England. This route, also known as the “waterlevel route,” has minimal hills and grades and nearly all of it has two main tracks (referred to as double track). These superior engineering attributes permit the corridor to support consistent, high-speed intermodal, automotive and merchandise service. This corridor is a primary route for import traffic coming from the far east through western ports moving eastward across the country, through Chicago and into the population centers in the Northeast. The I-90 Corridor is also a critical link between ports in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and consumption markets in the Midwest. This route carries consumer goods from all three of the Company’s major markets - merchandise, coal and intermodal.
Interstate 95 (I-95) Corridor - The CSXT I-95 Corridor connects Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and many other cities throughout the Southeast with the heavily populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. CSXT primarily transports food and consumer products, as well as metals and chemicals along this line. It is the only rail corridor along the eastern seaboard south of the District of Columbia, and provides access to major eastern ports.
Southeastern Corridor - This critical part of the network runs between CSXT’s western gateways of Chicago, St. Louis and Memphis through the cities of Nashville, Birmingham, and Atlanta and markets in the Southeast. The Southeastern Corridor is the premier rail route connecting these key cities, gateways, and markets and positions CSXT to efficiently handle projected traffic volumes of intermodal, automotive and general merchandise traffic. The corridor also provides direct rail service between the coal reserves of the southern Illinois basin and the demand for coal in the Southeast.
Coal Network - The CSXT coal network connects the coal mining operations in the Appalachian mountain region and Illinois basin with industrial areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as many river, lake, and deep water port facilities. CSXT’s coal network is well positioned to supply utility markets in both the Northeast and Southeast and to transport coal shipments for export outside of the U.S. Almost half the tons of export coal and nearly all of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.
See the following page for a map of the CSX Rail Network.
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CSX Rail Network
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Locomotives
CSXT owns and long-term leases more than 4,000 locomotives, over which 98% are owned by CSXT. From time to time, the Company also short-term leases locomotives based on business needs. Freight locomotives are the power source used primarily to pull trains. Switching locomotives are used in yards to sort railcars so that the right railcar is attached to the right train in order to deliver it to its final destination. Auxiliary units are typically used to provide extra traction for heavy trains in hilly terrain. At December 2014, CSXT’s fleet of owned and long-term leased locomotives consisted of the following types of locomotives:
Equipment
In 2014, the average daily fleet of cars on line consisted of approximately 203,000 cars. At any time over half of the railcars on the CSXT system are not owned or leased by the Company. Examples of these non-CSXT railcars are as follows: railcars owned by other railroads (which are utilized by CSXT), shipper-furnished or private cars (which are generally used only in that shipper’s service) and multi-level railcars used to transport automobiles (which are shared among railroads).
The Company’s revenue generating equipment (either owned or long-term leased) consists of freight cars and containers as described below.
Gondolas - Support CSXT’s metals markets and provide transport for woodchips and other bulk commodities. Some gondolas are equipped with special hoods for protecting products like coil and sheet steel.
Open-top hoppers - Transport heavy dry bulk commodities such as coal, coke, stone, sand, ores and gravel that are resistant to weather conditions.
Box cars - Include a variety of tonnages, sizes, door configurations and heights to accommodate a wide range of finished products, including paper, auto parts, appliances and building materials. Insulated box cars deliver food products, canned goods, beer and wine.
Covered hoppers - Have a permanent roof and are segregated based upon commodity density. Lighter bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, flour, salt, sugar, clay and lime are shipped in large cars called jumbo covered hoppers. Heavier commodities like cement, ground limestone and sand are shipped in small cube covered hoppers.
Multi-level flat cars - Transport finished automobiles and are differentiated by the number of levels: bi-levels for large vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs and tri-levels for sedans and smaller automobiles.
Flat cars - Used for shipping intermodal containers and trailers or bulk and finished goods, such as lumber, pipe, plywood, drywall and pulpwood.
Containers - Weather-proof boxes used for bulk shipment of freight.
Other cars on the network consist primarily of refrigerated boxcars for transporting perishable items.
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At December 2014, the Company’s owned and long-term leased equipment consisted of the following:
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
For further details, please refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not Applicable
Executive Officers of the Registrant
Executive officers of the Company are elected by the CSX Board of Directors and generally hold office until the next annual election of officers. There are no family relationships or any arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which such officer was elected. As of the date of this filing, the executive officers’ names, ages and business experience are:
Name and Age
Business Experience
Michael J. Ward, 64
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
A 37-year veteran of the Company, Ward has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSX since January 2003.
Ward’s distinguished railroad career has included key executive positions in nearly all aspects of the Company’s business, including sales and marketing, operations and finance.
Fredrik J. Eliasson, 44
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Eliasson has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CSX since 2012 and is responsible for management and oversight of all financial and strategic planning activities, including accounting, financial planning, tax, treasury and investor relations. He also oversees the Company's business risk management processes, including the insurance function.
During his 19-year tenure with the Company, he has also served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for CSX's chemicals and fertilizer business, Vice President of Emerging Markets, Vice President of Commercial Finance, and Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis.
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Name and Age
Business Experience
Oscar Munoz, 56
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Munoz has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CSXT since January 2012. He manages all aspects of the Company's operations across its 21,000 route-mile rail network, including transportation, service design, customer service, engineering, mechanical and technology. During his eleven-year tenure with the Company, he has also served as CSX’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Munoz brings to the Company more than 25 years of experience from a variety of industries. Before joining CSX in 2003, Munoz served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of AT&T Consumer Services. He also has held key executive positions with other consumer products companies, including the Coca-Cola Company and Pepsico Corporation.
Clarence W. Gooden, 63
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Commercial Officer
Gooden has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of CSX since April 2004. He is responsible for generating customer revenue, forecasting business trends and developing CSX’s model for future revenue growth.
An employee of the Company for 44 years, Gooden has held key executive positions in both operations and sales and marketing.
Ellen M. Fitzsimmons, 54
Executive Vice President of Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Fitzsimmons has been the Executive Vice President of Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of CSX since December 2003. She serves as the Company’s Chief Legal Officer and oversees all government relations and public affairs activities as well as internal audit and other risk management functions.
During her 23-year tenure with the Company, her broad responsibilities have included key roles in major risk and corporate governance-related areas.
Lisa A. Mancini, 55
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
Mancini has been Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of CSX since January 2009. She is responsible for employee compensation and benefits, labor relations, employee staffing and development activities, purchasing, real estate, and facilities management. She previously served as Vice President-Strategic Infrastructure Initiatives from 2007 to 2009 and, prior to that, Vice President - Labor Relations.
Prior to joining CSX in 2003, Mancini served as Chief Operating Officer of the San Francisco Municipal Railway.
Carolyn T. Sizemore, 52
Vice President and Controller
Sizemore has served as Vice President and Controller of CSX since April 2002. She is responsible for financial and regulatory reporting, freight billing and collections, payroll, accounts payable and various other accounting processes.
Sizemore’s responsibilities during her 25-year tenure with the Company have included roles in finance and audit-related areas including a variety of positions in accounting, finance strategies, budgets and performance analysis.
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Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
CSX’s common stock is listed on the NYSE, which is its principal trading market, and is traded over-the-counter and on exchanges nationwide. The official trading symbol is “CSX.”
Description of Common and Preferred Stock
A total of 1.8 billion shares of common stock are authorized, of which 991,590,969 shares were outstanding as of December 2014. Each share is entitled to one vote in all matters requiring a vote of shareholders. There are no pre-emptive rights, which are privileges extended to select shareholders that would allow them to purchase additional shares before other members of the general public in the event of an offering. At January 23, 2015, the latest practicable date, there were 31,684 common stock shareholders of record. The weighted average of common shares outstanding, which was used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, was approximately 1 billion as of December 26, 2014. (See Note 2, Earnings Per Share.) A total of 25 million shares of preferred stock is authorized, none of which is currently outstanding.
The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the dividends declared and the high and low share prices of CSX common stock.
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Stock Performance Graph
The cumulative shareholder returns, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on $100 invested at December 31, 2009 are illustrated on the graph below. The Company references the Standard & Poor 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”), which is a registered trademark of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and the Dow Jones U.S. Transportation Average Index, which provide comparisons to a broad-based market index and other companies in the transportation industry. As shown in the graph, CSX's five-year stock returns significantly outpaced those of the S&P 500.
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CSX Purchases of Equity Securities
CSX is required to disclose any purchases of its own common stock for the most recent quarter. CSX purchases its own shares for two primary reasons: (1) to further its goals under its share repurchase program and (2) to fund the Company’s contribution required to be paid in CSX common stock under a 401(k) plan that covers certain union employees.
In April 2013, the Company announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program, which is expected to be completed by April 2015. Management's assessment of market conditions and other factors guides the timing and volume of repurchases. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances. During 2014 and 2013, CSX repurchased $517 million, or 17 million shares, and $353 million, or 14 million shares, respectively, of common stock under this program.
Share repurchase activity of $129 million for the fourth quarter 2014 was as follows:
(a) Fourth quarter 2014 consisted of the following fiscal periods: October (September 27, 2014 - October 24, 2014), November (October 25, 2014 - November 21, 2014), and December (November 22, 2014 - December 26, 2014).
(b) The difference of 675 shares between the "Total Number of Shares Repurchase" and the "Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs" for the quarter represents shares purchased to fund the Company's contribution to a 401(k) plan that covers certain union employees.
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Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
Selected financial data related to the Company’s financial results for the last five fiscal years are listed below.
(a)
Capital expenditures include investments related to reimbursable public-private partnerships. These partnership investments of $8 million, $40 million, $166 million, $102 million and $15 million in 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are projects that are partially or wholly reimbursed to CSX through either government grants or other funding sources such as cash received from a property sale. These reimbursements may not be fully received in a given year; therefore, the timing of receipts may differ from the timing of the investment. See the capital expenditures table on page 38 for additional information.
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Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
CSX provides rail-based freight transportation services including traditional rail service, the transport of intermodal containers and trailers as well as other transportation services such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations with its approximately 32,000 dedicated employees. The Company and the rail industry provide customers with access to an expansive and interconnected transportation network that plays a key role in North American commerce and is critical to the economic success and improved global competitiveness of the United States. This improved competitiveness is driven by lower natural gas prices, increased foreign labor costs and supply chain factors.
The rail industry benefits from this improved global competitiveness, continued economic growth and the shift towards more rail-based solutions. U.S. demand to move more goods by rail is expected to rise and freight railroads provide the most environmentally efficient and economical means to meet this growing demand. CSX can move a ton of freight about 450 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel, as trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks on average. Shipping freight by rail also alleviates highway congestion, eases air pollution and saves energy.
CSX's network reaches nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population, which accounts for the majority of the nation's consumption of goods. Through this network, the Company transports a diverse portfolio of commodities and products to meet the country's needs. These products range from agricultural goods, such as grains, to chemicals, automobiles, metals, building materials, paper, consumer products, and energy sources like coal, ethanol and crude oil. The Company categorizes these products into three primary lines of business: merchandise, intermodal and coal. CSX's transportation solutions connect industries and population centers across the United States with each other and with global markets through access to over 70 port facilities whereby meeting the transportation needs of energy producers, manufacturers, industrial producers, construction companies, farmers and feed mills, wholesalers and retailers and the United States Armed Forces.
Operating Initiatives
To support long-term growth, CSX is focused on meeting customers’ needs while improving profitability. Several key operating initiatives have been implemented over the past several years that lay a foundation for meeting these objectives. The overall goal is sustained high customer service levels, which is in part achieved through a relentless focus on using advanced network modeling analytics and tools to create a disciplined, scheduled approach to designing and running CSX's network. The Company continues to identify the most efficient, cost-effective routes for CSXT customers' traffic while providing timely service with the fewest handlings and car miles possible.
Through the Service Excellence initiative, CSX is building a culture that engages all employees and focuses on the value delivered to customers through improved service. This initiative increases employee communication and dialogue to help identify and resolve customer issues at the lowest level, improving the customer experience and allowing CSX to grow the business. This process involves engagement from all operating employees, as well as collaboration with sales and marketing employees and, ultimately, with the Company’s customers. Higher levels of customer service and satisfaction support CSX’s ability to profitably grow the business by increasing customer retention, price sustainability and asset utilization.
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In addition, Total Service Integration (“TSI”) is intended to align operating capabilities with customers' needs to reduce loading and unloading times and create more capacity. TSI was first implemented on the unit train network, where it has successfully increased the average number of cars per train and improved asset utilization. CSX is implementing TSI for the carload network, which focuses on improving the “first and last mile” service experience for carload customers, providing a more consistent and reliable service product. The carload network is connected to more than 5,000 customer facilities and has a high degree of variability each day. New tools and technology are allowing the company to more effectively communicate with customers, not only providing the service the Company has promised to deliver but proactively notifying the customer of service status. Applying TSI to the carload network will improve service consistency for each merchandise shipper.
Finally, Enterprise Asset Management (“EAM”) focuses on improving the utilization of the company’s most critical assets, namely, crews, locomotives, cars and track infrastructure. Projects are currently in place to deploy technology, improve processes and reduce unproductive time. Because the railroad is an asset intensive industry, EAM helps reduce the overall expense associated with asset ownership by monitoring the overall condition of equipment, helping proactively schedule maintenance, increasing utilization and also effectively managing the investment required for new or replacement assets. By improving asset utilization, CSX expects to sustain long-term operating efficiencies and reduce future capital expenditures associated with asset replacement.
In summary, these initiatives are designed to improve service levels in a cost effective manner and enhance the reliability of rail transportation. These improvements to operational processes, customer communication and service are better aligning CSX's operating capabilities with customers' needs and are enabling the Company to capitalize on the growth opportunities described below.
Strategic Growth Opportunities
Intermodal
CSX’s intermodal business is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to transporting freight on highways via truck. CSX’s intermodal network connects all major population centers east of the Mississippi River and is over 90% cleared for the use of double-stack (two containers high) intermodal movements. This positions the Company to capture a significant share of the incremental domestic intermodal market opportunity, estimated at nine million truckloads in the eastern United States that move over 550 miles. The Company’s highway-to-rail initiatives assist in capturing this traffic and also help customers identify conversion opportunities for both domestic moves and the U.S. portion of international moves.
CSX is also building new terminals and increasing network capacity to broaden its market presence in key growth areas. The Company's Northwest Ohio intermodal terminal, which started operations in 2011 and was expanded in 2014, is part of the National Gateway Initiative discussed below. This high-capacity terminal expands service offerings to customers, improves market access to and from east coast ports, reduces interchanges in Chicago and enhances the fluidity of the network. During 2014, the Company opened terminals in Winter Haven, FL and Quebec, Canada. The Company expects to begin construction on a new terminal near Pittsburgh, PA in 2015 enhancing the Company’s intermodal reach and supporting future growth.
