Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern report solid profits as they make their case for their merger

OMAHA, Neb. — Both Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern delivered solid profits Thursday as the railroads continued to make the case for their proposed $85 billion merger.

What You Need To Know

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern both delivered profits Thursday as the railroads continued to make the case for a proposed merger

Both railroads reported profits that beat Wall Street expectations, and Union Pacific wants to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal

The merger has picked up support from the largest rail union and many shippers, but some companies — particularly chemical producers — have said they think the deal will hurt competition and lead to higher rates

Union Pacific wants to buy Norfolk Southern in a deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad. That deal f