10-Q 1 nsc3q06s.htm Norfolk Southern Corporation 3rd Quarter 2006 Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington , D.C.   20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

(X)

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

For the quarterly period ended SEPT. 30, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

( )

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

 

 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

  For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

 

 

Commission file number 1-8339

 

 

 

 

logo

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Virginia

52-1188014

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

 

Three Commercial Place

 

Norfolk , Virginia

23510-2191

(Address of principal executive offices)

Zip Code

 

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

(757) 629-2680

 

 

No Change

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.                                                                                                                            Yes (X)   No ( )

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.   See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [X]               Accelerated filer [ ]               Non-accelerated filer [ ]

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).            Yes ( ) No (X)

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

 

                       Class

   Outstanding at Sept. 30, 2006

Common Stock (par value $1.00)

   396,891,872 (excluding 20,790,517 shares held by the

   registrant’s consolidated subsidiaries)

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES (NS)

 

 


 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

 

Part I.

Financial information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

 

 

Three and Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

As of Sept. 30, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2005

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

18

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

 

 

 

Results of Operations

19

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

29

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

29

 

 

 

 

 Part II.

Other information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

30

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

30

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 31

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

31

 

 

 

 

 Signatures

 

 32

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

33

 

 

 

 

2


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements.

 

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

  (Unaudited)

 

 

                                                                                                                   

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railway operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Coal

$

595

$

546 

$

1,738

$

1,591 

   General merchandise

 

1,283

 

1,138 

 

3,872

 

3,372 

   Intermodal

 

515

 

471 

 

1,478

 

1,307 

      Total railway operating revenues

 

2,393

 

2,155 

 

7,088

 

6,270 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railway operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Compensation and benefits

 

624

 

629 

 

1,982

 

1,857 

   Materials, services and rents

 

472

 

462 

 

1,414

 

1,344 

   Conrail rents and services (Note 2)

 

30

 

31 

 

93

 

97 

   Depreciation

 

186

 

195 

 

551

 

582 

   Diesel fuel

 

257

 

189 

 

748

 

501 

   Casualties and other claims (Note 9)

 

50

 

59 

 

168

 

177 

   Other

 

59

 

62 

 

189

 

189 

      Total railway operating expenses

 

1,678

 

1,627 

 

5,145

 

4,747 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Income from railway operations

 

715

 

528 

 

1,943

 

1,523 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income – net

 

41

 

32 

 

109

 

43 

Interest expense on debt

 

120

 

119 

 

361

 

373 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Income before income taxes

 

636

 

441 

 

1,691

 

1,193 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

220

 

140 

 

595

 

274 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Net income

$

416

$

301 

$

1,096

$

919 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share amounts (Note 5):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Basic

$

1.04

$

0.74 

$

2.68

$

2.28 

            Diluted

$

1.02

$

0.73 

$

2.62

$

2.24 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Dividends

$

0.18

$

0.13 

$

0.50

$

0.35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

Assets

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

   Cash and cash equivalents

$

270 

$

289 

   Short-term investments

 

533 

 

968 

   Accounts receivable, net (Note 9)

 

1,027 

 

931 

   Materials and supplies

 

158 

 

132 

   Deferred income taxes

 

176 

 

167 

   Other current assets

 

52 

 

163 

      Total current assets

 

2,216 

 

2,650 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments (Note 2)

 

1,779 

 

1,590 

Properties less accumulated depreciation

 

20,970 

 

20,705 

Other assets (Note 9)

 

1,013 

 

916 

       Total assets

$

25,978 

$

25,861 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

   Accounts payable (Note 9)

$

1,168 

$

1,163 

   Income and other taxes

 

272 

 

231 

   Other current liabilities

 

265 

 

213 

   Current maturities of long-term debt

 

484 

 

314 

      Total current liabilities

 

2,189 

 

1,921 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

6,141 

 

6,616 

Other liabilities (Note 9)

 

1,489 

 

1,415 

Deferred income taxes

 

6,580 

 

6,620 

      Total liabilities

 

16,399 

 

16,572 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

   Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000

 

 

 

 

      shares authorized; issued 417,682,389 and

 

 

 

 

      430,718,913 shares, respectively (Note 7)

 

418 

 

431 

   Additional paid-in capital

 

1,240 

 

992 

   Unearned restricted stock (Note 8)

 

-- 

 

(17)

   Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 6)

 

(87)

 

(77)

   Retained income (Note 7)

 

8,028 

 

7,980 

   Less treasury stock at cost, 20,790,517 and 20,833,125

 

 

 

 

      shares, respectively

 

(20)

 

(20)

      Total stockholders' equity

 

9,579 

 

9,289 

 

 

 

 

 

      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

25,978 

$

25,861 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

   Net income

$

1,096 

$

919 

   Reconciliation of net income to net cash

 

 

 

 

      provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

         Depreciation

 

560 

 

591 

         Deferred income taxes

 

(42)

 

         Equity in earnings of Conrail

 

(20)

 

(28)

         Gains and losses on properties and investments

 

(40)

 

(26)

         Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:

 

 

 

 

            Accounts receivable

 

(96)

 

(112)

            Materials and supplies

 

(26)

 

(33)

            Other current assets

 

84 

 

106 

            Current liabilities other than debt

 

146 

 

93 

            Other – net

 

55 

 

85 

               Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,717 

 

1,602 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

   Property additions

 

(862)

 

(578)

   Property sales and other transactions

 

86 

 

55 

   Investments, including short-term

 

(1,504)

 

(1,232)

   Investment sales and other transactions

 

1,739 

 

553 

               Net cash used for investing activities

 

(541)

 

(1,202)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

   Dividends

 

(207)

 

(141)

   Common stock issued – net

 

240 

 

114 

   Purchase and retirement of common stock

 

(916)

 

-- 

   Proceeds from borrowings

 

-- 

 

332 

   Debt repayments

 

(312)

 

(863)

               Net cash used for financing activities

 

(1,195)

 

(558)

 

 

 

 

 

               Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(19)

 

(158)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

   At beginning of year

 

289 

 

467 

 

 

 

 

 

   At end of period

$

270 

$

309 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information

 

 

   Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

      Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

$

 300 

$

330 

      Income taxes (net of refunds)

$

 483 

$

161 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries' (NS) financial position as of Sept. 30, 2006, its results of operations for the three and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005, and its cash flows for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in NS’ latest Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

 

1. Stock Based Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2006, NS adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” [SFAS 123(R)].   This statement applies to awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled after the effective date as well as awards that are unvested at the effective date and includes, among other things, the requirement to expense the fair value of stock options.   The standard also requires that cash settled awards be measured at fair value at each reporting date until ultimate settlement.   NS adopted SFAS 123(R) using the modified prospective method, which requires application of the standard to all awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after January 1, 2006, and to all awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered as of such date.   In accordance with the modified prospective approach, prior period financial statements have not been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS 123(R).   As compared to amounts that would have been recognized under APB Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB Opinion 25), the adoption of SFAS 123(R) resulted in $30 million of additional compensation expense for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006, including the immediate expensing of 2006 grants made to retirement-eligible employees, which reduced net income by $22 million, or 5 cents per basic and diluted share.   Through Dec. 31, 2005, NS applied the intrinsic value recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans (see Note 8).     

 


The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if NS had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to stock-based employee compensation related to all awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2005

2005

 

($ in millions, except per share)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income, as reported

$

301 

 

$

919 

Add:   Stock-based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

   expense included in reported net income,

 

 

 

 

 

   net of related tax effects

 

19 

 

 

30 

Deduct:   Stock-based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

 

   expense determined under fair value method,

 

 

 

 

 

   net of related tax effects

 

(15)

 

 

(27)

      Pro forma net income

$

305 

 

$

922 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

   As reported

 

 

 

 

 

      Basic

$

0.74 

 

$

2.28 

      Diluted

$

0.73 

 

$

2.24 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Pro forma

 

 

 

 

 

      Basic

$

0.76 

 

$

2.29 

      Diluted

$

0.74 

 

$

2.24 

 

 

2.   Investments

 

 

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term investments:

 

 

 

 

     Investment in Conrail Inc.

