CSX

Net Earnings: $510 million or $0.55 per share, up 15 percent from $445 million or $0.47 per share from 2016’s second quarter earnings results
Revenue: Increased 8 percent to $2,933 million
Operating Income: $958 million, up 14 percent
Operating Ratio: 67.4 percent, down from 68.9 percent
Click here to read CSX’s full earnings report.
 

KCS

Net Earnings: $135 million or $1.27 per diluted share, up from 2016 second quarter’s reported $121 million or $1.11 per diluted share
Revenue: Record second quarter revenues of $656 million, a 15 percent increase from the second quarter of 2016
Operating Income: All-time record of $239 million, an increase of 9 percent from the second quarter of 2016
Operating Ratio: 63.5 percent, a 2.2 increase from second quarter 2016
Click here to read KCS’s full earnings report.
 

CP

Net Earnings: Rose 46 percent to C$480 million or C$3.27 per diluted share (a second quarter record)
Revenue: C$1.64 billion, up 13 percent
Operating Income: A second-quarter record of C$679 million, up 23 percent
Operating Ratio: Improved 330 basis points to a second quarter record of 58.7 percent
Click here to read CP’s full earnings report.
 

UP

Net Earnings: $1.2 billion or $1.45 per diluted share (a second quarter record), as compared to the $1.0 billion or $1.17 per diluted share reported for the second quarter of 2016
Revenue: Up 10 percent to $5.3 billion
Operating Income: Up 21 percent to $2.0 billion
Operating Ratio: A second quarter record of 61.8 percent, a 3.4 point improvement compared to the second quarter 2016
Click here to read UP’s full earnings report.
 

CN

Net Earnings: Increased 20 percent to C$1,031 million and diluted earnings per share increased 24 percent to C$1.36
Revenue: Increased 17 percent to a quarterly record of C$3,329 million
Operating Income: Increased 16 percent to C$1,495 million
Operating Ratio: Increased 0.6 points to 55.1 percent
Click here to read CN’s full earnings report.
 

NS


Net Earnings: Up 23 percent to $497 million while diluted earnings per share increased 26 percent to $1.71
Revenue: Increased 7 percent to $2.6 billion
Operating Income: Up 15 percent year-over-year to $888 million
Operating Ratio: An all-time record at 66.3 percent
Click here to read NS’s full earnings report.
 


Note: Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

CSX_logoCSX Corporation announced all-time record quarterly financial results for the second quarter of 2015. Operating income for the railroad came in at more than $1 billion for the first time in company history. The railroad also saw an all-time record in operating ratio of 68.8 percent.

Net earnings came in at $553 million or an all-time record of $0.56 per share, an increase from the reported $529 million or $0.53 per share of the second quarter of 2014. CSX expects to deliver mid-to-high single digit earnings per share growth for 2015.

“While we saw challenges in a number of markets, CSX employees delivered an even safer, more reliable and more differentiated service product this quarter,” Chairman and CEO Michael J. Ward said. “We expect the momentum in network performance we saw in the second quarter to accelerate, continuing to create value for our customers and shareholders.”

Revenue declined six percent due to the impact of lower fuel recovery. At the same time, continued low fuel prices and savings from efficiency initiatives reduced expenses for the railroad by nine percent.

Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

 

KCS_rail_logoKansas City Southern reported a decrease in earnings in a press release July 17. The railroad reportedly saw a 10 percent decrease in revenue to $586 million as compared to the second quarter of 2014.

Operating income saw a decrease of 13 percent to $187 million. Operating ratio saw a 1.1-point increase to 68.1 percent compared with last year’s second quarter operating ratio of 68.3 percent. Reported net income totaled $112 million or $1.01 per share, a 15 percent decrease compared to the reported $130 million or $1.18 per diluted share for the second quarter 2014.

Overall, the railroad reported that carload volumes were six percent lower for the quarter. Second quarter revenue declined in all commodity groups except chemicals and petroleum, which grew by one percent. However, operating expenses also saw a decrease of eight percent to $399 million.

