Overview
- Union Pacific, which reported Thursday, posted $1.7 billion in profit and $2.87 per share as revenue rose 3% and efficiency improved to a 59.9% adjusted operating ratio.
- The company said it will refile its Norfolk Southern merger application with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board on April 30 after the first submission was sent back for more detail.
- Management kept a 2026 forecast for mid-single-digit earnings growth and highlighted faster trains, shorter terminal waits, and a 5% smaller workforce that still met service goals.
- Backers include the largest rail union and hundreds of customers, while two big unions and trade groups for chemical and farm shippers oppose the deal over competition and service.
- Shares jumped about 7% after the call as leaders said the plan would create coast-to-coast service with an initial period of separate operations, and about $31 million to $36 million in merger costs this quarter reduced earnings by roughly six cents.