Union Pacific Reports Record First Quarter

OMAHA, Neb., April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

First Quarter Records

• Diluted earnings per share of $2.03 improved 13 percent.
• Operating revenues totaled $5.3 billion, up 3 percent.
• Operating income totaled $1.6 billion, up 8 percent.
• Operating ratio of 69.1 percent improved 1.4 points.
• Customer satisfaction index reached 94, up 1 point.

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Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2013 first quarter net income of $957 million, or $2.03 per diluted share, compared to $863 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2012. 

"Union Pacific achieved record first quarter financial results, leveraging the strengths of our diverse franchise despite significantly weaker coal and grain markets," said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific chief executive officer.  "We efficiently managed our operations in the face of dynamic volume shifts across the network, as evidenced by our record first quarter operating ratio and customer satisfaction results."

First Quarter Summary

Despite lower carloadings, operating revenue increased 3 percent in the first quarter 2013 to $5.3 billion versus $5.1 billion in the first quarter 2012.  First quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased 2 percent compared to 2012.  Volume declines in coal and agricultural products more than offset growth in chemicals, intermodal and automotive shipments.  Volumes for industrial products were flat versus 2012 driven by a reduction in hazardous waste shipments.  In addition:

• Quarterly freight revenue increased 3 percent compared to the first quarter 2012, mainly driven by core pricing gains.
• Union Pacific's operating ratio of 69.1 percent was a first quarter record, 1.4 points better than the first quarter 2012. 
• The average quarterly diesel fuel price of $3.23 per gallon in the first quarter 2013 was flat compared to the first quarter 2012. 
• The Customer Satisfaction Index of 94 set a first quarter record, 1 point better than the first quarter 2012.
• Quarterly train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 26.4 mph, flat versus the first quarter 2012. 
• The Company repurchased 2.9 million shares in the first quarter 2013 at an average share price of $136.58 and an aggregate cost of $394 million.

Summary of First Quarter Freight Revenues

• Chemicals up 14 percent
• Automotive up 13 percent
• Intermodal up 9 percent
• Industrial Products up 6 percent
• Coal down 6 percent
• Agricultural down 9 percent

2013 Outlook

"While there is still much uncertainty in the year ahead, our diverse franchise supports our continued focus on profitable growth and business development opportunities," Koraleski said.  "We're committed to providing safe, efficient and reliable service to drive greater customer value and increased shareholder returns in the future."

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 links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012.  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.

Investor contact is Michelle Gerhardt, (402) 544-4227.

Media contact is Tom Lange, (402) 544-3560.

Supplemental financial information is attached.

This press release and related materials contain statements about the Corporation's future that are not statements of historical fact, including specifically the statements regarding the Corporation's expectations with respect to general economic conditions and business growth; its ability to provide safe, efficient and reliable customer service and increase customer value and shareholder returns.  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 Corporation'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 Corporation'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 Corporation'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 Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2012, which was filed with the SEC on February 8, 2013.  The Corporation 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 Corporation 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 Corporation does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the Corporation 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.

SOURCE Union Pacific Corporation