UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington , D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(X)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended SEPT. 30, 2005MARCH 31, 2006

OR

 

 

( )

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

  For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission file number 1-8339

 

logo

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Virginia

52-1188014

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

Three Commercial Place

 

Norfolk , Virginia

23510-2191

(Address of principal executive offices)

Zip Code

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

(757) 629-2680

 

No Change

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

If if changed since last report.)

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 (X)   Yes   

No ( ) No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.   See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [X]               Accelerated filer [ ]               Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of Thethe Exchange Act).            Yes ( ) No (X)

 

(X) Yes   

( ) No

TheIndicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant'sissuer’s classes of Common Stock,common stock, as of the last

latest practicable date:date.

 

 

Class

Outstanding as of Sept. 30, 2005

at March 31, 2006

Common Stock (par value $1.00)

406,420,210   414,692,476 (excluding 20,879,62520,833,125 shares

held by registrant's

   registrant’s consolidated subsidiaries)


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES (NS)


 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Part I.

Financial information:

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

3

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

4

 

 

Sept. 30, 2005As of March 31, 2006 and Dec. 31, 20042005

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

5

 

 

NineThree Months Ended Sept. 30,March 31, 2006 and 2005 and 2004

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

1617

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

18

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management'sManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

17

 

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures

27

About Market Risks

26

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

2726

 

 

 

 

Part II.

Other Information:information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and

Use of Proceeds

27

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

2827

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

29 28

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

29


2


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements.

 

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

($ in millions except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

                                                                                                                   

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

March 31,

2005

2004

2005

2004

2006

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

($ in millions except per share amounts)

Railway operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railway operating revenues

 

 

 

 

Coal

$

546 

$

447 

$

1,591 

$

1,269 

$

559 

$

467 

General merchandise

 

1,138 

 

1,006 

 

3,372 

 

2,998 

 

1,278 

 

1,086 

Intermodal

 

471 

 

404 

 

1,307 

 

1,096 

 

466 

 

408 

Total railway operating revenues

 

2,155 

 

1,857 

 

6,270 

 

5,363 

 

2,303 

 

1,961 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railway operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railway operating expenses

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

629 

 

570 

 

1,857 

 

1,680 

 

721 

 

604 

Materials, services and rents

 

462 

 

411 

 

1,344 

 

1,165 

 

471 

 

436 

Conrail rents and services (Note 2)

 

31 

 

79 

 

97 

 

282 

 

32 

 

35 

Depreciation (Note 2)

 

195 

 

150 

 

582 

 

409 

Depreciation

 

183 

 

193 

Diesel fuel

 

189 

 

98 

 

501 

 

311 

 

231 

 

150 

Casualties and other claims (Note 9)

 

59 

 

31 

 

177 

 

109 

 

53 

 

78 

Other

 

62 

 

49 

 

189 

 

167 

 

61 

 

62 

Total railway operating expenses

 

1,627 

 

1,388 

 

4,747 

 

4,123 

 

1,752 

 

1,558 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from railway operations

 

528 

 

469 

 

1,523 

 

1,240 

 

551 

 

403 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income - net

 

32 

 

40 

 

43 

 

50 

Other income – net

 

35 

 

Interest expense on debt

 

(119)

 

(121)

 

(373)

 

(363)

 

120 

 

128 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

441 

 

388 

 

1,193 

 

927 

 

466 

 

277 

Provision for income taxes

 

161 

 

83 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes (Note 5)

 

140 

 

100 

 

274 

 

268 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

301 

$

288 

$

919 

$

659 

$

305 

$

194 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (Note 7):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (Note 5):

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.74 

$

0.73 

$

2.28 

$

1.68 

$

0.74 

$

0.48 

Diluted

$

0.73 

$

0.72 

$

2.24 

$

1.66 

$

0.72 

$

0.47 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

$

0.13 

$

0.10 

$

0.35 

$

0.26 

$

0.16 

$

0.11 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

March 31,

Dec. 31,

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

2006

2005

2005

2004

($ in millions)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

309 

$

467 

$

526 

$

289 

Short-term investments

 

741 

 

202 

 

1,016 

 

968 

Accounts receivable, net (Note 9)

 

950 

 

767 

 

985 

 

931 

Materials and supplies

 

137 

 

104 

 

143 

 

132 

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

 

175 

 

187 

Deferred income taxes

 

167 

 

167 

Other current assets

 

124 

 

240 

 

107 

 

163 

Total current assets

 

2,436 

 

1,967 

 

2,944 

 

2,650 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments (Note 2)

 

1,608 

 

1,499 

 

1,623 

 

1,590 

Properties less accumulated depreciation

 

20,481 

 

20,526 

 

20,756 

 

20,705 

Other assets (Note 9)

 

908 

 

758 

 

918 

 

916 

Total assets

$

25,433 

$

24,750 

$

26,241 

$

25,861 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable (Note 9)

$

1,132 

$

1,090 

$

1,036 

$

1,163 

Income and other taxes

 

262 

 

210 

 

301 

 

231 

Other current liabilities

 

275 

 

239 

 

276 

 

213 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

313 

 

662 

 

348 

 

314 

Total current liabilities

 

1,982 

 

2,201 

 

1,961 

 

1,921 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (Note 6)

 

6,645 

 

6,863 

Long-term debt

 

6,550 

 

6,616 

Other liabilities (Note 9)

 

1,323 

 

1,146 

 

1,408 

 

1,415 

Deferred income taxes (Note 5)

 

6,567 

 

6,550 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,613 

 

6,620 

Total liabilities

 

16,517 

 

16,760 

 

16,532 

 

16,572 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shares authorized; issued 427,299,835 and

 

 

 

 

421,346,107 shares, respectively

 

427 

 

421 

shares authorized; issued 435,525,601 and

 

 

 

 

430,718,913 shares, respectively (Note 7)

 

436 

 

431 

Additional paid-in capital

 

890 

 

728 

 

1,220 

 

992 

Unearned restricted stock (Note 1)

 

(19)

 

(8)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 8)

 

(33)

 

(24)

Retained income

 

7,671 

 

6,893 

Less treasury stock at cost, 20,879,625 and

20,907,125 shares, respectively

 

(20)

 

(20)

Unearned restricted stock (Note 8)

 

- -- 

 

(17)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 6)

 

(85)

 

(77)

Retained income (Note 7)

 

8,158 

 

7,980 

Less treasury stock at cost, 20,833,125 shares

 

(20)

 

(20)

Total stockholders' equity

 

8,916 

 

7,990 

 

9,709 

 

9,289 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

25,433 

$

24,750 

$

26,241 

$

25,861 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

($ in millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

March 31,

Sept. 30,

2006

2005

2005

2004

($ in millions)

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

919 

$

659 

$

305 

$

194 

Reconciliation of net income to net cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

591 

 

417 

 

185 

 

197 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

112 

 

(1)

 

24 

Equity in earnings of Conrail

 

(28)

 

(45)

 

(6)

 

(6)

Gain on Conrail corporate reorganization

 

- -- 

 

(53)

Gains and losses on properties and investments

 

(26)

 

(15)

 

(19)

 

(7)

Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(112)

 

(110)

 

(54)

 

(52)

Materials and supplies

 

(33)

 

(10)

 

(11)

 

(10)

Other current assets

 

106 

 

70 

 

28 

 

23 

Current liabilities other than debt

 

93 

 

162 

 

53 

 

36 

Other - net

 

85 

 

24 

Other – net

 

30 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,602 

 

1,211 

 

510 

 

408 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property additions

 

(578)

 

(669)

 

(256)

 

(144)

Property sales and other transactions

 

55 

 

45 

 

52 

 

Investments, including short-term

 

(1,232)

 

(253)

 

(354)

 

(303)

Investment sales and other transactions

 

553 

 

 

267 

 

216 

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(1,202)

 

(872)

 

(291)

 

(227)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends

 

(141)

 

(102)

 

(66)

 

(44)

Common stock issued - net

 

114 

 

71 

Common stock issued – net

 

183 

 

66 

Purchase and retirement of common stock

 

(67)

 

- -- 

Proceeds from borrowings

 

332 

 

202 

 

- -- 

 

332 

Debt repayments

 

(863)

 

(426)

 

(32)

 

(138)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(558)

 

(255)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

18 

 

216 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(158)

 

84 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

237 

 

397 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At beginning of year

 

467 

 

284 

 

289 

 

467 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At end of period

$

309 

$

368 

$

526 

$

864 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

$

330 

$

311 

$

63 

$

70 

Income taxes (net of refunds)

$

161 

$

78 

$

17 

$

- -- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries' (NS) financial position as of Sept. 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, and its results of operations for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2005 and 2004, and its cash flows for the ninethree months ended Sept. 30, 2005 and 2004,March 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in NS'NS’ latest Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

 

Certain amounts1. Stock Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, NS adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” [SFAS 123(R)].   This statement applies to awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled after the effective date as well as awards that are unvested at the effective date and includes, among other things, the requirement to expense the fair value of stock options.   The standard also requires that cash settled awards be measured at fair value at each reporting date until ultimate settlement.   NS adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method, which requires application of the standard to all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after January 1, 2006, and to all awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered as of such date.   In accordance with the modified prospective approach, prior period financial statements have not been reclassifiedrestated to conformreflect the impact of SFAS 123(R).   As compared to current presentation.   Specifically, $112 million and $107APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB Opinion 25), the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) resulted in $31 million of auction rate securities held atadditional compensation expense, including the immediate expensing of grants made to retirement-eligible employees, which reduced net income by $21 million, or 5 cents per basic and diluted share.   Through Dec. 31, 2004 , and Sept. 30, 2004, respectively, previously classified as cash equivalents have been reclassified as short-term investments, and accordingly $107 million is included in "Investments, including short-term" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2004.   The auction rate securities held at Dec. 31, 2004, were sold in the first quarter of 2005, at market value, which was equal to their carrying cost, and accordingly are included in "Investment sales and other transactions" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.   There were no auction rate securities held at the beginning of 2004.   In addition, the following items shown in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of Dec. 31, 2004, have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets filed herewith: (1) "Investment in Conrail" and the amount of investments included in "Other assets" have been reclassified and comprise "Investments" and (2) "Due to Conrail" has been reclassified and is included in the amount shown for "Accounts payable."