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Illinois Basin Coal Shift
Energy markets have shifted over the past few years and continue to evolve. In spite of declines in domestic utility coal consumption over the last few years, CSX coal volumes have recently grown as a result of colder winter weather. In the longer term, downward pressure on domestic coal volumes could resume as the result of increasingly stringent proposed environmental regulations and continued low natural gas prices. In addition, mining economics are causing a shift from Central Appalachian coal to thermal coal in the Illinois Basin and the Powder River Basin. To capitalize on these shifts, CSX continues to enhance its network to support these changes, such as adding sidings (track which enables trains on the same line to pass) and increasing yard capacity.
Export Coal
CSX export coal volume and pricing is subject to a high degree of volatility as a result of changes in the global economy, competition from foreign coal producers and regulatory shifts. Over the past few years, CSX has capitalized on the global coal demand in both steel manufacturing and power generation. Currently, both global thermal and metallurgical coal prices are low due to oversupply, but CSX sees long-term growth in global demand as developing countries become more urbanized. The Company remains opportunistic based on the global markets and the resulting level of demand. In addition to the Company’s ready access to large U.S. coal suppliers and multiple port facilities, CSX expects to continue to enhance the operating efficiency of its export coal network which will favorably position the Company to capitalize on growth as it is made available.
New Energy Markets
The ongoing surge in shale drilling for the extraction of oil and natural gas has created the opportunity for CSX to serve new energy markets such as crude oil, liquefied petroleum gases (“LPG”), frac sand and other related materials. For example, CSX is capitalizing on the opportunity to move the growing supply of crude oil from the new domestic oil fields, particularly those located in the Bakken Shale region of North Dakota, to customers at eastern refineries. This service also provides greater flexibility in source locations as compared to pipelines.
CSX’s LPG market is also benefiting from drilling in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia within the Utica shale region. Midstream energy companies, which are involved in the transportation, storage and wholesale of refined petroleum products, are taking advantage of the abundance of inexpensive wet gas with newly constructed gas processing plants (or “fractionators”) in the region. Rail will also play a vital role in moving LPG products from the fractionators to the market.
CSX’s frac sand market (a key input in the drilling process) has also expanded rapidly over the last few years. The Company has invested in new operating capacity, such as railcars and terminals, to accommodate this growth, which has been concentrated mainly in the region of the Utica shale and the western Marcellus shale (which covers most of western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia). The CSX network not only provides access to many frac sand transload terminals located near the drilling activity but also offers the advantage of CSX-direct routes from several key sand producing regions to the frac sand terminals.
Over the longer term, the improved energy supply outlook for the U.S. will create a sustainable competitive advantage for domestic chemical producers and generate additional growth opportunities for rail. Since natural gas is the primary component in the production of a wide range of petrochemicals, the supply growth and the resulting lower prices have now placed the U.S. amongst the lowest cost production regions in the world. This increased competitiveness is sparking significant investment in new U.S. chemical industry capacity for the first time in more than a decade. CSX is well-positioned to participate in this growing chemical business over the next several years.
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Public-Private Partnerships
Expanding capacity on U.S. rail networks provides substantial public benefits including job creation, increased business activity at U.S. ports, reduced highway congestion and lower air emissions. Therefore, CSX and its government partners are jointly working to invest in multi-year rail infrastructure projects such as the National Gateway. This initiative is a public-private partnership which will increase intermodal capacity and create substantial environmental and efficiency advantages by clearing key corridors between mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest for double-stack intermodal trains.
As part of the National Gateway project, CSX expects to break ground on the modernization of the Virginia Avenue Tunnel in Washington, D.C. in 2015.This project will improve the flow of freight traffic through the District of Columbia and will eliminate a rail-traffic bottleneck that also impacts commuter and passenger trains in the region. The new structure will provide double-stack train clearances in Maryland, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. Going forward, CSX will continue to explore other opportunities to partner with the public sector to maximize the many public benefits of freight rail.
Balanced Approach to Cash Deployment
CSX remains highly committed to delivering value to shareholders through a balanced approach to deploying cash that includes investments in the business, dividend growth and share repurchases. In 2014, the Company invested $2.4 billion to further enhance the capacity, quality, safety and flexibility of its network. In addition, CSX continues to return value to its shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. During 2014, the Company announced a 7 percent increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.16 per common share. The Company has increased its quarterly cash dividend 12 times over the last nine years which represents a 27 percent compounded annual growth rate. Also in 2014, CSX continued share repurchases under its $1 billion program which began in 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015 based on market and business decisions. CSX repurchased $517 million, or 17 million shares, during 2014 under this program. Since 2006, CSX has repurchased 493 million shares (adjusted for stock splits) for $8.8 billion, which represents about one-half of total shares outstanding. As part of this balanced approach, the Company is committed to maintaining a credit profile consistent with a BBB+ rating by Standard & Poor’s and a Baa1 rating by Moody’s Investment Services.
Summary
These operating initiatives, strategic growth areas, long-term investments and shareholder returns discussed above provide a foundation for volume growth, productivity improvement, enhanced customer service and continued advancements in the safety and reliability of operations. To continue these types of investments, the Company must be able to operate in an environment in which it can generate adequate returns and drive shareholder value. CSX will continue to advocate for a fair and balanced regulatory environment to ensure that the value of the Company's rail service would be reflected in any potential new legislation or policies.
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2014 HIGHLIGHTS
• Revenue of $12.7 billion increased $643 million or 5% year over year driven by 6% volume growth across nearly all markets.
• Expenses of $9.1 billion increased $503 million or 6% year over year primarily as a result of volume-related costs, inflation and network performance costs.
• Operating income of $3.6 billion increased $140 million or 4%.
• Operating ratio of 71.5% increased 40 basis points from 71.1%.
•
Earnings per diluted share of $1.92 increased $0.09 or 5%.
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Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Measure)
Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G, Disclosure of Non-GAAP Measures. Management believes that free cash flow is useful to investors as it is important in evaluating the Company’s financial performance. More specifically, free cash flow measures cash generated by the business after reinvestment. This measure represents cash available for both equity and bond investors to be used for dividends, share repurchases or principle reduction on outstanding debt. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities. Free cash flow is calculated by using net cash from operations and adjusting for property additions and certain other investing activities. As described below, free cash flow before dividends increased $24 million year over year to $919 million. The primary reason for the increase in free cash flow from the prior year is primarily due to the following:
•
Higher operating income of $140 million
•
Lower taxes paid of $83 million
•
Partially offsetting these increases were higher property additions of $136 million
The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).
(a)
Property additions include investments related to reimbursable public-private partnerships. These partnership investments of $8 million, $40 million and $166 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively, are projects that are partially or wholly reimbursed to CSX through either government grants or other funding sources such as cash received from a property sale. These reimbursements may not be fully received in a given year; therefore the timing of receipts may differ from the timing of the investment.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2014 vs. 2013 Results of Operations
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2014 vs. 2013 Results of Operations
Revenue
Volume increased 6% year over year with growth across most markets. Revenue increased by 5% year over year driven by this broad-based volume growth.
Merchandise
Agricultural
Agricultural Products - Volume growth was driven by increased shipments of grain and ethanol. A combined record corn and soybean crop in 2013 led to higher grain shipments and reduced U.S. corn prices resulting in increased ethanol production in 2014.
Phosphates and Fertilizers - Volume growth was driven by increased shipments of finished fertilizer products to replenish inventories and phosphate rock shipments due to capacity at a customer facility returning to normal levels.
Food and Consumer - Volume declined due to lower shipments of canned goods and rice. The decline in canned goods was driven by market losses, while rice shipments were lower as customers substituted lower-priced corn. This decline was partially offset by growth in alcoholic beverage shipments due to a customer’s gain in market share.
Industrial
Chemicals - Volume growth was driven by an increase in energy-related shipments that included crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and frac sand. The rise in crude oil shipments to East Coast refineries was due to increased supply of low-cost crude oil from shale drilling activity.
Automotive - Volume increased as North American light vehicle production grew, but rail equipment shortages due to network performance in early 2014 tempered this growth.
Metals - Volume growth was driven by an increase in sheet steel shipments due to growth in automotive production and market gains.
Housing and Construction
Forest Products -Volume increased due to increased shipments of building products and pulpboard. Building products was driven by the continued recovery in the residential housing market. Pulpboard shipments increased due to modal conversions and inventory replenishments that resulted from reduced production late last year.
Minerals - Volume growth was driven by increased shipments of aggregates (which include crushed stone, sand and gravel) and salt. Aggregates was driven by the continued recovery in construction activity, while salt shipments grew due to increased application of road salt and inventory replenishment as a result of the severe winter weather in early 2014.
Waste and Equipment - Volume increased due to growth in machinery shipments of wind energy components and municipal solid waste shipments from a new service offering to a customer location. This growth was partially offset by lower industrial waste shipments due to the completion of one-time remediation projects.
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Coal
Domestic volume increased due to higher shipments attributable to higher natural gas prices, marketplace gains and utilities replenishing stockpiles. This growth was partially offset by a decrease in export coal as a result of softening global market conditions.
Intermodal
Domestic volume increased as a result of growth with existing customers and continued success with highway-to-rail conversions. International volume also increased due to growth with customers in global container shipments moving to inland destinations.
Other
Other revenue increased primarily due to higher incidental revenue associated with higher volume partially offset by decline in revenue from customers who did not meet minimum contractual volumes.
Expense
In 2014, total expenses increased $503 million, or 6%, compared to prior year. Descriptions of each expense category as well as significant year-over-year changes are described below.
Labor and Fringe expenses include employee wages and related payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension, other post-retirement benefits and incentive compensation. These expenses increased $239 million primarily due to the following items:
•
Volume-related costs were $71 million higher primarily due to increased workforce levels to capture strong customer demand.
•
Inflation was $67 million higher.
•
Labor costs were $49 million higher due to overtime and relief crews associated with weather disruptions earlier in the year and efforts to improve network performance.
•
An initial charge for $39 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2014 as a result of an initiative to reduce the management workforce.
•
Labor costs were $30 million higher due to an amended locomotive maintenance service agreement where CSX now provides oversight of the labor force. Outside service costs shifted from materials, supplies and other to labor and fringe. Overall expense is neutral for the year.
•
Other costs were $17 million lower primarily due to reduced pension costs and incentive compensation costs that reflect lower award payments.
Materials, Supplies and Other expenses consist primarily of contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment, terminal services at automotive facilities and professional services. This category also includes costs related to materials, travel, casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, property and sales tax, utilities and other items. Total materials, supplies and other expenses increased$209 million primarily driven by the following:
•
Prior year real estate gains were $85 million. No gains were recognized in the current year.
•
Volume-related costs rose $58 million primarily due to increased resource levels in response to the 6% volume growth to help capture strong customer demand.
•
Utilities, materials and foreign locomotive costs were $44 million higher in response to weather-related service challenges earlier in the year and efforts to improve network performance.
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Inflation was $39 million higher.
•
Risk-related costs increased by $13 million due to higher derailments earlier in the year, which reflect the increase in the FRA train accident frequency rate.
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•
Partially offsetting these increases was the amended locomotive maintenance agreement which shifted $30 million to labor and fringe as referenced above.
Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel. This expense is driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel. Fuel expense decreased $40 million driven by the following:
•
Average fuel price per gallon decreased $0.22 to $2.95 per gallon versus the prior year which reduced expenses by $112 million.
•
Improved efficiency reduced expenses by $19 million.
•
Volume-related costs were $99 million higher.
•
Other fuel savings were $8 million.
Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the costs of a capital asset, such as locomotives, railcars and track structure, over its useful life. This expense is impacted primarily by the capital expenditures made each year. Depreciation expense increased $47 million primarily due to a larger asset base.
Equipment and Other includes rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received by CSXT for use of its equipment. This category of expenses also includes lease expenses for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers, offices and other rentals. These expenses increased $48 million driven by the following:
•
Car hire costs were $31 million higher due to volume, longer car cycle times and network performance.
•
Inflation resulted in $18 million of additional costs related to rates on automotive, intermodal and coal cars.
•
Other costs improved $1 million.
Interest expense decreased $17 million to $545 million primarily due to lower average interest rates partially offset by higher average debt balances.
Other (expense) income - net decreased $35 million to an expense of $24 million primarily due to an increase in estimated environmental cleanup costs of $17 million related to non-operating activities as well as costs of $16 million associated with the early redemption of long-term debt.
Income tax expense increased $59 million to $1.1 billion primarily due to higher earnings partially offset by favorable state legislative changes.
Net earnings increased $63 million to $1.9 billion, and earnings per diluted share increased $0.09 to $1.92 due to the factors mentioned above. Lower average shares outstanding also had a positive impact on earnings per diluted share.
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2013 vs. 2012 Results of Operations
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2013 vs. 2012 Results of Operations
Revenue
Volume increased 2% year-over-year as growth in merchandise and intermodal more than offset lower coal volume. Total revenue increased by 2% year-over-year driven by this volume growth, pricing gains across most markets offset by negative mix.
Merchandise
Agricultural
Agricultural Products - Volume declined due to a reduction in shipments of feed grain and ethanol. Feed grain shipments were impacted by low supplier inventories caused by 2012’s drought and increased competition from imports. Ethanol shipments declined as a result of increased competition from imports, lower production and competitive losses.
Phosphates and Fertilizers - Volume growth was driven by the reopening of a customer mine that led to more short haul phosphates shipments that were previously sourced from an origin not located on CSX’s network.
Food and Consumer - Volume declined due to a reduction in shipments of refrigerated products and alcoholic beverages. The decline in refrigerated products volume was driven by lower potato shipments as a result of more normalized production levels compared to the above-average yields in the prior year, while the decline in alcoholic beverages was primarily driven by a consolidation within a customer’s distribution network that resulted in lower shipments for CSX.
Industrial
Chemicals - Volume growth was driven by an increase in energy-related shipments that included crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas ("LPG") and frac sand. The rise in crude oil shipments was due to increased supply of low-cost crude from shale drilling activity, resulting in new shipments to east coast refineries.
Automotive - Finished vehicle shipments increased as North American light vehicle production grew year-over-year. This increase was partially offset by competitive losses in both automotive parts and finished vehicles.
