Loop Capital analyst Rick Paterson previews Q2 results for Kansas City Southern (KSU), saying that while earnings are expected to grow 15% on the year, lackluster volume growth is a "key issue". The analyst notes that this is in part attributable to weak Mexican Peso currency weighing on domestic Mexican intermodal market share, where the railroad's USD-denominated services compete with MXN-denominated truckers. Paterson adds that Kansas City Sourthern's year-to-date growth rate has also been impacted by "collateral damage" from service issues at Union Pacific (UNP). The analyst still keeps his Buy rating and $127 price target.

Deutsche Bank placed a "Catalyst Call: Buy" on shares of Union Pacific (UNP) as a short-term investment idea. With all the attention Norfolk Southern (NSC) is getting in recent months, it is easy to overlook developments at other railroads, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm says Union Pacific is now the worst performing pail stock year-to-date. However, operating metrics "clearly show that UNP's renewed efforts on operations are gaining traction," contends Deutsche Bank. It keeps a Buy rating on the shares with a $266 price target.