Union Pacific Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024

UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024, Compared to

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023

For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to "Union Pacific", “UPC”, “Corporation”, “Company”, “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”.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and applicable notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Item 1, and other information included in this report. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

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

Critical Accounting Estimates

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 are believed to be 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. If these estimates differ materially from actual results, the impact on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements may be material. Our critical accounting estimates are available in Item 7 of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the first three months of 2024, there have not been any significant changes with respect to our critical accounting estimates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Quarterly Summary

The Company reported earnings of $2.69 per diluted share on net income of $1.6 billion and an operating ratio of 60.7% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to earnings of $2.67 per diluted share on net income of $1.6 billion and an operating ratio of 62.1% for the first quarter of 2023. Freight revenues decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 driven by a 1% decline in volume. ARC was flat as lower fuel surcharge revenues were offset by core pricing gains and positive mix of traffic (for example, a relative decrease in coal shipments, which have a lower ARC). Volume decreases were primarily driven by weaker demand for coal, domestic intermodal, and rock shipments. These declines were partially offset by international intermodal and petroleum product shipments.

Our overall network fluidity improved compared to the first quarter of 2023 driven by our focus on service improvements and operational excellence, which was supported by ample train crew and locomotive resources. Network fluidity enables us to effectively utilize all our resources as reflected in our performance metrics. Locomotive productivity improved 10% compared to the first quarter of 2023. We reduced our active locomotive fleet by approximately 500 compared to 2023, but we are keeping a buffer to flex the fleet size with volume or to recover from network disruptions. Workforce productivity improved 1% despite a 4% increase in our train, engine, and yard employees to support increased crew needs associated with less available workdays because of new sick leave and work/rest agreements. In addition, we are maintaining an adequate training pipeline to provide a capacity buffer to enable responsiveness in an ever-changing demand and operating environment. Both intermodal and manifest/autos service performance index and train length improved from the first quarter last year. This on-going transformation of our network improves our service product, improves resource utilization, and lowers our overall cost structure.

Operating expenses decreased 3% compared to the first quarter of 2023 due to productivity and lower fuel prices. These decreases were partially offset by inflation, increased train, engine, and yard workforce levels, and higher depreciation. Operating income of $2.4 billion increased 3%, and our operating ratio of 60.7% improved 1.4 points from the first quarter of 2023.

Operating Revenues

We generate freight revenues by transporting products from our three commodity groups. Freight revenues vary with volume (carloads) and ARC. Changes in price, traffic mix, and fuel surcharges drive ARC. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping to/from specific locations or based on cumulative volumes, are recorded as a reduction to operating revenues. Customer incentives that include variable consideration based on cumulative volumes are estimated using the expected value method, which is based on available historical, current, and forecasted volumes, and recognized as the related performance obligation is satisfied. We recognize freight revenues over time as shipments move from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred.

Other subsidiary revenues (primarily logistics and commuter rail operations) are generally recognized over time as shipments move from origin to destination. The allocation of revenues between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Accessorial revenues are recognized at a point in time as performance obligations are satisfied.

Freight revenues decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 driven by a 1% decline in volume. ARC was flat as lower fuel surcharge revenues were offset by core pricing gains and positive mix of traffic (for example, a relative decrease in coal shipments, which have a lower ARC). Volume decreases were primarily driven by weaker demand for coal, domestic intermodal, and rock shipments. These declines were partially offset by international intermodal and petroleum product shipments.

Each of our commodity groups includes revenues from fuel surcharges. Freight revenues from fuel surcharge programs decreased to $665 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to $883 million in the same period of 2023 due to lower fuel prices, the lag impact on fuel prices rising throughout the quarter (it can generally take up to two months for changing fuel prices to affect fuel surcharge recoveries), and lower volume.

Other subsidiary revenues decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 primarily driven by a weaker demand for domestic intermodal shipments at our subsidiary that brokers intermodal and transload logistics services. Accessorial revenues increased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by a one-time contract settlement.

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

[a] For intermodal shipments each container or trailer equals one carload.

