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Norfolk Southern posts positive quarterly results on enhancing rail service, volumes

U.S. railroad operator Norfolk Southern reported thirdquarter revenue and earnings above Wall Street estimates on Tuesday, helped by strength in its merchandise and intermodal segments.

Shares of the company rose 3.6% in early trading.

Improving intermodal volumes, higher-than-inflation rates and a better operating ratio have assisted the railroad guard success even as the freight market continues to go through a downturn.

Atalanta, Georgia-based Norfolk Southern reported an adjusted operating ratio of 63.4%, representing a 570 basis point improvement from a year earlier.

The ratio is an acutely watched metric that indicates business expenses as a percentage of earnings. A higher operating ratio shows an increase in costs.

Severe weather condition occasions in the quarter postured service obstacles at railroads to which the business has actually responded favorably, displaying operating ratio improvement and placing itself much better to catch volumes off highway.

Our team drove efficiency and grew volumes while demonstrating resiliency in handling weather condition challenges, CEO Mark George, who took control of the top job in September, said in a declaration.

We delivered sequential and year-over-year margin improvement putting us on track to attain our changed operating ratio targets for the second half and full year 2024, he included.

The company reported running income of $3.1 billion for the 3rd quarter, increasing 3% from the previous year, beating experts' estimates of $3.08 billion, according to information assembled by LSEG. During the quarter, the business closed 2 railway line sales, leading to cash earnings of nearly $400 million and gains of $380 million, it stated.

On an adjusted basis, the company reported an earnings of $3.25. per share, above analysts' quotes of $3.11.

(source: Reuters)