Document
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, 2017
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

csxlogoa09.jpg
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
 
Nasdaq Global Select Market
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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large Accelerated Filer (X)        Accelerated Filer (  )        Non-accelerated Filer (  ) Smaller reporting company ( )
Emerging growth company ( )

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ( )
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Yes (  ) No (X)
On June 30, 2017 (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 $47 billion (based on the close price as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on such date).

There were 887,236,080 shares of Common Stock outstanding on January 31, 2018 (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 2018 annual meeting of shareholders.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 1


CSX CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Item No.
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
1.
 
 
2.
3.
4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
5.
6.
7.
 
 
 
·  Terms Used by CSX
 
 
 
·  2017 Highlights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
·  Critical Accounting Estimates
 
 
 
·  Forward-Looking Statements
7A.
8.
9.
9A.
9B.
 
PART III
10.
Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance
11.
12.
13.
14.
 
PART IV
15.
 
 
 
 
 

 

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 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 companies. The Company provides rail-based freight transportation services including traditional rail service, the transport of intermodal containers and trailers, as well as other transportation services such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations. CSX and the rail industry provide customers with access to an expansive and interconnected transportation network that plays a key role in North American commerce and is critical to the long-term economic success and improved global competitiveness of the United States. In addition, freight railroads provide the most economical and environmentally efficient means to transport goods over land.

The Company’s number of employees was approximately 24,000 as of December 2017, which includes approximately 20,000 union employees. Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services.  

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 has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. This access allows the Company to meet the dynamic transportation needs of manufacturers, industrial producers, the automotive industry, construction companies, farmers and feed mills, wholesalers and retailers, and energy producers. The Company’s intermodal business links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections with other Class I railroads and approximately 230 short-line and regional railroads.

CSXT is now responsible for the Company's real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities after a merger with CSX Real Property, Inc., a former wholly-owned CSX subsidiary, on July 1, 2017. In addition, as substantially all real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities are focused on supporting railroad operations, all results of these activities are included in operating income beginning in 2017. Previously, the results of these activities were classified as operating or non-operating based on the nature of the activity and were not material for any periods presented.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 3


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Lines of Business
During 2017, the Company's services generated $11.4 billion of revenue and served three primary lines of business: merchandise, coal and intermodal.
The merchandise business shipped 2.7 million carloads and generated 62 percent of revenue and 42 percent of volume in 2017. The Company’s merchandise business is comprised of shipments in the following diverse markets: chemicals, automotive, agricultural and food products, minerals, fertilizers, forest products, and metals and equipment.
The coal business shipped 855 thousand carloads and accounted for 18 percent of revenue and 13 percent of volume in 2017. The Company transports domestic coal, coke and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers and industrial plants as well as export coal to deep-water port facilities. Roughly one-third of export coal and the majority of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.
The intermodal business accounted for 16 percent of revenue and 44 percent of volume in 2017. The intermodal business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the short-haul flexibility of trucks and offers a cost advantage over long-haul trucking. Through a network of more than 40 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi River and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.
Other revenue accounted for 4 percent of the Company’s total revenue in 2017. This category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads, demurrage, revenue for customer volume commitments not met, switching, other incidental charges and adjustments to revenue reserves. Revenue from regional railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate. Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars or other equipment are held beyond a specified period of time. Switching revenue is primarily generated when CSXT switches cars 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. 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) for certain customers and trucking dispatch operations. TDSI 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 from rail to trucks. The biggest Transflo markets are chemicals and agriculture, which includes shipments of plastics and ethanol. CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.

Scheduled Railroading
In 2017, the Company began transitioning its operating model to scheduled railroading, which is focused on developing and strictly maintaining a scheduled service plan with an emphasis on optimizing assets. When the operating model is executed effectively, customer service is improved, costs are reduced and free cash flow is generated, allowing financial growth. E. Hunter Harrison created and refined the model during his decades of railroad leadership experience, successfully implementing it at three different railroads prior to being named CEO of CSX in March 2017. In October 2017, the Company hired James M. Foote, a railroad executive with extensive scheduled railroading experience, as Chief Operating Officer. Upon Mr. Harrison's death in December 2017, Foote was appointed CEO by the Board of Directors to continue driving CSX's transformation under the new operating model. Additionally, Edmond L. Harris was named Executive Vice President of Operations in January 2018, further strengthening the scheduled railroading experience of the leadership team.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 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 190 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 new geographical reach to valuable 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 and Seaboard Coast Line Industries 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. ("Conrail") 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 and includes other railroads, motor carriers that operate similar routes across its service area and, to a less significant extent, barges, ships and pipelines.
 
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.

Regulatory Environment
The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state, provincial (Canada) and local laws and regulations generally applicable to businesses operating in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the railroad operations conducted by the Company's subsidiaries, including CSXT, are subject 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, locomotives and hazardous materials requirements. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has regulatory authority with respect to matters that impact the Company's properties and operations. The EPA is considering regulatory action directed towards the railroad industry governing the disposal of creosote cross-ties and seeking to increase air emission regulations that may impact our operations or increase costs. Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, has broad authority over railroad operating practices that may have homeland security implications. In Canada, the railroad operations conducted by the Company’s subsidiaries, including CSXT, are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Canadian Transportation Agency.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 5


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Although the Staggers Act of 1980 significantly deregulated the U.S. rail industry, the STB has broad jurisdiction over rail carriers. The STB regulates routes, fuel surcharges, conditions of service, rates for non-exempt traffic, acquisitions of control over rail common carriers and the transfer, extension or abandonment of rail lines, among other railroad activities.

Positive Train Control
In 2008, Congress enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act (the “RSIA”).  The legislation included a mandate that all Class I freight railroads implement an interoperable positive train control system (“PTC”) by December 31, 2015. Implementation of a PTC system is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work-zone limits, and train diversions onto another set of tracks. On October 29, 2015, the President of the United States signed the Positive Train Control Enforcement and Implementation Act of 2015 into law extending the deadline. This Act requires the installation of all PTC hardware be completed by December 31, 2018, and, assuming certain conditions are met, requires that the PTC system be fully operational by December 31, 2020.

PTC must be installed on all main lines with passenger and commuter operations as well as most of those over which toxic-by-inhalation hazardous materials are transported. The Company expects to continue incurring significant capital costs in connection with the implementation of PTC as well as related ongoing operating expenses. CSX currently estimates that the total multi-year cost of PTC implementation will be approximately $2.4 billion for the Company. Total PTC investment through 2017 was $2 billion.
 
STB Proceedings
In 2012, the STB announced it would accept comments on a proposal by the National Industrial Transportation League that would require Class I railroads to provide a form of "competitive access" to customers served solely by one railroad. Under this proposal, CSX would be required to allow a competing railroad to access certain customers that are currently solely served by CSX's network. In early 2013, shippers, railroads and other parties submitted comments on the proposal, and the STB held a hearing in March 2014 to receive further input from participating parties. Since the hearing, the STB has taken no further action in the proceeding.

In April 2014, the STB announced it would receive comments to explore its methodology for determining railroad revenue adequacy. The revenue adequacy standard represents the level of profitability for a healthy carrier. Shippers, railroads and other parties filed comments in late 2014. The STB held a hearing in July 2015 to receive further input from participating parties. Since the hearing, the STB has taken no further action in the proceeding.

CSX participated in a public listening session on October 11, 2017 at the STB in response to service complaints. During the session, the Company addressed customer concerns and detailed the Company’s service recovery plans at that time.  At the STB's request, CSX is providing additional operating measures on a weekly basis that are available on the Company's website.

New rules regarding, among other things, competitive access or revenue adequacy could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity as well as its ability to invest in enhancing and maintaining vital infrastructure. For further discussion on regulatory risks to the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 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.
  
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 2017, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 7


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The risks set forth in 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, new regulations issued by federal agencies or executive orders issued by the President of the United States could significantly affect the revenues, costs and profitability of the Company's business. For instance, several of the proposals under consideration by the STB could have a significant negative impact on the Company's ability to negotiate prices for the value of rail services provided and meet service standards, which could force a reduction in capital spending. In addition, statutes imposing price constraints or affecting rail-to-rail competition could adversely affect the Company's profitability.
 
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, FRA, PHMSA, TSA, EPA and other state, provincial and federal regulatory agencies for a variety of economic, health, safety, labor, environmental, tax, legal and other matters. New or modified rules or regulations by these agencies could increase the Company's operating costs or reduce operating efficiencies and impact service performance.  For example, the RSIA mandates that the installation of PTC hardware be completed by December 31, 2018 and, assuming certain conditions are met, requires that the PTC system be fully operational by December 31, 2020 on main lines that carry certain hazardous materials and on lines that have commuter or passenger operations. Although CSX remains on track to meet this regulatory requirement, 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.

The Company’s business strategies may not achieve the anticipated objectives.
The implementation of the Company’s business strategies could result in operational disruptions, loss of existing customers, regulatory issues and other adverse consequences. If these strategies fail to achieve the anticipated benefits or take longer to implement than expected, the Company’s operations and financial results may be adversely affected.

Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages.
Most of CSX's employees are represented by labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 70 percent of these agreements are bargained for nationally by the National Carriers Conference Committee and negotiated over the course of several years and previously have not resulted in any extended work stoppages. Under the Railway Labor Act's procedures (which include mediation, cooling-off periods and the possibility of an intervention of the U.S. President), during negotiations neither party may take action until the procedures are exhausted. If, however, CSX is unable to negotiate acceptable agreements, or if terms of existing agreements are disputed, the employees covered by the Railway Labor Act could strike, which could result in loss of business and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union members. Additionally, from time to time, the Company enters into CSX-specific, or “local”, bargaining agreements which could also be critical to the Company and its new business strategies.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 8


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Network constraints could have a negative impact on service and operating efficiency.
CSXT could experience rail network difficulties related to: (i) increased volume; (ii) locomotive or crew shortages; (iii) extreme weather conditions; (iv) impacts from changes in yard capacity, or network structure or composition, including train routes; (v) increased passenger activities, including high-speed rail; or (vi) regulatory changes impacting where and how fast CSXT can transport freight or maintain routes, which could have a negative effect on CSXT's operational fluidity, leading to deterioration of service, asset utilization and overall efficiency.

Global economic conditions could negatively affect demand for commodities and other freight.
A decline or disruption in general domestic and global economic conditions that affects demand for the commodities and products the Company transports, including import and export volume, could reduce revenues or have other adverse effects on the Company's cost structure and profitability. For example, if the rate of economic growth in Asia slows, European economies contract, or if the global supply of seaborne coal or price of seaborne coal changes from its current levels, U.S. export coal volume could be adversely impacted resulting in lower revenue for CSX. Additionally, changes to trade agreements or policies could result in reduced import and export volumes due to increased tariffs and lower consumer demand. If the Company experiences significant declines in demand for its transportation services with respect to one or more commodities and products, the Company may experience reduced revenue and increased operating costs, workforce adjustments, and other related activities, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
 
Changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets could negatively impact profitability.
Over the past few years, production and source locations of natural gas in the U.S. have also increased dramatically, which has resulted in lower natural gas prices in CSX’s service territory. As a result of sustained low natural gas prices, many coal-fired power plants have been displaced by natural gas-fired power generation facilities. If natural gas prices were to remain low, additional coal-fired plants could be displaced, which would likely further reduce the Company's domestic coal volumes and revenues. Additionally, crude oil prices combined with increased pipeline activity have resulted in volatility in domestic crude oil production, which has adversely affected crude oil volumes for CSX.

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.
A train accident involving the transport of hazardous materials could result in significant claims arising from personal injury, property or natural resource damage, 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. Under federal regulations, CSXT is required to transport hazardous materials under the legal duty referred to as the common carrier mandate.

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 increase operating costs, reduce operating efficiency or increase the risk of an accident involving the transport of hazardous materials.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 9


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Climate change and other emissions-related laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.
Climate change and other emissions-related laws and regulations have been proposed and, in some cases adopted, on the federal, state, provincial and local levels. These final and proposed laws and regulations take the form of restrictions, caps, taxes or other controls on emissions. In particular, the EPA has issued various regulations and may issue additional regulations targeting emissions, including rules and standards governing emissions from certain stationary sources and from vehicles.

Any of these pending or proposed laws or regulations could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results by, among other things: (i) reducing coal-fired electricity generation due to mandated emission standards; (ii) reducing the consumption of coal as a viable energy resource in the United States and Canada; (iii) increasing the Company's fuel, capital and other operating costs and negatively affecting operating and fuel efficiencies; and (iv) making it difficult for the Company's customers in the U.S. and Canada to produce products in a cost competitive manner. Any of these factors could reduce the amount of shipments the Company handles and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
 
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 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 the Company violates or fails to comply with these laws and regulations, CSX could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. The Company can also be held liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to any hazardous substances for which CSX is 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.

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 reasonably 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 security, stability and availability of its technology systems to operate its business.
The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. The performance and reliability of the Company's technology systems are critical to its ability to operate and compete safely and effectively. A cybersecurity attack, which is a deliberate theft of data or impairment of information technology systems, or other significant disruption or failure, could result in a service interruption, train accident, misappropriation of confidential information, process failure, security breach or other operational difficulties. Such an event could result in decreased revenues and increased capital, insurance or operating costs, including increased security costs to protect the Company's infrastructure. Insurance maintained by the Company to protect against loss of business and other related consequences resulting from cyber incidents may not be sufficient to cover all damages. A disruption or compromise of the Company's information technology systems, even for short periods of time, could have a material adverse effect.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 10


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



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, the Company would be negatively impacted.

The Company faces competition from other transportation providers.
The Company experiences competition in 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. Other transportation providers generally use public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by governmental entities, while CSXT and other railroads must build and maintain rail networks largely using internal resources. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation such as through the use of automation, autonomy or electrification, or legislation providing for less stringent size or weight restrictions on trucks, could negatively impact the Company's competitive position. Additionally, any future consolidation in the rail industry could materially affect the regulatory and competitive environment in which the Company operates.

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, other key infrastructure and information technology systems may be 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 or future 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.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 11


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



The Company may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures.
As part of its railroad and other operations, the Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits related to disputes over commercial practices, labor and unemployment matters, occupational and personal injury claims, property damage, environmental and other matters.  The Company may experience material judgments or incur significant costs to defend existing and future lawsuits. Although the Company maintains insurance to cover some of these types of claims and establishes reserves when appropriate, final amounts determined to be due on any outstanding matters may exceed the Company's insurance coverage or differ materially from the recorded reserves. Additionally, the Company could be impacted by adverse developments not currently reflected in the Company's reserve estimates.

The unavailability of critical resources could adversely affect the Company’s operational efficiency and ability to meet demand.
Marketplace conditions for resources like locomotives as well as the availability of qualified personnel, particularly engineers and conductors, could each have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. Although the Company believes that it has adequate personnel for the current business environment, unpredictable increases in demand for rail services or extreme weather conditions may exacerbate such risks, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s operational efficiency and otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular period.

Weaknesses in the capital and credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s access to capital.
Due to the significant capital expenditures required to operate and maintain a safe and efficient railroad, the Company regularly relies on capital markets for the issuance of long-term debt instruments as well as on bank financing from time to time. Instability or disruptions of the capital markets, including credit markets, or the deterioration of the Company’s financial condition due to internal or external factors, could restrict or prohibit access and could increase the cost of financing sources. A significant deterioration of the Company’s financial condition could also reduce credit ratings and could limit or affect its access to external sources of capital and increase the costs of short and long-term debt financing.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 12


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



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.

CSXT’s track structure includes mainline track, connecting terminals and yards, track within terminals and switching yards, sidings used for passing trains, track connecting CSXT's track to customer locations and track that diverts trains from one track to another known as turnouts. Total track miles, which reflect the size of CSXT’s network that connects markets, customers and western railroads, are greater than CSXT’s approximately 21,000 route miles. At December 2017, the breakdown of track miles was as follows:
 
Track
 
Miles
Mainline track
26,500

Terminals and switching yards
9,348

Passing sidings and turnouts
920

Total
36,768


In addition to its physical track structure, the Company operates numerous yards and terminals for rail and intermodal service. These serve as points of connectivity between the Company and its local customers and as sorting facilities where railcars and intermodal containers are received, classed for destination and placed onto outbound trains, or arrive and are delivered to the customer. In 2017, CSX converted a number of hump yards to flat switching operations which allows for less intermediate processing and the opportunity to improve transit time. The Company’s largest yards and terminals based on 2017 volume (number of railcars or intermodal containers processed) are listed below.
Yards and Terminals
Chicago, IL - Bedford Park Intermodal Terminal
North Baltimore, OH - Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal
Waycross, GA
Cincinnati, OH
Selkirk, NY
Avon, IN (Indianapolis)
Willard, OH
Nashville, TN
Louisville, KY
Hamlet, NC


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 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.

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 engineering attributes permit the corridor to support high-speed service across intermodal, automotive and merchandise commodities. 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 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 mid-Atlantic and 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 leading rail corridor along the eastern seaboard south of the District of Columbia, 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 demand for coal in the Southeast.

Coal Network – The CSXT coal network connects the coal mining operations in the Appalachian mountain region and Illinois basin with industrial areas in the Southeast, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as many river, lake, and deep water port facilities. The domestic coal market has declined significantly over the past several years and export coal remains subject to a high degree of volatility. CSXT’s coal network remains well positioned to supply utility markets in both the Northeast and Southeast and to transport coal shipments for export outside of the U.S. Roughly one-third of the tons of export coal and the majority of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.

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

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 14


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



CSX Rail Network
railnetworkmap2017.jpg


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 15


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



Locomotives
At December 2017, CSXT owned more than 4,000 locomotives. From time to time, the Company also short-term leases locomotives based on business needs. Freight locomotives are used primarily to pull trains while switching locomotives are used in yards. Auxiliary units are typically used to provide extra traction for heavy trains in hilly terrain. At December 2017, CSXT’s fleet of owned locomotives consisted of the following types:
 
Locomotives
 
%
 
Average Age
(years)
Freight
3,659

 
88
%
 
20

Switching
299

 
7
%
 
37

Auxiliary Units
208

 
5
%
 
24

Total
4,166

 
100
%
 
20

 
Equipment
At any time, over half of the railcars on the CSXT system are not owned or leased by the Company. Examples of these include 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), multi-level railcars used to transport automobiles (which are shared between railroads) and doublestack railcars, or well cars (which are industry pooled), that allow for two intermodal containers to be loaded one above the other.

At December 2017, the Company’s owned and long-term leased equipment consisted of the following:
Equipment
Number of Units
 
%
Gondolas
21,209

 
35
%
Multi-level flat cars
11,686

 
19
%
Open-top hoppers
10,298

 
17
%
Covered hoppers
9,623

 
16
%
Box cars
6,374

 
11
%
Flat cars
624

 
1
%
Other cars
337

 
%
Subtotal freight cars
60,151

 
100
%
Containers
18,088

 
 
Total equipment
78,239

 
 

     

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 16


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



The Company’s revenue-generating equipment, either owned or long-term leased, consists of freight cars and containers as described below.
 
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.

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.

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

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 industrial sand are shipped in small cube covered hoppers.

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.

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

Other cars – Primarily leased refrigerator cars and slab steel cars.

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

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

For further details, please refer to Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies of this annual report on Form 10-K.
Environmental Proceedings That Could Result in Fines Above $100,000
In connection with a CSXT train derailment in Mount Carbon, West Virginia in February 2015, the Company has entered into discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning a regulatory penalty related to a release of product into the environment. Although final resolution of this matter is subject to further discussions and potential litigation, the Company does not believe that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 17


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 Five Years
James M. Foote, 64
President and Chief Executive Officer 


Foote has served as President and Chief Executive Office since December 2017. He joined CSX in October 2017 as Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for both operations and sales and marketing.

Mr. Foote has more than 40 years of railroad industry experience. Most recently, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Bright Rail Energy. Before heading Bright Rail, he was Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing with Canadian National Railway Company. At Canadian National, Mr. Foote also served as Vice President – Investor Relations and Vice President Sales and Marketing – Merchandise.
Frank A. Lonegro, 49
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Lonegro has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CSX since September 2015. In this capacity, he directs all financial aspects of the company’s business, including financial and economic analysis, accounting, tax, treasury and purchasing activities.

In his 17 years with CSX, Mr. Lonegro has also served as Vice President Internal Audit, President of CSX Technology, Vice President Mechanical and Vice President Service Design. Additionally, he led development and implementation of Positive Train Control, an advanced train control system, to further enhance the Company’s safety performance.
Edmond L. Harris, 68
Executive Vice President of Operations

Harris has served as CSX's Executive Vice President of Operations since January 2018. In this role, he is responsible for mechanical, engineering, transportation and network operations.

Mr. Harris has more than 40 years of railroad industry experience. Most recently, Mr. Harris served as a senior advisor to Global Infrastructure Partners, an independent fund that invests in infrastructure assets worldwide; Chairman of Omnitrax Rail Network; and Board Director for Universal Rail Services. His previous experience also includes having served as Chief Operations Officer at Canadian Pacific, and subsequently, a member of the Board. He also served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Canadian National.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 18


CSX CORPORATION
PART I



 Name and Age
 Business Experience During Past Five Years
Nathan D. Goldman, 60
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary
Goldman has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of CSX since October 2017. In this role he directs the company’s legal affairs, government relations, risk management, public safety, environmental, and audit functions.

During his nearly 15 years with the Company, Mr. Goldman has previously served as Vice President of Risk Compliance and General Counsel and has overseen work in compliance, risk management and safety programs.

Mark K. Wallace, 48
Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

Wallace has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer since January 2018, after having joined the Company in March 2017 as Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief of Staff to the CEO. In his current role, Mr. Wallace is responsible for human resources, labor relations, information technology, corporate communications, investor relations and the real estate and facilities functions.

Prior to joining CSX, he served as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Canadian Pacific Railway Limited with responsibility for the corporate communications and public affairs, investor relations, facilities and real estate functions. Prior to his time at Canadian Pacific, Mr. Wallace spent more than 15 years in various senior management positions with Canadian National Railway Company.
Andrew L. Glassman, 48
Vice President and Controller
Glassman has served as Vice President and Controller of CSX since May 2017. He is responsible for financial and regulatory reporting, tax, freight billing and collections, payroll, accounts payable and various other accounting processes.
 
During his 14-year tenure with the Company, Mr. Glassman previously served as Vice President of Strategic Planning, Vice President of Commercial Finance, Vice President of Operations Finance, Assistant Vice President of Intermodal Marketing and Assistant Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 19


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 Nasdaq Global Select Market, 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 1.8 billion shares of common stock are authorized, of which 889,851,090 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2017. 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 would allow them to purchase additional shares before other members of the general public in the event of an offering. At January 31, 2018, the latest practicable date that is closest to the filing date, there were 27,624 common stock shareholders of record. The weighted average of common shares outstanding, which was used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, was 914 million as of December 31, 2017. (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.

