Norfolk Southern (NSC) Q1 2026 Earnings Report

Norfolk Southern reported a spirited start to 2026 with revenue of $2.998 billion in Q1 and an adjusted operating ratio (OR) of 68.7% after merger-related and incident costs. GAAP net income was $0.547 billion, and earnings per share (EPS) stood at $2.43; on an adjusted basis, EPS was $2.65. Revenue was essentially flat year over year (-1.5%), while gross profit rose 17.0% YoY as the company kept cost of revenue and operating costs in check despite material inflationary and fuel headwinds. Management underscored continued focus on safety, service, and cost discipline, aided by PSR 2.0 (Precision Scheduled Railroading) improvements and digital tooling, which contributed to better locomotive reliability, fuel efficiency, and asset utilization. Volumes were mixed by segment: overall volumes declined about 1% YoY, intermodal down ~4% while coal rose meaningfully (up 9% in volume) on utility demand, though ARPU/headwinds pressured coal revenue. The firm flagged stronger pricing in core merchandise and improved mix, with RPU up 2% YoY, and highlighted a robust pipeline of growth initiatives, including a new Jaguar short-line/transload partnership in Georgia. Management guided to maintain the cost envelope of $8.2–$8.4 billion for 2026, expects normal seasonal OR improvement into Q2 (roughly 200 basis points), and remains on track to refile the UP merger application by month-end. The commentary emphasizes that the demand backdrop is still a mixed freight environment with fuel price volatility and tariff/tariff-related uncertainties, but NSC believes it is well positioned to capitalize on intermodal and energy-related opportunities and to continue delivering the PSR 2.0 flywheel of operating stability and productivity.