NSC 10-Q
Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC)
10-Q
2023-07-27
For: 2023-06-30
View Original
Added on
April 12, 2026
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023
For the transition period from ___________ to___________
Commission File Number: 1-8339
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | |||||||
| (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) | ||||||||
| No change | |||||||||||
| (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) | |||||||||||
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
| Class | Outstanding at June 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Common Stock ($1.00 par value per share) | (excluding 20,320,777 shares held by the registrant’s | ||||||||||
| consolidated subsidiaries) | |||||||||||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
| Page | |||||||||||
2
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Railway operating revenues | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Railway operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased services and rents | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials and other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eastern Ohio incident | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total railway operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) – net | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense on debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pension and other postretirement benefit (expense) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income of equity investees | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
| June 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable – net | |||||||||||
| Materials and supplies | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Investments | |||||||||||
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $ | |||||||||||
and $ | |||||||||||
| Other assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Short-term debt | |||||||||||
| Income and other taxes | |||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Other liabilities | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock $ | |||||||||||
authorized; outstanding | |||||||||||
| respectively, net of treasury shares | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Retained income | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
| First Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | ||||||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | |||||||||||||
| Gains and losses on properties | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | ( | |||||||||||||
| Materials and supplies | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Other current assets | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities other than debt | ||||||||||||||
| Other – net | ( | |||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | ||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Property additions | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Property sales and other transactions | ||||||||||||||
| Investment purchases | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Investment sales and other transactions | ||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Common stock transactions | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Purchase and retirement of common stock | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings | ||||||||||||||
| Debt repayments | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | ||||||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||||||||
| At beginning of year | ||||||||||||||
| At end of period | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | ||||||||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest (net of amounts capitalized) | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Income taxes (net of refunds) | ||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accum. Other Comprehensive Loss | Retained Income | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on common stock, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on common stock, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accum. Other Comprehensive Loss | Retained Income | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on common stock, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2022 | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on common stock, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share repurchases | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at June 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) and subsidiaries’ (collectively, NS, we, us, and our) financial position at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in stockholders’ equity for the second quarters and first six months of 2023 and 2022, and our cash flows for the first six months of 2023 and 2022 in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.
1. Railway Operating Revenues
The following table disaggregates our revenues by major commodity group:
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forest and consumer products | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemicals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
We recognize the amount of revenues to which we expect to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. A performance obligation is created when a customer under a transportation contract or public tariff submits a bill of lading to us for the transport of goods. These performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination. As such, transportation revenues are recognized proportionally as a shipment moves, and related expenses are recognized as incurred. These performance obligations are generally short-term in nature with transit days averaging approximately one week or less for each commodity group. The customer has an unconditional obligation to pay for the service once the service has been completed. Estimated revenues associated with in-process shipments at period-end are recorded based on the estimated percentage of service completed. We had no material remaining performance obligations at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
We may provide customers ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental activities, under their transportation contracts. The revenues associated with these distinct performance obligations are recognized when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. These revenues are included within each of the commodity groups and represent approximately 4 % and 6 % of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 5 % and 7 % for the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
9
Revenues related to interline transportation services that involve another railroad are reported on a net basis. Therefore, the portion of the amount that relates to another party is not reflected in revenues.
Under the typical terms of our freight contracts, payment for services is due within fifteen days of billing the customer, thus there are no significant financing components. “Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes both customer and non-customer receivables as follows:
| June 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Customer | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Non-customer | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable – net | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Non-customer receivables include non-revenue-related amounts due from other railroads, governmental entities, and others. We do no
2. Stock-Based Compensation
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total tax benefit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
During 2023, we granted stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), as follows:
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | Granted | Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RSUs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSUs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10
Stock Options
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Options exercised | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash received upon exercise | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related tax benefits realized | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Units
RSUs granted primarily have a four-year ratable restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Norfolk Southern common stock (Common Stock). Certain RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| RSUs vested | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock issued net of tax withholding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related tax benefits realized | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance Share Units
PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. No
| First Six Months | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| PSUs earned | ||||||||||||||
| Common Stock issued net of tax withholding | ||||||||||||||
| Related tax benefits realized | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
11
3. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
| Basic | Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts, shares in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend equivalent payments | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income available to common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts, shares in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend equivalent payments | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income available to common stockholders | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per share | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
During the second quarters and first six months of 2023 and 2022, dividend equivalent payments were made to certain holders of stock options and RSUs. For purposes of computing basic earnings per share, dividend equivalent payments made to holders of stock options and RSUs were deducted from net income to determine income available to common stockholders. For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, we evaluate on a grant-by-grant basis those stock options and RSUs receiving dividend equivalent payments under the two-class and treasury stock methods to determine which method is more dilutive for each grant. For those grants for which the two-class method was more dilutive, net income was reduced by dividend equivalent payments to determine income available to common stockholders. The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: 0.1
12
4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
| Balance at Beginning of Year | Net Income | Reclassification Adjustments | Balance at End of Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pensions and other postretirement liabilities | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss of equity investees | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | ( | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Six months ended June 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pensions and other postretirement liabilities | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||||
5. Stock Repurchase Program
6. Investments
Investment in Conrail
Through a limited liability company, we and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC). We have a 58 % economic and 50 % voting interest in the jointly-owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Our investment in Conrail was $1.6
CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT). The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage. In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas. “Purchased services and rents” and “Fuel” include expenses payable to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $39 million and $36 million for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $84 million and $74 million for the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our equity in Conrail’s earnings, net of amortization, was $19 million and $11 million for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $35 million and $25 million for the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts partially offset the costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas and are included in “Purchased services and rents.”
“Other liabilities” includes $534 1.31
13
Investment in TTX
We and six other North American railroads collectively own TTX Company (TTX), a railcar pooling company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive, and general use railcars at stated rates. We have a 19.78 % ownership interest in TTX.
