TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Part I. | Financial information: |
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| Item 1. | Financial statements: | |
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| | Consolidated Statements of Income | 3 |
| | Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 |
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| | Consolidated Balance Sheets | 4 |
| | June 30, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2004 | |
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| | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 5 |
| | Six Months Ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 |
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| | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6 |
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| | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 15 |
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| Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of | 16 |
| | Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures | |
| | About Market Risks | 25 |
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| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 25 |
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Part II. | Other Information: | |
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| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 25 |
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| Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 26 |
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| Item 6. | Exhibits | 27 |
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Signatures | | 28 |
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Exhibit Index | | 28 |
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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 | Six Months Ended |
| June 30, | June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| | | | | | | | |
Railway operating revenues: | | | | | | | | |
Coal | $ | 578 | $ | 424 | $ | 1,045 | $ | 822 |
General merchandise | | 1,148 | | 1,025 | | 2,234 | | 1,992 |
Intermodal | | 428 | | 364 | | 836 | | 692 |
Total railway operating revenues | | 2,154 | | 1,813 | | 4,115 | | 3,506 |
| | | | | | | | |
Railway operating expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 624 | | 565 | | 1,228 | | 1,110 |
Materials, services and rents | | 446 | | 389 | | 882 | | 754 |
Conrail rents and services (Note 2) | | 31 | | 101 | | 66 | | 203 |
Depreciation (Note 2) | | 194 | | 130 | | 387 | | 259 |
Diesel fuel | | 162 | | 106 | | 312 | | 213 |
Casualties and other claims (Note 9) | | 40 | | 38 | | 118 | | 78 |
Other | | 65 | | 59 | | 127 | | 118 |
Total railway operating expenses | | 1,562 | | 1,388 | | 3,120 | | 2,735 |
| | | | | | | | |
Income from railway operations | | 592 | | 425 | | 995 | | 771 |
| | | | | | | | |
Other income - net | | 9 | | - -- | | 11 | | 10 |
Interest expense on debt | | (126) | | (121) | | (254) | | (242) |
| | | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | | 475 | | 304 | | 752 | | 539 |
| | | | | | | | |
Provision for income taxes (Note 5) | | 51 | | 91 | | 134 | | 168 |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 424 | $ | 213 | $ | 618 | $ | 371 |
| | | | | | | | |
Per share amounts (Note 7): | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 0.95 |
Diluted | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.51 | $ | 0.94 |
| | | | | | | | |
Dividends | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.16 |
| | | | | | | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. |
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in millions)
(Unaudited)
| June 30, | Dec. 31, |
| 2005 | 2004 |
Assets | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 431 | $ | 467 |
Short-term investments | | 184 | | 202 |
Accounts receivable, net (Note 9) | | 885 | | 767 |
Materials and supplies | | 125 | | 104 |
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | | 176 | | 187 |
Other current assets | | 169 | | 240 |
Total current assets | | 1,970 | | 1,967 |
| | | | |
Investments (Note 2) | | 1,556 | | 1,499 |
Properties less accumulated depreciation | | 20,471 | | 20,526 |
Other assets (Note 9) | | 910 | | 758 |
Total assets | $ | 24,907 | $ | 24,750 |
| | | | |
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | |
Accounts payable (Note 9) | $ | 1,065 | $ | 1,090 |
Income and other taxes | | 208 | | 210 |
Other current liabilities | | 232 | | 239 |
Current maturities of long-term debt | | 115 | | 662 |
Total current liabilities | | 1,620 | | 2,201 |
| | | | |
Long-term debt (Note 6) | | 6,877 | | 6,863 |
Other liabilities (Note 9) | | 1,298 | | 1,146 |
Deferred income taxes (Note 5) | | 6,491 | | 6,550 |
Total liabilities | | 16,286 | | 16,760 |
| | | | |
Stockholders' equity: | | | | |
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 | | | | |
shares authorized; issued 425,442,180 and | | | | |
421,346,107 shares, respectively | | 426 | | 421 |
Additional paid-in capital | | 840 | | 728 |
Unearned restricted stock (Note 1) | | (23) | | (8) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 8) | | (25) | | (24) |
Retained income | | 7,423 | | 6,893 |
Less treasury stock at cost, 20,907,125 shares | | (20) | | (20) |
Total stockholders' equity | | 8,621 | | 7,990 |
| | | | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 24,907 | $ | 24,750 |
| | | | |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. |
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
($ in millions)
(Unaudited)
| Six Months Ended |
| June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 |
Cash flows from operating activities | | | | |
Net income | $ | 618 | $ | 371 |
Reconciliation of net income to net cash | | | | |
provided by operating activities: | | | | |
Depreciation | | 393 | | 265 |