$

864

$

     844

     Other equity method investments

 

443

 

331

     Company-owned life insurance at net cash            surrender value

 

329

 

276

     Other investments

 

143

 

139

               Total long-term investments

$

1,779

$

1,590

 

Investment in Conrail

 

Through a limited liability company, Norfolk Southern Corporation ( Norfolk Southern) and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC).   NS has a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in the jointly owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests.   CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT).   The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage.   In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas.   "Conrail rents and services" includes expenses for amounts due to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas.   NS’ equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, is included in “Other income – net.”

 

“Accounts payable” includes $65 million at Sept. 30, 2006, and $56 million at Dec. 31, 2005, due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas.   In addition, “Other liabilities” include $133 million in long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2035, entered into in 2005 that bear interest at an average rate of 4.4%.

 

3.  Derivative Financial Instruments

 

NS has used derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk of volatility in its diesel fuel costs and to manage its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.   NS does not engage in the trading of derivatives.   Management has determined that its derivative financial instruments qualify as either fair-value or cash-flow hedges, having values that highly correlate with the underlying hedged exposures, and has designated such instruments as hedging transactions.   Credit risk related to the derivative financial instruments is considered to be minimal and is managed by requiring high credit standards for counterparties and periodic settlements.

 

Diesel Fuel Hedging

 

In 2001, NS began a program to hedge a portion of its diesel fuel consumption.   The intent of the program was to assist in the management of NS' aggregate risk exposure to fuel price fluctuations, which can significantly affect NS' operating margins and profitability, through the use of one or more types of derivative instruments.   No new hedges have been entered into since May 2004, and the last remaining contracts were settled in the second quarter of this year, bringing an end to this program.

 

The goal of this hedging strategy was to reduce the variability of fuel costs over an extended period of time while minimizing the incremental cost of hedging. The program provided that NS would not enter into any fuel hedges with a duration of more than 36 months, and that no more than 80% of NS' average monthly fuel consumption would be hedged for any month within any 36-month period. After ta ki ng into account the effect of the hedges, diesel fuel costs represented 15% and 12% of NS' operating expenses in the third quarters of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

NS' fuel hedging activity resulted in no reduction in diesel fuel expense for the third quarter of 2006, but a decrease of $20 million for the first nine months, compared with $41 million and $121 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2005.   Ineffectiveness, or the extent to which changes in the fair values of the heating oil contracts did not offset changes in the fair values of the expected diesel fuel transactions, was zero in third quarter 2006, compared with a less than $1 million expense in the third quarter of 2005, and a $1 million expense in the first nine months of 2006 compared with a $3 million expense in the same period in 2005.

 

Interest Rate Hedging

 

NS manages its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by issuing both fixed and floating-rate debt instruments, and by entering into interest rate hedging transactions to achieve an appropriate mix within its debt portfolio.   NS had $90 million and $116 million, or less than 2%, of its fixed rate debt portfolio, hedged at Sept. 30, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2005, respectively, using interest rate swaps that qualify for and are designated as fair-value hedge transactions. NS’ interest rate hedging activity resulted in decreases of less than $1 million in interest expenses for the third quarters and the first nine months of 2006 and 2005.   These swaps have been effective in hedging the changes in fair value of the related debt arising from changes in interest rates, and there has been no impact on earnings resulting from ineffectiveness associated with these derivative transactions.

 

Fair Values

 

There were no diesel fuel derivative instruments outstanding at Sept. 30, 2006.   The fair value of NS' diesel fuel derivative instruments at Dec. 31, 2005, was determined based upon current market values as quoted by independent third party dealers.   Fair values of interest rate swaps were determined based upon the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the appropriate implied spot rate from the spot rate yield curve.   Fair value adjustments are noncash transactions, and accordingly, are excluded from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.   "Accumulated other comprehensive loss," a component of "Stockholders' equity," included unrealized gains of zero and $20 million (pretax) at Sept. 30, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2005, respectively, related to the fair value of derivative fuel hedging transactions that will terminate within twelve months of the respective dates.   Gains or losses actually realized were based on the fair value of the derivative fuel hedges at the time of termination.

 

The asset and liability positions of NS' outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows:

 

 

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

 

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

Interest rate hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair value asset position

$

1

$

3

   Gross fair value (liability) position

 

--

 

--

Fuel hedges

 

 

 

 

   Gross fair value asset position

 

--

 

20

   Gross fair value (liability) position

 

--

 

--

      Total net asset position

$

1

$

23

 

4.   Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salaried employees.   Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries also provide specified health care and death benefits to eligible retired employees and their dependents.   Under the present plans, which may be amended or terminated at NS’ option, a defined percentage of health care expenses is covered, reduced by any deductibles, co-payments, Medicare payments and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies.

 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components

 

 

Three months ended Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

$

$

$

Interest cost

 

21 

 

22 

 

10 

 

13 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(39)

 

(37)

 

(2)

 

(3)

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

 

 

 

(2)

 

(2)

Amortization of unrecognized losses

 

 

 

 

     Net (benefit) cost

$

(8)

$

(5)

$

18 

$

17 

 

 


 

 

Nine months ended Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

21 

$

17 

$

15 

$

13 

Interest cost

 

66 

 

65 

 

32 

 

37 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(119)

 

(112)

 

(8)

 

(9)

Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)

 

 

 

(6)

 

(8)

Amortization of unrecognized losses

 

 

11 

 

19 

 

13 

     Net (benefit) cost

$

(21)

$

(17)

$

52 

$

46 

 

Contributions for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

 

NS previously disclosed in its consolidated financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, that it expected to contribute $8 million to its unfunded pension plans and $44 million to its other postretirement (medical and life insurance) benefit plans in 2006.   For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006, $6 million and $33 million of contributions have been made to its unfunded pension plans and its other postretirement benefit plans, respectively.   NS presently anticipates that prior to year end it will contribute an additional $2 million to its unfunded pension plans for a total of $8 million and an additional $11 million to fund its other postretirement benefit plans for a total of $44 million.

 

5.  Earnings Per Share

 

 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the number of weighted-average shares outstanding used in the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares outstanding

 

402.0

 

404.3

 

409.3

 

403.1

Dilutive effect of outstanding options,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   performance share units and restricted stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   (as determined by the application of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   the treasury stock method)

 

7.9

 

8.0

 

8.8

 

7.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

 

409.9

 

412.3

 

418.1

 

410.7

 

The calculations exclude options whose exercise price exceeded the average market price of Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock (Common Stock) for the period as follows:   in 2006, 1 million in the third quarter, none in the second quarter and 1 million in the first quarter; and in 2005, none in the third quarter, 5 million in the second quarter and none in the first quarter.   There are no adjustments to "Net income" for the diluted earnings per share computations.

 


6.  Comprehensive Income

 

NS' total comprehensive income was as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

416

$

301

$

1,096 

$

919

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

2

 

(8)

 

(10)

 

(9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

$

418

$

293

$

1,086 

$

910

 

 

For NS, “Other comprehensive income (loss)" reflects primarily the fair value adjustments, net of tax, to certain derivative financial instruments and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities.

 

7.   Stock Purchase Program

 

In November 2005, NS’ Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 50 million shares of Common Stock through the end of 2015.   The timing and volume of any purchases will be guided by management’s assessment of market conditions and other pertinent facts.   Near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally generated cash; however, future funding sources could include proceeds from the sale of commercial paper notes or the increase of long-term debt.

 

NS purchased and retired 17.1 million shares of its common stock under this program in the third quarter of 2006 at a cost of $730 million, of which $662 million was charged to retained earnings.   For the first nine months of 2006, NS purchased and retired 20.7 million shares of its common stock under this program at a cost of $916 million, of which $835 million was charged to retained earnings.

