document_10k.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

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

 
For the transition period from __________ to __________
Commission File Number 1-8022
 
CSX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia
 
62-1051971
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
     
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
500 Water Street, 15th Floor, Jacksonville, FL
 
32202
 
(904) 359-3200
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(Telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act).
Yes (X) No (  )

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes (  ) No (X)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large Accelerated Filer (X)              Accelerated Filer (  )              Non-accelerated Filer (  )

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

On June 25, 2010 (which is the last day of the second quarter and the required date to use), the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $17 billion (based on the New York Stock Exchange closing price on such date).

There were 370,373,995 shares of Common Stock outstanding on January 28, 2011 (the latest practicable date that is closest to the filing date).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year with respect to its annual meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 4, 2011.

 
1

CSX CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
Item No.
 
Page
         
PART I
1.
3
 
7
 
12
2.
12
3.
18
4.
19
 
20
         
PART II
5.
 
   
23
6.
26
7.
 
   
27
     
27
     
28
     
32
     
35
     
44
     
47
     
47
     
48
7A.
58
8.
59
9.
 
   
121
9A.
121
9B.
123
 
PART III
10.
124
11.
124
12.
124
13.
124
14.
124
 
PART IV
15.
125
         
131


2

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
Item 1.  Business

CSX Corporation (“CSX”), and together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation's leading transportation suppliers.  The Company provides rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers.

CSX Transportation, Inc.

CSX’s principal operating subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSXT”), provides an important link to the transportation supply chain through its approximately 21,000 route mile rail network, which serves major population centers in 23 states east of the Mississippi River, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.  It serves over 70 ocean, river and lake ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.  CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections to approximately 240 short-line and regional railroads.

Lines of Business
 
    During 2010, CSXT’s transportation services generated $10.6 billion of revenue and served three primary lines of business:

·  
The merchandise business shipped nearly 2.6 million carloads and generated approximately 54% of revenue and 40% of volume in 2010. The Company’s merchandise business is the most diverse market and transports aggregates (which includes crushed stone, sand and gravel), metal, phosphate, fertilizer, food, consumer (manufactured goods and appliances), agricultural, automotive, paper and chemical products.

·  
 The coal business shipped 1.6 million carloads and accounted for 31% of revenue and 25% of volume in 2010.  The Company transports utility, industrial and export coal to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers, industrial plants and deep-water port facilities.  Roughly three of every four tons of domestic coal and almost half of the export coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.

·  
 The intermodal business accounted for approximately 12% of revenue and 35% of volume in 2010. The intermodal line of business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the short-haul flexibility of trucks and offers a competitive cost advantage over long-haul trucking.  Through its network of more than 50 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.


3

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

Other revenue accounted for 3% of the Company’s total revenue in 2010.  This revenue category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads, demurrage, revenue for customer volume commitments not met, switching and other incidental charges. Revenue from regional railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate.  Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars are held beyond a specified period of time.  Switching revenue is generated when CSXT switches cars between trains for a customer or another railroad.

Other Entities

In addition to CSXT, the Company’s subsidiaries include CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (“CSX Intermodal Terminals”), Total Distribution Services, Inc. (“TDSI”), Transflo Terminal Services, Inc. (“Transflo”), CSX Technology, Inc. (“CSX Technology”) and other subsidiaries.  The Company’s intermodal business links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals.  CSX Intermodal Terminals owns and operates a system of intermodal terminals, predominantly in the eastern United States and also performs drayage services (the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments) and trucking dispatch operationsTDSI serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations.  Transflo connects non-rail served customers to the many benefits of rail by transferring products, such as ethanol and minerals, from rail to trucks.  CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.

CSX’s other holdings include CSX Real Property, Inc., a subsidiary responsible for the Company’s real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities.  These activities are classified in other income because they are not considered by the Company to be operating activities.  Results of these activities fluctuate with the timing of non-operating real estate sales.

CSX Intermodal, Inc. (“Intermodal”) was a subsidiary of CSX until it merged with CSXT during 2010.  Prior to the merger, Intermodal was the parent company of CSX Intermodal Terminals, and conducted the sales and marketing activities associated with intermodal transportation service now provided by CSXT.  The Company no longer reflects the intermodal business as a separate segment.  CSX’s president views intermodal similarly to merchandise and coal.  Intermodal revenue will continue to be viewed as a separate revenue group; however, a separate income statement and operating ratio are no longer prepared and business segment disclosures are no longer required.  All prior period disclosures have been revised to reflect this change.

This change was a result of certain management realignments, a strategic business review and a change in the Company’s intermodal service associated with the start of the UMAX program. The UMAX program, which began during 2010, is a domestic interline container program jointly marketed by CSX and Union Pacific Corporation.  Through the UMAX program, the Company provides 53 foot containers to customers for local domestic shipments or transcontinental service provided jointly by CSX and Union Pacific Corporation.


4

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

Financial Information
 
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for operating revenue, operating income and total assets for each of the last three fiscal years.
 
Company History
 
    A leader in freight rail transportation for more than 180 years, the Company’s heritage dates back to the early nineteenth century when The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company (“B&O”) – the nation’s first common carrier – was chartered in 1827. Since that time, the Company has built on this foundation to create a railroad that could safely and reliably service the ever-increasing demands of a growing nation.
 
    Since its founding, numerous railroads have combined with the former B&O through merger and consolidation to create what has become CSX.  Each of the railroads that combined into the CSX family brought unique and valuable geographical reach to new markets, gateways, cities, ports and transportation corridors.
 
    CSX was incorporated in 1978 under Virginia law. In 1980, the Company completed the merger of the Chessie System (“Chessie”) and Seaboard Coast Line Industries (“Seaboard”) into CSX.  The merger allowed the Company to connect northern population centers and Appalachian coal fields to growing southeastern markets.  Later, the Company’s acquisition of key portions of Conrail, Inc. allowed CSXT to link the northeast, including New England and the New York metropolitan area, with Chicago and midwestern markets as well as the growing areas in the southeast already served by CSXT.  This current rail network allows the Company to directly serve every major market in the eastern United States with safe, dependable, environmentally responsible and fuel efficient freight transportation and intermodal service.
 
Competition
 
    The business environment in which the Company operates is highly competitive.  Shippers typically select transportation providers that offer the most compelling combination of service and price.  Service requirements, both in terms of transit time and reliability, vary by shipper and commodity. As a result, the Company’s primary competition varies by commodity, geographic location and mode of available transportation.
 
    CSXT’s primary rail competitor is Norfolk Southern Railway, which operates throughout much of the Company’s territory.   Other railroads also operate in parts of the Company’s territory.  Depending on the specific market, competing railroads and deregulated motor carriers may exert pressure on price and service levels.  For further discussion on the risk of competition to the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 
 

5

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

Regulatory Environment
 
    The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations, generally applicable to many businesses in the United States.  The railroad operations conducted by the Company's subsidiaries, including CSXT, are subject in many respects to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”), and its sister agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”).  Together, FRA and PHMSA have broad jurisdiction over railroad operating standards and practices, including track, freight cars and locomotives, and hazardous materials requirements.  Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), a component of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), has broad authority over railroad operating practices that may have homeland security implications.
 
    Although the Staggers Act of 1980 significantly deregulated rail rates and much of the rail traffic of the Company's subsidiaries is currently exempt from rate regulation by agency decision, the STB has broad jurisdiction over railroad commercial practices, including some railroad rates, routes, fuel surcharges, conditions of service and the extension or abandonment of rail lines.  This includes jurisdiction over freight car charges, the transfer, extension or abandonment of rail lines, rates charged on certain regulated rail traffic and any acquisition of control over rail common carriers.
 
    In 2008, Congress enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act (the “RSIA”).  The legislation includes a mandate that all Class I freight railroads implement a positive train control system (“PTC”) by December 31, 2015.  PTC must be installed on all main lines with passenger and commuter operations as well as those over which toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials (“TIH”) are transported.  Implementation of a PTC system is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work-zone limits, and a train from diverting off-course onto another set of tracks through a switch left in a wrong position.  Significant capital costs are anticipated with the implementation of PTC as well as ongoing operating expenses.  Currently, CSX estimates that the total multi-year cost of PTC implementation will be at least $1.2 billion for the Company. 
    In December 2009, a proposed bill called the “Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2009” was introduced in the Senate but not advanced. In January 2011, the bill now referred to as the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2011 (“STB Reauthorization Bill”) was reintroduced. The STB Reauthorization Bill, if adopted, could increase government involvement in railroad pricing, service and operations. The proposed legislation also includes provisions that would reduce the ability to price at market levels, and open a carrier’s privately-owned and maintained rail network to competitors where certain conditions are met.
  
    If adopted as proposed, this bill could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenue and operations, as well as the ability to invest in enhancing and maintaining vital infrastructure.   Prior to the reintroduction of the STB Reauthorization Bill, the STB had already announced two new hearings; one on February 24, 2011 to review the utility of boxcar, intermodal, automotive and other exemptions, and the other on June 22, 2011 to explore the current state of competition in the railroad industry.

    For further discussion on regulatory risks to the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

6

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
Other Information
 
    CSX makes available on its website www.csx.com, free of charge, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on the CSX website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.  Additionally, the Company has posted its code of ethics on its website, which is also available to any shareholder who requests it.  This Form 10-K and other SEC filings made by CSX are also accessible through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
 
    CSX has included the certifications of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the Act”) as Exhibit 31, as well as Section 906 of the Act as Exhibit 32 to this Form 10-K report. Additionally, on June 2, 2010, CSX filed its annual CEO certification with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) confirming CSX’s compliance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Listing Standards.  The CEO was not aware of any violations of these standards by CSX as of February 14, 2011 (the latest practicable date that is closest to the filing of this Form 10-K).  This certification is also included as Exhibit 99 to this Form 10-K.
 
    The Company’s annual average number of employees was approximately 30,000 in 2010, which includes approximately 26,000 union employees.  Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services.  The information set forth in Item 6. Selected Financial Data is incorporated herein by reference.
 
    For additional information concerning business conducted by the Company during 2010, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
    The following risk factors could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company’s forward-looking statements.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently does not deem to be material also may materially impact the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

New legislation or regulatory changes could impact the Company’s earnings or restrict its ability to independently negotiate prices.
 
    Legislation passed by Congress or new regulations issued by federal agencies can significantly affect the revenues, costs and profitability of the Company’s business.  For instance, legislation proposed in the Senate in December 2009, and reintroduced in January 2011 (see Regulatory Environment in Part I for further details), if adopted, could significantly change the federal regulatory framework of the railroad industry.  Several of the changes under consideration could have a significant negative impact on the Company’s ability to determine prices for rail services, meet service standards and could force a reduction in capital spending.  Statutes imposing price constraints or affecting rail-to-rail competition could adversely affect the Company’s profitability.
 
7

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
Government regulation and compliance risks may adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial results.
 
    The Company is subject to the jurisdiction of various regulatory agencies, including the STB, the FRA and other state and federal regulatory agencies for a variety of economic, health, safety, labor, environmental, tax, legal and other matters.  New rules or regulations by these agencies could increase the Company’s operating costs or reduce operating efficiencies.  For example, the RSIA mandated the installation by December 31, 2015 of Positive Train Control (PTC) on main lines that carry certain hazardous materials and on lines that have commuter or passenger operations.  The FRA issued its final rule in January 2010 on the design, operational requirements and implementation of the new technology.  The final rule is expected to impose significant new costs on the Company and the rail industry.  Noncompliance with these and other applicable laws or regulations could erode public confidence in the Company and can subject the Company to fines, penalties and other legal or regulatory sanctions.

Climate change legislation and regulation could adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial results.
 
    Climate change legislation or regulation has been proposed and, in some cases adopted, on the federal, state, provincial (Canada) and local levels.  These final and proposed laws and regulations take the form of restrictions, caps, taxes or other controls on greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions.  In particular, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has issued various regulations targeting GHG emissions, including rules and standards governing GHG emissions from certain stationary sources and from vehicles.
 
    Any of these pending or proposed laws or regulations could adversely affect CSX and its customers’ business, operations and financial results by, among other things: (1) increasing energy costs generally, making it difficult for the Company’s customers in the U.S. and Canada to produce products in a cost competitive manner (particularly in the absence of similar regulations in countries like India and China); (2) increasing the Company’s fuel and other operating costs and negatively affecting operating and fuel efficiencies; and (3) reducing the consumption of coal as a viable energy resource in the United States.  Any of these factors could reduce the amount of traffic the Company handles and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Capacity constraints could have a negative impact on service and operating efficiency.
 
