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Union Pacific

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FY2012 Annual Report · Union Pacific
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UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 

(Mark One) 

[X] 

[  ] 

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 1-6075 
UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

UTAH 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
 incorporation or organization) 

13-2626465 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

1400 DOUGLAS STREET, OMAHA, NEBRASKA 
(Address of principal executive offices) 
68179 
(Zip Code) 
(402) 544-5000 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each Class  
Common Stock (Par Value $2.50 per share) 
 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.

 Yes       (cid:31) No 















 

 

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of 
the Act. 

(cid:31) Yes       No 

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      (cid:31) No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 
if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T 
(§232.405  of  this  chapter)  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was 
required to submit and post such files).  

 Yes      (cid:31) No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this 
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive 
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this 
Form 10-K.  

 

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

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer (cid:31)     Non-accelerated filer (cid:31)     Smaller reporting company (cid:31) 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  

(cid:31) Yes       No 

As of June 29, 2012, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Common Stock held by non-affiliates (using the 
New York Stock Exchange closing price) was $56.2 billion. 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of February 1, 2013 was 469,298,732. 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference – Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 16, 2013, are incorporated by reference into Part III of 
this report. The registrant’s Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
pursuant to Regulation 14A. 

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CEO’s Letter ...........................................................................................................        3 
Directors and Senior Management .........................................................................        4 

PART I 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Business .................................................................................................................        5 
Risk Factors ............................................................................................................       10 
Unresolved Staff Comments ...................................................................................       13 
Properties ................................................................................................................       13 
Legal Proceedings ..................................................................................................       16 
Mine Safety Disclosures .........................................................................................       18 
Executive Officers of the Registrant and Principal Executive 

Officers of Subsidiaries .....................................................................................       18 

Item 5. 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related  

PART II 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

Item 7A. 
Item 8. 

Item 9. 

Item 9A. 

Item 9B. 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 

Item 14. 

Item 15. 

Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  ....................       19 
Selected Financial Data ..........................................................................................       21 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 

Condition and Results of Operations ................................................................       22 
Critical Accounting Policies .....................................................................................       42 
Cautionary Information ............................................................................................       47 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ..................................       48 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ......................................................       49 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ....................................       50 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on  

Accounting and Financial Disclosure ................................................................       83 
Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................       83 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over 

Financial Reporting ...........................................................................................       84 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ....................................       85 
Other Information ....................................................................................................       86 

PART III 

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance .....................................       86 
Executive Compensation ........................................................................................       86 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
  Management and Related Stockholder Matters ...............................................       87 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and  

Director Independence .....................................................................................       87 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services .................................................................       87 

PART IV 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules ................................................................       88 
Signatures ...............................................................................................................       89 
Certifications ...........................................................................................................       99 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 8, 2013 

Fellow Shareholders: 

Last year was a historic milestone for Union Pacific, marking 150 years of building America.  It was our 
most profitable year on record, leading the U.S. rail industry in overall financial performance.  Our 2012 
results are a testament to the strength and diversity of our franchise and the dedication and commitment 
of our employees.  For the first time, we achieved a sub-70 operating ratio of 67.8 percent, contributing to 
record  earnings  per  share  of  $8.27,  and  a  best-ever  return  on  invested  capital  of  14.0  percent.  
Shareholders  were  rewarded  with  increased  financial  returns,  including  a  29  percent  increase  in 
dividends declared per share compared to 2011 and $1.5 billion in share repurchases.  UP’s stock price 
reached new highs in 2012, increasing 19 percent and outpaced the S&P 500 by 5 points. 

Despite a challenging economic environment and a significantly weaker coal market, our diverse portfolio 
of business, including shale-related crude oil and frac sand moves, automotive shipments, chemicals, and 
domestic intermodal traffic, offset the 14 percent decline in coal volumes.  Operationally, we successfully 
managed  the  shifts  in  business  mix,  improved  network  efficiency  and  fluidity,  and  operated  a  safer 
railroad. 

We achieved these record results by following a very straightforward strategy - an unrelenting focus on 
creating  value  for  our  customers  by  providing  safe,  efficient,  and  reliable  service.    In  turn,  customers 
rewarded us with record satisfaction ratings, clearly valuing our service offerings and the efficiencies we 
provide  as  part  of  their  total  supply  chain.    In  addition,  with  our  Total  Safety  Culture  and  The  UP  Way 
infused throughout the Company, employee injuries hit a record low in 2012, capping more than a decade 
of significant improvement. 

Our capital investments play a critical role in meeting the long-term demand for freight transportation in 
the  U.S.    In  2012,  we  invested  a  record  $3.7  billion  across  our  network,  supported  by  our  best-ever 
financial returns.  Over half was spent on replacing and hardening our infrastructure to further enhance 
safety  and  reliability.    The  balance  was  invested  to  increase  customer  value,  support  business  growth, 
and  advance  efforts  on  Positive  Train  Control  (PTC)  implementation,  a  federally  mandated  program.  
Through 2012, we have invested nearly $750 million dollars of our estimated $2 billion spend on PTC. 

A significant portion of our growth capital investment in 2012 was targeted to the southern region of our 
network to meet growing demand for new business, particularly in the shale-related energy arena.  The 
increasing development of oil production in various domestic shale formations is providing an emerging 
market  opportunity  for  rail  with  shipments  of  inbound  frac  sand  and  pipe,  and  outbound  crude  oil.    In 
2012, the impact was substantial - our crude oil shipments grew more than three fold compared to 2011.  
Going forward, we anticipate continued opportunities for growth in this market driven by our proven ability 
to provide an efficient and flexible transportation solution for growing demand.  

In  an  evolving  marketplace,  our  franchise  diversity  remains  an  absolute  core  strength  of  Union  Pacific.  
An increasing U.S. population base will stimulate long-term growth for many of the goods we carry.  To 
meet  this  growing  demand,  we  anticipate  continued  opportunities  to  convert  freight  from  the  highway, 
supported by our integrated network, competitive service offerings, and environmental advantages.  We 
also play a vital role in the global supply chain, with international trade currently representing more than 
30  percent  of  our  revenue  base.    In  particular,  as  the  only  railroad  to  serve  all  six  major  gateways  to 
Mexico, we are in an excellent position to benefit from economic growth in that country.  

The men and women of Union Pacific are proud of the Company’s 150-year history, but we’re squarely 
focused on the opportunities the future presents, as well as its challenges.  The results achieved in 2012 
demonstrate the power and potential of our franchise as we continue to run an even safer railroad, help 
our  country  grow,  create  value  for  our  customers,  and  increase  financial  returns  for  our  shareholders.   
Our future is bright as we see even greater prospects in the years to come. 

President & Chief Executive Officer 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Andrew H. Card, Jr. 
Acting Dean 
The Bush School of  
Government & Public Service, 
Texas A&M University 
Board Committees: Audit, Finance 

Erroll B. Davis, Jr. 
Superintendent 
Atlanta Public Schools 
Board Committees: Compensation 
and Benefits (Chair), Corporate 
Governance and Nominating 

Thomas J. Donohue 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce 
Board Committees: Compensation 
and Benefits, Corporate Governance 
and Nominating 

Archie W. Dunham 
Retired Chairman 
ConocoPhillips 
Board Committees: Corporate 
Governance and Nominating, 
Finance

SENIOR MANAGEMENT 

James R. Young 
Chairman 
Union Pacific Corporation and 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

John J. Koraleski 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation and 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Eric L. Butler 
Executive Vice President- 
Marketing and Sales 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Diane K. Duren 
Executive Vice President 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Charles R. Eisele 
Senior Vice President–Strategic 
Planning 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Lance M. Fritz 
Executive Vice President–
Operations 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Judith Richards Hope 
Distinguished Visitor from Practice 
and Professor of Law  
Georgetown University Law Center 
Board Committees: Audit (Chair), 
Finance 

John J. Koraleski 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer  
Union Pacific Corporation and 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Charles C. Krulak 
General, USMC, Ret. 
President 
Birmingham – Southern College 
Board Committees: Audit, Finance 

Michael R. McCarthy 
Chairman 
McCarthy Group, LLC 
Board Committees: Audit, Finance 

Michael W. McConnell 
General Partner 
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 
Board Committees: Audit,  
Finance (Chair) 

Mary Sanders Jones 
Vice President and Treasurer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

D. Lynn Kelley 
Vice President–Continuous 
Improvement 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Robert M. Knight, Jr. 
Executive Vice President–Finance 
and Chief Financial Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Joseph E. O’Connor, Jr. 
Vice President–Purchasing 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Patrick J. O’Malley 
Vice President–Taxes and General 
Tax Counsel 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Michael A. Rock 
Vice President–External Relations 
Union Pacific Corporation 

4 

Thomas F. McLarty III 
President 
McLarty Associates 
Board Committees: Compensation 
and Benefits, Corporate Governance 
and Nominating 

Steven R. Rogel 
Retired Chairman  
Weyerhaeuser Company 
Lead Independent Director 
Board Committees: Compensation 
and Benefits, Corporate Governance 
and Nominating (Chair) 

Jose H. Villarreal 
Advisor 
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & 
Feld, LLP 
Board Committees: Compensation 
and Benefits, Corporate Governance 
and Nominating 

James R. Young 
Chairman  
Union Pacific Corporation and 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

Barbara W. Schaefer 
Senior Vice President–Human 
Resources and Secretary 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Lynden L. Tennison 
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Information Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Gayla L. Thal 
Senior Vice President–Law 
and General Counsel 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Jeffrey P. Totusek 
Vice President and Controller 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Robert W. Turner 
Senior Vice President– 
Corporate Relations 
Union Pacific Corporation 

William R. Turner 
Vice President–Labor Relations 
Union Pacific Railroad Company 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business  

GENERAL 

PART I 

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

Union Pacific Corporation was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and maintains its principal executive offices 
at  1400  Douglas  Street,  Omaha,  NE  68179.  The  telephone  number  at  that  address  is  (402)  544-5000. 
The common stock of Union Pacific Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under 
the symbol “UNP”.  

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

Available Information – Our Internet website is www.up.com. We make available free of charge on our 
website (under the “Investors” caption link) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K; our Quarterly Reports on 
Form 10-Q; eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents; our current reports on Form 8-
K;  our  proxy  statements;  Forms  3,  4,  and  5,  filed  on  behalf  of  directors  and  executive  officers;  and 
amendments  to  such  reports  filed  or  furnished  pursuant  to  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934,  as 
amended (the Exchange Act), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed 
with,  or  furnished  to,  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (SEC).  We  also  make  available  on  our 
website  previously  filed  SEC  reports  and  exhibits  via  a  link  to  EDGAR  on  the  SEC’s  Internet  site  at 
www.sec.gov.  Additionally,  our  corporate  governance  materials,  including  By-Laws,  Board  Committee 
charters, governance guidelines and policies, and codes of conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and 
employees  are  available  on  our  website.  From  time  to  time,  the  corporate  governance  materials  on  our 
website  may  be  updated  as  necessary  to  comply  with  rules  issued  by  the  SEC  and  the  NYSE  or  as 
desirable to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company. Any security holder wishing 
to  receive,  without  charge,  a  copy  of  any  of  our  SEC  filings  or  corporate  governance  materials  should 
send a written request to: Secretary, Union Pacific Corporation, 1400 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68179. 

We  have  included  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  (CEO)  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  (CFO)  certifications 
regarding  our  public  disclosure  required  by  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  of  2002  as  Exhibits 
31(a) and (b) to this report.  

References to our website address in this report, including references in Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7, are provided as a convenience and do 
not constitute, and should not be deemed, an incorporation by reference of the information contained on, 
or available through, the website. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report. 

OPERATIONS 

The  Railroad,  along  with  its  subsidiaries  and  rail  affiliates,  is  our  one  reportable  operating  segment. 
Although we provide revenue by commodity group, we analyze the net financial results of the Railroad as 
one  segment  due  to  the  integrated  nature  of  our  rail  network.  Additional  information  regarding  our 
business  and  operations,  including  revenue  and  financial  information  and  data  and  other  information 
regarding  environmental  matters,  is  presented  in  Risk  Factors,  Item  1A;  Legal  Proceedings,  Item  3; 
Selected  Financial  Data,  Item  6;  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and 
Results  of  Operations,  Item  7;  and  the  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data,  Item  8  (which 
include information regarding revenues, statements of income, and total assets).  

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Freight Revenue 

Operations  –  UPRR  is  a  Class  I  railroad 
operating  in  the  U.S.  We  have  31,868  route 
miles,  linking  Pacific  Coast  and  Gulf  Coast 
ports  with  the  Midwest  and  eastern  U.S. 
gateways  and  providing  several  corridors  to 
key Mexican gateways. We serve the western 
two-thirds  of 
the  country  and  maintain 
coordinated  schedules  with  other  rail  carriers 
to move freight to and from the Atlantic Coast, 
the  Pacific  Coast, 
the 
Southwest,  Canada,  and  Mexico.  Export  and 
import  traffic  moves  through  Gulf  Coast  and 
Pacific  Coast  ports  and  across  the  Mexican 
and  Canadian  borders.  Our  freight  traffic 
consists  of  bulk,  manifest,  and  premium 
business. Bulk traffic is primarily coal, grain, rock, or soda ash in unit trains – trains transporting a single 
commodity from one source to one destination. Manifest traffic is individual carload or less than train-load 
business and includes commodities such as lumber, steel, paper, food and chemicals. The transportation 
of finished vehicles, intermodal containers and truck trailers is part of our premium business. In 2012, we 
generated freight revenues totaling $19.7 billion from the following six commodity groups: 

the  Southeast, 

Agricultural – Transportation of grains, commodities produced from these grains, and food and beverage 
products  generated  17%  of  the  Railroad’s  2012  freight  revenue.  The  Company  accesses  most  major 
grain  markets,  linking  the  Midwest  and  western  producing  areas  to  export  terminals  in  the  Pacific 
Northwest and Gulf Coast ports, as well as Mexico. We also serve significant domestic markets, including 
grain  processors,  animal  feeders  and  ethanol  producers  in  the  Midwest,  West,  South  and  Rocky 
Mountain states. Unit trains, which transport a single commodity between producers and export terminals 
or domestic markets, represent approximately 35% of agricultural shipments. 

Automotive – We are the largest automotive carrier west of the Mississippi River and operate or access 
over  40  vehicle  distribution  centers.  The  Railroad’s  extensive  franchise  serves  vehicle  assembly  plants 
and  connects  to  West  Coast  ports  and  the  Port  of  Houston  to  accommodate  both  import  and  export 
shipments.  In  addition  to  transporting  finished  vehicles,  UP  provides  expedited  handling  of  automotive 
parts  in  both  boxcars  and  intermodal  containers  destined  for  Mexico,  the  U.S.  and  Canada.  The 
automotive group generated 9% of Union Pacific’s freight revenue in 2012.  

Chemicals  –  Transporting  chemicals  generated  16%  of  our  freight  revenue  in  2012.  The  Railroad’s 
unique franchise serves the chemical producing areas along the Gulf Coast, where roughly two-thirds of 
the Company’s chemical business originates, terminates or travels. Our chemical franchise also accesses 
chemical producers in the Rocky Mountains and on the West Coast. The Company’s chemical shipments 
include  three  broad  categories:    Petrochemicals,  Fertilizer  and  Soda  Ash.  Petrochemicals  include 
industrial chemicals, plastics and petroleum products, including crude oil and liquid petroleum gases. The 
petroleum products primarily originate from the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota and the Permian 
and  Eagle  Ford  shale  formations  in  Texas,  which  we  also  deliver  to  the  Gulf  Coast  area.  Fertilizer 
movements  originate  in  the  Gulf  Coast  region,  the  western  part  of  the  U.S.  and  Canada  for  delivery  to 
major  agricultural  users  in  the  Midwest,  western  U.S.  and  abroad.  Soda  ash  originates  in  southwestern 
Wyoming  and  California,  destined  for  chemical  and  glass  producing  markets  in  North  America  and 
abroad.  

Coal  –  Shipments  of  coal  and  petroleum  coke  accounted  for  20%  of  our  freight  revenue  in  2012.  The 
Railroad’s  network  supports  the  transportation  of  coal  and  petroleum  coke  to  utilities  and  industrial 
facilities  throughout  the  U.S.  Through  interchange  gateways  and  ports,  UP’s  reach  extends  to  eastern 
U.S.  utilities,  Mexico,  Europe  and  Asia.  Water  terminals  allow  the  Railroad  to  move  western  U.S.  coal 
east  via  the  Mississippi  and  Ohio  Rivers,  as  well  as  the  Great  Lakes.  Export  coal  moves  through  West 
Coast  ports  to  Asia  and  through  Mississippi  River  and  Gulf  Coast  terminals  to  Europe.    Coal  traffic 
originating in the Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB) area of Wyoming is the largest segment of UP’s 
coal business. 

Industrial Products – Our extensive network facilitates the movement of numerous commodities between 
thousands of origin and destination points throughout North America. The Industrial Products commodity 
group consists of several categories, including construction products, metals, minerals, paper, consumer 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
goods, lumber and other miscellaneous products.  In 2012, this group generated 18% of Union Pacific’s 
total  freight  revenue.  Commercial  and  highway  construction  drives  shipments  of  steel  and  construction 
products, consisting of rock, cement and roofing materials. Oil and gas drilling generates demand for raw 
steel,  finished  pipe,  frac  sand  and  drilling  fluid  products.  Industrial  manufacturing  plants  receive 
nonferrous  metals  and  industrial  minerals.  Paper  and  consumer  goods,  including  furniture  and 
appliances, move to major metropolitan areas for consumers. Lumber shipments originate primarily in the 
Pacific  Northwest  and  Canada  and  move  throughout  the  U.S.  for  use  in  new  home  construction  and 
repair and remodeling. 

Intermodal  –  Our  Intermodal  business  includes  two  shipment  categories:  international  and  domestic. 
International  business  consists  of  imported  and  exported  container  traffic  that  mainly  passes  through 
West Coast ports served by UP’s extensive terminal network. Domestic business includes container and 
trailer traffic picked up and delivered within North America for intermodal marketing companies (primarily 
shipper agents and logistics companies), as well as truckload carriers. Less-than-truckload and package 
carriers  with  time-sensitive  business  requirements  are  also  an  important  part  of  these  domestic 
shipments. Together, international and domestic business generated 20% of UP’s 2012 freight revenue. 

Seasonality – Some of the commodities we carry have peak shipping seasons, reflecting either or both 
the  nature  of  the  commodity,  such  as  certain  agricultural  and  food  products  that  have  specific  growing 
and  harvesting  seasons,  and  the  demand  cycle  for  the  commodity,  such  as  intermodal  traffic,  which 
generally  has  a  peak  shipping  season  during  the  third  quarter  to  meet  holiday-related  demand  for 
consumer  goods  during  the  fourth  quarter.  The  peak  shipping  seasons  for  these  commodities  can  vary 
considerably  from  year  to  year  depending  upon  various  factors,  including  the  strength  of  domestic  and 
international  economies  and  currencies  and  the  strength  of  harvests  and  market  prices  for  agricultural 
products. In response to an annual request delivered by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) of the 
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to all of the Class I railroads operating in the U.S., we issue a 
publicly available letter during the third quarter detailing our plans for handling traffic during the third and 
fourth quarters and providing other information requested by the STB. 

Working  Capital  –  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  had  a  working  capital  surplus.  This  reflects  a 
strong  cash  position,  which  provides  enhanced  liquidity  in  an  uncertain  economic  environment.  In 
addition,  we  believe  we  have  adequate  access  to  capital  markets  to  meet  any  foreseeable  cash 
requirements, and we have sufficient financial capacity to satisfy our current liabilities. 

Competition  –  We  are  subject  to  competition  from  other  railroads,  motor  carriers,  ship  and  barge 
operators, and pipelines. Our main rail competitor is Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC. Its rail subsidiary, 
BNSF  Railway  Company  (BNSF),  operates  parallel  routes  in  many  of  our  main  traffic  corridors.  In 
addition, we operate in corridors served by other railroads and motor carriers. Motor carrier competition 
exists  for  five  of  our  six  commodity  groups  (excluding  coal).  Because  of  the  proximity  of  our  routes  to 
major inland and Gulf Coast waterways, barges can be particularly competitive, especially for grain and 
bulk commodities. In addition to price competition, we face competition with respect to transit times and 
quality and reliability of service. While we must build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and 
barges  are  able  to  use  public  rights-of-way  maintained  by  public  entities.  Any  future  improvements  or 
expenditures  materially  increasing  the  quality  or  reducing  the  costs  of  these  alternative  modes  of 
transportation,  or  legislation  releasing  motor  carriers  from  their  size  or  weight  limitations,  could  have  a 
material adverse effect on our business. 

Key Suppliers – We depend on two key domestic suppliers of high horsepower locomotives. Due to the 
capital  intensive  nature  of  the  locomotive  manufacturing  business  and  sophistication  of  this  equipment, 
potential new suppliers face high barriers of entry into this industry. Therefore, if one of these domestic 
suppliers discontinues manufacturing locomotives for any reason, including insolvency or bankruptcy, we 
could  experience  a  significant  cost  increase  and  risk  reduced  availability  of  the  locomotives  that  are 
necessary  to  our  operations.  Additionally,  for  a  high  percentage  of  our  rail  purchases,  we  utilize  two 
suppliers  (one  domestic  and  one  international)  that  meet  our  specifications.  Rail  is  critical  for  both 
maintenance of our network and replacement and improvement or expansion of our network and facilities. 
Rail manufacturing also has high barriers of entry, and, if one of those suppliers discontinues operations 
for  any  reason,  including  insolvency  or  bankruptcy,  we  could  experience  cost  increases  and  difficulty 
obtaining rail. 

Employees  –  Approximately  86%  of  our  45,928  full-time-equivalent  employees  are  represented  by  14 
major rail unions. During the year, we concluded the most recent round of negotiations, which began in 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010, with the ratification of new agreements by several unions that continued negotiating into 2012.  All 
of  the  unions  executed  similar  multi-year  agreements  that  provide  for  higher  employee  cost  sharing  of 
employee  health  and  welfare  benefits  and  higher  wages.  The  current  agreements  will  remain  in  effect 
until renegotiated under provisions of the Railway Labor Act. The next round of negotiations will begin in 
early 2015. 

Railroad  Security  –  Our  security  efforts  rely  upon  a  wide  variety  of  measures  including  employee 
training,  cooperation  with  our  customers,  training  of  emergency  responders,  and  partnerships  with 
numerous  federal,  state,  and  local  government  agencies.    While  federal  law  requires  us  to  protect  the 
confidentiality of our security plans designed to safeguard against terrorism and other security incidents, 
the following provides a general overview of our security initiatives.   

UPRR  Security  Measures  –  We  maintain  a  comprehensive  security  plan  designed  to  both  deter  and  to 
respond to any potential or actual threats as they arise.  The plan includes four levels of alert status, each 
with  its  own  set  of  countermeasures.    We  employ  our  own  police  force,  consisting  of  more  than  200 
commissioned  and  highly-trained  officers.  Our  employees  also  undergo  recurrent  security  and 
preparedness  training,  as  well  as  federally-mandated  hazardous  materials  and  security  training.  We 
regularly  review  the  sufficiency  of  our  employee  training  programs.  We  maintain  the  capability  to  move 
critical operations to back-up facilities in different locations. 

We  have  an  emergency  response  management  center,  which  operates  24  hours  a  day.    The  center 
receives  reports  of  emergencies,  dangerous  or  potentially  dangerous  conditions,  and  other  safety  and 
security issues from our employees, the public, and law enforcement and other government officials.  In 
cooperation with government officials, we monitor both threats and public events, and, as necessary, we 
may  alter  rail  traffic  flow  at  times  of  concern  to  minimize  risk  to  communities  and  our  operations.    We 
comply with the hazardous materials routing rules and other requirements imposed by federal law.  We 
also  design  our  operating  plan  to  expedite  the  movement  of  hazardous  material  shipments  to  minimize 
the  time  rail  cars  remain  idle  at  yards  and  terminals  located  in  or  near  major  population  centers.  
Additionally,  in  compliance  with  Transportation  Security  Agency  regulations,  we  deployed  information 
systems  and  instructed  employees  in  tracking  and  documenting  the  handoff  of  Rail  Security  Sensitive 
Material with customers and interchange partners. 

We also have established a number of our own innovative safety and security-oriented initiatives ranging 
from  various  investments  in  technology  to  The  Officer  on  the  Train  program,  which  provides  local  law 
enforcement  officers  with  the  opportunity  to  ride  with  train  crews  to  enhance  their  understanding  of 
railroad  operations  and  risks.  Our  staff  of  information  security  professionals  continually  assesses  cyber 
security  risks  and  implements  mitigation  programs  that  evolve  with  the  changing  technology  threat 
environment. 

Cooperation  with  Federal,  State,  and  Local  Government  Agencies  –  We  work  closely  on  physical  and 
cyber  security  initiatives  with  government  agencies  that  include  the  DOT  and  the  Department  of 
Homeland  Security  (DHS),  as  well  as  local  police  departments,  fire  departments,  and  other  first 
responders.  In conjunction with DOT, DHS, and other railroads, we sponsor Operation Respond, which 
provides  first  responders  with  secure  links  to  electronic  railroad  resources,  including  mapping  systems, 
shipment  records,  and  other  essential  information  required  by  emergency  personnel  to  respond  to 
accidents and other situations.  We also participate in the National Joint Terrorism Task Force, a multi-
agency  effort  established  by  the  U.S.  Department  of  Justice  and  the  Federal  Bureau  of  Investigation  to 
combat and prevent terrorism.   

We  work  with  the  Coast  Guard,  U.S.  Customs  and  Border  Protection  (CBP),  and  the  Military  Transport 
Management  Command,  which  monitor  shipments  entering  the  UPRR  rail  network  at  U.S.  border 
crossings  and  ports.    We  were  the  first  railroad  in  the  U.S.  to  be  named  a  partner  in  CBP’s  Customs-
Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a partnership designed to develop, enhance, and maintain effective 
security processes throughout the global supply chain. 

Cooperation  with  Customers  and  Trade  Associations  –  Along  with  other  railroads,  we  work  with  the 
American  Chemistry  Council  to  train  approximately  200,000  emergency  responders  annually.    We  work 
with  many  of  our  chemical  shippers  to  establish  plant  security  plans,  and  we  continue  to  take  steps  to 
more closely monitor and track hazardous materials shipments.  In cooperation with the Federal Railroad 
Administration  (FRA)  and  other  interested  groups,  we  are  also  working  to  develop  additional 
improvements to tank car design that will further limit the risk of releases of hazardous materials. 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOVERNMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION 

Governmental  Regulation  –  Our  operations  are  subject  to  a  variety  of  federal,  state,  and  local 
regulations,  generally  applicable  to  all  businesses.    (See  also  the  discussion  of  certain  regulatory 
proceedings in Legal Proceedings, Item 3.) 

The  operations  of  the  Railroad  are  also  subject  to  the  regulatory  jurisdiction  of  the  STB.    The  STB  has 
jurisdiction over rates charged on certain regulated rail traffic; common carrier service of regulated traffic; 
freight  car  compensation;  transfer,  extension,  or  abandonment  of  rail  lines;  and  acquisition  of  control  of 
rail common carriers. In 2012, the STB continued its efforts to explore whether to expand rail regulation. 
The  STB  has  requested  parties  to  submit  studies  that  describe  and  quantify  the  potential  impact  of 
expanded  reciprocal  switching  or  trackage  rights  arrangements  on  railroads.  Although  several  bills 
involving  railroad  regulation  expired  during  the  last  session  of  Congress,  we  continually  monitor  any 
legislative activity involving rail and transportation regulation. 

The operations of the Railroad also are subject to the regulations of the FRA and other federal and state 
agencies.    On  January  12,  2010,  the  FRA  issued  initial  rules  governing  installation  of  Positive  Train 
Control  (PTC)  by  the  end  of  2015.  The  final  regulation  is  still  forthcoming.  Although  still  under 
development, PTC is a collision avoidance technology intended to override locomotive controls and stop 
a  train  before  an  accident.  Following  the  issuance  of  the  initial  rules,  the  FRA  acknowledged  that 
projected costs will exceed projected benefits by a ratio of at least 22 to one, and we estimate that our 
costs will be higher than those assumed by the FRA. In August 2012, the FRA provided Congress with a 
status  report  regarding  implementation  of  PTC.  This  report  indicated  that  the  rail  industry  will  likely 
achieve  only  partial  deployment  of  PTC  by  the  current  deadline  due  to  significant  technical  and  other 
issues. Through 2012, we have invested nearly $750 million in the development of PTC. 

DOT,  the  Occupational  Safety  and  Health  Administration,  and  DHS,  along  with  other  federal  agencies, 
have jurisdiction over certain aspects of safety, movement of hazardous materials and hazardous waste, 
emissions  requirements,  and  equipment  standards.  The  Rail  Safety  Improvement  Act  of  2008,  among 
other  things,  revised  hours  of  service  rules  for  train  and  certain  other  railroad  employees,  mandated 
implementation  of  PTC,  imposed  passenger  service  requirements,  addressed  safety  at  rail  crossings, 
increased  the  number  of  safety  related  employees  of  the  FRA,  and  increased  fines  that  may  be  levied 
against railroads for safety violations. Additionally, various state and local agencies have jurisdiction over 
disposal  of  hazardous  waste  and  seek  to  regulate  movement  of  hazardous  materials  in  ways  not 
preempted by federal law.  

Environmental Regulation – We are subject to extensive federal and state environmental statutes and 
regulations  pertaining  to  public  health  and  the  environment.  The  statutes  and  regulations  are 
administered  and  monitored  by  the  Environmental  Protection  Agency  (EPA)  and  by  various  state 
environmental  agencies.  The  primary  laws  affecting  our  operations  are  the  Resource  Conservation  and 
Recovery  Act,  regulating  the  management  and  disposal  of  solid  and  hazardous  wastes;  the 
Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation,  and  Liability  Act,  regulating  the  cleanup  of 
contaminated properties; the Clean Air Act, regulating air emissions; and the Clean Water Act, regulating 
waste water discharges.  

Information  concerning  environmental  claims  and  contingencies  and  estimated  remediation  costs  is  set 
forth  in  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  – 
Critical  Accounting  Policies  –  Environmental,  Item  7  and  Note  17  to  the  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors 

The  information  set  forth  in  this  Item  1A  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  the  information 
included  in  this  report,  including  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and 
Results of Operations, Item 7, and Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8.  

We  Must  Manage  Fluctuating  Demand  for  Our  Services  and  Network  Capacity  –  If  there  is  significant 
demand for our services that exceeds the designed capacity of our network, we may experience network 
difficulties,  including  congestion  and  reduced  velocity,  that  could  compromise  the  level  of  service  we 
provide to our customers. This level of demand may also compound the impact of weather and weather-
related events on our operations and velocity. Although we continue to improve our transportation plan, 
add  capacity,  improve  operations  at  our  yards  and  other  facilities,  and  improve  our  ability  to  address 
surges in demand for any reason with adequate resources, we cannot be sure that these measures will 
fully  or  adequately  address  any  service  shortcomings  resulting  from  demand  exceeding  our  planned 
capacity.    We  may  experience  other  operational  or  service  difficulties  related  to  network  capacity, 
dramatic and unplanned increases or decreases of demand for rail service with respect to one or more of 
our  commodity  groups  or  operating  regions,  or  other  events  that  could  have  a  negative  impact  on  our 
operational  efficiency,  any  of  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations, 
financial condition, and liquidity.  In the event that we experience significant reductions of demand for rail 
services  with  respect  to  one  or  more  of  our  commodity  groups,  we  may  experience  increased  costs 
associated with resizing our operations, including higher unit operating costs and costs for the storage of 
locomotives,  rail  cars,  and  other  equipment;  work-force  adjustments;  and  other  related  activities,  which 
could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. 

We May Be Affected by General Economic Conditions – Prolonged severe adverse domestic and global 
economic conditions or disruptions of financial and credit markets, including the availability of short- and 
long-term debt financing, may affect the producers and consumers of the commodities we carry and may 
have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  access  to  liquidity  and  our  results  of  operations  and  financial 
condition.  

We  Are  Required  to  Transport  Hazardous  Materials  –  Federal  laws  require  railroads,  including  us,  to 
transport certain hazardous materials regardless of risk or potential exposure to loss. Any rail accident or 
other incident or accident on our network, at our facilities, or at the facilities of our customers involving the 
release  of  hazardous  materials,  including  toxic  inhalation  hazard  (or  TIH)  materials  such  as  chlorine, 
could  involve  significant  costs  and  claims  for  personal  injury,  property  damage,  and  environmental 
penalties  and  remediation,  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations, 
financial condition, and liquidity. 

We  Face  Competition  from  Other  Railroads  and  Other  Transportation  Providers  –  We  face  competition 
from other railroads, motor carriers, ships, barges, and pipelines. In addition to price competition, we face 
competition  with  respect  to  transit  times  and  quality  and  reliability  of  service.  While  we  must  build  or 
acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges are able to use public rights-of-way maintained 
by public entities. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing 
the  cost  of  alternative  modes  of  transportation,  or  legislation  releasing  motor  carriers  from  their  size  or 
weight  limitations,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition, 
and  liquidity.  Additionally,  any  future  consolidation  of  the  rail  industry  could  materially  affect  the 
competitive environment in which we operate. 

We Are Subject to Significant Governmental Regulation – We are subject to governmental regulation by a 
significant  number  of  federal,  state,  and  local  authorities  covering  a  variety  of  health,  safety,  labor, 
environmental, economic (as discussed below), and other matters.  Many laws and regulations require us 
to obtain and maintain various licenses, permits, and other authorizations, and we cannot guarantee that 
we will continue to be able to do so. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could have 
a  material  adverse  effect  on  us.  Governments  or  regulators  may  change  the  legislative  or  regulatory 
frameworks within which we operate without providing us any recourse to address any adverse effects on 
our business, including, without limitation, regulatory determinations or rules regarding dispute resolution, 
business  relationships  with  other  railroads,  calculation  of  our  cost  of  capital  or  other  inputs  relevant  to 
computing our revenue adequacy, the prices we charge, and costs and expenses. Significant legislative 
activity in Congress or regulatory activity by the STB could expand regulation of railroad operations and 
prices for rail services, which could reduce capital spending on our rail network, facilities and equipment 
and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. As part 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of  the  Rail  Safety  Improvement  Act  of  2008,  rail  carriers  must  currently  implement  PTC  by  the  end  of 
2015,  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  ability  to  make  other  capital  investments.  Rail 
carriers  may  not  meet  the  mandatory  deadline  for  PTC  implementation.  One  or  more  consolidations  of 
Class I railroads could also lead to increased regulation of the rail industry. 

We  Rely  on  Technology  and  Technology  Improvements  in  Our  Business  Operations  –  We  rely  on 
information technology in all aspects of our business. If we do not have sufficient capital to acquire new 
technology or if we are unable to develop or implement new technology such as PTC or the latest version 
of  our  transportation  control  systems,  we  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 our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, if a cyber attack or other 
event  causes  significant  disruption  or  failure  of  one  or  more  of  our  information  technology  systems, 
including  computer  hardware,  software,  and  communications  equipment,  we  could  suffer  a  significant 
service  interruption,  safety  failure,  security  breach,  or  other  operational  difficulties,  which  could  have  a 
material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. 

