BNSF SEES 3RD-QUARTER SLIDE

BNSF SEES 3RD-QUARTER SLIDE    Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. reported third-quarter net income of $225 million, down 13 percent from the same period of the year before.
   Revenue was flat, at $2.3 billion, while operating income fell 12 percent to $502 million.
   “As we pointed out last July, we are continuing to take steps to align our costs with the current business environment” said Matthew K. Rose, president and chief executive officer. “Part of this initiative will include a reduction of our non-union workforce by approximately 400 positions. In addition, we continue to review our network to further improve our efficiencies.”
   Freight revenues for the 2001 third quarter were $2.31 billion. Freight revenues include a $32 million settlement related to a transportation contract.
   Agricultural commodities revenues rose 3 percent, to $331 million. Consumer products revenues increased 3 percent, to $888 million. Industrial products revenues fell 1 percent, to $576 million. Coal revenues decreased 5 percent, to $519 million, despite 3 percent higher volume.
   For the year to date, net income was $554 million, down 24 percent. Total revenue was $6.9 billion, up 1 percent. Operating income was $1.4 billion, down 14 percent.