 

8.   Stock-Based Compensation

 

Under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), a committee of nonemployee directors of the Board of Directors of Norfolk Southern Corporation (Board) or the chief executive officer (if delegated such authority by the committee) may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance share units (PSUs), up to a maximum of 88,025,000 shares of Common Stock.   Of these shares, 5,000,000 were approved by the Board for issuance to non-officer participants; as a broad-based issuance, stockholder approval was not required.   In May 2005, the stockholders approved an amended LTIP which provided that 8,500,000 shares of stock previously approved for issuance under LTIP could be granted as restricted shares, restricted stock unit shares or performance shares.   Under the Board-approved Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP), the committee may grant stock options up to a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

The LTIP also permits the payment – on a current or a deferred basis and in cash or in stock – of dividend equivalents on shares of Common Stock covered by options, PSUs or restricted stock units in an amount commensurate with dividends paid on Common Stock.   Tax absorption payments also are authorized for any awards under LTIP in amounts estimated to equal the federal and state income taxes applicable to shares of Common Stock issued subject to a share retention agreement.

 

During the first quarter of 2006, a committee of nonemployee directors of NS’ Board granted stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP.


Accounting Method

 

As disclosed in Note 1, prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), NS applied APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in accounting for awards made under the plans.   Accordingly, grants of PSUs, restricted shares, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, tax absorption payments and SARs resulted in charges to net income, while grants of stock options had no effect on net income.   Under SFAS 123(R), all awards will result in charges to net income while dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings.

 

Stock-based compensation was a $1 million benefit during the third quarter of 2006, but a cost of $31 million for the same period in 2005.   For the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, stock-based compensation costs were $100 million and $49 million, respectively.   The total tax effect recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation was an expense of $1 million versus a benefit of $11 million for the quarters ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and benefits of $34 million and $18 million for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively.   Compensation expense in 2006 included the immediate recognition of NS’ awards granted to retirement-eligible employees in accordance with SFAS 123(R).   Under APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations, such awards were amortized over the stated service period.

 

Stock Options

 

In the first quarter of 2006, 1,188,700 options were granted under the LTIP and 238,000 options were granted under the TSOP.   In each case, the grant price was $49.425, which was the fair market value of Common Stock on the date of grant, and the options have a term of ten years but may not be exercised prior to the first anniversary of the date of grant.   Holders of the options granted under LTIP receive cash dividend equivalent payments for five years commensurate with dividends paid on Common Stock.

 

The fair value of each option award in 2006 was measured on the date of grant using a lattice-based option valuation model.   Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on Common Stock and historical volatility of Common Stock.   NS uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.   The average expected option life is derived from the output of the valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.   The average risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.   For options granted that include dividend equivalent payments, a dividend yield of zero was used.   For purposes of pro forma information required under SFAS 123, the fair value of the option awards in 2005 was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.   The assumptions for both years are shown in the following table:

 

 

2006

2005

 

 

 

Expected volatility range

23.5% - 34.5%

n/a

Average expected volatility

27%

33%

Average expected option life

3.7 years

5 years

Average risk-free interest rate

4.5%

3.7%

Per-share grant-date fair value

$13.47

$12.19

 


A summary of options outstanding as of Sept. 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Weighted

Average

 

 

 

Average

Remaining

Aggregate

 

Option

Exercise

Contractual

Intrinsic

 

Shares

Price

Life

Value

 

 

 

 

($ in millions)

Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2005

29,545,680  

$24.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,427,400  

49.42

 

 

Exercised

(7,118,387) 

24.62

 

 

Forfeited

(16,000) 

40.48

 

 

Outstanding at Sept. 30, 2006

23,838,693   

$25.76

5.1 years

$ 444

Exercisable at Sept. 30, 2006

22,418,893   

$24.26

4.8 years

$ 444

 

The following table provides information related to options exercised.

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total intrinsic value

$

4

$

28

$

187

$

74

Cash received upon exercise of options

$

3

$

42

$

170

$

114

Related tax benefit realized

$

3

$

10

$

70

$

25

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), NS presented tax benefits generated from tax deductions in excess of compensation costs recognized for share-based awards (excess tax benefits) as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.   Beginning in 2006, SFAS 123(R) requires excess tax benefits to be classified as financing cash flows.   Accordingly, “Common stock issued – net” in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006, included $70 million of such tax benefits.

 

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units

 

Restricted share and restricted stock unit grants were 664,300 in 2006, with a grant-date fair value of $49.60 and a three-year restriction period, and were 960,400 in 2005, with a grant-date fair value of $34.10 and a five-year restriction period (that may be accelerated to a three-year restriction period for the restricted shares upon achievement of specified performance measures).

 

A summary of the status of restricted shares and restricted stock units as of Sept. 30, 2006, and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Weighted - Average

 

 

 

Grant-Date

 

  Shares

Units  

Fair Value

Nonvested at Dec. 31, 2005

1,262,776  

 

841,852    

$26.80

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

332,150 

 

332,150 

49.60

Vested

(473,294)

 

(319,696)

21.03

Forfeited

(2,950)

 

(2,350)

40.75

Nonvested at Sept. 30, 2006

1,118,682

 

851,956

$36.78

 

As of Sept. 30, 2006, there was $14 million and $15 million of total unrecognized compensation related to restricted shares and restricted stock units, respectively.   That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of approximately 2.0 years.   The total fair value of restricted shares vested and restricted stock units paid in cash during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005 was $40 million and $2 million, respectively.

 

Performance Share Units

 

PSUs provide for awards based on achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle.   PSU grants and average grant-date fair values were 1,163,600 and $49.425 in 2006 and 1,344,400 and $34.10 in 2005.   One-half of any PSUs earned will be paid in the form of shares of Common Stock with the other half to be paid in cash.   Shares earned and issued may be subject to share retention agreements and held by NS for up to five years.

 

Performance Share Unit Activity

 

 

 

Weighted - Average

 

Performance

Grant-Date

 

Share Units

Fair Value

Balance Dec. 31, 2005

3,118,400 

$

26.49

 

 

 

 

Granted

1,163,600

 

49.43

Earned

(345,290)

 

19.63

Paid in cash

(345,290)

 

19.63

Unearned

(255,420)

 

19.63

Forfeited

(24,200)

 

46.39

Balance Sept. 30, 2006

3,311,800

$

36.41

 

As of Sept. 30, 2006, there was $48 million of total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP.   That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.   The total fair value of PSUs earned and paid in cash during the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2006 and 2005 was $34 million and $18 million, respectively.

 

9.    Commitments and Contingencies

 

Lawsuits

 

Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations.   When management concludes that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings.   While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in management's opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payment of such liability and claims.   However, the final outcome of any of these lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter.   Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments are known.

 

NS was involved in mass tort litigation proceedings arising out of historic flooding events that occurred in West Virginia in 2001.   In 2005, one of NS’ subsidiaries was identified as the target defendant for claims related to a specific sub-watershed.   During the first quarter, the parties reached a settlement with respect to NS’ liability in the matter.   The settlement did not have a material effect on the results of operations in the first quarter.

 

Casualty Claims

 

Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs.   NS engages an independent consulting actuarial firm to aid in valuing its liability for these claims.   Job-related accidental injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads.   FELA’s fault-based system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault workers’ compensation system.   The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being very different from the liability recorded.   While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in management’s opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payments of claims and is support ed by the most recent actuarial study.   In all cases, NS records a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and estimable.

 

In 2005, NS recorded a liability related to the Jan. 6, 2005 derailment in Graniteville , SC.   The liability, which includes a current and long-term portion, represents NS’ best estimate based on current facts and circumstances.   The estimate includes amounts related to business property damage and other economic losses, personal injury and individual property damage claims as well as third-party response costs.   NS’ commercial insurance policies are expected to cover substantially all expenses related to this derailment above NS’ self-insured retention, including NS’ response costs and legal fees.   Accordingly, the Consolidated Balance Sheets reflect a current and long-term receivable for estimated recoveries from NS’ insurance carriers.   Expenses in 2005 included $41 million related to this incident, representing NS’ retention under its insurance policies and other uninsured costs.   While it is reasonable to expect that the liability for covered losses could differ from the amount recorded, such a change would be offset by a corresponding change in the insurance receivable.   As a result, NS does not believe that it is reasonably likely that its net loss (the difference between the liability and future recoveries) will be materially different than the loss recorded in 2005.   NS expects at this time that insurance coverage is adequate to cover potential claims and settlements above its self-insurance retention.