Strikes  or  Work  Stoppages  Could  Adversely  Affect  Our  Operations  as  the  Majority  of  Our  Employees 
Belong  to  Labor  Unions  and  Labor  Agreements  –  The  U.S.  Class  I  railroads  are  party  to  collective 
bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Disputes with regard to the terms of these agreements 
or our potential inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with these unions could result in, among other 
things, strikes, work stoppages, slowdowns, or lockouts, which could cause a significant disruption of our 
operations  and  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  and 
liquidity. Additionally, future national labor agreements, or renegotiation of labor agreements or provisions 
of labor agreements, could compromise our service reliability or significantly increase our costs for health 
care, wages, and other benefits, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, 
financial condition, and liquidity.  

Severe Weather Could Result in Significant Business Interruptions and Expenditures – As a railroad with 
a  vast  network,  we  are  exposed  to  severe  weather  conditions  and  other  natural  phenomena,  including 
earthquakes,  hurricanes,  fires,  floods,  mudslides  or  landslides,  extreme  temperatures,  and  significant 
precipitation  that  may  cause  business  interruptions,  including  line  outages  on  our  rail  network,  that  can 
adversely affect our entire rail network and result in increased costs, increased liabilities, and decreased 
revenue, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and 
liquidity. 

We May Be Subject to Various Claims and Lawsuits That Could Result in Significant Expenditures – As a 
railroad with operations in densely populated urban areas and other cities and a vast rail network, we are 
exposed to the potential for various claims and litigation related to labor and employment, personal injury, 
property damage, environmental liability, and other matters. Any material changes to litigation trends or a 
catastrophic rail accident or series of accidents involving any or all of property damage, personal injury, 
and  environmental  liability  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial 
condition, and liquidity.  

We  Are  Subject  to  Significant  Environmental  Laws  and  Regulations  –  Due  to  the  nature  of  the  railroad 
business,  our  operations  are  subject  to  extensive  federal,  state,  and  local  environmental  laws  and 
regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air; discharges to waters; handling, storage, 
transportation, and disposal of waste and other materials; and hazardous material or petroleum releases. 
We generate and transport hazardous and non-hazardous waste in our operations, and we did so in our 
former operations. Environmental liability can extend to previously owned or operated properties, leased 
properties,  and  properties  owned  by  third  parties,  as  well  as  to  properties  we  currently  own. 
Environmental liabilities have arisen and may also arise from claims asserted by adjacent landowners or 
other third parties in toxic tort litigation. We have been and may be subject to allegations or findings that 
we have violated, or are strictly liable under, these laws or regulations. We could incur significant costs as 
a result of any of the foregoing, and we may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate and 
remediate known, unknown, or future environmental contamination, which could have a material adverse 
effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. 

We  May  Be  Affected  by  Climate  Change  and  Market  or  Regulatory  Responses  to  Climate  Change  – 
Climate  change,  including  the  impact  of  global  warming,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  and  liquidity.    Restrictions,  caps,  taxes,  or  other  controls  on 
emissions  of  greenhouse  gasses,  including  diesel  exhaust,  could  significantly  increase  our  operating 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
farmers  and 

including  chemical  producers, 

costs.  Restrictions on emissions could also affect our customers that (a) use commodities that we carry 
to produce energy, (b) use significant amounts of energy in producing or delivering the commodities we 
carry,  or  (c)  manufacture  or  produce  goods  that  consume  significant  amounts  of  energy  or  burn  fossil 
food  producers,  and  automakers  and  other 
fuels, 
manufacturers.  Significant cost increases, government regulation, or changes of consumer preferences 
for  goods  or  services  relating  to  alternative  sources  of  energy  or  emissions  reductions  could  materially 
affect the markets for the commodities we carry, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our 
results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  and  liquidity.    Government  incentives  encouraging  the  use  of 
alternative sources of energy could also affect certain of our customers and the markets for certain of the 
commodities  we  carry  in  an  unpredictable  manner  that  could  alter  our  traffic  patterns,  including,  for 
example,  the  impacts  of  ethanol  incentives  on  farming  and  ethanol  producers.  Finally,  we  could  face 
increased  costs  related  to  defending  and  resolving  legal  claims  and  other  litigation  related  to  climate 
change and the alleged impact of our operations on climate change.  Any of these factors, individually or 
in operation with one or more of the other factors, or other unforeseen impacts of climate change could 
reduce the amount of traffic we handle and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, 
financial condition, and liquidity. 

The  Availability  of  Qualified  Personnel  Could  Adversely  Affect  Our  Operations  –  Changes  in 
demographics, training requirements, and the availability of qualified personnel could negatively affect our 
ability to meet demand for rail service. Unpredictable increases in demand for rail services and a lack of 
network  fluidity  may  exacerbate  such  risks,  which  could  have  a  negative  impact  on  our  operational 
efficiency and otherwise have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, 
and liquidity.  

Rising or Elevated Fuel Costs and Whether We Are Able to Mitigate These Costs with Fuel Surcharges 
Could  Materially  and  Adversely  Affect  Our  Business  –  Fuel  costs  constitute  a  significant  portion  of  our 
transportation  expenses.  Diesel  fuel  prices  are  subject  to  dramatic  fluctuations,  and  significant  price 
increases could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Although we currently are able to 
recover  a  significant  amount  of  our  increased  fuel  expenses  through  revenue  from  fuel  surcharges,  we 
cannot be certain that we will always be able to mitigate rising or elevated fuel costs through surcharges. 
Future  market  conditions  or  legislative  or  regulatory  activities  could  adversely  affect  our  ability  to  apply 
fuel  surcharges  or  adequately  recover  increased  fuel  costs  through  fuel  surcharges.  International, 
political,  and  economic  circumstances  affect  fuel  prices  and  supplies.  Weather  can  also  affect  fuel 
supplies  and  limit  domestic  refining  capacity.  If  a  fuel  supply  shortage  were  to  arise,  higher  fuel  prices 
could, despite our fuel surcharge programs, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, 
financial condition, and liquidity. 

We Utilize Capital Markets – Due to the significant capital expenditures required to operate and maintain 
a safe and efficient railroad, we rely on the capital markets to provide some of our capital requirements.  
We  utilize  long-term  debt  instruments,  bank  financing  and  commercial  paper  from  time-to-time,  and  we 
pledge certain of our receivables.  Significant instability or disruptions of the capital markets, including the 
credit markets, or deterioration of our financial condition due to internal or external factors could restrict or 
prohibit  our  access  to,  and  significantly  increase  the  cost  of,  commercial  paper  and  other  financing 
sources, including bank credit facilities and the issuance of long-term debt, including corporate bonds. A 
deterioration of our financial condition could result in a reduction of our credit rating to below investment 
grade,  which  could  prohibit  or  restrict  us  from  utilizing  our  current  receivables  securitization  facility  or 
accessing  external  sources  of  short-  and  long-term  debt  financing  and  significantly  increase  the  costs 
associated  with  utilizing  the  receivables  securitization  facility  and  issuing  both  commercial  paper  and 
long-term debt.  

We  Are  Subject  to  Legislative,  Regulatory,  and  Legal  Developments  Involving  Taxes  –  Taxes  are  a 
significant  part  of  our  expenses.    We  are  subject  to  U.S.  federal,  state,  and  foreign  income,  payroll, 
property, sales and use, fuel, and other types of taxes. Changes in tax rates, enactment of new tax laws, 
revisions  of  tax  regulations,  and  claims  or  litigation  with  taxing  authorities  could  result  in  substantially 
higher  taxes  and,  therefore,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  results  of  operations,  financial 
condition, and liquidity. 

We  Are  Dependent  on  Certain  Key  Suppliers  of  Locomotives  and  Rail  –  Due  to  the  capital  intensive 
nature  and  sophistication  of  locomotive  equipment,  potential  new  suppliers  face  high  barriers  to  entry.  
Therefore,  if  one  of  the  domestic  suppliers  of  high  horsepower  locomotives  discontinues  manufacturing 
locomotives  for  any  reason,  including  bankruptcy  or  insolvency,  we  could  experience  significant  cost 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
increases and reduced availability of the locomotives that are necessary for our operations.  Additionally, 
for a high percentage of our rail purchases, we utilize two suppliers (one domestic and one international) 
that meet our specifications.  Rail is critical to our operations for rail replacement programs, maintenance, 
and  for  adding  additional  network  capacity,  new  rail  and  storage  yards,  and  expansions  of  existing 
facilities.    This  industry  similarly  has  high  barriers  to  entry,  and  if  one  of  these  suppliers  discontinues 
operations for any reason, including bankruptcy or insolvency, we could experience both significant cost 
increases for rail purchases and difficulty obtaining sufficient rail for maintenance and other projects. 

We May Be Affected by Acts of Terrorism, War, or Risk of War – Our rail lines, facilities, and equipment, 
including rail  cars  carrying hazardous materials, could be  direct  targets  or  indirect  casualties  of  terrorist 
attacks.  Terrorist  attacks,  or  other  similar  events,  any  government  response  thereto,  and  war  or  risk  of 
war may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. In addition, insurance 
premiums for some or all of our current coverages could increase dramatically, or certain coverages may 
not be available to us in the future. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2. Properties 

We  employ  a  variety  of  assets  in  the  management  and  operation  of  our  rail  business.  Our  rail  network 
covers 23 states in the western two-thirds of the U.S. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TRACK 

Our  rail  network  includes  31,868  route  miles.    We  own  26,020  miles  and  operate  on  the  remainder 
pursuant  to  trackage  rights  or  leases.  The  following  table  describes  track  miles  at  December  31,  2012 
and 2011. 

 Route 
 Other main line 
 Passing lines and turnouts 
 Switching and classification yard lines 

 Total miles 

HEADQUARTERS BUILDING 

2012 
 31,868 
 6,715 
 3,124 
 9,046 

2011 
 31,898 
 6,644 
 3,112 
 8,999 

 50,753 

 50,653 

We maintain our headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. The facility has 1.2 million square feet of space for 
approximately 4,000 employees and is subject to a financing arrangement. 

HARRIMAN DISPATCHING CENTER 

The Harriman Dispatching Center (HDC), located in Omaha, Nebraska, is our primary dispatching facility. 
It  is  linked  to  regional  dispatching  and  locomotive  management  facilities  at  various  locations  along  our 
network. HDC employees coordinate moves of locomotives and trains, manage traffic and train crews on 
our network, and coordinate interchanges with other railroads. Over 900 employees currently work on-site 
in the facility. In the event of a disruption of operations at HDC due to a cyber attack, flooding or severe 
weather  or  other  event,  we  maintain  the  capability  to  conduct  critical  operations  at  back-up  facilities  in 
different locations. 

RAIL FACILITIES 

In  addition  to  our  track  structure,  we  operate  numerous  facilities,  including  terminals  for  intermodal  and 
other freight; rail yards for train-building (classification yards), switching, storage-in-transit (the temporary 
storage  of  customer  goods  in  rail  cars  prior  to  shipment)  and  other  activities;  offices  to  administer  and 
manage  our  operations;  dispatching  centers  to  direct  traffic  on  our  rail  network;  crew  quarters  to  house 
train  crews  along  our  network;  and  shops  and  other  facilities  for  fueling,  maintenance,  and  repair  of 
locomotives and repair and maintenance of rail cars and other equipment.  The following tables include 
the major yards and terminals on our system: 

 Top 10 Classification Yards 
 North Platte, Nebraska  
 North Little Rock, Arkansas  
 Englewood (Houston), Texas  
 Fort Worth, Texas  
 Proviso (Chicago), Illinois  
 Livonia, Louisiana  
 Pine Bluff, Arkansas 
 Roseville, California 
 West Colton, California 
 Neff (Kansas City), Missouri  

Avg. Daily 
Car Volume
2011 
 2,200 
 1,600 
 1,400 
 1,300 
 1,400 
 1,300 
 1,200 
 1,200 
 1,100 
 1,000 

2012 
 2,300 
 1,600 
 1,500 
 1,400 
 1,300 
 1,300 
 1,200 
 1,200 
 1,100 
 1,000 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Top 10 Intermodal Terminals 
 ICTF (Los Angeles), California  
 East Los Angeles, California 
 Global 4 (Joliet), Illinois 
 Dallas, Texas 
 Global I (Chicago), Illinois  
 Yard Center (Chicago), Illinois 
 Marion (Memphis), Tennessee  
 Global II (Chicago), Illinois 
 Mesquite, Texas 
 LATC (Los Angeles), California 

RAIL EQUIPMENT 

2012 
 448,000 
 427,000 
 347,000 
 310,000 
 306,000 
 273,000 
 271,000 
 253,000 
 236,000 
 230,000 

Annual Lifts
2011 
 432,000 
 428,000 
 298,000 
 261,000 
 295,000 
 277,000 
 283,000 
 273,000 
 232,000 
 226,000 

Our equipment includes owned and leased locomotives and rail cars; heavy maintenance equipment and 
machinery; other equipment and tools in our shops, offices, and facilities; and vehicles for maintenance, 
transportation of crews, and other activities. As of December 31, 2012, we owned or leased the following 
units of equipment: 

 Locomotives 
 Multiple purpose 
 Switching  
 Other  

 Total locomotives  

 Freight cars 
 Covered hoppers 
 Open hoppers  
 Gondolas  
 Boxcars  
 Refrigerated cars 
 Flat cars  
 Other  

 Total freight cars  

 Highway revenue equipment 
 Containers 
 Chassis 

        Owned        Leased            Total 
 7,833  
 424  
 134  

 2,365  
 24  
 57  

 5,468 
 400 
 77 

        Average 
     Age (yrs.)
 17.3 
 32.9 
 32.8 

 5,945 

 2,446  

 8,391  

N/A

       Owned        Leased            Total 
 30,954  
 13,482  
 11,509  
 6,224  
 6,701  
 3,426  
 479  

 17,946  
 3,998  
 5,168  
 1,603  
 4,263  
 684  
 375  

 13,008 
 9,484 
 6,341 
 4,621 
 2,438 
 2,742 
 104 

        Average
     Age (yrs.)
 19.6 
 27.8 
 23.0 
 27.5 
 25.1 
 30.6 
N/A

 38,738 

 34,037  

 72,775  

N/A

Owned 

Leased 

 17,207 
 9,245 

 36,714  
 27,748  

Total 
 53,921  
 36,993  

Average 
    Age (yrs.)
 6.6 
 7.6 

 Total highway revenue equipment 

 26,452 

 64,462  

 90,914  

N/A

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES 

Our  rail  network  requires  significant  annual  capital  investments  for  replacement,  improvement,  and 
expansion.  These  investments  enhance  safety,  support  the  transportation  needs  of  our  customers,  and 
improve our operational efficiency. Additionally, we add  new locomotives and freight cars to our fleet to 
replace  older,  less  efficient  equipment,  to  support  growth  and  customer  demand,  and  to  reduce  our 
impact on the environment through the acquisition of more fuel efficient and low-emission locomotives. 

2012 Capital Expenditures – During 2012, we made capital investments totaling $3.7 billion.  (See the 
capital expenditures table in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financial Condition, Item 7.) 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013  Capital  Expenditures  –  In  2013,  we  expect  to  make  capital  investments  of  approximately  $3.6 
billion,  including  expenditures  for  PTC  of  approximately  $450  million.    We  may  revise  our  2013  capital 
plan  if  business  conditions  warrant  or  if  new  laws  or  regulations  affect  our  ability  to  generate  sufficient 
returns on these investments.  (See discussion of our 2013 capital plan in Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – 2013 Outlook, Item 7.) 

OTHER 

Equipment  Encumbrances  –  Equipment  with  a  carrying  value  of  approximately  $2.9  billion  at  both 
December  31,  2012  and  2011  served  as  collateral  for  capital  leases  and  other  types  of  equipment 
obligations  in  accordance  with  the  secured  financing  arrangements  utilized  to  acquire  such  railroad 
equipment. 

As a result of the merger of Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MPRR) with and into UPRR on January 
1, 1997, and pursuant to the underlying indentures for the MPRR mortgage bonds, UPRR must maintain 
the  same  value  of  assets  after  the  merger  in  order  to  comply  with  the  security  requirements  of  the 
mortgage bonds. As of the merger date, the value of the MPRR assets that secured the mortgage bonds 
was approximately $6.0 billion. In accordance with the terms of the indentures, this collateral value must 
be  maintained  during  the  entire  term  of  the  mortgage  bonds  irrespective  of  the  outstanding  balance  of 
such bonds. 

Environmental  Matters  –  Certain  of  our  properties  are  subject  to  federal,  state,  and  local  laws  and 
regulations  governing  the  protection  of  the  environment.    (See  discussion  of  environmental  issues  in 
Business  –  Governmental  and  Environmental  Regulation,  Item  1,  and  Management’s  Discussion  and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Environmental, 
Item 7.) 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

From  time  to  time,  we  are  involved  in  legal  proceedings,  claims,  and  litigation  that  occur  in  connection 
with our business. We routinely assess our liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters 
based  upon  the  latest  available  information  and,  when  necessary,  we  seek  input  from  our  third-party 
advisors  when  making  these  assessments.  Consistent  with  SEC  rules  and  requirements,  we  describe 
below  material  pending  legal  proceedings  (other  than  ordinary  routine  litigation  incidental  to  our 
business),  material  proceedings  known  to  be  contemplated  by  governmental  authorities,  other 
proceedings  arising  under  federal,  state,  or  local  environmental  laws  and  regulations  (including 
governmental  proceedings  involving  potential  fines,  penalties,  or  other  monetary  sanctions  in  excess  of 
$100,000), and such other pending matters that we may determine to be appropriate.  

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS 

On  January  14,  2013,  the  Illinois  Attorney  General's  Office  notified  UPRR  that  it  will  seek  a  penalty 
against  the  Railroad  for  environmental  conditions  caused  by  its  predecessor  at  a  former  locomotive 
fueling  facility  in  South  Pekin,  Illinois.    This  former  CNW  facility  discontinued  fueling  operations  in  the 
early  1980s.    Subsequent  environmental  investigation  revealed  evidence  of  fuel  releases  to  soil  and 
groundwater.  In January 2007, the State rejected UPRR's proposed compliance commitment agreement 
and  responded  with  a  notice  of  intent  to  pursue  legal  action.    UPRR  continued  to  perform  remedial 
investigations under the supervision of the Illinois EPA.  In June 2012, the Illinois EPA approved UPRR's 
proposed remedial action plan for the contaminated groundwater.  Although no further action is required 
for the contamination, the State is now seeking to recover a penalty. The State has offered to settle the 
matter prior to litigation for payment of a $240,000 penalty. If we are unable to reach an agreement, the 
state will pursue legal action for a penalty, which we expect will exceed $100,000. 

We received notices from the EPA and state environmental agencies alleging that we are or may be liable 
under  federal  or  state  environmental  laws  for  remediation  costs  at  various  sites  throughout  the  U.S., 
including  sites  on  the  Superfund  National  Priorities  List  or  state  superfund  lists.  We  cannot  predict  the 
ultimate impact of these proceedings and suits because of the number of potentially responsible parties 
involved,  the  degree  of  contamination  by  various  wastes,  the  scarcity  and  quality  of  volumetric  data 
related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs.  

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Information  concerning  environmental  claims  and  contingencies  and  estimated  remediation  costs  is  set 
forth  in  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  – 
Critical Accounting Policies – Environmental, Item 7.  

OTHER MATTERS 

Antitrust Litigation - As we reported in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 
30,  2007,  20  small  rail  shippers  (many  of  whom  are  represented  by  the  same  law  firms)  filed  virtually 
identical antitrust lawsuits in various federal district courts against us and four other Class I railroads in 
the U.S. (one railroad was eventually dropped from the lawsuit). The original plaintiff filed the first of these 
claims in the U.S. District Court in New Jersey on May 14, 2007, and the additional plaintiffs filed claims in 
district  courts  in  various  states,  including  Florida,  Illinois,  Alabama,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  District  of 
Columbia.  These suits allege that the named railroads engaged in price-fixing by establishing common 
fuel surcharges for certain rail traffic.  

We received additional complaints following the initial claim, increasing the total number of complaints to 
30.  In addition to suits filed by direct purchasers of rail transportation, a few of the suits involved plaintiffs 
alleging  that  they  are  or  were  indirect  purchasers  of  rail  transportation  and  seeking  to  represent  a 
purported class of indirect purchasers of rail transportation that paid fuel surcharges.  These complaints 
added allegations under state antitrust and consumer protection laws. On November 6, 2007, the Judicial 
Panel  on  Multidistrict  Litigation  ordered  that  all  of  the  rail  fuel  surcharge  cases  be  transferred  to  Judge 
Paul Friedman of the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia for coordinated or consolidated pretrial 
proceedings.  Subsequently,  the  direct  purchaser  plaintiffs  and  the  indirect  purchaser  plaintiffs  filed 
Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaints against UPRR and three other Class I railroads. 

One  additional  shipper  filed  a  separate  antitrust  suit  during  2008.  Subsequently,  the  shipper  voluntarily 
dismissed the action without prejudice. 

On  October  10,  2008,  Judge  Friedman  heard  oral  arguments  with  respect  to  the  defendant  railroads’ 
motions to dismiss.  In a ruling on November 7, 2008, Judge Friedman denied the motion with respect to 
the direct purchasers’ complaint, and pretrial proceedings are underway in that case, the status of which 
is  described  below.    On  December  31,  2008,  Judge  Friedman  dismissed  the  complaints  of  the  indirect 
purchasers based upon state antitrust, consumer protection, and unjust enrichment laws.  He also ruled, 
however, that these plaintiffs could proceed with their claim for injunctive relief under the federal antitrust 
laws,  which  is  identical  to  a  claim  by  the  direct  purchaser  plaintiffs.    The  indirect  purchasers  appealed 
Judge Friedman's ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.  On April 16, 2010, the 
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed Judge Friedman’s ruling dismissing the indirect 
purchasers’ claims based on various state laws. 

With  respect  to  the  direct  purchasers’  complaint,  Judge  Friedman  conducted  a  two-day  hearing  on 
October  6  and  7,  2010,  on  the  class  certification  issue  and  the  railroad  defendants’  motion  to  exclude 
evidence of interline communications.  On April 7, 2011, Judge Friedman issued an order deferring any 
decision  on  class  certification  until  the  Supreme  Court  issued  its  decision  in  the  Wal-Mart  employment 
discrimination case.   

On June 21, 2012, Judge Friedman issued his decision certifying a class of plaintiffs to be represented by 
the  eight  named  plaintiffs.  The  class  includes  all  shippers  that  paid  a  rate-based  fuel  surcharge  to  any 
one  of  the  defendant  railroads  for  rate-unregulated  rail  transportation  from  July  1,  2003  through 
December 1, 2008. This is a procedural ruling, which does not affirm any of the claims asserted by the 
plaintiffs and does not affect the ability of the railroad defendants to disprove the allegations made by the 
plaintiffs. On July 5, 2012, the defendant railroads filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
District of Columbia requesting that the court review the class certification ruling. On August 28, 2012, a 
panel of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia referred the petition to a merits panel of the court to 
address  the  issues  in  the  petition  and  to  address  whether  the  district  court  properly  granted  class 
certification. 

We deny the allegations that our fuel surcharge programs violate the antitrust laws or any other laws. We 
believe  that  these  lawsuits  are  without  merit,  and  we  will  vigorously  defend  our  actions.  Therefore,  we 
currently  believe  that  these  matters  will  not  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  any  of  our  results  of 
operations, financial condition and liquidity. 

17 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

Executive Officers of the Registrant and Principal Executive Officers of Subsidiaries  

The  Board  of  Directors  typically  elects  and  designates  our  executive  officers  on  an  annual  basis  at  the 
board  meeting  held  in  conjunction  with  the  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders,  and  they  hold  office  until 
their successors are elected. Executive officers also may be elected and designated throughout the year, 
as the Board of Directors considers appropriate. There are no family relationships among the officers, nor 
any  arrangement  or  understanding  between  any  officer  and  any  other  person  pursuant  to  which  the 
officer  was  selected.  The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  current  as  of  February  8,  2013, 
relating to the executive officers. 

Name 
James R. Young 
John J. Koraleski 

Robert M. Knight, Jr. 

Diane K. Duren 
Barbara W. Schaefer 

Gayla L. Thal 

Jeffrey P. Totusek 

Lance M. Fritz 

Eric L. Butler 

Position 

Chairman of UPC and the Railroad  
President and Chief Executive Officer of UPC    
and the Railroad 
Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief 
Financial Officer of UPC and the Railroad 
Executive Vice President of UPC and the Railroad 53  
59  
Senior Vice President – Human Resources and 
Secretary of UPC and the Railroad 
Senior Vice President – Law and General 
Counsel of UPC and the Railroad 
Vice President and Controller of UPC and Chief 
Accounting Officer and Controller of the Railroad 
Executive Vice President – Operations of the 
Railroad 
Executive Vice President – Marketing and Sales 
of the Railroad 

56  

50  

52  

Business 
Experience During
Age  Past Five Years 
60  
62  

[1] 
[2] 

55   Current Position 

54   Current Position 

[3] 
[4] 

[5] 

[6] 

[7] 

[1]  On  March  2,  2012,  Mr.  Young  stepped  down  from  his  duties  as  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  UPC  and  the

Railroad due to a health condition. He remains Chairman of the Board. 

[2]  Mr.  Koraleski  was  elected  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  President  of  UPC  and  the  Railroad  effective  March  2,  2012.  He

previously was Executive Vice President - Marketing and Sales of the Railroad effective March 1, 1999. 

[3]  Ms.  Duren  was  elected  to  her  current  position  effective  October  1,  2012.  She  previously  was  Vice  President  and  General
Manager - Chemicals effective August 1, 2006. In addition, Ms. Duren was elected Corporate Secretary, which will become
effective March 1, 2013, upon Ms. Schaefer's retirement. 

[4]  Ms. Schaefer is retiring from UPC and the Railroad effective March 1, 2013. 
[5]  Ms. Thal was elected to her current position effective March 15, 2012. She previously was Vice President - Law and Chief 

Compliance Officer effective December 1, 2005. 

[6]  Mr. Fritz was elected to his current position effective September 1, 2010.  He previously was Vice President – Operations of 
the Railroad, effective January 1, 2010.  Mr. Fritz previously served as Vice President – Labor Relations effective March 1, 
2008. 

[7]  Mr.  Butler  was  elected  to  his  current  position  effective  March  15,  2012.  He  previously  was  Vice  President  and  General

Manager - Industrial Products effective April 14, 2005. 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

Item  5.  Market  for  the  Registrant’s  Common  Equity,  Related  Stockholder  Matters,  and  Issuer 

Purchases of Equity Securities 

Our  common  stock  is  traded  on  the  New  York  Stock  Exchange  (NYSE)  under  the  symbol  “UNP”.    The 
following table presents the dividends declared and the high and low prices of our common stock for each 
of the indicated quarters. 

 2012 - Dollars Per Share 
 Dividends 
 Common stock price: 
     High 
     Low 

 2011 - Dollars Per Share 
 Dividends 
 Common stock price: 
     High 
     Low 

        Q1
 0.60 

$

        Q2
 0.60 

$

        Q3 
 0.60  

$

        Q4
 0.69 

$

 117.40 
 104.77 

 119.82 
 104.08 

 129.27  
 115.38  

 128.38 
 116.06 

        Q1
 0.38 

$

        Q2
 0.475 

$

        Q3 
 0.475  

$

        Q4
 0.60 

$

 99.50 
 90.66 

 105.60 
 92.80 

 107.89  
 79.58  

 106.60 
 77.73 

At February 1, 2013, there were 469,298,732 shares of common stock outstanding and 32,519 common 
shareholders of record. On that date, the closing price of the common stock on the NYSE was $133.96. 
We  have  paid  dividends  to  our  common  shareholders  during  each  of  the  past  113  years.  We  declared 
dividends totaling $1,180 million in 2012 and $938 million in 2011. On November 15, 2012, we increased 
the  quarterly  dividend  to  $0.69  per  share,  payable  beginning  on  January  2,  2013,  to  shareholders  of 
record  on  November  30,  2012.    We  are  subject  to  certain  restrictions  regarding  retained  earnings  with 
respect to the payment of cash dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available 
for dividends increased to $15.1 billion at December 31, 2012, from $13.8 billion at December 31, 2011.  
(See  discussion  of  this  restriction  in  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and 
Results  of  Operations  –  Liquidity  and  Capital  Resources,  Item  7.)    We  do  not  believe  the  restriction  on 
retained earnings will affect our ability to pay dividends, and we currently expect to pay dividends in 2013. 

Comparison  Over  One-  and  Three-Year  Periods  –  The  following  table  presents  the  cumulative  total 
shareholder  returns,  assuming  reinvestment  of  dividends,  over  one-  and  three-year  periods  for  the 
Corporation  (UNP),  a  peer  group  index  (comprised  of  CSX  Corporation  and  Norfolk  Southern 
Corporation),  the  Dow  Jones  Transportation  Index  (DJ  Trans),  and  the  Standard  &  Poor’s  500  Stock 
Index (S&P 500). 

Period 
 1 Year (2012) 
 3 Year (2010-2012) 

DJ Trans  

  S&P 500  

7.5  %  

36.3   

16.0  %
36.3   

UNP   Peer Group  
21.2  %

(8.6) %
28.7   

108.6   

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Five-Year  Performance  Comparison  –  The  following  graph  provides  an  indicator  of  cumulative  total 
shareholder returns for the Corporation as compared to the peer group index (described above), the DJ 
Trans,  and  the  S&P  500.  The  graph  assumes  that  $100  was  invested  in  the  common  stock  of  Union 
Pacific Corporation and each index on December 31, 2007 and that all dividends were reinvested. 

Purchases  of  Equity  Securities  –  During  2012,  we  repurchased  13,804,709  shares  of  our  common 
stock  at  an  average  price  of  $115.33.  The  following  table  presents  common  stock  repurchases  during 
each month for the fourth quarter of 2012: 

 Period 
 Oct. 1 through Oct. 31 
 Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 
 Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 

Total Number of 
Shares 
Purchased [a]
1,068,414 

659,631   
411,683   

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share
 121.70 
 120.84 
 124.58 

Total Number of Shares 
Purchased as Part of a 
Publicly Announced
 Plan or Program [b]
1,028,300 
655,000 
350,450 

Maximum Number of 
Shares That May Yet Be 
Purchased Under the Plan 
or Program [b]
16,041,399 
15,386,399 
15,035,949 

 Total  

2,139,728  $  121.99 

2,033,750 

N/A

[a] 

Total number of shares purchased during the quarter includes approximately 105,978 shares delivered or attested to UPC by 
employees to pay stock option exercise prices, satisfy excess tax withholding obligations for stock option exercises or vesting 
of retention units, and pay withholding obligations for vesting of retention shares. 

[b]  On April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of our common stock by March 
31,  2014.  These  repurchases  may  be  made  on  the  open  market  or  through  other  transactions.  Our  management  has  sole 
discretion with respect to determining the timing and amount of these transactions. 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

The following table presents as of, and for the years ended, December 31, our selected financial data for 
each of the last five years. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7, and with the Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8. The information below is not necessarily indicative of future 
financial condition or results of operations. 

 Millions, Except per Share Amounts, 
 Carloads, Employee Statistics, and Ratios 
 For the Year Ended December 31 
 Operating revenues [a] 
 Operating income 
 Net income 
 Earnings per share - basic  
 Earnings per share - diluted 
 Dividends declared per share 
 Cash provided by operating activities 
 Cash used in investing activities 
 Cash used in financing activities 
 Cash used for common share repurchases 
 At December 31 
 Total assets 
 Long-term obligations 
 Debt due after one year 
 Common shareholders' equity 
 Additional Data 
 Freight revenues [a] 
 Revenue carloads (units) (000) 
 Operating ratio (%) [b] 
 Average employees (000) 
 Financial Ratios (%) 
 Debt to capital [c] 
 Return on average common 
    shareholders' equity [d] 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

$  20,926 
 6,745  
 3,943  
 8.33  
 8.27  
 2.49  
 6,161  
 (3,633) 
 (2,682) 
 (1,474) 

$  19,557 
 5,724  
 3,292  
 6.78  
 6.72  
 1.93  
 5,873  
 (3,119) 
 (2,623) 
 (1,418) 

$  16,965 
 4,981  
 2,780  
 5.58  
 5.53  
 1.31  
 4,105  
 (2,488) 
 (2,381) 
 (1,249) 

$  14,143 
 3,379  
 1,890  
 3.76  
 3.74  
 1.08  
 3,204  
 (2,145) 
 (458) 

           - 

$  17,970 
 4,070 
 2,335 
 4.57 
 4.53 
 0.98 
 4,044 
 (2,738)
 (935)
 (1,609)

$  47,153 
 24,157  
 8,801  
 19,877  

$  45,096 
 23,201  
 8,697  
 18,578  

$  43,088 
 22,373  
 9,003  
 17,763  

$  42,184 
 22,701  
 9,636  
 16,801  

$  39,509 
 21,314 
 8,607 
 15,315 

$  19,686 
 9,048  
 67.8  
 45.9  

$  18,508 
 9,072  
70.7  
 44.9  

$  16,069 
 8,815  
 70.6  
 42.9  

$  13,373 
 7,786  
 76.1  
 43.5  

$  17,118 
 9,261 
 77.4 
 48.2 

 31.2  

20.5  

 32.4  

18.1  

 34.2  

 16.1  

 37.0  

 11.8  

 36.8 

 15.2 

[a]  

Includes  fuel  surcharge  revenue  of  $2.6  billion,  $2.2  billion,  $1.2  billion,  $0.6  billion,  and  $2.3  billion  for  2012,  2011,  2010, 
2009,  and  2008,  respectively,  which  partially  offsets  increased  operating  expenses  for  fuel.  Fuel  surcharge  revenue  is  not 
comparable from year to year due to implementation of new mileage-based fuel surcharge programs in each respective year. 
(See further discussion in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results 
of Operations – Operating Revenues, Item 7.) 

[b]   Operating ratio is defined as operating expenses divided by operating revenues. 

[c]   Debt to capital is determined as follows: total debt divided by total debt plus common shareholders' equity. 
[d]   Return  on  average  common  shareholders'  equity  is  determined  as  follows:  Net  income  divided  by  average  common

shareholders' equity. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
applicable  notes  to  the  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data,  Item  8,  and  other  information  in 
this  report,  including  Risk  Factors  set  forth  in  Item  1A  and  Critical  Accounting  Policies  and  Cautionary 
Information at the end of this Item 7.  

The  Railroad,  along  with  its  subsidiaries  and  rail  affiliates,  is  our  one  reportable  business  segment. 
Although revenue is analyzed by commodity, we analyze the net financial results of the Railroad as one 
segment due to the integrated nature of the rail network.  

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  

2012 Results 

  Safety – Our employee safety results continued to improve in 2012. The employee injury incident rate 
per  200,000  employee  hours  declined  9%  from  2011,  to  a  new  record  low.  These  results  reflect 
employee training, the move to standard work, and extensive efforts to identify and eliminate risk. Our 
use of technologies such as laser, ultrasound, and acoustic vibration monitoring, which help identify 
potential rail, wheel and axle failures before they occur contributed to the reduction of our equipment 
incident rate to 9.38 per million train miles, another best ever result.  With respect to public safety, we 
closed 237 grade crossings in 2012 to reduce our exposure to incidents and continued use of video 
cameras  on  our  locomotives  to  analyze  public  safety  incidents.  We  now  have  camera-equipped 
locomotives in the lead position on over 97% of our through-freight trains.  Despite our efforts during 
2012, the rate of grade crossing incidents per million train miles increased 13% from 2011.   Overall, 
our 2012 safety results reflect our structured approach to reduce risk and eliminate incidents for our 
employees, our customers and the public. 