Bulk – Bulk includes shipments of grain and grain products, fertilizer, food and refrigerated, and coal and renewables. Freight revenues from bulk shipments decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 due to a 5% decline in volume and lower fuel surcharge revenues, partially offset by a positive mix of traffic from decreased coal shipments and core pricing gains. Volume declines were driven by reduced use of coal in electricity generation because of low natural gas prices and mild winter weather, partially offset by first quarter 2023 outages and service challenges due to repeated snow events in Wyoming that negatively impacted coal volumes.

Industrial – Industrial includes shipments of industrial chemicals and plastics, metals and minerals, forest products, and energy and specialized markets. Freight revenues from industrial shipments increased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 due to core pricing gains, positive mix of traffic from decreased short haul rock shipments and higher soda ash shipments, and volume increases, partially offset by lower fuel surcharge revenues. Volume increased 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by strength in petroleum and export soda ash, partially offset by lower demand for rock due to weather, high inventories, and softness in Southern markets.

Premium – Premium includes shipments of finished automobiles, automotive parts, and merchandise in intermodal containers, both domestic and international. Premium freight revenues decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 due to lower fuel surcharge revenues, partially offset by core pricing gains and 1% volume growth. While international intermodal increased due to strong demand coming from West Coast imports, that growth was partially offset by declines in domestic intermodal shipments due to soft market conditions. Automotive shipments increased 4% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by business wins and continued strength from dealer inventory replenishment.

Mexico Business – Each of our commodity groups includes revenues from shipments to and from Mexico. Revenues from Mexico business increased 11% to $790 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by a 7% volume increase and a 4% increase in average revenue per car. Volume increases were driven by higher grain and automotive shipments.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased 3% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by productivity and lower fuel prices. These decreases were partially offset by inflation, increased train, engine, and yard workforce levels, and higher depreciation. Additionally, weather-related costs declined in the first quarter 2024 compared to 2023.

Compensation and Benefits – Compensation and benefits include wages, payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension costs, and incentive costs. For the first quarter of 2024, expenses increased 4% compared to 2023 due to wage inflation and a 4% increase in train, engine, and yard employees to support increased crew needs associated with less available workdays because of new sick leave benefits and work/rest agreements. In addition, we are maintaining an adequate training pipeline to provide a capacity buffer to enable responsiveness in an ever-changing demand and operating environment. Partially offsetting these increases was productivity associated with improved network fluidity and lower employee levels excluding train, engine, and yard employees.

Fuel – Fuel includes locomotive fuel and gasoline for highway and non-highway vehicles and heavy equipment. Fuel expense decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by a decrease in locomotive diesel fuel prices; improved fuel consumption rate, computed as gallons of fuel consumed divided by gross ton-miles in thousands; and slightly lower gross ton-miles. Locomotive diesel fuel prices averaged $2.81 and $3.22 per gallon (including taxes and transportation costs) in the first quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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 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. Purchased services and materials decreased 6% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to a contract settlement, decline in our active locomotive fleet as productivity improved 10%, and decreased volume-related drayage cost incurred at one of our subsidiaries, partially offset by inflation.

Depreciation – The majority of depreciation relates to road property, including rail, ties, ballast, and other track material. Depreciation expense was up 4% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by a higher depreciable asset base.

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 expense, offset by equity income from certain equity method investments. Equipment and other rents expenses decreased 8% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by improved cycle times and lower lease expense, partially offset by inflation and increased demand in commodities utilizing freight cars owned by others.

Other – Other expenses include state and local taxes; freight, equipment, and property damage; utilities; insurance; personal injury; environmental remediation; employee travel; telephone and cellular; computer software; bad debt; and other general expenses. Other costs decreased 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by lower personal injury and environmental remediation costs, partially offset by higher bad debt expense and higher freight loss and damage costs.

Non-Operating Items

Other Income, net – Other income decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by a one-time $107 million real estate transaction in 2023.

Interest Expense – Interest expense decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 due to a decreased weighted-average debt level of $32.3 billion in 2024 compared to $33.5 billion in 2023. The effective interest rate was 4.0% in both periods.

Income Tax Expense – Income tax expense decreased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by lower state income tax rates, which resulted in a lower effective tax rate.

