Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

Norfolk Southern's stock price has increased by 10.03% in the last month as of July 22, 2025, and 20.13% over the past year as of July 18, 2025. Key events impacting NSC stock include the East Palestine derailment settlements, the Q1 2025 earnings report with revenue of $3.0 billion and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.69, the dividend declaration of $1.35 per share payable on August 20, 2025, the anticipation of the second-quarter 2025 earnings report, and a 3% increase in chemical tariff rates effective July 1, 2025.

Demand for Norfolk Southern's products and services exhibits seasonality, influenced by general seasonality and product-specific fluctuations. The company's Q1 2025 earnings call mentioned "typical seasonality" impacting the operating ratio, along with "winter storm restoration costs." Automotive sector strength is expected, though tariffs could be a headwind. Building manufacturing activity is expected to contribute to demand. Coal revenues accounted for 14% of total railway operating revenues in 2022. Intermodal traffic is a growing segment, with a 3% year-over-year volume increase in Q1 2025. Norfolk Southern updated its chemical tariff in July 2025, increasing rates by 3% due to changing market conditions.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) operates as a holding company primarily focused on rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products, including soybeans, wheat, and lumber. It also handles chemicals and petroleum products like sulfur, crude oil, and plastics. Metals and construction materials, such as steel, cement, and aggregates, are transported as well. The company is a significant carrier of finished motor vehicles and automotive parts. Norfolk Southern's coal franchise supports the electric generation, export, and industrial markets. Additionally, it offers extensive intermodal services, operating the largest intermodal rail network in eastern North America.

Norfolk Southern's rail network spans approximately 19,500 route miles across 22 states and Washington, D.C., primarily covering the Southeast, East, and Midwest United States. It serves every major container port on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, facilitating overseas freight transport. The company also provides connections to the rest of the United States through interchanges with other rail carriers and holds trackage rights in Canada. Its headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Norfolk Southern's brand reputation has been influenced by positive recognition and ongoing discussions related to past events. The company was recognized as one of the "World's Most Admired Companies" by FORTUNE Magazine in 2025 and received Sustainable Company Awards for energy efficiency and nature-based initiatives in September 2023. The East Palestine derailment has continued to impact brand reputation through ongoing legal and community engagement, including a $600 million agreement in principle to settle a class-action lawsuit and a $22 million settlement with the Village of East Palestine. A proxy fight launched by Ancora Holdings also put additional scrutiny on the company's reputation.

Norfolk Southern Corporation's ownership is predominantly institutional, with institutional shareholders holding between 76.14% and 78.22% of the company's stock. Vanguard Group Inc. is the largest individual shareholder, owning 9.01% of the company. Norfolk Southern insiders own a small percentage, approximately 1.57% or less than 1% of the company. Retail investors hold a notable portion, ranging from 21% to 22.28% of the stock, though some sources indicate a higher retail ownership of 52.88%.