Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE: UNP) on Thursday said third-quarter earnings were $1.79 billion on revenue of $6.24 billion. The Omaha, Nebraska-based company said per-share profit was $3.01. Adjusted earnings for costs related to its proposed transcontinental merger with Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) were $3.08 per share. The results exceeded expectations of revenue of $6.23 billion and $2.99 EPS of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. Norfolk Southern reports earnings Thursday after the clo ...

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific delivered 7% growth in its third-quarter earnings Thursday as its CEO continues to make the case for the potential benefits of acquiring one of the railroad's eastern rivals. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said it earned $1.79 billion, or $3.01 per share, in the quarter. That's up from $1.67 billion, or $2.75 per share, a year ago. And without $41 million in merger costs the railroad would have made $3.08 per share but either number would have beat the Wall Street esti ...

Looking at a network map of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, there’s a region of significant overlap in the Midwest, a triangular nexus between Kansas City, Chicago, and St. Louis. Chemical shippers in that region with a choice between the two railroads would lose their choice and be ‘captive’ to a single railroad, which could then wield monopolistic pricing power while allowing service to degrade.The letter raises concerns about the current state of the U.S. freight rail system, which is dominated by se ...

Core Points - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are seeking shareholder approval for an $85 billion merger, with votes scheduled for November 14 [1][2] - Both companies' boards have unanimously approved the merger agreement announced on July 29 and are encouraging investor support [2] - The merger will result in former Norfolk Southern shareholders owning 27% of Union Pacific's outstanding shares, with the remainder held by Union Pacific shareholders [4] Company Details - The implied value of the merger consideration is $320 per Norfolk Southern share, representing a 25% premium over its 30-day average closing price as of July 16 [3] - The merger application will be filed by a deadline of January 29, 2026, and is subject to regulatory review by the Surface Transportation Board [4] Shareholder Engagement - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern executives emphasized the importance of shareholder votes, stating that the merger cannot proceed without approval from both companies' shareholders [3]

Core Viewpoint - BNSF Railway opposes the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, urging customers to voice their concerns to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Opposition - BNSF asserts that no customers are requesting the merger, which it claims is driven by Wall Street for shareholder payouts [2]. - The company believes that the merger is unnecessary and that it can provide immediate benefits to customers while maintaining competition [2]. Group 2: Market Impact - A merger would result in Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern controlling 45% of existing freight, moving 46% of containers, and holding a 43% market share of total carload volumes [2]. - The combined companies would dominate over 50% market share in categories such as chemicals, metals, and lumber [2]. Group 3: Customer Effects - Carload and agricultural product customers would be significantly affected, facing reduced shipping options to the eastern U.S. and potentially higher rates for traffic currently interchanged with Norfolk Southern [3]. - Post-merger, some customers may still have two rail options, but many will be left with no alternative routes, creating a new generation of captive shippers [4]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Union Pacific's CEO defends the merger, citing previous tie-ups by companies like CSX and Canadian National Railway to enhance efficiency [4]. - Despite pressure from an activist investor, BNSF has no interest in merging with CSX as a counter to the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern deal [5].

Group 1: Workforce and Hiring - The railroad industry is experiencing a worker shortage, particularly in critical roles such as train drivers, but Union Pacific reports no significant issues attracting talent due to competitive compensation and job appeal [2][4][5] - Union Pacific employs a diverse range of professionals, including technicians and legal staff, and has a notable percentage of veterans among its workforce, indicating a broad hiring strategy [4][5] - Average compensation for jobs at Union Pacific, including benefits, ranges from $140,000 to $150,000 per year, which is competitive compared to other industries [7] Group 2: Economic Outlook - The demand for products transported by Union Pacific remains strong, with the company moving approximately 500 different products that consumers use daily, indicating robust consumer spending [13] - Despite some sectors, like housing, showing signs of slowdown, Union Pacific's overall business volume has increased year-over-year, suggesting resilience in the economy [14] - The merger with North Fork Southern, valued at $85 billion, aims to create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., which is expected to enhance competitiveness and efficiency in the transportation sector [15][16][18] Group 3: Innovation and Productivity - The company emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to maintain productivity in the face of workforce challenges, suggesting that innovation will continue to drive growth [8] - The potential merger is framed as a significant step towards creating a seamless railway transportation system in the U.S., which is currently lacking compared to other industrial nations [17]

CSX CEO and president Joseph Hinrichs is out at the Class I railroad weeks after an activist investor called on the company to either change leadership or consider a merger. The railroad’s board of directors named Steve Angel its new president and CEO, effective Sunday. More from Sourcing Journal Angel, like Hinrichs, was hired from outside the railroad industry, most recently serving as CEO of industrial gas and equipment provider Linde. CSX’s new chief exec has some industry background, having worked d ...

