Norfolk Southern Corporation NSC
- Market cap
- $70.3B
- P/E
- 26.7×
Follow NSC
Target Price Range
Analyst price targets
Free account| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64.51 | 105.89 | 127.79 | 143.60 | 112.62 | 230.15 | 203.65 | 183.09 | 206.71 | 201.63 |
Analyst estimates 2026–2028 Powerpack |
Low Price
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| 111.43 | 146.33 | 186.91 | 211.46 | 247.98 | 299.20 | 298.99 | 260.20 | 277.60 | 302.24 |
High Price
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| 28,044 | 27,110 | 26,662 | 24,587 | 20,156 | 18,100 | 19,300 | 20,700 | 19,600 | 19,300 |
Employees
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| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Revenue/Emp
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| 9,888 | 10,551 | 11,458 | 11,296 | 9,789 | 11,142 | 12,745 | 12,156 | 12,123 | 12,180 |
Revenue
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| 69.21% | 71.61% | 69.70% | 69.74% | 70.63% | 72.43% | 67.88% | 66.50% | 72.22% | 69.94% |
Gross Margin
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| 2,582 | 3,128 | 3,469 | 3,491 | 2,530 | 3,878 | 4,130 | 2,320 | 3,329 | 3,665 |
EBT
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| 26.11% | 29.65% | 30.28% | 30.90% | 25.85% | 34.81% | 32.40% | 19.09% | 27.46% | 30.09% |
EBT Margin
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| 1,668 | 5,404 | 2,666 | 2,722 | 2,013 | 3,005 | 3,270 | 1,827 | 2,622 | 2,873 |
Net Income
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| 1,030 | 1,059 | 1,104 | 1,139 | 1,154 | 1,181 | 1,221 | 1,298 | 1,353 | 1,393 |
Depreciation
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| 33.64 | 36.65 | 41.26 | 42.90 | 38.37 | 45.13 | 54.28 | 53.57 | 53.62 | 54.13 |
Revenue/Sh
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| 5.66 | 18.76 | 9.51 | 10.25 | 7.84 | 12.11 | 13.88 | 8.02 | 11.57 | 12.75 |
Earnings/Sh
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| 10.32 | 11.30 | 13.42 | 14.78 | 14.26 | 17.23 | 17.98 | 14.01 | 17.92 | 19.38 |
Cash Flow/Sh
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| (5.98) | (5.28) | (6.29) | (6.24) | (4.55) | (5.31) | (7.18) | (9.88) | (8.06) | (9.07) |
Capex/Sh
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| 4.35 | 6.02 | 7.13 | 8.55 | 9.71 | 11.92 | 10.80 | 4.13 | 9.86 | 10.32 |
Free CF/Sh
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| 42.22 | 56.82 | 55.32 | 57.67 | 57.98 | 55.25 | 54.23 | 56.33 | 63.27 | 69.10 |
Book Value/Sh
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| 294 | 288 | 278 | 263 | 255 | 247 | 235 | 227 | 226 | 225 |
Shares
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| 18.90 | 7.78 | 15.71 | 18.94 | 30.23 | 24.56 | 17.82 | 29.38 | 20.30 | 22.64 |
PE Ratio
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| 3.18 | 4.01 | 3.62 | 4.53 | 6.19 | 6.60 | 4.56 | 4.40 | 4.38 | 5.33 |
PS Ratio
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| 2.53 | 2.59 | 2.70 | 3.37 | 4.10 | 5.39 | 4.57 | 4.18 | 3.71 | 4.18 |
PB Ratio
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| 4.12 | 4.88 | 4.57 | 5.55 | 7.37 | 7.76 | 5.72 | 5.68 | 5.66 | 6.61 |
EV/Sales
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| 31.87 | 29.71 | 26.43 | 27.88 | 29.15 | 29.38 | 28.73 | 73.65 | 30.79 | 34.69 |
EV/FCF
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| 3,034 | 3,253 | 3,726 | 3,892 | 3,637 | 4,255 | 4,222 | 3,179 | 4,052 | 4,361 |
Op' Cash Flow
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| (1,757) | (1,521) | (1,747) | (1,642) | (1,161) | (1,311) | (1,685) | (2,241) | (1,823) | (2,040) |
Capex
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| 1,277 | 1,732 | 1,979 | 2,250 | 2,476 | 2,944 | 2,537 | 938 | 2,229 | 2,321 |
FCF
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| (48) | (396) | (729) | (219) | 158 | (354) | (642) | 639 | (357) | (577) |
Working Cap'
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| 10,212 | 9,836 | 11,145 | 12,196 | 12,681 | 13,840 | 15,182 | 17,179 | 17,206 | 17,087 |
Total Debt
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| 9,256 | 9,146 | 10,787 | 11,616 | 11,566 | 13,001 | 14,726 | 15,611 | 15,565 | 15,557 |
Net Debt
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| 12,409 | 16,359 | 15,362 | 15,184 | 14,791 | 13,641 | 12,733 | 12,781 | 14,306 | 15,547 |
Sh' Equity
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| 4.82% | 15.30% | 7.39% | 7.33% | 5.30% | 7.86% | 8.45% | 4.53% | 6.14% | 6.46% |
ROA
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| 8.68% | 8.63% | 9.46% | 9.30% | 7.12% | 10.43% | 10.95% | 6.28% | 8.52% | 8.75% |
ROIC
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| 13.52% | 37.54% | 16.77% | 17.79% | 13.41% | 21.12% | 24.78% | 14.30% | 19.34% | 19.23% |
