By Micah Maidenberg

Norfolk Southern Corp. boosted profit for the first quarter as volumes rose in spite of challenges across global supply chains.

The company with a rail network extending across parts of the south, midwest and northeast on Wednesday reported net income rose to $673 million for the quarter from $381 million for the year-earlier period.

Earnings increased to $2.66 from $1.47 on a per-share basis, and were ahead of forecasts from analysts, according to FactSet.

Revenue of $2.64 billion was a bit higher than the $2.63 billion Norfolk Southern generated for the first quarter last year, and was slightly higher than the $2.63 billion consensus estimate for the latest period.

Metals and construction materials-related revenue was up 1% year over year and gained 3% for automotive items, Norfolk Southern said, but declined 2% for agriculture, forest and consumer products and 12% for chemicals.

Volumes overall rose 3% year over year, the company said.

"Our first-quarter results demonstrate our team's ability to deliver strong performance in the face of significant supply chain disruptions," Chief Executive James Squires said.

Write to Micah Maidenberg at micah.maidenberg@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-28-21 0833ET