1.   Stock-Based Compensation

During the first quarter of 2005, a committee of nonemployee directors of NS' Board granted stock options, performance share units (PSUs) and restricted shares pursuant to the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan.   Options to purchase 1,353,600 shares were granted with an option price of $34.10, which was the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant.   The options have a term of ten years, but may not be exercised prior to the third anniversary of the date of grant.   PSUs granted totaled 1,344,400 and will be awarded based on achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle.   One-half of any PSUs earned will be paid in the form of shares of Common Stock with the other half to be paid in cash.   Restricted shares granted totaled 576,240 and have a five-year vesting and restriction period unless certain predetermined stock performance goals are met at the end of three years, in which case the shares become fully vested and the restrictions are lifted.

NS appliesapplied the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans.   As a result, the grants of PSUs and restricted shares result in charges to net income, while the stock-option grant did not result in a charge to net income.   The portion of the restricted stock that has not yet been earned is shown as a reduction of stockholders' equity on NS' Consolidated Balance Sheet.plans (see Note 8).     


The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if NS had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.SFAS 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to stock-based employee compensation:compensation related to all awards:

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

 

($ in millions, except per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, as reported

$

301 

$

288 

$

919 

$

659 

Add:   Stock-based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   expense included in reported net income,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   net of related tax effects

 

19 

 

 

30 

 

19 

Deduct:   Stock-based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   expense determined under fair value method,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   net of related tax effects

 

(15)

 

(12)

 

(27)

 

(30)

      Pro forma net income

$

305 

$

285 

$

922 

$

648 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   As reported

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Basic

$

0.74 

$

0.73 

$

2.28 

$

1.68 

      Diluted

$

0.73 

$

0.72 

$

2.24 

$

1.66 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Pro forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Basic

$

0.76 

$

0.72 

$

2.29 

$

1.65 

      Diluted

$

0.74 

$

0.71 

$

2.24 

$

1.63 

Three Months

Ended

March 31,

2005

($ in millions

except per

share)

Net income, as reported

$               194         

Add:   Stock-based employee compensation

   expense included in reported net income,

   net of related tax effects

7         

Deduct:   Stock-based employee compensation

   expense determined under fair value method applied

   to all awards, net of related tax effects

(8)        

      Pro forma net income

$               193         

Earnings per share:

   As reported

      Basic

$             0.48         

      Diluted

$             0.47         

   Pro forma

      Basic

$             0.48         

      Diluted

$             0.47         

 

2.   Investments

 

Sept. 30,
2005

 

Dec. 31, 2004

March 31,

Dec. 31,

($ in millions)

2006

2005

 

 

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

Investment in Conrail Inc.

$     848

 

$      805

$

850

$

     844

Other equity method investments

326

 

313

 

334

 

331

Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value

296

 

254

 

295

 

276

Other investments

138

 

127

 

144

 

139

Total investments

$  1,608

 

$   1,499

Total long-term investments

$

1,623

$

1,590

 

Investment in Conrail

 

Through a limited liability company, Norfolk Southern Corporation ( Norfolk Southern) and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC).   NS has a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in the jointly owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests.   NS applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in Conrail.  

On August 27, 2004 , NS, CSXCRC owns and Conrail completed a reorganization of Conrail (Conrail Corporate Reorganization), which established direct ownership and control by Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) and CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) of two former CRC subsidiaries, Pennsylvania Lines LLC (PRR) and New York Central Lines LLC (NYC), respectively.   Prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, NSR operated the routes and assets of PRR, and CSXT operated the routes and assets of NYC, each in accordance with operating and lease agreements.   Pursuant to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, the operating and lease agreements were terminated and PRR and NYC were merged into NSR and CSXT, respectively.   As a part of the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, Conrail restructured its existing unsecured and secured public indebtedness, with the consent of Conrail's debtholders.   As a result of the transaction NSR and CSXT issued new unsecured debt securities in exchange for Conrail debentures and entered into leases and subleases with Conrail to support its secured debt obligations in proportion to their economic ownership percentages.

CRC continues to own and operateoperates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of NSRNorfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and CSXT.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.   After the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, "Conrail rents and services" reflects only the expenses associated with the Shared Assets Areas, and other expenses (primarily the depreciation related to the former PRR assets) are reflected in their respective line items.   Accordingly, "Conrail rents and services" includes:   (1) expenses for amounts due to PRR for use by NSR of operating properties and equipment prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, (2) NS' equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, and (3)includes expenses for amounts due to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas.   NS'NS’ equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, after the reorganization is included in "Other“Other income - net."

 

"Accounts payable"payable” includes $90$59 million at Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, and $78$56 million at Dec. 31, 2004 ,2005, due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas.   In addition, "Other liabilities" includes a $32“Other liabilities” include $133 million in long-term advanceadvances from Conrail, maturing 2035, entered into in the first quarter of 2005 that bearsbear interest at 4.5%.

Prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, a significant portionan average rate of the payments made to PRR under the operating and lease agreements was borrowed back from a subsidiary of PRR, and this note was effectively extinguished by the reorganization in 2004.   NS' net cash flow from these borrowings amounted to $118 million in the first nine months of 2004.4.4%.

 

3.  Derivative Financial Instruments

 

NS uses derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk of volatility in its diesel fuel costs and to manage its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.   NS does not engage in the trading of derivatives.   Management has determined that its derivative financial instruments qualify as either fair-value or cash-flow hedges, having values that highly correlate with the underlying hedged exposures, and has designated such instruments as hedging transactions.   Credit risk related to the derivative financial instruments is considered to be minimal and is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements.

 

Diesel Fuel Hedging

 

In 2001, NS hedgedbegan a program to hedge a significant portion of its diesel fuel consumption although the percentage of diesel fuel hedged has been declining.consumption.   The intent of the hedges isprogram was to assist in the management of NS' aggregate risk exposure to fuel price fluctuations, which can significantly affect NS' operating margins and profitability.   In order to minimize this risk, NS has entered into a series of swaps to lock in the purchase prices of some of its diesel fuel.   Management has designated these derivative instruments as cash-flow hedges of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows attributable to fluctuations in diesel fuel prices.

Hedges are entered into periodically by competitive bid among selected counterparties; however, noNo new hedges have been placedentered into since May 2004.

The goal of this hedging strategy iswas to averagereduce the variability of fuel costs over an extended period of time while minimizing the incremental cost of hedging. The program providesprovided that NS will not enter into any fuel hedges with a duration of more than 36 months, and that no more than 80% of NS' average monthly fuel consumption will be hedged for any month within any 36-month period. After taking into account the effect of the hedges, diesel fuel costs represented 12%13% and 7%10% of NS' operating expenses in the thirdfirst quarters of 20052006 and 2004,2005, respectively.

 

NS' fuel hedging activity resulted in net decreases in diesel fuel expenseexpenses of $41 million for third quarter 2005 and $121$15 million for the first nine monthsquarter of 2005,2006, compared with $41 million and $90$40 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2004.first quarter of 2005.   Ineffectiveness, or the extent to which changes in the fair values of the heating oil contracts do not offset changes in the fair values of the expected diesel fuel transactions, was a less than $1 million expense in thirdfirst quarter 2005 compared with a less than $1 million benefit in 2004,2006 and a $3 million expense for the first nine months of 2005 compared with a $5 million benefit for the same period of 2004.2005.   As of Sept. 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, NS has 22%1% of its estimated fourth quarter 20052006 future diesel fuel consumption covered by hedges and 4% of its estimated 2006 consumption covered.hedges.

 

Interest Rate Hedging

 

NS manages its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by issuing both fixed and floating-rate debt instruments, and by entering into interest rate hedging transactions.transactions to achieve an appropriate mix within its debt portfolio.   NS had $123$106 million and $151$116 million, or about 2% of its fixed rate debt portfolio, hedged at Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2004 ,2005, respectively, using interest rate swaps that qualify for and are designated as fair-value hedge transactions. NS'NS’ interest rate hedging activity resulted in decreases in interest expenses of less thanabout $1 million for thirdfirst quarter 20052006 and 2004, respectively, and $2 million and $5 million for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively.2005.   These swaps have been effective in hedging the changes in fair value of the related debt arising from changes in interest rates, and accordingly, there has been no impact on earnings resulting from ineffectiveness associated with these derivative transactions.

 

Fair Values

 

The fair values of NS' diesel fuel derivative instruments at Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , and Dec. 31, 2004 ,2005, were determined based upon current fair market values as quoted by independent third party dealers.   Fair values of interest rate swaps were determined based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate implied spot rate from the spot rate yield curve.   Fair value adjustments are noncash transactions, and accordingly, are excluded from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.   "Accumulated other comprehensive loss," a component of "Stockholders' equity," included unrealized gains of $4 million (pretax) of $64and $20 million and $75 million(pretax) at Sept. 30, 2005,March 31, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2004,2005, respectively, relatingrelated to an increase in the fair value of derivative fuel hedging transactions that will terminate within twelve months of the respective dates.   Any future gain or loss actually realized will be based on the fair value of the derivative fuel hedges at the time of termination.

