FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarter ended March 28, 1997
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number 1-8022
CSX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 62-1051971
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
901 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-4031
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(804) 782-1400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
No Change
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 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) No ( )
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of March 28, 1997: 217,662,928 shares.
- 1 -
CSX CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 28, 1997
INDEX
Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1:
Financial Statements
1. Consolidated Statement of Earnings-
Quarters Ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996 3
2. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows-
Quarters Ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996 4
3. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position-
At March 28, 1997 and December 27, 1996 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6
Item 2:
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition 10
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
Signature 17
- 2 -
CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Earnings
(Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)
Quarters Ended
-------------------------
March 28, March 29,
1997 1996
---------- ----------
Operating Revenue $ 2,567 $ 2,514
Operating Expense 2,243 2,218
--------- ---------
Operating Income 324 296
Other Income (Expense) (7) (12)
Interest Expense 84 60
--------- ---------
Earnings before Income Taxes 233 224
Income Tax Expense 82 78
--------- ---------
Net Earnings $ 151 $ 146
========= =========
Earnings Per Share $ .70 $ .69
========= =========
Average Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands) 217,227 210,964
========= =========
Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands) 217,663 211,512
========= =========
Cash Dividends Paid Per Common Share $ .26 $ .26
========= =========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
Quarters Ended
----------------------
March 28, March 29,
1997 1996
--------- --------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Earnings $ 151 $ 146
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings
to Net Cash Provided
Depreciation 159 156
Deferred Income Taxes 17 14
Productivity/Restructuring Charge Payments (15) (23)
Other Operating Activities 14 (52)
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities
Accounts Receivable (23) (20)
Other Current Assets (3) (38)
Accounts Payable (89) (58)
Other Current Liabilities (14) (156)
----- -----
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating
Activities 197 (31)
----- -----
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property Additions (189) (338)
Proceeds from Property Dispositions 3 24
Short-Term Investments - Net 41 (44)
Purchases of Long-Term Marketable Securities (18) --
Proceeds from Sales of Long-Term Marketable
Securities 8 89
Other Investing Activities (25) 12
----- -----
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities (180) (257)
----- -----
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Short-Term Debt - Net (48) 284
Long-Term Debt Issued 5 57
Long-Term Debt Repaid (51) (120)
Dividends Paid (57) (55)
Other Financing Activities 3 3
----- -----
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing (148) 169
Activities
----- -----
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents (131) (119)
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-
TERM INVESTMENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of 368 320
Period
----- -----
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period 237 201
Short-Term Investments at End of Period 273 380
----- -----
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term
Investments at End of Period $ 510 $ 581
===== =====
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(Millions of Dollars)
(Unaudited)
March December
28, 27,
1997 1996
--------- --------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term
Investments $ 510 $ 682
Accounts Receivable 924 894
Materials and Supplies 243 229
Deferred Income Taxes 145 139
Other Current Assets 119 128
-------- --------
Total Current Assets 1,941 2,072
Properties-Net 11,924 11,906
Investment in Conrail 1,955 1,965
Affiliates and Other Companies 362 345
Other Long-Term Assets 706 677
-------- --------
Total Assets $ 16,888 $ 16,965
======== ========
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 1,053 $ 1,189
Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable 444 499
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves 298 306
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt 143 101
Short-Term Debt 287 335
Other Current Liabilities 346 327
-------- --------
Total Current Liabilities 2,571 2,757
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves 716 715
Long-Term Debt 4,243 4,331
Deferred Income Taxes 2,743 2,720
Other Long-Term Liabilities 1,488 1,447
-------- --------
Total Liabilities 11,761 11,970
-------- --------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock, $1 Par Value 218 217
Other Capital 1,470 1,433
Retained Earnings 3,546 3,452
Minimum Pension Liability (107) (107)
-------- --------
Total Shareholders' Equity 5,127 4,995
-------- --------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
Equity $ 16,888 $ 16,965
======== ========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(All Tables in Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the company's
financial position as of March 28, 1997 and December 27, 1996, the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the quarters ended March 28, 1997 and
March 29, 1996, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature.
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average of common shares
outstanding for the quarters ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996. Dilution
for these periods, which could result if all outstanding common stock
equivalents were exercised, is not significant.