 

Employee personal injury claims – The largest component of casualties and other claims expense is employee personal injury costs.   The actuarial firm engaged by NS provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing its employee personal injury liability and estimating its employee personal injury expense.   The actuarial firm studies NS’ historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, ta ki ng into account relevant outside influences.   The actuary uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of the liability, which includes amounts for incurred but unasserted claims.   NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount on a quarterly basis.   The estimate of loss liabilities is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations or legislative changes and as such the actual loss may vary from the actuarial estimate.

 

Occupational claims – Occupational claims (including asbestosis and other respiratory diseases, as well as repetitive motion) are often not caused by a specific accident or event but rather result from a claimed exposure over time.   Many such claims are being asserted by former or retired employees, some of whom have not been employed in the rail industry for decades.   The actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims liability based upon NS’ history of claim filings, severity, payments and other pertinent facts.   The liability is dependent upon management’s judgments made as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the consulting actuarial firm in the periodic studies.   The actuarial firm’s estimate of ultimate loss includes a provision for those claims that have been incurred but not reported.   This provision is derived by analyzing industry data and projecting NS’ experience into the future as far as can be reasonably determined.   NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount on a quarterly basis.   However, it is possible that the recorded liability may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims.   Adjustments to the recorded liability are reflected in operating expenses in the periods in which such adjustments become known.

 

Third-party claims – NS records a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, automobile liability, property damage and lading damage.   The actuarial firm assists with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon NS’ experience including number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims and legal defenses.   The actuarial estimate includes a provision for claims that have been incurred but have not yet been reported.   Each quarter NS adjusts its liability to the actuarially determined amount.   Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that future settlement costs may differ from the estimated liability recorded.

 

Environmental Matters

 

NS is subject to various jurisdictions' environmental laws and regulations.   It is NS' policy to record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.   Claims, if any, against third parties for recovery of cleanup costs incurred by NS are reflected as receivables (when collection is probable) on the balance sheet and are not netted against the associated NS liability.   Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.   NS also has an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret its environmental policy.

 

NS' Consolidated Balance Sheets included liabilities for environmental exposures in the amount of $55 million at Sept. 30, 2006, and $58 million at Dec. 31, 2005 (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability at Sept. 30, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2005).   At Sept. 30, 2006, the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 175 known locations.   On that date, 15 sites accounted for $29 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.   NS anticipates that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

 

At some of the 175 locations, certain NS subsidiaries, usually in conjunction with a number of other parties, have been identified as potentially responsible parties by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or comparable state statutes, which often impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.

 

With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by NS or by the EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of NS' ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites are necessarily imprecise because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant's share of any estimated loss (and that participant's ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.

 

The risk of incurring environmental liability – for acts and omissions, past, present and future – is inherent in the railroad business.   Some of the commodities in NS' traffic mix, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, can pose special risks that NS and its subsidiaries work diligently to minimize.   In addition, several NS subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale.   Because environmental problems may exist on these properties that are latent or undisclosed, there can be no assurance that NS will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time.   Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.   The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.

 

However, based on its assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, management believes that it has recorded the probable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which NS is aware.   Further, management believes that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

On Oct. 19, 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PDEP) commenced proceedings with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) requesting that the EHB impose civil penalties upon NS for alleged violations of state environmental laws and regulations resulting from a discharge of sodium hydroxide that occurred as a result of the derailment of a NS train in Norwich Township, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 2006.   The PDEP’s actions seek to impose penalties of $8,890,000 for alleged past violations and $46,420 per day for alleged ongoing violations of state environmental laws and regulations.   NS believes that the monetary penalties sought by the PDEP are excessive.   Accordingly, NS intends to vigorously defend the action.   In addition, NS expects the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to impose a monetary penalty on NS for damages alleged to have been caused by this accident.   NS does not believe that the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

Insurance

 

NS obtains on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages.   Specified levels of risk are retained on a self-insurance basis (up to $25 million per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and $25 million per occurrence for property owned by NS or in NS’ care, custody or control).

 

Purchase Commitments

 

NSR had outstanding purchase commitments of approximately $257 million in connection with its 2006 and 2007 capital programs.

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

The Stockholders and Board of Directors

Norfolk Southern Corporation:

 

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2006, the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.   These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ).   A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and ma ki ng inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.   It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ( United States ), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.   Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  

 

As discussed in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, Norfolk Southern Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 21, 2006, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.   In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

 

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

Norfolk , Virginia

October 30, 2006

 

 

 


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

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

OVERVIEW

 

NS’ third quarter results reflect substantial increases in revenues (up $238 million, or 11%), compared with the third quarter of 2005, resulting from higher pricing, including fuel surcharges, as traffic volume was flat.   Operating expenses rose $51 million, largely because of higher diesel fuel prices.   Despite the 3% rise in operating expenses, the operating ratio, a measure of the operating revenues consumed by operating expenses, improved 5.4 percentage points to 70.1%, and income from railway operations rose $187 million, or 35%, compared with the third quarter of 2005.

 

Higher operating income for the year to date translated into increased cash flows, which, combined with substantial proceeds from employee stock option exercises earlier in the year, were used to purchase and retire common stock, fund increased capital expenditures, increase dividends and pay maturing debt.   At Sept. 30, 2006, the cash and short-term investment balance was $803 million.   Loo ki ng ahead, NS expects revenue increases to moderate, reflecting tempered volume growth and comparison with a strong fourth quarter 2005.   NS plans to continue its focus on improving service levels and maintaining a market-based approach to pricing.

 

In the third quarter, NS purchased and retired 17.1 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $730 million under the share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors on Nov. 22, 2005.   Under the program, the Board has authorized the repurchase of up to 50 million shares of NS common stock through the end of 2015.   For the first nine months, 20.7 million shares of common stock were been purchased and retired at a total cost of $916 million.

 

 

SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Third-quarter net income was $416 million in 2006, $115 million, or 38%, above the $301 million for the third quarter of 2005, driven by higher income from railway operations which rose $187 million, or 35% , compared with last year.   Railway operating revenues increased $238 million, or 11%, reflecting higher rates, including fuel surcharges.   Railway operating expenses rose $51 million, or 3%, largely because of increased diesel fuel prices.

 

For the first nine months net income was $1,096 million in 2006 compared with $919 million in 2005.   The $177 million improvement in net income was driven by a $420 million increase in income from railway operations, notwithstanding the absence of the $96 million income tax benefit recorded in 2005 because of Ohio tax law changes.   Railway operating revenues increased $818 million, or 13%, reflecting higher rates, including fuel surcharges, and increased traffic volumes.   Railway operating expenses rose $398 million, or 8%, largely because of higher fuel prices, increased compensation and benefit costs and increased volume-related expenses.

 

 

DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Railway Operating Revenues

 

Third-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.4 billion in 2006, up $238 million, or 11%, compared with the third quarter of 2005.   For the first nine months, railway operating revenues were $7.1 billion in 2006, up $818 million, or 13%, compared with the first nine months of 2005.   Revenues for the first nine months of 2005 included $55 million of additional coal revenue related to the settlement of two coal rate cases.

 


As shown in the following table, the increases were the result of increased average revenues per unit, including fuel surcharges, and higher traffic volume.