Metals - Volume was flat as a reduction in steel sheet shipments was offset by growth in aluminum products and steel plates. The reduction in shipments of steel sheet, which is used in automotive manufacturing, was driven by competitive losses, mill closures and source shifts. Shipments of aluminum product, which is used in a variety of products like packaging and construction, increased due to modal conversions. Shipments of steel plate, which is used in a wide range of end markets including construction, structural and energy applications, increased in support of continued growth in energy-related markets.
Housing and Construction
Forest Products - Volume growth was led by an increase in building products due to the continued recovery of the residential housing market.
Minerals - Volume growth was led by an increase in salt shipments due to modal conversions, new customer distribution terminals and inventory replenishment from more severe winter weather in early 2013 that resulted in more application of salt to roads.
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Waste and Equipment - Volume growth was led by waste shipments which were driven by an increase in construction debris due to the continued recovery in construction activity and large scale remediation projects.
Coal
Export declines were driven by decreased shipments of U.S. thermal coal, as a result of global oversupply and lower coal prices. Shipments of domestic coal declined due to continued low natural gas prices and utility stockpiles above target levels.
Intermodal
Domestic volume growth was driven by continued success with highway-to-rail conversions, growth with existing customers, and service product enhancements. International volume increased due to strength with existing customers and the cycling of disruptions resulting from Hurricane Sandy in the prior year.
Other
Other revenue increased primarily due to higher revenue from customers who did not meet minimum contractual volumes.
Expenses
In 2013, total expenses increased $254 million, or 3%, compared to prior year. Descriptions of each expense category as well as significant year-over-year changes are described below.
Labor and Fringe expenses include employee wages and related payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension, other post-retirement benefits and incentive compensation. These expenses increased $118 million primarily due to the following items:
•
Incentive compensation costs were $89 million higher reflecting higher expected award payouts.
•
Inflation increased expenses $61 million.
•
Partially offsetting these increases were labor and other costs which decreased $32 million primarily related to improvements in network efficiencies that resulted from the overall reduction in employees, fewer crew starts as well as lower training expenses.
Materials, Supplies and Other expenses consist primarily of contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment and for terminal services at automotive facilities as well as professional services. This category also includes costs related to materials, travel, casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, property and sales tax, utilities and other items. Total materials, supplies and other expense increased $119 million primarily driven by the following:
•
Inflation increased expenses $42 million.
•
Risk-related costs increased $39 million primarily due to higher expenses related to derailment costs as well as prior year favorable casualty adjustments that did not repeat in 2013.
•
Volume, materials and services costs increased $19 million primarily due to increased expenses related to higher volume and resource levels.
•
Gains recognized decreased $19 million year over year. Gains from the prior year related to the sale of operating rail corridors to the state of Florida and to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts were $104 million. Gains in 2013 were $85 million for the sale of operating rail corridor to the state of Florida, a non-monetary exchange of easements and rail assets as well as a deferred gain recognized from a closure arrangement related to a prior conveyance of a formerly-owned company.
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Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel. This expense is driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel. Fuel expense decreased $16 million driven by the following:
•
Improved network efficiency and fuel savings initiatives decreased expenses by $38 million.
•
Average fuel price per gallon decreased $0.05 to $3.17 per gallon versus the prior year which reduced expenses by $26 million.
•
Partially offsetting these decreases were volume-related costs of $31 million as well as other costs of $17 million which includes an adjustment to an interline fuel receivable.
Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the costs of a capital asset, such as locomotives, railcars and track structure, over its useful life. This expense is impacted primarily by the capital expenditures made each year. Depreciation expense increased $45 million primarily due to a larger asset base related to higher capital spending.
Equipment and Other includes rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received by CSXT for use of its equipment. This category of expenses also includes lease expenses for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers, office and other rentals. These expenses decreased $12 million primarily due to improved asset utilization partially offset by increased rates and volume.
Interest expense decreased $4 million to $562 million primarily due to lower average interest rates partially offset by higher average debt balances.
Other income - net decreased $62 million to $11 million primarily related to the prior year gain recognized on the sale of a non-operating property that was not repeated in the current year.
Income tax expense decreased $50 million to $1.06 billion primarily due to the year-over-year decrease in earnings before income taxes as well as federal and state legislative changes.
Net earnings increased $1 million to $1.86 billion, and earnings per diluted share increased $0.04 to $1.83 due to the factors mentioned above. Lower average shares outstanding also had a positive impact on earnings per diluted share.
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Operating Statistics (Estimated)
(a) Cars-on-line increased approximately 14,000 or 7.5% in 2014 due to a calculation error correction made by the American Association of Railroads in February 2014. This error impacted the industry cars-on-line since 2011. Previously reported amounts have not been adjusted to reflect this correction.
Key Performance Measures Definitions
FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index - Number of FRA-reportable injuries per 200,000 man-hours.
FRA Train Accident Rate - Number of FRA-reportable train accidents per million train-miles.
On-Time Train Originations - Percent of scheduled road trains that depart the origin yard on-time or ahead of schedule.
On-Time Destination Arrivals - Percent of scheduled road trains that arrive at the destination yard on-time to two hours late (30 minutes for intermodal trains).
Dwell - Average amount of time in hours between car arrival at and departure from the yard. It does not include cars moving through the yard on the same train.
Train Velocity - Average train speed between terminals in miles per hour (does not include locals, yard jobs, work trains or passenger trains).
Cars-On-Line - An average count of all cars on the network (does not include locomotives, cabooses, trailers, containers or maintenance equipment).
The Company measures and reports safety and service performance. The Company strives for continuous improvement in these measures through training, innovation and investment. For example, the Company's safety and train accident prevention programs rely on the latest tools, programs and employee participation that strengthen the safety culture in a supportive environment that allows each employee to be successful at CSX. Continued capital investment in the Company's assets, including track, bridges, signals, equipment and detection technology also supports safety performance. CSX safety programs are designed to prevent incidents that can impact employees, customers and the communities we serve.
The Company consistently collaborates with the FRA and industry organizations as well as federal, state and local governments on the development and implementation of safety programs and initiatives. For example, earlier this year, CSX and other major freight railroads met with the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT") and other key stakeholders to discuss potential safety enhancements to our nation’s freight railroad network. CSX, as part of a wider industry initiative, voluntarily committed to take specific long-term actions to increase its strong safety performance. CSX agreed to reduce the speed of certain trains to 40 miles per hour through high threat urban areas, increase the frequency of track inspections, and work collaboratively and proactively with local communities to address area-specific concerns. Furthermore, CSX partnered with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the DOT and other major railroads in the Common Sense campaign to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities around the railroad right of way. CSXT continues an ongoing public safety program to clear-cut trees and vegetation at public passive highway-rail intersections (crossings with no flashing lights or gates) to improve the public's ability to discern rail activities.
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At CSX, operational success is built on employee commitment to maintaining a constant focus on safety. During 2014, the FRA reportable personal injury frequency index worsened 6 percent year over year to 0.95. The reported FRA train accident frequency rate weakened 12 percent year over year to 2.22. Despite these results, CSX remains an industry leader in employee safety.
Despite significant volume growth, the Company expects service to gradually improve to superior levels with the addition of strategic infrastructure investments, locomotives and operating employees coming online. On-time originations were 56 percent and on-time arrivals were 45 percent, which are both down versus 2013 but stabilized by the end of the year. Year over year, average train velocity declined 13 percent to 20.1 miles per hour and dwell worsened 18 percent to 26.3 hours.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity is a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet both current and future needs for obligations as they mature and to provide for planned capital expenditures, including those to address regulatory and legislative requirements. To have a complete picture of a company’s liquidity, its balance sheet, sources and uses of cash flow and external factors should be reviewed.
Material Changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Significant Cash Flows
Consolidated Balance Sheets
CSX's balance sheet reflects its strong capital base and the impact of CSX's balanced approach in deploying capital for the benefit of its shareholders, which includes investments in infrastructure, dividend improvement and share repurchases.
Total assets as well as total liabilities and shareholders' equity increased $1.3 billion from prior year. The increase in assets was driven by higher net properties of $1.3 billion resulting from planned capital investments. The increase in total liabilities and shareholders' equity combined was driven by net earnings of $1.9 billion, higher pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities of $269 million mostly driven by lower discount rates and higher deferred income taxes of $196 million primarily related to accelerated tax depreciation. Partially offsetting these increases were dividends paid of $629 million and share repurchases of $517 million.
Significant cash flows
The following tables present net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for full years 2012, 2013 and 2014.
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PART II
Sources of Cash
The Company has multiple sources of cash. First, the Company generates cash from operations, and in 2014, the Company generated $3.3 billion of cash from operating activities which was $76 million higher than the prior year primarily driven by higher net earnings. In 2013, the Company generated $3.3 billion of cash from operating activities which increased $321 million from 2012 primarily driven by a $275 million contribution to the Company's qualified pension plans in 2012 that did not repeat.
Second, CSX has access to numerous financing sources including a $1 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that expires in September 2016. As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. See Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements for more information.
CSX filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC on February 15, 2013. This shelf registration statement is unlimited as to amount and may be used to issue debt or equity securities at CSX’s discretion, subject to market conditions and CSX Board authorization. While CSX seeks to give itself flexibility with respect to cash requirements, there can be no assurance that market conditions would permit CSX to sell such securities on acceptable terms at any given time, or at all.
Uses of Cash
CSX continued to invest in its business to create long-term value for shareholders. In 2014, net cash used in investing activities was $2.2 billion, a decrease in spending of $44 million from the prior year primarily driven by higher net sales of short-term investments. In 2013, net cash used in investing activities was $2.2 billion, a decrease in spending of $50 million from 2012 primarily driven by higher net sales of short-term investments partially offset by lower proceeds from property dispositions.
The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and to positioning itself for long-term growth through expanding network and terminal capacity. Funds used for property additions are further described below.
(a)
Total capital expenditures shown above include investments related to reimbursable public-private partnerships. These partnership investments are for projects that are partially or wholly reimbursed to CSX through either government grants or other funding sources such as cash received from a property sale. These reimbursements may not be fully received in a given year; therefore the timing of receipts may differ from the timing of the investment.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Planned capital investments for 2015 are expected to be $2.5 billion, including expected spending of approximately $300 million for PTC. This $2.5 billion excludes investments related to partially or wholly reimbursable public-private partnerships where reimbursements may not be fully received in a given year. Approximately half of the 2015 investment will be used to sustain the core infrastructure. The remaining amounts will be allocated to locomotives, freight cars and high return projects supporting long-term profitable growth, productivity initiatives and service improvements to optimize performance. CSX intends to fund capital investments through cash generated from operations.
Over the long term, the Company expects to incur significant capital costs in connection with the implementation of PTC. CSX estimates that the total multi-year cost of PTC implementation will be at least $1.9 billion. This estimate includes costs for installing the new system along tracks, upgrading locomotives, adding communication equipment and developing new technologies. Total PTC spending through 2014 was $1.2 billion.
In addition to capital investments, the Company uses cash for scheduled payments of debt and leases, share repurchases and to pay dividends to shareholders. In 2014, net cash used in financing activities was $1.1 billion, which represents a decrease in spending of $149 million. This decrease was driven by higher net long-term debt issued of $347 million (net of debt repayments) partially offset by share repurchases of $164 million. In 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $1.2 million, which was an increase in spending of $564 million driven by higher debt repayments and a lower amount of debt issued, partially offset by lower share repurchases.
CSX is continually evaluating market and regulatory conditions that could affect the Company’s ability to generate sufficient returns on capital investments. CSX may revise its future estimates for capital spending as a result of changes in business conditions, tax legislation or the enactment of new laws or regulations which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial performance in the future (see Risk Factors under Item 1A of this Form 10-K).
Liquidity and Working Capital
Currently, CSX is well positioned from a liquidity standpoint. The Company ended the year with $961 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. CSX has a $1 billion unsecured, revolving credit facility backed by a diverse syndicate of banks. This facility expires in September 2016 and as of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. Additionally in 2014, CSX issued a total of $1 billion of new long-term debt. CSX uses current cash balances for general corporate purposes, which may include reduction or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, contributions to the Company's qualified pension plan, redemptions and repurchases of CSX common stock and dividends to shareholders. See Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements.
The Company's $250 million receivables securitization facility has a three-year term and expires in June 2017. The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity. The Company anticipates either renewing the facility or replacing it with another liquidity-based solution. Under the terms of this facility, CSXT transfers eligible third-party receivables to CSX Trade Receivables, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary. A separate subsidiary of CSX services the receivables. Upon transfer, the receivables become assets of CSX Trade Receivables and are not available to the creditors of CSX or any of its other subsidiaries. In the event CSX Trade Receivables draws under this facility, the Company will record an equivalent amount of debt on its consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Working capital can also be considered a measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term needs. CSX had a working capital surplus of $465 million and $178 million at December 2014 and 2013, respectively. This increase since the prior year is primarily due to a lower current maturities of long-term debt, partially offset by a net decrease in short-term investments driven by higher sales of these investments. Also, see sources and uses of cash description above.
The Company’s working capital balance varies due to factors such as the timing of scheduled debt payments and changes in cash and cash equivalent balances as discussed above. Although the Company currently has a surplus, a working capital deficit is not unusual for CSX or other companies in the industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity. The Company continues to maintain adequate current assets to satisfy current liabilities and maturing obligations when they come due. Furthermore, CSX has sufficient financial capacity, including its revolving credit facility, trade receivable facility and shelf registration statement to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and any anticipated obligations. The Company from time to time accesses the credit markets for additional liquidity.
Credit Ratings
Credit ratings reflect an independent agency’s judgment on the likelihood that a borrower will repay a debt obligation at maturity. The ratings reflect many considerations, such as the nature of the borrower’s industry and its competitive position, the size of the company, its liquidity and access to capital and the sensitivity of a company’s cash flows to changes in the economy. The two largest rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), use alphanumeric codes to designate their ratings. The highest quality rating for long-term credit obligations is AAA and Aaa for S&P and Moody’s, respectively. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.
