PAGE 1
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------------
FORM 10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
---------- ----------
Commission file numbers 1-743; 1-3744; 1-4793; 1-5462
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 53-6002016
- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
Three Commercial Place
Norfolk, Virginia 23510-2191
- ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) Zip Code
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (804) 629-2682
----------------------
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. (X) Yes ( ) No
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
Common Stock, as of the last practicable date:
Class Outstanding as of July 31, 1997
----- -------------------------------
Common Stock (par value $1.00) 16,668,997
PAGE 2
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES (NS RAIL)
INDEX
-----
Page
----
Part I. Financial Information:
Item 1. Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months and Six Months Ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 1997, and December 31, 1996 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6-10
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 11-18
PartII. Other Information:
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of
Security Holders 19
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 20
Signatures 21
Index to Exhibits 22
PAGE 3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
-------------------------------
Item 1. Financial Statements.
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
RAILWAY OPERATING REVENUES:
Coal $ 325.5 $ 328.5 $ 651.6 $ 652.3
Merchandise 606.3 593.1 1,200.5 1,167.2
Intermodal 135.0 116.4 260.7 235.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
Railway operating revenues 1,066.8 1,038.0 2,112.8 2,054.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
RAILWAY OPERATING EXPENSES:
Compensation and benefits 351.6 351.3 713.5 728.6
Materials, services and rents 176.8 159.6 347.4 312.8
Depreciation 103.2 100.4 204.9 199.5
Diesel fuel 55.1 56.7 117.8 112.1
Casualties and other claims 25.1 30.9 54.1 65.6
Other 34.3 39.1 72.9 74.3
-------- -------- -------- --------
Railway operating expenses 746.1 738.0 1,510.6 1,492.9
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income from railway operations 320.7 300.0 602.2 561.8
Other income (expense):
Interest income 5.1 8.3 11.9 16.2
Interest expense on debt (8.3) (8.8) (16.9) (17.0)
Charge for credit facility
costs (Note 3) -- -- (77.2) --
Other - net 0.1 (4.2) (0.7) (4.6)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Other income (expense) (3.1) (4.7) (82.9) (5.4)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes 317.6 295.3 519.3 556.4
Provision for income taxes 117.3 104.7 190.9 202.7
-------- -------- -------- --------
NET INCOME $ 200.3 $ 190.6 $ 328.4 $ 353.7
======== ======== ======== ========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
PAGE 4
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
---------- ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 50.2 $ 172.1
Short-term investments 130.3 143.4
Accounts receivable - net 587.7 545.7
Materials and supplies 63.1 61.2
Deferred income taxes 96.9 95.3
Other current assets 78.8 119.8
--------- ---------
Total current assets 1,007.0 1,137.5
Due from NS - net (Note 3) 7.2 --
Investments 999.8 870.7
Properties less accumulated depreciation 9,296.7 9,014.9
Other assets 53.5 30.2
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS $11,364.2 $11,053.3
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt $ 27.2 $ 27.2
Accounts payable 548.5 549.8
Income and other taxes 215.9 158.3
Due to NS - net (Note 3) -- 64.9
Other current liabilities 135.1 109.0
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4) 59.4 54.3
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 986.1 963.5
Long-term debt (Note 4) 582.7 543.6
Other liabilities 857.4 886.0
Minority interests 2.1 2.4
Deferred income taxes (Note 3) 2,924.6 2,886.0
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 5,352.9 5,281.5
--------- ---------
Stockholders' equity:
Serial preferred stock $50 stated value 54.8 54.8
Common stock $10 stated value 166.7 166.7
Other capital 525.5 525.5
Unrealized gain on marketable securities 457.6 397.8
Retained income 4,806.7 4,627.0
--------- ---------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 6,011.3 5,771.8
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $11,364.2 $11,053.3
========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
PAGE 5
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions of dollars)
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
--------------------
1997 1996
------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 328.4 $ 353.7
Reconciliation of net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Charge for credit facility costs (Note 3) 77.2 --
