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NSC

Norfolk Southern Corp Reports 2025 Financials

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) has released its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. The company reported a revenue of $3.0 billion in the fourth quarter, representing a decrease of $50 million or 2% compared to the same period in 2024. However, after adjusting for certain factors, income from railway operations was $1.0 billion, down $31 million or 3% compared to the adjusted fourth quarter of 2024.

The operating ratio for the fourth quarter was 68.5%, a significant increase from 62.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusting for certain expenses, the operating ratio for the quarter was 65.3%. Diluted earnings per share were reported at $2.87, down 11% from the fourth quarter of 2024. However, after adjustments, diluted earnings per share were $3.22, indicating a 6% increase from the adjusted fourth quarter of 2024.

For the full year of 2025, Norfolk Southern reported railway operating revenues of $12.2 billion, up $57 million from 2024. Income from railway operations was $4.4 billion, representing an increase of $285 million or 7% compared to 2024. Adjusting for certain factors, income from railway operations was $4.3 billion, up $122 million or 3% from the adjusted 2024 figure.

The operating ratio for the full year of 2025 improved to 64.2%, a 220 basis points improvement from 66.4% in 2024. After adjustments, the operating ratio for 2025 was 65.0%, representing an 80 basis points improvement from the adjusted 2024 figure of 65.8%. Diluted earnings per share for the full year were reported at $12.75, reflecting a 10% increase from 2024. After adjustments, diluted earnings per share were $12.49, up $0.64 or 5% from the adjusted 2024 figure.

Mark George, the President and CEO of Norfolk Southern, emphasized the company's focus on safety, service improvements, and productivity savings, which exceeded $215 million for the year. Despite a challenging economic environment, the company remains committed to prioritizing safety, delivering consistent customer service, and driving further productivity gains in 2026.

These financial results showcase Norfolk Southern's ability to navigate the evolving economic landscape while maintaining a focus on efficiency and productivity. Today the company's shares have moved -0.05% to a price of $290.63. Check out the company's full 8-K submission here.

The above analysis is intended for educational purposes only and was performed on the basis of publicly available data. It is not to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any buy, sell, or other recommendations mentioned in the article are direct quotations of consensus recommendations from the analysts covering the stock, and do not represent the opinions of Market Inference or its writers. Past performance, accounting data, and inferences about market position and corporate valuation are not reliable indicators of future price movements. Market Inference does not provide financial advice. Investors should conduct their own review and analysis of any company of interest before making an investment decision.

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