OREANDA-NEWS. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported 2014 fourth quarter net income of USD 1.4 billion, or USD 1.61 per diluted share, compared to USD 1.2 billion, or USD 1.27 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter 2013.

All-Time Quarterly Records

Diluted earnings per share of USD 1.61 improved 27 percent.

Operating income totaled USD 2.4 billion, up 20 percent.

Operating ratio of 61.4 percent improved 3.6 points.

Full Year Records

Diluted earnings per share of USD 5.75 improved 22 percent.

Operating revenues totaled USD 24.0 billion, up 9 percent.

Operating income totaled USD 8.8 billion, up 18 percent.

Operating ratio of 63.5 percent improved 2.6 points.

"Union Pacific achieved record quarterly financial results, driven by strong volumes, solid core pricing and productivity gains," said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific chief executive officer. "Robust volumes challenged our network for much of the year, and we remained focused on adding the necessary resources to safely improve service. We are encouraged with the progress we are making."

Fourth Quarter Summary

Operating revenue increased in the fourth quarter 2014 to USD 6.2 billion, a 9 percent increase over fourth quarter 2013. Fourth quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, increased 6 percent compared to 2013. Volume increased in all business groups - led by growth in industrial products and coal. In addition:

Quarterly freight revenue increased 9 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2013, driven by volume growth and core pricing gains.

The average quarterly diesel fuel price of USD 2.66 per gallon in the fourth quarter 2014 was down 14 percent compared to the fourth quarter 2013.

Union Pacific's operating ratio of 61.4 percent was an all-time quarterly record, 3.6 points better than the fourth quarter 2013. The net impact of lower fuel prices contributed about 1.5 points of this improvement.

Quarterly train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 23.8 mph, 8 percent slower than the fourth quarter 2013.

The Company repurchased more than 7.7 million shares in the fourth quarter 2014 at an average share price of USD 113.77 and an aggregate cost of USD 880 million.

Summary of Fourth Quarter Freight Revenues

Industrial Products up 15 percent

Intermodal up 11 percent

Coal up 9 percent

Agricultural Products up 9 percent

Chemicals up 8 percent

Automotive flat

2014 Full Year Summary

For the full year 2014, Union Pacific reported net income of USD 5.2 billion or USD 5.75 per diluted share. This compares to USD 4.4 billion or USD 4.71 per diluted share in 2013, 18 and 22 percent increases, respectively. Operating revenue totaled a record USD 24.0 billion versUSD 22.0 billion in 2013. Operating income totaled USD 8.8 billion, an 18 percent increase over 2013. In addition:

Freight revenue increased to USD 22.6 billion, a 9 percent increase over 2013. Carloadings were up 7 percent versus 2013, with growth in each business group. Volume growth was led by agricultural products, industrial products, and intermodal.

Average diesel fuel prices decreased 6 percent to USD 2.97 per gallon in 2014 from USD 3.15 per gallon in 2013.

Union Pacific's operating ratio of 63.5 percent was a full year record, improving 2.6 points from the previous record set in 2013.

Train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads, was 24.0 mph, 8 percent slower compared to the full year 2013.

Union Pacific's capital program in 2014 totaled USD 4.1 billion, an increase of approximately USD 500 million compared to the full year 2013.

The Company increased its quarterly declared dividend per share by 10 percent to USD 0.50 cents per share in the third quarter 2014. Total dividends declared for the full year 2014 grew 29 percent compared to the full year 2013.

The Company repurchased more than 32.0 million shares in 2014 at an average share price of USD 100.65, and an aggregate cost of more than USD 3.2 billion.

2015 Outlook

"With 2014 behind us, we're intently focused on the year ahead," Koraleski said. "Overall, the U.S. economy continues to move forward at a moderate pace, but of course, there are always uncertainties. Clearly, one of the biggest uncertainties is the outlook for energy markets, which will bring both challenges and opportunities as we move ahead. We're entering the year well-resourced and we're looking forward to safely providing efficient, value-added service for our customers, and increasing returns for our shareholders in 2015."

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2005-2014, Union Pacific invested more than USD 31 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.