BNSF RAILWAY CO - FORM 10-Q

Attached files

file	filename
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - BNSF RAILWAY CO	Financial_Report.xls
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - BNSF RAILWAY CO	railway3312014-ex312.htm
EX-12.1 - COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES - BNSF RAILWAY CO	railwayratioofearningstofi.htm
EX-32.1 - SECTION 906 CEO AND CFO CERTIFICATION - BNSF RAILWAY CO	railway3312014-ex321.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION - BNSF RAILWAY CO	railway3312014-ex311.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014



o	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 1-6324

BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		41-6034000
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

2650 Lou Menk Drive

Fort Worth, Texas

(Address of principal executive offices)

76131-2830

(Zip Code)

(800) 795-2673

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
		Yes [x] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 [x] No [ ]
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 [ ] Non-accelerated filer [x] Smaller reporting company [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
		Yes [ ] No [x]

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



Class		Shares Outstanding at May 2, 2014
Common stock, $1.00 par value		1,000 shares

Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format permitted by General Instruction H (2).

Table of Contents



PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	PAGE

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

Item 2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations	17

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	20


PART II	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.	Exhibits	21

Signatures		S-1

Exhibits		E-1

Table of Contents

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.	Financial Statements.

BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Revenues	$	5,334		$	5,180

Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	1,209			1,129
Fuel	1,159			1,122
Purchased services	562			543
Depreciation and amortization	514			483
Equipment rents	215			198
Materials and other	315			237
Total operating expenses	3,974			3,712
Operating income	1,360			1,468
Interest expense	13			24
Interest income, related parties	(22		)	(19		)
Other expense, net	3			1

Income before income taxes	1,366			1,462
Income tax expense	518			550
Net income	$	848		$	912

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Net income	$	848	$	912

Other comprehensive income:
Change in amortization of accumulated actuarial losses and prior service credits, net of tax benefit of $0 million and $2 million, respectively	—		3
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income of equity method investees	3		(2		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	3		1
Total comprehensive income	$	851	$	913

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	286		$	532
Accounts receivable, net	1,276			1,264
Materials and supplies	859			835
Current portion of deferred income taxes	194			358
Other current assets	238			239
Total current assets	2,853			3,228

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,630 and $2,231, respectively	52,817			52,347
Goodwill	14,803			14,803
Intangible assets, net	734			811
Other assets	2,322			2,272
Total assets	$	73,529		$	73,461

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	3,107		$	3,083
Long-term debt due within one year	139			145
Total current liabilities	3,246			3,228

Deferred income taxes	17,283			17,383
Long-term debt	1,436			1,472
Intangible liabilities, net	917			961
Casualty and environmental liabilities	673			677
Pension and retiree health and welfare liability	360			362
Other liabilities	897			964
Total liabilities	24,812			25,047
Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 5 and 6)
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock, $1 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding and paid-in capital	42,920			42,920
Retained earnings	14,494			13,646
Intercompany notes receivable	(8,945		)	(8,397		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	248			245
Total stockholder’s equity	48,717			48,414
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$	73,529		$	73,461

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	848		$	912
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	514			483
Deferred income taxes	64			156
Long-term casualty and environmental liabilities, net	(9		)	(17		)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	—			(25		)
Other, net	(197		)	(10		)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(12		)	(417		)
Materials and supplies	(24		)	(38		)
Other current assets	(85		)	(101		)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	254			(245		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,353			698

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures excluding equipment	(645		)	(546		)
Acquisition of equipment	(273		)	(186		)
Other, net	(95		)	(20		)
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,013		)	(752		)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments on long-term debt	(38		)	(58		)
Net increase in intercompany notes receivable classified as equity	(548		)	(189		)
Net cash used for financing activities	(586		)	(247		)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(246		)	(301		)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	532			350
End of period	$	286		$	49

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	23		$	33
Capital investments accrued but not yet paid	$	119		$	104
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	22		$	648

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

(In millions)

(Unaudited)



	Common Stock and Paid-in Capital		Retained Earnings		Intercompany Notes Receivable			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total Stockholder’s Equity
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	42,920	$	13,646	$	(8,397	)	$	245	$	48,414
Change in intercompany notes receivable	—		—		(548		)	—		(548		)
Comprehensive income, net of tax	—		848		—			3		851
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	42,920	$	14,494	$	(8,945	)	$	248	$	48,717

