(Union Pacific Corp. issued the following on October 23.)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2008 third quarter net income of $703 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, compared to $532 million, or $1.00 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2007.
Third Quarter 2008 Records
* Diluted earnings per share increased 38 percent to $1.38.
* Operating revenue totaled $4.8 billion, up 16 percent.
* Operating income grew 21 percent to $1.2 billion.
* Net income increased 32 percent to $703 million.
“Union Pacific achieved record quarterly financial results despite a challenging economic environment and record-high diesel fuel prices,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “Solid pricing, increasing fuel cost recoveries and strong operating productivity all made positive impacts on our third quarter earnings.”
2008 Third Quarter Summary
Union Pacific reported record operating income of $1.2 billion in the third quarter of 2008, a 21 percent year-over-year improvement.
* Freight revenue grew 16 percent to a best-ever $4.6 billion. Five of the six business groups – Agricultural, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products, and Intermodal – posted all-time record revenues. All six business groups, including Automotive, posted record average revenue per car.
* In total, average revenue per car was a quarterly record at $1,931 in the third quarter of 2008. Fuel cost recoveries, core pricing gains and a favorable business mix all contributed to the increase.
* Business volumes in the third quarter of 2008, as measured by carloads, were 5 percent lower than the third quarter 2007, reflecting the impact of a slower economy and the hurricanes.
* As a result of more high density, long haul shipments, revenue ton-miles increased 1 percent in the third quarter 2008 to 145.8 billion.
* Third quarter 2008 average quarterly diesel fuel price increased 59 percent to $3.70 per gallon compared to $2.32 in 2007.
* Union Pacific’s third quarter 2008 Customer Satisfaction Index improved 4 points to 83, a third quarter, post-merger best.
* Hurricanes Gustav and Ike reduced third quarter 2008 earnings by approximately $.08 per diluted share.
* The impact of diesel fuel prices and hurricane disruptions were more than offset in the third quarter by Union Pacific’s pricing gains, increased fuel cost recoveries and greater productivity, which combined to improve the operating ratio 1.1 points. The third quarter 2008 operating ratio of 74.9 percent compares to 76 percent in the year ago quarter.
Third Quarter 2008 Freight Revenue Summary versus 2007
* Energy up 28 percent
* Agricultural up 27 percent
* Industrial Products up 15 percent
* Chemicals up 12 percent
* Intermodal up 9 percent
* Automotive down 7 percent
Outlook
“UP expects to produce strong year-over-year earnings growth in the fourth quarter despite the continuing effect of the economic slowdown on our business,” Young said. “Although today’s freight demand is soft, customers are continuing to realize the value of freight rail transportation, making UP’s reliable service offerings an attractive choice.”
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.