7. Debt
In May 2023, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million. Amounts under our accounts receivable securitization program are borrowed and repaid from time to time in the ordinary course for general corporate and cash management purposes. The term of our accounts receivable securitization program was extended in the second quarter and now expires in May 2024. Amounts received under this facility are accounted for as borrowings. At June 30, 2023, we had $130 million (at an average variable interest rate of 5.81 %) outstanding which is included within “Short-term debt” and our available borrowing capacity was $270 million. At December 31, 2022, we had $100 million (at an average variable interest rate of 5.05 %) outstanding and our available borrowing capacity was $300 million. Our accounts receivable securitization program was supported by $840 million and $883 million in receivables at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in “Accounts receivable – net”.
In February 2023, we issued $500 million of 4.45 % senior notes due 2033.
8. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
We have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering eligible employees. We also provide specified health care benefits to eligible retired employees; these plans can be amended or terminated at our option. Under our self-insured retiree health care plan, for those participants who are not Medicare-eligible, certain health care expenses are covered for retired employees and their dependents, reduced by any deductibles, coinsurance, and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies. Eligible retired participants and their spouses who are Medicare-eligible are not covered under the self-insured retiree health care plan, but instead are provided with an employer-funded health reimbursement account which can be used for reimbursement of health insurance premiums or eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.
14
Pension and postretirement benefit cost components were as follows:
| Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service benefit | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net benefit | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
| Pension Benefits | Other Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on plan assets | ( | ( | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of prior service benefit | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net benefit | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
9. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable – net,” “Accounts payable,” and “Short-term debt,” approximate carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance is recorded at cash surrender value and, accordingly, approximates fair value. There are no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consist of the following:
| June 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying Amount | Fair Value | Carrying Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, including current maturities | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||||||||||
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10. Commitments and Contingencies
Eastern Ohio Incident
Summary
On February 3, 2023, a train we operated derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The derailed equipment included 38 railcars, 11 of which were non-Company-owned tank cars containing hazardous materials. Fires associated with the derailment threatened certain of the tank cars. There was concern about the risk that the contents of five of the tank cars carrying vinyl chloride might polymerize, which would have posed the risk of a catastrophic explosion. As a consequence, on February 6, 2023, the local incident commander—in consultation with the incident command that included, among others, federal, state and local officials and Norfolk Southern—opted to conduct a controlled vent and burn of five derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. This procedure involved creating holes in the five tank cars to drain the vinyl chloride into adjacent trenches that had been dug into the ground where such vinyl chloride was then burned, with any material remaining after burning of the vinyl chloride being remediated. The February 3rd derailment, the associated fire, and the resulting vent and burn of the tank cars containing vinyl chloride on February 6th is hereinafter referred to as the “Incident.”
In response to the Incident, we have been working to clean the site safely and thoroughly, including those activities described in the Environmental Matters section below with respect to potentially impacted air, soil and water and to monitor for any impact on public health and the environment. We are working with federal, state, and local officials to mitigate impacts from the Incident, including, among other efforts, conducting environmental monitoring and clean-up activities (as more fully described below), and operating a family assistance center to provide financial support to affected members of the East Palestine and surrounding communities.
Financial Impact
Although we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss with certainty, during the first six months of 2023, we have recognized $803 million of expense for costs directly attributable to the Incident ($416 million of which was recognized in the second quarter), which is presented in “Eastern Ohio incident” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the first six months of 2023, our cash expenditures attributable to the Incident were $287 million, which are presented in “Net cash provided by operating activities” on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The difference between the recognized expense and cash expenditures during the first six months of 2023, $516 million, is primarily comprised of our current estimates of probable and reasonably estimable liabilities principally associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings, which are discussed in further detail below.
While certain costs recorded during the first six months of 2023 may be recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident, no estimate of potential recoveries has yet been recorded. Any amounts recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies will be reflected in future periods in which recovery is considered probable. For additional information about our insurance coverage, see “Insurance” below.
Environmental Matters – In response to the Incident, we have been working with federal, state, and local officials such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ohio EPA, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to conduct environmental response and remediation activities, including but not limited to, air monitoring, indoor air quality screenings, municipal water and private water well testing, residential, commercial, and agricultural soil sampling, surface water and groundwater sampling, re-routing a local waterway around the affected site, capturing and shipping stormwater that enters the impacted derailment site to proper disposal facilities, and excavating and disposing of potentially affected soil at hazardous waste landfills or incinerators. The U.S. EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) on February 21, 2023, containing various requirements, including the submission of numerous work plans to assess and remediate various environmental media and
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performance of certain removal actions at the affected site. On February 24, 2023, we submitted to the U.S. EPA our Notice of Intent to Comply with the UAO and are currently cooperating with U.S. EPA as well as the Ohio EPA and Pennsylvania DEP, pursuant to the UAO and the directives issued thereunder.
We are also subject to the following legal proceedings that principally relate to the environmental impact of the Incident:
•The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. EPA filed a civil complaint (the DOJ Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) seeking injunctive relief, cost recovery and civil penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act and seeking cost recovery under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Ohio Attorney General (AG) also filed a CERCLA lawsuit (the Ohio Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) seeking statutory damages for a variety of tort and environmental claims under CERCLA and various state laws. The DOJ and Ohio AG cases have been consolidated for discovery purposes. We have filed an answer, and on June 30, 2023, we filed a third-party complaint bringing in numerous parties involved in the Incident.
In connection with the foregoing items, we recognized $581 million of expense during the first six months of 2023 ($264 million of which was recognized in the second quarter), of which $208 million was paid during the first six months of 2023, related to probable obligations that are reasonably estimable, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 410-30, “Environmental Obligations.” Our current estimate includes ongoing and future environmental cleanup activities and remediation efforts, governmental oversight costs (including those incurred by the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA), and other related costs, including those in connection with the DOJ Complaint (including potential civil penalties related to violations of the Clean Water Act). Our current estimates of future environmental cleanup and remediation liabilities related to the Incident may change over time due to various factors, including but not limited to, when activities at the site transition from extensive soil and water disposal and air monitoring activities to additional assessment and investigative efforts, the nature and extent of required future cleanup activities (including those resulting from additional assessment and investigative activities that will be conducted at the site), the extent and duration of governmental oversight, and the success of current cleanup techniques, amongst other factors. As clean-up efforts progress and more information is available, including any federal and state requirements, we will review these estimates and revise as appropriate.