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1.	Accounting Policies and Interim Results

The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with BNSF Railway Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, including the financial statements and notes thereto. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of BNSF Railway Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries, all of which are separate legal entities (collectively BNSF Railway or the Company). BNSF Railway is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC (BNSF), and is the principal operating subsidiary of BNSF. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

On February 12, 2010, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., a Delaware corporation (Berkshire), acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation common stock that it did not already own. The acquisition was completed through the merger (Merger) of a Berkshire wholly-owned merger subsidiary and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation with the surviving entity renamed Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC. Earnings per share data has not been presented because BNSF has not issued stock or membership interests to the public.

The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the entire year. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, except as disclosed) necessary for a fair statement of BNSF Railway’s consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2014, and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.


2.	Accounts Receivable, Net

Accounts receivable, net consists of freight and other receivables, reduced by an allowance for bill adjustments and uncollectible accounts, based upon expected collectibility. At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, $49 million and $53 million, respectively, of such allowances had been recorded.

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $49 million and $47 million, respectively, of accounts receivable were greater than 90 days old.


3.	Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities

Intangible assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):



	As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Intangible assets	$	2,016	$	1,282	$	2,016	$	1,205
Intangible liabilities	$	2,056	$	1,139	$	2,056	$	1,095

Intangible assets primarily consisted of internally developed software and franchise and customer assets. Intangible liabilities primarily consisted of customer and shortline contracts which were in an unfavorable position at the date of Merger.

Amortizable intangible assets and liabilities are amortized based on the estimated pattern in which the economic benefits are expected to be consumed or on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives.

Amortization of intangible assets and liabilities was as follows (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Amortization of intangible assets	$	77	$	76
Amortization of intangible liabilities	$	44	$	63

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Amortization of intangible assets and liabilities for the next five years is expected to approximate the following (in millions):



	Amortization of intangible assets		Amortization of intangible liabilities
Remainder of 2014	$	229	$	135
2015	$	54	$	115
2016	$	31	$	101
2017	$	31	$	96
2018	$	31	$	90


4.	Other Assets

In July 2010, the Company entered into a low-income housing partnership (the Partnership) as the limited partner, holding a 99.9% interest in the Partnership. The Partnership is a variable interest entity (VIE), with the purpose of developing and operating low-income housing rental properties. Recovery of the Company’s investment is accomplished through the utilization of low-income housing tax credits and the tax benefits of Partnership losses. The general partner, who holds a 0.1% interest in the Partnership, is an unrelated third party and is responsible for controlling and managing the business and financial operation of the Partnership. As the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Partnership’s economic performance, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and therefore, does not consolidate the Partnership. As of March 31, 2014, the assets of the unconsolidated Partnership totaled approximately $400 million. The Company does not provide financial support to the Partnership that it was not previously contractually obligated to provide.

The Company has accounted for its investment in the Partnership using the effective yield method. The risk of loss of the Company's investment in the Partnership is considered low as an affiliate of the general partner has provided certain guarantees of tax credits and minimum annual returns. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss related to the Partnership is the unamortized investment balance. The following table provides information as of March 31, 2014 (in millions):



Unamortized investment balance classified as Other Assets		Remaining commitments classified as Other Liabilities		Maximum exposure to loss
$	361	$	18	$	361

The remaining commitment of $18 million is expected to be paid in 2014.


5.	Debt

Fair Value of Debt Instruments

At March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, the fair value of BNSF Railway's debt, excluding capital leases, was $748 million and $752 million, respectively, while the book value, which also excludes capital leases and the associated unamortized fair value adjustment under acquisition method accounting related to capital leases, was $686 million and $702 million, respectively. The fair value of BNSF Railway's debt is primarily based on market value price models using observable market-based data for the same or similar issues, or on the estimated rates that would be offered to BNSF Railway for debt of the same remaining maturities (Level 2 inputs). The fair value of the Company's cash equivalents approximates its carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Guarantees

As of March 31, 2014, BNSF Railway has not been called upon to perform under the guarantees specifically disclosed in this footnote and does not anticipate a significant performance risk in the foreseeable future.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Debt and other obligations of non-consolidated entities guaranteed by the Company as of March 31, 2014, were as follows (dollars in millions):



	Guarantees
	BNSF Railway Ownership Percentage		Principal Amount Guaranteed		Maximum Future Payments		Maximum Recourse Amount^a		Remaining Term (in years)	Capitalized Obligations
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.	0.5	%	$	190	$	190	$	—	Termination of Ownership	$	2	^b
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP	—	%	N/A^d		N/A^d		N/A^d		3	$	6	^c


^a	Reflects the maximum amount the Company could recover from a third party other than the counterparty.


