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Upturn AI SWOT - About
NSC 
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/12/2025: NSC (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Upturn Star Rating
Below Average Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.
Number of Analysts
27 Analysts rated it
Well-followed company, solid analyst reports, reliable data for confident investing.
1 Year Target Price $298.16
1 Year Target Price $298.16
| 11 | Strong Buy |
| 3 | Buy |
| 12 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 1 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 32.5% | Avg. Invested days 69 | Today’s Advisory WEAK BUY |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  5.0 | Stock Returns Performance  3.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 09/12/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 61.63B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 18.55 | 1Y Target Price 298.16 |
Price to earnings Ratio 18.55 | 1Y Target Price 298.16 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 27 | Beta 1.29 | 52 Weeks Range 199.43 - 291.69 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 199.43 - 291.69 | Updated Date 09/14/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 1.97% | Basic EPS (TTM) 14.81 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 27.51% | Operating Margin (TTM) 37.27% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 6.75% | Return on Equity (TTM) 24.13% |
Valuation
Trailing PE 18.55 | Forward PE 19.61 | Enterprise Value 77698615219 | Price to Sales(TTM) 5.06 |
Enterprise Value 77698615219 | Price to Sales(TTM) 5.06 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 6.38 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 11.94 | Shares Outstanding 224354000 | Shares Floating 224192618 |
Shares Outstanding 224354000 | Shares Floating 224192618 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.07 | Percent Institutions 80.64 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Company Overview
History and Background
Norfolk Southern Corporation was formed in 1982 through the merger of the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Southern Railway. It has grown to become one of the largest freight railroad operators in North America, with a history dating back to the 1830s with its predecessors.
Core Business Areas
- Freight Rail Transportation: The core business involves transporting various commodities across a network spanning 22 states, primarily in the eastern United States.
- Intermodal: This segment focuses on the transportation of shipping containers and truck trailers by rail.
- Coal: Transportation of coal used for power generation and industrial purposes is also a key part of their business, though decreasing recently.
Leadership and Structure
The company is led by Alan H. Shaw, President and CEO. It has a typical corporate structure with a board of directors and various executive-level departments responsible for operations, finance, marketing, and other key functions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Coal: Transportation of coal accounts for a significant portion of revenue, although it has been declining. Competitors include CSX, BNSF, and Union Pacific. Market share is variable depending on the specific region and coal origin but estimates are ~20% of coal rail shipments in the eastern US.
- Intermodal: The transportation of shipping containers and truck trailers. Competitors include trucking companies and other railroads. Norfolk Southern owns ~ 22.9% of the market share in intermodal transport in the east.
- Market Share (%): 22.9
- Chemicals: Transporting chemical products. No direct market share or revenue information could be found. Competitors include CSX, Union Pacific, and short-line railroads, and trucking companies.
- Agriculture, Forest and Consumer Products: This sector covers a wide range of transportation needs including grains, food products, paper and pulp, and similar items. No direct market share or revenue information could be found. Competitors include CSX, Union Pacific, and short-line railroads, and trucking companies.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The railroad industry is crucial for transporting goods across the United States. It faces competition from trucking, pipelines, and other modes of transportation. The industry is subject to government regulation and is impacted by economic conditions and commodity prices.
Positioning
Norfolk Southern is one of the major players in the eastern US rail network. Its competitive advantages include its extensive network, efficient operations, and strong relationships with customers. It is challenged by issues such as safety concerns after recent derailments and increasing competition.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for freight rail in the US is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Norfolk Southern has a strong foothold in the Eastern U.S. freight market and continues efforts to modernize and improve efficiency to capture a larger share.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive Rail Network
- Strong Presence in Eastern US
- Diverse Commodity Portfolio
- Experienced Workforce
- Intermodal Capabilities
Weaknesses
- Dependence on Economic Conditions
- Vulnerability to Weather Events
- Safety Concerns
- Labor Relations
- Operational Efficiency could be better
Opportunities
- Infrastructure Investments
- Growth in Intermodal Transportation
- Expansion into New Markets
- Technological Advancements
- Shipper Diversification
Threats
- Competition from Trucking
- Government Regulations
- Fluctuations in Commodity Prices
- Economic Downturns
- Environmental Regulations
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- CSX (CSX)
- Union Pacific (UNP)
- BNSF (Berkshire Hathaway - BRK.B)
Competitive Landscape
Norfolk Southern competes with other major railroads based on service quality, price, and network coverage. CSX is its primary competitor in the eastern US. UNP and BNSF operate more in the west. The rise in trucking industry has been a concern.
Major Acquisitions
DME Transports
- Year: 2024
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 20
- Strategic Rationale: This acquisition will grow intermodal transport in the US
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Norfolk Southern has experienced moderate growth over the past decade, impacted by economic cycles and industry trends.
Future Projections: Analyst estimates suggest continued growth in revenue and earnings, driven by increased intermodal traffic and efficiency improvements.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in infrastructure, technology upgrades, and cost-cutting measures, as well as programs to improve safety.
Summary
Norfolk Southern is a key player in the freight railroad industry, with a strong presence in the eastern US. The company faces some challenges in improving operational efficiency and addressing safety concerns. Despite these issues, it has a solid financial standing and benefits from growth in intermodal transportation. Its commitment to strategic initiatives, technology, and infrastructure will be crucial to sustaining its growth trajectory and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings (SEC)
- Industry Reports
- Financial News Sources
- Company Website
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market data is volatile and can change rapidly. All investment decisions should be made after consulting with a qualified financial advisor.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Norfolk Southern Corporation
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Atlanta, GA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1982-06-02 | President, CEO & Director Mr. Mark R. George | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Railroads | Full time employees 19600 | Website https://www.norfolksouthern.com |
Full time employees 19600 | Website https://www.norfolksouthern.com | ||
Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal. It also transports overseas freight through various Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports; and operates an intermodal network. Norfolk Southern Corporation was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
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