  Financial  Performance  –  We  produced  another  record-setting  year  in  2012,  generating  operating 
income of $6.7 billion, an 18% increase over 2011.  Despite flat volume, core pricing gains of 4.5% 
and  higher  fuel  surcharge  recoveries  more  than  offset  inflation  and  higher  depreciation  expense  to 
drive the increase.  Our operating ratio for 2012 of 67.8% was an all-time best, improving from last 
year’s operating ratio of 70.7%.  Net income of $3.9 billion surpassed our previous milestone set in 
2011, translating into earnings of $8.27 per diluted share for 2012. 

  Freight Revenues – Our freight revenues grew 6% year-over-year to $19.7 billion. Freight revenues 
for  four  of  the  six  commodity  groups  increased  despite  flat  volume.  Volume  declines  in  Coal  and 
Agricultural Products offset double digit volume increases in Automotive and Chemicals. Core pricing 
gains and higher fuel surcharges drove the growth in freight revenue in 2012 compared to 2011.  Fuel 
surcharges  increased  due  to  higher  fuel  prices,  the  lag  effect  of  our  programs  (surcharges  trail 
fluctuations  in  fuel  price  by  approximately  two  months)  and  new  fuel  surcharge  provisions  in 
renegotiated contracts. 

  Network Operations – In 2012, our business mix changed significantly both geographically and by 
commodity.  Nevertheless,  by  adjusting  resources  to  match  market  and  network  requirements,  we 
continued  operating  an  efficient  and  fluid  network.  As  reported  to  the  Association  of  American 
Railroads  (AAR),  average  train  speed  increased  4%  in  2012  compared  to  2011,  reflecting  more 
efficient operations and relatively mild weather conditions compared to 2011, which included severe 
winter  weather,  flooding,  and  extreme  heat  and  drought  that  affected  various  parts  of  our  network 
during  the  year.    Average  terminal  dwell  time  remained  flat  despite  a  shift  in  business  mix  to  more 
manifest traffic, which requires more switching, resulting in more terminal dwell time.  Average rail car 
inventory decreased slightly, reflecting productivity improvements and ongoing initiatives designed to 
reduce the number of cars in our fleet. These operational improvements resulted in a record customer 
satisfaction index in 2012.  

  Fuel  Prices  –  Despite  consistent  average  crude  oil  barrel  prices  in  2011  and  2012,  our  price  per 
gallon  of  diesel  fuel  consumed  increased  3%  due  to  higher  crude  oil  to  diesel  conversion  spreads. 
The higher spreads increased operating expenses by $105 million (excluding any impact from year-
over-year  volume).  A  2%  decline  in  gross-ton  miles  partially  offset  the  higher  expenses.    Our  fuel 
consumption rate did not change in 2012 from the rate in 2011. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Free Cash Flow – Cash generated by operating activities totaled $6.2 billion, reduced by $3.6 billion 
for cash used in investing activities and a 37% increase in dividends paid, yielding free cash flow of 
$1.4  billion.    Free  cash  flow  is  defined  as  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  (adjusted  for  the 
reclassification  of  our  receivables  securitization  facility),  less  cash  used  in  investing  activities  and 
dividends paid.  

Free cash flow is not considered a financial measure under accounting principles generally accepted 
in the U.S. (GAAP) by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation S-K and may not be defined 
and  calculated  by  other  companies  in  the  same  manner.  We  believe  free  cash  flow  is  important  to 
management  and  investors  in  evaluating  our  financial  performance  and  measures  our  ability  to 
generate cash without additional external financings. Free cash flow should be considered in addition 
to, rather than as a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities. The following table reconciles 
cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure):  

 Millions 
 Cash provided by operating activities 
 Receivables securitization facility [a] 

 Cash provided by operating activities  
    adjusted for the receivables securitization facility 

 Cash used in investing activities 
 Dividends paid 

 Free cash flow 

2011 

2012 

2010 
$  6,161  $  5,873  $  4,105 
 400 

 - 

 - 

 6,161  

 5,873  

 4,505 

 (3,633) 
 (1,146) 

 (3,119) 
 (837) 

 (2,488)
 (602)

$  1,382  $  1,917  $  1,415 

[a]  Effective January 1, 2010, a new accounting standard required us to account for receivables transferred under our receivables
securitization facility as secured borrowings in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and as financing activities in 
our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  The receivables securitization facility is included in our free cash flow calculation 
to adjust cash provided by operating activities as though our receivables securitization facility had been accounted for under
the new accounting standard for all periods presented.   

2013 Outlook  

  Safety – Operating a safe railroad benefits our employees, our customers, our shareholders, and the 
communities we serve. We will continue using a multi-faceted approach to safety, utilizing technology, 
risk  assessment,  quality  control,  training  and  employee  engagement,  and  targeted  capital 
investments.  We  will  continue  using  and  expanding  the  deployment  of  Total  Safety  Culture 
throughout our operations, which allows us to identify and implement best practices for employee and 
operational  safety.  Derailment  prevention  and  the  reduction  of  grade  crossing  incidents  are  critical 
aspects of our safety programs. We will continue our efforts to increase rail defect detection; improve 
or  close  crossings;  and  educate  the  public  and  law  enforcement  agencies  about  crossing  safety 
through a combination of our own programs (including risk assessment strategies), various industry 
programs and local community activities across our network. 

  Network  Operations  –  We  will  continue  focusing  on  our  six  critical  initiatives  to  improve  safety, 
service  and  productivity  during  2013.  We  are  seeing  solid  contributions  from  reducing  variability, 
continuous  improvements,  and  standard  work.  Resource  agility  allows  us  to  respond  quickly  to 
changing  market  conditions  and  network  disruptions  from  weather  or  other  events.  The  Railroad 
continues to benefit from capital investments that allow us to build capacity for growth and harden our 
infrastructure to reduce failure. 

  Fuel  Prices  –  Uncertainty  about  the  economy  makes  projections  of  fuel  prices  difficult.  We  again 
could  see  volatile  fuel  prices  during  the  year,  as  they  are  sensitive  to  global  and  U.S.  domestic 
demand,  refining  capacity,  geopolitical  events,  weather  conditions  and  other  factors.  To  reduce  the 
impact of fuel price on earnings, we will continue seeking cost recovery from our customers through 
our fuel surcharge programs and expanding our fuel conservation efforts.  

  Capital  Plan  –  In  2013,  we  plan  to  make  total  capital  investments  of  approximately  $3.6  billion, 
including expenditures for Positive Train Control (PTC), which may be revised if business conditions 
warrant  or  if  new  laws  or  regulations  affect  our  ability  to  generate  sufficient  returns  on  these 
investments.  (See further discussion in this Item 7 under Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital 
Plan.) 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Positive Train Control – In response to a legislative mandate to implement PTC, we expect to spend 
approximately  $450  million  during  2013  on  developing  and  deploying  PTC.    We  currently  estimate 
that PTC, in accordance with implementing rules issued by the Federal Rail Administration (FRA), will 
cost us approximately $2 billion by the end of the project.  This includes costs for installing the new 
system along our tracks, upgrading locomotives to work with the new system, and adding digital data 
communication equipment to integrate the components of the system. 

  Financial  Expectations  –  We  are  cautious  about  the  economic  environment  but  if  industrial 
production  grows  approximately  2%  as  projected,  volume  should  exceed  2012  levels.  Even  with  no 
volume growth, we expect earnings to exceed 2012  earnings, generated by real core pricing gains, 
on-going  network  improvements  and  operational  productivity  initiatives.  We  also  expect  that  a  new 
bonus depreciation program under federal tax laws will positively impact cash flows in 2013. 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Operating Revenues 

 Millions 
 Freight revenues 
 Other revenues 

 Total 

2012 
$  19,686 

2011 
$  18,508 

 1,240   

 1,049   

2010 
$  16,069 
 896 

 % Change 
2012 v 2011 
6% 

                18  

 % Change 
2011 v 2010
15%
                17  

$  20,926 

$  19,557 

$  16,965 

7% 

15%

We  generate  freight  revenues  by  transporting  freight  or  other  materials  from  our  six  commodity  groups. 
Freight  revenues  vary  with  volume  (carloads)  and  average  revenue  per  car  (ARC).  Changes  in  price, 
traffic mix and fuel surcharges drive ARC. We provide some of our customers with contractual incentives 
for meeting or exceeding specified cumulative volumes or shipping to and from specific locations, which 
we  record  as  reductions  to  freight  revenues  based  on  the  actual  or  projected  future  shipments.  We 
recognize  freight  revenues  as  shipments  move  from  origin  to  destination.  We  allocate  freight  revenues 
between  reporting  periods  based  on  the  relative  transit  time  in  each  reporting  period  and  recognize 
expenses as we incur them. 

Other  revenues  include  revenues  earned  by  our  subsidiaries,  revenues  from  our  commuter  rail 
operations,  and  accessorial  revenues,  which  we  earn  when  customers  retain  equipment  owned  or 
controlled by us or when we perform additional services such as switching or storage. We recognize other 
revenues as we perform services or meet contractual obligations. 

Freight  revenues  from  four  of  our  six  commodity  groups  increased  during  2012  compared  to  2011.  
Revenues from coal and agricultural products declined during the year.  Our franchise diversity allowed 
us  to  take  advantage  of  growth  from  shale-related  markets  (crude  oil,  frac  sand  and  pipe)  and  strong 
automotive  manufacturing,  which  offset  volume  declines  from  coal  and  agricultural  products.    ARC 
increased  7%,  driven  by  core  pricing  gains  and  higher  fuel  cost  recoveries.    Improved  fuel  recovery 
provisions and higher fuel prices, including the lag effect of our programs (surcharges trail fluctuations in 
fuel price by approximately two months), combined to increase revenues from fuel surcharges.  

Freight  revenues  for  all  six  commodity  groups  increased  during  2011  compared  to  2010,  while  volume 
increased  in  all  commodity  groups  except  intermodal.    Increased  demand  in  many  market  sectors,  with 
particularly  strong  growth  in  chemicals,  industrial  products,  and  automotive  shipments  for  the  year, 
generated  the  increases.    ARC  increased  12%,  driven  by  higher  fuel  cost  recoveries  and  core  pricing 
gains.  Fuel cost recoveries include fuel surcharge revenue and the impact of resetting the base fuel price 
for certain traffic.  Higher fuel prices, volume growth, and new fuel surcharge provisions in renegotiated 
contracts all combined to increase revenues from fuel surcharges. 

Our fuel surcharge programs (excluding index-based contract escalators that contain some provision for 
fuel)  generated  freight  revenues  of  $2.6  billion,  $2.2  billion,  and  $1.2  billion  in  2012,  2011,  and  2010, 
respectively.    Ongoing  rising  fuel  prices  and  increased  fuel  surcharge  coverage  drove  the  increases.  
Additionally, fuel surcharge revenue is not entirely comparable to prior periods as we continue to convert 
portions of our non-regulated traffic to mileage-based fuel surcharge programs.  

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
In  2012,  other  revenues  increased  from  2011  due  primarily  to  higher  revenues  at  our  subsidiaries  that 
broker  intermodal  and  automotive  services.    Assessorial  revenues  also  increased  in  2012  due  to 
container revenue related to an increase in intermodal shipments. 

In  2011,  other  revenues  increased  from  2010  due  primarily  to  higher  revenues  at  our  subsidiaries  that 
broker intermodal and automotive services. 

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

 Freight Revenues 
 Millions 
 Agricultural 
 Automotive 
 Chemicals 
 Coal 
 Industrial Products 
 Intermodal 

 Total 

Revenue Carloads 
Thousands 
 Agricultural 
 Automotive 
 Chemicals 
 Coal 
 Industrial Products 
 Intermodal [a] 

 Total 

 Average Revenue per Car 
 Agricultural 
 Automotive 
 Chemicals 
 Coal 
 Industrial Products 
 Intermodal [a] 

$ 

2012 
 3,280 
 1,807 
 3,238 
 3,912 
 3,494 
 3,955 

$

2011 
 3,324 
 1,510 
 2,815 
 4,084 
 3,166 
 3,609 

$

2010 
 3,018 
 1,271 
 2,425 
 3,489 
 2,639 
 3,227 

$   19,686 

$  18,508 

$  16,069 

2012 
 900 
 738 
 1,042 
 1,871 
 1,185 
 3,312 

 9,048 

2012 
 3,644 
 2,448 
 3,107 
 2,092 
 2,947 
 1,194 

$ 

2011 
 934 
 653 
 921 
 2,164 
 1,146 
 3,254 

 9,072 

2011 
 3,561 
 2,311 
 3,055 
 1,888 
 2,762 
 1,109 

$

% Change 
2012 v 2011 

% Change
2011 v 2010

 (1) % 
 20  
 15  
 (4) 
 10  
 10  

 6  % 

 10  %
 19 
 16 
 17 
 20 
 12 

 15  %

% Change 
2012 v 2011 

% Change
2011 v 2010

2010 
 918 
 611 
 844 
 2,056 
 1,073 
 3,313 

 (4) % 
 13   
 13   
 (14)  
 3   
 2   

 8,815                         -  % 

 2  %
 7   
 9   
 5   
 7   
 (2)  

 3  %

$

2010 
 3,286 
 2,082 
 2,874 
 1,697 
 2,461 
 974 

% Change 
2012 v 2011 

% Change 
2011 v 2010

 2  % 
 6   
 2   
 11   
 7   
 8   

 7  % 

 8  %

 11   
 6   
 11   
 12   
 14   

 12  %

 Average   

$ 

 2,176 

$

 2,040 

$

 1,823 

[a]     Each intermodal container or trailer equals one carload. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
freight 

   2012 Agricultural Carloads 

Agricultural  Products  –  Lower  volume  more 
than offset core pricing gains and increased fuel 
revenue 
surcharges  as  agricultural 
decreased  in  2012  versus  2011.    Weak  export 
demand  for  U.S.  wheat  drove  a  19%  decrease 
in  wheat  shipments  year  over  year,  as  the 
foreign  wheat  market  improved  significantly 
from  the  weather  affected  crop  in  2011.    In 
addition,  corn  shipments  declined  11%  for  the 
year, with more significant declines in the fourth 
quarter,  reflecting  the  impact  of  the  severe 
  Lower  gasoline 
the  U.S. 
drought  across 
demand,  reduced  exports  and  higher  corn 
prices  decreased  ethanol  shipments  during  the 
second  half  of  the  year.    Growth  in  imported 
beer from Mexico and a strong domestic harvest of fresh potatoes partially offset these declines. 

Fuel surcharges, price improvements and modest volume growth increased agricultural freight revenue in 
2011 versus 2010.  The federal mandate for higher levels of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply and new 
business increased shipments of ethanol by 10% in 2011 versus 2010.  Strong export demand for U.S. 
wheat via Gulf ports in the first half of 2011 was the primary driver of a 6% increase in wheat and food 
grains shipments for 2011 compared to 2010, despite a 19% decrease in shipments in the second half of 
2011 when U.S. grain exports declined.  Poor wheat production in some foreign markets drove the export 
demand during the first six months of the year.   

Automotive  –  Increased  shipments  of  finished 
vehicles  and  automotive  parts  along  with  core 
pricing  gains  and  higher 
fuel  surcharges 
improved  automotive  freight  revenue  from  2011 
levels. Higher production and sales levels drove 
the volume growth.  In addition, 2012 shipments 
compared 
lower 
shipments  of  international  vehicles  in  2011 
following the disaster in Japan. 

to  2011  due 

favorably 

to 

2012 Automotive Carloads 

Higher  volume,  core  pricing  gains  and  fuel 
surcharges improved automotive freight revenue 
in  2011,  from  2010  levels.  Although  higher 
production  and  sales 
levels  during  2011 
contributed  to  volume  growth,  the  disaster  in 
Japan partially offset the increase in shipments.  
The  disruption  caused  by  this  event  reduced  parts  shipments  in  the  second  quarter  and  shipments  of 
international  vehicles  in  the  second  and  third  quarters.    Finished  autos  shipments  were  up  7%  in  2011 
from  2010,  aided  by  a  14%  increase  in  the  fourth  quarter  as  the  U.S.  light-vehicle  sales  rate  was  the 
highest since the second quarter of 2008. 

revenue 

Chemicals  –  Higher  volume,  core  price 
improvements  and  fuel  surcharges  increased 
in  2012. 
freight 
from  chemicals 
Shipments  of  crude  oil  primarily 
the 
from 
Bakken,  Permian  and  Eagle  Ford  Shale 
formations to the Gulf area increased over three 
fold,  driving  the  improvement  in  chemicals 
shipments.  In  addition,  plastics  and  industrial 
chemicals  shipments  increased  as  low  natural 
gas  prices  have  made  U.S.  chemicals  more 
cost  competitive  globally.  Declines  in  potash 
due 
temporary  shutdowns  and  reduced 
production  at  several  mines  partially  offset  the 
increases  in  chemical  shipments  during  the 
year. 

to 

   2012 Chemicals Carloads 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
Volume gains, fuel surcharges and price improvements increased freight revenue from chemicals in 2011 
versus  2010.    In  mid-2010,  we  began  moving  crude  oil  shipments  from  the  Bakken  formation  in  North 
Dakota  to  facilities  in  Louisiana.    This  new  business,  along  with  shipments  from  the  Eagle  Ford  shale 
formation in south Texas, contributed to a 37% increase in shipments of petroleum products during 2011.  
Strong  domestic  demand  and  robust  spring  planting  increased  fertilizer  shipments  by  9%  versus  2010.  
Additionally, improving market conditions increased demand for industrial chemicals during 2011, driving 
volume levels up versus 2010. 

2012 Coal Carloads 

Coal  –  Lower  volume,  partially  offset  by  core 
pricing  gains  and  fuel  surcharge  recoveries 
reduced freight revenue from coal shipments in 
2012 compared to 2011. Shipments of coal from 
the Southern Powder River Basin (SPRB) mines 
decreased 15% from 2011. Above average coal 
stockpiles due to an unseasonably warm winter 
and low natural gas prices, which caused some 
displacement  of  coal  in  electricity  production, 
led to the volume declines.  In addition, the loss 
of  two  contracts  to  a  competitor  contributed  to 
lower  volumes  from  the  SPRB.  Coal  shipments 
from  the  Colorado  and  Utah  mines  increased 
2% versus 2011. Increased export shipments of 
Colorado  and  Utah  coal  in  2012  offset  the 
domestic  declines  due  to  higher  stockpiles  and 
low natural gas prices. 

Core  pricing  gains,  higher  fuel  surcharges,  and  increased  volume  grew  coal  freight  revenue  in  2011 
versus 2010 levels.  Shipments of coal from the SPRB were up 5% in 2011 compared to 2010, reflecting 
new  business  to  Wisconsin  facilities  and  the  start-up  of  a  new  power  plant  near  Waco,  Texas.  
Completion of a year-long equipment relocation process at one of the mines in the third quarter of 2011 
and minimal production problems elsewhere improved shipments from Colorado and Utah by 3% in 2011 
versus 2010.  These gains, along with increased exports to Europe and Asia, offset first half production 
problems and weak demand from eastern coal utilities. 

          2012 Industrial Products Carloads 

from 

freight 

revenue 

Industrial Products – Core pricing improvement, 
higher  volume  and  additional  fuel  surcharges 
increased 
industrial 
products  in  2012  versus  2011.  Shipments  of 
non-metallic minerals (primarily frac sand), grew 
in  response  to  increased  horizontal  drilling 
activity for energy products.  More construction 
activity  during  a  relatively  mild  winter  led  to 
higher demand for shipments of lumber, cement 
and  stone  compared  to  2011.  The  growth  in 
housing  starts  throughout  2012  also  increased 
lumber  shipments,  up  12%  from  2011.    Steel 
shipments  finished  slightly  down  from  2011 
levels  as  lower  demand  for  export  scrap  and 
mine production issues in the second half of the 
year  offset  increases  in  the  first  half  due  to 
higher demand for steel coils and plate for pipe 
and auto production. 

Increased  volume,  fuel  surcharges,  and  core  pricing  improvement  increased  freight  revenue  from 
industrial products in 2011 versus 2010.  Shipments of non-metallic minerals (primarily frac sand) grew in 
response  to  a  dramatic  rise  in  horizontal  drilling  activity  for  natural  gas  and  oil,  while  steel  shipments 
increased due to higher demand for steel coils and plate for automotive and pipe production. In addition, 
an  increase  in  iron  ore  export  business  to  China  also  drove  volume  growth.    Conversely,  lower 
commercial construction activity reduced stone, sand and gravel shipments in 2011 compared to 2010. 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012 Intermodal Carloads 

Intermodal  –  Higher  fuel  surcharges,  including 
improved  fuel  recovery  provisions,  core  pricing 
gains  and  volume  growth  increased  freight 
revenue  from  intermodal  shipments  in  2012. 
Volume levels from international traffic remained 
flat  year-over-year  as  the  loss  of  a  customer 
contract in the first half of the year offset modest 
West  Coast  import  growth.    Domestic  traffic 
increased 3% versus 2011 due to better market 
conditions  and  continued  conversion  of  traffic 
from truck to rail. 

Fuel  surcharge  gains,  including  better  contract 
provisions  for  fuel  cost  recovery,  and  pricing 
improvements,  partially  offset  by  lower  volume, 
increased  freight  revenue  from  intermodal  shipments  in  2011  compared  to  2010.    Volume  from 
international traffic decreased 5% in 2011 versus 2010, driven by softer economic conditions, reflected in 
a  muted  international  peak  shipping  season,  which  usually  starts  in  the  third  quarter,  and  the  loss  of  a 
customer  contract.    Conversely,  conversions  from  truck  to  rail  and  recovering  consumer  demand  offset 
competition  for  domestic  shipments,  resulting  in  a  2%  volume  increase  in  domestic  shipments  during 
2011. 

Mexico Business – Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. 
Revenue from Mexico business increased 8% to $1.9 billion in 2012 versus 2011. Volume levels for four 
of  the  six  commodity  groups  (industrial  products  and  agricultural  products  declined),  were  up  5%  in 
aggregate versus 2011, with particularly strong growth in automotive and intermodal shipments. 

Revenue  from  Mexico  business  increased  16%  to  $1.8  billion  in  2011  versus  2010.  Volume  levels 
increased  9%  in  aggregate  versus  2010,  with  particularly  strong  growth  in  automotive  and  industrial 
products.    Coal  was  the  one  commodity  group  that  declined  as  one  of  our  customers  conducted  a 
supplier  contract  renewal  during  the  year,  shifting  transportation  modes  from  rail  to  truck  during  the 
process. 

28 

 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses 

 Millions 
 Compensation and benefits 
 Fuel 
 Purchased services and materials 
 Depreciation 
 Equipment and other rents 
 Other 

$ 

2012 
 4,685 
 3,608 
 2,143 
 1,760 
 1,197 
 788 

$

2011 
 4,681 
 3,581 
 2,005 
 1,617 
 1,167 
 782 

$

2010 
 4,314 
 2,486 
 1,836 
 1,487 
 1,142 
 719 

% Change 
2012 v 2011  

% Change 
2011 v 2010  

-  % 

 1   
 7   
 9   
 3   
 1   

 9  %

 44   
 9   
 9   
 2   
 9   

 Total 

$   14,181 

$  13,833 

$  11,984 

 3  % 

 15  %

        2012 Operating Expenses 

Operating  expenses  increased  $348  million  in 
2012  versus  2011.  Depreciation,  wage  and 
benefit  inflation,  higher  fuel  prices  and  volume-
related  trucking  services  purchased  by  our 
logistics  subsidiaries,  contributed 
to  higher 
expenses  during  the  year.    Efficiency  gains, 
volume  related  fuel  savings  (2%  fewer  gallons 
of  fuel  consumed)  and  $38  million  of  weather 
related  expenses  in  2011,  which  favorably 
affects  the  comparison,  partially  offset  the  cost 
increase. 

Operating  expenses  increased  $1.8  billion  in 
2011  versus  2010.    Our  fuel  price  per  gallon 
rose  36%  during  2011,  accounting  for  $922 
million of the increase. Wage and benefit inflation, volume-related costs, depreciation, and property taxes 
also contributed to higher expenses.  Expenses increased $20 million for costs related to the flooding in 
the Midwest and $18 million due to the impact of severe heat and drought in the South, primarily Texas. 
Cost  savings  from  productivity  improvements  and  better  resource  utilization  partially  offset  these 
increases.    A  $45  million  one-time  payment  relating  to  a  transaction  with  CSX  Intermodal,  Inc  (CSXI) 
increased operating expenses during the first quarter of 2010, which favorably affects the comparison of 
operating expenses in 2011 to those in 2010. 

Compensation  and  Benefits  –  Compensation  and  benefits  include  wages,  payroll  taxes,  health  and 
welfare costs, pension costs, other postretirement benefits, and incentive costs. Expenses in 2012 were 
essentially  flat  versus  2011  as  operational  improvements  and  cost  reductions  offset  general  wage  and 
benefit inflation and higher pension and other postretirement benefits. In addition, weather related costs 
increased these expenses in 2011.  

A  combination  of  general  wage  and  benefit  inflation,  volume-related  expenses,  higher  training  costs 
associated with new hires, additional crew costs due to speed restrictions caused by the Midwest flooding 
and  heat  and  drought  in  the  South,  and  higher  pension  expense  drove  the  increase  during  2011 
compared to 2010. 

Fuel  –  Fuel  includes  locomotive  fuel  and  gasoline  for  highway  and  non-highway  vehicles  and  heavy 
equipment.  Higher  locomotive  diesel  fuel  prices,  which  averaged  $3.22  per  gallon  (including  taxes  and 
transportation costs) in 2012, compared to $3.12 in 2011, increased expenses by $105 million.    Volume, 
as  measured  by  gross  ton-miles,  decreased  2%  in  2012  versus  2011,  driving  expense  down.    The  fuel 
consumption rate was flat year-over-year. 

Higher locomotive diesel fuel prices, which averaged $3.12 (including taxes and transportation costs) in 
2011,  compared  to  $2.29  per  gallon  in  2010,  increased  expenses  by  $922  million.    In  addition,  higher 
gasoline  prices  for  highway  and  non-highway  vehicles  also  increased  year-over-year.    Volume,  as 
measured by gross ton-miles, increased 5% in 2011 versus 2010, driving expense up by $122 million. 

Purchased Services and Materials – Expense for purchased services and materials includes the costs of 
services  purchased  from  outside  contractors  and  other  service  providers  (including  equipment 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
maintenance  and  contract  expenses  incurred  by  our  subsidiaries  for  external  transportation  services); 
materials  used  to  maintain  the  Railroad’s  lines,  structures,  and  equipment;  costs  of  operating  facilities 
jointly  used  by  UPRR  and  other  railroads;  transportation  and  lodging  for  train  crew  employees;  trucking 
and contracting costs for intermodal containers; leased automobile maintenance expenses; and tools and 
supplies.  Expenses  for  contract  services  increased  $103  million  in  2012  versus  2011,  primarily  due  to 
increased demand for transportation services purchased by our logistics subsidiaries for their customers 
and additional costs for repair and maintenance of locomotives and freight cars.  

Expenses  for  contract  services  increased  $106  million  in  2011  versus  2010,  driven  by  volume-related 
external  transportation  services  incurred  by  our  subsidiaries,  and  various  other  types  of  contractual 
services, including flood-related repairs, mitigation and improvements. Volume-related crew transportation 
and lodging costs, as well as expenses associated with jointly owned operating facilities, also increased 
costs compared to 2010.  In addition, an increase in locomotive maintenance materials used to prepare a 
portion of our locomotive fleet for return to active service due to increased volume and additional capacity 
for weather related issues and warranty expirations increased expenses in 2011.   

Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to road property, including rail, ties, ballast, and other 
track  material.  A  higher  depreciable  asset  base,  reflecting  ongoing  capital  spending,  increased 
depreciation expense in 2012 compared to 2011. 

A higher depreciable asset base, reflecting ongoing capital spending, increased depreciation expense in 
2011 compared to 2010. Higher depreciation rates for rail and other track material also contributed to the 
increase.  The  higher  rates,  which  became  effective  January  1,  2011,  resulted  primarily  from  increased 
track usage (based on higher gross ton-miles in 2010). 

Equipment and Other Rents – Equipment and other rents expense primarily includes rental expense that 
the Railroad pays for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies; freight car, intermodal, 
and  locomotive  leases;  and  office  and  other  rent  expenses.  Increased  automotive  and  intermodal 
shipments,  partially  offset  by  improved  car-cycle  times,  drove  an  increase  in  our  short-term  freight  car 
rental expense in 2012. Conversely, lower locomotive lease expense partially offset the higher freight car 
rental expense.  

Costs increased in 2011 versus 2010 as higher short-term freight car rental expense and container lease 
expense offset lower freight car and locomotive lease expense.   

Other – Other expenses include personal injury, freight and property damage, destruction of equipment, 
insurance,  environmental,  bad  debt,  state  and  local  taxes,  utilities,  telephone  and  cellular,  employee 
travel,  computer  software,  and  other  general  expenses.  Other  costs  in  2012  were  slightly  higher  than 
2011 primarily due to higher property taxes.  Despite continual improvement in our safety experience and 
lower  estimated  annual  costs,  personal  injury  expense  increased  in  2012  compared  to  2011,  as  the 
liability reduction resulting from historical claim experience was less than the reduction in 2011.  

Higher  property  taxes,  casualty  costs  associated  with  destroyed  equipment,  damaged  freight  and 
property and environmental costs increased other costs in 2011 compared to 2010.  A one-time payment 
of $45 million in the first quarter of 2010 related to a transaction with CSXI and continued improvement in 
our safety performance and lower estimated liability for personal injury, which reduced our personal injury 
expense year-over-year, partially offset increases in other costs.   

Non-Operating Items 

 Millions 
 Other income 
 Interest expense 
 Income taxes 

$ 

2012 
 108 
 (535)
 (2,375)

$

2011 
 112 
 (572)
 (1,972)  

$

2010 
 54 
 (602)
 (1,653)

 % Change 
2012 v 2011 

 % Change 
2011 v 2010

 (4) %
 (6)  
 20  %

 107  %
 (5)  
 19  %

Other Income – Other income decreased in 2012 versus 2011 due to lower gains from real estate sales 
and  higher  environmental  costs  associated  with  non-operating  properties,  partially  offset  by  an  interest 
payment from a tax refund.  

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other  income  increased  in  2011  versus  2010  due  to  higher  gains  from  real  estate  sales,  lower 
environmental  costs  associated  with  non-operating  properties  and  the  comparative  impact  of  premiums 
paid for early redemption of long-term debt in the first quarter of 2010. 

Interest Expense – Interest expense decreased in 2012 versus 2011 reflecting a lower effective interest 
rate in 2012 of 6.0% versus 6.2% in 2011 as the debt level did not materially change in 2012. 

Interest  expense  decreased  in  2011  versus  2010  due  to  a  lower  weighted-average  debt  level  of  $9.2 
billion versus $9.7 billion. The effective interest rate was 6.2% in both 2011 and 2010. 

Income Taxes – Higher pre-tax income increased income taxes in 2012 compared to 2011. Our effective 
tax rate for 2012 was relatively flat at 37.6% compared to 37.5% in 2011. 

Income  taxes  were  higher  in  2011  compared  to  2010,  primarily  driven  by  higher  pre-tax  income.  Our 
effective tax rate remained relatively flat at 37.5% in 2011 compared to 37.3% in 2010. 

OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS 

We report key performance measures weekly to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), including 
carloads,  average  daily  inventory  of  freight  cars  on  our  system,  average  train  speed,  and  average 
terminal dwell time. We provide this data on our website at www.up.com/investors/reports/index.shtml. 

Operating/Performance Statistics 

Railroad  performance  measures  reported  to  the  AAR,  as  well  as  other  performance  measures,  are 
included in the table below: 

 Average train speed (miles per hour) 
 Average terminal dwell time (hours) 
 Average rail car inventory (thousands) 
 Gross ton-miles (billions) 
 Revenue ton-miles (billions) 
 Operating ratio 
 Employees (average) 
 Customer satisfaction index 

2012 
 26.5 
 26.2 
 269.1 
 959.3 
 521.1 
 67.8 
 45,928 
 93 

2011 
 25.6 
 26.2 
 272.9 
 978.2 
 544.4 
 70.7 
 44,861 
 92 

2010 
 26.2 
 25.4 
 274.4 
 931.4 
 520.4 
 70.6 
 42,884 
 89 

 % Change 
2012 v 2011

 % Change 
2011 v 2010

 4 % 
 - % 
 (1)% 
 (2)% 
 (4)% 
 (2.9)pts 
 2 % 
 1 pt 

 (2)% 
 3 % 
 (1)% 
 5 % 
 5 % 
 0.1 pts 
 5 % 
 3 pts 

Average Train Speed – Average train speed is calculated by dividing train miles by hours operated on our 
main lines between terminals.  Average train speed, as reported to the Association of American Railroads 
(AAR),  increased  4%  in  2012  versus  2011.  Efficient  operations  and  relatively  mild  weather  conditions 
during the year compared favorably to 2011, during which severe winter weather, flooding, and extreme 
heat  and  drought  affected  various  parts  of  our  network.  We  continued  operating  a  fluid  and  efficient 
network while handling essentially the same volume and adjusting operations to accommodate increased 
capital  project  work  on  our  network  compared  to  2011.  The  extreme  weather  challenges  in  addition  to 
increased  carloadings  and  traffic  mix  changes,  led  to  a  2%  decrease  in  average  train  speed  in  2011 
compared to 2010.   

Average Terminal Dwell Time – Average terminal dwell time is the average time that a rail car spends at 
our terminals. Lower average terminal dwell time improves asset utilization and service. Average terminal 
dwell  time  remained  flat  in  2012  compared  to  2011,  despite  a  shift  in  traffic  mix  to  more  manifest 
shipments, which require more switching at terminals.  Average terminal dwell time increased 3% in 2011 
compared  to  2010.  Additional  volume,  weather  challenges,  track  replacement  programs,  and  a  shift  of 
traffic mix to more manifest shipments, which require additional terminal processing, all contributed to the 
increase. 

Average  Rail  Car  Inventory  – Average rail car inventory is the daily  average  number  of  rail  cars  on  our 
lines, including rail cars in storage. Lower average rail car inventory reduces congestion in our yards and 
sidings,  which  increases  train  speed,  reduces  average  terminal  dwell  time,  and  improves  rail  car 
utilization.  Despite a shift in traffic mix from coal to shale-related and automotive shipments with longer 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
cycle  times,  productivity  improvements  reduced  average  rail  car  inventory  by  1%  in  2012  compared  to 
2011.  Average rail car inventory decreased slightly in 2011 compared to 2010, as we continued to adjust 
the size of our freight car fleet. 

