BNSF posts revenue, income and volume gains in Q3

BNSF Railway Co. yesterday reported third-quarter 2021 net income rose 14% to $1.5 billion and total revenue climbed 12% to $5.8 billion compared with Q3 2020 income and revenue levels.

Operating income during the quarter was $2.3 billion, a 12% increase, and operating expenses were $3.5 billion, an 11% increase, compared to a year ago, according to financial results posted on BNSF's website.

The Class I reported an operating ratio of 59.5% in the quarter compared to 59.7% a year ago.

BNSF's revenue gain reflected higher volumes of 4% in the quarter. The average revenue per car/unit increased 5%. Higher rates per car/unit and increased fuel surcharges principally from higher fuel prices were offset by business mix changes.

Revenue changes were driven by continued improvements from the 2020 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by the ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain. Also during Q3:
• Consumer products volumes increased 3% primarily due to growth in intermodal in both international and domestic shipments driven by increased retail sales, inventory replenishments by retailers and increased e-commerce activity, as well as from growth in automotive shipments;
• Agricultural products volumes decreased 10% due to lower grain exports;
• Industrial products volumes rose 14% due to improvement in the U.S. industrial economy driving higher volumes in construction and building sectors; and
• Coal volumes increased 12% due to increased electricity generation, higher natural gas prices and improved export demand.