^b	Reflects capitalized obligations that are recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.


^c	Reflects the asset and corresponding liability for the fair value of these guarantees required by authoritative accounting guidance related to guarantees.


^d	There is no cap to the liability that can be sought from BNSF Railway for BNSF Railway’s negligence or the negligence of the indemnified party. However, BNSF Railway could receive reimbursement from certain insurance policies if the liability exceeds a certain amount.

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.

Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines, Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BNSF Railway, has a guarantee in connection with its remaining special limited partnership interest in Santa Fe Pacific Pipeline Partners, L.P. (SFPP), a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., to be paid only upon default by the partnership. All obligations with respect to the guarantee will cease upon termination of ownership rights, which would occur upon a put notice issued by BNSF Railway or the exercise of the call rights by the general partners of SFPP.

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP

In 2007, BNSF Railway entered into an indemnity agreement with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips), granting certain rights of indemnity from BNSF Railway, in order to facilitate access to a new storage facility. Under certain circumstances, payment under this obligation may be required in the event Chevron Phillips were to incur certain liabilities or other incremental costs resulting from trackage access.

Indemnities

In the ordinary course of business, BNSF Railway enters into agreements with third parties that include indemnification clauses. The Company believes that these clauses are generally customary for the types of agreements in which they are included. At times, these clauses may involve indemnification for the acts of the Company, its employees and agents, indemnification for another party’s acts, indemnification for future events, indemnification based upon a certain standard of performance, indemnification for liabilities arising out of the Company’s use of leased equipment or other property, or other types of indemnification. Despite the uncertainty whether events which would trigger the indemnification obligations would ever occur, the Company does not believe that these indemnity agreements will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. Additionally, the Company believes that, due to lack of historical payment experience, the fair value of indemnities cannot be estimated with any amount of certainty. However, the fair value of any such amount would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Agreements that reflect unique circumstances, particularly agreements that contain guarantees that indemnify for another party’s acts, are disclosed separately, if appropriate. Unless separately disclosed above, no fair value liability related to indemnities has been recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table of Contents

BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Variable Interest Entities - Leases

BNSF Railway has entered into various equipment lease transactions in which the structure of the lease contains VIEs. These VIEs were created solely for the lease transactions and have no other activities, assets or liabilities outside of the lease transactions. In some of the arrangements, BNSF Railway has the option to purchase some or all of the equipment at a fixed-price, thereby creating variable interests for BNSF Railway in the VIEs. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases were approximately $3 billion as of March 31, 2014.

In the event the leased equipment is destroyed, BNSF Railway is obligated to either replace the equipment or pay a fixed loss amount. The inclusion of the fixed loss amount is a standard clause within equipment lease arrangements. Historically, BNSF Railway has not incurred significant losses related to this clause. As such, it is not anticipated that the maximum exposure to loss would materially differ from the future minimum lease payments.

BNSF Railway does not provide financial support to the VIEs that it was not previously contractually obligated to provide.

BNSF Railway maintains and operates the equipment based on contractual obligations within the lease arrangements, which set specific guidelines consistent within the industry. As such, BNSF Railway has no control over activities that could materially impact the fair value of the leased equipment. BNSF Railway does not hold the power to direct the activities of the VIEs and therefore does not control the ongoing activities that have a significant impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, BNSF Railway does 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. Depending on market conditions, the fixed-price purchase options could potentially provide benefit to the Company; however, any benefits potentially received from a fixed-price purchase option are expected to be minimal. Based on these factors, BNSF Railway is not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. As BNSF Railway is not the primary beneficiary and the VIE leases are classified as operating leases, there are no assets or liabilities related to the VIEs recorded in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet.