 

 

Third Quarter

First Nine Months

 

2006 vs. 2005

2006 vs. 2005

 

Increase (Decrease)

Increase (Decrease)

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

Traffic volume (units)

$    (1)  

$   183

Revenue per unit/mix

  239

    635

   Total

$ 238

$  818

 

Traffic volume was flat in the third quarter, as higher intermodal, metals/construction, and agriculture/consumer products/government volume offset lower automotive and coal shipments.   Year-to-date traffic volume increased 3%, principally due to higher intermodal and metals/construction shipments.   Revenue per unit increased 11% for the third quarter and 10% year-to-date (last year included a $55 million benefit recorded in second quarter 2005 from the settlement of the rate cases).   About 40% of the revenue per unit increase for the quarter is related to higher fuel surcharges.   In the fourth quarter, NS expects the year-over-year increase attributable to fuel surcharges to be lower as oil prices are currently expected to be comparable to those of the fourth quarter of 2005.   Fuel surcharge provisions presently cover approximately 92% of total revenues.   On April 24, 2006, NS announced that it was revising its fuel surcharge program for non-intermodal traffic originating and moving on NS-issued tariffs and public quotes issued on or after July 1, 2006.   While the mechanics of the new fuel surcharge are generally the same as the current fuel surcharge, the trigger price was raised from $23 per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude Oil to $64 per barrel and the percentage by which the line haul rate is increased when oil exceeds the trigger price was decreased from 0.4% to 0.3% for each dollar or portion thereof in excess of the trigger price.   Tariff prices and public quotes have been adjusted to reflect this change.   The fuel surcharge is based on the monthly average price of WTI in the second calendar month prior to the month in which the fuel surcharge is applied.   The traffic moving under these tariffs and public quotes comprises approximately 6% of NS’s total revenue base.

 

Revenues, carloads and average revenue per unit for the commodity groups were as follows (prior period amounts for the chemicals, agriculture/consumer products/government and paper/clay/forest groups have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation):

 

 

Third Quarter

 

Revenues

Units

Revenue per Unit

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

(in thousands)

($ per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

$

595

$

546 

 

436.7

 

451.8 

$

1,362

$

1,209

General merchandise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Automotive

 

211

 

229 

 

119.3

 

139.1 

 

1,774

 

1,645

   Chemicals

 

286

 

254 

 

109.1

 

110.9 

 

2,612

 

2,288

   Metals/construction

 

316

 

252 

 

219.1

 

206.8 

 

1,441

 

1,222

   Agr./consumer prod./govt.

 

239

 

198 

 

147.9

 

138.3 

 

1,617

 

1,436

   Paper/clay/forest

 

231

 

205 

 

117.6

 

118.0 

 

1,964

 

1,732

General merchandise

 

1,283

 

1,138 

 

713.0

 

713.1 

 

1,799

 

1,596

Intermodal

 

515

 

471 

 

841.2

 

827.4 

 

614

 

569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Total

$

2,393

$

2,155 

 

1,990.9

 

1,992.3 

$

1,202

$

1,082

 

 


 

 

First Nine Months

 

Revenues

Units

Revenue per Unit

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

(in thousands)

($ per unit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coal

$

1,738

$

1,591

 

1,321.0

 

1,311.7

$

1,316

$

1,213

General merchandise:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Automotive

 

749

 

743

 

433.3

 

462.3

 

1,729

 

1,607

   Chemicals

 

813

 

733

 

324.0

 

337.6

 

2,508

 

2,171

   Metals/construction

 

899

 

719

 

650.3

 

595.0

 

1,382

 

1,209

   Agr./consumer prod./govt.

 

742

 

585

 

443.9

 

426.2

 

1,672

 

1,373

   Paper/clay/forest

 

669

 

592

 

354.8

 

354.6

 

1,886

 

1,668

General merchandise

 

3,872

 

3,372

 

2,206.3

 

2,175.7

 

1,755

 

1,550

Intermodal

 

1,478

 

1,307

 

2,445.5

 

2,315.9

 

605

 

564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Total

$

7,088

$

6,270

 

5,972.8

 

5,803.3

$

1,187

$

1,080

 

Coal

 

Coal revenues increased $49 million, or 9%, in the third quarter and $147 million, or 9%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periods last year.   Both increases reflected higher rates, including fuel surcharges, while the year-to-date increase was tempered by the absence of the $55 million benefit from the coal rate settlements in the second quarter of 2005.   Volumes declined 3% for the quarter but increased 1% for the first nine months .   Domestic metallurgical coal, coke and iron ore volume rose 9% in the third quarter and 6% for the first nine months due to increased demand from the steel-ma ki ng market .   Export coal volume decreased 17% in the quarter and 22% for the first nine months, reflecting weaker Asian demand.   Utility coal shipments decreased 4% in the third quarter, reflecting lower demand from NS-served northern utility plants and reduced river traffic.   However, utility coal shipments rose 3% for the year-to-date.   Coal average revenue per unit was up 13% in the third quarter, reflecting higher fuel surcharges and increased rates, and it increased 8% for the first nine months, as higher fuel surcharges and rates offset the effects of the 2005 coal rate settlements.

 

NS is currently involved in litigation with Virginia Electric and Power Company/Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (Virginia Power) regarding rate adjustment provisions in a transportation contract between them.   During the third quarter of 2006, a court order was entered in favor of NS, and Virginia Power subsequently filed a notice indicating it intends to appeal.   Future developments and the ultimate resolution of this matter could result in NS recognizing additional revenues related to this dispute, which could have a favorable impact on results of operations in a particular year or quarter.

 

Coal revenues for the remainder of the year are expected to continue to benefit from higher average revenues per unit as well as increased volumes, reflecting higher utility coal demand, in addition to continued strength in steel production promoting increased metallurgical coal and coke demand.

 

General Merchandise

 

General merchandise revenues increased $145 million, or 13%, in the third quarter and $500 million, or 15%, in the first nine months, compared with the same period last year, as all market groups posted higher average revenues per unit for both periods driven by increased rates and fuel surcharges.   Traffic volume was flat in the third quarter, but increased 1% for the first nine months largely because of improved metals and construction volume that offset declines in the chemicals and automotive groups.   Metals and construction volume was up 6% for the third quarter and 9% for the first nine months, principally due to higher import slab business to NS-served steel mills, more scrap metal and coil shipments, and for the year-to-date, higher sand, gravel and cement traffic for commercial and public construction projects.   Agriculture, consumer products and government volume increased 7% in the third quarter and 4% for the first nine months, reflecting increased ethanol, corn and government shipments.   Paper, clay and forest traffic volume was flat in the third quarter and first nine months, as higher solid waste and debris traffic offset reduced pulp and pulpboard shipments.   Chemicals traffic volume declined 2% in the third quarter and 4% for the first nine months, reflecting the closure of several plants on NS lines and reduced chemical plant production.   Automotive volumes declined 14% in the third quarter and 6% for the first nine months due principally to reduced vehicle parts shipments attributable to Ford and General Motors production cuts and plant closures in the U.S.

 

General merchandise revenues for the rest of the year are expected to be comparable with the prior year reflecting lower volumes, primarily for automotive traffic.

 

Intermodal

 

Intermodal revenues increased $44 million, or 9%, in the third quarter and $171 million, or 13%, for the first nine months, compared with the same period last year, largely because of higher fuel surcharges, increased rates and improved traffic volume.   Traffic volume rose 2% in the third quarter and 6% for the first nine months, reflecting strong international and truckload shipments.   International traffic volume rose 7% in the third quarter and 12% in the first nine months, reflecting higher imported goods from Asia and exported goods through NS-served East Coast ports, as well as West Coast ports.   Truckload volume increased 3% in the third quarter and 9% for the first nine months, reflecting the continued expansion of business with traditional truckload companies.   Premium business, which includes parcel and LTL carriers, was flat in the third quarter, but up 2% for the first nine months reflecting higher parcel traffic.   Triple Crown Services Company volume was down 1% in the third quarter, but grew 1% for the first nine months, reflecting higher general consumer products traffic.   Domestic intermodal marketing companies (IMC) volume declined 11% for the third quarter and 9% for the first nine months, reflecting the continued reduction in the transloading of international freight into domestic containers.   Intermodal revenue per unit increased 8% in the third quarter and 7% for the first nine months, principally a result of higher fuel surcharges, as well as increased rates and longer-haul international traffic, which was offset in part by lower volume for higher-rated trailers that reflected the ongoing shift of traffic to containers.

