UNION PACIFIC CORP - 10-Q Quarterly 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 by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES x NO ¨

As of October 31, 2004, there were 259,585,446 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “UPC”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which will be separately referred to herein as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.

1. Responsibilities for Financial Statements – Our Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods presented. Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2003 is derived from audited financial statements. Our Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2004. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 financial statement presentation.

2. Stock-Based Compensation – We have several stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described in note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, in our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K. We account for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation expense related to stock option grants is reflected in net income as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense related to retention shares, stock units and other incentive plans is reflected in net income. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation. See note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of the proposed accounting standard related to the treatment of stock options. See note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for reconciliation between basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share.

The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted during both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

3. Operations and Segmentation - The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment. The Consolidated Financial Statements of 2003 also include discontinued trucking operations, consisting of Overnite Transportation Company and Motor Cargo Industries, Inc. (see note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the reclassification of our trucking segment as a discontinued operation).

Strategy and Risk – We use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to manage risk related to changes in fuel prices and to achieve our interest rate objectives. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. We may use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts to mitigate the downside risk of adverse price movements and to hedge the exposure to variable cash flows. The use of these instruments also limits future benefits from favorable movements. The purpose of these programs is to protect our operating margins and overall profitability from adverse fuel price changes or interest rate fluctuations.

Market and Credit Risk – We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting instruments with value fluctuations that highly correlate with the underlying hedged item. Credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements. At September 30, 2004, we have not been required to provide collateral, nor have we received collateral relating to our hedging activities.

Determination of Fair Value – The fair values of our derivative financial instrument positions at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were determined based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers or developed based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the applicable U.S. Treasury rate, London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) or swap spread.

Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges – We manage our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by adjusting the proportion of fixed and floating rate debt instruments within our debt portfolio over a given period. The mix of fixed and floating rate debt is largely managed through the issuance of targeted amounts of each as debt matures or as incremental borrowings are required. Derivatives are used as one of the tools to obtain the targeted mix. In addition, we also obtain flexibility in managing interest costs and the interest rate mix within our debt portfolio by evaluating the issuance of and managing outstanding callable fixed-rate debt securities.

Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in the debt’s fair value attributable to the changes in the benchmark interest rate (LIBOR). The swaps have been accounted for as fair value hedges using the short-cut method as allowed by FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; therefore, no ineffectiveness has been recorded within our Consolidated Financial Statements. In April 2004, we entered into an interest rate swap on $250 million of debt with a maturity of April, 2012.

The following is a summary of our interest rate derivatives qualifying as fair value hedges:

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges – Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the hedged item.

In May 2004, in anticipation of a future lease transaction, we entered into treasury lock transactions with notional amounts totaling $125 million and an average locked-in rate of 5.08%. The treasury locks are accounted for as cash flow hedges. On September 28, 2004, the treasury locks were settled in connection with a 10-year operating lease, commencing on October 5, 2004 and maturing on September 30, 2014. The settlement of these treasury lock transactions were based on a treasury yield of 4.01% and resulted in a payment of $11 million to our counterparty that will be amortized to rent expense over the life of the 10-year operating lease. With the settlement of the treasury lock transactions, there are no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding as of September 30, 2004. There were no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding at December 31, 2003.

Fuel Cash Flow Hedges – Fuel costs are a significant portion of our total operating expenses. In 2004 and 2003, our primary means of mitigating the impact of adverse fuel price changes has been our fuel surcharge program. However, we may use swaps, collars, futures and/or forward contracts to further mitigate the impact of adverse fuel price changes. We currently have no fuel hedges in place for 2005.

The following is a summary of our fuel derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges:

Fuel hedging positions qualifying as cash flow hedges will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to fuel expense over the life of the hedge as fuel is consumed. At September 30, 2004, a gain of $3 million, net of tax, was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with our fuel hedges.

Earnings Impact – Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

For the nine months ended at September 30, 2004 and 2003, we recorded less than $1 million for hedging ineffectiveness.

Sale of Receivables – The Railroad transfers most of its accounts receivable to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, as part of a sale of receivables facility. UPRI sells, without recourse on a 364-day revolving basis, an undivided interest in such accounts receivable to investors. The total capacity to sell undivided interests to investors under the facility was $600 million at September 30, 2004. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the facility was $590 million at both September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors is not included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported by $1,145 million and $1,048 million of accounts receivable held by UPRI at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $555 million and $458 million, respectively. This retained interest is included in accounts receivable in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The interest sold to investors is sold at carrying value, which approximates fair value, and there is no gain or loss recognized from the transaction.

The value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors could fluctuate based upon the availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, including default and dilution. If default or dilution percentages were to increase one percentage point, the amount of eligible receivables would decrease by $6 million. Should our credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.

The Railroad has been designated to service the sold receivables; however, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized as the servicing fees adequately compensate the Railroad for its responsibilities. The Railroad collected approximately $9.0 billion and $8.3 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. UPRI used such proceeds to purchase new receivables under the facility.

The costs of the sale of receivables program are included in other income and were $3 million and $2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and $7 million for the nine months ended September 30 in both years. The costs include interest, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs and fees for unused commitment availability.

The investors have no recourse to the Railroad’s other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad have no recourse to the assets of UPRI. On August 5, 2004, the sale of receivables program was renewed for an additional 364-day period without any significant changes in terms.

Credit Facilities – On September 30, 2004, we had $2.0 billion in revolving credit facilities available, including $1.0 billion under a 364-day revolving facility expiring in March 2005 and $1.0 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 (collectively, the “facilities”). The facilities, which were entered into during March 2004, are designated for general corporate purposes and replaced a $925 million 364-day revolving credit facility that expired in March 2004 and a $1.0 billion 5-year revolving credit facility, which was due to expire in March 2005. Neither of the facilities were drawn as of September 30, 2004. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facilities are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. Similar to the revolving credit facilities that were replaced, these facilities allow for borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facilities do not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing) or any other provision that could require the posting of collateral. The facilities require the maintenance of a minimum net worth and a debt to net worth coverage ratio. At September 30, 2004, we were in compliance with these covenants.

Dividend Restrictions – Retained earnings available for dividends decreased to $5.2 billion at September 30, 2004 from $6.9 billion at December 31, 2003 due to revisions in minimum net worth requirements under the credit facilities referred to above. We do not expect that these restrictions will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Shelf Registration Statements and Significant New Borrowings – On May 4, 2004, we issued the remaining $250 million available under a shelf registration statement filed in 2002. We issued 5.375% fixed rate debt with a maturity of May 1, 2014. Also on May 4, 2004, we issued $250 million of 6.25% fixed rate debt with a maturity of May 1, 2034 under a $1.0 billion shelf registration statement filed in 2003. The proceeds from the issuances were used for the repayment of debt and other general corporate purposes. Under the current shelf registration statement, we may issue, from time to time, any combination of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock or warrants for debt securities or preferred stock in one or more offerings. At September 30, 2004, we had $750 million remaining for issuance under the shelf registration statement. We have no immediate plans to issue equity securities; however, we will continue to explore opportunities to replace existing debt or access capital through issuances of debt securities under this registration.