6.	Commitments and Contingencies

Personal Injury

Personal injury claims, including asbestos claims and employee work-related injuries and third-party injuries (collectively, other personal injury), are a significant expense for the railroad industry. Personal injury claims by BNSF Railway employees are subject to the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) rather than state workers’ compensation laws. FELA’s system of requiring the finding of fault, coupled with unscheduled awards and reliance on the jury system, contributed to increased expenses in past years. Other proceedings include claims by non-employees for punitive as well as compensatory damages. A few proceedings purport to be class actions. The variability present in settling these claims, including non-employee personal injury and matters in which punitive damages are alleged, could result in increased expenses in future years. BNSF Railway has implemented a number of safety programs designed to reduce the number of personal injuries as well as the associated claims and personal injury expense.

BNSF Railway records an undiscounted liability for personal injury claims when the expected loss is both probable and reasonably estimable. The liability and ultimate expense projections are estimated using standard actuarial methodologies. Liabilities recorded for unasserted personal injury claims are based on information currently available. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in projecting future events such as the number of claims filed each year, developments in judicial and legislative standards and the average costs to settle projected claims, actual costs may differ from amounts recorded. BNSF Railway has obtained insurance coverage for certain claims, as discussed under the heading “BNSF Insurance Company.” Expense accruals and any required adjustments are classified as materials and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Asbestos

The Company is party to a number of personal injury claims by employees and non-employees who may have been exposed to asbestos. The heaviest exposure for BNSF Railway employees was due to work conducted in and around the use of steam locomotive engines that were phased out between the years of 1950 and 1967. However, other types of exposures, including exposure from locomotive component parts and building materials, continued after 1967 until they were substantially eliminated at BNSF Railway by 1985.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

BNSF Railway assesses its unasserted asbestos liability exposure on an annual basis during the third quarter. BNSF Railway determines its asbestos liability by estimating its exposed population, the number of claims likely to be filed, the number of claims that will likely require payment and the estimated cost per claim. Estimated filing and dismissal rates and average cost per claim are determined utilizing recent claim data and trends.

Throughout the year, BNSF Railway monitors actual experience against the number of forecasted claims and expected claim payments and will record adjustments to the Company’s estimates as necessary.

Based on BNSF Railway’s estimate of the potentially exposed employees and related mortality assumptions, it is anticipated that unasserted asbestos claims will continue to be filed through the year 2050. The Company recorded an amount for the full estimated filing period through 2050 because it had a relatively finite exposed population (former and current employees hired prior to 1985), which it was able to identify and reasonably estimate and about which it had obtained reliable demographic data (including age, hire date and occupation) derived from industry or BNSF Railway specific data that was the basis for the study. BNSF Railway projects that approximately 60, 80 and 95 percent of the future unasserted asbestos claims will be filed within the next 10, 15 and 25 years, respectively.

Other Personal Injury

BNSF Railway estimates its other personal injury liability claims and expense quarterly based on the covered population, activity levels and trends in frequency and the costs of covered injuries. Estimates include unasserted claims except for certain repetitive stress and other occupational trauma claims that allegedly result from prolonged repeated events or exposure. Such claims are estimated on an as-reported basis because the Company cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible loss due to other non-work related contributing causes of such injuries and the fact that continued exposure is required for the potential injury to manifest itself as a claim. BNSF Railway has not experienced any significant adverse trends related to these types of claims in recent years.

BNSF Railway monitors quarterly actual experience against the number of forecasted claims to be received, the forecasted number of claims closing with payment and expected claim payments. Adjustments to the Company’s estimates are recorded quarterly as necessary or more frequently as new events or revised estimates develop.

The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s accrued obligations for asbestos and other personal injury matters (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	387		$	462
Accruals	18			26
Payments	(19		)	(35		)
Ending balance	$	386		$	453

At March 31, 2014, $85 million was included in current liabilities. In addition, defense and processing costs, which are recorded on an as-reported basis, were not included in the recorded liability. The Company is primarily self-insured for personal injury claims.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate outcome of personal injury claims, it is reasonably possible that future costs to settle personal injury claims may range from approximately $340 million to $455 million. However, BNSF Railway believes that the $386 million recorded at March 31, 2014, is the best estimate of the Company’s future obligation for the settlement of personal injury claims.