Legal Proceedings and Claims (Non-Environmental) – To date, numerous non-environmental legal actions have commenced with respect to the Incident, including those more specifically set forth below.
•There is a consolidated putative class action pending in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) alleging various claims, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, and nuisance, and seeking as relief compensatory and punitive damages, medical monitoring and business losses. The putative classes are defined by reference to a class area covering a 30-mile radius. The court in the putative class action has established a fact discovery deadline in January 2024. Additional lawsuits are also pending in the same court and others, such as lawsuits pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania brought by three local school districts and including claims such as negligence, nuisance, trespass, and future health monitoring. The putative class action and individual lawsuits are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Lawsuits. In accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies,” we have recognized a $105 million loss during the first six months of 2023 with respect to the Incident Lawsuits ($77 million of which was recognized during the second quarter based on updated information and related discussions, including currently estimated liabilities related to tailored property value and drinking water protection programs being negotiated with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohio AG, to assist affected residents and businesses). We have made $25 million in payments during the first six months of 2023 with respect to these matters.
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•Securities litigation and demands, including a securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed in the Southern District of Ohio alleging multiple securities law violations, a securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Act of 1933 filed in the Southern District of New York alleging misstatements in association with our debt offerings, and multiple shareholder document and litigation demand letters that we have received (collectively, the Shareholder Matters). No responsive pleadings have been filed yet, although we are seeking to transfer the matter filed in the Southern District of Ohio to the Northern District of Georgia.
If and when we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it will be accrued through a charge to earnings and, if material, disclosed. Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known. Because the final outcome of any of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter. For legal proceedings where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or is probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established but the matter, if potentially material, is disclosed.
In addition to the costs associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings and claims, we incurred other expenses directly related to the Incident of $117 million during the first six months of 2023 ($75 million of which was recognized in the second quarter) pertaining to legal fees, community support, and other response-related activities. The reserves established by us during the first six months of 2023 do not include any estimate of loss for the following additional items, for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for the reasons noted: (i) the overall cost to us for the healthcare fund being developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohio AG, for affected residents (given the preliminary nature of such discussions), which amount will impact our loss contingency analysis with respect to the Incident Lawsuits described above, or (ii) any fines or penalties (in excess of the reserves established for Clean Water Act-related civil penalties) that may be imposed as a result of the Incident Inquiries and Investigations, as more specifically set forth and defined below (the outcome of which are uncertain at this time). Additionally, as noted above, amounts recognized during the first six months of 2023 do not include potential recoveries from third parties, including but not limited to the impact of our insurance coverage, which may apply to various Incident-related expenses or liabilities, as more specifically set forth further below (given the preliminary nature of any related discussions with our insurers).
Inquiries and Investigations
As set forth above, we are subject to inquiries and investigations by numerous federal, state, and local government authorities and regulatory agencies regarding the Incident, including but not limited to, the DOJ and the U.S. EPA, the Ohio EPA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Ohio AG, and the Pennsylvania AG. Further details regarding the NTSB and FRA investigations are set forth below. We are cooperating with all inquiries and investigations, including responding to civil and criminal subpoenas and other requests for information (the aforementioned inquiries and investigations, as well as the civil and criminal subpoenas are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Inquiries and Investigations). The outcome of any current or future Incident Inquiries and Investigations is uncertain at this time, including any related fines, penalties or settlements. Therefore, our expenses for the first six months of 2023 do not include estimates of the total amount that we may incur for any such fines, penalties or settlements.
Subsequent to the Incident, investigators from the NTSB examined railroad equipment and track conditions; reviewed data from the signal system, wayside defect detectors, local surveillance cameras, and the lead locomotive’s event recorder and forward-facing and inward-facing image recorders; and completed certain interviews (the NTSB Investigation). The NTSB issued a preliminary report indicating that one of the cars involved
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in the derailment appeared to have a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment. Their preliminary report also indicates that the rail crew was operating the train within our rules; the rail crew operated the train below the track speed limit, the wayside heat detectors were operating as designed; and once the rail crew was alerted by the wayside detector, they immediately began to stop the train. The NTSB conducted a subsequent investigative field hearing in East Palestine, Ohio on June 22 and 23, 2023. The NTSB’s investigation remains ongoing. We expect the NTSB to issue a final report, with a probable cause determination and safety recommendations, in 2024.
Concurrent with the NTSB Investigation, the FRA is also investigating the Incident. Similar in scope to the NTSB Investigation, the FRA is examining railroad equipment, track conditions, hazardous materials train placement and routing, and emergency response (the FRA Incident Investigation). The FRA Incident Investigation may result in the assessment of civil penalties. In addition to the FRA Incident Investigation, the FRA recently completed a 60-day supplemental safety assessment (the FRA Safety Assessment). The FRA Safety Assessment included a review of findings from a previously completed 2022 system audit and an assessment of operational elements including, but not limited to: track, signal, and rolling stock maintenance, inspection and repair practices; protection of employees; communications between transportation departments and mechanical and engineering staff; operation control center procedures and dispatcher training. The overall scope of the FRA Safety Assessment was to examine our safety culture. We expect the FRA to issue a public report in early August including its findings and recommended corrective actions. The FRA Incident Investigation remains ongoing.
Other Commitments and Contingencies
Lawsuits
We and/or certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations. When we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings and, if material, disclosed below. While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payment of such liability and claims. However, the final outcome of any of these lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter. Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known. For lawsuits and other claims where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or is probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established but the matter, if potentially material, is disclosed below. We routinely review relevant information with respect to our lawsuits and other claims and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible loss based on such reviews.