“KCS continued to scale its operations in both the U.S. and Mexico and has made strides in improving its network fluidity,” stated CEO David L. Starling. “Our actions contributed to the company attaining a solid second quarter operating ratio despite volume challenges, particularly in its energy commodity group. We expect our system performance and operating metrics to continue to improve throughout the remainder of the year.

“As evidenced in the weekly industry carload data, there are still uncertainties in many of the primary markets served by rail. However, KCS’ average daily volumes increased each month throughout the second quarter and the initial results from the first few weeks of July suggest the positive trend may be continuing.”

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway reported increases in revenue for the second quarter of 2015. Net income saw an increase to C$886 million or C$1.10 per diluted share, over last year’s reported C$847 million or C$1.03 per diluted share for the same quarter. These results included a deferred income tax expense of C$42 million (C$0.05 per diluted share) resulting from the enactment of a higher provincial corporate income tax rate.

Excluding the deferred income tax expense, adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 12 percent to C$1.15 as compared to last year’s second quarter reported diluted earnings per share of C$1.03.

Operating income saw an increase of eight percent to C$1,362 million, while revenues for the quarter were flat at C$3,125 million. Carloadings decreased by three percent and revenue ton-miles declined by seven percent.

Operating ratio for the railway improved by 3.2 points to 56.4 percent over last year’s reported 59.6 percent.

“I’m proud of our very solid second quarter results, driven by the team’s swift action to recalibrate resources and double-down on efficiency, while continuing to improve customer service,” President and CEO Claude Mongeau said. “We’re focused on our long-term agenda and investing C$2.7 billion in CN’s capital program this year to support it, with an emphasis on the integrity and safety of the network.”

 

cp-logo-240In a press release June 21, Canadian Pacific Railway announced the highest-ever net income for the second quarter and the lowest operating ratio for the period in the company’s history.

Net income rose to a record quarterly high of C$390 million or C$2.36 per diluted share, an improvement of 12 percent. Adjusted earnings per share gained 16 percent to C$2.45. Revenues for the railway remained unchanged at C$1.65 billion.

Operating income climbed 10 percent to C$646 million. Operating ratio fell to a second-quarter record of 60.9 percent, a 420-basis-point improvement. Adjusted earnings per share advanced 16 percent to C$2.45.

“CP remains disciplined during this period of economic uncertainty in identifying opportunities to control costs and improve efficiency to offset near-term headwinds,” CEO E. Hunter Harrison said. “Even in the face of this economic slowdown, CP’s commitment to providing the best service at the lowest cost will continue to serve us well moving forward.”

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific reported a decrease in earnings for the second quarter in a press release June 23. Operating revenue was down 10 percent to $5.4 billion as compared to the second quarter of 2014. Net income for the railroad came in at $1.2 billion or $1.38 per diluted share, a three percent decline as compared to last year’s reported net income of $1.3 billion or $1.43 per diluted share.

Operating income is down 11 percent to $1.9 billion. UP’s operating ratio of 64.1 percent is 0.6 points worse compared to the second quarter of 2014. The company also repurchased 8.0 million shares in the second quarter at an aggregate cost of $834 million.

“Solid core pricing gains were not enough to overcome a significant decrease in demand,” President and CEO Lance Fritz said. “Total volumes in the second quarter were down six percent, led by a sharp decline in coal. Industrial products and agricultural products also posted significant volume decreases. However, we made meaningful progress right sizing our resources to current volumes, and I am encouraged to report that we made these improvements while posting strong safety performance.

“While the volume outlook remains uncertain, we remain laser focused on operating safely and efficiently no matter what the market environment. We will continue to reduce costs and improve productivity as we further align resources with demand. Longer term, we continue to be optimistic about the strengths of our diverse rail franchise.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern railroad reported decreased earnings results for the second quarter of 2015.