Deferred income taxes | | (47) | | 88 |
Equity in earnings of Conrail | | (14) | | (32) |
Gains on properties and investments | | (20) | | (6) |
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations: | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | (48) | | (87) |
Materials and supplies | | (21) | | (8) |
Other current assets | | 76 | | 45 |
Current liabilities other than debt | | (79) | | (1) |
Other - net | | 2 | | (9) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | 860 | | 626 |
| | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities | | | | |
Property additions | | (357) | | (412) |
Property sales and other transactions | | 35 | | 16 |
Investments, including short-term | | (427) | | (51) |
Investment sales and other transactions | | 364 | | 4 |
Net cash used for investing activities | | (385) | | (443) |
| | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | | | |
Dividends | | (88) | | (63) |
Common stock issued - net | | 72 | | 29 |
Proceeds from borrowings | | 332 | | 141 |
Debt repayments | | (827) | | (371) |
Net cash used for financing activities | | (511) | | (264) |
| | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | (36) | | (81) |
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Cash and cash equivalents | | | | |
At beginning of year | | 467 | | 284 |
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At end of period | $ | 431 | $ | 203 |
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Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | |
Interest (net of amounts capitalized) | $ | 248 | $ | 241 |
Income taxes (net of refunds) | $ | 138 | $ | 51 |
| | | | |
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 June 30, 2005, its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, 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' latest Annual Report on Form 10‑K.
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to current presentation. Specifically, $112 million of auction rate securities held at Dec. 31, 2004 , previously classified as cash equivalents have been reclassified as short-term investments. These securities 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 $34.10, which was the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant. The options have a term of ten years, but may not be exercised prior to the third anniversary of the date of grant. PSUs granted totaled 1,344,400 and will be awarded based on achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle. One-half of any PSUs earned will be paid in the form of shares of Common Stock with the other half to be paid in cash. Restricted shares granted totaled 576,240 and have a five-year vesting and restriction period unless certain predetermined stock performance goals are met at the end of three years, in which case the shares become fully vested and the restrictions are lifted.
NS applies the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans. As a result, the grants of PSUs and restricted shares resulted in charges to net income, while the stock-option grant did not result in a charge to net income. The portion of the restricted stock that has not yet been earned is shown as a reduction of stockholders' equity on NS' Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if NS had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to stock-based employee compensation:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended |
| June 30, | June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| ($ in millions, except per share) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income, as reported | $ | 424 | $ | 213 | $ | 618 | $ | 371 |
Add: Stock-based employee compensation | | | | | | | | |
expense included in reported net income, | | | | | | | | |
net of related tax effects | | 4 | | 9 | | 11 | | 11 |
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation | | | | | | | | |
expense determined under fair value method, | | | | | | | | |
net of related tax effects | | (4) | | (12) | | (12) | | (19) |
Pro forma net income | $ | 424 | $ | 210 | $ | 617 | $ | 363 |
| | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share: | | | | | | | | |
As reported | | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 0.95 |
Diluted | $ | 1.04 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.51 | $ | 0.94 |
| | | | | | | | |
Pro forma | | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 1.05 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 1.53 | $ | 0.93 |
Diluted | $ | 1.03 | $ | 0.53 | $ | 1.50 | $ | 0.92 |
2. Investments
| June 30, 2005 | | Dec. 31, 2004 |
| ($ in millions) |
| | | |
Investment in Conrail Inc. | $ 819 | | $ 805 |
Other equity method investments | 321 | | 313 |
Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value | 280 | | 254 |
Other investments | 136 | | 127 |
Total investments | $ 1,556 | | $ 1,499 |
Investment in Conrail
Through a limited liability company, 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, CSX 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 operate certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of NSR and 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) expenses for amounts due to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas. NS' equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, after the reorganization is included in "Other income - net."
"Accounts payable" includes $89 million at June 30, 2005 , and $78 million at Dec. 31, 2004 , due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas. In addition, "Other liabilities" includes a $32 million long-term advance from Conrail, maturing 2035, entered into in the first quarter of 2005 that bears interest at 4.5%.
Prior to the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, a significant portion 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 $81 million in the first six months of 2004.
