Net Earnings: Increased 34 percent to $1.4 billion
Revenue: Increased 16 percent to $6.1 billion
Operating Income: Increased 9 percent to $2.1 billion
Operating Expenses: Increased 20 percent to $4.0 billion
Operating Ratio: Increased 2.1 points to 64.5 percent
Click here to read BNSF’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased 18 percent to C$1,134 million
Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share increased 21 percent to C$1.54
Revenue: Increased 14 percent to a record C$3,688 million
Operating Income: Increased 8 percent to C$1,492 million
Operating Expenses: Increased 19 percent to C$2,196
Operating Ratio: Increased 2.3 points to 59.5 percent
Click here to read CN’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased 22 percent to C$622 million
Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share increased 24 percent to a record C$4.35
Revenue: Increased 19 percent to a record C$1.9 billion
Operating Income: Increased 27 percent to C$790 million
Operating Expenses: Increased 14 percent to C$1,108 million
Operating Ratio: Decreased 270 points to a record low of 58.3 percent
Click here to read CP’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased 106 percent to $894 million
Earnings Per Share: Increased to $1.05 per share from $0.51 per share
Revenue: Increased 14 percent to $3.13 billion
Operating Income: Increased 49 percent to $1.29 billion
Operating Expenses: Declined 2 percent to $1,84 billion
Operating Ratio: Improved 970 basis points to a record 58.7 percent
Click here to read CSX’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased to $174 million from $129 million
Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share increased 38 percent to $1.70
Revenue: Increased 6 percent to a record $699 million
Operating Income: Increased 14 percent to $265 million
Operating Expenses: Increased to $433.6 million from $422.8 million
Operating Ratio: Improved 2.4 basis points to 62 percent
Click here to read KCS’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased 39 percent to $702 million
Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share increased 44 percent to a third quarter record of $2.52
Revenue: Increased 10 percent to $2.9 billion
Operating Income: Increased 14 percent to a third quarter record of $1.0 billion
Operating Expenses: Increased 9 percent to $1.9 billion
Operating Ratio: Declined 1.1 basis points to a record 65.4 percent
Click here to read NS’s full earnings report.
 

Net Earnings: Increased from $1.2 billion to $1.6 billion
Earnings Per Share: Increased 43 percent from $1.50 to a record $2.15 per diluted share
Revenue: Increased 10 percent to $5.9 billion
Operating Income: Increased 9 percent to $2.3 billion
Operating Expenses: Increased 10 percent from $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion
Operating Ratio: Stayed flat at 61.7 percent
Click here to read UP’s full earnings report.
 
Financial results of the largest shortline:
 

Net Earnings: Increased to $69.6 million from $50.2 million
Earnings Per Share: Increased 45 percent to $1.16
Revenue: Increased 11.5 percent to $355.7 million from $318.9 million
Operating Income: Increased 24.7 percent to $102.5 million, up from $82.2 million
Operating Expenses: Increased to $253,225 from $236,724
Operating Ratio: Improved 3 points to 71.2 percent from 74.2 percent
Click here to read G&W’s full earnings report.
 


Notes: 

  • 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.
  • All comparisons are made to 2017’s third quarter financial results for each railroad.
  • Figures for G&W are for North American operations only with the exception of Net Earnings & Earnings Per Share, which includes all G&W operations, as solely North American figures were unavailable in these categories.

CSX_logoIn a press release Oct. 14, CSX announced record third quarter profits. The railroad said that operating income increased 16 percent and operating ratio improved 220 points. Operating income came in at $976 million with an operating ratio of 69.7 percent. CSX also saw volume increases of seven percent.

Revenue increased to $3.2 billion, eight percent over the same period last year. Net earnings were announced at $509 million, up $0.51 per share from the net earnings of $455 million for the third quarter of 2013.

“As the economy continues to expand, the company’s record third-quarter results are built on the foundation of CSX’s network reach, sustainable growth opportunities, and the efforts of our 31,000 employees,” President, Chairman and CEO Michael J. Ward.

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 reports record quarterly revenues and carloads in a press release for the third quarter of 2014. The railroad recorded record revenues of $678 million, an increase of nine percent over the same quarter last year.

Operating income saw a 15 percent increase to $229 million over last year’s third quarter and operating ratio came in at 66.1 percent, a 1.7-point improvement. Net income for the quarter totaled $138 million or $1.25 per diluted share, a 17 percent increase.

