Wall Street analysts expect Norfolk Southern (NSC) to post quarterly earnings of $3.48 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 5.5%. Revenues are expected to be $3.46 billion, up 11.6% from the year-ago quarter.
The current level reflects an upward revision of 0.7% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Norfolk Southern metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Railway operating revenues- Merchandise- Agriculture, forest and consumer products' of $700.42 million. The estimate points to a change of +11.2% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus estimate for 'Railway operating revenues- Coal' stands at $417.75 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +11.4%.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Railway operating revenues- Merchandise- Chemicals' will reach $639.98 million. The estimate indicates a change of +12.5% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts expect 'Railway operating revenues- Intermodal' to come in at $915.37 million. The estimate indicates a change of +20.6% from the prior-year quarter.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Railway Operating Ratio' will likely reach 66.1%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 64.6% in the same quarter last year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenue ton miles' should come in at 48.48 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 46.90 billion.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Carloads (Units) - Volume - Merchandise' at 611.45 thousand. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 595.10 thousand in the same quarter last year.
Analysts predict that the 'Carloads (Units) - Volume - Intermodal' will reach 1.06 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 1.03 million.
Analysts forecast 'Revenue per Carload (Unit) - Total' to reach $1891.03 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $1721.00 .
It is projected by analysts that the 'Revenue per Carload (Unit) - Coal' will reach $2294.84 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $2120.00 in the same quarter last year.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenue per Carload (Unit) - Merchandise' should arrive at $3545.47 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $3310.00 in the same quarter of the previous year.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenue per Carload (Unit) - Intermodal' reaching $865.30 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $735.00 in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Norfolk Southern here>>>Shares of Norfolk Southern have experienced a change of +4.1% in the past month compared to the +1.5% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), NSC is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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