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
NS hedged a significant portion of its diesel fuel consumption although the percentage of diesel fuel hedged has been declining. The intent of the hedges is 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 in order 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.
Following is a summary of NS' diesel fuel swaps:
| | Second Quarter | |
| | | 2005 | 2004 |
| Number of swaps entered into during the second quarter | | - -- | 48 |
| Approximate number of gallons hedged (millions) | | - -- | 65 |
| Approximate average price per gallon of Nymex | | | |
| No. 2 heating oil | | n/a | $0.91 |
| | | | |
| | Remainder of | |
| | | 2005 | 2006 |
| Percent of estimated future diesel fuel consumption covered as of June 30, 2005 | | 27% | 4% |
| | | | | | | |
Hedges are entered into periodically by competitive bid among selected counterparties; however, no hedges have been placed since May 2004. The goal of this hedging strategy is to average fuel costs over an extended period of time while minimizing the incremental cost of hedging. 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. After taking into account the effect of the hedges, diesel fuel costs represented 10% and 8% of NS' operating expenses in the second quarters of 2005 and 2004, respectively.
NS' fuel hedging activity resulted in net decreases in diesel fuel expense of $40 million for second quarter 2005 and $80 million for the first six months, compared with $26 million and $49 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2004. 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 $2 million expense in the second quarter of 2005 compared with less than a $1 million benefit in 2004, and a $3 million expense in the first six months of 2005 compared with a $3 million benefit in 2004.
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. NS had $133 million and $151 million, or about 2%, of its fixed rate debt portfolio hedged at June 30, 2005 , and Dec. 31, 2004 , respectively, using interest rate swaps that qualify for and are designated as fair-value hedge transactions. NS' interest rate hedging activity resulted in decreases in interest expenses of $1 million and $2 million for second quarter 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $2 million and $4 million for the first six months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. 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 June 30, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2004 , 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 (pretax) of $79 million and $75 million at June 30, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2004, respectively, relating to an increase in the fair value of derivative fuel hedging transactions that will terminate within twelve months of the respective dates. Any future gain or loss actually realized will be based on the fair value of the derivative fuel hedges at the time of termination.
The asset and liability positions of NS' outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:
| June 30, | Dec. 31, |
| 2005 | 2004 |
| ($ in millions) |
Interest rate hedges | | | | |
Gross fair market asset position | $ | 6 | $ | 9 |
Gross fair market (liability) position | | - -- | | - -- |
Fuel hedges | | | | |
Gross fair market asset position | | 79 | | 81 |
Gross fair market (liability) position | | - -- | | - -- |
Total net asset position | $ | 85 | $ | 90 |
4. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salaried employees. NS 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's 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 June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits |
| ($ in millions) |
| | | | | | | | |
Service cost | $ | 5 | $ | 5 | $ | 4 | $ | 4 |
Interest cost | | 22 | | 23 | | 12 | | 11 |
Expected return on plan assets | | (37) | | (37) | | (3) | | (4) |
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | | - -- | | - -- | | (3) | | (3) |
Recognized net actuarial losses | | 4 | | - -- | | - -- | | - -- |
Amortization of unrecognized losses | | - -- | | - -- | | 4 | | 4 |
Net (benefit) cost | $ | (6) | $ | (9) | $ | 14 | $ | 12 |
| Six months ended June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| Pension Benefits | Other Benefits |
| ($ in millions) |
| | | | | | | | |
Service cost | $ | 11 | $ | 9 | $ | 8 | $ | 8 |
Interest cost | | 43 | | 45 | | 24 | | 22 |
Expected return on plan assets | | (75) | | (74) | | (6) | | (8) |
Amortization of prior service cost (benefit) | | 1 | | 1 | | (6) | | (6) |
Recognized net actuarial losses | | 8 | | 1 | | - -- | | - -- |
Amortization of unrecognized losses | | - -- | | - -- | | 9 | | 8 |
Net (benefit) cost | $ | (12) | $ | (18) | $ | 29 | $ | 24 |
Contributions for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
NS previously disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2004 , that it expected to contribute $7 million to its unfunded pension plans and $44 million to its other postretirement (medical and life insurance) benefit plans in 2005. For the six months ended June 30, 2005 , $3 million and $23 million of contributions have been made to its unfunded pension plans and its other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. NS presently anticipates contributing an additional $4 million to its unfunded pension plans for a total of $7 million and an additional $21 million to fund its other postretirement benefit plans in 2005 for a total of $44 million.
5. Income Taxes
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 new 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 June 30, 2005 , there is $700 million of available capacity for future issuance under this registration statement.
7. Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the number of weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended |
| June 30, | June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| (In millions) |
| | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average shares outstanding | | 403.2 | | 392.4 | | 402.5 | | 391.8 |
Dilutive effect of outstanding options, | | | | | | | | |
performance share units and restricted stock | | | | | | | | |
(as determined by the application of | | | | | | | | |
the treasury stock method) | | 6.6 | | 4.0 | | 7.4 | | 3.4 |
| | | | | | | | |
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | | 409.8 | | 396.4 | | 409.9 | | 395.2 |
The calculations exclude options whose exercise price exceeded the average market price of Common Stock for the period as follows: in 2005, 5 million in the second quarter and none in the first quarter, and in 2004, 15 million in the second quarter and 22 million in the first quarter. There are no adjustments to "Net income" for the diluted earnings per share computations.
8. Comprehensive Income
NS' total comprehensive income was as follows:
| Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended |
| June 30, | June 30, |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| ($ in millions) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 424 | $ | 213 | $ | 618 | $ | 371 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | (23) | �� | 16 | | (1) | | 23 |
| | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive income | $ | 401 | $ | 229 | $ | 617 | $ | 394 |
For NS, "Other comprehensive income (loss)" reflects primarily the fair value adjustments, net of tax, to certain derivative financial instruments.
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.
Casualty Claims
Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims. 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' Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads. FELA's fault-based system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault 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'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' 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' commercial insurance policies are expected to cover substantially all expenses related to this derailment above NS' self-insured retention, including NS' response costs and legal fees. Accordingly, the Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects a current and long-term receivable for estimated recoveries from NS' insurance carriers. Second quarter and the first six months 2005 expense include approximately $2 million and $37 million, respectively, related to this incident, which represents 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 six 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' 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 such liability is subject to inherent limitations given the difficulty of predicting such future events 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' history of claim filings, severity, payments and other pertinent facts. The liability is dependent upon management'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'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' 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' 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 $62 million at June 30, 2005 , and $64 million at Dec. 31, 2004 (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability in each period). At June 30, 2005 , the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 201 known locations. On that date, 16 sites accounted for $32 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 201 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' care, custody or control).
Purchase Commitments
As of June 30, 2005 , NSR had outstanding purchase commitments of approximately $475 million in connection with its 2005 and 2006 capital programs, including 102 locomotives in 2005 and 183 locomotives in 2006. In addition, Norfolk Southern has committed to purchase telecommunications services totaling $21 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 June 30, 2005 , the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004 and the related consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 and 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company'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.
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, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 28, 2005, 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, 2004 , 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
July 26, 2005
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
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Second-quarter net income was $424 million in 2005, compared with $213 million in 2004. The 2005 quarter includes a $96 million increase in net income related to state tax law changes and a $24 million increase related to the settlement of two coal rate cases. The remaining $91 million rise in net income was driven by higher income from railway operations. Railway operating revenues increased $341 million, or 19%, reflecting higher rates, increased fuel surcharges, higher traffic volume, and the rate case settlements. Railway operating expenses rose $174 million, or 13%, reflecting higher fuel prices, a 4% increase in traffic volume that was driven by an 8% rise in intermodal units, and increased maintenance and hiring activities.
For the first six months, net income was $618 million in 2005, compared with $371 million in 2004. Results reflected the second quarter tax adjustment and rate case settlements that contributed to increase net income by $120 million, but also included $37 million of pretax costs related to the first quarter derailment in Graniteville , SC , which reduced net income by $23 million. The remaining $150 million rise in net income was primarily the result of higher income from railway operations. The growth benefited from a $609 million, or 17%, increase in railway operating revenues reflecting higher rates, fuel surcharges, increased traffic volume and the rate case settlements. Railway operating expenses rose $385 million, or 14%, and reflected higher diesel fuel prices, a 5% increase in traffic volume that was driven by a 10% rise in intermodal units, increased maintenance and hiring activities and the costs associated with the Graniteville derailment.