The cost and availability of unsecured financing are materially affected by CSX's long-term credit ratings. CSX's credit ratings improved during 2014. As of December 2013 and December 2014, S&P's long-term rating on CSX was BBB+ (Stable). Moody's improved the long-term credit rating on CSX from Baa2 at December 2013, to Baa1 (Stable) as of December 2014. Ratings of BBB- and Baa3 or better by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, reflect ratings on debt obligations that fall within a band of credit quality considered to be investment grade. If CSX's credit ratings were to decline to below investment grade levels, the Company could experience significant increases in its interest cost for new debt. In addition, a decline in CSX’s credit ratings to below investment grade levels could adversely affect the market’s demand, and thus the Company’s ability to readily issue new debt.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
SCHEDULE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
The following tables set forth maturities of the Company's contractual obligations and other significant commitments:
(a)
Other post-employment benefits include estimated other post-retirement medical and life insurance payments and payments under non-qualified pension plans which are unfunded. No amounts are included for funded pension obligations as no contributions are currently required.
(b)
Agreements with Conrail represent minimum future lease payments of $254 million under the shared asset area agreements (see Note 12, Related Party Transactions). These amounts plus total operating leases-net of $244 million above equals total net lease commitments of $498 million disclosed in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.
(c)
Other commitments of $153 million consisted of surety bonds, letters of credit, uncertain tax positions and public private partnerships. Surety bonds of $57 million and letters of credit of $38 million arise from assurances issued by a third-party that CSX will fulfill certain obligations and are typically a contract, state, federal or court requirement. Uncertain tax positions of $21 million which include interest and penalties are all included in year 2015. The year of settlement cannot be reasonably estimated, however, the Company believes at least $2 million of these unrecognized tax benefits will be resolved in the next 12 months. Contractual commitments related to public-private partnerships are $37 million.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
For detailed information about the Company’s guarantees, operating leases and purchase obligations, see Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies. There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates in reporting the amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a regular basis. Consistent with the prior year, significant estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:
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casualty, environmental and legal reserves;
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pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting;
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depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method; and
•
income taxes.
Casualty, Environmental and Legal Reserves
Casualty
Casualty reserves of $265 million in 2014 represent accruals for personal injury, occupational injury and asbestos claims. The Company's self-insured retention amount for these claims is $50 million per occurrence. Currently, no individual claim is expected to exceed the Company's self-insured retention amount. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), to the extent the value of an individual claim exceeds the self-insured retention amount, the Company would present the liability on a gross basis with a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries. These reserves fluctuate based upon the timing of payments as well as changes in independent third-party estimates, which are reviewed by management. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation. Most of the Company's casualty claims relate to CSXT unless otherwise noted below. Defense and processing costs, which historically have been insignificant and are anticipated to be insignificant in the future, are not included in the recorded liabilities. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no significant changes in estimate recorded to adjust casualty reserves.
Personal Injury
Personal injury reserves represent liabilities for employee work-related and third-party injuries. Work-related injuries for CSXT employees are primarily subject to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (“FELA”). In addition to FELA liabilities, employees of other CSX subsidiaries are covered by various state workers’ compensation laws, the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program or the Maritime Jones Act.
CSXT retains an independent actuary to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims. An analysis is performed by the actuary quarterly and is reviewed by management. The methodology used by the actuary includes a development factor to reflect growth or reduction in the value of these personal injury claims. It is based largely on CSXT's historical claims and settlement experience.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Occupational & Asbestos
Occupational claims arise from allegations of exposures to certain materials in the workplace, such as solvents, soaps, chemicals (collectively referred to as “irritants”) and diesel fuels (like exhaust fumes) or allegations of chronic physical injuries resulting from work conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and hearing loss.
The Company is also party to a number of asbestos claims by employees alleging exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The heaviest possible exposure for employees resulted from work conducted in and around steam locomotive engines that were largely phased out beginning around the 1950s. Other types of exposures, however, including exposure from locomotive component parts and building materials, continued until these exposures were substantially eliminated by 1985. Additionally, the Company has retained liability for asbestos claims filed against its previously owned international container shipping business. Diseases associated with asbestos typically have long latency periods (amount of time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease) which can range from ten to 40 years after exposure.
Occupational claims, excluding asbestos, are analyzed on a quarterly basis by an independent actuary in order to determine the number of unasserted, or incurred but not reported (“IBNR”), claims. The actuary’s analyses are reviewed by management. With the exception of carpal tunnel, management has determined that seven years is the most probable time period in which these unasserted occupational claim filings and claim values can be estimated. Carpal tunnel claims use a three-year period to estimate the reserve due to the shorter latency period for these types of injuries.
Asbestos claims are analyzed by an independent specialist in order to determine the number of unasserted, or incurred but not reported (“IBNR”), claims. Since exposure to asbestos has been substantially eliminated, management reviews asserted asbestos claims quarterly and the review by the specialist is completed annually. In 2014, management increased the forecast period from seven years to ten years. Based on a review of historical settlement trends, management concluded that ten years is the most probable time period in which unasserted asbestos claim filings and claim values can be estimated. The Company does not believe there is sufficient data to justify a projection period longer than ten years at this time. The change in the forecast period resulted in an immaterial increase in the asbestos reserves during 2014.
The actuary and specialist analyze CSXT’s historical claim filings, settlement amounts, and dismissal rates to determine future anticipated claim filing rates and average settlement values for occupational and asbestos claims reserves. The potentially exposed population is estimated by using CSXT’s employment records and industry data. From this analysis, the actuary and specialist provide estimates of the IBNR claims liabilities.
The estimated future filing rates and estimated average claim values are the most sensitive assumptions for these reserves. A 1% increase or decrease in either the forecasted number of occupational and asbestos IBNR claims or the average claim values would result in approximately a $1 million increase or decrease in the liability recorded for unasserted occupational and asbestos claims.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Environmental
Environmental reserves were $94 million for 2014. The Company is a party to various proceedings related to environmental issues, including administrative and judicial proceedings involving private parties and regulatory agencies. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party at approximately 250 environmentally impaired sites. Many of these are, or may be, subject to remedial action under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 also known as the Superfund Law, or similar state statutes. Most of these proceedings arose from environmental conditions on properties used for ongoing or discontinued railroad operations. A number of these proceedings, however, are based on allegations that the Company, or its predecessors, sent hazardous substances to facilities owned or operated by others for treatment, recycling or disposal. In addition, some of the Company’s land holdings were leased to others for commercial or industrial uses that may have resulted in releases of hazardous substances or other regulated materials onto the property and could give rise to proceedings against the Company.
In any such proceedings, the Company is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions under the Superfund Law, as well as similar state laws that may impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. These costs could be substantial.
In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic in the ASC, the Company reviews its role with respect to each site identified at least quarterly, giving consideration to a number of factors such as:
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type of clean-up required;
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nature of the Company’s alleged connection to the location (e.g., generator of waste sent to the site or owner or operator of the site);
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extent of the Company’s alleged connection (e.g., volume of waste sent to the location and other relevant factors); and
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number, connection and financial viability of other named and unnamed potentially responsible parties at the location.
These recorded liabilities for estimated future environmental costs are undiscounted and include future costs for remediation and restoration of sites as well as any significant ongoing monitoring costs, but exclude any anticipated insurance recoveries. Based on the review process, the Company has recorded amounts to cover contingent anticipated future environmental remediation costs with respect to each site to the extent such costs are estimable and probable. Payments related to these liabilities are expected to be made over the next several years. Environmental remediation costs are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements.
Currently, the Company does not possess sufficient information to reasonably estimate the amounts of additional liabilities, if any, on some sites until completion of future environmental studies. In addition, conditions that are currently unknown could, at any given location, result in additional exposure, the amount and materiality of which cannot presently be reasonably estimated. Based upon information currently available, however, the Company believes its environmental reserves accurately reflect the cost of remedial actions currently required.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Legal
In accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC, an accrual for a loss contingency is established if information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. If no accrual is made for a loss contingency because one or both of these conditions are not met, or if an exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, disclosure of the contingency is made when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.
The Company evaluates all exposures relating to legal liabilities at least quarterly and adjusts reserves when appropriate under the guidance noted above. The amount of a particular reserve may be influenced by factors that include official rulings, newly discovered or developed evidence, or changes in laws, regulations and evidentiary standards. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings for further discussion of these items.
Pension and Post-retirement Medical Plan Accounting
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel. For employees hired prior to January 1, 2003, the plans provide eligible employees with retirement benefits based predominantly on years of service and compensation rates near retirement. For employees hired in 2003 or thereafter, benefits are determined based on a cash balance formula, which provides benefits by utilizing interest and pay credits based upon age, service and compensation. As of December 2014, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans were $3 billion and $340 million, respectively. No significant contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans are expected in 2015.
In addition to these plans, the Company sponsors a post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees, hired prior to January 1, 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met. Medicare-eligible retirees are covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Non-Medicare eligible retirees are covered by a self-insured program partially funded by participating retirees. The life insurance plan is non-contributory.
For information related to the funded status of the Company's pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.
The accounting for these plans is subject to the guidance provided in the Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic in the ASC. This rule requires that management make certain assumptions relating to the following:
•
discount rates used to measure future obligations and interest expense;
•
long-term rate of return on plan assets;
•
salary scale inflation rates; and
•
other assumptions.
The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company selects. These amounts are reviewed by management.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Discount Rates
Discount rates affect the amount of liability recorded and the interest expense component of pension and post-retirement expense. Discount rates reflect the rates at which pension and other post-retirement benefits could be effectively settled, or in other words, how much it would cost the Company to buy enough high quality bonds to generate cash flow equal to the Company's expected future benefit payments. The Company determines the discount rate based on the market yield as of year end for high quality corporate bonds whose maturities match the plans' expected benefit payments.
The discount rates used by the Company to value its 2014 pension and post-retirement obligations are 4.00% and 3.60%, respectively. For 2013, the discount rate used by the Company to value its pension and post-retirement obligations was 4.75% and 4.25%, respectively. Discount rates may differ for pension and post-retirement benefits due to varying duration of the liabilities for projected payments for each plan. As of December 2014, the estimated duration of pensions and post-retirement benefits is approximately 12 years and 8 years, respectively.
Each year, these discount rates are reevaluated and adjusted using the current market interest rates for high quality corporate bonds to reflect the best estimate of the current effective settlement rates. In general, if interest rates decline or rise, the assumed discount rates will change.
Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
The expected long-term average rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. In estimating that rate, the Company gives appropriate consideration to the returns being earned by the plan assets in the funds and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment as well as the current and projected asset mix of the funds. Management balances market expectations obtained from various investment managers and economists with both market and actual plan historical returns to develop a reasonable estimate of the expected long-term rate of return on assets. As this assumption is long-term, it is adjusted less frequently than other assumptions used in pension accounting. The long-term rate of return on plan assets used by the Company to value its pension obligation was 7.25% and 7.50% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Salary Scale Inflation Rates
Salary scale inflation rates are based on current trends and historical data accumulated by the Company. The Company reviews recent wage increases and management incentive compensation payments over the past five years in its assessment of salary scale inflation rates. The Company used a salary scale rate of 3.75% to value its 2014 and 2013 pension obligations.
Other Assumptions
The calculations made by the actuaries also include assumptions relating to health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, turnover and retirement age. These assumptions are based upon historical data, recent plan experience and industry trends and are selected by management.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
2015 Estimated Pension and Post-retirement Expense
Net pension and post-retirement benefits expense for 2015 is expected to be approximately $70 million and $20 million, respectively, compared to $58 million and $20 million, respectively, in 2014. The increase in pension expense is primarily related to lower discount rates and adoption of new mortality tables, partially offset by favorable pension asset experience.
The following sensitivity analysis illustrates the effect of changes in certain assumptions like discount rates, salaries and health care costs on the 2014 estimated pension and post-retirement expense:
Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method
The Company depreciates its rail assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method of accounting. Assets depreciated under the group-life method comprise 85% of total fixed assets of $39 billion on a gross basis at December 2014. All other assets of the Company are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The group-life method aggregates assets with similar lives and characteristics into groups and depreciates each of these groups as a whole. When using the group-life method, an underlying assumption is that each group of assets, as a whole, is used and depreciated to the end of its recoverable life.
The Company currently utilizes more than 130 different depreciable asset categories to account for depreciation expense for the railroad assets that are depreciated under the group-life method of accounting. Examples of depreciable asset categories include 18 different categories for crossties due to the different combinations of density classifications and asset types. By utilizing various depreciable categories, the Company can more accurately account for the use of its assets. All assets of the Company are depreciated on a time or life basis.
The Company believes the group-life method of depreciation closely approximates the straight-line method of depreciation. Additionally, due to the nature of most of its assets (e.g., track is one contiguous, connected asset), the Company believes that this is the most effective way to properly depreciate its assets.
Under the group-life method of accounting, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic depreciation studies and applying management's assumptions regarding the service lives of its properties. A depreciation study (also referred to as a life study) is the periodic review of asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other related factors for group assets conducted by a third-party specialist, analyzed by the Company’s management and approved by the STB, the regulatory board that has broad jurisdiction over railroad practices. The STB requires depreciation studies be performed for equipment assets every three years and for road (e.g. bridges and signals) and track (e.g., rail, ties and ballast) assets every six years. In 2014, the Company completed a depreciation study for its road and track assets. In 2012, the Company completed a depreciation study for its equipment assets and a technical update (an update to the prior depreciation study) for its road and track assets. The Company believes the frequency currently required by the STB provides adequate review of asset service lives and that a more frequent review would not result in a material change due to the long-lived nature of most of the assets.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Changes in asset service lives due to the results of the depreciation studies are applied on a prospective basis and could significantly impact future periods’ depreciation expense, and thus, the Company's results of operations.
There are several factors taken into account during the depreciation study and they include:
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statistical analysis of historical life and salvage data for each group of property;
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statistical analysis of historical retirements for each group of property;
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evaluation of current operations;
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evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;
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previous assessment of the condition of the assets and outlook for their continued use;
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expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and
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comparison of assets to the same asset groups with other companies.
For retirements or disposals of depreciable rail assets that occur in the ordinary course of business, the asset cost (net of salvage value or sales proceeds) is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized. As individual assets within a specific group are retired, resulting gains and losses are recorded in accumulated depreciation. As part of the depreciation study, an assessment of the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is made to determine if it is deficient (or in excess) of the appropriate amount indicated by the study. Any such deficiency (or excess), including any deferred gains or losses, is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service life of the asset group until the next required depreciation study. Since the overall assumption with group-life is that the assets within the group on average have the same service life and characteristics, it is therefore concluded that the deferred gains and losses offset over time.
In the event that large groups of assets are removed from service as a result of unusual acts or sales, resulting gains and losses are recognized immediately. These acts are not considered to be in the normal course of business and are therefore recognized when incurred. Examples of such acts would be the major destruction of assets due to significant storm damage (e.g., major hurricanes), the sale of a rail line segment to another railroad or the disposal of an entire class of assets (e.g., disposal of all refrigerated freight cars).