 

The asset and liability positions of NS' outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

 

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

 

2005

2004

 

($ in millions)

Interest rate hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair market asset position

$

4  

$

9  

   Gross fair market (liability) position

 

- --  

 

- --  

Fuel hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair market asset position

 

64  

 

81  

   Gross fair market (liability) position

 

- --  

 

- --  

      Total net asset position

$

68  

$

90  

 

March 31,

Dec. 31,

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

Interest rate hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair value asset position

$

2

$

3

   Gross fair value (liability) position

 

- --

 

- --

Fuel hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair value asset position

 

4

 

20

   Gross fair value (liability) position

 

- --

 

- --

      Total net asset position

$

6

$

23

 

4.   Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salaried employees.   NSNorfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries also provide specified health care and death benefits to eligible retired employees and their dependents.   Under the present plans, which may be amended or terminated at Norfolk Southern'sNS’ option, a defined percentage of health care expenses is covered, reduced by any deductibles, copayments, Medicare payments and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies.

 


Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components

 

Three months ended Sept. 30,

Three months ended March 31,

2005

2004

2005

2004

2006

2005

2006

2005

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

($ in millions)

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Interest cost

 

22 

 

22 

 

13 

 

11 

 

23 

 

21 

 

11 

 

12 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(37)

 

(37)

 

(3)

 

(3)

 

(40)

 

(38)

 

(3)

 

(3)

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

 

 

 

(2)

 

(2)

 

 

 

(2)

 

(3)

Recognized net actuarial losses

 

 

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

 

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

Amortization of unrecognized losses

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

 

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

 

Net (benefit) cost

$

(5)

$

(9)

$

17 

$

13 

$

(4)

$

(6)

$

17 

$

15 

 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

 

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

17 

$

13 

$

13 

$

12 

Interest cost

 

65 

 

67 

 

37 

 

33 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(112)

 

(111)

 

(9)

 

(11)

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

 

 

 

(8)

 

(8)

Recognized net actuarial losses

 

11 

 

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

Amortization of unrecognized losses

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

13 

 

11 

     Net (benefit) cost

$

(17)

$

(27)

$

46 

$

37 

Contributions for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

NS previously disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004 ,2005, that it expected to contribute $7$8 million to its unfunded pension plans and $44 million to its other postretirement (medical and life insurance) benefit plans in 2005.2006.   For the ninethree months ended Sept. 30, 2005 , $5March 31, 2006, $2 million and $33$11 million of contributions have been made to its unfunded pension plans and its other postretirement benefit plans, respectively.   NS presently anticipates contributing an additional $2$6 million to its unfunded pension plans for a total of $7$8 million and an additional $11$33 million to fund its other postretirement benefit plans in 20052006 for a total of $44 million.

 


5.   Income Taxes

Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate

Total income taxes as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months ended

 

Sept. 30, 2005

 

Sept. 30, 2004

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal income tax at statutory rate

$     154 

 

35 

 

$     136 

 

35 

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   (excluding Ohio rate change)

16 

 

 

10 

 

Tax credits

(27)

 

(6)

 

(23)

 

(6)

Gain from Conrail Corporate Reorganization

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

(19)

 

(5)

All other

(3)

 

(1)

 

(4)

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total tax expense and effective rate

$     140 

 

32 

 

$     100 

 

26 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months ended

 

Sept. 30, 2005

 

Sept. 30, 2004

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Federal income tax at statutory rate

$     418 

 

35 

 

$     325 

 

35 

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   (excluding Ohio rate change)

37 

 

 

30 

 

Ohio rate change, net of federal tax benefit

(96)

 

(8)

 

- -- 

 

- -- 

Tax credits

(79)

 

(7)

 

(40)

 

(4)

Gain from Conrail Corporate Reorganization

- -- 

 

- -- 

 

(19)

 

(2)

All other

(6)

 

- -- 

 

(28)

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total tax expense and effective rate

$     274 

 

23 

 

$     268 

 

29 

In the second quarter, Ohio enacted tax legislation that phases out its Corporate Franchise Tax, which was generally based on federal taxable income, and phases in a new gross receipts tax called the Commercial Activity Tax, which is based on current year sales and rentals.   The elimination of the Corporate Franchise Tax resulted in a reduction in NS' deferred income tax liability in the second quarter, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which decreased deferred tax expense by $96 million.

6. Long-Term Debt

In the second quarter, NS issued $717 million of unsecured notes ($350 million at 5.64% due 2029 and $367 million at 5.59% due 2025) and paid $218 million of premium in exchange for $717 million of its previously issued unsecured notes ($350 million at 7.8% due 2027, $200 million at 7.25% due 2031, and $167 million at 9.0% due 2021).   The $218 million cash premium payment is reflected as a reduction of debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows and will be amortized as additional interest expense over the terms of the new debt.

On March 11, 2005, NS issued $300 million of 6% Senior Notes due March 2105 under its shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in September 2004.   At Sept. 30, 2005 , $700 million is available for future issuance under this registration statement.


7.  Earnings Per Share

 

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the number of weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

March 31,

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

2006

2005

 

(In millions)

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

404.3

 

394.4

 

403.1

 

392.7

 

412.4

 

401.8

 

Dilutive effect of outstanding options,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

performance share units and restricted stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(as determined by the application of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the treasury stock method)

 

8.0

 

5.7

 

7.6

 

4.1

 

9.4

 

8.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

 

412.3

 

400.1

 

410.7

 

396.8

 

421.8

 

410.1

 

 

The calculations exclude options whose exercise price exceeded the average market price of Common Stock for the period as follows:   in 2005, none in the third quarter, 52006, 1 million in the second quarter and none in the first quarter; and in 2004, 13 million in the third quarter, 15 million in the second quarter and 22 million2005, none in the first quarter.   There are no adjustments to "Net income" or “Income from continuing operations” for the diluted earnings per share computations.

 

8.6.  Comprehensive Income

 

NS' total comprehensive income was as follows:

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

March 31,

2005

2004

2005

2004

2006

2005

($ in millions)

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

301

$

288

$

919

$

659

$

305 

$

194

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(8)

 

32

 

(9)

 

55

 

(8)

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$

293

$

320

$

910

$

714

$

297 

$

216

 

 

For NS, "Other“Other comprehensive income (loss)" reflects primarily the fair value adjustments, net of tax, to certain derivative financial instruments.

 

7.   Stock Purchase Program

In November 2005, NS’ Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 50 million shares of Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock (Common Stock) through the end of 2015.   The timing and volume of any purchases will be guided by management’s assessment of market conditions and other pertinent facts.   Near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally generated cash; however, future funding sources could include proceeds from the sale of commercial paper notes or the increase of long-term debt.

NS has purchased and retired 1,310,000 shares of its common stock under this program in the first quarter of 2006 at a cost of $67 million, of which $61 million was charged to retained earnings.


8.   Stock-Based Compensation

Under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), a committee of nonemployee directors of the Board of Directors of Norfolk Southern Corporation (Board) or the chief executive officer (if delegated such authority by the committee) may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance share units (PSUs), up to a maximum of 88,025,000 shares of Common Stock.   Of these shares, 5,000,000 were approved by the Board for issuance to non-officer participants; as a broad-based issuance, stockholder approval was not required.   In May 2005, the stockholders approved an amended LTIP which provided that 8,500,000 shares of stock previously approved for issuance under LTIP could be granted as restricted shares, restricted stock unit shares or performance shares.   Under the Board-approved Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP), the committee may grant stock options up to a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock.

The LTIP also permits the payment – on a current or a deferred basis and in cash or in stock – of dividend equivalents on shares of Common Stock covered by options, PSUs or restricted stock units in an amount commensurate with dividends paid on Common Stock.   Tax absorption payments also are authorized for any awards under LTIP in amounts estimated to equal the federal and state income taxes applicable to shares of Common Stock issued subject to a share retention agreement.

During the first quarter of 2006, a committee of nonemployee directors of NS’ Board granted stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP.

Accounting Method

As disclosed in Note 1, prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), NS applied APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for awards made under the plans.   Accordingly, grants of PSUs, restricted shares, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, tax absorption payments and SARs resulted in charges to net income, while grants of stock options had no effect on net income.   Under SFAS 123(R), all awards will result in charges to net income while dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings.

Stock-based compensation costs were $84 million and $12 million during the first quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.   The total tax benefit recognized in income in relation to these compensation costs was $29 million and $5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.   Compensation expense in 2006 included the immediate recognition of NS’ awards granted to retirement-eligible employees in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).   Under APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations, such awards were amortized over the stated service period.

Stock Options

In the first quarter of 2006, 1,188,700 options were granted under the LTIP and 238,000 options were granted under the TSOP.   In each case, the grant price was $49.425, which was the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant, and the options have a term of ten years but may not be exercised prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant.   Holders of the options granted under LTIP receive cash dividend equivalent payments for five years commensurate with dividends paid on Common Stock.

The fair value of each option award in 2006 was measured on the date of grant using a lattice-based option valuation model.   Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on Common Stock and historical volatility of Common Stock.   NS uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.   The average expected option life is derived from the output of the valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.   The average risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.   For options granted that include dividend equivalent payments, a dividend yield of zero was used.   For purposes of pro forma information required under SFAS 123, the fair value of the option awards in 2005 was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.   The assumptions for both years are shown in the following table:

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

Expected volatility range

23.5% - 34.5%

n/a

Average expected volatility

27%

33%

Average expected option life

3.7 years

5 years

Average risk-free interest rate

4.5%

3.7%

Per-share grant-date fair value

$13.47

$12.19

A summary of options outstanding as of March 31, 2006, and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Weighted

Average

 

 

 

Average

Remaining

Aggregate

 

Option

Exercise

Contractual

Intrinsic

 

Shares

Price

Life

Value

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005

29,545,680 

$24.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,426,700 

49.43

 

 

Exercised

(5,490,627)

24.54

 

 

Forfeited

(5,800)

33.57

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

25,475,953 

$25.71

5.5 years

$722

Exercisable at March 31, 2006

24,049,253 

$24.30

5.2 years

$716

The following table provides information related to options exercised during the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

Three Months Ended

 

March 31,

 

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Total intrinsic value

$

139

$

43

Cash received upon exercise of options

$

132

$

66

Related tax benefit realized

$

51

$

15

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), NS presented tax benefits generated from tax deductions in excess of compensation costs recognized for share-based awards (excess tax benefits) as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.   Beginning in 2006, SFAS 123(R) requires excess tax benefits to be classified as financing cash flows.   Accordingly, “Common stock issued – net” in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006, included $51 million of such tax benefits.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units

Restricted share and restricted stock unit grants were 664,300 in 2006, with a grant-date fair value of $49.60 and a three-year restriction period, and were 960,400 in 2005, with a grant-date fair value of $34.10 and a five-year restriction period (that may be accelerated to a three-year restriction period upon achievement of specified performance measures).