Depreciation 205.5 200.0
Deferred income taxes 3.9 10.5
Nonoperating gains on property sales (5.2) (2.7)
Changes in assets and liabilities
affecting operations:
Accounts receivable (42.0) (27.7)
Materials and supplies (1.9) (0.5)
Other current assets 25.4 21.8
Current liabilities other than debt 64.9 42.0
Other - net (18.8) 0.2
------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities 637.4 597.3
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property additions (Note 4) (455.7) (309.5)
Property sales and other transactions 35.3 33.0
Investments, including short-term (134.1) (116.3)
Investment sales and other transactions 111.3 131.4
------- -------
Net cash used for investing activities (443.2) (261.4)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends (Note 3) (1.4) (149.6)
Due to/from NS-net (296.7) (200.2)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings (Note 4) 2.0 9.6
Debt repayments (20.0) (22.8)
------- -------
Net cash used for financing activities (316.1) (363.0)
------- -------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (121.9) (27.1)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:*
At beginning of year 172.1 49.3
------- -------
At end of period $ 50.2 $ 22.2
======= =======
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 33.9 $ 36.9
Income taxes $ 111.6 $ 155.2
* Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments purchased three months
or less from maturity.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
PAGE 6
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Tables in millions of dollars)
1. In the opinion of Management, the accompanying unaudited interim
financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal
recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly NS Rail's financial
position as of June 30, 1997, and its results of operations and cash
flows for the six months ended June 30, 1997, and 1996.
While Management believes that the disclosures presented are
adequate to make the information not misleading, these consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes included in the Corporation's latest
Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Report(s) on
Form 10-Q.
2. Commitments and Contingencies
Except as discussed below, there have been no significant changes
since year-end 1996 in the matters as discussed in NOTE 16,
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, and NOTE 17, EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE
DATE OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT-CONRAIL DEVELOPMENTS,
appearing in the NS Rail Annual Report on Form 10-K for 1996, Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements, beginning on page 61.
JOINT ACQUISITION OF CONRAIL INC. (CONRAIL) BY NS
-------------------------------------------------
On May 23, 1997, NS and CSX Corporation (CSX), through a jointly
owned entity, completed the acquisition of Conrail stock that was
tendered in response to the NS/CSX tender offer. On June 2, 1997, a
merger subsidiary jointly controlled by NS and CSX was merged into
Conrail. Pursuant to the merger, all previously issued Conrail
stock was either canceled or converted into the right to receive
$115 per share in cash. NS' share of the purchase price to acquire
Conrail stock is expected to total $5.8 billion (including related
fees and expenses), and gives NS a 58% economic and a 50% voting
interest in the entity which owns Conrail. All Conrail stock jointly
owned by NS and CSX has been placed in a voting trust pending approval
of the control transaction by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).
The approval of the STB, while anticipated, cannot be assumed, and a
final decision is not likely prior to mid-1998. The transaction will
be consummated after STB approval and is contingent upon, among other
things, attainment of labor implementing agreements (see also Note 3,
"Charge for Credit Facility Costs").
NS DEBT COMMITMENTS
-------------------
On May 21, 1997, NS terminated the remaining $1.65 billion of the
commitments available under a $13.0 billion credit agreement dated
February 10, 1997, as amended. NS currently has in place a
$2.8 billion, five-year credit facility to support its outstanding
commercial paper. The credit facility provides for interest on
borrowings at prevailing rates and contains customary financial
PAGE 7
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Tables in millions of dollars)
2. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
NS DEBT COMMITMENTS (continued)
-------------------
covenants. The cost of the Conrail transaction was financed through
the issuance of senior term debt and commercial paper (see Note 3,
"Cash Required for NS Debt"). On May 14, 1997, NS terminated the
contracts and agreements previously entered into to hedge its
exposure to changes in interest rates.
