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 period ended September 30, 1995 or [ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 For the transition period from __________ to __________ Commission file number 0-15768 NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) NORTH CAROLINA 56-6003280 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 234 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 600 P. O. Box 2248, Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (919) 829-7355 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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 the latest practical date. Common Stock, $.50 par Value--4,283,470 shares as of September 30, 1995. The total number of pages contained in this document is 28 pages. INDEX NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item l. Financial Statements (Unaudited) Balance Sheets - September 30, 1995 and December 31, 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Statements of Income - Three months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994 and nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994 . . . . . 4 Statements of Shareholders' Equity - Nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Statements of Cash Flows - Nine months ended September 30, 1995 and September 30, 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Notes to financial statements - September 30, 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Item 2. The Registrant's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. . . . 10 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Item 5. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . 23 SIGNATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY September 30 December 31 1995 1994 ----------- ------------ ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $2,021,125 $ 1,615,284 Short-term investments 473,000 -0- Rent receivable 255,919 246,030 Interest receivable and other assets 53,658 65,400 ----------- ------------ TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 2,803,702 1,926,714 PROPERTIES Roadway and land--Note B 7,848,842 7,848,842 Buildings and equipment 239,881 236,369 Less accumulated depreciation (297,768) (292,395) ------------ ------------ 7,790,955 7,792,816 ------------ ------------ OTHER ASSETS Lease negotiation costs 795,716 365,267 ------------ ------------ $11,390,373 $10,084,797 ============ ============ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued expenses and accounts payable $ 612,125 $ 421,026 Income taxes payable 204,477 -0- Dividends payable -0- 128,504 Unearned rental income 20,332 -0- ----------- ----------- TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 836,934 549,530 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 1,222,251 1,214,451 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, par value $0.50 per share-- 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,283,470 shares issued and outstanding 2,141,735 2,141,735 Additional paid-in capital 3,588,455 3,588,455 Retained earnings 3,600,998 2,590,626 ----------- ------------ 9,331,188 8,320,816 ----------- ------------ COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--Note C $11,390,373 $10,084,797 =========== ============ See notes to financial statements. 3 STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 1995 1994 1995 1994 ----------------------- ----------------------- Revenues: Lease of roadway and land $ 221,483 $ 160,794 $ 573,746 $ 482,291 Interest income 29,143 22,240 81,077 61,299 Dividend income 7,500 12,500 7,500 12,500 Rental income 3,870 720 7,020 2,880 Gain on sale of real estate -0- -0- 473,956 -0- Other lease income 691,246 -0- 691,246 -0- Other 13,520 24,001 77,769 65,875 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 966,762 220,255 1,912,314 624,845 Expenses: Salaries and administrative 81,155 66,380 198,656 196,647 Professional fees 104,488 78,888 274,107 212,177 Insurance and taxes 12,676 11,763 39,274 36,532 Depreciation 1,791 2,061 5,373 5,916 Consulting fees 12,149 11,700 36,510 16,230 Other 28,005 27,023 90,222 72,295 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 240,264 197,815 644,142 539,797 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- INCOME BEFORE INCOME 726,498 22,440 1,268,172 85,048 TAXES Income taxes: Current 48,000 5,830 250,000 11,660 Deferred 2,600 2,600 7,800 7,800 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- 50,600 8,430 257,800 19,460 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- NET INCOME $ 675,898 $ 14,010 $1,010,372 $ 65,588 ========= ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share: $ 0.16 $ 0.00 $ 0.24 $ 0.02 ====== ====== ====== ====== See notes to financial statements. 4 STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY Additional Common Paid-In Retained Earnings Shareholders' Stock Capital Restricted Unrestricted Equity ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -- ----------- BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1994 $2,141,735 $3,588,455 $ 509,778 $2,102,207 $8,342,175 Net income 12,907 52,681 65,588 ----------- ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 $2,141,735 $3,588,455 $ 522,685 $2,154,888 $8,407,763 =========== ============ =========== =========== =========== BALANCE AT JANUARY 1, 1995 $2,141,735 $3,588,455 $ -0- $2,590,626 $8,320,816 Net income -0- 1,010,372 1,010,372 ----------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 $2,141,735 $3,588,455 $ -0- $3,600,998 $9,331,188 =========== ============ =========== =========== =========== See notes to financial statements. 