While the company believes that the disclosures presented are adequate to
make the information not misleading, it is suggested that these financial
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes
included in the company's latest Annual Report and Form 10-K.
Beginning with the quarter ended June 28, 1996, the company changed its
earnings presentation to exclude non-transportation activities from operating
revenue and expense. These activities, principally real estate and resort
operations, are now included in "Other Income (Expense)." Prior-year data have
been reclassified to conform to the new presentation.
NOTE 2. FISCAL REPORTING PERIODS
The company's fiscal year is composed of 52 weeks ending on the last
Friday in December. The financial statements presented are for the 13-week
quarters ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996, and the fiscal year ended
December 27, 1996.
NOTE 3. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Statement No.
128 "Earnings per Share," which establishes new guidelines for the calculation
of and disclosures regarding earnings per share. The company will adopt the
provisions of Statement No. 128 during the fourth quarter of 1997 and at that
time will be required to present basic and diluted earnings per share and to
restate all prior periods. There will be no impact on the calculation of basic
earnings per share for the quarters ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996.
Diluted earnings per share is not expected to differ materially from basic
earnings per share.
The FASB also issued Statement No. 129 "Disclosure of Information About
Capital Structure," which the company will adopt during the fourth quarter of
1997. The company does not expect that adoption of the disclosure requirements
of this pronouncement will have a material impact on its financial statements.
NOTE 4. JOINT ACQUISITION OF CONRAIL, INC.
At March 28, 1997, the company held shares equivalent to approximately
19.9% of the aggregate outstanding common and ESOP Preferred stock (the Conrail
shares) of Conrail, Inc. (Conrail). The shares were acquired in November 1996
pursuant to a merger agreement entered into by the two companies in October 1996
and subsequent tender offer. The merger agreement was subsequently modified,
including an amendment on March 7, 1997 to increase the price to be paid for the
remaining outstanding Conrail shares to $115 cash per share and to permit the
company to negotiate with Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) on a
division of the Conrail rail system. On April 8, 1997, the company and Norfolk
Southern announced an agreement to form a
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CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued
(All Tables in Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
jointly-owned entity to acquire all outstanding Conrail shares for $115 cash per
share. The agreement provides for the company to contribute $4.3 billion for its
42% share of the acquisition and for Norfolk Southern to contribute $5.9 billion
for its 58% share, including the investments already held by each company. The
jointly-owned entity is expected to complete its tender offer for the remaining
Conrail shares in May 1997 and to place all Conrail shares in a voting trust
pending approval of the proposed transaction by the Surface Transportation Board
(STB). The joint STB application is expected to be filed shortly after
acquisition of the remaining Conrail shares is completed.
At March 28, 1997, the company has accounted for its 19.9% investment in
Conrail using the cost method. Upon acquiring its additional interest in Conrail
through the jointly-owned entity and until STB approval and release of the
Conrail shares from the voting trust, the company will account for the
investment using the equity method.
During the quarter ended March 28, 1997, the company incurred net costs
before income taxes of $24 million with respect to its investment in Conrail
shares. These net costs, principally interest on debt issued to acquire the
investment less dividends received on the shares, reduced net earnings by $16
million, 7 cents per share.
NOTE 5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The company has sold, directly and through Trade Receivables
Participation Certificates (Certificates), ownership interests in designated
pools of accounts receivable originated by CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT),
its rail unit.
During 1993, $200 million of Certificates were issued at 5.05%, due
September 1998. The Certificates represent undivided interests in a master trust
holding an ownership interest in a revolving pool of rail freight accounts
receivable. At March 28, 1997 and December 27, 1996, the Certificates were
collateralized by $249 million and $248 million, respectively, of accounts
receivable held in the master trust.
In addition, the company has a revolving agreement with a financial
institution to sell with recourse on a monthly basis an undivided percentage
ownership interest in designated pools of freight and other accounts receivable.
The agreement provides for the sale of up to $200 million in accounts receivable
and expires in September 1998.
The company has retained the responsibility for servicing and collecting
accounts receivable held in trust or sold. At March 28, 1997 and December 27,
1996, accounts receivable have been reduced by $372 million, representing
Certificates and accounts receivable sold. The net costs associated with sales
of Certificates and receivables were $7 million for each of the quarters ended
March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996.
