OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation reported 2010 fourth quarter net income of $775 million, or $1.56 per diluted share, compared to $549 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter 2009.
“Our strong fourth quarter results are indicative of the great performance we’ve achieved throughout 2010, setting numerous records as we report the most profitable year in Union Pacific’s nearly 150-year history, ” said Jim Young, Union Pacific chairman and chief executive officer. “As business volumes increased during the year, we kept our customer commitments by ensuring consistent, safe and reliable service. Shareholders also were rewarded as we completed strategic investments designed to further improve financial returns, increased the quarterly dividend more than 40 percent, and repurchased nearly $1.25 billion in shares.”
Fourth quarter business volumes, as measured by total revenue carloads, grew 9 percent versus 2009, as all six Union Pacific (UP) business groups reported volume growth for the third consecutive quarter. Quarterly operating revenue increased 17 percent in the fourth quarter 2010 to $4.4 billion versus $3.8 billion in the fourth quarter 2009.
