Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported railway operating revenues of $2,993 million, a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to $3,004 million in Q1 2024[104]. - Net income surged to $750 million in Q1 2025, reflecting a remarkable increase of 1,315% from $53 million in Q1 2024[104]. - The diluted earnings per share rose to $3.31 in Q1 2025, a substantial increase of 1,339% compared to $0.23 in Q1 2024[104]. - Adjusted income from railway operations for Q1 2025 was $961 million, up 6% from $904 million in Q1 2024, driven by lower operating expenses[108]. - The railway operating ratio improved to 61.7% in Q1 2025, down from 92.9% in Q1 2024, indicating enhanced operational efficiency[104]. Revenue Breakdown - Intermodal revenues increased by 2% to $760 million in Q1 2025, supported by a 3% rise in intermodal units transported[111]. - Coal revenues decreased by 7% to $370 million in Q1 2025, attributed to lower average revenue per unit and volume declines[111]. - Approximately 95% of Norfolk Southern's revenue base is covered by contracts that include negotiated fuel surcharges, which totaled $202 million in Q1 2025, down from $260 million in Q1 2024 due to lower fuel prices[113]. - The company anticipates revenue growth for the remainder of 2025 compared to 2024, driven by higher volume despite economic uncertainties[114]. Operating Expenses and Cash Flow - Railway operating expenses significantly decreased by 34% to $1,847 million in Q1 2025 from $2,791 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to insurance recoveries related to the Eastern Ohio Incident[104]. - Cash provided by operating activities was $950 million for Q1 2025, up from $839 million in Q1 2024, reflecting improved operating results[134]. - Cash used in investing activities decreased to $1.0 billion in Q1 2025 from $1.8 billion in the same period last year, primarily due to the prior year's acquisition of Cincinnati Southern Railway assets[135]. - Cash used in financing activities was $564 million in Q1 2025, compared to cash provided of $89 million in Q1 2024, reflecting lower borrowing proceeds and increased stock repurchases[136]. Tax and Debt - The effective tax rate for Q1 2025 was 23.3%, compared to (76.7)% in Q1 2024, influenced by low pre-tax income and a deferred income tax benefit[133]. - The debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 54.3% at March 31, 2025, slightly down from 54.6% at December 31, 2024[142]. Other Financial Metrics - The company had $1.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025[134]. - Gains from operating property sales amounted to $23 million in 2025, compared to no gains in the prior year[129]. - The company has $6.6 billion authorized for stock repurchases, with $248 million spent in Q1 2025[136]. - Claims expense increased due to higher costs associated with environmental clean-up and personal injury case developments[127]. - The company recorded $99 million in restructuring expenses in Q1 2024 related to workforce reductions[130].

Q1 2025 EARNINGS CALL In addition to disclosing financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the accompanying presentation contains non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP measures should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for our U.S. GAAP measures, and the financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated. Reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordan ...

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) Q1 2025 Earnings Conference Call April 23, 2025 8:45 AM ET Company Participants Luke Nichols - Senior Director of IR Mark George - President and CEO John Orr - EVP and COO Ed Elkins - Chief Commercial Officer Jason Zampi - EVP, Treasurer, and CFO Conference Call Participants Kenneth Hoexter - Bank of America Christian Wetherbee - Wells Fargo Scott Group - Wolfe Research Brian Ossenbeck - JPMorgan Jonathan Chappell - Evercore ISI Jason Seidl - TD Cowen Brandon Oglenski ...

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.69 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.72, but showing an 8% year-over-year increase due to lower costs [1] - Railway operating revenues were $2.99 billion, nearly in line with estimates, but decreased by 0.4% year over year [1] Financial Performance - Overall volumes increased by 1% year over year, while total revenue per unit dipped by 2% [2] - Income from railway operations rose over 100% year over year to $1.15 billion, and railway operating expenses declined by 34% to $1.85 billion, primarily due to a significant decrease in fuel expenses [2] Management Commentary - NSC's CEO, Mark George, highlighted the company's resilience in overcoming challenges from a disruptive winter storm season, resulting in improved operating ratios and earnings growth [3] Segmental Performance - Merchandise revenues remained flat year over year at $1.86 billion, below the estimate of $1.91 billion, with revenue per unit increasing by 2% [5] - Intermodal revenues rose by 2% year over year to $760 million, although below the projection of $778.2 million, with segmental volumes increasing by 3% but revenue per unit declining by 1% [5] - Coal revenues were $370 million, down 7% year over year, but exceeded the projection of $347.1 million, with coal volumes falling by 1% and revenue per unit declining by 5% [6] Liquidity and Share Buyback - At the end of the first quarter, NSC had cash and cash equivalents of $1.01 billion, down from $1.64 billion in the previous quarter, with long-term debt remaining flat at $16.6 billion [7] - The company repurchased and retired 1 million shares for $250 million during the first quarter [7] 2025 Guidance - For 2025, NSC anticipates revenue growth of 3% and a 150 basis points improvement in the operating ratio, with capital expenditure expected to be around $2.20 billion [8]