3. Related Parties
GENERAL
-------
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) is the parent holding company of
NS Rail. The costs of functions performed by NS are allocated to
NS Rail. Rail operations are coordinated at the holding company
level by the NS Executive Vice President-Operations.
CHARGE FOR CREDIT FACILITY COSTS
--------------------------------
NS Rail recorded a $77.2 million pretax charge in the first quarter
of 1997 for the direct costs, principally loan commitment fees, of
having secured and maintained certain now-terminated commitments
under the February credit agreement (see Note 2, "NS Debt
Commitments"). This charge reduced net income by $49.7 million.
NON-CASH DIVIDEND
-----------------
In March 1997, NS Rail declared and issued to NS a non-cash
dividend of $147.4 million, which was settled by reduction of
NS Rail's interest-bearing advances due from NS. Non-cash
dividends are excluded from the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows.
PAGE 8
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Tables in millions of dollars)
3. Related Parties (continued)
INTERCOMPANY ACCOUNTS
---------------------
June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996
------------------ ------------------
Average Average
Interest Interest
Balance Rate Balance Rate
------- -------- ------- --------
Due from NS:
Advances $ 271.3 4.7% $ 155.6 4.1%
Due to NS:
Notes and advances 264.1 6.7% 220.5 6.1%
------- -------
Due from NS - net $ 7.2 $ (64.9)
======= =======
Interest is applied to certain advances at the average NS yield on
short-term investments and to the notes at specified rates.
INTERCOMPANY FEDERAL INCOME TAX ACCOUNTS
----------------------------------------
In accordance with the NS Tax Allocation Agreement, intercompany
federal income tax accounts are recorded between companies in the NS
consolidated group. At June 30, 1997, and December 31, 1996,
NS Rail had intercompany federal income tax payables (which are
included in deferred income taxes in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets) of $292.6 million.
CASH REQUIRED FOR NS DEBT
-------------------------
To finance the cost of the Conrail transaction, NS has issued and
sold commercial paper and $4.3 billion of senior term notes. A
significant portion of the funding for the interest and repayments
on this debt is expected to be provided by NS Rail.
4. Capital Lease Obligations
During the first halves of 1997 and 1996, NS Rail entered into
capital leases covering new locomotives. The related capital lease
obligations totaling $64.0 million in 1997 and $107.8 million in
1996 were reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as debt and,
because they were non-cash transactions, were excluded from the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The lease obligations carry
stated interest rates of between 6.83 percent and 7.40 percent for
the leases entered into in 1997, and between 6.20 percent and
PAGE 9
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Tables in millions of dollars)
4. Capital Lease Obligations (continued)
6.75 percent for those entered into in 1996. All were converted to
variable rate obligations using interest rate swap agreements. The
interest rates on these obligations are based on the six-month
London Interbank Offered Rate and are reset every six months with
realized gains or losses accounted for as an adjustment of interest
expense over the terms of the leases. As a result, NS Rail is
exposed to the market risk associated with fluctuations in interest
rates. To date, the effects of the rate fluctuations have been
favorable and not material. Counterparties to the interest rate
swap agreements are major financial institutions believed by
Management to be creditworthy. NS Rail's use of interest rate swaps
has been limited to those discussed above.
5. Norfolk and Western Railway Company and Subsidiaries (NW)--
Summarized Consolidated Financial Information
SUMMARIZED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
--------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------ ------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
(Unaudited)
Railway operating revenues $ 511.1 $ 500.8 $1,009.5 $ 984.0
Railway operating expenses 347.5 342.7 705.3 707.3
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income from operations 163.6 158.1 304.2 276.7
Other - net 23.5 11.7 5.3 22.9
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before
income taxes 187.1 169.8 309.5 299.6
Provision for income taxes 68.9 60.6 113.4 108.8
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income $ 118.2 $ 109.2 $ 196.1 $ 190.8
======== ======== ======== ========
PAGE 10
Item 1. Financial Statements. (continued)
- ------ --------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(All Tables in millions of dollars)
5. Norfolk and Western Railway Company and Subsidiaries (NW)--
Summarized Consolidated Financial Information (continued)
SUMMARIZED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
--------------------------------------
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
----------- ------------
(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets $ 370.6 $ 353.4
Noncurrent assets 5,937.2 5,631.2
-------- --------
Total assets $6,307.8 $5,984.6
======== ========
Liabilities and stockholder's equity
Current liabilities $ 262.9 $ 205.7
Noncurrent liabilities 1,830.8 1,812.5
Stockholder's equity 4,214.1 3,966.4
-------- --------
Total liabilities and
stockholder's equity $6,307.8 $5,984.6
======== ========
PAGE 11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations.