    CSXT may experience rail network difficulties related to: (i) increased passenger activities, including high-speed rail, in capacity-constrained areas, or (ii) regulatory changes impacting when CSXT can transport freight or service routes that could have a negative effect on CSXT’s operational fluidity, leading to deterioration of service, asset utilization and overall efficiency.

 
8

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

General economic conditions could negatively affect demand for commodities and other freight.
 
    The economic recession adversely affected demand for rail and intermodal services.  Although traffic improved in 2010, a decline in general domestic and global economic conditions that affect demand for the commodities the Company carries could reduce revenues or have other adverse effects. 
 
CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, is required by law to transport hazardous materials, which could expose the Company to significant costs and claims.
 
    Under federal regulations, CSXT is required to transport hazardous materials under its common carrier obligation.  A train accident involving the transport of hazardous materials could result in significant claims arising from personal injury, property or natural resource damage, and environmental penalties and remediation obligations.  Such claims, if insured, could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates.  CSXT is also required to comply with regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials.
 
    In November 2008, the TSA issued final rules placing significant new security and safety requirements on passenger and freight railroad carriers, rail transit systems, and facilities that ship hazardous materials by rail.  Noncompliance with these rules can subject the Company to significant penalties and could be a factor in litigation arising out of a train accident.  Finally, legislation preventing the transport of hazardous materials through certain cities could result in network congestion and increase the length of haul for hazardous substances, which could result in increased operating costs, reduced operating efficiency or increase the risk of an accident involving the transport of hazardous materials.

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that may result in significant costs.
 
    The Company is subject to wide-ranging federal, state, provincial (Canada) and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions into the air,  ground and water, the handling, storage, use, generation, transportation and disposal of waste and other materials, the clean-up of hazardous material and petroleum releases, and the health and safety of our employees.  If we violate or fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators.  We can also be held liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to any hazardous substances for which we are responsible.  In certain circumstances, environmental liability can extend to formerly owned or operated properties, leased properties, adjacent properties and properties owned by third parties or Company predecessors, as well as to properties currently owned, leased or used by the Company.
 
9

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
   
    The Company has been, and may in the future, be subject to, allegations or findings to the effect that it has violated, or is strictly liable under, environmental laws or regulations, and such violations can result in the Company’s incurring fines, penalties or costs relating to the clean-up of environmental contamination. Although the Company believes it has appropriately recorded current and long-term liabilities for known and estimable future environmental costs, it could incur significant costs that exceed reserves or require unanticipated cash expenditures as a result of any of the foregoing.  The Company also may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate and remediate known, unknown or future environmental contamination.

The Company relies on the stability and availability of its technology systems to operate its business.
 
    The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business.  A significant disruption or failure of the Company’s information technology systems, including computer hardware, software and communications equipment, could result in a service interruption, process failure, security breach or other operational difficulties.  The performance and reliability of the Company’s technology systems are critical to its ability to operate and compete safely and effectively.

Disruption of the supply chain could negatively affect operating efficiency and increase costs.
 
    The capital intensive nature and sophistication of core rail equipment (including rolling stock equipment, locomotives, rail, and ties) limits the number of railroad equipment suppliers.  If any of the current manufacturers stops production or experiences a supply shortage, CSXT could experience a significant cost increase or material shortage.  In addition, a few critical railroad suppliers are foreign and, as such, adverse developments in international relations, new trade regulations, disruptions in international shipping, or increases in global demand could make procurement of these supplies more difficult or increase CSXT’s operating costs.
 
    Additionally, if a fuel supply shortage were to arise, whether due to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or other production restrictions, lower refinery outputs, a disruption of oil imports or otherwise, the Company would be negatively impacted.
 
Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages.
 
    Most of CSXT's employees are represented by labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Generally speaking, these agreements are bargained nationally by the National Carriers Conference Committee.  In the rail industry, negotiations have generally taken place over a number of years and previously have not resulted in any extended work stoppages.  If CSXT is unable to negotiate acceptable agreements, however, it could result in strikes by the affected workers, loss of business and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union members.  Under the Railway Labor Act’s procedures (which include mediation, cooling-off periods and the possibility of Presidential intervention), neither party may take action until the procedures are exhausted.
 
10

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
The Company faces competition from other transportation providers.
 
    The Company experiences competition in the form of pricing, service, reliability and other factors from various transportation providers including railroads and motor carriers that operate similar routes across its service area and, to a less significant extent, barges, ships and pipelines. Transportation providers such as motor carriers and barges utilize public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by governmental entities while CSXT and other railroads must build and maintain rail networks using largely internal resources. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation, or legislation providing for less stringent size or weight restrictions on trucks, could negatively impact the Company’s competitive position.

Future acts of terrorism, war or regulatory changes to combat the risk of terrorism may cause significant disruptions in the Company’s operations.
 
    Terrorist attacks, along with any government response to those attacks, may adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  CSXT’s rail lines or other key infrastructure may be direct targets or indirect casualties of acts of terror or war.  This risk could cause significant business interruption and result in increased costs and liabilities and decreased revenues.  In addition, premiums charged for some or all of the insurance coverage currently maintained by the Company could increase dramatically or the coverage may no longer be available.
 
    Furthermore, in response to the heightened risk of terrorism, federal, state and local governmental bodies are proposing and, in some cases, have adopted legislation and regulations relating to security issues that impact the transportation industry.  For example, the Department of Homeland Security adopted regulations that require freight railroads to implement additional security protocols when transporting hazardous materials.  Complying with these regulations could continue to increase the Company’s operating costs and reduce operating efficiencies.
 
Severe weather or other natural occurrences could result in significant business interruptions and expenditures in excess of available insurance coverage.
 
    The Company’s operations may be affected by external factors such as severe weather and other natural occurrences, including floods, fires, hurricanes and earthquakes.  As a result, the Company’s rail network may be damaged, its workforce may be unavailable, fuel costs may rise and significant business interruptions could occur.  In addition, the performance of locomotives and railcars could be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions.  Insurance maintained by the Company to protect against loss of business and other related consequences resulting from these natural occurrences is subject to coverage limitations, depending on the nature of the risk insured. This insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of the Company’s damages or damages to others and this insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates. Even with insurance, if any natural occurrence leads to a catastrophic interruption of service, the Company may not be able to restore service without a significant interruption in operations.
11

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
The Company may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures.
 
    The Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits, including putative class action litigation alleging violations of antitrust laws.  The Company may experience material judgments or incur significant costs to defend existing and future lawsuits.  Additionally, existing litigation may suffer adverse developments not currently reflected in the Company’s reserve estimates as the ultimate outcome of existing litigation is subject to numerous factors outside of the Company’s control.  Final judgments or settlement amounts may differ materially from the recorded reserves.
 
Increases in the number and magnitude of property damage and personal injury claims could adversely affect the Company’s operating results.
 
    The Company faces inherent business risk from exposure to occupational and personal injury claims, property damage, including storm damage, and claims related to train accidents.  The Company may incur significant costs to defend such claims. 
 
    Existing claims may suffer adverse developments not currently reflected in reserve estimates, as the ultimate outcome of existing claims is subject to numerous factors outside of the Company’s control. Although the Company establishes reserves and maintains insurance to cover these types of claims, final amounts determined to be due on any outstanding matters may differ materially from the recorded reserves and exceed the Company’s insurance coverage.
 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.  Properties
 
    The Company’s properties primarily consist of track and its related infrastructure, locomotives and freight cars and equipment.  These categories and the geography of the network are described below.

 Track and Infrastructure
 
    Serving 23 states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, the CSXT rail network serves, among other markets, New York, Philadelphia and Boston in the northeast and mid-Atlantic, the southeast markets of Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans, and the midwestern cities of St. Louis, Memphis and Chicago.


12

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
CSXT’s track structure includes main thoroughfares, connecting terminals and yards (known as mainline track), track within terminals and switching yards, track adjacent to the mainlines used for passing trains, track connecting the mainline track to customer locations and track that diverts trains from one track to another known as turnouts.  Total track miles are greater than CSXT’s approximately 21,000 route miles, which reflect the size of CSXT’s network that connects markets, customers and western railroads.  At December 2010, the breakdown of track miles was as follows:

 
 
Track
 
Miles
Mainline track
 26,642
Terminals and switching yards
 9,561
Passing sidings and turnouts
 928
Total
 37,131

In addition to its physical track structure, CSXT operates numerous yards and terminals.  These serve as the hubs between CSXT and its local customers and as sorting facilities where rail cars often are received, re-sorted and placed onto new outbound trains. 

The Company’s ten largest yards and terminals based on annual volume (number of rail cars or intermodal containers processed) are listed below:
 
Yards and Terminals
Annual
Volume
(number of units processed)
Chicago, IL
 904,451
Waycross, GA
 644,415
Selkirk, NY
 552,865
Willard, OH
 529,872
Indianapolis, IN
 499,977
Cincinnati, OH
 497,611
Nashville, TN
 496,085
Hamlet, NC
 473,045
Birmingham, AL
 368,774
Louisville, KY
 350,467





13

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 Network Geography
 
CSXT’s operations are primarily focused on four major transportation networks and corridors which are defined geographically and by commodity flows below.

Coal Network – The CSXT coal network connects the coal mining operations in the Appalachian mountain region with industrial areas in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as many river, lake, and deep water port facilities.  CSXT’s coal network is well positioned to supply utility markets in both the Northeast and Southeast and to transport coal shipments for exports outside of the U.S.  Roughly three of every four tons of domestic coal and almost half of the export coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.

Interstate 90 (I-90) Corridor – This CSXT corridor links Chicago and the Midwest to metropolitan areas in New York and New England.  This route, also known as the “waterlevel route,” has minimal hills and grades and nearly all of it has two main tracks (referred to as double track).  These superior engineering attributes permit the corridor to support consistent, high-speed intermodal, automotive and merchandise service.  This corridor is a primary route for import traffic coming from the far east through western ports moving eastward across the country, through Chicago and into the population centers in the Northeast.  The I-90 Corridor is also a critical link between ports in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and consumption markets in the Midwest.  This route carries consumer goods from all three of the Company’s major markets – merchandise, coal and intermodal.

Interstate 95 (I-95) Corridor – The CSXT I-95 Corridor connects Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and many other cities throughout the Southeast with the heavily populated northeastern cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.  CSXT primarily transports food and consumer products, as well as metals and chemicals along this line.  It is the only rail corridor along the eastern seaboard south of Washington, D.C., and provides access to major eastern ports.

Southeastern Corridor – This critical part of the network runs between CSXT’s western gateways of Chicago, St. Louis and Memphis through the cities of Nashville, Birmingham, and Atlanta and markets in the Southeast.  The Southeastern Corridor is the premier rail route connecting these key cities, gateways, and markets and positions CSXT to efficiently handle projected traffic volumes of intermodal, automotive and general merchandise traffic.  The corridor also provides direct rail service between the coal reserves of the southern Illinois basin and the increasing demand for coal in the Southeast.

See the following page for a map of the CSX Rail Network.

14

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

CSX Rail Network
    
15

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
Locomotives
 
    CSXT operates more than 4,000 locomotives, of which over 95% are owned by CSXT.  Freight locomotives are the power source used primarily to pull trains.  Switching locomotives are used in yards to sort railcars so that the right railcar is attached to the right train in order to deliver it to its final destination.  Auxiliary units are typically used to provide extra traction for heavy trains in hilly terrain.  At December 2010, CSXT’s fleet of owned and long-term leased locomotives consisted of the following types of locomotives:

       
Average Age
(years)
 
Locomotives
 
%
Freight
 3,533
 
87%
20
Switching
314
 
8%
32
Auxiliary Units
225
 
5%
50
    Total
 4,072
 
100%
22
 
    As of December 2010, approximately 500 locomotives or 12% were held in temporary storage.  As volume continues to return, these locomotives will be placed back into service after restorative maintenance procedures are performed.  Of these, over 200 locomotives can be brought back immediately.

Equipment
 
    In 2010, the average daily fleet of cars on line consisted of approximately 211,000. At any time over half of the railcars on the CSXT system are not owned or leased by the Company.  Examples of these are: railcars owned by other railroads (which are utilized by CSXT), shipper-furnished or private cars (which are generally used only in that shipper’s service) and multi-level railcars used to transport automobiles (which are shared between railroads). 
 
