First look: Norfolk Southern earnings

Norfolk Southern reported higher third-quarter earnings and record revenue on Thursday, as freight volume grew and fuel surcharges increased. The railroad's revenue rose 14% to $3.5 billion, with a 3% increase in volume. Higher fuel surcharges contributed to an eight percentage point revenue growth. Income from railway operations climbed 5% to roughly $1.2 billion, while diluted earnings per share increased 7% to $3.37.

Adjusted earnings per share grew 10% to $3.62, excluding merger-related expenses and the East Palestine derailment, as well as restructuring and other charges from the previous year. Adjusted operating income rose 7% to approximately $1.2 billion. Despite the earnings growth, Norfolk Southern's operating ratio, a key efficiency indicator, worsened by 2.8 percentage points to 67.4%, and its adjusted operating ratio increased by 2.1 points to 65.4%, highlighting margin pressure even as revenue reached a quarterly record.

CEO Mark George attributed the earnings growth to productivity improvements and tighter trucking capacity, which have increased rail's appeal to shippers. He emphasized the demand for rail service, driven by a tighter trucking market and rail's competitive advantages, as well as the need for a more efficient, capacity-enhanced freight network.

George stressed the company's commitment to investing in a stronger, more resilient rail network to support anticipated growth.