document_10k.htm

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

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes (X)   No (  )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).             Yes (X) No (  )

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

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

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

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

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

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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

 
1

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


2

CSX CORPORATION
PART I
 
Item 1.  Business

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

CSX Transportation, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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


3

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

Other Entities

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

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

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

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


4

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

 
 

5

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

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

6

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
8

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

None.

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

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


12

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

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

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

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





13

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

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

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

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

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

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

14

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

CSX Rail Network
    
15

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 
CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

 Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Fuel Surcharge Antitrust Litigation

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

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

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

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

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

Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)


19

CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

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

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CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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

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CSX CORPORATION
PART I

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


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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

Market Information

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

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

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

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



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CSX CORPORATION
PART II


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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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


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

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CSX CORPORATION
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 Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

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

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

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

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

Significant Events

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

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

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

 

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

STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

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

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

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

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

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

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CSX CORPORATION
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2010 HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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CSX CORPORATION
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Operating Statistics (Estimated)

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

Definitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Capital Expenditures

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

Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP Measure)

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

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

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


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

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

31

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

·  
expectations as to results of operations and operational initiatives;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





34

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

FINANCIAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2010 vs. 2009 Results of Operations

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

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

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

35

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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

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

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

Industrial

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

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

Housing and Construction

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

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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
Coal

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

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

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

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

Expense

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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other

Interest Expense

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

38

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Other Income – Net

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

Income Tax Expense

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

Net Earnings

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

 

39

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
 
2009 vs. 2008 Results of Operations

Volume and Revenue

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

Merchandise

Agricultural

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

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

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

Industrial

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

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

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

Housing and Construction

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

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

Coal

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

Intermodal

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

Expense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other

Interest Expense

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

Other Income – Net

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

Income Tax Expense

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

Net Earnings

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

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

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

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PART II

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

Material Changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Significant Cash Flows

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

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

Sources of Cash

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

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

 
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CSX CORPORATION
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Uses of Cash

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

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

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

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

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

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


 
45

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

Liquidity and Working Capital

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHEDULE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

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

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

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

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

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

47

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

·  
pension and post-retirement medical plan accounting;

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

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

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


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CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

Occupational & Asbestos

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

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

49

CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

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

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



50

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

52

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

·  
long-term rate of return on plan assets;

·  
salary scale inflation rates;

·  
health care cost trend rates; and

·  
other assumptions.

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

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

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

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


53

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

Other Assumptions

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


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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

2011 Estimated Pension and Post-retirement Expense

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

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

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

Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method

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

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

55

CSX CORPORATION
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Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

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

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

·  
evaluation of current operations;

·  
evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;

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

·  
expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and

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

56

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

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

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

Income Taxes

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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

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

New Accounting Pronouncements and Change in Accounting Policy

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

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

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

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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


 
59

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

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

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

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

60

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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


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

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

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

61

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Millions)

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

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

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

62

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Millions)

 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
2008
           
(Adjusted) (a)
(Adjusted) (a)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
Net Earnings
 $1,563
 $1,143
 $1,355
 
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash Provided
 
 
by Operating Activities:
 
Depreciation
 947
 903
 914
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 474
 430
 428
 
Non-cash Discontinued Operations (Note 14)
 -
 -
 166
   
Contributions to Qualified Pension Plans (Note 8)
 -
 (250)
 (102)
 
Other Operating Activities
 52
 (182)
 65
 
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
     
 
Accounts Receivable
 2
 92
 74
 
Other Current Assets
 (22)
 28
 37
 
Accounts Payable
 79
 (4)
 (3)
 
Income and Other Taxes Payable
 28
 (9)
 (46)
 
Other Current Liabilities
 123
 (111)
 5
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 3,246
 2,040
 2,893
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
Property Additions
 (1,825)
 (1,427)
 (1,719)
 
Purchases of Short-term Investments
 -
 -
 (25)
 
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
 -
 -
 280
 
Other Investing Activities
 69
 54
 36
 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 (1,756)
 (1,373)
 (1,428)
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
Long-term Debt Issued (Note 9)
 800
 500
 1,351
 
Long-term Debt Repaid (Note 9)
 (113)
 (323)
 (642)
 
Dividends Paid
 (372)
 (345)
 (308)
 
Stock Options Exercised (Note 4)
 42
 34
 83
 
Shares Repurchased
 (1,452)
 -
 (1,570)
 
Other Financing Activities
 (132)
 (173)
 (78)
       
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 (1,227)
 (307)
 (1,164)
               
 
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 263
 360
 301
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
     
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 1,029
 669
 368
       
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 $1,292
 $1,029
 $669
               
               
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
     
 
Interest Paid - Net of Amounts Capitalized
 $564
 $560
 $509
 
Income Taxes Paid
 $421
 $201
 $276

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

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

63

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (a)
(Dollars in Millions)

                 
                 
   
Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands)
 
Common Stock and Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings(b)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss) (c)
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Shareholders' Equity
                 
Balance December 28, 2007
 407,864
 
 $445
 $8,492
 $(325)
 $21
 $8,633
Comprehensive Earnings:
             
 
Net Earnings
 -
 
 -
 1,355
 -
 -
 1,355
 
Other Comprehensive Loss
 -
 
 -
 -
 (416)
 -
 (416)
                 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
           
 939
                 
Common stock dividends, $0.77 per share
 -
 
 -
 (308)
 -
 (1)
 (309)
Share Repurchases
 (28,486)
 
 (359)
 (1,211)
 -
 -
 (1,570)
Bond Conversions (Notes 2 and 9)
 5,042
 
 121
 -
 -
 -
 121
Adjustment for Compensation -
           
 -
Retirement Benefits Topic in ASC
 -
 
 -
 (13)
 -
 -
 (13)
Stock Option Exercises and Other
 6,106
 
 184
 -
 -
 -
 184
                 
Balance December 26, 2008
 390,526
 
 391
 8,315
 (741)
 20
 7,985
Comprehensive Earnings:
             
 
Net Earnings
 -
 
 -
 1,143
 -
 -
 1,143
 
Other Comprehensive Loss
 -
 
 -
 -
 (68)
 -
 (68)
                 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
           
 1,075
                 
Common stock dividends, $0.88 per share
 -
 
 -
 (345)
 -
 (1)
 (346)
Bond Conversions  (Notes 2 and 9)
 22
 
 1
 -
 -
 -
 1
Stock Option Exercises and Other
 2,912
 
 81
 (23)
 -
 (5)
 53
                 
Balance December 25, 2009
 393,460
 
 473
 9,090
 (809)
 14
 8,768
Comprehensive Earnings:
             
 
Net Earnings
 -
 
 -
 1,563
 -
 -
 1,563
 
Other Comprehensive Income
 -
 
 -
 -
 39
 -
 39
                 
 
Total Comprehensive Earnings
           
 1,602
                 
Common stock dividends, $0.98 per share
 -
 
 -
 (372)
 -
 -
 (372)
Share Repurchases
 (26,677)
 
 (255)
 (1,197)
 -
 -
 (1,452)
Bond Conversions (Notes 2 and 9)
 737
 
 19
 -
 -
 -
 19
Stock Option Exercises and Other
 2,822
 
 133
 3
 (1)
 -
 135
                 
Balance December 31, 2010
 370,342
 
 $370
 $9,087
 $(771)
 $14
 $8,700

(a) CSX follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar which allows every year to consistently end on a Friday. Fiscal years 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 ended on December 31, 2010, December 25, 2009, December 26, 2008 and December 28, 2007.  See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies for additional information.

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

(c) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss includes changes in pension and other postretirement benefit adjustments.  These year-end balances shown above are net of tax.  The associated taxes were $375 million, $426 million and $413 million for 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively.


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

64

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
NOTE 1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Business

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

CSX Transportation, Inc.

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

Lines of Business

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

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

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



65

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

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

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

Other Entities

In addition to CSXT, the Company’s subsidiaries include CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (“CSX Intermodal Terminals”), Total Distribution Services, Inc. (“TDSI”), Transflo Terminal Services, Inc. (“Transflo”), CSX Technology, Inc. (“CSX Technology”) and other subsidiaries.  CSX Intermodal Terminals owns and operates a system of intermodal terminals, predominantly in the eastern United States and arranges delivery of intermodal shipments for certain CSXT customers.  TDSI serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations, while Transflo provides logistical solutions for transferring products from rail to trucks.  CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.

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

CSX Intermodal, Inc. (“Intermodal”) was a subsidiary of CSX until it merged with CSXT during 2010.  Prior to the merger, Intermodal was the parent company of CSX Intermodal Terminals, and conducted the sales and marketing activities associated with intermodal transportation service now provided by CSXT.  In addition, Intermodal performed drayage services (the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments and trucking dispatch operations) which are now provided by CSX Intermodal Terminals



66

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

 The Company no longer reflects the intermodal business as a separate segment.  This change was a result of the strategic business review and change in the Company’s intermodal service associated with the start of the UMAX program as well as certain management realignments. The UMAX program, which began during 2010, is a domestic interline container program.  CSX’s president views intermodal similarly to merchandise and coal.  Intermodal revenue will continue to be viewed as a separate revenue group; however, a separate income statement and operating ratio are no longer prepared and business segment disclosures are no longer required.  All prior period disclosures have been revised to reflect this change.

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of CSX and its subsidiaries at December 2010 and December 2009, and the consolidated statements of income, cash flows and changes in shareholders’ equity for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008.

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.

Fiscal Year
 
CSX follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar.  This fiscal calendar allows every quarter to consistently end on a Friday and typically, to be of equal duration (13 weeks), resulting in a 52 week fiscal year.  To maintain this type of reporting calendar every fifth or sixth year (depending on the Gregorian calendar and when leap year falls), an extra week will be included in the fourth quarter (a 14-week fiscal quarter) and, therefore, that full fiscal year will have 53 weeks.  This extra week was added to fourth quarter 2010.  Therefore, the fiscal fourth quarter 2010 consisted of 14 weeks and fiscal year 2010 consisted of 53 weeks ending on December 31.

Fiscal years 2009 and 2008 each consisted of 52 weeks ending on December 25, 2009 and December 26, 2008 respectively.  Except as otherwise specified, references to full year indicate CSX’s fiscal periods ended on these dates.

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 equity (if the Company has significant influence).

67

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
 
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 were carried at cost, which approximated market value, and were classified as cash equivalents. Investments in instruments with maturities greater than three months but less than one year were classified as short-term investments.

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 credit worthiness 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 $38 million and $47 million is included in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 2010 and December 2009, 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.

Revenue and Expense Recognition
 
The Company recognizes freight revenue using Free-On-Board (“FOB”) 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, which are based on historical freight car movement data as well as average cycle times to move commodities 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;

68

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

·  
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 and 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 a forecast of future volume); and

·  
revenue for customer volume commitments not met.

 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.

Comprehensive Earnings

CSX reports comprehensive earnings or loss in accordance with the Comprehensive Income Topic in the ASC in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity.  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 equals 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 $1.6 billion, $1.1 billion and $939 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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 the pension and other post-retirement adjustments and reduced overall equity by $771 million, $809 million and $741 million as of December 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  (See Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans).


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

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Policy
 
Effective in the second quarter of 2010, CSX changed the accounting policy for rail grinding costs from a capitalization method, under which the cost of rail grinding was capitalized and then depreciated, to a direct expense method, under which rail grinding costs are expensed as incurred. This represents a change from an acceptable method under GAAP to a preferable method, and is consistent with recent changes in industry practice.
 
The direct expense method eliminates the subjectivity in determining the period of benefit over which to depreciate the capitalized costs associated with rail grinding. The application of the change in accounting policy is presented retrospectively to all periods presented.
 
The balance sheet effects of the adjustments as of the beginning of fiscal year 2008 resulted in a decrease in net properties, deferred income taxes, and shareholders’ equity by $117 million, $44 million, and $73 million, respectively.  The tables on the following pages show the effects of the change in policy for rail grinding costs on the consolidated financial statements.  The effect of this change is not material to the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity for any of the periods presented.
 