Recent experience with depreciation studies has resulted in depreciation rate changes which did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense of $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion for 2014 and 2013, respectively. A 1% change in the average life of all group-life assets would result in an approximate $10 million change to the Company’s annual depreciation expense.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued
Income Taxes
CSX accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic in the ASC that addresses how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under this topic, the Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized in the financial statements from such a position is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
CSX files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes its principal domestic subsidiaries. Examinations of the federal income tax returns of CSX have been completed through 2013. During 2014, the Company participated in a contemporaneous Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of tax year 2014. Management believes an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that might be assessed. While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of CSX management that none of these items will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of CSX. An unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items, however, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year. As of December 2014, the Company’s uncertain tax positions were $21 million.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Change in Accounting Policy
See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies under the caption, “New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Policy.”
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this report and in other materials filed with the SEC, as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made by the Company, are forward-looking statements. The Company intends for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act may contain, among others, statements regarding:
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projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes or other financial items;
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expectations as to results of operations and operational initiatives;
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expectations as to the effect of claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity;
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management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, safety and service performance, proposed new services and other matters that are not historical facts, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved; and
•
future economic, industry or market conditions or performance and their effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "should," “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “preliminary” and similar expressions. The Company cautions against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect its good faith beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to it as of the date the forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the timing when, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual performance or results could differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements. The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors) and elsewhere in this report, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements:
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legislative, regulatory or legal developments involving transportation, including rail or intermodal transportation, the environment, hazardous materials, taxation, and initiatives to further regulate the rail industry;
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the outcome of litigation, claims and other contingent liabilities, including, but not limited to, those related to fuel surcharge, environmental matters, taxes, shipper and rate claims subject to adjudication, personal injuries and occupational illnesses;
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changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation) and the level of demand for products carried by CSXT;
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natural events such as severe weather conditions, including floods, fire, hurricanes and earthquakes, a pandemic crisis affecting the health of the Company's employees, its shippers or the consumers of goods, or other unforeseen disruptions of the Company's operations, systems, property or equipment;
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competition from other modes of freight transportation, such as trucking and competition and consolidation within the transportation industry generally;
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the cost of compliance with laws and regulations that differ from expectations (including those associated with Positive Train Control implementation) and costs, penalties and operational impacts associated with noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations;
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the impact of increased passenger activities in capacity-constrained areas, including potential effects of high speed rail initiatives, or regulatory changes affecting when CSXT can transport freight or service routes;
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unanticipated conditions in the financial markets that may affect timely access to capital markets and the cost of capital, as well as management's decisions regarding share repurchases;
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changes in fuel prices, surcharges for fuel and the availability of fuel;
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the impact of natural gas prices on coal-fired electricity generation;
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
•
availability of insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages;
•
the inherent business risks associated with safety and security, including the availability and vulnerability of information technology, adverse economic or operational effects from actual or threatened war or terrorist activities and any governmental response;
•
labor and benefit costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either the Company's operations or customers' ability to deliver goods to the Company for shipment;
•
the Company's success in implementing its strategic, financial and operational initiatives;
•
changes in operating conditions and costs or commodity concentrations; and
•
the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.
Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified elsewhere in this report and in CSX's other SEC reports, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the Company's website at www.csx.com. The information on the CSX website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
CSX does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Historically, the Company has used derivative financial instruments to address market risk exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. As of December 2014, CSX does not have a material amount of floating rate debt obligations outstanding, and therefore fluctuations in the interest rate would not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of CSX Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSX Corporation as of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three fiscal years ended December 26, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CSX Corporation at December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 26, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), CSX Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Jacksonville, Florida
February 11, 2015
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in Millions)
(a) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss year-end balances shown above are net of tax. The associated taxes were $496 million, $266 million and $354 million for 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. For additional information see Note 14, Other Comprehensive Income.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
Business
CSX Corporation (“CSX”), and together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation's leading transportation companies. The Company provides rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers.
The Company’s annual average number of employees was approximately 32,000 in 2014, which includes approximately 26,000 union employees. Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services.
CSX Transportation, Inc.
CSX’s principal operating subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSXT”), provides an important link to the transportation supply chain through its approximately 21,000 route mile rail network, which serves major population centers in 23 states east of the Mississippi River, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company’s intermodal business, also part of CSXT, links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections to approximately 240 short-line and regional railroads.
Lines of Business
During 2014, the Company services generated $12.7 billion of revenue and served three primary lines of business:
•
The merchandise business shipped over 2.9 million carloads and generated approximately 60% of revenue and 42% of volume in 2014. The Company’s merchandise business is the most diverse market and transports aggregates (which include crushed stone, sand and gravel), metal, phosphate, fertilizer, food, consumer (manufactured goods and appliances), agricultural, automotive, paper and chemical products.
•
The coal business shipped nearly 1.3 million carloads and accounted for 22% of revenue and 18% of volume in 2014. The Company transports domestic coal, coke and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers and industrial plants as well as export coal to deep-water port facilities. Almost half of export coal and nearly all of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.
•
The intermodal business accounted for approximately 14% of revenue and 40% of volume in 2014. The intermodal line of business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the short-haul flexibility of trucks and offers a competitive cost advantage over long-haul trucking. Through a network of more than 50 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.
Other revenue accounted for approximately 4% of the Company’s total revenue in 2014. This revenue category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads, demurrage, revenue for customer volume commitments not met, switching and other incidental charges. Revenue from regional railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate. Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars are held beyond a specified period of time. Switching revenue is primarily generated when CSXT switches cars for a customer or another railroad.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Other Entities
In addition to CSXT, the Company’s subsidiaries include CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (“CSX Intermodal Terminals”), Total Distribution Services, Inc. (“TDSI”), Transflo Terminal Services, Inc. (“Transflo”), CSX Technology, Inc. (“CSX Technology”) and other subsidiaries. CSX Intermodal Terminals owns and operates a system of intermodal terminals, predominantly in the eastern United States and also performs drayage services (the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments) for certain CSXT customers and trucking dispatch operations. TDSI serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations. Transflo connects non-rail served customers to the many benefits of rail by transferring products from rail to trucks. Today, the biggest Transflo markets are chemicals and agriculture, which includes shipments of plastics and ethanol. CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.
CSX’s other holdings include CSX Real Property, Inc., a subsidiary responsible for the Company’s real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities. These activities are classified in other income - net because they are not considered to be operating activities by the Company. Results of these activities fluctuate with the timing of non-operating real estate transactions.
Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position of CSX and its subsidiaries at December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012. In addition, management has evaluated and disclosed all material events occurring subsequent to the date of the financial statements up to the date this annual report is filed on Form 10-K.
Fiscal Year
CSX follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar. This fiscal calendar allows every quarter to consistently end on a Friday and typically, to be of equal duration (13 weeks), resulting in a 52 week fiscal year. To maintain this type of reporting calendar every fifth or sixth year (depending on the Gregorian calendar and when leap year falls), an extra week will be included in the fourth quarter (a 14-week fiscal quarter) and, therefore, that full fiscal year will have 53 weeks. The next 53 week fiscal year will be 2016, which will end on December 30, 2016.
Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 each consisted of 52 weeks ending on December 26, 2014, December 27, 2013 and December 28, 2012, respectively. Except as otherwise specified, references to full year indicate CSX’s fiscal periods ended on these dates.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include results of operations of CSX and subsidiaries over which CSX has majority ownership or financial control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Most investments in companies that were not majority-owned were carried at cost (if less than 20% owned and the Company has no significant influence) or were accounted for under the equity method (if the Company has significant influence but does not control). These investments are reported within Investment in Conrail or Affiliates and Other Investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Cash and Cash Equivalents
On a daily basis, cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in various highly liquid investments having a typical maturity date of three months or less at the date of acquisition. These investments were carried at cost, which approximated market value, and were classified as cash equivalents.
Investments
Investments in instruments with original maturities greater than three months but will mature in less than one year were classified as short-term investments. Investments with maturities greater than one year were classified within other long-term assets.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on uncollectible amounts related to freight receivables, government reimbursement receivables, claims for damages and other various receivables. The allowance is based upon the credit worthiness of customers, historical experience, the age of the receivable and current market and economic conditions. Uncollectible amounts are charged against the allowance account. Allowance for doubtful accounts of $41 million and $33 million is included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 2014 and December 2013, respectively.
Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies in the consolidated balance sheets are carried at average costs and consist primarily of fuel and parts used in the repair and maintenance of CSXT’s freight car and locomotive fleets, equipment and track structure.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents purchase price in excess of fair value and is related to affiliates of CSXT, primarily P&L Transportation, Inc. Goodwill of $63 million and $64 million is recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Revenue and Expense Recognition
The Company recognizes freight revenue using Free-On-Board Origin pursuant to the Revenue Recognition Topic in the ASC. Accounting guidance in this topic provides for the allocation of revenue between reporting periods based on relative transit time in each reporting period. Expenses are recognized as incurred.
The certain key estimates included in the recognition and measurement of revenue and related accounts receivable under the policies described above are as follows:
•
revenue associated with shipments in transit is recognized ratably over transit time and is based on average cycle times to move commodities and products from their origin to their final destination or interchange;
•
adjustments to revenue for billing corrections, billing discounts and bad debts or to accounts receivable for allowances for doubtful accounts;
•
adjustments to revenue for overcharge claims filed by customers, which are based on historical cash paid to customers for rate overcharges as a percentage of total billing;
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued
•
incentive-based refunds to customers, which are primarily based on customers achieving certain volume thresholds and are recorded as a reduction to revenue on the basis of management’s best estimate of the projected liability (this estimate is based on historical activity, current volume levels and a forecast of future volume);
The Company regularly updates the estimates described above based on historical experience and current conditions. All other revenue, such as demurrage, switching and other incidental charges are recorded upon completion of the service.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires that a company recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies will need to use more judgment and estimates than under the guidance currently in effect, including estimating the amount of variable revenue to recognize over each identified performance obligation. Additional disclosures will be required to help users of financial statements understand the nature, amount and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts. The new standard will become effective for CSX beginning with the first quarter 2017 and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update to the Comprehensive Income Topic in the Accounting Standards Codifications ("ASC"). This update requires separate presentation of the components that are reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. This update also requires companies to disclose the income statement line items impacted by any significant reclassifications, such as the amortization of pension and other post-employment benefits adjustments. These items are required for both interim and annual reporting for public companies and became effective for CSX beginning with the first quarter 2013 Form 10-Q filing.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates in reporting the amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:
•
casualty, environmental and legal reserves (see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves);
•
pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting (see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans);
•
depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method (see Note 6, Properties); and
•
income taxes (see Note 11, Income Taxes).
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Other Items
Share Repurchases
In April 2013, the Company announced a new $1 billion share repurchase program, which is expected to be completed by April 2015. Management's assessment of market conditions and other factors guides the timing and volume of repurchases. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances. During 2014 and 2013, CSX repurchased $517 million, or 17 million shares, and $353 million or 14 million shares, respectively, of common stock under this program. Additionally, the Company repurchased a total of $734 million, or 34 million shares in 2012 under a previous share repurchase program. In accordance with the Equity Topic in the ASC, the excess of repurchase price over par value is recorded in retained earnings. Generally, retained earnings is only impacted by net earnings and dividends.
Workforce Reduction Plan
In November 2014, the Company announced a workforce reduction plan to streamline the organization. The initiative reduced management workforce by approximately 300 positions through a voluntary separation program with enhanced benefits as well as a subsequent involuntary severance over the fourth quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015. The Company recorded an initial charge of $39 million related to this program. The total estimated cost of the program is expected to be approximately $45 million. The majority of separation benefits will be paid from CSX’s qualified pension plans, with the remainder being paid from general corporate funds.
NOTE 2. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and earnings per share, assuming dilution:
Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Earnings per share, assuming dilution, is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock equivalents outstanding adjusted for the effects of common stock that may be issued as a result of the following types of potentially dilutive instruments:
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 2. Earnings Per Share, continued
•
equity awards, which include long-term incentive awards; and
•
in prior periods, employee stock options (all stock options expired in May 2013).
The Earnings Per Share Topic in the ASC requires CSX to include additional shares in the computation of earnings per share, assuming dilution. The additional shares included in diluted earnings per share represent the number of shares that would be issued if all of the above potentially dilutive instruments were converted into CSX common stock.
NOTE 3. Shareholders’ Equity
Common and preferred stock consists of the following:
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote on all matters requiring a vote for each share held. Preferred stock is senior to common stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation of CSX.
NOTE 4. Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation
Under CSX's share-based compensation plans, awards primarily consist of performance grants, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock grants for directors. Awards granted under the various programs are determined and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or, in certain circumstances, by the Chief Executive Officer for awards to management employees other than senior executives. The Board of Directors approves awards granted to the Company’s non-management directors upon recommendation of the Governance Committee.
The Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic in the ASC requires the cash flows resulting from income tax deductions in excess of compensation costs to be classified as financing cash flows. This requirement resulted in reduced net operating cash flows and increased net financing cash flows of approximately $3 million, $13 million and $37 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic also requires the disclosure of total compensation costs for share-based payment arrangements and the related tax benefits recognized in income. Share-based compensation expense is measured at the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the respective award. Total pre-tax expense associated with share-based compensation and its related income tax benefit is as follows:
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 4. Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued
Restricted Stock Grants
Restricted stock grants consist of units and awards. Restricted stock units are granted as part of the Company's long-term incentive plan, with each unit being equivalent to one share of CSX stock and vest over three years. Restricted stock awards generally vest over an employment period of up to five years. The following table provides information about outstanding restricted stock units and awards combined. As of December 2014, unrecognized compensation expense for these awards and units was approximately $16 million, which will be expensed over a weighted-average remaining period of 2 years.
(a) Time-based restricted stock units were granted to certain employees under the respective Long-term Incentive Plans in the amount of 371,000, 524,000, and 433,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as described below. These units vest over three years, therefore only a partial amount of expense was recognized in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Long-term Incentive Plans
The CSX Long-term Incentive Plans (“LTIP”) were adopted under the 2010 CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan. The objective of these long-term incentive plans is to motivate and reward certain employees for achieving and exceeding certain financial and strategic initiatives. Grants were made in performance units, with each unit being equivalent to one share of CSX common stock, and payouts will be made in CSX common stock. The payout range for participants will be between 0% and 200% of the target awards depending on Company performance against predetermined goals for each three-year cycle. In May of 2012, 2013 and 2014, target performance units were granted to certain employees under three separate LTIP plans covering three-year cycles: the 2012-2014 (“2014 LTIP”), 2013-2015 (“2015 LTIP”) and 2014-2016 (“2016 LTIP”) plans (collectively, the “Plans”).