Debt Redemption – On April 5, 2004, the Railroad redeemed the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company 4.25% first mortgage bonds with an outstanding balance of approximately $92 million and a maturity date of January 1, 2005.

Pension Plans – We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment with specific reductions made for early retirements.

Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) – We provide defined contribution medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. These benefits are funded as medical claims and life insurance premiums are paid.

Pension and OPEB expenses are determined based upon the annual service cost of benefits (the actuarial cost of benefits earned during a period) and the interest cost on those liabilities, less the expected return on plan assets. With respect to the value of pension plan assets, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five-year period. This practice is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it may have the effect of delaying the recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate of return assumptions.

Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.

The components of our net periodic pension costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

The components of our net periodic OPEB costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were as follows:

During 2004, we voluntarily contributed $50 million to our pension plans. We do not expect to make additional contributions in 2004.

7. Earnings Per Share - The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

Common stock options totaling 4.5 million shares and 3.7 million shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, respectively, and 2.4 million and 3.9 million shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise prices of these options exceeded the average market price of our common stock for the respective periods, and the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive. Also excluded from the nine months ended September 30, 2003, were 3.2 million weighted average shares related to the Convertible Preferred Securities (CPS), as the inclusion of these securities would have an antidilutive effect on the earnings per share. We redeemed all of the CPS in 2003.

Unasserted Claims – There are various claims and lawsuits pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. It is not possible at this time for us to determine fully the effect of all unasserted claims on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where unasserted claims can be estimated and where such claims are considered probable, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Personal Injury – The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use an external consulting firm to assist us in properly measuring the expense and liability. Compensation for work-related accidents is

governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Under FELA, damages are assessed based on a finding of fault through litigation or out-of-court settlements. We offer a comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work. Expenses for our personal injury-related events were $39 million and $66 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our expenses for personal injury-related events for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 were $222 million and $187 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, we had a liability of $671 million and $617 million, respectively, accrued for future personal injury costs, of which $274 million was recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs in both years.

Asbestos – We have amounts accrued for claims involving certain asserted occupational illnesses, including asbestos related claims. We have engaged an external consulting firm to assist us in assessing our potential liability for unasserted asbestos related claims. Upon completion of this study, we expect to record a charge for these claims during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Environmental Costs – We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our current operations and did so in our former operations, and we are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified 384 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 51 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 30 of which are currently on the Superfund National Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified sites; consequently, our ultimate environmental liability may include costs relating to activities of other parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.

When an environmental issue has been identified with respect to the property owned, leased or otherwise used in the conduct of our business, we and our consultants perform environmental assessments on such property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated.

As of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, we had a liability of $185 million and $187 million, respectively, accrued for future environmental costs, of which $50 million and $57 million, respectively, were recorded in current liabilities as accrued casualty costs. The liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as for ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties and existing technology, laws and regulations. The ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, site-specific cost sharing arrangements with other potentially responsible parties, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites and/or the speculative nature of remediation costs. The impact of current obligations is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Purchase Obligations and Guarantees – We periodically enter into financial and other commitments in connection with our business. We do not expect that these commitments or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

At September 30, 2004, we were contingently liable for $484 million in guarantees and $56 million in letters of credit. These contingent guarantees were entered into in the normal course of business and include guaranteed obligations of affiliated operations. The guarantee with the longest remaining term expires in 2022. We are not aware of any existing event of default that would require us to satisfy any of these guarantees.

As described in note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, in our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, the Railroad had a synthetic operating lease arrangement to finance a new headquarters building. The Railroad guaranteed a residual value equal to 85% of the total construction-related costs upon completion of the building. At September 30, 2004, the Railroad had a liability of approximately $6 million related to the fair value of this guarantee.

On October 5, 2004, the Railroad completed the refinancing of the synthetic lease for the new headquarters building. The Railroad will lease the building pursuant to an operating lease with a term of ten years. Total scheduled lease payments during the term are approximately $133.5 million. UPC has guaranteed the obligations of the Railroad under the lease and therefore has a contingent liability for such obligations. The obligations of the Railroad to make lease payments are not recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Railroad or UPC. During the term of the lease, the Railroad may, at its option, purchase the building. Such purchase amount will represent the cost of constructing the building, including capitalized interest and transaction expenses, which was $257.5 million. Any such payment may also include an additional make-whole amount for early redemption of the outstanding debt, which will vary depending on prevailing interest rates at the time of prepayment.

Upon expiration of the lease term, if the Railroad does not purchase the building or renew the lease, the building will be remarketed. The Railroad has guaranteed that the building will have a residual value equal to at least $206 million in the event that the building is remarketed. Therefore, the guarantee made by UPC with respect to the Railroad’s obligations under the lease is expected to represent a contingent obligation of approximately $206 million.

The arrangement is subject to customary default provisions, including, without limitation, those relating to payment defaults under the lease and the operative documents, the acceleration of certain other unrelated debt obligations of the Railroad or UPC, performance defaults and events of bankruptcy. In the event that such defaults occur and are continuing, the Railroad (or UPC pursuant to its guarantee) may be required to pay all amounts due under the lease through the end of the term of the lease.

Income Taxes – As previously reported, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has substantially completed its examination of the Corporation’s federal income tax returns for the years 1995 to 1998 and has issued a preliminary notice of deficiency. Specifically, the IRS proposes to disallow 100% of the deductions claimed in connection with certain donations of property occurring during those years. We dispute the proposed adjustments and intend to defend our position through applicable IRS procedures, and, if necessary, litigation. We do not expect that the resolution of this preliminary notice of deficiency will have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or liquidity.

9. Other Income - Other income included the following for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

10. Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2004, the FASB issued an exposure draft, Share-Based Payment, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 123 and 95. When the standard becomes effective, we will be required to record compensation expense on stock options granted to employees. We are currently assessing the impact that this proposed standard would have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

11. Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change – Surface Transportation Board (STB) accounting rules require that railroads accrue the cost of removing track structure over the expected useful life of these assets. Railroads historically used this prescribed accounting for reports filed with both the STB and SEC. In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (FAS 143). This statement was effective for us beginning January 1, 2003, and prohibits the accrual of removal costs unless there is a legal obligation to remove the track structure at the end of its life. We concluded that we did not have a legal obligation to remove the track

structure, and therefore, under generally accepted accounting principles, we could not accrue the cost of removal in advance. As a result, reports filed with the SEC will reflect the expense of removing these assets in the period in which they are removed. For STB reporting requirements only, we will continue to follow the historical method of accruing in advance, as prescribed by the STB. FAS 143 also requires us to record a liability for legally obligated asset retirement costs associated with tangible long-lived assets. In the first quarter of 2003, we recorded income from a cumulative effect of accounting change related to the adoption of FAS 143 of $274 million, net of income tax expense of $167 million. The accounting change had no effect on our liquidity.

12. Discontinued Operations – As described in note 13, Item 8 of our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, we completed the sale of our entire trucking interest through an initial public offering on November 5, 2003. Revenues from discontinued operations were $384 million and $1,097 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively. Income before income taxes was $29 million and $62 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

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

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “UPC”, “we”, “us”, and “our” mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which will be separately referred to herein as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1, and other information included in this report.