5 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY Nine Months Ended September 30 1995 1994 --------------------------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income $1,010,372 $ 65,588 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Deferred income taxes 7,800 7,800 Depreciation 5,373 5,916 Lease negotiation costs (430,449) -0- Change in operating assets and liabilities: Rent receivable (9,889) 125,431 Interest receivable and other assets 11,742 (31,085) Income taxes recoverable -0- 9,517 Accrued expenses and accounts payable 191,099 76,204 Income taxes payable 204,477 -0- Unearned rental income 20,332 20,342 ---------- ---------- NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 1,010,857 279,713 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Increase in restricted assets -0- (12,907) Purchase of equipment (3,512) (1,487) Purchase of short-term investments (1,453,000) (200,000) Maturities of short-term investments 980,000 -0- ----------- --------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (476,512) (214,394) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Dividends paid (128,504) -0- ----------- --------- NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (128,504) -0- INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 405,841 65,319 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,615,284 912,655 ----------- ----------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $2,021,125 $ 977,974 =========== =========== See notes to financial statements. 6 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY September 30, 1995 NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations of North Carolina Railroad Company (the "Company" or "NCRR") as of and for each of the periods presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's audited financial statements for 1994. Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. PROPERTIES: Buildings and equipment are reported at cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings are depreciated over thirty years and equipment is depreciated over three to five years. Properties in the roadway and land account are carried at an amount which approximates the 1916 valuation by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Virtually all the property in the roadway and land account is leased either to the Norfolk Southern Railway Company ("Norfolk Southern Railway") or the Atlantic and East Carolina Railway Company ("AECR") (See Note B). Norfolk Southern Railway is a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Corporation. AECR is a subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway. These properties are not depreciated because they represent fully depreciated roadway or non-depreciable land. REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenue is reflected in the statements of income when earned in accordance with the Company's lease arrangements on the accrual method. Excess lease revenue related to the 1939 lease with AECR is estimated and recognized based upon the previous quarter's billed traffic. INCOME TAXES: Income tax expense is disproportionate to income before income taxes because the lessee of certain of the properties, pursuant to the terms of the 1895 Lease, pays all income taxes attributable to the lease arrangement. The Company considers the lessee's share of the amortization of roadway costs to be a permanent difference and no deferred taxes are provided thereon. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Cash and cash equivalents include investments in high quality commercial paper, U. S. Treasury Bills, and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: Short term investments include investments in high quality commercial paper and U.S. Treasury bills with maturities within one year of the balance sheet date. These investments are held-to-maturity and are carried at cost, which approximates market. 7 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) LEASE/TRANSACTION COSTS: Certain lease negotiation costs have been capitalized and will be amortized over the life of any lease extension agreements, if consummated. RESTRICTED RETAINED EARNINGS: Under terms of its lease agreement with AECR, the Company had maintained a restricted cash account. All restrictions expired on December 31, 1994, and the assets became the property of the Company. Accordingly, these assets are no longer classified as restricted. NOTE B--LEASES ON ROADWAY AND LAND The Company leases its roadway and land under two leases to Norfolk Southern Railway and one lease to AECR. The first lease to Norfolk Southern Railway dated August 16, 1895 (the "1895 Lease")is a lease of roadway, land and other property. The 1895 Lease provided for an annual rental of $286,000, and an expiration date of January 1, 1995. Under the terms of the 1895 Lease, all income, property and franchise taxes are paid by the lessee. The Company leased additional roadway and land to AECR (the "1939 Lease") under the terms of a lease dated August 30, 1939 between Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad Company and AECR. The 1939 Lease was amended on August 29, 1954, and provided for an expiration date of December 31, 1994. The lessee is responsible for all state and federal taxes imposed upon the lessee on account of the operation of the railroad. The lessor is responsible for certain ad valorem property taxes, income taxes assessed against it, and payroll taxes on account of its employees. Under the terms of this lease, AECR pays an annual fixed lease rental of $60,500 plus annual excess lease rentals based upon operating revenues in excess of $475,000. Rentals under the 1895 Lease and 1939 Lease have continued since their dates of expiration during negotiations over the terms of a definitive agreement to extend the 1895 and 1939 Leases. The Company and its lessees, Norfolk Southern Railway and AECR, have approved definitive terms of an agreement to extend the 1895 Lease and 1939 Lease (the "Lease Extension Agreement"), subject to shareholder and other approvals. The Lease Extension Agreement, if approved, provides for rental payments retroactive to the expiration dates of the 1895 and 1939 Leases, and will take into account the differences between the rentals paid since January 1, 1995 under the 1895 and 1939 Leases, and the increased rental under the Lease Extension Agreement. The second lease to Norfolk Southern Railway ("1968 Lease") expires on December 31, 2067, and provides for an annual rental of $81,319 through December 31, 2017 for certain properties in Charlotte, North Carolina. Beginning on January 1, 2018, 6% of the appraised value of the property will be the annual rental for the remaining term of the 1968 Lease. Under the terms of the 1968 Lease, all taxes connected with the property, except income taxes, are paid by the lessee. The 1968 Lease would not be affected by the Lease Extension Agreement. 8 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY NOTE C--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES During the fourth quarter of 1989, the Company was notified by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources ("DEHNR") of a possible abandoned pesticide disposal site on property owned by the Company in Johnston County, North Carolina. It is believed that the site was used by a predecessor owner to burn and/or bury surplus pesticides from the predecessor's business, which was not located at the site. In January, 1994, DEHNR initiated a lawsuit against the Company and other parties seeking reimbursement of $84,354 in response costs incurred by DEHNR and remediation of the site. On February 1, 1995, the Court granted partial summary judgment holding all of the defendants, including the Company, jointly and severally liable for the site. The Court has not yet ruled on apportionment of liability or cost sharing among the defendants. According to a preliminary study conducted by the Company, the estimated costs of remediation range between $500,000 to in excess of $2,000,000. The Company will vigorously defend the action brought by DEHNR and will aggressively pursue any other parties who may be liable for any remediation, removal, or clean-up. The ultimate costs of any remediation, removal, or clean-up are not known. However, if such costs are not paid by other parties, the financial position of the Company would be materially adversely affected. Four shareholder derivative actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina during December 1994 and January and February 1995 by shareholders of the Company. The complaints name the directors of the Company as defendants and the Company as "nominal defendant." Two of the actions seek to enjoin a purported lease between the Company and Norfolk Southern Railway and seek to recover for the Company unspecified damages and other relief from the directors. Two other actions seek similar relief and also name the State of North Carolina, the Governor of North Carolina, and Norfolk Southern Railway as defendants. The Company's officers and directors are indemnified in the bylaws of the Company for certain claims and liabilities alleged in the actions, including the defense costs and expenses. The Company notified its directors and officers insurance carrier of claims as a result of the actions, which claims have been acknowledged by the insurance carrier. The directors and officers insurance policy has an aggregate limit of $5,000,000 and a $75,000 retention per occurrence. On December 10, 1991, the Registrant initiated a lawsuit in the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Superior Court regarding its railroad corridor through downtown Charlotte. The Registrant alleged that both the City of Charlotte and Norfolk Southern Railway have breached contract obligations and obligations based on real property rights to the Registrant. The litigation has been disclosed by the Registrant in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. On December 7, 1993, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled against the defendants' appeal and against the Registrant's cross-appeal. Norfolk Southern Railway then petitioned the Supreme Court of North Carolina to review the decision of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, which petition was denied. Norfolk Southern Railway then petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review. On June 12, 1995, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition, and the lawsuit will continue in Superior Court, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The Company is engaging in negotiations to settle the litigation, but there can be no assurance of any settlement or the terms of any such settlement. 