Railway Operating Revenues
Second-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.2 billion in 2005, up $341 million, or 19%, compared with the second quarter of 2004. For the first six months, revenues were $4.1 billion, up $609 million, or 17%. As shown in the following table, the increases were the result of increased average revenues and higher traffic volume.
| Second Quarter | First Six Months |
| 2005 vs. 2004 | 2005 vs. 2004 |
| Increase (Decrease) | Increase (Decrease) |
| ($ in millions) |
| | |
Traffic volume (carloads) | $ 70 | $ 173 |
Revenue per unit/mix | 271 | 436 |
Total | $ 341 | $ 609 |
Traffic volume increased 4% in the second quarter and 5% year-to-date. Revenue per unit increased 14% for the second quarter and 12% for the year-to-date, of which about a third related to increased fuel surcharges in both periods. Fuel surcharge provisions cover slightly more than 80% of total revenues.
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). 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 $24 million, or 6 cents per diluted share.
Revenues, carloads and average revenue per unit for the commodity groups were as follows:
| Second Quarter |
| Revenues | Carloads | Revenue per Unit |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| ($ in millions) | (in thousands) | ($ per unit) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coal | $ | 578 | $ | 424 | | 439.3 | | 427.1 | $ | 1,314 | $ | 992 |
General merchandise: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Automotive | | 263 | | 252 | | 164.0 | | 170.2 | | 1,603 | | 1,480 |
Chemicals | | 245 | | 214 | | 116.7 | | 112.3 | | 2,104 | | 1,908 |
Metals/construction | | 243 | | 209 | | 202.4 | | 203.8 | | 1,197 | | 1,024 |
Agr./consumer prod./govt. | | 200 | | 182 | | 147.1 | | 140.4 | | 1,365 | | 1,292 |
Paper/clay/forest | | 197 | | 168 | | 116.4 | | 113.3 | | 1,686 | | 1,490 |
General merchandise | | 1,148 | | 1,025 | | 746.6 | | 740.0 | | 1,537 | | 1,385 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intermodal | | 428 | | 364 | | 762.0 | | 708.1 | | 562 | | 514 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 2,154 | $ | 1,813 | | 1,947.9 | | 1,875.2 | $ | 1,106 | $ | 967 |
| First Six Months |
| Revenues | Carloads | Revenue per Unit |
| 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 |
| ($ in millions) | (in thousands) | ($ per unit) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coal | $ | 1,045 | $ | 822 | | 859.9 | | 833.4 | $ | 1,215 | $ | 986 |
General merchandise: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Automotive | | 514 | | 500 | | 323.2 | | 337.1 | | 1,591 | | 1,483 |
Chemicals | | 476 | | 417 | | 228.8 | | 222.5 | | 2,081 | | 1,876 |
Metals/construction | | 467 | | 392 | | 388.2 | | 381.0 | | 1,202 | | 1,028 |
Agr./consumer prod./govt. | | 393 | | 358 | | 292.6 | | 281.4 | | 1,344 | | 1,272 |
Paper/clay/forest | | 384 | | 325 | | 229.8 | | 220.6 | | 1,669 | | 1,475 |
General merchandise | | 2,234 | | 1,992 | | 1,462.6 | | 1,442.6 | | 1,527 | | 1,381 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Intermodal | | 836 | | 692 | | 1,488.5 | | 1,356.2 | | 562 | | 510 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | $ | 4,115 | $ | 3,506 | | 3,811.0 | | 3,632.2 | $ | 1,080 | $ | 965 |
Coal
Coal revenues increased $154 million, or 36%, in the second quarter and $223 million, or 27%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. Both increases reflected higher rates, fuel surcharges, increased traffic volume and the effect of the rate case settlements. Volumes increased 3% in both the quarter and for the first six months, primarily because of utility and domestic metallurgical coal volumes. Shipments of utility coal increased 4% in the quarter and 3% for the first six months due to increased demand for coal-fired generation which reflected high, volatile natural gas prices as well as the ongoing shut down for maintenance of five nuclear power plants in NS' service region. Domestic metallurgical coal, coke and iron ore volume increased 5% in the second quarter and 4% for the first six months due to increased demand for the production of coke for the steel market .. Export coal volume decreased 11% in the quarter, but increased 3% for the first six months - reflecting coal supply constraints caused by a fire at a coal mine and a strong domestic metallurgical market. Coal average revenue per carload was up 32% in the second quarter and 23% for the first six months, reflecting higher rates, the rate case settlements and favorable effects of fuel surcharges.
Coal revenues are expected to remain strong for the rest of the year, reflecting higher utility coal demand as utilities replenish lower than normal stockpiles and a continuation of the favorable market conditions for domestic metallurgical coal.