The amounts recorded by BNSF Railway for personal injury liabilities were based upon currently known facts. Future events, such as the number of new claims to be filed each year, the average cost of disposing of claims, as well as the numerous uncertainties surrounding personal injury litigation in the United States, could cause the actual costs to be higher or lower than projected.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Although the final outcome of personal injury matters cannot be predicted with certainty, considering among other things the meritorious legal defenses available and liabilities that have been recorded, it is the opinion of BNSF Railway that none of these items, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. However, the occurrence of a number of these items in the same period could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

BNSF Insurance Company

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Insurance Company, Ltd. (BNSF IC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of BNSF, provides insurance coverage for certain risks, FELA claims, railroad protective and force account insurance claims and certain excess general liability and property coverage, and certain other claims which are subject to reinsurance. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, BNSF IC wrote insurance coverage with premiums totaling $45 million and $58 million, respectively, for BNSF Railway, net of reimbursements from third parties. During this same time, BNSF Railway recognized $21 million and $25 million, respectively, in expense related to those premiums, which is classified as purchased services in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At March 31, 2014, unamortized premiums remaining on the Consolidated Balance Sheet were $31 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, BNSF IC made claim payments totaling $41 million and $42 million, respectively, for settlement of covered claims. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, claims receivables from BNSF IC were $7 million and $35 million, respectively.

Environmental

The Company’s operations, as well as those of its competitors, are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental regulation. BNSF Railway’s operating procedures include practices to protect the environment from the risks inherent in railroad operations, which frequently involve transporting chemicals and other hazardous materials. Additionally, many of BNSF Railway’s land holdings are and have been used for industrial or transportation-related purposes or leased to commercial or industrial companies whose activities may have resulted in discharges onto the property. As a result, BNSF Railway is subject to environmental cleanup and enforcement actions. In particular, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law, as well as similar state laws, generally impose joint and several liability for cleanup and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. BNSF Railway has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party (PRP) for study and cleanup costs at Superfund sites for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined (the Superfund sites) and, in many instances, is one of several PRPs. In addition, BNSF Railway may be considered a PRP under certain other laws. Accordingly, under CERCLA and other federal and state statutes, BNSF Railway may be held jointly and severally liable for all environmental costs associated with a particular site. If there are other PRPs, BNSF Railway generally participates in the cleanup of these sites through cost-sharing agreements with terms that vary from site to site. Costs are typically allocated based on such factors as relative volumetric contribution of material, the amount of time the site was owned or operated and/or the portion of the total site owned or operated by each PRP.

BNSF Railway is involved in a number of administrative and judicial proceedings and other mandatory cleanup efforts for 241 sites, including 16 Superfund sites, at which it is participating in the study or cleanup, or both, of alleged environmental contamination.

Liabilities for environmental cleanup costs are recorded when BNSF Railway’s liability for environmental cleanup is probable and reasonably estimable. Subsequent adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as necessary based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods. Environmental costs include initial site surveys and environmental studies as well as costs for remediation of sites determined to be contaminated.

BNSF Railway estimates the ultimate cost of cleanup efforts at its known environmental sites on an annual basis during the third quarter. Ultimate cost estimates for environmental sites are based on current estimated percentage to closure ratios, possible remediation workplans and estimates of the costs and likelihood of each possible outcome, historical payment patterns, and benchmark patterns developed from data accumulated from industry and public sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency and other governmental agencies. These factors incorporate into the estimates experience gained from cleanup efforts at other similar sites.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Annual studies do not include: (i) contaminated sites of which the Company is not aware; (ii) additional amounts for third-party tort claims, which arise out of contaminants allegedly migrating from BNSF Railway property, due to a limited number of sites; or (iii) natural resource damage claims. BNSF Railway continues to estimate third-party tort claims on a site by site basis when the liability for such claims is probable and reasonably estimable. BNSF Railway’s recorded liability for third-party tort claims as of both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, was $13 million.

On a quarterly basis, BNSF Railway monitors actual experience against the forecasted remediation and related payments made on existing sites and conducts ongoing environmental contingency analyses, which consider a combination of factors including independent consulting reports, site visits, legal reviews and analysis of the likelihood of other PRPs' participation in, and their ability to pay for, cleanup. Adjustments to the Company’s estimates will continue to be recorded as necessary based on developments in subsequent periods. Additionally, environmental accruals, which are classified as materials and other in the Consolidated Statements of Income, include amounts for newly identified sites or contaminants, third-party claims and legal fees incurred for defense of third-party claims and recovery efforts.