-------------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(A Majority-Owned Subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation)
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Income
- ----------
Net income for the second quarter was $200.3 million, an increase of
$9.7 million, or 5 percent, compared with the second quarter of 1996. Net
income for the six months ended June 30, 1997, was $328.4 million, down
$25.3 million, or 7 percent, compared with the same period last year.
Income from railway operations was up 7 percent for both the second
quarter and the first six months. Included in 1997's first quarter
results was a $77.2 million ($49.7 million after-tax) charge for costs
related to the February credit agreement which had been established and
maintained by NS to purchase all Conrail shares (see Note 3, "Charge for
Credit Facility Costs"). Excluding the charge, net income for the first
six months was $378.1 million, up $24.4 million, or 7 percent.
Railway Operating Revenues
- --------------------------
Second-quarter railway operating revenues were a record $1.07 billion, up
$28.8 million, or 3 percent. For the first six months, railway operating
revenues were a record $2.11 billion, up $58.1 million, or 3 percent. As
shown in the following table, increased traffic volume was partly offset
by lower revenue per unit in both periods.
Second Quarter First Six Months
1997 vs. 1996 1997 vs. 1996
Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
------------------ ------------------
(In millions of dollars)
Traffic volume (carloads) $ 34.4 $ 76.4
Revenue per unit (5.6) (18.3)
------- -------
$ 28.8 $ 58.1
======= =======
PAGE 12
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
Revenues and carloads for the commodity groups were as follows:
Revenues
-------------------------------------------
Second Quarter Six Months
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
($ in millions)
Coal $ 325.5 $ 328.5 $ 651.6 $ 652.3
Chemicals 149.5 139.8 296.7 280.9
Paper/forest 134.2 128.7 269.0 258.4
Automotive 132.1 133.7 255.9 252.0
Agriculture 95.3 97.1 194.5 198.7
Metals/construction 95.2 93.8 184.4 177.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
General merchandise 606.3 593.1 1,200.5 1,167.2
Intermodal 135.0 116.4 260.7 235.2
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total $1,066.8 $1,038.0 $2,112.8 $2,054.7
======== ======== ======== ========
Carloads
------------------------------------------
Second Quarter Six Months
1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- -------- -------- --------
(in thousands)
Coal 327.4 334.5 655.1 654.1
Chemicals 102.2 92.7 202.8 189.3
Paper/forest 114.2 108.4 228.9 218.2
Automotive 97.0 95.8 189.1 179.6
Agriculture 89.4 90.8 180.4 183.9
Metals/construction 98.6 96.4 185.8 179.1
-------- -------- -------- --------
General merchandise 501.4 484.1 987.0 950.1
Intermodal 373.0 323.2 715.2 642.4
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total 1,201.8 1,141.8 2,357.3 2,246.6
======== ======== ======== ========
PAGE 13
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
Coal
- ----
Second-quarter coal revenues were 1 percent below those in the second
quarter of 1996, and were about even for the first six months. The
decline in the second quarter was due to a 1 percent reduction in handled
tonnage. Decreased utility volumes due to mild weather and unexpected
plant outages more than offset increased export volume. An increase in
average revenue per car was primarily due to the increase in higher-rated
export traffic coupled with the decrease in lower-rated utility traffic.