The company adopted FASB Statement No. 125 "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" during the
first quarter of 1997. Adoption of the pronouncement, which established new
guidelines for accounting and disclosure related to transfers of trade accounts
receivable and other financial assets, did not have a material impact on the
company's financial statements.
- 7 -
CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued
(All Tables in Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
NOTE 6. OPERATING EXPENSE
Quarters Ended
---------------------
March 28, March 29,
1997 1996
--------- --------
Labor and Fringe Benefits $ 795 $ 794
Materials, Supplies and Other 614 618
Building and Equipment Rent 284 289
Inland Transportation 237 229
Depreciation 156 153
Fuel 157 135
------ ------
Total $2,243 $2,218
====== ======
NOTE 7. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Quarters Ended
---------------------
March 28, March 29,
1997 1996
--------- --------
Interest Income $ 12 $ 12
Income from Real Estate and Resort (7) (8)
Operations(1)
Net Costs for Accounts Receivable Sold (7) (7)
Minority Interest (10) (8)
Net Loss on Investment Transactions -- (2)
Equity Earnings of Other Affiliates 1 2
Income from Investment in Conrail - Net 5 --
Miscellaneous (1) (1)
----- -----
Total $ (7) $ (12)
===== =====
(1) Gross revenue from real estate and resort operations was $17 million and
$13 million for the quarters ended March 28, 1997 and March 29, 1996,
respectively.
NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Although the company obtains substantial amounts of commercial insurance
for potential losses for third-party liability and property damage, reasonable
levels of risk are retained on a self-insurance basis. A portion of the
insurance coverage, $25 million limit above $100 million per occurrence from
rail and certain other operations, is provided by a company partially owned by
CSX.
The company has been advised that activities of a subsidiary that
administered student loans and that was sold by the company in 1992 are under
review to determine whether, and to what extent, damages should be asserted
against the company for government insurance payments on uncollected loans
related to alleged processing deficiencies or errors that may have occurred
prior to the time the subsidiary was sold. The company believes it has no
material liability for any claim that might be asserted, but the final outcome
of the review and the amount of potential damages are not yet reasonably
estimable. Based upon information currently available to the company, it is
believed any adverse outcome will not be material to the company's results of
operations or financial position.
- 8 -
CSX CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited), Continued
(All Tables in Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
CSXT is a party to various proceedings involving private parties and
regulatory agencies related to environmental issues. CSXT has been identified as
a potentially responsible party (PRP) at approximately 111 environmentally
impaired sites that are or may be subject to remedial action under the Federal
Superfund statute (Superfund) or similar state statutes. A number of these
proceedings are based on allegations that CSXT, or its railroad predecessors,
sent hazardous substances to the facilities in question for disposal. Such
proceedings arising under Superfund or similar state statutes can involve
numerous other waste generators and disposal companies and seek to allocate or
recover costs associated with site investigation and cleanup, which could be
substantial.
CSXT is involved in a number of administrative and judicial proceedings
and other clean-up efforts at approximately 271 sites, including the sites
addressed under the Federal Superfund statute or similar state statutes, at
which it is participating in the study and/or clean-up of alleged environmental
contamination. The assessment of the required response and remedial costs
associated with most sites is extremely complex. Cost estimates are based on
information available for each site, financial viability of other PRPs, where
available, and existing technology, laws and regulations. CSXT's best estimates
of the allocation method and percentage of liability when other PRPs are
involved are based on assessments by consultants, agreements among PRPs, or
determinations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or other regulatory
agencies.
At least once each quarter, CSXT reviews its role, if any, with respect to
each such location, giving consideration to the nature of CSXT's alleged
connection to the location (e.g., generator, owner or operator), the extent of
CSXT's alleged connection (e.g., volume of waste sent to the location and other
relevant factors), the accuracy and strength of evidence connecting CSXT to the
location, and the number, connection and financial position of other named and
unnamed PRPs at the location. The ultimate liability for remediation can be
difficult to determine with certainty because of the number and creditworthiness
of PRPs involved. Through the assessment process, CSXT monitors the
creditworthiness of such PRPs in determining ultimate liability.