A summary of the status of restricted shares and restricted stock units as of March 31, 2006, and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

Weighted - Average

 

 

 

Grant-Date

 

  Shares

Units  

Fair Value

Nonvested at Dec. 31, 2005

1,262,776  

 

841,852  

$26.80

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

332,150  

 

332,150  

49.60

Vested

(433,761) 

 

(289,174) 

20.47

Forfeited

- --  

 

- --  

- --

Nonvested at March 31, 2006

1,161,165  

 

884,828  

$35.69

As of March 31, 2006, there was $19 million and $21 million of total unrecognized compensation related to restricted shares and restricted stock units, respectively.   That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of approximately 1.9 years.   The total fair value of restricted shares vested and restricted stock units paid in cash during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $36 million and $2 million, respectively.

Performance Share Units

PSUs provide for awards based on achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle.   PSU grants and average grant-date fair values were 1,163,600 and $49.425 in 2006 and 1,344,400 and $34.10 in 2005.   One-half of any PSUs earned will be paid in the form of shares of Common Stock with the other half to be paid in cash.   Shares earned and issued may be subject to share retention agreements and held by NS for up to five years.

Performance Share Unit Activity

 

 

Weighted - Average

 

Performance

Grant-Date

 

Share Units

Fair Value

Balance Dec. 31, 2005

3,118,400 

$

26.49

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,163,600 

 

49.43

Earned

(345,290)

 

19.63

Paid in cash

(345,290)

 

19.63

Unearned

(255,420)

 

19.63

Forfeited

(2,200)

 

34.10

Balance March 31, 2006

3,333,800 

$

36.44

As of March 31, 2006, there was $59 million of total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP.   That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.   The total fair value of PSUs earned and paid in cash during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was $34 million and $18 million, respectively.


9.    Commitments and Contingencies

 

Lawsuits

 

Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations.   When management concludes 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.   While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in management's 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 are known.

 

NS has beenwas involved in mass tort litigation proceedings arising out of historic flooding events that occurred in West Virginia in 2001.   During the third quarter,In 2005, one of NS'NS’ subsidiaries was identified as the target defendant for claims related to a specific sub-watershed.   During the first quarter, the parties reached a settlement with respect to NS’ liability in the matter.   The final outcome of these proceedings cannot be determined at this time; however, an unexpected adverse resolution couldsettlement did not have a significant adversematerial effect on the results of operations in a particular quarter or year.the first quarter.

 

Casualty Claims

 

Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims.claims, all exclusive of legal costs.   NS engages an independent consulting actuarial firm to aid in valuing its liability for these claims.   Job-related accidental injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employers'Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads.   FELA'sFELA’s fault-based system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault workers'workers’ compensation system.   The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being very different from the liability recorded.   While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in management'smanagement’s opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payments of claims and is support ed by the most recent actuarial study.   In all cases, NS records a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and estimable.

 

In the first quarter of 2005, NS recorded a liability related to the Jan. 6, 2005 derailment in Graniteville , SC.   The liability, which includes a current and long-term portion, represents NS'NS’ best estimate based on current facts and circumstances.   The estimate includes amounts related to business property damage and other economic losses, personal injury and individual property damage claims as well as third-party response costs.   NS'NS’ commercial insurance policies are expected to cover substantially all expenses related to this derailment above NS'NS’ self-insured retention, including NS'NS’ response costs and legal fees.   Accordingly, the Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects a current and long-term receivable for estimated recoveries from NS'NS’ insurance carriers.   Third-quarter andThe $41 million expense recorded in 2005, including $35 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2005, expense include approximately $2 million and $39 million, respectively, related to this incident which represents NS'NS’ retention under its insurance policies and other uninsured costs.   While it is reasonable to expect that the liability for covered losses could differ from the amount recorded, such a change would be offset by a corresponding change in the insurance receivable.   As a result, NS does not believe that it is reasonably likely that its net loss (the difference between the liability and future recoveries) will be materially different than the loss recorded in the first nine months of 2005.   NS expects at this time that insurance coverage is adequate to cover potential claims and settlements above its self-insurance retention.

 

Employee personal injury claims - The largest component of casualties and other claims expense is employee personal injury costs.   The actuarial firm engaged by NS provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing its employee personal injury liability and estimating its employee personal injury expense.   The actuarial firm studies NS'NS’ historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences.   The actuary uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of the liability, which includes amounts for incurred but unasserted claims.   NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount on a quarterly basis.   The estimate of loss liabilities is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations or legislative changes and as such the actual loss may vary from the actuarial estimate.

 

Occupational claims - - Occupational claims (including asbestosis and other respiratory diseases, as well as repetitive motion) are often not caused by a specific accident or event but rather result from a claimed exposure over time.   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 actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims liability based upon NS'NS’ history of claim filings, severity, payments and other pertinent facts.   The liability is dependent upon management'smanagement’s judgments made as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the consulting actuarial firm in the periodic studies.   The actuarial firm'sfirm’s 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 NS'NS’ experience into the future as far as can be reasonably determined.   NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount on a quarterly basis.   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 - - NS records a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, automobile liability, property damage and lading damage.   The actuarial firm assists with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon NS'NS’ experience including number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims and legal defenses.   The actuarial estimate includes a provision for claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported.   Each quarter NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount.   Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that future settlement costs may differ from the estimated liability recorded.

 

Environmental Matters

 

NS is subject to various jurisdictions' environmental laws and regulations.   It is NS' policy to record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.   Claims, if any, against third parties for recovery of cleanup costs incurred by NS are reflected as receivables (when collection is probable) on the balance sheet and are not netted against the associated NS liability.   Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.   NS also has an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret its environmental policy.

 

NS' Consolidated Balance Sheets included liabilities for environmental exposures in the amount of $60$58 million at Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, and $64 million at Dec. 31, 20042005 (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability in each period)at March 31, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2005).   At Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 191182 known locations.   On that date, 1615 sites accounted for $30 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.   NS anticipates that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

 

At some of the 191182 locations, certain NS subsidiaries, usually in conjunction with a number of other parties, have been identified as potentially responsible parties by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or comparable state statutes, which often impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.

 

With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by NS or by the EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of NS' ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites are necessarily imprecise because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, 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 in NS' traffic mix, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, can pose special risks that NS and its subsidiaries work diligently to minimize.   In addition, several NS 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 may exist on these properties that are latent or undisclosed, there can be no assurance that NS 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 condition, results of operations or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.

 

However, based on its assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, management believes that it has recorded the probable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which the Corporation is aware.   Further, management believes that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 


Insurance

 

NS obtains on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries commercial insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages.   Specified levels of risk are retained on a self-insurance basis (up to $25 million per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and $12.5 million per occurrence for property owned by NS or in NS'NS’ care, custody or control).

 

Purchase Commitments

 

As of Sept. 30, 2005 , NSR had outstanding purchase commitments of approximately $488$285 million in connection with its 20052006 and 20062007 capital programs, including 85 locomotives in 20052006 and 20063 locomotives in 2006.2007.   In addition, Norfolk Southern has committed to purchase telecommunications services totaling $18$15 million through 2007.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Stockholders and Board of Directors

Norfolk Southern Corporation:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-monththree-month periods ended September 30, 2005March 31, 2006 and 2004.2005.   These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ).   A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.   It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.   Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  

 

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, Norfolk Southern Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004,2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders'stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 28, 2005,21, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.   In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20042005 , is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Norfolk , Virginia

OctoberApril 25, 2006


Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosure contained in NS’ Dec. 31, 2005, Form 10-K.

 


Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

OVERVIEW

NS’ first quarter results reflect a continuation of the trends seen in 2005.   Substantial increases in revenues resulted from higher pricing, increased fuel surcharges and traffic volume growth.   High demand for rail freight transportation continued, which coupled with constrained capacity for other modes of transport and the fluidity of the NS network enabled NS to raise rates and handle additional volume.   Operating expenses rose

$194 million, largely because of increased costs for compensation and benefits, higher diesel fuel prices and volume-related increases.   Despite the 12% rise in expenses, the operating ratio, a measure of the operating revenues consumed by operating expenses, improved to 76.1%, and income from railway operations rose $148 million, or 37%.

Strong operating results translated into significantly increased cash flows, which combined with substantial proceeds from employee stock option exercises, were used to fund increased capital expenditures, purchase and retire common stock, increase dividends and pay maturing debt while establishing a cash and short-term investment balance of $1.5 billion at March 31, 2006.   Looking ahead, NS expects business levels to continue to grow for the remainder of the year, although perhaps at a more modest rate.   NS plans to continue its focus on improving service levels and maintaining an aggressive pricing strategy as business is renewed.

SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

Third-quarterFirst-quarter net income was $301$305 million in 2005,2006, compared with $288$194 million in 2004.2005.   The $13$111 million improvement in net income was driven by a $59$148 million, or 13%37%, rise in income from railway operations as well as higher nonoperating income whichthat was offset in part by last year's $53 million gain related to last year's Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2).higher income taxes.   Railway operating revenues increased $298$342 million, or 16%17%, reflecting increasedhigher rates, fuel surcharges higher rates, and higher traffic volume.volumes.   Railway operating expenses rose $239$194 million, or 17%12%, largely because of increased compensation and benefits costs, higher fuel prices and increased volume-related expenses.   First-quarter 2005 expenses and an unfavorable jury verdict receivedincluded $35 million of costs arising from the derailment in Graniteville , SC , which reduced that quarter’s net income by $21 million.   The increase in income taxes was due to a FELA case.higher first quarter effective income tax rate, largely reflecting the reduction in tax credits from synthetic fuel related investments, applied to the increased income.

 

During the third quarter, NS' operations were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina, and to a lesser extent, Hurricane Rita, both of which struck the Gulf Coast ..   NS sustained damage to its facilities in the region as a result of Hurricane Katrina but restored rail freight service into and around New Orleans in a relatively short period of time.   The damage sustained to NS facilities as a result of the storm did not materially impact its financial condition or results of operations and is covered by insurance above the self-insurance retention limit.   Included in casualties and other claims is $4 million related to the self-insured retention.   NS expects to obtain a sufficient supply of diesel fuel for operations despite pipeline disruptions and refinery damage caused by the hurricanes and which are impacting price and regional availability of diesel fuel.


For the first nine months, net income was $919 million in 2005, compared with $659 million in 2004.   Results in 2005 reflected a $96 million second quarter increase to net income related to state tax law changes, while the results in 2004 reflected a $53 million net gain from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2).     The remaining $217 million rise in net income was primarily the result of higher income from railway operations.   The growth benefited from a $907 million, or 17%, increase in railway operating revenues reflecting higher rates (including the favorable effects of the coal rate cases settled in the second quarter), fuel surcharges and increased traffic volume.   Railway operating expenses rose $624 million, or 15%, largely because of higher diesel fuel prices, increased volume-related expenses, the first quarter costs associated with the Graniteville derailment and the unfavorable jury verdict received in the third quarter.DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Railway Operating Revenues

 

Third-quarterFirst-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.2$2.3 billion in 2005,2006, up $298$342 million, or 16%17%, compared with the thirdfirst quarter of 2004.   For the first nine months, revenues were $6.3 billion, up $907 million, or 17%.2005.   As shown in the following table, the increases were the result of increased average revenues, including fuel surcharges, and higher traffic volume.

 

 

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

 

2005 vs. 2004

2005 vs. 2004

 

Increase (Decrease)

Increase (Decrease)

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

Traffic volume (carloads)

$      86

$     258

Revenue per unit/mix

      212

      649

   Total

 $    298

 $    907

First Quarter

2006 vs. 2005

Increase (Decrease)

($ in millions)

Revenue per unit/mix

$   243

Traffic volume (carloads)

      99

   Total

$   342

 

Traffic volume increased 5% for both the third quarter and year-to-date.   Revenuewhile revenue per unit increased 11% for the third quarter and year-to-date,12%, of which about half related to increased fuel surcharges.   Fuel surcharge provisions presently cover approximately 85% of total revenues.   On April 24, 2006, Norfolk Southern announced that it is revising its fuel surcharge program for non-intermodal traffic originating and moving on Norfolk Southern-issued tariffs and public quotes issued on or after July 1, 2006.   While the mechanics of the new fuel surcharge will be generally the same as the current fuel surcharge, the trigger price will be raised from $23 per barrel of West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil to $64 per barrel and the percentage by which the line haul rate is increased when oil exceeds the trigger price will be decreased from 0.4% to 0.3% for each dollar or portion thereof in excess of the trigger price.   The traffic moving under these tariffs and public quotes comprises approximately 6% of Norfolk Southern’s total revenue base.

 

Revenues, carloads and average revenue per unit for the commodity groups were as follows:

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Revenues

Carloads

Revenue per Unit

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

2005

2004

 

($ in millions)

(in thousands)

($ per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

$

546 

$

447

 

451.8 

 

428.2

$

1,209

$

1,045

General merchandise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Automotive

 

229 

 

210

 

139.1 

 

139.4

 

1,645

 

1,508

   Chemicals

 

252 

 

226

 

112.2 

 

115.5

 

2,247

 

1,950

   Metals/construction

 

252 

 

214

 

206.8 

 

205.8

 

1,222

 

1,042

   Agr./consumer prod./govt.

 

203 

 

179

 

140.4 

 

141.8

 

1,440

 

1,264

   Paper/clay/forest

 

202 

 

177

 

114.6 

 

114.6

 

1,766

 

1,546

General merchandise

 

1,138 

 

1,006

 

713.1 

 

717.1

 

1,596

 

1,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intermodal

 

471 

 

404

 

827.4 

 

759.4

 

569

 

532

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Total

$

2,155 

$

1,857

 

1,992.3 

 

1,904.7

$

1,082

$

975

First Nine Months

First Quarter

Revenues

Carloads

Revenue per Unit

Revenues

Units

Revenue per Unit

2005

2004

2005

2004

2005

2004

2006

2005

2006

2005

2006

2005

($ in millions)

(in thousands)

($ per unit)

($ in millions)

(in thousands)

($ per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

$

1,591

$

1,269

 

1,311.7

 

1,261.6

$

1,213

$

1,006

$

559

$

467

 

435.7

 

420.6

$

1,282

$

1,111

General merchandise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Automotive

 

743

 

710

 

462.3

 

476.5

 

1,607

 

1,490

 

262

 

251

 

154.2

 

159.2

 

1,697

 

1,579

Metals/construction

 

279

 

224

 

208.6

 

185.8

 

1,341

 

1,206

Chemicals

 

728

 

643

 

341.0

 

338.0

 

2,136

 

1,902

 

256

 

231

 

105.4

 

112.1

 

2,428

 

2,058

Metals/construction

 

719

 

606

 

595.0

 

586.8

 

1,209

 

1,033

Agr./consumer prod./govt.

 

596

 

537

 

433.0

 

423.2

 

1,375

 

1,269

 

267

 

193

 

151.8

 

145.5

 

1,759

 

1,323

Paper/clay/forest

 

586

 

502

 

344.4

 

335.2

 

1,701

 

1,499

 

214

 

187

 

118.4

 

113.4

 

1,806

 

1,650

General merchandise

 

3,372

 

2,998

 

2,175.7

 

2,159.7

 

1,550

 

1,388

 

1,278

 

1,086

 

738.4

 

716.0

 

1,731

 

1,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intermodal

 

1,307

 

1,096

 

2,315.9

 

2,115.6

 

564

 

518

 

466

 

408

 

783.1

 

726.5

 

595

 

561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

$

6,270

$

5,363

 

5,803.3

 

5,536.9

$

1,080

$

969

$

2,303

$

1,961

 

1,957.2

 

1,863.1

$

1,176

$

1,053

 

Coal

 

Coal revenues increased $99$92 million, or 22%, in the third quarter and $322 million, or 25%20%, in the first nine months,quarter, compared with the same periodsperiod last year.   Both increases reflectedyear, reflecting higher average revenue per car loadcarload and increased traffic volume.   Coal average revenue per carload was up 16% in the third quarter and 21% for the first nine months,15%, reflecting higher rates the favorable effects ofand increased fuel surcharges and, for the year-to-date, the rate cases settled in the second quarter (see discussion below).   Volumes increased 6% in the quarter andsurcharges.   Carloads rose 4% for the first nine months,, primarily because of increaseda 7% increase in shipments of utility coal.   Utility coal, shipments increased 12% in the quarter and 6% for the first nine months reflecting increasedwhich reflected higher demand for coal-fired electricity generation in response to high, volatileas natural gas prices as well as the shut down for maintenance of four nuclear power plants in NS' service region.   Export coal volume decreased 19% in the quarterremained relatively high and 5% for the first nine months reflecting coal supply constraints principally caused by the sporadic closure of a coal mine and a weakened European steel market.utilities continued to replenish stockpiles.   Domestic metallurgical coal, coke and iron ore volume increased 8% primarily due to higher demand for metallurgical coal, including shipments from a new coking plant that opened in April 2005 and increased coke shipments.   Export coal volume decreased 6% in the third quarter21% reflecting weaker European, Middle Eastern and was relatively flatJapanese markets and coal buyers’ anticipation that coal prices will be lower for the first nine months dueupcoming export year (April 1, 2006 to reduced demand for iron ore and coke caused by the closure of a blast furnace at an NS-served steel plant.  

During the second quarter, NS entered into settlement agreements with two utility customers that resolved their rail transportation rate cases before the Surface Transportation Board (STB)March 31, 2007).     In 2002, Duke Energy (Duke) and Carolina Power & Light (CP&L) each filed rate reasonableness complaints with the STB.   In October 2004, the STB found NS' rates to be reasonable in both cases, and at the STB's invitation, Duke and CP&L each initiated proceedings to determine if phasing constraints should apply.   As a result of the settlement of these cases, NS recognized $55 million of additional coal revenue related to the period in dispute and which, net of associated compensation expenses and income taxes, increased second-quarter net income by $24 million, or 6 cents per diluted share.

 

Coal revenues are expected to remain strong for the rest of the year,continue to benefit from higher average revenues and increased volumes, reflecting higher utility coal demand as utilities replenish lower than normal stockpilesstockpiles.   Export coal is expected to recover over the upcoming export year as coal contracts are settled.