For the first six months, a 1 percent increase in tonnage was offset by
lower average revenue per car. Export coal tonnage was up 8 percent,
principally due to increased shipments to Japan, Holland and Brazil.
Utility tonnage declined 1 percent as decreases in the second quarter more
than offset gains in the first quarter. Coal revenues are expected to
continue to track prior-year levels in the second half of 1997.
General Merchandise
- -------------------
General merchandise revenues increased 2 percent in the second quarter,
and 3 percent for the first half. Increased chemicals, paper/forest and
metals/construction revenues were principally responsible for the
improvements.
Chemicals revenues increased 7 percent in the quarter and 6 percent for
the first six months, due to increased traffic volume resulting from
strong demand for fertilizer, petroleum, plastics and chloral-alkali.
Average revenue per car declined due to increased volumes of short-haul
and lower-rated traffic. Chemicals revenues are expected to remain strong
for the remainder of the year.
Paper/forest revenues increased 4 percent for both the second quarter and
the first six months, due to 5 percent increases in traffic volume for
both periods. Increased wood chip and kaolin traffic volumes, largely
attributable to new wood chip business and continued increases in demand
for coated paper, were principally responsible for the improvements.
Paper/forest revenues are expected to continue to compare favorably with
those of last year.
Metals/construction revenues increased 2 percent in the second quarter and
4 percent for the first six months, reflecting increased traffic volume
attributable to strong demand for aluminum and aggregates required for new
construction projects. Metals/construction revenues are expected to
continue to show moderate improvement compared with last year.
Automotive revenues declined 1 percent in the second quarter, but
increased 2 percent for the first half. For the quarter, a decrease in
finished vehicles traffic more than offset increased parts traffic.
However, for the first six months, increased parts traffic more than
offset lower finished vehicles traffic. The decreases in finished
vehicles traffic was primarily the result of industrywide bilevel
equipment shortages. In the second half, NS expects to acquire 326 new
PAGE 14
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
bilevels to help alleviate the equipment shortages. Finished vehicles
traffic was also affected by strikes during April and May. Average
revenue per car decreased due to a shorter length of haul compared with
last year and to a shift in the traffic mix. Automotive traffic growth
is expected to be minimal in the second half of 1997 due to slower sales
of vehicles, continued shortages of bilevel equipment and flat growth
for vehicle parts, compared with very strong growth in the second half
of 1996. In addition, construction of the new JIT rail facility for
GM at Dayton, Ohio, has been deferred pending disposition of the
NS/CSX application for control of Conrail.
Agriculture revenues decreased 2 percent in both the second quarter and
first six months, primarily due to decreased traffic volume resulting from
last year's poor harvest for soybeans and corn in NS' service area. For
the remainder of the year, agriculture traffic is expected to approach
last year's levels.
Intermodal
- ----------
Intermodal revenues increased 16 percent in the second quarter and
11 percent for the first half. Container traffic posted volume increases
of 18 percent for the quarter and 13 percent for the first half. Growth
in trailer volume also was strong, increasing 15 percent for the quarter
and 9 percent for the first six months. Triple Crown Services Company
volume increased 8 percent for the quarter and 10 percent for the first
half. Intermodal revenues are expected to continue to grow during the
remainder of the year.
Railway Operating Expenses
- --------------------------
Railway operating expenses increased 1 percent for both the second quarter
and the first six months, compared with the same periods last year.
The only large increase was in materials, services and rents, which was up
11 percent for both the quarter and the first half. The increases were
principally the result of higher equipment rents due to: (1) a change in
the mix of traffic in 1997 reflecting an increase in received traffic,
which generates rents payable, and a decrease in forwarded traffic, which
generates rents receivable; and (2) new freight car leases, mainly covered
hoppers and some box cars. Purchased services were also higher as a
result of handling charges, such as loading, unloading and drayage related
to the significant increase in intermodal traffic.