Based upon such reviews and updates of the sites with which it is
involved, CSXT has recorded, and reviews at least quarterly for adequacy,
reserves to cover estimated contingent future environmental costs with respect
to such sites. The recorded liabilities for estimated future environmental costs
at March 28, 1997, and December 27, 1996, were $115 million and $117 million,
respectively. These recorded liabilities include amounts representing CSXT's
estimate of unasserted claims, which CSXT believes to be immaterial. The
liability has been accrued for future costs for all sites where the company's
obligation is probable and where such costs can be reasonably estimated. The
liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites as well
as any significant ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated
insurance recoveries. The majority of the March 28, 1997 environmental liability
is expected to be paid out over the next five to seven years, funded by cash
generated from operations.
The company does not currently possess sufficient information to
reasonably estimate the amounts of additional liabilities, if any, on some sites
until completion of future environmental studies. In addition, latent conditions
at any given location could result in exposure, the amount and materiality of
which cannot presently be reliably estimated. Based upon information currently
available, however, the company believes that its environmental reserves are
adequate to accomplish remedial actions to comply with present laws and
regulations, and that the ultimate liability for these matters will not
materially affect its overall results of operations and financial condition.
A number of legal actions, other than environmental, are pending against
CSX and certain subsidiaries in which claims are made in substantial amounts.
While the ultimate results of environmental investigations, lawsuits and claims
involving the company cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not
currently expect that resolution of these matters will have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash
flows of the company.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION
On April 8, 1997, the company and Norfolk Southern entered into an
agreement providing for the joint acquisition and division of Conrail. This
landmark agreement is outlined in more detail under "Joint CSX/Norfolk Southern
Acquisition of Conrail" in this section.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The company reported net earnings for the quarter ended March 28, 1997, of
$151 million, 70 cents per share, versus net earnings of $146 million, 69 cents
per share, for the same period in 1996. Net earnings for the quarter rose 3%
over the 1996 first quarter results.
Excluding net costs of $24 million pretax and $16 million after tax
relating to CSX's 19.9% investment in Conrail, earnings would have been $167
million, 77 cents per share, for the 1997 quarter. These costs were principally
interest on debt issued to acquire the investment, less dividends received on
the Conrail stock.
Operating revenue for the first quarter of 1997 rose to $2.6 billion, vs.
$2.5 billion in the 1996 period. Operating expense of $2.2 billion remained
level with the prior-year quarter. Operating income was $324 million, 9% higher
than 1996's first quarter.
RAIL UNIT RESULTS
The company's rail unit achieved record quarterly operating income of $282
million, 19% above last year's first quarter, and 15% above the prior
first-quarter record set in 1995. Total rail operating revenue of $1.25 billion
exceeded 1996's weather-affected first-quarter results by $52 million.
Shipments of coal, the unit's largest commodity, rose 9% to 41.5 million
tons, reflecting higher utility coal traffic. Coal revenue increased 5% over
1996. Total merchandise traffic rose 4%, due to strong demand overall. Major
contributors to the increase included: autos and parts (up 14%); minerals (up
11%); metals (up 9%) and chemicals (up 6%).
Rail operating expense for the quarter increased 1% to $965 million.
RAIL OPERATING INCOME
(Millions of Dollars)
---------------------------------
Quarters Ended
-----------------------
March 28, March 29, Percent
1997 1996 Change
---------- ---------- ---------
Operating Revenue
Merchandise $ 826 $ 789 5 %
Coal 389 370 5 %
Other 32 36 (11)%
------ ------
Total 1,247 1,195 4 %
Operating Expense 965 959 1 %
------ ------
Operating Income $ 282 $ 236 19 %
====== ======
Operating Ratio 77.4% 80.3%
====== ======
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED
CONTAINER SHIPPING UNIT RESULTS
Despite ongoing rate pressures in major trade lanes, the container-shipping
unit achieved its second-best first quarter. Operating income totaled $41
million, compared with 1996's first-quarter record $52 million. During the
quarter, the unit continued to focus on stringent cost control and productivity
improvements.
Strength in global trade resulted in a 10% increase in total volume - 33%
in the Americas trade lane, 16% in the Asia/Middle East/Europe (A.M.E.), and 14%
in the Atlantic. Operating revenue declined 1% over the prior-year quarter to $1
billion, reflecting rate pressures in the major trade lanes.