The key financial target for the 2014 LTIP plan is based solely on operating ratio (operating expense divided by operating revenue) and excludes certain non-recurring items as disclosed in the Company's financial statements. The 2014 LTIP plan provides that payouts for certain executive officers are subject to downward adjustment by up to 30% based upon Company performance against certain CSX strategic initiatives. The 2014 LTIP plan ended on December 26, 2014, and CSX did not issue any shares in January 2015 as applicable performance targets for the three preceding fiscal years were not met.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 4. Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued
The key financial targets for the 2015 and 2016 LTIP plans will be based on the achievement of goals related to both operating ratio and return on assets (tax-adjusted operating income divided by net property) excluding non-recurring items as disclosed in the Company's financial statements. The three-year average operating ratio and return on assets over the performance period will each comprise 50% of the payout and are measured independently of the other. The 2015 and 2016 LTIP plans state that payouts for certain executive officers are subject to downward adjustment by up to 30% based upon total shareholder return relative to specified comparable groups.
Total expense incurred due to long-term incentive plans was $19 million, $2 million and $3 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(a) Number of target units granted and weighted-average fair value calculations above include the value of both initial grants and subsequent, smaller grants issued at different prices based on grant date fair value to new or promoted employees not previously included.
Restricted Stock Units
As part of the 2014, 2015 and 2016 LTIP plans, 433 thousand, 524 thousand and 371 thousand restricted stock units, respectively, were granted. The restricted stock units vest three years after the date of grant. Participants receive cash dividend equivalents on the unvested shares during the restriction period. These awards are time-based and are not based upon CSX’s attainment of operational targets. The restricted stock units and expenses are included in the information as shown within the Restricted Stock Grants section above.
As of December 2014, there was $39 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these plans that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years. The activity related to each of the outstanding long-term incentive plans is summarized as follows:
(a) The minimum financial target was not met in 2014. As a result, there was no performance unit payout for the LTIP ended December 26, 2014.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 4. Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued
Stock Awards for Directors
CSX’s non-management directors receive an annual retainer of $75,000 to be paid quarterly in cash, unless the director chooses to receive the retainer in the form of CSX common stock. Additionally, non-management directors receive an annual grant of common stock in the amount of approximately $150,000, with the number of shares to be granted based on the average closing price of CSX stock in the months of November, December and January. The following table provides information about shares issued to directors.
The directors may elect to defer receipt of their fees, in accordance with Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") Section 409A. Deferred cash amounts were credited to an account and invested in a choice of eight investment selections, including a CSX common stock equivalent fund. Distributions are made in accordance with elections made by the directors, consistent with the terms of the Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan.
NOTE 5. Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves
Activity related to casualty, environmental and other reserves is as follows:
(a)
Increase in expense in 2014 is primarily due to the resolution of personal injury claims for prior years.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 5. Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
These reserves are considered critical accounting estimates due to the need for significant management judgment. They are provided for in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
These liabilities are accrued when estimable and probable in accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC. Actual settlements and claims received could differ and final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. Considering the legal defenses currently available, the liabilities that have been recorded and other factors, it is the opinion of management that none of these items individually, when finally resolved, will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Should a number of these items occur in the same period, however, they could have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period.
Casualty
Casualty reserves of $265 million for 2014 represent accruals for personal injury, occupational injury and asbestos claims. The Company's self-insured retention amount for these claims is $50 million per occurrence. Currently, no individual claim is expected to exceed the self-insured retention amount. In accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC, to the extent the value of an individual claim exceeds the self-insured retention amount, the Company would present the liability on a gross basis with a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries. These reserves fluctuate based upon the timing of payments as well as changes in independent third-party estimates, which are reviewed by management. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation. Most of the Company's casualty claims relate to CSXT unless otherwise noted below. Defense and processing costs, which historically have been insignificant and are anticipated to be insignificant in the future, are not included in the recorded liabilities. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no significant changes in estimate recorded to adjust casualty reserves.
Personal Injury
Personal injury reserves represent liabilities for employee work-related and third-party injuries. Work-related injuries for CSXT employees are primarily subject to FELA. In addition to FELA liabilities, employees of other CSX subsidiaries are covered by various state workers’ compensation laws, the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program or the Maritime Jones Act.
CSXT retains an independent actuary to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims. An analysis is performed by the actuary quarterly and is reviewed by management. The methodology used by the actuary includes a development factor to reflect growth or reduction in the value of these personal injury claims. It is based largely on CSXT's historical claims and settlement experience.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 5. Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
Occupational & Asbestos
Occupational claims arise from allegations of exposures to certain materials in the workplace, such as solvents, soaps, chemicals (collectively referred to as “irritants”) and diesel fuels (like exhaust fumes) or allegations of chronic physical injuries resulting from work conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and hearing loss.
The Company is also party to a number of asbestos claims by employees alleging exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The heaviest possible exposure for employees resulted from work conducted in and around steam locomotive engines that were largely phased out beginning around the 1950s. Other types of exposures, however, including exposure from locomotive component parts and building materials, continued until these exposures were substantially eliminated by 1985. Additionally, the Company has retained liability for asbestos claims filed against its previously owned international container shipping business. Diseases associated with asbestos typically have long latency periods (amount of time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease) which can range from ten to 40 years after exposure.
Occupational claims, excluding asbestos, are analyzed on a quarterly basis by an independent actuary in order to determine the number of unasserted, or incurred but not reported (“IBNR”), claims. The actuary’s analyses are reviewed by management. With the exception of carpal tunnel, management has determined that seven years is the most probable time period in which these unasserted occupational claim filings and claim values can be estimated. Carpal tunnel claims use a three-year period to estimate the reserve due to the shorter latency period for these types of injuries.
Asbestos claims are analyzed by an independent specialist in order to determine the number of unasserted, or IBNR, claims. Since exposure to asbestos has been substantially eliminated, management reviews asserted asbestos claims quarterly and the review by the specialist is completed annually. In 2014, management reviewed this assumption and determined that it was appropriate to extend the forecast period from seven years to ten years. Based on a review of historical settlement trends, management concluded that ten years is the most probable time period in which unasserted asbestos claim filings and claim values can be estimated. The Company does not believe there is sufficient data to justify a projection period longer than ten years at this time. The change in the forecast period resulted in an immaterial increase in the asbestos reserves during 2014.
The actuary and specialist analyze CSXT’s historical claim filings, settlement amounts, and dismissal rates to determine future anticipated claim filing rates and average settlement values for occupational and asbestos claims reserves. The potentially exposed population is estimated by using CSXT’s employment records and industry data. From this analysis, the actuary and specialist provide estimates of the IBNR claims liabilities.
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 5. Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
Undiscounted liabilities recorded related to occupational and asbestos claims were as follows:
A summary of occupational and asbestos claims activity is as follows:
Environmental
Environmental reserves were $94 million for 2014. The Company is a party to various proceedings related to environmental issues, including administrative and judicial proceedings involving private parties and regulatory agencies. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party at approximately 250 environmentally impaired sites. Many of these are, or may be, subject to remedial action under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, also known as the Superfund Law, or similar state statutes. Most of these proceedings arose from environmental conditions on properties used for ongoing or discontinued railroad operations. A number of these proceedings, however, are based on allegations that the Company, or its predecessors, sent hazardous substances to facilities owned or operated by others for treatment, recycling or disposal. In addition, some of the Company’s land holdings were leased to others for commercial or industrial uses that may have resulted in releases of hazardous substances or other regulated materials onto the property and could give rise to proceedings against the Company.
In any such proceedings, the Company is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions under the Superfund Law, as well as similar state laws that may impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. These costs could be substantial.
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 5. Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic in the ASC, the Company reviews its role with respect to each site identified at least quarterly, giving consideration to a number of factors such as:
•
type of clean-up required;
•
nature of the Company’s alleged connection to the location (e.g., generator of waste sent to the site or owner or operator of the site);
•
extent of the Company’s alleged connection (e.g., volume of waste sent to the location and other relevant factors); and
•
number, connection and financial viability of other named and unnamed potentially responsible parties at the location.
Based on the review process, the Company has recorded amounts to cover contingent anticipated future environmental remediation costs with respect to each site to the extent such costs are estimable and probable. The recorded liabilities for estimated future environmental costs are undiscounted. The liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites as well as any significant ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated insurance recoveries. Payments related to these liabilities are expected to be made over the next several years. Environmental remediation costs are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statement.
Currently, the Company does not possess sufficient information to reasonably estimate the amounts of additional liabilities, if any, on some sites until completion of future environmental studies. In addition, conditions that are currently unknown could, at any given location, result in additional exposure, the amount and materiality of which cannot presently be reasonably estimated. Based upon information currently available, however, the Company believes its environmental reserves accurately reflect the cost of remedial actions currently required.
Other
Other reserves of $59 million for 2014 include liabilities for various claims, such as property, automobile and general liability. Also included in other reserves are longshoremen disability claims related to a previously owned international shipping business (these claims are in runoff) as well as claims for current port employees.
CSX CORPORATION
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 6. Properties
A detail of the Company’s net properties are as follows:
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 6. Properties, continued
Railroad Assets
The Company depreciates its rail assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method of accounting. Assets depreciated under the group-life method of accounting comprise 85% of total fixed assets of $39 billion on a gross basis as of December 2014. All other depreciable assets of the Company are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The group-life method aggregates assets with similar lives and characteristics into groups and depreciates each of these groups as a whole. When using the group-life method, an underlying assumption is that each group of assets, as a whole, is used and depreciated to the end of its recoverable life.
The Company currently utilizes more than 130 different depreciable asset categories to account for depreciation expense for the railroad assets that are depreciated under the group-life method of accounting. Examples of depreciable asset categories include 18 different categories for crossties due to the different combinations of density classifications and asset types. By utilizing various depreciable categories, the Company can more accurately account for the use of its assets. All assets of the Company are depreciated on a time or life basis.
The Company believes the group-life method of depreciation closely approximates the straight-line method of depreciation. Additionally, due to the nature of most of its assets (e.g. track is one contiguous, connected asset) the Company believes that this is the most effective way to properly depreciate its assets.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 6. Properties, continued
Under the group-life method of accounting, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic depreciation studies and applying management’s assumptions regarding the service lives of its properties. A depreciation study (also referred to as a life study) is the periodic review of asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other related factors for group assets conducted by a third-party specialist, analyzed by the Company’s management and approved by the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), the regulatory board that has broad jurisdiction over railroad practices. The STB requires depreciation studies be performed for equipment assets every three years and for road (e.g. bridges and signals) and track (e.g. rail, ties and ballast) assets every six years. The Company believes the frequency currently required by the STB provides adequate review of asset service lives and that a more frequent review would not result in a material change due to the long-lived nature of most of the assets.
The results of the depreciation study process determine the service lives for each asset group under the group-life method. Road assets, including main-line track, have estimated service lives ranging from eight years for system roadway machinery to 90 years for grading (construction of protection for the roadway, tracks and embankments). Equipment assets, including locomotives and freight cars, have estimated service lives ranging from three years for technology assets to 38 years for work equipment. Changes in asset service lives due to the results of the depreciation studies are applied on a prospective basis and could significantly impact future periods’ depreciation expense, and thus, the Company's results of operations.
There are several factors taken into account during the depreciation study and they include:
•
statistical analysis of historical life and salvage data for each group of property;
•
statistical analysis of historical retirements for each group of property;
•
evaluation of current operations;
•
evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;
•
previous assessment of the condition of the assets and outlook for their continued use;
•
expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and
•
comparison of assets to the same asset groups with other companies.
For retirements or disposals of depreciable rail assets that occur in the ordinary course of business, the asset cost (net of salvage value or sales proceeds) is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized. As individual assets within a specific group are retired or disposed of, resulting gains and losses are recorded in accumulated depreciation. As part of the depreciation study, an assessment of the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is made to determine if it is deficient (or in excess) of the appropriate amount indicated by the study. Any such deficiency (or excess), including any deferred gains or losses, is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service life of the asset group until the next required depreciation study. Since the overall assumption with the group-life method of accounting is that the assets within the group on average have the same service life and characteristics, it is therefore concluded that the deferred gains and losses offset over time.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 6. Properties, continued
Since the rail network is one contiguous, connected network it is impractical to maintain specific identification records for these assets. For road assets (such as rail and track related items), CSX utilizes a first-in, first-out approach to asset retirements. The historical cost of these replaced assets is estimated using inflation indices published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired asset. The indices are used because they closely correlate with the major cost of the materials comprising the applicable road assets.
Equipment assets (such as locomotives and freight cars) are specifically identified at retirement. When an equipment asset is retired that has been depreciated using the group-life method, the cost is reduced from the cost base and recorded in accumulated depreciation.
In the event that large groups of assets are removed from service as a result of unusual acts or sales, resulting gains and losses are recognized immediately. These acts are not considered to be in the normal course of business and are therefore recognized when incurred. Examples of such acts would be the major destruction of assets due to significant storm damage (e.g. major hurricanes), the sale of a rail line segment or the disposal of an entire class of assets (e.g. disposal of all refrigerated freight cars). There were no abnormal operating gains in 2014. Abnormal operating gains of $65 million in 2013 and $104 million in 2012 were related to the disposition of operating rail corridors. Included in these gains were $43 million and $94 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, from the 2011 sale of an operating rail corridor to the state of Florida. In 2013, a gain was recognized for a non-monetary exchange of easements and rail assets, and in 2012, a gain was recognized for a sale of operating rail corridor to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Recent experience with depreciation studies has resulted in depreciation rate changes, which did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense of $1.2 billion, $1.1 billion and $1.1 billion for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In general, changes in depreciation rates result from updated average asset service lives as determined during depreciation studies. In 2014, the Company completed a depreciation study for its road and track assets. In 2012, the Company completed a depreciation study for its equipment assets and a technical update (an update to the prior depreciation study) for its road and track assets.