Diesel fuel expense decreased 3 percent in the second quarter, but
increased 5 percent in the first half. For the quarter, price per gallon
declined 5 percent, compared with last year, posting the first quarterly
comparative decline in two years. For the first six months, average
diesel fuel prices remained ahead of last year's levels reflecting the
increase in the first quarter. Higher consumption due to increased
traffic also contributed to the increase for the first half.
PAGE 15
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
Compensation and benefits expense were essentially flat for the second
quarter, but were down 2 percent for the first six months. Favorable
experience in employee benefit costs and comparatively higher expenses in
last year's first quarter due to harsh weather conditions more than offset
increased compensation costs related to stock-based compensation.
Casualties and other claims expense decreased 19 percent in the second
quarter and 18 percent in the first six months. The declines were due to
favorable liability insurance experience resulting in a premium rebate for
earlier periods, a continuation of favorable experience in personal injury
claims and lower environmental remediation expenses than last year.
Other expense declined 12 percent in the second quarter and 2 percent in
the first half. The decrease in the second quarter was the result of a
favorable adjustment of property tax accruals.
The 3 percent increase in railway operating revenues combined with only a
1 percent increase in railway operating expenses produced a second-quarter
railway operating ratio of 69.9 percent, the lowest quarterly operating
ratio in NS Rail's history. For the first six months, the railway
operating ratio also was a record--71.5 percent.
Other Income (Expense)
- ----------------------
Total other income and expense in the second quarter was an expense of
$3.1 million, compared with an expense of $4.7 million in second-quarter
1996. For the first six months, total other income and expense was an
expense of $82.9 million, compared with an expense of $5.4 million in the
first half of 1996. The large variance for the first six months was
principally attributable to the one-time charge of $77.2 million in the
first quarter of 1997 to write off costs incurred to establish and
maintain a $13 billion credit facility in connection with NS' bid to
acquire all of Conrail (see also "Joint Acquisition of Conrail by NS,"
below, and Notes 2 and 3, "Charge for Credit Facility Costs").
Income Taxes
- ------------
The effective income tax rate for the second quarter was 36.9 percent,
compared with 35.5 percent for second-quarter 1996. For the first half,
the effective rate was 36.8 percent, compared with 36.4 percent last year.
The higher effective rates in 1997 reflect last year's favorable
second-quarter adjustment related to settlement of federal income tax years
1990, 1991 and 1992.
PAGE 16
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996
-------------- -----------------
(Dollars in millions)
Cash and short-term investments $180.5 $315.5
Debt to total capitalization 10.0% 9.8%
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES is NS Rail's principal source of
liquidity and was sufficient to cover the cash outflows for dividends,
debt repayments and capital spending (see Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows on page 5). The increase in cash provided by operations, compared
with the first six months of last year, was primarily attributable to an
increase in income, excluding the charge for credit facility costs.
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES increased principally due to higher
property additions in the first quarter of 1997, compared with last year,
the result of increased roadway additions and the purchase of some
locomotives in 1997 using cash, instead of capital leases.
CASH USED FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES includes proceeds from long-term
borrowings which represents amounts received in connection with capital
lease transactions (see Note 4). The decrease in dividends paid in the
first half of 1997, compared with the same period last year, resulted
from the declaration this year of a non-cash dividend (see Note 3,
"Non-Cash Dividend").
As discussed in Note 3, NS has issued a significant amount of long-term
debt. Funds to service this debt are expected to come primarily from
NS Rail, NS' principal subsidiary.
JOINT ACQUISITION OF CONRAIL BY NS
- ----------------------------------
On May 23, 1997, NS and CSX completed the acquisition of Conrail stock
that was tendered in response to the NS/CSX tender offer (see Note 2).