 
Quarter
 
 
 
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
 
Year
2017
Dividends
$
0.18

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.78

Common Stock Price
 
High
$
50.31

 
$
55.06

 
$
55.48

 
$
58.35

 
$
58.35

Low
$
35.59

 
$
46.04

 
$
47.99

 
$
48.26

 
$
35.59

2016
Dividends
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.72

Common Stock Price
 
High
$
27.27

 
$
27.97

 
$
30.11

 
$
37.42

 
$
37.42

Low
$
21.33

 
$
24.36

 
$
24.43

 
$
29.39

 
$
21.33



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 20


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Stock Performance Graph
The cumulative shareholder returns, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on $100 invested at December 31, 2012 are illustrated on the graph below. The Company references the Standard & Poor's 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.  

stockperformancegraph2017a01.jpg



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 21


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


CSX Purchases of Equity Securities
CSX purchases its own shares for two primary reasons: (1) to further its goals under its share repurchase program and (2) to fund the Company’s contribution required to be paid in CSX common stock under a 401(k) plan that covers certain union employees.

Share repurchases under the $2 billion program announced in April 2015 were completed in April 2017. The Company subsequently announced a $1 billion share repurchase program in April 2017, with additional authority of $500 million added in July 2017. Repurchases under that program were completed on October 2, 2017, and the Company announced a new $1.5 billion share repurchase program on October 25, 2017.

During 2017, 2016, and 2015, CSX repurchased the following shares:
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Shares Repurchased (Units in Millions)
39

 
38

 
26

Cost of Shares (Dollars in Millions)
$
1,970

 
$
1,056

 
$
804


Management's assessment of market conditions and other factors guide the timing and volume of repurchases. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances. Shares are retired immediately upon repurchase. In accordance with the Equity Topic in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"), the excess of repurchase price over par value is recorded in retained earnings. Generally, retained earnings are only otherwise impacted by net earnings and dividends.

Share repurchase activity of $207 million for the fourth quarter 2017 was as follows:
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(a)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Beginning Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
7,696,097

October 1 - October 31, 2017
165,307

 
$
53.59

142,982

 
 
1,500,000,000

November 1 - November 30, 2017
1,560,559

 
 
50.17

1,560,559

 
 
1,421,712,580

December 1 - December 31, 2017
2,261,847

 
 
55.64

2,189,313

 
 
1,299,953,624

Ending Balance
3,987,713

 
$
53.41

3,892,854

 
$
1,299,953,624

(a) The difference of 94,859 shares between the "Total Number of Shares Purchased" and the "Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs" for the quarter represents shares purchased to fund the Company's contribution to a 401(k) plan that covers certain union employees.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 22


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
    
Selected financial data related to the Company’s financial results for the last five fiscal years are listed below.
 
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars and Shares in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Financial Performance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
11,408

 
$
11,069

 
$
11,811

 
$
12,669

 
$
12,026

 
Expense
7,741

 
7,680

 
8,227

 
9,056

 
8,553

 
Operating Income
$
3,667

 
$
3,389

 
$
3,584

 
$
3,613

 
$
3,473

 
Adjusted Operating Income(a)
$
3,850

 
$
3,389

 
$
3,584

 
$
3,613

 
$
3,473

Net Earnings from Continuing Operations(b)
5,471

 
1,714

 
1,968

 
1,927

 
1,864

Adjusted Net Earnings from Continuing Operations(a)
2,097

 
1,714

 
1,968

 
1,927

 
1,864

 
Operating Ratio
67.9
%
 
69.4
%
 
69.7
%
 
71.5
%
 
71.1
%
 
Adjusted Operating Ratio(a)
66.3
%
 
69.4
%
 
69.7
%
 
71.5
%
 
71.1
%
Net Earnings Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From Continuing Operations, Basic(b)
$
6.01

 
$
1.81

 
$
2.00

 
$
1.93

 
$
1.83

 
From Continuing Operations, Assuming Dilution(b)
5.99

 
1.81

 
2.00

 
1.92

 
1.83

 
Adjusted From Continuing Operations, Assuming Dilution(a)
2.30

 
1.81

 
2.00

 
1.92

 
1.83

Average Common Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
911

 
947

 
983

 
1,001

 
1,019

 
Assuming Dilution
914

 
948

 
984

 
1,002

 
1,019

Financial Position
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
$
419

 
$
1,020

 
$
1,438

 
$
961

 
$
1,079

 
Total Assets
35,739

 
35,414

 
34,745

 
32,747

 
31,462

 
Long-term Debt
11,790

 
10,962

 
10,515

 
9,349

 
8,857

 
Shareholders' Equity
14,721

 
11,694

 
11,668

 
11,176

 
10,504

 
Dividend Per Share
$
0.78

 
$
0.72

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.63

 
$
0.59

Additional Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
$
2,040

 
$
2,705

 
$
2,562

 
$
2,449

 
$
2,313

 
Employees -- Annual Averages (estimated)
25,230

 
27,350

 
31,285

 
31,511

 
31,254

 
Employees -- Year-end Count (estimated)
24,006

 
26,628

 
29,410

 
32,287

 
31,413

(a) CSX’s non-GAAP measures are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as superior to the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to corresponding GAAP measures are presented in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(b) These results include a $3.6 billion, or $3.91 per share, net tax reform benefit. See further discussion in Note 11, Income Taxes.


Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 23


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


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

TERMS USED BY CSX

When used in this report, unless otherwise indicated by the context, these terms are used to mean the following:

Car hire - A charge paid by one railroad for its use of cars belonging to another railroad or car owner.
Class I freight railroad - One of the largest line haul freight railroads as determined based on operating revenue; the exact revenue required to be in each class is periodically adjusted for inflation by the Surface Transportation Board. Smaller railroads are classified as Class II or Class III.
Common carrier mandate - A federal mandate that requires U.S. railroads to accommodate reasonable requests from shippers to carry any freight, including hazardous materials.
Demurrage - A charge assessed by railroads for the use of rail cars by shippers or receivers of freight beyond a specified free time.
Department of Transportation ("DOT") - A U.S. Government agency with jurisdiction over matters of all modes of transportation.
Depreciation study - A periodic statistical analysis of fixed asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other factors for group assets along with a comparison of similar asset groups at other companies conducted by a third-party specialist.
Double-stack - Stacking containers two-high on specially equipped cars.
Drayage - The pickup or delivery of intermodal shipments by truck.
Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA") - The branch of the DOT that is responsible for developing and enforcing railroad safety regulations, including safety standards for rail infrastructure and equipment.
Free cash flow - The calculation of a non-GAAP measure by using net cash provided by operating activities and adjusting for property additions and certain other investing activities. Free cash flow is a measure of cash available for paying dividends, share repurchases and principal reduction on outstanding debt.
Group-life method - A type of depreciation in which assets with similar useful lives and characteristics are aggregated into groups. Instead of calculating depreciation for individual assets, depreciation is calculated for each group.
Incidental revenue - Revenue for switching, demurrage, storage, etc.
Intermodal - A flexible way of transporting freight over water, highway and rail without being removed from the original transportation equipment, namely a container or trailer.
Mainline - The main track thoroughfare, exclusive of terminals, yards, sidings and turnouts.
Revenue adequacy - The achievement of a rate of return on investment at least equal to the cost of investment capital, as measured by the STB.
Scheduled railroading - An operating model focused on developing and strictly maintaining a scheduled service plan with an emphasis on optimizing assets.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 24


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Shipper - A customer shipping freight via rail.
Siding - Track adjacent to the mainline used for passing trains.
Staggers Act of 1980 - Congressional law which significantly deregulated the rail industry, replacing the regulatory structure in existence since the 1887 Interstate Commerce Act. Where previously rates were controlled by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Staggers Act allowed railroads to establish their own rates for shipments, enhancing their ability to compete with other modes of transportation.
Surface Transportation Board ("STB") - An independent governmental adjudicatory body administratively housed within the DOT, responsible for the economic regulation of interstate surface transportation within the United States.
Switching - Putting cars in a specific order, placing cars for loading, retrieving empty cars or adding or removing cars from a train at an intermediate point. 
Terminal - A facility, typically owned by a railroad, for the handling of freight and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding and servicing of trains.
TTX Company ("TTX") - A Company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive and general use railcars at time and mileage rates. CSX owns about 20 percent of TTX's common stock, and the remainder is owned by the other leading North American railroads and their affiliates.
Turnout - A track that diverts trains from one track to another. 
Yard - A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings, used for making up trains, storing cars and other purposes.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 25


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


2017 HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenue of $11.4 billion increased $339 million or three percent versus the prior year.

• Expenses of $7.7 billion increased $61 million or one percent year over year.

• Operating income of $3.7 billion increased $278 million or eight percent year over year.

• Operating ratio of 67.9 percent improved 150 basis points from 69.4 percent.

Earnings per diluted share of $5.99 increased $4.18 or 231 percent year over year.

    

Tax Reform
With the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") on December 22, 2017, the federal corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company's 2017 financial results included a $3.5 billion, or $3.81 per share, non-cash reduction in income tax expense, primarily resulting from revaluing the Company's net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the recently enacted lower tax rate effective January 1, 2018. Beginning in 2018, CSX expects its effective federal and state income tax rate to be approximately 25%.

The Company's affiliates also revalued their deferred tax liabilities to reflect the lower federal corporate tax rate, which resulted in the Company recognizing a benefit of $142 million, or $0.10 per share after-tax, in equity earnings of affiliates, which is included in operating income. (See additional discussion over income taxes in Note 11, Income Taxes and equity earnings of affiliates in Note 12, Related Parties and Affiliates.)

Restructuring Charge
The total restructuring charge of $325 million in 2017 includes costs related to the management workforce reduction, executive retirements, reimbursement arrangements, the proration of equity awards and other advisory costs related to the leadership transition during the year. The Company expects estimated pre-tax savings on both future earnings and cash flows resulting from this program to be approximately $200 million per year. (See additional discussion over the restructuring charge in Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 26


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2017 vs. 2016 Results of Operations (a) 
 
Fiscal Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
 
(Dollars in Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
11,408

 
$
11,069

 
$
339

 
3
 %
 
Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Labor and Fringe
2,914

 
3,159

 
245

 
8

 
Materials, Supplies and Other
2,113

 
2,092

 
(21
)
 
(1
)
 
Depreciation
1,315

 
1,301

 
(14
)
 
(1
)
 
Fuel
864

 
713

 
(151
)
 
(21
)
 
Equipment and Other Rents
429

 
465

 
36

 
8

 
Restructuring Charge
325

 

 
(325
)
 

 
Equity Earnings of Affiliates
(219
)
 
(50
)
 
169

 
338

 
Total Expense
7,741

 
7,680

 
(61
)
 
(1
)
 
Operating Income
3,667

 
3,389

 
278

 
8

 
Interest Expense
(546
)
 
(579
)
 
33

 
6

 
Debt Repurchase Expense

 
(115
)
 
115

 
(100
)
 
Other Income - Net
21

 
46

 
(25
)
 
(54
)
 
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
2,329

 
(1,027
)
 
3,356

 
327

 
Net Earnings
$
5,471

 
$
1,714

 
$
3,757

 
219

 
Earnings Per Diluted Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
5.99

 
$
1.81

 
$
4.18

 
231
 %
 
Operating Ratio
67.9
%
 
69.4
%
 
 
 
150

bps

(a) Prior to third quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar and 2016 included 53 weeks. All 2016 information presented in Results of Operations is on a 53-week basis, under GAAP.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 27


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


2017 vs. 2016 Results of Operations, continued
Volume and Revenue (Unaudited) (a)
Volume (Thousands of units); Revenue (Dollars in Millions); Revenue Per Unit (Dollars)
 
Volume
 
Revenue
 
Revenue Per Unit
 
2017
 
2016
 
% Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
% Change
 
2017
 
2016
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chemicals
672

 
700

 
(4
)%
 
$
2,210

 
$
2,191

 
1
 %
 
$
3,289

 
$
3,130

 
5
%
Automotive
457

 
482

 
(5
)%
 
1,195

 
1,261

 
(5
)%
 
2,615

 
2,616

 
%
Agricultural and Food Products
454

 
477

 
(5
)%
 
1,262

 
1,286

 
(2
)%
 
2,780

 
2,696

 
3
%
Minerals 
308

 
310

 
(1
)%
 
477

 
464

 
3
 %
 
1,549

 
1,497

 
3
%
Fertilizers
291

 
300

 
(3
)%
 
466

 
463

 
1
 %
 
1,601

 
1,543

 
4
%
Forest Products
264

 
274

 
(4
)%
 
755

 
773

 
(2
)%
 
2,860

 
2,821

 
1
%
Metals and Equipment
256

 
259

 
(1
)%
 
703

 
704

 
 %
 
2,746

 
2,718

 
1
%
Total Merchandise
2,702

 
2,802

 
(4
)%
 
7,068

 
7,142

 
(1
)%
 
2,616

 
2,549

 
3
%
Coal
855

 
838

 
2
 %
 
2,107

 
1,833

 
15
 %
 
2,464

 
2,187

 
13
%
Intermodal
2,843

 
2,811

 
1
 %
 
1,799

 
1,726

 
4
 %
 
633

 
614

 
3
%
Other

 

 
 %
 
434

 
368

 
18
 %
 

 

 
%
Total
6,400

 
6,451

 
(1
)%
 
$
11,408

 
$
11,069

 
3
 %
 
$
1,783

 
$
1,716

 
4
%

(a) Prior to third quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar and 2016 included 53 weeks. All 2016 information presented in Results of Operations is on a 53-week basis, under GAAP.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 28


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Revenue
In 2017, revenue increased $339 million when compared to the previous year, primarily due to gains in export coal, price increases across nearly all other markets and fuel recovery, partially offset by the $178 million impact of an extra fiscal week in 2016 and lower merchandise volumes. Revenue per unit increased over prior year as pricing gains and higher fuel recoveries were partially offset by unfavorable mix.

Merchandise
Chemicals - Volume declined, primarily due to sustained challenges in the Eastern crude-by-rail market. This decline offset an increase in shipments of frac sand and petroleum gases due to growth in drilling activity.

Automotive - Volume declined as North American vehicle production fell.

Agricultural and Food Products - Volume declined due to challenges in the export market as well as a large southeastern grain crop leading to local truck sourcing to feed mills.

Minerals - Volume slightly declined as short-term competitive losses were mostly offset by growth in construction project activity.

Fertilizers - Volume declined, primarily driven by the closure of a customer facility as well as Hurricane Irma’s impact on Central Florida phosphate operations.

Forest Products - Volume declined as the decrease in shipments of paper products as a result of mill closures and truck competition was partially offset by strong pulp board volumes driven by e-commerce demand.

Metals and Equipment - Volume slightly declined as a nonrecurring 2016 benefit from large pipe projects was partially offset by increases in equipment moves.

Coal
Domestic - Utility coal volume declined 12 percent as the competitive loss of short-haul interchange traffic more than offset underlying growth at other utilities. Coke, Iron Ore and Other volume declined 13 percent, primarily in iron ore shipments, as a large customer temporarily halted its production.

Export - Volume increased 42 percent as global supply levels and pricing conditions supported strong growth in U.S. coal exports.

Intermodal
Domestic - Volume declined 2 percent as rationalization of low-density lanes and competitive losses more than offset growth with existing customers.

International - Volume was up 7 percent driven by competitive gains and strong performance with existing customers as eastern port volumes increased.

Other
Other revenue increased $66 million versus prior year primarily due to a $58 million settlement in 2017 related to a customer that did not meet historical volume commitments and higher incidental charges.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 29


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Expense
In 2017, total expenses increased $61 million, or one percent, compared to 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 decreased $245 million due to the following items:
Efficiency and volume savings of $274 million were driven primarily by reductions in overall headcount and other effects of implementing scheduled railroading as well as the impacts of the 2017 restructuring initiative, slightly offset by higher volume-related costs.
Pension costs decreased $66 million primarily due to adoption in 2017 of the spot rate approach for measuring service and interest costs, prior year contributions and other favorable plan experience.
The extra fiscal week in 2016 resulted in $51 million of additional cost compared to 2017.
Inflation resulted in $152 million of additional cost driven by increased health and welfare costs and wage increases.
Various other costs decreased $6 million.

Materials, Supplies and Other expenses consist primarily of contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment, terminal and coal pier services and professional services. This category also includes costs related to materials, travel, casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, property and sales tax, utilities and other items. Total materials, supplies and other expenses increased $21 million driven by the following:
Real estate gains were $14 million in 2017 compared to $115 million in 2016 related to the sale of an operating property and other related income. (See additional discussion of real estate gains in the Equity Earnings of Affiliates section below.)
Inflation resulted in $37 million of additional cost.
Asset impairments of $25 million resulted from the discontinuation of certain in-progress projects as a result of transition to scheduled railroading.
Relocation costs increased $19 million, which includes the impact of the Company’s initiative to consolidate dispatchers.
Additional expense of $13 million resulted from train accidents during the year.
Efficiency and volume savings of $152 million are primarily related to lower maintenance costs from the reduction in the active locomotive fleet, lower operating support costs and a reduction in contingent workers.
Favorable judgments resulted in compensation to CSX for previously condemned properties, reflecting gains of $73 million.
The extra week in 2016 resulted in $18 million of additional cost compared to 2017.
Other costs increased $69 million due to various non-significant items.

Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the costs 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 $14 million due to a larger asset base, partially offset by $25 million of additional costs in 2016 from the extra week compared to 2017.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 30


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel. This expense is largely driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel. Fuel expense increased $151 million driven by the following:
A 24 percent increase in the average fuel price per gallon, from $1.48 to $1.84 per gallon versus the prior year, drove $154 million in increased fuel expense.
The extra week in 2016 resulted in $15 million of additional cost compared to 2017.
Other costs increased $12 million primarily due to increased fuel expense for non-locomotive fuel, partially offset by efficiency and volume savings.

Equipment and Other expenses include 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, offices and other rentals. These expenses decreased $36 million driven by the following:
The extra week in 2016 resulted in $7 million of additional cost compared to 2017.
Other costs decreased $29 million primarily due to the reclassification of rental income from other non-operating to operating income in 2017, partially offset by inflation.

Restructuring Charge of $325 million includes costs related to restructuring activities in 2017, including the management workforce reduction, executive retirements, reimbursement arrangements, the proration of equity awards and other advisory costs related to the leadership transition.

Equity Earnings of Affiliates includes earnings from operating equity method investments. Equity earnings of affiliates increased $169 million primarily due to the following:
Tax reform resulted in a $142 million increase in earnings (primarily related to TTX and Conrail).
Real estate gains of $16 million were recognized on the sale of a property owned by one of the Company's equity affiliates.
Other increases were primarily due to increased equity earnings from affiliates, primarily TTX as a result of higher rental volumes and decreased costs.

Interest Expense includes interest on long-term debt, equipment obligations and capital leases. Interest expense decreased $33 million to $546 million due to lower average interest rates and $11 million of additional expense in 2016 related to the extra week, partially offset by higher average debt balances.

Debt Repurchase Expense includes costs associated with the extinguishment of debt. These costs
decreased $115 million due to the repurchase of notes in 2016 that did not repeat in the current year.

Other Income (Expense) - net includes investment gains and losses, certain non-operating equity earnings or losses and other non-operating activities. Other income decreased $25 million to $21 million primarily due to the reclassification of real estate activities from other non-operating to operating income in 2017.

Income Tax Benefit (Expense) decreased $3.4 billion from an expense of $1.0 billion in 2016 to a benefit of $2.3 billion in 2017 primarily due to a $3.5 billion non-cash reduction in income tax mostly resulting from the revaluation of the Company's net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the recently enacted 21 percent federal corporate tax rate. This reduction was partially offset by additional income tax expense resulting from increased earnings before income taxes.

Net Earnings increased $3.8 billion to $5.5 billion, and earnings per diluted share increased $4.18 to $5.99, due to the factors mentioned above, including the significant impact of tax reform. Lower average shares outstanding resulting from higher share repurchase activity had a positive impact on earnings per diluted share.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 31


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


2016 vs. 2015 Results of Operations(a)  
 
Fiscal Years
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
 
(Dollars in Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
11,069

 
$
11,811

 
$
(742
)
 
(6
)%
 
Expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Labor and Fringe
3,159

 
3,290

 
131

 
4

 
Materials, Supplies and Other
2,092

 
2,356

 
264

 
11

 
Depreciation
1,301

 
1,208

 
(93
)
 
(8
)
 
Fuel
713

 
957

 
244

 
25

 
Equipment and Other Rents
465

 
456

 
(9
)
 
(2
)
 
Equity Earnings of Affiliates
(50
)
 
(40
)
 
10

 
25

 
Total Expense
7,680

 
8,227

 
547

 
7

 
Operating Income
3,389

 
3,584

 
(195
)
 
(5
)
 
Interest Expense
(579
)
 
(544
)
 
(35
)
 
(6
)
 
Debt Repurchase Expense
(115
)
 

 
(115
)
 

 
Other Income - Net
46

 
98

 
(52
)
 
(53
)
 
Income Tax Expense
(1,027
)
 
(1,170
)
 
143

 
12

 
Net Earnings
$
1,714

 
$
1,968

 
$
(254
)
 
(13
)
 
Earnings Per Diluted Share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
1.81

 
$
2.00

 
$
(0.19
)
 
(10
)%
 
Operating Ratio
69.4
%
 
69.7
%
 
 
 
30

bps

(a) Prior to third quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar. Fiscal year 2016 included 53 weeks and fiscal year 2015 included 52 weeks. All 2016 information presented in Results of Operations is on a 53-week basis, under GAAP.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 32


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


2016 vs. 2015 Results of Operations, continued
Volume and Revenue (Unaudited)(a) 
Volume (Thousands of units); Revenue (Dollars in Millions); Revenue Per Unit (Dollars)
 
Volume
 
Revenue
 
Revenue Per Unit
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Chemicals
700

 
726

 
(4
)%
 
2,191

 
2,284

 
(4
)%
 
3,130

 
3,146

 
(1
)%
Automotive
482

 
450

 
7

 
1,261

 
1,175

 
7

 
2,616

 
2,611

 
 %
Agricultural and Food Products
477

 
503

 
(5
)
 
1,286

 
1,345

 
(4
)
 
2,696

 
2,674

 
1
 %
Minerals
310

 
306

 
1

 
464

 
459

 
1

 
1,497

 
1,500

 
 %
Fertilizers
300

 
301

 

 
463

 
489

 
(5
)
 
1,543

 
1,625

 
(5
)%
Forest Products
274

 
290

 
(6
)
 
773

 
796

 
(3
)
 
2,821

 
2,745

 
3
 %
Metals and Equipment
259

 
284

 
(9
)
 
704

 
723

 
(3
)
 
2,718

 
2,546

 
7
 %
Total Merchandise
2,802

 
2,860

 
(2
)
 
7,142

 
7,271

 
(2
)
 
2,549

 
2,542

 
 %
Coal
838

 
1,063

 
(21
)
 
1,833

 
2,300

 
(20
)
 
2,187

 
2,164

 
1
 %
Intermodal
2,811

 
2,838

 
(1
)
 
1,726

 
1,762

 
(2
)
 
614

 
621

 
(1
)%
Other

 

 

 
368

 
478

 
(23
)
 

 

 
 %
Total
6,451

 
6,761

 
(5
)%
 
$
11,069

 
$
11,811

 
(6
)%
 
$
1,716

 
$
1,747

 
(2
)%

(a) Prior to third quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar. Fiscal year 2016 included 53 weeks and fiscal year 2015 included 52 weeks. All 2016 information presented in Results of Operations is on a 53-week basis, under GAAP.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 33


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Revenue
In 2016, revenue decreased $742 million, or six percent, due to a five percent decline in volume (including the $178 million positive impact of an extra week of volume) and a significant decline in fuel recoveries, partially offset by increased pricing.