9 ^ Item 2. The Registrant's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Financial Condition A majority of the Registrant's assets are subject to two railroad operating leases dating to 1895 and 1939. Information about the leases has been disclosed by the Registrant in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. There was little change in capital resources or asset position from the end of the fiscal year 1994 to September 30, 1995. The Registrant's lessees pay for maintenance and all operating railroad equipment. Therefore, the Registrant does not anticipate any need for substantial capital expenditures unless the 1895 and 1939 Leases are not extended. (See Note B to the financial statements.) On August 10, 1995, the Board of Directors of the Registrant approved a Lease Extension Agreement in the form attached as an exhibit to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 1995 (the "Lease Extension"). On August 24, 1995, the Board of Directors of Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Atlantic and East Carolina Railway Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway Company) ("Norfolk Southern"), approved the Lease Extension. The Lease Extension will not be effective until certain conditions occur, but upon the occurrence of such conditions effectiveness shall be retroactive to January 1, 1995. The Registrant and Norfolk Southern have entered into a written agreement whereby Norfolk Southern will pay to the Registrant the amount of the personal property settlement ($5,000,000) within five business days of December 1, 1995, notwithstanding the approval status of the Lease Extension Agreement, in order to promote the Registrant's ability to qualify for Real Estate Investment Trust status at the earliest possible date. The Lease Extension has been executed by the Registrant the the lessees, and is being held in escrow by a third party pursuant to an escrow agreement until all of the conditions to effectiveness have been met. If the leases are not extended or if the Registrant is unable to negotiate other leases upon acceptable terms, operating its own line without a lessee would subject the Registrant to a number of risks that would materially affect the Registrant's liquidity and capital resources. The Registrant anticipates that it would have to incur substantial operating expenses over time, but that it would initially not likely incur substantial capital expenditures with respect to fixed plant. Under the terms of the 1895 Lease, the lessee is required to return the leased properties, or equivalent replacements of leased properties, including equipment, in as good a condition and repair as the 10 property was at the inception of the lease, less ordinary depreciation. However, the Registrant may be required to incur substantial capital expenditures and other expenses for the operation of the railroad line if the equipment is not returned in operating condition upon termination of the leases or if the quantities or type of the returned equipment is insufficient to operate the railroad line. Risks of independent operation that would affect operating income and expenses would include the potential for diversion of overhead traffic by Norfolk Southern, loss of traffic to competitors, and unpredictable maintenance and labor expenses. The Registrant does not foresee any need for funds during 1995 which cannot be met primarily from its income from leases or in part from available cash in the regular course of business, except that (1) in the event the Lease Extension is not approved and the Registrant and Norfolk Southern litigate issues before the Interstate Commerce Commission ("ICC"), claims under the 1895 and 1939 Leases, or other matters, the Registrant may be required to finance part of the litigation expenses, and (2) if the Registrant qualifies as a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") for income tax purposes, the Registrant may be required to finance a portion of accumulated earnings and profits required to be distributed to the Registrant's shareholders in the first year of REIT status. The Registrant's liquidity (cash and short-term investments) improved from $1,615,284 at December 31, 1994 to $2,494,125 at September 30, 1995. Short-term investments in high quality commercial paper and U. S. Treasury Bills of $473,000 are classified as held-to-maturity, and will mature within the first six months of 1996. The Registrant's cash and cash equivalents increased by $405,841 from December 31, 1994 to $2,021,125 at September 30, 1995. For the nine month period ended September 30, 1995, $1,010,857 of net cash was provided by operating activities and was primarily related to net income of $1,010,372, an increase in accrued expenses and accounts payable of $191,099, income taxes payable of $204,477, and unearned rental income of $20,332, which were partially offset by capitalized lease negotiation costs of $430,449. Investing activities resulted in a net use of cash of $476,512 as $1,453,000 of short-term investments were purchased and $980,000 matured during the period. Financing activities resulted in a net use of cash of $128,504 as dividends were paid during the period. 