ROE
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Norfolk Southern Corporation peers in Railroads
| Company | Market cap | P/E | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| CP Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited | $76.8B | 27.9× | Compare |
| CSX CSX Corporation | $86.2B | 27.0× | Compare |
| WAB Wabtec | $49.0B | 38.6× | Compare |
| UNP Union Pacific Corporation | $162.8B | 22.1× | Compare |
| Company | Market cap | P/E | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRN Trinity Industries, Inc. | $2.2B | 6.6× | Compare |
| GBX Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (The) | $1.3B | 12.3× | Compare |
| FSTR L.B. Foster Company | $394.7M | 33.8× | Compare |
| RAIL Freightcar America, Inc. | $243.3M | 0.0× | Compare |
NSC metrics, ten years each
- Revenue
- Net income
- EBITDA
- Free cash flow
- Operating cash flow
- Gross margin
- Operating margin
- Net margin
- Free cash flow margin
- P/E ratio
- P/S ratio
- P/B ratio
- Price to free cash flow
- EV/EBITDA
- EV/Sales
- Return on equity
- Return on assets
- Return on invested capital
- Debt to equity
- Current ratio
- Total debt
- Shares outstanding
- Book value per share
- Revenue growth
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) key facts
- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) is a Railroads company in the Industrials sector, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- Norfolk Southern Corporation’s revenue for fiscal 2025 (year ended December 2025) was $12.2 billion, roughly unchanged from fiscal 2024.
- Net income was $2.9 billion, or $12.75 per share (basic), a net margin of 23.6%.
- As of September 25, 2026, NSC traded at $313.00, a market capitalization of $70.3 billion.
- At that price the stock trades at 26.7× trailing-twelve-month earnings and 5.6× sales.
- Norfolk Southern Corporation pays an annual dividend of $5.40 per share, a yield of 2.19%, with a payout ratio of 46.6%.
- Return on equity was 19.2% and debt-to-equity 1.02.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Latest News
24 Sep
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) unanimously rejected three motions to dismiss Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s revised merger filing, keeping the $85 billion deal alive for now. A separate concurrence by new board member Richard Kloster warned that the application lacks transparency and depth, noting thousands of pages but few robust plans to address competitive concerns and mitigation. The decision was procedural and not a merits ruling. UP and NS had previously been rejected as incomplete, then refiled; the STB lifted a hold after extra information and added customer protections, yet rivals such as BNSF, CSX and Canadian Pacific Kansas City, along with five shipper associations, continue to oppose. Public comment on merits is due later this year, with responses in 2027, as the regulator weighs competition, service levels, and intermodal benefits in the review. Regulatory scrutiny and transparency concerns introduce significant risk to the merger timeline and NSC's market outlook.
21 Sep
STB denied motions to dismiss Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger before formal review, allowing proceedings to proceed. CSX Transportation, BNSF Railway and shipper groups including the American Chemistry Council and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers sought a summary denial for failure to present a prima facie case. The decision keeps a high-stakes review of a merger that would connect over 50,000 route miles across 43 states and about 100 ports. Critics warn the deal could reduce competition and raise rates; supporters say it could boost intermodal efficiency. STB board member Richard Kloster criticized the application as lacking transparency and depth, relying on intermodal benefits. The agency had previously rejected the initial network-merger filing as incomplete; a revised application was accepted in May. Merits arguments remain open with comments due Nov. 18 and responses due Feb. 16, 2027. Ongoing regulatory scrutiny and opposition could influence NSC's merger prospects and investor sentiment.
17 Sep
CSX plans broad rail access push if transcontinental merger approved. CSX merger approval and rail access expansion would significantly shift industry competition and NSC positioning.
Norfolk Southern advances into a new intermodal era centered on removing rail friction to improve operations. Initiative targets core rail operations with potential to alter efficiency and competitive positioning.
Norfolk Southern faces fuel cost pressures but anticipates gaining freight market share from trucking competitors. Fuel costs create near-term pressure while freight share gains from trucking offer competitive upside.