In 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. In 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. On October 10, 2017, the District Court denied class certification. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals on August 16, 2019. Since that decision, various individual cases have been filed in multiple jurisdictions and also consolidated in the District of Columbia. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against one of our subsidiaries by the minority owner in a jointly-owned terminal railroad company in which our subsidiary has the majority ownership. The lawsuit alleged violations of various state laws and federal antitrust laws. On January 3, 2023, the court granted summary judgment to us on all of the compensatory claims but denied summary judgment for all equitable relief claims. On January 18, 2023, the court dismissed the federal equitable relief claims, leaving the state equitable relief claims as the sole remaining issue under consideration. On April 19, 2023, the court disposed of all remaining state equitable relief claims. A notice
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of appeal was filed on May 16, 2023. We will continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit and, although it is reasonably possible we could incur a loss in the case, we believe that we will prevail. However, given that litigation is inherently unpredictable and subject to uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the final outcome of the litigation (including the related appeal) will not be material. Until such appeal is final, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss associated with this matter.
Casualty Claims
Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs. To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue with respect to such claims during the year, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm. Job-related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads. The variability inherent in FELA’s fault-based tort system could result in actual costs being different from the liability recorded. While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payments of claims and is supported by the most recent actuarial study. In all cases, we record a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and reasonably estimable.
Employee personal injury claims – Other than Incident-related matters noted above, the largest component of claims expense is employee personal injury costs. The independent actuarial firm we engage provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing our employee personal injury liability and estimating personal injury expense. The actuarial firm studies our historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences. The actuarial firm uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of liability. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. The accuracy of our estimate of the liability is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations, or legislative changes. As a result, actual claim settlements may vary from the estimated liability recorded.
Occupational claims – Occupational claims include injuries and illnesses alleged to be caused by exposures which occur over time as opposed to injuries or illnesses caused by a specific accident or event. Types of occupational claims commonly seen allege exposure to asbestos and other claimed toxic substances resulting in respiratory diseases or cancer. Many such claims are being asserted by former or retired employees, some of whom have not been employed in the rail industry for decades. The independent actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims’ liability based upon our history of claim filings, severity, payments, and other pertinent facts. The liability is dependent upon judgments we make as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the actuarial firm in the quarterly studies. Our estimate of ultimate loss includes a provision for those claims that have been incurred but not reported. This provision is derived by analyzing industry data and projecting our experience. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. However, it is possible that the recorded liability may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims. Adjustments to the recorded liability are reflected in operating expenses in the periods in which such adjustments become known.
Third-party claims – We record a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, property damage, and lading damage. The actuarial firm assists us with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon our experience including the number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims, and legal defenses. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that the actual loss may differ from the estimated liability recorded.
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Environmental Matters
We are subject to various jurisdictions’ environmental laws and regulations. We record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Environmental specialists regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.
In addition to environmental claims associated with the Incident, our Consolidated Balance Sheets 60 million at June 30, 2023 and $66 million at December 31, 2022, of which $15 82 known locations and projects compared with 85 locations and projects at December 31, 2022. At June 30, 2023, nineteen sites accounted for $49 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material. We anticipate that most of this liability will be paid out over five years ; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.
At eight locations, one or more of our subsidiaries in conjunction with a number of other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties under CERCLA or comparable state statutes that impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs. We calculate our estimated liability for these sites based on facts and legal defenses applicable to each site and not solely on the basis of the potential for joint liability.
As set forth above, with respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by us or by the U.S. EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of our ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites can change over time because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, unpredictable contaminant recovery and reduction rates associated with available cleanup technologies, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant’s share of any estimated loss (and that participant’s ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.
The risk of incurring environmental liability for acts and omissions, past, present, and future, is inherent in the railroad business. Some of the commodities we transport, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, pose special risks that we work diligently to reduce. In addition, several of our subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale. Because environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, there can be no assurance that we will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time. Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time. The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
Based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we believe we have recorded the probable and reasonably estimable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which we are aware. Further, we believe that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Labor Agreements
Approximately 80 % of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, these agreements remain in effect until new agreements are reached, or until the bargaining procedures mandated by the Railway Labor Act are completed. Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements. We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee.
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The latest round of national bargaining concluded in December 2022, when agreements were either ratified or enacted through legislative action for all twelve of our unions. With the conclusion of national bargaining, neither party can compel mandatory bargaining around any new proposals until November 1, 2024.
In addition, we understand the imperative to continue improving quality of life for our craft employees and remain actively engaged with our unions in voluntary local discussions (none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) on this important issue.
Insurance
We purchase insurance covering legal liabilities for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. This insurance provides coverage above $75 million and below $800 million (or up to $1.1 billion for specified types of pollution releases) per occurrence and/or policy year. In addition, we purchase insurance covering damage to property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control. This insurance covers approximately 82 % of potential losses above $75 million and below $275 million per occurrence and/or policy year.
Our ability to recoup any of the foregoing amounts under our insurance coverage, including any amounts that may be recoverable with respect to the Incident, is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to our insurers’ reservation of rights to further investigate and contest coverage, the express restrictions and sub-limits of coverage, and various policy exclusions, including those for some governmental fines or penalties, as well as potential coverage disputes over payments we make as part of our effort to mitigate the impact to the community and affected residents. We are working with our insurers to confirm applicable coverage with respect to the Incident, but no estimate for potential insurance recovery has been accrued at this time.
Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.
OVERVIEW
We are one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, moving goods and materials that help drive the U.S. economy. We connect customers to markets and communities to economic opportunity with safe, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions. Our Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates in 22 states and the District of Columbia. We are a major transporter of industrial products, including agriculture, forest and consumer products, chemicals, and metals and construction materials. In addition, in the East we serve every major container port and operate the most extensive intermodal network. We are also a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.
Our second-quarter results reflect declines in income from railway operations, net income and diluted earnings per share as we continued our response efforts to a February 2023 derailment of 38 railcars in Eastern Ohio. During the quarter, we recognized $416 million in additional expenses related to ongoing environmental cleanup and remediation efforts, legal proceedings resulting from the Incident, and other Incident-related costs. We continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to mitigate impacts from the Incident and to provide support to affected members of the community. Please see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the Incident.
