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Norfolk Southern (NSC) Beats on Q1 Earnings

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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2018 earnings per share of $1.93, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.77. Earnings increased 30.4% on a year-over-year basis.

How Was the Estimate Revision Trend?

Investors should note that the earnings estimate revisions for Norfolk Southern depicted a gloomy picture prior to the earnings release. The stock had seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings being revised 2.2% downward over the last 30 days.

However, Norfolk Southern has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company delivered positive surprises in each of the past four quarters with an average beat of 7.2%.

Revenues Better Than Expected

Norfolk Southern recorded railway operating revenues of $2,717 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,681.8 million. Moreover, it increased 5.5% year over year.


Key Q1 Statistics: Norfolk Southern revealed that operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of revenues) in the reported quarter was a record 69.3%. Overall volumes grew 3% on the back of impressive performance at the intermodal segment.
 
Zacks Rank: Currently, Norfolk Southern carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which is subject to change following the earnings announcement. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Check back later for our full write up on this Norfolk Southern earnings report later!

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