Norfolk Southern (NSC) came out with quarterly earnings of $2.69 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.72 per share. This compares to earnings of $2.49 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -1.10%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this railroad would post earnings of $2.95 per share when it actually produced earnings of $3.04, delivering a surprise of 3.05%.Over the last four quarters, the company ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an 8% growth in EPS on an adjusted basis, driven by $55 million in labor productivity savings despite incurring $35 million in storm restoration costs [6][7][28] - The operating ratio for the quarter was 67.9, which includes 120 basis points from storm restoration costs, reflecting a 200 basis point improvement year over year [28][29] - Net income and EPS improved by 8% year over year, with operating expenses down 3% on higher volumes [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall volume rose 1% year over year, with total revenue flat; however, total revenue less fuel was up 2% [21] - Merchandise volume fell due to weakness in metals and construction, while chemicals and agriculture saw gains [21] - Intermodal volume increased by 3% year over year, with slight RPU growth due to stabilization in truck pricing [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects strength in the auto sector in the near term, although tariffs could pose a headwind [23] - Continued strength in chemicals markets is anticipated, with a focus on recapturing market share [24] - Coal prices remain pressured, with expectations of tempered production amid uncertainty around export trade [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety, network performance, customer service, and cost control as part of its operational strategy [9] - The PSR 2.0 transformation is aimed at unlocking network value and delivering on financial commitments, with a zero-based operating plan being implemented [17][20] - The company is committed to maintaining quality service and is actively working to regain market share lost to competitors [68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by severe winter weather but expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate these disruptions [5][6] - The company reiterated its full-year guidance of 3% revenue growth and 150 basis points of operating ratio improvement, while acknowledging uncertainty due to tariffs and economic conditions [32][33] - Management emphasized the importance of staying close to customers to adapt to changing market conditions and to capitalize on opportunities [26][33] Other Important Information - The company has resumed share repurchases, buying back nearly $250 million of shares in the quarter [31] - Insurance recoveries related to an incident in Eastern Ohio provided a net benefit of $185 million in the quarter [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Operating ratio performance and targets - The management discussed the operating ratio and the impact of cost savings, indicating that the second quarter should see improvements [35][36] Question: Yield and pricing environment - Management noted that merchandise yields increased due to improved service, while intermodal pricing remains flat [42][45] Question: Cost management in a declining volume scenario - Management expressed confidence in their ability to manage costs effectively, even in a scenario of declining volumes [52][56] Question: Land sale timing and network performance - The company expects land sales to remain in the $30 million to $40 million range for the year, with network performance recovering well [61][64] Question: Share gains and tariff impacts - Management highlighted progress in regaining market share and discussed the potential mixed impacts of tariffs on different segments [112][114]

Financial Performance - Total railway operating revenues for Q1 2025 were $2,993 million, a slight decrease of 0.4% from $3,004 million in Q1 2024[2] - Net income for Q1 2025 increased significantly to $750 million, compared to $53 million in Q1 2024, representing a growth of 1,320%[2] - Earnings per share (diluted) rose to $3.31 in Q1 2025, compared to $0.23 in Q1 2024, marking a substantial increase of 1,341%[2] - Total railway operating expenses decreased to $1,847 million in Q1 2025 from $2,791 million in Q1 2024, a reduction of 33.8%[2] - Cash flows from operating activities for Q1 2025 were $950 million, up from $839 million in Q1 2024, indicating a growth of 13.2%[6] Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased and retired 1.0 million shares of common stock at a cost of $250 million in Q1 2025, while no shares were repurchased in Q1 2024[10] Insurance and Incident Recovery - The Eastern Ohio incident resulted in a net insurance recovery of $185 million in Q1 2025, compared to expenses of $592 million in Q1 2024[8] Asset Management - Current assets decreased to $2,701 million as of March 31, 2025, from $3,188 million at the end of 2024, a decline of 15.3%[4] - Total assets increased slightly to $43,800 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $43,682 million at the end of 2024, an increase of 0.3%[4] - Long-term debt remained stable at $16,660 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $16,651 million at the end of 2024[4]

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation reported a first quarter 2025 revenue of $3.0 billion, with an adjusted net income growth of 8% despite weather-related disruptions [1][7] - The company reiterated its full-year guidance while acknowledging macro-economic uncertainties [1] Financial Performance - Railway operating revenues were $3.0 billion, a decrease of $11 million compared to Q1 2024; excluding fuel surcharge revenue, revenues were $2.8 billion, an increase of $47 million or 2% year-over-year [7] - Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, an increase of $933 million compared to Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, it was $961 million, up $57 million or 6% [7][10] - The operating ratio improved to 61.7% from 92.9% in Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, the operating ratio was 67.9%, representing a 200 basis points improvement from 69.9% in Q1 2024 [7][11] - Diluted earnings per share were $3.31, up from $0.23 in Q1 2024; adjusted for the Eastern Ohio incident, diluted EPS was $2.69, an increase of $0.20 or 8% [7][12] Operational Highlights - The company demonstrated resilience in overcoming a disruptive winter storm season, leading to improved operating ratios and earnings growth [3] - Norfolk Southern's service performance has increased customer confidence, allowing the company to gain market share [3] Company Overview - Norfolk Southern operates a 22-state freight transportation network and has been in operation since 1827, contributing to the U.S. economy by moving goods and materials [5] - The company helps customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by utilizing rail transport [5]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Supreme Court has dismissed CSX Transportation's antitrust lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Corporation, impacting the competitive landscape in the rail industry [1] Group 1 - The Supreme Court's decision reinforces Norfolk Southern's market position and may deter future antitrust claims from competitors like CSX [1] - The ruling is significant for the rail industry, as it sets a precedent regarding the legal boundaries of competition and antitrust litigation [1] - CSX's attempt to challenge Norfolk Southern's practices highlights ongoing tensions within the rail sector regarding competition and market share [1]

The upcoming report from Norfolk Southern (NSC) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $2.72 per share, indicating an increase of 9.2% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $2.99 billion, representing a decrease of 0.4% year over year.Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 1.9% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.Prior to a ...