 

   
 
 
    The Company’s equipment consists of freight cars, containers and chassis.
 
Gondolas – Support CSXT’s metals markets and provide transport for woodchips and other bulk commodities.  Some gondolas are equipped with special hoods for protecting products like coil and sheet steel.

Open-top hoppers – Transport heavy dry bulk commodities such as coal, coke, stone, sand, ores and gravel that are resistant to weather conditions.

Box cars – Include a variety of tonnages, sizes, door configurations and heights to accommodate a wide range of finished products, including paper, auto parts, appliances and building materials.  Insulated box cars deliver food products, canned goods, beer and wine.
 
Covered hoppers – Have a permanent roof and are segregated based upon commodity density.  Lighter bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, flour, salt, sugar, clay and lime are shipped in large cars called jumbo covered hoppers.  Heavier commodities like cement, ground limestone and glass sand are shipped in small cube covered hoppers.

Multi-level flat cars – Transport finished automobiles and are differentiated by the number of levels: bi-levels for large vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs and tri-levels for sedans and smaller automobiles.

Flat cars – Used for shipping intermodal containers and trailers or bulk and finished goods, such as lumber, pipe, plywood, drywall and pulpwood.

Containers - Weather-proof boxes used for bulk shipment of freight.

Chassis - Wheeled support framework for a container that allows it to be attached to a tractor.  All of the Company’s chassis are leased.
 
    Other cars owned or leased on the network include, but are not limited to, center beam cars for transporting lumber and building products.  The Company also has other types of equipment such as lift equipment and doublestack railcars, which allow for two containers to be mounted one above the other.
 
17

 
CSX CORPORATION
PART I

 
At December 2010, the Company’s owned and long-term leased equipment consisted of the following:
 
     
Number of Units
   
         
Equipment
   
%
 
Gondolas
 
 25,558
 
32%
 
Open-top hoppers
 
 14,440
 
18%
 
Box cars
 
 11,660
 
14%
 
Covered hoppers
 
 11,097
 
14%
 
Multi-level flat cars
 
 10,089
 
12%
 
Flat cars
 
 6,965
 
9%
 
Other cars
 
 493
 
1%
Subtotal freight cars
 
 80,302
 
100%
 
Containers
 
 15,198
 
52%
 
Chassis
 
 13,669
 
47%
 
Other
 
 297
 
1%
Subtotal equipment
 
 29,164
 
100%
Total equipment
 
 109,466
   
 
    As of December 31, 2010, approximately 11,000 freight cars or 14% were held in temporary storage.  These freight cars can be placed back into service immediately as volume returns.

 Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Fuel Surcharge Antitrust Litigation

Since 2007, 31 putative class action suits have been filed in various federal district courts against CSXT and three other U.S.-based Class I railroads.  The class action suits have been consolidated in federal court in the District of Columbia.  The court has not yet ruled on whether it is appropriate to certify the case as a class action.

The lawsuits contain substantially similar allegations to the effect that the defendants’ fuel surcharge practices relating to contract and unregulated traffic resulted from an illegal conspiracy in violation of antitrust laws.  The suits seek unquantified treble damages (three times the amount of actual damages) allegedly sustained by purported class members, attorneys’ fees and other relief. 

All but three of the lawsuits purport to be filed on behalf of a class of shippers that allegedly purchased rail freight transportation services from the defendants through the use of contracts or through other means exempt from rate regulation during defined periods commencing as early as June 2003 and that were assessed fuel surcharges.  Three of the lawsuits purport to be on behalf of indirect purchasers of rail services.  The court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the direct purchasers’ claims. The court dismissed all of the indirect purchasers’ causes of action seeking money damages, but did not dismiss their request for injunctive relief.  The dismissal was upheld on appeal.  Plaintiffs then petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear the case. The Supreme Court denied the petition in December 2010.
 
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CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
One additional lawsuit was filed, but not served, by an individual shipper.  CSXT entered into a tolling agreement with this shipper whereby the shipper agreed to dismiss the lawsuit against CSXT without prejudice and CSXT agreed to extend the statute of limitations for the claims asserted until the end of 2010.  That agreement has been extended to the end of 2011.

CSXT believes that its fuel surcharge practices are lawful.  Accordingly, CSXT intends to vigorously defend itself against the purported class actions, which it believes are without merit.  While CSXT cannot predict the outcome of the private lawsuits, or of any government investigations, charges or additional litigation that may be filed in the future, we currently believe that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on any of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.  Penalties for violating antitrust laws can be severe, involving both potential criminal and civil liability.   If a material adverse outcome were to occur and be sustained, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Other Legal Proceedings
 
In addition to the matters described above, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to its business and is a party to a number of legal actions and claims, various governmental proceedings and private civil lawsuits, including, but not limited to, those related to environmental and hazardous material exposure matters, FELA claims by employees, other personal injury claims and disputes and complaints involving certain transportation rates and charges.  Some of the legal proceedings include claims for compensatory as well as punitive damages and others are, or are purported to be, class actions.  While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, considering, among other things, the legal defenses available and liabilities that have been recorded along with applicable insurance, it is currently the opinion of CSX management that none of these pending items will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  An unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items, however, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period.

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)


19

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Executive officers of the Company are elected by the CSX Board of Directors and generally hold office until the next annual election of officers.  There are no family relationships or any arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which such officer was elected.  As of the date of this filing, the executive officers’ names, ages and business experience are:

 
Name and Age
 
Business Experience During Past 5 Years
 
Michael J. Ward, 60
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
A 33-year veteran of the Company, Ward has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSX since January 2003.
 
Ward’s distinguished railroad career has included key executive positions in nearly all aspects of the Company’s business, including sales and marketing, operations and finance.
 
 
Oscar Munoz, 52
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Munoz has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CSX and CSXT since May 2003 and is responsible for management and oversight of all financial, strategic planning, information technology, purchasing and real estate activities of CSX.
 
Munoz brings to the Company more than 25 years of experience from a variety of industries.  Before joining CSX in 2003, Munoz served as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of AT&T Consumer Services.  He has also held key executive positions within the telecommunication and beverage industries, including the Coca-Cola Company and Pepsico Corporation.
 

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CSX CORPORATION
PART I

 
Name and Age
 
Business Experience During Past 5 Years
 
David A. Brown, 51
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Brown has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CSXT since January 2010.  He manages all aspects of the Company’s operations across its 21,000-mile network, including transportation, service design, customer service, engineering and mechanical.  Brown served as Chief Transportation Officer of CSXT from 2006-2009.
 
Prior to joining CSXT in 2006, Brown spent 24 years at Norfolk Southern Railway where he served as Vice President of Strategic Planning from 2005 – 2006.
 
Clarence W. Gooden, 59
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Chief Commercial Officer
Gooden has been the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of CSX and CSXT since April 2004. He is responsible for generating customer revenue, forecasting business trends and developing CSX’s model for future revenue growth.
 
A member of the Company for 40 years, Gooden has held key executive positions in both operations and sales and marketing.
 
 
Ellen M. Fitzsimmons, 50
Senior Vice President of Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 
Fitzsimmons has been the Senior Vice President of Law and Public Affairs, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary since December 2003.  She serves as the Company’s chief legal officer and oversees all government relations and public affairs activities.
 
During her 19-year tenure with the Company, her broad responsibilities have included key roles in major risk and corporate governance-related areas.
 

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CSX CORPORATION
PART I

 
Name and Age
 
Business Experience During Past 5 Years
 
Lisa A. Mancini, 51
Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations
 
Mancini has been the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations since January 2009. She is responsible for employee compensation and benefits, labor relations, organizational development and transformation, recruitment, training and various administrative activities.  She previously served as Vice President-Strategic Infrastructure Initiatives from 2007 to 2009 and, prior to that, Vice President – Labor Relations.
 
Prior to joining CSX in 2003, Mancini served as Chief Operating Officer of the San Francisco Municipal Railway.
 
 
Carolyn T. Sizemore, 48
Vice President and Controller
 
Sizemore has served as Vice President and Controller of CSX and CSXT since April 2002. She is responsible for financial and regulatory reporting, freight billing and collections, payroll for the Company’s 30,000 employees, accounts payable and various other accounting processes.
 
Sizemore’s responsibilities during her 21-year tenure with the Company have included roles in finance and audit-related areas including a variety of positions in accounting, finance strategies, budgets and performance analysis.
 


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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

Market Information

        CSX’s common stock is listed on the NYSE, which is its principal trading market, and is traded over-the-counter and on exchanges nationwide.  The official trading symbol is “CSX.” 

Description of Common and Preferred Stock
 
    A total of 600 million shares of common stock are authorized, of which 370,342,302 shares were outstanding as of December 2010.  Each share is entitled to one vote in all matters requiring a vote of shareholders.  There are no pre-emptive rights, which are privileges extended to select shareholders that allow them to purchase additional shares before other members of the general public in the event of an offering.  At January 28, 2011, the latest practicable date, there were 37,585 common stock shareholders of record.  The weighted average of common shares outstanding, which was used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, was approximately 386 million as of December 31, 2010.  (See Note 2, Earnings Per Share.)

A total of 25 million shares of preferred stock is authorized, none of which is currently outstanding.

The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the dividends declared and the high and low share prices of CSX common stock as required by SEC Regulation S-K.
 
 
Quarter
 
     
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
 
Year
2010
 
Dividends
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.24
 $0.26
 
 $0.98
 
Common Stock Price
 
 
High
 $52.83
 $62.00
 $56.80
 $64.80
 
 $64.80
 
Low
 $42.05
 $48.00
 $46.51
 $53.95
 
 $42.05
 
2009
 
Dividends
 $0.22
 $0.22
 $0.22
 $0.22
 
 $0.88
 
Common Stock Price
 
 
High
 $36.82
 $36.57
 $48.85
 $50.80
 
 $50.80
 
Low
 $20.70
 $25.09
 $30.25
 $40.67
 
 $20.70



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CSX CORPORATION
PART II


 Stock Performance Graph
 
    The cumulative shareholder returns, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on $100 invested at December 31, 2005 are illustrated on the graph below.  The Company references the Standard & Poor 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and the Dow Jones U.S. Transportation Average Index, which provide comparisons to a broad-based market index and other companies in the transportation industry.  As shown in the graph, CSX’s five-year stock returns significantly outpaced those of the S&P 500.
      
            
 
 * The S&P 500 is a registered trademark of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CSX Purchases of Equity Securities
         
CSX is required to disclose any purchases of its own common stock for the most recent quarter.  CSX purchases its own shares for two primary reasons: to further its goals under its share repurchase program and to fund the Company’s contribution required to be paid in CSX common stock under a 401(k) plan which covers certain union employees.

Since March 2008, CSX has completed approximately $2.7 billion of its current $3 billion share repurchase program. During fourth quarter 2010, CSX completed approximately $347 million of total share repurchases.  The Company expects to repurchase approximately $300 million of its shares in the first quarter of this year, which will complete the remainder of its current program.


 
 CSX Purchases of Equity Securities
for the Quarter
 
 
Fourth Quarter
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
Beginning Balance
 
 $645,208,174
 
October
(September 25, 2010 - October 22, 2010)
 849,400
 $59.27
 849,400
 
 594,868,312
             
November
(October 23, 2010 - November 26, 2010)
 2,840,481
 61.06
 2,840,481
 
 421,433,217
 
December
(November 27, 2010 - December 31, 2010)
 1,951,670
 63.10
 1,951,670
 
 298,286,880
     
Ending Balance
 5,641,551
 $61.49
 5,641,551
 
 $298,286,880
 
 
Note: There were no share repurchases during fourth quarter 2010 to fund the Company’s contribution to a 401(k) plan that covers certain union employees.

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CSX CORPORATION
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 Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Selected financial data and significant events related to the Company’s financial results for the last five fiscal years are listed below.