Norfolk Southern completed a new rail link, prompting assessment of whether the stock price already incorporates the project's full value and future benefits. New rail link adds infrastructure that may improve operations yet leaves overall trajectory dependent on broader factors.
SC Ports and Norfolk Southern expand intermodal service to grow Southeast reach and market access. Intermodal expansion strengthens regional logistics and revenue potential without altering core trajectory.
16 Sep
More than 500 customers endorse the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern combination as a catalyst for American economic growth. Customer backing advances a major railroad merger that would significantly reshape NSC's competitive position and long-term trajectory.
15 Sep
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster voices support for the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. Governor support advances merger prospects that could significantly alter Norfolk Southern operations and market position.
11 Sep
CN submits description of anticipated requested conditions to STB in matter involving Norfolk Southern Corporation. STB filing by CN introduces regulatory conditions that may affect NSC merger or competitive positioning.
10 Sep
CN has filed a description of anticipated conditions to preserve rail competition and expand customer options in the Midwest, directly affecting Norfolk Southern Corporation's operations and market dynamics. Requested regulatory conditions on Midwest rail competition will significantly alter NSC's strategic positioning and performance.
Norfolk Southern benefits as its rail sector corner outperforms market benchmarks, driven by factors unrelated to AI. Sector outperformance offers moderate positive lift to NSC operations and sentiment without transforming core trajectory.
4 Sep
102 Democrats urge STB to prioritize labor concerns during review of proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail merger. Labor-focused demands may complicate or delay merger approval and thereby alter Norfolk Southern's competitive trajectory.
1 Sep
Union Pacific expects its merger with Norfolk Southern to close by late 2027 as Surface Transportation Board review advances. Merger with Union Pacific by late 2027 would represent a major strategic move likely to significantly alter Norfolk Southern's operations and market position.
28 Aug
Union Pacific leads railroad sector performance; Norfolk Southern weighs merger as path to close competitive gap. Merger pursuit marks major strategic move that could materially shift Norfolk Southern's competitive position and investor outlook.
27 Aug
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern defend rail merger application as STB review advances. Ongoing STB review of proposed merger represents major strategic consolidation with regulatory implications for Norfolk Southern operations and market position.
26 Aug
STB should reject opponents' baseless challenges to Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger as the application easily meets regulatory standards. Merger approval would represent major strategic move altering Norfolk Southern competitive position.
Norfolk Southern and Wabtec announce locomotive upgrades to AC power. Locomotive AC power upgrades may improve operational efficiency for Norfolk Southern.
20 Aug
Norfolk Southern designates Georgia as its ‘Golden Triangle’, underscoring the state's central importance to the company's rail operations and network strategy. Georgia's role as a key rail hub supports Norfolk Southern's operational efficiency and regional growth.
19 Aug
STB resumes review of Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, advancing regulatory scrutiny of the proposed railroad consolidation. Merger review resumption positions Norfolk Southern for potential major ownership and operational restructuring.
Regulators have set a review schedule for the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Merger review schedule signals major regulatory process that could transform Norfolk Southern's structure and competitive position.
13 Aug
UP and NS rebut AGs' letter opposing their merger. Merger opposition response signals potential regulatory hurdles for NSC.
12 Aug
Seven state AGs warn that the proposed UP-NS rail merger risks raising shipping costs. Opposition from seven state AGs creates major regulatory hurdle for the UP-NS merger that would reshape NSC operations.
10 Aug
Wall Street analysts recommend holding Norfolk Southern stock even as hedge funds target its $85 billion merger. An $85 billion merger draws hedge fund attention and signals major strategic shifts for Norfolk Southern.
7 Aug
Norfolk Southern rail merger fails immediately, drawing shipper protests over the deal's shortcomings. Failed merger with shipper protests signals major strategic disruption for NSC operations.
30 Jul
Norfolk Southern beat earnings expectations, prompting assessment of whether its stock is attractive for investors following the positive results. Earnings beat provides moderate boost to near-term sentiment and valuation without altering core operations or long-term trajectory.
Norfolk Southern reports Q2 2026 earnings, prompting assessment of whether current valuation fully reflects results and outlook. Quarterly earnings provide financial metrics that can shift near-term investor views on valuation and performance.
29 Jul
Norfolk Southern reports rail volume growth that is intensifying merger talks, potentially reshaping competitive positioning and long-term strategy in the sector. Volume growth directly fuels merger discussions capable of altering Norfolk Southern's strategic trajectory and investor outlook.
Union Pacific CEO states rail merger delivers better outcomes for consumers. Merger comments signal major consolidation that can alter Norfolk Southern competitive position and investor outlook.
CPKC CEO Creel stated that the UP-NS filing fails to address flaws in the proposed merger involving Norfolk Southern. CPKC criticism of the UP-NS filing signals regulatory and competitive hurdles that could alter Norfolk Southern's merger-driven trajectory.