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

The following tables show the effects of the change in policy for rail grinding costs on the consolidated financial statements.  The Accounting Changes and Error Corrections Topic in the ASC requires CSX to present both prior period amounts that have been previously reported as well as current period amounts as computed under both the prior method and as reported.

 
                 
Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
 
2010
 
2009
Consolidated Income Statements
 
Computed under Prior Method
Impact of Adjustment
As Reported
 
Computed under Prior Method
Impact of Adjustment
As Reported
Materials, Supplies and Other (a)
 
 $2,055
 $20
 $2,075
 
 $1,979
 $20
 $1,999
Depreciation
 
 952
 (5)
 947
 
 908
 (5)
 903
Total Expense
 
 7,550
 15
 7,565
 
 6,756
 15
 6,771
Operating Income
 
 3,086
 (15)
 3,071
 
 2,285
 (15)
 2,270
Earnings from Continuing Operations
               
       Before Taxes
 
 2,561
 (15)
 2,546
 
 1,761
 (15)
 1,746
Income Tax Expense
 
 (989)
 6
 (983)
 
 (624)
 6
 (618)
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 
 1,572
 (9)
 1,563
 
 1,137
 (9)
 1,128
Net Earnings
 
 1,572
 (9)
 1,563
 
 1,152
 (9)
 1,143
Net Earnings Per Share, Basic
               
       Continuing Operations
 
 $4.12
 $(0.02)
 $4.10
 
 $2.90
 $(0.02)
 $2.88
       Net Earnings
 
 $4.12
 $(0.02)
 $4.10
 
 $2.94
 $(0.02)
 $2.92
Net Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
               
       Continuing Operations
 
 $4.08
 $(0.02)
 $4.06
 
 $2.87
 $(0.02)
 $2.85
       Net Earnings
 
 $4.08
 $(0.02)
 $4.06
 
 $2.91
 $(0.02)
 $2.89
                 
Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts
 
2008
       
Consolidated Income Statements
 
Computed under Prior Method
Impact of Adjustment
As Reported
       
Materials, Supplies and Other (a)
 
 $2,386
 $21
 $2,407
       
Depreciation
 
 904
 (4)
 900
       
Total Expense
 
 8,487
 17
 8,504
       
Operating Income
 
 2,768
 (17)
 2,751
       
Earnings from Continuing Operations
               
       Before Taxes
 
 2,349
 (17)
 2,332
       
Income Tax Expense
 
 (854)
 7
 (847)
       
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 
 1,495
 (10)
 1,485
       
Net Earnings
 
 1,365
 (10)
 1,355
       
Net Earnings Per Share, Basic
               
       Continuing Operations
 
 $3.73
 $(0.02)
 $3.71
       
       Net Earnings
 
 $3.41
 $(0.02)
 $3.39
       
Net Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
               
       Continuing Operations
 
 $3.66
 $(0.02)
 $3.64
       
       Net Earnings
 
 $3.34
 $(0.02)
 $3.32
       
 
(a)  Materials, supplies and other expense now includes amounts paid to other transportation companies that were previously reported in inland transportation expense.

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

Dollars in Millions
 
2010
 
2009
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Computed under Prior Method
Impact of Adjustment
As Reported
 
As Previously Reported
Impact of Adjustment
As Adjusted
Properties - Net
 
 $23,962
 $(163)
 $23,799
 
 $23,213
 $(149)
 $23,064
Total Assets
 
 28,304
 (163)
 28,141
 
 27,036
 (149)
 26,887
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 7,115
 (62)
 7,053
 
 6,585
 (57)
 6,528
Total Liabilities
 
 19,503
 (62)
 19,441
 
 18,176
 (57)
 18,119
Retained Earnings
 
 9,188
 (101)
 9,087
 
 9,182
 (92)
 9,090
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 8,801
 (101)
 8,700
 
 8,860
 (92)
 8,768
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 28,304
 (163)
 28,141
 
 27,036
 (149)
 26,887
                 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
               
Net Earnings
 
 $1,572
 $(9)
 $1,563
 
 $1,152
 $(9)
 $1,143
Depreciation
 
 952
 (5)
 947
 
 908
 (5)
 903
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 480
 (6)
 474
 
 436
 (6)
 430
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
 3,266
 (20)
 3,246
 
 2,060
 (20)
 2,040
Property Additions
 
 (1,845)
 20
 (1,825)
 
 (1,447)
 20
 (1,427)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
 (1,776)
 20
 (1,756)
 
 (1,393)
 20
 (1,373)
                 
   
2008
   
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
 
As Previously Reported
Impact of Adjustment
As Adjusted
       
Net Earnings
 
 $1,365
 $(10)
 $1,355
       
Depreciation
 
 918
 (4)
 914
       
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 435
 (7)
 428
       
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
 2,914
 (21)
 2,893
       
Property Additions
 
 (1,740)
 21
 (1,719)
       
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
 (1,449)
 21
 (1,428)
       
                 
Dollars in Millions
 
2008
 
2007
Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
 
As Previously Reported
Impact of Adjustment
As Adjusted
 
As Previously Reported
Impact of Adjustment
As Adjusted
Retained Earnings
 
 $8,398
 $(83)
 $8,315
 
 $8,565
 $(73)
 $8,492



72

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

 
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:
 
·  
casualty, 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 12, Income Taxes).



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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
 
2010
2009
2008
Numerator (Dollars in Millions):
 
(Adjusted) (a)
(Adjusted) (a)
 
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 $1,563
 $1,128
 $1,485
 
Interest Expense on Convertible Debt - Net of Tax
 -
 -
 1
 
Net Earnings from Continuing Operations, If Converted
 1,563
 1,128
 1,486
         
Denominator (Units in Thousands):
     
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding
 381,108
 392,127
 400,740
 
Other Potentially Dilutive Common Shares (b)
 3,401
 3,559
 7,880
 
Average Common Shares Outstanding, Assuming Dilution
 384,509
 395,686
 408,620
         
 
Earnings Per Share, Continuing Operations, Basic
 $4.10
 $2.88
 $3.71
 
Earnings Per Share, Continuing Operations, Assuming Dilution
 $4.06
 $2.85
 $3.64

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

 
(b)  Other potentially dilutive common shares includes convertible debt, stock options common stock equivalents and other potentially dilutive common shares.

When calculating diluted earnings per share for stock option common stock equivalents, the Earnings Per Share Topic in the ASC requires CSX to include the potential shares that would be outstanding if all outstanding stock options were exercised.   This is offset by shares CSX could repurchase using the proceeds from these hypothetical exercises to obtain the common stock equivalent.  This number is different from outstanding stock options, which is included in Note 4, Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation.  All stock options were dilutive for the periods presented; therefore, no stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation.

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NOTE 2.  Earnings Per Share, continued

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 outstanding adjusted for the effects of common stock that may be issued as a result of the following types of potentially dilutive instruments:

·  
convertible debt;

·  
employee stock options; and

·  
other equity awards, which include long-term incentive awards.

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 represents the number of shares that would be issued if all of CSX’s outstanding convertible debentures were converted into CSX common stock.

As a result, diluted shares outstanding are not impacted when debentures are converted into CSX common stock because those shares were already included in the diluted shares calculation.  Shares outstanding for basic earnings per share, however, are impacted on a weighted-average basis when conversions occur.  During 2010 and 2009, $21 million and, $629 thousand respectively, of face value convertible debentures were converted into approximately 737 thousand shares and 22 thousand shares of CSX common stock, respectively.  As of December 2010, approximately $10 million of convertible debentures at face value remained outstanding, which are convertible into 359 thousand shares of CSX common stock.

NOTE 3. Shareholders’ Equity

Common and preferred stock consists of the following:

   
December 31,
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
 
2010
   
 (Units in Thousands)
Common Shares Authorized
 
 600,000
Common Shares Issued and Outstanding
 
 370,342
 
Preferred Stock
   
Preferred Shares Authorized
 
 25,000
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.

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NOTE 4.  Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation

Under CSX share-based compensation plans, awards primarily consist of performance grants, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, stock options and stock grants for directors.  Awards granted under the various plans 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.
 
    The Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic in the ASC requires the cash flows resulting from income tax deductions in excess of compensation costs to be classified as financing cash flows.  This requirement resulted in reduced net operating cash flows and increased net financing cash flows of approximately $38 million, $12 million and $69 million for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic also requires the disclosure of total compensation costs for share-based payment arrangements and the related tax benefits recognized in income. Share-based compensation expense is measured at the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the respective award.  Total pre-tax expense associated with share-based compensation and its related income tax benefit is as follows:


   
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
 
2010
2009
2008
         
Share-Based Compensation Expense (a)
 $62
 $17
 $38
Income Tax Benefit
 
 $24
 $6
 $14

(a) The increase in expense is due to the increase in payout for the Company’s long-term incentive plans as the operating ratio continues to improve.

Stock Options

Stock options have not been granted since 2003.  As of December 2010, there were 544 current or former employees with stock options outstanding under the CSX Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”).  Outstanding stock options were granted with 10-year terms and all are fully vested and exercisable, therefore there is no current or future expense related to these options.  The exercise price for options granted equals the market price of the underlying stock on the grant date.  A summary of CSX's stock option activity and related information for the fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

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


 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
 
Options
 
Average
 
Options
 
Average
 
Options
 
Average
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise
 
Outstanding
 
Exercise
 
(000s)
 
Price
 
(000s)
 
Price
 
(000s)
 
Price
Outstanding at Beginning
of Year
 5,411
 
 $17.60
 
 7,325
 
 $17.93
 
 11,787
 
 $18.25
Expired or Cancelled
 (2)
 
 $18.31
 
 (94)
 
 $22.26
 
 (21)
 
 $19.03
Exercised
 (2,372)
 
 $17.80
 
 (1,820)
 
 $18.70
 
 (4,441)
 
 $18.76
                       
Outstanding & Exercisable at End
of Year
 3,037
 
 $17.45
 
 5,411
 
 $17.60
 
 7,325
 
 $17.93

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 2010:

     
Weighted-
       
     
Average
 
Weighted-
 
Aggregate
 
Number
 
Remaining
 
Average
 
Intrinsic
 
Outstanding
 
Contractual
 
Exercise
 
Value
Exercise Price
(000s)
 
Life (Years)
 
Price
 
(Millions)
               
$15 to $20
 3,037
 
 1.98
 
 $17.45
 
 $110
 
    The aggregate intrinsic value represents the amount employees would have received if the options were exercised as of December 31, 2010 at a closing market price of $64.61.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised for fiscal years ended 2010, 2009, and 2008 was $88 million, $41 million, and $165 million, respectively. This value represents the value realized by current and former employees who exercised options.

Restricted Stock Awards
 
Restricted stock awards, other than restricted stock units, generally vest over an employment period of up to five years.  The following table provides information about outstanding restricted stock awards.  As of December 2010, unrecognized compensation expense for restricted stock awards was approximately $10 million, which will be expensed over an average remaining vesting period of two years.
 
 
 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
2008
Number of Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding (Thousands)(a)
 391
 269
 39
Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date
 $41.00
 $33.18
 $29.61
Restricted Stock Award Expense (Millions) (a)
 4
 2
 1
Number of Unvested Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding (Thousands)
 234
 204
 -
Weighted-Average Fair Value of Unvested Awards Outstanding
 $44.07
 $33.58
 $35.72

 (a)  In 2010 and 2009, 134,000 and 219,000, respectively, time-based restricted stock units were granted to key members of management under a new Long-term Incentive Plan as described below.  These units vest over three years, therefore only a partial amount of expense was recognized in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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

Long-term Incentive Plans

The CSX Long-term Incentive Plans (“LTIP”) were adopted under either the Omnibus Plan or the 2010 CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan. The Omnibus Plan expired pursuant to its terms in April 2010, and as such no new awards will be granted under this plan.  The objective of these long-term incentive plans is to motivate and reward key members of management and executives for achieving and exceeding certain financial and strategic initiatives.

