S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
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Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
NYSE:NSC

Norfolk Southern (NSC) Stock Price, News & Analysis

$251.72
+4.50 (+1.82%)
(As of 03/27/2024 ET)
Today's Range
$247.78
$251.97
50-Day Range
$226.09
$263.13
52-Week Range
$183.09
$263.66
Volume
950,257 shs
Average Volume
1.38 million shs
Market Capitalization
$61.98 billion
P/E Ratio
31.39
Dividend Yield
2.15%
Price Target
$248.94

Norfolk Southern MarketRank™ Stock Analysis

Analyst Rating
Moderate Buy
2.56 Rating Score
Upside/​Downside
1.1% Downside
$248.94 Price Target
Short Interest
Healthy
0.93% of Float Sold Short
Dividend Strength
Moderate
Based on Four Factors
Sustainability
-6.97
Upright™ Environmental Score
News Sentiment
0.30mentions of Norfolk Southern in the last 14 days
Based on 20 Articles This Week
Insider Trading
N/A
Proj. Earnings Growth
11.45%
From $12.14 to $13.53 Per Share

Overall MarketRank

New Rank-Based ScoringMarketRank is calculated by averaging available category scores (with extra weight given to analysis and valuation), then ranking the company's weighted average against that of other companies.

3.83 out of 5 stars

Transportation Sector

43rd out of 114 stocks

Railroads, Line - Haul Operating Industry

4th out of 7 stocks

NSC stock logo

About Norfolk Southern Stock (NYSE:NSC)

Norfolk Southern Corp is a transportation company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1982 after the merger of two competing railroads, the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Southern Railway. The company operates a major freight railroad network of over 19,000 miles of track across 22 states in the eastern United States. Norfolk Southern Corp has a fleet of locomotives and railcars that transport various goods, including coal, chemicals and agricultural products.

Norfolk Southern Corp's rich history dates back to the 19th century when the company's predecessor, the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road, was chartered in 1827. Since then, the company has grown significantly. It now operates over 19,000 miles of track across the eastern United States, connecting the major metropolitan areas of the Midwest and the South.

Norfolk Southern Corp's primary business is freight transportation. The coal segment is the largest, accounting for 20% of the company's revenue. Norfolk Southern Corp has been recognized as a leader in the transportation industry, winning numerous awards for its safety and environmental sustainability. 

Norfolk Southern Corp's leadership team comprises experienced executives committed to delivering value to the company's stakeholders. The company's CEO, Alan H. Shaw, was put into the position in May of 2022. Shaw stepped into the CEO role after being the vice president of marketing for over six years. 

Norfolk Southern Corp has consistently delivered strong financial performance over the past few years. The company did, however, report revenue drops during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the company's net income increased in the same period that its revenue was dropping. Norfolk Southern Corp has a strong balance sheet, with assets of more than $35 billion and liabilities of around $25 billion. 

Norfolk Southern Corp's valuation metrics are generally in line with its peers in the transportation industry. The company has a price-to-earnings ratio and a price-to-book ratio generally in line with industry averages. These metrics suggest that the market views Norfolk Southern Corp as a reasonably valued company.

Norfolk Southern Corp's stock performance has been relatively strong over the past few years, despite volatility caused by issues concerning rail safety and train derailments. The company's stock price has increased over the past five years, outperforming the S&P 500 index during the same period. 

The transportation industry in the United States is highly competitive, with numerous players operating in the market. Norfolk Southern Corp competes with other major railroads, such as CSX Corp and Union Pacific Corp, as well as other modes of transportation, such as trucking and air freight. The industry is subject to various regulatory and political issues, including environmental regulations, labor laws and trade policies.

Norfolk Southern Corp has identified several growth opportunities it plans to pursue in the coming years. One of the company's key growth strategies is to expand its intermodal business, which involves transporting goods in containers that can be moved between different modes of transportation, such as trucks and trains. Norfolk Southern Corp is investing in new technology and equipment to improve the efficiency of its intermodal operations and is expanding its network to serve new markets. The company is also pursuing growth opportunities in the automotive segment, which involves transporting vehicles and parts.

Another growth opportunity for Norfolk Southern Corp is to leverage its existing infrastructure to serve new markets. The company is exploring options to transport new types of goods, such as renewable energy equipment and industrial machinery. Norfolk Southern Corp is also investing in technology to improve its operations' speed and efficiency, enabling it to serve new markets and compete more effectively with other transportation providers.

Despite its strong financial performance and growth prospects, Norfolk Southern Corp faces risks and challenges that could impact its business. One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing competition in the transportation industry. The company faces intense competition from other railroads and different modes of transportation, such as trucking and air freight. This competition could put pressure on Norfolk Southern Corp's pricing and profitability.

Another risk for Norfolk Southern Corp is the potential for regulatory and political changes that could impact the transportation industry. The company is subject to various environmental regulations, labor laws and trade policies, which could change anytime. Changes in these regulations could increase the company's costs or limit its ability to operate in certain markets. In 2023 the company faced significant scrutiny for its ongoing safety record and multiple train derailments. 