The railroad credits the increases to a four percent increase in carloads. Automotive carloads increased by 28 percent, while carloads of industrial and consumer products saw a 13 percent increase.

Operating expenses came in at six percent higher than 2013 expenses. Operating expenses were $448 million for the quarter.

“KCS achieved record quarterly financial results as a result of the continued strength and diversity of our franchise,” President and CEO David L. Starling said. “An operating ratio of 66.1 percent was attained primarily due to volume growth, especially in the automotive and grain commodity groups, as well as system efficiency and cost controls.

“We are optimistic about the remainder of the year and reaffirm our updated 2014 goals outlined to investors in September. Looking ahead, we expect KCS’ long-term growth to be fueled by system-wide opportunities, which position KCS very well over the next several years.”

 

cp-logo-240Canadian Pacific Railway reports record financial results for the third quarter. The company claims the third quarter results are the strongest in the company’s history.

Net income for the railway rose 26 percent to a record C$400 million or C$2.31 per diluted share compared to last year’s third quarter net income of C$324 million or C$1.84 per share. Revenue saw a nine percent increase to a record C$1.670 billion while operating expenses also rose four percent to C$1.049 billion. Operating income rose 19 percent to C$621 million, the highest that the railway has ever seen. Operating ratio fell to a record low of 62.8 percent, an improvement of 310 base points.

“The CP team delivered another quarter of impressive results,” CEO E. Hunter Harrison said. “Going forward, we will continue to execute on our plan of delivering safe, superior service to our customers, focusing on further efficiency and capacity initiatives and building on our solid foundation for growth.

“Despite recent volatility in commodity prices, we are confident in the strength of the franchise and are on track to finish the year with CP’s strongest quarter to date.”

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway reported increases in net income, operating income and revenues for the third quarter. Net income saw a 21 percent increase to C$853 million, up from last year’s C$705 million. Diluted earnings per share came in at C$1.04, also up from last year’s recorded C$0.84 per diluted share.

Operating income for the railway increased 19 percent to C$1,286 million. Revenues and car loadings set all-time quarterly records with revenues increasing 16 percent to C$3,118 million and car loadings increasing 11 percent to 1,475. Revenue ton-miles also grew by 13 percent. CN saw an improvement in operating ratio by one point to 58.8 percent.

“CN delivered outstanding third-quarter financial results while improving customer service levels and maintaining industry-leading operating efficiencies. Solid execution by our team of railroaders enabled us to accommodate the significantly higher freight volume generated by a record Canadian grain crop, strong energy markets and new business, particularly in intermodal and automotive,” President and CEO Claude Mongeau said. “The results underscore CN’s commitment to investing ahead of the curve in resources and rail infrastructure and playing our role as a true backbone of the economy.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern reported a 16 percent increase in net income of $559 million for the third quarter. The third quarter of 2013 only saw a net income of $482 million. Diluted earnings per share were also up 17 percent to $1.79 over last year’s $1.53 per diluted share.

Operating revenues saw an increase to $3.0 billion, up seven percent. Income from railway operations also saw an improvement to $998 million, up 18 percent. Operating ratio for the railroad saw an improvement by four percent to 67.0 percent.

“Norfolk Southern reported another record-setting quarter during which we achieved our best third-quarter results in revenues, operating income, net income, earnings per share and operating ratio,” CEO Wick Moorman said. “Higher traffic volumes along with continued gains in productivity drove these excellent results. We remain focused on ensuring we can support continued demand for freight rail transportation by hiring additional employees, investing in new equipment, and completing capacity projects in order to provide our customers with the freight rail service they expect today and in the future.”

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific railroad reports record financial results are at an all-time high for the third quarter in a press release Oct. 23. Net income came in at a $1.4 billion or $1.53 per diluted share, a 23 percent improvement. Last year’s results for the same quarter were at $1.15 billion or $1.24 per diluted share.

Operating revenues increased 11 percent to $6.2 billion versus the $5.6 billion the railroad saw in the same quarter last year. Operating income also saw an increase to $2.3 billion, up 19 percent over last year’s numbers. Operating ratio saw an improvement of 2.5 points to 62.3 percent.

The railroad attributes these new records to a seven percent increase in revenue carloads, a coal volumes increase and volume incre
ases in agricultural products, industrial products, intermodal, automotive and chemicals.