Merchandise
Chemicals - Volume declined as energy market headwinds significantly reduced crude oil and frac sand shipments. This reduction was partially offset by the ramp up of a fly ash remediation project and a modest increase in core chemical markets.

Automotive - Volume increased as a result of strong North American light vehicle production and growth across several customers. Additionally, movement of trucks and SUVs continued to outpace passenger cars, consistent with customer buying patterns.

Agricultural and Food Products - Volume declined as the strong U.S. dollar continued to support import grain and a robust Southeastern crop spurred additional local truck sourcing, displacing grain shipments by rail. Additionally, ethanol market dynamics shifted to favor the Gulf region for storage and export, precluding CSX from participation in shipments from Western origins to the Gulf.

Minerals - Volume was up slightly due to strong gains in aggregates (which include crushed stone, sand and gravel), particularly for highway and non-residential construction in southern markets. The growth was partially offset by headwinds in salt and lime, reflecting mild winter weather and steel production challenges, respectively.

Fertilizers - Volume was flat as the strong U.S. dollar, which drove high levels of imported sulfur, displaced rail transport, and nitrogen demand fell in anticipation of further commodity price deterioration. This offset growth in phosphate rock, driven by operational efficiency that allowed for additional rail traffic conversion that would otherwise move by truck.

Forest Products - Volume declined as headwinds from electronic substitution and reduced paper products demand drove industry consolidation that reduced rail volume. Further, excess truck capacity in 2016 captured some volume that traditionally moved by rail.

Metals and Equipment - Volume was down as the strong U.S. dollar allowed for continued high levels of steel imports, which led to reduced domestic steel production, mill closures and the loss of associated rail moves. These declines were partially offset by strength in the wind-energy and power generation markets.

Coal
Domestic - Volume declined 23 percent as mild winter weather in the beginning of the year and low natural gas prices reduced utility coal burn rates and resulted in inflated coal stockpiles. Further, the weak domestic integrated steel market drove volume decreases in coke.

Export - Volume was down 15 percent in both metallurgical and thermal coal as a result of the strong U.S. dollar and global oversupply which impacted U.S. competitiveness in the world market, particularly in the first half of the year.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 34


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Intermodal
Domestic - Volume increased 4 percent as secular growth and new service offerings were partially offset by excess truck capacity headwinds and a short-haul competitive loss.

International - Volume declined 9 percent as headwinds from competitive losses more than offset moderate growth across other customers.

Other
Other revenue decreased $110 million versus prior year primarily due to payments received in 2015 from customers that did not meet volume commitments. Further decreases in incidental revenue as well as lower coal revenue from affiliates were partially offset by adjustments to revenue reserves.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 35


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Expense
In 2016, total expenses decreased $547 million, or seven percent, compared to prior year. Descriptions of each expense category as well as significant year-over-year changes are described below. Year-over-year changes related to the extra week are estimated incremental expenses of $116 million incurred for the week of December 24 through December 30, 2016.
 
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 decreased $131 million due to the following items:
Efficiency savings of $249 million were driven by lower T&E and operating support costs as a result of structural changes, reduced crew training and the Company's train length initiative that began in the second quarter of 2015.
Volume-related costs were $116 million lower.
Incentive compensation was $111 million higher reflecting the expected award payouts on existing plans.
Inflation resulted in $106 million of additional cost driven by increased health and welfare costs.
The extra week resulted in $51 million of additional cost.
Restructuring costs decreased $37 million due to the 2015 workforce reduction initiatives costs that nearly all occurred in 2015.
Various other costs increased $3 million.

Materials, Supplies and Other expenses consist primarily of contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment, terminal and coal pier services and professional services. This category also includes costs related to materials, travel, casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, property and sales tax, utilities and other items. Total materials, supplies and other expenses decreased $264 million driven by the following:
Real estate gains increased $98 million primarily related to a current year gain of $115 million related to the sale of an operating property and other related income partially offset by a prior year real estate gain.
Efficiency savings of $95 million were primarily related to lower operating support costs driven by structural changes and broad cost containment.
Train accident and casualty costs were $70 million lower due to the continuing declines in the severity of train accidents as well as injuries.
Inflation resulted in $34 million of additional costs.
The extra week resulted in $18 million of additional cost.
Volume-related costs were $11 million lower.
Various other costs decreased $42 million.

Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the costs 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 $93 million due to a larger asset base and the $25 million impact of the extra week in 2016.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 36


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel. This expense is largely driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel. Fuel expense decreased $244 million driven by the following:
Average fuel price per gallon decreased 18 percent, from $1.80 to $1.48 per gallon versus the prior year, which reduced expenses by $137 million.
Efficiency savings of $60 million were primarily related to locomotive fuel reduction technology and process improvement.
Volume-related costs were $58 million lower.
The extra week resulted in $15 million of additional cost.
Various other costs decreased $4 million.

Equipment and Other expenses include 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, offices and other rentals. These expenses increased $9 million driven by the following:
Inflation resulted in $18 million of additional cost primarily related to rates on automotive freight cars.
Volume related costs were $14 million higher due primarily to growth in automotive volume.
The extra week resulted in $7 million of additional cost.
Efficiency savings of $23 million were due to improved car cycle times.
Net other costs decreased $7 million.

Equity Earnings of Affiliates increased $10 million primarily as a result of higher rental volumes and decreased costs at TTX.

Interest Expense increased $35 million to $579 million due to higher average debt balances in addition to $11 million of additional expense related to the extra week in 2016, partially offset by lower average interest rates.

Debt Repurchase Expense increased to $115 million due to the repurchase of certain notes that were expected to mature in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Other Income (Expense) - net decreased $52 million to $46 million primarily due to a prior year $59 million gain on a sale of non-operating easements and reimbursement of environmental costs of $21 million related to this sale. This decrease was partially offset by other non-operating items, none of which were individually significant.

Income Tax Expense decreased $143 million to $1.0 billion primarily due to lower earnings.

Net Earnings decreased $254 million to $1.7 billion, and earnings per diluted share decreased $0.19 to $1.81 due to the factors mentioned above. Lower average shares outstanding resulting from higher share repurchase activity had a positive impact on earnings per diluted share.




CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 37


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Non-GAAP Measures - Unaudited
CSX reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). CSX also uses certain non-GAAP measures that fall within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G and Regulation S-K Item 10(e), which may provide users of the financial information with additional meaningful comparison to prior reported results.  Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized definitions and are not defined by GAAP. Therefore, CSX’s non-GAAP measures are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as superior to the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to corresponding GAAP measures are below.

Adjusted Operating Results
Management believes that adjusted operating income, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per share, assuming dilution are important in evaluating the Company’s operating performance and for planning and forecasting future business operations and future profitability. These non-GAAP measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding operating results because they exclude certain significant items that are not considered indicative of future financial trends.

The restructuring charge of $325 million was tax effected using rates reflective of the applicable tax amounts for each component of the charge. The $3.6 billion benefit to net earnings resulting from tax reform was comprised of a $3.5 billion (after-tax) reduction to income tax expense and a $142 million (pre-tax) benefit in operating income from equity earnings of affiliates, partially offset by $1 million (pre-tax) of additional expense from minority interests.

 
 
For the Year ended December 31, 2017
(in millions, except operating ratio and net earnings per share, assuming dilution)
 
Operating Income
 
Operating Ratio
 
Net Earnings
 
Net Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GAAP Operating Results
 
$
3,667

 
67.9
 %
 
$
5,471

 
$
5.99

Restructuring Charge
 
325

 
(2.8
)%
 
203

 
0.22

Tax Reform Benefit (net)
 
(142
)
 
1.2
 %
 
(3,577
)
 
(3.91
)
Adjusted Operating Results (non-GAAP)
 
$
3,850

 
66.3
 %
 
$
2,097

 
$
2.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 38


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC Regulation G and Regulation S-K Item 10(e). Management believes that free cash flow is useful to investors as it is important in evaluating the Company’s financial performance. More specifically, free cash flow measures cash generated by the business after reinvestment. This measure represents cash available for both equity and bond investors to be used for dividends, share repurchases or principal reduction on outstanding debt. 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. Free cash flow before dividends increased $854 million year-over-year to $1.7 billion. The increase in free cash flow from the prior year is primarily due to lower property additions of $358 million, voluntary contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans of $250 million in 2016 and higher earnings from operations. Adjusted free cash flow excludes the impact cash payments of $135 million for restructuring charge.
    
The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).   

 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
(Dollars in Millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
3,472

 
$
3,041

 
$
3,370

Property additions
(2,040
)
 
(2,398
)
 
(2,562
)
Other investing activities
134

 
204

 
184

Free Cash Flow (before payment of dividends)
$
1,566

 
$
847

 
$
992

Add back: Cash Payments for Restructuring Charge (after-tax) (a)
$
135

 
$

 
$

Adjusted Free Cash Flow Before Dividends (non-GAAP)
$
1,701

 
$
847

 
$
992

(a) The restructuring charge impact to free cash flow was tax effected using the applicable tax rate of the charge. Through fourth quarter 2017, the Company made cash payments of $187 million related to the restructuring charge. The Company also made $30 million in payments to the former CEO, Michael J. Ward, and President, Clarence E. Gooden, for previously accrued non-qualified pension benefits that are not included in the restructuring charge.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 39


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Operating Statistics (Estimated)
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
Improvement/ 
(Deterioration)
Safety
 
 
 
 
 
FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index

1.19

 
1.05

 
(13
)%
FRA Train Accident Rate

3.17

 
2.83

 
(12
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations Performance
 
 
 
 
 
Train Velocity (Miles per hour)(a)

15.1

 
14.9

 
1

Dwell (Hours)(a)

11.3

 
11.4

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
On-Time Originations
80
%
 
84
%
 
(5
)
On-Time Arrivals
56
%
 
55
%
 
2

(a) The methodology for calculating train velocity and dwell differ from that prescribed by the STB. CSX will continue to report train velocity and dwell, using the prescribed methodology, to the STB on a weekly basis.

Certain operating statistics are estimated and can continue to be updated as actuals settle.

Key Performance Measures 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.
Train Velocity - Average train speed between origin and destination in miles per hour (does not include locals, yard jobs, work trains or passenger trains).
Dwell - Average amount of time in hours between car arrival to and departure from the yard.
On-Time Originations - Percent of scheduled road trains that depart the origin yard on-time or ahead of schedule.
On-Time Arrivals - Percent of scheduled road trains that arrive at the destination yard on-time.

The Company measures and reports safety and service performance. The Company strives for continuous improvement in these measures through training, innovation and investment. Investment in training and technology also is designed to allow CSX employees to have an additional layer of protection that can detect and avoid many types of human factor incidents. The Company's safety programs are designed to prevent incidents that can adversely impact employees, customers and communities. Continued capital investment in the Company's assets, including track, bridges, signals, equipment and detection technology also supports safety performance.

CSX’s FRA reportable personal injury frequency index of 1.19 for the full year of 2017 was 13 percent unfavorable versus the prior year as man-hours fell by nine percent while overall injuries were up slightly. While the FRA train accident frequency rate increased year-over-year, overall FRA train accidents remained flat and train miles decreased 12 percent year-over-year. CSX remains committed to ongoing safety improvement, with a focus on reducing injury severity and avoiding catastrophic events.

In order to more accurately represent the Company’s operating performance, CSX revised the way it calculates train velocity and terminal dwell effective third quarter 2017. These revisions are consistent with the principles of scheduled railroading. Updated definitions for each key performance measure are included beneath the Operating Statistics table. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the current methodology. Details of the changes are as follows:
Train velocity has been expanded to include intermediate dwell, now measuring end-to-end transit time.
Dwell has been expanded to include car dwell time at terminals on through trains, now measuring all car dwell time on an end-to-end trip.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 40


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


These revisions differ from the methodology prescribed by the Surface Transportation Board ("STB") for reporting train velocity and dwell. CSX will continue to report train velocity and dwell to the STB on a weekly basis using the prescribed methodology. At the STB's request, CSX is providing additional operating measures on a weekly basis that are available on the Company's website.

CSX’s operating performance improved versus the prior year in certain categories as network fluidity challenges in the third quarter of 2017 were offset by substantial improvement from the implementation of scheduled railroading and a balanced train plan. Going forward, CSX remains focused on executing the operational plan to deliver further service gains, improve transit times and drive asset utilization while controlling costs.

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 address regulatory and legislative requirements. 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 capital for the benefit of its shareholders, which includes investments in infrastructure, dividend payments and share repurchases.

Total assets as well as total liabilities and shareholders' equity increased $325 million from prior year. The increase in assets was driven by higher net properties of $614 million resulting from capital investment and an increase in affiliates and other companies of $160 million primarily resulting from the benefits of recent tax reform. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in cash and short-term investments of $601 million. The increase in total liabilities and shareholders' equity combined was driven by net earnings of $5.5 billion, partially offset by the decrease in deferred income taxes of $3.2 billion as a result of recent tax reform and share repurchases of $2.0 billion.

Significant Cash Flows
The following charts present net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for full years 2017, 2016 and 2015.
chart-5006484c145a52b49e6.jpgchart-8225cdc6132b58a6903.jpgchart-215cca9c5e9b5d29baa.jpg

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 41


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Sources of Cash
The Company has multiple sources of cash. First, the Company generates cash from operations. In 2017, the Company generated $3.5 billion of cash provided by operating activities which was $431 million higher than prior year primarily driven by $250 million in voluntary contributions in 2016 to the Company's qualified pension plans and higher net earnings, partially offset by payments related to restructuring activities. In 2016, the Company generated $3.0 billion of cash provided by operating activities which was $329 million lower than 2015 primarily driven by $250 million in voluntary contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans.
    
Second, CSX has access to numerous financing sources including a $1 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility that expires in May 2020.  As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. See Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements for more information.

Third, CSX filed a new shelf registration statement with the SEC in February 2016 which is unlimited as to amount and may be used to issue debt or equity securities at CSX’s discretion, subject to market conditions and CSX Board authorization. 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 securities on acceptable terms at any given time, or at all.

Uses of Cash
CSX continued to invest in its business to create long-term value for shareholders. In 2017, net cash used in investing activities was $1.5 billion, a decrease of $303 million from the prior year primarily driven by lower property additions. In 2016, net cash used in investing activities was $1.8 billion, a decrease of $1.1 billion from 2015 primarily driven by lower net purchases of short-term investments and lower property additions.

The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and to positioning itself for long-term, profitable growth through optimizing network and terminal capacity. Funds used for property additions are further described below.
 
Fiscal Years
Capital Expenditures (Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Track
$
733

 
$
714

 
$
866

Bridges, Signals and Other
570

 
433

 
491

Total Infrastructure
1,303

 
1,147

 
1,357

Freight Cars
20

 
82

 
218

Capacity and Commercial Facilities
417

 
447

 
309

Regulatory (including PTC)
284

 
313

 
341

Locomotives
16

 
409

 
337

Total Property Additions
2,040

 
2,398

 
2,562

Cash paid for new assets using seller financing (a)
$

 
$
307

 
$

Total Capital Expenditures
$
2,040

 
2,705

 
2,562

(a)
In 2016, CSX made payments related to locomotive purchases made in 2015 using seller financing of $307 million.
    

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 42


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Planned capital investments for 2018 are expected to be $1.6 billion, including about $200 million for PTC. Of the 2018 investment, the majority will be used to sustain the core infrastructure. The remaining amounts will be allocated to projects supporting productivity initiatives, service enhancements and profitable growth. CSX intends to fund capital investments through cash generated from operations.

The Company expects to continue incurring significant capital costs in connection with the implementation of PTC. CSX estimates that the total multi-year cost of PTC implementation will be approximately $2.4 billion. This estimate includes costs for installing the new system along tracks, upgrading locomotives, adding communication equipment and developing new technologies. Total PTC spending through 2017 was $2.0 billion.

In addition to capital investments, the Company uses cash for scheduled payments of debt and leases, share repurchases and to pay dividends to shareholders. In April 2017, the Company announced an 11 percent increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per common share. In 2017, net cash used in financing activities was $2.2 billion, which represents an increase in spending of $911 million from the prior year primarily driven by higher share repurchases and lower net debt issued, partially offset by the repayment of seller-financed assets in the prior year. In 2016, net cash used in financing activities was $1.3 billion, which represents an increase in spending of $749 million from 2015 primarily driven by the repayment of seller-financed assets, higher share repurchases, and lower net debt issued.

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 which 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).

Liquidity and Working Capital
Currently, CSX is well positioned from a liquidity standpoint. The Company ended the year with $419 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. CSX has a $1 billion unsecured, revolving credit facility backed by a diverse syndicate of banks. This facility expires in May 2020 and as of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. Additionally in 2017, CSX issued a total of $850 million of new long-term debt. CSX uses current cash balances for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of additional indebtedness outstanding from time to time, repurchases of CSX's common stock, capital investments, working capital requirements and improvements in productivity and other cost reduction initiatives. See Note 9, Debt and Credit Agreements. 

With the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") on December 22, 2017, the federal corporate income tax rate was reduced from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Beginning in 2018, CSX expects its effective federal and state income tax rate to be approximately 25%.

The Company has a receivables securitization facility with a three-year term scheduled to expire in September 2019. The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity of up to $200 million, depending on eligible receivables balances. 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 services 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. As of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 43


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


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 $21 million at December 2017 and $447 million at December 2016. This decrease since year end is primarily due to shares repurchases of $2.0 billion, cash paid for property additions of $2.0 billion and dividends paid of $708 million. These working capital decreases were partially offset by cash provided by operating activities of $3.5 billion and new debt issued of $850 million.

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, CSX has sufficient financial capacity, including its revolving credit facility, trade receivable 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. CSX is currently reviewing its cash deployment strategy with respect to capital structure and shareholder distributions.

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 Ratings Services (“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 Aaa 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.
    
The cost and availability of unsecured financing are materially affected by CSX's long-term credit ratings. CSX's credit ratings remained stable during 2017. As of December 2017 and December 2016, S&P's long-term rating on CSX was BBB+ (Stable), and Moody's was Baa1 (Stable). 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. The Company is committed to maintaining an investment grade credit rating. If CSX's credit ratings were to decline to below investment grade levels, the Company could experience significant increases in its interest cost for new debt. In addition, a decline in CSX’s credit ratings to below investment grade levels could adversely affect the market’s demand, and thus the Company’s ability to readily issue new debt.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 44


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


SCHEDULE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The following tables set forth maturities of the Company's contractual obligations and other significant commitments:
 
Type of Obligation
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total
(Dollars in Millions) (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Debt (See Note 9)
$
19

$
18

$
745

$
371

$
162

$
10,494

$
11,809

Interest on Debt
550

549

537

498

484

7,953

10,571

Purchase Obligations (See Note 7)
290

229

253

258

258

2,929

4,217

Other Post-Employment Benefits (See Note 8) (a)
53

43

41

39

36

145

357

Operating Leases - Net (See Note 7) (b)
38

34

20

15

11

74

192

Agreements with Conrail (See Note 12) (b)
27

27

27

27

27

48

183

Total Contractual Obligations
$
977

$
900

$
1,623

$
1,208

$
978

$
21,643

$
27,329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Commitments (c)
$
100

$
2

$
2

$
2

$
2

$

$
108

(a)
Other post-employment benefits include estimated other post-retirement medical and life insurance payments and payments under non-qualified pension plans which are unfunded. No amounts are included for funded pension obligations as no contributions are currently required.
(b)
Agreements with Conrail represent minimum future lease payments of $183 million under the shared asset area agreements (see Note 12, Related Party Transactions). These amounts plus total operating leases-net of $192 million above equals total net lease commitments of $375 million disclosed in Note 7, Commitments and Contingencies.
(c)
Other commitments of $108 million consisted of surety bonds, letters of credit, uncertain tax positions and public private partnerships.  Surety bonds of $43 million and letters of credit of $30 million arise from assurances issued by a third-party that CSX will fulfill certain obligations and are typically a contract, state, federal or court requirement. Uncertain tax positions of $24 million, which include interest and penalties, are all included in year 2018 as the year of settlement cannot be reasonably estimated. Contractual commitments related to public-private partnerships are $11 million.

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.

LABOR AGREEMENTS

Approximately 20,000 of the Company's employees are members of a labor union. The U.S. Class I railroads have been in collective bargaining with rail labor unions since January 2015. On October 5, 2017, six rail unions making up the Coordinated Bargaining Group ("CBG") reached a National Agreement with the railroads, effective January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019. On January 23, 2018, the Transportation Communications International Union (TCU) and Brotherhood Railway Carmen (BRC) ratified new contract terms with the nation’s major freight railroads. Collectively, to date, approximately 70% of our employees have now ratified the national settlement terms. The Class I railroads will continue to bargain with the remaining 30 percent and expect to reach a settlement with some or all of the remaining unions in 2018.

Separately, in December 2014, CSXT reached a local agreement covering wages and work rules through 2019 with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, which represents approximately 20 percent of the union workforce of CSXT.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 45


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.  Significant estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:
personal injury, environmental and legal reserves;
pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting;
depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method; and
income taxes. 

Personal Injury, Environmental and Legal Reserves

Personal Injury
Personal Injury reserves of $168 million and $170 million for 2017 and 2016, represent liabilities for employee work-related and third-party injuries. CSXT retains an independent actuary to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims. 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. As a direct result of improvements in safety in recent years, the Company has experienced a downward trend in the severity of injuries which has resulted in a decrease in the estimate of costs per incident. For additional details, including a description of our related accounting policies, see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves in the consolidated financial statements.

Environmental
Environmental reserves were $90 million and $95 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively. 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 214 environmentally impaired sites. The Company reviews its potential liability with respect to each site identified, 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.