Gross and Revenue Ton-Miles – Gross ton-miles are calculated by multiplying the weight of loaded and 
empty  freight  cars  by  the  number  of  miles  hauled.  Revenue  ton-miles  are  calculated  by  multiplying  the 
weight of freight by the number of tariff miles.  Gross ton-miles declined 2% in 2012 compared to 2011, 
while revenue ton-miles decreased 4% and carloads remained relatively flat. Changes in commodity mix 
drove the year-over-year variances between gross ton-miles, revenue ton-miles and carloads.  Gross and 
revenue-ton-miles increased 5% in 2011 compared to 2010, driven by a 3% increase in carloads and mix 
changes to heavier commodity groups, notably a 5% increase in coal shipments. 

Operating  Ratio  –  Operating  ratio  is  our  operating  expenses  reflected  as  a  percentage  of  operating 
revenue.  Our  operating  ratio  improved  2.9  points  to  a  record  low  of  67.8%  in  2012  versus  2011.    Core 
pricing gains, improved fuel recovery provisions, efficient operations and cost reductions more than offset 
the  impact  of  inflationary  pressures.    Our  operating  ratio  increased  0.1  points  to  70.7%  in  2011  versus 
2010.  Higher  fuel  prices,  inflation  and  weather  related  costs,  partially  offset  by  core  pricing  gains  and 
productivity initiatives, drove the increase.   

Employees – Employee levels increased 2% in 2012 versus 2011.  Work related to the increase in capital 
investment, including positive train control, accounted for over half of the increase.  Additionally, the shift 
in  our  traffic  mix  required  more  resources  in  the  Southern  region  to  support  the  growth  in  shale-related 
shipments.  Employee levels were up 5% in 2011 versus 2010, driven by a 3% increase in volume levels, 
a  higher  number  of  trainmen,  engineers,  and  yard  employees  receiving  training  during  the  year,  and 
increased work on capital projects. 

Customer Satisfaction Index – Our customer satisfaction survey asks customers to rate how satisfied they 
are  with  our  performance  over  the  last  12  months  on  a  variety  of  attributes.    A  higher  score  indicates 
higher  customer  satisfaction.  We  believe  that  improvement  in  survey  results  in  2012  generally  reflects 
customer recognition of our service quality supported by our capital investment program. 

Return on Average Common Shareholders’ Equity 

 Millions, Except Percentages 
 Net income 
 Average equity 

 Return on average common shareholders' equity 

Return on Invested Capital as Adjusted (ROIC) 

 Millions, Except Percentages 
 Net income 
 Add: Interest expense 
 Add: Interest on present value of operating leases 
 Less: Taxes on interest 

 Net operating profit after taxes as adjusted (a) 

 Average equity 
 Add: Average debt 
 Add: Average value of sold receivables 
 Add: Average present value of operating leases 

$
$

$

$

$

2012 
 3,943 
 19,228 

20.5%

2012 
 3,943 
 535 
 190 
 (273)

 4,395 

 19,228 
 8,952 
 - 
 3,160 

$
$

$

$

$

2011 
 3,292 
 18,171 

18.1%

2011 
 3,292 
 572 
 208 
 (293)

 3,779 

 18,171 
 9,074 
 - 
 3,350 

$
$

$

$

$

2010 
 2,780 
 17,282 

16.1%

2010 
 2,780 
 602 
 222 
 (307)

 3,297 

 17,282 
 9,545 
 200 
 3,574 

 Average invested capital as adjusted (b) 

$

 31,340 

$

 30,595 

$

 30,601 

 Return on invested capital as adjusted (a/b) 

14.0%

12.4%

10.8%

ROIC is considered a non-GAAP financial measure by SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC Regulation 
S-K,  and  may  not  be  defined  and  calculated  by  other  companies  in  the  same  manner.  We  believe  this 
measure is important in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our long-term capital investments.  
In  addition,  we  currently  use  ROIC  as  a  performance  criteria  in  determining  certain  elements  of  equity 
compensation  for  our  executives.  ROIC  should  be  considered  in  addition  to,  rather  than  as  a  substitute 
32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for, other information provided in accordance with GAAP. The most comparable GAAP measure is Return 
on Average Common Shareholders’ Equity. The tables on the previous page provide reconciliations from 
return on average common shareholders’ equity to ROIC. Our 2012 ROIC improved 1.6 points compared 
to 2011, primarily as a result of higher earnings. 

Debt to Capital / Adjusted Debt to Capital 

 Millions, Except Percentages 
 Debt (a) 
 Equity 
 Capital (b) 

 Debt to capital (a/b) 

 Millions, Except Percentages 
 Debt 
 Net present value of operating leases 
 Unfunded pension and OPEB 
 Adjusted debt (a) 
 Equity 
 Adjusted capital (b) 

 Adjusted debt to capital (a/b) 

$

$

$

$

$

2012 
 8,997 
 19,877 
 28,874 

31.2%

2012 
 8,997 
 3,096 
 679 
 12,772 
 19,877 
 32,649 

39.1%

$

$

$

$

$

2011 
 8,906 
 18,578 
 27,484 

32.4%

2011 
 8,906 
 3,224 
 623 
 12,753 
 18,578 
 31,331 

40.7%

Adjusted debt to capital is a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G and Item 10 of SEC 
Regulation  S-K,  and  may  not  be  defined  and  calculated  by  other  companies  in  the  same  manner.  We 
believe this measure is important to management and investors in evaluating the total amount of leverage 
in  our  capital  structure,  including  off-balance  sheet  lease  obligations,  which  we  generally  incur  in 
connection with financing the acquisition of locomotives and freight cars and certain facilities.  Operating 
leases  were  discounted  using  6.0%  and  6.2%  at  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  respectively.  The 
discount  rate  reflects  our  effective  interest  rate.  We  monitor  the  ratio  of  adjusted  debt  to  capital  as  we 
manage our capital structure to balance cost-effective and efficient access to the capital markets with our 
overall  cost  of  capital.  Adjusted  debt  to  capital  should  be  considered  in  addition  to,  rather  than  as  a 
substitute  for,  debt  to  capital.  The  tables  above  provide  reconciliations  from  debt  to  capital  to  adjusted 
debt  to  capital.  Our  December  31,  2012  debt  to  capital  ratios  decreased  as  a  result  of  a  $1.3  billion 
increase in equity from December 31, 2011, driven by higher earnings. 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

As  of  December  31,  2012,  our  principal  sources  of  liquidity  included  cash,  cash  equivalents,  our 
receivables securitization facility, and our revolving credit facility, as well as the availability of commercial 
paper and other sources of financing through the capital markets. We had $1.8 billion of committed credit 
available under our credit facility, with no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2012. We did not 
make any borrowings under this facility during 2012. The value of the outstanding undivided interest held 
by  investors  under  the  $600  million  capacity  receivables  securitization  facility  was  $100  million  as  of 
December  31,  2012,  and  is  included  in  our  Consolidated  Statements  of  Financial  Position  as  debt  due 
after one year.  The receivables securitization facility obligates us to maintain an investment grade bond 
rating. If our bond rating were to deteriorate, it could have an adverse impact on our liquidity. Access to 
commercial  paper  as  well  as  other  capital  market  financings  is  dependent  on  market  conditions. 
Deterioration  of  our  operating  results  or  financial  condition  due  to  internal  or  external  factors  could 
negatively impact our ability to access capital markets as a source of liquidity. Access to liquidity through 
the capital markets is also dependent on our financial stability. We expect that we will continue to have 
access to liquidity through any or all of the following sources or activities: (i) increasing the utilization of 
our receivables securitization, (ii) issuing commercial paper, (iii) entering into bank loans, outside of our 
revolving credit facility, or (iv) issuing bonds or other debt securities to public or private investors based 
on  our  assessment  of  the  current  condition  of  the  credit  markets.  The  Company’s  $1.8  billion  revolving 
credit facility is intended to back Union Pacific’s ability to issue commercial paper and is an emergency 
back-up source of liquidity. The Company has no current intentions of borrowing under this facility. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had a working capital surplus. This reflects a strong cash position, 
which provides enhanced liquidity in an uncertain economic environment. In addition, we believe we have 
adequate access to capital markets to meet any foreseeable cash requirements, and we have sufficient 
financial capacity to satisfy our current liabilities. 

 Cash Flows 
 Millions 
 Cash provided by operating activities 
 Cash used in investing activities 
 Cash used in financing activities 

 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 

Operating Activities 

2012 
 6,161 
 (3,633)
 (2,682)

 (154)

$

$

2011 
 5,873 
 (3,119)
 (2,623)

 131 

$

$

2010 
 4,105 
 (2,488)
 (2,381)

 (764)

$

$

Higher  net  income  in  2012  increased  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  compared  to  2011,  partially 
offset by lower tax benefits from bonus depreciation (as explained below) and payments for past wages 
based on national labor negotiations settled earlier this year. 

Higher  net  income  and  lower  cash  income  tax  payments  in  2011  increased  cash  provided  by  operating 
activities  compared  to  2010.    The  Tax  Relief,  Unemployment  Insurance  Reauthorization,  and  Job 
Creation Act of 2010 provided for 100% bonus depreciation for qualified investments made during 2011, 
and  50%  bonus  depreciation  for  qualified  investments  made  during  2012.    As  a  result  of  the  Act,  the 
Company deferred a substantial portion of its 2011 income tax expense.  This deferral decreased 2011 
income tax payments, thereby contributing to the positive operating cash flow.  In future years, however, 
additional cash will be used to pay income taxes that were previously deferred. In addition, the adoption 
of a new accounting standard in January of 2010 changed the accounting treatment for our receivables 
securitization  facility  from  a  sale  of  undivided  interests  (recorded  as  an  operating  activity)  to  a  secured 
borrowing  (recorded  as  a  financing  activity),  which  decreased  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  by 
$400 million in 2010. 

Investing Activities 

Higher  capital  investments  in  2012  drove  the  increase  in  cash  used  in  investing  activities  compared  to 
2011.  Included  in  capital  investments  in  2012  was  $75  million  for  the  early  buyout  of  165  locomotives 
under long-term operating and capital leases during the first quarter of 2012, which we exercised due to 
favorable economic terms and market conditions.  

Higher capital investments partially offset by higher proceeds from asset sales in 2011 drove the increase 
in cash used in investing activities compared to 2010. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tables below detail cash capital investments and  track statistics for the years ended December 31, 
2012, 2011, and 2010: 

 Millions 
 Rail and other track material 
 Ties 
 Ballast 
 Other [a] 

 Total road infrastructure replacements 

 Line expansion and other capacity projects 
 Commercial facilities 

 Total capacity and commercial facilities 

 Locomotives and freight cars 
 Positive train control 
 Technology and other 

 Total cash capital investments 

$

2012 
 759 
 434 
 203 
 312 

 1,708 

 489 
 169 

 658 

 875 
 349 
 148 

$

2011 
 697 
 403 
 220 
 382 

 1,702 

 311 
 111 

 422 

 675 
 229 
 148 

$

2010 
 626 
 444 
 190 
 365 

 1,625 

 122 
 227 

 349 

 330 
 84 
 94 

$

 3,738 

$

 3,176 

$

 2,482 

[a]    Other includes bridges and tunnels, signals, other road assets, and road work equipment. 

 Track miles of rail replaced 
 Track miles of rail capacity expansion 
 New ties installed (thousands) 
 Miles of track surfaced 

2012 
 1,051 
 139 
 4,436 
 11,049 

2011 
 895 
 69 
 3,785 
 11,284 

2010 
 795 
 46 
 4,334 
 10,883 

Capital  Plan  –  In  2013,  we  expect  our  total  capital  investments  to  be  approximately  $3.6  billion,  which 
may be revised if business conditions warrant or if new laws or regulations affect our ability to generate 
sufficient  returns  on  these  investments.  We  expect  to  use  over  60%  of  our  2013  capital  investments  to 
replace  and  improve  existing  capital  assets.  Among  our  major  investment  categories  are  replacing  and 
improving track infrastructure; upgrading our locomotive and freight car fleet, including acquisition of 100 
locomotives and 900 freight cars, primarily large covered hoppers, gondolas, auto racks and refrigerated 
box  cars;  improving  technology,  including  investing  in  PTC;  and  other  capital  projects.    Additionally,  we 
will continue increasing our network and terminal capacity; for example, to balance terminal capacity with 
more mainline capacity from our track expansion in the Southern region, we are constructing a rail facility 
at Santa Teresa, New Mexico, that initially will include a run-through and fueling facility and an intermodal 
ramp. 

We  expect  to  fund  our  2013  cash  capital  investments  by  using  some  or  all  of  the  following:  cash 
generated  from  operations,  proceeds  from  the  sale  or  lease  of  various  operating  and  non-operating 
properties, proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, and cash on hand. Our annual capital plan is a 
critical  component  of  our  long-term  strategic  plan,  which  we  expect  will  enhance  the  long-term  value  of 
the  Corporation  for  our  shareholders  by  providing  sufficient  resources  to  (i)  replace  and  improve  our 
existing track infrastructure to provide safe and fluid operations, (ii) increase network efficiency by adding 
or  improving  facilities  and  track,  and  (iii)  make  investments  that  meet  customer  demand  and  take 
advantage of opportunities for long-term growth. 

Financing Activities 

Cash used in financing activities increased in 2012 versus 2011. Dividend payments increased by $309 
million, reflecting our higher dividend rate, and common stock repurchases increased by $56 million. Our 
debt levels did not materially change from last year after a decline in debt levels from 2010.  Therefore, 
less cash was used in 2012 for debt activity than in 2011.  

Cash  used  in  financing  activities  increased  in  2011  versus  2010.  Higher  dividend  payments  in  2011  of 
$837 million compared to $602 million in 2010, reflecting our increased dividend rate and the repurchase 
of $1.4 billion of our common stock, a $169 million increase from 2010 repurchases, drove the increase.  
We used less cash to reduce outstanding debt in 2011, which partially offset this increase. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit  Facilities  –  On  December  31,  2012,  we  had  $1.8  billion  of  credit  available  under  our  revolving 
credit facility (the facility), which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance 
of  commercial  paper.  We  did  not  draw  on  the  facility  during  2012.  Commitment  fees  and  interest  rates 
payable  under  the  facility  are  similar  to  fees  and  rates  available  to  comparably  rated,  investment-grade 
borrowers. The facility allows for borrowings at floating rates based on London Interbank Offered Rates, 
plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facility matures in 2015 under a 
four year term and requires the Corporation to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition 
to making a borrowing. At December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011 (and at all times during the year), 
we were in compliance with this covenant. 

The  definition  of  debt  used  for  purposes  of  calculating  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio  includes, 
among  other  things,  certain  credit  arrangements,  capital  leases,  guarantees  and  unfunded  and  vested 
pension  benefits  under  Title  IV  of  ERISA.  At  December  31,  2012,  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio 
allowed us to carry up to $39.8 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $9.6 billion of debt 
(as defined in the facility) outstanding at that date.  Under our current capital plans, we expect to continue 
to  satisfy  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio;  however,  many  factors  beyond  our  reasonable  control 
could affect our ability to comply with this provision in the future. The facility does not include any other 
financial  restrictions,  credit  rating  triggers  (other  than  rating-dependent  pricing),  or  any  other  provision 
that could require us to post collateral. The facility also includes a $75 million cross-default provision and 
a change-of-control provision. 

During 2012, we issued and repaid commercial paper of $50 million.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
we  had  no  commercial  paper  outstanding.  Our  revolving  credit  facility  supports  our  outstanding 
commercial  paper  balances,  and,  unless  we  change  the  terms  of  our  commercial  paper  program,  our 
aggregate  issuance  of  commercial  paper  will  not  exceed  the  amount  of  borrowings  available  under  the 
facility.  

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, we reclassified as long-term debt $100 million of debt due within one 
year  that  we  intend  to  refinance.  This  reclassification  reflected  our  ability  and  intent  to  refinance  any 
short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis.  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 

For each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, our ratio of earnings to fixed charges 
was  10.4,  8.4,  and  6.9,  respectively.  The  ratio  of  earnings  to  fixed  charges  was  computed  on  a 
consolidated  basis.  Earnings  represent  income  from  continuing  operations,  less  equity  earnings  net  of 
distributions,  plus  fixed  charges  and  income  taxes.  Fixed  charges  represent  interest  charges, 
amortization  of  debt  discount,  and  the  estimated  amount  representing  the  interest  portion  of  rental 
charges.  (See Exhibit 12 to this report for the calculation of the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.) 

Common Shareholders’ Equity 

Dividend Restrictions – Our revolving credit facility includes a debt-to-net worth covenant (discussed in 
the  Credit  Facilities  section  above)  that,  under  certain  circumstances,  restricts  the  payment  of  cash 
dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $15.1 billion 
and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share Repurchase Program  

Effective  April  1,  2011,  our  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  40  million  shares  of  our 
common  stock  by  March  31,  2014,  replacing  our  previous  repurchase  program.  As  of  December  31, 
2012,  we  repurchased  a  total  of  $7.1  billion  of  our  common  stock  since  the  commencement  of  our 
repurchase  programs.  The  table  below  represents  shares  repurchased  under  the  new  repurchase 
program,  except  for  the  first  quarter  of  2011  which  represent  shares  repurchased  under  the  previous 
program. 

 First quarter 
 Second quarter  
 Third quarter  
 Fourth quarter 

 Total  

Number of Shares Purchased 
2011 
 2,636,178 
 3,576,399 
 4,681,535 
 3,885,658 

2012 
 3,917,369 
 3,770,528 
 3,098,812 
 2,033,750 

2012  
$  110.64  
 110.02  
 122.13  
 121.81  

$ 

Average Price Paid 
2011 
 94.10 
 100.75 
 91.45 
 98.16 

 12,820,459 

 14,779,770 

$  115.01  

$ 

 95.94 

Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority 

15,035,949 

Management's assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume 
of all repurchases.  We expect to fund any share repurchases under this program through cash generated 
from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and 
cash on hand.  Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable 
commissions and fees. 

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our current shelf registration, 
we may issue, from time to time, any combination of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, or 
warrants for debt securities or preferred stock in one or more offerings. We have no immediate plans to 
issue  equity  securities;  however,  we  will  continue  to  explore  opportunities  to  replace  existing  debt  or 
access capital through issuances of debt securities under our shelf registration, and, therefore, we may 
issue additional debt securities at any time. 

During  2012,  we  issued  the  following  unsecured,  fixed-rate  debt  securities  under  our  current  shelf 
registration: 

 Date 
 June 11, 2012 

Description of Securities 
$300 million of 2.95% Notes due January 15, 2023 
$300 million of 4.30% Notes due June 15, 2042 

We used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of 
common  stock  pursuant  to  our  share  repurchase  program.  These  debt  securities  include  change-of-
control provisions. At December 31, 2012, we had remaining authority to issue up to $1.4 billion of debt 
securities under our shelf registration. 

On May 22, 2012, we borrowed $100 million under a 4-year-term loan (the loan). The loan has a floating 
rate  based  on  London  Interbank  Offered  Rates,  plus  a  spread,  and  is  prepayable  in  whole  or  in  part 
without  a  premium  prior  to  maturity.  The  agreement  documenting  the  loan  has  provisions  similar  to  our 
revolving  credit  facility,  including  identical  debt-to-net-worth  covenant  and  change  of  control  provisions 
and similar customary default provisions. The agreement does not include any other financial restrictions, 
credit rating triggers, or any other provision that would require us to post collateral. 

During  the  third  and  fourth  quarters  of  2012,  we  acquired  343  locomotives  by  exercising  early  buy-out 
rights in certain operating and capital lease agreements. Following the acquisition of the locomotives, we 
sold them to financing parties and entered into capital lease financing agreements with these parties. We 
did not recognize any gains or losses as a result of these transactions. Capital lease obligations totaling 
$286 million are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt at December 31, 
2012. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt  Exchange  –  On  June  23,  2011,  we  exchanged  $857  million  of  various  outstanding  notes  and 
debentures due between 2013 and 2019 (Existing Notes) for $750 million of 4.163% notes (New Notes) 
due July 15, 2022, plus cash consideration of approximately $267 million and $17 million for accrued and 
unpaid interest on the Existing Notes.  In accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 
470-50-40, Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments-Derecognition, this transaction was accounted for as 
a  debt  exchange,  as  the  exchanged  debt  instruments  are  not  considered  to  be  substantially  different.  
The cash consideration was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt, and the balance of 
the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of 
interest  expense  over  the  term  of  the  New  Notes.    No  gain  or  loss  was  recognized  as  a  result  of  the 
exchange.  Costs related to the debt exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders 
totaled  approximately  $6  million  and  were  included  in  interest  expense  during  the  three  months  ended 
June 30, 2011. 

The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged: 

 Millions 
 7.875% Notes due 2019 
 5.450% Notes due 2013 
 5.125% Notes due 2014 
 5.375% Notes due 2014 
 5.700% Notes due 2018 
 5.750% Notes due 2017 
 7.000% Debentures due 2016 
 5.650% Notes due 2017 

 Total 

$ 

Principal amount
exchanged
196 
 50 
 45 
 55 
 277 
 178 
 38 
 18 

$ 

 857 

Debt  Redemptions  –  On  November  30,  2012,  we  redeemed  all  $450  million  of  our  outstanding  5.45% 
notes due January 31, 2013.  The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $4 million. 

On  April  28,  2012,  we  redeemed  all  $100  million  of  our  outstanding  5.70%  Tooele  County,  Utah 
Hazardous  Waste  Treatment  Revenue  Bonds  due  November  1,  2026.    The  redemption  resulted  in  an 
early extinguishment charge of $2 million in the second quarter of 2012. 

On December 19, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $175 million of our 6.5% notes due April 15, 2012, 
and all $300 million of our outstanding 6.125% notes due January 15, 2012.  The redemptions resulted in 
an early extinguishment charge of $5 million.   

On  March  22,  2010,  we  redeemed  $175  million  of  our  6.5%  notes  due  April  15,  2012.  The  redemption 
resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $16 million in the first quarter of 2010.   

On  November  1,  2010,  we  redeemed  all  $400  million  of  our  outstanding  6.65%  notes  due  January  15, 
2011.  The redemption resulted in a $5 million early extinguishment charge. 

Receivables  Securitization  Facility  –  Under  the  receivables  securitization  facility,  the  Railroad  sells 
most  of  its  accounts  receivable  to  Union  Pacific  Receivables,  Inc.  (UPRI),  a  wholly-owned,  bankruptcy-
remote  subsidiary.  UPRI  may  subsequently  transfer,  without  recourse  on  a  364-day  revolving  basis,  an 
undivided  interest  in  eligible  accounts  receivable  to  investors.  The  total  capacity  to  transfer  undivided 
interests  to  investors  under  the  facility  was  $600  million  at  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  respectively. 
The  value  of  the  outstanding  undivided  interest  held  by  investors  under  the  facility  was  $100  million  at 
both December 31, 2012 and 2011. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported 
by $1.1 billion of accounts receivable at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.  At both December 31, 2012 
and 2011, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $1.1 billion. This retained interest is included in 
accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 

The  value  of  the  outstanding  undivided  interest  held  by  investors  could  fluctuate  based  upon  the 
availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, 
including  default  and  dilution.  If  default  or  dilution  ratios  increase  one  percent,  the  value  of  the 
outstanding undivided interest held by investors would not change as of December 31, 2012. Should our 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors 
would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.  

The Railroad collected approximately $20.1 billion and $18.8 billion of receivables during the years ended 
December  31,  2012  and  2011,  respectively.    UPRI  used  certain  of  these  proceeds  to  purchase  new 
receivables under the facility.  

The  costs  of  the  receivables  securitization  facility  include  interest,  which  will  vary  based  on  prevailing 
commercial  paper  rates,  program  fees  paid  to  banks,  commercial  paper  issuing  costs,  and  fees  for 
unused commitment availability.  The costs of the receivables securitization facility are included in interest 
expense and were $3 million, $4 million and $6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   

The  investors  have  no  recourse  to  the  Railroad’s  other  assets,  except  for  customary  warranty  and 
indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI. 

In  July  2012,  the  receivables  securitization  facility  was  renewed  for  an  additional  364-day  period  at 
comparable terms and conditions. 

Subsequent Event – On January 2, 2013, we transferred an additional $300 million in undivided interest 
to investors under the receivables securitization facility, increasing the value of the outstanding undivided 
interest held by investors from $100 million to $400 million. 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments 

As  described  in  the  notes  to  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  and  as  referenced  in  the  tables 
below,  we  have  contractual  obligations  and  commercial  commitments  that  may  affect  our  financial 
condition.  Based  on  our  assessment  of  the  underlying  provisions  and  circumstances  of  our  contractual 
obligations and commercial commitments, including material sources of off-balance sheet and structured 
finance  arrangements,  other  than  the  risks  that  we  and  other  similarly  situated  companies  face  with 
respect to the condition of the capital markets (as described in Item 1A of Part II of this report),  there is 
no known trend, demand, commitment, event, or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur that would 
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. In 
addition,  our  commercial  obligations,  financings,  and  commitments  are  customary  transactions  that  are 
similar to those of other comparable corporations, particularly within the transportation industry. 

The following tables identify material obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2012: 

Payments Due by December 31, 

 Contractual Obligations 
 Millions 
 Debt [a] 
 Operating leases [b] 
 Capital lease obligations [c] 
 Purchase obligations [d] 
 Other post retirement benefits [e] 
 Income tax contingencies [f] 

Total
$  12,637  $
 4,241 
 2,441 
 5,877 
 452 
 115 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 
 507  $  904  $  632  $  769  $  900  $  8,925  $
 525 
 282 
 3,004 
 43 
 - 

 466 
 265 
 1,238 
 44 
 - 

 2,126 
 1,166 
 684 
 229 
 - 

 410 
 253 
 372 
 45 
 - 

 339 
 243 
 213 
 46 
 - 

 375 
 232 
 334 
 45 
 - 

After  
2017  Other
 - 
 - 
 - 
 32 
 - 
 115 

 Total contractual obligations 

$  25,763  $  4,361  $  2,917  $  1,712  $  1,755  $  1,741  $ 13,130  $  147 

[a]  Excludes  capital  lease  obligations  of  $1,848  million  and  unamortized  discount  of  $(365)  million.  Includes  an  interest

component of $5,123 million. 
Includes leases for locomotives, freight cars, other equipment, and real estate.  

[b] 

[c]  Represents total obligations, including interest component of $593 million. 

[e] 

[d]  Purchase obligations include locomotive maintenance contracts; purchase commitments for fuel purchases, locomotives, ties,
ballast, and rail; and agreements to purchase other goods and services.  For amounts where we cannot reasonably estimate
the year of settlement, they are reflected in the Other column. 
Includes estimated other post retirement, medical, and life insurance payments, payments made under the unfunded pension
plan for the next ten years.  
Future  cash  flows  for  income  tax  contingencies  reflect  the  recorded  liabilities  and  assets  for  unrecognized  tax  benefits,
including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2012.  For amounts where the year of settlement is uncertain, they are
reflected in the Other column. 

[f] 

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period 

 Other Commercial Commitments 
 Millions 
 Credit facilities [a] 
 Receivables securitization facility [b] 
 Guarantees [c] 
 Standby letters of credit [d] 

Total
$  1,800  $
 600 
 307 
 25 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

 -  $

 600 
 8 
 24 

 -  $  1,800  $
 - 
 214 
 1 

 - 
 12 
 - 

 -  $
 - 
 30 
 - 

 -  $
 - 
 10 
 - 

After
2017 
 - 
 - 
 33 
 - 

 Total commercial commitments 

$  2,732  $

 632  $

 215  $  1,812  $

 30  $

 10  $

 33 

[a]   None of the credit facility was used as of December 31, 2012. 

[b]  

[c]  

$100 million of the receivables securitization facility was utilized at December 31, 2012, which is accounted for as debt. The 
full program matures in July 2013. 
Includes guaranteed obligations related to our headquarters building, equipment financings, and affiliated operations.  

[d]   None of the letters of credit were drawn upon as of December 31, 2012. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

Guarantees  –  At  December  31,  2012,  we  were  contingently  liable  for  $307  million  in  guarantees.  We 
have recorded a liability of $2 million for the fair value of these obligations as of December 31, 2012 and 
2011.  We  entered  into  these  contingent  guarantees  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  and  they  include 
guaranteed  obligations  related  to  our  headquarters  building,  equipment  financings,  and  affiliated 
operations.  The  final  guarantee  expires  in  2022.  We  are  not  aware  of  any  existing  event  of  default  that 
would require us to satisfy these guarantees. We do not expect that these guarantees will have a material 
adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. 

OTHER MATTERS 

Labor Agreements – Approximately 86% of our 45,928 full-time-equivalent employees are represented 
by  14  major  rail  unions.  During  the  year,  we  concluded  the  most  recent  round  of  negotiations,  which 
began in 2010, with the ratification of new agreements by several unions that continued negotiating into 
2012.  All  of  the  unions  executed  similar  multi-year  agreements  that  provide  for  higher  employee  cost 
sharing of employee health and welfare benefits and higher wages. The current agreements will remain in 
effect  until  renegotiated  under  provisions  of  the  Railway  Labor  Act.  The  next  round  of  negotiations  will 
begin in early 2015. 

Inflation  –  Long  periods  of  inflation  significantly  increase  asset  replacement  costs  for  capital-intensive 
companies. As a result, assuming that we replace all operating assets at current price levels, depreciation 
charges (on an inflation-adjusted basis) would be substantially greater than historically reported amounts.  

Derivative Financial Instruments – We may use derivative financial instruments in limited instances to 
assist in managing our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and fuel prices. We are not a party 
to  leveraged  derivatives  and,  by  policy,  do  not  use  derivative  financial  instruments  for  speculative 
purposes. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level 
of  effectiveness  between  the  hedging  instrument  and  the  item  being  hedged,  both  at  inception  and 
throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging 
instruments  and  hedged  items  at  inception,  as  well  as  our  risk-management  objectives,  strategies  for 
undertaking  the  various  hedge  transactions,  and  method  of  assessing  hedge  effectiveness.  Changes  in 
the  fair  market  value  of  derivative  financial  instruments  that  do  not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  are 
charged to earnings. We may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or forward contracts to mitigate the risk of 
adverse  movements  in  interest  rates  and  fuel  prices;  however,  the  use  of  these  derivative  financial 
instruments may limit future benefits from favorable price movements. 

Market and Credit Risk – We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting 
instruments  with  value  fluctuations  that  highly  correlate  with  the  underlying  hedged  item.  We  manage 
credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, by requiring high credit standards 
for  counterparties  and  periodic  settlements.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  were  not  required  to 
provide collateral, nor had we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Determination  of  Fair  Value  –  We  determine  the  fair  values  of  our  derivative  financial  instrument 
positions  based  upon  current  fair  values  as  quoted  by  recognized  dealers  or  the  present  value  of 
expected future cash flows. 

Sensitivity Analyses – The sensitivity analyses that follow illustrate the economic effect that hypothetical 
changes  in  interest  rates  could  have  on  our  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition.  These 
hypothetical changes do not consider other factors that could impact actual results.  

At  December  31,  2012,  we  had  variable-rate  debt  representing  approximately  3.4%  of  our  total  debt.  If 
variable interest rates average one percentage point higher in 2013 than our December 31, 2012 variable 
rate,  which  was  approximately  1.1%,  our  interest  expense  would  increase  by  approximately  $3  million. 
This amount was determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rate on the balances 
of our variable-rate debt at December 31, 2012.  

Market  risk  for  fixed-rate  debt  is  estimated  as  the  potential  increase  in  fair  value  resulting  from  a 
hypothetical one percentage point decrease in interest rates as of December 31, 2012, and amounts to 
an increase of approximately $1 billion to the fair value of our debt at December 31, 2012. We estimated 
the fair values of our fixed-rate debt by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on quoted 
market prices and current borrowing rates. 

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

Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in 
the  debt’s  fair  value  attributable  to  the  changes  in  interest  rates.  We  account  for  swaps  as  fair  value 
hedges  using  the  short-cut  method  as  allowed  by  the  Derivatives  and  Hedging  Topic  of  the  Financial 
Accounting  Standards  Board  (FASB)  ASC;  therefore,  we  do  not  record  any  ineffectiveness  within  our 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  As  of  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  had  no  interest  rate  fair 
value hedges outstanding. 

Interest  Rate  Cash  Flow  Hedges  –  We  report  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  cash  flow  hedges  in 
accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item affects earnings. At December 31, 2012 and 
2011,  we  had  reductions  of  $1  million  and  $2  million,  respectively,  recorded  as  an  accumulated  other 
comprehensive  loss  that  is  being  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  through  September  30,  2014.  As  of 
December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.  

Accounting  Pronouncements  –  On  January  1,  2012,  we  adopted  2011-05,  Comprehensive  Income 
(Topic  220):  Presentation  of  Comprehensive  Income  (ASU  2011-05)  which  requires  presentation  of  the 
components  of  net  income  and  other  comprehensive  income  either  as  one  continuous  statement  or  as 
two  consecutive  statements  and  eliminates  the  option  to  present  components  of  other  comprehensive 
income as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The standard does not change the 
items that must be reported in other comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they 
must be reclassified to net income. Also, in December of 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards 
Update  No.  2011-12,  Deferral  of  the  Effective  Date  for  Amendments  to  the  Presentation  of 
Reclassification  of  Items  Out  of  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Income  in  Accounting  Standards 
Update  No.  2011-05  (ASU  2011-12).  On  February  5,  2013,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards 
Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, 
which  adds  additional  disclosure  requirements  for  items  reclassified  out  of  accumulated  other 
comprehensive income. This ASU will be effective for the first interim reporting period in 2013. 

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

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
consolidated  results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  or  liquidity  after  taking  into  account  liabilities  and 
insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters. 

Indemnities  –  Our  maximum  potential  exposure  under  indemnification  arrangements,  including  certain 
tax indemnifications, can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, depending on the 
nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or 
how  they  will  be  resolved,  we  cannot  reasonably  determine  the  probability  of  an  adverse  claim  or 
reasonably  estimate  any  adverse  liability  or  the  total  maximum  exposure  under  these  indemnification 
arrangements.  We  do  not  have  any  reason  to  believe  that  we  will  be  required  to  make  any  material 
payments under these indemnity provisions.  

Climate  Change  –  Although  climate  change  could  have  an  adverse  impact  on  our  operations  and 
financial  performance  in  the  future  (see  Risk  Factors  under  Item  1A  of  this  report),  we  are  currently 
unable to predict the manner or severity of such impact. However, we continue to take steps and explore 
opportunities  to  reduce  the  impact  of  our  operations  on  the  environment,  including  investments  in  new 
technologies,  using  training  programs  to  reduce  fuel  consumption,  and  changing  our  operations  to 
increase fuel efficiency. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation 
of  these  financial  statements  requires  estimation  and  judgment  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of 
revenues,  expenses,  assets,  and  liabilities.  We  base  our  estimates  on  historical  experience  and  on 
various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which 
form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily 
apparent  from  other  sources.  The  following  critical  accounting  policies  are  a  subset  of  our  significant 
accounting  policies  described  in  Note  2  to  the  Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data,  Item  8. 
These critical accounting policies affect significant areas of our financial statements and involve judgment 
and  estimates.  If  these  estimates  differ  significantly from actual results, the  impact  on  our  Consolidated 
Financial Statements may be material. 

