BNSF Operating Income Reaches $2.2 Billion in Second Quarter 2021, Up 28% From 2020

Fort Worth, TX — BNSF Railway released its second-quarter 2021 results on Monday, Aug. 9.

Operating income for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 was $2.2 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively, increases of $488 million (28%) and $554 million (16%) compared to the same periods in 2020.

Total revenues for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 increased 26% and 12% compared with the same periods in 2020.

The increases reflected higher volumes of 24% in the second quarter and 14% in the first six months, partially offset by a 2% year-to-date decrease in average revenue per car/unit resulting from business mix changes.

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The increases in revenues also included the following changes between periods including improvements from the 2020 effects of the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Consumer Products volumes increased 27% and 21%, respectively, for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared with the same periods in 2020 primarily due to growth in both international and domestic intermodal shipments driven by increased retail sales and inventory replenishments by retailers along with increased e-commerce activity; Automotive shipments increased despite continued production impacts from a global microchip shortage.
• Agricultural Products volumes increased 13% and 12%, respectively, for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared with the same periods in 2020 primarily due to higher grain exports, as well as higher volumes of ethanol and related commodities.
• Industrial Products volumes increased 18% and 1%, respectively, for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared with the same periods in 2020 primarily due to continued recovery in the U.S. industrial economy driving higher volumes in the construction and building sectors, partially offset by lower petroleum volumes due to reduced production and demand in the energy sector.
• Coal volumes increased 32% and 7%, respectively, for the second quarter and first six months of 2021 compared with the same periods in 2020 primarily due to increased electricity generation and due to higher natural gas prices as well as utilities rebuilding inventory in the second quarter after draw-downs earlier in the year.

To read the full report, click here.

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