Conditions that are currently unknown could, at any given location, result in additional exposure, the amount and materiality of which cannot presently be reasonably estimated. For additional details, including a description of our related accounting policies, see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves in the consolidated financial statements.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 46


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Legal
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. The Company evaluates all exposures relating to legal liabilities at least quarterly and adjusts reserves when appropriate. 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. An unexpected adverse resolution of one or more of these items could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period. For additional details, including a description of our related accounting policies, see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves in the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings for further discussion of these items.

Pension and Post-retirement Medical Plan Accounting
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel. For employees hired prior to 2003, 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 2017, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans was $3.0 billion.

In addition to these plans, the Company sponsors a post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide certain benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees, hired prior to 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met. Eligible retirees who are age 65 years or older (Medicare-eligible) are covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Eligible retirees younger than 65 years (non-Medicare eligible) are covered by a self-insured program partially funded by participating retirees. The life insurance plan is non-contributory. As of December 2017, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s other post-retirement benefit plans was $250 million.

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; and
other assumptions.

The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company determines are appropriate based on historical trends, current market rates and future projections. These amounts are reviewed by management.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 47


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Discount Rates
Discount rates affect the amount of liability recorded and the service and interest cost components 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.

Beginning in 2017, the Company measures the service and interest cost components of the net pension and post-retirement benefits expense by using individual spot rates matched with separate cash flows for each future year instead of a single weighted-average discount rate approach, which was used in prior years. The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected pension and post-retirement benefit liability cash flows and the corresponding spot discount rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. Under the spot rate approach, individual spot discount rates along the same high quality corporate bonds yield curve used to measure the pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities are applied to the relevant projected cash flows at the relevant maturity. The calculated pension and post-retirement benefits liabilities are consistent under both the traditional and spot rate approaches. The Company accounted for this change on a prospective basis as a change in accounting estimate.

The weighted average discount rates used by the Company to value its 2017 pension and post-retirement obligations are 3.56 percent and 3.34 percent, respectively. For 2016, the weighted average discount rates used by the Company to value its pension and post-retirement obligations were 4.08 percent and 3.71 percent, respectively. Discount rates may differ for pension and post-retirement benefits due to varying duration of the liabilities for projected payments for each plan. As of December 2017, the estimated duration of pensions and post-retirement benefits is approximately 12 years and seven years, respectively.

Each year, these discount rates are reevaluated and adjusted using the current market interest rates for high quality corporate bonds to reflect the best estimate of the current effective settlement rates. In general, if interest rates decline or rise, the assumed discount rates will change.

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, the annual review may result in less frequent adjustment than other assumptions used in pension accounting. The long-term rate of return on plan assets used by the Company to value its benefit cost for the subsequent plan year was 6.75 percent in both 2017 and 2016.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 48


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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 4.60 percent in both 2017 and 2016 to value its pension obligations.

Other Assumptions
The calculations made by the actuaries also include assumptions relating to health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, turnover and retirement age. These assumptions are based upon historical data, recent plan experience and industry trends and are determined by management.

2018 Estimated Pension and Post-retirement Expense
Net pension expense and post-retirement benefits expense for 2018 are expected to be a $7 million benefit and an $8 million expense, respectively. Net pension costs for 2018 are expected to be a $7 million benefit and include service cost expense of $35 million. Post-retirement benefits costs for 2018 are expected to be an $8 million expense and include service cost expense of $2 million. Service cost expense will be included in labor and fringe on the consolidated income statement. Net periodic pension expense and post-retirement benefits expense in 2017 was a $2 million benefit and a $9 million expense, respectively. The decrease in expense is primarily due to favorable pension asset experience, slightly offset by the decrease in discount rates.

The following sensitivity analysis illustrates the effects of a one percent change in certain assumptions like discount rates, long-term rate of return and salaries on the 2018 estimated pension and post-retirement expense:
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Pension Expense
 
Post-Retirement Expense
Discount Rate
 
$
12

 
$
1

Long-term Rate of Return
 
$
26

 
N/A

Salary Inflation
 
$
7

 
N/A


Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method
The depreciable assets of the Company are depreciated using either the group-life or straight-line method of accounting, which are both acceptable depreciation methods in accordance with GAAP. The Company depreciates its railroad assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method of accounting. Assets depreciated under the group-life method comprise 86% of total fixed assets of $44 billion on a gross basis at December 2017. The remaining depreciable assets of the Company, including non-railroad assets and assets under capital leases, are depreciated using the straight-line method on a per asset basis. Land is not depreciated.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 49


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Management performs a review of depreciation expense and useful lives on a regular basis. Under the group-life method, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic depreciation studies and applying management’s assumptions regarding the service lives of its properties. There are several factors taken into account during the depreciation 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;
management's outlook on the future use of certain asset groups;
expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and
comparison of assets to the same asset groups with other companies.

Recent experience with depreciation studies has resulted in depreciation rate changes that did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense of $1.3 billion, $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion for 2017, 2016 and 2015 respectively.  A one percent change in the average life of all group-life assets would result in an approximate $12 million change to the Company’s annual depreciation expense. For additional details, including a more detailed description of our related accounting policies, see Note 6, Properties in the consolidated financial statements.

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 recognizes 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 amount recognized in the financial statements from such a position is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

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 2015. During 2017, the Company participated in a contemporaneous Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of tax years 2016 and 2017. Management believes an 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 2017, the Company’s uncertain tax positions were $24 million.

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


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 50


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in this report and in other materials filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 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, margins, 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, workforce levels, dividends, share repurchases, safety and service performance, proposed new services and other 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 "will," "should," “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.
 
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.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 51


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors 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, international trade and initiatives to further regulate the rail industry;
the outcome of litigation, claims and other contingent liabilities, including, but not limited to, those related to fuel surcharge, environmental matters, taxes, shipper and rate claims subject to adjudication, 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;
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;
competition from other modes of freight transportation, such as trucking, and competition and consolidation or financial distress within the transportation industry generally;
the cost of compliance with laws and regulations that differ from expectations (including those associated with PTC implementation) as well as costs, penalties and operational and liquidity impacts associated with noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations;
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;
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;
changes in fuel prices, surcharges for fuel and the availability of fuel;
the impact of natural gas prices on coal-fired electricity generation;
the impact of global supply and price of seaborne coal on CSX's export coal market;
availability of insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages;
the inherent business risks associated with safety and security, including the transportation of hazardous materials or a cybersecurity attack which would threaten the availability and vulnerability of information technology;
adverse economic or operational effects from actual or threatened war or terrorist activities and any governmental response;

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 52


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


loss of key personnel or the inability to hire and retain qualified employees;
labor and benefit costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either the Company's operations or customers' ability to deliver goods to the Company for shipment;
the Company's success in implementing its strategic, financial and operational initiatives;
the impact of conditions in the real estate market on the Company's ability to sell assets;
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, which are 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.

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. As of December 2017, CSX does not have a material amount of floating rate debt obligations outstanding, and therefore fluctuations in the interest rate would not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 53


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
CSX Corporation
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Herewith:
 
 
  
 
Consolidated Income Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended:
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 30, 2016
 
 
December 25, 2015
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements for the Fiscal Years Ended:
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 30, 2016
 
 
December 25, 2015
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for Fiscal Years Ended:
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 30, 2016
 
 
December 25, 2015
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity:
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
December 30, 2016
 
 
December 25, 2015
 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 54


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

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

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSX Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 7, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
 
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 
Certified Public Accountants

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1981.


Jacksonville, Florida
February 7, 2018

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 55


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Revenue
$
11,408

 
$
11,069

 
$
11,811

Expense
 
 
 
 
 
Labor and Fringe
2,914

 
3,159

 
3,290

Materials, Supplies and Other
2,113

 
2,092

 
2,356

Depreciation
1,315

 
1,301

 
1,208

Fuel
864

 
713

 
957

Equipment and Other Rents
429

 
465

 
456

Restructuring Charges (Note 1)
325

 

 

Equity Earnings of Affiliates
(219
)
 
(50
)
 
(40
)
Total Expense
7,741

 
7,680

 
8,227

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
3,667

 
3,389

 
3,584

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense
(546
)
 
(579
)
 
(544
)
Debt Repurchase Expense

 
(115
)
 

Other Income (Expense) - Net (Note 10)
21

 
46

 
98

Earnings Before Income Taxes
3,142

 
2,741

 
3,138

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income Tax Benefit (Expense) (Note 11)
2,329

 
(1,027
)
 
(1,170
)
Net Earnings
$
5,471

 
$
1,714

 
$
1,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
Per Common Share (Note 2)
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
6.01

 
$
1.81

 
$
2.00

Assuming Dilution
$
5.99

 
$
1.81

 
$
2.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding (Millions)
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
911

 
947

 
983

Assuming Dilution
914

 
948

 
984

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Dividends Paid Per Common Share
$
0.78

 
$
0.72

 
$
0.70


Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 56


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)

 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
2016
2015
Net Earnings
$
5,471

$
1,714

$
1,968

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax:
 
 
 
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits
140

21

10

Other
14

4

(9
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
154

25

1

Comprehensive Earnings (Note 14)
$
5,625

$
1,739

$
1,969


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.





































CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 57


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions)
 
December
 
December
 
2017
 
2016
ASSETS
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Note 1)
$
401

 
$
603

Short-term Investments
18

 
417

Accounts Receivable - Net (Note 1)
970

 
938

Materials and Supplies
372

 
407

Other Current Assets
154

 
122

Total Current Assets
1,915

 
2,487

 
 
 
 
Properties
44,324

 
43,227

Accumulated Depreciation
(12,560
)
 
(12,077
)
Properties - Net (Note 6)
31,764

 
31,150

 
 
 
 
Investment in Conrail (Note 12)
907

 
840

Affiliates and Other Companies
779

 
619

Other Long-term Assets
374

 
318

Total Assets
$
35,739

 
$
35,414

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
847

 
$
806

Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
602

 
545

Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)
108

 
115

Current Maturities of Long-term Debt (Note 9)
19

 
331

Income and Other Taxes Payable
157

 
129

Other Current Liabilities
161

 
114

Total Current Liabilities
1,894

 
2,040

 
 
 
 
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)
266

 
259

Long-term Debt (Note 9)
11,790

 
10,962

Deferred Income Taxes - Net (Note 11)
6,418

 
9,596

Other Long-term Liabilities
650

 
863

Total Liabilities
21,018

 
23,720

 
 
 
 
Shareholders' Equity:
 

 
 

Common Stock, $1 Par Value (Note 3)
890

 
928

Other Capital
217

 
138

Retained Earnings (Note 1)
14,084

 
11,253

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Note 14)
(486
)
 
(640
)
Noncontrolling Minority Interest
16

 
15

Total Shareholders' Equity
14,721

 
11,694

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
35,739

 
$
35,414



Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 58


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
5,471

 
$
1,714

 
$
1,968

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash
 
 
 

 
 

Provided by Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
1,315

 
1,301

 
1,208

Restructuring Charge (Note 1)
325

 

 

Cash Payments for Restructuring Charge
(187
)
 

 

Deferred Income Taxes
(3,233
)
 
405

 
456

Earnings of equity-method investments
(219
)
 
(50
)
 
(40
)
Contributions to Qualified Pension Plans (Note 8)

 
(250
)
 

Gain on Property Dispositions
(18
)
 
(128
)
 
(90
)
Other Operating Activities
(17
)
 
(20
)
 
62

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:

 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
(70
)
 
84

 
149

Other Current Assets
1

 
(113
)
 
(84
)
Accounts Payable
41

 
40

 
(79
)
Income and Other Taxes Payable
20

 
23

 
(62
)
Other Current Liabilities
43

 
35

 
(118
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
3,472

 
3,041

 
3,370

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Property Additions
(2,040
)
 
(2,398
)
 
(2,562
)
Purchase of Short-term Investments
(782
)
 
(929
)
 
(1,739
)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
1,193

 
1,325

 
1,225

Proceeds from Property Dispositions
97

 
195

 
147

Other Investing Activities
37

 
9

 
37

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
(1,495
)
 
(1,798
)
 
(2,892
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt Issued (Note 9)
850

 
2,200

 
1,200

Long-term Debt Repaid (Note 9)
(333
)
 
(1,419
)
 
(229
)
Dividends Paid
(708
)
 
(680
)
 
(686
)
Shares Repurchased
(1,970
)
 
(1,056
)
 
(804
)
Other Financing Activities
(18
)
 
(313
)
 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
(2,179
)
 
(1,268
)
 
(519
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(202
)
 
(25
)
 
(41
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
603

 
628

 
669

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
401

 
$
603

 
$
628

 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Paid - Net of Amounts Capitalized
$
555

 
$
606

 
$
566

Income Taxes Paid
$
911

 
$
580

 
$
768

Seller Financed Assets
$

 
$

 
$
307

Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 59


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands)
Common Stock and Other Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss) (a)
Non-
controlling Interest
Total Shareholders' Equity
December 26, 2014
991,591

$
1,084

$
10,734

$
(666
)
$
24

$
11,176

Comprehensive Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings

 

1,968



1,968

Other Comprehensive Income (Note 14)

 


1


1

Total Comprehensive Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,969

Common stock dividends, $0.70 per share

 

(686
)


(686
)
Share Repurchases
(26,359
)
 
(26
)
(778
)


(804
)
Bond Conversions
13

 





Other
269

 
21



(8
)
13

December 25, 2015
965,514

 
1,079

11,238

(665
)
16

11,668

Comprehensive Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings

 

1,714



1,714

Other Comprehensive Income (Note 14)

 


25


25

Total Comprehensive Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,739

Common stock dividends, $0.72 per share

 

(680
)


(680
)
Share Repurchases
(38,379
)
 
(38
)
(1,018
)


(1,056
)
Bond Conversions
94

 
1




1

Other
951

 
24

(1
)

(1
)
22

December 30, 2016
928,180

 
1,066

11,253

(640
)
15

11,694

Comprehensive Earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings

 

5,471



5,471

Other Comprehensive Income (Note 14)

 


154


154

Total Comprehensive Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,625

Common stock dividends, $0.78 per share

 

(708
)


(708
)
Share Repurchases
(38,785
)
 
(39
)
(1,931
)


(1,970
)
Other
456

 
80

(1
)

1

80

December 31, 2017
889,851

$
1,107

$
14,084

$
(486
)
$
16

$
14,721


(a) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss year-end balances shown above are net of tax. The associated taxes were $162 million, $335 million and $347 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For additional information see Note 14, Other Comprehensive Income.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 60


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Business
CSX Corporation (“CSX”), together with its subsidiaries (the “Company”), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation's leading transportation companies. The Company provides rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service, the transport of intermodal containers and trailers, as well as other transportation services such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations.

The Company’s number of employees was approximately 24,000 as of December 2017, which includes approximately 20,000 union employees.  Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services.

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 has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Company’s intermodal business links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections to approximately 230 short-line and regional railroads.

CSXT is now responsible for the Company's real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities after a merger with CSX Real Property, Inc., a former wholly-owned CSX subsidiary, on July 1, 2017. In addition, as substantially all real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities are focused on supporting railroad operations, all results of these activities are included in operating income beginning in 2017. Previously, the results of these activities were classified as operating or non-operating based on the nature of the activity and were not material for any periods presented.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 61


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Lines of Business
During 2017, the Company's services generated $11.4 billion of revenue and served three primary lines of business: merchandise, coal and intermodal.

The merchandise business shipped 2.7 million carloads and generated 62 percent of revenue and 42 percent of volume in 2017. The Company’s merchandise business is comprised of shipments in the following diverse markets: chemicals, automotive, agricultural and food products, minerals, fertilizers, forest products, and metals and equipment.
The coal business shipped about 855 thousand carloads and accounted for 18 percent of revenue and 13 percent of volume in 2017. The Company transports domestic coal, coke and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers and industrial plants as well as export coal to deep-water port facilities. Roughly one-third of export coal and the majority of the domestic coal that the Company transports is used for generating electricity.
The intermodal business accounted for 16 percent of revenue and 44 percent of volume in 2017. The intermodal business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the short-haul flexibility of trucks and offers a cost advantage over long-haul trucking. Through a network of more than 40 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi River and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.

Other revenue accounted for 4 percent of the Company’s total revenue in 2017. This revenue category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads, demurrage, revenue for customer volume commitments not met, switching, other incidental charges and adjustments to revenue reserves. Revenue from regional railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate. Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars or other equipment are held beyond a specified period of time. Switching revenue is primarily generated when CSXT switches cars 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. 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) for certain customers and trucking dispatch operations. TDSI 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 from rail to trucks. The biggest Transflo markets are chemicals and agriculture, which includes shipments of plastics and ethanol. CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.
 
Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position of CSX and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016, and the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015. In addition, management has evaluated and disclosed all material events occurring subsequent to the date of the financial statements up to the date this annual report is filed on Form 10-K.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 62


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Fiscal Year
Through the second quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar with the last day of each reporting period ending on a Friday. The 52/53 week calendar allowed for every quarter and year to be of equal duration, 13 weeks and 52 weeks, respectively. To maintain this calendar, every fifth or sixth year, an extra week was added to the fourth quarter and year, making the reporting periods 14 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively. In 2016, the fourth quarter and fiscal year included this extra week.

On July 7, 2017, the Board of Directors of CSX approved a change in the fiscal reporting calendar from a 52/53 week year ending on the last Friday of December to a calendar year ending on December 31 each year, effective beginning with fiscal third quarter 2017. Related to the change in the fiscal calendar:

Fiscal year 2017 (December 31, 2016 through December 31, 2017) contained 366 days, and fiscal year 2016 (December 26, 2015 through December 30, 2016) contained 371 days
Fiscal first quarter 2017 (December 31, 2016 through March 31, 2017) contained 91 days, and fiscal first quarter 2016 (December 26, 2015 through March 25, 2016) contained 91 days
Fiscal second quarter 2017 (April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017) contained 91 days, and fiscal second quarter 2016 (September 24, 2016 through December 30, 2016) contained 91 days
Fiscal third quarter 2017 (July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017) contained 92 days, and fiscal third quarter 2016 (June 25, 2016 through September 23, 2016) contained 91 days
Fiscal fourth quarter 2017 (October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017) contained 92 days, and fiscal fourth quarter 2016 (September 24, 2016 through December 30, 2016) contained 98 days
    
This change did not materially impact comparability of the Company’s financial results for fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017. Accordingly, the change to a calendar fiscal year was made on a prospective basis and operating results for prior periods have not been adjusted. The Company is not required to file a transition report because this change is not deemed a change in fiscal year for purposes of reporting subject to Rule 13a-10 or Rule 15d-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as the new fiscal year commenced with the end of the prior fiscal year end and within seven days of the prior fiscal year end. Except as otherwise specified, references to full years indicate CSX’s fiscal years ended on December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016.
    
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include results of operations of CSX and subsidiaries over which CSX has majority ownership or financial control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Most investments in companies that were not majority-owned were carried at cost (if less than 20% owned and the Company has no significant influence) or were accounted for under the equity method (if the Company has significant influence but does not have control). These investments are reported within Investment in Conrail or Affiliates and Other Companies on the consolidated balance sheets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
On a daily basis, cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in various highly liquid investments having a typical maturity date of three months or less at the date of acquisition. These investments are carried at cost, which approximated market value, and are classified as cash equivalents.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 63


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Investments
Investments in instruments with original maturities greater than three months that will mature in less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with original maturities of one year or greater are initially classified within other long-term assets, and the classification is re-evaluated at each balance sheet date.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts on uncollectible amounts related to freight receivables, government reimbursement receivables, claims for damages and other various receivables. The allowance is based upon the creditworthiness of customers, historical experience, the age of the receivable and current market and economic conditions. Uncollectible amounts are charged against the allowance account. Allowance for doubtful accounts of $26 million and $33 million is included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 2017 and December 2016, respectively.

Materials and Supplies
Materials and supplies in the consolidated balance sheets are carried at average costs and consist primarily of fuel and parts used in the repair and maintenance of CSXT’s freight car and locomotive fleets, equipment and track structure.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents purchase price in excess of fair value and is related to affiliates of CSXT, primarily P&L Transportation, Inc. Goodwill of $63 million is recorded in other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 2017 and December 2016, respectively.

Revenue and Expense Recognition
The Company recognizes freight revenue using Free-On-Board Origin pursuant to the Revenue Recognition Topic in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC").  Accounting guidance in this topic provides for the allocation of revenue between reporting periods based on relative transit time in each reporting period.  Expenses are recognized as incurred.
    
The certain key estimates included in the recognition and measurement of revenue and related accounts receivable under the policies described above are as follows:

revenue associated with shipments in transit is recognized ratably over transit time and is based on average cycle times to move commodities and products from their origin to their final destination or interchange;
adjustments to revenue for billing corrections, billing discounts and bad debts or to accounts receivable for allowances for doubtful accounts;
adjustments to revenue for overcharge claims filed by customers, which are based on historical cash paid to customers for rate overcharges as a percentage of total billing;
incentive-based refunds to customers, which are primarily based on customers achieving certain volume thresholds, are recorded as a reduction to revenue on the basis of management’s best estimate of the projected liability (this estimate is based on historical activity, current volume levels and forecasted future volume).


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 64


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

The Company regularly updates the estimates described above based on historical experience and current conditions. All other revenue, such as demurrage, switching and other incidental charges are recorded upon completion of the service.

New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides clarity on what changes to share-based awards are considered substantive and require modification accounting to be applied. This update is required beginning with first quarter 2018 and should be applied prospectively to award modifications after the effective date. The Company early adopted this standard update in second quarter 2017 and will apply it prospectively to any award modifications after the adoption date. The Company does not regularly modify the terms and conditions of share-based awards and does not believe this standard update will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which requires that only the service cost component of net periodic benefit costs be recorded as compensation cost in the operating expense section of the income statement. All other components of net periodic benefit cost (interest cost, expected return on plan assets and amortization of net loss) will be presented in other income - net. This standard update is effective beginning with the first quarter 2018 and must be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe this standard update will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The Company currently records service costs and net benefit costs within labor and fringe expense. In 2017, pension and other post-retirement benefit charges and pension settlement charges totaling $85 million were included in the restructuring charge. Beginning in first quarter 2018, only the service cost will be recorded within labor and fringe expense, and the other components of net benefit costs will be recorded in other income. The retrospective impact of adoption will be an increase in operating income for the prior years presented as the other components were a net expense. The impact of adoption is projected to be a decrease in operating income for 2018. The retrospective impact of adoption is shown in the following table.

