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. This year, the merger added $58 million in costs and the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment added another $23 million. Norfolk Southern said it recorded $215 million in annual productivity savings last year. Norfolk Southern is one of the largest freight railroads in the country with operations in the eastern U.S.