Net income for the quarter was $433 million, a 23 percent decrease compared to the $562 million record set in the same quarter of 2014. Operating revenues saw a decrease of 11 percent to $2.7 billion, a result of lower fuel surcharges and coal volumes. Gains in intermodal and merchandise traffic were offset by losses in coal volumes.

Income from railway operations declined 20 percent to $814 million. Railway operating expenses also saw a decrease of six percent to $1.9 billion. Diluted earnings per share came in at $1.41. NS’s railway operating ratio was 70.0 percent.

“While we face short-term pressure, particularly as we clear fuel surcharge revenue and coal headwinds, Norfolk Southern is well positioned to continue improving service, which will reduce costs and add value to our customers,” CEO James A. Squires said. “Growth within the intermodal franchise, consumer spending, housing-related momentum and improved manufacturing activity all support an optimistic longer-term outlook. We have a strong legacy of success, and we are taking the right steps to continue value creation for our customers, the communities we serve, our employees and our shareholders.”

CSX_logoCSX Corporation announced increases in its first quarter earnings April 14. Net earnings for the first quarter of 2015 came in at $442 million, an 11 percent increase over the $398 million reported for the same quarter of 2014.

The company announced a 13 percent increase of earnings per share to $0.45 over last year’s reported $0.40 per share for the same quarter. Operating income also saw an increase of 14 percent to $843 million and operating ratio improved 330 basis points to 72.2 percent. Revenue for the quarter came in at $3.0 billion.

The CSX board of directors has approved an increase in the quarterly dividend and a new share repurchase program. The quarterly dividend has increased 13 percent to $0.18 per share. The new $2 billion share repurchase program is expected to be implemented over the next 24 months.

“In this dynamic economic and business environment, CSX’s core earnings remain strong and we are continuing our drive to provide excellent service for our customers and value for our shareholders,” Chairman and CEO Michael J. Ward said. “Our commitment and confidence in CSX’s future is underscored by the positive shareholder actions we’re taking today.”

Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway reported its financial and operating results for the first quarter ended Mar. 31. The railway saw increases across the board in its earnings.

CN announced net income for the quarter at C$704 million or C$0.86 per diluted share, up from 2014’s first quarter reported net income of C$623 million or C$0.75 per diluted share.

Diluted earnings per share saw a 30 percent increase to C$0.86 from the reported C$0.66 from the first quarter last year. Net income also saw a 28 percent increase to C$704 million over last year’s reported C$551 million. Operating income saw a 30 percent increase to C$1,063 million. Revenues for the first quarter increased 15 percent to C$3,098 million; revenue ton-mile increased by seven percent and carloadings increased nine percent. CN’s operating ratio improved by 3.9 points to 65.7 percent over last years 69.6 percent.

“CN turned in a solid first-quarter performance thanks to strong freight demand and continued productivity improvements, helped in part by easier winter conditions compared with last year’s polar vortex,” President and CEO Claude Mongeau said. “CN is pleased to affirm its outlook for double-digit EPS growth in 2015 versus last year’s adjusted diluted EPS of C$3.76, despite weaker than expected energy markets and a mixed economy.

“As always we remain committed to growing our business faster than the overall economy and doing so at low incremental cost. We are equally committed to running a safe railway and are increasing our 2015 capital envelope by C$100 million to C$2.7 billion to sustain additional rail infrastructure safety investments.”

 

cp-logo-240Canadian Pacific Railway announced the lowest first quarter operating ratio in the company’s history and the highest-ever net income for the period. Operating ratio came in at a record 63.2 percent for the first quarter 2015, an 880 basis point improvement over the first quarter of 2014. Net income came in at an all-time quarterly high of C$320 million or C$1.92 per diluted share, an improvement of 33 percent.

CP’s revenues climbed 10 percent to a first quarter record of C$1.67 billion and adjusted earnings per share saw an improvement of 59 percent to C$2.26.

“CP’s success in the first quarter of the year is a result of hard work by its people and a business model that responds nimbly to any shift in economic conditions,” CEO E. Hunter Harrison said. “CP’s relentless focus on rail safety and cost control has created a solid foundation for growth, innovation and creative collaboration with customers.

