Norfolk Southern reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 results
Fourth-quarter and full-year record operating income and full-year record operating ratio of 65.4 percent

NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported fourth-quarter and 2018 financial results.

Net income was $702 million and diluted earnings per share were $2.57 for the fourth quarter and $2,666 million and $9.51, respectively, for the full year.

"Norfolk Southern's financial results in 2018 clearly demonstrate improved financial performance and our commitment to delivering shareholder value," said James A. Squires, chairman, president and CEO. "Our confidence to deliver improved value to our shareholders – as underscored by our recently announced dividend increase – is heightened by NS' momentum heading into 2019 and by an array of initiatives to serve customers better and operate more efficiently."

The 2017 results for the fourth quarter and full year included the effects of remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities ("2017 tax adjustments") resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which added $3,482 million to net income in both periods and increased diluted earnings per share by $12.10 for the fourth quarter and $12.00 for the full year. Fourth-quarter 2018 net income decreased by $3,266 million and diluted earnings per share decreased by $11.22 compared to 2017. For the full year, net income in 2018 decreased by $2,738 million and diluted earnings per share decreased by $9.10 compared to 2017. 

Absent the 2017 tax adjustments to the 2017 results, fourth-quarter 2018 net income increased $216 million, or 44 percent, and diluted earnings per share increased by $0.88, or 52 percent, while full-year 2018 net income increased by $744 million, or 39 percent, and diluted earnings per share increased by $2.90, or 44 percent.

Fourth-quarter summary

  • Railway operating revenues of $2.9 billion increased 9 percent, due to an increase in revenue per unit, including increased rates, higher fuel-surcharge revenue, and higher volumes. Overall volumes were up 3 percent, reflecting growth in the major commodity categories of intermodal and coal, while merchandise was relatively flat.  

  • Railway operating expenses increased $147 million, or 9 percent, to $1.8 billion. Prior year expenses were impacted by the 2017 tax adjustments, which decreased railway operating expenses by $151 million. Excluding the 2017 tax adjustments, railway operating expenses compared with last year's results were $4 million lower, driven by higher property sales, which were primarily offset by higher inflation-driven costs and increased volume-related expenses. 

  • Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, an 8 percent increase year-over-year, and an all-time record. Income from railway operations compared to prior year's results, excluding $151 million in the 2017 tax adjustments, increased $231 million, or 27 percent. The railway operating ratio, or operating expenses as a percentage of revenues, was 62.8 percent. 

2018 summary

  • Railway operating revenues of $11.5 billion increased 9 percent compared with 2017, due to an increase in revenue per unit, including increased rates as well as higher fuel surcharge revenue and higher volumes. Overall volumes were up 4 percent, reflecting growth in the major commodity categories of intermodal and merchandise, which offset a decline in coal.  

  • Railway operating expenses of $7.5 billion increased $470 million, or 7 percent, compared with last year. Prior year expenses were impacted by the 2017 tax adjustments, which decreased railway operating expenses by $151 million. Railway operating expenses compared with last year's results, excluding the 2017 tax adjustments, were higher by $319 million, or 4 percent, due to higher diesel fuel prices, volume-related expenses, and increased costs associated with overall lower network velocity. These expenses were partially offset by higher property sales.

  • Income from railway operations was $4 billion, a 12 percent increase year-over-year, and an all-time record. Income from railway operations compared to prior year's results excluding $151 million in the 2017 tax adjustments, increased $588 million, or 17 percent.

  • The railway operating ratio was a record 65.4 percent. 

About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This news release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided in the table below, entitled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures." 

Forward-looking statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that may be identified by the use of words like "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "consider," "project," and similar references to the future. Forward-looking statements reflect our good-faith evaluation of information currently available. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and our actual results may differ materially from those projected. Please refer to our annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC for a full discussion of those risks and uncertainties we view as most important. Forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as, a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at or by which any such performance or results will be achieved. As a result, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Information included within this press release includes non-GAAP financial measures, as defined by SEC Regulation G. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, the financial measures reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

The following table adjusts the 2017 GAAP results to exclude the effects of remeasurement of net deferred tax liabilities related to the reduction of the federal tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent (2017 tax adjustments).

The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally and believes this information provides useful supplemental information to investors to facilitate making period-to-period comparisons by excluding the effects of 2017 tax adjustments. While the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the Company's business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.

($ in millions except per share amounts)


Fourth-
Quarter 2017


Year-Ended
Dec. 31, 2017






Railway operating expenses

$

1,671)

$

7,029)

   Effect of 2017 tax adjustments


151)


151)

Adjusted railway operating expenses

$

1,822)

$

7,180)






Income from railway operations

$

998)

$

3,522)

   Effect of 2017 tax adjustments


(151)


(151)

Adjusted income from railway operations

$

847)

$

3,371)






Net income

$

3,968)

$

5,404)

   Effect of 2017 tax adjustments


(3,482)


(3,482)

Adjusted net income

$

486)

$

1,922)






Diluted earnings per share

$

13.79)

$

18.61)

   Effect of 2017 tax adjustments


(12.10)


(12.00)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

1.69)

$

6.61)

 

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)



Fourth Quarter


Years Ended December 31,


2018


2017


2018


2017


($ in millions, except per share amounts)













Railway operating revenues












Merchandise

$

1,684



$

1,576



$

6,744



$

6,357


Intermodal


755

457




667




2,893




2,452


Coal





426




1,821




1,742


Total railway operating revenues


2,896




2,669




11,458




10,551














Railway operating expenses












Compensation and benefits


757




730

268




2,925




2,979


Purchased services and rents


449







1,730




1,414


Fuel


275

281




239




1,087




840


Depreciation





267




1,102




1,055


Materials and other


56




167




655




741


Total railway operating expenses


1,818




1,671




7,499




7,029














Income from railway operations


1,078




998




3,959




3,522














Other income – net





29




67




156


Interest expense on debt


148




134




557




550














Income before income taxes


930




893




3,469




3,128














Income taxes












Current


193




3




630




583


Deferred


35




(3,078)




