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Union Pacific Reports Second Quarter 2017 Results

Second Quarter Diluted Earnings per Share up 24 percent

Omaha, Neb., July 20, 2017

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2017 second quarter net income of nearly $1.2 billion, a second quarter record of $1.45 per diluted share. This compares to about $1.0 billion, or $1.17 per diluted share, in the second quarter 2016. Union Pacific also reported a second quarter record operating ratio of 61.8 percent, a 3.4 point improvement compared to the second quarter 2016 operating ratio.

Second Quarter Results

  • Diluted earnings per share of $1.45 increased 24 percent.
  • Operating income totaled $2.0 billion, up 21 percent.
  • Operating ratio of 61.8 percent improved 3.4 points.

"I am pleased with our results through the first six months, and look forward to continuing our momentum through the remainder of the year," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Guided by our strategic value tracks, our entire team is focused on providing an excellent customer experience while safely and efficiently delivering on our innovative productivity initiatives."

Second Quarter Summary

Operating revenue of $5.3 billion was up 10 percent in the second quarter 2017 compared to the second quarter 2016. Second quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, increased 5 percent compared to 2016. Volume increases in coal, industrial products, agricultural products and intermodal more than offset declines in chemicals and automotive. In addition:

  • Quarterly freight revenue improved 11 percent compared to the second quarter 2016, as volume growth, increased fuel surcharge revenue, core pricing gains and positive mix of traffic all contributed to the increase.
  • Union Pacific’s second quarter record operating ratio of 61.8 percent improved 3.4 points compared to the second quarter 2016. Higher fuel prices positively impacted the operating ratio by a half of a point.
  • The $1.69 per gallon average quarterly diesel fuel price in the second quarter 2017 was 17 percent higher than the second quarter 2016.
  • Quarterly train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 25.4 mph, 5 percent slower than the second quarter 2016.
  • Union Pacific’s first half reportable personal injury rate of 0.76 per 200,000 employee-hours increased from the record first half rate of 0.70 achieved in 2016.
  • The Company repurchased 7.8 million shares in the second quarter 2017 at an aggregate cost of $850 million.
Summary of Second Quarter Freight Revenues
  • Intermodal up 3 percent
  • Chemicals up 4 percent
  • Automotive up 5 percent
  • Agricultural Products up 7 percent
  • Industrial Products up 24 percent
  • Coal up 25 percent
2017 Outlook

"Absolute business volumes should be stronger in the second half than the first half, although year-over-year comparisons will be more challenging. In this environment we will focus on our growth opportunities. In addition, we will continue to make progress on our G55 + 0 initiatives as we work to make Union Pacific a stronger, more efficient company," Fritz said. "We are confident these efforts will generate top-line growth, margin improvement and greater returns for our shareholders."

Second Quarter 2017 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will host its second quarter 2017 earnings release presentation live over the Internet and via teleconference on Thursday, July 20, 2017 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. In the past 10 years, 2007-2016, Union Pacific invested approximately $34 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 or mstaffen@up.com

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 financial returns, improve network performance and customer service; 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 2016, which was filed with the SEC on February 3, 2017. 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