On June 2, 1997, a merger subsidiary jointly controlled by NS and CSX was
merged into Conrail. Pursuant to the merger, all previously issued
Conrail stock was either canceled or converted into the right to receive
$115 per share in cash. NS' estimated total cost for its share of the
acquisition is expected to be $5.8 billion. On June 23, 1997, NS and CSX
filed a joint application with the STB for control and division of
Conrail and related matters necessary to implementation of the control
transaction. The application addresses projected traffic flows, proposed
operations and related matters; outlines the capital investments NS and
CSX each plan to make in new connections and facilities and to increase
capacity on critical routes; and details operating savings and other
public benefits resulting from the transaction. The application also
PAGE 17
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
contains certain historical and pro forma financial information required
by the STB. The STB has the authority to modify contract terms and
impose additional conditions, including divestitures, grants of trackage
rights and modification of other terms of proposed operations. The STB
issued a scheduling order that provides for issuance of a final STB
decision no later than June 8, 1998, to become effective 30 days later.
No assurance can be given with respect to the receipt of STB approval
or modifications or conditions that may be imposed in connection
therewith. A favorable decision by the STB would permit NS and
CSX to exercise control over Conrail by mid-1998. The joint application
is a public document, available for review in its entirety at the office
of the STB, located at 1925 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20423-0001.
Until the date NS and CSX 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,
various agreements between NS and CSX provide, among other things and
subject to approval by the STB and other conditions, for each of the
parties: (1) separately to operate portions of the routes and assets now
operated by Conrail, and (2) jointly to operate other Conrail properties.
Those agreements also provide for the allocation between NS and CSX of
responsibility for certain known and contingent Conrail liabilities.
Until the STB renders a final decision on the control application filed
by NS and CSX, NS will not have complete access to Conrail's related
books, records and physical assets, and will not know the exact division
of the Conrail properties. As a consequence, it is not possible at this
time for NS to state or to assess with precision the amount of its share
of Conrail assets and liabilities.
NS has identified a number of synergies related to the transaction which
its management believes can be achieved and that are estimated to yield
operating income in nominal dollars of about $86 million in 1998,
$327 million in 1999 and $564 million by the year 2000. For 1996, NS'
and Conrail's most recent full calendar year, combined operating income,
reflecting 58 percent of Conrail's operating income adjusted for
non-recurring charges, was $1.6 billion. These estimates assume that
NS will begin achieving transaction synergies beginning July 1, 1998,
and reflect anticipated operating expense savings and revenue
enhancements and do not include any one-time costs to achieve such
improvements. Expense savings are expected to be $73 million in 1998,
$257 million in 1999, and $432 million in 2000. Expense savings are
expected to result from, among other things, reduced general and
administrative expenses, improved equipment utilization and maintenance,
improved use of rail yards and routes, more efficient purchasing of
material and equipment coupled with maintenance-of-way efficiencies,
and more efficient transportation operations. Contribution from
incremental revenue enhancements are expected to be $13 million in
1998, $70 million in 1999, and $132 million in 2000. Revenue
PAGE 18
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ------ -----------------------------------------------------------
and Results of Operations. (continued)
-------------------------
enhancements are expected to result from net new business (single-line
service, new coal traffic and the diversion of truck traffic to rail).
NS estimates that it will incur one-time transitional capital
expenditures in connection with the integration of operations of
$120 million in 1998, $241 million in 1999, and $145 million in 2000. NS
expects the acquisition to be dilutive to earnings by approximately
2 percent in 1997 (excluding the $77.2 million credit facility charge) and
1 percent in 1998. NS anticipates the synergies from the transaction will
result in accretion in NS' earnings per share of about 14 percent in 1999
and 25 percent in 2000.
