Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced Friday its first quarter 2026 financial results. In the quarter, revenue was $3.0 billion, income from railway operations was $877 million, operating ratio was 70.7%, and diluted earnings per share were $2.43.

Adjusting the results to exclude merger-related expenses and the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident, first quarter income from railway operations was $939 million, the operating ratio was 68.7%, and diluted earnings per share were $2.65.

"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," said Mark George, president and chief executive officer of Norfolk Southern. "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."

First Quarter Summary 

• Railway operating revenues of $3.0 billion, up $5 million, or flat compared to the first quarter 2025, on a volume decline of 1% year-over-year.

• Income from railway operations was $877 million, a decrease of $269 million, or 23%, compared to first quarter 2025. 
  • Adjusting for the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident in both years and merger-related expenses in 2026; income from railway operations was $939 million, down $22 million, or 2%, compared to adjusted first quarter 2025.

• Operating ratio in the quarter was 70.7% compared to 61.7% in first quarter 2025.
  • Adjusting for the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident in both years and merger-related expenses in 2026, the operating ratio for first quarter 2026 was 68.7%, 80 basis points higher than first quarter 2025.

• Diluted earnings per share were $2.43, down $0.88, or 27%, compared to first quarter 2025.
  • Adjusting for the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident in both years and merger-related expenses in 2026, diluted earnings per share were $2.65, down $0.04, or 1%, compared to first quarter 2025.