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US rail companies are seeing a slight increase in pricing and volume despite the slowdown in coal demand.

The second quarter earnings of US railroad companies are expected to be impacted by a slowdown in coal demand due to a combination of higher intermodal and vehicle shipping volumes, as well as higher prices.

Analysts said that there has been a sequential increase in carloads for the industry, led by intermodal shipments (which involve shipping goods using two or more modes) and automotive shipments. This is despite a general decline in freight since 2022.

Matthew Young, Morningstar analyst, said that "international intermodal seems to be benefiting by strong import trends. This is partly due to an increase in retailer restocking."

The impact of low rates on the truckload industry may still have an effect on intermodal revenues.

Analysts said that strong pricing would be good for rail companies in general.

Daniel Imbro, Stephens analyst, said: "We think core pricing has held relatively well and expect price increases to contribute for growth in this quarter."

Analysts said that the slowing demand for coal, due to global decarbonization, is a drag. This was likely made worse by a temporary disruption in exports caused by the collapse of the Baltimore Bridge.

They added that while metallurgical export volumes are expected to remain similar to the previous year, thermal coal could see a drop from year to year.

Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and CSX are all scheduled to release their earnings reports on July 25.

THE FUNDAMENTALS

According to LSEG data, analysts expect Union Pacific to increase its quarterly profit by 7.1%, to $2.72 per common share. Revenue is expected to grow 1.8%, to $6.07billion, from a year earlier.

* Norfolk Southern's per-share profit is expected to fall by 2% to $2.89. Revenues are projected to rise 1.9%, to $3.04 billion from last year.

Analysts predict that CSX will see its profit fall by 2%, to $0.48 a share. Revenues are expected to drop 0.1% from last year to $3.69 bln.

(source: Reuters)