The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable business segment. The Consolidated Financial Statements of 2003 also include discontinued trucking operations, consisting of Overnite Transportation Company and Motor Cargo Industries, Inc., which are subsidiaries of Overnite, Inc., formerly an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of UPC. We completed the sale of our entire trucking interest in 2003.

Our Internet website is www.up.com. We make available free of charge on our website (under the “Investors” caption link) our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, our proxy statement and Forms 3, 4 and 5, filed on behalf of directors and executive officers and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). We also make available on our website previously filed SEC reports and exhibits via a link to EDGAR on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. Additionally, our corporate governance materials, including Board Committee charters, governance guidelines and policies and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees may also be found on our website at www.up.com/investors. From time to time, the corporate governance materials on our website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange or as desirable to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company. Any security holder wishing to receive, without charge, a copy of any of these SEC filings or corporate governance materials should write to Secretary, Union Pacific Corporation, 1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68179.

This reference to our website address and any other references to it contained in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be deemed, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires estimation and judgment that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. If these estimates differ materially from actual results, the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements may be material. Our critical accounting policies are available in our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, Item 7. There have been no significant changes with respect to these policies during the first nine months of 2004.

As discussed in this Item 2 and as previously reported, operating results have been adversely affected by our operational challenges associated with record volumes and our resource shortages, which have resulted in additional costs, including higher salary, equipment rent, fuel and other expenses. With the conclusion of the second quarter, we saw our network performance stabilize. During the latter part of the third quarter, amidst record peak season volume, we experienced improvement in our average train speed of nearly one mile per hour to 22.3 miles per hour for the month of September compared to our average train speed in August. October train speeds have fallen back to 21.3 miles per hour as continued record volumes and service interruptions in key corridors affected velocity. Significant improvement in velocity is not expected to occur before the end of peak season, which is usually late November. Actions we have implemented over the last twelve months played a critical role in our progress to date. Hiring and training efforts continued at an accelerated rate in the third quarter, as we hired 1,325 train service employees while graduating 1,200 into service. In addition, 590 conductors began engineer training during the third quarter and 275 new engineers graduated. By year end, over 5,000 new employees will have been placed into conductor service, with 753 graduating engineers. However, locomotive engineers remain a critical constraint. After attrition, we estimate an average annual year-over-year increase of approximately 2,000 full-time equivalent train crew personnel. In addition to hiring and training crews, we accelerated locomotive acquisitions to improve velocity. During the first nine months of 2004, 216 new locomotives and 350 used locomotives under short-term leases entered our system. We expect to put an additional 179 new units into service during the fourth quarter. In addition to adding critical resources, we have also taken actions to manage volume flows onto the network. We have limited the number of cars available for certain services, reduced train service in selected lanes and worked with customers to identify alternative shipping arrangements.

The timing of recovery is uncertain due to unprecedented volume on our network. Our service performance is indicated by our average train speed, freight cars on line and other operating metrics, all of which are updated weekly on our website at www.up.com/investors/reports.

Income from Continuing Operations – We reported income from continuing operations of $202 million in the third quarter of 2004 compared to $300 million for the same period in 2003. Year-to-date income from continuing operations was $525 million versus $723 million in 2003. The decrease in both periods was driven by higher fuel prices, wage and benefit inflation, volume-related expenses and higher operational costs associated with a slower rail network. In addition, increased casualty and interest expense associated with an unfavorable court ruling in a claim involving a 1998 crossing accident with a third-party and expenses resulting from a derailment in San Antonio in late June negatively affected income for the year-to-date period. Partially offsetting these expenses were revenue growth in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, a reduction of the deferred state income tax liability primarily attributable to relocating customer service, accounting and information technology operations to Omaha, Nebraska (recognized in the first quarter of 2004), and state income tax credits earned in connection with the new headquarters building in Omaha. Third quarter results were positively affected by lower personal injury expense resulting from an insurance reimbursement, lower than anticipated settlement costs and fewer employee injuries in 2004 than previously assumed.

Operating Revenues – Operating revenue is comprised of commodity revenue and other revenues. Other revenues primarily include subsidiary revenue from various companies that are wholly owned or majority owned by the Railroad, revenue from the Chicago commuter rail operations and accessorial revenue earned due to customer detainment of Railroad-owned or controlled equipment. We recognize commodity revenues on a percentage-of-completion basis as freight moves from origin to destination. Other revenue is recognized as service is performed or contractual obligations are met.

Third quarter rail commodity revenues increased $117 million (4%) to $2.9 billion compared to 2003. Third quarter revenue carloads increased to 2.4 million, up 2% compared to a year ago, with solid growth in the chemical, intermodal and automotive commodity groups. Average revenue per car (ARC) for the period increased 2% to $1,223 driven by fuel surcharges, price increases and index-based contract escalators, which were partially offset by the negative impact of a larger number of lower-ARC shipments. Year-to-date rail commodity revenues grew 5% to $8.6 billion compared to 2003 driven by a 3% increase in revenue carloads and a 2% improvement in ARC. We recognized $90 million and $193 million in operating revenue from our fuel surcharge programs in the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, compared to $28 million and $80 million for the same periods in 2003. Other revenues increased $3 million (2%) to $132 million in the third quarter compared to a year ago driven by an increase in subsidiary revenue partially offset by lower accessorial revenue. Conversely, other revenue declined $12 million (3%) year-to-date versus 2003 due to lower accessorial revenue offset by subsidiary revenue growth.

The following tables summarize the year-over-year changes in rail commodity revenue, revenue carloads and ARC by commodity type:

Agricultural - Revenue fell 4% in the third quarter of 2004 but improved 4% for the year-to-date period over the comparable periods in 2003. Carloadings decreased 7% in the third quarter and increased 2% for the year-to-date

period, while ARC increased 3% and 2%, respectively. The decline in third quarter carloadings and revenue was driven primarily by weak demand for Gulf export wheat. Year-over-year revenue increases were led by corn and feed grains, as demand in the Pacific Northwest has improved. ARC was higher due to fuel surcharges, price increases and the positive impact of a longer average length of haul.

Automotive - Revenue improved 4% for the third quarter and 1% for the year-to-date period of 2004 over the comparable periods in 2003. Sales for international manufacturers remained strong in the third quarter. Carloadings also increased because of higher than usual shipment activity during the July plant shutdown, higher levels of production at several plants and new business. Gains for the year-to-date period were slowed by a first-quarter decrease in production levels from domestic manufacturers. ARC increased 1% both in the third quarter and year-to-date periods due to positive mix and fuel surcharges.

Chemicals - Revenue for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2004 over the comparable periods of 2003 grew 8% and 7%, respectively, as carloads and ARC reflected gains in both periods. An increase in market demand related to the overall economic recovery drove the 7% and 5% improvements in carloadings for chemicals during the third quarter and year-to-date periods in 2004. Soda ash also contributed to the revenue increase with strong export demand to Asia, Latin America and Mexico. ARC was up due to price increases related to fuel surcharges, base price increases, index-based contract escalators and longer average length of haul shipments.