While handling greater volume, operating expense of $909 million was held
level with the 1996 period. This reflects the combined benefits of cost-cutting
measures to date and strategic initiatives.
OTHER UNIT RESULTS
Performance at the company's barge unit was significantly affected by
adverse weather conditions along the river system. The unit's first-quarter
operating income totaled $2 million, compared with last year's record of $18
million. Severe flooding and ice resulted in increased operating costs and
reduced shipments. Traffic is expected to rebound when the flooding subsides.
The company's intermodal unit achieved operating income of $5 million, vs.
$3 million in the 1996 quarter. Although revenue decreased 3% due to changes in
traffic mix, better margins were achieved as a result of network redesign and
rationalization measures implemented in 1996.
The contract logistics unit continued its rapid growth, with revenue rising
30% to $92 million and operating income reaching $6 million.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $510 million at
March 28, 1997, a decrease of $172 million since December 27, 1996. The primary
source of cash and cash equivalents during the quarter was business operations.
Cash and cash equivalents were primarily used by property additions, repayment
of long-term debt, and payment of dividends.
During the first quarter of 1997, net investing activities consumed $180
million of cash and cash equivalents compared with $257 million consumed in the
first quarter of 1996. The change in cash used by investing activities was
primarily due to lower property additions compared to the quarter ended March
29, 1996.
Financing activities used $148 million of cash and cash equivalents for
the quarter ended March 28, 1997, a $317 million increase from 1996's first
quarter. The change was primarily due to a reduction in short-term debt levels.
The working capital deficit decreased $55 million during the quarter ended
March 28, 1997. The decrease was primarily due to reductions in accounts payable
and labor and fringe benefits payable, partially offset by a decrease in cash,
cash equivalents and short-term investments. A working capital deficit is not
unusual for the company and does not indicate a lack of liquidity. The company
continues to maintain adequate current assets to satisfy current liabilities
when they are due and has sufficient liquidity and financial resources to manage
its day-to-day cash needs.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
FINANCIAL DATA
(Millions of Dollars)
--------------------------
March 28, December 27,
1997 1996
----------- ------------
Cash, Cash Equivalents and
Short-Term Investments $ 510 $ 682
Commercial Paper Outstanding -
Short-Term 287 335
Commercial Paper Outstanding -
Long-Term 2,300 2,300
Working Capital (Deficit) (630) (685)
Current Ratio 0.8 0.8
Debt Ratio 45% 46%
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 2.8x 4.0x
OUTLOOK
Each of the company's transportation units anticipates overall favorable
performance over the remainder of 1997, compared to 1996. The company expects
modest economic growth and robust demand for transportation services. CSX also
plans to remain focused on customer service, safety and cost control throughout
its units in order to enhance core earning power and increase shareholder
returns.
Following on its record first quarter results, the rail unit expects to
continue on that same positive trend into the second quarter. Revenue is
expected to improve in 1997 propelled by strength in merchandise and coal
traffic. The rail unit, through the National Carriers Conference Committee, now
has agreements with all labor organizations signed and in effect.
The container-shipping unit anticipates increased volume and permanent
cost reductions to mitigate the difficult rate environment. Improving the mix of
higher margin freight will remain an ongoing priority.
The barge unit will closely monitor the weather situation as it will
continue to have a negative impact on its operations in the second quarter. The
intermodal unit forecasts overall improvement compared to prior year levels
attributable to its network redesign implemented in 1996. The contract logistics
company expects its growth to continue throughout the year, based upon increased
demand for its services.
JOINT CSX/NORFOLK SOUTHERN ACQUISITION OF CONRAIL
CSX/NORFOLK SOUTHERN AGREEMENT
On April 8, 1997, the company and Norfolk Southern Corporation entered
into an agreement providing for their joint acquisition of Conrail and the
division of its routes and other assets. Conrail is a holding company of which
the principal subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation, a Class I freight
railroad that operates approximately 10,500 route miles in the Northeast and
Midwest of the United States and the Province of Quebec, Canada, and which
possesses superior access to certain major northeast markets, including the New
York and Boston metropolitan areas. Norfolk Southern owns an eastern Class I
freight railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway Company.