“The diversity of the business and efficiency of CP’s network and team has the company well positioned for the rest of the year. We are confident in our plan and our people, and are committed to achieving our goals for 2015.”

 

KCS_rail_logoKansas City Southern reported decreases in earnings for the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the first quarter earnings of 2014.

Revenue decreased one percent to $603 million. KCS’ operating income also saw a one percent decrease to $178 million. Operating ratio saw a 0.2 point increase to 70.5 percent or an adjusted operating ratio of 68.9 percent. The first quarter of 2014 saw an operating ratio of 73.7 percent. Diluted earnings per share also saw a two percent decrease to $0.91 and adjusted diluted earnings per share came in at $1.03.

Overall, the railroad reports that carload volumes were one percent higher than in the first quarter of 2014. KCS also saw a one percent decrease in operating expenses of $415 million for the quarter. Reported net income totaled $101 million for the first quarter of 2015.

“Lower than expected carloadings in a few commodity groups, particularly utility coal, coupled with a weak peso and the impact of low U.S. fuel prices on fuel surcharge revenues, combined to exert pressure on first quarter consolidated revenues,” CEO David L. Starling said. “We believe our ability to scale operating expenses and capital where necessary, provide KCS with the opportunity to improve earnings as 2015 progresses. In addition, we remain fully committed to managing our railroad in a manner designed to allow our company and its stockholders to benefit from the abundant growth opportunities that should emerge in the years ahead.”

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific Corporation reported mostly increases in earnings for the first quarter of 2015.

The railroad reported a first quarter net income of $1.2 billion or $1.30 per diluted share, a nine percent increase over last year’s first quarter of $1.1 billion or $1.19 per diluted share. Operating income increased seven percent to $2 billion and operating ratio improved 2.3 points to 64.8 percent.

Operating revenue stayed at $5.6 billion while total revenue carloads declined two percent compared to the first quarter of 2014.

“While we took actions during the quarter to adjust for volume decline, we did not run an efficient operation,” President and CEO Lance Fritz said. “We’ve had some challenges to start off the year, but we’re taking the steps needed to work through those challenges and realize the opportunities we see ahead. We expect to see solid improvement in network performance and cost efficiency over the coming months. As we leverage the strengths of our diverse franchise, we continue to be intently focused on safety, service and shareholder returns.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern Corporation reported a decrease in earnings for the first quarter 2015. Net income for the railroad saw a 16 percent decrease to $310 million compared to the $368 million that was reported for the first quarter of 2014. Income from railway operations came in at $606 million, a nine percent decrease compared to last year’s first quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter came in at $1.00 compared to last year’s $1.17.

NS reported a five percent decrease to operating revenues to $2.6 billion due to a lower fuel surcharge, lower coal volumes and lower average revenue per unit. Total volume saw a two percent increase, reflecting gains in intermodal and merchandise traffic. Railway operating expenses declined three percent to $2.0 billion, also due to lower fuel costs. NS reported an operating ratio of 76.4 percent compared to last year’s operating ratio of 75.2 percent for the same quarter.

“Our first quarter results reflected continued weakness in our coal markets along with a slowdown in network velocity in part caused by severe winter weather which impacted both our expenses and our volumes,” CEO Wick Moorman said. “Looking ahead, while the market uncertainties remain, the resources that we are deploying are driving improved network performance, and we expect our service levels will be significantly higher in the second half.”

CSX_logoCSX reported to the public its first quarter 2014 earnings and dividend increase. The railroad announced net earnings of $398 million or $.040 per share. This is a decrease from last year’s first quarter reports of $462 million or $0.45 per share.

However, revenue for the quarter grew two percent to $3 billion on volume increases of three percent, with strength in merchandise markets and intermodal offsetting the declines in coal shipments.

Operating income for the railroad declined 16 percent to $739 million, while operating ratio increased 520 basis points to 75.5 percent, due to harsh weather. CSX estimates that weather interruptions in service increased expenses by around six cents per share. Optimistically, CSX expects modest full-year earnings growth in 2014.

Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

“The company is indebted to the dedicated men and women of CSX who worked tirelessly through one of the worst winters on record to keep the network running as fluidly as possible,” Chairman, President and CEO Michael J. Ward. “Thanks to the hard work of our employees, service levels are gradually recovering, and we are capitalizing on an economy that continues to show positive momentum.”

 

KCS_rail_logoIn an announcement made April 16, Kansas City Southern reported record first quarter revenues and carloads. Revenues for the first quarter were $607 million, an increase of 10 percent more than last year’s first quarter. The railroad also saw a four percent increase in carloads for the quarter.

Operating income came in at $160 million, but excluding lease termination costs, adjusted operating income came in at $190 million, a 17 percent increase over last year’s first quarter. The railroad saw an operating ratio of 73.7 percent or an adjusted operating ratio of 68.7 percent. This is a 1.8-point improvement over last year.

Diluted earning per share came in at $0.85 or adjusted diluted earnings per share were at $1.05 for the first quarter of 2014. This is an 18 percent increase over the first quarter of 2013. Net income came in at $94 million.

“We are pleased with how our company performed during the first quarter,” President and CEO David L. Starling said. “All six commodity groups reported year-over-year revenue gains led by Agriculture and Minerals, which increased 40 percent over the prior year. Later in the first quarter, we also recorded higher than expected utility coal volumes and revenues as a result of higher natural gas prices, which made coal a more competitive option benefitting certain plants we serve.

“While it is still early in the second quarter, KCS business levels have improved in April. The indication that our core business appears to be gaining strength provides us with positive momentum towards achieving the 2014 goals we outlined to investors in January.”

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific reported a record first quarter in an earnings announcement made April 17. The railroad reports a net income of $1.1 billion or $2.38 per diluted share, up from the first quarter 2013 reports of $957 million or $2.03 per diluted share. Taht is a 17 percent increase over last year.

Operating revenues totaled $5.6 billion, up seven percent over last year’s first quarter operating revenue of $5.3 billion. Business volumes, which are measured by total revenue carloads, increased five percent. Agricultural products, industrial products, coal, intermodal and automotive all increased in volume for the quarter. Freight revenue increased a total of six percent for the quarter.

Operating ratio for the railroad was at 67.1 percent, a first quarter record and 2.0 points better than the first quarter of 2013. Operating income was up 14 percent to $1.85 billion.

“As we look forward, we’re watching the economy very closely, as well as the potential impacts of weather, particularly on our coal and grain business,” Jack Koraleski, CEO, said. “There’s still a lot of year ahead of us, but we are seeing signs of gradual economic improvement, and we’re encouraged by the opportunities it presents. With the power and potential of the Union Pacific franchise, we’ll leverage these opportunities to drive record financial performance and shareholder returns this year and in the years to come.

“We’re proud of the efforts of the men and women of Union Pacific, who worked tirelessly to serve our customers despite these weather challenges and helped us achieve such a solid start to the year.”

 

cp-logo-240In an announcement made early April 22, Canadian Pacific said the first quarter of 2014 had the best first quarter financial results in the company’s history.

The company saw a 16 percent increase in year-over-year improvement in earnings per share with a reported C$254 million or C$1.44 per diluted share. The first quarter of 2013 only reported C$217 million or C$1.24 per share.

Total revenues for the railway came in at C$1,509 million, an increase of one percent over last year’s first quarter. Operating expenses saw a four percent decrease to C$1,086 million. While operating income saw a 17 percent increase to C$423 million. Operating ratio also saw an improvement to 72.0 percent, a 380 basis point improvement.

“CP delivered solid results in a period that was severely impacted by extraordinary cold and severe winter weather conditions,” CEO E. Hunter Harrison said. “In the face of such difficult operating conditions, I am particularly proud of the women and men of CP who remained on the job 24/7, to keep the railway operating.