Energy - Revenue was flat for the third quarter and increased 1% for the year-to-date period of 2004 over the comparable periods of 2003. Overall, third quarter volume was flat as Colorado and Utah business continued to be strong, offsetting losses in coke shipments, which were down 28% due to coke refinery down-time. Improvement was seen in Southern Powder River Basin volumes resulting from continued strong utility demand and improved network resourcing. Year-to-date carload volumes were up 1% mainly due to a 7% increase in the Colorado and Utah market, driven by strong demand, particularly from eastern utilities. ARC was flat for the quarter and year-to-date periods.

Industrial Products - - Revenue increased 9% for both the third quarter and the year-to-date periods of 2004 over the comparable periods of 2003, due to improvement in both carloads and ARC. The revenue gains in both periods were driven by a 1% increase in carloads for the third quarter and a 3% improvement year-to-date resulting from strengthened demand for lumber, steel and nonmetallic minerals, partially offset by lower stone and government shipments. Steel shipments grew as a result of higher demand for U.S. produced steel, while lumber shipments improved as housing starts and low interest rates continued to drive demand. Conversely, stone shipments declined in the third quarter as service recovery efforts impacted volume levels. Government shipments also declined, as 2003 was positively impacted by the increased movement of military equipment and ammunition in support of the war in Iraq. ARC grew 7% and 6% for the third quarter and year-to-date periods due to fuel surcharges, price increases, more high-ARC lumber moves and fewer low-ARC stone shipments.

Intermodal - Revenue for both the third quarter and year-to-date periods of 2004 improved 7% over the comparable periods of 2003, with carloads and ARC increasing in both periods as well. Domestic revenue grew 3% in the third quarter driven by improved overall economic conditions, while international revenue increased 12% resulting from continued strength in imports from the Far East as more domestic goods are being manufactured or assembled overseas. ARC for the three and nine-month periods improved 3% and 4%, respectively, due to fuel surcharges, index-based contract escalators and price increases.

Mexico Business - Included in the commodity revenue reported above is revenue from shipments to and from Mexico, which increased 7% to $234 million for the third quarter and 8% to $705 million for the year-to-date period of 2004 over the comparable periods of 2003. For the third quarter and year-to-date periods, business gains were led by volume growth in the chemical and industrial products commodities, particularly soda ash, steel, cement, newsprint and wood fiber. Year-to-date revenue growth versus 2003 was also driven by an increase in agricultural revenues resulting from higher wheat and import beer moves. A decline in finished vehicle imports in both periods partially offset the increases.

Operating Expenses - Third quarter operating expenses increased $294 million (12%) to $2.7 billion compared to the same period in 2003. Year-to-date operating expenses increased $865 million (12%) compared to the prior year. Expenses in both periods were higher as a result of wage and benefit inflation, volume-related costs, increased crew and asset utilization costs as the network continued to operate at suboptimal levels as well as training expenses associated with an increase in trainmen employment levels. Fuel costs also increased significantly in the second and third quarters versus the same periods in 2003. Expenses in the first quarter of 2004 were also affected by severe winter weather conditions, derailments in key through-freight locations and higher casualty costs relating to a 2002 jury verdict against the Railroad for a 1998 crossing accident that was upheld in the first quarter of 2004. Increased casualty costs were also recognized in the second quarter of 2004 due to a derailment in San Antonio, Texas. Conversely, third quarter operating expenses were positively affected by lower personal injury expenses resulting from an insurance reimbursement, lower than anticipated settlement costs and fewer employee injuries in 2004 than previously assumed.

Salaries, Wages and Employee Benefits - Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased $80 million (8%) in the third quarter of 2004 compared to 2003. Year-to-date wage and benefit expenses rose $223 million (8%). The increases were driven by training expenses associated with an increase in trainmen employment levels, increased crew utilization costs due to slower velocity compared to 2003, inflation and volume-related costs. For the three-month period ending September 30, 2004, expenses were also negatively affected by severance costs associated with the relocation of various support functions to Omaha, Nebraska. Lower protection costs and management performance-based compensation expense in 2004 partially offset these increases. Protection cost represents the differential payment when the wage earned for active employment is lower than an employee’s “protected” rate of pay. An individual’s protected rate is imposed by the Surface Transportation Board for employees adversely affected by a merger or is established by collective bargaining agreements. We also benefited from cost savings driven by a smaller non-transportation workforce during the first nine months of 2004.

Equipment and Other Rents - Equipment and other rents primarily includes rental expense that the Railroad pays for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal and locomotive operating leases; other specialty equipped vehicle leases; and office and other rentals. Expenses increased $46 million (15%) in the third quarter compared to 2003 and $127 million (14%) year-to-date. The increase in both periods was driven by an increase in carload volumes, which resulted in higher locomotive and car rental expense and slower system velocity. The higher locomotive expense is also due to additional costs associated with leasing short-term surge locomotive power and the increased leasing of new locomotives, which are being utilized for the higher business volumes and to improve network performance. Year-to-date expenses were also negatively impacted by longer car cycle times resulting from slower network velocity. Car cycle time is defined as the amount of time that a car spends on our system without changing its loaded/unloaded status or having a new waybill issued. These increases were partially offset by reduced rental prices for private freight cars.

Depreciation - The majority of depreciation expense relates to track structure, including rail, ties and other track material. Depreciation expense increased $11 million (4%) in the third quarter versus the same period in 2003 and $34 million (4%) year-to-date compared to 2003. The increase is due to higher capital spending in recent years, which has increased the total value of our depreciable assets, thus requiring additional depreciation expense.

Fuel and Utilities - Fuel and utilities is comprised of locomotive fuel, gasoline, other fuels and utilities other than telephone. Expenses increased $129 million (39%) in the third quarter and $278 million (28%) year-to-date compared to the same periods a year ago. The additional expenses were driven by higher fuel prices and a 1% and 3% increase in gross-ton-miles for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. In addition, while the third quarter consumption rate was flat compared to 2003, our year-to-date consumption rate was 2% higher versus 2003, resulting in additional fuel expense. Fuel prices averaged $1.25 per gallon in the third quarter of 2004 compared to 90 cents per gallon in the third quarter of 2003 (price includes taxes and transportation costs). Year-to-date, fuel prices averaged $1.14 per gallon compared to 93 cents per gallon in 2003. Higher fuel prices in 2004 resulted in a $121 million increase in fuel expense in the third quarter and a $222 million increase year-to-date compared to 2003. The increase in gross-ton-miles for the third quarter and year-to-date periods resulted in additional fuel expense of $4 million and $26 million, respectively. The Railroad hedged approximately 8% of its fuel consumption for the third quarter and 9% for the year-to-date period, which decreased fuel costs by $4 million and $11 million for the third quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively. Gasoline, utilities and propane expenses increased $4 million in the third quarter and $10 million year-to-date primarily due to higher prices.

Materials and Supplies - Materials used for the maintenance of the Railroad’s lines, structures and equipment are the principal components of materials and supplies expense. Office supplies, small tools and other supplies, along with the costs of freight services purchased to ship company materials, are also included. Expenses increased $18 million (17%) in the third quarter and $53 million (17%) year-to-date, primarily due to increased use of locomotive repair materials associated with maintaining a larger fleet with more units off warranty, additional freight car repairs and other materials expense. These increases were partially offset by a shift to additional third-party contracting of locomotive repairs, resulting in a corresponding increase to Purchased Services and Other Costs.

