News Releases

Financial

Union Pacific Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Omaha, Neb., October 22, 2020

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2020 third quarter net income of $1.4 billion, or $2.01 per diluted share. This compares to $1.6 billion, or $2.22 per diluted share, in the third quarter 2019.

"Our third quarter results represent another step in our company's transformation. We demonstrated our ability to efficiently adjust to a sharp rebound in volume, which increased 19% from the second quarter, while operating expenses, excluding fuel price changes, increased only 11% sequentially," said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific chairman, president and chief executive officer. "The strong financial results and quality service product delivered in the quarter are a testament to the women and men of Union Pacific as they continue to exhibit their commitment and resilience through safe operations."

Third Quarter Summary

Operating revenue of $4.9 billion was down 11% in third quarter 2020, compared to third quarter 2019. Third quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, decreased 4% compared to 2019. Premium volumes increased compared to 2019, while industrial and bulk declined. In addition:

  • Quarterly freight revenue declined 11%, compared to third quarter 2019, as core pricing gains were more than offset by lower volumes, a less favorable business mix, and decreased fuel surcharge revenue.
  • Union Pacific's 58.7% operating ratio, an all-time quarterly record, improved 0.8 points compared to the third quarter 2019. Lower fuel prices positively impacted the operating ratio by 100 basis points.
  • The $1.36 per gallon average quarterly diesel fuel price in third quarter 2020 was 35% lower than third quarter 2019.
  • Union Pacific's reportable personal injury rate was 0.90 per 200,000 employee-hours for the first three quarters 2020, compared to 0.82 for the same period 2019.
  • Quarterly freight car velocity was 220 daily miles per car, a 3% improvement compared to third quarter 2019.
  • Quarterly locomotive productivity was 138 gross ton-miles per horsepower day, an all-time quarterly record and an 11% improvement compared to third quarter 2019.
  • Quarterly workforce productivity was 998 car miles per employee, an all-time quarterly record and a 13% improvement compared to third quarter 2019.
  •  Average maximum train length was 8,984 feet, a 13% increase compared to third quarter 2019.
Summary of Third Quarter Freight Revenues
  • Bulk down 12%
  • Industrial down 18%
  • Premium down 1%
2020 Outlook

"The results we are delivering, both operationally and financially, deepen our conviction that the changes we're making to transform our railroad are on target and on track," said Fritz. "An improved customer experience, coupled with a lower cost structure, is opening up new markets and opportunities to grow our business as we win with customers and convert more freight to rail."

Third Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call

Union Pacific will webcast its third quarter 2020 earnings release presentation live at www.up.com/investor and via teleconference on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 8:45 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants may join the conference call by dialing 877-407-8293 (or for international participants, 201-689-8349).

About Union Pacific

Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.

Union Pacific Investor contact: Brad Stock at 402-544-4227 or bkstock@up.com

****
This news release 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 improve network performance, its results of operations, and potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These statements are, or will be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of 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 2019, which was filed with the SEC on February 7, 2020 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which was filed with the SEC on July 23, 2020. 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

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