     
Fiscal Years(a)
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Financial Performance
         
 
Revenue
 $10,636
 $9,041
 $11,255
 $10,030
 $9,566
 
Expense
 7,565
 6,771
 8,504
 7,784
 7,429
 
Operating Income
 $3,071
 $2,270
 $2,751
 $2,246
 $2,137
               
Net Earnings from Continuing Operations
 $1,563
 $1,128
 $1,485
 $1,227
 $1,311
               
Earnings Per Share:
         
 
From Continuing Operations, Basic
 $4.10
 $2.88
 $3.71
 $2.86
 $2.98
 
From Continuing Operations, Assuming Dilution
 4.06
 2.85
 3.64
 2.75
 2.82
               
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding
 381,108
 392,127
 400,740
 430,270
 440,084
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding, Assuming Dilution
 384,509
 395,686
 408,620
 448,280
 465,934
               
 
Operating Ratio
71.1%
74.9%
75.6%
77.6%
77.7%
Financial Position
         
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
 $1,346
 $1,090
 $745
 $714
 $900
 
Total Assets
 28,141
 26,887
 26,154
 25,417
 25,026
 
Long-term Debt
 8,051
 7,895
 7,512
 6,470
 5,362
 
Shareholders' Equity
 8,700
 8,768
 7,985
 8,612
 8,878
               
 
Dividend Per Share
 $0.98
 $0.88
 $0.77
 $0.54
 $0.33
Additional Data
         
 
Capital Expenditures (Dollars in Billions) (b)
 $1.8
 $1.6
 $1.8
 $1.7
 $1.4
               
 
Employees -- Annual Averages
 29,916
 30,088
 34,363
 35,443
 36,005

(a)  
 Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.

 (b) 
 Capital Expenditures - In addition to property additions of $1,427 million and $1,719 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, shown in investing activities on the consolidated cash flow statements, capital expenditures included cash payments for purchases of new assets using seller financing of approximately $160 million and $54 million, respectively.  These payments are included in other financing activities on the consolidated cash flow statements.

Significant Events

  2006
--
Two-for-one split of the Company’s common stock effective 2006.

 
--
Recognized gains of $168 million pre-tax, or $104 million after-tax, on insurance recoveries from claims related to Hurricane Katrina.

 
--
Recognized an income tax benefit of $151 million primarily related to the resolution of certain tax matters, including resolution of ordinary course federal income tax audits for 1994 – 1998.

 

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CSX CORPORATION
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Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

 
The Company and the rail industry provide customers with access to an expansive and interconnected transportation network that plays a key role in North American commerce.  The Company’s network is positioned to reach more than two-thirds of Americans, who account for about three-quarters of the nation’s consumption of goods. Through this network, the Company transports a broad portfolio of products, ranging from coal and new energy sources, like biodiesel and ethanol, to automobiles, chemicals, and consumer products.

CSX remains highly committed to delivering value to shareholders through a balanced approach to deploying capital that includes investments in infrastructure, dividend improvements and share repurchases.  In 2011, the Company plans to invest $2.0 billion to sustain core infrastructure and rolling stock, support various strategic investments and fund Positive Train Control (“PTC”) implementation costs.  Key terminal expansions and infrastructure projects are important components of CSX’s investment strategy.  Strategic investments through public-private partnerships, including the National Gateway initiative and the Massachusetts and Florida projects will provide enhanced transit times and improved service for customers.

The National Gateway is a multi-year infrastructure initiative which will increase intermodal capacity on key corridors between Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest.  Total project costs are approximately $850 million, of which the Company expects to contribute approximately $400 million.  A key component of this initiative is the Company’s new Northwest Ohio intermodal terminal that is scheduled to become operational in the first half of 2011. This high-capacity terminal will expand service offerings to customers as well as improve market access to east coast ports. Once complete, the new terminal will be the most environmentally friendly, technologically advanced intermodal terminal in existence.

These long-term investments provide a foundation for volume growth, productivity as well as safe and reliable operations.  To continue these types of investments, the Company must be able to operate in an environment in which it can generate adequate returns and drive shareholder value.  CSX will continue to advocate for a fair and balanced regulatory environment to ensure that the value of the Company’s rail service will be reflected in any potential new legislation and policy.

In addition to investing in its network, CSX increased its quarterly cash dividend twice from 22 cents to 26 cents per share during 2010.  These were the seventh and eighth dividend increases over a five-year period and represents a 35 percent compounded annual growth rate.  CSX also expects to repurchase approximately $300 million in shares by the end of the first quarter, representing the remainder of its existing $3 billion share repurchase program. 
 

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CSX CORPORATION
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2010 HIGHLIGHTS

·  
Revenue increased $1.6 billion or 18% to $10.6 billion primarily driven by increases in volume and core pricing gains.

·  
Expenses increased $794 million or 12% to $7.6 billion driven primarily by higher labor-related costs, an increase in volume-related costs and higher fuel prices.

·  
Operating income increased $801 million or 35% to $3.1 billion and operating ratio improved to 71.1%, both being all-time annual records.

 
Fiscal Years
(in thousands)
2010
2009
2008
Volume
6,384
5,793
6,827
       
(in millions)
     
Revenue
 $10,636
 $9,041
 $11,255
Expense
 7,565
 6,771
 8,504
Operating Income
 $3,071
 $2,270
 $2,751
       
Operating Ratio
71.1%
74.9%
75.6%

2010 results reflect strong year-over-year volume and revenue growth as a result of the improving economy.  Revenue increased 18% from the prior year, to nearly $10.6 billion, with gains across all of the Company’s markets with particular growth in automotive and metals.  Overall gains were driven by a 10% increase in volume, continued pricing above rail inflation and higher fuel recovery associated with the increase in fuel prices.  The Company achieved pricing gains primarily due to improved service and the overall cost advantages that rail-based solutions provide to customers versus other modes of transportation.
 
As volume increased, expenses increased by $794 million, or only 12%, from the prior year.  This increase was driven primarily by higher labor-related costs including inflation and incentive compensation, an increase in volume-related costs and higher fuel expense due to a rise in fuel prices.  Although expenses increased year-over-year, CSX was able to achieve a record operating ratio of 71.1% due to the Company’s continued focus on cost control and productivity initiatives. Fiscal year 2010 results include an extra week of activity as compared to fiscal year 2009.  This activity did not have a material impact on the Company’s full year results of operations.
 
For additional information, refer to Results of Operations discussed on pages 35 through 39.

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CSX CORPORATION
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In addition to the financial highlights described above, the Company measures and reports safety and service performance.  Over the last five years, CSX has improved its safety and service measures by more than 50% and generated nearly $1 billion in total productivity gains.  In effect, CSX has worked to create a culture of accountability, which focuses on delivering enhanced performance by communicating a focus on leadership, discipline and execution.

During 2010, the Company again demonstrated great improvements related to safety and operating performance.  For 2010, the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) personal injury rate improved 17% to 1.01, compared to 1.20 in 2009.  This is a record full-year personal injury performance for the full year at CSX.  The 2010 reported FRA train accident frequency rate improved 9% to 2.68, compared to 2.94 in 2009.  These excellent results were achieved through a sustained commitment to safety.

Key service metrics in 2010 declined slightly as volume increased 10% from last year.  On-time train originations and arrivals declined to 75% and 69%, respectively.  Dwell time increased to 25.0 hours from 24.1 hours in 2009.  Average train velocity declined 4% to 21.0 miles per hour.  While these key measures declined, they remain within the ranges experienced over the last several years and continue to support efficient and reliable train operations for CSX’s customers.  


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CSX CORPORATION
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Operating Statistics (Estimated)

 
 
Fiscal Years
Improvement/
 
2010
2009
(Decline)
%
 
Safety and
FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index
 1.01
 1.20
 16
%
Service
Measurements
FRA Train Accident Rate
 2.68
 2.94
 9
 
 
 
On-Time Train Originations
75%
81%
 (7)
 
 
On-Time Destination Arrivals
69%
80%
 (14)
 
 
 
Dwell
 25.0
 24.1
 (4)
 
 
Cars-On-Line
 210,984
 216,013
 2
 
 
 
Train Velocity
 21.0
 21.8
 (4)
 
 
 
Increase/
 
 
(Decrease)
 
Resources
Route Miles
 21,084
 21,190
 -
%
 
Locomotives (owned and long-term leased)
 4,072
 4,071
 -
 
 
Freight Cars (owned and long-term leased)
 80,302
 84,282
 (5)
%

Definitions

FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index – Number of FRA-reportable injuries per 200,000 man-hours.

FRA Train Accident Rate – Number of FRA-reportable train accidents per million train-miles.

On-Time Train Originations – Percent of scheduled road trains that depart the origin yard on-time or ahead of schedule.

On-Time Destination Arrivals – Percent of scheduled road trains that arrive at the destination yard on-time to two hours late (30 minutes for intermodal trains).

Dwell – Average amount of time in hours between car arrival at and departure from the yard.  It does not include cars moving through the yard on the same train.

Cars-On-Line – An average count of all cars on the network (does not include locomotives, cabooses, trailers, containers or maintenance equipment).

Train Velocity – Average train speed between terminals in miles per hour (does not include locals, yard jobs, work trains or passenger trains).


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Capital Expenditures

In addition to producing strong financial, safety and service results, CSX continued to invest in its business to create long-term value for shareholders.  In 2010 capital expenditures increased to $1.8 billion from $1.6 billion in 2009.  (The 2009 amount includes $160 million of cash payments for new assets purchased in the prior year using seller financing.  These payments are reflected in the financing section of the consolidated cash flow statement.)  The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and to positioning itself for long-term growth through expanding network and terminal capacity. 

Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Measure)

Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G, Disclosure of Non-GAAP Measures. Management believes, however, that free cash flow is important in evaluating the Company’s financial performance. Free cash flow should be considered in addition to, rather than a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities.  Free cash flow is calculated by using net cash from operations and adjusting for property additions and certain other investing activities.  As described below, free cash flow before dividends increased $823 million to $1.5 billion. 

The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).   

 
 Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
2008
(Dollars in Millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 $3,246
 $2,040
 $2,893
Property additions (a)
 (1,825)
 (1,427)
 (1,719)
Other investing activities (b)
 69
 54
 36
Free Cash Flow (before payment of dividends)
 $1,490
 $667
 $1,210


 
(a)  In addition to property additions of $1,427 million and $1,719 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, total capital expenditures included cash payments for purchases of new assets using seller financing of approximately $160 million and $54 million, respectively.  There were none in 2010.  These payments are shown in financing activities on the consolidated cash flow statement.  Property additions are shown in investing activities on the consolidated cash flow statement.

 
(b)  Other investing activities no longer include Conrail free cash flow as these amounts are immaterial.

31

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this report and in other materials filed with the SEC, as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made by the Company, are forward-looking statements.  The Company intends for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act may contain, among others, statements regarding:
 
·  
projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes or other financial items;

·  
expectations as to results of operations and operational initiatives;

·  
expectations as to the effect of claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity;

·  
management’s plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, capital expenditures, share repurchases, proposed new services and other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, and management’s expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved; and

·  
future economic, industry or market conditions or performance and their effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “preliminary” and similar expressions. The Company cautions against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect its good faith beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to it as of the date the forward-looking statement is made.    Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the timing when, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved. 
 
32

 
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
 
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual performance or results could differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.  The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Part II, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of this annual report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in this report, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements:
 
·  
legislative, regulatory or legal developments involving transportation, including rail or intermodal transportation, the environment, hazardous materials,  taxation, including the outcome of tax claims and litigation, the potential enactment of initiatives to further regulate the rail industry and the ultimate outcome of shipper and rate claims subject to adjudication;
 
·  
the outcome of litigation and claims, including, but not limited to, those related to fuel surcharge, environmental contamination, taxes, personal injuries and occupational illnesses;
 
·  
changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation) and the level of demand for products carried by CSXT;

·  
unanticipated conditions in the financial markets that may affect timely access to capital markets and the cost of capital, as well as management’s decisions regarding share repurchases;

·  
availability of insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages;

·  
changes in fuel prices, surcharges for fuel and the availability of fuel;

·  
the impact of increased passenger activities in capacity-constrained areas, including potential effects of high speed rail initiatives, or regulatory changes affecting when CSXT can transport freight or service routes;

·  
natural events such as severe weather conditions, including floods, fire, hurricanes and earthquakes, a pandemic crisis affecting the health of the Company’s employees, its shippers or the consumers of goods, or other unforeseen disruptions of the Company’s operations, systems, property or equipment;

·  
the cost of compliance with laws and regulations that differ from expectations (including those associated with PTC implementation) and costs, penalties and operational impacts associated with noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations;

33

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

·  
the inherent business risks associated with safety and security, including the availability and vulnerability of information technology, adverse economic or operational effects from actual or threatened war or terrorist activities and any governmental response;

·  
labor and benefit costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either the Company’s operations or the customers’ ability to deliver goods to the Company for shipment;

·  
competition from other modes of freight transportation, such as trucking and competition and consolidation within the transportation industry generally;

·  
the Company’s success in implementing its strategic, financial and operational initiatives;

·  
changes in operating conditions and costs or commodity concentrations; and

·  
the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified elsewhere in this report and in CSX’s other SEC reports, accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Company’s website at www.csx.com.  The information on the CSX website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.