 

General Merchandise

 

General merchandise revenues increased $132$192 million, or 13%, in the third quarter and $374 million, or 12%18%, in the first nine months,quarter, compared with the same periodsperiod last year.   Both increases reflectedyear, a result of higher a verageaverage revenue per carload whichand increased 14% in the third quarter and 12% in the first nine months, as alltraffic volume.   All market groups posted higher average revenues driven by increased rates and fuel surcharges.   Traffic volume declined 1% forrose 3%, reflecting improved volumes in all but the third quarter, but increased 1% for the nine-month period reflecting a softening in the industrial production sector.automotive and chemicals groups.   Metals and construction volume was flat for the quarter,up 12%, principally due to reduced production athigher import slab business to NS-served steel mills, but increased 1%more scrap metal shipments and robust nonresidential construction increasing demand for the year-to-date.sand, gravel and cement.   Agriculture, consumer products and government volume decreased 1% forincreased 4%, principally due to higher government and sweetener traffic.   Ethanol traffic grew 78% with increased shipments from existing customers and new business in the quarter, but increased 2% for the first nine months.   The quarter reflected lower wheat, military and soybean shipments that offset increased sweetener and fertilizer shipments.   The first nine months reflected higher shipments of sweeteners, soybeans, fertilizers and feed.Southeast.   Paper, clay and forest traffic volume was flat for the quarter, but rose 3% for the first nine months, benefiting from increased shipments of pulpboard.4% driven largely by higher solid waste and debris traffic.   Chemicals traffic volume decreased 6%, reflecting reduced chemical plant production and the closure of several plants on NS lines.   Automotive volumes declined 3% for the quarter reflecting lower demand for raw materials, but increased 1% for the year-to-date.   Automotive volumes were flat for the quarter but declined 3% for the first nine months due to lower production byat Ford and General Motors plants served by NS, partially offset by plant expansions forincreased production at Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota ..plants served by NS.

 

General merchandise revenues for the rest of the year are expected to continue to compare favorably with the prior year.   In addition, NS expects recovery effortsyear reflecting higher average revenues and the resumption of economic activity in the Gulf Coast region to have a favorable effect on revenues during the fourth quarter.modestly higher volumes.

 

Intermodal

 

Intermodal revenues increased $67$58 million, or 17%, in the third quarter and $211 million, or 19%,14% in the first nine months,quarter, compared with the same periodsperiod last year.   Both increases reflectedyear, reflecting improved traffic volume and higher fuel surcharges, and increased revenue per unit.surcharges.   Traffic volume increased 9% in the third quarter and 9% in the first nine monthsrose 8%, reflecting strength in the International Truckload and Triple Crown ServicesTruckload lines of business ..   International traffic volume grew by 16% in the quarter androse 15% for the first nine months,, reflecting strength in U.S. consumer markets and growth in the movement ofincreased import goods from Asia, primarily China , and export goods through both NS-served East Coast and West Coasteast coast ports, as well as west coast ports.   Truckload volume increased 15%14%, reflecting growth in the quarter and 12% for the first nine months compared with last year, reflecting additional business with traditional truckload companies.   Premium business grew 5% as increased parcel traffic more than offset declines in less-than-truckload shipments.   Triple Crown Services Company volume grew 6% for2%, reflecting growth in general consumer products that offset declines in automotive-related shipments.   Domestic volume declined 8% compared with 2005 reflecting the quarter and 8% for the first nine months, reflecting expanded geographic coverage and increased trailer fleet size to meet higher demand.decrease of transloading international freight into domestic containers.   Intermodal revenue per unit increased 7% for the quarter, and 9% for the first nine months,6%, principally a result of higher fuel surcharges, as well as increased rates and rate increases.longer-haul international traffic.

 

Intermodal revenues are expected to continue to show growth during 2005,2006, provided the retail and manufacturing sectors continue to expand despite increased energy costs.   Future growth may, however, be tempered by operating improvements at other railroads.

 


Railway Operating Expenses

 

Third-quarterFirst-quarter railway operating expenses were $1.6$1.8 billion in 2005,2006, up $239$194 million, or 17%12%, compared with last year.   For the first nine months, expenses were $4.7 billion, up $624 million, or 15%.   For both periods, mostMost of the increase was the result of higher compensation and benefits costs, increased diesel fuel prices expenses related to increased volume, an unfavorable jury verdict received in a FELA case, and for the year-to-date, the Graniteville derailment (see Note 9).volume-related increases.

 


Compensation and benefits expenses increased $59$117 million, or 10%19%, in the third quarter and $177 million, or 11%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periodsperiod last year.   Both periods reflected higher volume-related payrollThe increase reflected:

·          effects from Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment,” (see Note 1) including train and engineer trainee costs, maintenance and repair activities (up $17$27 million for the quarterimmediate expensing of awards granted to retirement-eligible employees (which does not include officers subject to mandatory retirement during the quarter) and $63$4 million for the first nine months),stock options granted to nonretirement-eligible employees;

·          increased wage rates (up $12 million for the quarter and $35 million for the first nine months), higher stock-based compensation (up $17 millionresulting from the rise in NS’ share price ($14 million);

·          retirement agreements and waiver agreements as reflected on Forms 8-K filed on Jan. 27, 2006, and March 31, 2006, with two former executives ($13 million);

·          higher expenses for performance-based incentive compensation ($13 million);

·          the quarter and $18 million for the first nine months), increased pension, postretirement and health and welfare benefit costs (up $11 million for the quarter and $29 million for the first nine months) and higher payroll taxes (up $1 million for the quarter and $12 million for the first nine months).   NS currently accounts for its stock-based compensationcost under APB 25 (see Note 1); however, NS expects to be required to adopt SFAS 123(R) of the regular annual stock-based grant to former Chief Executive Officer who retired in the first quarter of 2006 (see "New Accounting Pronouncement" below).   NS continues to hire($11 million);

·          increased costs for medical benefits for active and train additional workers in order to meet the requirements of forecasted volumes in light of the demographics of its work force.retired employees ($9 million);

·          higher payroll taxes ($8 million);

·          increased wage rates ($6 million); and

·          more hours for train-service employees ($6 million).

 

Materials, services and rents increased $51$35 million, or 12%8%, in the third quartercompared with last year.   The increase was due to higher volume-related purchased services ($19 million), maintenance expenses ($10 million) and $179e quipment rents ($8 million).

Depreciation expense decreased $10 million, or 15%5%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periodsperiod last year.   Both periods reflected increased volume-related purchased services (up $14 million foryear, reflecting the quarterresults of a recently completed equipment depreciation study and $60 million foran analysis of the first nine months) and higher maintenance expenses, primarily for locomotive and freight car repair (up $26 million for the quarter and $59 million for the first nine months) ..   Equipment rents were up $3 million for the quarter and $28 million for the first nine months, reflecting higher traffic volume as well as leases fromassets received in the Conrail Corporate Reorganization.

Conrail rents and services decreased $48 million, or 61%, in   This reduction is expected to continue for the third quarter and $185 million, or 66%, in the first nine months, due to the effectsremainder of the Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2), which resulted in the consolidated reporting of individual components of Conrail equity earnings, principally depreciation, equipment rents and interest expense.   NS' share of equity earnings of Conrail is now included in "Other income - net."

Depreciation expense increased $45 million, or 30%, in the third quarter and $173 million, or 42%, in the first nine months, principally due to reporting effects resulting from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization.year.

 

Diesel fuel expense increased $91$81 million, or 93%54%, in the third quarter and $190 million, or 61%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periods last year, reflecting higher average prices (up 52% for the quarter26%) and 47% for the first nine months) and slightly higher consumption (up 3% for both periods).less hedge benefits.   Expenses reflected hedging program benefits of $41 million and $121$15 million in the thirdfirst quarter and first nine months of 2005,2006, compared with benefits of $41 million and $90$40 million for the same periods of 2004, respectively.   Third quarter represented an inflection point for diesel fuel hedge benefits during this period of rising prices as the benefit for September 2005 was lower than in September 2004.2005.   No new hedges have been entered into since May of 2004.   Accordingly, if diesel fuel prices remain at their current levels, or increase further, diesel fuel expense2004, and the last remaining contracts will be higher going forward.   (See Note 3 forsettle in the percentagesecond quarter of estimated future diesel fuel consumption hedged.)this year, bringing an end to the benefits from the program.   Legislation enacted in the first quarter repealsof 2005 repealed the 4.3 cents per gallon excise tax on railroad diesel fuel and inland waterway fuel by 2007, with the following phased reductions in 2005 and 2006:   by   1 cent per gallon from Jan. 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005; 2 cents per gallon from July 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2006; and by the full 4.3 cents thereafter.   NS consumes approximatelyover 500 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.

 

Casualties and other claims expense increased $28decreased $25 million, or 90%32%, incompared with last year.   The decrease reflected the third quarterabsence of the costs incurred last year for the Graniteville derailment partially offset by increased lading and $68 million, or 62%,equipment damage associated with derailments in the first nine months, compared with the same periods last year.   The increases reflected $16 million for an unfavorable jury verdict received in a FELA case in the third quarter higher insurance costs (up $4 million for the quarter and $13 million for the first nine months) and $4 million for the portion of the $12.5 million self-insured retention related to Hurricane Katrina expenses.   The year-to-date expense also includes costs associated with the Graniteville derailment (see Note 9).   For the remainder of the year, NS expects to incur about $2 million of additional Graniteville-related costs, which includes higher insurance expenses.

Other expense increased $13 million, or 27%, in the third quarter, and $22 million, or 13%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periods of last year.   The increases for both periods were largely the result of  higher property and sales and use taxes.2006.  

 

Other Income - Net

 

Other income - net decreased $8 million in the third quarter and $7increased $33 million in the first nine months of 2005,quarter, compared with the same periods of 2004, which included the $53 million net noncash gain from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2).   Both periods also reflected (1) lower interest accruals related to tax liabilities (down $16 million for the quarter and $11 million for the first nine months) largely because of a favorable adjustment related to the recent settlement of a federal audit cycle, (2) equity in earnings of Conrail subsequent to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization and which benefited from a favorable settlement of a federal audit cycle ($12 million for the quarter and $26 million for the first nine months), (3) higher interest income ($7 million and $18 million respectively), and (4) more coal royalties ($3 million and $10 million respectively), that were partially offset by more expense associated with tax credit investments--$1 million for the quarter and $41 million for the first nine months, which reflects a full period of expenses related to an investment entered into in May 2004.   The year-to-date also benefited from more2005, principally due to: (1) larger gains on the sale of property and investments which were up $12 million.($12 million), (2) greater interest income ($10 million), and (3) lower expense associated with tax credit investments ($9 million) — see discussion immediately following and under the heading “Provision for Income Taxes,” below.

