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Union Pacific Reports Third Quarter 2016 Results
Third Quarter Operating Ratio of 62.1 percent
Omaha, Neb., October 20, 2016
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2016 third quarter net income of $1.1 billion, or $1.36 per diluted share compared to $1.3 billion, or $1.50 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2015.
Third Quarter Results
- Diluted earnings per share of $1.36 declined 9 percent.
- Operating income totaled $2.0 billion, down 11 percent.
- Operating ratio of 62.1 percent, up 1.8 points.
"Continued momentum from our productivity initiatives, as well as positive core pricing, helped partially offset the decline in total carload volumes. While many of the same volume challenges have continued throughout the year, we are keeping a laser focus on our six value tracks. This strategy ensures we provide our customers with an excellent value proposition and service experience, while efficiently and safely managing our resources," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer.
Third Quarter Summary
Operating revenue of nearly $5.2 billion was down 7 percent in the third quarter 2016 compared to the third quarter 2015. Third quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, declined 6 percent compared to 2015. While shipments of agricultural products grew 11 percent, volumes declined in the remaining five business groups. In addition:
- Quarterly freight revenue decreased 7 percent compared to the third quarter 2015, as volume declines and lower fuel surcharge revenue more than offset core pricing gains.
- Union Pacific's 62.1 percent operating ratio was unfavorable by 1.8 points compared to the record third quarter 2015, but improved 3.1 points sequentially.
- The $1.57 per gallon average quarterly diesel fuel price in the third quarter 2016 was 13 percent lower than the third quarter 2015.
- Quarterly train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 26.0 mph, 2 percent faster than the third quarter 2015.
- The Company repurchased 9 million shares in the third quarter 2016 at an aggregate cost of $851 million.
Summary of Third Quarter Freight Revenues
- Agricultural Products up 6 percent
- Chemicals down 1 percent
- Automotive down 8 percent
- Intermodal down 9 percent
- Industrial Products down 13 percent
- Coal down 19 percent
2016 Outlook
"The macroeconomic environment still has its challenges - an unstable global economy, the relatively strong U.S. dollar, and continued soft demand for consumer goods. However, certain segments of the economy, such as grain and energy, are showing signs of life," Fritz said. "Closing out 2016 and heading into next year, we are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. In the coming months we will continue to do what Union Pacific does best - operate a safe, efficient, and productive network while providing an excellent customer experience and delivering solid shareholder returns."
Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call
Union Pacific will host its third quarter 2016 earnings release presentation live over the Internet and via teleconference on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. The presentation will be webcast live over the internet on Union Pacific's website at www.up.com/investor. Alternatively, the webcast can be accessed directly through the following link. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877/407-8293 (or for international participants, 201/689-8349).
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2006-2015, Union Pacific invested approximately $33 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
Union Pacific Investor contact: Mike Staffenbeal at 402-544-4227.
Supplemental financial information is attached.
This presentation and related materials contain statements about the Company's future that are not statements of historical fact, including specifically the statements regarding the Company's expectations with respect to economic conditions and demand levels; its ability to generate positive core pricing, financial returns, improve network performance and customer service, resource productivity and cost efficiency; implementation of corporate strategies; and providing excellent service to its customers and returns to its shareholders. These statements are, or will be, forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements also generally include, without limitation, information or statements regarding: projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to the Company's and its subsidiaries' business, financial, and operational results, and future economic performance; and management's beliefs, expectations, goals, and objectives and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking information, including expectations regarding operational and financial improvements and the Company's future performance or results are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statement. Important factors, including risk factors, could affect the Company's and its subsidiaries' future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Information regarding risk factors and other cautionary information are available in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015, which was filed with the SEC on February 5, 2016. The Company updates information regarding risk factors if circumstances require such updates in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q and its subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K (or such other reports that may be filed with the SEC).
Forward-looking statements speak only as of, and are based only upon information available on, the date the statements were made. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements. References to our website are provided for convenience and, therefore, information on or available through the website is not, and should not be deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein.
The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.
Media Contact
Calli Hite
402-544-0100
callihite@up.com
@callihite