“Despite a slow start to the year and the reduced capacity which limited our ability to meet strong customer demand, we still have the utmost confidence in our ability to achieve our financial targets for 2014.”

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National railway reported increases in revenues in a teleconference held late April 22. The railway reports a net income for the first quarter 2014 of C$623 million or C$0.75 per diluted share. Net income for the same quarter of 2013 was only at C$555 million or C$0.65 per diluted share.

The company saw a five percent increase of operating income to C$820 million. Revenues saw a nine percent increase to C$2,693 million, while revenue ton-miles also saw a five percent increase and carloads saw a one percent increase.

Operating ratio for the railway deteriorated 1.2 points to 69.6 percent. The previous year’s quarter reported operating ratio at 68.4 percent. Free cash flow for the first quarter of this year came in at C$494 million, quite an increase over last year’s C$151 million.

“CN delivered solid first quarter results thanks to a dedicated team of railroaders who labored long and hard to keep us rolling through the harshest winter in decades,” CEO and President Claude Mongeau said. “The winter of a lifetime took its toll on network capacity and affected
all of our customers, but I’m pleased that CN’s recovery is now well underway, with key safety, operating and service metrics returning to pre-winter levels.

“Witch continued focus on supply chain collaboration and solid execution, CN is reaffirming its 2014 financial outlook and increasing its capital envelope to C$2.25 billion in support of its commitment to growth, efficiency and safety.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern reported its first quarter financial results April 23. Net income for the railroad saw a decrease to $368 million or $1.17 per diluted share for the first quarter 2014. Net income for the same quarter of 2013 was at $450 million or $1.41 per diluted share. Although, $60 million or $0.19 per diluted share of the $450 million was due to a gain from a land sale.

Operating revenues for the railroad totaled $2.7 billion, a two percent decrease from first quarter 2013. Shipment volumes also decreased by one percent during the quarter. Income from railway operations came in at $667 million, three percent lower than last year.

Operating expenses for the first quarter came in at $2 billion, a one percent decrease from the same quarter of 2013. Operating ratio for the railroad was 75.2 percent versus 74.8 percent for the same period last year.

“Following the extreme winter weather across the U.S. rail network which impacted first-quarter results, we are seeing a rebound in shipments across all of our business,” said Wick Moorman, CEO. “Our people responded admirably to meet the challenges of the harsh conditions, and we remain focused on delivering superior service to our customers.”

CSX_logo

CSX Corporation announced July 16 second quarter net earnings of $535 million or $0.52 per share. For the second quarter of 2012, CSX earned $512 or $0.49 per share. According to these figures, CSX is up a profit of $23 million over last year’s earnings for the same quarter.

CSX attributes these profits to overall revenue growth, service and efficiency results, and other items such as tax and real estate. Revenue for the second quarter 2013 was a total of almost $3.1 billion. CSX was at an operating income of $963 million and an operating ratio of 68.6% for the quarter.

Operating ratio is a railroad’s operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue, and is considered by economists to be the basic measure of carrier profitability. The lower the operating ratio, the more efficient the railroad.

CSX is up from last quarter, having reported a net income of $459 million or $0.45 per share. Revenue for the first quarter was at $2.96 billion, quite a bit less than this quarter’s reported $3.1 billion.

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific Corporation announced July 18 that performance for the second quarter 2013 was the best they have ever reported at a net income of $1.1 billion or $2.37 per diluted share, an increase of five percent over last year’s second quarter earnings. Earnings for the same quarter last year were only $1 billion or $2.10 per diluted share.

UP saw an increase of operating revenue to $5.5 billion, while last year’s operating revenue for the same quarter was only $5.2 billion. The freight revenue was also at a five percent increase and their operating ratio of 65.7 percent was the best ever recorded at 1.3 points higher than the second quarter last year; and 0.9 points better than the previous best-ever record which was set in the third quarter of 2012.

Second quarter earnings are also up from the first quarter of this year. UP reported increased revenue of $5.29 billion for the first quarter, a great deal less than this quarter’s reported $5.5 billion.