11 Results of Operations Results of operations for the period covered hereby reflect rental payments to the Registrant pursuant to the terms of the 1895 Lease and 1939 Lease under a temporary arrangement between the Registrant and the lessees which continues the rental and other terms of the Leases. The terms of the Lease Extension, if approved, will take into account the difference between the rental under the Leases and the increased rental. Total revenues increased from $220,255 for the third quarter of 1994 as compared to $966,762 for the third quarter of 1995, and increased from $624,845 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $1,912,314 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. Revenues from leases of roadway and land increased from $160,794 for the three month period ended September 30, 1994 to $221,483 for the same period ended September 30, 1995 and increased from $482,291 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $573,746 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increases in revenues from leases of roadway and land were attributable to (i) additional rental in the amount of $52,914 under the 1939 Lease for the period 1991-1994 as a result of initiation of an audit by the Registrant of rentals paid by AECR in the third quarter and (ii) estimated increases in excess rental revenues from the 1939 Lease. The 1939 Lease rental estimate is based upon AECR previous quarter's billed traffic, plus or minus adjustments to actual revenues as the amounts are determined during the year. AECR revenue estimates are furnished by Norfolk Southern Corporation. See Note B to the financial statements. Interest income increased from $22,240 for the three month period ended September 30, 1994 to $29,143 for the same period ended September 30, 1995, and increased from $61,299 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $81,077 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increases in interest income are attributable to increases in levels of invested cash and short-term investments. There were no gains on sale of real estate for the three month period ended September 30, 1994, the same period ended September 30, 1995, or the nine month period ended September 30, 1994. During the nine month period ended September 30, 1995, the Registrant sold approximately 16 acres of land in Johnston County, North Carolina, recognizing a gain of $473,956. Other lease income represents the settlement of a claim for a lump sum tax benefit payment which was due upon the expiration of the 1895 Lease from Norfolk Southern Railway pursuant to a 1982 tax benefit agreement between the Registrant and Norfolk Southern 12 Railway. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Registrant received a lump sum payment in the amount of $691,246. Norfolk Southern Railway has agreed to reimburse the Registrant for any income taxes owed by the Registrant on the lump sum payment, and accordingly the Registrant has not provided for income taxes related to the receipt of the settlement. Other income decreased from $24,001 for the three month period ended September 30, 1994 to $13,520 for the same period ended September 30, 1995, and increased from $65,875 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $77,769 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The overall increase was primarily attributable to a sale of stock of the State University Railroad Company in the amount of $30,000, which was partially offset by decreased property settlement fees. Salary and administrative expenses increased from $66,380 for the third quarter of 1994 as compared to $81,155 for the third quarter of 1995, and remained constant at $196,647 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 as compared to $198,656 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to increased salaries and employee benefit costs, which were offset in part by a decrease in directors' fees and expenses. Professional fees increased from $78,888 for the third quarter of 1994 to $104,488 for the third quarter of 1995, and increased from $212,177 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $274,107 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increases in professional fees are attributable to increases in fees and expenses associated with the Registrant's renegotiation of its leases with Norfolk Southern, attorneys' fees in litigation matters, and evaluation of REIT qualification. The Registrant expects to continue to incur substantially greater professional and investment banking fees and expenses in future periods until resolution of matters related to current and future leases or other transactions. The majority of such fees are currently being capitalized for income tax purposes. Insurance and taxes remained constant at $11,763 for the third quarter of 1994 as compared to $12,676 for the third quarter of 1995, and were $36,532 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 as compared to $39,274 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The Registrant expects to incur higher property tax expense in future periods for