OMAHA, Neb. — Norfolk Southern's profit improved in the first quarter as the railroad hauled 3% more freight while the economy continued to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
The railroad said Wednesday that it earned $673 million, or $2.66 per share, during the quarter. That was up from $381 million, or $1.47 per share, a year ago when Norfolk Southern's profit was weighed down by a one-time charge of $385 million. Without that charge, profit was up 1%.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $2.55 per share.
"The reopening of the economy provides meaningful tailwinds for continued strength in both the consumer and manufacturing sectors," said Jim Squires, the railroad's chairman, president and CEO.
Norfolk Southern reiterated that it expects its revenue to grow roughly 9% this year as industrial and consumer-related shipments remain strong.
Norfolk Southern's revenue increased 1% to $2.64 billion in the period, which also beat Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $2.61 billion.
The railroad cut its expenses 3% to over last year's adjusted results to $1.6 billion as it continued to overhaul its operations to improve efficiency. If last year's one-time charge were included, expenses would be down 21%.
The Norfolk, Virginia-based company is one of the nation's largest railroads, and it operates about 19,500 miles of track in 22 states and the District of Columbia
Norfolk Southern shares have climbed 19% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P's 500 index has climbed 11%. The stock has climbed 69% in the last 12 months.
