Top-Line Growth
Total revenue increased 2% year-over-year while total volume rose 3% in Q1 2026, with pricing gains and higher fuel recovery offset by mix.
Strong Profitability Expansion
Total expenses fell 6% YoY, driving a 20% increase in operating income and a 26% increase in diluted earnings per share for the quarter.
Material Expense Savings
First-quarter expense decreased by $153 million YoY, including over $100 million of efficiency savings from cost initiatives, real estate and lapping of prior network disruption costs.
Record Fuel Efficiency
Achieved record Q1 fuel efficiency of 0.97 gallons per 1,000 gross ton miles (GTM); March performance improved to 0.93 g/1,000 GTM, the best since 2021.
Labor and Fleet Productivity
Labor costs were 1% lower with a 5% reduction in headcount and $10 million less overtime; the vehicle fleet is 7% smaller vs. 2024, reducing operating and capital spend.
Intermodal Strength
Intermodal revenue rose 5% on a 6% increase in volume, driven by new business in both international and domestic markets (RPU down 1% due to inland ports mix).
Merchandise Performance and Market Tailwinds
Merchandise revenue and revenue-per-unit grew 2% with volume broadly stable; minerals led merchandise with a 4% volume increase (cement, salt) and chemicals benefited from higher frac sand and plastics demand.
Industrial Development Momentum
21 industrial projects went into service in Q1 expected to contribute ~33,000 annual carloads at full ramp; company expects ~100 projects in 2026 (≈50% more full-ramp volume than the prior year's 85 projects).
Upgraded Full-Year Guidance
Now expect full-year revenue growth in the mid-single digits (vs. prior low-single digits) assuming diesel follows the forward curve; anticipate operating margin expansion of 200–300 basis points (likely toward the high end), total 2026 capex below $2.4 billion, and free cash flow to grow >60% vs. 2025.
Safety Improvements
FRA injury rate improved 13% YoY (with 9% reduction in people hours) and train accident rate improved by over 30%, supporting safer and more efficient operations.