Casualty Costs - The largest component of casualty costs is personal injury expense. Freight and property damage, insurance, environmental matters and occupational illness expense are also included in casualty costs. Casualty costs decreased $38 million (35%) in the third quarter compared to 2003, due to lower personal injury expense resulting from an insurance reimbursement, lower than anticipated settlement costs, fewer employee injuries in 2004 than previously assumed and lower freight loss and damage expenses. Year-to-date, casualty costs increased $21 million (7%) versus 2003 primarily due to increased personal injury costs relating to a 2002 jury verdict against the Railroad for a 1998 crossing accident that was upheld on appeal in the first quarter of 2004 and costs related to a derailment near San Antonio that occurred in the second quarter.

Purchased Services and Other Costs - Purchased services and other costs include the costs of services provided by outside contractors, state and local taxes, net costs of operating facilities jointly used by UPRR and other railroads, transportation and lodging for train crew employees, trucking and contracting costs for intermodal containers, leased automobile maintenance expenses, telephone and cellular expenses, employee travel expenses and computer and other general expenses. Expenses increased $48 million (18%) in the third quarter of 2004 and $129 million (16%) year-to-date when compared to last year driven by higher expenses for contract maintenance services, state and local taxes, higher joint facility related expenses, increased trucking expenses for intermodal carriers and crew transportation costs due to additional volume and slower network velocity.

Operating Income – Third quarter operating income decreased $174 million (29%) to $418 million, while operating income year-to-date declined $453 million (29%) to $1.1 billion as higher fuel prices, wage and benefit inflation, volume and resource utilization costs associated with inefficient network operations, training expenses, severe weather conditions in the first quarter, derailments and higher casualty costs more than offset year-to-date commodity revenue growth of 5%. The operating margin for the third quarter was 13.6% compared to 20.0% in 2003. The year-to-date operating margin was 12.1% compared to 18.0% a year ago.

Non-Operating Items - Interest expense decreased $8 million (6%) in the third quarter and $43 million (10%) year-to-date primarily due to lower average debt levels. For the third quarter 2004, our average debt level decreased to $8.2 billion from $8.9 billion in 2003, while our year-to-date average debt level improved to $8.1 billion from $9.1 billion for the same period in 2003. The decreases were primarily driven by the redemption of the entire outstanding balance of the CPS during 2003. Our effective interest rate during the third quarter and year-to-date periods in 2004 was 6.4% and 6.5%, respectively, compared to 6.3% and 6.5% for each respective period in 2003. Third quarter other income increased $15 million to $30 million while other income for the year-to-date period increased $34 million to $66 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The third quarter increase was driven by expenses incurred in 2003 associated with the redemption of $500 million of CPS. The year-to-date increase was driven by income recognized from the asset sale of a technology subsidiary in the first quarter of 2004 and expenses incurred in the second quarter of 2003 associated with the redemption of an additional $500 million of CPS. Income tax expense decreased $53 million (32%) in the third quarter and $178 million (43%) year-to-date compared to 2003 due to lower pre-tax income; a reduction of the deferred state income tax liability primarily attributable to relocating customer service, accounting and information technology operations to Omaha, Nebraska (recognized in the first quarter of 2004); and state income tax credits earned in connection with the new headquarters building in Omaha. Our effective tax rate increased to 36.1% in the third quarter of 2004 versus 35.8% in 2003, while our year-to-date effective tax rate decreased to 30.9% compared to 36.4% for the same period in 2003.

Discontinued Operations – On November 5, 2003, we completed the sale of our entire trucking interest. Income from discontinued operations was $17 million and $37 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2003, respectively.

Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles – Both gross and revenue ton-miles increased 1% for the third quarter and 3% for the year-to-date periods versus 2003, driven by carloading growth of 2% and 3%, respectively. Third quarter gross and revenue ton-miles growth was negatively affected by volume growth experienced in the lower density commodity groups of intermodal and automotive, combined with a decline in agricultural carloads, which is a higher density commodity. Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of a loaded or empty freight car by the number of actual miles hauled. Revenue ton-miles are based on tariff miles and do not include the weight of the freight car.

Average Full-Time Equivalent Employees – The increase in the average number of full-time equivalent employees resulted from the addition of train crew personnel, who were hired to handle increased customer demand and improve service. These additions were partially offset by increased productivity in the non-transportation functions, as well as fewer employees at our technology subsidiaries.

Debt to capital is computed by dividing total debt by total debt plus equity. Lease adjusted debt to capital is derived by dividing total debt plus the net present value of operating leases by total debt plus equity plus the net present value of operating leases. The decrease in our debt to capital ratios resulted from an increase in equity resulting from 2004 earnings, partially offset by an increase in our debt levels since year-end 2003.

Cash provided by operations was down $56 million (3%) to $1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2004 compared to $1.8 billion for the same period in 2003. The decrease was driven by lower income from continuing operations and cash from discontinued operations in 2003, partially offset by changes in current assets and current liabilities.

Cash used in investing activities was $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2004 compared to $1.1 billion in 2003. The increase in cash used in investing activities was affected by the receipt of a $96 million dividend from Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. in the first quarter of 2003 and higher work in process balances in 2004. The following table details capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (includes capital leases of $188 million in 2003 which is not included in the $1.1 billion mentioned above):

Cash used in financing activities was $21 million in the first nine months of 2004 compared to $789 million in the first nine months of 2003. The decrease in cash used was driven by lower debt repayments of $427 million in 2004 compared to $1.4 billion in 2003 (which included the redemption of $1.0 billion of CPS), partially offset by lower debt and other financing activities ($584 in 2004 compared to $726 in 2003) and higher dividend payments in 2004 ($232 million in 2004 versus $175 million in 2003).

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004, our ratios of earnings to fixed charges were 2.6 and 2.3, respectively, compared to 3.5 and 3.1 for the corresponding periods in 2003. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed on a consolidated basis. Earnings represent income from continuing operations, less equity earnings net of distributions, plus fixed charges and income taxes. Fixed charges represent interest charges, amortization of debt discount and the estimated amount representing the interest portion of rental charges.

Credit Facilities – On September 30, 2004, we had $2.0 billion in revolving credit facilities available, including $1.0 billion under a 364-day revolving facility expiring in March 2005 and $1.0 billion under a 5-year facility expiring in March 2009 (collectively, the “facilities”). The facilities, which were entered into during March 2004, are designated for general corporate purposes and replaced a $925 million 364-day revolving credit facility that expired in March 2004 and a $1.0 billion 5-year revolving credit facility, which was due to expire in March 2005. Neither of the facilities were drawn as of September 30, 2004. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facilities are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. Like the revolving credit facilities that were replaced, these facilities allow for borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) rates, plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facilities do not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing) or any other provision that could require the posting of collateral. The facilities require the maintenance of minimum net worth and debt to net worth coverage ratios. At September 30, 2004, we were in compliance with these covenants.

As of September 30, 2004, our total aggregate contractual obligations for operating leases were approximately $3 billion. During the period covered by this report, the Railroad entered into operating lease arrangements covering 162 new locomotives. These new lease arrangements provide for minimum total rental payments of approximately $237 million. The lessors of the locomotives are investors that purchased the locomotives in various transactions for a total equipment cost of approximately $253 million.

