Norfolk Southern's quarterly profit slipped 12% amid the uncertain economy as well as unusual costs related to its efforts to merge with Union Pacific in an $85 billion deal that would create a transcontinental railroad.
Norfolk Southern said it made $644 million, or $2.87 per share, in the fourth quarter. That's down from $733 million, or $3.23 per share, a year ago. But both results were affected by one-time charges. This year, the merger added $58 million in costs and the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment added another $23 million.