Non-Railroad Assets, Capital Leases and Land
The majority of non-railroad property is depreciated using the straight-line method on a per asset basis. The depreciable lives of this property are periodically reviewed by the Company and any changes are applied on a prospective basis. Amortization expense recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation expense on the consolidated income statements. For retirements or disposals of non-railroad depreciable assets and all dispositions of land, the resulting gains or losses are recognized in earnings at the time of disposal. During 2012, the Company recognized a gain of $57 million related to the sale of non-operating property, which is recognized in other income in the consolidated statements of income. These gains and losses were not material for any other period presented.
Impairment Review
Properties and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or business conditions indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Initial assessments of recoverability are based on estimates of undiscounted future net cash flows associated with an asset or a group of assets in accordance with the Property, Plant, and Equipment Topic in the ASC. Where impairment is indicated, the assets are evaluated and their carrying amount is reduced to fair value based on discounted net cash flows or other estimates of fair value.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 6. Properties, continued
Capital Expenditures
The Company’s capital spending includes purchased or self-constructed assets and property additions that substantially extend the service life or increase the utility of those assets. Indirect costs that can be specifically traced to capital projects are also capitalized. The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and expanding its network for long-term growth. Rail operations are capital intensive and CSX accounts for these costs in accordance with GAAP and the Company’s capitalization policy. All properties are stated at historical cost less an allowance for accumulated depreciation.
The Company’s largest category of capital spending is the replacement of track assets and the acquisition or construction of new assets that enable CSX to enhance its operations or provide new capacity offerings to its customers. These construction projects are typically completed by CSXT employees. Costs for track asset replacement and capacity projects that are capitalized include:
•
labor costs, because many of the assets are self-constructed;
•
costs to purchase or construct new track or to prepare ground for the laying of track;
•
welding (rail, field and plant) which are processes used to connect segments of rail;
•
new ballast, which is gravel and crushed stone that holds track in line;
•
fuels and lubricants associated with tie, rail and surfacing work which is the process of raising track to a designated elevation over an extended distance;
•
cross, switch and bridge ties which are the braces that support the rails on a track;
•
gauging which is the process of standardizing the distance between rails;
•
handling costs associated with installing ties or ballast; and
•
other track materials.
The primary cost in self-constructed track replacement work is labor. CSXT engineering employees directly charge their labor to the track replacement project (the capitalized depreciable property). These employees concurrently perform deconstruction and installation of track material. Because of this concurrent process, CSX must estimate the amount of labor that is related to deconstruction versus installation. Through analysis of CSXT’s track replacement process, CSX determined that approximately 20% of labor costs associated with track material installation is related to the deconstruction of old track and 80% is associated with the installation of new track.
Capital spending related to locomotives and freight cars comprises the second largest category of the Company’s capital assets. This category includes purchase costs of locomotives and freight cars as well as certain equipment leases that are considered to be capital leases in accordance with the Leases Topic in the ASC. In addition, costs to modify or rebuild these assets are capitalized if the spending incurred extends the asset’s service life or improves utilization. Improvement projects must meet specified dollar thresholds to be capitalized and are reviewed by management to determine proper accounting treatment. Routine repairs and maintenance costs, for all asset categories, are expensed as incurred.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 7. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments
The Company has various lease agreements with other parties with terms up to 30 years. Non-cancelable, long-term leases may include provisions for maintenance, options to purchase, and options to extend the terms. The Company uses the straight-line method to recognize rent expense associated with operating leases that include escalations over their terms. These amounts are shown in the table below.
At December 2014, minimum rentals on land, buildings, track and equipment under operating leases are disclosed in the table below. Also, payments to Conrail for leases on shared rail infrastructure are included in these amounts. (See Note 12, Related Party Transactions).
Purchase Commitments
CSXT has a commitment under a long-term maintenance program that currently covers 42% of CSXT’s fleet of locomotives. The agreement is based on the maintenance cycle for each locomotive. Under CSXT’s current obligations, the agreement will expire no earlier than 2031. The costs expected to be incurred throughout the duration of the agreement fluctuate as locomotives are placed into or removed from service, or as required maintenance schedules are revised. The table below includes both active and inactive locomotives covered under this agreement.
The following table summarizes the number of locomotives covered and CSXT’s payments under the long-term maintenance program.
Annual payments related to the locomotive purchase obligations, including amounts that would be payable under the long-term maintenance program, are estimated in the table below. The amount of the ultimate purchase commitment depends upon the model of locomotive acquired and the timing of delivery.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 7. Commitments and Contingencies, continued
Additionally, the Company has various other commitments to purchase technology, communications, railcar maintenance and other services from various suppliers. Total annual payments under all of these purchase commitments are also estimated in the table below.
Insurance
The Company maintains numerous insurance programs with substantial limits for property damage (which includes business interruption) and third-party liability. A certain amount of risk is retained by the Company on each of the property and liability programs. The Company has a $25 million retention per occurrence for the non-catastrophic property program (such as a derailment) and a $50 million retention per occurrence for the liability and catastrophic property programs (such as hurricanes and floods). While the Company believes its insurance coverage is adequate, future claims could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates.
Legal
The Company is involved in litigation incidental to its business and is a party to a number of legal actions and claims, various governmental proceedings and private civil lawsuits, including, but not limited to, those related to fuel surcharge practices, environmental and hazardous material exposure matters, FELA claims by employees, other personal injury or property claims and disputes and complaints involving certain transportation rates and charges. Some of the legal proceedings include claims for compensatory as well as punitive damages and others are, or are purported to be, class actions. While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, considering, among other things, the legal defenses available and liabilities that have been recorded along with applicable insurance, it is currently the opinion of CSX management that none of these pending items will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. An unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items, however, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period.
The Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss for certain legal proceedings for which a loss is reasonably possible in excess of reserves established. The Company has estimated this range to be $4 million to $13 million in aggregate at December 26, 2014. This estimated aggregate range is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions. Accordingly, the Company's estimate will change from time to time, and actual losses may vary significantly from the current estimate.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 7. Commitments and Contingencies, continued
Fuel Surcharge Antitrust Litigation
In May 2007, class action lawsuits were filed against CSXT and three other U.S.-based Class I railroads alleging that the defendants' fuel surcharge practices relating to contract and unregulated traffic resulted from an illegal conspiracy in violation of antitrust laws. In November 2007, the class action lawsuits were consolidated in federal court in the District of Columbia, where they are now pending. The suit seeks treble damages allegedly sustained by purported class members as well as attorneys' fees and other relief. Plaintiffs are expected to allege damages at least equal to the fuel surcharges at issue.
In June 2012, the District Court certified the case as a class action. The decision was not a ruling on the merits of plaintiffs' claims, but rather a decision to allow the plaintiffs to seek to prove the case as a class. The defendant railroads petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for permission to appeal the District Court's class certification decision. In August 2013, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision vacating the class certification decision and remanded the case to the District Court to reconsider its class certification decision. In October 2013, the District Court held a case management conference to determine the scope and schedule of the remand proceedings, which are underway. The District Court has delayed proceedings on the merits of the case pending the outcome of the class certification remand proceedings.
CSXT believes that its fuel surcharge practices were arrived at and applied lawfully and that the case is without merit. Accordingly, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously. However, penalties for violating antitrust laws can be severe, and an unexpected adverse decision on the merits could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period or for the full year.
Environmental
CSXT has indemnified Pharmacia LLC (formerly known as Monsanto Company) for certain liabilities associated with real estate located in Kearny, New Jersey along the Lower Passaic River (the “Property”). The Property, which was formerly owned by Pharmacia, is now owned by CSXT. The indemnification and defense duties arise with respect to several matters. CSXT, on behalf of Pharmacia, is conducting a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study of the 17-mile Lower Passaic River Study Area with approximately 60 other parties pursuant to an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The EPA, using its Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") authority, seeks cleanup and removal costs and other damages associated with the presence of hazardous substances in the Lower Passaic River. In April 2014, the EPA announced its proposed plan to remediate the lower eight miles of the Lower Passaic River. The proposed plan, based on a Focused Feasibility Study, informs the public of EPA’s preferred remedial alternative. EPA’s proposed plan solicited public comments, which were due in August 2014. After review of comments, EPA is expected to issue its final cleanup plan in 2015. CSXT is also defending and indemnifying Pharmacia in a cooperative natural resource damages assessment process related to the Property. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe any remediation costs potentially allocable to CSXT would be material to the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel. For employees hired prior to January 1, 2003, the plans provide eligible employees with retirement benefits based predominantly on years of service and compensation rates near retirement. For employees hired in 2003 or thereafter, benefits are determined based on a cash balance formula, which provides benefits by utilizing interest and pay credits based upon age, service and compensation.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
In addition to these plans, the Company sponsors a post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees, hired prior to January 1, 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met. Medicare-eligible retirees are covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Non-Medicare eligible retirees are covered by a self-insured program partially funded by participating retirees. The life insurance plan is non-contributory.
The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company selects. In order to perform this valuation, the actuaries are provided with the details of the population covered at the beginning of the year, summarized in the table below, and projects that population forward to the end of the year. These amounts are reviewed by management.
(a) For pension plans, the other category consists mostly of terminated but vested former employees. For post-retirement plans, the other category consists of employees on long-term disability that have not yet retired.
The benefit obligation for these plans represents the liability of the Company for current and retired employees and is affected primarily by the following:
•
service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the period);
•
interest cost (interest on the liability due to the passage of time);
•
actuarial gains/losses (experience during the year different from that assumed and changes in plan assumptions); and
•
benefits paid to participants.
Cash Flows
Plan assets are amounts that have been segregated and restricted to provide qualified pension plan benefits and include amounts contributed by the Company and amounts earned from invested contributions, net of benefits paid. Qualified pension plan obligations are funded in accordance with regulatory requirements and with an objective of meeting minimum funding requirements necessary to avoid restrictions on flexibility of plan operation and benefit payments. The Company funds the cost of the post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits as well as nonqualified pension benefits on a pay-as-you go basis. During 2012, the Company made a contribution of $275 million to its qualified pension plans, of which $25 million was the required minimum contribution. No contributions were made during 2013 and 2014. No significant contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans are expected in 2015.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
Future expected benefit payments are as follows:
Plan Assets
The CSX Investment Committee (the “Investment Committee”), whose members were selected by the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for oversight and investment of plan assets. The Investment Committee utilizes an investment asset allocation strategy that is monitored on an ongoing basis and that is updated periodically in consideration of plan or employee changes, or changing market conditions. These studies provide an extensive modeling of asset investment return in conjunction with projected plan liabilities and seek to evaluate how to maximize return within the constraints of acceptable risk. The current asset allocation targets 70% equity investments and 30% fixed income investments and cash. Within equity, a further target is currently established for 42% of total plan assets in domestic equity and 28% in international equity. Allocations are evaluated for levels within 3% of targeted allocations and are adjusted quarterly as necessary. The distribution of pension plan assets as of the measurement date is shown in the table below, and these assets are netted against the pension liabilities on the balance sheet.
Under the supervision of the Investment Committee, individual investments or fund managers are selected in accordance with standards of prudence applicable to asset diversification and investment suitability. The Company also selects fund managers with differing investment styles and benchmarks their investment returns against appropriate indices. Fund investment performance is continuously monitored. Acceptable performance is determined in the context of the long-term return objectives of the fund and appropriate asset class benchmarks.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
Within the Company's equity funds, the U.S. stock segment includes diversification among large and small capitalization stocks. Guidelines established with individual managers limit investment by industry sectors, individual stock issuer concentration and the use of derivatives and CSX securities.
Fixed income securities guidelines established with individual managers specify the types of allowable investments, such as government, corporate and asset-backed bonds, and limit diversification between domestic and foreign investments and the use of derivatives. Additionally, guidelines stipulate minimum credit quality constraints and any prohibited securities.
For detailed information regarding the fair value of pension assets, see Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.
Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status
Changes in benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the 2014 and 2013 calendar plan years are as follows:
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
For qualified plan funding purposes, assets and discounted liabilities are measured in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), as well as other related provisions of the IRC and related regulations. Under these funding provisions and the alternative measurements available thereunder, the Company estimates its unfunded obligation for qualified plans on an annual basis.
In accordance with Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic in the ASC, an employer must recognize the funded status of a pension or other post-retirement benefit plan by recording a liability (underfunded plan) or asset (overfunded plan) for the difference between the projected benefit obligation (or the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for a postretirement benefit plan) and the fair value of plan assets at the plan measurement date. Amounts related to pension and post-retirement benefits recorded in other long-term assets, labor and fringe benefits payable and other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet are as follows:
(a)
Long-term assets as of December 2014 relate to one of the qualified pension plans whose assets exceed projected benefit obligations.
The funded status, or amount by which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets, represents a liability. At December 2014, the status of CSX plans only with a net liability is disclosed below. The total fair value of all plans as of December 2014 was $2.5 billion, which includes the qualified pension plans with net assets.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
Net Benefit Expense
The following table describes the components of expense/(income) related to net benefit expense recorded in labor and fringe on the income statement.
(a)
These charges result from a management workforce reduction program that was initiated in 2014. For further information regarding the program, see Note 1. Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
(b)
Settlement gains were recognized as one of the pension plan's lump-sum payments exceeded the sum of the service cost and interest cost recognized. The gain is the recognition of a portion of its accumulated other comprehensive income related to that plan.
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Adjustments
The following table shows the pre-tax change in other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the components of net expense and the change in benefit obligation for CSX for pension and other post-employment benefits.
(a)
Amortization of net losses estimated to be expensed for 2015 is approximately $70 million and $5 million for pension benefits and post-retirement benefits, respectively. The increase in amortization is largely related to the impact of lower discount rates and adoption of new mortality tables, partially offset by favorable pension asset experience.
(b)
Amortization of prior service costs estimated to be expensed in 2015 is less than $1 million for pension benefits. The estimated post-retirement benefits amount to be credited to expense for 2015 is $1 million.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
As of December 2014, the balances of pre-tax amounts to be amortized that are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (a component of shareholders’ equity) are as follows:
Assumptions
The expected long-term average rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. In estimating that rate, the Company gives appropriate consideration to the returns being earned by the plan assets in the funds and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment as well as the current and projected asset mix of the funds. Management balances market expectations obtained from various investment managers and economists with both market and actual plan historical returns to develop a reasonable estimate of the expected long-term rate of return on assets. As this assumption is long-term, it is adjusted less frequently than other assumptions used in pension accounting.
Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for the plans were as follows:
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 8. Employee Benefit Plans, continued
The net post-retirement benefit obligation for salaried, management personnel was determined using the following assumptions for the health care cost trend rate for medical plans. While it is expected that rates will decrease to 4.75% by 2025 for Medicare and 2027 for Non-Medicare eligible individuals, there may be yearly fluctuations. Additionally, there are cost differentials between Medicare and Non-Medicare eligible individuals which are reflected below.
