Union Pacific's Earnings Surge in Fourth Quarter

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nion Pacific Corp. Thursday said its profit nearly quadrupled in the fourth quarter from the previous year, though 2004’s figures included a high charge. Without the charge, its profit rose 27%.

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/unionpacificlogo.gif" width=60 align=right>UP, which operates the largest U.S. freight railroad, earned $296 million or $1.10 a share, up from $79 million or 30 cents in the previous fourth quarter.

In the 2004 fourth quarter, UP took a charge of $154 million or 58 cents per share related to asbestos claims.

evenue rose to $3.62 billion, from $3.22 billion. UP said it generated a company record $1,428 in revenue per railcar in the quarter.