Adjusted profit and earnings rose from a year earlier, while the railroad said stronger demand and fuel surcharges helped lift quarterly sales.
Norfolk Southern Corporation reported all-time quarterly railway operating revenue of $3.5 billion for the second quarter of 2026, up $355 million, or 11%, from the same period in 2025 as volume increased 4% and higher fuel surcharges accounted for six points of the revenue growth. Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, down $51 million, or 4%, while diluted earnings per share fell to $3.26 from the prior year's quarter. Excluding merger-related expenses, restructuring and other charges, and the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident, adjusted income from railway operations rose to $1.2 billion, adjusted operating ratio (operating expenses as a share of revenue) was 65.5%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $3.52. President and Chief Executive Officer Mark George said demand improved across key markets and said the company entered the second half with a focus on safety, service consistency, and disciplined execution.