The following table summarizes the activity in the Company’s accrued obligations for environmental matters (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014			2013
Beginning balance	$	435		$	458
Accruals	2			—
Payments	(10		)	(8		)
Ending balance	$	427		$	450

At March 31, 2014, $55 million was included in current liabilities.

BNSF Railway’s environmental liabilities are not discounted. BNSF Railway anticipates that the majority of the accrued costs at March 31, 2014, will be paid over the next ten years, and no individual site is considered to be material.

Liabilities recorded for environmental costs represent BNSF Railway’s best estimate of its probable future obligation for the remediation and settlement of these sites and include both asserted and unasserted claims. Although recorded liabilities include BNSF Railway’s best estimate of all probable costs, without reduction for anticipated recoveries from third parties, BNSF Railway’s total cleanup costs at these sites cannot be predicted with certainty due to various factors such as the extent of corrective actions that may be required, evolving environmental laws and regulations, advances in environmental technology, the extent of other parties’ participation in cleanup efforts, developments in ongoing environmental analyses related to sites determined to be contaminated and developments in environmental surveys and studies of contaminated sites.

Because of the uncertainty surrounding these factors, it is reasonably possible that future costs for environmental liabilities may range from approximately $320 million to $590 million. However, BNSF Railway believes that the $427 million recorded at March 31, 2014, is the best estimate of the Company’s future obligation for environmental costs.

Although the final outcome of these environmental matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of BNSF Railway that none of these items, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. However, the occurrence of a number of these items in the same period could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

Other Claims and Litigation

In addition to asbestos, other personal injury and environmental matters discussed above, BNSF Railway and its subsidiaries are also parties to a number of other legal actions and claims, governmental proceedings and private civil suits arising in the ordinary course of business, including those related to disputes and complaints involving certain transportation rates and charges. Some of the legal proceedings include claims for punitive as well as compensatory damages, and a few proceedings purport to be class actions. Although the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, considering among other things the meritorious legal defenses available and liabilities that have been recorded along with applicable insurance, BNSF Railway currently believes that none of these items, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or liquidity. However, an unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular quarter or fiscal year.


7.	Employment Benefit Plans

Components of the net cost for the periods presented below for certain employee benefit plans were as follows (in millions):



	Pension Benefits
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Net Cost	2014			2013
Service cost	$	10		$	12
Interest cost	24			22
Expected return on plan assets	(34		)	(31		)
Amortization of net loss	—			4
Net cost recognized	$	—		$	7



	Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits
	Three Months Ended March 31,
Net Cost	2014			2013
Interest cost	$	3		$	3
Amortization of prior service credits	(1		)	—
Amortization of net loss	1			1
Net cost recognized	$	3		$	4


8.	Related Party Transactions

BNSF Railway is involved with BNSF and certain of its subsidiaries in related party transactions in the ordinary course of business, which include payments made on each other’s behalf and performance of services. Under the terms of a tax allocation agreement with BNSF, BNSF Railway made federal and state income tax payments, net of refunds, of $13 million and $642 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are reflected in changes in working capital in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, BNSF Railway had $33 million and $62 million, respectively, of intercompany receivables which are reflected in accounts receivable in the respective Consolidated Balance Sheets. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, BNSF Railway had $103 million and $141 million of intercompany payables, respectively, which are reflected in accounts payable in the respective Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net intercompany balances are settled in the ordinary course of business.

At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, BNSF Railway had $8,945 million and $8,397 million, respectively, of intercompany notes receivable from BNSF. The $548 million increase in intercompany notes receivable was due to loans. All intercompany notes have a variable interest rate of 1.0 percent above the monthly average of the daily effective Federal Funds rate. Interest is collected semi-annually on all intercompany notes receivable. Interest income from intercompany notes receivable is presented in interest income, related parties in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) – (Continued)

BNSF Railway engages in various arm's-length transactions with affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The following table summarizes revenues earned by BNSF Railway for services provided to affiliates and expenditures to affiliates (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Revenues	$	48	$	48
Expenditures	$	19	$	15


9.	Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are included in comprehensive income, a component of Stockholder’s Equity within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, rather than net income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under existing accounting standards, other comprehensive income may include, among other things, unrecognized gains and losses and prior service credit related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans and accounting for derivative financial instruments, which qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.