The lessors financed the purchase of the locomotives in part by the issuance of equipment notes that are non-recourse to us and are secured by an assignment of the underlying leases and a security interest in the locomotives. Neither the Railroad nor UPC guarantees payment of the equipment notes. The Railroad’s obligations to make operating lease payments under the leases are recourse obligations and are not recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

We have certain renewal and purchase options with respect to the locomotives. Additionally, we have flexible return rights with respect to a portion of the locomotives. If we do not exercise any such options or flexible return rights, all of the locomotives will be returned to the lessors at the end of the lease term.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

As described in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and as referenced in the tables below, we have contractual obligations and commercial commitments that may affect our financial condition. However, based on management’s assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of the material contractual obligations and commercial commitments, including material sources of off-balance sheet and structured finance arrangements, there is no known trend, demand, commitment, event or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur that would have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, the commercial obligations, financings and commitments we make are customary transactions, similar to those of other comparable industrial corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.

The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of September 30, 2004:

Headquarters Building – As described in note 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 8, in our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, the Railroad had a synthetic operating lease arrangement to finance a new headquarters building. The Railroad guaranteed a residual value equal to 85% of the total construction-related costs upon completion of the building. At September 30, 2004, the Railroad had a liability of approximately $6 million related to the fair value of this guarantee.

Commitments and Contingencies – There are various claims and lawsuits pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We are also subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, pursuant to which we are currently participating in the investigation and remediation of various sites.

Pensions – During 2004, we voluntarily contributed $50 million to our pension plans. We do not expect to make additional contributions in 2004.

Accounting Pronouncements – In March 2004, the FASB issued an exposure draft, Share-Based Payment, an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 123 and 95. When the standard becomes effective, we will be required to record compensation expense on stock options granted to employees. We are currently assessing the impact that this proposed standard would have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes – As previously reported, the IRS has substantially completed its examination of the Corporation’s federal income tax returns for the years 1995 to 1998 and has issued a preliminary notice of deficiency. Specifically, the IRS proposes to disallow 100% of the deductions claimed in connection with certain donations of property occurring during those years. We dispute the proposed adjustments and intend to defend our position through applicable IRS procedures, and, if necessary, litigation. We do not expect that the resolution of this preliminary notice of deficiency will have a material adverse effect on our operating results, financial condition or liquidity.

Asbestos – We have engaged an external consulting firm to assist us in assessing our potential liability for unasserted asbestos related claims. Upon completion of this study, we expect to record a charge for these claims during the fourth quarter of 2004.

Certain statements in this report, and statements in other material filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us), are, or will be, forward-looking statements as defined by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding:

expectations as to operational or service improvements; statements concerning expectations of the effectiveness of steps taken or to be taken to improve operations or service, including the hiring and training of train crews, acquisition of additional locomotives, infrastructure improvements and management of customer traffic on the system to meet demand; expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth and earnings; the time by which certain objectives will be achieved; statements or information concerning projections, predictions, expectations, estimates or forecasts as to our business, financial and operational results and future economic performance; statements of management’s goals and objectives; proposed new products and services; estimates of costs relating to environmental remediation and restoration; expectations that claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters that will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity and any other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts.

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved, including expectations of operational and service improvements. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management’s good faith belief with respect to future events, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements.

The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 7 of our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K, could affect our future results and could cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements:

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking information to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of our 2003 annual report on Form 10-K.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them, in a timely manner, to material information relating to the Corporation (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Corporation’s periodic SEC filings.

Additionally, the CEO and CFO determined that there have been no significant changes to the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

We were notified that a qui tam, or private citizen, complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California against, among other parties, the City of Long Beach, City of Long Beach Harbor Department, Port of Long Beach (the Port), Union Pacific Corporation, Union Pacific Railroad Company and Union Pacific Resources Company, also known as Union Pacific Resources Group Inc. (Resources), a former subsidiary of UPC. A private citizen is pursuing the action because the federal government and the State of California elected not to pursue the claims. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated the Federal Civil False Claims Act and the California False Claims Act by conspiring to use public funds to (1) shift environmental cleanup liability to the Port when Resources sold its Terminal Island oil field property to the Port in 1994, and (2) effect the acquisition by the Port of the Terminal Island property in which the Port (or the State of California) allegedly already held certain incidents of title. The complaint, which has not yet been served on us, seeks damages of $2.405 billion, unspecified costs for remediating groundwater contamination, and claims treble damages and civil penalties of $10,000 per day. We dispute the factual and legal bases of the complaint. Also, we have notified Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (Anadarko), as successor to Resources after its acquisition in 2000, that an indemnification agreement between Resources and Union Pacific obligates Anadarko to indemnify us for all damages, costs and expenses related to the complaint.

We have received notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies alleging that we are or may be liable under certain federal or state environmental laws for remediation costs at various sites throughout the United States, including sites that are on the Superfund National Priorities List or state superfund lists. Although specific claims have been made by the EPA and state regulators with respect to some of these sites, the ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits by third parties cannot be predicted at this time because of the number of potentially responsible parties involved, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and/or the speculative nature of remediation costs.

As previously reported on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, a criminal case relating to a series of alleged releases was filed against the Railroad by the District Attorneys of Merced, Madera and Stanislaus Counties in California. The criminal case was dismissed in the last quarter of 2003 and was subsequently refiled as a civil action by several Counties. The refiled suit sought civil penalties against the Railroad in connection with the release of calcium oxide (“lime”), which leaked from an unidentified railcar between Chowchilla and Sacramento, California, on December 27, 2001, and another incident in which lime leaked from a railcar between Chowchilla and Stockton, California on February 21, 2002. The suit contended that regulatory violations occurred by virtue of the Railroad’s alleged failure to timely report the release of a “hazardous material,” its alleged disposal of hazardous waste, and the alleged release of material into the waters of the State of California. On September 20, 2004, the Court dismissed the suit with prejudice. However, we expect the Counties to appeal this dismissal.

On October 7, 2004, the Attorney General’s office of Illinois filed complaints against The Alton & Southern Railway Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Railroad, as a result of a release of vinyl acetate, a hazardous material, during a collision and derailment on September 21, 2004, in East St. Louis, Illinois. The state seeks to enjoin The Alton & Southern from further violations and impose a monetary penalty. The amount of the proposed penalty is uncertain but could exceed $100,000.

Retained earnings available for dividends decreased to $5.2 billion at September 30, 2004 from $6.9 billion at December 31, 2003 due to revisions in minimum net worth requirements under our credit facilities. See the discussion of credit facilities in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of Item 2, Part I.

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.


UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION (Registrant)

By		/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.
		Robert M. Knight, Jr.,
		Executive Vice President – Finance and
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

By		/s/ Richard J. Putz
		Richard J. Putz,
		Vice President and Controller
		(Principal Accounting Officer)


		Page Number
Item 1:	Consolidated Financial Statements:

	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003	3

	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003	4

	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited) At September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003	5

	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003	6

	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004	7

	NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)	8

Item 2:	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18

Item 3:	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31

Item 4:	Controls and Procedures	31

	PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1:	Legal Proceedings	32

Item 2:	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33

Item 6:	Exhibits	33

Signatures		34

Certifications


*Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,* *For the Three Months Ended September 30,*	*2004*			*2003*
Operating revenues	$	3,076		$	2,956
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and employee benefits		1,057			977
Equipment and other rents		354			308
Depreciation		278			267
Fuel and utilities		459			330
Materials and supplies		122			104
Casualty costs		71			109
Purchased services and other costs		317			269

Total operating expenses		2,658			2,364

Operating income		418			592
Other income		30			15
Interest expense		(132	)		(140	)

Income before income taxes		316			467
Income taxes		(114	)		(167	)

Income from continuing operations		202			300
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $12		—			17

Net income	$	202		$	317

Share and Per Share
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.78		$	1.18
Income from discontinued operations		—			0.07

Net income	$	0.78		$	1.25

Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.77		$	1.15
Income from discontinued operations		—			0.06

Net income	$	0.77		$	1.21

Weighted average number of shares (Basic)		259.0			254.3
Weighted average number of shares (Diluted)		261.6			265.0

Dividends	$	0.30		$	0.23


*Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,* *For the Nine Months Ended September 30,*	*2004*			*2003*
Operating revenues	$	8,998		$	8,586
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and employee benefits		3,116			2,893
Equipment and other rents		1,043			916
Depreciation		829			795
Fuel and utilities		1,283			1,005
Materials and supplies		359			306
Casualty costs		336			315
Purchased services and other costs		941			812

Total operating expenses		7,907			7,042

Operating income		1,091			1,544
Other income		66			32
Interest expense		(397	)		(440	)

Income before income taxes		760			1,136
Income taxes		(235	)		(413	)

Income from continuing operations		525			723
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax expense of $25		—			37
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of income tax expense of $167		—			274

Net income	$	525		$	1,034

Share and Per Share
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	2.03		$	2.85
Income from discontinued operations		—			0.14
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—			1.08

Net income	$	2.03		$	4.07

Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	2.00		$	2.79
Income from discontinued operations		—			0.13
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—			1.02

Net income	$	2.00		$	3.94

Weighted average number of shares (Basic)		258.9			253.9
Weighted average number of shares (Diluted)		261.9			269.1

Dividends	$	0.90		$	0.69


*Millions of Dollars*	September 30, 2004			December 31, 2003
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and temporary investments	$	914		$	527
Accounts receivable, net		583			498
Inventories		282			267
Current deferred income taxes		479			518
Other current assets		203			279

Total current assets		2,461			2,089

Investments:
Investments in and advances to affiliated companies		727			688
Other investments		30			38

Total investments		757			726

Properties:
Road		31,598			30,435
Equipment		7,664			7,648
Other		225			237

Total cost		39,487			38,320
Accumulated depreciation		(8,659	)		(8,037	)

Net properties		30,828			30,283

Other assets		346			362

Total assets	$	34,392		$	33,460

Liabilities and Common Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	581		$	511
Accrued wages and vacation		406			363
Accrued casualty costs		402			394
Income and other taxes		241			219
Dividends and interest		233			252
Debt due within one year		163			167
Equipment rents payable		137			128
Other current liabilities		427			422

Total current liabilities		2,590			2,456
Debt due after one year		7,996			7,822
Deferred income taxes		9,424			9,102
Accrued casualty costs		645			595
Retiree benefits obligation		632			678
Other long-term liabilities		412			453
Commitments and contingencies
Common shareholders’ equity		12,693			12,354

Total liabilities and common shareholders’ equity	$	34,392		$	33,460


*Millions of Dollars,* *For the Nine Months Ended September 30,*	*2004*			*2003*
Operating Activities
Net income	$	525		$	1,034
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations		—			(37	)
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—			(274	)
Depreciation		829			795
Deferred income taxes		331			346
Cash paid to fund pension plan		(50	)		(50	)
Other, net		(34	)		(81	)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net		114			38

Cash provided by operating activities		1,715			1,771

Investing Activities
Capital investments		(1,348	)		(1,300	)
Proceeds from asset sales		66			85
Other investing activities, net		(25	)		89

Cash used in investing activities		(1,307	)		(1,126	)

Financing Activities
Dividends paid		(232	)		(175	)
Debt repaid		(427	)		(1,398	)
Cash received from exercise of stock options		54			58
Financings, net		584			726

Cash used in financing activities		(21	)		(789	)

Net change in cash and temporary investments		387			(144	)
Cash and temporary investments at beginning of period		527			367

Cash and temporary investments at end of period	$	914		$	223

Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities, Net
Accounts receivable, net	$	(85	)	$	17
Inventories		(15	)		8
Other current assets		76			(53	)
Accounts, wages and vacation payable		113			125
Other current liabilities		25			(59	)

Total	$	114		$	38

Supplemental cash flow information:
Non-cash capital lease financings	$	—		$	188
Cash (paid) received during the period for:
Interest		(408	)		(474	)
Income taxes, net		186			14


												*Accumulated Other* *Comprehensive Income (Loss)*
Millions of Dollars, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004	[a] Common Shares		*Paid-* in- Surplus			Retained Earnings			[b] Treasury Stock			Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Derivative Adjustments			*Total*			*Total*
Balance at January 1, 2004	$	689	$	3,936		$	8,930		$	(1,077	)	$	(109	)	$	(18	)	$	3		$	(124	)	$	12,354

Net income		—		—			525			—			—			—			—			—			525
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $(5)		—		—			—			—			—			(1	)		(7	)		(8	)		(8	)

Comprehensive income																									517
Conversion, exercises of stock options, forfeitures and other		—		(12	)		—			68			—			—			—			—			56
Dividends declared ($0.90 per share)		—		—			(234	)		—			—			—			—			—			(234	)

Balance at September 30, 2004	$	689	$	3,924		$	9,221		$	(1,009	)	$	(109	)	$	(19	)	$	(4	)	$	(132	)	$	12,693


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts*	*2004*			*2003*			*2004*			*2003*
Net income, as reported	$	202		$	317		$	525		$	1,034
Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of tax		3			3			9			15
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax		(9	)		(8	)		(26	)		(32	)

Pro forma net income	$	196		$	312		$	508		$	1,017

EPS – basic, as reported	$	0.78		$	1.25		$	2.03		$	4.07
EPS – basic, pro forma	$	0.76		$	1.22		$	1.96		$	4.01
EPS – diluted, as reported	$	0.77		$	1.21		$	2.00		$	3.94
EPS – diluted, pro forma	$	0.75		$	1.19		$	1.94		$	3.90


	*2004*		*2003*
Risk-free interest rates	3.3	%	2.9	%
Dividend yield	1.7	%	1.5	%
Expected lives-years	5.6		5.0
Volatility	25.9	%	28.4	%


*Millions,* *Except Percentages*	Sept. 30, 2004			Dec. 31, 2003
Interest rate fair value hedging:
Amount of debt hedged	$	750		$	818
Percentage of total debt portfolio		9	%		10	%
Gross fair value asset position	$	17		$	24
Gross fair value (liability) position		(1	)		(1	)


*Millions,* *Except Average Commodity Prices*	Sept. 30, 2004		Dec. 31, 2003
Fuel hedging:

Swaps:
Number of gallons hedged for 2003 [a]		—		145
Average price of 2003 hedges (per gallon) [b]	$	—	$	0.63