 

Intermodal revenues are expected to show modest growth during the fourth quarter of 2006, provided the retail and manufacturing sectors continue to expand.

 

Railway Operating Expenses

 

Third-quarter railway operating expenses were $1.7 billion in 2006, up $51 million, or 3%, compared with last year, largely because of higher diesel fuel prices.   For the first nine months, expenses were $5.1 billion, up $398 million, or 8%, compared with last year, a result of higher diesel fuel prices, increased compensation and benefits, and higher volume-related expenses.  

 

Compensation and benefits expenses decreased $5 million, or 1%, in the third quarter, but increased $125 million, or 7%, in the first nine months, compared with the same period last year.   The decrease for the quarter primarily reflected lower stock-based compensation ($32 million) primarily due to the effect of a $9 decline in the per share market price of NS stock in the third quarter this year versus a nearly $10 increase in the stock price in the third quarter of 2005 (every $1 change in the price of NS stock impacts stock-based compensation expense by about $1.5 million).   The per share market price of NS stock at the end of the third quarter of 2006 was $44.05 and, therefore, fourth-quarter stock-based compensation expense will increase or decrease by a corresponding $1.5 million for every $1 difference in the year-end price of NS stock.   The decrease in the third quarter of 2006 was partially offset by increased salaries and wages ($12 million) and higher costs for health and welfare benefits ($10 million).   The increase for the first nine months principally resulted from the implementation of Statement of Accounting Standards No. 123(R) “Share-Based Payment” ($34 million, including $24 million for the accelerated recognition of grants to employees who are retirement eligible), increased salaries and wages ($34 million), higher health and welfare benefit costs ($21 million), higher payroll taxes ($15 million), retirement and waiver agreements entered into in the first quarter ($13 million), the cost of the regular annual stock-based grant to the former chief executive officer who retired in the first quarter ($11 million) and additional hours for train and engine employees ($11 million).

 

Materials, services and rents increased $10 million, or 2%, in the third quarter and $70 million, or 5%, for the first nine months, compared with last year.   Purchased services were up $7 million for the quarter and $37 million for the first nine months, primarily reflecting increased intermodal traffic volume.   Equipment rents were up $5 million for the quarter and $14 million for the first nine months.   Materials expense was down $2 million for the quarter, but up $19 million for the first nine months reflecting increased maintenance activities.

 

Depreciation expense decreased $9 million, or 5%, for the third quarter and $31 million, or 5%, for the first nine months, compared with the same period last year, reflecting the results of a depreciation study and an analysis of the assets received in the Conrail Corporate Reorganization, both completed in the first quarter.

 

Diesel fuel expense increased $68 million, or 36%, in the third quarter and $247 million, or 49%, in the first nine months, compared with the same periods last year, reflecting less hedge benefits and higher average prices (up 12% for the quarter and 22% for the first nine months), with consumption flat for the quarter and only up 2% for the year-to-date.   Expenses reflected hedging program benefits of zero and $20 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, compared with benefits of $41 million and $121 million for the same periods of 2005, respectively.   No new hedges have been entered into since May of 2004, and the last remaining contracts settled in the second quarter of this year, bringing an end to the benefits from the program.   Legislation enacted in the first quarter of 2005 repealed the 4.3 cents per gallon excise tax on railroad diesel fuel by 2007, with the following phased reductions in 2005 and 2006:   1 cent per gallon from Jan. 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005; 2 cents per gallon from July 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2006; and by the full 4.3 cents thereafter.   NS consumes about 520 million gallons of diesel fuel per year.

 

Casualties and other claims expense decreased $9 million, or 15%, in the third quarter and $9 million, or 5%, for the year-to-date, primarily due to the absence of both the $16 million jury verdict in a FELA case and $4 million related to Hurricane Katrina in the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by higher insurance costs.

 

Other operating expenses decreased $3 million, or 5%, in the third quarter, but were unchanged in the first nine months.   The decline for the quarter was principally due to a favorable adjustment on property taxes after the finalization of assessment values.

 

Other Income – Net

 

Other income – net increased $9 million in the third quarter and $66 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared with the same periods of 2005, principally due to: (1) greater interest income (up $12 million for the third quarter and $35 million for the first nine months) and (2) lower expense associated with tax credit investments (down $8 million for the third quarter and $33 million for the first nine months) primarily due to synthetic fuel related investments — see discussion in the following paragraph and under the heading “Provision for Income Taxes,” below.   As a result of the share repurchase program (see discussion under the heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity”) and the resulting lower cash balance, interest income is expected to be lower in the fourth quarter.

 

NS has membership interests representing ownership in companies that own and operate facilities that produce synthetic fuel from coal.   The production of synthetic fuel results in tax credits as well as expenses related to the investments.   The expenses are recorded as a component of “Other income – net,” and the tax credits, as well as tax benefits related to the expenses, are reflected in the provision for income taxes (see discussion below).

 


Provision for Income Taxes

 

The third-quarter effective income tax rate was 34.6% in 2006, compared with 31.7% last year.   For the first nine months, the effective rate was 35.2% in 2006 compared with 23.0% in 2005.   The 2005 first nine months effective rate benefited from a $96 million reduction in deferred taxes resulting from Ohio tax legislation, which lowered last year’s effective rate by 8.0 percentage points.   The increase in the rate for the quarter as well as the remaining increase for the first nine months were largely the result of a reduction in tax credits from synthetic fuel related investments (see below).

 

NS’ interests in synthetic fuel credits are subject to reduction if the Reference Price of a barrel of oil for the year falls within an inflation-adjusted phase-out range specified by the Internal Revenue Code.   The Reference Price for a year is the annual average wellhead price per barrel of unregulated domestic crude oil determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by April 1 of the following year.   In 2005, the phase-out range was $53.20 to $66.79, and the phase-out range is adjusted annually for inflation.   While NS cannot predict with certainty the Reference Price of a barrel of oil for 2006, based on actual oil prices during the first nine months and forward curve prices for the remainder of 2006, in the third quarter NS estimated a 36% phase-out of synthetic fuel credits in 2006.   As a result, tax credits in the provision for income taxes were recorded to reflect this estimate.   Likewise, expenses on synthetic fuel related investments, recorded as a component of “Other income – net,” are reflected at the projected phase-out.

 

Third-quarter and year-to-date net income reflect a $3 million and $19 million, respectively, reduction in net benefits from these credits, as compared with the same periods of 2005, as shown below:

 

 

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

Sept. 30,

Sept. 30,

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect in “Other income – net:”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Expenses on synthetic fuel related investments

$

19

$

26

$

42

$

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect in “Provision for income taxes:”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Tax benefit of expenses on synthetic fuel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      related investments

 

7

 

10

 

16

 

30

   Tax credits

 

18

 

25

 

37

 

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Total reduction of income tax expense

 

25

 

35

 

53

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect in “Net income:”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Net benefit from synthetic fuel related investments

$

6

$

9

$

11

$

30

 

Due to the high oil price levels, both of the synthetic fuel partnerships in which NS has investments idled their facilities in July 2006.   Thereafter, oil prices declined and both synthetic fuel partnerships restarted production in September 2006.   Year-to-date net income includes the effects of tax credits generated to date and the associated investment expenses based on an estimated 36% phase-out of synthetic fuel credits for 2006.   Because net income for the first half of the year included the effects of tax credits generated through June 30, 2006, and the associated investment expenses based on the previously estimated 62% phase-out of synthetic fuel credits for 2006 rather than the current estimated 36% phase-out, the third quarter net benefit of $6 million includes approximately $5 million related to production in the first half of 2006.  

 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination of NS’ consolidated federal income tax returns for the 2002 and 2003 years was completed during the third quarter, and NS expects to appeal certain adjustments proposed by the IRS.   The results of the examination had a negligible effect on the effective tax rate.   NS expects the IRS to begin shortly the examination of the consolidated federal income tax returns for 2004 and 2005.