Personal  Injury  –  The  cost  of  personal  injuries  to  employees  and  others  related  to  our  activities  is 
charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use 
an  actuarial  analysis  to  measure  the  expense  and  liability,  including  unasserted  claims.  The  Federal 
Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. Under FELA, damages 
are  assessed  based  on  a  finding  of  fault  through  litigation  or  out-of-court  settlements.  We  offer  a 
comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work.  

Our personal injury liability is not discounted to present value. Approximately 90% of the recorded liability 
is  related  to  asserted  claims,  and  approximately  10%  is  related  to  unasserted  claims  at  December  31, 
2012.  Because  of  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the  ultimate  outcome  of  personal  injury  claims,  it  is 
reasonably possible that future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $334 million to 
$368 million. We record an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is 
more probable than any other.  Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.  

Our personal injury liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Current year accruals 
 Changes in estimates for prior years 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

2012 
 368 
 121 
 (58)
 (97)

 334 

 95 

$

$

$

2011 
426 
 118 
 (71)
 (105)

 368 

 103 

$

$

$

2010 
545 
 155 
 (101)
 (173)

 426 

 140 

$

$

$

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our personal injury claims activity was as follows: 

 Open claims, beginning balance  
 New claims 
 Settled or dismissed claims 

 Open claims, ending balance at December 31  

2012 
 2,869 
 2,719 
 (2,796)

2011 
 3,151 
 2,781 
 (3,063)

2010 
 3,500 
 2,843 
 (3,192)

 2,792 

 2,869 

 3,151 

Asbestos  –  We  are  a  defendant  in  a  number  of  lawsuits  in  which  current  and  former  employees  and 
other parties allege exposure to asbestos. We assess our potential liability using a statistical analysis of 
resolution  costs  for  asbestos-related  claims.    This  liability  is  updated  annually  and  excludes  future 
defense and processing costs. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based 
on the following assumptions:  

  The ratio of future claims by alleged disease would be consistent with historical averages 

adjusted for inflation. 

  The number of claims filed against us will decline each year.  
  The average settlement values for asserted and unasserted claims will be equivalent to historical 

averages.  

  The percentage of claims dismissed in the future will be equivalent to historical averages.  

Our  liability  for  asbestos-related  claims  is  not  discounted  to  present  value  due  to  the  uncertainty 
surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 22% of the recorded liability related to asserted 
claims  and  approximately  78%  related  to  unasserted  claims  at  December  31,  2012.    Because  of  the 
uncertainty  surrounding  the  ultimate  outcome  of  asbestos-related  claims,  it  is  reasonably  possible  that 
future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $139 million to $149 million.  We record 
an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is more probable than any 
other. 

Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Credits 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

Our asbestos-related claims activity was as follows: 

 Open claims, beginning balance  
 New claims  
 Settled or dismissed claims  

 Open claims, ending balance at December 31  

2012 
 147 
 (2)
 (6)

 139 

 8 

$

$

$

2011 
 162 
 (5)
 (10)

 147 

 8 

$

$

$

2010 
 174 
 (1)
 (11)

 162 

 12 

$

$

$

2012 
 1,291 
 233 
 (266)

 1,258 

2011 
 1,437 
 235 
 (381)

 1,291 

2010 
 1,670 
 216 
 (449)

 1,437 

In  conjunction  with  the  liability  update  performed  in  2012,  we  also  reassessed  estimated  insurance 
recoveries. We have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at December 31, 2012 and 
2011.  The amounts recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and related insurance recoveries were based 
on  currently  known  facts.  However,  future  events,  such  as  the  number  of  new  claims  filed  each  year, 
average  settlement  costs,  and  insurance  coverage  issues,  could  cause  the  actual  costs  and  insurance 
recoveries  to  be  higher  or  lower  than  the  projected  amounts.  Estimates  also  may  vary  in  the  future  if 
strategies,  activities,  and  outcomes  of  asbestos  litigation  materially  change;  federal  and  state  laws 
governing  asbestos  litigation  increase  or  decrease  the  probability  or  amount  of  compensation  of 
claimants;  and  there  are  material  changes  with  respect  to  payments  made  to  claimants  by  other 
defendants.  

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. 
We  have  identified  284  sites  at  which  we  are  or  may  be  liable  for  remediation  costs  associated  with 
alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 32 sites that are the 
subject  of  actions  taken  by  the  U.S.  government,  17  of  which  are  currently  on  the  Superfund  National 
Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified 
sites;  consequently,  our  ultimate  environmental  liability  may  include  costs  relating  to  activities  of  other 
parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.  

When  we  identify  an  environmental  issue  with  respect  to  property  owned,  leased,  or  otherwise  used  in 
our  business,  we  perform,  with  assistance  of  our  consultants,  environmental  assessments  on  the 
property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where 
our  obligation  is  probable  and  such  costs  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  We  do  not  discount  our 
environmental  liabilities  when  the  timing  of  the  anticipated  cash  payments  is  not  fixed  or  readily 
determinable. At December 31, 2012, none of our environmental liability was discounted, while less than 
1% of our environmental liability was discounted at 2.0% at December 31, 2011.   

Our environmental liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Accruals 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

  [a] Payments include $25 million to resolve the Omaha Lead Site liability. 

Our environmental site activity was as follows: 

 Open sites, beginning balance  
 New sites  
 Closed sites  

 Open sites, ending balance at December 31  

2012 
 172 
 48 
 (50)

 170 

 50 

$

$

$

2011 [a]
 213 
$
 29 
 (70)

$

$

 172 

 50 

2010 
 217 
 57 
 (61)

 213 

 74 

$

$

$

2012 
 285 
 56 
 (57)

 284 

2011 
 294 
 51 
 (60)

 285 

2010 
 307 
 44 
 (57)

 294 

The  environmental  liability  includes  future  costs  for  remediation  and  restoration  of  sites,  as  well  as 
ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are 
based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and 
existing  technology,  laws,  and  regulations.  The  ultimate  liability  for  remediation  is  difficult  to  determine 
because  of  the  number  of  potentially  responsible  parties,  site-specific  cost  sharing  arrangements  with 
other  potentially  responsible  parties,  the  degree  of  contamination  by  various  wastes,  the  scarcity  and 
quality  of  volumetric  data  related  to  many  of  the  sites,  and  the  speculative  nature  of  remediation  costs. 
Estimates  of  liability  may  vary  over  time  due  to  changes  in  federal,  state,  and  local  laws  governing 
environmental remediation. Current obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our 
consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.  

Property and Depreciation – Our railroad operations are highly capital intensive, and our large base of 
homogeneous,  network-type  assets  turns  over  on  a  continuous  basis.    Each  year  we  develop  a  capital 
program for the replacement of assets and for the acquisition or construction of assets that enable us to 
enhance our operations or provide new service offerings to customers.  Assets purchased or constructed 
throughout the year are capitalized if they meet applicable minimum units of property criteria.  Properties 
and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  and  are  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their  estimated 
service lives, which are measured in years, except for rail in high-density traffic corridors (i.e., all rail lines 
except for those subject to abandonment, yard and switching tracks, and electronic yards) for which lives 
are  measured  in  millions  of  gross  tons  per  mile  of  track.    We  use  the  group  method  of  depreciation  in 
which all items with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes, 
and are depreciated using composite depreciation rates.  The group method of depreciation treats each 
asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We currently have more than 60 depreciable 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
asset  classes,  and  we  may  increase  or  decrease  the  number  of  asset  classes  due  to  changes  in 
technology, asset strategies, or other factors. 

We  determine  the  estimated  service  lives  of  depreciable  railroad  property  by  means  of  depreciation 
studies.  We perform depreciation studies at least every three years for equipment and every six years for 
track assets (i.e., rail and other track material, ties, and ballast) and other road property.  Our depreciation 
studies take into account the following factors: 

  Statistical analysis of historical patterns of use and retirements of each of our asset classes; 
  Evaluation  of  any  expected  changes  in  current  operations  and  the  outlook  for  continued  use  of 

the assets; 

  Evaluation of technological advances and changes to maintenance practices; and 
  Expected salvage to be received upon retirement. 

For rail in high-density traffic corridors, we measure estimated service lives in millions of gross tons per 
mile of track.  It has been our experience that the lives of rail in high-density traffic corridors are closely 
correlated to usage (i.e., the amount of weight carried over the rail).  The service lives also vary based on 
rail  weight,  rail  condition  (e.g.,  new  or  secondhand),  and  rail  type  (e.g.,  straight  or  curve).    Our 
depreciation studies for rail in high density traffic corridors consider each of these factors in determining 
the  estimated  service  lives.    For  rail  in  high-density  traffic  corridors,  we  calculate  depreciation  rates 
annually  by  dividing  the  number  of  gross  ton-miles  carried  over  the  rail  (i.e.,  the  weight  of  loaded  and 
empty  freight  cars,  locomotives  and  maintenance  of  way  equipment  transported  over  the  rail)  by  the 
estimated service lives of the rail measured in millions of gross tons per mile.  Rail in high-density traffic 
corridors  accounts  for  approximately  70  percent  of  the  historical  cost  of  rail  and  other  track  material.  
Based on the number of gross ton-miles carried over our rail in high density traffic corridors during 2012, 
the estimated service lives of the majority of this rail ranged from approximately 15 years to approximately 
30 years.  For all other depreciable assets, we compute depreciation based on the estimated service lives 
of  our  assets  as  determined  from  the  analysis  of  our  depreciation  studies.    Changes  in  the  estimated 
service lives of our assets and their related depreciation rates are implemented prospectively. 

Estimated  service  lives  of  depreciable  railroad  property  may  vary  over  time  due  to  changes  in  physical 
use, technology, asset strategies, and other factors that will have an impact on the retirement profiles of 
our assets.  We are not aware of any specific factors that are reasonably likely to significantly change the 
estimated service lives of our assets.  Actual use and retirement of our assets may vary from our current 
estimates, which would impact the amount of depreciation expense recognized in future periods. 

Changes  in  estimated  useful  lives  of  our  assets  due  to  the  results  of  our  depreciation  studies  could 
significantly impact future periods’ depreciation expense and have a material impact on our Consolidated 
Financial Statements.  If the estimated useful lives of all depreciable assets were increased by one year, 
annual depreciation expense would decrease by approximately $58 million.  If the estimated useful lives 
of  all  depreciable  assets  were  decreased  by  one  year,  annual  depreciation  expense  would  increase  by 
approximately $62 million.  Our recent depreciation studies have resulted in changes in depreciation rates 
for some asset classes. Based on these changes, depreciation expense will increase approximately 3% 
to 4% in 2013 versus 2012. 

Under  group  depreciation,  the  historical  cost  (net  of  salvage)  of  depreciable  property  that  is  retired  or 
replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is 
recognized.  The historical cost of certain track assets is estimated using (i) inflation indices published by 
the  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics  and  (ii)  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets  as  determined  by  our 
depreciation  studies.    The  indices  were  selected  because  they  closely  correlate  with  the  major  costs  of 
the  properties  comprising  the  applicable  track  asset  classes.    Because  of  the  number  of  estimates 
inherent in the depreciation and retirement processes and because it is impossible to precisely estimate 
each  of  these  variables  until  a  group  of  property  is  completely  retired,  we  continually  monitor  the 
estimated service lives of our assets and the accumulated depreciation associated with each asset class 
to  ensure  our  depreciation  rates  are  appropriate.    In  addition,  we  determine  if  the  recorded  amount  of 
accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by our depreciation studies.  
Any  deficiency  (or  excess)  is  amortized  as  a  component  of  depreciation  expense  over  the  remaining 
service lives of the applicable classes of assets.   

For  retirements  of  depreciable  railroad  properties  that  do  not  occur  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  a 
gain  or  loss  may  be  recognized  if  the  retirement  meets  each  of  the  following  three  conditions:  (i)  is 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
unusual, (ii) is material in amount, and (iii) varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through 
our depreciation studies.  During the last three fiscal years, no gains or losses were recognized due to the 
retirement of depreciable railroad properties.  A gain or loss is recognized in other income when we sell 
land or dispose of assets that are not part of our railroad operations.   

Income Taxes – We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current 
year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have 
been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are 
measured  based  on  current  tax  law;  the  effects  of  future  tax  legislation  are  not  anticipated.    Future  tax 
legislation,  such  as  a  change  in  the  corporate  tax  rate,  could  have  a  material  impact  on  our  financial 
condition, results of operations, or liquidity.  For example, a 1% increase in future income tax rates would 
increase our deferred tax liability by approximately $340 million. 

When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to reflect that these tax 
assets  may  not  be  realized.  In  determining  whether  a  valuation  allowance  is  appropriate,  we  consider 
whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, 
based  on  management’s  judgments  using  available  evidence  for  purposes  of  estimating  whether  future 
taxable income will be sufficient to realize a deferred tax asset. In 2012 and 2011, there were no valuation 
allowances. 

We  recognize  tax  benefits  that  are  more  likely  than  not  to  be  sustained  upon  examination  by  tax 
authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 
percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for “unrecognized tax benefits” is recorded for any 
tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards.  

Pension  and  Other  Postretirement  Benefits  –  We  use  an  actuarial  analysis  to  measure  the  liabilities 
and  expenses  associated  with  providing  pension  and  medical  and  life  insurance  benefits  (OPEB)  to 
eligible employees. In order to use actuarial methods to value the liabilities and expenses, we must make 
several  assumptions.  The  critical  assumptions  used  to  measure  pension  obligations  and  expenses  are 
the discount rate and expected rate of return on pension assets. For OPEB, the critical assumptions are 
the discount rate and health care cost trend rate.  

We  evaluate  our  critical  assumptions  at  least  annually,  and  selected  assumptions  are  based  on  the 
following factors:  

  Discount  rate  is  based  on  a  Mercer  yield  curve  of  high  quality  corporate  bonds  (rated  AA  by  a 
recognized  rating  agency)  for  which  the  timing  and  amount  of  cash  flows  matches  our  plans’ 
expected benefit payments.  

  Expected  return  on  plan  assets  is  based  on  our  asset  allocation  mix  and  our  historical  return, 

taking into consideration current and expected market conditions.  

  Health  care  cost  trend  rate  is  based  on  our  historical  rates  of  inflation  and  expected  market 

conditions.  

The  following  tables  present  the  key  assumptions  used  to  measure  net  periodic  pension  and  OPEB 
cost/(benefit)  for  2012  and  the  estimated  impact  on  2012  net  periodic  pension  and  OPEB  cost/(benefit) 
relative to a change in those assumptions:  

 Assumptions 
 Discount rate  
 Expected return on plan assets  
 Compensation increase  
 Health care cost trend rate: 
      Pre-65 current  
      Pre-65 level in 2028 

 Sensitivities 
 Millions 

 0.25% decrease in discount rate  
 0.25% increase in compensation scale  
 0.25% decrease in expected return on plan assets  
 1% increase in health care cost trend rate  

46 

Pension
4.54%
7.50%
3.69%

N/A
N/A

OPEB
4.36%
N/A
N/A

6.91%
4.50%

Increase in Expense
OPEB

Pension

$
$
$

 7 
 5  
 6  
N/A

$

$

 - 
N/A
N/A
 2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  presents  the  net  periodic  pension  and  OPEB  cost/(benefit)  for  the  years  ended 
December 31: 

 Millions 

 Net periodic pension cost 
 Net periodic OPEB cost/(benefit) 

Est. 
2013  

2012  

2011  

$  111 
 15  

$

 89 
 13  

$

 78 
 (6) 

$

2010 

 51 
 (14)

Our  net  periodic  pension  cost  is  expected  to  increase  to  approximately  $111  million  in  2013  from  $89 
million  in  2012.    The  increase  is  driven  mainly  by  a  decrease  in  the  discount  rate  to  3.78%,  Our  net 
periodic OPEB expense is expected to increase to approximately $15 million in 2013 from $13 million in 
2012.  The increase in our net periodic OPEB cost is primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rate to 
3.48%. 

CAUTIONARY INFORMATION 

Certain statements in this report, and statements in other reports or information filed or to be filed with the 
SEC (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made 
by  us),  are,  or  will  be,  forward-looking  statements  as  defined  by  the  Securities  Act  of  1933  and  the 
Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934.  These  forward-looking  statements  and  information  include,  without 
limitation,  (A)  statements  in  the  CEO’s  letter  preceding  Part  I;  statements  regarding  planned  capital 
expenditures  under  the  caption  “2013  Capital  Expenditures”  in  Item  2  of  Part  I;  statements  regarding 
dividends  in  Item  5;  and  statements  and  information  set  forth  under  the  captions  “2013  Outlook”  and 
“Liquidity and Capital Resources” in this Item 7, and (B) any other statements or information in this report 
(including  information  incorporated  herein  by  reference)  regarding:  expectations  as  to  financial 
performance,  revenue  growth  and  cost  savings;    the  time  by  which  goals,  targets,  or  objectives  will  be 
achieved;  projections, predictions, expectations, estimates, or forecasts as to our business, financial and 
operational results, future economic performance, and general economic conditions;  expectations as to 
operational or service performance or improvements;  expectations as to the effectiveness of steps taken 
or  to  be  taken  to  improve  operations  and/or  service,  including  capital  expenditures  for  infrastructure 
improvements and equipment acquisitions, any strategic business acquisitions, and modifications to our 
transportation  plans  (including  statements  set  forth  in  Item  2  as  to  expectations  related  to  our  planned 
capital expenditures);  expectations as to existing or proposed new products and services; expectations 
as  to  the  impact  of  any  new  regulatory  activities  or  legislation  on  our  operations  or  financial  results;  
estimates  of  costs  relating  to  environmental  remediation  and  restoration;  estimates  and  expectations 
regarding tax matters; expectations that claims, litigation, environmental costs, commitments, contingent 
liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements, or other matters will not have a material adverse effect on our 
consolidated  results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  or  liquidity  and  any  other  similar  expressions 
concerning  matters  that  are  not  historical  facts.    Forward-looking  statements  may  be  identified  by  their 
use  of  forward-looking  terminology,  such  as  “believes,”  “expects,”  “may,”  “should,”  “would,”  “will,” 
“intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “projects” and similar words, phrases or expressions.  

Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will 
not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance or results will be 
achieved.  Forward-looking  statements  and  information  are  subject  to  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could 
cause  actual  performance  or  results  to  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  in  the  statements  and 
information.    Forward-looking  statements  and  information  reflect  the  good  faith  consideration  by 
management of currently available information, and may be based on underlying assumptions believed to 
be  reasonable  under  the  circumstances.  However,  such  information  and  assumptions  (and,  therefore, 
such  forward-looking  statements  and  information)  are  or  may  be  subject  to  variables  or  unknown  or 
unforeseeable events or circumstances over which management has little or no influence or control.  The 
Risk Factors in Item 1A of this report could affect our future results and could cause those results or other 
outcomes  to  differ  materially  from  those  expressed  or  implied  in  any  forward-looking  statements  or 
information.  To  the  extent  circumstances  require  or  we  deem  it  otherwise  necessary,  we  will  update  or 
amend  these  risk  factors  in  a  Form  10-Q,  Form  8-K  or  subsequent  Form  10-K.    All  forward-looking 
statements are qualified by, and should be read in conjunction with, these Risk Factors. 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statement was made. We assume no obligation 
to  update  forward-looking  information  to  reflect  actual  results,  changes  in  assumptions  or  changes  in 
other  factors  affecting  forward-looking  information.  If  we  do  update  one  or  more  forward-looking 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
statements,  no  inference  should  be  drawn  that  we  will  make  additional  updates  with  respect  thereto  or 
with respect to other forward-looking statements. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

Information concerning market risk sensitive instruments is set forth under Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Other Matters, Item 7.  

**************************************** 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements          

Page  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..............................................................    50 

Consolidated Statements of Income 
  For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 ........................................................    51 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 ........................................................    51 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 
  At December 31, 2012 and 2011 .................................................................................................    52 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
  For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 ........................................................    53 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity 
  For the Years Ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 ........................................................    54 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements ..............................................................................    55 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Union Pacific Corporation: 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  of  Union  Pacific 
Corporation  and  Subsidiary  Companies  (the  Corporation)  as  of  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  and  the 
related  consolidated  statements  of  income,  comprehensive  income,  changes  in  common  shareholders’ 
equity,  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended  December  31,  2012.  Our  audits 
also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Table of Contents at Part IV, Item 15. These 
financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule  are  the  responsibility  of  the  Corporation’s 
management.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
financial statement schedule based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement.  An  audit  includes 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 
An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our 
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and 
the  results  of  their  operations  and  their  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  three  years  in  the  period  ended 
December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic 
consolidated  financial  statements  taken  as  a  whole,  presents  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
information set forth therein. 

We  have  also  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight 
Board (United States), the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, 
based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  and  our  report  dated  February  8,  2013 
expressed an unqualified opinion on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Omaha, Nebraska 
February 8, 2013 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions, Except Per Share Amounts,  
 for the Years Ended December 31, 
 Operating revenues: 
      Freight revenues 
      Other revenues 

 Total operating revenues 

 Operating expenses: 
      Compensation and benefits 
      Fuel 
      Purchased services and materials 
      Depreciation 
      Equipment and other rents 
      Other  

 Total operating expenses 

 Operating income 
 Other income (Note 6) 
 Interest expense 
 Income before income taxes 
 Income taxes (Note 7) 

 Net income 

 Share and Per Share (Note 8): 
      Earnings per share - basic 
      Earnings per share - diluted 
      Weighted average number of shares - basic 
      Weighted average number of shares - diluted 

 Dividends declared per share 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

 19,686  $  18,508  $  16,069 
 896 
 1,049 

 1,240 

 20,926 

 19,557 

 16,965 

 4,685 
 3,608 
 2,143 
 1,760 
 1,197 
 788 

 4,681 
 3,581 
 2,005 
 1,617 
 1,167 
 782 

 4,314 
 2,486 
 1,836 
 1,487 
 1,142 
 719 

 14,181 

 13,833 

 11,984 

 6,745 
 108 
 (535)
 6,318 
 (2,375)

 5,724 
 112 
 (572)
 5,264 
 (1,972)

 4,981 
 54 
 (602)
 4,433 
 (1,653)

 3,943  $

 3,292  $

 2,780 

 8.33  $
 8.27  $

 6.78  $
 6.72  $

 473.1 
 476.5 

 485.7 
 489.8 

 5.58 
 5.53 
 498.2 
 502.9 

 2.49  $

 1.93  $

 1.31 

$

$
$

$

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions,   
 for the Years Ended December 31, 

 Net income  

 Other comprehensive income/(loss): 
      Defined benefit plans  
      Foreign currency translation  
      Derivatives 

 Total other comprehensive loss [a]  

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

 3,943  $

 3,292  $

 2,780 

 (145)
 12 
 1 

 (132)

 (301)
 (20)
 1 

 (320)

 (88)
 7 
 1 

 (80)

 Comprehensive income  

$

 3,811  $

 2,972  $

 2,700 

  [a] Net of deferred taxes of $82 million, $199 million, and $57 million during 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions, Except Share and Per Share Amounts 
 as of December 31, 
 Assets 
 Current assets: 
      Cash and cash equivalents 
      Accounts receivable, net (Note 10) 
      Materials and supplies  
      Current deferred income taxes (Note 7) 
      Other current assets  

 Total current assets 

 Investments 
 Net properties (Note 11) 
 Other assets 

 Total assets  

 Liabilities and Common Shareholders' Equity 
 Current liabilities: 
      Accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 12) 
      Debt due within one year (Note 14) 

 Total current liabilities 

 Debt due after one year (Note 14) 
 Deferred income taxes (Note 7) 
 Other long-term liabilities 
 Commitments and contingencies (Notes 16 and 17) 

 Total liabilities 

 Common shareholders' equity:  
      Common shares, $2.50 par value, 800,000,000 authorized;     
      554,558,034 and 554,270,763 issued; 469,465,273 and 479,929,530 
      outstanding, respectively 
      Paid-in-surplus 
      Retained earnings 
      Treasury stock 
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9) 

 Total common shareholders' equity 

2012 

2011 

$

 1,063  $
 1,331 
 660 
 263 
 297 

 3,614 

 1,259 
 41,997 
 283 

 1,217 
 1,401 
 614 
 306 
 189 

 3,727 

 1,175 
 39,934 
 260 

$

 47,153  $

 45,096 

$

 2,923  $
 196 

 3,119 

 8,801 
 13,108 
 2,248 

 3,108 
 209 

 3,317 

 8,697 
 12,368 
 2,136 

 27,276 

 26,518 

 1,386 
 4,113 
 22,271 
 (6,707)
 (1,186)

 19,877 

 1,386 
 4,031 
 19,508 
 (5,293)
 (1,054)

 18,578 

 Total liabilities and common shareholders' equity 

$

 47,153  $

 45,096 

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

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions, for the Years Ended December 31, 
 Operating Activities 
 Net income  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided 
 by operating activities: 
   Depreciation  
   Deferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits  
   Other operating activities, net  
   Changes in current assets and liabilities: 
      Accounts receivable, net  
      Materials and supplies  
      Other current assets 
      Accounts payable and other current liabilities 
 Cash provided by operating activities  
 Investing Activities 
 Capital investments  
 Acquisition of equipment pending financing  
 Proceeds from sale of assets financed  
 Proceeds from asset sales  
 Other investing activities, net  
 Cash used in investing activities  
 Financing Activities 
 Common share repurchases (Note 18) 
 Dividends paid  
 Debt repaid  
 Debt issued  
 Debt exchange 
 Other financing activities, net  
 Cash used in financing activities  
 Net change in cash and cash equivalents  
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  
 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 
 Supplemental Cash Flow Information 
   Non-cash investing and financing activities: 
      Cash dividends declared but not yet paid  
      Capital lease financings  
      Capital investments accrued but not yet paid 
   Cash paid during the year for: 
      Interest, net of amounts capitalized  
      Income taxes, net of refunds  

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

2012 

2011 

2010 

$  3,943 

$  3,292 

$  2,780 

 1,760 
 887 
 (160)

 70 
 (46)
 (108)
 (185)
 6,161 

 (3,738)
 (274)
 274 
 80 
 25 
 (3,633)

 1,617 
 986 
 (298)

 (217)
 (80)
 178 
 395 
 5,873 

 (3,176)
 (85)
 85 
 108 
 (51)
 (3,119)

 1,487 
 672 
 (483)

 (518)
 (59)
 (17)
 243 
 4,105 

 (2,482)
 - 
 - 
 67 
 (73)
 (2,488)

 (1,474)
 (1,146)
 (758)
 695 
 - 
 1 
 (2,682)
 (154)
 1,217 
$  1,063 

 (1,418)
 (837)
 (690)
 486 
 (272)
 108 
 (2,623)
 131 
 1,086 
$  1,217 

 (1,249)
 (602)
 (1,412)
 894 
 (98)
 86 
 (2,381)
 (764)
 1,850 
$  1,086 

$

 318 
 290  
 136 

$

 (561)
 (1,552)

$

$

$

$

 284 
 154  
 147 

 (572)
 (625)

 183 
 - 
 125 

 (614)
 (936)

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions 
 Balance at January 1, 2010 
 Net income  
 Other comp. loss 
 Conversion, stock option  
   exercises, forfeitures, and other  
 Share repurchases (Note 18)  
 Cash dividends declared 
   ($1.31 per share)  

 Balance at December 31, 2010  
 Net income  
 Other comp. loss 
 Conversion, stock option  
   exercises, forfeitures, and other  
 Share repurchases (Note 18)  
 Cash dividends declared 
   ($1.93 per share)  

 Balance at December 31, 2011  
 Net income  
 Other comp. loss 
 Conversion, stock option  
   exercises, forfeitures, and other  
 Share repurchases (Note 18)  
 Cash dividends declared  
   ($2.49 per share)  

Common
Shares
 553.5 

Treasury
Shares
 (48.5)

Common 
Shares
$ 1,384
  - 
  - 

Paid-in-
Surplus
$ 3,968   $ 15,027

Retained 
Earnings

  - 
  - 

   2,780 
  -  

Treasury 
Stock
$ (2,924)
 -  
 -  

 0.4 

 2.8 

   1 

   17 

  -  

 146 

 - 

 - 

 (16.6)

 - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  -  

 (1,249)

 (653) 

 -  

 553.9 

 (62.3)

$ 1,385
  - 
  - 

$ 3,985   $ 17,154

  - 
  - 

   3,292 
  -  

$ (4,027)
 -  
 -  

 0.4 

 2.7 

   1 

   46 

  -  

 152 

 - 

 - 

 (14.8)

 - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

  -  

 (1,418)

 (938) 

 -  

AOCI 
[a]

Total

$ (654)   $ 16,801

 -  
 (80)

 -  

 -  

 -  

 2,780 
 (80)

 164 

 (1,249)

 (653)

$ (734)   $ 17,763

 -  
 (320)

 -  

 -  

 -  

 3,292 
 (320)

 199 

 (1,418)

 (938)

 554.3 

 (74.4)

 0.3 

   2.1 

 - 

 - 

 (12.8)

 - 

$ 1,386
  - 
  - 

  - 

  - 

  - 

$ 4,031   $ 19,508

$ (5,293) $ (1,054)   $ 18,578

  - 
  - 

   3,943 
  -  

   82 

  -  

 -  
 -  

 60 

  - 

  - 

  -  

 (1,474)

 (1,180) 

 -  

 -  
 (132)

 -  

 -  

 -  

 3,943 
 (132)

 142 

 (1,474)

 (1,180)

 Balance at December 31, 2012  

 554.6 

 (85.1)

$ 1,386

$ 4,113   $ 22,271

$ (6,707) $ (1,186)   $ 19,877

[a] AOCI = Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Note 9)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements. 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

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

1. Nature of Operations 

Operations and Segmentation – We are a Class I railroad operating in the U.S. Our network includes 
31,868  route  miles,  linking  Pacific  Coast  and  Gulf  Coast  ports  with  the  Midwest  and  eastern  U.S. 
gateways and providing several corridors to key Mexican gateways. We own 26,020 miles and operate on 
the remainder pursuant to trackage rights or leases. We serve the western two-thirds of the country and 
maintain coordinated schedules with other rail carriers for the handling of freight to and from the Atlantic 
Coast, the Pacific Coast, the Southeast, the Southwest, Canada, and Mexico. Export and import traffic is 
moved through Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast ports and across the Mexican and Canadian borders. 

The  Railroad,  along  with  its  subsidiaries  and  rail  affiliates,  is  our  one  reportable  operating  segment. 
Although we provide and review revenue by commodity group, we analyze the net financial results of the 
Railroad  as  one  segment  due  to  the  integrated  nature  of  our  rail  network.  The  following  table  provides 
freight revenue by commodity group: 

 Millions 
 Agricultural  
 Automotive  
 Chemicals  
 Coal 
 Industrial Products  
 Intermodal  
 Total freight revenues  
 Other revenues  

 Total operating revenues  

2012 

 3,280  $
 1,807 
 3,238 
 3,912 
 3,494 
 3,955 

2011 

 3,324  $
 1,510 
 2,815 
 4,084 
 3,166 
 3,609 

 19,686  $

 18,508  $

 1,240 

 1,049 

2010 
 3,018 
 1,271 
 2,425 
 3,489 
 2,639 
 3,227 
 16,069 
 896 

 20,926  $

 19,557  $

 16,965 

$

$

$

Although our revenues are principally derived from customers domiciled in the U.S., the ultimate points of 
origination  or  destination  for  some  products  transported  by  us  are  outside  the  U.S.  Each  of  our 
commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Included in the above table are 
revenues from our Mexico business which amounted to $1.9 billion in 2012, $1.8 billion in 2011, and $1.6 
billion in 2010. 

Basis  of  Presentation  –  The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  are  presented  in  accordance  with 
accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  U.S.  (GAAP)  as  codified  in  the  Financial  Accounting 
Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).  

2. Significant Accounting Policies 

Principles  of  Consolidation  –  The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  the  accounts  of  Union 
Pacific  Corporation  and  all  of  its  subsidiaries.  Investments  in  affiliated  companies  (20%  to  50%  owned) 
are  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting.  All  intercompany  transactions  are  eliminated. 
We  currently  have  no  less  than  majority-owned  investments  that  require  consolidation  under  variable 
interest entity requirements.  

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents consist of investments with original maturities of three 
months or less.  

Accounts Receivable – Accounts receivable includes receivables reduced by an allowance for doubtful 
accounts.  The  allowance  is  based  upon  historical  losses,  credit  worthiness  of  customers,  and  current 
economic  conditions.    Receivables  not  expected  to  be  collected  in  one  year  and  the  associated 
allowances are classified as other assets in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.   

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investments – Investments represent our investments in affiliated companies (20% to 50% owned) that 
are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and investments in companies (less than 20% 
owned) accounted for under the cost method of accounting. 

Materials and Supplies – Materials and supplies are carried at the lower of average cost or market.  

Property  and  Depreciation  –  Properties  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  and  are  depreciated  on  a 
straight-line basis over their estimated service lives, which are measured in years, except for rail in high-
density  traffic  corridors  (i.e.,  all  rail  lines  except  for  those  subject  to  abandonment,  yard  and  switching 
tracks, and electronic yards), for which lives are measured in millions of gross tons per mile of track.  We 
use  the  group  method  of  depreciation  in  which  all  items  with  similar  characteristics,  use,  and  expected 
lives are grouped together in asset classes, and are depreciated using composite depreciation rates.  The 
group method of depreciation treats each asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We 
determine  the  estimated  service  lives  of  depreciable  railroad  assets  by  means  of  depreciation  studies.  
Under  the  group  method  of  depreciation,  no  gain  or  loss  is  recognized  when  depreciable  property  is 
retired or replaced in the ordinary course of business.   

Impairment  of  Long-lived  Assets  –  We  review  long-lived  assets,  including  identifiable  intangibles,  for 
impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may 
not be recoverable. If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows 
are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the carrying value is reduced to the estimated 
fair value as measured by the discounted cash flows.  

Revenue Recognition – We recognize freight revenues as freight moves from origin to destination. The 
allocation  of  revenue  between  reporting  periods  is  based  on  the  relative  transit  time  in  each  reporting 
period  with  expenses  recognized  as  incurred.  Other  revenues,  which  include  revenues  earned  by  our 
subsidiaries,  revenues  from  our  commuter  rail  operations,  and  accessorial  revenue,  are  recognized  as 
service is performed or contractual obligations are met. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided 
for  shipping  a  specified  cumulative  volume  or  shipping  to/from  specific  locations,  are  recorded  as  a 
reduction to operating revenues based on actual or projected future customer shipments.  

Translation of Foreign Currency – Our portion of the assets and liabilities related to foreign investments 
are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and 
expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Unrealized gains or 
losses are reflected within common shareholders’ equity as accumulated other comprehensive income or 
loss.  

Fair  Value  Measurements  –  We  use  a  fair  value  hierarchy  that  prioritizes  the  inputs  to  valuation 
techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.  The level in the fair value hierarchy within 
which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is 
significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  These levels include: 

Level 1:  Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 
Level 2:  Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. 
Level 3:  Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. 

We have applied fair value measurements to our pension plan assets and short- and long-term debt. 