Further impacting our second-quarter 2023 financial results was a decline in railway operating revenues. The reduction in revenue was due to a decline in volumes, as service challenges and a weaker demand environment restricted our ability to grow, and a lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue. In addition to the costs recognized from the Incident, our operating expenses were also slightly higher, driven by inflationary pressures, higher service-related costs and increased headcount, though mostly offset by the impact of lower fuel expense. As we continue to make progress in response to the derailment and support the impacted community, we remain committed to our strategy — a balanced approach of delivering safe, reliable and resilient service, smart and sustainable growth, and continuous productivity improvement.
SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | $ | 576 | $ | 1,271 | (55%) | $ | 1,287 | $ | 2,356 | (45%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 356 | $ | 819 | (57%) | $ | 822 | $ | 1,522 | (46%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.56 | $ | 3.45 | (55%) | $ | 3.60 | $ | 6.37 | (43%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Railway operating ratio (percent) | 80.7 | 60.9 | 33% | 78.9 | 61.8 | 28% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 included $416 million and $803 million, respectively, of expenses included in income from railway operations arising from the Incident, which reduced net income by $317 million and $610 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share by $1.39 and $2.67, respectively. For more information see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Second quarter and the first six months income from railway operations, net income, and diluted earnings per share were further impacted by the factors set forth further below.
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The following tables adjusts our 2023 GAAP financial results for the second quarter and the first six months to exclude the effects of the Incident. The income tax effects of this non-GAAP adjustment were calculated based on the applicable tax rates to which the non-GAAP adjustment related. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally and believe this information provides useful supplemental information to investors to facilitate making period-to-period comparisons by excluding the 2023 costs arising from the Incident. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.
| Non-GAAP Reconciliation for the Second Quarter | |||||||||||||||||
| Reported 2023 (GAAP) | Eastern Ohio Incident | Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | $ | 576 | $ | 416 | $ | 992 | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 356 | $ | 317 | $ | 673 | |||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.56 | $ | 1.39 | $ | 2.95 | |||||||||||
| Railway operating ratio (percent) | 80.7 | (14.0) | 66.7 | ||||||||||||||
In the table below, references to the results for the second quarter of 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.
| Second Quarter | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) | 2022 | Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) vs. 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | % change | ||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | $ | 992 | $ | 1,271 | (22%) | ||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 673 | $ | 819 | (18%) | ||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 2.95 | $ | 3.45 | (14%) | ||||||||||||
| Railway operating ratio (percent) | 66.7 | 60.9 | 10% | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Reconciliation for First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||
| Reported 2023 (GAAP) | Eastern Ohio Incident | Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | |||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | $ | 1,287 | $ | 803 | $ | 2,090 | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 822 | $ | 610 | $ | 1,432 | |||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 3.60 | $ | 2.67 | $ | 6.27 | |||||||||||
| Railway operating ratio (percent) | 78.9 | (13.1) | 65.8 | ||||||||||||||
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In the table below, references to the results for the first six months of 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.
| First Six Months | |||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) | 2022 | Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP) vs. 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share amounts) | % change | ||||||||||||||||
| Income from railway operations | $ | 2,090 | $ | 2,356 | (11%) | ||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 1,432 | $ | 1,522 | (6%) | ||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings per share | $ | 6.27 | $ | 6.37 | (2%) | ||||||||||||
| Railway operating ratio (percent) | 65.8 | 61.8 | 6% | ||||||||||||||
On a non-GAAP basis excluding the impact of the Incident, income from railway operations decreased in both periods due to lower railway operating revenues and increased operating expenses. Railway operating revenues declined in both periods due to decreased volumes and lower intermodal storage revenues compared to the same period last year, while the second quarter also experienced a larger decline in fuel surcharge revenue. Increased railway operating expenses in both periods were primarily driven by inflationary pressures, higher service-related costs and increased headcounts which, during the second quarter, were mostly offset by lower fuel expense.
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DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Railway Operating Revenues
The following tables present a comparison of revenues ($ in millions), units (in thousands), and average revenue per unit ($ per unit) by commodity group.
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forest and consumer products | $ | 627 | $ | 624 | —% | $ | 1,280 | $ | 1,197 | 7% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemicals | 503 | 552 | (9%) | 1,044 | 1,050 | (1%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and construction | 415 | 420 | (1%) | 815 | 795 | 3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 281 | 257 | 9% | 565 | 483 | 17% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise | 1,826 | 1,853 | (1%) | 3,704 | 3,525 | 5% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 745 | 972 | (23%) | 1,559 | 1,826 | (15%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 409 | 425 | (4%) | 849 | 814 | 4% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,980 | $ | 3,250 | (8%) | $ | 6,112 | $ | 6,165 | (1%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forest and consumer products | 187.7 | 183.6 | 2% | 375.4 | 361.2 | 4% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemicals | 126.7 | 140.0 | (10%) | 262.8 | 269.4 | (2%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and construction | 161.7 | 163.9 | (1%) | 315.1 | 311.9 | 1% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 90.6 | 85.7 | 6% | 178.7 | 166.9 | 7% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise | 566.7 | 573.2 | (1%) | 1,132.0 | 1,109.4 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 925.4 | 1,016.5 | (9%) | 1,842.2 | 1,973.0 | (7%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 165.5 | 166.1 | —% | 339.3 | 331.7 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,657.6 | 1,755.8 | (6%) | 3,313.5 | 3,414.1 | (3%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue per Unit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agriculture, forest and consumer products | $ | 3,342 | $ | 3,398 | (2%) | $ | 3,410 | $ | 3,314 | 3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chemicals | 3,966 | 3,941 | 1% | 3,973 | 3,897 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Metals and construction | 2,569 | 2,560 | —% | 2,587 | 2,548 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Automotive | 3,102 | 3,007 | 3% | 3,164 | 2,894 | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise | 3,222 | 3,233 | —% | 3,273 | 3,177 | 3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermodal | 805 | 955 | (16%) | 846 | 925 | (9%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coal | 2,470 | 2,562 | (4%) | 2,502 | 2,455 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1,798 | 1,851 | (3%) | 1,845 | 1,806 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Railway operating revenues decreased $270 million in the second quarter and $53 million for the first six months compared with the same periods last year. The table below reflects the components of the revenue change by major commodity group ($ in millions).