 

 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

 

Cash provided by operating activities, NS' principal source of liquidity, was $1.7 billion in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2005.   NS had wor ki ng capital of $27 million at Sept. 30, 2006, compared with $729 million at Dec. 31, 2005, reduced in large part by the amount of share repurchases in the third quarter and higher current maturities of long-term debt.   NS’ cash, cash equivalents and short-term investment balances totaled $803 million at Sept. 30, 2006.   NS expects that cash on hand combined with cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its ongoing obligations.   There have been no material changes to the contractual obligations disclosure contained in NS’ Dec. 31, 2005, Form 10-K.

 

Cash used for investing activities was $541 million in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2005.   The decrease was the result of higher short-term investment sales, principally to fund share repurchases reflected in financing activities, offset in part by the $100 million investment in Meridian Speedway LLC (MSLLC) — see discussion below — and increased property additions.   Capital expenditures for the full year 2006 are expected to be approximately $1.2 billion, and NS expects to make all of its capital expenditures with internally generated funds.   For 2007, NS expects to increase capital spending by about 10%.

 

On May 1, 2006, NS and Kansas City Southern (KCS) formed a joint venture (MSLLC) pursuant to which NS intends to contribute $300 million in cash, substantially all of which will be used for capital improvements over a period of approximately four years, in exchange for a 30% interest in the joint venture.   At the formation of MSLLC , NS contributed $100 million and KCS contributed its 320 mile rail line between Meridian , Mississippi and Shreveport , Louisiana (the Meridian Speedway).   NS expects to make an additional contribution in the fourth quarter.   NS is recognizing its pro rata share of the joint venture’s earnings or loss as required under the equity method of accounting.   NS’ total investment in MSLLC is supported by the fair value of the rail line as well as intangible assets obtained through the transaction.   The transaction is expected to be modestly dilutive in the early years of the venture due to lost interest income on the cash contributed to the joint venture.   However, NS expects that the dilution from the lost interest income will be offset from additional traffic as the investment is made and improvements are completed.   The joint venture is expected to increase capacity and improve service on the Meridian Speedway.

 

During the third quarter, NS and the states of Ohio , West Virginia and Virginia each entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration that governs the release of up to $95 million in federal funding and up to $11 million in state funding for the Heartland Corridor rail double-stack clearance project.   NS expects to spend about $60 million over a five-year period in connection with this project.   The Heartland Corridor is a package of proposed clearance improvements and other facilities that will create a seamless high-capacity intermodal route across Virginia and West Virginia to Midwest markets.

 

Cash used for financing activities was $1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2006, compared with $558 million in the first nine months of 2005.   Financing activities in 2006 included $916 million for the purchase and retirement of common stock as part of NS’ ongoing share repurchase program (see Note 7); the timing and volume of future purchases will be guided by management’s assessment of market conditions and other factors.   Financing activities in 2006 also included $170 million of proceeds and $70 million of tax benefits from employees’ exercise of stock options (see Note 1 for options outstanding at Sept. 30, 2006).   NS’ debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 40.9% at Sept. 30, 2006, and 42.7% at Dec. 31, 2005.

 

NS currently has in place and available a $1 billion, five-year credit agreement with three years remaining which provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes financial covenants.   There were no amounts outstanding under this facility at Sept. 30, 2006, and NS is in compliance with all of the financial covenants.   NS also has in place a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in September 2004 with $700 million of available capacity.

 

 

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.   These estimates and assumptions may require significant judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are likely to occur that may require management to change them.   Accordingly, management regularly reviews these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment and other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances.   Management discusses the development, selection and disclosures concerning critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors.   There have been no significant changes to the Application of Critical Accounting Estimates disclosure contained in NS’ Form 10‑K as of Dec. 31, 2005.

 
 
OTHER MATTERS

 

Labor Agreements

 

Approximately 26,000, or about 85%, of NS' railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.   These agreements remain in effect until changed pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA).   NS largely bargains in concert with other major railroads.   Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and the unions may propose labor agreement changes.   The current bargaining round began in late 2004.   Industry issues include contracting out of certain work and employee contributions for medical and other benefits.

 

Seven rail unions (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, American Train Dispatchers Association, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths and Boilermakers, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, and Sheet Metal Workers International Association) are bargaining together under the auspices of the Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition (RLBC).   The railroads have filed for mediation with the United Transportation Union (UTU) and with the RLBC unions.   The status quo is preserved during mediation while a federal mediator assists the parties in their efforts to reach agreement.    If the National Mediation Board, a federal agency, were to terminate mediation, it would, at that time, propose that the parties arbitrate their differences.   A strike could occur 30 days thereafter if the parties did not accept arbitration.   However, the President of the United States of America could then appoint an Emergency Board which would delay any strike for a further 60 days while the Board made recommendations and the parties engaged in further negotiations.   The outcome of the negotiations cannot be determined at this point.

 

Market Risks and Hedging Activities

 

NS has used derivative financial instruments to reduce the risk of volatility in its diesel fuel costs and to manage its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

 

In 2001, NS began a program to hedge a portion of its diesel fuel consumption.   The intent of the program was to assist in the management of NS' aggregate risk exposure to fuel price fluctuations, which can significantly affect NS' operating margins and profitability, through the use of one or more types of derivative instruments.   No new hedges have been entered into since May of 2004, and the last remaining contracts were settled in the second quarter of this year, bringing an end to the benefits from the program.

 

NS manages its overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by issuing both fixed- and floating-rate debt instruments, and by entering into interest-rate hedging transactions to achieve an appropriate mix within its debt portfolio.

 

At Sept. 30, 2006, NS' debt subject to interest rate fluctuations totaled $245 million.   A 1% increase in interest rates would increase NS' total annual interest expense related to all its variable debt by approximately $2 million.   Management considers it unlikely that interest rate fluctuations applicable to these instruments will result in a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Some of NS' capital leases, which carry an average fixed rate of 7%, were effectively converted to variable rate obligations using interest rate swap agreements.   On Sept. 30, 2006, the average pay rate under these agreements was 6%, and the average receive rate was 7%.   The effect of the swaps was to reduce interest expense by less than $1 million in the third quarter and $1 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared with reductions of less than $1 million and $2 million for the same periods, respectively, in 2005.   A portion of the lease obligations is payable in Japanese yen.   NS eliminated the associated exchange rate risk at the inception of each lease with a yen deposit sufficient to fund the yen-denominated obligation.   Most of these deposits are held by foreign banks, primarily Japanese.   As a result, NS is exposed to financial market risk relative to Japan .   Counterparties to the interest rate swaps and Japanese banks holding yen deposits are major financial institutions believed by management to be creditworthy.

 

Environmental Matters

 

NS is subject to various jurisdictions' environmental laws and regulations.   It is NS' policy to record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.   Claims, if any, against third parties for recovery of cleanup costs incurred by NS are reflected as receivables (when collection is probable) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are not netted against the associated NS liability.   Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.   NS also has an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret its environmental policy.

 

NS' Consolidated Balance Sheets included liabilities for environmental exposures in the amount of $55 million at Sept. 30, 2006, and $58 million at Dec. 31, 2005, (of which $12 million was accounted for as a current liability at the end of each period).   At Sept. 30, 2006, the liability represented NS' estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 175 known locations.   On that date, 15 sites accounted for $29 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.   NS anticipates that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

 

At some of the 175 locations, certain NS subsidiaries, usually in conjunction with a number of other parties, have been identified as potentially responsible parties by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or similar state authorities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or comparable state statutes, which often impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.

 

With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by NS or by the EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of NS' ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites are necessarily imprecise because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant's share of any estimated loss (and that participant's ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.