General Merchandise
General merchandise revenues increased $123 million, or 12%, in the second quarter and $242 million, or 12%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. Both increases were primarily the result of higher average revenues and increased fuel surcharges. Traffic volume rose 1% for both the quarter and the six-month period. Agriculture, consumer products and government volume rose 5% for the quarter and 4% for the first six months, reflecting higher shipments of sweeteners and soybeans, and for the first six months, higher shipments of fertilizers and feed. Paper and forest traffic volume rose 3% and 4%, respectively, benefiting from increased shipments of pulpboard as demand for paper products continued. Chemicals traffic volume increased 4% and 3%, respectively, reflecting higher petroleum product shipments, plastics and industrial intermediates shipments (in response to improved manufacturing conditions) and diversions from the highway .. Metals and construction volume decreased 1% for the quarter, principally due to reduced production at NS-served steel mills, but increased 2% for the year-to-date. Automotive volumes were down 4% for both periods due to reductions by Ford and General Motors, partially offset by increased production at Honda and Toyota .. Average revenue per carload increased 11% in the second quarter and first six months reflecting increased rates, fuel surcharges and longer lengths of haul.
General merchandise revenues are expected to continue to compare favorably with the prior year as 2005 progresses; however, the extent of the increase could lessen in the third and fourth quarters due to the strength of those periods last year.
Intermodal
Intermodal revenues increased $64 million, or 18%, in the second quarter and $144 million, or 21%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. Both increases reflected higher traffic volume, increased revenue per unit and higher fuel surcharges. Traffic volume increased 8% in the second quarter and 10% for the first six months reflecting strength in the International and Triple Crown Services lines of business .. International traffic volume grew by 14% in the quarter and 15% for the first six months, reflecting strength in U.S. consumer markets. Triple Crown Services Company volume grew 9% for the quarter and 8% for the first six months, due in part to expanded geographic coverage. Intermodal revenue per unit increased 9% for the quarter and 10% for the first six months, a result of rate increases and fuel surcharges.
Intermodal revenues are expected to continue to show growth during 2005, provided the retail and manufacturing sectors continue to expand.
Railway Operating Expenses
Second-quarter railway operating expenses were $1.6 billion in 2005, up $174 million, or 13%, compared with last year. For the first six months, expenses were $3.1 billion, up $385 million, or 14%. For both periods, most of the increase was the result of higher expenses for materials, services and rents; compensation and benefits; and diesel fuel.
Compensation and benefits expenses increased $59 million, or 10%, in the second quarter and $118 million, or 11%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. Both periods reflected higher volume-related payroll including trainees and maintenance activities (up $23 million for the quarter and $47 million for the first six months), increased wage rates (up $11 million for the quarter and $23 million for the first six months), increased pension, postretirement and health and welfare benefit costs (up $12 million for the quarter and $18 million for the first six months) and higher payroll taxes (up $5 million for the quarter and $11 million for the first six months). NS continues to hire and train additional workers in order to meet the requirements of forecasted volumes in light of the demographics of the workforce.
Materials, services and rents increased $57 million, or 15%, in the second quarter and $128 million, or 17%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. Both periods reflected increased volume-related purchased services (up $20 million for the quarter and $46 million for the first six months) and higher maintenance expenses, primarily for locomotive and freight cars (up $20 million for the quarter and $33 million for the first six months) .. Equipment rents were up $14 million for the quarter and $25 million for the first six months, reflecting higher traffic volume as well as leases from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization.
Conrail rents and services decreased $70 million, or 69%, in the second quarter and $137 million, or 67%, in the first six months, due to the effects 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, and which more than offset an additional $1 million and $6 million in Shared Assets Areas expenses for the second quarter and first six months, respectively. NS' share of equity earnings of Conrail is now included in "Other income - - net."
Depreciation expense increased $64 million, or 49%, in the second quarter and $128 million, or 49%, in the first six months, principally due to reporting effects resulting from the Conrail Corporate Reorganization.
Diesel fuel expense increased $56 million, or 53%, in the second quarter and $99 million, or 46%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year, reflecting higher average prices (up 49% for the quarter and 42% for the first six months) and slightly higher consumption (up 3% for both periods). Expenses reflected hedging program benefits of $40 million and $80 million in the second quarter and first six months of 2005, compared with benefits of $26 million and $49 million for the same periods of 2004, respectively. 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 expense will be higher going forward. (See Note 3 for the percentage of estimated future diesel fuel consumption hedged.) Legislation enacted in the first quarter repeals 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 cents 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 approximately 500 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.