Collars:
Number of gallons hedged for 2003 [a]		—		22
Average cap price for 2003 collars (per gallon) [b]	$	—	$	0.77
Average floor price for 2003 collars (per gallon) [b]	$	—	$	0.67
Average ceiling price for 2003 collars (per gallon) [b]	$	—	$	0.88
Number of gallons hedged for the remainder of 2004		28		120
Average cap price for 2004 collars outstanding (per gallon) [b]	$	0.72	$	0.74
Average floor price for 2004 collars outstanding (per gallon) [b]	$	0.63	$	0.64
Average ceiling price for 2004 collars outstanding (per gallon) [b]	$	0.85	$	0.86

Gross fair value asset position		5		6
Gross fair value (liability) position		—		—


	*Pension*
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Millions of Dollars*	*2004*			*2003*			*2004*			*2003*
Service cost	$	7		$	6		$	22		$	20
Interest cost		31			28			89			85
Expected return on plan assets		(34	)		(32	)		(103	)		(100	)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation		—			(1	)		(1	)		(2	)
Prior service cost		2			2			6			7
Actuarial loss		1			—			3			1

Total net periodic benefit cost	$	7		$	3		$	16		$	11


	*OPEB*
	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Millions of Dollars*	*2004*			*2003*			*2004*			*2003*
Service cost	$	—		$	1		$	4		$	5
Interest cost		7			8			24			26
Amortization of:
Prior service cost (credit)		(7	)		(3	)		(16	)		(11	)
Actuarial loss		5			4			13			12

Total net periodic benefit cost	$	5		$	10		$	25		$	32


	*Three Months Ended* *September 30,*				Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Millions, Except Per Share Amounts*	*2004*		*2003*		*2004*		*2003*
Income statement data:
Income from continuing operations	$	202	$	300	$	525	$	723
Income from discontinued operations		—		17		—		37
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—		—		—		274

Net income available to common shareholders – basic		202		317		525		1,034
Dilutive effect of interest associated with the CPS		—		5		—		28

Net income available to common shareholders – diluted	$	202	$	322	$	525	$	1,062

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		259.0		254.3		258.9		253.9
Dilutive effect of stock options		0.7		1.6		1.1		1.3
Dilutive effect of retention shares, stock units and restricted stock		1.9		1.8		1.9		1.8
Dilutive effect of CPS		—		7.3		—		12.1

Diluted		261.6		265.0		261.9		269.1

Earnings per share – basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.78	$	1.18	$	2.03	$	2.85
Income from discontinued operations		—		0.07		—		0.14
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—		—		—		1.08

Net income	$	0.78	$	1.25	$	2.03	$	4.07

Earnings per share – diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	0.77	$	1.15	$	2.00	$	2.79
Income from discontinued operations		—		0.06		—		0.13
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—		—		—		1.02

Net income	$	0.77	$	1.21	$	2.00	$	3.94


*Commodity Revenue* *Millions of Dollars*	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Commodity Revenue* *Millions of Dollars*	*2004*		*2003*		% Change		*2004*		*2003*		% Change
Agricultural	$	394	$	411	(4	)%	$	1,204	$	1,158	4	%
Automotive		287		276	4			910		898	1
Chemicals		433		401	8			1,272		1,188	7
Energy		629		628	—			1,812		1,791	1
Industrial Products		622		571	9			1,791		1,642	9
Intermodal		579		540	7			1,633		1,521	7

Total	$	2,944	$	2,827	4	%	$	8,622	$	8,198	5	%


*Revenue Carloads* *Thousands*	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Revenue Carloads* *Thousands*	*2004*	*2003*	% Change		*2004*	*2003*	% Change
Agricultural	209	225	(7	)%	655	645	2	%
Automotive	195	189	3		615	610	1
Chemicals	240	225	7		702	670	5
Energy	561	563	—		1,642	1,621	1
Industrial Products	395	390	1		1,147	1,112	3
Intermodal	808	775	4		2,303	2,220	4

Total	2,408	2,367	2	%	7,064	6,878	3	%


*Average Revenue* *Per Car*	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
*Average Revenue* *Per Car*	*2004*		*2003*		% Change		*2004*		*2003*		% Change
Agricultural	$	1,884	$	1,828	3	%	$	1,839	$	1,796	2	%
Automotive		1,474		1,455	1			1,480		1,471	1
Chemicals		1,803		1,780	1			1,811		1,773	2
Energy		1,120		1,116	—			1,104		1,105	—
Industrial Products		1,577		1,467	7			1,563		1,476	6
Intermodal		716		697	3			709		685	4

Total	$	1,223	$	1,195	2	%	$	1,221	$	1,192	2	%


*Capital Expenditures* *Millions*	*2004*		*2003*
*Capital Expenditures* *Millions*	*2004*		*2003*
Track	$	1,035	$	971
Locomotives		60		278
Freight cars		4		13
Facilities and other		249		226

Total	$	1,348	$	1,488


*Contractual Obligations* *Millions of Dollars*	*Total*		*Payments Due by Period*
*Contractual Obligations* *Millions of Dollars*	*Total*		Less Than 1 Year		*2-3 Years*		*4-5 Years*		*After* *5 Years*
Debt [a]	$	6,707	$	52	$	1,273	$	1,677	$	3,705
Operating leases		3,045		423		704		499		1,419
Capital lease obligations [b]		2,337		216		384		348		1,389
Purchase obligations [c]		4,069		1,314		513		443		1,799

Total contractual obligations	$	16,158	$	2,005	$	2,874	$	2,967	$	8,312


*Other Commercial Commitments* *Millions of Dollars*	Total Amounts Committed		*Amount of Commitment Expiration* *Per Period*
	Total Amounts Committed		Less Than *1 Year*		*2-3 Years*		*4-5 Years*		After 5 Years
Credit facilities [a]	$	2,000	$	1,000	$	—	$	1,000	$	—
Sale of receivables [b]		600		600		—		—		—
Guarantees [c]		484		9		20		13		442
Standby letters of credit [d]		56		56		—		—		—

Total commercial commitments	$	3,140	$	1,665	$	20	$	1,013	$	442


	Three Months Ended Sept. 30,		Nine Months Ended Sept. 30,
	*2004*	*2003*	*2004*	*2003*
Gross ton-miles (billions)	262.8	259.8	775.3	754.9
Revenue ton-miles (billions)	138.6	137.0	409.3	395.7
Average full-time equivalent employees	49,021	46,369	48,081	46,499


	Sept. 30, 2004		Dec. 31, 2003
Debt to capital	39.1	%	39.3	%
Lease adjusted debt to capital	44.6	%	44.8	%


Exhibit No.		Description of Exhibits Filed with this Statement
3(b)		By-Laws of UPC, as amended, effective October 15, 2004.

10(a)		Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Executives.

10(b)		Form of Stock Unit Agreement for Executives.

10(c)		Form of Stock Unit Agreement for Executive Incentive Premium Exchange Program.

10(d)		Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors.

12(a)		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

12(b)		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

31(a)		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Richard K. Davidson.

31(b)		Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Robert M. Knight, Jr.

32		Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Richard K. Davidson and Robert M. Knight, Jr.

		Description of Exhibits Incorporated by Reference

3(a)		Revised Articles of Incorporation of UPC, as amended through April 25, 1996, are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.