173




(2,859)


Total income taxes


228




(3,075)




803




(2,276)














Net income

$

702



$

3,968



$

2,666



$

5,404














Earnings per share – diluted

$

2.57



$

13.79



$

9.51



$

18.61


















Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted


273.5




287.8




280.2




290.3



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)



Fourth Quarter


Years Ended December 31,


2018


2017


2018


2017


($ in millions)













Net income

$

702



$

3,968



$

2,666



$

5,404


Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:












Pension and other postretirement benefits


(157)




134




(148)




155


Other comprehensive income (loss) of












equity investees


(11)




20




(9)




19


Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax


(168)




154




(157)




174


















Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of












other comprehensive income (loss)


40




(35)




38




(43)














Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax


(128)




119




(119)




131














Total comprehensive income

$

574



$

4,087



$

2,547



$

5,535



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)



At December 31,


2018


2017


($ in millions)

Assets








Current assets:








Cash and cash equivalents

$


358



$


690


Accounts receivable – net



1,009





955


Materials and supplies



207





222


Other current assets



288





282


Total current assets



1,862





2,149










Investments



3,109





2,981


Properties less accumulated depreciation of $12,374 and








$11,909, respectively



31,091





30,330


Other assets



177





251










Total assets

$


36,239



$


35,711










Liabilities and stockholders' equity








Current liabilities:








Accounts payable

$


1,505



$


1,401


Short-term debt







100


Income and other taxes



255





211


Other current liabilities



246





233


Current maturities of long-term debt



585





600


Total current liabilities



2,591





2,545










Long-term debt



10,560





9,136


Other liabilities



1,266





1,347


Deferred income taxes



6,460





6,324










Total liabilities



20,877





19,352










Stockholders' equity:








Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares








  authorized; outstanding 268,098,472 and 284,157,187 shares,








  respectively, net of treasury shares



269





285


Additional paid-in capital



2,216





2,254


Accumulated other comprehensive loss



(563)





(356)


Retained income



13,440





14,176










Total stockholders' equity



15,362





16,359










Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$


36,239



$


35,711



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


 

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)



Years Ended December 31,


2018


2017


($ in millions)

Cash flows from operating activities






Net income

$

2,666



$

5,404


Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:






Depreciation


1,104




1,059


Deferred income taxes


173




(2,859)


Gains and losses on properties


(171)




(92)


Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:






Accounts receivable


(70)




(41)


Materials and supplies


15




35


Other current assets


(46)




(71)


Current liabilities other than debt


223




135


Other – net


(168)




(317)








Net cash provided by operating activities


3,726




3,253








Cash flows from investing activities






Property additions


(1,951)




(1,723)


Property sales and other transactions


204




202


Investment purchases


(10)




(7)


Investment sales and other transactions


99




47








Net cash used in investing activities


(1,658)




(1,481)








Cash flows from financing activities






Dividends


(844)




(703)


Common stock transactions


40




89


Purchase and retirement of common stock


(2,781)




(1,012)


Proceeds from borrowings – net of issuance costs


2,023




290


Debt repayments


(750)




(702)








Net cash used in financing activities


(2,312)




(2,038)








Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash


(244)




(266)








Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash






At beginning of year


690




956








At end of year

$

446



$

690








Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information






Cash paid during the period for:






Interest (net of amounts capitalized)

$

496



$

528


Income taxes (net of refunds)


519




705



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

  1. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
    We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost," on January 1, 2018.  The retrospective application resulted in the reclassification of $16 million and $64 million of pension and other postretirement benefits from the "Compensation and benefits" line item within "Railway operating expenses" to "Other income – net" on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the fourth quarter 2017 and for the year 2017, respectively, with no impact on "Net income."

  2. Tax Reform
    As a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("tax reform") signed into law on December 22, 2017, the Consolidated Statements of Income included a $151 million benefit in "Purchased services and rents" and a $3,331 million benefit in "Total income taxes," which added $3,482 million to "Net income" and $12.10 and $12.00 to "Earnings per share – diluted" in the fourth quarter 2017 and for the year 2017, respectively.

  3. Stock Repurchase Programs
    We repurchased and retired 17.1 million shares (7.0 million shares under an accelerated stock repurchase program (ASR) and 10.1 million shares under our ongoing program) and 8.2 million shares of common stock under our stock repurchase programs in 2018 and 2017, respectively, at a cost of $2.8 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively.  We entered into an ASR on August 2, 2018 with two financial institutions to repurchase common stock, at which time we made a payment of $1.2 billion to the financial institutions and received an initial delivery of 5.7 million shares valued at $960 million.  The ASR was settled during the fourth quarter of 2018.

    Since the beginning of 2006, we have repurchased and retired 185.6 million shares at a total cost of $14.1 billion.

  4. Reclassification of Stranded Tax Effects
    In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This update is intended to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from tax reform from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings.  In the first quarter of 2018, we adopted the provisions of ASU 2018-02 resulting in an increase to "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" of $88 million and a corresponding increase to "Retained income," with no impact on "Total stockholders' equity" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

  5. Restricted Cash
    The "Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash" line item on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes restricted cash of $88 million at December 31, 2018 which reflects deposits held by a third-party bond agent as collateral for certain debt obligations maturing in 2019.  The restricted cash balance is included as part of "Other current assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation

For further information: Media Inquiries: Media Relations, 404-420-4444 (media.relations@nscorp.com); Investor Inquiries: Clay Moore, 757-629-2861 (clay.moore@nscorp.com)