Norfolk Southern's revenue has stabilized around $3.0-3.5B per quarter, with 2026Q2 showing 11.4% YoY growth, but operating margin compression from 36.1% in 2024Q4 to 32.4% in 2026Q2 suggests cost pressures persist. The balance sheet has strengthened with D/E ...
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue is range-bound around $3.0-3.5B with 2026Q2 up 11.4% YoY, but operating margin has declined from 36.1% in 2024Q4 to 32.4% in 2026Q2, reflecting cost pressures.
Accelerated operating ratio improvement under activist-aligned management could drive EPS meaningfully above consensus, warranting significant multiple expansion.
Norfolk Southern announced a quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share, demonstrating commitment to returning value to shareholders.
With operations since 1827 and a network spanning 22 states, Norfolk Southern has a robust and enduring infrastructure.
Trailing total returns as of 10/3/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q3 2026Latest Jul 23, 2026 | $3.52+6.0% vs $3.32 | $3.5B+3.6% vs $3.4B |
Q2 2026 Apr 24, 2026 | $2.65+6.4% vs $2.49 | $3.0B+0.1% vs $3.0B |
Q1 2026 Jan 29, 2026 | $3.22+16.7% vs $2.76 | $3.0B-0.9% vs $3.0B |
Q4 2025 Oct 23, 2025 | $3.30+3.4% vs $3.19 | $3.1B-0.3% vs $3.1B |
ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) will announce its third quarter 2026 financial results during a live conference call and internet webcast at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
Freight railroads own infrastructure that cannot be replicated, but their dividends depend on variables most income investors overlook.
OMAHA, Neb. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today acknowledged two significant milestones in the creation of America's first transcontinental railroad, which will eliminate time-consuming interchanges between railroads and strengthen the nation's supply chain. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has unanimously denied merger opponents' requests to dismiss the companies' revised merger application. With the rejecti.
Norfolk Southern NYSE: NSC said higher fuel prices are expected to pressure its operating ratio in the second half of the year, reversing the tailwind management had anticipated just two months earlier, while the railroad sees opportunities to gain freight share from trucking and continue investing in service and capacity.
Benchmark NSC against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $317.44 | $71.3B | 24.90 | 0.47% | 23.59% | 19.25% | 1.7% | |
| $47.43 | $87.86B | 30.80 | -3.08% | 22.21% | 24.06% | — | |
| $278.28 | $165.32B | 23.25 | 1.07% | 28.85% | 38.65% | — | |
| $85.94 | $75.55B | 27.15 | 3.66% | 18.76% | 9.58% | — | |
| $287.54 | $48.57B | 42.10 | 7.51% | 10.59% | 11.32% | — | |
| $6.90 | $226.26M | 6.33 | -10.45% | -2.69% | — | — |
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Jul 23, 2026·SEC
Jun 1, 2026·SEC
May 8, 2026·SEC
Feb 9, 2026·SEC
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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) reported $12.54B in revenue for fiscal year 2025. This represents a 163% increase from $4.77B in 1996.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) grew revenue by 0.5% over the past year. Growth has been modest.
Yes, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) is profitable, generating $2.64B in net income for fiscal year 2025 (23.6% net margin).
Yes, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) pays a dividend with a yield of 1.70%. This makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) has a return on equity (ROE) of 19.2%. This is reasonable for most industries.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) generated $3.83B in free cash flow for fiscal year 2025. Positive FCF indicates the company can fund dividends, buybacks, or reinvestment.
