OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Union Pacific will release its fourth-quarter earnings report Thursday morning, so investors will be able to learn how the nation's largest railroad dealt with weak coal demand.

The Omaha, Neb.-based railroad's results will also offer clues about the health of the economy because of the amount of cars, chemicals, lumber and containers of imported goods Union Pacific carries is telling.

A year ago, Union Pacific reported $964 million net income, or $1.99 per share, as it hauled more cargo and increased prices.

But since then coal demand has weakened because of last year's mild winter and the relatively cheap natural gas prices.

The analysts surveyed by FactSet predict UP will report earnings of $2.15 per share on revenue of $5.30 billion.

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Online:

Union Pacific Corp.: www.up.com