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Merchandise | Intermodal | Coal | Merchandise | Intermodal | Coal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volume | $ | (21) | $ | (87) | $ | (2) | $ | 72 | $ | (121) | $ | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel surcharge revenue | (35) | (96) | (3) | 49 | (67) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate, mix and other | 29 | (44) | (11) | 58 | (79) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | (27) | $ | (227) | $ | (16) | $ | 179 | $ | (267) | $ | 35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Approximately 95% of our revenue base is covered by contracts that include negotiated fuel surcharges. Revenues associated with these surcharges totaled $287 million and $421 million in the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $662 million and $665 million for the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in fuel surcharge revenues is driven by lower fuel commodity prices.
For the remainder of 2023, we expect that revenue will decline compared to 2022 driven by lower fuel prices, declining storage service charges, and softening coal pricing.
Merchandise
Merchandise revenues decreased during the second quarter but increased during the first six months. The decrease during the second quarter was due to lower volume and lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by increased pricing. The increase during the first six months was primarily due to higher average revenue per unit, driven by increased pricing and higher fuel surcharge revenue, and higher volume.
Agriculture, forest and consumer products volume increased in both periods as increases in corn, fertilizers, food oils, ethanol and wheat more than offset the declines in pulpboard, graphic paper and woodchips. Volume gains in corn, fertilizers, food oils, ethanol and wheat were driven by increased market demand. The decline in pulpboard and graphic paper were due to higher inventories which lowered the demand for shipments, while the decline in woodchips was due to a customer mill closing.
Chemicals volume declined in both periods as reduced shipments of crude oil, plastics, natural gas liquids, and organic and inorganic chemicals, more than the offset increases in sand and solid waste. Volume declines for crude oil were driven by production outages and soft demand in the energy markets. Plastics, natural gas liquids and organic chemicals volume declined as a result of lower demand, while the decline in inorganic chemicals was driven by reduced production. Volume gains in sand were driven by current market demand, while the increase in solid waste was due to growth with existing customers.
Metals and construction volume decreased during the second quarter but increased during the first six months. The decline in the second quarter was due to lower volumes of kaolin and construction materials. The volume decline in kaolin was largely driven by higher inventories which lowered demand, while the decline in construction materials was due to extended cycle times and local service challenges. The increase during first six months was largely driven by increased demand for aggregates, scrap metal and cement, which more than offset declines in kaolin and construction materials.
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Automotive volume was higher in both periods due to higher finished vehicle inventory levels available for rail transportation.
Intermodal
Intermodal revenues decreased in both periods the result of lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue and storage service charges, and decreased volume.
Intermodal units (in thousands) by market were as follows:
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic | 577.0 | 670.4 | (14%) | 1,164.7 | 1,323.8 | (12 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 348.4 | 346.1 | 1% | 677.5 | 649.2 | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 925.4 | 1,016.5 | (9%) | 1,842.2 | 1,973.0 | (7 | %) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Domestic volume declined in both periods due to a decrease in freight demand as a result of reduced consumer consumption combined with high inventories. International volume increased in both periods, driven by ocean carriers favoring inland point intermodal traffic, partially offset by a decrease in imports.
Coal
Coal revenues decreased for the second quarter but increased for the first six months. The second quarter decline was the result of lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower pricing and decreased fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by favorable traffic mix. The increase in the first six months was due to increased volume and higher average revenue per unit, driven by traffic mix and higher fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by declining prices.
Coal tonnage (in thousands) by market was as follows:
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Utility | 6,852 | 8,267 | (17%) | 15,062 | 17,228 | (13%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Export | 7,697 | 6,514 | 18% | 15,903 | 12,928 | 23% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic metallurgical | 3,059 | 2,782 | 10% | 5,390 | 5,212 | 3% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industrial | 882 | 1,083 | (19%) | 1,571 | 1,886 | (17%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 18,490 | 18,646 | (1%) | 37,926 | 37,254 | 2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coal tonnage declined during the second quarter but rose for the first six months. Both periods saw increases in export and domestic metallurgical tonnage with declines in utility and industrial tonnage. Export and domestic metallurgical tonnage was higher due to increased demand and coal supply. Utility tonnage decreased as a result of low natural gas prices, high stockpiles, and mild winter weather. Industrial coal tonnage decreased due to reduced coal shipments related to sourcing changes.
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Railway Operating Expenses
Railway operating expenses summarized by major classifications follow ($ in millions):
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compensation and benefits | $ | 693 | $ | 614 | 13% | $ | 1,383 | $ | 1,233 | 12% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased services and rents | 506 | 481 | 5% | 1,002 | 918 | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel | 263 | 408 | (36%) | 578 | 709 | (18%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | 321 | 304 | 6% | 642 | 606 | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials and other | 205 | 172 | 19% | 417 | 343 | 22% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eastern Ohio incident | 416 | — | 803 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,404 | $ | 1,979 | 21% | $ | 4,825 | $ | 3,809 | 27% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits expense increased in both periods as follows:
•increased pay rates (up $54 million for the quarter and $103 million for the first six months),
•employee activity levels (up $30 million for the quarter and $66 million for the first six months),
•incentive compensation (down $12 million for the quarter and $22 million for the first six months), and
•other (up $7 million for the quarter and $3 million for the first six months).
Average rail headcount for the quarter was up by 1,400 compared with the second quarter of 2022 primarily due to the hiring of additional train and engine craft employees.
Purchased services and rents increased in both periods as follows ($ in millions):
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased services | $ | 407 | $ | 387 | 5% | $ | 806 | $ | 736 | 10% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment rents | 99 | 94 | 5% | 196 | 182 | 8% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 506 | $ | 481 | 5% | $ | 1,002 | $ | 918 | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased services rose in both periods due to increased operational and transportation expenses and higher technology-related expenses. In addition, the first six months were impacted by higher intermodal-related expenses. Equipment rents increased in both periods as lower network fluidity led to greater time-and-mileage expenses and increased intermodal equipment expenses. We also incurred higher freight car lease costs.