The foregoing estimates of cost savings, synergies, and projected earnings
per share are "forward-looking" and inherently subject to significant
uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of
NS, including: (a) future economic conditions in the markets in which NS
and Conrail operate; (b) financial market conditions; (c) inflation rates;
(d) changing competition and the effects of new and increased competition
in the areas served by NS and Conrail; (e) changes in the economic
regulatory climate in the United States railroad industry; (f) NS' ability
to eliminate or reduce duplicative administrative and other functions and
facilities following the transaction; (g) labor uncertainties and NS'
ability to implement anticipated labor savings; (h) unanticipated
environmental and other situations relating to Conrail assets; (i) NS'
ability to integrate certain Conrail assets, including its information
technology systems, within NS' systems; and (j) adverse changes in
applicable laws, regulations or rules governing environmental, tax or
accounting matters. There can be no assurance that the estimated savings,
revenue increases, synergies or projected earnings per share will be
achieved; actual savings, revenue increases, synergies and earnings per
share may vary materially from those estimated. The inclusion of such
estimates herein should not be regarded as an indication or affirmation
that NS or any other party considers such estimates an accurate prediction
of future events.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
NS Rail uses derivative financial instruments in limited instances to
manage interest rate risk. NS Rail 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 a targeted mix within its debt portfolio.
NS Rail had a limited number of interest rate swaps in place at
June 30, 1997 (see Note 4), all of which were accounted for as hedging
transactions. Because these derivative instruments are being used to
convert certain fixed-rate debt to a variable market-based rate,
NS Rail's total potential interest rate exposure under these swaps is
not determinable. However, NS Rail's management considers it highly
unlikely that interest rate fluctuations applicable to these
instruments will result in a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
PAGE 19
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------ ---------------------------------------------------
Registrant's annual meeting of stockholders was held on May 27,
1997, at which meeting two directors were elected to the class whose term
will expire in 2000, and one director was elected to the class whose term
will expire in 1999.
The three nominees for directors, who were uncontested, were
elected by the following vote:
THREE-YEAR TERM
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AUTHORITY WITHHELD
--- ------------------
James C. Bishop, Jr. 17,633,448 votes 7,679 votes
L. I. Prillaman 17,633,448 votes 7,679 votes
TWO-YEAR TERM
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR AUTHORITY WITHHELD
--- ------------------
Jon L. Manetta 17,632,696 votes 8,431 votes
PAGE 20
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------ --------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
A report on Form 8-K dated April 8, 1997, was filed
electronically on April 21, 1997; an amendment
thereto, dated May 1, 1997, was filed electronically
on May 1, 1997; and a further amendment thereto,
dated May 12, 1997, was filed electronically on
May 13, 1997; such report, as amended, reporting
that NS had entered into an agreement with
CSX Corporation providing for a joint acquisition
of Conrail.
A report on Form 8-K dated April 23, 1997, was filed
electronically on April 23, 1997, reporting NS'
first-quarter earnings and results of operations and
discussing NS' proposed acquisition (with CSX) of
Conrail and the subsequent operation by NS of a
significant portion of the routes and assets of
Conrail.
A report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 1997, was filed
electronically on May 21, 1997, reporting that NS
had entered into pricing agreements in connection
with the proposed issuance and sale of NS' notes.
A report on Form 8-K dated May 23, 1997, was filed
electronically on May 28, 1997, reporting that
approximately 57,407,389 shares of Conrail had been
accepted for payment pursuant to NS' and CSX's joint
tender offer which expired on May 23, 1997.
A report on Form 8-K dated June 23, 1997, was filed
electronically on July 1, 1997, reporting that NS
and CSX had filed with the Surface Transportation
Board on June 23, 1997, their formal application for
control of Conrail.
PAGE 21
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 RAILWAY COMPANY
------------------------------------------
(Registrant)
Date: August 8, 1997 /s/ Dezora M. Martin
------------------- ------------------------------------------
Dezora M. Martin
Assistant Corporate Secretary (Signature)
Date: August 8, 1997 /s/ John P. Rathbone
------------------- ------------------------------------------
John P. Rathbone
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature)
PAGE 22
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
-----------------
Electronic
Submission
Exhibit
Number Description Page Number
- ----------- ----------------------------------------- -----------
27 Financial Data Schedule
(This exhibit is required to be
submitted electronically pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and
shall not be deemed filed for purposes
of Section 11 of the Securities Act
of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934). 23