Stock-Based  Compensation  –  We  have  several  stock-based  compensation  plans  under  which 
employees  and  non-employee  directors  receive  stock  options,  nonvested  retention  shares,  and 
nonvested  stock  units.  We  refer  to  the  nonvested  shares  and  stock  units  collectively  as  “retention 
awards”.  We  have  elected  to  issue  treasury  shares  to  cover  option  exercises  and  stock  unit  vestings, 
while new shares are issued when retention shares are granted. 

We measure and recognize compensation expense for all stock-based awards made to employees and 
directors,  including  stock  options.  Compensation  expense  is  based  on  the  calculated  fair  value  of  the 
awards  as  measured  at  the  grant  date  and  is  expensed  ratably  over  the  service  period  of  the  awards 
(generally the vesting period). The fair value of retention awards is the closing stock price on the date of 
grant, while the fair value of stock options is determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings  Per  Share  –  Basic  earnings  per  share  are  calculated  on  the  weighted-average  number  of 
common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share include shares issuable upon 
exercise of outstanding stock options and stock-based awards where the conversion of such instruments 
would be dilutive.  

Income Taxes – We account for income taxes by recording taxes payable or refundable for the current 
year and deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have 
been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. These expected future tax consequences are 
measured  based  on  current  tax  law;  the  effects  of  future  tax  legislation  are  not  anticipated.    Future  tax 
legislation,  such  as  a  change  in  the  corporate  tax  rate,  could  have  a  material  impact  on  our  financial 
condition, results of operations, or liquidity. 

When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to reflect that these tax 
assets  may  not  be  realized.  In  determining  whether  a  valuation  allowance  is  appropriate,  we  consider 
whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, 
based  on  management’s  judgments  using  available  evidence  for  purposes  of  estimating  whether  future 
taxable income will be sufficient to realize a deferred tax asset.   

We  recognize  tax  benefits  that  are  more  likely  than  not  to  be  sustained  upon  examination  by  tax 
authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 
percent likely to be realized upon settlement. A liability for “unrecognized tax benefits” is recorded for any 
tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards.  

Pension and Postretirement Benefits – We incur certain employment-related expenses associated with 
pensions  and  postretirement  health  benefits.  In  order  to  measure  the  expense  associated  with  these 
benefits,  we  must  make  various  assumptions  including  discount  rates  used  to  value  certain  liabilities, 
expected  return  on  plan  assets  used  to  fund  these  expenses,  compensation  increases,  employee 
turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, and expected future health care costs. The assumptions used 
by  us  are  based  on  our  historical  experience  as  well  as  current  facts  and  circumstances.  We  use  an 
actuarial analysis to measure the expense and liability associated with these benefits.  

Personal  Injury  –  The  cost  of  injuries  to  employees  and  others  on  our  property  is  charged  to  expense 
based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use an actuarial analysis 
to measure the expense and liability. Our personal injury liability is not discounted to present value. Legal 
fees and incidental costs are expensed as incurred.  

Asbestos  –  We  estimate  a  liability  for  asserted  and  unasserted  asbestos-related  claims  based  on  an 
assessment of the number and value of those claims. We use a statistical analysis to assist us in properly 
measuring our potential liability. Our liability for asbestos-related claims is not discounted to present value 
due  to  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the  timing  of  future  payments.  Legal  fees  and  incidental  costs  are 
expensed as incurred. 

Environmental – When environmental issues have been identified with respect to property currently or 
formerly  owned,  leased,  or  otherwise  used  in  the  conduct  of  our  business,  we  perform,  with  the 
assistance of our consultants, environmental assessments on such property. We expense the cost of the 
assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such 
costs  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  We  do  not  discount  our  environmental  liabilities  when  the  timing  of 
the  anticipated  cash  payments  is  not  fixed  or  readily  determinable.  Legal  fees  and  incidental  costs  are 
expensed as incurred. 

Use  of  Estimates  –  Our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  include  estimates  and  assumptions 
regarding  certain  assets,  liabilities,  revenue,  and  expenses  and  the  disclosure  of  certain  contingent 
assets and liabilities. Actual future results may differ from such estimates. 

3. Accounting Pronouncements  

On  January  1,  2012,  we  adopted  2011-05,  Comprehensive  Income  (Topic  220):  Presentation  of 
Comprehensive Income (ASU 2011-05) which requires presentation of the components of net income and 
other comprehensive income either as one continuous statement or as two consecutive statements and 
eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of 
changes in shareholders’ equity. The standard does not change the items that must be reported in other 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
comprehensive income, how such items are measured or when they must be reclassified to net income. 
Also, in December of 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, Deferral of the 
Effective  Date  for  Amendments  to  the  Presentation  of  Reclassifications  of  Items  Out  of  Accumulated 
Other  Comprehensive  Income  in  Accounting  Standards  Update  No.  2011-05  (ASU  2011-12).  On 
February  5,  2013,  the  FASB  issued  Accounting  Standards  Update  2013-02,  Reporting  of  Amounts 
Reclassified  Out  of  Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive  Income,  which  adds  additional  disclosure 
requirements  for  items  reclassified  out  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income.  This  ASU  will  be 
effective for the first interim reporting period in 2013. 

4. Stock Options and Other Stock Plans 

There  are  7,140  restricted  shares  outstanding  under  the  1992  Restricted  Stock  Plan  for  Non-Employee 
Directors of Union Pacific Corporation. We no longer grant awards of restricted shares under this plan. 

In  April  2000,  the  shareholders  approved  the  Union  Pacific  Corporation  2000  Directors  Plan  (Directors 
Plan) whereby 1,100,000 shares of our common stock were reserved for issuance to our non-employee 
directors.  Under  the  Directors  Plan,  each  non-employee  director,  upon  his  or  her  initial  election  to  the 
Board of Directors, receives a grant of 2,000 retention shares or retention stock units. Prior to December 
31, 2007, each non-employee director received annually an option to purchase at fair value a number of 
shares  of  our  common  stock,  not  to  exceed  10,000  shares  during  any  calendar  year,  determined  by 
dividing  60,000  by  1/3  of  the  fair  market  value  of  one  share  of  our  common  stock  on  the  date  of  such 
Board of Directors meeting, with the resulting quotient rounded up or down to the nearest 50 shares. In 
September 2007, the Board of Directors eliminated the annual payment of options for 2008 and all future 
years. As of December 31, 2012, 18,000 restricted shares and 120,700 options were outstanding under 
the Directors Plan. 

The Union Pacific Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (2001 Plan) was approved by the shareholders 
in  April  2001.  The  2001  Plan  reserved  24,000,000  shares  of  our  common  stock  for  issuance  to  eligible 
employees  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries  in  the  form  of  non-qualified  options,  incentive  stock 
options,  retention  shares,  stock  units,  and  incentive  bonus  awards.  Non-employee  directors  were  not 
eligible  for  awards  under  the  2001  Plan.  As  of  December  31,  2012,  130,858  options  were  outstanding 
under the 2001 Plan. We no longer grant any stock options or other stock or unit awards under this plan. 

The Union Pacific Corporation 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (2004 Plan) was approved by shareholders in 
April  2004.  The  2004  Plan  reserved  42,000,000  shares  of  our  common  stock  for  issuance,  plus  any 
shares  subject  to  awards  made  under  previous  plans  that  were  outstanding  on  April  16,  2004,  and 
became available for regrant pursuant to the terms of the 2004 Plan. Under the 2004 Plan, non-qualified 
options,  stock  appreciation  rights,  retention  shares,  stock  units,  and  incentive  bonus  awards  may  be 
granted  to  eligible  employees  of  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries.  Non-employee  directors  are  not 
eligible  for  awards  under  the  2004  Plan.  As  of  December  31,  2012,  4,037,038  options  and  3,430,463 
retention shares and stock units were outstanding under the 2004 Plan. 

Pursuant to the above plans 32,168,520; 32,374,343; and 32,904,291 shares of our common stock were 
authorized and available for grant at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. 

Stock-Based  Compensation  –  We  have  several  stock-based  compensation  plans  under  which 
employees  and  non-employee  directors  receive  stock  options,  nonvested  retention  shares,  and 
nonvested  stock  units.  We  refer  to  the  nonvested  shares  and  stock  units  collectively  as  “retention 
awards”.  We  have  elected  to  issue  treasury  shares  to  cover  option  exercises  and  stock  unit  vestings, 
while  new  shares  are  issued  when  retention  shares  are  granted.  Information  regarding  stock-based 
compensation appears in the table below: 

 Millions 
 Stock-based compensation, before tax: 
      Stock options  
      Retention awards  

 Total stock-based compensation, before tax  

2012 

2011 

2010 

$  18 
 75 

$  93 

$  18 
 64 

$  82 

$  17 
 57 

$  74 

 Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans 

$  100 

$  83 

$  51 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options – We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option 
pricing  model.  The  table  below  shows  the  annual  weighted-average  assumptions  used  for  valuation 
purposes: 

 Weighted-Average Assumptions 
 Risk-free interest rate  
 Dividend yield  
 Expected life (years)  
 Volatility 

2012 
0.8% 
2.1% 
5.3   
36.8% 

2011 
2.3% 
1.6% 
5.3   
35.9% 

2010 
2.4%
1.8%
5.4   
35.2%

 Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted  

$

31.29   

$

28.45   

$

18.26   

The  risk-free  rate  is  based  on  the  U.S.  Treasury  yield  curve  in  effect  at  the  time  of  grant;  the  dividend 
yield is calculated as the ratio of dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date 
of grant; the expected life is based on historical and expected exercise behavior; and volatility is based on 
the historical volatility of our stock price over the expected life of the option. 

A summary of stock option activity during 2012 is presented below: 

 Outstanding at January 1, 2012 
 Granted  
 Exercised  
 Forfeited or expired  

 Outstanding at December 31, 2012 

 Vested or expected to vest  
    at December 31, 2012 

Shares 
(thous.)
 7,042 
 598 
 (3,316)
 (35)

 4,289 

 4,233 

 Options exercisable at December 31, 2012 

 3,073 

$

Weighted-Average 
Exercise Price
 52.16 
 114.73 
 45.74 
 73.05 

$

$

$

 65.68 

 65.19 

 52.89 

Weighted-Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Term
5.5 yrs.

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(millions)
 379 
$

N/A
N/A

5.8 yrs.

5.7 yrs.

4.8 yrs.

N/A
N/A

 258 

 256 

 224 

$

$

$

Stock options are granted at the closing price on the date of grant, have ten-year contractual terms, and 
vest no later than three years from the date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at December 
31, 2012 are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions. 

At  December  31,  2012,  there  was  $16  million  of  unrecognized  compensation  expense  related  to 
nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1 year. 
Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below: 

 Millions 
 Intrinsic value of stock options exercised 
 Cash received from option exercises 
 Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes 
 Tax benefit realized from option exercises 
 Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested 

$

2012 
 244 
 84 
 (30)
 93 
 16 

$

2011 
 209 
 137 
 (53)
 80 
 19 

$

2010 
 150 
 114 
 (31)
 57 
 19 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retention Awards – The fair value of retention awards is based on the closing price of the stock on the 
grant date. Dividends and dividend equivalents are paid to participants during the vesting periods. 

Changes in our retention awards during 2012 were as follows: 

 Nonvested at January 1, 2012 
 Granted  
 Vested  
 Forfeited  

 Nonvested at December 31, 2012 

Shares
(thous.)
 2,556 
 451 
 (581)
 (71)

 2,355 

Weighted-Average 
Grant-Date Fair Value
 63.20 
$
 114.51 
 62.10 
 64.18 

$

 73.27 

Retention awards are granted at no cost to the employee or non-employee director and vest over periods 
lasting up to four years. At December 31, 2012, there was $65 million of total unrecognized compensation 
expense  related  to  nonvested  retention  awards,  which  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-
average period of 1.3 years. 

Performance  Retention  Awards  –  In  February  2012,  our  Board  of  Directors  approved  performance 
stock  unit  grants.  Other  than  different  performance  targets,  the  basic  terms  of  these  performance  stock 
units are identical to those granted in February 2010 and February 2011, including using annual return on 
invested capital (ROIC) as the performance measure.   We define ROIC as net operating profit adjusted 
for  interest  expense  (including  interest  on  the  present  value  of  operating  leases)  and  taxes  on  interest 
divided by average invested capital adjusted for the present value of operating leases.  

Stock units awarded to selected employees under these grants are subject to continued employment for 
37 months and the attainment of certain levels of ROIC. We expense the fair value of the units that are 
probable  of  being  earned  based  on  our  forecasted  ROIC  over  the  3-year  performance  period.  We 
measure the fair value of these performance stock  units based upon the closing price of the underlying 
common  stock  as  of  the  date  of  grant,  reduced  by  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  dividends. 
Dividend equivalents are paid to participants only after the units are earned. 

The  assumptions  used  to  calculate  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  dividends  related  to  the 
February 2012 grant were as follows: 

 Dividend per share per quarter  
 Risk-free interest rate at date of grant  

Changes in our performance retention awards during 2012 were as follows: 

$

2012 
 0.60 
0.3%

Nonvested at January 1, 2012 
 Granted  
 Vested  
 Forfeited  

Nonvested at December 31, 2012 

Shares 
(thous.)
 1,204 
 328 
 (351)
 (106)

 1,075 

Weighted-Average 
Grant-Date Fair Value
 63.62 
$
 108.76 
 44.70 
 61.16 

$

 83.80 

At  December  31,  2012,  there  was  $36  million  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  expense  related  to 
nonvested  performance  retention  awards,  which  is  expected  to  be  recognized  over  a  weighted-average 
period of 1 year. A portion of this expense is subject to achievement of the ROIC levels established for 
the performance stock unit grants. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Retirement Plans 

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits  

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

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

Funded Status  

We are required by GAAP to separately recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our pension 
and  OPEB  plans  as  an  asset  or  liability.  The  funded  status  represents  the  difference  between  the 
projected benefit obligation (PBO) and the fair value of the plan assets. Our non-qualified (supplemental) 
pension  plan  is  unfunded  by  design.  The  PBO  of  the  pension  plans  is  the  present  value  of  benefits 
earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of assumed future compensation increases. The 
PBO of the OPEB plan is equal to the accumulated benefit obligation, as the present value of the OPEB 
liabilities  is  not  affected  by  compensation  increases.  Plan  assets  are  measured  at  fair  value.  We  use  a 
December 31 measurement date for plan assets and obligations for all our retirement plans.  

Changes in our PBO and plan assets were as follows for the years ended December 31: 

 Funded Status 
 Millions 
 Projected Benefit Obligation 
 Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year 
 Service cost 
 Interest cost 
 Plan amendments 
 Actuarial loss 
 Gross benefits paid 

 Projected benefit obligation at end of year 

 Plan Assets 
 Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 
 Actual return on plan assets 
 Voluntary funded pension plan contributions 
 Non-qualified plan benefit contributions 
 Gross benefits paid 

 Fair value of plan assets at end of year 

 Funded status at end of year 

Pension 

OPEB 

2012 

2011  

2012 

2011 

$

$

$

$

$

 3,165 
 54 
 141 
 - 
 391 
 (160)

 3,591 

 2,505 
 315 
 200 
 15 
 (160)

 2,875 

 (716)

$

$

$

$

$

 2,759  
 40  
 145  
 -  
 377  
 (156) 

 3,165  

 2,404  
 42  
 200  
 15  
 (156) 

 2,505  

 (660) 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 336 
 3 
 15 
 - 
 42 
 (24)

 372 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 24 
 (24)

 318 
 2 
 15 
 10 
 15 
 (24)

 336 

 - 
 - 
 - 
 24 
 (24)

 - 

$           - 

 (372)

$

 (336)

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist of: 

 Millions 
 Noncurrent assets 
 Current liabilities 
 Noncurrent liabilities 

Pension 

OPEB 

$

2012 
 1 
 (16)
 (701)

$

2011 
 - 
 (15)
 (645)

$

2012 
 - 
 (27)
 (345)

$

2011 
 - 
 (26)
 (310)

 Net amounts recognized at end of year 

$

 (716)

$

 (660)

$

 (372)

$

 (336)

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax  amounts  recognized  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income/(loss)  as  of  December  31, 
2012 and 2011 consist of: 

 Millions 
 Prior service (cost)/credit 
 Net actuarial loss 

 Total 

Pension
 - 
$
 (1,685)

2012  

$

OPEB
 45 
 (175)

$

Total
 45  
 (1,860) 

$  (1,685)

$  (130)

$  (1,815) 

$

Pension
 (1)
 (1,503)

$  (1,504)

$

$

2011  

OPEB
 63 
 (146)

$

Total
 62 
 (1,649)

 (83)

$  (1,587)

Pre-tax changes recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) during 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as 
follows: 

 Millions 
 Prior service cost/(credit) 
 Net actuarial loss 
 Amortization of: 
      Prior service cost/(credit) 
      Actuarial loss 

$

2012 
 - 
 265 

Pension 

$

2011 
 - 
 515 

$

 (1) 
 (83) 

 (2) 
 (71) 

2010 
 -  
 165  

 (3) 
 (49) 

$

2012 
 - 
 42 

OPEB 

2011 
 10 
 14 

$

$

2010 
 (6)
 16 

 18  
 (13) 

 34  
 (11) 

 45 
 (13)

 42 

 Total 

$

 181 

$

 442 

$

 113  

$

 47 

$

 47 

$

Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) expected to be amortized into net 
periodic cost (benefit) during 2013: 

 Millions 
 Prior service benefit 
 Net actuarial loss 

 Total 

Pension
 - 
$
 106 

$  106 

OPEB
$  (16)
 15 

$

 (1)

Total
$  (16)
 121 

$  105 

Underfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation – The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) is the present 
value  of  benefits  earned  to  date,  assuming  no  future  compensation  growth.  The  underfunded 
accumulated  benefit  obligation  represents  the  difference  between  the  ABO  and  the  fair  value  of  plan 
assets.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  the  non-qualified  (supplemental)  plan  ABO  was  $331  million 
and  $284  million,  respectively.  The  following  table  discloses  only  the  PBO,  ABO,  and  fair  value  of  plan 
assets for pension plans where the accumulated benefit obligation is in excess of the fair value of the plan 
assets as of December 31: 

 Underfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 Millions 

 Projected benefit obligation 

 Accumulated benefit obligation 
 Fair value of plan assets 

 Underfunded accumulated benefit obligation 

2012 [a]

 3,574 

 3,440 
 2,857  

 (583)

$

$

$

$

$

$

2011 

 3,165 

 3,050 
 2,505 

 (545)

[a] The fair value of plan assets for one plan is in excess of the accumulated benefit obligation and therefore is not
included. 

The ABO for all defined benefit pension plans was $3.4 billion and $3.0 billion at December 31, 2012 and 
2011, respectively.  

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumptions  –  The  weighted-average  actuarial  assumptions  used  to  determine  benefit  obligations  at 
December 31: 

 Percentages 
 Discount rate 
 Compensation increase 
 Health care cost trend rate (employees under 65) 
 Ultimate health care cost trend rate 
 Year ultimate trend rate reached 

Expense  

Pension 

OPEB 

2012 
3.78%
3.76%
N/A
N/A
N/A

2011 
4.54%
4.60%
N/A
N/A
N/A

2012 
3.48%
N/A
6.64%
4.50%
2028 

2011 
4.36%
N/A
6.91%
4.50%
2028 

Both  pension  and  OPEB  expense  are  determined  based  upon  the  annual  service  cost  of  benefits  (the 
actuarial  cost  of  benefits  earned  during  a  period)  and  the  interest  cost  on  those  liabilities,  less  the 
expected  return  on  plan  assets.  The  expected  long-term  rate  of  return  on  plan  assets  is  applied  to  a 
calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five-year period. This practice 
is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it can have the effect of delaying the 
recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate 
of return assumptions. Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized in 
net income immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.  

The components of our net periodic pension and OPEB cost/(benefit) were as follows for the years ended 
December 31: 

 Millions 
 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: 
      Service cost 
      Interest cost 
      Expected return on plan assets 
 Amortization of: 
      Prior service cost/(credit) 
      Actuarial loss 

Pension 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2012 

OPEB 

2011 

$

 54 
 141  
 (190) 

$

 40 
 145  
 (180) 

$

 34 
 143  
 (178) 

$

 1  
 83  

 2  
 71  

 3  
 49  

$

 3 
 15  
 -  

 (18) 
 13  

$

 2 
 15  
 -  

 (34) 
 11  

 Net periodic benefit cost/(benefit) 

$

 89 

$

 78 

$

 51 

$

 13 

$

 (6)

$

2010 

 2 
 16 
 - 

 (45)
 13 

 (14)

Assumptions – The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense were as follows 
for the years ended December 31: 

 Percentages 
 Discount rate 
 Expected return on plan assets 
 Compensation increase 
 Health care cost trend rate (employees under 65) 
 Health care cost trend rate (employees over 65) 
 Ultimate health care cost trend rate 
 Year ultimate trend reached 

OPEB 

Pension 
2011 

2011 

2010 

2012 

2012 
2010 
4.54% 5.35% 5.90% 4.36% 5.01% 5.55%
N/A
7.50% 7.50% 8.00%
N/A
3.69% 4.48% 3.45%
N/A 6.91% 7.07% 7.24%
N/A
N/A
N/A 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%
2028 
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

2028 

2028 

N/A

N/A

The discount rate was based on a yield curve of high quality corporate bonds with cash flows matching 
our  plans’  expected  benefit  payments.    The  expected  return  on  plan  assets  is  based  on  our  asset 
allocation mix and our historical return, taking into account current and expected market conditions. The 
actual return on pension plan assets, net of fees, was approximately 13% in 2012, 2% in 2011, and 14% 
in 2010. 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the expense and liabilities reported for 
health  care  plans.  The  assumed  health  care  cost  trend  rate  is  based  on  historical  rates  and  expected 
market conditions. The 2013 assumed health care cost trend rate for employees under 65 is 6.91%.  It is 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 4.5% in 2028 and will remain at that level.  
A  one-percentage  point  change  in  the  assumed  health  care  cost  trend  rates  would  have  the  following 
effects on OPEB: 

 Millions 
 Effect on total service and interest cost components 
 Effect on accumulated benefit obligation 

Cash Contributions 

One % pt. 
Increase
 1 
$
 18 

One % pt. 
Decrease
 (1)
 (15)

$

The following table details our cash contributions for the qualified pension plans and the benefit payments 
for the non-qualified (supplemental) pension and OPEB plans: 

 Millions 
 2011 
 2012 

Pension 

$

Qualified
 200 
 200 

Non-qualified
 15 
 15  

OPEB
 24 
 24 

Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by law and 
not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. All contributions made to the qualified 
pension plans in 2012 were voluntary and were made with cash generated from operations. 

The non-qualified pension and OPEB plans are not funded and are not subject to any minimum regulatory 
funding  requirements.  Benefit  payments  for  each  year  represent  supplemental  pension  payments  and 
claims  paid  for  medical  and  life  insurance.  We  anticipate  our  2013  supplemental  pension  and  OPEB 
payments will be made from cash generated from operations. 

Benefit Payments   

The following table details expected benefit payments for the years 2013 through 2022: 

 Millions 
 2013 
 2014 
 2015 
 2016 
 2017 
 Years 2018 - 2022 

Asset Allocation Strategy  

Pension
$  165 
 169  
 174  
 179  
 184  
 988  

$

OPEB
 27 
 27 
 27 
 26 
 26 
 119 

Our pension plan asset allocation at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and target allocation for 2013, are 
as follows: 

 Equity securities 
 Debt securities 
 Real estate 
 Commodities 

 Total 

Target 
Allocation 2013
60% to 70% 
20% to 30% 
2% to 8% 
4% to 6% 

Percentage of Plan Assets 
December 31,
2011 
58%
 32   
 5   
 5   

2012  
65% 
 25    
 5    
 5    

100% 

100%

The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio designed to 
achieve our target average long-term rate of return of 7.5%. While we believe we can achieve a long-term 
average  rate  of  return  of  7.5%,  we  cannot  be  certain  that  the  portfolio  will  perform  to  our  expectations. 
Assets  are  strategically  allocated  among  equity,  debt,  and  other  investments  in  order  to  achieve  a 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
diversification  level  that  reduces  fluctuations  in  investment  returns.  Asset  allocation  target  ranges  for 
equity,  debt,  and  other  portfolios  are  evaluated  at  least  every  three  years  with  the  assistance  of  an 
independent consulting firm. Actual asset allocations are monitored monthly, and rebalancing actions are 
executed at least quarterly, if needed.  

The  pension  plan  investments  are  held  in  a  Master  Trust.  The  majority  of  pension  plan  assets  are 
invested in equity securities because equity portfolios have historically provided higher returns than debt 
and  other  asset  classes  over  extended  time  horizons  and  are  expected  to  do  so  in  the  future. 
Correspondingly,  equity  investments  also  entail  greater  risks  than  other  investments.    Equity  risks  are 
balanced by investing a significant portion of the plans’ assets in high quality debt securities. The average 
credit rating of the debt portfolio exceeded A+ as of December 31, 2012 and 2011. The debt portfolio is 
also broadly diversified and invested primarily in U.S. Treasury, mortgage, and corporate securities. The 
weighted-average maturity of the debt portfolio was 12 years at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.  

The investment of pension plan assets in securities  issued by Union Pacific is specifically prohibited by 
the plan for both the equity and debt portfolios, other than through index fund holdings.  

Fair Value Measurements 

The  pension  plan  assets  are  valued  at  fair  value.  The  following  is  a  description  of  the  valuation 
methodologies  used  for  the  investments  measured  at  fair  value,  including  the  general  classification  of 
such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. 

Temporary Cash Investments – These investments consist of U.S. dollars and foreign currencies held 
in master trust accounts at The Northern Trust Company.  Foreign currencies held are reported in terms 
of  U.S.  dollars  based  on  currency  exchange  rates  readily  available  in  active  markets.  These  temporary 
cash investments are classified as Level 1 investments. 

Registered  Investment  Companies  –  Registered  Investment  Companies  are  real  estate  investments, 
non-U.S.  stock  investments,  and  bond  investments  registered  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission.  The real estate investments and non-U.S. stock investments are traded actively on public 
exchanges.    The  share  prices  for  these  investments  are  published  at  the  close  of  each  business  day.  
Holdings  of  real  estate  investments  and  non-U.S.  stock  investments  are  classified  as  Level  1 
investments.  The bond investments are not traded publicly, but the underlying assets (stocks and bonds) 
held in these funds are traded on active markets and the prices for these assets are readily observable.  
Holdings in bond investments are classified as Level 2 investments. 

U.S. Government Securities – Federal Government Securities consist of bills, notes, bonds, and other 
fixed  income  securities  issued  directly  by  the  U.S.  Treasury  or  by  government-sponsored  enterprises.  
These  assets  are  valued  using  a  bid  evaluation  process  with  bid  data  provided  by  independent  pricing 
sources.  Federal Government Securities are classified as Level 2 investments. 

Corporate Bonds & Debentures – Bonds and debentures consist of fixed income securities issued by 
U.S.  and  non-U.S.  corporations  as  well  as  state,  local,  and  non-U.S.  governments.    These  assets  are 
valued using a bid evaluation process with bid data provided by independent pricing sources.  Corporate, 
state, and municipal bonds and debentures are classified as Level 2 investments. 

Corporate Stock – This investment category consists of common and preferred stock issued by U.S. and 
non-U.S.  corporations.    Most  common  shares  are  traded  actively  on  exchanges  and  price  quotes  for 
these shares are readily available. Common stock is classified as a Level 1 investment.  Preferred shares 
included in this category are valued using a bid evaluation process with bid data provided by independent 
pricing sources.  Preferred stock is classified as a Level 2 investment. 

Venture  Capital  and  Buyout  Partnerships  –  This  investment  category  is  comprised  of  interests  in 
limited  partnerships  that  invest  primarily  in  privately-held  companies.    Due  to  the  private  nature  of  the 
partnership investments, pricing inputs are not readily observable.  Asset valuations are developed by the 
general partners that manage the partnerships.  These valuations are based on the application of public 
market multiples to private company cash flows, market transactions that provide valuation information for 
comparable  companies,  and  other  methods.    Holdings  of  limited  partnership  interests  are  classified  as 
Level 3 investments. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real  Estate  Partnerships  and  Funds  –  Most  of  the  real  estate  investments  are  partnership  interests 
similar to those described in the Venture Capital and Buyout Partnerships category.  This category also 
includes  real  estate  investments  held  in  less  commonly  used  structures  such  as  private  real  estate 
investment  trusts  and  pooled  separate  accounts.    Valuations  for  the  holdings  in  this  category  are  not 
based  on  readily  observable  inputs  and  are  primarily  derived  from  property  appraisals.    Interests  in 
private real estate partnerships, investment funds and pooled separate accounts are classified as Level 3 
investments. 

Common Trust and Other Funds – Common trust funds are comprised of shares or units in commingled 
funds that are not publicly traded.  The underlying assets in these funds (U.S. stock funds, non-U.S. stock 
funds,  commodity  funds,  and  short  term  investment  funds)  are  publicly  traded  on  exchanges  and  price 
quotes  for  the  assets  held  by  these  funds  are  readily  available.  Holdings  of  common  trust  funds  are 
classified as Level 2 investments. 

This  category  also  includes  an  investment  in  a  limited  liability  company  that  invests  in  publicly-traded 
convertible  securities.  The  limited  liability  company  investment  is  a  fund  that  invests  in  both  long  and 
short  positions  in  convertible  securities,  stocks,  and  fixed  income  securities.    The  underlying  securities 
held  by  the  fund  are  traded  actively  on  exchanges  and  price  quotes  for  these  investments  are  readily 
available.  Interest in the limited liability company is classified as a Level 2 investment. 

Other  Investments  –  This  category  includes  several  miscellaneous  assets  such  as  commodity  hedge 
fund  investments  and  derivative  securities.  These  investments  have  valuations  that  are  based  on 
observable inputs and are classified as Level 2 investments. 

As of December 31, 2012, the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as 
follows: 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

$

 - 
 258 
 125 
 326 
 12 
 - 
 - 
 1,018 
 27 

$  1,766 

$

Significant  
Unobservable  
Inputs  
(Level 3)  

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 179 
 143 
 - 
 - 

 322 

$

Total 

 14 
 268 
 125 
 326 
 770 
 179 
 143 
 1,018 
 27 

 2,870 

 5 

$  2,875 

Quoted Prices
in Active
 Markets for
Identical Inputs
(Level 1)

$

$

 14 
 10 
 - 
 - 
 758 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 782 

 Millions 
 Plan assets: 
      Temporary cash investments 
      Registered investment companies 
      U.S. government securities 
      Corporate bonds & debentures 
      Corporate stock 
      Venture capital and buyout partnerships 
      Real estate partnerships and funds 
      Common trust and other funds 
      Other investments 

 Total plan assets at fair value 

 Other assets [a] 

 Total plan assets 

[a] Other assets include accrued receivables and pending broker settlements. 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2011, the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as 
follows: 

 Millions 
 Plan assets: 
      Temporary cash investments 
      Registered investment companies 
      U.S. government securities 
      Corporate bonds & debentures 
      Corporate stock 
      Venture capital and buyout partnerships 
      Real estate partnerships and funds 
      Common trust and other funds 
      Other investments 

 Total plan assets at fair value 

 Other assets [a] 

 Total plan assets 

Quoted Prices
in Active
 Markets for
Identical Inputs
(Level 1)

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant  
Unobservable  
Inputs  
(Level 3)  

$

$

 22 
 8 
 - 
 - 
 547 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 

 577 

$

$

 - 
 280 
 155 
 343 
 8 
 - 
 - 
 815 
 29 

$  1,630 

$

 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 - 
 184 
 126 
 - 
 - 

 310 

$

Total 

 22 
 288 
 155 
 343 
 555 
 184 
 126 
 815 
 29 

 2,517 

 (12)

$  2,505 

[a] Other assets include accrued receivables and pending broker settlements. 

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no significant transfers in or out of Levels 
1, 2, or 3. 

The  following  table  presents  a  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  balances  of  the  fair  value 
measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 investments) during 2012: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance - January 1, 2012 
 Realized gain 
 Unrealized gain 
 Purchases 
 Sales 

$

 Venture Capital
and Buyout
Partnerships
 184 
 11 
 1 
 18 
 (35)

Real Estate
Partnerships
and Funds
 126 
$
 3 
 - 
 23 
 (9)

 Ending balance - December 31, 2012 

$

 179 

$

 143 

Total
 310 
 14 
 1 
 41 
 (44)

 322 

$

$

The  following  table  presents  a  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  balances  of  the  fair  value 
measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 investments) during 2011: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance - January 1, 2011 
 Realized gain/(loss) 
 Unrealized gain 
 Purchases 
 Sales 

$

 Venture Capital
and Buyout
Partnerships
 169 
 8 
 13 
 22 
 (28)

Real Estate
Partnerships
and Funds
 99 
$
 (1)
 16 
 27 
 (15)

 Ending balance - December 31, 2011 

$

 184 

$

 126 

Total
 268 
 7 
 29 
 49 
 (43)

 310 

$

$

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Retirement Programs 

401(k)/Thrift  Plan  –  We  provide  a  defined  contribution  plan  (401(k)/thrift  plan)  to  eligible  non-union 
employees for whom we make matching contributions. We match 50 cents for each dollar contributed by 
employees up to the first six percent of compensation contributed. Our plan contributions were $15 million 
in 2012, $14 million in 2011 and $13 million in 2010.  

Railroad Retirement System – All Railroad employees are covered by the Railroad Retirement System 
(the  System).  Contributions  made  to  the  System  are  expensed  as  incurred  and  amounted  to 
approximately $644 million in 2012, $600 million in 2011, and $566 million in 2010. 

Collective  Bargaining  Agreements  –  Under  collective  bargaining  agreements,  we  participate  in  multi-
employer  benefit  plans  that  provide  certain  postretirement  health  care  and  life  insurance  benefits  for 
eligible union employees.  Premiums paid under these plans are expensed as incurred and amounted to 
$62 million in 2012, $66 million in 2011, and $60 million in 2010. 

6. Other Income 

Other income included the following for the years ended December 31: 

 Millions 
 Rental income 
 Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions 
 Interest income 
 Early extinguishment of debt 
 Non-operating environmental costs and other 

 Total 

7. Income Taxes 

$

2012 
 83 
 29 
 3 
 (6)
 (1)

$

2011 
 80 
 43 
 3 
 (5)
 (9)

$

2010 
 84 
 25 
 4 
 (21)
 (38)

$  108 

$  112 

$

 54 

Components of income tax expense were as follows for the years ended December 31: 

 Millions 
 Current tax expense: 
      Federal 
      State 

 Total current tax expense 

 Deferred tax expense: 
      Federal 
      State 

 Total deferred tax expense 

 Unrecognized tax benefits: 
      Federal  
      State 

 Total unrecognized tax benefits expense/(benefits) 

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

$  1,335 
 153 

 1,488 

 760 
 120 

 880 

 5 
 2 

 7 

 862 
 124 

 986 

 894 
 70 

 964 

 11 
 11 

 22 

$

 862 
 119 

 981 

 550 
 97 

 647 

 26 
 (1)

 25 

 Total income tax expense 

$  2,375 

$  1,972 

$  1,653 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  the  years  ended  December  31,  reconciliations  between  statutory  and  effective  tax  rates  are  as 
follows: 

 Tax Rate Percentages 
 Federal statutory tax rate 
 State statutory rates, net of federal benefits 
 Deferred tax adjustments 
 Tax credits 
 Other 

 Effective tax rate 

2012  
 35.0 %
 3.1  
 (0.1) 
 (0.5) 
 0.1  

 37.6 %

2011  
 35.0 % 
 3.1  
 (0.5) 
 (0.5) 
 0.4  

 37.5 % 

2010  
 35.0 %
 3.1  
 (0.3) 
 (0.7) 
 0.2  

 37.3 %

In  February  of  2011,  Arizona  enacted  legislation  that  will  decrease  the  state’s  corporate  tax  rate.    This 
reduced our deferred tax expense by $14 million in the first quarter of 2011. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of events that 
are  reported  in  different  periods  for  financial  reporting  and  income  tax  purposes.    The  majority  of  our 
deferred tax assets relate to deductions that already have been claimed for financial reporting purposes 
but not for tax purposes.  The majority of our deferred tax liabilities relate to differences between the tax 
bases  and  financial  reporting  amounts  of  our  land  and  depreciable  property,  due  to  accelerated  tax 
depreciation  (including  bonus  depreciation),  revaluation  of  assets  in  purchase  accounting  transactions, 
and differences in capitalization methods. 