For every 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate, service and interest cost will change by less than $1 million on a pre-tax basis on the consolidated income statements. For every 1% change in the health care cost trend rate, the Company’s benefit obligation will change by less than $1 million on the consolidated balance sheets.
Other Plans
Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multi-employer benefit plan, which provides certain post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible contract employees. Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $37 million, $41 million and $46 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The Company maintains savings plans for virtually all full-time salaried employees and certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. Expense associated with these plans was $41 million, $37 million and $29 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 9. Debt and Credit Agreements
Debt at December 2014 and December 2013 is shown in the table below. For information regarding the fair value of debt, see Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.
(a) These obligations are secured by an interest in certain railroad equipment.
Debt Issuance & Early Redemption of Long-term Debt
During 2014, CSX issued $550 million of 3.4% notes due 2024 and $450 million of 4.5% notes due 2054. These notes are included in the consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt and may be redeemed by the Company at any time. The net proceeds were used to redeem $263 million of CSXT's 8.375% secured equipment obligations that otherwise matured on October 15, 2014 and $400 million of CSX Corporation’s 6.250% unsecured notes that otherwise matured April 1, 2015. Proceeds may also be used for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of additional indebtedness outstanding from time to time, repurchases of CSX’s common stock, capital investment, working capital requirements and other cost reduction initiatives. CSX recognized $16 million of other expense for the early redemption premium related to $663 million of note repayments. For more information regarding a non-cash debt transaction with a related party, see Note 12. Related Party Transactions.
Long-term Debt Maturities
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 9. Debt and Credit Agreements, continued
Credit Facilities
CSX has a $1 billion unsecured, revolving credit facility backed by a diverse syndicate of banks. This facility expires in September 2016. As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. The facility allows borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) interest rates, plus a spread, depending upon CSX's senior unsecured debt ratings. LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate which is a daily reference rate based on the interest rates at which banks offer to lend unsecured funds.
Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facility were similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. At December 2014, CSX was in compliance with all covenant requirements under the facilities.
Receivables Securitization Facility
The Company's $250 million receivables securitization facility has a three-year term expiring in June 2017. The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity. Under the terms of this facility, CSXT transfers eligible third-party receivables to CSX Trade Receivables, LLC ("CSX Trade Receivables"), a bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary. A separate subsidiary of CSX services the receivables. Upon transfer, the receivables become assets of CSX Trade Receivables and are not available to the creditors of CSX or any of its other subsidiaries. In the event CSX Trade Receivables draws under this facility, the Company will record an equivalent amount of debt on its consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility.
NOTE 10. Other Income - Net
The Company derives income from items that are not considered operating activities. Income from these items is reported net of related expense. Income from real estate operations includes the results of the Company’s non-operating real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities and may fluctuate as a function of timing of real estate sales. Miscellaneous income (expense) includes equity earnings or losses, investment gains and losses and other non-operating activities and may fluctuate due to timing. Other income - net consisted of the following:
(a) Miscellaneous expense increased $32 million primarily due to an increase in estimated environmental cleanup costs of $17 million related to non-operating activities as well as costs of $16 million associated with the early redemption of long-term debt.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 11. Income Taxes
Earnings before income taxes of $3.0 billion, $2.9 billion and $3.0 billion for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, represent earnings from domestic operations. The breakdown of income tax expense between current and deferred is as follows:
Income tax expense reconciled to the tax computed at statutory rates is presented in the table below. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $31 million, $42 million and $20 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, primarily as a result of federal and state legislative changes as well as the resolution of other federal and state tax matters. Each year's benefit is included in the state income tax and other lines in the table below.
In September 2013, the IRS issued final regulations governing the income tax treatment of the acquisition, disposition and repair of tangible property. The regulations were effective beginning in 2014. These new regulations did not have a material impact on the financial statements.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 11. Income Taxes, continued
The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities include:
The primary factors in the change in year-end net deferred income tax liability balances include:
•
Annual provision for deferred income tax expense; and
•
Accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes its principal domestic subsidiaries. Income tax incurred on the operations of the Company are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. CSX participated in a contemporaneous IRS audit of tax year 2014. Federal examinations of original federal income tax returns for all years through 2013 are resolved.
As of December 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had approximately $21 million, $23 million and $24 million, respectively, of total unrecognized tax benefits. After consideration of the impact of federal tax benefits, $13 million, $15 million and $17 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, could favorably affect the effective income tax rate in each year. The Company estimates that approximately $2 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 2014 for various state and federal income tax matters will be resolved over the next 12 months upon the expiration of statutes of limitations. The final outcome of these uncertain tax positions is not yet determinable. The change to the total gross unrecognized tax benefits and prior year audit resolutions of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 2014 is reconciled as follows:
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 11. Income Taxes, continued
CSX’s continuing practice is to recognize net interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Included in the consolidated income statements are expense of $1 million in 2014 and benefits of $1 million and $8 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, for changes to reserves for interest and penalties for all prior year tax positions. The current year expense for interest and penalties is due to state tax settlements of prior period tax audits where the Company had previously accrued a liability for interest and penalties. The Company had $1 million, $2 million and $3 million accrued for interest and penalties at 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for all prior year tax positions.
NOTE 12. Related Party Transactions
Through a limited liability company, CSX and Norfolk Southern Corporation (“NS”) jointly own Conrail. CSX has a 42% economic interest and 50% voting interest in the jointly-owned entity, and NS has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Pursuant to the Investments-Equity Method and Joint Venture Topic in the ASC, CSX applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in Conrail.
Conrail owns rail infrastructure and operates for the joint benefit of CSX and NS. This is known as the shared asset area. Conrail charges fees for right-of-way usage, equipment rentals and transportation, switching and terminal service charges in the shared asset area. These expenses are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements. Future minimum lease payments due to Conrail under the shared asset area agreements are as follows:
Also, included in materials, supplies and other are CSX’s 42% share of Conrail’s income and its amortization of the fair value write-up arising from the acquisition of Conrail and certain other adjustments. The amortization primarily represents the additional after-tax depreciation expense related to the write-up of Conrail’s fixed assets when the original purchase price, from the 1997 acquisition of Conrail, was allocated based on fair value. This write-up of fixed assets resulted in a difference between CSX's investment in Conrail and its share of Conrail's underlying net equity, which is $355 million as of December 2014.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 12. Related Party Transactions, continued
The following table details the related Conrail amounts included in materials, supplies and other in the Company’s consolidated income statements:
As required by the Related Party Disclosures Topic in the ASC, the Company has identified amounts below owed to Conrail, or its subsidiaries, representing liabilities under the operating, equipment and shared area agreements with Conrail. The Company also executed two promissory notes with a subsidiary of Conrail which were included in long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest expense from these promissory notes was $3 million for 2014 and $4 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(a) Promissory notes payable to Conrail are included on the consolidated balance sheet of CSX as long-term debt.
In October 2014, the Company converted its existing short term payable balance of approximately $125 million for operation of the shared asset area as well as its $23 million, 4.52% note due 2035 and its $73 million, 4.40% note due 2035 plus accrued interest of $3 million, into $224 million, 2.89% notes due 2044. The transaction is non-cash in nature.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 13. Fair Value Measurements
The Financial Instruments Topic in the ASC requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in annual reports as well as in quarterly reports. For CSX, this statement applies to certain investments, pension plan assets and long-term debt. Also, the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic in the ASC clarifies the definition of fair value for financial reporting, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about the use of fair value measurements.
Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company's investments, pension plan assets and long-term debt. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
•
Level 1 - observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
•
Level 2 - other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.)
•
Level 3 - significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in determining the fair value of investments)
The valuation methods described below may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Investments
The Company's investment assets, valued with assistance from a third-party trustee, consist of certificates of deposits, commercial paper, corporate bonds, government securities and auction rate securities and are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet per the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic in the ASC. There are several valuation methodologies used for those assets as described below.
•
Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper (Level 2): Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
•
Corporate Bonds and Government Securities (Level 2): Valued using broker quotes that utilize observable market inputs.
•
Auction Rate Securities (Level 3): Valued using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management’s estimates of market participant assumptions, because there is currently no active market for trading.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 13. Fair Value Measurements, continued
The Company's investment assets are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as summarized in the table below. Additionally, the amortized cost basis of these investments was $453 million and $668 million as of December 26, 2014 and December 27, 2013, respectively.
These investments have the following maturities and are represented on the consolidated balance sheet within short-term investments for investments with maturities within one year or less, and other long-term assets for investments with maturities greater than one year:
Long-term Debt
Long-term debt is reported at carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheets and is the Company's only financial instrument with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts. The majority of the Company's long-term debt is valued with assistance from a third party that utilizes closing transactions, market quotes or market values of comparable debt. For those instruments not valued by the third party, the fair value has been estimated by applying market rates of similar instruments to the scheduled contractual debt payments and maturities. These market rates are provided by the same third party. All of the inputs used to determine the fair value of the Company's long-term debt are Level 2 inputs.
The fair value of outstanding debt fluctuates with changes in a number of factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, interest rates, market conditions, values of similar financial instruments, size of the transaction, cash flow projections and comparable trades. Fair value will exceed carrying value when the current market interest rate is lower than the interest rate at which the debt was originally issued. The fair value of a company's debt is a measure of its current value under present market conditions. It does not impact the financial statements under current accounting rules.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 13. Fair Value Measurements, continued
The fair value and carrying value of the Company's long-term debt is as follows:
Pension Plan Assets
Pension plan assets are reported at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet. The Investment Committee targets an allocation of pension assets to be generally 70% equity and 30% fixed income. There are several valuation methodologies used for those assets as described below.
•
Common stock (Level 1): Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the year and classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
•
Mutual funds (Level 1): Valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end based on quoted market prices determined in an active market. These assets are classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
•
Common collective trust funds (Level 2): This class consists of private funds that invest in government and corporate securities and various short-term debt instruments. The net asset value of the investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. These assets are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
•
Corporate bonds, derivatives, government securities, and asset-backed securities (Level 2): Valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for a similar investment at year end. Asset-backed securities include commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. These assets are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
•
Partnerships (Level 2): Net asset value of private equity based on the fair market values associated with the underlying investments at year end and is classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 13. Fair Value Measurements, continued
The pension plan assets at fair value by level, within the fair value hierarchy, as of calendar plan years 2014 and 2013 are shown in the table below. For additional information related to pension assets, see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 14. Other Comprehensive Income
CSX reports comprehensive earnings or loss in accordance with the Comprehensive Income Topic in the ASC in the Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement. Total comprehensive earnings are defined as all changes in shareholders' equity during a period, other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders (e.g. issuance of equity securities and dividends). Generally, for CSX, total comprehensive earnings equal net earnings plus or minus adjustments for pension and other post-retirement liabilities. Total comprehensive earnings represent the activity for a period net of tax and were $1.8 billion, $2.3 billion and $1.8 billion for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
While total comprehensive earnings is the activity in a period and is largely driven by net earnings in that period, accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. For CSX, AOCI is primarily the cumulative balance related to pension and other post-retirement benefit adjustments and CSX's share of AOCI of equity method investees.
Changes in the AOCI balance by component are shown in the table below. Amounts reclassified in pension and other post-employment benefits to net earnings relate to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in labor and fringe on the consolidated income statements. See Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans for further information. Other primarily represents CSX's share of AOCI of equity method investees. Amounts reclassified in other to net earnings are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 15. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
Pursuant to Article 3 of the SEC’s Regulation S-X, the following are selected quarterly financial data:
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data
In 2007, CSXT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSX Corporation, sold secured equipment notes maturing in 2023 in a registered public offering. CSX has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the notes. In connection with the notes, the Company is providing the following condensed consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements, except for the use of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in subsidiaries which are eliminated upon consolidation and the allocation of certain expenses of CSX incurred for the benefit of its subsidiaries. Condensed consolidating financial information for the obligor, CSXT, and parent guarantor, CSX, is shown in the tables below.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Income Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
NOTE 16. Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued
Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 26, 2014, under the supervision and with the participation of CSX's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, as of December 26, 2014, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in CSX’s periodic SEC reports.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
CSX’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the management of CSX, including CSX’s CEO and CFO, CSX conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014 based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission which is also referred to as COSO. Based on that evaluation, management of CSX concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 26, 2014. Management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is expressed at the level of reasonable assurance because a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met.
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included elsewhere herein.
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of CSX Corporation
We have audited CSX Corporation’s (CSX) internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). CSX's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, CSX maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 26, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2014 consolidated financial statements of CSX and our report dated February 11, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Jacksonville, Florida
February 11, 2015
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information
None
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement will be filed not later than April 25, 2015 with respect to its 2015 annual meeting of shareholders, except for the information regarding the executive officers of the Company. Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this report under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant."
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page
52.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
The information required by Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, is included in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves. All other financial statement schedules are not applicable.
CSX CORPORATION
PART IV
(3) Exhibits
The documents listed below are being filed or have previously been filed on behalf of CSX and are incorporated herein by reference from the documents indicated and made a part hereof. Exhibits not previously filed are filed herewith.
Pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii), instruments that define the rights of holders of the Registrant's long-term debt securities, where the long-term debt securities authorized under each such instrument do not exceed 10% of the Registrant's total assets, have been omitted and will be furnished to the Commission upon request.
CSX CORPORATION
PART IV
CSX CORPORATION
PART IV
CSX CORPORATION
PART IV
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.
CSX CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: /s/ CAROLYN T. SIZEMORE
Carolyn T. Sizemore
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: February 11, 2015
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 11, 2015.
Signature
Title
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
/s/ MICHAEL J. WARD
Executive Officer and Director
Michael J. Ward
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ FREDRIK J. ELIASSON
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Fredrik J. Eliasson
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ CAROLYN T. SIZEMORE
Vice President and Controller
Carolyn T. Sizemore
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ ELLEN M. FITZSIMMONS
Executive Vice President of Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Ellen M. Fitzsimmons
*Attorney-in-Fact
SIGNATURES
Signature
Title
*
Director
Donna M. Alvarado
*
Director
John B. Breaux
*
Director
Pamela L. Carter
*
Director
Steven T. Halverson
*
Director
Edward J. Kelly, III
*
Director
Gilbert H. Lamphere
*
Director
John D. McPherson
*
Director
Timothy T. O'Toole
*
Director
David M. Ratcliffe
*
Director
Donald J. Shepard
*
Director
J. Steven Whisler