In May of 2008, 2009 and 2010, target performance units were granted to key members of management under three separate LTIP plans covering three-year cycles: the 2008-2010 (“2010 LTIP”), 2009-2011 (“2011 LTIP”) and 2010-2012 (“2012 LTIP”) plans (collectively, the “Plans”). The key financial target for all three plans is consolidated operating ratio, which is defined as annual operating expenses divided by revenue, and excludes certain non-recurring items. The target grants were made in performance units, with each unit being equivalent to one share of CSX stock, and payouts will be made in CSX common stock.  Payouts to certain senior executive officers are subject to a reduction of up to 30% at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors based upon Company performance against certain CSX strategic initiatives.  Total expense incurred due to long-term incentive plans was $56 million, $13 million and $33 million for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The 2010 plan ended on December 31, 2010, and CSX issued 259 thousand net shares in January 2011 as a result of the achievement of applicable performance targets for the three preceding fiscal years.

As part of the 2011 and 2012 plans, 219 thousand and 134 thousand time-based restricted stock units, respectively, were granted.  The restricted stock units vest three years after the date of grant and participants receive cash dividend equivalents on the unvested shares during the restriction period plan.  These awards are not based upon CSX’s attainment of operational targets.  The restricted stock units and expenses are included in the information as shown in the table above.

 
LTIP Plan (Plan Ended In)
 
2010
2011
2012
Number of target units outstanding (Thousands) (a)
333
658
 406
Weighted-average fair value at grant date (a)
 $63.07
 $32.79
 $53.82
       
Payout Range
 0% to 200%
 0% to 233%
 0% to 200%

(a) Number of target units granted and weighted-average fair value calculations above include the value of both initial grants and subsequent, smaller grants issued at different prices based on grant date fair value to new or promoted employees not previously included.
 
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CSX CORPORATION
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NOTE 4.Stock Plans and Share-Based Compensation, continued

As of December 2010, there was $37 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these plans that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.  The activity related to each of the outstanding long-term incentive plans is summarized as follows:

       
 Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date
       
 
LTIP Plan (Plan Ended In)
(Units in thousands)
2010
Units Outstanding
2011
Units Outstanding
2012
Units Outstanding
Unvested at December 26, 2008
 310
 -
 -
 $64.81
Granted in 2009
 12
 673
 -
 32.29
Forfeited in 2009
 (1)
 (68)
 -
 32.75
Unvested at December 25, 2009
 321
 605
 -
 47.60
         
Granted in 2010
 12
 53
 412
 49.26
Forfeited in 2010
 -
 -
 (6)
 53.85
Vested at December 31, 2010
 333
 -
 -
 63.07
         
Unvested at December 31, 2010
 -
 658
 406
 $43.30

Stock Awards for Directors
 
CSX’s non-management directors receive an annual retainer of $75,000 to be paid quarterly in cash, unless the director chooses to receive the retainer in the form of CSX common stock.  In 2009, the non-management director’s compensation was changed from an annual stock grant denominated in shares to an annual grant of common stock in the amount of $150,000 based on the average closing price of CSX stock in the months of November, December and January.  The following table provides information about shares issued to directors.

   
Fiscal Years
   
2010
2009
2008 (a)
Shares Issued to Directors (Thousands)
 
 38
 74
 10
Expense (Millions)
 
 $2
 $2
 $1
Weighted Average Grant Date Stock Price
 
 $45.49
 $30.89
 $53.40
 
 
(a) In 2008, the Board of Directors elected to change the date of issue from December to February.  Therefore these shares were not issued before year-end 2008.



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

The directors may elect to defer receipt of their fees, in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 409A.  Deferred cash amounts were credited to an account and invested in a choice of eight investment selections, including a CSX common stock equivalent fund.  Distributions were made in accordance with elections made by the directors, consistent with the terms of the Plan.  At December 2010, there were approximately 1 million shares of common stock reserved for issuance under this Plan.

Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan
 
CSX maintains the Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan under which shareholders may use dividends paid on CSX common stock held in the plan to purchase additional shares of stock.  The following table provides information about shares available for issuance under this plan at the end of fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008.

   
Fiscal Years
   
2010
2009
2008
Number of Shares Available for Issuance (Thousands)
 10,834
 11,090
 11,101

 
NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves

Activity related to casualty, environmental and other reserves is as follows:


 
Casualty
Separation
Environmental
Other
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Reserves
Liabilities
Reserves
Reserves(b)
Total
 
Balance December 28, 2007
 $546
 $103
 $100
 $122
 $871
Charged to Expense
 115
 -
 38
 57
 210
Payments
 (95)
 (16)
 (38)
 (53)
 (202)
 
Balance December 26, 2008
 $566
 $87
 $100
 $126
 $879
Charged to Expense
 111
 -
 26
 26
 163
Change in Estimate(a)
 (127)
 -
 -
 -
 (127)
Payments
 (91)
 (14)
 (29)
 (44)
 (178)
 
Balance December 25, 2009
 $459
 $73
 $97
 $108
 $737
Charged to Expense
 70
 -
 36
 77
 183
Change in Estimate(a)
 (49)
 -
 -
 -
 (49)
Payments
 (105)
 (13)
 (26)
 (49)
 (193)
           
Balance December 31, 2010
 $375
 $60
 $107
 $136
 $678

(a)  
Changes in estimates are the result of continued safety improvements and decreasing claim trends for both personal injury and occupational injuries.  See below for more detailed discussion regarding these changes in estimates.

(b)  
Other reserve accruals were higher in 2010 due to an increase in freight rate reserves related to various rate disputes.  These accruals were lower in 2009 primarily due to a reduction in freight loss and damage claims as a result of volume declines.  These amounts are recorded as a reduction in revenue rather than expense because they represent liabilities for customer claims regarding the rates charged by the Company for its transportation services.


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

These reserves are considered critical accounting estimates due to the need for significant management judgments. They are provided for in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

   
December 31, 2010
 
December 25, 2009
(Dollars in Millions)
Current
Long-term
Total
 
Current
Long-term
Total
                 
Casualty:
             
 
Personal Injury
 $78
 $176
 $254
 
 $85
 $215
 $300
 
Occupational
 10
 30
 40
 
 17
 46
 63
 
Asbestos
 9
 72
 81
 
 10
 86
 96
 
     Total Casualty
 97
 278
 375
 
 112
 347
 459
Separation
 16
 44
 60
 
 16
 57
 73
Environmental
 37
 70
 107
 
 37
 60
 97
Other
 26
 110
 136
 
 25
 83
 108
 
     Total
 $176
 $502
 $678
 
 $190
 $547
 $737

Actual settlements and claims received could differ.  The final outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty.  Considering the legal defenses available, the liabilities that have been recorded and other factors, it is the opinion of management that none of these items, when finally resolved, will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  Should a number of these items occur in the same period, however, they could have a material effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in that particular period.

Casualty

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

During 2010 and 2009, the Company reduced casualty reserves by $49 million and $127 million, respectively.  The after-tax effect on earnings from continuing operations and net earnings was $30 million and $79 million for 2010 and 2009, respectively. The after-tax effect on earnings per share for 2010 and 2009 was $0.08 and $0.20, respectively.

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CSX CORPORATION
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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”).  In addition to FELA liabilities, employees of other CSX subsidiaries are covered by various state workers’ compensation laws, the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program or the Maritime Jones Act.

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

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

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

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

82

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NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued

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

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

Undiscounted liabilities recorded related to occupational and asbestos claims were as follows:
 
December
 
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
 
2009
Occupational:
     
Incurred but not reported claims
 $25
 
 $29
Asserted claims
 15
 
 34
Total liability
 $40
 
 $63
       
       
Asbestos:
     
Incurred but not reported claims
 $40
 
 $43
Asserted claims
 41
 
 53
Total liability
 $81
 
 $96

A summary of occupational and asbestos claims activity is as follows:

 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
2009
Asserted Claims
   
Open Claims - Beginning of Year
 3,782
 4,904
New Claims Filed
 250
 298
Claims Settled
 (287)
 (184)
Claims Dismissed
 (2,369)
 (1,236)
Open Claims - End of Year
 1,376
 3,782

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

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NOTE 5.  Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, continued
 
During 2010 and 2009, the Company reduced its reserves for asbestos claims by $13 million and $24 million, respectively.  The 2010 reduction was primarily related to some claims that were determined to have no value due to lack of sufficient medical evidence as well as a decrease in the estimate of future claim filings.  The 2009 reduction was also primarily related to a significant number of claims that were determined to have no value due to lack of sufficient medical evidence.  These reductions in reserves were included in materials, supplies and other in the consolidated income statements.

Separation
 
Separation liabilities provide for the estimated benefits provided to certain union employees as a result of implementing workforce reductions, improvements in productivity and certain other cost reductions at the Company's major transportation units since 1991. These liabilities are expected to be paid out over the next 10 to 15 years from general corporate funds and may fluctuate depending on the timing of payments and associated taxes.

Environmental

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

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


84

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

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 anticipated contingent future environmental remediation costs with respect to each site to the extent such costs are 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 statement.

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

Other

Other reserves of $136 million and $108 million for 2010 and 2009, respectively, include liabilities for various claims, such as longshoremen disability claims, freight claims and claims for property, automobile and general liability.  Freight claims include claims for both freight loss and damage and freight rate disputes.  Freight rate disputes are recorded as a reduction of revenue rather than an expense because they represent liabilities for customer claims regarding the rates charged by the Company for its transportation services.  These liabilities are accrued at the estimable and probable amount in accordance with the Contingencies Topic in the ASC.




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NOTE 6.  Properties

A detail of the Company’s net properties are as follows:

         
Annual
 
Estimated
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Accumulated
Net Book
Depreciation
Depreciation
Useful
As of December 2010
Cost
Depreciation
Value
Rate (a)
Method
Life
 Road
             
 
 Rail and Other Track Material
 $5,568
 $(937)
 $4,631
2.7%
 Group Life
 
 
 Ties
 3,896
 (807)
 3,089
3.7%
 Group Life
 
 
 Grading
 2,368
 (348)
 2,020
1.3%
 Group Life
 
 
 Ballast
 2,372
 (605)
 1,767
2.5%
 Group Life
 
 
 Bridges, Trestles, and Culverts
 1,815
 (170)
 1,645
1.4%
 Group Life
 
 
 Signals and Interlockers
 1,610
 (183)
 1,427
3.3%
 Group Life
 
 
 Buildings
 750
 (253)
 497
2.5%
 Group Life
 
 
 Other
 2,527
 (1,014)
 1,513
3.0%
 Group Life
 
 Total Road
 $20,906
 $(4,317)
 $16,589
   
5-80 years
               
Equipment
           
 
 Locomotive
 $4,354
 $(1,852)
 $2,502
3.5%
Group Life
 
 
 Freight Cars
 2,653
 (1,096)
 1,557
3.5%
Group Life
 
 
 Work Equipment and Other
 436
 (199)
 237
7.3%
Group Life
 
 Total Equipment
 $7,443
 $(3,147)
 $4,296
   
5-35 years
               
 Land
 
 $1,875
 N/A
 $1,875
N/A
N/A
N/A
 Construction In Progress
 529
 N/A
 529
N/A
N/A
N/A
 Other
 
 1,312
 (802)
 510
N/A
Straight Line
4-30 years
 Total Properties
 $32,065
 $(8,266)
 $23,799
     


         
Annual
 
Estimated
(Dollars in Millions)
 
Accumulated
Net Book
Depreciation
Depreciation
Useful
As of December 2009
Cost
Depreciation
Value
Rate (a)
Method
Life
 Road
             
 
 Rail and Other Track Material
 $5,406
 $(870)
 $4,536
2.7%
 Group Life
 
 
 Ties
 3,678
 (748)
 2,930
3.7%
 Group Life
 
 
 Grading
 2,351
 (283)
 2,068
1.3%
 Group Life
 
 
 Ballast
 2,279
 (585)
 1,694
2.5%
 Group Life
 
 
 Bridges, Trestles, and Culverts
 1,765
 (116)
 1,649
1.4%
 Group Life
 
 
 Signals and Interlockers
 1,565
 (232)
 1,333
3.3%
 Group Life
 
 
 Buildings
 715
 (187)
 528
2.5%
 Group Life
 
 
 Other
 2,254
 (1,011)
 1,243
3.0%
 Group Life
 
 Total Road
 $20,013
 $(4,032)
 $15,981
   
5-80 years
               
Equipment
           
 
 Locomotive
 $4,358
 $(1,716)
 $2,642
3.5%
Group Life
 
 
 Freight Cars
 2,672
 (1,142)
 1,530
3.5%
Group Life
 
 
 Work Equipment and Other
 436
 (180)
 256
7.4%
Group Life
 
 Total Equipment
 $7,466
 $(3,038)
 $4,428
   
5-35 years
               
 Land
 
 $1,937
 N/A
 $1,937
N/A
N/A
N/A
 Construction In Progress
 336
 -
 336
N/A
N/A
N/A
 Other
 
 1,155
 (773)
 382
N/A
Straight Line
4-30 years
 Total Properties
 $30,907
 $(7,843)
 $23,064
     

(a)  
Composite depreciation rates, which are used in group life depreciation, apply to railroad assets which account for more than 87% of total properties.  All other property is depreciated on a straight line basis over the asset’s useful life. 

