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Norfolk Southern (NSC)
NYSE:NSC
Earnings Data
Report Date
Apr 29, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
2.63Last Year’s EPS
2.69Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 12 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
Overall the call conveyed strong operational and safety progress — including industry-leading safety metrics, material productivity gains, meaningful cost takeouts, solid cash generation and capital execution — that materially offset soft top-line trends in Q4 (intermodal weakness, seaborne coal pricing, and a modest revenue headwind from competitor reactions to the merger). The regulatory setback on the merger and persistent macro/tariff uncertainties are notable challenges, but the company's execution on safety, efficiency and cash flow positions it to weather near-term demand weakness.Company Guidance
Safety Milestones
Zero reportable mainline derailments in Q4; mainline accident rate for the quarter dropped to 0.13 (71% improvement YoY). Full-year mainline derailment ratio 0.43 and Norfolk Southern reported its best year in more than a decade for train accident rates. FRA reportable injury ratio improved 15% to 1.0 and reportable accidents improved 31% to 2.19.
Productivity and Operational Efficiency
Moved 3% more GTMs with 4% fewer employees (net ~7% productivity). Train load increased 4%, horsepower per ton decreased ~10%, GTMs per crew start rose 2.5%, unscheduled stops declined 31%, locomotive productivity improved ~10%, T&E productivity improved ~9%, recrews reduced 21%, and fuel efficiency improved roughly 4–5% for the year.
Cost Takeouts and Savings
Delivered $216 million in full-year cost savings (exceeding the raised $200 million target). Company raised its 2026 cost-takeout commitment from $100 million to $150 million and projects a three-year cumulative cost takeout of ~ $650 million.
Capital Execution and Cash Generation
Delivered the $2.2 billion 2025 capital program on time and on budget. Spent $2.2 billion in CapEx in 2025 (a 7.5% decrease vs. 2024) and reduced planned 2026 CapEx to ~$1.9 billion (≈14% reduction). Generated $2.2 billion in free cash flow in 2025, up almost $500 million year-over-year, with the highest free cash flow conversion since 2021.
Merchandise & Automotive Strength
Merchandise revenue less fuel grew $287 million (≈4% YoY) for the full year; record annual revenue and record revenue excluding fuel across underlying merchandise groups. Automotive franchise delivered record total revenue and revenue less fuel; equipment cycle times improved ~4% YoY enabling stronger car order fill.
Profitability and Financial Results
Adjusted Q4 EPS of $3.22 and adjusted operating ratio for the quarter of 65.3 after adjustments. Bottom line (net income) grew ~5% year-over-year. Quarter benefited from a land sale that reduced operating expenses by ~$85 million.
Technology and Asset Risk Detection
Expanded digital train inspection program (scanning >75% of monthly traffic). New wheel integrity system detected a supplier casting defect that led to identification of seven other bad wheel sets and helped prompt an industry-wide recall — demonstrating scale and speed of digital investment benefits.
NSC Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
NSC Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 29, 2026 | $284.47 | $290.16 | +2.00% |
Oct 23, 2025 | $282.47 | $279.16 | -1.17% |
Jul 29, 2025 | $283.67 | $275.03 | -3.04% |
Apr 23, 2025 | $216.56 | $218.48 | +0.89% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Norfolk Southern (NSC) report earnings?
Norfolk Southern (NSC) is schdueled to report earning on Apr 29, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Norfolk Southern (NSC) earnings time?
Norfolk Southern (NSC) earnings time is at Apr 29, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is NSC EPS forecast?
NSC EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 2.63.