34

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2010 vs. 2009 Results of Operations

 
Fiscal Years
       
 
2010
2009
 
$ Change
% Change
 
       
(Adjusted) (a)
       
Revenue
 $10,636
 $9,041
 
 $1,595
 18
%
Expense
           
Labor and Fringe
 2,957
 2,629
 
 328
 12
 
Materials, Supplies and Other
 2,075
 1,999
 
 76
 4
 
Fuel
 
 1,212
 849
 
 363
 43
 
Depreciation
 947
 903
 
 44
 5
 
Equipment and Other Rents
 374
 391
 
 (17)
 (4)
 
   
Total Expense
 7,565
 6,771
 
 794
 12
 
Operating Income
 $3,071
 $2,270
 
 $801
 35
 
Interest Expense
 (557)
 (558)
 
 1
 -
 
Other Income - Net
 32
 34
 
 (2)
 (6)
 
Income Tax Expense
 (983)
 (618)
 
 (365)
 59
 
Earnings From Continuing Operations
 1,563
 1,128
 
 435
 39
 
Discontinued Operations
 -
 15
 
 (15)
 (100)
 
Net Earnings
 $1,563
 $1,143
 
 $420
 37
 
                 
Earnings Per Diluted Share:
           
From Continuing Operations
 $4.06
 $2.85
 
 $1.21
 42
 
Discontinued Operations
 -
 0.04
 
 (0.04)
 (100)
 
Net Earnings
 $4.06
 $2.89
 
 $1.17
 40
%
                 
Operating Ratio
71.1%
74.9%
   
380 bps
 

 
(a) Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
 
Volume and Revenue (Unaudited)
 
Volume (Thousands of units); Revenue (Dollars in millions); Revenue Per Unit (Dollars)
 
Fiscal Years
 
                               
 
Volume
Revenue
 
Revenue Per Unit
 
 
2010
2009
% Change
   
2010
2009
% Change
 
2010
2009
% Change
   
Agricultural
                             
Agricultural Products
 446
 428
 4
%
 
 $1,056
 $960
 10
 %
 
 $2,368
 $2,243
 6
%
 
Phosphates and Fertilizers
 313
 289
 8
   
 465
 373
 25
   
 1,486
 1,291
 15
   
Food and Consumer
 102
 100
 2
   
 245
 233
 5
   
 2,402
 2,330
 3
   
Industrial
                             
Chemicals
 461
 424
 9
   
 1,485
 1,267
 17
   
 3,221
 2,988
 8
   
Automotive
 340
 234
 45
   
 800
 511
 57
   
 2,353
 2,184
 8
   
Metals
 243
 200
 22
   
 520
 399
 30
   
 2,140
 1,995
 7
   
Housing and Construction
                             
Emerging Markets
 418
 405
 3
   
 615
 585
 5
   
 1,471
 1,444
 2
   
Forest Products
 265
 258
 3
   
 600
 547
 10
   
 2,264
 2,120
 7
   
Total Merchandise
 2,588
 2,338
 11
   
 5,786
 4,875
 19
   
 2,236
 2,085
 7
   
                               
Coal
 1,573
 1,553
 1
   
 3,267
 2,727
 20
   
 2,077
 1,756
 18
   
                               
Intermodal(b)
 2,223
 1,902
 17
   
 1,291
 1,184
 9
   
 581
 623
 (7)
   
                               
Other
 -
 -
 -
   
 292
 255
 15
   
 -
 -
 -
   
                               
Total
 6,384
 5,793
 10
%
 
 $10,636
 $9,041
 18
 %
 $1,666
 $1,561
 7
 %
 
(a) CSX follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar and 2010 included 53 weeks.  The revenue impact for the extra week was $171 million.

(b) The revenue-per-unit decline was primarily driven by the continued impact of terminating the prior purchased transportation agreement.  See the explanation for intermodal variances for further information.
 

35

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

2010 vs. 2009 Results of Operations
 
CSX full year results reflect continued strong year-over-year volume and revenue growth as a result of the improving economy.  Ongoing emphasis on pricing above rail inflation, along with higher fuel recovery associated with the increase in fuel prices, drove revenue-per-unit increases in most markets.  Fiscal year 2010 results include an extra week of activity as compared to fiscal year 2009.
 
Volume and Revenue
 
Merchandise
 
Agricultural

Agricultural Products – Volume grew with increased shipments of feed grains and ethanol.  Shipments of feed grains improved with expanded meat production and lower wheat imports.  Ethanol shipments grew as the amount of ethanol in fuel continued to increase.

Phosphates and Fertilizers – Volume increased as a result of strength in demand for domestic fertilizers due to a strong planting season and due to replenishment of low inventories.

Food and Consumer – Volume increased slightly as strength in refrigerated products, primarily fruits and vegetables, and alcoholic beverages were partially offset by weakness in demand for appliances.

Industrial

Chemicals – Growth occurred across most markets reflecting improvement in demand for intermediate products used in manufacturing automobiles and consumer goods.  Many plastics and chemicals are key inputs in the production of both durable and nondurable goods, as well as packaging.

Automotive – Strong growth was driven by an increase in North American light-vehicle production in response to increased demand in the improving economy. 
 
Metals – Volume growth was driven by increased shipments of sheet steel for auto production, increases in scrap steel resulting from higher steel production and increases in energy-related products.

Housing and Construction

Emerging Markets – Shipments increased in limestone, transportation equipment and aggregates (which include crushed stone, sand and gravel) as a result of overall market growth due to the improving economy.

Forest Products – Volume increased with strength in shipments of pulp board and paper used in packaging for consumer products.    Volume also increased slightly in construction-related markets.
 
36

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
Coal

Volume was basically flat as increased export shipments were offset by weakness in utility shipments.  Higher export shipments were due to greater demand for U.S. metallurgical coal in Asia and steam coal in Europe.  Shipments to utility customers were down as high utility stockpiles were reduced throughout the year and are approaching targeted levels.  The increase in revenue per unit was driven by improved yield, higher fuel recovery and longer length of haul.  Total coal volume is expected to increase as the Company expects to ship approximately 35 – 40 million tons of export coal and projects increases in utility coal volume in 2011.

Intermodal
 
    International and domestic shipment growth resulted from U.S. inventory replenishment, improved U.S. exports, new business, truckload conversions, and new UMAX and door-to-door service offerings.

The revenue-per-unit decline was driven by the impact of switching from a purchased transportation arrangement to a domestic interline program at the start of second quarter.  This program, known as UMAX, provides customers with containers for local shipments or transcontinental service provided jointly by CSX and Union Pacific Corporation.  This revenue-per-unit decline was partly offset by increased fuel recovery and an improved pricing environment.

Other
 
    Revenue gains were primarily driven by benefits for contract volume commitments not met.

Expense

Total expenses for 2010 increased 12% or $794 million to $7.6 billion compared to the prior year.  Descriptions of each expense category as well as significant year-over-year changes are described below.
 
 
Labor and Fringe expenses include employee wages and related payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension, other post-retirement benefits and incentive compensation.  These expenses increased $328 million primarily driven by inflation and higher incentive compensation.
 
Materials, Supplies and Other expenses consist primarily of materials and contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment and for terminal services at automotive facilities.  This category also includes costs related to casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, utilities, property and sales taxes and professional services.  In addition, this category includes amounts paid to other transportation companies.  Total materials, supplies and other expense increased by $76 million in 2010. This increase was primarily driven by the following:
 
37

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

·  
Volume increases drove higher operating and maintenance costs at automotive facilities, coal piers and intermodal terminals.  In addition, maintenance expenses increased as locomotives previously held in storage during 2009 due to lower volume were placed back into service during 2010.  Higher travel costs for train crews and other volume-related expenses also contributed to this increase.

·  
As safety and occupational claim trends have continued to improve, changes in estimate were recorded in both years - $49 million in 2010 and $105 million in 2009. This resulted in a year-over-year increase in casualty expense of $56 million.

·  
An operating property transaction with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts closed during 2010 and resulted in a $30 million net book loss on a pre-tax basis. This property is a former Conrail-acquired property. The Company received $50 million of cash related to this transaction.

·  
The above increases to expense were offset by $126 million of reduced purchased transportation costs as a result of switching from a purchased transportation agreement to the UMAX domestic interline program during 2010 in the intermodal business.

Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel.  This expense is driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel.  Fuel expense increased $363 million primarily due to higher fuel prices and higher volume.  Average fuel price per gallon increased $0.55 or 32% from $1.71 in 2009 to $2.26 in 2010.

Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the cost of a capital asset, such as locomotives, railcars and track structure, over its useful life.  This expense is impacted primarily by the capital expenditures made each year. Depreciation expense increased $44 million in 2010 primarily due to a larger asset base.

Equipment and Other includes rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received by CSXT for use of its equipment.  This category of expenses also includes lease expenses for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers, office and other rentals.  These expenses decreased $17 million primarily due to cost savings associated with improved asset utilization and lower lease expense, partially offset by volume-related increases.

Other

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $1 million to $557 million primarily due to lower average debt balances during 2010.

38

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Other Income – Net

Other income decreased $2 million to $32 million primarily related to lower interest income caused by lower cash and investment balances and lower interest rates in 2010.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased $365 million to $983 million primarily due to higher earnings during 2010.

Net Earnings

Net earnings increased $420 million to $1.6 billion and earnings per diluted share increased $1.17 to $4.06 in 2010.  This increase was primarily due to higher operating income net of income taxes in 2010.

 

39

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

2009 vs. 2008 Results of Operations (a)
 
 
Fiscal Years
       
 
2009
2008
 
$ Change
% Change
 
     
(Adjusted)
(Adjusted)
       
Revenue
 $9,041
 $11,255
 
 $(2,214)
 (20)
%
Expense
           
Labor and Fringe
 2,629
 2,955
 
 (326)
 (11)
 
Materials, Supplies and Other
 1,999
 2,407
 
 (408)
 (17)
 
Fuel
 
 849
 1,817
 
 (968)
 (53)
 
Depreciation
 903
 900
 
 3
 -
 
Equipment and Other Rents
 391
 425
 
 (34)
 (8)
 
   
Total Expense
 6,771
 8,504
 
 (1,733)
 (20)
 
Operating Income
 2,270
 2,751
 
 (481)
 (17)
 
Interest Expense
 (558)
 (519)
 
 (39)
 8
 
Other Income - Net
 34
 100
 
 (66)
 (66)
 
Income Tax Expense
 (618)
 (847)
 
 229
 (27)
 
Earnings From Continuing Operations
 1,128
 1,485
 
 (357)
 (24)
 
Discontinued Operations
 15
 (130)
 
 145
 (112)
 
Net Earnings
 $1,143
 $1,355
 
 $(212)
 (16)
 
                 
Earnings Per Diluted Share:
           
Continuing Operations
 $2.85
 $3.64
 
 $(0.79)
 (22)
 
Discontinued Operations
 0.04
 (0.32)
 
 0.36
 (113)
 
Net Earnings
 $2.89
 $3.32
 
 $(0.43)
 (13)
%
                 
Operating Ratio
74.9%
75.6%
   
70 bps
 

 (a) Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
 
Volume and Revenue (Unaudited)
 
Volume (Thousands of units); Revenue (Dollars in millions); Revenue Per Unit (Dollars)
Fiscal Years
                               
 
Volume
 
Revenue
 
Revenue Per Unit
 
 
2009
2008
% Change
 
2009
2008
% Change
 
2009
2008
% Change
 
Agricultural
                             
Agricultural Products
 428
 432
 (1)
%
 
 $960
 $1,010
 (5)
 %
 $2,243
 $2,338
 (4)
%
 
Phosphates and Fertilizers
 289
 334
 (13)
   
 373
 461
 (19)
   
 1,291
 1,380
 (6)
   
Food and Consumer
 100
 109
 (8)
   
 233
 281
 (17)
   