properties excluded from the Lease Extension for separate management by the Registrant. Consulting fees increased from $11,700 for the third quarter of 1994 to $12,149 for the third quarter of 1995, and increased from $16,230 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $36,510 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The 13 increases are attributable to increases in outside consultants' fees associated with the termination of the 1895 and 1939 Leases and negotiations with Norfolk Southern Railway. The Registrant expects to continue to incur substantial consultants' fees and other expenses in future periods at least until the resolution of all matters related to current and future leases or other transactions. Other expenses increased slightly from $27,023 for the third quarter of 1994 to $28,005 for the third quarter of 1995, and increased from $72,295 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 to $90,222 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increases in other expenses are primarily attributable to increased supplies expense. Current income taxes increased from $5,830 for the third quarter of 1994 to $48,000 the third quarter of 1995, and increased from $11,660 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 as compared to $250,000 for the same period ended September 30, 1995. The increases are attributable to gains on the sale of real estate and an increase in lease revenue during the second and third quarters, of which the Registrant is responsible for related income taxes. Deferred income taxes remained constant at $2,600 for the third quarter of 1994 as compared to the third quarter of 1995 and remained constant at $7,800 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1994 as compared to the same period ended September 30, 1995. Under the 1895 Lease, all taxes attributable to the 1895 Lease, including income taxes, are paid by Norfolk Southern Railway as lessee. The Registrant and its lessees are responsible for compliance with state, federal, local or other provisions relating to discharge of materials or the protection of the environment. The risk of incurring environmental liability is inherent in conducting railroad operations. Some of the commodities which are transported over the Registrant's railroad lines are classified as hazardous materials. The 1895 and 1939 Leases did not make provision for the lessees to disclose environmental problems affecting the Registrant's properties. Environmental problems may exist on properties owned by the Registrant which are known to the lessees but have not been disclosed to the Registrant or which are unknown to the lessee or the Registrant. State and federal environmental provisions may impose joint and several liability upon the Registrant and its lessees and sublessees for environmental damage or clean up (or associated costs) of any real properties owned by the Registrant and adjoining properties if the source of any problem is the property of the Registrant. The Registrant believes that damage or clean up (or the associated costs) would be the responsibility of the lessees and any sublessees or other parties who may have created 14 any actionable environmental condition. However, if such parties are not able to meet their responsibilities, under certain statutes, regulations, and rules, the Registrant could ultimately be held responsible for any remediation, removal, or cleanup of the property it owns. The status of one such site is disclosed in Item 3 "Legal Proceedings." According to a preliminary study conducted by the Registrant, the estimated costs of remediation range between $500,000 to in excess of $2,000,000. At this time, the Registrant does not know the total amount of its financial exposure, the timing of the resolution of the matter, or the extent to which the Registrant's potential exposure may be reduced by contribution or indemnification from other parties. The Registrant does not have insurance to minimize its potential exposure. Legal expenses and the costs of remediation, removal, or cleanup represent a possible substantial future drain on the financial resources of the Registrant which cannot be quantified at this time. Any future remediation, removal, or cleanup at the site should have no effect upon railroad operations. The Lease Extension contains extensive provisions governing the rights and obligations of the parties for various environmental liabilities and expenses. The Lease Extension will not be effective until certain conditions occur. (See Item 2 above.) The Lease Extension does not affect the responsibility of the Registrant with respect to the Peele Site. Inflation affects the Registrant primarily through increased salary, administrative, property tax, and insurance expenses. The Registrant's primary sources of revenue, rental from the 1895 Lease and 1939 Lease, increase only to the extent changes in the general inflation rate increase the excess rental payments under the 1939 Lease, which are based on a percentage of the lessee's operating revenues. Revenues from the 1895 Lease do not increase or decrease with changes in the inflation rate. The Registrant expects to offset any negative effects of inflation not offset by increased excess rental payments by controlling current expenses. The Lease Extension contains an inflation