Fuel expense, which includes the cost of locomotive fuel as well as other fuel used in railway operations, decreased in both periods due to lower locomotive fuel prices (down 36% in the second quarter and 19% in the first six months) partially offset by slightly higher locomotive fuel consumption (up 1% in both the second quarter and first six months).
Depreciation expense increased in both periods due to our higher asset base and the impact of the results of our periodic roadway study.
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Materials and other expenses increased in both periods as follows ($ in millions):
| Second Quarter | First Six Months | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | % change | 2023 | 2022 | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Materials | $ | 88 | $ | 70 | 26% | $ | 179 | $ | 132 | 36% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Claims | 60 | 64 | (6%) | 114 | 113 | 1% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 57 | 38 | 50% | 124 | 98 | 27% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 205 | $ | 172 | 19% | $ | 417 | $ | 343 | 22% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Materials expense increased in both periods due to increased locomotive and freight car materials costs. Claims expense decreased in the second quarter, but slightly increased in the first six months of 2023. Both periods experienced lower costs associated with personal injury claims and environmental matters unrelated to the Incident. Claims expense for the first six months increased as a result of higher costs associated with derailments unrelated to the Incident. Other expense increased in both periods due to higher travel-related expenses and lower gains from operating property sales. Gains from operating property sales, included in Other, totaled $19 million and $28 million for the second quarter in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $22 million and $34 million in the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Eastern Ohio incident
During the second quarter and the first six months of 2023, we recorded $416 million and $803 million, respectively, for costs primarily associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings. The expense recorded in the first six months does not include any estimates for amounts that may be recovered from third parties or under our insurance policies. For further details regarding the Incident, see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other income (expense) – net
Other income increased $71 million in the second quarter and $132 million for the first six months, as both periods reflect higher returns on corporate-owned life insurance (COLI).
Income taxes
The effective tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 were 23.1% and 22.1%, compared with 24.7% and 23.9%, respectively, for the same periods last year. Both periods in 2023 reflect higher returns on COLI slightly offset by lower tax benefits on stock-based compensation, while the year-to-date rate also includes the benefit of certain business tax credits recognized in the first quarter.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Cash provided by operating activities, our principal source of liquidity, was $1.8 billion for the first six months of 2023, compared with $2.0 billion for the same period of 2022. The decrease reflects lower operating results, offset in part by changes in working capital. We had negative working capital of $955 million and $642 million at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $556 million at June 30, 2023.
Cash used in investing activities was $741 million for the first six months of 2023, compared with $714 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher property additions and lower proceeds from
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property sales, partially offset by COLI investment activity. For 2023, we expect property additions will be approximately $2.2 billion.
Cash used in financing activities was $1.0 billion for the first six months of 2023, compared with $877 million for the same period last year. The increase reflects lower proceeds from borrowing and higher debt repayments, partially offset by lower repurchases of Common Stock. We repurchased $303 million of Common Stock in the first six months of 2023 compared to $1.5 billion in the same period last year. The timing and volume of future share repurchases will be guided by our assessment of market conditions and other pertinent factors. Repurchases may be executed in the open market, through derivatives, accelerated repurchase and other negotiated transactions and through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1(c) and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Any near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally-generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings.
In May 2023, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million. Amounts under our accounts receivable securitization program are borrowed and repaid from time to time in the ordinary course for general corporate and cash management purposes. The term of our accounts receivable securitization program was extended in the second quarter and now expires in May 2024. We had $130 million outstanding under this program at June 30, 2023 and $100 million outstanding at December 31, 2022. Our available borrowing capacity was $270 million and $300 million at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
In February 2023, we issued $500 million of 4.45% senior notes due 2033.
Our debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 54.5% at June 30, 2023 and 54.4% at December 31, 2022. We have in place and available an $800 million credit agreement expiring in March 2025, which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.
In addition, we have investments in general purpose COLI policies and had the ability to borrow against these policies up to $530 million and $610 million at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
We expect cash on hand combined with cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to meet our ongoing obligations. In addition, we believe our currently-available borrowing capacity, access to additional financing, and ability to decrease shareholder distributions, including share repurchases, provide additional flexibility to meet our ongoing obligations. There have been no material changes to the information on future contractual obligations, including those that may have material cash requirements, contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, with the exception of additional senior notes (see Note 7).
In June 2023, we amended and restated our asset purchase and sale agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway to purchase approximately 337 miles of railway line that extends from Cincinnati, Ohio to Chattanooga, Tennessee which we currently operate under a lease agreement. Following this amendment, the total purchase price for the line and other associated real and personal property included in the transaction is expected to be between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion. The agreement is conditioned upon the following, among other items: (i) Cincinnati Voter Approval, and (ii) the receipt of regulatory approval from the STB. If Cincinnati Voter Approval is obtained in November 2023, the transaction will close on the later of the date that is five days after all remaining conditions have been satisfied (including potential STB regulatory approval) or March 15, 2024.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions may require judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are
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likely to occur that may require us to make changes to these estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, we regularly review these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment, and other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to the critical accounting estimates below, the remainder of our critical accounting estimates are contained in our December 31, 2022 Form 10-K.
Contingencies
We are currently involved in certain environmental response and remediation activities and subject to numerous legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries and investigations resulting from the Incident. As required, we have accrued estimates of the probable and reasonably estimable costs for the resolution of these matters. Our environmental estimates are based upon types of remediation efforts currently anticipated, the volume of contaminants in the impacted areas, and governmental oversight and other costs, amongst other factors. Estimates associated with the legal proceedings to which we are subject are based on information that is currently available, including but not limited to an assessment of the proceedings and the potential and likely results of such proceedings.