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CSX CORPORATION
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NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

Railroad Assets

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

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

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

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

The results of the life study process determine the service lives for each asset group under the group-life method.  Road assets, including main-line track, have estimated service lives ranging from six years for system roadway machinery to 75 years for tunnels.  Equipment assets, including locomotives and freight cars, have estimated service lives ranging from six years for technology assets to 35 years for work equipment.

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

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CSX CORPORATION
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NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

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

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

·  
evaluation of current operations;
 
·  
evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;

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

·  
expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and

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

Since the rail network is one contiguous, connected network it is impractical to maintain specific identification records for these assets.  For road assets (such as rail and track related items), CSX utilizes a first-in, first-out approach to asset retirements.  The historical cost of these replaced assets is estimated using inflation indices published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired asset.  The indices are used because they closely correlate with the major cost of the materials comprising the applicable road assets.

Equipment assets (such as locomotives and freight cars) are specifically identified.  When an equipment asset is retired that has been depreciated using group life method, the cost is reduced from the cost base and classified into accumulated depreciation.

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CSX CORPORATION
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NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

In the event that large groups of assets are removed from service as a result of unusual acts or sales, resulting gains and losses are recognized immediately. These acts are not considered to be in the normal course of business and are therefore recognized when incurred.  Examples of such acts would be the major destruction of assets due to significant storm damage (e.g. major hurricanes), the sale of a rail line segment to another railroad or the disposal of an entire class of assets (e.g. disposal of all refrigerated freight cars).  Abnormal gains and losses were $30 million loss for 2010, zero for 2009, and $24 million loss for 2008.

Recent experience with life studies has resulted in depreciation rate changes, which did not materially affect the Company’s annual depreciation expense of $947 million and $908 million for 2010 and 2009 respectively.  The Company completed life studies for its equipment assets in 2009 and for its road, track and equipment assets in 2008 resulting in a reduction in depreciation expense of $11 million in 2010, and $18 million in 2009.

Non-Railroad Assets

The majority of non-railroad property is depreciated using the straight-line method on a per asset basis.  The depreciable lives of this property are periodically reviewed by the Company and any changes are applied on a prospective basis.  Amortization expense recorded under capital leases is included in depreciation expense on the consolidated income statements.  For retirements or disposals of non-railroad depreciable assets and all dispositions of land, the resulting gains or losses are recognized in earnings at the time of disposal.  These gains and losses were not material for any period presented.

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.

 
89

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

Capital Expenditures

The Company’s capital spending includes purchased or 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 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 were stated at historical cost less an allowance for accumulated depreciation.

The Company’s largest category of capital spending 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 typically 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 ties or ballast; and

·  
other track materials.


90

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 6.  Properties, continued

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 rail. 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 rail installation is related to the deconstruction of old track and 80% is associated with the installation of new track.

Capital spending 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 spending incurred extends the asset’s useful 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.

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

The Company has various lease agreements with other parties with terms up to 30 years.  Net daily rental charges on railroad equipment are not long-term commitments.  Non-cancelable, long-term leases generally include provisions for maintenance, options to purchase and options to extend the terms.  The Company uses the straight-line method to recognize rent expense associated with operating leases that include escalations over their terms.


 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
2008
Net Daily Rental Charges
 $307
 $307
 $323
Rent Expense on Operating Leases
 67
 84
 102
Equipment and Other Rents
 $374
 $391
 $425
 

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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued

At December 2010, minimum building and equipment rentals and commitments for vessels (utilized in a shipping business formerly owned by CSX) under operating leases are disclosed in the table below.  Also included in these amounts are agreements covering equipment leased from Conrail, Inc. (“Conrail”).

(Dollars in Millions)
 
Operating
Sublease
Net Lease
Years
Leases
Income
Commitments
2011
 $96
 $(17)
 $79
2012
 91
 (21)
 70
2013
 67
 (26)
 41
2014
 74
 (49)
 25
2015
 22
 -
 22
Thereafter
 156
 (1)
 155
Total
 $506
 $(114)
 $392

Operating leases and an equal portion of sublease income include approximately $96 million relating to ongoing operating lease commitments for vessels and equipment, which have been subleased to Horizon Lines, Inc. (“Horizon”), a former subsidiary previously named CSX Lines.  If Horizon were to experience operational or financial difficulties and default on its obligations, CSX would be liable for all remaining payments.  CSX does not believe such an event would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity in a fiscal year; however, it could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations in a particular fiscal quarter.  CSX continues to monitor Horizon’s financial condition.  The cash obligation remaining as of the date of this filing was $86 million.

Purchase Commitments
 
    CSXT has a commitment under a long-term maintenance program that currently covers 46% of CSXT’s fleet of locomotives.  The agreement is based on the maintenance cycle for each locomotive.  Under CSXT’s current obligations, the agreement will expire no earlier than 2028 and may last until 2031 depending upon when certain locomotives are placed in service.  The costs expected to be incurred throughout the duration of the agreement fluctuate as locomotives are placed into, or removed from, service or as required maintenance schedules are revised.  The table below includes both active and inactive locomotives covered under this agreement.  The increase in costs is due to more active locomotives in response to higher volume levels in 2010.

The following table summarizes the number of locomotives covered and CSXT’s payments under the long-term maintenance program.


 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
2008
Amounts Paid
 $252
 $237
 $253
Number of Locomotives
 1,869
 1,891
 1,958

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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 7.  Commitments and Contingencies, continued

As a result of agreements executed in 2005 and 2006, CSXT has remaining purchase obligations to acquire 50 additional locomotives by year-end 2011.  The amount of the ultimate purchase commitment depends upon the model of locomotive acquired and the timing of delivery.  Annual payments related to the locomotive purchase obligations, including amounts that would be payable under the long-term maintenance program, are estimated in the table below.


 
Payments
(Dollars in Millions)
 
2011
 $365
2012
 273
2013
 282
2014
 291
2015
 301
Thereafter
 3,850
Total
 $5,363

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 additional purchase commitments are estimated as follows:

 
Payments
(Dollars in Millions)
 
2011
 $64
2012
 57
2013
 37
2014
 18
2015
 18
Thereafter
 -
Total
 $193


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 liability and property programs.  The Company has a $25 million retention per occurrence for the non-catastrophic property program and a $50 million retention per occurrence for the liability and catastrophic property programs. 

          While the Company’s current insurance coverage is adequate to cover its damages, future claims could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates. 

93

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel.  The plans provide eligible employees with retirement benefits based predominantly on years of service and compensation rates near retirement.  For employees hired after December 31, 2002, 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 self-insured post-retirement medical plan and a life insurance plan that provide benefits to full-time, salaried, management employees, hired prior to January 1, 2003, upon their retirement if certain eligibility requirements are met.  Prior to 2011, the post-retirement medical plan was partially funded by all participating retirees, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.  Beginning in 2011, Medicare-eligible retirees will be covered by a health reimbursement arrangement, which is an employer-funded account that can be used for reimbursement of eligible medical expenses. Non-Medicare eligible retirees will continue to be covered by the existing self-insured program. The life insurance plan is non-contributory.
 
    The Company engages independent, external actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses related to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company selects. In order to perform this valuation, the actuary is 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, 2010
 
Pension Plans
 
Post-retirement Medical Plan
Active Employees
 4,771
 
 2,915
Retirees and Beneficiaries (a)
 11,226
 
 12,155
Other(b)
 6,512
 
 253
Total
 22,509
 
 15,323

(a) Retirees and beneficiaries in the post-retirement medical plan increased as changes in the plan resulted in a change in assumptions regarding the number of spouses of participants who would opt-in for coverage.
 
(b) 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.

94

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

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 prescribed regulatory requirements and with an objective of meeting minimum funding requirements necessary to avoid restrictions on flexibility of plan operation and benefit payments.  At the current time, the Company anticipates that no contributions to its qualified pension plans will be required in 2011. 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 and assets are segregated or restricted for purposes of meeting these obligations.  Qualified pension plan obligations are funded in accordance with prescribed regulatory requirements and with an objective of meeting minimum funding requirements necessary to avoid restrictions on flexibility of plan operation and benefit payments.  At the current time, the Company anticipates that no qualified pension plan contributions will be required in 2011.

Future expected benefit payments are as follows:


 
Expected Cash Flows
(Dollars in Millions)
Pension       Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
2011
 $162
 
 $41
2012
 167
 
 40
2013
 167
 
 38
2014
 171
 
 36
2015
 174
 
 35
2016-2020
 886
 
 149
Total
 $1,727
 
 $339


95

CSX CORPORATION
PART II
NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Plan Assets
 
The CSX Investment Committee (the “Investment Committee”), whose members were selected by the Chief Financial Officer and approved by the Chief Executive 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 that is updated periodically in consideration of plan or employee changes, or changing market conditions. These 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 60% equity investments and 40% fixed income investments.  Within equity,   a further target is currently established for 45% of total plan assets in domestic equity and 15% in international equity.  These allocations are managed to be within 3% of the planned allocation, with reallocations occurring quarterly.
At December 2010, both the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation exceeded the plan assets of each pension plan. The distribution of pension plan assets as of the measurement date is shown in the table below, and these assets are netted against the pension liabilities on the balance sheet. The funded status, or amount by which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets, represents a liability.

 
 
December 2010
 
December 2009
   
Percent of
   
Percent of
(Dollars in Millions)
Amount
Total Assets
 
Amount
Total Assets
Equity
 $1,126
61
%
 
 $1,019
57
%
Fixed Income
 717
39
   
 696
39
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 8
 -
   
 66
4
 
               
Total
 $1,851
100
%
 
 $1,781
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.

96

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Within the Company’s equity funds, the U.S. stock segment includes diversification among large and small capitalization 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, and limit diversification between domestic and foreign investments and the use of derivatives.  Additionally, guidelines stipulate minimum credit quality constraints and any prohibited securities.

For detailed information regarding the fair value of pension assets, see Note 15, Fair Value Measurements.