 

NS has membership interests in companies that own and operate facilities that produce synthetic fuel from coal.   The production of synthetic fuel results in tax credits as well as expenses related to the investments.   The expenses are recorded as a component of "Other“Other income - net," and the tax credits, as well as tax benefits related to the expenses, are reflected in the provision for income taxes.

 


Provision for Income Taxes

 

The third-quarterfirst quarter effective income tax rate was 31.7%34.5% in 2005,2006, compared with 25.8%30.0% last year.   For the first nine months, the effective rate was 23.0% in 2005, compared with 28.9% in 2004.   The third quarter and first nine months 2004 rates were reduced by the $53 million net gain from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization.   The effective rate for both quarters was reduced for synthetic fuel related investments.   The decline in the effective rate for the first nine months of 2005increase was largely the result of the $96 million benefit associated with the Ohioa reduction in tax legislation enacted in June and thecredits from synthetic fuel-relatedfuel related investments.  As a result of the 2004 Conrail Corporate Reorganization, the 2005 effective income tax rate is no longer significantly affected by NS' equity in Conrail's after-tax earnings.   See Note 5 for the reconciliation of statutory rate to effective rate for all periods.   NS expects its full year effective tax rate to be approximately 25% including the effects of the Ohio legislation.

 

The consolidated federal income tax returns for 2002 through 2003 are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The IRS completed its examination of the 2000 and 2001 consolidated federal income tax returns and issued a Revenue Agent's Report (RAR) in September 2005.   The results of the RAR had a negligible effect on the effective tax rate.

NS'NS’ interests in synthetic fuel credits are subject to reduction if the Reference Price of a barrel of oil for the year falls within an inflation-adjusted phase-out range specified by the tax code.   The Reference Price for a year is the annual average wellhead price per barrel of unregulated domestic crude oil determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by April 1 of the following year.   In 2004,2005, the phase-out range was $51.35$53.20 to $64.47.   The$66.79, and the phase-out range is adjusted annually for 2005 and later years will be adjusted for inflation; however, a phase out is not considered likely in 2005.

inflation.   While NS cannot predict with certainty the Reference Price of a barrel of oil for 2005 and later years.   If2006, based on actual oil prices during the Reference Price for a year exceeds the applicablefirst three months, as well as forward curve prices through December 2006, an estimated 45% phase-out range for that year, NS'of synthetic fuel credits could beis likely in 2006.   As a result, the tax credits in the provision for incomes taxes were reduced or eliminated.   However, an indemnification arrangement substantially limits NS'to reflect this estimate.   Likewise, expenses on synthetic fuel related investments, recorded as a component of “Other income-net,” decreased to reflect the reduction in tax credits due to the phase-out.   Indemnification arrangements limit NS’ exposure if tax credits are reduced due to oil prices.

The consolidated federal income tax returns for the 2002 and 2003 years are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The IRS examination for these years is expected to be completed in the second half of 2006.

 

 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

Cash provided by operating activities, NS' principal source of liquidity, was $1.6 billion$510 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2005,2006, compared with $1.2 billion$408 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2004.2005.   The improvement primarily reflected the $283$148 million increase in income from railway operations as well as the effects of the Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2) offset in part by higher income tax payments, including a payment made upon settlement of a federal audit cycle.   Prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, a significant portion of the payments made to PRR under the operating and lease agreements (which were included in "Conrail Rents and Services" and, therefore, were a use of cash in "Cash provided by operating activities"), was borrowed back from a subsidiary of PRR under a note due in 2032, and therefore, was a source of cash in "Proceeds from borrowings."   This note was effectively extinguished by the reorganization in 2004.   Subsequent to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, payments under "Conrail rents and services" have declined, depreciation charges have increased and the net borrowings have been terminated.   Accordingly, NS' cash provided by operating activities after the Conrail Corporate Reorganization has increased.   NS' net cash flow from these borrowings amounted to $118 million in the first nine months of 2004.operations.

 

NS had working capital of $454$983 million at Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, compared with a working capital deficit of $234$729 million at Dec. 31, 2004 ..2005.   The improvement reflected higherprimarily greater cash provided by operating activities, as well as a $349 million reduction in current maturities of long-term debt.activities.   NS’ cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances totaled $1.5 billion at March 31, 2006.   NS expects that cash on hand combined with cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its ongoing obligations.   This expectation is based on a view that the economy will continue at a moderate growth rate through 2005 and into 2006.

Except as disclosed herein in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements or elsewhere in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, there   There have been no material changes to the contractual obligations disclosure contained in NS'NS’ Dec. 31, 2004,2005, Form 10-K.   In addition, NS did not renew its accounts receivable securitization program which expired in May 2005 and which was NS' only off balance sheet arrangement at year end 2004.

 

Cash used for investing activities was $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2005, compared with $872$291 million in the first nine monthsquarter of 2004.2006, compared with $227 million in the first quarter of 2005.   The increase was principally the result of higher purchases of short-term investments partially offset by lower property additions.

Capital expenditures for the full year 20052006 are expected to be at about the same level as 2004approximately $1.2 billion, and are expectedNS expects to include about $30 million related to rebuilding properties destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, most of which will be covered by insurance.   During the first quarter, NS made additional commitments of approximately $84 million to purchase locomotives and other equipment in 2005 (see Note 9).   Even with this level of spending, it is likely that NS will make all of its capital expenditures with internally generated funds.   In addition, investing activities

On Dec. 2, 2005, NS announced an agreement to form a joint venture with Kansas City Southern pursuant to which NS intends to contribute $300 million in 2005 reflect NS'cash, substantially all of which will be used for capital improvements over a period of approximately four years, in exchange for a 30% interest in the joint venture. Kansas City Southern will contribute a 320 mile rail line between Meridian , Mississippi and Shreveport , Louisiana (the “Meridian Speedway”).   Closing of the transaction was conditioned on the receipt of the necessary authority from the Surface Transportation Board, which has now been obtained.   Accordingly, NS and Kansas City Southern intend to consummate the transaction in the second quarter of 2006.   Once consummated, NS expects to recognize its pro rata share of the joint venture’s earnings or loss as required under the equity method of accounting.   The transaction is expected to be modestly dilutive in the early years of the venture due to lost interest income on the cash contributed to the joint venture.   However, NS expects that the dilution from the lost interest income will be offset from additional traffic as the investment in synthetic fuel-related investments.  is made and improvements are completed.   The joint venture is expected to increase capacity and improve service on the Meridian Speedway.

 

Cash used forprovided by financing activities was $558$18 million in the first nine months of 2005,quarter, compared with $255cash provided by financing activities of $216 million in the same period of 2004.   In2005, which included the first quarter, NS issued aMarch 2005 issuance of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due March 2105, and2105.   Financing activities in the second quarter, NS issued $7172006 included $132 million of unsecured notes ($350 million at 5.64% due 2029proceeds and $367 million at 5.59% due 2025) and paid $218$51 million of premium in exchange for $717 milliontax benefits from employee’s exercise of its previously issued unsecured notes ($350 million at 7.8% due 2027, $200 million at 7.25% due 2031, and $167 million at 9.0% due 2021)stock options (see Note 6)1 for options outstanding at March 31, 2006).   The $218Financing activities in 2006 also included $67 million cash premium payment is reflectedfor the purchase and retirement of common stock as a reductionpart of debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows and will be amortized as additional interest expense over the terms of the new debt.   NS'NS’ ongoing share repurchase program (see Note 7).   NS’ debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 43.8%41.5% at Sept. 30, 2005 ,March 31, 2006, and 48.5%42.7% at Dec. 31, 2004 ..   On July 18, 2005 , Standard & Poor's upgraded its ratings on NS' secured debt from BBB to BBB+.   Moody's rating remains at Baa1.2005.

 

NS currently has in place and available a $1 billion, five-year credit agreement with three years remaining which provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes financial covenants.   There were no amounts outstanding under this facility at Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , and NS is in compliance with all of the financial covenants.   NS also has in place a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in September 2004 with $700 million of available capacity.

 

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period.   These estimates and assumptions may require significant judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are likely to occur that may require management to change them.   Accordingly, management regularly reviews these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment and other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.   Management discusses the development, selection and disclosures concerning critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors.   Except as disclosed herein in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements or elsewhere in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, thereThere have been no significant changes to the Application of Critical Accounting Estimates disclosure contained in NS'NS’ Form 10‑K as of Dec. 31, 2004 ..2005.

 
 
OTHER MATTERS

 

Labor Agreements

 

Approximately 26,000, or about 85%, of NS' railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.   These agreements remain in effect until changed pursuant to the Railway Labor Act.Act (RLA).   NS largely bargains in concert with other major railroads.   Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and the unions may propose labor agreement changes.  

NS has now reached agreements with all of its unions to settle theThe current bargaining round that began in late 1999.   On or after November 1, 2004 , the railroads and the rail labor unions served new proposals to begin the next bargaining round.2004.   Industry issues include train crew staffing, contracting out and employee contributions for health care benefits.