 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Increase in Operating Income
$
53

 
$
24

 
$
44

Decrease in Other Income

(53
)
 
(24
)
 
(44
)

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates step two, the calculation of the implied fair value of goodwill, from the goodwill impairment test. Impairment will be quantified in step one of the test as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. This standard update is effective beginning first quarter 2020 and must be applied prospectively. The Company does not believe this standard update will have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 65


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.    Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. The new standard requires that a company recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies will need to use more judgment and estimates than under the guidance currently in effect, including estimating the amount of variable revenue to recognize over each identified performance obligation. Additional disclosures will be required to help users of financial statements understand the nature, amount and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts. CSX will adopt this standard update in first quarter 2018 using a modified retrospective method of adoption.
    
The FASB has also issued several amendments to the revenue standard, including clarification on accounting for principal versus agent considerations (i.e., reporting gross versus net), licenses of intellectual property and identifying performance obligations. These amendments do not change the core principle of the standard, but provide clarity and implementation guidance.

The Company is currently finalizing its review of the impact of adopting this new guidance and has developed a comprehensive implementation plan. In-depth reviews of commercial contracts have been completed and changes to processes and internal controls to meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements have been identified and are being implemented. Adoption of this standard update will not materially impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Freight revenue will continue to be recognized ratably over transit time. Additionally, the disaggregated revenue information required to be disclosed under this standard update is similar to the information currently included in the Results of Operations section of Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU, Leases, which will require lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding lease liability, and lessors to recognize a net lease investment. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures will also be required. This standard update is effective for CSX beginning with the first quarter 2019 and will be adopted using a modified retrospective method. Changes to processes and internal controls to meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements have been identified and are being implemented. Software has been implemented that will assist in the recognition of additional assets and liabilities to be included on the balance sheet related to leases currently classified as operating leases with durations greater than twelve months, with certain allowable exceptions. The Company continues to evaluate the expected impact of this standard update on disclosures, but does not anticipate any material changes to operating results or liquidity.
    

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 66


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.    Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Use of 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 the reported amount of certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Critical accounting estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:

personal injury, environmental and legal reserves (see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves);
pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting (see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans);
depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method (see Note 6, Properties); and
income taxes (see Note 11, Income Taxes).

Other Items
Management Workforce Reduction
Through an involuntary separation program with enhanced benefits to further its strategic objectives, CSX reduced its management workforce by approximately 950 employees during 2017. The Company has been focused on driving efficiencies through process improvement and responding to business mix shifts. These management reductions were designed to further streamline general and administrative and operating support functions to speed decision making and further control costs. In April 2017, the involuntary separation program was essentially completed. This program extends separation benefits for certain members of management that could result in additional charges through first quarter 2018. Accordingly, additional charges were incurred under the program throughout the year, including charges related to the separation of senior executives during fourth quarter 2017. The majority of separation benefits are being paid from general corporate funds while certain benefits are being paid through CSX’s qualified pension plans.

Executive Retirements
In first quarter 2017, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Ward, and President, Clarence W. Gooden, announced their retirements, and the terms of their unvested equity awards were modified to permit prorated vesting through May 31, 2018. The lump-sum payments of their non-qualified pension benefits also resulted in a settlement charge in fourth quarter 2017.

Reimbursement Arrangements
In June 2017, the Company and the Company's former President and Chief Executive Officer, E. Hunter Harrison, executed a letter agreement providing for certain reimbursement arrangements. Pursuant to the letter agreement, the Company made a reimbursement payment to MR Argent Advisor LLC ("Mantle Ridge") of $55 million for funds previously paid to Mr. Harrison by Mantle Ridge. Further, the Company assumed Mantle Ridge’s obligation to pay Mr. Harrison, prior to March 15, 2018, a lump sum cash amount of $29 million in respect of other forfeited compensation from his previous employer, Canadian Pacific Railway Limited. This $29 million payment was made to his estate following his death in December 2017. The Company also assumed Mantle Ridge’s tax indemnification obligations to Mr. Harrison, which was intended to allow Mr. Harrison to remain in the same after-tax position as if he had not: (i) forfeited such compensation and benefits earned from CP; and (ii) received $55 million from Mantle Ridge.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 67


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

The ownership position of Mantle Ridge, a CSX shareholder, is detailed in the Company's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 20, 2017 and subsequent Form 4 filings with the SEC. The Vice-Chairman of CSX's Board of Directors, Paul C. Hilal, founded and controls Mantle Ridge and each of its related entities. At the Company's 2017 annual meeting of shareholders held on June 5, 2017, the Company's shareholders approved, on an advisory basis, with approximately 93 percent of the vote, the Company undertaking such reimbursement arrangements.

Restructuring Charge
The total restructuring charge includes costs related to the management workforce reduction, executive retirements, reimbursement arrangements, the proration of equity awards and other advisory costs related to the leadership transition. Future charges related to this restructuring are not expected to be material. Expenses related to the management workforce reduction and other costs are shown in the following table.
 
2017
(Dollars in millions)
First
Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
Year-to-Date
Severance
$
81

$
10

$

$
7

$
98

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefit Charges
63

7


3

73

Share-Based Compensation Remeasurement
5

3


7

15

Relocation
6

2



8

     Subtotal Management Workforce Reduction
$
155

$
22

$

$
17

$
194

Reimbursement Arrangements

84



84

Non-Cash Executive Equity Awards Proration
8

16



24

Non-Cash Pension Settlement Charge



12

12

Other Charges Including Fees Related to Shareholder Matters
10


1


11

     Total Restructuring Charge
$
173

$
122

$
1

$
29

$
325



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 68


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Charges and payments related to the management workforce reduction and other costs are shown in the following table.
(Dollars in millions)
2017 Charges
2017
Payments
Non-cash
Items
Liability
12/31/2017
Severance
$
98

$
(86
)
$

$
12

Pension, Other Post-Retirement Benefit Charges (a)
73


(73
)

Share-Based Compensation Remeasurement
15


(15
)

Relocation
8

(6
)

2

Subtotal Management Workforce Reduction
$
194

$
(92
)
$
(88
)
$
14

Reimbursement Arrangements
84

(84
)


Non-Cash Executive Equity Awards Proration
24


(24
)

Non-Cash Pension Settlement Charge
12


(12
)

Other Charges Including Fees Related to Shareholder Matters
11

(11
)


Total Restructuring Charge
$
325

$
(187
)
$
(124
)
$
14

(a) The majority of non-cash items are related to certain benefits paid through CSX's qualified pension plans.

Separation Benefits
Union agreements and facility closures in 2015, and management streamlining under workforce reduction plans announced in 2014 resulted in payment of separation benefits to employees of $51 million in 2015. These amounts are recognized in labor and fringe and materials, supplies and other on the consolidated statements of income. Separation benefits incurred in 2016 related to workforce reduction plans were not material.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 69


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 2.  Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic earnings per share and earnings per share, assuming dilution:
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Numerator (Dollars in Millions):
 
 
 
Net Earnings
$
5,471

 
$
1,714

 
$
1,968

Dividend Equivalents on Restricted Stock
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Net Earnings, Attributable to Common Shareholders
$
5,470

 
$
1,713

 
$
1,967

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator (Units in Millions):
 
 
 
 
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding
911

 
947

 
983

Other Potentially Dilutive Common Shares
3

 
1

 
1

Average Common Shares Outstanding, Assuming Dilution
914

 
948

 
984

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Earnings Per Share, Basic
$
6.01

 
$
1.81

 
$
2.00

Net Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
$
5.99

 
$
1.81

 
$
2.00


Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Earnings per share, assuming dilution, is based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock equivalents outstanding adjusted for the effects of common stock that may be issued as a result of potentially dilutive instruments. CSX's potentially dilutive instruments are made up of equity awards, which include long-term incentive awards and employee stock options.

The Earnings Per Share Topic in the ASC requires CSX to include additional shares in the computation of earnings per share, assuming dilution. The additional shares included in diluted earnings per share represent the number of shares that would be issued if all of the above potentially dilutive instruments were converted into CSX common stock.

When calculating diluted earnings per share, CSX is required to include the potential shares that would be outstanding if all outstanding stock options were exercised. This number is different from outstanding stock options, which is included in Note 4, Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, because it is offset by shares CSX could repurchase using the proceeds from these hypothetical exercises to obtain the common stock equivalent. Approximately 7.6 million, 2.8 million and 2.5 million of total average outstanding stock options for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their effect was antidilutive.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 70


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 2.  Earnings Per Share, continued

Share Repurchases
Share repurchases under the $2 billion program announced in April 2015 were completed in April 2017. The Company subsequently announced a $1 billion share repurchase program in April 2017, with additional authority of $500 million added in July 2017. Repurchases under that program were completed on October 2, 2017, and the Company announced a new $1.5 billion share repurchase program on October 25, 2017.

During 2017, 2016, and 2015, CSX repurchased the following shares:
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Shares Repurchased (Units in Millions)
39

 
38

 
26

Cost of Shares (Dollars in Millions)
$
1,970

 
$
1,056

 
$
804


Management's assessment of market conditions and other factors guide the timing and volume of repurchases. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances. Shares are retired immediately upon repurchase. In accordance with the Equity Topic in the ASC, the Company elected to allocate the excess of repurchase price over par value and record in retained earnings. Generally, retained earnings is only impacted by net earnings and dividends.

NOTE 3. Shareholders’ Equity

Common and preferred stock consists of the following:


Common Stock, $1 Par Value
December 2017
 
(Units in Millions)
Common Shares Authorized
1,800

Common Shares Issued and Outstanding
890

 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Preferred Shares Authorized
25

Preferred Shares Issued and Outstanding


Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote on all matters requiring a vote for each share held. Preferred stock is senior to common stock with respect to dividends and upon liquidation of CSX.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 71


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation

Under CSX's share-based compensation plans, awards consist of performance units, restricted stock units, restricted stock awards and stock options for management and stock grants for directors.  Awards granted under the various programs are determined and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or, in certain circumstances, by the Chief Executive Officer for awards to management employees other than senior executives. The Board of Directors approves awards granted to the Company’s non-management directors upon recommendation of the Governance Committee.
 
Share-based compensation expense is measured using the fair value of the award on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the respective award. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Total pre-tax expense associated with share-based compensation and its related income tax benefit is shown in the table below. The year over year increase in expense related to performance units and stock options is primarily due to modifications to the terms of awards (see Equity Award Modifications below) and higher expected award payouts.
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Share-Based Compensation Expense
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Units
$
49

 
$
17

 
$
(1
)
Restricted Stock Units and Awards
15

 
11

 
11

Stock Options
22

 
7

 

Stock Awards for Directors
3

 
2

 
2

Total Share-based Compensation Expense
$
89

 
$
37

 
$
12

Income Tax Benefit
$
34

 
$
14

 
$
4


Long-term Incentive Plans
The CSX Long-term Incentive Plans (“LTIP”) were adopted under the 2010 CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan. The objective of these plans is to motivate and reward certain employees for achieving and exceeding certain financial goals. Grants were made in performance units, with each unit being equivalent to one share of CSX common stock, and payouts will be made in CSX common stock. The payout range for participants will be between 0% and 200% of the target awards depending on Company performance against predetermined goals for each three-year cycle. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, target performance units were granted to certain employees under three separate LTIP plans covering three-year cycles: the 2015-2017 (“2015-2017 LTIP”), 2016-2018 (“2016-2018 LTIP”) and 2017-2019 (“2017-2019 LTIP”) plans (collectively, the “plans”).

The key financial targets for the plans will be based on the achievement of goals related to both operating ratio and return on assets (tax-adjusted operating income divided by net property) excluding certain items as disclosed in the Company's financial statements. The three-year cumulative operating ratio and average return on assets over the performance period will each comprise 50% of the payout and are measured independently of the other. The plans state that payouts for certain executive officers are subject to downward adjustment by up to 30% based upon total shareholder return relative to specified comparable groups. 





CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 72


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued

Performance unit grant and vesting information is summarized as follows:
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-average grant date fair value
$
49.50

 
$
24.17

 
$
35.45

Fair value of units vested in fiscal year ending (in millions)
$
26

 
$
31

 
$
34


The performance unit activity related to the outstanding long-term incentive plans and corresponding fair value is summarized as follows:
 
Performance Units Outstanding
(in Thousands)
 
Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested at December 30, 2016
1,581

 
$
30.00

Granted
644

 
49.50

Forfeited
(530
)
 
38.47

Vested
(719
)
 
35.94

Unvested at December 31, 2017
976

 
$
33.90


As of December 2017, there was $24 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.  
Restricted Stock Grants
Restricted stock grants consist of units and awards, each equivalent to one share of CSX stock. Restricted stock units are issued along with corresponding LTIP plans and vest three years after the date of grant. Separately, restricted stock awards generally vest over an employment period of up to five years. Participants receive cash dividend equivalents on the unvested shares during the restriction period. These awards are time-based and not based upon CSX’s attainment of operational targets.

Restricted stock grant and vesting information is summarized as follows:

 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-average grant date fair value
$
48.35

 
$
24.21

 
$
35.94

Fair value of units and awards vested during fiscal year ended (in millions)
$
8

 
$
14

 
$
9



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 73


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued
    
The restricted stock activity related to the outstanding long-term incentive plans and corresponding fair value is summarized as follows:
 
Restricted Stock Units and Awards Outstanding
(in Thousands)
 
Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Unvested at December 30, 2016
1,076

 
$
28.19

Granted
328

 
48.35

Forfeited
(297
)
 
36.48

Vested
(300
)
 
28.09

Unvested at December 31, 2017
807

 
$
33.37


As of December 2017, unrecognized compensation expense for these restricted stock units and awards was approximately $7 million, which will be expensed over a weighted-average remaining period of one year.

Stock Options
Stock options were granted in 2016 and 2017 along with the corresponding LTIP plans, and to certain members of management in 2015. Under this program, an employee receives an award that provides the opportunity in the future to purchase CSX shares at the closing market price of the stock on the date the award is granted (the strike price). The options become exercisable after a three-year vesting period and expire 10 years from the grant date if they are not exercised.

The fair value of stock options granted was estimated as of the dates of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option model which uses the following assumptions: dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, annualized volatility and expected life. The annual dividend yield is based on the most recent quarterly CSX dividend payment annualized. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The annualized volatility is based on historical volatility of daily CSX stock price returns over a 6.5 year look-back period ending on the grant date. The expected life is calculated using the safe harbor approach due to lack of historical data on CSX options, which is the midpoint between the vesting schedule (three year cliff) and contractual term (10 years).

On March 6, 2017, the Company granted 9 million stock options to former CEO E. Hunter Harrison at a fair value of $12.88 per option. These options were granted with a ten-year term and an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Half of the options, or 4.5 million, were to vest on Mr. Harrison's service anniversary in equal annual installments over four years. The other half were to vest based on achievement of performance targets related to both operating ratio and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization adjusted for certain items. Upon his death on December 16, 2017, all of Mr. Harrison's 9 million options were forfeited.




CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 74


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued

Assumptions and inputs used to estimate fair value of stock options are summarized as follows:
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted-average grant date fair value
$
12.84

 
$
4.68

 
$
5.31

 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options valuation assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
Annual dividend yield
1.5
%
 
3
%
 
3
%
Risk-free interest rate
2.2
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
Annualized volatility
27.1
%
 
27
%
 
28
%
Expected life (in years)
6.3

 
6.5

 
6.5

Other pricing model inputs:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average grant-date market price of CSX stock (strike price)
$
49.63

 
$
24.13

 
$
24.99


The stock option activity is summarized as follows:
 
Stock Options Outstanding
(in Thousands)
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 30, 2016
4,582

 
$
24.57

Granted
10,462

 
49.63

Forfeited
(10,860
)
 
46.81

Exercised
22

 
25.18

Outstanding at December 31, 2017
4,163

 
$
29.52

Exercisable at December 31, 2017

 


Unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options as of December 2017 was $10 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year.

Equity Award Modifications
The terms of performance units, restricted stock units and stock options granted as part of the Company’s long-term share-based compensation plans typically require participants to be employed through the final day of the respective performance or vesting periods as applicable, except in the case of death, disability or retirement. As part of an enhanced severance benefit under the management streamlining and realignment initiative discussed in Note 1, unvested performance units, restricted stock units and stock options for separated employees not eligible for retirement were permitted to vest on a pro-rata basis.

Additionally, the terms of unvested equity awards for the former Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Ward, and President, Clarence W. Gooden, were modified prior to their retirements on March 6, 2017 to permit prorated vesting through May 31, 2018. The terms were modified in exchange for each agreeing to serve in an advisory capacity upon request until May 31, 2017, and waiving various rights and claims, including the cancellation of their respective change of control agreements with the Company.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 75


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued

The award modifications noted above impacted approximately 75 employees and resulted in an increase to share-based compensation expense for revaluation of the affected awards of $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Stock Awards for Directors

CSX’s non-management directors receive a base annual retainer of $100,000 to be paid quarterly in cash, unless the director chooses to defer the retainer in the form of cash or CSX common stock. Additionally, non-management directors receive an annual grant of common stock in the amount of approximately $150,000, with the number of shares to be granted based on the average closing price of CSX stock in the months of November, December and January. In March 2017, the non-management Chairman received approximately $250,000 in the form of CSX stock valued on the third day after E. Hunter Harrison was named Chief Executive Officer and new Board members were announced.

NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

Activity related to casualty, environmental and other reserves is as follows:
 
Casualty
 
Environmental
 
Other
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Reserves
 
Reserves
 
Reserves
 
Total
December 26, 2014
$
265

 
$
94

 
$
59

 
$
418

Charged to Expense
60

 
45

 
37

 
142

Payments
(56
)
 
(57
)
 
(47
)
 
(160
)
December 25, 2015
269

 
82

 
49

 
400

Charged to Expense
52

 
46

 
30

 
128

Change in Estimate(a)
(28
)
 

 

 
(28
)
Payments
(64
)
 
(33
)
 
(29
)
 
(126
)
December 30, 2016
229

 
95

 
50

 
374

Charged to Expense
43

 
26

 
45

 
114

Payments
(44
)
 
(31
)
 
(39
)
 
(114
)
December 31, 2017
$
228

 
$
90

 
$
56

 
$
374

(a) 
Changes in estimates are the result of continued safety improvements and a continuing decline in the severity of injuries.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 76


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued

Personal injury and environmental reserves are considered critical accounting estimates due to the need for significant management judgment. Casualty, environmental and other reserves are provided for in the consolidated balance sheets as shown in the table below.
 
December 2017
 
December 2016
(Dollars in Millions)
Current
 
Long-term
 
Total
 
Current
 
Long-term
 
Total
Casualty:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Personal Injury
$
43

 
$
125

 
$
168

 
$
46

 
$
124

 
$
170

Occupational
6

 
54

 
60

 
7

 
52

 
59

Total Casualty
$
49

 
$
179

 
$
228

 
$
53

 
$
176

 
$
229

Environmental
31

 
59

 
90

 
42

 
53

 
95

Other
28

 
28

 
56

 
20

 
30

 
50

Total
$
108

 
$
266

 
$
374

 
$
115

 
$
259

 
$
374

    
These liabilities are accrued when reasonably estimable and probable in accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC. Actual settlements and claims received could differ and final outcomes of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty. Considering the legal defenses currently available, the liabilities that have been recorded and other factors, it is the opinion of management that none of these items individually, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Should a number of these items occur in the same period, however, their combined effect could be material in that particular period.

Casualty
Casualty reserves of $228 million and $229 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively, represent accruals for personal injury, occupational disease and occupational injury claims. The Company's self-insured retention amount for these claims is $50 million per occurrence.  Currently, no individual claim is expected to exceed the 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 estimate. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation. Most of the Company's casualty 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.
 

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 77


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, 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"). CSXT retains an independent actuary to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims.  An analysis is performed by the actuary quarterly 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.

During 2017 and 2015, there were no significant changes in estimate recorded to adjust casualty reserves. As a direct result of improvements in safety in recent years, the Company has experienced a downward trend in the severity of injuries, which has resulted in a decrease in the estimate of costs per incident. During 2016, the Company reduced casualty reserves, primarily personal injury reserves, by $28 million, resulting in an after-tax effect on earnings from continuing operations and net earnings of $18 million and an after-tax effect on earnings per share of $0.02. The personal injury reserve reductions were included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements.

Occupational
Occupational reserves represent liabilities for occupational disease and injury claims. Occupational disease claims arise primarily from allegations of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Occupational injury claims arise from allegations of exposure to certain other materials in the workplace, such as solvents, soaps, chemicals (collectively referred to as “irritants”) and diesel fuels (like exhaust fumes) or allegations of chronic physical injuries resulting from work conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries.

Environmental
Environmental reserves were $90 million and $95 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively. 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 214 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 ("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.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 78


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
    
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.

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 reasonably estimable and probable. The recorded liabilities for estimated future environmental costs are undiscounted. The liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites as well as any significant ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated insurance recoveries. 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 statements.

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 reasonably estimated.  Based upon information currently available, however, the Company believes its environmental reserves accurately reflect the estimated cost of remedial actions currently required.