Casualties and other claims expense increased $2 million, or 5%, in the second quarter and $40 million, or 51%, in the first six months, compared with the same periods last year. The increase for the first six months resulted from expenses related to the Graniteville derailment (see Note 9), higher insurance costs and unfavorable personal injury claims development. For the remainder of the year, NS expects to incur about $4 million of additional Graniteville-related costs, which includes higher insurance expenses.
Other expense increased $6 million, or 10%, in the second quarter, and $9 million, or 8%, in the first six 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.
Other Income - Net
Other income - net increased $9 million in the second quarter and $1 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with the same periods of 2004. The increases reflected (1) equity in earnings of Conrail ($8 million for the quarter and $14 million for the first six months), (2) increased gains on sales of properties and investments ($8 million for the quarter and $14 million year-to-date), (3) higher interest income ($7 million and $11 million respectively), and (4) more coal royalties ($4 million and $7 million respectively), that were partially offset by more expense associated with tax credit investments--$17 million for the quarter and $40 million for the first six months.
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 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 second-quarter effective income tax rate was 10.7% in 2005, compared with 29.9% last year. For the first six months, the effective rate was 17.8% in 2005, compared with 31.2% in 2004. The declines for both periods were largely the result of benefits associated with the recently enacted Ohio tax legislation (see Note 5) and the synthetic fuel-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.
The consolidated federal income tax returns for 2000 through 2003 are being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS examination for the 2000 and 2001 years is expected to be completed in the next few months.
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 as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by April 1 of the following year. In 2004, the phase-out range was $51.35 to $64.47. The phase-out range for 2005 and later years will be adjusted for inflation, however, no phase out is considered likely in 2005.
NS cannot predict with certainty the Reference Price of a barrel of oil for 2005 and later years. If the Reference Price for a year exceeds the applicable phase-out range for that year, NS' synthetic fuel credits could be reduced or eliminated. However, an indemnification arrangement substantially limits NS' exposure if tax credits are reduced due to oil prices.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
Cash provided by operating activities, NS' principal source of liquidity, was $860 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with $626 million in the first six months of 2004. The improvement reflected the $224 million increase in income from railway operations as well as the effects of the Conrail Corporate Reorganization (see Note 2). 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 $81 million in the first six months of 2004.
NS had working capital of $350 million at June 30, 2005 , compared with a working capital deficit of $234 million at Dec. 31, 2004 .. The improvement reflected higher cash provided by operating activities, as well as a $547 million reduction in current maturities of long-term debt. 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.
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 have been no material changes to the contractual obligations disclosure contained in NS' Dec. 31, 2004, 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 $385 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with $443 million in the first six months of 2004. The decrease was principally the result of lower property additions.
Capital expenditures for the full year 2005 are expected to be at about the same level as 2004. During the first quarter, NS made additional commitments to purchase locomotives and other equipment in 2005, of approximately $84 million (see Note 9). Even with this increase in spending, it is likely that NS will make all of its capital expenditures with internally generated funds. In addition, investing activities in 2005 reflect NS' investment in synthetic fuel-related investments.
Cash used for financing activities was $511 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with $264 million in the same period of 2004. In the first quarter, NS issued a $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due March 2105, and in the second quarter, NS issued $717 million of new 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) (see Note 6). 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. NS' debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 44.8% at June 30, 2005 , and 48.5% 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.
NS currently has in place and available a $1 billion, five year credit agreement which provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes financial covenants. There were no amounts outstanding under this facility at June 30, 2005 , 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, there have been no significant changes to the Application of Critical Accounting Estimates disclosure contained in NS' Form 10‑K as of Dec. 31, 2004 ..
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. 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. Such proposals were made in late 1999 and, since that time, NS has reached agreements with almost all of the major rail labor organizations to settle that round of bargaining. These agreements cover approximately 96% of NS contract employees. A tentative agreement, subject to ratification, has also been reached with the International Association of Machinists.
On or after November 1, 2004 , the railroads and the rail labor unions served new proposals to begin the next bargaining round. Industry issues include train crew staffing and employee contributions for health care benefits. Seven rail unions (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, 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 outcome of the negotiations cannot be determined at this point.
Locomotive Engineers on NS are represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) while ground service employees (Conductors and Trainmen) are represented by the UTU. BLET recently began soliciting authorization cards from ground service employees. Should BLET obtain sufficient authorization cards, the National Mediation Board would then schedule an election to determine the representative of NS' ground service employees.
Market Risks and Hedging Activities
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.