adjustment provision (See Item 2 above.) PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 3. Legal Proceedings Except as described below, there are no legal proceedings pending to which the Registrant is a party that are material to the operation of the Registrant. Peele Site 15 During the fourth quarter of 1989, the Registrant was notified by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources ("DEHNR") that DEHNR had been notified of a possible abandoned pesticide disposal site on property owned by the Registrant in Johnston County, North Carolina. Information about the site has been disclosed by the Registrant in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since 1991, the site had been included in the DEHNR Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites Priority List. The sites on the Priority List are ranked in decreasing order of danger to the public health and environment based on a ranking system administered by DEHNR. In February 1995, the site ranked 98 out of a total of 158 sites on the Priority List. In January, 1994, DEHNR initiated a lawsuit against the Registrant and other parties seeking reimbursement of $84,354 in response costs incurred by DEHNR and remediation of the site. On February 1, 1995, the Court granted partial summary judgement holding all of the defendants, including the Registrant, jointly and severally liable. The Court has not yet ruled on apportionment of liability or cost sharing among the defendants. According to a preliminary study conducted by the Registrant, the estimated costs of remediation range between $500,000 to in excess of $2,000,000. The Registrant will vigorously defend the action by DEHNR, and will aggressively pursue any other parties who may be liable for any remediation, removal, or clean-up. The ultimate costs of any remediation, removal, or clean-up are not known. However, if such costs are not paid by other parties, the financial position of the Registrant would be materially adversely affected. Charlotte Convention Center Litigation On December 10, 1991, the Registrant initiated a lawsuit in the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Superior Court regarding its railroad corridor through downtown Charlotte. The Registrant alleged that both the City of Charlotte and Norfolk Southern Railway have breached contract obligations and obligations based on real property rights to the Registrant. The litigation has been disclosed by the Registrant in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. On December 7, 1993, the North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled against the defendants' appeal and against the Registrant's cross-appeal. Norfolk Southern Railway then petitioned the Supreme Court of North Carolina to review the decision of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, which petition was denied. Norfolk Southern Railway then petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review. On June 12, 1995, the United States Supreme Court denied the petition, and the lawsuit will continue in Superior Court, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. 16 The Registrant is engaging in negotiations to settle the litigation, but there can be no assurance of any settlement or the terms of any such settlement. Shareholder Litigation Four shareholder derivative actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina during December 1994 and January and February 1995 by shareholders of the Registrant. Information about the actions has been disclosed in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. On March 30, 1995, the court consolidated the actions into one proceeding. The Registrant, along with the co-defendants filed motions to dismiss or stay the actions. On October 18, 1995, the court denied the motions to dismiss, granted the motions to stay the proceeding until such time as the shareholders have voted on the Lease Extension, and granted a motion by the plaintiffs for leave to supplement their pleadings. The Registrant will oppose the actions brought by the plaintiffs to the extent the actions seek to enjoin any lease arrangement or seek recovery against the Registrant or seek any remedy against the best interests of Registrant or its shareholders. The Bylaws of the NCRR provide that its Directors shall have the right to be indemnified by the NCRR, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against liabilities and expenses arising out of their status as Directors. To the extent the Directors' conduct meets the standard of conduct for indemnification set forth by the North Carolina Business Corporation Act ("NCBCA"), as described below, they will be so indemnified by the NCRR in connection with the shareholder derivative actions described herein. Under the NCBCA, a corporation is permitted to indemnify a director who conducted himself in good faith and reasonably believed: (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in the best interest of the corporation and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the corporation's best interest. In the case of any criminal proceeding, the director must not have had any reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. In any proceeding by or in the right of a corporation (such as the shareholder derivative actions described herein), a