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Mar 31

Norfolk Southern Q1 2025 Earnings Report

Norfolk Southern reported first quarter results with solid adjusted earnings growth despite weather disruptions and incident-related adjustments.

Key Takeaways

Norfolk Southern delivered strong operational performance in Q1 2025, achieving adjusted EPS growth and an improved operating ratio, while reaffirming full-year guidance amid economic uncertainty.

Adjusted EPS rose 8% YoY, reaching $2.69 after excluding the Eastern Ohio incident.

Revenue totaled $3.0 billion, with growth in volumes offsetting lower fuel surcharge revenues.

Operating ratio improved to 61.7% on a reported basis and 67.9% on an adjusted basis.

Insurance recoveries related to the Eastern Ohio incident offset incremental costs during the quarter.

Total Revenue
$2.99B
Previous year: $3B
-0.4%
EPS
$2.69
Previous year: $2.49
+8.0%
Operating Ratio
61.7%
Previous year: 92.9%
-33.6%
Adj. Operating Ratio
67.9%
Previous year: 69.9%
-2.9%
Adj. Operating Income
$961M
Previous year: $904M
+6.3%
Gross Profit
$1.15B
Previous year: $213M
+438.0%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.01B
Previous year: $652M
+54.3%
Free Cash Flow
$501M
Previous year: $282M
+77.7%
Total Assets
$43.8B
Previous year: $42.1B
+4.0%

Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern

Forward Guidance

Norfolk Southern reiterated its full-year guidance despite macroeconomic uncertainties, highlighting confidence in its service performance and operational improvements.

Positive Outlook

  • Maintains full-year guidance despite headwinds
  • Insurance recoveries mitigated costs from the Eastern Ohio incident
  • Improved service consistency supports market share gains
  • Volume growth of 1% supported underlying revenue rise
  • Resilience through winter weather disruptions

Challenges Ahead

  • Macroeconomic uncertainty acknowledged
  • Fuel surcharge revenue declined YoY
  • Eastern Ohio incident still a factor in reported results
  • No specific revenue growth forecast provided
  • EPS still below potential without adjustments