Other
Other reserves of $56 million and $50 million for 2017 and 2016, respectively, include liabilities for various claims, such as property, automobile and general liability. Also included in other reserves are longshoremen disability claims related to a previously owned international shipping business (these claims are in runoff) as well as claims for current port employees.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 79


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6.  Properties

A detail of the Company’s net properties are as follows:
(Dollars in Millions)
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
Net Book
 
Annual Depreciation
 
Estimated Useful Life
 
Depreciation
December 2017
 
Cost
 
Depreciation
 
Value
 
Rate
 
( Avg. Years)
 
Method (a)
Road
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rail and Other Track Material
 
$
7,694

 
$
(1,606
)
 
$
6,088

 
2.5%
 
40
 
Group Life
 
 
Ties
 
5,665

 
(1,446
)
 
4,219

 
3.7%
 
27
 
Group Life
 
 
Grading
 
2,662

 
(542
)
 
2,120

 
1.4%
 
90
 
Group Life
 
 
Ballast
 
2,994

 
(921
)
 
2,073

 
2.7%
 
37
 
Group Life
 
 
Bridges, Trestles, and Culverts
 
2,405

 
(356
)
 
2,049

 
1.6%
 
70
 
Group Life
 
 
Signals and Interlockers
 
2,759

 
(588
)
 
2,171

 
4.0%
 
25
 
Group Life/ Straight Line
 
 
Buildings
 
1,278

 
(464
)
 
814

 
2.5%
 
40
 
Group Life
 
 
Other
 
4,634

 
(1,867
)
 
2,767

 
4.2%
 
24
 
Group Life
Total Road
 
30,091

 
(7,790
)
 
22,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Locomotive
 
6,083

 
(2,490
)
 
3,593

 
3.5%
 
29
 
Group Life
 
 
Freight Cars
 
3,262

 
(998
)
 
2,264

 
2.9%
 
35
 
Group Life
 
 
Work Equipment and Other
 
2,261

 
(1,282
)
 
979

 
7.4%
 
14
 
Group Life/ Straight Line
Total Equipment
 
11,606

 
(4,770
)
 
6,836

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land
 
 
 
1,849

 

 
1,849

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Construction In Progress
 
778

 

 
778

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Total Properties
 
$
44,324

 
$
(12,560
)
 
$
31,764

 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) For depreciation method, certain asset categories contain intermodal terminals or technology-related assets, which are depreciated using the straight-line method.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 80


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

(Dollars in Millions)
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
Net Book
 
Annual Depreciation
 
Estimated Useful Life
 
Depreciation
December 2016
 
Cost
 
Depreciation
 
Value
 
Rate
 
(Avg. Years)
 
Method (a)
Road
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rail and Other Track Material
 
$
7,326

 
$
(1,493
)
 
$
5,833

 
2.5%
 
40
 
Group Life
 
 
Ties
 
5,368

 
(1,292
)
 
4,076

 
3.7%
 
27
 
Group Life
 
 
Grading
 
2,600

 
(514
)
 
2,086

 
1.4%
 
90
 
Group Life
 
 
Ballast
 
2,897

 
(860
)
 
2,037

 
2.7%
 
37
 
Group Life
 
 
Bridges, Trestles, and Culverts
 
2,306

 
(317
)
 
1,989

 
1.6%
 
70
 
Group Life
 
 
Signals and Interlockers
 
2,523

 
(496
)
 
2,027

 
4.0%
 
25
 
Group Life/ Straight Line
 
 
Buildings
 
1,238

 
(447
)
 
791

 
2.5%
 
40
 
Group Life
 
 
Other
 
4,566

 
(1,905
)
 
2,661

 
4.2%
 
24
 
Group Life
Total Road
 
28,824

 
(7,324
)
 
21,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Locomotive
 
6,110

 
(2,504
)
 
3,606

 
3.5%
 
29
 
Group Life
 
 
Freight Cars
 
3,386

 
(1,046
)
 
2,340

 
2.9%
 
35
 
Group Life
 
 
Work Equipment and Other
 
2,108

 
(1,190
)
 
918

 
7.4%
 
14
 
Group Life/ Straight Line
Total Equipment
 
11,604

 
(4,740
)
 
6,864

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land
 
 
 
1,833

 

 
1,833

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Construction In Progress
 
913

 

 
913

 
N/A
 
N/A
 
N/A
Other
 
 
 
53

 
(13
)
 
40

 
N/A
 
32
 
Straight Line
Total Properties
 
$
43,227

 
$
(12,077
)
 
$
31,150

 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) For depreciation method, certain asset categories contain intermodal terminals or technology-related assets, which are depreciated using the straight-line method.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 81


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

Capital Expenditures
The Company’s capital investment includes purchased and self-constructed assets and property additions that substantially extend the service life or increase the utility of those assets.  Indirect costs that can be specifically traced to capital projects are also capitalized. The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and expanding its network capacity for long-term growth. Rail operations are capital intensive and CSX accounts for these costs in accordance with GAAP and the Company’s capitalization policy. All properties are stated at historical cost less an allowance for accumulated depreciation.

The Company’s largest category of capital investment is the replacement of track assets and the acquisition or construction of new assets that enable CSX to enhance its operations or provide new capacity offerings to its customers. These construction projects are primarily completed by CSXT employees. Costs for track asset replacement and capacity projects that are capitalized include:

labor costs, because many of the assets are self-constructed;
costs to purchase or construct new track or to prepare ground for the laying of track;
welding (rail, field and plant) which are processes used to connect segments of rail;
new ballast, which is gravel and crushed stone that holds track in line;
fuels and lubricants associated with tie, rail and surfacing work which is the process of raising track to a designated elevation over an extended distance;
cross, switch and bridge ties which are the braces that support the rails on a track;
gauging which is the process of standardizing the distance between rails;
handling costs associated with installing rail, ties or ballast;
usage charge of machinery and equipment utilized in construction or installation; and
other track materials.

The primary cost in self-constructed track replacement work is labor. CSXT engineering employees directly charge their labor to the track replacement project (the capitalized depreciable property). These employees concurrently perform deconstruction and installation of track material. Because of this concurrent process, CSX must estimate the amount of labor that is related to deconstruction versus installation. Through analysis of CSXT’s track replacement process, CSX determined that approximately 20% of labor costs associated with track material installation is related to the deconstruction of old track and 80% is associated with the installation of new track.

Capital investment related to locomotives and freight cars comprises the second largest category of the Company’s capital assets. This category includes purchase costs of locomotives and freight cars as well as certain equipment leases that are considered to be capital leases in accordance with the Leases Topic in the ASC. In addition, costs to modify or rebuild these assets are capitalized if the investment incurred extends the asset’s service life or improves utilization. Improvement projects must meet specified dollar thresholds to be capitalized and are reviewed by management to determine proper accounting treatment. Routine repairs and maintenance costs, for all asset categories, are expensed as incurred.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 82


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

Depreciation Method
The depreciable assets of the Company are depreciated using either the group-life or straight-line method of accounting, which are both acceptable depreciation methods in accordance with GAAP. The Company depreciates its railroad assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method.  Assets depreciated under the group-life method comprise 86% of total fixed assets of $44 billion on a gross basis as of December 2017. The remaining depreciable assets of the Company, including non-railroad assets and assets under capital leases, are depreciated using the straight-line method on a per asset basis. Land is not depreciated.

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 group’s recoverable life. The Company currently utilizes different depreciable asset categories to account for depreciation expense for the railroad assets that are depreciated under the group-life method. By utilizing various depreciable categories, the Company can more accurately account for the use of its assets.  All assets of the Company are depreciated on a time or life basis.

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.

Estimated Useful Life
Management performs a review of depreciation expense and useful lives on a regular basis. Under the group-life method, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic depreciation studies and applying management’s assumptions regarding the service lives of its properties. A depreciation study is the periodic review of asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other related factors for group assets conducted by a third-party specialist, analyzed by the Company’s management and approved by the STB, the regulatory board that has broad jurisdiction over railroad practices. The STB requires depreciation studies be performed every three years for equipment assets (e.g. locomotives and freight cars) and every six years for road and track assets (e.g. bridges, signals, rail, ties, and ballast). The Company believes the frequency currently required by the STB provides adequate review of asset service 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. In 2016, the Company completed a depreciation study for its equipment assets. The Company plans to complete the next depreciation study for equipment assets in 2019 and road and track assets in 2020.
    
Group-Life Assets Sales and Retirements
Since the rail network is one contiguous, connected network it is impractical to maintain specific identification records for these assets. For track assets (e.g. rail, ties, and ballast), CSX utilizes a first-in, first-out approach to asset retirements. Equipment assets (e.g. locomotives and freight cars) are specifically identified at retirement. When an equipment asset is retired that has been depreciated using the group-life method, the cost is reduced from the cost base and recorded in accumulated depreciation.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 83


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

For sales or retirements of assets depreciated under the group-life method 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 immediately recognized.  This practice is consistent with accounting treatment normally prescribed under the group-life method. As part of the depreciation 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 service life of the asset group until the next required depreciation study. Since the overall assumption with the group-life method is that the assets within the group on average have the same service life and characteristics, it is therefore concluded that the deferred gains and losses offset over time.

For sales or retirements of assets depreciated under the group-life method that do not occur in the ordinary course of business, a gain or loss may be recognized if the sale or retirement meets each of the following three criteria: (i) it is unusual, (ii) it is material in amount, and (iii) it varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies. No material gains or losses were recognized on the sale of assets depreciated using the group-life method in 2017, 2016, or 2015.

Land and Straight-line Assets Sales and Retirements
A gain or loss is recognized in operating income when we sell or retire land, land-related easements or assets depreciated under the straight-line method. In 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized gains on the sale of operating properties of $14 million and $110 million, respectively, which are recognized in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated statements of income. During 2015, the Company recognized a gain of $59 million related to the sale of non-operating easements, which is recognized in other income on the consolidated statements of income. (For additional information regarding cost reimbursements related to this sale, see Note 10, Other Income.)

Impairment Review
Properties and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or business conditions indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Initial assessments of recoverability are based on estimates of undiscounted future net cash flows associated with an asset or a group of assets in accordance with the Property, Plant, and Equipment Topic in the ASC. Where impairment is indicated, the assets are evaluated and their carrying amount is reduced to fair value based on discounted net cash flows or other estimates of fair value. In 2017, impairment expense of $25 million was recorded in materials, supplies and other expense primarily due to the discontinuation of certain in-progress projects. There were no material impairments recorded during 2016 or 2015.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 84


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments
The Company has various lease agreements with other parties with terms up to 30 years. Non-cancelable, long-term leases may include provisions for maintenance, options to purchase and options to extend the terms. Rent expense on operating leases is included in equipment and other rents on the consolidated income statements. The Company uses the straight-line method to recognize rent expense on operating leases that include escalations over their terms. These amounts are shown in the table below.
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Rent Expense on Operating Leases (a)
$
78

 
$
77

 
$
86


(a) Prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

At December 2017, minimum rentals on land, buildings, track and equipment under operating leases are disclosed in the table below. Also, payments to Conrail for leases on shared rail infrastructure are included in these amounts. (See Note 12, Related Party Transactions).
 (Dollars in Millions)
Operating
 
Sublease
 
Net Lease
Years
Leases
 
Income
 
Commitments
2018
$
68

 
$
(3
)
 
$
65

2019
64

 
(3
)
 
61

2020
50

 
(3
)
 
47

2021
45

 
(3
)
 
42

2022
41

 
(3
)
 
38

Thereafter
128

 
(6
)
 
122

Total
$
396

 
$
(21
)
 
$
375


Purchase Commitments
CSXT has a commitment under a long-term maintenance program agreement that covers a portion of CSXT’s fleet of locomotives. The program costs are based on the maintenance cycle for each covered locomotive, which is determined by the asset's age and type. Expected future costs may change as required maintenance schedules are revised and locomotives are placed into or removed from service. Under CSXT’s current obligations, the agreement will expire no earlier than 2031.

At the end of 2016, the future commitment totaled $4.9 billion and after modifications to the agreement and ordinary activity throughout the year, the total commitment at December 31, 2017 was significantly reduced to $3.7 billion. In August 2017, the Company exercised certain rights under the agreement, which resulted in a reduction of locomotive fleet covered and reduced the future commitment at the end of the third quarter 2017. However, another modification was made on December 22, 2017 that superseded the previous modification, increasing the total commitment to $3.7 billion at the end of the year. About 50 percent of the locomotive fleet is covered under this agreement.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 85


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued

The following table summarizes the number of locomotives covered and CSXT’s payments under the long-term maintenance program.
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017

 
2016

 
2015

Amounts Paid
$
197

 
$
230

 
$
233

Number of Locomotives
2,062

 
2,243

 
2,310

    
As of December 2017, the Company has no outstanding locomotive purchase obligations. Annual payments related to the long-term locomotive maintenance program are estimated in the table below.

Additionally, the Company has various other commitments to purchase technology, communications, railcar maintenance and other services from various suppliers. Total annual payments under all of these purchase commitments are also estimated in the table below.
(Dollars in Millions)
Locomotive Maintenance Payments
 
Other
Commitments
 
Total
2018
$
171

 
$
119

 
$
290

2019
162

 
67

 
229

2020
218

 
35

 
253

2021
223

 
35

 
258

2022
225

 
33

 
258

Thereafter
2,716

 
213

 
2,929

Total
$
3,715

 
$
502

 
$
4,217


Insurance
The Company maintains numerous insurance programs with substantial limits for property damage (which includes business interruption) and third-party liability.  A certain amount of risk is retained by the Company on each of the property and liability programs. The Company has a $25 million retention per occurrence for the non-catastrophic property program (such as a derailment) and a $50 million retention per occurrence for the liability and catastrophic property programs (such as hurricanes and floods). While the Company believes its insurance coverage is adequate, future claims could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 86


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued
Legal
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 fuel surcharge practices, tax matters, environmental and hazardous material exposure matters, FELA and labor claims by current or former employees, other personal injury or property 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 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.
The Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss for certain legal proceedings for which a loss is reasonably possible in excess of reserves established. The Company has estimated this range to be $2 million to $117 million in aggregate at December 31, 2017. This estimated aggregate range is based upon currently available information and is subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions. Accordingly, the Company's estimate will change from time to time, and actual losses may vary significantly from the current estimate.
Fuel Surcharge Antitrust Litigation
In May 2007, class action lawsuits were filed against CSXT and three other U.S.-based Class I railroads alleging that the defendants' fuel surcharge practices relating to contract and unregulated traffic resulted from an illegal conspiracy in violation of antitrust laws. In November 2007, the class action lawsuits were consolidated in federal court in the District of Columbia, where they are now pending. The suit seeks treble damages allegedly sustained by purported class members as well as attorneys' fees and other relief. Plaintiffs are expected to allege damages at least equal to the fuel surcharges at issue.

In June 2012, the District Court certified the case as a class action. The decision was not a ruling on the merits of plaintiffs' claims, but rather a decision to allow the plaintiffs to seek to prove the case as a class. The defendant railroads petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for permission to appeal the District Court's class certification decision. In August 2013, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision vacating the class certification decision and remanded the case to the District Court to reconsider its class certification decision. On October 10, 2017, the District Court issued an order denying class certification. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is reviewing the District Court’s decision. The District Court has not yet issued a further schedule on proceedings on the merits.

CSXT believes that its fuel surcharge practices were arrived at and applied lawfully and that the case is without merit. Accordingly, the Company intends to defend itself vigorously. However, penalties for violating antitrust laws can be severe, and resolution of this matter or an unexpected adverse decision on the merits could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 87


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued
Environmental
CSXT is indemnifying Pharmacia LLC (formerly known as Monsanto Company) for certain liabilities associated with real estate located in Kearny, New Jersey along the Lower Passaic River (the “Property”). The Property, which was formerly owned by Pharmacia, is now owned by CSXT. CSXT's indemnification and defense duties arise with respect to several matters. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), using its CERCLA authority, seeks cleanup and removal costs and other damages associated with the presence of hazardous substances in the 17-mile Lower Passaic River Study Area (the "Study Area”). CSXT, on behalf of Pharmacia, and a significant number of other potentially responsible parties are together conducting a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study of the Study Area pursuant to an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent with the EPA.

In March 2016, EPA issued its Record of Decision detailing the agency’s mandated remedial process for the lower 8 miles of the Study Area, which was based on a Focused Feasibility Study. EPA has estimated that it will take the potentially responsible parties approximately ten years to complete the work. EPA is currently in discussions with various potentially responsible parties to seek their agreement to pay for or perform the work. At a later date, EPA will select a remedy for the remainder of the Study Area and is expected to again seek the participation of private parties to implement the selected remedy using EPA’s CERCLA authority to compel such participation, if necessary.

CSXT is also defending and indemnifying Pharmacia in a cooperative natural resource damages assessment process related to the Property. Based on currently available information, the Company does not believe any indemnification or remediation costs potentially allocable to CSXT with respect to the Property and the Study Area would be material to the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel. For employees hired prior to 2003, 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.

In addition to these plans, the Company sponsors a post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide certain benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees hired prior to 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met. Eligible retirees who are age 65 years or older (Medicare-eligible) are covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Eligible retirees younger than 65 years (non-Medicare eligible) are covered by a self-insured program partially funded by participating retirees. The life insurance plan is non-contributory.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 88


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company determines are appropriate based on historical trends, current market rates and future projections. These amounts are reviewed by management. In order to perform this valuation, the actuaries are provided with the details of the population covered at the beginning of the year, summarized in the table below, and projects that population forward to the end of the year.
 
Summary of Participants as of
 
January 1, 2017
 
Pension Plans
 
Post-retirement Medical Plan
Active Employees
3,744

 
458

Retirees and Beneficiaries
12,723

 
9,940

Other(a)
3,591

 
36

Total
20,058

 
10,434

(a) For pension plans, the other category consists mostly of terminated but vested former employees.  For post-retirement plans, the other category consists of employees on long-term disability that have not yet retired.
 
The benefit obligation for these plans represents the liability of the Company for current and retired employees and is affected primarily by the following:

service cost (benefits attributed to employee service during the period);
interest cost (interest on the liability due to the passage of time);
actuarial gains/losses (experience during the year different from that assumed and changes in plan assumptions); and
benefits paid to participants.

Cash Flows
Plan assets are amounts that have been segregated and restricted to provide qualified pension plan benefits and include amounts contributed by the Company and amounts earned from invested contributions, net of benefits paid. Qualified pension plan obligations are funded in accordance with regulatory requirements and with an objective of meeting or exceeding minimum funding requirements necessary to avoid restrictions on flexibility of plan operation and benefit payments. The Company funds the cost of the post-retirement medical and life insurance benefits as well as nonqualified pension benefits on a pay-as-you go basis. No qualified pension plan contributions were made during 2015 and 2017. Although no contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans were required, CSX made voluntary contributions totaling $250 million during 2016. No contributions to the Company's qualified pension plans are expected in 2018.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 89


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Future expected benefit payments are as follows:
 
Expected Cash Flows
(Dollars in Millions)
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
2018
$
198

 
$
38

2019
193

 
28

2020
189

 
26

2021
186

 
24

2022
183

 
22

2023-2026
888

 
76

Total
$
1,837

 
$
214


Plan Assets
The CSX Investment Committee (the “Investment Committee”), whose members are selected by the Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for oversight and investment of plan assets. The Investment Committee utilizes an investment asset allocation strategy that is monitored on an ongoing basis and updated periodically in consideration of plan or employee changes, or changing market conditions. Periodic studies provide an extensive modeling of asset investment return in conjunction with projected plan liabilities and seek to evaluate how to maximize return within the constraints of acceptable risk. The current asset allocation targets 70% equity investments and 30% fixed income investments and cash. Within equity, a further target is currently established for 42% of total plan assets in domestic equity and 28% in international equity.  Allocations are evaluated for levels within 3% of targeted allocations and are adjusted quarterly as necessary. The distribution of pension plan assets as of the measurement date is shown in the table below, and these assets are reported net of pension liabilities on the balance sheet.
 
December 2017
 
December 2016
 
 
 
Percent of
 
 
 
Percent of
(Dollars in Millions)
Amount
 
Total Assets
 
Amount
 
Total Assets
Equity
$
2,060

 
73
%
 
$
1,806

 
71
%
Fixed Income
729

 
26

 
665

 
26

Cash and Cash Equivalents
44

 
1

 
68

 
3

Total
$
2,833

 
100
%
 
$
2,539

 
100
%

Under the supervision of the Investment Committee, individual investments or fund managers are selected in accordance with standards of prudence applicable to asset diversification and investment suitability. The Company also selects fund managers with differing investment styles and benchmarks their investment returns against appropriate indices. Fund investment performance is continuously monitored. Acceptable performance is determined in the context of the long-term return objectives of the fund and appropriate asset class benchmarks.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 90


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Within the Company's equity funds, domestic stock is diversified among large and small capitalization stocks. International stock is diversified in a similar manner as well as in developed versus emerging markets stocks. Guidelines established with individual managers limit investment by industry sectors, individual stock issuer concentration and the use of derivatives and CSX securities.
 
Fixed income securities guidelines established with individual managers specify the types of allowable investments, such as government, corporate and asset-backed bonds, target certain allocation ranges for domestic and foreign investments and limit the use of certain derivatives. Additionally, guidelines stipulate minimum credit quality constraints and any prohibited securities. For detailed information regarding the fair value of pension assets, see Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.

Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status
Changes in benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the 2017 and 2016 calendar plan years are as follows:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
Plan Year
 
Plan Year
 
Plan Year
 
Plan Year
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Actuarial Present Value of Benefit Obligation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
$
2,873

 
$
2,717

 
N/A

 
N/A

Projected Benefit Obligation
3,002

 
2,871

 
$
250

 
$
274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Projected Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Plan Year
$
2,871

 
$
2,860

 
$
274

 
$
314

Service Cost
36

 
48

 
2

 
2

Interest Cost
92

 
119

 
7

 
12

Plan Participants' Contributions

 

 
7

 
6

Workforce Reduction Program/Curtailment
58

 

 
13

 

Actuarial Loss (Gain)
163

 
20

 
(17
)
 
(22
)
Benefits Paid
(218
)
 
(176
)
 
(36
)
 
(38
)
Benefit Obligation at End of Plan Year
$
3,002

 
$
2,871

 
$
250

 
$
274

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in Plan Assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Plan Year
$
2,539

 
$
2,309

 
$

 
$

Actual Return on Plan Assets
467

 
139

 

 

Qualified Employer Contributions

 
250

 

 

Non-qualified Employer Contributions
45

 
17

 
29

 
32

Plan Participants' Contributions

 

 
7

 
6

Benefits Paid
(218
)
 
(176
)
 
(36
)
 
(38
)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Plan Year
2,833

 
2,539

 

 

Funded Status at End of Plan Year
$
(169
)
 
$
(332
)
 
$
(250
)
 
$
(274
)


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 91


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

For qualified plan funding purposes, assets and discounted liabilities are measured in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA"), as well as other related provisions of the IRC and related regulations. Under these funding provisions and the alternative measurements available thereunder, the Company estimates its unfunded obligation for qualified plans on an annual basis.
 
In accordance with Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic in the ASC, an employer must recognize the funded status of a pension or other post-retirement benefit plan by recording a liability (underfunded plan) or asset (overfunded plan) for the difference between the projected benefit obligation (or the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation for a post-retirement benefit plan) and the fair value of plan assets at the plan measurement date. Amounts related to pension and post-retirement benefits recorded in other long-term assets, labor and fringe benefits payable and other long-term liabilities on the balance sheet are as follows:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
December
 
December
 
December
 
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Amounts Recorded in Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Assets (a)
$
57

 
$
9

 
$

 
$

Current Liabilities
(15
)
 
(15
)
 
(38
)
 
(39
)
Long-term Liabilities
(211
)
 
(326
)
 
(212
)
 
(235
)
Net Amount Recognized in
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets
$
(169
)
 
$
(332
)
 
$
(250
)
 
$
(274
)
(a)
Long-term assets as of December 2017 and 2016 relate to qualified pension plans where assets exceed projected benefit obligations.

At December 2017, the fair value of plan assets for all qualified pension plans exceeded the benefit obligation. At December 2017, benefit obligations of the unfunded CSX non-qualified pension plans is disclosed below.

 
Aggregate
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Fair Value
Aggregate
Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
of Plan Assets
Benefit Obligation
Projected Benefit Obligation
$

$
(226
)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation

(216
)


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 92


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Net Benefit Expense
The following table describes the components of expense/(income) related to net benefit expense recorded in labor and fringe on the income statement.
 