Our current estimates of future environmental cleanup and remediation liabilities related to the Incident may change over time due to various factors, including but not limited to, when activities at the site transition from extensive soil and water disposal and air monitoring activities to additional assessment and investigative efforts, the nature and extent of required future cleanup activities (including those resulting from additional assessment and investigative activities that will be conducted at the site), the extent and duration of governmental oversight, and the success of current cleanup techniques, amongst other factors. Additionally, the final outcome of any of the legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries and investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in new or additional accruals that could be material. Furthermore, certain of these costs may be recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident. Any amounts that are recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies will be reflected in periods in which we determine that such amounts are probable of recovery.
See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information as it pertains to these contingencies.
OTHER MATTERS
Labor Agreements
Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, these agreements remain in effect until new agreements are reached, or until the bargaining procedures mandated by the Railway Labor Act are completed. Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements. We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee.
The latest round of national bargaining concluded in December 2022, when agreements were either ratified or enacted through legislative action for all twelve of our unions. With the conclusion of national bargaining, neither party can compel mandatory bargaining around any new proposals until November 1, 2024.
In addition, we understand the imperative to continue improving quality of life for our craft employees and remain actively engaged with our unions in voluntary local discussions (none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) on this important issue.
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Inflation
In preparing financial statements, GAAP requires the use of historical cost that disregards the effects of inflation on the replacement cost of property. As a capital-intensive company, we have most of our capital invested in long-lived assets. The replacement cost of these assets, as well as the related depreciation expense, would be substantially greater than the amounts reported on the basis of historical cost.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or our achievements or those of our industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “consider,” “predict,” “potential,” “feel,” or other comparable terminology. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our latest Form 10-K, as supplemented in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q, as well as our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Additional Information
Investors and others should note that we routinely use the Investor Relations, Performance Metrics, and Sustainability sections of our website (www.norfolksouthern.com/content/nscorp/en/investor-relations.html, http://www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/investor-relations/performance-metrics.html & www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/about-ns/sustainability.html) to post presentations to investors and other important information, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Information about us, including information that may be deemed material, may also be announced by posts on our social media channels, including Twitter (www.twitter.com/nscorp) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/norfolk-southern). We may also use our website and social media channels for the purpose of complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in Norfolk Southern to review the information posted on our website and social media channels. The information posted on our website and social media channels is not incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required by this item is included in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity.”
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
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under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) at June 30, 2023. Based on such evaluation, our officers have concluded that, at June 30, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information required to be included in our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the second quarter of 2023, we have not identified any changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For information on our legal proceedings, see Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in our 2022 Form 10-K could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Those risks are updated to include the following risks.
INCIDENT RISKS
As defined and as further described in Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, there was an Incident that occurred in the first quarter that consisted of a February 3, 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that included 11 non-Company-owned tank cars containing hazardous materials, fires associated with the derailment that threatened certain of the tank cars, and a controlled vent and burn procedure conducted on February 6, 2023 on five of the derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. As a result of the Incident, we have become subject to numerous legal, regulatory, legislative and other proceedings related thereto, including but not limited to, the NTSB Investigation, the FRA Incident Investigation, the FRA Safety Assessment, the DOJ Complaint, the Ohio Complaint, the Incident Lawsuits, the Shareholder Lawsuits, and the Incident Inquiries and Investigations, in addition to other proceedings, actions, or potential changes in response to the Incident, including but not limited to those related to, among other items, train size, train length, train composition, or crew size (collectively, the “Incident Proceedings”). Set forth below are additional risks pertaining to an investment in the Company that are related to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings.
New or additional governmental regulation and/or operational changes resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may negatively impact us, our customers, the rail industry, or the markets we serve. The legislative, regulatory, operational or other actions taken, protocols adopted (including by us), or changes resulting from the Incident or any of the Incident Proceedings may, either individually or in the aggregate, negatively impact us, our customers, the rail industry, or the markets we serve. Our inability to comply with the requirements of any new or additional laws, regulations or operating protocols resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or operations.
The costs, liabilities, fines, penalties, and/or financial impact resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may be significant, exceed expected or accrued amounts, or negatively affect our financial results. We have incurred and will continue to remain subject to incurring significant costs, liabilities, fines, and penalties related to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings, including amounts that may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
In addition, while we have provided estimates of probable and reasonably estimable liabilities with respect to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings, we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss with certainty and such estimates may change over time due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to those set forth in Note 10 hereto or other unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes which could result in our current estimates being insufficient. These estimated amounts also do not include any estimate of loss for specific items for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for the reasons set forth in Note 10 hereto. As a result, our currently accrued amounts of estimated liabilities may be insufficient, and any additional, new or updated accruals may potentially have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.
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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
| Period | (a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased | (b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit) | (c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1) | (d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be purchased under the Plans or Programs (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| April 1-30, 2023 | 14,773 | $ | 203.06 | 14,773 | $ | 7,324,271,033 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| May 1-31, 2023 | 83,840 | 205.74 | 83,840 | 7,307,021,689 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| June 1-30, 2023 | 541,523 | 222.23 | 541,523 | 7,186,677,232 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 640,136 | 640,136 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1)On March 29, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a new program for the repurchase of up to $10.0 billion of Common Stock beginning April 1, 2022. As of June 30, 2023, $7.2 billion remains authorized for repurchase.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Director and Officer Trading Arrangements
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Item 6. Exhibits
10.1* | |||||
10.2* | |||||
10.3* | |||||
| 31-A* | |||||
| 31-B* | |||||
| 32* | |||||
| 101* | The following financial information from Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 and 2022; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 and 2022; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the first six months of 2023 and 2022; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 and 2022; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. | ||||
| 104* | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). | ||||
| * Filed herewith. | |||||
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION Registrant | ||||||||
| Date: | July 27, 2023 | /s/ Claiborne L. Moore | ||||||
| Claiborne L. Moore Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature) | ||||||||
| Date: | July 27, 2023 | /s/ Denise W. Hutson | ||||||
| Denise W. Hutson Corporate Secretary (Signature) | ||||||||
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