 2,330
 2,578
 (10)
   
Industrial
                             
Chemicals
 424
 493
 (14)
   
 1,267
 1,454
 (13)
   
 2,988
 2,949
 1
   
Automotive
 234
 343
 (32)
   
 511
 784
 (35)
   
 2,184
 2,286
 (4)
   
Metals
 200
 337
 (41)
   
 399
 752
 (47)
   
 1,995
 2,231
 (11)
   
Housing and Construction
                             
Emerging Markets
 405
 487
 (17)
   
 585
 714
 (18)
   
 1,444
 1,466
 (2)
   
Forest Products
 258
 344
 (25)
   
 547
 793
 (31)
   
 2,120
 2,305
 (8)
   
Total Merchandise
 2,338
 2,879
 (19)
   
 4,875
 6,249
 (22)
   
 2,085
 2,171
 (4)
   
                               
Coal
 1,553
 1,879
 (17)
   
 2,727
 3,285
 (17)
   
 1,756
 1,748
 -
   
                               
Intermodal(b)
 1,902
 2,069
 (8)
   
 1,184
 1,466
 (19)
   
 623
 709
 (12)
   
                               
Other
 -
 -
 -
   
 255
 255
 -
   
 -
 -
 -
   
                               
Total
 5,793
 6,827
 (15)
%
 
 $9,041
 $11,255
 (20)
 %
 
 $1,561
 $1,649
 (5)
 %
 
 
Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
40

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
2009 vs. 2008 Results of Operations

Volume and Revenue

Revenue decreased $2.2 billion, or 20%, to $9.0 billion from the prior year driven by a 15% decline in volume and lower fuel cost recovery associated with the sharp decline in fuel prices.  The broad-based economic recession drove year-over-year volume declines across all major markets.  In the 2009 challenging environment, the Company continued to achieve pricing gains primarily due to improved service and the overall cost advantages that rail-based solutions provide to customers versus other modes of transportation.

Merchandise

Agricultural

Agricultural Products  – Volume was down slightly as the growth in ethanol and export grain was more than offset by lower poultry production which negatively impacted the feed grain and ingredient markets.

Phosphates and Fertilizers – International and domestic shipments declined due to lower phosphate and potash soil application by farmers in reaction to lower prices for grain and the tight credit environment.

Food and Consumer –Weakness in residential construction caused reduced shipments of appliances and other consumer goods.  Yet, basic needs markets such as food products were less severely impacted by the economic conditions.

Industrial

Chemicals – Volume declined as weakness in the housing, automotive and consumer goods markets significantly reduced demand for chemical products related to those markets. Revenue per unit was flat as yield management efforts were offset by lower fuel recovery.

Automotive  – Volume declined due to a reduction in light vehicle production, several plant closures and lower vehicle sales driven by the weak economy and a tight credit environment.  However, volume improved in the second half of the year as inventories stabilized and the Cash for Clunkers program helped spur sales. Revenue per unit was negatively impacted by lower fuel recovery associated with the sharp decline in fuel prices.

Metals – The largest decline in volume was experienced in metals driven by weak global and domestic steel demand in the automotive and construction industries.  The decline in demand moderated during the year due to replenishment of low inventories and an improvement in automotive production.

Housing and Construction

Emerging Markets – Volume was down as a result of declines in aggregate shipments, such as crushed stone, sand and gravel, caused by a continued weakness in both residential and non-residential construction.
 
41

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
Forest Products – A weak housing market drove the decline in lumber and building products. Paper volume continued to be soft due to electronic media substitution and less packaging being used as a result of lower consumer spending.

Coal

Volume declines were driven by lower demand from electric utilities and a decrease in exports compared to 2008.  Domestic coal demand for generating electricity was down due to natural gas substitution and lower industrial production, resulting in continued high stock pile levels.   The 2009 export market decline was a result of both lower steel production in Europe reducing the need for metallurgical coal (used to produce steel) and less expensive alternative global sources for European utilities.  Overall revenue per unit for the coal market improved as yield management efforts more than offset lower fuel recovery.

Intermodal

Volume decline was driven by a decrease in international traffic due to the economy which was partially offset by domestic growth in railroad provided container shipments, over-the-road truckload conversions, and expanded service offerings. Revenue per unit was lower primarily due to decreased fuel recovery and competitive truck pricing.

Expense

Total expenses for 2009 decreased 20% or $1.7 billion to $6.8 billion compared to the prior year.  Significant year-over-year changes are described below.
 
 
Labor and Fringe expenses decreased $326 million primarily driven by labor productivity initiatives, such as employee furloughs and reduced crew overtime.  Lower incentive compensation was partially offset by inflation and other items.

Materials, Supplies and Other expenses decreased by $408 million in 2009. This decrease is driven by several items:

·  
Volume-related expenses decreased as a result of lower operating costs at automotive facilities and terminals.  In addition, maintenance expenses decreased as locomotives were placed into storage as a result of reduced shipments during 2009.  Lower travel costs for train crews and other volume-related expenses also contributed to this decrease.

·  
As safety and occupational claim trends have continued to improve, changes in estimate were recorded in both years - $105 million in 2009 and $10 million in 2008. This resulted in a year-over-year reduction in casualty expense of $95 million.

·  
Prior year storm and proxy-related items not repeated in the current year accounted for approximately $74 million of this decrease.

·  
Improved collections and a stabilizing economic environment caused a $25 million decrease in bad debt expense. 
42

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
·  
The decreases described above were partially offset by an increase in inflation-related items in 2009.

Fuel expense decreased $968 million primarily due to sharply lower fuel prices and lower volume.  Average fuel prices per gallon decreased $1.37 or 44% from $3.08 in 2008 to $1.71 in 2009.

Depreciation expense increased $3 million primarily due to a slightly larger asset base.  This increase was largely offset by lower depreciation rates resulting from periodic asset life studies.

Equipment and Other Rents expense decreased $34 million mainly due to lower volume and fewer locomotive leases.

Other

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $39 million to $558 million due to higher average debt balances in 2009.

Other Income – Net

Other income decreased $66 million to $34 million in 2009.  2008 results included a $30 million non-cash adjustment to correct equity earnings from a non-consolidated subsidiary that was not repeated in 2009.  Reduced interest income as a result of lower average cash and investment balances also contributed to this decrease.  In addition, real estate sales declined during 2009.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased $229 million to $618 million primarily due to lower earnings in 2009.

Net Earnings

Net earnings decreased $212 million to $1.1 billion and earnings per diluted share decreased $0.43 to $2.89 in 2009.  This decrease was primarily due to the following factors:

·  
Operating income decreased $481 million primarily due to lower revenue.

·  
Offsetting this decrease was a $145 million increase in income from discontinued operations as 2008 included an impairment loss related to The Greenbrier as well as a $229 million decrease in tax expense.

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PART II

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet both current and future needs for obligations as they mature and to provide for planned capital expenditures, including those to implement regulatory and legislative initiatives.  In order to have a complete picture of a company’s liquidity, its balance sheet, sources and uses of cash flow and external factors should be reviewed.

Material Changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Significant Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheets

CSX’s balance sheet reflects its strong capital base and the impact of CSX’s balanced approach in deploying its capital for the benefit of its shareholders, which includes investments in infrastructure, dividend improvement and share repurchases.

Total assets increased $1.3 billion from the previous year.  This was driven by net properties which increased $735 million since December 2009 due to planned capital expenditures. Other long-term assets increased $188 million as a result of cash consideration paid in the exchange of debt securities (see Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements).  On the liability side, the Company increased net debt by $656 million due to additional borrowings.  Deferred income tax liability also increased by $525 million due to the impact of accelerated depreciation and bonus depreciation. Bonus depreciation increased from 50% to 100% due to legislative changes that became effective in September 2010 and will continue in 2011.  Finally, shareholders’ equity decreased $68 million as a result of $1.5 billion of share repurchases since December 2009 which was offset by increased earnings during 2010.

Sources of Cash

The Company has multiple sources of cash.  First, the Company generates cash from operations.  In 2010, the Company generated $3.2 billion of cash from operating activities which represented a $1.2 billion increase from the prior year.  This increase was primarily driven by higher earnings in 2010. Second, CSX has access to numerous financing sources including a $1.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that expires in May 2012.  This facility can be increased by an additional $500 million to $1.75 billion with the approval of the lending banks.  As of the date of this filing, the Company has not drawn on this facility.  See Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements for more information.

CSX filed its shelf registration statement with the SEC in February 2010.   This shelf registration statement is unlimited as to amount and may be used, subject to market conditions and CSX Board authorization, to issue debt or equity securities at CSX’s discretion. While CSX seeks to give itself flexibility with respect to cash requirements, there can be no assurance that market conditions would permit CSX to sell such debt securities on acceptable terms at any given time, or at all.

 
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CSX CORPORATION
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Uses of Cash

Net cash used in investing activities during 2010 was driven by $1.8 billion of property additions.  Funds used for property additions are further described below.

 
Fiscal Years
Capital Expenditures (Dollars in millions) (a)
2010
2009
2008
Track
 $777
 $748
 $701
Bridges, Signals and Other
 475
 363
 401
Total Infrastructure
 1,252
 1,111
 1,102
       
Capacity and Commercial Facilities
 258
 169
 189
       
Locomotives
 25
 19
 247
Freight Cars
 157
 71
 160
Regulatory (including PTC)
133
57
 21
     Total Property Additions
 1,825
 1,427
 1,719
Cash paid for new assets purchased using seller financing (b)
 -
 160
 54
     Total Capital Expenditures
 $1,825
 $1,587
 $1,773

 
(a) Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.

 
(b) Cash paid for new assets purchased using seller financing are included in other financing activities on the consolidated cash flow statements.

Among other things, the Company uses cash for scheduled payments of debt and leases and to pay dividends to shareholders.  CSX paid dividends of $372 million in 2010, which was $27 million more than prior year.  This increase was primarily due to an increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.24 per share at the beginning of 2010 and then to $0.26 in fourth quarter 2010.  Net cash used in financing activities was $1.3 billion which increased $920 million primarily as a result of $1.5 billion of share repurchases offset by net debt in 2010.

Capital spending programs are and have been designed to assure the ability to provide safe, efficient and reliable transportation services.  For 2011, CSX plans to spend $2.0 billion of capital of which over half will be used to sustain the core infrastructure.  Approximately $260 million (including PTC), or 13%, of 2011 total capital spending will be applied toward the implementation of unfunded required regulatory projects.  CSX intends to fund these capital investments through cash generated from operations.  The remaining amounts will be allocated to locomotives, freight cars and high return and growth or productivity investments such as the new intermodal terminal located in Northwest Ohio.


 
45

CSX CORPORATION
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CSX is continually evaluating market and regulatory conditions that could affect the Company’s ability to generate sufficient returns on capital investments.  CSX may revise its future estimates for capital spending as a result of changes in business conditions, tax legislation or the enactment of new laws or regulations.  Although new legislation or regulations, such as the STB Reauthorization Bill or climate change legislation, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial performance in the future (see Risk Factors under Item 1A of this Form 10-K), it is too early to predict the manner or severity of such impact. However, the Company continues to take steps and explore opportunities to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment, including investments in new technologies, reducing fuel consumption and increasing fuel efficiency and lowering emissions.

Liquidity and Working Capital

Currently, CSX is well positioned from a liquidity standpoint.  The Company ended the year with over $1.3 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.  CSX also has a $1.25 billion credit facility with a diverse syndicate of banks that was not drawn on.  Additionally, in 2010, the Company issued $800 million of new long-term debt. 

The Company also has a $250 million receivables securitization facility with a 364-day term and expires in December 2011.  The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity.  As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances drawn on this facility.  Under the terms of this facility, CSXT transfers eligible third-party receivables to CSX Trade Receivables, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary.  A separate subsidiary of CSX will service the receivables.  Upon transfer, the receivables become assets of CSX Trade Receivables and are not available to the creditors of CSX or any of its other subsidiaries. In the event CSX Trade Receivables draws under this facility, the Company will record an equivalent amount of debt on its consolidated financial statements.

Working capital can also be considered a measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term needs.  CSX had a working capital surplus of $318 million and $705 million at December 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decline since December 2009 is primarily due to a $500 million reclassification from long-term debt to current maturities of long-term debt for amounts due within the next twelve months.

