Norfolk Southern (NSC)
NYSE:NSC
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Jul 29, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
3.14Last Year’s EPS
3.29Same Quarter Last Year
Based on 12 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Neutral
The call presented a mix of clear operational and safety successes — including substantial productivity gains, record fuel-efficiency, and meaningful safety improvements — balanced against top-line pressures (flat revenue and modestly lower volumes), significant near-term fuel cost shocks, and intermodal and coal mix headwinds. Management expressed confidence in cost control, guidance, and the strategic merger refile, while acknowledging fuel-driven volatility and competitive/market uncertainties. Overall, operational execution and productivity mitigate many of the financial headwinds but risks remain tied to fuel and demand.Company Guidance
Safety Performance Improvement
FRA accident ratio improved to 1.43 in Q1, a 37% improvement year-over-year; FRA personal injury ratio was 1.10 (consistent with FY2025); FRA mainline accident ratio was 0.26, leading Class I mainline incident reliability.
Strong Operational Productivity and Efficiency Gains
Delivered over $500 million in productivity over the last 2 years and targeting $150+ million of efficiencies in 2026; moved 1.1% more gross ton miles year-over-year while shipments were modestly lower, reflecting stronger train productivity and better asset utilization; achieved a fuel-efficiency record in Q1.
Disciplined Cost Management
Total adjusted expenses were up just 1% year-over-year despite an estimated 5% inflation headwind and storm costs; maintained FY2026 adjusted operating cost guidance ($8.2B–$8.4B) and kept adjusted operating ratio for the quarter at 68.7% after discrete adjustments.
Revenue Per Unit and Segment Wins
Overall RPU was up 2% year-over-year; merchandise volume and revenue each increased ~1% (RPU less fuel flat); intermodal ARPU increased 3% and RPU less fuel increased 2%; coal volume increased 9% driven by utilities and stockpile replenishment.
Resilience After Severe Winter Weather
Network rebounded from concentrated February storms to capture available March volume and exited the quarter with solid momentum; operations demonstrated resilience with rapid backlog recovery and post-storm productivity.
Strategic Growth Initiatives
Introduced a new short line and transload partnership in Doraville, GA with Jaguar Transport Holdings focused on growth in a high-density switching corridor; commercial pipeline active with ~400 industrial development projects and 12 projects that came online in Q1 representing ~70,000 loads at full run-rate.
Adjusted EPS and Operating Ratio (Adjusted)
Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $2.65 per share; adjusted operating ratio (ex discrete items) was 68.7%.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Apr 24, 2026 | $321.44 | $319.71 | -0.54% |
Jan 29, 2026 | $283.22 | $288.88 | +2.00% |
Oct 23, 2025 | $281.23 | $277.93 | -1.17% |
Jul 29, 2025 | $282.42 | $273.82 | -3.04% |
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 Jul 29, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Norfolk Southern (NSC) earnings time?
Norfolk Southern (NSC) earnings time is at Jul 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 (Q2) is 3.14.