The following table provides the components of accumulated other comprehensive income by component (in millions):



	Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefit Items^a		Equity Method Investments			Total
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	251	$	(6	)	$	245
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—		3			3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	251	$	(3	)	$	248

^a Amounts are net of tax.



Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

	Three Months Ended March 31,
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	2014			2013			Income Statement Line Item
Amortization of pension and retiree health and welfare benefit items
Actuarial losses	$	1		$	5		^b
Prior service credits	(1		)	—			^b
	—			5			Total before tax
	—			(2		)	Tax expense/(benefit)
Total reclassifications for the period	$	—		$	3		Net of tax

^b This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost and retiree health and welfare (see Note 7 for additional details).


10.	Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-01 (ASU 2014-01), Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects. This standard permits an entity to elect the proportional amortization method of accounting for limited liability investments in qualified affordable housing projects if certain criteria are met. Under the proportional amortization method, the investment is amortized in proportion to the tax benefits received and the net investment performance is reported as a component of income tax expense. ASU 2014-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. If elected, the proportional amortization method is required to be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 2.	Management’s Narrative Analysis of Results of Operations.

Management’s narrative analysis relates to the results of operations of BNSF Railway Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively BNSF Railway, Registrant or Company). The following narrative analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes.

The following narrative analysis of results of operations includes a comparative analysis of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Results of Operations

Revenues Summary

The following tables present BNSF Railway’s revenue information by business group:



	Revenues (in millions)				Cars / Units (in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31,				Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013		2014	2013
Consumer Products	$	1,663	$	1,661	1,194	1,188
Industrial Products	1,407		1,337		452	448
Coal	1,224		1,209		563	542
Agricultural Products	976		911		236	244
Total Freight Revenues	5,270		5,118		2,445	2,422
Other Revenues	64		62
Total Operating Revenues	$	5,334	$	5,180



	Average Revenue Per Car / Unit
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Consumer Products	$	1,393	$	1,398
Industrial Products	3,113		2,984
Coal	2,174		2,231
Agricultural Products	4,136		3,734
Total Freight Revenues	$	2,155	$	2,113

Fuel Surcharges

Freight revenues include both revenue for transportation services and fuel surcharges. BNSF Railway’s fuel surcharge program is intended to recover its incremental fuel costs when fuel prices exceed a threshold fuel price. Fuel surcharges are calculated differently depending on the type of commodity transported. BNSF Railway has two standard fuel surcharge programs – Percent of Revenue and Mileage-Based. In addition, in certain commodities, fuel surcharge is calculated using a fuel price from a time period that can be up to 60 days earlier. In a period of volatile fuel prices or changing customer business mix, changes in fuel expense and fuel surcharge may significantly differ.

The following table presents fuel surcharge and fuel expense information (in millions):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2014		2013
Total fuel expense ^a	$	1,159	$	1,122
BNSF Railway fuel surcharges	$	703	$	711


^a	Total fuel expense includes locomotive and non-locomotive fuel.

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2014 vs. the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014, were $5,334 million, an increase of $154 million, or 3 percent as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013. The increase in revenues is due to the following changes in underlying trends in revenues:


▪	Average revenue per car / unit increased primarily as a result of increased rate per car / unit.

In addition to an increase in average revenue per car / unit, the following changes in underlying trends in volumes also impacted the change in revenues:


▪	Consumer Products unit volumes increased due to higher international and domestic intermodal traffic, offset by reductions in automotive.


▪	Industrial Products unit volumes increased primarily due to higher shipments of petroleum products, driven mainly by increased crude unit train loadings.


▪	Coal unit volumes increased primarily due to higher demand.


▪	Agricultural Products unit volumes decreased primarily due to severe weather issues and service-related challenges.

Expenses

Operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014, were $3,974 million, an increase of $262 million, or 7 percent, as compared with the three months ended March 31, 2013. A significant portion of this increase is due to the following changes in underlying trends in expenses, which includes increased costs related to severe weather issues and service-related challenges:


▪	Compensation and benefits expense increased primarily due to wage inflation, higher overtime and higher average headcount.


▪	Fuel expense increased due to higher volumes and lower fuel efficiency, partially offset by lower average fuel prices.


▪	Depreciation and amortization expense increased due to additional assets in service.


▪	Materials and other expense increased as a result of higher crew transportation, lodging and other travel costs, utilities and locomotive materials.


