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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)



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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!
Year Target Price $258.04
Year Target Price $258.04
11 | Strong Buy |
3 | Buy |
12 | Hold |
0 | Under performing |
1 | Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 22.78% | Avg. Invested days 59 | Today’s Advisory Regular Buy |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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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 |
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 the eastern United States.
Core Business Areas
- Rail Transportation: Provides rail transportation services for various commodities, including coal, agricultural products, chemicals, intermodal freight, and automotive products.
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
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
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
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.
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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