Norfolk Southern Corp (NSC) (Q3 2026) Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue Less Fuel

Norfolk Southern reported record Q3 revenue of $3.5B, up 14% YoY, with operating ratio at 67.4%. Revenue growth driven by volume increase and higher fuel surcharges. EPS rose 7% to $3.37. Adjusted EPS increased 10% to $3.62. CEO attributed demand growth to trucking constraints. According to the company, merger-related expenses and incident costs were excluded from adjusted figures.

Norfolk Southern reported record Q3 2026 revenue, driven by industrial demand and truck-to-rail conversions. The company improved safety and operational efficiency, increasing train length and weight. Management raised CapEx guidance to $2.1B and adjusted OpEx guidance to $9B, citing inflation and fuel costs. They discussed merger plans, labor costs, and long-term risks like autonomous trucking. The company also addressed intermodal growth and infrastructure access requests.

Norfolk Southern (NSC) reported Q3 operating income up 7%, net income and EPS up 10%, with expenses rising 17% due to fuel costs. Full-year adjusted operating expenses are now expected to be just above $9 billion, with $700 million in additional fuel expenses. The company raised its 2026 capital expenditure outlook to $2.1 billion. Volumes increased 3% across all major business segments, with revenue growth in merchandise, intermodal, and coal.

Norfolk Southern reported Q3 2026 revenue of $3.5B, up 14% YoY, with merchandise, intermodal, and coal revenue growth. EPS rose 7% to $3.37, while net income increased 7% to $759M. The operating ratio improved to 67.4%. The company attributed growth to productivity gains and higher fuel surcharges, according to the CEO.

Norfolk Southern (NSC) reported Q3 2026 earnings, highlighting strong operational performance despite higher fuel costs. The company saw 14% revenue growth, with record revenue less fuel, driven by demand growth in intermodal and chemicals. Operational improvements led to record productivity, and the company expects continued growth and stronger results as resources come online. Safety metrics also improved, with historical bests in accident rates.

US railroads like Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and CSX reported higher Q3 profits and revenue due to a shift from trucking, driven by record fuel prices. Intermodal shipments rose 3-13% YoY, but rising fuel costs are squeezing margins. Diesel prices hit $6.53/gallon in September, per AAA.