Deferred income tax (liabilities)/assets were comprised of the following at December 31: 

 Millions 
 Deferred income tax liabilities: 
    Property 
    Other 

 Total deferred income tax liabilities 

 Deferred income tax assets: 
    Accrued wages 
    Accrued casualty costs 
    Debt and leases 
    Retiree benefits 
    Credits 
    Other 

 Total deferred income tax assets 

 Net deferred income tax liability 

 Current portion of deferred taxes 
 Non-current portion of deferred taxes 

 Net deferred income tax liability 

2012 

2011 

$  (13,863)
 (237)

$  (13,312)
 (207)

 (14,100)

 (13,519)

 69 
 238 
 185 
 365 
 200 
 198 

 63 
 259 
 365 
 342 
 197 
 231 

$

 1,255 

$

 1,457 

$  (12,845)

$  (12,062)

$

 263 
 (13,108)

$

 306 
 (12,368)

$  (12,845)

$  (12,062)

When appropriate, we record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets to reflect that these tax 
assets  may  not  be  realized.  In  determining  whether  a  valuation  allowance  is  appropriate,  we  consider 
whether it is more likely than not that all or some portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized 
based  on  management’s  judgments  using  available  evidence  for  purposes  of  estimating  whether  future 
taxable income will be sufficient to realize a deferred tax asset. In 2012 and 2011, there were no valuation 
allowances. 

Tax  benefits  are  recognized  only  for  tax  positions  that  are  more  likely  than  not  to  be  sustained  upon 
examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that 
is  greater  than  50  percent  likely  to  be  realized  upon  settlement.  Unrecognized  tax  benefits  are  tax 
benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards. 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A reconciliation of changes in unrecognized tax benefits liabilities/(assets) from the beginning to the end 
of the reporting period is as follows: 

 Millions 
 Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1 
 Increases for positions taken in current year 
 Increases for positions taken in prior years 
 Decreases for positions taken in prior years 
 Payments to and settlements with taxing authorities 
 Increases/(decreases) for interest and penalties 
 Lapse of statutes of limitations 

 Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31 

2012 
$  107 
 29 
 4 
 (19)
 - 
 (4)
 (2)

$  115 

$

2011 
 86 
 9 
 81 
 (30)
 (27)
 (9)
 (3)

$

2010 
 61 
 38 
 11 
 (22)
 (4)
 5 
 (3)

$  107 

$

 86 

We  recognize  interest  and  penalties  as  part  of  income  tax  expense.  Total  accrued  liabilities  for  interest 
and penalties were $6 million and $10 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Total interest 
and penalties recognized as part of income tax expense (benefit) were $(4) million for 2012, $10 million 
for 2011, and $6 million for 2010.  

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations have been completed and settled for all years prior to 2005, 
although  some  interest  calculations  remain  open  for  years  prior  to  2005.  The  IRS  has  completed  its 
examinations and issued notices of deficiency for tax years 2005 through 2008. We disagree with many 
of their proposed adjustments, and we are at IRS Appeals for these years. Additionally, several state tax 
authorities are examining our state income tax returns for years 2003 through 2010. 

In  2012,  Union  Pacific  and  the  IRS  signed  a  closing  agreement  resolving  all  tax  matters  for  tax  years 
1999-2004.  In  connection  with  the  settlement,  we  will  receive  a  refund  of  $8  million  in  2013.  The 
settlement had an immaterial effect on our income tax expense. 

We  do  not  expect  our  unrecognized  tax  benefits  to  change  significantly  in  the  next  12  months.  At 
December 31, 2012, we had a net unrecognized tax benefit liability of $115 million. Of that amount, $13 
million is classified as a current asset in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 

The portion of our unrecognized tax benefits that relates to permanent changes in tax and interest would 
reduce  our  effective  tax  rate,  if  recognized.  The  remaining  unrecognized  tax  benefits  relate  to  tax 
positions  for  which  only  the  timing  of  the  benefit  is  uncertain.    Recognition  of  the  tax  benefits  with 
uncertain  timing  would  reduce  our  effective  tax  rate  only  through  a  reduction  of  accrued  interest  and 
penalties.  The unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce our effective tax rate are as follows: 

 Millions 
 Unrecognized tax benefits that would reduce the effective tax rate 
 Unrecognized tax benefits that would not reduce the effective tax rate   

 Total unrecognized tax benefits 

$

2012 
 41 
 74  

$  115 

$

2011 
 80 
 27  

$  107 

2010 
 90 
 (4)

 86 

$

$

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8. Earnings Per Share  

The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share for the years 
ended December 31: 

 Millions, Except Per Share Amounts 

 Net income  

 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:      
     Basic  
     Dilutive effect of stock options  
     Dilutive effect of retention shares and units   

 Diluted  

 Earnings per share – basic  
 Earnings per share – diluted  

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

 3,943 

$

 3,292 

$

 2,780 

473.1 
1.8 
1.6 

476.5 

 8.33 
 8.27 

$
$

 485.7 
 2.6 
 1.5 

 489.8 

$
$

 6.78 
 6.72 

$
$

 498.2 
 3.3 
 1.4 

 502.9 

 5.58 
 5.53 

Common  stock  options  totaling  0.5  million,  0.6  million,  and  0.3  million  for  2012,  2011,  and  2010, 
respectively,  were  excluded  from  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  per  share  because  the  exercise 
prices  of  these  options  exceeded  the  average  market  price  of  our  common  stock  for  the  respective 
periods, and the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. 

9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) 

The after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows: 

 Millions 
 Defined benefit plans  
 Foreign currency translation  
 Derivatives  

 Total  

10. Accounts Receivable 

Dec. 31,
2012 
$  (1,149)
 (36) 
 (1) 

Dec. 31,
2011 
$  (1,004)
 (48)
 (2)

$  (1,186)

$  (1,054)

Accounts  receivable  includes  freight  and  other  receivables  reduced  by  an  allowance  for  doubtful 
accounts.  The  allowance  is  based  upon  historical  losses,  credit  worthiness  of  customers,  and  current 
economic  conditions.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  our  accounts  receivable  were  reduced  by  $4 
million  and  $9  million,  respectively.      Receivables  not  expected  to  be  collected  in  one  year  and  the 
associated  allowances  are  classified  as  other  assets  in  our  Consolidated  Statements  of  Financial 
Position.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  receivables  classified  as  other  assets  were  reduced  by 
allowances of $33 million and $41 million, respectively.  

Receivables  Securitization  Facility  –  Under  the  receivables  securitization  facility,  the  Railroad  sells 
most  of  its  accounts  receivable  to  Union  Pacific  Receivables,  Inc.  (UPRI),  a  wholly-owned,  bankruptcy-
remote  subsidiary.  UPRI  may  subsequently  transfer,  without  recourse  on  a  364-day  revolving  basis,  an 
undivided  interest  in  eligible  accounts  receivable  to  investors.  The  total  capacity  to  transfer  undivided 
interests  to  investors  under  the  facility  was  $600  million  at  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  respectively. 
The  value  of  the  outstanding  undivided  interest  held  by  investors  under  the  facility  was  $100  million  at 
both December 31, 2012 and 2011. The value of the undivided interest held by investors was supported 
by $1.1 billion of accounts receivable at both December 31, 2012 and 2011.  At both December 31, 2012 
and 2011, the value of the interest retained by UPRI was $1.1 billion. This retained interest is included in 
accounts receivable, net in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. 

The  value  of  the  outstanding  undivided  interest  held  by  investors  could  fluctuate  based  upon  the 
availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by changing business volumes and credit risks, 
including  default  and  dilution.  If  default  or  dilution  ratios  increase  one  percent,  the  value  of  the 
outstanding undivided interest held by investors would not change as of December 31, 2012. Should our 

71 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
credit rating fall below investment grade, the value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors 
would be reduced, and, in certain cases, the investors would have the right to discontinue the facility.  

The Railroad collected approximately $20.1 billion and $18.8 billion of receivables during the years ended 
December  31,  2012  and  2011,  respectively.    UPRI  used  certain  of  these  proceeds  to  purchase  new 
receivables under the facility.  

The  costs  of  the  receivables  securitization  facility  include  interest,  which  will  vary  based  on  prevailing 
commercial  paper  rates,  program  fees  paid  to  banks,  commercial  paper  issuing  costs,  and  fees  for 
unused commitment availability.  The costs of the receivables securitization facility are included in interest 
expense and were $3 million, $4 million and $6 million for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   

The  investors  have  no  recourse  to  the  Railroad’s  other  assets,  except  for  customary  warranty  and 
indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI. 

In  July  2012,  the  receivables  securitization  facility  was  renewed  for  an  additional  364-day  period  at 
comparable terms and conditions. 

Subsequent Event – On January 2, 2013, we transferred an additional $300 million in undivided interest 
to investors under the receivables securitization facility, increasing the value of the outstanding undivided 
interest held by investors from $100 million to $400 million. 

11. Properties  

The following tables list the major categories of property and equipment, as well as the weighted-average 
composite depreciation rate for each category: 

 Millions, Except Percentages 
 As of December 31, 2012 

 Land  

 Road: 
      Rail and other track material [a]  
      Ties  
      Ballast  
      Other [b]  

 Total road   

 Equipment: 
      Locomotives  
      Freight cars  
      Work equipment and other  

 Total equipment   

 Technology and other  
 Construction in progress  

 Total 

      Accumulated
Cost       Depreciation

Net Book
Value

Depreciation
Rate for 2012

$  5,105 

$       N/A

$  5,105 

 13,220 
 8,404 
 4,399 
 14,806 

 40,829 

 7,297 
 1,991 
 535 

 9,823 

 633 
 889 

 4,756 
 2,157 
 1,085 
 2,583 

 10,581 

 3,321 
 1,018 
 89 

 4,428 

 273 
 - 

 8,464 
 6,247 
 3,314 
 12,223 

 30,248 

 3,976 
 973 
 446 

 5,395 

 360 
 889 

$  57,279 

$  15,282 

$  41,997 

N/A

3.4%
2.8%
2.9%
2.6%

3.0%

6.2%
3.5%
6.9%

5.7%

12.6%
N/A

N/A

Includes a weighted-average composite depreciation rate for rail in high-density traffic corridors as discussed below. 

[a] 
[b]  Other includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets. 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Millions, Except Percentages 
 As of December 31, 2011 

 Land  

 Road: 
      Rail and other track material [a]  
      Ties  
      Ballast  
      Other [b]  

 Total road   

 Equipment: 
      Locomotives  
      Freight cars  
      Work equipment and other  

 Total equipment   

 Technology and other  
 Construction in progress  

 Total 

      Accumulated
Cost       Depreciation

Net Book
Value

Depreciation
Rate for 2011

$  5,098 

$       N/A

$  5,098 

 12,461 
 7,987 
 4,178 
 14,118 

 38,744 

 6,502 
 1,957 
 529 

 8,988 

 610 
 1,004 

 4,592 
 2,028 
 1,008 
 2,502 

 10,130 

 3,003 
 1,061 
 57 

 4,121 

 259 
 - 

 7,869 
 5,959 
 3,170 
 11,616 

 28,614 

 3,499 
 896 
 472 

 4,867 

 351 
 1,004 

$  54,444 

$  14,510 

$  39,934 

N/A

3.3%
2.9%
3.0%
2.6%

2.9%

5.7%
3.5%
6.5%

5.3%

12.3%
N/A

N/A

Includes a weighted-average composite depreciation rate for rail in high-density traffic corridors as discussed below. 

[a] 
[b]  Other includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets. 

Property and Depreciation – Our railroad operations are highly capital intensive, and our large base of 
homogeneous,  network-type  assets  turns  over  on  a  continuous  basis.    Each  year  we  develop  a  capital 
program for the replacement of assets and for the acquisition or construction of assets that enable us to 
enhance our operations or provide new service offerings to customers.  Assets purchased or constructed 
throughout the year are capitalized if they meet applicable minimum units of property criteria.  Properties 
and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  and  are  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  their  estimated 
service lives, which are measured in years, except for rail in high-density traffic corridors (i.e., all rail lines 
except for those subject to abandonment, yard and switching tracks, and electronic yards) for which lives 
are  measured  in  millions  of  gross  tons  per  mile  of  track.    We  use  the  group  method  of  depreciation  in 
which all items with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes, 
and are depreciated using composite depreciation rates.  The group method of depreciation treats each 
asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We currently have more than 60 depreciable 
asset  classes,  and  we  may  increase  or  decrease  the  number  of  asset  classes  due  to  changes  in 
technology, asset strategies, or other factors. 

We determine the estimated service lives of depreciable railroad assets by means of depreciation studies.  
We  perform  depreciation  studies  at  least  every  three  years  for  equipment  and  every  six  years  for  track 
assets  (i.e.,  rail  and  other  track  material,  ties,  and  ballast)  and  other  road  property.    Our  depreciation 
studies take into account the following factors: 

  Statistical analysis of historical patterns of use and retirements of each of our asset classes; 
  Evaluation  of  any  expected  changes  in  current  operations  and  the  outlook  for  continued  use  of 

the assets; 

  Evaluation of technological advances and changes to maintenance practices; and 
  Expected salvage to be received upon retirement. 

For rail in high-density traffic corridors, we measure estimated service lives in millions of gross tons per 
mile of track.  It has been our experience that the lives of rail in high-density traffic corridors are closely 
correlated to usage (i.e., the amount of weight carried over the rail).  The service lives also vary based on 
rail  weight,  rail  condition  (e.g.,  new  or  secondhand),  and  rail  type  (e.g.,  straight  or  curve).    Our 
depreciation studies for rail in high density traffic corridors consider each of these factors in determining 
the  estimated  service  lives.    For  rail  in  high-density  traffic  corridors,  we  calculate  depreciation  rates 
annually  by  dividing  the  number  of  gross  ton-miles  carried  over  the  rail  (i.e.,  the  weight  of  loaded  and 
empty  freight  cars,  locomotives  and  maintenance  of  way  equipment  transported  over  the  rail)  by  the 
estimated service lives of the rail measured in millions of gross tons per mile.  For all other depreciable 
assets, we compute depreciation based on the estimated service lives of our assets as determined from 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the analysis of our depreciation studies.  Changes in the estimated service lives of our assets and their 
related depreciation rates are implemented prospectively. 

Under  group  depreciation,  the  historical  cost  (net  of  salvage)  of  depreciable  property  that  is  retired  or 
replaced in the ordinary course of business is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is 
recognized.  The historical cost of certain track assets is estimated using (i) inflation indices published by 
the  Bureau  of  Labor  Statistics  and  (ii)  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets  as  determined  by  our 
depreciation  studies.    The  indices  were  selected  because  they  closely  correlate  with  the  major  costs  of 
the  properties  comprising  the  applicable  track  asset  classes.    Because  of  the  number  of  estimates 
inherent in the depreciation and retirement processes and because it is impossible to precisely estimate 
each  of  these  variables  until  a  group  of  property  is  completely  retired,  we  continually  monitor  the 
estimated service lives of our assets and the accumulated depreciation associated with each asset class 
to  ensure  our  depreciation  rates  are  appropriate.  In  addition,  we  determine  if  the  recorded  amount  of 
accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by our depreciation studies. 
Any  deficiency  (or  excess)  is  amortized  as  a  component  of  depreciation  expense  over  the  remaining 
service lives of the applicable classes of assets.   

For  retirements  of  depreciable  railroad  properties  that  do  not  occur  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  a 
gain  or  loss  may  be  recognized  if  the  retirement  meets  each  of  the  following  three  conditions:  (i)  is 
unusual, (ii) is material in amount, and (iii) varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through 
our depreciation studies.  A gain or loss is recognized in other income when we sell land or dispose of 
assets that are not part of our railroad operations.   

When we purchase an asset, we capitalize all costs necessary to make the asset ready for its intended 
use.  However, many of our assets are self-constructed.  A large portion of our capital expenditures is for 
replacement  of  existing  track  assets  and  other  road  properties,  which  is  typically  performed  by  our 
employees, and for track line expansion and other capacity projects.  Costs that are directly attributable to 
capital projects (including overhead costs) are capitalized.  Direct costs that are capitalized as part of self-
constructed  assets  include  material,  labor,  and  work  equipment.    Indirect  costs  are  capitalized  if  they 
clearly relate to the construction of the asset.   

General  and  administrative  expenditures  are  expensed  as  incurred.  Normal  repairs  and  maintenance, 
including rail grinding, are also expensed as incurred, while costs incurred that extend the useful life of an 
asset, improve the safety of our operations or improve operating efficiency are capitalized. These costs 
are allocated using appropriate statistical bases. Total expense for repairs and maintenance incurred was 
$2.1 billion for 2012, $2.2 billion for 2011, and $2.0 billion for 2010. 

Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease 
payments  or  the  fair  value  of  the  leased  asset  at  the  inception  of  the  lease.  Amortization  expense  is 
computed using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the 
period of the related lease. 

12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities 

 Millions 
 Accounts payable 
 Accrued wages and vacation 
 Income and other taxes 
 Dividends payable 
 Accrued casualty costs 
 Interest payable 
 Equipment rents payable  
 Other 

$

Dec. 31,
2012 
 825 
 376 
 368 
 318 
 213 
 172 
 95 
 556 

$

Dec. 31,
2011 
 819 
 363 
 482 
 284 
 249 
 197 
 90 
 624 

 Total accounts payable and other current liabilities 

$

 2,923 

$  3,108 

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13. Financial Instruments 

Strategy  and  Risk  –  We  may  use  derivative  financial  instruments  in  limited  instances  for  other  than 
trading  purposes  to  assist  in  managing  our  overall  exposure  to  fluctuations  in  interest  rates  and  fuel 
prices.  We  are  not  a  party  to  leveraged  derivatives  and,  by  policy,  do  not  use  derivative  financial 
instruments  for  speculative  purposes.  Derivative  financial  instruments  qualifying  for  hedge  accounting 
must  maintain  a  specified  level  of  effectiveness  between  the  hedging  instrument  and  the  item  being 
hedged,  both  at  inception  and  throughout  the  hedged  period.  We  formally  document  the  nature  and 
relationships  between  the  hedging  instruments  and  hedged  items  at  inception,  as  well  as  our  risk-
management  objectives,  strategies  for  undertaking  the  various  hedge  transactions,  and  method  of 
assessing hedge effectiveness. Changes in the fair market value of derivative financial instruments that 
do not qualify for hedge accounting are charged to earnings. We may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or 
forward contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in interest rates and fuel prices; however, the 
use of these derivative financial instruments may limit future benefits from favorable interest rate and fuel 
price movements. 

Market and Credit Risk – We address market risk related to derivative financial instruments by selecting 
instruments  with  value  fluctuations  that  highly  correlate  with  the  underlying  hedged  item.  We  manage 
credit risk related to derivative financial instruments, which is minimal, by requiring high credit standards 
for  counterparties  and  periodic  settlements.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  were  not  required  to 
provide collateral, nor had we received collateral, relating to our hedging activities. 

Determination  of  Fair  Value  –  We  determine  the  fair  values  of  our  derivative  financial  instrument 
positions  based  upon  current  fair  values  as  quoted  by  recognized  dealers  or  the  present  value  of 
expected future cash flows. 

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

Swaps allow us to convert debt from fixed rates to variable rates and thereby hedge the risk of changes in 
the  debt’s  fair  value  attributable  to  the  changes  in  interest  rates.  We  account  for  swaps  as  fair  value 
hedges  using  the  short-cut  method;  therefore,  we  do  not  record  any  ineffectiveness  within  our 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements.  As  of  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  had  no  interest  rate  fair 
value hedges outstanding.  

Interest  Rate  Cash  Flow  Hedges  –  We  report  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  cash  flow  hedges  in 
accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item affects earnings. At December 31, 2012 and 
2011,  we  had  reductions  of  $1  million  and  $2  million,  respectively,  recorded  as  an  accumulated  other 
comprehensive  loss  that  is  being  amortized  on  a  straight-line  basis  through  September  30,  2014.  As  of 
December 31, 2012 and 2011, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.  

Earnings Impact – Our use of derivative financial instruments had the following impact on pre-tax income 
for the years ended December 31:  

 Millions 
 Decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedging 

 Increase in pre-tax income 

2012 
 - 

 - 

$

$

2011 
 - 
$

$

 - 

2010 
 2 
$

$

 2 

Fair  Value  of  Financial  Instruments  –  The  fair  value  of  our  short-  and  long-term  debt  was  estimated 
using a market value price model, which utilizes applicable U.S. Treasury rates along with current market 
quotes  on  comparable  debt  securities.  All  of  the  inputs  used  to  determine  the  fair  market  value  of  the 
Corporation’s long-term debt are Level 2 inputs and obtained from an independent source. At December 
31, 2012, the fair value of total debt was $11.1 billion, approximately $2.1 billion more than the carrying 
value.    At  December  31,  2011,  the  fair  value  of  total  debt  was  $10.5  billion,  approximately  $1.6  billion 
more  than  the  carrying  value.  The  fair  value  of  the  Corporation’s  debt  is  a  measure  of  its  current  value 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
under  present  market  conditions.  It  does  not  impact  the  financial  statements  under  current  accounting 
rules.  At  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  approximately  $203  million  and  $303  million,  respectively,  of 
fixed-rate debt securities contained call provisions that allow us to retire the debt instruments prior to final 
maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par.  The fair value of our cash 
equivalents approximates their carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.  

14. Debt 

Total  debt  as  of  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  net  of  interest  rate  swaps  designated  as  fair  value 
hedges, is summarized below: 

 Millions 
 Notes and debentures, 3.0% to 7.9% due through 2054 
 Capitalized leases, 3.1% to 9.2% due through 2028 
 Floating rate term loans, due through 2016 
 Equipment obligations, 6.2% to 6.7% due through 2031 
 Receivables Securitization (Note 10) 
 Mortgage bonds, 4.8% due through 2030 
 Tax-exempt financings, 1.8% to 5.7% due through 2022 
 Medium-term notes, 9.2% to 10.0% due through 2020 
 Unamortized discount 

 Total debt 

 Less: current portion 

 Total long-term debt 

$

$

2012 
 6,950 
 1,848 
 200 
 119 
 100 
 57 
 56 
 32 
 (365)

 8,997 

 (196)

2011 
 6,801 
 1,874 
 100 
 147 
 100 
 57 
 159 
 32 
 (364)

 8,906 

 (209)

$

 8,801 

$

 8,697 

Debt  Maturities  –  The  following  table  presents  aggregate  debt  maturities  as  of  December  31,  2012, 
excluding market value adjustments:  

 Millions 
 2013 
 2014 
 2015 
 2016 
 2017 
 Thereafter 

 Total debt 

$

 296 
 698 
 442 
 584 
 753 
 6,224 

$  8,997 

As  of  both  December  31,  2012  and  December  31,  2011,  we  have  reclassified  as  long-term  debt  $100 
million of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflects our ability and 
intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-
term basis.  

Equipment  Encumbrances  –  Equipment  with  a  carrying  value  of  approximately  $2.9  billion  at  both 
December  31,  2012  and  2011  served  as  collateral  for  capital  leases  and  other  types  of  equipment 
obligations  in  accordance  with  the  secured  financing  arrangements  utilized  to  acquire  such  railroad 
equipment.  

As a result of the merger of Missouri Pacific Railroad Company (MPRR) with and into UPRR on January 
1, 1997, and pursuant to the underlying indentures for the MPRR mortgage bonds, UPRR must maintain 
the  same  value  of  assets  after  the  merger  in  order  to  comply  with  the  security  requirements  of  the 
mortgage bonds. As of the merger date, the value of the MPRR assets that secured the mortgage bonds 
was approximately $6.0 billion. In accordance with the terms of the indentures, this collateral value must 
be  maintained  during  the  entire  term  of  the  mortgage  bonds  irrespective  of  the  outstanding  balance  of 
such bonds. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit  Facilities  –  On  December  31,  2012,  we  had  $1.8  billion  of  credit  available  under  our  revolving 
credit facility (the facility), which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance 
of  commercial  paper.  We  did  not  draw  on  the  facility  during  2012.  Commitment  fees  and  interest  rates 
payable  under  the  facility  are  similar  to  fees  and  rates  available  to  comparably  rated,  investment-grade 
borrowers. The facility allows for borrowings at floating rates based on London Interbank Offered Rates, 
plus a spread, depending upon our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facility matures in 2015 under a 
four year term and requires the Corporation to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition 
to making a borrowing. At December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011 (and at all times during the year), 
we were in compliance with this covenant. 

The  definition  of  debt  used  for  purposes  of  calculating  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio  includes, 
among  other  things,  certain  credit  arrangements,  capital  leases,  guarantees  and  unfunded  and  vested 
pension  benefits  under  Title  IV  of  ERISA.  At  December  31,  2012,  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio 
allowed us to carry up to $39.8 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $9.6 billion of debt 
(as defined in the facility) outstanding at that date.  Under our current capital plans, we expect to continue 
to  satisfy  the  debt-to-net-worth  coverage  ratio;  however,  many  factors  beyond  our  reasonable  control 
could affect our ability to comply with this provision in the future. The facility does not include any other 
financial  restrictions,  credit  rating  triggers  (other  than  rating-dependent  pricing),  or  any  other  provision 
that could require us to post collateral. The facility also includes a $75 million cross-default provision and 
a change-of-control provision. 

During 2012, we issued and repaid commercial paper of $50 million.  At December 31, 2012 and 2011, 
we  had  no  commercial  paper  outstanding.  Our  revolving  credit  facility  supports  our  outstanding 
commercial  paper  balances,  and,  unless  we  change  the  terms  of  our  commercial  paper  program,  our 
aggregate  issuance  of  commercial  paper  will  not  exceed  the  amount  of  borrowings  available  under  the 
facility.  

Dividend Restrictions – Our revolving credit facility includes a debt-to-net worth covenant (discussed in 
the  Credit  Facilities  section  above)  that,  under  certain  circumstances,  restricts  the  payment  of  cash 
dividends to our shareholders. The amount of retained earnings available for dividends was $15.1 billion 
and $13.8 billion at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. 

Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – Under our current shelf registration, 
we may issue, from time to time, any combination of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, or 
warrants for debt securities or preferred stock in one or more offerings. We have no immediate plans to 
issue  equity  securities;  however,  we  will  continue  to  explore  opportunities  to  replace  existing  debt  or 
access capital through issuances of debt securities under our shelf registration, and, therefore, we may 
issue additional debt securities at any time. 

During  2012,  we  issued  the  following  unsecured,  fixed-rate  debt  securities  under  our  current  shelf 
registration: 

 Date 
 June 11, 2012 

Description of Securities 
$300 million of 2.95% Notes due January 15, 2023 
$300 million of 4.30% Notes due June 15, 2042 

We used the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of 
common  stock  pursuant  to  our  share  repurchase  program.  These  debt  securities  include  change-of-
control provisions. At December 31, 2012, we had remaining authority to issue up to $1.4 billion of debt 
securities under our shelf registration. 

On May 22, 2012, we borrowed $100 million under a 4-year-term loan (the loan). The loan has a floating 
rate  based  on  London  Interbank  Offered  Rates,  plus  a  spread,  and  is  prepayable  in  whole  or  in  part 
without  a  premium  prior  to  maturity.  The  agreement  documenting  the  loan  has  provisions  similar  to  our 
revolving  credit  facility,  including  identical  debt-to-net-worth  covenant  and  change  of  control  provisions 
and similar customary default provisions. The agreement does not include any other financial restrictions, 
credit rating triggers, or any other provision that would require us to post collateral. 

During  the  third  and  fourth  quarters  of  2012,  we  acquired  343  locomotives  by  exercising  early  buy-out 
rights in certain operating and capital lease agreements. Following the acquisition of the locomotives, we 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sold them to financing parties and entered into capital lease financing agreements with these parties. We 
did not recognize any gains or losses as a result of these transactions. Capital lease obligations totaling 
$286 million are reported in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as debt at December 31, 
2012. 

Debt  Exchange  –  On  June  23,  2011,  we  exchanged  $857  million  of  various  outstanding  notes  and 
debentures due between 2013 and 2019 (Existing Notes) for $750 million of 4.163% notes (New Notes) 
due July 15, 2022, plus cash consideration of approximately $267 million and $17 million for accrued and 
unpaid  interest  on  the  Existing  Notes.    In  accordance  with  ASC  470-50-40,  Debt-Modifications  and 
Extinguishments-Derecognition,  this  transaction  was  accounted  for  as  a  debt  exchange,  as  the 
exchanged debt instruments are not considered to be substantially different.  The cash consideration was 
recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt, and the balance of the unamortized discount and 
issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the term 
of the New Notes.  No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the exchange.  Costs related to the debt 
exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders totaled approximately $6 million and 
were included in interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2011. 

The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged: 

 Millions 
 7.875% Notes due 2019 
 5.450% Notes due 2013 
 5.125% Notes due 2014 
 5.375% Notes due 2014 
 5.700% Notes due 2018 
 5.750% Notes due 2017 
 7.000% Debentures due 2016 
 5.650% Notes due 2017 

 Total 

$ 

Principal amount
exchanged
196 
 50 
 45 
 55 
 277 
 178 
 38 
 18 

$ 

 857 

Debt  Redemptions  –  On  November  30,  2012,  we  redeemed  all  $450  million  of  our  outstanding  5.45% 
notes due January 31, 2013.  The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $4 million. 

On  April  28,  2012,  we  redeemed  all  $100  million  of  our  outstanding  5.70%  Tooele  County,  Utah 
Hazardous  Waste  Treatment  Revenue  Bonds  due  November  1,  2026.    The  redemption  resulted  in  an 
early extinguishment charge of $2 million in the second quarter of 2012. 

On December 19, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $175 million of our 6.5% notes due April 15, 2012, 
and all $300 million of our outstanding 6.125% notes due January 15, 2012.  The redemptions resulted in 
an early extinguishment charge of $5 million.   

On  March  22,  2010,  we  redeemed  $175  million  of  our  6.5%  notes  due  April  15,  2012.  The  redemption 
resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $16 million in the first quarter of 2010.   

On  November  1,  2010,  we  redeemed  all  $400  million  of  our  outstanding  6.65%  notes  due  January  15, 
2011.  The redemption resulted in a $5 million early extinguishment charge. 

Receivables  Securitization  Facility  –  As  of  December  31,  2012  and  2011,  we  have  recorded  $100 
million  as  secured  debt  under  our  receivables  securitization  facility.  (See  further  discussion  of  our 
receivables securitization facility in Note 10). 

15. Variable Interest Entities   

We  have  entered  into  various  lease  transactions  in  which  the  structure  of  the  leases  contain  variable 
interest  entities  (VIEs).  These  VIEs  were  created  solely  for  the  purpose  of  doing  lease  transactions 
(principally  involving  railroad  equipment  and  facilities,  including  our  headquarters  building)  and  have  no 
other  activities,  assets  or  liabilities  outside  of  the  lease transactions.  Within these lease arrangements, 
we have the right to purchase some or all of the assets at fixed prices. Depending on market conditions, 

78 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
fixed-price  purchase  options  available  in  the  leases  could  potentially  provide  benefits  to  us;  however, 
these benefits are not expected to be significant. 

We  maintain  and  operate  the  assets  based  on  contractual  obligations  within  the  lease  arrangements, 
which  set  specific  guidelines  consistent  within  the  railroad  industry.  As  such,  we  have  no  control  over 
activities  that  could  materially  impact  the  fair  value  of  the  leased  assets.  We  do  not  hold  the  power  to 
direct the activities of the VIEs and, therefore, do not control the ongoing activities that have a significant 
impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, we do not have the obligation to absorb 
losses of the VIEs or the right to receive benefits of  the  VIEs  that  could  potentially  be  significant  to  the 
VIEs.  

We  are  not  considered  to  be  the  primary  beneficiary  and  do  not  consolidate  these  VIEs  because  our 
actions and decisions do not have the most significant effect on the VIE’s performance and our fixed-price 
purchase price options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIE’s.  The future minimum 
lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2012. 

16. Leases 

We lease certain locomotives, freight cars, and other property. The Consolidated Statements of Financial 
Position as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 included $2,467 million, net of $966 million of accumulated 
depreciation,  and  $2,458  million,  net  of  $915  million  of  accumulated  depreciation,  respectively,  for 
properties held under capital leases. A charge to income resulting from the depreciation for assets held 
under capital leases is included within depreciation expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. 
Future minimum lease payments for operating and capital leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable 
lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2012, were as follows: 

Millions 
 2013 
 2014 
 2015 
 2016 
 2017 
 Later years 

 Total minimum lease payments 

 Amount representing interest 

 Present value of minimum lease payments 

$

Operating
Leases
 525 
 466 
 410 
 375 
 339 
 2,126 

$

Capital 
Leases
 282 
 265 
 253 
 232 
 243 
 1,166 

$  4,241 

$  2,441 

N/A 

N/A

 (593)

$  1,848 

Approximately  94%  of  capital  lease  payments  relate  to  locomotives.  Rent  expense  for  operating  leases 
with terms exceeding one month was $631 million in 2012, $637 million in 2011, and $624 million in 2010. 
When cash rental payments are not made on a straight-line basis, we recognize variable rental expense 
on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent rentals and sub-rentals are not significant. 

17. Commitments and Contingencies 

Asserted and Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of 
our  subsidiaries.  We  cannot  fully  determine  the  effect  of  all  asserted  and  unasserted  claims  on  our 
consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity; however, to the extent possible, where 
asserted  and  unasserted  claims  are  considered  probable  and  where  such  claims  can  be  reasonably 
estimated, we have recorded a liability. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental 
costs,  commitments,  contingent  liabilities,  or  guarantees  will  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our 
consolidated  results  of  operations,  financial  condition,  or  liquidity  after  taking  into  account  liabilities  and 
insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters. 

Personal  Injury  –  The  cost  of  personal  injuries  to  employees  and  others  related  to  our  activities  is 
charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use 
an  actuarial  analysis  to  measure  the  expense  and  liability,  including  unasserted  claims.  The  Federal 
Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. Under FELA, damages 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
are  assessed  based  on  a  finding  of  fault  through  litigation  or  out-of-court  settlements.  We  offer  a 
comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work.  