The intent of the diesel fuel hedging program is 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 10% of NS' operating expenses for the second quarter of 2005. 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 June 30, 2005 , through swap transactions, NS has hedged approximately 27% of remaining expected 2005 diesel fuel requirements. The effect of the hedges is to yield an average cost of 84 cents per hedged gallon, including federal taxes and transportation. A 10% decrease in diesel fuel prices would reduce NS' asset related to the swaps by approximately $15 million as of June 30, 2005 ..
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 June 30, 2005 , NS' debt subject to interest rate fluctuations totaled $302 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 June 30, 2005 , the average pay rate under these agreements was 4%, and the average receive rate was 7%. The effect of the swaps was to reduce interest expense by $1 million in the second quarter and $2 million for the first six months of 2005, compared with $2 million and $4 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2004. 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 $62 million at June 30, 2005 , and $64 million at Dec. 31, 2004 , (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability in each period). At June 30, 2005 , the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 201 known locations. On that date, 16 sites accounted for $32 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 201 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 unavoidably 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, based 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 Pronouncements
In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( FASB ) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SFAS No. 154; the Statement). SFAS No. 154, effective for interim or annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005 , replaces APB Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and changes the requirements for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. The Statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by new accounting pronouncements that do not include specific transition provisions, and requires retrospective application of changes in accounting principles to prior periods' financial statements unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific or cumulative effects of the change. In the event of a change in accounting principle, accounting estimate or reporting entity, NS will describe the nature of the change and the reason for the change, and will reflect the impact of the change in the current and prior period financial statements as appropriate.
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised), 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 adopt 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. 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.
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, or requiring disclosures with respect to, hazardous materials moving by rail within their borders. If promulgated and upheld, 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.
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 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, floods and earthquakes. 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 Company 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 22 under the heading "Market Risks and Hedging Activities."
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.
Norfolk Southern'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"]) as of June 30, 2005. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of June 30, 2005 , 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 Controls.
During the second quarter of 2005, management has not identified any changes in NS' internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NS' internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
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 |
| April 1-30, 2005 | - -- | - -- | - -- | - -- |
| May 1-31, 2005 | - -- | - -- | - -- | - -- |
| June 1-30, 2005 | 6,406 (1) | $31.22 | - -- | - -- |
| Total | 6,406 | $31.22 | | |
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(1) Shares tendered by an employee in connection with the exercise of stock options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Registrant's Annual Meeting of Stockholders was held on May 12, 2005 , at which meeting four directors were elected to serve for a term of three years, the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm was ratified, the Norfolk Southern Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, was approved and the Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan, as amended, was approved.
The four directors were elected by the following vote:
| FOR | AUTHORITY WITHHELD |
Gerald L. Baliles | 235,318,514 votes | 123,156,663 votes |
Gene R. Carter | 323,243,046 votes | 35,232,131 votes |
Charles W. Moorman, IV | 345,989,201 votes | 12,485,976 votes |
J. Paul Reason | 350,409,738 votes | 8,065,439 votes |
The appointment of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as auditors of NS' books and records was ratified by the following vote:
FOR: 347,502,111 shares | | |
AGAINST: 8,372,020 shares | | |
ABSTAINED: 2,601,046 shares | | |
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, was approved by the following vote:
FOR: 269,166,817 shares | | |
AGAINST: 34,591,368 shares | | |
ABSTAINED: 3,962,233 shares | | |
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan, as amended, was approved by the following vote:
FOR: 328,297,793 shares | | |
AGAINST: 25,482,418 shares | | |
ABSTAINED: 4,694,966 shares | | |
Item 6. Exhibits
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. |
4(o) | Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005 , between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, relating to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $366.6 million, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005 .. |
4(p) | Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005 , between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, relating to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $350 million, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005 .. |
10( jj ) | Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 1, 2005, and executed in late June 2005, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005. |
10( kk ) | Norfolk Southern Corporation's executive physical reimbursement for non-employee directors and certain executives is incorporated herein by reference 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 |
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 |
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Date: | Aug. 1, 2005 | /s/ Dezora M. Martin | |
| | Dezora M. Martin |
| | Corporate Secretary (Signature) |
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Date: | Aug. 1, 2005 | /s/ Marta R. Stewart | |
| | Marta R. Stewart |
| | Vice President and Controller |
| | (Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature) |
Exhibit Index
Electronic | | |
Submission | | |
Exhibit | | |
Number | Description | |
| | |
15 | Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information. | |
| | |
31 | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications | |
| | |
32 | Section 1350 Certifications | |