The Company’s working capital balance varies due to factors such as the timing of scheduled debt payments and changes in cash and cash equivalent balances as discussed above.  Although the Company currently has a surplus, a working capital deficit is not unusual for CSX or other companies in the industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity.  The Company continues to maintain adequate current assets to satisfy current liabilities and maturing obligations when they come due.  Furthermore, the Company has sufficient financial capacity, including its revolving credit facility and shelf registration statement, to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and any anticipated obligations.  The Company from time to time accesses the credit markets for additional liquidity.
 
 
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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Credit Ratings
 
Credit ratings reflect an independent agency’s judgment on the likelihood that a borrower will repay a debt obligation at maturity.  The ratings reflect many considerations, such as the nature of the borrower’s industry and its competitive position, the size of the company, its liquidity and access to capital and the sensitivity of a company’s cash flows to changes in the economy.  The two largest rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), use alphanumeric codes to designate their ratings.  The highest quality rating for long-term credit obligations is AAA+ and Aaa1 for S&P and Moody’s, respectively.  A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.

Ratings of BBB- and Baa3 or better by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, reflect ratings on debt obligations that fall within a band of credit quality considered to be investment grade.  Currently, CSX’s long-term ratings fall at the lower end of this category.  If CSX's credit ratings were to decline to lower levels, the Company could experience significant increases in its interest cost for new debt.  In addition, a decline in CSX’s credit ratings could adversely affect the market’s demand, and thus the Company’s ability to readily issue new debt.

SCHEDULE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The following tables set forth maturities of the Company's contractual obligations and other commitments:
 
 
Type of Obligation
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Thereafter
 
Total
(Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited)
               
 
Contractual Obligations
               
Long-term Debt (See Note 9)
 $613
 $507
 $780
 $526
 $628
 $5,610
 
 $8,664
Purchase Obligations (See Note 7)
 429
 330
 319
 309
 319
 3,850
 
 5,556
Operating Leases - Net (See Note 7) (a)
 77
 67
 38
 21
 21
 154
 
 378
Agreements with Conrail (a)
 2
 3
 3
 4
 1
 1
 
 14
     Total Contractual Obligations
 $1,121
 $907
 $1,140
 $860
 $969
 $9,615
 
 $14,612
 
Other Commitments(b)
$ 125
$ -
$ -
 $ -
 $ -
 $ -
 
$ 125

(a)  
Agreements with Conrail represent minimum future lease payments of $14 million for freight cars and locomotives (see Note 13, Related Party Transactions). This amount plus total operating leases-net of $378 million above equals total net lease commitments of $392 million disclosed in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.

(b)  
Other commitments of $125 million consisted of surety bonds and letters of credit.  Surety bonds are issued by a third-party as an assurance that CSX will fulfill certain obligations and are typically a contract, state, federal or court requirement.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

           For detailed information about the Company’s guarantees, operating leases and purchase obligations, see Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.
 
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
 

47

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates in reporting the amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a regular basis.  Consistent with the prior year, significant estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:
 
 
·  
casualty, environmental and legal reserves;

·  
pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting;

·
depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method; and
 
·
income taxes  
            
Casualty, Environmental and Legal Reserves
 
Casualty

Casualty reserves represent accruals for personal injury, occupational injury claims and asbestos.  During 2010 the Company increased its self-insured retention amount for these claims from $25 million to $50 million per injury for claims occurring on or after June 1, 2010.  Currently, no individual claim is expected to exceed the Company’s self-insured retention amount.  In accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC, to the extent the value of an individual claim exceeds the self-insured retention amount, the Company would present the liability on a gross basis with a corresponding receivable for insurance recoveries.  These reserves fluctuate based upon the timing of payments as well as changes in independent third-party estimates, which are reviewed by management.  Most of the claims relate to CSXT unless otherwise noted below.  Defense and processing costs, which historically have been insignificant and are anticipated to be insignificant in the future, are not included in the recorded liabilities.

As of December 2010, the Company had $375 million in casualty reserves.  See below for details regarding changes in estimate for casualty reserves.


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CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Personal Injury
 
Personal injury reserves represent liabilities for employee work-related and third-party injuries.  Work-related injuries for CSXT employees are primarily subject to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (“FELA”).  In addition to FELA liabilities, employees of other CSX subsidiaries are covered by various state workers’ compensation laws, the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program or the Maritime Jones Act.

CSXT retains an independent actuarial firm to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims and cases.  An analysis is performed by the independent actuarial firm semi-annually and is reviewed by management. The methodology used by the actuary includes a development factor to reflect growth or reduction in the value of these personal injury claims. It is based largely on CSXT’s historical claims and settlement experience.  Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation.

During 2010 and 2009, the Company reduced personal injury reserves by $24 million and $84 million respectively.  These reductions were based on management’s review of the actuarial analysis performed by an independent actuarial firm.  In recent years, the Company has experienced a continued downward trend in the number of injuries which has resulted in a continued reduction of the CSXT’s Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) personal injury rate.  These reductions in reserves are a direct result of the Company’s improvement in safety and were included in materials, supplies and other in the consolidated income statements.

Occupational & Asbestos

Occupational claims arise from allegations of exposures to certain materials in the workplace, such as solvents, soaps, chemicals (collectively referred to as “irritants”) and diesel fuels or allegations of chronic physical injuries resulting from work conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and hearing loss.

The Company is also party to a number of asbestos claims by employees alleging exposure to asbestos in the workplace.  The heaviest possible exposure for employees resulted from work conducted in and around steam locomotive engines that were largely phased out beginning around the 1950s. Other types of exposures, however, including exposure from locomotive component parts and building materials, continued until these exposures were substantially eliminated by 1985.  Additionally, the Company has retained liability for asbestos claims filed against its previously owned international container shipping business.  Diseases associated with asbestos typically have long latency periods (amount of time between exposure to a disease and the onset of the disease) which can range from 10 to 40 years after exposure.
 
 

49

CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

CSXT retains a third-party specialist to assist management in assessing the value of the Company’s occupational and asbestos reserves.  The analysis is performed by the specialist semi-annually and is reviewed by management. The objective of the analysis is to determine the number of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims.  With the exception of carpal tunnel, management and third-party specialists have determined that seven years is the most probable time period in which unasserted claim filings and claim values can be estimated.  Carpal tunnel claims use a three-year period to estimate the reserve due to the shorter latency period for these types of injuries.

The third party specialist analyzes CSXT’s historical claim filings, settlement amounts, and dismissal rates to determine future anticipated claim filing rates and average settlement values.  The potentially exposed population is estimated by using CSX employment records and industry data from the Railroad Retirement 2009 report.  From this analysis, the specialist provides an estimate of the IBNR claims liability.

The estimated future filing rates and estimated average claim values are the most sensitive assumptions for this reserve.  A 1% increase or decrease in either the forecasted number of occupational and asbestos IBNR claims or the average claim values would result in approximately a $1 million increase or decrease in the liability recorded for unasserted occupational and asbestos claims.

During 2010 and 2009, the Company reduced occupational reserves by $12 million and $19 million respectively.  The 2010 reduction is primarily attributable to a decrease in the number of repetitive stress injury claims and lower settlement values for irritant claims.  The 2009 reduction is attributable to a decrease in the number of carpal tunnel and repetitive stress injury claims.  This reduction was included in materials, supplies and other in the consolidated income statements.

During 2010 and 2009, the Company reduced its reserves for asbestos claims by $13 million and $24 million, respectively.  The 2010 reduction was primarily related to some claims that were determined to have no value due to lack of sufficient medical evidence as well as a decrease in the estimate of future claim filings.  The 2009 reduction was also primarily related to a significant number of claims that were determined to have no value due to lack of sufficient medical evidence.  These reductions in reserves were included in materials, supplies and other in the consolidated income statements.



50

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Environmental
 
 
The Company is a party to various proceedings related to environmental issues, including administrative and judicial proceedings involving private parties and regulatory agencies. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party at approximately 247 environmentally impaired sites.   Many of these are, or may be, subject to remedial action under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, also known as the Superfund Law, or similar state statutes.  Most of these proceedings arose from environmental conditions on properties used for ongoing or discontinued railroad operations.  A number of these proceedings, however, are based on allegations that the Company, or its predecessors, sent hazardous substances to facilities owned or operated by others for treatment, recycling or disposal.  In addition, some of the Company’s land holdings were leased to others for commercial or industrial uses that may have resulted in releases of hazardous substances or other regulated materials onto the property and could give rise to proceedings against the Company.

In any such proceedings, the Company is subject to environmental clean-up and enforcement actions under the Superfund Law, as well as similar state laws that may impose joint and several liability for clean-up and enforcement costs on current and former owners and operators of a site without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct.  These costs could be substantial.

In accordance with the Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations Topic in the ASC, the Company reviews its role with respect to each site identified at least quarterly, giving consideration to a number of factors such as:
 
·  
type of clean-up required;

·  
nature of the Company’s alleged connection to the location (e.g., generator of waste sent to the site or owner or operator of the site);

·  
extent of the Company’s alleged connection (e.g., volume of waste sent to the location and other relevant factors); and

·  
number, connection and financial viability of other named and unnamed potentially responsible parties at the location.

As of December 2010, the Company had $107 million in environmental reserves.  These recorded liabilities for estimated future environmental costs are undiscounted and include future costs for remediation and restoration of sites as well as any significant ongoing monitoring costs, but exclude any anticipated insurance recoveries.  Based on the review process, the Company has recorded amounts to cover contingent anticipated future environmental remediation costs with respect to each site to the extent such costs are estimable and probable.  Payments related to these liabilities are expected to be made over the next several years.  Environmental remediation costs are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statement.
 
51

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Currently, the Company does not possess sufficient information to reasonably estimate the amounts of additional liabilities, if any, on some sites until completion of future environmental studies.  In addition, conditions that are currently unknown could, at any given location, result in additional exposure, the amount and materiality of which cannot presently be reliably estimated.  Based upon information currently available, however, the Company believes its environmental reserves are adequate to fund remedial actions to comply with present laws and regulations, and that the ultimate liability for these matters, if any, will not materially affect its overall financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Legal
In accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC, an accrual for a loss contingency is established if information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements, and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.  If no accrual is made for a loss contingency because one or both of these conditions are not met, or if an exposure to loss exists in excess of the amount accrued, disclosure of the contingency is made when there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss or an additional loss may have been incurred.

The Company evaluates all exposures relating to legal liabilities at least quarterly and adjusts reserves when appropriate under the guidance noted above.  The amount of a particular reserve may be influenced by factors that include official rulings, newly discovered or developed evidence, or changes in laws, regulations and evidentiary standards.
 
Pension and Post-retirement Medical Plan Accounting

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel.  The plans provide eligible employees with retirement benefits based predominantly on years of service and compensation rates near retirement.  For employees hired in 2003 or thereafter, benefits are determined based on a cash balance formula, which provides benefits by utilizing interest and pay credits based upon age, service and compensation.  As of December 2010, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans was $2.5 billion. CSX made pension plan contributions of $250 million to its qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2009 and none in 2010.

In addition to these plans, the Company sponsors a self-insured post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees, hired prior to January 1, 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met.  Prior to 2011, the post-retirement medical plan was partially funded by all participating retirees, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.  Beginning in 2011, Medicare-eligible retirees will be covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Non-Medicare eligible retirees will continue to be covered by the existing self-insured program.  The life insurance plan is non-contributory.

52

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

For information related to the funded status of the Company’s pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.

The accounting for these plans is subject to the guidance provided in the Compensation—Retirement Benefits Topic in the ASC. This rule requires that management make certain assumptions relating to the following:

·  
discount rates used to measure future obligations and interest expense;

·  
long-term rate of return on plan assets;

·  
salary scale inflation rates;

·  
health care cost trend rates; and

·  
other assumptions.

The Company engages independent, external actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company selects.  The Company reviews the discount, long-term rate of return, salary scale inflation and health care cost trend rates on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends as appropriate.

Discount Rates
 
Discount rates affect the amount of liability recorded and the interest expense component of pension and post-retirement expense.  Discount rates reflect the rates at which pension and other post-retirement benefits could be effectively settled, or in other words, how much it would cost the Company to buy enough high quality bonds to generate cash flow equal to the Company’s expected future benefit payments.  The Company determines the discount rate based on the market yield as of year end for high quality corporate bonds whose maturities match the plans’ expected benefit payments.