 

KCS_rail_logoKansas City Southern (KCS) reported July 19 record revenues as well as record carloads for the second quarter 2013. KCS announced that the second quarter was up six percent over the second quarter 2012 with $579 million in revenues. Carloads saw an increase of three percent over last year as well.

The railroad saw an operating income of $179 million, 12 percent higher than the same quarter of the previous year and an operating ratio of 69.0 percent, a 1.5-point improvement.

Revenue growth for the second quarter was led by a 26 percent increase in Energy, a 20 percent increase in Automotive and a 13 percent increase in Intermodal revenues over last year. Revenues from Chemicals & Petroleum and Industrial & Consumer grew by 11 percent and four percent respectively over last year’s second quarter.

KCS saw a decrease in revenues from Agriculture and Minerals, which decline by 18 percent, due to droughts and a decrease in grain volumes. 

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway (CN) announced July 22 that profits are up for the second quarter 2013 over the same quarter of 2012. Net income for the second quarter was C$717 million or C$1.69 per diluted share. Net income for the same quarter last year was only C$631 million or C$1.44 per diluted share.

CN reported a net gain of C$13 million that resulted from a gain on a non-monetary transaction with another railway. Excluding this transaction, it’s reported that CN saw an increase of diluted earnings per share (EPS) of 11 percent to C$1.66 for the second quarter. The same quarter last year was at C$1.50.

Revenues saw an increase of five percent to C$2,666 million that was reportedly driven by a five percent increase in revenue ton-miles and a two percent increase in carloadings.

CN reported that operating income increased six percent to C$1,042 million with an operating ratio (defined as operating expenses as a percentage of revenue) improvement of 0.4 of a point to 60.9 percent.

“We executed strongly during the second quarter, with service and operating metrics on a steady improvement trend. This performance underscores our agenda of Operational and Service Excellence, which is key to achieve solid revenue growth at low incremental cost. … Despite slower volume growth than anticipated, the CN team will maintain a keen focus on growing revenues faster than the overall economy as well as on tightly managing costs to meet our full-year financial outlook,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau. 

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern (NS) announced Tuesday, July 23 an 11 percent decrease in income for the second quarter 2013. Income was at $465 million for the second quarter of 2013 whereas they were at $524 million for the same quarter of 2012.

Diluted earnings per share were at $1.46, nine percent lower than they were in 2012 at $1.60 per diluted share.

The operating revenues for the railroad came in at $2.8 billion, three percent lower than in 2012. However, the operating ratio came in at 70.2 percent, which is four percent higher than the ratio reported for the second quarter of 2012.

Fuel surcharges came in at $306 million, $59 million less than last year’s reported amounts. General merchandise revenues rose to two percent to $1.6 billion. Coal revenues fell 17 percent to $626 million due to lower average revenue per unit and a four percent decline in volumes. NS reported that Intermodal revenues increased four percent to $588 million and volumes increased five percent due to continued domestic and international growth.

“In the second quarter, Norfolk Southern delivered solid results, supported by growth in our chemicals, intermodal, and automotive businesses, despite continuing weakness in the coal markets,” CEO Wick Moorman state. “We continue to focus on service efficiency and velocity, which is enabling us to control operating expenses and deliver superior performance to our customers.”

 

cp-logo-240Canadian Pacific (CP) reports record highs in operating ratio Wednesday, July 24. The operating ratio came in at 71.9 percent, a 1,060 basis-point improvement and an all-time quarterly record for the railroad.

Operating income came in at C$420 million, an increase over the second quarter of last year by 76 percent.

Total revenues for CP were C$1.5 billion, an increase of ten percent; also a quarterly record. Operating expenses were low at C$1.1 billion, a decrease of four percent. CP reported a net income of C$252 million or C$1.43 per diluted share.

The second quarter of 2012 had a net income of only C$103 million or C$0.60 per share. The second quarter of 2013 had a 138 percent improvement in year-over-year earnings per share.