OTHER OPERATING/PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS

We report a number of key performance measures weekly to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). We provide this data on our website at www.up.com/investor/aar-stb\_reports/index.htm (http://www.up.com/investor/aar-stb\_reports/index.htm).

Operating/Performance Statistics

Management continuously monitors these key operating metrics to evaluate our operational efficiency in striving to deliver the service product we sold to our customers.

Railroad performance measures are included in the table below:

[a] As reported to the STB.

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 and revenue ton-miles decreased slightly and 2%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, driven by a 1% decline in carloadings. Changes in commodity mix drove the variances in year-over-year decreases between gross ton-miles, revenue ton-miles, and carloads (lower coal shipments, which are generally heavier).

Freight Car Velocity – Freight car velocity measures the average daily miles per car on our network. The two key drivers of this metric are the speed of the train between terminals (average train speed) and the time a rail car spends at the terminals (average terminal dwell time). Train speed was flat and average terminal dwell time improved in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 as network fluidity improved. While we experienced winter weather challenges in both years, the impact in 2024 was less severe and our recovery period was shorter. The improvement in network fluidity drove a 4% improvement in freight car velocity.

Locomotive Productivity – Locomotive productivity is gross ton-miles per average daily locomotive horsepower available. Locomotive productivity increased 10% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 driven by improved network fluidity and asset utilization. We reduced our active locomotive fleet by approximately 500 compared to 2023.

Train Length – Train length is the average maximum train length on a route measured in feet. Our train length increased 1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023 due to train length improvement initiatives and increases in international intermodal shipments, which generally move on longer trains.

Service Performance Index (SPI) – SPI is a ratio of the service customers are currently receiving relative to the best monthly performance over the last three years. Measuring our performance relative to a historical benchmark demonstrates our focus on continuously improving service for our customers, and we believe it is a better indicator of service performance than the previously disclosed Trip Plan Compliance. SPI does not replace the service commitments we have contractually agreed to with a small number of customers. Our SPI is calculated for intermodal and manifest/automotive products. Intermodal SPI improved 14 points in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023. Manifest/automotive SPI improved 7 points in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023. Improved network fluidity, as evidenced by faster freight car velocity and lower terminal dwell, drove these improvements.

Workforce Productivity – Workforce productivity is average daily car miles per employee. Workforce productivity improved 1% in the first quarter of 2024 as average daily car miles decreased slightly and employees decreased 2% compared to 2023. While the overall employee levels decreased 2% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, our train, engine, and yard employees increased 4% to support increased crew needs associated with less available workdays because of new sick leave and work/rest agreements. In addition, we are maintaining an adequate training pipeline to provide a capacity buffer to enable responsiveness in an ever-changing demand and operating environment.

Operating Ratio – Operating ratio is our operating expenses reflected as a percentage of operating revenues. Our first quarter 2024 operating ratio of 60.7% improved 1.4 points compared to 2023 mainly due to productivity initiatives and core pricing gains, partially offset by inflation, the year-over-year impact from lower fuel prices, and other cost increases.

Adjusted Debt / Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted debt (total debt plus operating lease liabilities plus after-tax unfunded pension and OPEB (other post retirement benefit) obligations) to adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and adjustments for other income and interest on present value of operating leases) 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 to management and investors in evaluating the Company’s ability to sustain given debt levels (including leases) with the cash generated from operations. In addition, a comparable measure is used by rating agencies when reviewing the Company’s credit rating. Adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, other information provided in accordance with GAAP. The most comparable GAAP measure is debt to net income ratio. The tables above provide reconciliations from net income to adjusted EBITDA, debt to adjusted debt, and debt to net income to adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDA. At both March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the incremental borrowing rate on operating leases was 3.6%. Pension and OPEB were funded at March 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Financial Condition

23

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities increased in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 due primarily to 2023 payments of $383 million for agreements reached with our labor unions and higher net income.

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities slightly decreased in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.