97

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status

Changes in benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the 2010 and 2009 calendar plan years are as follows:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
Plan Year
Plan Year
 
Plan Year
Plan Year
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
           
Actuarial Present Value of Benefit Obligation
         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
 $2,354
 $2,238
 
 N/A
 N/A
Projected Benefit Obligation
 2,487
 2,395
 
 $383
 $406
           
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation:
         
Projected Benefit Obligation at Beginning of Plan Year
 $2,395
 $2,062
 
 $406
 $373
Service Cost
 41
 32
 
 5
 5
Interest Cost
 121
 129
 
 20
 25
Plan Participants' Contributions
 -
 -
 
 16
 19
Plan Amendments
 (9)
 -
 
 (6)
 -
Actuarial (Gain)/Loss
 92
 323
 
 (11)
 35
Benefits Paid
 (153)
 (151)
 
 (47)
 (51)
           
Benefit Obligation at End of Plan Year
 $2,487
 $2,395
 
 $383
 $406
           
Change in Plan Assets:
         
Fair Value of Plan Assets at Beginning of Plan Year
 $1,781
 $1,320
 
 $-
 $-
Actual Return on Plan Assets
 210
 349
 
 -
 -
Qualified Employer Contributions
 -
 250
 
 -
 -
Non-qualified Employer Contributions
 13
 13
 
 31
 32
Plan Participants' Contributions
 -
 -
 
 16
 19
Benefits Paid
 (153)
 (151)
 
 (47)
 (51)
           
Fair Value of Plan Assets at End of Plan Year
 $1,851
 $1,781
 
 $-
 $-
           
Funded Status at End of Plan Year
 $(636)
 $(614)
 
 $(383)
 $(406)



98

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

For qualified plan funding purposes, assets and discounted liabilities are measured in accordance with ERISA, as well as other related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code 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 postretirement benefit plan) and the fair value of plan assets at the plan measurement date.  Amounts related to pension and post-retirement benefits recorded on the balance sheet are as follows:

 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
December
December
 
December
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
           
Amounts Recorded in Consolidated
       
   Balance Sheets:
         
Current Liabilities
 $(13)
 $(11)
 
 $(41)
 $(42)
Long-term Liabilities
 (623)
 (603)
 
 (342)
 (364)
Net Amount Recognized in
         
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 $(636)
 $(614)
 
 $(383)
 $(406)

CSX has a liability for the amount by which the benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets. At December 2010, both the accumulated benefit obligation and the projected benefit obligation exceeded the plan assets of each pension plan.

Net Benefit Expense

The following table describes the components of expense/(income) related to net benefit expense.

 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
 
Fiscal Years
 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
2008
 
2010
2009
2008
Service Cost
 $41
 $32
 $32
 
 $5
 $5
 $5
Interest Cost
 122
 129
 119
 
 20
 25
 21
Expected Return on Plan Assets
 (165)
 (154)
 (145)
 
 -
 -
 -
Amortization of Net Loss
 58
 26
 22
 
 7
 4
 6
Amortization of Prior Service Cost
 -
 2
 3
 
 -
 -
 (2)
Net Periodic Benefit Expense
 $56
 $35
 $31
 
 $32
 $34
 $30
Settlement Gain(a)
 (2)
 -
 -
 
 -
 -
 -
Total Expense
 $54
 $35
 $31
 
 $32
 $34
 $30

(a) In 2010, in one of the company's pension plans, the lump-sum payments exceeded the sum of the service cost and interest cost recognized.  As such, the company was required to recognize a portion of its accumulated other comprehensive income related to that plan into earnings.


99

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits Adjustments

The following table shows the pre-tax change in other comprehensive income (loss) 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)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
           
Recognized in the balance sheet
             
Losses (Gains)
 $48
 
 $128
 
 $(9)
 
 $37
Prior service credits
 $(9)
 
 $-
 
 $(6)
 
 $-
               
Expense (Income) recognized in the income statement
             
Amortization of net losses (a)
 $58
 
 $26
 
 $7
 
 $4
Settlement gain
 $(2)
 
 $-
 
 $-
 
 $-
Amortization of prior service costs (b)
 $-
 
 $2
 
 $-
 
 $-

(a)  
The estimated amount to be expensed for 2011 is $73 million and $7 million for pension benefits and post-retirement benefits, respectively. The increase in the pension expense is largely related to additional amortization of the losses incurred by the pension plan assets during 2008.

(b)  
Remaining prior service costs to be expensed in 2011 are less than $1 million. The estimated post-retirement benefits amount to be credited to expense for 2011 is $1 million.

At December 2010, the balances of pre-tax amounts to be amortized that are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (a component of shareholders’ equity) are as follows:

 
 Pension
 
Post-retirement
 
Benefits
 
Benefits
Losses
 $1,047
 
 $84
Prior Service Costs (Credits)
 1
 
 (6)
Total
 $1,048
 
 $78



100

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

Assumptions

Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for the plans were as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement Benefits
   
2010
2009
 
2010
2009
Expected Long-term Return on Plan Assets:
         
 
Benefit Cost for Plan Year
8.50%
8.50%
 
N/A
N/A
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Plan Year
8.25%
8.50%
 
N/A
N/A
             
Discount Rates:
         
 
Benefit Cost for Plan Year
5.25%
6.50%
 
4.75%
6.50%
 
Benefit Obligation at End of Plan Year
5.00%
5.25%
 
4.50%
4.75%
             
Salary Scale Inflation
4.00%
4.00%
 
N/A
4.00%

The net post-retirement benefit obligation for salaried, management personnel was determined using the following assumptions for the health care cost trend rate for medical plans. While it is expected that rates will decrease to 5% by 2018, there may be yearly fluctuations. Additionally, there are cost differentials between Medicare and Non-Medicare eligible individuals which are reflected below.

   
Post-retirement Benefits
   
2010
 
2009
Health Care Cost Trend Rate
     
 
Components of Benefit Cost:  Non-Medicare Eligible
8.5%
 
9.5%
 
Components of Benefit Cost:  Medicare Eligible
8.0%
 
10.5%
         
 
Benefit Obligations:  Non-Medicare Eligible
8.5%
 
8.5%
 
Benefit Obligations:  Medicare Eligible
8.0%
 
8.0%

For every 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate, service and interest cost will change $1 million on a pre-tax basis on the consolidated income statements. For every 1% change in the health care cost trend rate, the Company’s benefit obligation will change by $1 million on the consolidated balance sheets.

Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003

As required by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”), the Company has determined that its medical plan’s prescription drug benefit qualifies as actuarially equivalent to the benefit that would be paid under the Act.  The Company has received $5 million and $3 million in tax free federal reimbursement for prescription drug claims in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

101

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 8.  Employee Benefit Plans, continued

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 $45 million, $35 million and $36 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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 $28 million, $24 million and $26 million for 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements

Debt was as follows:

     
Average
   
     
Interest
   
     
Rates at
   
     
December
December
December
(Dollars in Millions)
Maturity
2010
2010
2009
           
Notes
2011-2043
6.3%
 $7,817
 $7,038
Equipment Obligations
2011-2023
7.1%
 823
 911
Capital Leases
2011-2017
7.2%
 15
 31
Convertible Debentures (a)
2021
2.1%
 9
 28
           
Total Long-term Debt (including current portion)
 
 8,664
 8,008
           
Less Debt Due within One Year
   
 (613)
 (113)
Long-term Debt (excluding current portion)
   
 $8,051
 $7,895

 (a) Convertible debentures are net of $1 million discount in 2010 and $3 million in 2009.

For information regarding the fair value of debt, see Note 15, Fair Value Measurements.

Debt Issuance
 
    In 2010, CSX issued $500 million of 3.7% notes due 2020 and $300 million of 5.5% notes due 2041.  These notes were included in the consolidated balance sheets under long-term debt and may be redeemed by the Company at any time.  The net proceeds from the sale of the notes will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness outstanding from time to time, repurchases of CSX’s common stock, capital expenditures, working capital requirements, improvements in productivity and other cost reductions at CSX’s major transportation units.


102

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements, continued

Convertible Debentures

In 2001, CSX issued $564 million aggregate principal amount at maturity in unsubordinated zero coupon convertible debentures (the "debentures") due in 2021 for an initial offering price of approximately $462 million.  The carrying value of outstanding debentures was $9 million and $28 million, at December 2010 and December 2009, respectively.  From their date of issuance, these debentures had accreted (increased) in value at a rate of 1% per year.  In 2007, the accretion rate was reset to 2.1%.  The accretion rate may be reset again in October 2011 and October 2016 to a rate based on five-year United States Treasury Notes minus 2.8%.  In no event will the yield to maturity be reset below 1% or above 3% per annum.  Accretion in value on the debentures is recorded in each month but will not be paid prior to maturity.

The debentures allow holders to require CSX to purchase their debentures in October 2011 and October 2016, at a purchase price equal to the accreted value of the debentures at the time.  CSX may redeem the debentures for cash at any time at a redemption price equal to the accreted value of the debentures.
 
Holders currently may convert their debentures into shares of CSX common stock at a conversion rate of 35.49 common shares per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of debentures.  During 2010, $21 million face value of debentures was converted into 1 million shares of CSX common stock.  There were no material conversions during 2009.  At December 2010, $10 million face value debentures remained outstanding, convertible into 359 thousand shares of CSX common stock.

Long-term Debt Maturities

(Dollars in Millions)
Maturities as of December 2010
Fiscal Years Ending
2011
 
 $613
2012
 
 507
2013
 
 780
2014
 
 526
2015
 
 628
2016 and Thereafter
 5,610
Total Long-term Debt Maturities (including current portion)
 $8,664


103

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements, continued

Debt Exchange

In March 2010, CSX exchanged $660 million of notes of multiple series (the “Existing Notes”), bearing interest at an average annual rate of 7.74% with maturities ranging from 2017 to 2038.  These Existing Notes were exchanged for $660 million of debt securities (the “New Notes”) bearing interest at 6.22% and due April 30, 2040.  In addition, CSX paid approximately $141 million to the debtholders as cash consideration.  CSX also paid the debtholders any accrued and unpaid interest on the Existing Notes.  In accordance with the Debt Topic in the ASC, this transaction has been accounted for as a debt exchange.  As such, the $141 million of cash consideration paid to the debtholders was recorded in other long-term assets.  This cash consideration and the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes are being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the term of the New Notes.  There was no gain or loss recognized as a result of this exchange.  However, all costs related to the debt exchange and due to parties other than the debtholders were included in interest expense during first quarter 2010.  These costs totaled approximately $3 million.

In July 2010, CSX exchanged the New Notes for substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the exchange offer.

Credit Facilities

In 2006, the Company entered into a $1.25 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility. In 2007, with the consent of the lenders and in accordance with the facility’s terms, CSX extended the maturity date of the $1.25 billion facility an additional year, to 2012.

Additionally, with the approval of the lending banks, CSX may increase its total borrowing capacity under the $1.25 billion facility by $500 million, from $1.25 billion to up to $1.75 billion. The facility was not drawn on as of December 2010.  Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the facility were similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated investment-grade borrowers.

In 2010, CSX paid approximately $2 million in total fees associated with the undrawn facilities. These credit facilities allow for 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. At December 2010, CSX was in compliance with all covenant requirements under the facilities.


104

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 9.  Debt and Credit Agreements, continued

Receivables Securitization Facility

The Company’s $250 million receivables securitization facility has a 364-day term and expires in December 2011.  The purpose of this facility is to provide an alternative to commercial paper and a low cost source of short-term liquidity.  As of the date of this filing, the Company has not drawn on this facility.  Under the terms of this facility, CSX Transportation transfers eligible third-party receivables to CSX Trade Receivables, a bankruptcy-remote special purpose subsidiary.  A separate subsidiary of CSX will service the receivables.  Upon transfer, the receivables become assets of CSX Trade Receivables and are not available to the creditors of CSX or any of its other subsidiaries. In the event CSX Trade Receivables draws under this facility, the Company will record an equivalent amount of debt on its consolidated financial statements.

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. Income from real estate includes the results of operations of the Company’s non-operating real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities and may fluctuate as a function of timing of real estate sales. Miscellaneous income (expense) includes equity earnings or losses, investment gains and losses and other non-operating activities and may fluctuate due to timing.  Other income – net consisted of the following:

   
 Fiscal Years 
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
2008
         
Interest Income
 $6
 $11
 $37
Income from Real Estate Operations
 30
 31
 39
Miscellaneous Income (Expense) (a)
 (4)
 (8)
 24
 
Total Other Income - Net
 $32
 $34
 $100
         
Gross Revenue from Real Estate
     
 
Operations included above
 $54
 $60
 $77

(a) The decrease from 2008 is attributable to additional income of $30 million for an adjustment to correct equity earnings from a non-consolidated subsidiary.