Pension Benefits
Fiscal Years
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Service Cost
$
36

 
$
48

 
$
45

 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
2

Interest Cost
92

 
119

 
116

 
7

 
12

 
12

Expected Return on Plan Assets
(171
)
 
(157
)
 
(162
)
 

 

 

Amortization of Net Loss
41

 
48

 
70

 

 
3

 
4

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
Net Periodic Benefit Expense
(2
)
 
58

 
69

 
9

 
17

 
17

Special Termination Benefits - Workforce Reduction Program/Curtailment
60

 

 
7

 
13

 

 

Settlement Loss (Gain)
11

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 

Total Expense
$
69

 
$
57

 
$
74

 
$
22

 
$
17

 
$
17


As a result of the management workforce reduction programs initiated in 2017, $85 million in charges were incurred related to special termination benefits, curtailment and settlement changes. In 2017, the Company recorded special termination pension benefits of $56 million and remeasured the pension and other post-retirement benefits assets and obligations and recorded a curtailment loss of $4 million and $13 million, respectively, in restructuring charge on the income statement.

Pension settlement losses (gains) were recognized as a result of lump-sum payments to retirees exceeding the sum of the plan’s service and interest cost. The Company recorded an $11 million net settlement loss in 2017, of which a $12 million loss resulted from the retirements of former executives and is reported in restructuring charge on the income statement. The other settlement gains in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were from one of the Company’s qualified pension plans with insignificant balances and were recorded in labor and fringe expense on the income statement.

The special termination benefits in 2015 resulted from the management workforce reduction programs initiated in 2014. For additional information regarding the management workforce reductions, see Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.

    


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 93


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Adjustments
The following table shows the pre-tax change in other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the components of net expense and the change in benefit obligation for CSX for pension and other post-employment benefits.
(Dollars in Millions)
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
Components of Other Comprehensive
December
 
December
 
December
 
December
Loss (Income)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Recognized in the balance sheet
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Gains) Losses
$
(131
)
 
$
38

 
$
(17
)
 
$
(22
)
Expense (Income) recognized in the income statement
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Amortization of net losses (a)
$
41

 
$
48

 
$

 
$
3

Settlement gain
11

 
(1
)
 

 

Curtailment loss
4

 

 

 

(a)
Amortization of net losses estimated to be expensed for 2018 is approximately $43 million for pension benefits.

As of December 2017, the balances of pre-tax losses to be amortized related to the Company's pension and post-retirement obligations are $705 million and $7 million, respectively. These amounts are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, a component of shareholders’ equity.

Assumptions
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. This assumption is reviewed annually and adjusted as deemed appropriate. 

Beginning in 2017, the Company measured the service cost and interest cost components of the net pension and post-retirement benefits expense by using individual spot rates matched with separate cash flows for each future year instead of a single weighted-average discount rate approach, which has been used in prior years.

The Company made this change to improve the correlation between projected pension and post-retirement benefit obligation cash flows and the corresponding spot discount rates and to provide a more precise measurement of service and interest costs. Under the spot rate approach, individual spot discount rates along the same high-quality corporate bonds yield curve used to measure the pension and post-retirement benefit obligations are applied to the relevant projected cash flows at the relevant maturity. The use of the spot rate approach does not affect the measurement of the pension and post-retirement benefits obligations. The Company accounted for this change on a prospective basis as a change in accounting estimate. For 2017, the adoption of the spot rate approach decreased the Company's net pension and post-retirement benefits expense by approximately $25 million compared to the approach applicable in prior years.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 94


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

The weighted averages of assumptions used by the Company to value its pension and post-retirement obligations were as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Cost for Current Plan Year
6.75
%
 
7.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Benefit Cost for Subsequent Plan Year
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount Rates:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit Cost for Plan Year
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Service Cost for Plan Year
4.26
%
(a) 
4.30
%
 
4.11
%
(b) 
3.85
%
Interest Cost for Plan Year
3.26
%
(a) 
4.30
%
 
2.78
%
(b) 
3.85
%
Benefit Obligation at End of Plan Year
3.56
%
 
4.08
%
 
3.34
%
 
3.71
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salary Scale Inflation
4.60
%
 
4.60
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

(a)
The pension benefits service cost and interest cost for 2017 were based on a weighted average discount rate of 4.35% and 3.37%, respectively, prior to the management workforce reduction program initiated in 2017 and were reduced to 4.26% and 3.26%, respectively, after the Company remeasured the pension benefits obligation and pension plan assets in the second quarter of 2017.
(b)
The post-retirement benefits service cost and interest cost for 2017 were based on a weighted average discount rate of 4.20% and 2.88%, respectively, prior to the management workforce reduction program initiated in 2017 and were reduced to 4.11% and 2.78%, respectively, after the Company remeasured the other post-retirement benefits obligation in the first quarter of 2017.

The impact of the health care cost trend rate is immaterial to the post-retirement benefit cost and obligation due to the plan's health reimbursement arrangement that covers Medicare-eligible retirees.

Other Plans
Under collective bargaining agreements, the Company participates in a multi-employer benefit plan, which provides certain post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible contract employees. Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $40 million, $35 million and $32 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company maintains savings plans for virtually all full-time salaried employees and certain employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. Expense associated with these plans was $39 million, $35 million and $36 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in labor and fringe expense on the consolidated income statement.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 95


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements
    
Debt at December 2017 and December 2016 is shown in the table below. For information regarding the fair value of debt, see Note 13, Fair Value Measurements.
 
Maturity at
December
Average
Interest
Rates at
December
December
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
2017
2017
2016
Notes
2020-2066
4.3%
$
11,591

$
11,055

Equipment Obligations(a)
2018-2023
6.3%
213

232

Capital Leases
2018-2026
16.2%
5

6

Subtotal Long-term Debt (including current portion)
 
 
$
11,809

$
11,293

Less Debt Due within One Year
 
 
(19
)
(331
)
Long-term Debt (excluding current portion)
 
 
$
11,790

$
10,962

(a) Equipment obligations are secured by an interest in certain railroad equipment.

Debt Issuance & Early Redemption of Long-term Debt
In May 2017, CSX issued $850 million of 3.25% notes due 2027. These notes are included in the consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt and may be redeemed by the Company at any time. The net proceeds have been or will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include repurchases of CSX's common stock, capital investment, working capital requirements, improvement in productivity and other cost reductions at CSX’s major transportation units.

During 2016, the Company issued $2.2 billion of new debt and repurchased $1.4 billion of certain notes that were expected to mature in 2017, 2018 and 2019 resulting in a net increase in debt of $800 million related to these transactions. CSX issued $700 million of 2.60% notes due 2026, $800 million of 3.80% notes due 2046, and $700 million of 4.25% notes due 2066 (collectively, the “2016 issuances”). These notes are included in the consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt and may be redeemed by the Company at any time at the applicable redemption premium.

The net proceeds of the 2016 issuances were used to fully redeem $300 million of 5.60% notes that otherwise would have matured on May 1, 2017; $600 million of 6.25% notes that otherwise would have matured on March 15, 2018; and $500 million of 7.375% notes that otherwise would have matured on February 1, 2019. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, which may include repurchases of CSX’s common stock, capital investment, pension contributions, working capital requirements, improvements in productivity and other cost reductions at CSX’s major transportation units. The transactions noted above were determined to be an extinguishment of the existing debt, resulting in recognition of $115 million of debt repurchase expense in 2016 related to $1.4 billion of note repayments.



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 96


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements, continued

Long-term Debt Maturities (Net of Discounts, Premiums and Issuance Costs)
(Dollars in Millions)
Maturities as of
Fiscal Years Ending
December 2017
2018
$
19

2019
18

2020
745

2021
371

2022
162

Thereafter
10,494

Total Long-term Debt Maturities, including current portion
$
11,809


Credit Facilities
CSX has a $1 billion unsecured, revolving credit facility backed by a diverse syndicate of banks. This facility expires in May 2020, and as of the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility. The facility allows borrowings at floating (LIBOR-based) interest rates, plus a spread, depending upon CSX's senior unsecured debt ratings. LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate which is a daily reference rate based on the interest rates at which banks offer to lend unsecured funds.

Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facility were similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers. At December 2017, CSX was in compliance with all covenant requirements under the facility.

Receivables Securitization Facility
The Company has a receivables securitization facility with a three-year term scheduled to expire in September 2019. The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity of up to $200 million, depending on eligible receivables balances. Under the terms of this facility, CSXT transfers eligible third-party receivables to CSX Trade Receivables, LLC, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary. A separate subsidiary of CSX services 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. As of December 30, 2017 and the date of this filing, the Company has no outstanding balances under this facility.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 97


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 10.  Other Income - Net

The Company derives income from items that are not considered operating activities. Income from these items is reported net of related expense. Miscellaneous income (expense) includes investment gains and losses, certain non-operating equity earnings or losses and other non-operating activities and may fluctuate due to timing. 

As substantially all real estate activities are focused on supporting railroad operations, beginning in first quarter 2017, all results of these activities are included in operating income. Previously, these activities were classified as operating or non-operating based on the nature of the activity. As the results of these activities were not material for any periods presented, prior periods have not been reclassified.

Interest Income increased from 2016 to 2017 primarily due to higher yields on investment securities. Income from real estate operations were recorded as part of operating expenses during 2017.

Other income – net consisted of the following:
 
Fiscal Years 
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Interest Income
$
13

 
$
10

 
$
6

Income from Non-operating Real Estate Activities

 
27

 
83

Miscellaneous Income (Expense)
8

 
9

 
9

Total Other Income (Expense) - Net
$
21

 
$
46

 
$
98

Gross Revenue from Real Estate
 
 
 
 
 
Operations included above
$

 
$
56

 
$
104


NOTE 11.  Income Taxes

Earnings before income taxes of $3.1 billion, $2.7 billion and $3.1 billion for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, represent earnings from domestic operations. The breakdown of income tax expense between current and deferred is as follows:
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Current:
 
 
 
Federal
$
787

 
$
540

 
$
619

State
117

 
82

 
95

Subtotal Current
904

 
622

 
714

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
(3,277
)
 
355

 
414

State
44

 
50

 
42

Subtotal Deferred
(3,233
)
 
405

 
456

Total
$
(2,329
)
 
$
1,027

 
$
1,170



CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 98


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 11.  Income Taxes, continued

Income tax expense reconciled to the tax computed at statutory rates is presented in the table below. With the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act" or "tax reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company's 2017 financial results included a $3.5 billion, or $3.81 per share, non-cash reduction in income tax expense, primarily resulting from revaluing the Company's net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the recently enacted 21% federal corporate tax rate effective January 1, 2018. These estimates are based on the Company's initial analysis of the Act and may be adjusted in future periods as required. The Act has significant complexity and implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, clarifications of state tax law and the completion of the Company’s 2017 tax return filings could all impact these estimates. The Company does not believe potential adjustments in future periods would materially impact the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The provisions of the Act related to foreign earnings will not impact CSX.

The Company's affiliates also revalued their deferred tax liabilities to reflect the lower federal corporate tax rate, which resulted in the Company recognizing a benefit of $142 million, or $0.10 per share after-tax, in equity earnings of affiliates, which is included in operating income. (See additional discussion over equity earnings of affiliates in Note 12, Related Parties and Affiliates.)

In addition to the tax benefit related to tax reform, the Company recorded a 2017 income tax benefit of $21 million primarily as a result of the additional tax benefit associated with vesting of share-based awards, state legislative changes, a change in the apportionment of state taxable income and the related impact on the valuation of deferred taxes, and the settlement of certain state tax matters. In 2016, the Company recorded an income tax expense adjustment of $10 million as a result of a change in the apportionment of state income taxes and the related impact on the valuation of deferred taxes as well as a $7 million tax benefit as a result of federal and state legislative changes. In 2015, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $4 million primarily as a result of federal and state legislative changes as well as the resolution of federal and state tax matters.
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars In Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal Income Taxes
$
1,100

 
35.0
 %
 
$
959

 
35.0
 %
 
$
1,098

 
35.0
 %
State Income Taxes
102

 
3.2
 %
 
83

 
3.0
 %
 
86

 
2.7
 %
Deferred Tax Rate Change
(3,506
)
 
(111.6
)%
 

 
 %
 

 
 %
Other
(25
)
 
(0.8
)%
 
(15
)
 
(0.5
)%
 
(14
)
 
(0.4
)%
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense/Rate
$
(2,329
)
 
(74.2
)%
 
$
1,027

 
37.5
 %
 
$
1,170

 
37.3
 %
    

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 99


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 11.  Income Taxes, continued

The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities include:
 
2017
 
2016
(Dollars in Millions)
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Pension Plans
$
41

 
$

 
$
125

 
$

Other Employee Benefit Plans
182

 

 
272

 

Accelerated Depreciation

 
6,576

 

 
9,925

Other
657

 
722

 
225

 
293

Total
$
880

 
$
7,298

 
$
622

 
$
10,218

Net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 

 
$
6,418

 
 

 
$
9,596


The primary factors in the change in year-end net deferred income tax liability balances include:
annual provision for deferred income tax expense including the impact of the recently enacted federal corporate tax rate change from 35 percent to 21 percent, and
accumulated other comprehensive income/loss.

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes its principal domestic subsidiaries. CSX and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. CSX participated in a contemporaneous IRS audit of tax years 2016 and 2017. Federal examinations of original federal income tax returns for all years through 2015 are resolved.

As of December 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company had approximately $24 million, $25 million and $23 million, respectively, of total unrecognized tax benefits as a result of uncertain tax positions. Net tax benefits of $19 million, $16 million and $15 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, could favorably impact the effective income tax rate in each year. The Company does not expect that unrecognized tax benefits as of December 2017 for various state and federal income tax matters will significantly change over the next 12 months. The final outcome of these uncertain tax positions is not yet determinable. The change to the total gross unrecognized tax benefits and prior year audit resolutions of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 2017 is reconciled in the table below.

Unrecognized Tax Benefits:
Fiscal Year
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Balance at beginning of the year
$
25

 
$
23

 
$
21

Additions based on tax positions related to current year
1

 
1

 
1

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
4

 
4

 
4

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years

 

 

Settlements with taxing authorities
(4
)
 

 
1

Lapse of statute of limitations
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(4
)
Balance at end of the year
$
24

 
$
25

 
$
23

    

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 100


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 11.  Income Taxes, continued

CSX’s continuing practice is to recognize net interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. Included in the consolidated income statements are expenses of $3 million, $2 million and $2 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for changes to reserves for interest and penalties for all prior year tax positions. The Company had $6 million, $6 million and $4 million accrued for interest and penalties at 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for all prior year tax positions.

NOTE 12.  Related Parties and Affiliates

Conrail
Through a limited liability company, CSX and Norfolk Southern Corporation (“NS”) jointly own Conrail. CSX has a 42% economic interest and 50% voting interest in the jointly-owned entity, and NS has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Pursuant to the Investments-Equity Method and Joint Venture Topic in the ASC, CSX applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in Conrail.

Conrail owns rail infrastructure and operates for the joint benefit of CSX and NS. This is known as the shared asset area. Conrail charges fees for right-of-way usage, equipment rentals and transportation, switching and terminal service charges in the shared asset area. These expenses are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements. Future minimum lease payments due to Conrail under the shared asset area agreements are shown in the table below.

(Dollars in Millions)
Conrail Shared
Years
Asset Agreement
2018
$
27

2019
27

2020
27

2021
27

2022
27

Thereafter
48

Total
$
183


Also, included in equity earnings of affiliates are CSX’s 42 percent share of Conrail’s income and its amortization of the fair value write-up arising from the acquisition of Conrail and certain other adjustments. The amortization primarily represents the additional after-tax depreciation expense related to the write-up of Conrail’s fixed assets when the original purchase price, from the 1997 acquisition of Conrail, was allocated based on fair value. This write-up of fixed assets resulted in a difference between CSX's investment in Conrail and its share of Conrail's underlying net equity, which is $347 million as of December 2017.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 101


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 12.  Related Parties and Affiliates, continued

The following table discloses amounts related to Conrail. Purchase price amortization and equity earnings are included in equity earnings of affiliates and all other amounts in the table are included in materials, supplies and other expenses on the Company’s consolidated income statements.
 
Fiscal Years 
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Rents, fees and services
$
120

 
$
114

 
$
123

Purchase price amortization and other
4

 
4

 
4

Equity earnings of Conrail
(58
)
 
(37
)
 
(33
)
Total Conrail Expense
$
66

 
$
81

 
$
94


As required by the Related Party Disclosures Topic in the ASC, the Company has identified amounts below owed to Conrail, or its subsidiaries, representing liabilities under the operating, equipment and shared area agreements with Conrail. In 2014, the Company also executed two promissory notes with a subsidiary of Conrail which were included in long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest expense from these promissory notes was $6 million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 
December
 
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
Balance Sheet Information:
 
 
 
CSX payable to Conrail
$
123

 
$
91

Promissory notes payable to Conrail subsidiary
 
 
 
2.89% CSX promissory note due October 2044
73

 
73

2.89% CSXT promissory note due October 2044
151

 
151


TTX Company
TTX Company ("TTX") is a privately-held corporation engaged in the business of providing its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive and general use railcars at time and mileage rates. CSX owns about 20 percent of TTX's common stock, and the remaining is owned by the other leading North American railroads and their affiliates. CSX's investment in TTX is $626 million and is included in affiliates and other companies in the consolidated balance sheet. Pursuant to the Investments-Equity Method topic in the ASC, CSX applies the equity method of accounting to its investment in TTX.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 102


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 12.  Related Parties and Affiliates, continued

As required by the Related Party Disclosures Topic in the ASC, the following table discloses amounts related to TTX. Car hire rents are included in equipment and other rents expense and equity earnings are included in equity earnings of affiliates in the Company’s consolidated income statements. Also included below is balance sheet information related to CSX's payable to TTX, which represents car rental liabilities.
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2017
 
2016
 
2015
Income statement information:
 
 
 
 
 
Car hire rents
$
237

 
$
233

 
$
218

Equity earnings of TTX
(157
)
 
(26
)
 
(20
)
Total TTX expense
$
80

 
$
207

 
$
198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December
 
December
 
Balance sheet information:
2017
 
2016
 
CSX payable to TTX
$
43

 
$
47

 
 
 
 
 
 

Tax Reform Effect on Equity Earnings of Affiliates
Due to the enactment of tax reform, the Company recognized a benefit of $142 million, or $0.10 per share after-tax, in its equity earnings of affiliates. This benefit was primarily the result of the Company's affiliates (primarily TTX and Conrail) revaluing their deferred tax liabilities to reflect the lower federal corporate tax rate, which favorably impacted their net earnings for 2017. (See additional discussion over tax reform in Note 11, Income Taxes.)

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 103


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 13.  Fair Value Measurements

The Financial Instruments Topic in the ASC requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in annual reports as well as in quarterly reports. For CSX, this statement applies to certain investments, pension plan assets and long-term debt. Also, the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic in the ASC clarifies the definition of fair value for financial reporting, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires additional disclosures about the use of fair value measurements.   
 
Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company's investments, pension plan assets and long-term debt. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 – observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.); and
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in determining the fair value of investments).

The valuation methods described below may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

Investments
The Company's investment assets, valued with assistance from a third-party trustee, consist of certificates of deposits, commercial paper, corporate bonds and government securities and are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet per the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic in the ASC. There are several valuation methodologies used for those assets as described below:

Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper (Level 2): Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value;

Corporate Bonds and Government Securities (Level 2): Valued using broker quotes that utilize observable market inputs; and

The Company's investment assets are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as summarized in the following table. All of the inputs used to determine the fair value of the Company's investments are Level 2 inputs. The amortized cost basis of these investments was $91 million and $500 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016, respectively.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 104


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 13.  Fair Value Measurements, continued

 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
(Dollars in Millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Certificates of Deposit and Commercial Paper
$

$

$

$

 
$

$
415

$

$
415

Corporate Bonds

61


61

 

63


63

Government Securities

34


34

 

22


22

Total investments at fair value
$

$
95

$

$
95

 
$

$
500

$

$
500


These investments have the following maturities and are represented on the consolidated balance sheet within short-term investments for investments with maturities of less than one year, and other long-term assets for investments with maturities of one year and greater:

(Dollars in Millions)
December 2017
 
December 2016
Less than 1 year
$
18

 
$
417

1 - 2 years
3

 
12

2 - 5 years
8

 
4

Greater than 5 years
66

 
67

Total investments at fair value
$
95

 
$
500


Long-term Debt
Long-term debt is reported at carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheets and is the Company's only financial instrument with fair values significantly different from their carrying amounts. The majority of the Company's long-term debt is valued with assistance from a third party that utilizes closing transactions, market quotes or market values of comparable debt. For those instruments not valued by the third party, the fair value has been estimated by applying market rates of similar instruments to the scheduled contractual debt payments and maturities. These market rates are provided by the same third party.  All of the inputs used to determine the fair value of the Company's long-term debt are Level 2 inputs.

The fair value of outstanding debt fluctuates with changes in a number of factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, interest rates, market conditions, credit ratings, values of similar financial instruments, size of the transaction, cash flow projections and comparable trades. Fair value will exceed carrying value when the current market interest rate is lower than the interest rate at which the debt was originally issued. The fair value of a company's debt is a measure of its current value under present market conditions. It does not impact the financial statements under current accounting rules.  


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 105


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 13.  Fair Value Measurements, continued

The fair value and carrying value of the Company's long-term debt is as follows:
(Dollars in Millions)
December 2017
 
December 2016
Long-term Debt (Including Current Maturities):
 
 
 
Fair Value
$
13,220

 
$
12,096

Carrying Value
11,809

 
11,293


Pension Plan Assets
Pension plan assets are reported at fair value, net of pension liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheet. The Investment Committee targets an allocation of pension assets to be generally 70% equity and 30% fixed income. There are several valuation methodologies used for those assets as described below.

Investments in the Fair Value Hierarchy
Common stock (Level 1): Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the year and classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Mutual funds (Level 1): Valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end based on quoted market prices determined in an active market. These assets are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Corporate bonds, government securities, asset-backed securities and derivatives (Level 2): Valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for a similar investment at year end. Asset-backed securities include commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. These assets are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments Measured at Net Asset Value
Partnerships: Net asset value of private equity is based on the fair market values associated with the underlying investments at year end. These funds have redemption restrictions that require advanced notice of 15 business days.
Common collective trust funds: This class consists of private funds that invest in government and corporate securities and various short-term debt instruments and are measured at net asset value to estimate the fair value of the investments. The net asset value of the investments is determined by reference to the fair value of the underlying securities, which are valued primarily through the use of directly or indirectly observable inputs. These funds have redemption restrictions that require advanced notice of up to 15 business days.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 106


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 13.  Fair Value Measurements, continued

The pension plan assets at fair value by level, within the fair value hierarchy, as of calendar plan years 2017 and 2016 are shown in the table below. For additional information related to pension assets, see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.
 