Seven rail unions (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, American Train Dispatchers Association, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Boilermakers, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, and Sheet Metal Workers International Association) are bargaining together under the auspices of the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC).   The railroads have filed for mediation with the United Transportation Union (UTU) and with the RLBC unions.   The status quo is preserved during mediation while a federal mediator assists the parties in their efforts to reach agreement.    If the National Mediation Board, a federal agency, were to terminate mediation, it would, at that time, propose that the parties arbitrate their differences.   A strike could occur 30 days thereafter if the parties did not accept arbitration.   However, the President of the United States of America could then appoint an Emergency Board which would delay any strike for a further 60 days while the Board made recommendations and the parties engaged in further negotiations.   The outcome of the negotiations cannot be determined at this point.

Market Risks and Hedging Activities

 

NS useshas used derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk of volatility in its diesel fuel costs and to manage its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

 

In 2001, NS began a program to hedge a portion of its diesel fuel consumption.   The intent of the diesel fuel hedging program iswas to assist in the management of NS' aggregate risk exposure to fuel price fluctuations, which can significantly affect NS' operating margins and profitability, through the use of one or more types of derivative instruments.   Diesel fuel costs represented 12%No new hedges have been entered into since May of NS' operating expenses for2004, and the thirdlast remaining contracts will settle in the second quarter of 2005 and 11% forthis year, bringing an end to the first nine months. The program provides that NS will not enter into any fuel hedges with a duration of more than 36 months, and that no more than 80% of NS' average monthly fuel consumption will be hedged for any month within any 36-month period.

As of Sept. 30, 2005 , through swap transactions, NS has hedged approximately 22% of remaining expected 2005 diesel fuel requirements.   The effect ofbenefits from the hedges is to yield an average cost of 87 cents per hedged gallon, including federal taxes and transportation.   A 10% decrease in diesel fuel prices would reduce NS'program.   NS’ asset related to the swaps by approximately $11remaining hedges amounted to $4 million as of Sept. 30, 2005 ..at Mar. 31, 2006.

 

NS manages its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by issuing both fixed- and floating-rate debt instruments, and by entering into interest-rate hedging transactions to achieve an appropriate mix within its debt portfolio.

 

At Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , NS' debt subject to interest rate fluctuations totaled $292$260 million.   A 1% increase in interest rates would increase NS' total annual interest expense related to all its variable debt by approximately $3 million.   Management considers it unlikely that interest rate fluctuations applicable to these instruments will result in a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Some of NS' capital leases, which carry an average fixed rate of 7%, were effectively converted to variable rate obligations using interest rate swap agreements.   On Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , the average pay rate under these agreements was 4%5%, and the average receive rate was 7%.   The effect of the swaps was to reduce interest expense by less thanabout $1 million in the third quarter and $2 million foreach of the first nine monthsquarters of 2005, compared with reductions of $1 million2006 and $5 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2004.2005.   A portion of the lease obligations is payable in Japanese yen.   NS eliminated the associated exchange rate risk at the inception of each lease with a yen deposit sufficient to fund the yen-denominated obligation.   Most of these deposits are held by foreign banks, primarily Japanese.   As a result, NS is exposed to financial market risk relative to Japan ..   Counterparties to the interest rate swaps and Japanese banks holding yen deposits are major financial institutions believed by management to be creditworthy.

 

Environmental Matters

 

NS is subject to various jurisdictions' environmental laws and regulations.   It is NS' policy to record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.   Claims, if any, against third parties for recovery of cleanup costs incurred by NS are reflected as receivables (when collection is probable) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are not netted against the associated NS liability.   Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.   NS also has an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret its environmental policy.

 

NS' Consolidated Balance Sheets included liabilities for environmental exposures in the amount of $60$58 million at Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , and $64 million at Dec. 31, 20042005 , (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability inat the end of each period).   At Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 191182 known locations.   On that date, 1615 sites accounted for $30 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.   NS anticipates that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

 

At some of the 191182 locations, certain NS subsidiaries, usually in conjunction with a number of other parties, have been identified as potentially responsible parties by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or comparable state statutes, which often impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.

 

With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by NS or by the EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of NS' ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites are unavoidablynecessarily imprecise because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, 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 in NS' traffic mix, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, can pose special risks that NS and its subsidiaries work diligently to minimize.   In addition, several NS subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased or may have been 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 NS 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 condition, results of operations or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.

However, basedBased on an assessment of known facts and circumstances, management believes that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

New Accounting Pronouncement

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised)(R), Share-Based“Share-Based Payment.   This statement establishes standards for accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, such as stock-based compensation plans.   NS had expected to adopt this standard as required in the third quarter; however, the SEC in April 2005 issued a rule that allows companies to delay adoption, and as a result, NS expects to adoptadopted this standard as required in the first quarter 2006.   The statement applies to all awards granted after the effective date and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after that date.   Under SFAS 123(R), all new equity awards to retirement eligible employees are to be expensed immediately.   This requirement was not included in SFAS 123 and the pro forma calculation inof 2006 (see Note 1 did not include such treatment.   If the calculation had followed SFAS 123(R), NS would have experienced a larger pro forma expense in the quarter when the awards were issued.   As the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods will depend on the levels of future grants, the effect of adoption of this statement cannot be predicted with certainty.   However, had NS adopted this statement in prior periods, the effect of adoption on net income and earnings per share would have approximated the amounts shown in the pro forma information included in Note 1, except for the previously mentioned effect of awards made to retirement eligible employees.

Proposed Legislation and Regulations on Safety and Transportation of Hazardous Materials

Legislation introduced in Congress in early 2005 would give federal regulators increased authority to conduct investigations and levy substantial fines and penalties in connection with railroad accidents.   Federal regulators would also be required to prescribe new regulations governing railroads' transportation of hazardous materials.   If enacted, such legislation and regulations could impose significant additional costs on railroads including NS.   In addition, certain local governments have sought to enact ordinances banning hazardous materials moving by rail within their borders.   Some legislators have contemplated pre-notification requirements for hazardous material shipments.   If promulgated, such ordinances could require the re-routing of hazardous materials shipments, with the potential for significant additional costs and network inefficiencies.   Accordingly, NS will oppose efforts to impose unwarranted regulation in this area.1).

 

Inflation

 

In preparing financial statements, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require the use of historical cost that disregards the effects of inflation on the replacement cost of property.   NS, a capital-intensive company, has most of its capital invested in such 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

 

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and "project."   Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available.   However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by, a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: domestic and international economic conditions; the business environment in industries that produce and consume rail freight; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; fluctuation in prices or availability of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; legislative and regulatory developments; changes in securities and capital markets; disruptions to our technology infrastructure, including our computer systems; and natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes and floods.   For more discussion about each risk factor, see Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in NS’ Dec. 31, 2005, Form 10-K, and any updates contained herein.   Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results.   Nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.   The CompanyNS undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

 


Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.

 

The information required by this item is included in Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations" on page 2324 under the heading "Market Risks and Hedging Activities."

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Norfolk Southern'sSouthern’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of NS' disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended [the "Exchange Act"](the “Exchange Act”)) as of Sept. 30, 2005.March 31, 2006.   Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of Sept. 30, 2005March 31, 2006 , NS' disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to NS (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in NS' periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

 

(b) Changes in Internal ControlsControl.

 

During the thirdfirst quarter of 2005,2006, management has not identified any changes in NS' internal controlscontrol over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NS'NS’ internal controlscontrol over financial reporting.

 


PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of ProceedsProceeds.

 

ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

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

(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

July 1-31, 2005

  2,654(1)

$   37.69

- --

- --

Aug. 1-31, 2005

        --   

          --

- --

- --

Sept. 1-30, 2005

26,898 (1)

$  39.25

- --

- --

Total

29,552

$  39.11

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

(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)

 

 

Jan. 1-31, 2006

   16,661(1)

$48.30

- --

50,000,000

 

 

Feb. 1-28, 2006

   20,080(1)

$49.90

   314,200

49,685,800

 

 

March 1-31, 2006

   14,638(1)

$53.50

   995,800

48,690,000

 

 

Total

51,379

$50.41

 1,310,000

 

 

(1)     Shares tendered by an employeeemployees in connection with the exercise of stock options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.


(2)     On Nov. 22, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, pursuant to which up to 50 million shares of NS’ common stock may be purchased by 2015.

 

Item 6.   ExhibitsExhibits.

3(i)

The Restated Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001 ..

3(ii)

The Bylaws of Norfolk Southern Corporation, as amended July 26, 2005, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2005.

15

Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information.

31

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

32

Section 1350 Certifications

See Exhibit Index beginning on page 29 for a description of the exhibits filed as a part of this report.


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:

Oct.April 28, 20052006

/s/ Dezora M. Martin

 

 

 

Dezora M. Martin

 

 

Corporate Secretary (Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

Oct.April 28, 20052006

/s/ Marta R. Stewart

 

 

 

Marta R. Stewart

 

 

Vice President and Controller

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature)

 

 


Exhibit Index

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Electronic

3(i)

The Restated Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001.

 

Submission3(ii)

The Bylaws of Norfolk Southern Corporation, as amended Feb. 27, 2006, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2006.

 

Exhibit*10.1

The Retirement Agreement, dated Jan. 27, 2006, by and between Norfolk Southern Corporation and David R. Goode, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on Jan. 27, 2006.

 

Number*10.2

Description The Waiver Agreement, dated as of Jan. 27, 2006, by and between Norfolk Southern Corporation and David R. Goode is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on Jan. 27, 2006.

 

*10.3

Revised fees for outside directors are incorporated herein by reference to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on Jan. 27, 2006.

 

*10.4

The Retirement Agreement, dated March 28, 2006, by and between Norfolk Southern Corporation and L. Ike Prillaman, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2006.

*10.5

The Waiver Agreement, dated March 28, 2006, by and between Norfolk Southern Corporation and L. Ike Prillaman, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2006.

**15

Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information.

 

**31

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CertificationsCertifications.

 

**32

Section 1350 CertificationsCertifications.

 

 

  *          Management contract or compensatory agreement.

**          Filed herewith.