Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of RailAmerica (NYSE: RA) chugged forward today, climbing 14% after the company announced two acquisitions.

So what: The company bought Marquette Rail for $40 million in a deal that will add 126 miles of track. It also spent $18 million to buy a majority of Wellsboro and Corning Railroad, as well as Industrial Waste Group. The Myles family will retain 30% of these companies and keep leadership roles.

Now what: The track additions add to the company's presence in energy exploration in the Marcellus shale, as well as in chemical, pulp and paper, and non-metallics industries. The deals also add to the company's 7,400 miles of track in the U.S. and Canada. I think the move is well overdue, considering the company's market cap is up $111 million today alone.

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