Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) reported earnings on July 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Norfolk Southern missed slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue was unchanged and GAAP earnings per share grew slightly.

Gross margins increased, operating margins improved, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
 Norfolk Southern reported revenue of $2.87 billion. The 19 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw revenue of $2.93 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.87 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $1.60. The 26 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.52 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.60 for Q2 were 2.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.56 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 40.5%, 250 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 32.5%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 18.2%, 120 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.98 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.64.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $11.62 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.88.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,147 members out of 1,181 rating the stock outperform, and 34 members rating it underperform. Among 315 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 307 give Norfolk Southern a green thumbs-up, and eight give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Norfolk Southern is outperform, with an average price target of $84.64.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Norfolk Southern. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.