(Source: Union Pacific press release, July 21, 2022)
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation today reported 2022 second quarter net income of $1.8 billion, or $2.93 per diluted share. This compares to 2021 second quarter net income of $1.8 billion, or $2.72 per diluted share.
“As anticipated, the Second Quarter was a tough one as we limited carloadings and increased expenses to recover network fluidity,” said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “We also experienced record high fuel prices and increasing inflation, adding pressure to our total costs. Offsetting the cost pressures were higher fuel surcharge revenue, solid core pricing, a positive mix, and continued train size initiatives. The result was operating revenue and income growth. Our network fluidity improved through the quarter, and we are positioned to grow volumes in the back half of 2022 while continuing to improve our service product.”
Financial Results: Topline Growth Produces Quarterly Records for Operating Revenue, Operating Income, Net Income, and Earnings Per Share
Second Quarter 2022 Compared to Second Quarter 2021
- Operating revenue of $6.3 billion was up 14% driven by higher fuel surcharge revenue, core pricing gains, and a positive business mix, offset slightly by volume declines.
- Business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, were down 1%.
- Union Pacific’s 60.2% operating ratio deteriorated by 510 basis points. Higher fuel prices negatively impacted the operating ratio 130 basis points.
- Operating income of $2.5 billion was up 1%.
- The company repurchased 3.1 million shares in second quarter 2022 at an aggregate cost of $722 million.
Operating Performance: Service and Efficiency Measures Lag as Network Recovery Continues
Second Quarter 2022 Compared to Second Quarter 2021
- Quarterly freight car velocity of 187 daily miles per car, a 12% decline.
- Quarterly locomotive productivity was 123 gross ton-miles (GTMs) per horsepower day, a 12% decline.
- Average maximum train length was flat at 9,439 feet.
- Quarterly workforce productivity was 1,034 car miles per employee, a 2% decline.
- Fuel consumption rate of 1.076, measured in gallons of fuel per thousand GTMs, was flat.
- Union Pacific’s first half reportable personal injury rate improved to 0.93 per 200,000 employee-hours compared to 0.95 for first half 2021.
2022 Guidance: First Half 2022 Results Challenge Previous Full Year Volume and Operating Ratio Targets Updated
- Stronger second half volumes should produce full year carload growth of 4% to 5%
- Full year operating ratio around 58%
- Second half operating ratio improvement vs. 2021
- Second half incremental margins around 50%
Affirmed
- Pricing gains in excess of inflation dollars
- Capital spending of $3.3 billion
- Long term dividend payout target of 45% of earnings
- Share repurchases in line with 2021