The discount rates used by the Company to value its 2010 pension and post-retirement obligations are 5.0% and 4.5%, respectively.   For 2009, the discount rate used by the company to value its pension and post-retirement obligations was 5.25% and 4.75%, respectively.  Discount rates may differ for pension and post-retirement benefits due to the different time horizons of future payments for each of the plans.  As of December 2010, the time horizon for pensions is approximately 11 years, while, for post-retirement, the time horizon is approximately 7 years.

Each year, these discount rates are reevaluated and adjusted to reflect the best estimate of the current effective settlement rates.  If interest rates generally decline or rise, the assumed discount rates will change.


53

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
 
The expected long-term average rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. In estimating that rate, the Company gives appropriate consideration to the returns being earned by the plan assets in the funds and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment as well as the current and projected asset mix of the funds.  Management balances market expectations obtained from various investment managers and economists with both market and actual plan historical returns to develop a reasonable estimate of the expected long-term rate of return on assets.  As this assumption is long-term, it is adjusted less frequently than other assumptions used in pension accounting.  The long-term rate of return on plan assets used by the Company to value its pension obligation was 8.25% and 8.5% in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Salary Scale Inflation Rates
 
Salary scale inflation rates are based on current trends and historical data accumulated by the Company.  The Company reviews recent wage increases and management incentive compensation payments over the past five years in its assessment of salary scale inflation rates.  The Company used a salary scale rate of 4.0% to value its 2010 and 2009 pension obligations.

Health Care Cost Trend Rates
 
Health care cost trend rates are based on recent plan experience and industry trends.  The Company uses actuarial data to substantiate the inflation assumption for health care costs, representing increases in total plan costs (which include claims and administrative fee cost components).  The 2010 and 2009 assumed health care cost trend rate for benefit obligations was 8.5% for non-Medicare-eligible participants and 8.0% for Medicare-eligible participants which is expected to decrease gradually until reaching 5% in 2018, based upon current actuarial projections.  However, the year-to-year comparisons may fluctuate.

Other Assumptions

 The calculations made by the actuaries also include assumptions relating to mortality rates, turnover and retirement age.  These assumptions are based upon historical data and are selected by management.


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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

2011 Estimated Pension and Post-retirement Expense

Net pension and post-retirement benefits expense for 2011 is expected to be approximately $75 million and $26 million, respectively, compared to $54 million and $32 million, respectively, in 2010.  The increase in the pension expense is primarily related to additional amortization of the losses incurred by the pension plan assets during 2008 and the decrease in the discount rate (which causes expense to increase).

The following sensitivity analysis illustrates the effect of changes in certain assumptions like discount rates, salaries and health care costs on the 2010 estimated pension and post-retirement expense:

(Dollars in Millions)
 
 Pension
 
OPEB
 
Discount Rate 1% decrease
 $
 23
 $
 1
Discount Rate 1% increase
 $
 (22)
 $
 (1)
Long-term Rate of Return 1% decrease
 $
 19
 
 N/A
Long-term Rate of Return 1% increase
 $
 (19)
 
 N/A
Salary Inflation 1% decrease
 $
 (9)
 
 N/A
Salary Inflation 1% increase
 $
 10
 
 N/A
Health Care Cost 1% change
 
 N/A
 $
0
 

Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method

The Company depreciates its rail assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method of accounting.  Assets depreciated under the group-life method comprise over 87% of total fixed assets of $32 billion on a gross basis at December 2010. All other assets of the Company are depreciated on a straight-line basis. The group-life method aggregates assets with similar lives and characteristics into groups and depreciates each of these groups as a whole.  When using the group-life method, an underlying assumption is that each group of assets, as a whole, is used and depreciated to the end of its recoverable life.

The Company currently utilizes more than 130 different depreciable asset categories to account for depreciation expense for the railroad assets that are depreciated under the group-life method of accounting.  Examples of depreciable asset categories include 18 different categories for crossties due to the different combinations of density classifications and asset types.  By utilizing various depreciable categories, the Company can more accurately account for the use of its assets. 

55

CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

The Company believes the group-life method of depreciation closely approximates the straight-line method of depreciation.  Additionally, due to the nature of most of its assets (e.g., track is one contiguous, connected asset), the Company believes that this is the most effective way to properly depreciate its assets.

Under the group-life method of accounting, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic life studies and applying management's assumptions regarding the service lives of its properties.  A life study is the periodic review of asset lives for group assets conducted by a third-party specialist, analyzed by the Company’s management and approved by the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), the regulatory board that has broad jurisdiction over railroad practices.  The STB requires life studies be performed for equipment assets every three years and for road (e.g. bridges and signals) and track (e.g., rail, ties and ballast) assets every six years.  The Company believes the frequency currently required by the STB provides adequate review of asset lives and that a more frequent review would not result in a material change due to the long-lived nature of most of the assets.

Changes in asset lives due to the results of the life studies are applied on a prospective basis and could significantly impact future periods’ depreciation expense, and thus, the Company's results of operations.

There are several factors taken into account during the life study and they include:
 
·  
statistical analysis of historical life and salvage data for each group of property;

·  
statistical analysis of historical retirements for each group of property;

·  
evaluation of current operations;

·  
evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;

·  
previous assessment of the condition of the assets and outlook for their continued use;

·  
expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and

·  
comparison of assets to the same asset groups with other companies.

56

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

For retirements or disposals of depreciable rail assets that occur in the ordinary course of business, the asset cost (net of salvage value or sales proceeds) is charged to accumulated depreciation and no gain or loss is recognized.  As individual assets within a specific group are retired, resulting gains and losses are recorded in accumulated depreciation.  As part of the life study, an assessment of the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is made to determine if it is deficient (or in excess) of the appropriate amount indicated by the study. Any such deficiency (or excess), including any deferred gains or losses, is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining useful life of the asset group until the next required life study. Since the overall assumption with group-life is that the assets within the group on average have the same life and characteristics, it is therefore concluded that the deferred gains and losses offset over time.

In the event that large groups of assets are removed from service as a result of unusual acts or sales, resulting gains and losses are recognized immediately. These acts are not considered to be in the normal course of business and are therefore recognized when incurred.  Examples of such acts would be the major destruction of assets due to significant storm damage (e.g., major hurricanes), the sale of a rail line segment to another railroad or the disposal of an entire class of assets (e.g., disposal of all refrigerated freight cars).

Recent experience with life studies has resulted in depreciation rate changes, which did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense of $947 million and $903 million for 2010 and 2009, respectively.  A 1% change in the average life of all group-life assets would result in a $9 million change to the Company’s annual depreciation expense.  The Company completed life studies for its equipment assets in 2009 and concluded life studies for its road, track and equipment assets in 2008 resulting in a reduction in depreciation expense of $11 million in 2010 and $18 million in 2009.

Income Taxes

CSX accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic in the ASC that addresses how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements.  Under this topic, the Company must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
57

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

CSX files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes its principal domestic subsidiaries. Examinations of the federal income tax returns of CSX have been completed through 2008.  The federal income tax return for 2009 currently is under review.  During 2010, the Company participated in a contemporaneous Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of tax year 2010.  Management believes adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that might be assessed.  While the final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of CSX management that none of these items will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of CSX.  An unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items, however, could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular fiscal quarter or fiscal year.   As of December 2010, the Company’s uncertain tax positions were $20 million.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Change in Accounting Policy

See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies under the caption, “New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Policy.”

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
CSX does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.  Historically, the Company has used derivative financial instruments to address market risk exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and the risk of volatility in its fuel costs.  As of December 2010, the Company had $10 million outstanding in interest rate swap agreements.  A 1% fluctuation in interest rates on these swaps would cause less than a $1 million change in interest expense.

At December 2010, CSX had $67 million of outstanding floating rate debt obligations outstanding.  A 1% fluctuation in interest rates on these notes would cause a $1 million change in interest expense.
58

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
60
 
CSX Corporation
 
     
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Herewith:
 
  
 
Consolidated Income Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended:
61
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 25, 2009
 
December 26, 2008
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:
62
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 25, 2009
     
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for Fiscal Years Ended:
63
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 25, 2009
 
December 26, 2008
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity:.
64
 
December 31, 2010
 
December 25, 2009
 
December 26, 2008
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
65


 
59

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of CSX Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSX Corporation as of December 31, 2010 and December 25, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2010.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of CSX Corporation at December 31, 2010 and December 25, 2009, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), CSX Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 18, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP                                                           
Certified Public Accountants
 
 
Jacksonville, Florida
February 18, 2011

60

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)


 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
2008
         
(Adjusted) (a)
(Adjusted) (a)
 
Revenue
 $10,636
 $9,041
 $11,255
 
Expense
     
   
Labor and Fringe
 2,957
 2,629
 2,955
   
Materials, Supplies and Other
 2,075
 1,999
 2,407
   
Fuel
 
 1,212
 849
 1,817
   
Depreciation
 947
 903
 900
   
Equipment and Other Rents
 374
 391
 425
     
Total Expense
 7,565
 6,771
 8,504
             
 
Operating Income
 3,071
 2,270
 2,751
             
 
Interest Expense
 (557)
 (558)
 (519)
 
Other Income - Net (Note 10)
 32
 34
 100
 
Earnings From Continuing Operations
     
   
Before Income Taxes
 2,546
 1,746
 2,332
             
 
Income Tax Expense (Note 12)
 (983)
 (618)
 (847)
 
Earnings From Continuing Operations
 1,563
 1,128
 1,485
             
 
Discontinued Operations (Note 14)
 -
 15
 (130)
 
Net Earnings
 $1,563
 $1,143
 $1,355
             
Per Common Share (Note 2)
     
Net Earnings Per Share, Basic
     
 
Continuing Operations
 $4.10
 $2.88
 $3.71
 
Discontinued Operations
 -
 0.04
 (0.32)
 
Net Earnings
 $4.10
 $2.92
 $3.39
             
Net Earnings Per Common Share, Assuming Dilution
     
 
Continuing Operations
 $4.06
 $2.85
 $3.64
 
Discontinued Operations
 -
 0.04
 (0.32)
 
Net Earnings
 $4.06
 $2.89
 $3.32
             
Average Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands)
 381,108
 392,127
 400,740
             
Average Common Shares Outstanding,
 384,509
 395,686
 408,620
 
Assuming Dilution (Thousands)
     
             
Cash Dividends Paid Per Common Share
 $0.98
 $0.88
 $0.77

  (a)
  Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

61

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions)

       
 
December
December
 
2010
2009
   
(Adjusted) (a)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
   
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Note 1)
 $1,292
 $1,029
 
Short-term Investments
 54
 61
 
Accounts Receivable - Net (Note 1)
 993
 995
 
Materials and Supplies
 218
 203
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 192
 158
 
Other Current Assets
 106
 124
 
Total Current Assets
 2,855
 2,570
 
Properties
 32,065
 30,907
Accumulated Depreciation
 (8,266)
 (7,843)
 
Properties - Net (Note 6)
 23,799
 23,064
 
Investment in Conrail (Note 13)
 673
 650
Affiliates and Other Companies
 461
 438
Other Long-term Assets  (Note 11)
 353
 165
 
Total Assets
 $28,141
 $26,887
     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
   
 
Accounts Payable
 $1,046
 $967
 
Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
 520
 383
 
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)
 176
 190
 
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt (Note 9)
 613
 113
 
Income and Other Taxes Payable
 85
 112
 
Other Current Liabilities
 97
 100
 
Total Current Liabilities
 2,537
 1,865
 
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)
 502
 547
Long-term Debt (Note 9)
 8,051
 7,895
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 12)
 7,053
 6,528
Other Long-term Liabilities (Note 11)
 1,298
 1,284
 
Total Liabilities
 19,441
 18,119
 
Shareholders' Equity:
   
 
Common Stock, $1 Par Value (Note 3)
 370
 393
 
Other Capital
 -
 80
 
Retained Earnings (Note 1)
 9,087
 9,090
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Note 1)
 (771)
 (809)
 
Noncontrolling Minority Interest
 14
 14
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
 8,700
 8,768
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 $28,141
 $26,887

 (a)  
Certain amounts have been adjusted for the retrospective change in accounting policy for rail grinding, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

62

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)

 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
2008
           
(Adjusted) (a)
(Adjusted) (a)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
Net Earnings
 $1,563
 $1,143
 $1,355
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided
 
 
by Operating Activities:
 
Depreciation
 947
 903
 914
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 474
 430
 428