Core Insights - Norfolk Southern experienced a decline in intermodal volume, revenue, and profits in the fourth quarter due to heightened competition, particularly from CSX, which formed an intermodal alliance with BNSF Railway [1][2] Financial Performance - Quarterly operating income fell 17% to $937 million, while revenue decreased 2% to $3 billion. Adjusted for one-time items, operating income was down 3% to $1 billion, and earnings per share declined 11% to $2.87, but increased 6% to $3.22 on an adjusted basis [4] - The operating ratio for the fourth quarter was 68.5%, up from 62.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an adjusted operating ratio of 65.3% [5] Volume and Traffic - Intermodal volume dropped by 7%, leading to a 4% decline in overall traffic. However, merchandise and coal business saw a 1% increase for the quarter [1][5] - Despite the decline in intermodal traffic, Norfolk Southern managed to move 3% more gross ton-miles in 2025 with 4% fewer employees [2] Strategic Initiatives - Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific plan to file a revised merger application with the Surface Transportation Board in March, which, if approved, would create the first transcontinental railroad [3] - The company is actively seeking to optimize revenue and attract quality carloads, with initiatives such as the UP-NS interline service and the launch of double-stack service to New England [6]

Core Insights - CSX Corporation reported mixed third-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share of 44 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents, but revenues of $3.59 billion missed expectations and declined 1% year over year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted operating income for the third quarter decreased significantly to $1.25 billion, with an adjusted operating margin of 34.9% [3]. - Total revenues of $3.59 billion narrowly missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, primarily due to lower export coal prices and a decline in merchandise volume [2]. - Merchandise revenues fell 1% year over year to $2.21 billion, while intermodal revenues increased 4% to $527 million [4]. - Coal revenues plummeted 11% year over year to $490 million, with coal volumes decreasing by 3% [5]. Segment Performance - Merchandise volumes decreased by 1% year over year to $660 million, while intermodal segment volumes increased by 5% [4]. - Trucking revenues totaled $207 million, down 3% year over year, while other revenues grew significantly by 38% to $155 million [5]. Liquidity and Guidance - CSX ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $602 million, down from $933 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt remained flat at $18.5 billion [6]. - For 2025, CSX expects total volume growth and plans to focus on operational excellence and efficiency initiatives, with capital expenditures projected at $2.5 billion [7].

Safety Performance - The FRA injury rate decreased by 17% year-to-date, accompanied by a 21% reduction in total injuries[14] - Injuries resulting in lost time decreased by 23% year-to-date[14] - The FRA train accident safety performance in Q3 was the best quarter since the end of 2023[14] - Human-factor accidents have improved, decreasing by 16% year-to-date[14] Operating Metrics (Q3 2025) - Velocity reached 18.9 mph[16] - Cars Online totaled 121,000[18] - Combined Intermodal Carload Trip Plan Compliance was at 87%[19] - Dwell time was 9.5 hours[21] - Car Miles per Day reached 136.6[25] - Fuel Efficiency was 0.94 Gal/kGTM[25] - GTMs / Available Horsepower was 132.5[25] Financial Performance (Q3 2025) - Revenue was $3.587 billion, a 1% decrease year-over-year[42] - Net Earnings were $694 million GAAP and $818 million adjusted, a 22% and 9% decrease year-over-year, respectively[42] - Earnings Per Share were $0.37 GAAP and $0.44 adjusted, a 20% and 4% decrease year-over-year, respectively[42] - Operating Margin was 30.3% GAAP and 34.9% adjusted, a decrease of 710 bps and 250 bps year-over-year, respectively[42] Volume & Revenue Changes (Q3 2025 YoY) - Merchandise volume decreased by 1%, with a corresponding 1% decrease in revenue[32] - Coal revenue decreased by 11%[35] - Intermodal volume increased by 4%, with a corresponding 5% increase in revenue to $527 million[38] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation (YTD Q3 2025) - Property additions totaled $1.284 billion[47] - Shareholder distributions, including buybacks and dividends, amounted to $1.785 billion[47] - Free Cash Flow before dividends was $1.066 billion[47]