Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE: UNP) is showing strong growth in operations and finances, supported by productivity gains and a earnings beat. Analysts raise price forecast and see potential for merger with Norfolk Southern.

Union Pacific , the largest U.S. freight railroad operator, beat second-quarter profit estimates on Thursday, powered by higher revenue from coal shipments and improved pricing.

Railroad Union Pacific reported a strong second quarter. Mergers and acquisitions in the sector have been in headlines as of late.

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(Reuters) -BNSF Railway has hired Goldman Sachs and CSX Corp is in talks to bring on financial advisers, as rival Union Pacific’s interest in acquiring Norfolk Southern sparked a wave of deal preparations that could reshape the U.S. freight rail industry, sources said.