- 12 -
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
Under the CSX/Norfolk Southern agreement, the company and Norfolk Southern
will acquire all outstanding shares of Conrail not already owned by them for
$115 in cash per share through a jointly-owned acquisition entity. The company
and Norfolk Southern will each possess 50% of the voting and management rights
of the acquisition entity, and non-voting equity will be apportioned between the
parties to achieve overall economic allocations of 42% for CSX and 58% for
Norfolk Southern. Following approval by the STB as described below, Conrail's
assets will be segregated within Conrail, and the company and Norfolk Southern
will each benefit from the operation of a specified portion of the Conrail
routes and other assets through the use of various operating arrangements, and
certain Conrail assets will be operated for the joint benefit of the company and
Norfolk Southern.
The acquisition of the Conrail shares will be effected under a pending
tender offer initiated by the company in December 1996 and amended in April 1997
to include Norfolk Southern as a co-bidder (the joint tender offer) and a
subsequent cash merger. The estimated aggregate cost of the joint tender offer,
the merger and the shares of Conrail already acquired by the company and Norfolk
Southern is approximately $10.2 billion. Pursuant to the CSX/Norfolk Southern
agreement, the company will bear 42%, or approximately $4.3 billion, and Norfolk
Southern will bear 58%, or approximately $5.9 billion, of such cost. These
totals include approximately $2 billion previously spent by the company and $1
billion previously spent by Norfolk Southern to acquire approximately 30%, in
aggregate, of Conrail's shares.
The scheduled closing for the joint tender offer for the remaining
outstanding Conrail shares is May 23, 1997. However, the closing may be
extended, to a date not later than June 2, 1997, if certain conditions in the
original merger agreement, dated as of October 14, 1996 by and among Conrail,
the company and Green Acquisition Corp. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
company), as amended, are satisfied. The joint tender offer is not subject to
any financing condition but is conditioned, among other things, on the valid
tender of shares constituting, together with Conrail shares already owned by CSX
and Norfolk Southern, at least a majority of the outstanding Conrail shares on a
fully-diluted basis. Conrail shares purchased in the joint tender offer will,
together with all Conrail shares previously purchased by the company and Norfolk
Southern, be deposited into a voting trust pending STB approval of the joint
acquisition, control and division of Conrail. Upon closing, the joint tender
offer will be followed by a merger in which all Conrail Shares not tendered for
purchase in the joint tender offer will be converted into the right to receive
$115 per share in cash.
JOINT CSX/NORFOLK SOUTHERN STB APPLICATION
While the obligation to purchase Conrail shares by the company and Norfolk
Southern in the joint tender offer is not subject to any regulatory condition,
the exercise of control over Conrail by the acquiring companies remains subject
to a number of conditions and approvals, including approval by the STB, which
has the authority to modify contract terms and impose additional conditions,
including with respect to divestitures, grants of trackage rights and other
terms of continuing operations. Subject to the STB's authorization of an
accelerated filing date, the company and Norfolk Southern plan to file a joint
application with the STB in June 1997 for control and division of Conrail and
for such other matters as may be required to be approved by the STB. The joint
STB application will address traffic flows, operations and related matters; will
outline the capital investments each company plans to make in new connections
and facilities and to increase capacity on critical routes; and will detail
operating savings and other public benefits resulting from the transaction. The
application also will contain certain historical and pro forma financial
information required by the STB. The company and Norfolk Southern have asked the
STB to consider the joint application on an expedited schedule that would result
in an STB decision in early 1998. Under current law, the STB must rule within
approximately sixteen months from the filing date of the joint application. No
assurance can be given with respect to the receipt of STB approval or the
modifications or conditions that may be imposed in connection therewith.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
PROPOSED DIVISION OF CONRAIL ROUTES
Until the date the company and Norfolk Southern are permitted by the STB
to assume control over Conrail (the Control Date), Conrail will continue to be
managed by its current Board of Directors and management. After the Control
Date, Conrail will segregate its assets primarily into two groups to facilitate
their separate operation pursuant to leasing, operating, partnership or other
similar arrangements. The remaining assets and liabilities of Conrail, including
joint facilities, generally will either be shared or allocated ratably between
the company and Norfolk Southern according to their respective 42% and 58%
economic allocations. In arriving at the proposed division of Conrail and these
percentages, the acquiring companies negotiated with a view toward producing the
best fits with their existing systems and optimizing service to their respective
customers.