The table below details cash capital investments:

Capital Plan

In 2024, we expect our capital plan to be approximately $3.4 billion, down 8% from 2023. Roughly half of the year-over-year decrease is attributable to the 2023 purchase of a small trucking and transload operator and related real estate assets. We plan to continue to make investments to support our growth strategy, harden our infrastructure, replace older assets, and improve the safety and resiliency of the network. In addition, the plan includes investments in growth-related projects to drive more carloads to the network, certain ramps to efficiently handle volumes from new and existing intermodal customers, continued modernization of our locomotive fleet, and projects intended to improve operational efficiency. The capital plan may be revised if business conditions warrant or if new laws or regulations affect our ability to generate sufficient returns on these investments.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities increased in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 driven by an increase in debt repaid and decrease in debt issued, partially offset by a decrease in share repurchases.

See Note 13 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of all our outstanding financing arrangements and significant new borrowings and Note 15 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our share repurchase programs.

Free Cash Flow – Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities less cash used in investing activities and dividends paid. Cash flow conversion rate is defined as cash provided by operating activities less cash used for capital investments as a ratio of net income.

Free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate are not considered financial measures under 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 and cash flow conversion rate are important to management and investors in evaluating our financial performance and measures our ability to generate cash without external financing. Free cash flow and cash flow conversion rate 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):

The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to cash flow conversion rate (non-GAAP measure):

Current Liquidity Status

We are continually evaluating our financial condition and liquidity. We analyze a wide range of economic scenarios and the impact on our ability to generate cash. These analyses inform our liquidity plans and activities outlined below and indicate we have sufficient borrowing capacity to sustain an extended period of lower volumes.

During the first quarter of 2024, we generated $2.1 billion of cash provided by operating activities, drew $400 million on the Receivables Facility, and paid our quarterly dividend. On March 31, 2024, we had $925 million of cash and cash equivalents, $2.0 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility, and $400 million undrawn on the Receivables Facility. We have been, and we expect to continue to be, in compliance with our debt covenants.

As described in the notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and as referenced in the table below, we have contractual obligations that may affect our financial condition. Based on our assessment of the underlying provisions and circumstances of our contractual obligations, other than the risks that we and other similarly situated companies face with respect to the condition of the capital markets, as of the date of this filing, 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 like those of other comparable corporations, particularly within the transportation industry.

The following table identifies material obligations as of March 31, 2024:

25

OTHER MATTERS

Asserted and Unasserted Claims – See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Indemnities – See Note 14 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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, statements and information set forth under the captions “Liquidity and Capital Resources” regarding our capital plan, share repurchase programs, contractual obligations, and "Other Matters" in this Item 2 of Part I. Forward-looking statements and information also include any other statements or information in this report (including information incorporated herein by reference) regarding: potential impacts of public health crises, including pandemics, epidemics, and the outbreak of other contagious disease, such as COVID; the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars and other geopolitical tensions in the middle east, and any impacts on our business operations, financial results, liquidity, and financial position, and on the world economy (including customers, employees, and supply chains), including as a result of fluctuations in volume and carloadings; closing of customer manufacturing, distribution or production facilities; expectations as to operational or service improvements; expectations as to hiring challenges; availability of employees; expectations regarding the effectiveness of steps taken or to be taken to improve operations, service, infrastructure improvements, and transportation plan modifications (including those discussed in response to increased traffic); expectations as to cost savings, revenue growth, and earnings; 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; proposed new products and services; 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, cyber-attacks 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, results, or outcomes, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times that, or by which, such performance, results, or outcomes will be achieved, if ever. 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, and many of these risks and uncertainties are currently amplified by and may continue to be amplified by, or in the future may be amplified by, among other things, macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.

The Risk Factors in Item 1A of our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 9, 2024, 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 statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect thereto or with respect to other forward-looking statements.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our Internet website is www.up.com (http://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; 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). We provide these reports and statements as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the 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 (http://www.sec.gov). We provide these previously filed reports as a convenience and their contents reflect only information that was true and correct as of the date of the report. We assume no obligation to update this historical information. 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 New York Stock Exchange 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.

References to our website address in this report, including references in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 2, 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.

There were no material changes to the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk previously disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 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.

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. These risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations (including revenues and profitability), and/or stock price. Our business also could be affected by risks that we are not presently aware of or that we currently consider immaterial to our operations.