105

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 11.  Other Long-term Assets and Other Long-term Liabilities

Other Long-term Assets

Other Long-term Assets consisted of the following:
 
 
 
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
 
2009
   
Debt Issuance Costs (a)
 $170
 
 $35
Goodwill (b)
 70
 
 64
Available for Sale Securities
 69
 
 35
Other
 44
 
 31
 
Total Other Long-term Assets
 $353
 
 $165

(a)  
Majority of debt issuance costs relate to premium paid in March 2010 for exchange of debt.

(b)  
Goodwill related to subsidiaries of CSXT, primarily Four Rivers Transportation Inc., represents purchase price in excess of fair value.

Other Long-term Liabilities

Other Long-term Liabilities consisted of the following:

   
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
 
2009
         
Pension Plan Liabilities (Note 8)
 $623
 
 $603
Post-retirement Benefit Liabilities (Note 8)
 342
 
 364
Deferred Gains
 160
 
 143
Accrued Deferred Compensation
 78
 
 79
Deferred Lease Payments
 17
 
 18
Accrued Sick Leave
 17
 
 17
Other
 61
 
 60
 
Total Other Long-term Liabilities
 $1,298
 
 $1,284



106

CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 12.  Income Taxes
 
    Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes of $2.5 billion, $1.8 billion and $2.3 billion for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, represent earnings from domestic operations.
 
The breakdown of income tax expense between current and deferred is as follows:

(Dollars in Millions)
Fiscal Years
Current:
2010
2009
2008
 
Federal
 $451
 $151
 $284
 
State
 58
 37
 73
 
Total Current
 509
 188
 357
Deferred:
     
 
Federal
 372
 407
 470
 
State
 102
 23
 20
 
Total Deferred
 474
 430
 490
Total
 $983
 $618
 $847

 Income tax expense reconciled to the tax computed at statutory rates is presented in the table below.  The change in the 2010 effective income tax rate compared to the prior year is primarily attributed to an income tax charge of $16 million related to the merger of the Company’s former Intermodal subsidiary with CSXT.  The change in the 2009 effective income tax rate compared to the prior year is primarily attributed to a state tax benefit recorded for the change in the apportionment of state taxes.
 
 
 
Fiscal Years
 
(Dollars In Millions)
2010
 
2009
 
2008
 
Federal Income Taxes
 $891
 35.0
%
 $610
 35.0
%
 $815
 35.0
%
State Income Taxes
 85
 3.4
 
 37
 2.1
 
 59
 2.5
 
Corporate Reorganization
 16
 0.6
 
 -
 -
 
 -
 -
 
Other Items(a)
 (9)
 (0.4)
 
 (29)
 (1.6)
 
 (27)
 (1.1)
 
Income Tax Expense/Rate
 $983
 38.6
%
 $618
 35.5
%
 $847
 36.4
%

(a) Other items primarily include tax impacts from equity in Conrail and other partially owned subsidiaries’ earnings.

The significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities include:

   
2010
 
2009
(Dollars in Millions)
Assets
Liabilities
 
Assets
Liabilities
Pension Plans
 $243
 $-
 
 $223
 $-
Other Employee Benefit Plans
 311
 -
 
 303
 -
Accelerated Depreciation
 -
 7,557
 
 -
 7,126
Other
 353
 211
 
 365
 135
 
Total
 $907
 $7,768
 
 $891
 $7,261
Net Deferred Income Tax Liabilities
 
 $6,861
   
 $6,370


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NOTE 12.  Income Taxes, continued

 The primary factors in the change in year-end net deferred income tax liability balances include:
 
·  
Annual provision for deferred income tax expense; and

·  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss and other capital adjustments.

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 Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) audit of tax years 2009 and 2010.  During 2010, the Company resolved the final issue on the 2008 IRS Audit Appeal.  This settlement had no material impact on the financial statements.  Federal examinations of original federal income tax returns for all years through 2008 are otherwise resolved.

Uncertain Tax Positions:
Fiscal Year
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
Balance at beginning of the year
 $50
 $57
 Additions based on tax positions related to current year
 3
 1
 Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
 17
 6
 Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years
 (41)
 -
 Settlements with taxing authorities
 -
 (1)
 Lapse of statute of limitations
 (9)
 (13)
 Balance at end of the year
 $20
 $50
 
    As of December 2010 and 2009, the Company had approximately $20 million and $50 million, respectively, of total unrecognized tax benefits.  After consideration of the impact of federal tax benefits, $15 million and $41 million, respectively, could favorably affect the effective income tax rate.  The Company estimates that approximately $6 million of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 2010 for various state and federal income tax matters will be resolved over the next 12 months.  The change to the total gross unrecognized tax benefits and prior year audit resolutions of the Company during the fiscal year ended December 2010 is reconciled as follows:

Approximately $2 million of the gross unrecognized tax benefits would be closed upon the expiration of statutes of limitations during 2011.  The final outcome of these uncertain tax positions, however, is not yet determinable.

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 expense or (benefits) of $7 million, $(6) million and $(2) million for fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, for the reduction to reserves for interest and penalties for all prior year tax positions.  Prior year benefits for interest and penalties are due to favorable tax settlements of prior period tax audits where the Company had previously accrued a liability for interest and penalties.  The Company had $6 million accrued for interest and penalties for both 2010 and 2009 for all prior year tax positions.

 
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NOTE 13.  Related Party Transactions

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.

Also included in materials, supplies and other are CSX’s 42% 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.
 
    The following table details the related Conrail amounts included in materials, supplies and other in the Company’s consolidated income statements:

   
 Fiscal Years 
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
 
2009
 
2008
Rents, Fees and Services
 $112
 
 $104
 
 $112
Purchase Price Amortization and Other
 4
 
 4
 
 4
Equity in Income of Conrail
 (21)
 
 (27)
 
 (23)
 
Total Conrail Rents, Fees and Services
 $95
 
 $81
 
 $93

Interest expense from the promissory notes payable to a Conrail subsidiary was as follows:

   
 Fiscal Years 
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
 
2009
 
2008
Interest Expense Related to Conrail
 $4
 
 $4
 
 $4

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.  The Company also executed two promissory notes with a subsidiary of Conrail which were included in long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.

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CSX CORPORATION
PART II

NOTE 13.  Related Party Transactions, continued

   
December
December
(Dollars in Millions)
2010
2009
Balance Sheet Information:
   
CSX Payable to Conrail (a)
 $84
 $65
Promissory Notes Payable to Conrail Subsidiary
   
 
4.40% CSX Promissory Note due October 2035 (b)
 $73
 $73
 
4.52% CSXT Promissory Note due March 2035 (b)
 $23
 $23

(a)  Included on the consolidated balance sheet of CSX as accounts payable because it is short term in nature.

(b) Included on the consolidated balance sheet of CSX as long-term debt.

NOTE 14.  Discontinued Operations

In 2009, CSX sold the stock of a subsidiary that indirectly owned Greenbrier Hotel Corporation (“GHC” or “The Greenbrier”) to Justice Family Group, LLC (“JFG”) for approximately $21 million in cash.  CSX recognized a gain on the sale of $25 million which included a tax benefit of $3 million in 2009. The gain was calculated using cash proceeds, net book value, deal-related costs incurred and tax benefits. CSX has retained responsibility for certain pre-closing Greenbrier pension obligations.  Additionally in 2009, The Greenbrier recognized a pre-tax operating loss of $17 million or $10 million after tax.

In 2008, prior to JFG purchasing The Greenbrier, CSX identified impairment indicators, including a significant decrease in the market value associated with The Greenbrier, which caused the Company to review the carrying amount of the assets of the resort.  Based on Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy, this review resulted in a write-down of the assets.  The 2008 impairment and operating loss had a pre-tax impact of $203 million or $130 million after tax.

The 2008 impairment and operating loss and the 2009 transaction are reported as discontinued operations under the subsection Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets in the ASC.  Therefore, the gain on sale as well as losses from operations is reported as discontinued operations.  Previously, all amounts associated with the operations of The Greenbrier were included in Other Income - Net.

 Income statement information:

 
Fiscal Years
(Dollars in Millions)
2009
2008
Revenue
 $33
 $91
Pre-Tax Income (Loss)
 5
 (203)
Net Loss, After Tax
 (10)
 (130)
Gain on Sale, After Tax
 25
 -
Net Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations
 $15
 $(130)
     
Earnings Per Share
   
From Discontinued Operations, Assuming Dilution
 $0.04
 $(0.32)



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NOTE 15.  Fair Value Measurements

Beginning in 2009, 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.)

·  
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions 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 are valued by a third-party trustee, consist primarily of corporate bonds and are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet per the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic in the ASC.  Level 1 inputs were used to determine fair value of the Company’s investment assets.
 
           
(Dollars in Millions)
   
December
2010
 
December
2009
 
Fair Value
   
 $123
 
 $96
 
Amortized Cost
   
 $121
 
 $91



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NOTE 15.  Fair Value Measurements, continued

These investments have the following maturities:
           
(Dollars in Millions)
 
December
2010
 
December
2009
 
Less than 1 year
 
 $44
 
 $20
 
1 - 2 years (a)
 
 45
 
 45
 
2 - 5 years (b)
 
 31
 
 31
 
Greater than 5 years
 3
 
 -
 
Total
   
 $123
 
$96

(a)  
The 1-2 year category includes callable bonds of approximately $5 million and $31 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, which are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet.

(b)  
The 2-5 year category includes callable bonds of approximately $5 million and $9 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively, which are classified as short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheet.

Long-term Debt

Long-term debt is reported at carrying amount on the consolidated balance sheet 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 by an independent third party.  For those instruments not valued by the third party, the fair value has been estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based upon the yields provided by the same independent third party.  Level 2 inputs were used to determine the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt.

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, 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.  The fair value and carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows:

(Dollars in Millions)
     
December
2010
 
December
2009
Long-term Debt Including Current Maturities:
       
 
Fair Value
     
 $9,624
 
 $8,780
 
Carrying Value
     
 $8,664
 
 $8,008

 
Pension Plan Assets
 
    The Investment Committee targets an allocation of pension assets to be generally 60% equity and 40% fixed income.  There are several valuation methodologies used for those assets as described below.
 
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NOTE 15.Fair Value Measurements, continued
 
·  
Common stock: Valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year.
 
·  
Common trust funds: Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the Master Trust at year end as determined by the issuer of the fund.
 
·  
Corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities: Valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year.
 
·  
Partnerships: Private equity valued using the market values associated with the underlying investments at year end as determined by the issuer of the fund.
 
The pension plan assets at fair value by level, within the fair value hierarchy, as of calendar plan years 2010 and 2009:
 
 
Fiscal Years
 
2010
 
2009
(Dollars in Millions)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Common Stock:
                 
Information technology
 $161
 $-
 $-
 $161
 
 $138
 $-
 $-
 $138
Consumer discretionary
 109
 -
 -
 109
 
 70
 -
 -
 70
Industrials
 70
 -
 -
 70
 
 53
 -
 -
 53
Health care
 68
 -
 -
 68
 
 71
 -
 -
 71
Financials
 65
 -
 -
 65
 
 76
 -
 -
 76
Energy
 63
 -
 -
 63
 
 47
 -
 -
 47
Consumer staples
 33
 -
 -
 33
 
 36
 -
 -
 36
Materials
 25
 -
 -
 25
 
 18
 -
 -
 18
Other
 20
 -
 -
 20
 
 27
 -
 -
 27
Corporate securities
 -
 613
 -
 613
 
 -
 546
 -
 546
Common trust funds
 -
 419
 -
 419
 
 -
 454
 -
 454
Derivatives liabilities
 -
 (211)
 -
 (211)
 
 -
 (250)
 -
 (250)
Derivatives assets
 -
 211
 -
 211
 
 -
 250
 -
 250
Partnerships
 -
 -
 101
 101
 
 -
 -
 95
 95
Government securities
 -
 88
 -
 88
 
 -
 120
 -
 120
Asset-backed securities
 -
 16
 -
 16
 
 -
 30
 -
 30
    Total investments at
    fair value
 $614
 $1,136
 $101
 $1,851
 
 $536
 $1,150
 $95
 $1,781

 
For additional information related to pension assets, see Note 8, Employee Benefit Plans.
 
The summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s level 3 pension plan assets for the calendar plan year 2010 is shown below.
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Partnerships
Balance, Beginning of Year
 $95
Unrealized Gains
 6
Balance, End of Year
 $101

 

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NOTE 16.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

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

 
2010
Quarters
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) (a)
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
Full Year
                 
Revenue
 $2,491
 
 $2,663
 
 $2,666
 
 $2,816
 $10,636
Operating Income
 632
 
 768
 
 825
 
 846
 3,071
Net Earnings
 $305
 
 $414
 
 $414
 
 $430
 $1,563
                 
Earnings Per Share, Basic
 $0.78
 
 $1.08
 
 $1.09
 
 $1.15
 $4.10
Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution
 $0.78
 
 $1.07
 
 $1.08
 
 $1.14
 $4.06
                 
Dividend Per Share
 $0.24
 
 $0.24
 
 $0.24
 
 $0.26
 $0.98
 
 
2009
Quarters
(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts) (a)
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
Full Year
                 
Revenue
 $2,247
 
 $2,185
 
 $2,289
 
 $2,320
 $9,041
Operating Income
 520
 
 577
 
 594
 
 579
 2,270
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 253
 
 282
 
 290
 
 303
 1,128
Discontinued Operations (b)
 (8)
 
 23
 
 -
 
 -
 15
Net Earnings
 $245
 
 $305
 
 $290
 
 $303
 $1,143
                 
Earnings Per Share, Basic:
               
Continuing Operations
 $0.65
 
 $0.72
 
 $0.74
 
 $0.77
 $2.88
Discontinued Operations (b)
 (0.02)
 
 0.06
 
 -
 
 -
 0.04
Net Earnings
 $0.63
 
 $0.78
 
 $0.74
 
 $0.77
 $2.92
                 
Earnings Per Share, Assuming Dilution:
               
Continuing Operations
 $0.64
 
 $0.71
 
 $0.73
 
 $0.77
 $2.85
Discontinued Operations (b)
 (0.02)
 
 0.06
 
 -
 
 -
 0.04
Net Earnings
 $0.62
 
 $0.77
 
 $0.73
 
 $0.77
 $2.89
                 
Dividend Per Share
 $0.22
 
 $0.22
 
 $0.22
 
 $0.22
 $0.88

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

(b)  
In 2009, CSX sold the stock of a subsidiary that indirectly owned Greenbrier Hotel Corporation, owner of The Greenbrier resort.  The results are now classified as discontinued operations.


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NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data

In 2007, CSXT sold secured equipment notes maturing in 2023 and in 2008; CSXT sold additional secured equipment notes maturing in 2014 in registered public offerings.  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 as follows:

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NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Income Statements
(Dollars in Millions)

Fiscal Year Ended December 2010
 
CSX
Corporation
 
CSX
Transportation
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
                     
Revenue
 
 $-
 
 $9,939
 
 $806
 
 $(109)
 
 $10,636
Expense
 
 (166)
 
 7,110
 
 730
 
 (109)
 
 7,565
Operating Income
 
 166
 
 2,829
 
 76
 
 -
 
 3,071
                     
Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
 
 1,931
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (1,931)
 
 -
Interest Expense
 
 (499)
 
 (101)
 
 (28)
 
 71
 
 (557)
Other Income - Net
 
 15
 
 25
 
 63
 
 (71)
 
 32
                     
Earnings from Continuing Operations
                   
     Before Income Taxes
 
 1,613
 
 2,753
 
 111
 
 (1,931)
 
 2,546
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
 (50)
 
 (1,064)
 
 131
 
 -
 
 (983)
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 
 1,563
 
 1,689
 
 242
 
 (1,931)
 
 1,563
Discontinued Operations
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
 
 -
Net Earnings
 
 $1,563
 
 $1,689
 
 $242
 
 $(1,931)
 
 $1,563
                     
Fiscal Year Ended December 2009(a)
 
CSX
Corporation
 
CSX
Transportation
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
                     
Revenue
 
 $-
 
 $7,776
 
 $1,362
 
 $(97)
 
 $9,041
Expense
 
 (279)
 
 5,983
 
 1,164
 
 (97)
 
 6,771
Operating Income
 
 279
 
 1,793
 
 198
 
 -
 
 2,270
                     
Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
 
 1,560
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (1,560)
 
 -
Interest Expense
 
 (500)
 
 (116)
 
 (11)
 
 69
 
 (558)
Other Income - Net
 
 63
 
 28
 
 12
 
 (69)
 
 34
                     
Earnings from Continuing Operations
                   
     Before Income Taxes
 
 1,402
 
 1,705
 
 199
 
 (1,560)
 
 1,746
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
 (291)
 
 (624)
 
 297
 
 -
 
 (618)
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 
 1,111
 
 1,081
 
 496
 
 (1,560)
 
 1,128
Discontinued Operations
 
 32
 
 -
 
 (17)
 
 -
 
 15
Net Earnings
 
 $1,143
 
 $1,081
 
 $479
 
 $(1,560)
 
 $1,143
                     
Fiscal Year Ended December 2008(a)
 
CSX
Corporation
 
CSX
Transportation
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
                     
Revenue
 
 $-
 
 $9,712
 
 $1,675
 
 $(132)
 
 $11,255
Expense
 
 (193)
 
 7,528
 
 1,289
 
 (120)
 
 8,504
Operating Income
 
 193
 
 2,184
 
 386
 
 (12)
 
 2,751
                     
Equity in Earnings of Subsidiaries
 
 1,490
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (1,490)
 
 -
Interest Expense
 
 (544)
 
 (155)
 
 (22)
 
 202
 
 (519)
Other Income - Net
 
 110
 
 118
 
 62
 
 (190)
 
 100
                     
Earnings from Continuing Operations
                   
     Before Income Taxes
 
 1,249
 
 2,147
 
 426
 
 (1,490)
 
 2,332
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
 
 106
 
 (726)
 
 (227)
 
 -
 
 (847)
Earnings from Continuing Operations
 
 1,355
 
 1,421
 
 199
 
 (1,490)
 
 1,485
Discontinued Operations
 
 -
 
 -
 
 (130)
 
 -
 
 (130)
Net Earnings
 
 $1,355
 
 $1,421
 
 $69
 
 $(1,490)
 
 $1,355

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

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NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)

               
     
CSX
CSX
     
As of December 2010
 
Corporation
Transportation
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
               
ASSETS
Current Assets
           
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 $1,100
 $118
 $74
 $-
 $1,292
 
Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 54
 -
 54
 
Accounts Receivable - Net
 
 5
 903
 618
 (533)
 993
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 -
 218
 -
 -
 218
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 15
 171
 6
 -
 192
 
Other Current Assets
 
 46
 56
 36
 (32)
 106
 
  Total Current Assets
 
 1,166
 1,466
 788
 (565)
 2,855
               
Properties
 
 8
 30,557
 1,500
 -
 32,065
Accumulated Depreciation
 
 (8)
 (7,405)
 (853)
 -
 (8,266)
 
Properties - Net
 
 -
 23,152
 647
 -
 23,799
               
Investments in Conrail
 
 -
 -
 673
 -
 673
Affiliates and Other Companies
 
 -
 595
 (134)
 -
 461
Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
 16,278
 -
 53
 (16,331)
 -
Other Long-term Assets
 
 174
 110
 602
 (533)
 353
 
  Total Assets
 
 $17,618
 $25,323
 $2,629
 $(17,429)
 $28,141
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
           
 
Accounts Payable
 
 $116
 $904
 $28
 $(2)
 $1,046
 
Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
 42
 431
 47
 (531)
 (11)
 
Payable to Affiliates
 894
 (86)
 (277)
 -
 531
 
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves
 -
 161
 15
 -
 176
 
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
 517
 94
 2
 -
 613
 
Income and Other Taxes Payable
 377
 109
 (401)
 -
 85
 
Other Current Liabilities
 -
 96
 33
 (32)
 97
 
  Total Current Liabilities
 
 1,946
 1,709
 (553)
 (565)
 2,537
               
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves
 -
 411
 91
 -
 502
Long-term Debt
 
 6,815
 1,235
 1
 -
 8,051
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 (293)
 7,228
 118
 -
 7,053
Long-term Payable to Affiliates
 
 -
 -
 533
 (533)
 -
Other Long-term Liabilities
 
 464
 525
 309
 -
 1,298
 
  Total Liabilities
 
 $8,932
 $11,108
 $499
 $(1,098)
 $19,441
               
Shareholders' Equity
           
 
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
 
 370
 181
 -
 (181)
 370
 
Other Capital
 
 -
 5,634
 1,978
 (7,612)
 -
 
Retained Earnings
 
 9,087
 8,443
 165
 (8,608)
 9,087
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 (771)
 (65)
 (61)
 126
 (771)
 
Noncontrolling Minority Interest
 
 -
 22
 48
 (56)
 14
 
  Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 8,686
 14,215
 2,130
 (16,331)
 8,700
 
  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 $17,618
 $25,323
 $2,629
 $(17,429)
 $28,141


117

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PART II

NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Balance Sheets
(Dollars in Millions)

               
     
CSX
CSX
     
As of December 2009(a)
 
Corporation
Transportation
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
               
ASSETS
Current Assets
           
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 $918
 $30
 $81
 $-
 $1,029
 
Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 61
 -
 61
 
Accounts Receivable - Net
 
 4
 888
 103
 -
 995
 
Materials and Supplies
 
 -
 203
 -
 -
 203
 
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 13
 137
 8
 -
 158
 
Other Current Assets
 
 19
 32
 533
 (460)
 124
 
  Total Current Assets
 
 954
 1,290
 786
 (460)
 2,570
               
Properties
 
 4
 29,565
 1,338
 -
 30,907
Accumulated Depreciation
 
 (6)
 (7,011)
 (826)
 -
 (7,843)
 
Properties - Net
 
 (2)
 22,554
 512
 -
 23,064
               
Investments in Conrail
 
 -
 -
 650
 -
 650
Affiliates and Other Companies
 
 -
 566
 (128)
 -
 438
Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
 15,382
 -
 139
 (15,521)
 -
Other Long-term Assets
 
 46
 75
 87
 (43)
 165
 
  Total Assets
 
 $16,380
 $24,485
 $2,046
 $(16,024)
 $26,887
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
           
 
Accounts Payable
 
 $111
 $782
 $74
 $-
 $967
 
Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable
 37
 307
 39
 -
 383
 
Payable to Affiliates
 625
 632
 (808)
 (449)
 -
 
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves
 -
 168
 22
 -
 190
 
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
 -
 110
 3
 -
 113
 
Income and Other Taxes Payable
 32
 182
 (102)
 -
 112
 
Other Current Liabilities
 1
 97
 13
 (11)
 100
 
  Total Current Liabilities
 
 806
 2,278
 (759)
 (460)
 1,865
               
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves
 -
 449
 98
 -
 547
Long-term Debt
 
 6,557
 1,334
 4
 -
 7,895
Deferred Income Taxes
 
 (337)
 6,814
 51
 -
 6,528
Long-term Payable to Affiliates
 
 -
 -
 44
 (44)
 -
Other Long-term Liabilities
 
 600
 522
 162
 -
 1,284
 
  Total Liabilities
 
 $7,626
 $11,397
 $(400)
 $(504)
 $18,119
               
Shareholders' Equity
           
 
Common Stock, $1 Par Value
 
 393
 181
 -
 (181)
 393
 
Other Capital
 
 80
 5,569
 1,951
 (7,520)
 80
 
Retained Earnings
 
 9,090
 7,393
 507
 (7,900)
 9,090
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 (809)
 (77)
 (54)
 131
 (809)
 