The acquisition by the company of the Conrail shares and the right to use
the assets allocated to or shared by the company pursuant to the CSX/Norfolk
Southern agreement and the liabilities allocated to or shared by it pursuant to
that agreement will be hereinafter referred to as the "Transaction." Many of the
terms of the Transaction will be detailed in further definitive documentation
that is currently being negotiated between CSX and Norfolk Southern.
For additional information regarding the Transaction and the CSX/Norfolk
Southern agreement, reference is made to the company's Tender Offer Statement on
Schedule 14D-1, together with exhibits thereto, initially filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 1996, as amended. In addition,
pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the company will be required to
file under cover of Form 8-K certain historical financial statements and pro
forma financial statements giving effect to the Transaction no later than 75
days after the consummation of the joint tender offer.
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
The company estimates that it will require $2.3 billion to purchase its
portion of the outstanding Conrail shares pursuant to the joint tender offer.
The company paid approximately $2 billion to acquire about 20% of Conrail's
shares in November 1996. At that time, the company arranged a five-year $4.8
billion bank credit facility to finance an acquisition of Conrail and to meet
general working capital needs. The company intends to utilize the capital
markets to raise substantially all of the remaining funds needed for its
contribution under the joint tender offer. Those securities will be sold in
private placements and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Therefore, such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States
without registration or exemption.
Such financings are expected to result in the company's having outstanding
a combination of long-term debt with staggered maturities, trust preferred
securities and commercial paper. The company expects its long-term debt levels
(including the company's portion of Conrail debt and excluding trust preferred
securities) to peak in 1998 at approximately $6.5 billion, with related interest
charges (including interest payments on the company's portion of Conrail debt)
to peak at approximately $500 million. While definitive documentation is not
complete, the company and Norfolk Southern contemplate that payments to Conrail
under operating or similar arrangements and through capital contributions to the
jointly-owned acquisition entity will be sufficient to pay obligations on
Conrail's outstanding debt instruments. The agreement between the company and
Norfolk Southern provides that such debt will be shared ratably according to
their respective 42% and 58% percentages.
BROADEST GEOGRAPHIC NETWORK IN EASTERN UNITED STATES
The Transaction will significantly enhance the company's position as a
leading global transportation company. The company will remain the largest
railroad in the eastern United States and become the third largest railroad in
the nation, measured in terms of route miles and ton-miles.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
The company, as a result of the Transaction, will be adding approximately
3,500 route miles, or 19%, to its rail network, and sharing with Norfolk
Southern approximately 1,200 additional route miles. The company will have
approximately 22,000 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the
Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and will provide direct access to
virtually every major metropolitan area east of the Mississippi River and to
eleven of the largest east coast and gulf ports.
ENHANCED OPERATING EFFICIENCIES AND REVENUE GROWTH
Management expects the integration of Conrail operations resulting from
the Transaction to add approximately $1.6 billion, or 15%, to the company's
annual revenue beginning in the first twelve months following consolidation.
Management believes that the Transaction will also result in growth of the
company's rail revenue base through expansion of single-line service and the
company's ability to compete more effectively on certain routes along which
large quantities of goods are now transported by truck. Single-line service is
preferred by shippers over joint-line service because of lower transaction
costs, reduced delays, less damage from interchange operations and
single-carrier accountability. The addition of Conrail lines to the company's
rail network also will improve operational efficiency through better asset
utilization. Optimization of train sizes, increased length of haul, improved
backhauls, shorter routes to many destinations and fewer empty movements are all
expected to produce cost reductions for the combined rail network. Other
significant savings will be achieved through the realization of economies of
scale, rationalization of administrative and other overhead expenses and
consolidation of duplicative facilities. Specific plans for achieving these cost
savings following the Control Date are currently under development and will be
more specifically identified in the STB application.
