OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific Corp. delivered a 19 percent increase in its third-quarter profit as the railroad 
hauled 7 percent more freight and increased rates.
“We are optimistic about the remainder of the year,” CEO Jack Koraleski said. “Assuming the economy and weather cooperate, we are well positioned to finish up the year with record results.”The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said Thursday that it earned $1.37 billion, or $1.53 per share, for the quarter ended Sept. 30. That’s up from $1.15 billion, or $1.24 per share, a year ago. Union Pacific’s revenue climbed 11 percent to $6.18 billion from $5.57 billion.
Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected Union Pacific to report earnings per share of $1.51 on revenue of $6.10 billion. Union Pacific reported the most growth in shipments of intermodal shipping containers, industrial products and agricultural goods. Coal was the only sector that didn’t grow in the quarter but after the decrease in coal demand in recent years, reporting flat coal volumes and a 2 percent increase in revenue was positive.
Union pacific operates 2,100 miles of track in Kansas, including Reno County, where about 25 trains a day pass through the area. The next company with ties to the area to report its quarterly earnings will be ADM on Nov. 4th.