 

Based on an assessment of known facts and circumstances, management believes that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on NS' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

On Oct. 19, 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PDEP) filed a complaint for civil penalties and issued an assessment of civil penalties with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) requesting that the EHB impose civil penalties upon NS for alleged violations of state environmental laws and regulations resulting from a discharge of sodium hydroxide which occurred as a result of the derailment of a NS train in Norwich Township, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 2006.   The PDEP’s actions seek to impose penalties of $8,890,000 for alleged past violations and $46,420 per day for alleged ongoing violations of state environmental laws and regulations.   NS believes that the monetary penalties sought by the PDEP are excessive.   Accordingly, NS intends to vigorously defend the action.   In addition, NS expects the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to impose a monetary penalty on NS for damages alleged to have been caused by this accident.   NS does not believe that the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.”   This statement requires an employer to recognize in its statement of financial position the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit pension and postretirement plans measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation.   Employers must also recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the actuarial gains and losses and the prior service costs, credits and transition costs that arise during the period.   NS expects to adopt this statement in the fourth quarter of 2006.   Had this statement been effective at Dec. 31, 2005, the estimated impact would have been a reduction of stockholders’ equity of approximately $450 million.

 

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.”   This Interpretation clarifies accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”   NS expects to adopt this Interpretation in the first quarter of 2007 and is currently evaluating its impact, if any, on NS’ consolidated financial statements.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (R), “Share-Based Payment.”   This statement establishes standards for accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services, such as stock-based compensation plans.   NS adopted this standard as required in the first quarter of 2006 (see Note 1).

 

Inflation

 

In preparing financial statements, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require the use of historical cost that disregards the effects of inflation on the replacement cost of property.   NS, a capital-intensive company, has most of its capital invested in such assets.   The replacement cost of these assets, as well as the related depreciation expense, would be substantially greater than the amounts reported on the basis of historical cost.

 

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and "project."   Forward-looking statements reflect management's good-faith evaluation of information currently available.   However, such statements are dependent on and, therefore, can be influenced by, a number of external variables over which management has little or no control, including: domestic and international economic conditions; interest rates; the business environment in industries that produce and consume rail freight; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; fluctuation in prices or availability of key materials, in particular diesel fuel; labor difficulties, including strikes and work stoppages; legislative and regulatory developments; changes in securities and capital markets; disruptions to our technology infrastructure, including our computer systems; and natural events such as severe weather, hurricanes and floods.   For more discussion about each risk factor, see Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in NS’ Dec. 31, 2005, Form 10-K, and any updates contained herein.   Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.   NS undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

 

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks.

 

The information required by this item is included in Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" under the heading "Market Risks and Hedging Activities."

 

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Norfolk Southern’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of NS' disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of Sept. 30, 2006.   Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of Sept. 30, 2006, NS' disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to NS (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in NS' periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

During the third quarter of 2006, management did not identify any changes in NS' internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, NS’ internal control over financial reporting.

 


PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.

 

On Oct. 19, 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PDEP) commenced proceedings with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) requesting that the EHB impose civil penalties upon NS for alleged violations of state environmental laws and regulations resulting from a discharge of sodium hydroxide which occurred as a result of the derailment of a NS train in Norwich Township, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 2006.   The PDEP’s actions seek to impose penalties of $8,890,000 for alleged past violations and $46,420 per day for alleged ongoing violations of state environmental laws and regulations.   NS believes that the monetary penalties sought by the PDEP are excessive.   Accordingly, NS intends to vigorously defend the action.   In addition, NS expects the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to impose a monetary penalty on NS for damages alleged to have been caused by this accident.   NS does not believe that the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

 

Item 1A.   Risk Factors.

 

The following risk factors, which were included in NS’ 2005 Form 10-K, are amended in their entirety to read as follows.   The remaining risk factors included in NS’ 2005 Form 10-K remain unchanged and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

NS, as a common carrier by rail, must offer to transport hazardous materials, regardless of risk.   Transportation of certain hazardous materials could create catastrophic losses in terms of personal injury and property damage costs, and compromise critical parts of our rail network.   Legislation introduced in Congress in early 2005 would give federal regulators increased authority to conduct investigations and levy substantial fines and penalties in connection with railroad accidents.   Federal regulators also would be required to prescribe new regulations governing railroads’ transportation of hazardous materials.  Legislation proposed in 2006 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop rail security plans and the railroads to submit vulnerability assessments, security plans and employee training programs to DHS for approval.    If enacted, such legislation and regulations could impose significant additional costs on railroads.   Additionally, regulations adopted by the Department of Transportation and regulations contemplated by the DHS could significantly increase the costs associated with moving hazardous materials on NS’ lines.   Further, certain local governments have sought to enact ordinances banning hazardous materials moving by rail within their borders.  Some legislators have contemplated pre-notification requirements for hazardous materials shipments.   If promulgated such ordinances could require the re-routing of hazardous materials shipments, with the potential for significant additional costs and network inefficiencies.

 

NS relies on technology and technology improvements in its business operations.   If NS experiences significant disruption or failure of one or more of its information technology systems, including computer hardware, software, and communications equipment, NS could experience a service interruption, security breach, or other operational difficultires, which could have a material adverse impact on its results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.   Additionally, if NS does not have sufficient capital to acquire new technology or if it is unable to implement new technology, NS may suffer a competitive disadvantage within the rail industry and with companies providing other modes of transportation service, which could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

 

NS may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures.   The nature of NS’ business exposes it to the potential for various claims and litigation related to labor and employment, personal injury, freight loss and other property damage, and other matters. Job-related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads.   FELA’s fault-based tort system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault worker’s compensation system.   The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being very different from the liability recorded.

 

Any material changes to current litigation trends or a catastrophic rail accident involving any or all of freight loss or property damage, personal injury, and environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on NS’ operating results, financial condition, and liquidity to the extent not covered by insurance.   NS has obtained insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages.   Specified levels of risk are retained on a self-insurance basis (currently up to $25 million per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and $25 million per occurrence for property owned by NS or in its care, custody or control).   Insurance is available from a limited number of insurers and may not continue to be available or, if available, may not be obtainable on terms acceptable to NS.  

 

NS may be affected by terrorism or war.   Any terrorist attack, or other similar event, any government response thereto, and war or risk of war could cause significant business interruption and may adversely affect NS’ results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.   Because NS plays a critical role in the nation’s transportation system, it could become the target of such an attack or have a significant role in the government’s preemptive approach or response to an attack or war.

 

Although NS currently maintains insurance coverage for third-party liability arising out of war and acts of terrorism, it maintains only limited insurance coverage for first-party property damage and damage to property in NS’ care, custody or control caused by certain acts of terrorism.   In addition, premiums for some or all of NS’ current insurance programs covering these losses could increase dramatically, or insurance coverage for certain losses may not be available to NS in the future.

 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

ISSUER REPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period

(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased

(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)

(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)

 

 

July 1-31, 2006

  2,114,283 (1)

$ 44.62

2,104,757

44,284,929

 

 

Aug. 1-31, 2006

       11,103,593          

$ 42.32

 11,103,593  

33,181,336

 

 

Sept. 1-30, 2006

  3,918,274   

$ 42.36

   3,918,274  

29,263,062

 

 

Total

17,136,150   

$ 42.61

 17,126,624  

 

 

(1)     Of this amount, 9,256 represent shares tendered by employees in connection with the exercise of stock options under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.

(2)     On Nov. 22, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, pursuant to which up to 50 million shares of NS’ common stock may be purchased through Dec. 31, 2015.

 

Item 6.   Exhibits.

 

See Exhibit Index beginning on page 33 for a description of the exhibits filed as a part of this report.

 


SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

 

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

Oct. 31, 2006

/s/ Dezora M. Martin

 

 

 

Dezora M. Martin

 

 

Corporate Secretary (Signature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

Oct. 31, 2006

/s/ Marta R. Stewart

 

 

 

Marta R. Stewart

 

 

Vice President and Controller

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature)

 

 


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

*15

Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information.

 

*31

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.

 

*32

Section 1350 Certifications.

 

 

*           Filed herewith.