Norfolk Southern Corp is also vulnerable to consumer preferences and economic conditions changes. The company's business is closely tied to the economy's overall health, and a downturn could lead to decreased demand for its services. Additionally, changes in consumer preferences could shift demand away from certain goods, such as coal, which could impact the company's revenue.

NSC Stock Price History

NSC Stock News Headlines

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There's a new cancer treatment so precise, it's been called a "smart bomb." One that can deliver a toxic payload directly to tumors while bypassing healthy cells.
Ancora Proposes To Improve Operational Efficiency Of Norfolk Southern
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Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) PT Raised to $253.00
See More Headlines
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Company Calendar

Last Earnings
1/26/2024
Ex-Dividend for 2/20 Dividend
2/01/2024
Dividend Payable
2/20/2024
Today
3/28/2024
Next Earnings (Estimated)
4/24/2024
Fiscal Year End
12/31/2024

Industry, Sector and Symbol

Industry
Railroads, line - haul operating
Sub-Industry
Railroads
CUSIP
65584410
Employees
20,700
Year Founded
1982

Price Target and Rating

Average Stock Price Target
$248.94
High Stock Price Target
$305.00
Low Stock Price Target
$175.00
Potential Upside/Downside
-1.1%
Consensus Rating
Moderate Buy
Rating Score (0-4)
2.56
Research Coverage
16 Analysts

Profitability

Net Income
$1.83 billion
Pretax Margin
19.08%

Debt

Sales & Book Value

Annual Sales
$12.16 billion
Cash Flow
$17.85 per share
Book Value
$56.62 per share

Miscellaneous

Free Float
245,747,000
Market Cap
$61.98 billion
Optionable
Optionable
Beta
1.30

Social Links

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Key Executives

Should I Buy Norfolk Southern Stock? NSC Pros and Cons Explained

These insights were generated using artificial intelligence. They are based on proprietary MarketBeat data, news articles, and custom LLM A.I. algorithms. This analysis of Norfolk Southern was last updated on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10:38 PM.

Pros

Here are some ways that investors could benefit from investing in Norfolk Southern Co.:

  • Norfolk Southern recently announced a quarterly dividend, offering shareholders a $1.35 per share dividend, representing a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.08%. This can provide investors with a steady income stream.
  • Analysts have given Norfolk Southern a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $246.31, indicating positive sentiment and potential for stock price appreciation.
  • The company has a return on equity of 21.06%, showcasing strong profitability and efficient use of shareholder funds.
  • Norfolk Southern's diverse transportation services, including rail transportation of various raw materials and finished goods, provide a stable revenue stream across different industries.
  • With a net margin of 15.03%, Norfolk Southern demonstrates effective cost management and operational efficiency, which can lead to sustainable growth and returns for investors.

Cons

Investors should be bearish about investing in Norfolk Southern Co. for these reasons:

  • Recent quarterly earnings data showed a slight miss on analysts' consensus estimates, indicating potential volatility in the company's financial performance.
  • Despite positive ratings from analysts, there is always a level of uncertainty in the stock market, and external factors could impact Norfolk Southern's stock price unpredictably.
  • The company's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 67.33%, which may raise concerns about the sustainability of the dividend payments in the long term.
  • Fluctuations in commodity prices, especially in sectors like agriculture and metals, could affect Norfolk Southern's revenue and profitability, leading to potential risks for investors.
  • While the company operates in a stable industry like railroads, macroeconomic factors such as economic downturns or regulatory changes could impact its operations and financial performance.

NSC Stock Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy or sell Norfolk Southern stock right now?

16 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Norfolk Southern in the last year. There are currently 1 sell rating, 5 hold ratings and 10 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "moderate buy" NSC shares.
View NSC analyst ratings
or view top-rated stocks.

What is Norfolk Southern's stock price target for 2024?

16 Wall Street analysts have issued twelve-month price targets for Norfolk Southern's stock. Their NSC share price targets range from $175.00 to $305.00. On average, they expect the company's share price to reach $248.94 in the next twelve months. This suggests that the stock has a possible downside of 1.1%.
View analysts price targets for NSC
or view top-rated stocks among Wall Street analysts.

How have NSC shares performed in 2024?

Norfolk Southern's stock was trading at $236.38 at the beginning of the year. Since then, NSC shares have increased by 6.5% and is now trading at $251.72.
View the best growth stocks for 2024 here
.

Are investors shorting Norfolk Southern?

Norfolk Southern saw a decline in short interest in February. As of February 29th, there was short interest totaling 1,940,000 shares, a decline of 17.4% from the February 14th total of 2,350,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,320,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.5 days. Approximately 0.9% of the company's shares are short sold.
View Norfolk Southern's Short Interest
.

When is Norfolk Southern's next earnings date?

The company is scheduled to release its next quarterly earnings announcement on Wednesday, April 24th 2024.
View our NSC earnings forecast
.

How were Norfolk Southern's earnings last quarter?

Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC) released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January, 26th. The railroad operator reported $2.83 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $2.87 by $0.04. The railroad operator had revenue of $3.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.09 billion. Norfolk Southern had a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 21.06% and a net margin of 15.03%. The business's quarterly revenue was down 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.42 EPS.
Read the conference call transcript
.

How often does Norfolk Southern pay dividends? What is the dividend yield for Norfolk Southern?

Norfolk Southern announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, January 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $1.35 per share on Tuesday, February 20th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 1st.
Read our dividend analysis for NSC
.

Is Norfolk Southern a good dividend stock?

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) pays an annual dividend of $5.40 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 2.18%. The company has been increasing its dividend for 3 consecutive year(s), indicating that it does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio is 67.33%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, NSC will have a dividend payout ratio of 39.91% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.
Read our dividend analysis for NSC.

How will Norfolk Southern's stock buyback program work?

Norfolk Southern announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, March 29th 2022, which permits the company to repurchase $10,000,000,000.00 in outstanding shares, according to EventVestor. This repurchase authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 14.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally an indication that the company's board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

What guidance has Norfolk Southern issued on next quarter's earnings?

Norfolk Southern updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Friday, January, 26th. The company provided EPS guidance of for the period. The company issued revenue guidance of $12.5 billion-$12.5 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $12.6 billion.

What is James A. Squires' approval rating as Norfolk Southern's CEO?

268 employees have rated Norfolk Southern Chief Executive Officer James A. Squires on Glassdoor.com. James A. Squires has an approval rating of 16% among the company's employees. This puts James A. Squires in the bottom 10% of approval ratings compared to other CEOs of publicly-traded companies.

What other stocks do shareholders of Norfolk Southern own?

Based on aggregate information from My MarketBeat watchlists, some companies that other Norfolk Southern investors own include Union Pacific (UNP), Intel (INTC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Verizon Communications (VZ), AT&T (T), Visa (V), Home Depot (HD), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Walt Disney (DIS) and Exxon Mobil (XOM).

Who are Norfolk Southern's major shareholders?

Norfolk Southern's stock is owned by a number of institutional and retail investors. Top institutional investors include Vanguard Group Inc. (8.21%), Dodge & Cox (3.65%), Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD (2.60%), Northern Trust Corp (1.31%), Legal & General Group Plc (1.12%) and Norges Bank (1.04%). Insiders that own company stock include Alan H Shaw, Alan H Shaw, Clyde H Allison Jr, Clyde H Allison, Jr, Coliseum Capital Management, L, James A Squires and Steven F Leer.
View institutional ownership trends
.

How do I buy shares of Norfolk Southern?

Shares of NSC stock can be purchased through any online brokerage account. Popular online brokerages with access to the U.S. stock market include Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, Fidelity, and Vanguard Brokerage Services.
Compare Top Brokerages Here.

Does Norfolk Southern have any subsidiaries?
The following companies are subsidiares of Norfolk Southern: Airforce Pipeline Inc., Alabama Great Southern LLC, Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company The, Alexandria-Southern Properties Inc., Arrowood-Southern Company, Atlantic Investment Company, CNOTP LLC, Camp Lejeune Railroad Company, Carolina and Northwestern Railway Company, Central of Georgia Railroad Company, Charlotte-Southern Hotel Corporation, Chesapeake Western Railway, Cincinnati New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company The, Citico Realty Company, GSFR LLC, General American Insurance Company, Georgia Southern and Florida Railway Company, HPRASR LLC, High Point Randleman Asheboro and Southern Railroad Company, Interstate Railroad Company, Lamberts Point Barge Company Inc., Lambert’s Point Docks Incorporated, Mobile and Birmingham Railroad Company, NS Fiber Optics Inc., NS Spectrum Corporation, NS Transportation Brokerage Corporation, Nickel Plate Improvement Company Inc. The, Norfolk Southern - Mexico LLC, Norfolk Southern International Inc., Norfolk Southern Properties Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company, NorfolkSouthernMexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., North Carolina Midland Railroad Company The, Pennsylvania Investment Company Inc., RIC LLC, Rail Investment Company, Reading Company LLC, S-VA Corporation, Sandusky Dock Corporation, South Western Rail Road Company The, Southern Rail Terminals Inc., Southern Rail Terminals of North Carolina Inc., Southern Region Industrial Realty Inc., Southern Region Materials Supply Inc., State University Railroad Company, T-Cubed of North America LLC, TCV Inc., Tennessee Alabama & Georgia Railway Company, Tennessee Railway Company, Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services Inc., Thoroughbred Emissions Research LLC, Thoroughbred Funding Inc., Thoroughbred Logistics Services Inc., Thoroughbred Technology and Telecommunications LLC, Transworks Company, Transworks Inc., Transworks of Indiana Inc., Triple Crown Services Company, Virginia Holding Corporation, Virginia and Southwestern Railway Company, Westlake Land Management Inc., Wheelersburg Terminal LLC, Yadkin Railroad Company, and Yadkin Railroad Investment LLC.
Read More
This page (NYSE:NSC) was last updated on 3/28/2024 by MarketBeat.com Staff

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