(The Union Pacific Corp. issued the following news release on April 19.)
Omaha, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation today reported 2007 first quarter net income of $386 million or $1.41 per diluted share, compared to $311 million, or $1.15 per diluted share in the same quarter last year.
First Quarter 2007 Highlights
* First quarter operating revenue grew 4 percent to a record $3.8 billion.
* Operating income increased 19 percent to a first quarter record of $719 million.
* First quarter best operating ratio of 81.3 percent, year-over-year improvement of 2.4 points.
“Our operating ratio improved 2.4 points to 81.3 percent – a first quarter record,” said Jim Young, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re making good progress on improving profitability and increasing operating efficiency. I’m particularly pleased that our customers are also showing their confidence in Union Pacific with satisfaction survey results reaching a four-year high.”
2007 First Quarter Summary
* Quarterly operating revenue increased 4 percent in the first quarter of 2007 to a record $3.8 billion. Four of the six business groups posted revenue increases in the quarter as total average revenue per car (ARC) grew 6 percent. Yield improvements increased ARC, offset somewhat by lower year-over-year fuel surcharge revenue.
* First quarter 2007 carloads declined 2 percent versus the first quarter of 2006 to 2.3 million. Winter storms, a softer housing market and decreased domestic intermodal volume all contributed to the decline.
* First quarter 2007 operating income grew 19 percent versus 2006 to $719 million, setting a first quarter record.
* The Railroad’s average quarterly fuel price, including transportation and taxes, was $1.90 per gallon in 2007 versus $1.87 per gallon in the first quarter of 2006.
* Quarterly average train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 21.7 mph, up 0.4 mph versus the first quarter of 2006. Quarterly terminal dwell time improved 13 percent to 25.3 hours versus 29 hours reported in the first quarter of 2006.
* The Company repurchased more than 2 million common shares at an average share price of $98.68 in the first quarter of 2007.
First Quarter Railroad Commodity Revenue Summary versus 2006
* Chemicals up 9 percent
* Agricultural up 8 percent
* Energy and Intermodal each up 4 percent
* Automotive down 2 percent
* Industrial Products down 3 percent
Looking Forward
“Despite economic uncertainty, we will continue to enhance shareholder value through our productivity initiatives over the balance of the year,” Young said. “Our first quarter results were a good start, giving us momentum for the rest of 2007.”
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.
Supplemental financial information is on the UP website.