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Union Pacific Reports Record First Quarter Results

First Quarter Diluted Earnings per Share up 15 percent

Omaha, Neb., April 18, 2019

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2019 first quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or $1.93 per diluted share. This compares to $1.3 billion, or $1.68 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2018.

First Quarter Results

  • Diluted earnings per share of $1.93 increased 15 percent.
  • Operating income totaled $2.0 billion, up 1 percent.
  • Operating ratio of 63.6 percent, improved 1.0 point.

"We delivered record first quarter financial results driven by improved operating performance, while dealing with significant weather challenges," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Unified Plan 2020 created a more resilient and robust network, allowing us to quickly return to normal operations."

First Quarter Summary

Operating revenue of $5.4 billion was down 2 percent in the first quarter 2019 compared to the first quarter 2018. First quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased 2 percent compared to 2018. Volume increases in industrial and premium were more than offset by declines in energy and agricultural products. In addition:

  • Quarterly freight revenue declined 2 percent compared to the first quarter 2018, as increased fuel surcharge revenue and core pricing gains were offset by lower volumes and negative mix.
  • Union Pacific’s 63.6 percent operating ratio improved 1.0 point compared to the first quarter 2018.
  • The $2.07 per gallon average quarterly diesel fuel price in the first quarter 2019 was 3 percent lower than the first quarter 2018.
  • Union Pacific recognized a payroll tax refund of $42 million, along with associated interest income of $27 million in the first quarter 2019.
  • Quarterly freight car velocity was 185 daily miles per car, a 7 percent improvement compared to the first quarter 2018.
  • Union Pacific’s reportable personal injury rate was 0.90 per 200,000 employee-hours, compared to 0.74 in the first quarter 2018.
  • The Company repurchased 18.1 million shares in the first quarter 2019 at an aggregate cost of $3.5 billion.
Summary of First Quarter Freight Revenues
  • Energy down 16 percent
  • Agricultural Products down 3 percent
  • Premium up 3 percent
  • Industrial up 5 percent
2019 Outlook

"We look to build on the momentum we had prior to the weather challenges and provide a consistent, reliable service product for our customers, while at the same time improving our operating efficiency," Fritz said. "We remain focused on increasing shareholder returns through appropriate capital investments and returning excess cash to shareholders."

First Quarter 2019 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will host its first quarter 2019 earnings release presentation live over the Internet and via teleconference on Thursday, April 18, 2019 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. The railroad's diversified business mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy, Industrial and Premium business groups. 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 Miller at 402-544-4227 or mvmiller@up.com

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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 and its ability to improve network performance and customer service. 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 2018, which was filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019. 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.

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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

Raquel Espinoza
402-544-5034
respinoza@up.com
@RaquelEspinoza