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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
$255.81
Last Close (24-hour delay)
Profit since last BUY6.07%
upturn advisory
Regular Buy
BUY since 31 days
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  • SELL Advisory (Loss)​
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Upturn Stock infoUpturn Stock info Stock price based on last close
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Upturn Advisory Summary

06/27/2025: NSC (3-star) is a STRONG-BUY. BUY since 31 days. Profits (6.07%). Updated daily EoD!

Upturn Star Rating

ratingratingratingratingrating

Moderate Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, typically align with the market average, offering steady but unremarkable returns.

Number of Analysts

rating

27 Analysts rated it

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, frequently surpass the market, reflecting reliable and trustworthy advice.

Year Target Price $258.04

Year Target Price $258.04

Analyst’s Price TargetsFor last 52 week
$258.04Target price
Low$200.4
Current$255.81
high$274.43

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 22.78%
Avg. Invested days 59
Today’s Advisory Regular Buy
Upturn Star Rating Upturn stock ratingUpturn stock rating
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance 5.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance 3.0
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Profits based on simulation
Upturn Profits based on simulationUpturn Profits based on simulation Last Close 06/27/2025

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 57.67B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 17.45
1Y Target Price 259.5
Price to earnings Ratio 17.45
1Y Target Price 259.5
Volume (30-day avg) -
Beta 1.31
52 Weeks Range 200.40 - 274.43
Updated Date 06/29/2025
52 Weeks Range 200.40 - 274.43
Updated Date 06/29/2025
Dividends yield (FY) 2.11%
Basic EPS (TTM) 14.66

Earnings Date

Report Date -
When -
Estimate -
Actual -

Profitability

Profit Margin 27.4%
Operating Margin (TTM) 32.84%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 6.74%
Return on Equity (TTM) 24.54%

Valuation

Trailing PE 17.45
Forward PE 20.16
Enterprise Value 73879701990
Price to Sales(TTM) 4.76
Enterprise Value 73879701990
Price to Sales(TTM) 4.76
Enterprise Value to Revenue 6.1
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 11.46
Shares Outstanding 225444000
Shares Floating 225046720
Shares Outstanding 225444000
Shares Floating 225046720
Percent Insiders 0.06
Percent Institutions 79.24

Analyst Ratings

Rating 3.85
Target Price 258.04
Buy 3
Strong Buy 11
Buy 3
Strong Buy 11
Hold 12
Sell -
Strong Sell 1
Strong Sell 1

ai summary icon Upturn AI SWOT

Norfolk Southern Corporation

stock logo

Company Overview

overview logo 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 the eastern United States.

business area logo Core Business Areas

  • Rail Transportation: Provides rail transportation services for various commodities, including coal, agricultural products, chemicals, intermodal freight, and automotive products.

leadership logo Leadership and Structure

The current CEO is Alan H. Shaw. The organizational structure includes departments focused on operations, finance, marketing, and technology.

Top Products and Market Share

overview logo Key Offerings

  • Coal: Transportation of coal for electricity generation. Competitors include CSX, BNSF, and Union Pacific. Revenue contribution varies with market conditions but remains significant.
  • Intermodal: Transportation of shipping containers and truck trailers. Competitors include JB Hunt, Hub Group and other trucking and intermodal transport companies. Intermodal transport is a growing segment, driven by e-commerce demand.
  • Chemicals: Transportation of chemicals, plastics, and related products. Competitors include CSX, BNSF and Union Pacific. These are generally of high margin, but are also sensitive to economic cycles.

Market Dynamics

industry overview logo Industry Overview

The railroad industry is a critical component of the US transportation infrastructure, moving large volumes of freight efficiently. Factors influencing the industry include economic growth, energy prices, and regulatory changes.

Positioning

Norfolk Southern is one of the dominant freight railroads in the eastern US. Its competitive advantages include its extensive network, strong relationships with customers, and focus on operational efficiency.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

The total freight rail transport market is estimated at $80 billion annually. Norfolk Southern holds a significant share and is positioned to benefit from growth in intermodal and other key segments.

Upturn SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Extensive rail network in the eastern US
  • Strong presence in key markets
  • Efficient operations
  • Solid financial performance
  • Experienced management team

Weaknesses

  • Dependence on coal transportation
  • Vulnerability to economic cycles
  • Exposure to environmental regulations
  • Service interruptions due to derailments

Opportunities

  • Growth in intermodal transportation
  • Expansion into new markets
  • Investments in technology and automation
  • Partnerships with other transportation providers

Threats

  • Competition from trucking companies
  • Fluctuations in commodity prices
  • Increased regulatory scrutiny
  • Economic slowdown

Competitors and Market Share

competitor logo Key Competitors

  • CSX (CSX)
  • Union Pacific (UNP)
  • BNSF (BRK.B)

Competitive Landscape

Norfolk Southern competes primarily with other railroads, trucking companies, and barge operators. Its advantages include its extensive network in the eastern US and its focus on customer service. Disadvantages could stem from its slower adoption of PTC, and higher labor costs.

Major Acquisitions

Dalton, Georgia, Northwest Georgia Inland Port

  • Year: 2021
  • Acquisition Price (USD millions): 10
  • Strategic Rationale: Expands access to the port of Savannah

Growth Trajectory and Initiatives

Historical Growth: Norfolk Southern's growth has been driven by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.

Future Projections: Analyst estimates suggest continued growth, particularly in intermodal and merchandise segments.

Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives include investments in infrastructure upgrades, technology deployments, and sustainability programs.

Summary

Norfolk Southern is a major freight railroad operating primarily in the eastern United States. Its strength lies in its extensive network and diverse commodity mix, but it faces challenges from economic cycles, competition, and regulatory pressures. The company is investing in technology and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and expand its market reach. Derailments and PSR (Precision Scheduled Railroading) implementation have been an ongoing concern for safety and operations, which have drawn concerns from shareholders and the public. Future success depends on adapting to changing market dynamics and maintaining a strong safety record.

Peer Comparison

Sources and Disclaimers

Data Sources:

  • Company filings
  • Industry reports
  • Analyst estimates

Disclaimers:

The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance can change rapidly.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Upturn AI SummarizationUpturn AI Summarization 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
Full time employees 19600

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.