“Union Pacific achieved record quarterly financial results, leveraging the strengths of our diverse franchise to handle strong volume growth,” CEO Jack Koraleski said. “As we continue to focus on improving our service, we are encouraged by the accomplishments we achieved in the quarter, including a two and a half point improvement in our operating ratio to a record 62.3 percent.”

CSX_logoCSX Corporation announced Oct. 15 that they had net earnings of $463 million or $.046 per share for the third quarter of 2013. Earnings for the same quarter last year were $455 million or $.44 per share. Earnings are up by $8 million over last year, but down $72 million from the second quarter of this year.

The railroad reported revenues of $3 billion for the third quarter that resulted from higher volumes and pricing gains in merchandise and intermodal. CSX reports an operating income of $854 million and an operating ratio of 71.5 percent.

“CSX now expects full-year 2013 earnings-per-share to be slightly up from 2012 levels. In addition, the company remains on target to achieve its goal of sustaining a high-60s operating ratio by 2015, while remaining focused on attaining a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term,” CSX said.

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.

 

union_pacific_logoUnion Pacific reports best-ever quarterly results for the third quarter of 2013. The railroad reported a net income of $1.15 billion or $2.48 per diluted share for the third quarter. Last year’s figures for the same quarter were at $1 billion or $2.19 per diluted share.

Operating revenue for the railroad had a four percent increase to $5.6 billion over last year’s $5.3 billion. Union Pacific recorded an operating ratio of 64.8 percent, a best-ever quarterly record. Operating income totaled $1.96 billion, up 10 percent over last year for the same quarter.

“Union Pacific achieved all-time record financial results this quarter,” said Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific chief executive officer. “Despite the challenges of lower coal and grain volumes, in addition to disruptions caused by the Colorado flooding, we managed our network efficiently and continued to benefit from the strength of our diverse franchise. When combined with real core pricing and productivity gains, we more than offset flat volumes to generate a new, best-ever quarterly Operating Ratio of 64.8 percent.

“As we move through the fourth quarter, we continue to monitor the economic landscape. Supported by our diverse franchise, we remain agile and well positioned for economic recovery,” Koraleski added. “We’ll continue to focus on running a safe, efficient, and reliable network that generates greater value for both our customers and shareholders going forward.”

 

KCS_rail_logoKansas City Southern reports revenues of $622 million for the third quarter, an increase of eight percent over 2012’s third quarter and a three percent increase in carloads. With only $579 million in revenues for the second quarter of this year, KCS showed a large increase of $43 million from the second quarter to the third.

The railroad reports an operating income up 11 percent at $200 million and an operating ratio of 67.8 percent for the third quarter. Operating ratio improved over 2012 figures by 0.9 points.

Diluted earnings-per-share was up at $1.07 while KCS reported $0.82 for the same quarter last year. Adjusted diluted earnings-per-share showed an increase of 16 percent, coming in at $1.10 for the third quarter of 2013. Diluted earnings-per-share for the third quarter of 2012 were at $0.95.

“Looking ahead, we expect a strong end to the year benefited by growth in export grain shipments. We also look forward to long-term improvement in our operating ratio as we move forward with our plan to increase the percentage of equipment we own versus lease,” David L. Starling said, president and chief executive officer at KCS.

 

CN_red_logoCanadian National Railway announced a net income of C$724 million or C$1.67 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2013. The railway reported just C$664 million or C$1.52 per diluted share for the same quarter in 2012. CN is up just $7 million over last quarter.

The railroad reports a one-time expense of C$19 million (C$0.05 per diluted share) resulting from an income tax adjustment. Excluding this expense, earnings per share (EPS) saw an increase of 13 percent to C$1.72 from 2012’s EPS of C$1.52.

Revenues saw an eight percent increase to a quarterly record of C$2,698 million, which was driven by a four percent increase in revenue ton-miles, and a three percent increase in car loadings.

Operating income for the railroad also increased 10 percent to C$1,084 million and operating ratio also saw an improvement of 0.8 of a point to 59.8 percent.

“CN’s agenda of Operational and Service Excellence delivered outstanding financial results for the quarter. All our key operating metrics improved, service levels remained solid and we reached new levels of safety in our train operations,” President and Chief Executive Officer Claude Mongeau said. “With continued focus on supply chain collaboration and solid execution, the CN team is determined to grow its business safely and efficiently at a pace faster than the overall economy and to meet its full-year 2013 financial outlook.”