FINANCIAL EFFECTS
The company expects that the benefits from the Transaction will begin to
build from the Control Date and should be largely realized within a three-year
period thereafter. It is anticipated that STB approval will be granted in early
1998. Therefore, for the purposes of the following discussion, Year 1, Year 2
and Year 3 roughly correspond to 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. Based on
joint efforts of the company and Conrail to identify potential cost savings,
management currently estimates that the Transaction will lead to quantifiable
pre-tax benefits from increased traffic and cost efficiencies of approximately
$75 million, $170 million and $240 million annually in Years 1, 2 and 3,
respectively, compared to the separate operation of the company and its share of
Conrail. These benefits include estimated incremental operating income of $25
million, $54 million and $75 million expected through increased traffic in Years
1, 2 and 3, respectively. The remaining pre-tax benefits will be in the form of
operating cost savings, with $50 million, $116 million and $165 million expected
to be realized in Years 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Further, management expects a
reduction in the requirement for annual capital expenditures of approximately
$12 million, $28 million and $40 million in Years 1, 2 and 3, respectively.
Management estimates that the company will, in Years 1 and 2, incur
one-time transitional capital expenditures in connection with the integration of
operations. Those are expected to be $310 million in Year 1 and $178 million in
Year 2.
The overall purchase price paid by the company is expected to exceed the
historical book value of the net Conrail assets acquired by the company by
approximately $3.5 billion. Although purchase accounting adjustments will not be
finalized until the Transaction is completed, a substantial portion of the
excess purchase price is expected to be allocated to specific assets and
liabilities acquired, with the remainder allocated to goodwill. On an aggregate
basis, the excess purchase price is expected to be amortized over a period of
approximately 40 years.
Because of the time required to obtain necessary regulatory and other
approvals, the company does not expected integrated operations to have a
significant effect on operating and financial results prior to fiscal 1998. The
primary impact of the proposed Transaction on net earnings prior to the
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION, CONTINUED
integration of operations is likely to be the after-tax effect of the
company's share of Conrail's net earnings, reported under the equity method of
accounting, less interest on debt incurred to acquire and hold Conrail shares.
Net cash flow prior to operational integration is expected to be reduced by
interest payments on such debt, partially offset by Conrail dividends. The
average interest rate in 1996 on debt incurred to acquire Conrail shares was
approximately 5.6%. The degree of negative impact on net earnings and net cash
flow during 1997 will depend primarily on the net earnings reported by Conrail
and the average interest rate and timing of interest payments on the related
debt.
-----------------------------------------------------
THE ABOVE ESTIMATES AND FORECASTS ARE BASED UPON NUMEROUS ESTIMATES AND
ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT COMPLEX ECONOMIC AND OPERATING FACTORS WITH RESPECT TO
INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE, GENERAL BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
THAT CANNOT BE PREDICTED ACCURATELY AND THAT ARE SUBJECT TO CONTINGENCIES OVER
WHICH THE COMPANY HAS NO CONTROL. SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS INVOLVE KNOWN
AND UNKNOWN RISKS, UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE
THE ACTUAL RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY TO DIFFER
MATERIALLY FROM ANY FUTURE RESULTS, PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENTS EXPRESSED OR
IMPLIED BY SUCH FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS. CERTAIN OF THOSE RISKS,
UNCERTAINTIES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO
DIFFER MATERIALLY INCLUDE: (A) FUTURE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE MARKETS IN
WHICH THE COMPANY AND CONRAIL OPERATE; (B) FINANCIAL MARKET CONDITIONS; (C)
INFLATION RATES; (D) CHANGING COMPETITION; (E) CHANGES IN THE ECONOMIC
REGULATORY CLIMATE IN THE UNITED STATES RAILROAD INDUSTRY; (F) THE ABILITY TO
ELIMINATE DUPLICATIVE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS; AND (G) ADVERSE CHANGES IN
APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS OR RULES GOVERNING ENVIRONMENTAL, TAX OR ACCOUNTING
MATTERS. THESE FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS
FILING. THE COMPANY DISCLAIMS ANY OBLIGATION OR UNDERTAKING TO DISSEMINATE ANY
UPDATES OR REVISIONS TO ANY FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT CONTAINED HEREIN TO
REFLECT ANY CHANGE IN THE COMPANY'S EXPECTATIONS WITH REGARD THERETO OR ANY
CHANGE IN EVENTS, CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES ON WHICH ANY SUCH STATEMENT IS
BASED.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
1.(10.1) 1987 Long-Term Performance Stock Plan
2. (27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
1. None.
SIGNATURE
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.
CSX CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: /S/JAMES L. ROSS
----------------
James L. Ross
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: April 24, 1997
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