Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)

In November 2025, shareholders approved a proposed transaction with Union Pacific to create a transcontinental rail network, though it faces regulatory hurdles. Also in November 2025, a collective bargaining agreement was reached with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. The company announced its third-quarter 2025 results in October 2025 and will announce its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on January 29, 2026. Over the last 12 months, the stock price has increased, but it decreased in the past month.

Demand for Norfolk Southern's rail freight services exhibits seasonality influenced by various economic activities. Rail intermodal and carload traffic often sees increased demand in August and October due to back-to-school and fall holiday shopping seasons. The U.S. harvest season also leads to stronger demand for rail service for agricultural products. Spring marks the beginning of peak produce shipping and an increase in flatbed demand due to the restart of construction projects.

Norfolk Southern Corp. is a major freight railroad company in the Industrials sector, focusing on the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods. It ships a diverse range of commodities, including agricultural products, automotive goods, chemicals, coal, and metals and construction materials. The company also operates an intermodal network and transports overseas freight through Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.

Norfolk Southern's operating network spans approximately 19,200 to 21,300 route miles across 22 eastern states and the District of Columbia. It serves every major container port in the eastern United States and provides connections to other rail carriers, including trackage rights into Ontario, Canada, linking customers to markets globally.

Norfolk Southern's brand reputation has been significantly impacted by the fallout from the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The NTSB issued a report concluding that the decision to vent and burn derailed tank cars carrying vinyl chloride was unnecessary. The year 2024 was tumultuous, including a proxy battle with an activist investor and the ousting of CEO Alan Shaw. Mark George was named as the new CEO. Norfolk Southern has emphasized its commitment to safety and sustainability.

Norfolk Southern Corporation's ownership is predominantly institutional, with major holders including Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Dodge & Cox. Institutional investors hold a significant majority of the company's shares. Individual investors hold around 21% of the shares, while insider ownership is relatively low.