Noncontrolling Minority Interest
 
 -
 22
 42
 (50)
 14
 
  Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 8,754
 13,088
 2,446
 (15,520)
 8,768
 
  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 $16,380
 $24,485
 $2,046
 $(16,024)
 $26,887

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


118

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PART II

NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)

   
CSX
CSX
     
Fiscal Year Ended December 2010
 
Corporation
Transportation
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
             
Operating Activities
           
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
 
 $592
 $3,014
 $230
 $(590)
 $3,246
             
Investing Activities
           
Property Additions
 
 -
 (1,571)
 (254)
 -
 (1,825)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
Other Investing Activities
 
 301
 (3)
 (502)
 273
 69
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
 
 301
 (1,574)
 (756)
 273
 (1,756)
             
Financing Activities
           
Long-term Debt Issued
 
 800
 -
 -
 -
 800
Long-term Debt Repaid
 
 -
 (111)
 (2)
 -
 (113)
Dividends Paid
 
 (379)
 (590)
 7
 590
 (372)
Stock Options Exercised
 
 42
 -
 -
 -
 42
Shares Repurchased
 
 (1,452)
 -
 -
 -
 (1,452)
Other Financing Activities
 
 278
 (651)
 514
 (273)
 (132)
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
 (711)
 (1,352)
 519
 317
 (1,227)
             
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 182
 88
 (7)
 -
 263
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 918
 30
 81
 -
 1,029
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
 $1,100
 $118
 $74
 $-
 $1,292

   
CSX
CSX
     
Fiscal Year Ended December 2009(a)
 
Corporation
Transportation
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
             
             
Operating Activities
           
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
 
 $109
 $2,984
 $(94)
 $(959)
 $2,040
             
Investing Activities
           
Property Additions
 
 -
 (1,332)
 (95)
 -
 (1,427)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
Other Investing Activities
 
 (87)
 (360)
 26
 475
 54
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
 
 (87)
 (1,692)
 (69)
 475
 (1,373)
             
Financing Activities
           
Long-term Debt Issued
 
 500
 -
 -
 -
 500
Long-term Debt Repaid
 
 (200)
 (120)
 (3)
 -
 (323)
Dividends Paid
 
 (352)
 (475)
 (2)
 484
 (345)
Stock Options Exercised
 
 34
 -
 -
 -
 34
Shares Repurchased
 
 -
 -
 -
 -
 -
Other Financing Activities
 
 355
 (730)
 202
 -
 (173)
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
 337
 (1,325)
 197
 484
 (307)
             
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 359
 (33)
 34
 -
 360
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 559
 63
 47
 -
 669
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
 $918
 $30
 $81
 $-
 $1,029

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

119

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PART II

NOTE 17.  Summarized Consolidating Financial Data, continued

Consolidating Cash Flow Statements
(Dollars in Millions)

   
CSX
CSX
     
Fiscal Year Ended December 2008(a)
 
Corporation
Transportation
Other
Eliminations
Consolidated
             
Operating Activities
           
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
 
 $1,093
 $2,369
 $139
 $(708)
 $2,893
             
Investing Activities
           
Property Additions
 
 -
 (1,614)
 (105)
 -
 (1,719)
Purchases of Short-term Investments
 
 (25)
 -
 -
 -
 (25)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments
 
 280
 -
 -
 -
 280
Other Investing Activities
 
 569
 124
 136
 (793)
 36
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
 
 824
 (1,490)
 31
 (793)
 (1,428)
             
Financing Activities
           
Long-term Debt Issued
 
 1,000
 351
 -
 -
 1,351
Long-term Debt Repaid
 
 (518)
 (121)
 (3)
 -
 (642)
Dividends Paid
 
 (314)
 (325)
 (27)
 358
 (308)
Stock Options Exercised
 
 83
 -
 -
 -
 83
Shares Repurchased
 
 (1,570)
 -
 -
 -
 (1,570)
Other Financing Activities
 
 (337)
 (776)
 (108)
 1,143
 (78)
     Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
 
 (1,656)
 (871)
 (138)
 1,501
 (1,164)
             
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 261
 8
 32
 -
 301
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period
 
 298
 55
 15
 -
 368
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period
 
 $559
 $63
 $47
 $-
 $669

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



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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, 2010, 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, 2010, 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. There were no changes in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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, 2010 based on the 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, 2010.  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, 2010 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included elsewhere herein.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of CSX Corporation

We have audited CSX Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). CSX Corporation’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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 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.

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.

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.

In our opinion, CSX Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.


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We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 2010 consolidated financial statements of CSX Corporation and our report dated February 18, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Certified Public Accountants

Jacksonville, Florida
February 18, 2011
 

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
 
    On February 9, 2011, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved amendments to the CSX Policy Regarding Shareholder Approval of Severance Agreements and authorized management to enter into amended change-in-control agreements with certain executive officers. On February 14, 2011, the Company entered into amended and restated Change-in-Control Agreements (the “Agreements”) with certain of the executive officers identified in Part I of this Form 10-K and will execute agreements with the others in due course. In connection with the Agreements, each of the executive officers agreed to terminate existing change-in-control agreements. The Agreements limit severance amounts to 2.99 times base salary and target annual bonus upon termination of employment in connection with a change-in-control. In addition, the Agreements prohibit reimbursement of any income or excise taxes payable by the executive. The Agreements are effective March 1, 2011 and expire on February 28, 2014. The Company expects to enter into amended and restated agreements with other members of senior management. A form Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.35.

123

CSX CORPORATION
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 March 24, 2011 with respect to its 2011 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).

124

CSX CORPORATION
PART IV


Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 (a)(1) Financial Statements
 
 
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page 59.
 
 
(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
 
 
2.1
Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., CSX Rail Holding Corporation, CSX Northeast Holding Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, CRR Holdings LLC, Green Acquisition Corp., Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, New York Central Lines LLC, Pennsylvania Lines LLC, NYC Newco, Inc. and PRR Newco, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 2, 2004)

3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 14, 2004)

3.1(a)
Articles of Amendment to CSX Corporation’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.03 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 18, 2006)

3.2
Bylaws of the Registrant, amended effective as of September 24, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 25, 2008)

 
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Debentures:
4.1(a)
Indenture, dated August 1, 1990, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Form SE, dated September 7, 1990, filed with the Commission)

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4.1(b)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 15, 1991, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to the Registrant's Form SE, dated May 28, 1992, filed with the Commission)

4.1(c)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 6, 1997, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-28523) filed with the Commission on June 5, 1997)

4.1(d)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 22, 1998, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 12, 1998)

4.1(e)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 30, 2001, between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November 7, 2001)

4.1(f)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 27, 2003 between the Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 27, 2003)

4.1(g)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 23, 2004 between the Registrant and JP Morgan Chase Bank, formerly The Chase  Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on November  3, 2004)

4.1(h)
Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 25, 2007, between the Registrant and The Bank of New York (as successor to JP Morgan Chase Bank), as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 26, 2007).

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.

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PART IV


Material Contracts:
 
 
 
10.2**
CSX Directors’ Pre-2005 Deferred Compensation Plan (as amended through January 8, 2008) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2008)
 
 
10.3**
CSX Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2008)

10.4**
CSX Directors' Charitable Gift Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 4, 1994)

10.5* **
CSX Directors' Matching Gift Plan (as amended through February 9, 2011)

10.6**
Railroad Retirement Benefits Agreement with M. J. Ward (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 26, 2003)

10.7**
Employment Agreement with O. Munoz (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on July 30, 2003)

10.8**
Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Registrant's Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 4, 2002)
 
 
10.9**
Deferred Compensation Program for Executives of CSX Corporation and Affiliated Companies (as amended through January 1, 1998) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 10, 2004)

10.10**
2002 Deferred Compensation Plan of CSX Corporation and Affiliated Corporations (as amended through February 7, 2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 10, 2004)

10.11**
Supplementary Savings Plan and Incentive Award Deferral Plan for Eligible Executives of CSX Corporation and Affiliated Companies (as Amended through February 7, 2003) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 10, 2004)

10.12**
Special Retirement Plan of CSX Corporation and Affiliated Companies (as amended through February 14, 2001) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 4, 2002)

127

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PART IV

10.13**
Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan of CSX Corporation and Affiliated Companies (as amended through February 14, 2001) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Registrant's Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on March 4, 2002)

10.14**
Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Commission on March 17, 2000)

10.15**
CSX Omnibus Incentive Plan (as Amended through December 12, 2007)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 22, 2008)

10.16
Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation and CRR Holdings LLC, with certain schedules thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 8, 1997)

10.17
Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 22, 1998, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation and CRR Holdings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.18
Amendment No. 2, dated as of June 1, 1999, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation and CRR Holdings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.19
Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 1, 2000, to the Transaction Agreement by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings, LLC. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 1, 2001)

10.20
Amendment No. 4, dated and effective as of June 1, 1999, and executed in April 2004, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation and CRR Holdings, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 6, 2004)

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PART IV

10.21
Amendment No. 5, dated as of August 27, 2004, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation and CRR Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 2, 2004)

10.22
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation, with exhibit thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.23
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for North Jersey, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.24
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for southern Jersey/Philadelphia, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.25
Monongahela Usage Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Pennsylvania Lines LLC and New York Central Lines LLC, with exhibit thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on June 11, 1999)

10.26
Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Green Acquisition Corp., Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, New York Central Lines LLC and Pennsylvania Lines LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 2, 2004)

10.27**
Employment Agreement with David A. Brown, dated as of January 1, 2010  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 19, 2010)

10.28**
Restricted Stock Award Agreement with David A. Brown (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 19, 2010)
10.29**
Restricted Stock Award Agreement with Lisa A. Mancini (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 19, 2010)

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10.30
Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 4, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 9, 2006)

10.31**
Long-term Incentive Plan, dated May 6, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 9, 2008)

10.32
Long-term Incentive Plan, dated May 5, 2009 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 11, 2009)

10.33
Long-term Incentive Plan effective May 5, 2010 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 7, 2010

10.34
CSX Stock and Incentive Award Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 7, 2010)

10.35*
2010 Form of Change-in-Control Agreement with executive officers

21*
Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23*
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

24*
Powers of Attorney

31*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications

32*
Section 1350 Certifications
 
99*
 
        Annual CEO Certification pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.12(a)
 
101*
The following financial information from CSX Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 18, 2011, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Consolidated Income Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2010, December 25, 2009 and December 26, 2008, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and December 25, 2009, (iii) Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2010, December 25, 2009 and December 26, 2008 and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 * Filed herewith
 
** Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement
 
Note: Items not filed herewith have been submitted in previous SEC filings.


130


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/ CAROLYN T. SIZEMORE  
Carolyn T. Sizemore
 
Vice President and Controller
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
Dated: February 18, 2011
 
 
      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 18, 2011.


Signature
 
Title
     
   
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief
/s/ MICHAEL J. WARD
 
Executive Officer and Director
Michael J. Ward
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
/s/ OSCAR MUNOZ
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Oscar Munoz
 
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
     
/s/ CAROLYN T. SIZEMORE
 
Vice President and Controller
Carolyn T. Sizemore
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
     
/s/ ELLEN M. FITZSIMMONS
 
Senior Vice President - Law and Public Affairs
Ellen M. Fitzsimmons
 
*Attorney-in-Fact


 
Signature
 
Title
     
*
 
Director
Donna M. Alvarado
   
     
*
 
Director
Alexandre Behring
   
     
*
 
Director
John B. Breaux
   
     
*
 
Director
Pamela L. Carter
   
     
*
 
Director
Steven T. Halverson
   
     
*
 
Director
Edward J. Kelly, III
   
     
*
 
Director
Gilbert H. Lamphere
   
     
*
 
Director
John D. McPherson
   
     
*
 
Director
Timothy T. O'Toole
   
     
*
 
Director
David M. Ratcliffe
   
     
*
 
Director
Donald J. Shepard