▪	There were no significant changes in the underlying trends for purchased services expense, equipment rents expense, interest expense and the effective tax rate.

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Forward-Looking Information

To the extent that statements made by the Company relate to the Company’s future economic performance or business outlook, projections or expectations of financial or operational results, or refer to matters that are not historical facts, such statements are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual performance or results may differ materially. For a discussion of material risks and uncertainties that the Company faces, see the discussion in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Economic and industry conditions: material adverse changes in economic or industry conditions, both in the United States and globally; volatility in the capital or credit markets including changes affecting the timely availability and cost of capital; changes in customer demand, effects of adverse economic conditions affecting shippers or BNSF Railway’s supplier base, and effects due to more stringent regulatory policies such as the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions that could reduce the demand for coal or governmental tariffs or subsidies that could affect the demand for grain, the impact of low natural gas prices on coal demand for electric power plants, changes in environmental laws and other laws and regulations that could affect the demand for drilling products and products produced by drilling, changes in fuel prices and other key materials, the impact of high barriers of entry for prospective new suppliers and disruptions in supply chains for these materials; competition and consolidation within the transportation industry; and changes in crew availability, labor and benefits costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either BNSF Railway’s operations or customers’ abilities to deliver goods to BNSF Railway for shipment.

• Legal, legislative and regulatory factors: developments and changes in laws and regulations, including those affecting train operations or the marketing of services; the ultimate outcome of shipper and rate claims subject to adjudication; claims, investigations or litigation alleging violations of the antitrust laws; increased economic regulation of the rail industry through legislative action and revised rules and standards applied by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in various areas including rates and services; developments in environmental investigations or proceedings with respect to rail operations or current or past ownership or control of real property or properties owned by others impacted by BNSF Railway operations; losses resulting from claims and litigation relating to personal injuries, asbestos and other occupational diseases; the release of hazardous materials, environmental contamination and damage to property; regulation, restrictions or caps, or other controls of diesel emissions that could affect operations or increase costs; the availability of adequate insurance to cover the risks associated with operations.

• Operating factors: changes in operating conditions and costs; operational and other difficulties in implementing positive train control technology, including increased compliance or operational costs or penalties; restrictions on development and expansion plans due to environmental concerns; disruptions to BNSF Railway’s technology network including computer systems and software, such as cybersecurity intrusions, misappropriation of assets or sensitive information, corruption of data or operations disruptions; as well as natural events such as severe weather, fires, floods and earthquakes or man-made or other disruptions of BNSF Railway’s or other railroads’ operating systems, structures, or equipment including the effects of acts of terrorism on the Company’s system or other railroads’ systems or other links in the transportation chain.

The Company cautions against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect its current beliefs and are based on information currently available to it as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statements.

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Item 4.	Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, BNSF Railway’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that BNSF Railway’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by BNSF Railway in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to BNSF Railway’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Additionally, as of the end of the period covered by this report, BNSF Railway's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that there have been no changes in BNSF Railway's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during BNSF Railway’s first fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, BNSF Railway's internal control over financial reporting.

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

PART II OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.	Exhibits.

See Index to Exhibits on page E-1 for a description of the exhibits filed as part of this report.

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SIGNATURES

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



	BNSF Railway Company (Registrant)

	By:		/s/ Julie A. Piggott
			Julie A. Piggott Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (On behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial officer)

Date: May 2, 2014

S-1

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BNSF RAILWAY COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

Exhibit Index



		Incorporated by Reference (if applicable)
	Exhibit Number and Description	Form	File Date	File No.	Exhibit

3.1	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of BNSF Railway Company, dated January 17, 2005.	10-Q	7/26/2005	001-06324	3.1

3.2	By-Laws of BNSF Railway Company, as amended August 30, 2005.	10-Q	10/25/2005	001-06324	3.1

12.1	Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*

31.1	Principal Executive Officer’s Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2	Principal Financial Officer’s Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1	Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).*

101	eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) documents submitted electronically: 101.INS - XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 101.CAL - XBRL Extension Calculation Linkable Document 101.DEF - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkable Document 101.LAB - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 101.PRE - XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
	The following unaudited information from the BNSF Railway Company's Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2014, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity as of March 31, 2014, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. *

__________________

*Filed herewith

E-1

Attached files

BNSF RAILWAY CO Reports

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