By Sabrina Valle (Reuters) -The largest U.S. railroad union said Monday it will support Union Pacific's $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, helping to advance a deal that surprised competitors and had been expected to face resistance from labor and regulators. The endorsement marks a shift from the initial opposition by SMART-TD, the transportation division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. When the merger was announced in July, the union said ...

Group 1 - Union Pacific Corp. is pursuing a $72 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern Corp. and is seeking regulatory approval for the deal [1][4] - The CEO of Union Pacific, Jim Vena, discussed the merger with President Trump, emphasizing its potential benefits for US competition, consumers, and job protection for unionized workers [1][2] - The merger aims to create a coast-to-coast freight rail network, capturing freight volume from the trucking industry [2] Group 2 - The merger is subject to review by the US Surface Transportation Board, which requires that rail mergers demonstrate public interest and enhanced competition [4] - The companies plan to complete the merger by early 2027, valuing the agreement at approximately $85 billion on an enterprise basis [4] - Following the meeting between Vena and Trump, Norfolk Southern's shares rose slightly, while Union Pacific's shares experienced a minor decline [3]

Summary of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger Conference Call Industry and Companies Involved - **Industry**: Rail Transportation - **Companies**: Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation Core Points and Arguments 1. **Historic Merger Announcement**: The merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is valued at over $250 billion, creating America's first transcontinental railroad, which is seen as a transformative moment for the companies and the nation [5][4][12] 2. **Economic Impact**: The merger aims to enhance the U.S. supply chain and transportation landscape, making freight rail transportation more cost-effective and efficient, thereby supporting U.S. economic growth [9][10][22] 3. **Operational Efficiency**: The combined network will span over 50,000 miles across 43 states, improving service reliability and reducing transit times by 24 to 48 hours for approximately 1 million carloads currently interchanged between the two companies [19][21] 4. **Environmental Benefits**: The merger is expected to reduce highway congestion and lower emissions, as one intermodal train can replace over 550 trucks on the highway and is 75% more fuel-efficient [10][11] 5. **Job Security**: All current union employees will retain their jobs post-merger, with the expectation that the combined company will create additional jobs through growth and economic development [12][14] 6. **Financial Projections**: The combined company is projected to generate $36.4 billion in revenue and $18 billion in EBITDA, with an operating ratio of 62.1%. The merger is expected to unlock $2.75 billion in annual synergies by the third year post-close [28][29][32] 7. **Shareholder Value**: Norfolk Southern shareholders will receive one share of Union Pacific stock and $88.82 in cash for each share of Norfolk Southern, representing an $85 billion headline value and a 25% premium [31][32] 8. **Capital Investment**: The combined investment in infrastructure is expected to total around $5.6 billion in 2025 to support safety and operational efficiency improvements [21][22] Additional Important Content 1. **Regulatory Approval Process**: The transaction is subject to review by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) and requires approval from both companies' shareholders. The companies are committed to a seamless integration process to avoid disruptions [38][40][41] 2. **Cultural Alignment**: Both companies emphasize their shared commitment to safety, performance, and operational excellence, which is seen as crucial for the successful integration of the two organizations [44][62] 3. **Market Competition**: The merger is positioned as a way to enhance competition not only within the rail industry but also against other transportation modes such as trucking and barging [22][23] 4. **Synergy Breakdown**: The projected $2.75 billion in synergies includes $1.75 billion from revenue growth driven by modal conversion and $1 billion from cost efficiencies through shared best practices and improved asset utilization [33][34][35] 5. **Long-term Growth Strategy**: The companies plan to leverage their combined strengths to capture market share from Canadian ports and enhance intermodal service offerings, particularly in underserved markets [110][111] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, highlighting the anticipated benefits, financial implications, and strategic goals of the combined entity.