Fiscal Years
 
2017
 
2016
(Dollars in Millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Common Stock
$
1,022

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,022

 
$
940

 
$

 
$

 
$
940

Mutual funds
14

 

 

 
14

 
12

 

 

 
12

Cash equivalents
2

 

 

 
2

 
1

 

 

 
1

Corporate bonds

 
537

 

 
537

 

 
497

 

 
497

Government securities

 
169

 

 
169

 

 
141

 

 
141

Asset-backed securities

 
9

 

 
9

 

 
14

 

 
14

Derivatives and other

 
11

 

 
11

 

 
11

 

 
11

Total investments in the fair value hierarchy
$
1,038

 
$
726

 
$

 
$
1,764

 
$
953

 
$
663

 
$

 
$
1,616

Investments measured at net asset value (a)
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
1,069

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
$
923

Investments at fair value
$
1,038

 
$
726

 
$

 
$
2,833

 
$
953

 
$
663

 
$

 
$
2,539


(a) Investments measured at net asset value represent certain investments that have been measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) and thus are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. In accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, the fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the pension assets disclosed in Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 107


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 14. Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

CSX reports comprehensive earnings or loss in accordance with the Comprehensive Income Topic in the ASC in the Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statement. Total comprehensive earnings are defined as all changes in shareholders' equity during a period, other than those resulting from investments by and distributions to shareholders (e.g. issuance of equity securities and dividends). Generally, for CSX, total comprehensive earnings equal net earnings plus or minus adjustments for pension and other post-retirement liabilities. Total comprehensive earnings represent the activity for a period net of tax and were $5.6 billion, $1.7 billion and $2.0 billion for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

While total comprehensive earnings is the activity in a period and is largely driven by net earnings in that period, accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) represents the cumulative balance of other comprehensive income, net of tax, as of the balance sheet date. For CSX, AOCI is primarily the cumulative balance related to pension and other post-retirement benefit adjustments and CSX's share of AOCI of equity method investees.

Changes in the AOCI balance by component are shown in the table below. Amounts reclassified in pension and other post-employment benefits to net earnings relate to the amortization of actuarial losses and are included in labor and fringe on the consolidated income statements. See Note 8. Employee Benefit Plans for further information. Other primarily represents CSX's share of AOCI of equity method investees. Amounts reclassified in other to net earnings are included in materials, supplies and other on the consolidated income statements.
 
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Dollars in millions)
 
 
 
Balance December 26, 2014 - Net of Tax
$
(611
)
$
(55
)
$
(666
)
Other Comprehensive Income(Loss)
 
 
 
Loss Before Reclassifications
(53
)
(8
)
(61
)
Amounts Reclassified to Net Earnings
71

(2
)
69

Tax (Expense) Benefit
(8
)
1

(7
)
Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
10

(9
)
1

Balance December 25, 2015 - Net of Tax
(601
)
(64
)
(665
)
Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
(Loss) Income Before Reclassifications
(16
)
3

(13
)
Amounts Reclassified to Net Earnings
50

1

51

Tax Expense
(13
)

(13
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income
21

4

25

Balance December 30, 2016 - Net of Tax
(580
)
(60
)
(640
)
Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
Income Before Reclassifications
148

13

161

Amounts Reclassified to Net Earnings
56

2

58

Tax Expense
(64
)
(1
)
(65
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income
140

14

154

Balance December 31, 2017 - Net of Tax
$
(440
)
$
(46
)
$
(486
)


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 108


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 15.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Pursuant to Article 3 of the SEC’s Regulation S-X, the following are selected quarterly financial data:

Fiscal Year Ended December 2017 (a)
Quarters
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
 
Full Year
Revenue
$
2,869

 
$
2,933

 
$
2,743

 
$
2,863

 
$
11,408

Operating Income
712

 
958

 
876

 
1,121

 
3,667

Net Earnings (b)
362

 
510

 
459

 
4,140

 
5,471

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share, Basic (b)
$
0.39

 
$
0.55

 
$
0.51

 
$
4.63

 
$
6.01

Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution (b)
0.39

 
0.55

 
0.51

 
4.62

 
5.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 2016 (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$
2,618

 
$
2,704

 
$
2,710

 
$
3,037

 
$
11,069

Operating Income
704

 
840

 
841

 
1,004

 
3,389

Net Earnings
356

 
445

 
455

 
458

 
1,714

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings Per Share, Basic
$
0.37

 
$
0.47

 
$
0.48

 
$
0.49

 
$
1.81

Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
0.37

 
0.47

 
0.48

 
0.49

 
1.81

(a) Prior to third quarter 2017, CSX followed a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar and 2016 included 53 weeks. All 2016 information presented in Results of Operations is on a 53-week basis, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies for details regarding the number of days in each quarterly period presented.
(b) These results for fourth quarter and full year 2017 include a $3.6 billion, or $3.91 per share, net tax reform benefit. See further discussion in Note 11, Income Taxes.


NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data

In 2007, CSXT, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSX Corporation, sold secured equipment notes maturing in 2023 in a registered public offering. CSX has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the notes. In connection with the notes, the Company is providing the following condensed consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements. Each entity in the consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the consolidated financial statements, except for the use of the equity method of accounting to reflect ownership interests in subsidiaries which are eliminated upon consolidation and the allocation of certain expenses of CSX incurred for the benefit of its subsidiaries. Condensed consolidating financial information for the obligor, CSXT, and parent guarantor, CSX, is shown in the following tables.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 109


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Income Statements
(Dollars in Millions)

Fiscal Year Ended December 2017
CSX
Corporation
 
CSX
Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
Revenue
$

 
$
11,334

 
$
74

 
$
11,408

Expense
(158
)
 
8,070

 
(171
)
 
7,741

Operating Income
158

 
3,264

 
245

 
3,667

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
5,810

 

 
(5,810
)
 

Interest Expense
(582
)
 
(29
)
 
65

 
(546
)
Other Income - Net
7

 
42

 
(28
)
 
21

Earnings Before Income Taxes
5,393

 
3,277

 
(5,528
)
 
3,142

Income Tax Benefit
78

 
2,247

 
4

 
2,329

Net Earnings
$
5,471

 
$
5,524

 
$
(5,524
)
 
$
5,471

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
$
5,625

 
$
5,538

 
$
(5,538
)
 
$
5,625

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$

 
$
10,991

 
$
78

 
$
11,069

Expense
(265
)
 
8,100

 
(155
)
 
7,680

Operating Income
265

 
2,891

 
233

 
3,389

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
1,997

 
2

 
(1,999
)
 

Interest Expense
(583
)
 
(35
)
 
39

 
(579
)
Other Income - Net
(112
)
 
44

 
(1
)
 
(69
)
Earnings Before Income Taxes
1,567

 
2,902

 
(1,728
)
 
2,741

Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
147

 
(1,081
)
 
(93
)
 
(1,027
)
Net Earnings
$
1,714

 
$
1,821

 
$
(1,821
)
 
$
1,714

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
$
1,739

 
$
1,833

 
$
(1,833
)
 
$
1,739

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fiscal Year Ended December 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
$

 
$
11,733

 
$
78

 
$
11,811

Expense
(589
)
 
8,922

 
(106
)
 
8,227

Operating Income
589

 
2,811

 
184

 
3,584

Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
1,949

 

 
(1,949
)
 

Interest Expense
(539
)
 
(33
)
 
28

 
(544
)
Other Income - Net
(4
)
 
111

 
(9
)
 
98

Earnings Before Income Taxes
1,995

 
2,889

 
(1,746
)
 
3,138

Income Tax Expense
(27
)
 
(1,083
)
 
(60
)
 
(1,170
)
Net Earnings
$
1,968

 
$
1,806

 
$
(1,806
)
 
$
1,968

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
$
1,969

 
$
1,806

 
$
(1,806
)
 
$
1,969





CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 110


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)
As of December 31, 2017
CSX
Corporation
 
CSX
Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
274

 
$
121

 
$
6

 
$
401

Short-term Investments

 

 
18

 
18

Accounts Receivable - Net
(1
)
 
301

 
670

 
970

Receivable from Affiliates
1,226

 
3,517

 
(4,743
)
 

Materials and Supplies

 
372

 

 
372

Other Current Assets
(1
)
 
145

 
10

 
154

Total Current Assets
1,498

 
4,456

 
(4,039
)
 
1,915

Properties
1

 
41,479

 
2,844

 
44,324

Accumulated Depreciation
(1
)
 
(11,017
)
 
(1,542
)
 
(12,560
)
Properties - Net

 
30,462

 
1,302

 
31,764

Investments in Conrail

 

 
907

 
907

Affiliates and Other Companies
(39
)
 
800

 
18

 
779

Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries
29,405

 

 
(29,405
)
 

Other Long-term Assets
39

 
596

 
(261
)
 
374

Total Assets
$
30,903

 
$
36,314

 
$
(31,478
)
 
$
35,739

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
105

 
$
708

 
$
34

 
$
847

Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
52

 
494

 
56

 
602

Payable to Affiliates
4,792

 
552

 
(5,344
)
 

Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

 
95

 
13

 
108

Current Maturities of Long-term Debt

 
19

 

 
19

Income and Other Taxes Payable
(326
)
 
455

 
28

 
157

Other Current Liabilities
5

 
153

 
3

 
161

Total Current Liabilities
4,628

 
2,476

 
(5,210
)
 
1,894

Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

 
222

 
44

 
266

Long-term Debt
11,056

 
733

 
1

 
11,790

Deferred Income Taxes - Net
(130
)
 
6,342

 
206

 
6,418

Other Long-term Liabilities
644

 
320

 
(314
)
 
650

Total Liabilities
16,198

 
10,093

 
(5,273
)
 
21,018

Shareholders' Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
890

 
181

 
(181
)
 
890

Other Capital
217

 
5,096

 
(5,096
)
 
217

Retained Earnings
14,084

 
20,933

 
(20,933
)
 
14,084

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(486
)
 
(5
)
 
5

 
(486
)
Noncontrolling Minority Interest

 
16

 

 
16

Total Shareholders' Equity
14,705

 
26,221

 
(26,205
)
 
14,721

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
30,903

 
$
36,314

 
$
(31,478
)
 
$
35,739


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 111


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)
As of December 30, 2016
CSX Corporation
 
CSX Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
Current Assets
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
305

 
$
281

 
$
17

 
$
603

Short-term Investments
415

 

 
2

 
417

Accounts Receivable - Net
2

 
215

 
721

 
938

Receivable from Affiliates
1,157

 
2,351

 
(3,508
)
 

Materials and Supplies

 
407

 

 
407

Other Current Assets

 
106

 
16

 
122

Total Current Assets
1,879

 
3,360

 
(2,752
)
 
2,487

Properties
1

 
40,518

 
2,708

 
43,227

Accumulated Depreciation
(1
)
 
(10,634
)
 
(1,442
)
 
(12,077
)
Properties - Net

 
29,884

 
1,266

 
31,150

Investments in Conrail

 

 
840

 
840

Affiliates and Other Companies
(39
)
 
643

 
15

 
619

Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries
24,179

 

 
(24,179
)
 

Other Long-term Assets
2

 
607

 
(291
)
 
318

Total Assets
$
26,021

 
$
34,494

 
$
(25,101
)
 
$
35,414

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
95

 
$
678

 
$
33

 
$
806

Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
40

 
440

 
65

 
545

Payable to Affiliates
3,457

 
500

 
(3,957
)
 

Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

 
102

 
13

 
115

Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
313

 
19

 
(1
)
 
331

Income and Other Taxes Payable
(346
)
 
459

 
16

 
129

Other Current Liabilities

 
112

 
2

 
114

Total Current Liabilities
3,559

 
2,310

 
(3,829
)
 
2,040

Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

 
208

 
51

 
259

Long-term Debt
10,203

 
759

 

 
10,962

Deferred Income Taxes - Net
(203
)
 
9,541

 
258

 
9,596

Other Long-term Liabilities
783

 
410

 
(330
)
 
863

Total Liabilities
14,342

 
13,228

 
(3,850
)
 
23,720

Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
928

 
181

 
(181
)
 
928

Other Capital
138

 
5,095

 
(5,095
)
 
138

Retained Earnings
11,253

 
15,994

 
(15,994
)
 
11,253

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(640
)
 
(19
)
 
19

 
(640
)
Noncontrolling Minority Interest

 
15

 

 
15

Total Shareholders' Equity
11,679

 
21,266

 
(21,251
)
 
11,694

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
$
26,021

 
$
34,494

 
$
(25,101
)
 
$
35,414


Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 112


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
Fiscal Year Ended December 2017
CSX Corporation
 
CSX Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
$
1,719

 
$
2,112

 
$
(359
)
 
$
3,472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Additions

 
(1,848
)
 
(192
)
 
(2,040
)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
(774
)
 

 
(8
)
 
(782
)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
1,190

 

 
3

 
1,193

Proceeds from Property Dispositions

 
97

 

 
97

Other Investing Activities
(2
)
 
94

 
(55
)
 
37

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
414

 
(1,657
)
 
(252
)
 
(1,495
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt Issued
850

 

 

 
850

Long-term Debt Repaid
(313
)
 
(20
)
 

 
(333
)
Dividends Paid
(708
)
 
(600
)
 
600

 
(708
)
Shares Repurchased
(1,970
)
 

 

 
(1,970
)
Other Financing Activities
(23
)
 
5

 

 
(18
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
(2,164
)
 
(615
)
 
600

 
(2,179
)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(31
)
 
(160
)
 
(11
)
 
(202
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
305

 
281

 
17

 
603

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
274

 
$
121

 
$
6

 
$
401


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 113


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
Fiscal Year Ended December 2016
CSX Corporation
 
CSX Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
Operating Activities
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
$
453

 
$
2,950

 
$
(362
)
 
$
3,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Additions

 
(2,208
)
 
(190
)
 
(2,398
)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
(929
)
 

 

 
(929
)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
1,325

 

 

 
1,325

Proceeds from Property Dispositions

 
195

 

 
195

Other Investing Activities
(41
)
 
91

 
(41
)
 
9

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
355

 
(1,922
)
 
(231
)
 
(1,798
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt Issued
2,200

 

 

 
2,200

Long-term Debt Repaid
(1,400
)
 
(19
)
 

 
(1,419
)
Dividends Paid
(680
)
 
(600
)
 
600

 
(680
)
Shares Repurchased
(1,056
)
 

 

 
(1,056
)
Other Financing Activities
(11
)
 
(303
)
 
1

 
(313
)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
(947
)
 
(922
)
 
601

 
(1,268
)
Net (Decrease) Increase in
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(139
)
 
106

 
8

 
(25
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
444

 
175

 
9

 
628

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
305

 
$
281

 
$
17

 
$
603






CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 114


CSX CORPORATION
PART II
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

NOTE 16.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)
Fiscal Year Ended December 2015
CSX Corporation
 
CSX Transportation
 
Eliminations and Other
 
CSX
Consolidated
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
$
983

 
$
2,974

 
$
(587
)
 
$
3,370

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property Additions

 
(2,400
)
 
(162
)
 
(2,562
)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
(1,734
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(1,739
)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
1,175

 

 
50

 
1,225

Proceeds from Property Dispositions

 
147

 

 
147

Other Investing Activities
(10
)
 
132

 
(85
)
 
37

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
(569
)
 
(2,121
)
 
(202
)
 
(2,892
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt Issued
1,200

 

 

 
1,200

Long-term Debt Repaid
(200
)
 
(29
)
 

 
(229
)
Dividends Paid
(686
)
 
(750
)
 
750

 
(686
)
Shares Repurchased
(804
)
 

 

 
(804
)
Other Financing Activities
10

 
1

 
(11
)
 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
(480
)
 
(778
)
 
739

 
(519
)
Net (Decrease) Increase in
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(66
)
 
75

 
(50
)
 
(41
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
510

 
100

 
59

 
669

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
$
444

 
$
175

 
$
9

 
$
628






CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 115


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None
 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2017, under the supervision and with the participation of CSX's Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), management has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in CSX’s periodic SEC reports.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
CSX’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the management of CSX, including CSX’s CEO and CFO, CSX conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission which is also referred to as COSO. Based on that evaluation, management of CSX concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.  Management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is expressed at the level of reasonable assurance because a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included elsewhere herein.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 116


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CSX Corporation

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited CSX Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, CSX Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of CSX Corporation as of December 31, 2017 and December 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”) of the Company and our report dated February 7, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 117


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, continued

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida
February 7, 2018
 

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 118


CSX CORPORATION
PART II


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no material changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information
None
PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.  The Proxy Statement will be filed not later than April 30, 2018 with respect to its 2018 annual meeting of shareholders, except for the information regarding the executive officers of the Company.  Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this report under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant."
 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
  
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).
 
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
In accordance with Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement (see Item 10 above).

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page
 
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
      The information required by Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, is included in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves. All other financial statement schedules are not applicable.

(3) Exhibits
The documents listed below are being filed or have previously been filed on behalf of CSX and are incorporated herein by reference from the documents indicated and made a part hereof. Exhibits not previously filed are filed herewith.

Pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii), instruments that define the rights of holders of the Registrant's long-term debt securities, where the long-term debt securities authorized under each such instrument do not exceed 10% of the Registrant's total assets, have been omitted and will be furnished to the Commission upon request.


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 119


CSX CORPORATION
PART IV

Exhibit designation
Nature of exhibit
Previously filed
as exhibit to
2.1
September 2, 2004,
Exhibit 2.1, Form 8-K
3.1
October 9, 2015,
Exhibit 3.1, Form 8-K
3.2

July 11, 2017,
Exhibit 3.1, Form 8-K
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Debentures:
4.1(a)(P)
Indenture, dated August 1, 1990, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
September 7, 1990,
Form SE
4.1(b)(P)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1991, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee
May 28, 1992,
Exhibit 4(c), Form SE
4.1(c)
June 5, 1997,
Exhibit 4.3, Form S-4
(Registration No. 333-28523)

4.1(d)
May 12, 1998,
Exhibit 4.2, Form 8-K

4.1(e)
November 7, 2001,
Exhibit 4.1, Form 10-Q

4.1(f)
October 27, 2003,
Exhibit 4.1, Form 8-K

4.1(g)
November  3, 2004,
Exhibit 4.1, Form 10-Q

4.1(h)
April 26, 2007,
Exhibit 4.4, Form 8-K

4.1(i)
April 19, 2010,
Exhibit 4.1, Form 10-Q

Material Contracts:
10.1**
February 22, 2008,
Exhibit 10.2, Form 10-K

10.2**
February 22, 2008,
Exhibit 10.3, Form 10-K

10.3**
March 4, 1994,
Exhibit 10.4, Form 10-K
10.4**
March 4, 1994,
Exhibit 10.5, Form 10-K
10.5**
March 4, 2002,
Exhibit 10.23, Form 10-K


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 120


CSX CORPORATION
PART IV

Exhibit designation
Nature of exhibit
Previously filed
as exhibit to
10.6**
March 4, 2002,
Exhibit 10.24, Form 10-K

10.7**
March 17, 2000,
Appendix B, Definitive Proxy Statement

10.8
July 8, 1997,
Exhibit 10, Form 8-K

10.9
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K

10.10
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.2, Form 8-K

10.11
March 1, 2001,
Exhibit 10.34, Form 10-K

10.12
August 6, 2004,
Exhibit 99.1, Form 8-K

10.13
September 2, 2004,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K

10.14
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.6, Form 8-K,
10.15
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.4, Form 8-K

10.16
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.5, Form 8-K

10.17
June 11, 1999,
Exhibit 10.7, Form 8-K


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 121


CSX CORPORATION
PART IV

Exhibit designation
Nature of exhibit
Previously filed
as exhibit to
10.18
September 2, 2004,
Exhibit 10.2, Form 8-K

10.19

May 28, 2015,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.20**
February 13, 2015,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.21**
May 7, 2010,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.22**
February 16, 2016,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.23**
February 16, 2016,
Exhibit 10.2, Form 8-K
10.24**
February 16, 2016,
Exhibit 10.3, Form 8-K
10.25**
February 16, 2016,
Exhibit 10.5, Form 8-K
10.26**
October 12, 2016,
Exhibit 10.1, Form 10-Q
10.27**
February 27, 2017
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.28**
February 27, 2017
Exhibit 10.4, Form 8-K
10.29**
February 27, 2017
Exhibit 10.2, Form 8-K
10.30**
February 27, 2017
Exhibit 10.3, Form 8-K
10.31
March 7, 2017
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.32
April 3, 2017
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.33**
April 20, 2017
Exhibit 10.09, Form 10-Q
10.34**
April 20, 2017
Exhibit 10.08, Form 10-Q
10.35**
April 20, 2017
Exhibit 10.07, Form 10-Q
10.36**
June 16, 2017
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.37**
November 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 122


CSX CORPORATION
PART IV

Exhibit designation
Nature of exhibit
Previously filed
as exhibit to
10.38**
November 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.2, Form 8-K
10.39**

November 15, 2017
Exhibit 10.3, Form 8-K
10.40**
January 12, 2018
Exhibit 10.1, Form 8-K
10.41* **
 
10.42* **

 
10.43 * **
 
Officer certifications:
31*
 
32*
 
Interactive data files:
101*
The following financial information from CSX Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 7, 2018, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Consolidated Income Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2017, December 30, 2016, and December 25, 2015, (ii) Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 1, 2017, December 30, 2016 and December 25, 2015, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017, December 30, 2016 and December 25, 2015, (iv) Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2017, December 30, 2016 and December 25, 2015, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Other exhibits:
21*
 
23*
 
24*
 
 
 
 
 
 * Filed herewith
 
** Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement
 
(P) This Exhibit has been paper filed and is not subject to Item 601 of Reg S-K for hyperlinks.
 
Note: Items not filed herewith have been submitted in previous SEC filings.

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 123


SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CSX CORPORATION
(Registrant)

By:   /s/ ANDREW L. GLASSMAN
Andrew L. Glassman
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Dated: February 7, 2018
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 7, 2018.



Signature
 
Title
 
 
 
/s/ JAMES M. FOOTE
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 James M. Foote
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ FRANK A. LONEGRO
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
 Frank A. Lonegro
 
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ ANDREW L. GLASSMAN
 
Vice President and Controller
 Andrew L. Glassman
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ NATHAN D. GOLDMAN
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary
 Nathan D. Goldman
 
*Attorney-in-Fact
 
 
 


CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 124


SIGNATURES


Signature
 
Title
 
 
 
*
 
Chairman of the Board and Director

 Edward J. Kelly, III
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Donna M. Alvarado
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 John B. Breaux
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Pamela L. Carter
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 James M. Foote
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Steven T. Halverson
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Paul C. Hilal
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 John D. McPherson
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 David M. Moffett
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Dennis H. Reilley
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 Linda H. Riefler
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 J. Steven Whisler
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Director
 John J. Zillmer
 
 

CSX 2017 Form 10-K p. 125