Our personal injury liability is not discounted to present value. Approximately 90% of the recorded liability 
is  related  to  asserted  claims,  and  approximately  10%  is  related  to  unasserted  claims  at  December  31, 
2012.  Because  of  the  uncertainty  surrounding  the  ultimate  outcome  of  personal  injury  claims,  it  is 
reasonably possible that future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $334 million to 
$368 million. We record an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is 
more probable than any other.  Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.  

Our personal injury liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Current year accruals 
 Changes in estimates for prior years 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

2012 
 368 
 121 
 (58)
 (97)

 334 

 95 

$

$

$

2011 
426 
 118 
 (71)
 (105)

 368 

 103 

$

$

$

2010 
545 
 155 
 (101)
 (173)

 426 

 140 

$

$

$

Asbestos  –  We  are  a  defendant  in  a  number  of  lawsuits  in  which  current  and  former  employees  and 
other parties allege exposure to asbestos. We assess our potential liability using a statistical analysis of 
resolution  costs  for  asbestos-related  claims.    This  liability  is  updated  annually  and  excludes  future 
defense and processing costs. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based 
on the following assumptions:  

  The ratio of future claims by alleged disease would be consistent with historical averages 

adjusted for inflation. 

  The number of claims filed against us will decline each year.  
  The average settlement values for asserted and unasserted claims will be equivalent to historical 

averages.  

  The percentage of claims dismissed in the future will be equivalent to historical averages.  

Our  liability  for  asbestos-related  claims  is  not  discounted  to  present  value  due  to  the  uncertainty 
surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 22% of the recorded liability related to asserted 
claims  and  approximately  78%  related  to  unasserted  claims  at  December  31,  2012.    Because  of  the 
uncertainty  surrounding  the  ultimate  outcome  of  asbestos-related  claims,  it  is  reasonably  possible  that 
future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $139 million to $149 million.  We record 
an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is more probable than any 
other. 

Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Credits 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

2012 
 147 
 (2)
 (6)

 139 

 8 

$

$

$

2011 
 162 
 (5)
 (10)

 147 

 8 

$

$

$

2010 
 174 
 (1)
 (11)

 162 

 12 

$

$

$

In  conjunction  with  the  liability  update  performed  in  2012,  we  also  reassessed  estimated  insurance 
recoveries. We have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at December 31, 2012 and 
2011.  The amounts recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and related insurance recoveries were based 
on  currently  known  facts.  However,  future  events,  such  as  the  number  of  new  claims  filed  each  year, 
average  settlement  costs,  and  insurance  coverage  issues,  could  cause  the  actual  costs  and  insurance 
recoveries  to  be  higher  or  lower  than  the  projected  amounts.  Estimates  also  may  vary  in  the  future  if 
strategies,  activities,  and  outcomes  of  asbestos  litigation  materially  change;  federal  and  state  laws 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
governing  asbestos  litigation  increase  or  decrease  the  probability  or  amount  of  compensation  of 
claimants;  and  there  are  material  changes  with  respect  to  payments  made  to  claimants  by  other 
defendants.  

Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. 
We  have  identified  284  sites  at  which  we  are  or  may  be  liable  for  remediation  costs  associated  with 
alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 32 sites that are the 
subject  of  actions  taken  by  the  U.S.  government,  17  of  which  are  currently  on  the  Superfund  National 
Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified 
sites;  consequently,  our  ultimate  environmental  liability  may  include  costs  relating  to  activities  of  other 
parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.  

When  we  identify  an  environmental  issue  with  respect  to  property  owned,  leased,  or  otherwise  used  in 
our  business,  we  perform,  with  assistance  of  our  consultants,  environmental  assessments  on  the 
property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where 
our  obligation  is  probable  and  such  costs  can  be  reasonably  estimated.  We  do  not  discount  our 
environmental  liabilities  when  the  timing  of  the  anticipated  cash  payments  is  not  fixed  or  readily 
determinable. At December 31, 2012, none of our environmental liability was discounted, while less than 
1% of our environmental liability was discounted at 2.0% at December 31, 2011.   

Our environmental liability activity was as follows: 

 Millions 
 Beginning balance 
 Accruals 
 Payments 

 Ending balance at December 31 

 Current portion, ending balance at December 31 

  [a] Payments include $25 million to resolve the Omaha Lead Site liability. 

2012 
 172 
 48 
 (50)

 170 

 50 

$

$

$

2011 [a]
 213 
$
 29 
 (70)

$

$

 172 

 50 

2010 
 217 
 57 
 (61)

 213 

 74 

$

$

$

The  environmental  liability  includes  future  costs  for  remediation  and  restoration  of  sites,  as  well  as 
ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are 
based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and 
existing  technology,  laws,  and  regulations.  The  ultimate  liability  for  remediation  is  difficult  to  determine 
because  of  the  number  of  potentially  responsible  parties,  site-specific  cost  sharing  arrangements  with 
other  potentially  responsible  parties,  the  degree  of  contamination  by  various  wastes,  the  scarcity  and 
quality  of  volumetric  data  related  to  many  of  the  sites,  and  the  speculative  nature  of  remediation  costs. 
Estimates  of  liability  may  vary  over  time  due  to  changes  in  federal,  state,  and  local  laws  governing 
environmental remediation. Current obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our 
consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.  

Guarantees  –  At  December  31,  2012,  we  were  contingently  liable  for  $307  million  in  guarantees.  We 
have recorded a liability of $2 million for the fair value of these obligations as of December 31, 2012 and 
2011.  We  entered  into  these  contingent  guarantees  in  the  normal  course  of  business,  and  they  include 
guaranteed  obligations  related  to  our  headquarters  building,  equipment  financings,  and  affiliated 
operations.  The  final  guarantee  expires  in  2022.  We  are  not  aware  of  any  existing  event  of  default  that 
would require us to satisfy these guarantees. We do not expect that these guarantees will have a material 
adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. 

Indemnities  –  Our  maximum  potential  exposure  under  indemnification  arrangements,  including  certain 
tax indemnifications, can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, depending on the 
nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or 
how  they  will  be  resolved,  we  cannot  reasonably  determine  the  probability  of  an  adverse  claim  or 
reasonably  estimate  any  adverse  liability  or  the  total  maximum  exposure  under  these  indemnification 
arrangements.  We  do  not  have  any  reason  to  believe  that  we  will  be  required  to  make  any  material 
payments under these indemnity provisions. 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain  Contingency  –  UPRR  and  Santa  Fe  Pacific  Pipelines  (SFPP,  a  subsidiary  of  Kinder  Morgan 
Energy  Partners,  L.P.)  currently  are  engaged  in  a  proceeding  to  resolve  the  fair  market  rent  payable  to 
UPRR  under  a  10-year  agreement  commencing  on  January  1,  2004  for  pipeline  easements  on  UPRR 
rights-of-way  (Union  Pacific  Railroad  Company  vs.  Santa  Fe  Pacific  Pipelines,  Inc.,  SFPP,  L.P.,  Kinder 
Morgan Operating L.P. “D” Kinder Morgan G.P., Inc., et al., Superior Court of the State of California for 
the County of Los Angeles, filed July 28, 2004).  In February 2007, a trial began to resolve this issue, and, 
on September 28, 2011, the judge issued a tentative Statement of Decision, which concluded that SFPP 
owes back rent to UPRR for the years 2004 through 2011. On May 29, 2012, the court entered judgment, 
awarding UPRR back rent and prejudgment interest. SFPP is appealing the final judgment. A favorable 
final  judgment  may  materially  affect  our  results  of  operations  in  the  period  of  any  monetary  recoveries; 
however, due to the uncertainty regarding the amount and timing of any recovery, including the outcome 
of  SFPP’s  appeal  of  this  judgment  or  any  subsequent  proceeding,  we  consider  this  a  gain  contingency 
and do not reflect any amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 
2012. 

18.  Share Repurchase Program  

Effective  April  1,  2011,  our  Board  of  Directors  authorized  the  repurchase  of  40  million  shares  of  our 
common  stock  by  March  31,  2014,  replacing  our  previous  repurchase  program.  As  of  December  31, 
2012,  we  repurchased  a  total  of  $7.1  billion  of  our  common  stock  since  the  commencement  of  our 
repurchase  programs.    The  table  below  represents  shares  repurchased  under  the  new  repurchase 
program,  except  for  the  first  quarter  of  2011  which  represent  shares  repurchased  under  the  previous 
program. 

 First quarter 
 Second quarter  
 Third quarter  
 Fourth quarter 

 Total  

Number of Shares Purchased 
2011 
 2,636,178 
 3,576,399 
 4,681,535 
 3,885,658 

2012 
 3,917,369 
 3,770,528 
 3,098,812 
 2,033,750 

2012  
$  110.64  
 110.02  
 122.13  
 121.81  

$ 

Average Price Paid 
2011 
 94.10 
 100.75 
 91.45 
 98.16 

 12,820,459 

 14,779,770 

$  115.01  

$ 

 95.94 

Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority 

15,035,949 

Management's assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts guide the timing and volume 
of all repurchases.  We expect to fund any share repurchases under this program through cash generated 
from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and 
cash on hand.  Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable 
commissions and fees. 

82 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19. Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) 

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts 

 2012 

 Operating revenues 
 Operating income 
 Net income 
 Net income per share: 
      Basic 
      Diluted 

Millions, Except Per Share Amounts 

 2011 

 Operating revenues 
 Operating income 
 Net income 
 Net income per share: 
      Basic 
      Diluted 

Mar. 31

Jun. 30

Sep. 30 

Dec. 31

$  5,112 
 1,510 
 863 

$  5,221 
 1,724 
 1,002 

$ 

 5,343  
 1,786  
 1,042  

$  5,250 
 1,725 
 1,036 

 1.81 
 1.79 

 2.11 
 2.10 

 2.21  
 2.19  

 2.21 
 2.19 

Mar. 31

Jun. 30

Sep. 30 

Dec. 31

$  4,490 
 1,137 
 639 

$  4,858 
 1,392 
 785 

$ 

 5,101  
 1,578  
 904  

$  5,108 
 1,617 
 964 

 1.31 
 1.29 

 1.61 
 1.59 

 1.87  
 1.85  

 2.01 
 1.99 

Per share net income for the four quarters combined may not equal the per share net income for the year 
due to rounding. 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the 
supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief 
Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the 
effectiveness  of  the  design  and  operation  of  the  Corporation’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures 
pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls 
and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed 
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based 
upon that evaluation, the CEO and the CFO concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report,  the  Corporation’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  were  effective  to  provide  reasonable 
assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, 
summarized  and  reported  within  the  time  periods  specified  by  the  SEC,  and  that  such  information  is 
accumulated  and  communicated  to  management,  including  the  CEO  and  CFO,  as  appropriate,  to  allow 
timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  

Additionally,  the  CEO  and  CFO  determined  that  there  were  no  changes  to  the  Corporation’s  internal 
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the last 
fiscal  quarter  that  materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the  Corporation’s 
internal control over financial reporting.  

83 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING 

The  management  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation  and  Subsidiary  Companies  (the  Corporation)  is 
responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined 
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)). The Corporation’s internal control system was designed 
to provide reasonable assurance to the Corporation’s management and Board of Directors regarding the 
preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  

All  internal  control  systems,  no  matter  how  well  designed,  have  inherent  limitations.  Therefore,  even 
those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial 
statement preparation and presentation.  

The  Corporation’s  management  assessed  the  effectiveness  of  the  Corporation’s  internal  control  over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by 
the Committee of Sponsoring  Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in  Internal  Control  – 
Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2012, 
the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.  

The Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the 
effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on the next 
page. 

February 7, 2013 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Union Pacific Corporation: 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary 
Companies (the Corporation) as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control 
—  Integrated  Framework  issued  by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway 
Commission. The Corporation's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over 
financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included  in  the  accompanying  Management’s  Annual  Report  on  Internal  Control  Over  Financial 
Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation's internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.  Our  audit  included  obtaining  an  understanding  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting, 
assessing  the  risk  that  a  material  weakness  exists,  testing  and  evaluating  the  design  and  operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our 
opinion. 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision 
of,  the  company’s  principal  executive  and  principal  financial  officers,  or  persons  performing  similar 
functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide 
reasonable  assurance  regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial 
statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles.  A 
company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;  (2)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are 
recorded  as  necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally 
accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only 
in  accordance  with  authorizations  of  management  and  directors  of  the  company;  and  (3)  provide 
reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of 
collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may 
not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of 
the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may 
become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies 
or procedures may deteriorate. 

In our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting  as  of  December  31,  2012,  based  on  the  criteria  established  in  Internal  Control  —  Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 

We  have  also  audited,  in  accordance  with  the  standards  of  the  Public  Company  Accounting  Oversight 
Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and 
for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2012  of  the  Corporation  and  our  report  dated  February  8,  2013 
expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule. 

Omaha, Nebraska 
February 8, 2013

85 

 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B. Other Information 

None. 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance 

(a)  Directors of Registrant.  

PART III 

Information  as  to  the  names,  ages,  positions  and  offices  with  UPC,  terms  of  office,  periods  of 
service, business experience during the past five years and certain other directorships held by each 
director  or  person  nominated  to  become  a  director  of  UPC  is  set  forth  in  the  Election  of  Directors 
segment of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

Information  concerning  our  Audit  Committee  and  the  independence  of  its  members,  along  with 
information about the audit committee financial expert(s) serving on the Audit Committee, is set forth 
in the Audit Committee segment of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

(b)  Executive Officers of Registrant.  

Information  concerning  the  executive  officers  of  UPC  and  its  subsidiaries  is  presented  in  Part  I  of 
this  report  under  Executive  Officers  of  the  Registrant  and  Principal  Executive  Officers  of 
Subsidiaries.  

(c)  Section 16(a) Compliance.  

Information concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is set 
forth  in  the  Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting  Compliance  segment  of  the  Proxy 
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

(d)  Code of Ethics for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers of Registrant. 

The Board of Directors of UPC has adopted the UPC Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer 
and Senior Financial Officers (the Code). A copy of the Code may be found on the Internet at our 
website www.up.com/investors/governance. We intend to disclose any amendments to the Code or 
any waiver from a provision of the Code on our website.  

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

Information  concerning  compensation  received  by  our  directors  and  our  named  executive  officers  is 
presented in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, Summary Compensation Table, Grants of Plan-
Based  Awards  in  Fiscal  Year  2012,  Outstanding  Equity  Awards  at  2012  Fiscal  Year-End,  Option 
Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2012, Pension Benefits at 2012 Fiscal Year-End, Nonqualified 
Deferred  Compensation  at  2012  Fiscal  Year-End,  Potential  Payments  Upon  Termination  or  Change  in 
Control  and  Director  Compensation  in  Fiscal  Year  2012  segments  of  the  Proxy  Statement  and  is 
incorporated  herein  by  reference.  Additional  information  regarding  compensation  of  directors,  including 
Board  committee  members,  is  set  forth  in  the  By-Laws  of  UPC  and  the  Stock  Unit  Grant  and  Deferred 
Compensation  Plan  for  the  Board  of  Directors,  both  of  which  are  included  as  exhibits  to  this  report. 
Information  regarding  the  Compensation  and  Benefits  Committee  is  set  forth  in  the  Compensation 
Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider  Participation  and  Compensation  Committee  Report  segments  of  the 
Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item  12.  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related      

Stockholder Matters 

Information as to the number of shares of our equity securities beneficially owned by each of our directors 
and nominees for director, our named executive officers, our directors and executive officers as a group, 
and  certain  beneficial  owners  is  set  forth  in  the  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and 
Management segment of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which UPC common stock may be 
issued as of December 31, 2012:  

Column (a) 

Column (b) 

Column (c) 

Number of securities 
to be issued upon 
exercise of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights 

Number of securities 
remaining available for 
future issuance under 
equity compensation 
plans (excluding 
securities reflected in 
column (a))

 5,892,817 

[1]

 5,892,817   

$

$

 52.89 

[2] 

 32,168,520 

 52.89   

 32,168,520 

 Plan Category 
 Equity compensation plans approved  
   by security holders  

 Total  

[1] 

Includes 1,604,221 retention units that do not have an exercise price. Does not include 1,851,382 retention shares that have 
been issued and are outstanding.  

[2]  Does not include the retention units or retention shares described above in footnote 1.  

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 

Information on related transactions is set forth in the Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and 
Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and  Insider  Participation  segments  of  the  Proxy  Statement  and  is 
incorporated herein by reference. We do not have any relationship with any outside third party that would 
enable such a party to negotiate terms of a material transaction that may not be available to, or available 
from, other parties on an arm’s-length basis.  

Information  regarding  the  independence  of  our  directors  is  set  forth  in  the  Director  Independence 
segment of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

Information  concerning  the  fees  billed  by  our  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  and  the 
nature of services comprising the fees for each of the two most recent fiscal years in each of the following 
categories:  (i)  audit  fees,  (ii)  audit-related  fees,  (iii)  tax  fees,  and  (iv)  all  other  fees,  is  set  forth  in  the 
Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting  Firm’s  Fees  and  Services  segment  of  the  Proxy  Statement 
and is incorporated herein by reference.  

Information concerning our Audit Committee’s policies and procedures pertaining to pre-approval of audit 
and non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm is set forth in the 
Audit Committee segment of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a)  Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules, and Exhibits:  

(1)  Financial Statements  

The  financial  statements  filed  as  part  of  this  filing  are  listed  on  the  index  to  the  Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data, Item 8, on page 49.  

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules  

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts  

Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required 
or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data, Item 8, or notes thereto.  

(3)  Exhibits  

Exhibits are listed in the exhibit index beginning on page 91. The exhibits include management 
contracts, compensatory plans and arrangements required to be filed as exhibits to the Form 
10-K by Item 601 (10) (iii) of Regulation S-K.  

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on 
this 8th day of February, 2013. 

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 

By   /s/ John J. Koraleski                       

John J. Koraleski, 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below, 
on this 8th day of February, 2013, by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities 
indicated. 

PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
AND DIRECTOR: 

/s/ John J. Koraleski                         
John J. Koraleski, 

   President and  
   Chief Executive Officer 

Union Pacific Corporation 

/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.                        
Robert M. Knight, Jr.,  
Executive Vice President - Finance  
and Chief Financial Officer 

/s/ Jeffrey P. Totusek                                   
Jeffrey P. Totusek,  
Vice President and Controller 

Michael R. McCarthy* 
Michael W. McConnell* 
Thomas F. McLarty III* 
Steven R. Rogel* 
Jose H. Villarreal* 
James R. Young* 

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER:  

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER: 

DIRECTORS: 

Andrew H. Card, Jr.* 
Erroll B. Davis, Jr.* 
Thomas J. Donohue* 
Archie W. Dunham* 
Judith Richards Hope* 
Charles C. Krulak* 

* By /s/ James J. Theisen, Jr.                
      James J. Theisen, Jr., Attorney-in-fact 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions, for the Years Ended December 31,
 Allowance for doubtful accounts: 
      Balance, beginning of period  
      Charges/(reduction) to expense  
      Net recoveries/(write-offs)  

 Balance, end of period  

 Allowance for doubtful accounts are presented in the 
   Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as follows: 
      Current  
      Long-term  

 Balance, end of period  

 Accrued casualty costs: 
      Balance, beginning of period  
      Charges to expense  
      Cash payments and other reductions  

 Balance, end of period  

 Accrued casualty costs are presented in the 
   Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as follows: 
      Current  
      Long-term  

 Balance, end of period  

2012 

2011 

2010 

$

 50 
 (1)
 (12)

 37 

$

$

$

$

 4 
 33 

 37 

 778 
 190 
 (234)

$

$

$

$

$

 56 
 - 
 (6)

 50 

 9 
 41 

 50 

 905 
 110 
 (237)

 70 
 (6)
 (8)

 56 

 5 
 51 

 56 

 1,086 
 186 
 (367)

 734 

$

 778 

$

 905 

 213 
 521 

 734 

$

$

 249 
 529 

 778 

$

$

 325 
 580 

 905 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

90 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 
Exhibit Index 

Exhibit No.   

Description 

Filed with this Statement 

10(a) 

10(b) 

10(c) 

12 

21 

23 

24 

31(a) 

31(b) 

32 

101 

Form of 2013 Long Term Plan Stock Unit Agreement dated February 7, 2013. 

Form of Stock Unit Agreement for Executives dated February 7, 2013. 

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Executives dated February 7, 
2013. 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 

List  of  the  Corporation’s  significant  subsidiaries  and  their  respective  states  of 
incorporation. 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent. 

Powers of attorney executed by the directors of UPC. 

Certifications  Pursuant  to  Rule  13a-14(a),  of  the  Exchange  Act,  as  Adopted 
pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – John J. Koraleski. 

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

Certifications  Pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  Adopted  pursuant  to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – John J. Koraleski and Robert 
M. Knight, Jr. 

eXtensible  Business  Reporting  Language 
(XBRL)  documents  submitted 
electronically:  101.INS  (XBRL  Instance  Document),  101.SCH  (XBRL  Taxonomy 
Extension  Schema  Document),  101.CAL 
(XBRL  Calculation  Linkbase 
Document),  101.LAB  (XBRL  Taxonomy  Label  Linkbase  Document),  101.DEF 
(XBRL  Taxonomy  Definition  Linkbase  Document)  and  101.PRE 
(XBRL 
Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document). The following financial and related 
information from Union Pacific Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year  ended  December  31,  2012  (filed  with  the  SEC  on  February  8,  2013),  is 
formatted  in  XBRL  and  submitted  electronically  herewith:    (i)  Consolidated 
Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, 
(ii)  Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive  Income  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Financial 
Position  at  December  31,  2012  and  December  31,  2011,  (iv)  Consolidated 
Statements  of  Cash  Flows  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2012,  2011  and 
2010, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders’ Equity 
for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2012,  2011  and  2010,  and  (vi)  the  Notes  to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements.   

Incorporated by Reference 

3(a) 

Restated  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  UPC,  as  amended  and  restated  through 
June  27,  2011,  are  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3(a)  to  the 
Corporation’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30, 
2011. 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3(b) 

4(a) 

4(b) 

4(c) 

4(d) 

10(d) 

10(e) 

10(f) 

10(g) 

10(h) 

10(i) 

By-Laws  of  UPC,  as  amended,  effective May 14, 2009, are incorporated herein 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.2  to  the  Corporation’s  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K 
dated May 15, 2009. 

Indenture, dated as of December 20, 1996, between UPC and Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, as successor to Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, is incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to UPC’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 
(No. 333-18345). 

Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1999, between UPC and The Bank of New York, 
as successor to JP Morgan Chase Bank, formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank, 
as  Trustee,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.2  to  UPC’s 
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-75989). 

Form of 2.950% Note due 2023 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 
to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 11, 2012. 

Form of 4.300% Note due 2042 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 
to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2012.  

Certain  instruments  evidencing  long-term  indebtedness  of  UPC  are  not  filed  as 
exhibits because the total amount of securities authorized under any single such 
instrument does not exceed 10% of the Corporation’s total consolidated assets. 
UPC agrees to furnish the Commission with a copy of any such instrument upon 
request by the Commission.  

Supplemental Thrift Plan (409A Non-Grandfathered Component) of Union Pacific 
Corporation,  as  amended  December  28,  2011,  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(d)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2011. 

Supplemental  Thrift  Plan  (409A  Grandfathered  Component)  of  Union  Pacific 
Corporation,  as  amended  and  restated  in  its  entirety,  effective  as  of  January  1, 
2009,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(d)  to  the  Corporation’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Supplemental Pension Plan for Officers and Managers (409A Non-Grandfathered 
Component)  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation  and  Affiliates,  as  amended  and 
restated in its entirety effective as of January 1, 1989, including all amendments 
adopted  through  January  1,  2009,  as  amended  July  22,  2011,  is  incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. 

Supplemental  Pension  Plan  for  Officers  and  Managers  (409A  Grandfathered 
Component)  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation  and  Affiliates,  as  amended  and 
restated in its entirety effective as of January 1, 1989, including all amendments 
adopted  through  January  1,  2009  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit 
10(f)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2008. 

Union  Pacific  Corporation  Executive  Incentive  Plan,  effective  May  5,  2005, 
amended  and  restated  effective  January  1,  2009,  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(g)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (409A  Non-Grandfathered  Component)  of  Union 
Pacific  Corporation,  effective  as  January  1,  2009  as  amended  December  30, 
2010 and June 22, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the 
Corporation’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30, 
2011. 

92 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10(j) 

10(k) 

10(l) 

10(m) 

10(n) 

10(o) 

10(p) 

10(q) 

10(r) 

10(s) 

10(t) 

Deferred Compensation Plan (409A Grandfathered Component) of Union Pacific 
Corporation,  as  amended  and  restated  in  its  entirety,  effective  as  January  1, 
2009  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(i)  to  the  Corporation’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Union Pacific Corporation 2000 Directors Plan, effective as of April 21, 2000, as 
amended  November  16,  2006,  January  30,  2007  and  January  1,  2009  is 
incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(j)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Union Pacific Corporation Stock Unit Grant and Deferred Compensation Plan for 
the  Board  of  Directors  (409A  Non-Grandfathered  Component),  effective  as  of 
January  1,  2009  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(k)  to  the 
Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2008. 

Union Pacific Corporation Stock Unit Grant and Deferred Compensation Plan for 
the  Board  of  Directors  (409A  Grandfathered  Component),  as  amended  and 
restated in its entirety, effective as of January 1, 2009 is incorporated herein by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(l)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Union Pacific Corporation Key Employee Continuity Plan, dated as of November 
16, 2000, as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2009, as amended 
February  3,  2011,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(e)  to  the 
Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2010. 

UPC  2004  Stock  Incentive  Plan,  originally  effective  as  of  April  16,  2004,  and 
amended  and  restated  effective  January  1,  2009,  and  amended  September  23, 
2009,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10  to  the  Corporation’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. 

is 
UPC  2001  Stock 
incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(e)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. 

Incentive  Plan,  as  amended  November  16,  2006, 

Amended  and  Restated  Registration  Rights  Agreement,  dated  as  of  July  12, 
1996,  among  UPC,  UP  Holding  Company,  Inc.,  Union  Pacific  Merger  Co.  and 
Southern  Pacific  Rail  Corporation  (SP)  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to 
Annex  J  to  the  Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus  included  in  Post-Effective 
Amendment No. 2 to UPC’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-64707). 

Agreement,  dated  September  25,  1995,  among  UPC,  UPRR,  Missouri  Pacific 
Railroad  Company  (MPRR),  SP,  Southern  Pacific  Transportation  Company 
(SPT),  The  Denver  &  Rio  Grande  Western  Railroad  Company  (D&RGW),  St. 
Louis Southwestern Railway Company (SLSRC) and SPCSL Corp. (SPCSL), on 
the  one  hand,  and  Burlington  Northern  Railroad  Company  (BN)  and  The 
Atchison,  Topeka  and  Santa  Fe  Railway  Company  (Santa  Fe),  on  the  other 
hand,  is  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.11  to  UPC’s  Registration 
Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-64707). 

Supplemental  Agreement,  dated  November  18,  1995,  between  UPC,  UPRR, 
MPRR, SP, SPT, D&RGW, SLSRC and SPCSL, on the one hand, and BN and 
Santa Fe, on the other hand, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 
to UPC’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 33-64707). 

The Pension Plan for Non-Employee Directors of UPC, as amended January 25, 
1996,  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(w)  to  the  Corporation’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10(u) 

10(v) 

10(w) 

10(x) 

10(y) 

10(z) 

10(aa) 

10(bb) 

10(cc) 

Charitable  Contribution  Plan  for  Non-Employee  Directors  of  Union  Pacific 
Corporation  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(z)  to  the 
Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
1995. 

Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement  for  Executives  is  incorporated 
herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(a)  to  the  Corporation’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. 

Form  of  2009  Long  Term  Plan  Stock  Unit  Agreement  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(a)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2008. 

Form  of  2010  Long  Term  Plan  Stock  Unit  Agreement  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(a)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2009. 

Form  of  2011  Long  Term  Plan  Stock  Unit  Agreement  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(a)  to  the  Corporations  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2010. 

Form  of  2012  Long  Term  Plan  Stock  Unit  Agreement  is  incorporated  herein  by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10(a)  to  the  Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for 
the year ended December 31, 2011. 

Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement  for  Directors  is  incorporated 
herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(d)  to  the  Corporation’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. 

Form  of  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Agreement  for  Executives  is  incorporated 
herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. 

Executive  Incentive  Plan  (2005)  –  Deferred  Compensation  Program,  dated 
December  21,  2005  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10(g)  to  the 
Corporation’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31, 
2005. 

94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 12 

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 
Union Pacific Corporation and Subsidiary Companies 

 Millions, Except for Ratios 
 Fixed charges: 
   Interest expense including 
      amortization of debt discount 
   Portion of rentals representing an interest factor 

 Total fixed charges 

 Earnings available for fixed charges: 
   Net income 
   Equity earnings net of distributions 
   Income taxes 
   Fixed charges 

2012 

2011 

2010 

2009 

2008 

$

$

 535 
 132  

 667 

$

$

 572 
 135  

 707 

$

$

 602 
 136  

 738 

$

$

 600 
 155  

 755 

$

$

 511 
 226 

 737 

$  3,943 
 (55) 
 2,375  
 667  

$  3,292 
 (38) 
 1,972  
 707  

$  2,780 
 (44) 
 1,653  
 738  

$  1,890 
 (42) 
 1,084  
 755  

$  2,335 
 (53)
 1,316 
 737 

 Earnings available for fixed charges 

$  6,930 

$  5,933 

$  5,127 

$  3,687 

$  4,335 

 Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 

10.4  

8.4  

6.9  

4.9 

5.9 

95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES OF UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 

Name of Corporation 

State of 
Incorporation 

Union Pacific Railroad Company ......................................................................  
Southern Pacific Rail Corporation .....................................................................  

Delaware 
Utah 

Exhibit 21 

96 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 23 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

We  consent  to  the  incorporation  by  reference  in  Post-Effective  Amendment  No.  1  to  Registration 
Statement  No.  33-12513,  Registration  Statement  No.  33-53968,  Registration  Statement  No.  33-49785, 
Registration Statement No. 33-49849, Registration Statement No. 333-10797, Registration Statement No. 
333-13115, Registration Statement No. 333-88709, Registration Statement No. 333-61856, Registration 
Statement  No.  333-42768,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-106707,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-
106708,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-105714,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-105715,  Registration 
Statement  No.  333-116003,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-132324,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-
155708,  Registration  Statement  No.  333-170209,  and  Registration  Statement  No.  333-170208  on  Form 
S-8  and  Registration  Statement  No.  333-164842  on  Form  S-3  of  our  reports  dated  February  8,  2013, 
relating  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  financial  statement  schedule  of  Union  Pacific 
Corporation  and  Subsidiary  Companies  (the  Corporation)  and  the  effectiveness  of  the  Corporation's 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  appearing  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  of  Union  Pacific 
Corporation and Subsidiary Companies for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

Omaha, Nebraska 
February 8, 2013 

97 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 24 

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION 
Powers of Attorney  

Each  of  the  undersigned  directors  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation,  a  Utah  corporation  (the  Company),  do 
hereby appoint each of John J. Koraleski, Barbara W. Schaefer, and James J. Theisen, Jr. his or her true 
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, to sign on his or her behalf the Company’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2012, and any and all amendments thereto, and to file the same, 
with all exhibits thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Power of Attorney as of February 7, 2013.  

/s/ Andrew H. Card, Jr. 
Andrew H. Card, Jr. 

/s/ Erroll B. Davis, Jr. 
Erroll B. Davis, Jr. 

/s/ Thomas J. Donohue 
Thomas J. Donohue 

/s/ Archie W. Dunham 
Archie W. Dunham 

/s/ Judith Richards Hope 
Judith Richards Hope 

/s/ Charles C. Krulak 
Charles C. Krulak 

/s/ Michael R. McCarthy 
Michael R. McCarthy 

/s/ Michael W. McConnell 
Michael W. McConnell 

/s/ Thomas F. McLarty III 
Thomas F. McLarty III 

/s/ Steven R. Rogel 
Steven R. Rogel 

/s/ Jose H. Villarreal 
Jose H. Villarreal 

/s/ James R. Young 
James R. Young 

98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31(a) 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

I, John J. Koraleski, certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Union Pacific Corporation; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which 
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3.  Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of 
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining 
disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and 
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the 
registrant and have: 

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

(b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over 
financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

(c)    Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and 
presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting 
that  occurred  during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal 
quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to 
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

(a)    All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s 
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have 
a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date: February 8, 2013 

/s/ John J. Koraleski                         
John J. Koraleski  

   President and  

Chief Executive Officer 

99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31(b) 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER 

I, Robert M. Knight, Jr., certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Union Pacific Corporation; 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to 
state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which 
such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 

3.  Based  on  my  knowledge,  the  financial  statements,  and  other  financial  information  included  in  this 
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of 
the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 

4.  The  registrant’s  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining 
disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as  defined  in  Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  and 
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the 
registrant and have: 

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and 
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to 
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those 
entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

(b)  Designed  such  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  or  caused  such  internal  control  over 
financial  reporting  to  be  designed  under  our  supervision,  to  provide  reasonable  assurance 
regarding  the  reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

(c)    Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant’s  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and 
presented  in  this  report  our  conclusions  about  the  effectiveness  of  the  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting 
that  occurred  during  the  registrant’s  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  (the  registrant’s  fourth  fiscal 
quarter  in  the  case  of  an  annual  report)  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to 
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant’s  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the 
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

(a)    All  significant  deficiencies  and  material  weaknesses  in  the  design  or  operation  of  internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  which  are  reasonably  likely  to  adversely  affect  the  registrant’s 
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have 
a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Date: February 8, 2013 

/s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr.                         
Robert M. Knight, Jr.  

   Executive Vice President – Finance and   

Chief Financial Officer 

100 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32 

In  connection  with  the  accompanying  Annual  Report  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation  (the  Corporation)  on 
Form  10-K  for  the  period  ending  December  31,  2012,  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, John J. Koraleski, President and Chief Executive Officer 
of the Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that: 

(1)  The  Report  fully  complies  with  the  requirements  of  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934; and 

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial 

condition and results of operations of the Corporation. 

By:  /s/ John J. Koraleski 
John J. Koraleski 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

February 8, 2013 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Corporation 
and will be retained by the Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its 
staff upon request. 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

In  connection  with  the  accompanying  Annual  Report  of  Union  Pacific  Corporation  (the  Corporation)  on 
Form  10-K  for  the  period  ending  December  31,  2012,  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission on the date hereof (the Report), I, Robert M. Knight, Jr., Executive Vice President - Finance 
and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  the  Corporation,  certify,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that: 

(1)  The  Report  fully  complies  with  the  requirements  of  Section  13(a)  or  15(d)  of  the  Securities 

Exchange Act of 1934; and 

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial 

condition and results of operations of the Corporation. 

By:  /s/ Robert M. Knight, Jr. 
Robert M. Knight, Jr. 
Executive Vice President - Finance and  
Chief Financial Officer 
Union Pacific Corporation 

February 8, 2013 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Corporation 
and will be retained by the Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its 
staff upon request. 

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