 

cp-logo-240Canadian Pacific Railway Limited revealed record quarterly earnings at C$324 million (a 45 percent increase) or C$1.84 per diluted share and its lowest operating ratio at 65.9 percent in the history of the company for the third quarter of 2013. Although a record for the third quarter, earnings for the second quarter of 2013 were higher by C$96 million. Adjusted net income, excluding a one-time tax item of C$7 million was C$331 million, an increase of 48 percent.

The company reports adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of C$1.88, a growth of 45 percent over the third quarter of 2012. Total revenues saw an increase of six percent to C$1.5 billion, while operating expenses saw a decrease of six percent down to C$1 billion.

Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison said, “By all standards, this was an outstanding quarter. The company’s focus on service execution while controlling costs is a testament to our team of dedicated, hardworking railroaders. We enter the fourth quarter with momentum and are well positioned for what I believe will be a record 2013.”

 

ns_LogoNorfolk Southern publicized its third quarter net income of $482 million, a 20 percent increase over the third quarter of 2012 today. The same quarter last year only saw a net income of $402 million. Net income was also up $17 million over the second quarter of this year.

Diluted earnings per share were at $1.53, up 23 percent over last year’s $1.24. Operating revenues for the railway were at $2.8 billion, five percent higher than the same quarter of 2012. Shipment volumes saw an increase of four percent.

Income garnered from railway operations was $849 million, up 16 percent. Operating ratio improved by three percentage points to 6
9.9 percent.

CEO Wick Moorman said, “Norfolk Southern delivered strong results, led by growth in our chemicals, metals/construction, intermodal, and automotive businesses, combined with ongoing productivity improvements. Even in the face of continuing weakness in the coal markets, our focus on service efficiency and velocity allowed us to provide superior performance for our customers and excellent results for our shareholders.”

 

BNSF reported a 22 percent increase in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing improved intermodal (trailers and containers on flat cars) and automotive traffic.

BNSF’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 68.3 percent was a significant improvement over the 71.7 percent for third quarter 2011. 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.

BNSF operates in 28 states and two Canadian provinces

 

Canadian National reported a less than one percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011.

CN’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 60.6 percent increased from 59.3 percent from third quarter 2011. 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 is primarily a Canadian railroad. Its U.S. holdings include what were formerly Detroit, Toledo & Ironton; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Grand Trunk Western; Illinois Central; and Wisconsin Central.

 

Canadian Pacific reported a 20 percent improvement in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011. The railroad attributed the improvement to cost cuts, efficiency improvements and an increase in automotive traffic.

CP’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 74.4 was an improvement from the 75.8 percent operating ratio for third quarter 2011. 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.

Canadian Pacific is primarily a Canadian railroad. Its U.S. holdings include Class I Soo Line and regional railroad Delaware & Hudson.

 

CSX reported a 2 percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing lower overall freight volume and lower fuel-cost recovery even as export coal, automotive and intermodal shipments (trailers and containers on flat cars) showed increases.

The CSX third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 70.5 percent was virtually unchanged from the 70.4 percent for third quarter 2011. 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 operates some 21,000 route miles in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

 

Kansas City Southern reported a 9.8 percent drop in profit for the third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, even as carloads rose and operating ratio improved. The railroad cited as the reason an almost 70 percent higher tax bill in Mexico stemming from a rise in the value of the peso against the dollar and continuing rebuilding expenses two years after Hurricane Alex damaged rail facilities south of the border. About half the railroad’s revenue flows from its operations in Mexico.

KCS’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 68.7 was a 2.6 percentage point improvement from third quarter 2011 and the best in company history. 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 operates some 3,500 route miles in 10 states in the Central and South-Central U.S., as well as Kansas City Southern de Mexico, a primary Mexican rail line.

 

Norfolk Southern reported a 27 percent decline in profit for third quarter 2012 versus third quarter 2011, citing reductions in coal and merchandise volume. The slump in coal shipments has resulted in employee furloughs.

NS’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 72.9 was a more than five percentage point increase over the third quarter 2011 operating ratio of 67.5. 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.

Norfolk Southern operates some 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia.

   

Union Pacific profit rose 15 percent in third quarter 2012 compared with third quarter 2011. The railroad said price increases and more automotive and chemical shipments overcame a drop in coal loadings.

Union Pacific’s third quarter 2012 operating ratio of 66.6 percent was 2.5 percentage points better than third quarter 2011, and a 0.4 percentage point improvement from the previous record set in the second quarter 2012.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.

Union Pacific operates some 32,000 route miles in 23 states in the western two-thirds of the U.S.