corporation may not voluntarily indemnify a director if the director is adjudged liable to the corporation. In addition, a corporation may not indemnify a director if the director is adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him. Where a proceeding is by or in the right of a corporation, indemnification of a director is limited to reasonable expenses 17 if the proceeding is concluded without a final adjudication on the issue of liability. The NCBCA permits an advance for expenses incurred by a director in defending a proceeding. The expenses may be paid by a corporation in advance of the final disposition of the legal action, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director to repay such amounts unless it is ultimately determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation against such expenses. The Directors of the NCRR who have executed such undertaking are receiving advances for expenses incurred in defending the actions brought against them in connection with the Lease Extension Agreement. Additionally, the NCBCA provides that a corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a director of the corporation against any liability asserted against or incurred by him in that capacity or arising from his status as a director. The NCRR has an insurance policy that covers the NCRR against the indemnification liability of the NCRR to its directors. The policy has a aggregate limit of $5 million and a $75,000 retention per occurrence. The NCRR's liability exposure to its Directors will, therefore, not be material, unless (i) the Directors satisfy the requirements for being indemnified as described above and (ii) the indemnified liabilities and expenses exceed the NCRR's insurance coverage. The NCRR is unable to determine this early in the legal proceedings whether of the foregoing conditions will occur. Item 5. Other Information On June 30, 1995, statutory authorization of the Railroad Advisory Commission terminated. The Railroad Advisory Commission was authorized by the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1991. Information about the Railroad Advisory Commission has been disclosed in prior quarterly and annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Over the past several years, certain shareholders have met with representatives of the State of North Carolina ("State") to discuss a sale or reorganization of the Registrant and the Registrant has been advised by the State that a buy-out or reorganization is being evaluated along with other options, but the Registrant is not aware of the seriousness of such discussions or whether the State will decide to pursue such a transaction. Although certain State officials have discussed in public a buy-out of the other shareholders as being in the interest of the State, other officials have also indicated that it may be in the State's interest to sell all or part of its stock. As the Registrant does not control the State, the Registrant has indicated to shareholders who have proposed such a sale or reorganization that they discuss the matter with the State. The Registrant is not aware of any decision by the State to buy-out the other shareholders and is not aware of what legislative or other government approvals would be required for such a transaction. 18 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits Exhibits to this report are listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits. (b) Reports on Form 8-K On August 18, 1995, the Registrant filed a Form 8-K dated August 10, 1995 reporting Item 5, Other Events, with regard to reaching a definitive agreement with Norfolk Southern regarding extension of two leases. On September 18, 1995, the Registrant filed a Form 8-K dated August 24, 1995 reporting Item 5, Other Events, with regard to shareholder approval requirements of the Lease Extension. 19 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. NORTH CAROLINA RAILROAD COMPANY DATE: November 14, 1995 /s/ John F. McNair, III John F. McNair, III President DATE: November 14, 1995 /s/ Lynn T. McConnell Lynn T. McConnell, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer 20 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit No. Description 10.1 Lease Extension Agreement to be effective as of January 1, 1995 between North Carolina Railroad Company, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Atlantic and East Carolina Railway Company, filed as Exhibit (c)(1) to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 18, 1995, which is incorporated by reference herein. 10.2 Lease dated August 16, 1895 between the Registrant and Southern Railway Company, filed as Exhibit 3 (a) to the Registrant's Form 10 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 1987, which is incorporated by reference herein. 10.3 Lease dated August 30, 1939 between the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad Company and Atlantic and East Carolina Railway Company, filed as Exhibit 28 (h) to the Registrant's Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 1989, which is incorporated by reference herein. 10.4 Letter Agreement between the Registrant and Norfolk Southern dated August 10, 1995, incorporated by reference herein. 10.5 Escrow Agreement between the Registrant and Norfolk Southern dated September 29, 1995, incorporated by reference herein.