Norfolk Southern Earnings: Intermodal And General Merchandise Growth Offsets Coal Weakness

Revenue increased 7% year-on-year, to reach $3.02 billion, driven by volume growth across all commodities except for coal, which continues to suffer due to the weak export coal environment for the U.S. Norfolk Southern's operating ratio (operating expense expressed as a percentage of revenues) improved significantly, 2.4% year-on-year, to reach 67%, driving a 16% increase in net profits. Norfolk Southern's diluted earnings per share increased 17%, to reach $1.79.