Norfolk Southern (NSC) Q1 2026 Earnings
Reported Apr 24, 2026 at 8:05 AM ET · SEC Source
Q1 26 EPS
$2.65
BEAT +6.28%
Est. $2.49
Q1 26 Revenue
$3.00B
BEAT +0.03%
Est. $3.00B
vs S&P Since Q1 26
-6.3%
TRAILING MARKET
NSC -1.7% vs S&P +4.6%
Market Reaction
Did NSC Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
Norfolk Southern delivered a stronger-than-expected first quarter in 2026, posting adjusted diluted EPS of $2.65 against a consensus estimate of $2.49, a 6.28% beat, even as GAAP results were weighed down by a significant swing in Eastern Ohio incide… Read more Norfolk Southern delivered a stronger-than-expected first quarter in 2026, posting adjusted diluted EPS of $2.65 against a consensus estimate of $2.49, a 6.28% beat, even as GAAP results were weighed down by a significant swing in Eastern Ohio incident costs and $52.00 million in merger-related expenses. Revenue came in at $3.00 billion, essentially flat year-over-year at +0.2% and in line with Wall Street's forecast, with Merchandise revenue providing a modest lift to $1.89 billion while Intermodal slipped to $749.00 million and Coal edged down to $364.00 million. The sharpest contrast to headline GAAP figures lies in the Eastern Ohio comparison: Q1 2025 benefited from $185.00 million in net recoveries, whereas Q1 2026 absorbed $10.00 million in net expenses, helping explain why GAAP net income fell to $547.00 million from $750.00 million a year ago. On an adjusted basis, operating income declined just $22.00 million, and the adjusted operating ratio held near 68.7%, reflecting disciplined cost control amid volatile freight volumes and rising fuel costs.
Key Takeaways
- • Disciplined cost management amid volatile volumes and severe winter weather
- • Dramatic rise in fuel prices in March increased fuel expenses
- • Eastern Ohio incident swing from $185 million net recoveries in Q1 2025 to $10 million net expenses in Q1 2026
- • $52 million in merger-related expenses in Q1 2026
- • 1% year-over-year volume decline
- • Merchandise revenue growth partially offset intermodal and coal declines
NSC YoY Financials
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025, source: SEC Filings
NSC Revenue by Segment
With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings
“In the first quarter, our team stayed focused on what we could control, operating with discipline amid volatile volumes, severe winter weather, and a rapidly shifting macroeconomic environment including the dramatic rise in fuel prices in March. Despite these challenges, our employees safely delivered a solid service product, managed costs effectively, and earned the continued trust of our customers. As conditions improved, we captured momentum exiting the quarter, reinforcing the strength of our operating foundation and the dedication of the entire Norfolk Southern team.”
— Mark George, Q1 2026 Earnings Press Release
NSC Earnings Trends
NSC vs Market 30 Day Price Reactions
30-day stock return vs benchmark after each earnings
NSC EPS Trend
Earnings per share: estimate vs actual
NSC Revenue Trend
Quarterly revenue: estimate vs actual
NSC Quarterly Results
4 quarters of earnings data
| Quarter | EPS Est. | EPS Act. | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 26 BEAT | $2.49 | $2.65 | +6.28% | $3.00B | +0.03% |
| Q4 25 BEAT FY | $2.76 | $3.22 | +16.51% | $2.97B | -0.90% |
| FY Full Year | — | $12.49 | — | $12.18B | — |
| Q3 25 BEAT | $3.20 | $3.30 | +3.04% | $3.10B | -0.18% |
| Q2 25 MISS | $3.30 | $3.29 | -0.31% | $3.11B | -0.71% |