NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast
Company Overview — What Does NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP Do?
Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, scrap paper, beverages, canned goods, and consumer products; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, and sand; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal. It also transports overseas freight through various Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports; and provides commuter rail passenger transportation services and operates an intermodal network. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated approximately 19,300 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Norfolk Southern Corporation was incorporated in 1980 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) is classified as a large-cap stock in the Industrials sector, specifically within the Transportation industry. The company is led by CEO Alan H. Shaw and employs approximately 19,300 people, headquartered in NORFOLK, Georgia. With a market capitalization of $64.4B, NSC is one of the prominent companies in the Industrials sector.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) Stock Rating — Hold (April 2026)
As of April 2026, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP receives a Hold rating with a composite score of 50.5/100 and 3 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.NSC ranks #906 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Industrials sector, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP ranks #156 of 752 stocks, placing it in the top quartile of its Industrials peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).
NSC Stock Price and 52-Week Range
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) currently trades at $296.29. The stock gained $0.99 (0.3%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for NSC is $319.94, which means the stock is currently trading -7.4% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $201.63, putting the stock 46.9% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 1.4M shares, reflecting moderate market activity.
Is NSC Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) carries a value factor score of 64/100 in the Blank Capital model, indicating fair valuation relative to historical norms. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 19.46x, compared to the Industrials sector average of 28.33x — a discount of 31%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 4.17x, versus the sector average of 2.23x. The price-to-sales ratio is 5.28x, compared to 0.50x for the average Industrials stock. On an enterprise value basis, NSC trades at 12.03x EV/EBITDA, versus 5.70x for the sector.
Overall, NSC's valuation appears roughly in line with sector benchmarks, suggesting the market is pricing the stock fairly given its current fundamentals and growth trajectory. Neither deep value nor significantly overpriced, the stock occupies a middle ground on valuation.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) earns a quality factor score of 50/100, indicating solid business quality with consistent operational execution. The return on equity (ROE) is 21.4%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 8.9%, which demonstrates strong shareholder value creation. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at 7.4% versus the sector average of 3.3%.
On a margin basis, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP reports gross margins of 47.1%, compared to 35.8% for the sector. The operating margin is 40.9% (sector: 6.2%). Net profit margin stands at 27.2%, versus 3.9% for the average Industrials stock. Revenue growth is running at 1.9% on a trailing basis, compared to 6.4% for the sector. The overall profitability profile is adequate, though there may be room for margin expansion.
NSC Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP has a debt-to-equity ratio of 191.0%, compared to the Industrials sector average of 70.0%. This elevated leverage warrants close monitoring, as it increases the company's sensitivity to rising interest rates and economic downturns. The current ratio is 0.85x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $17.08B. Cash and equivalents stand at $1.42B.
NSC has a beta of 0.73, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP is 88/100, indicating low-volatility characteristics and consistent price behavior that appeals to risk-averse investors.
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend
In TTM 2026, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP reported revenue of $12.26B and earnings per share (EPS) of $12.76. Net income for the quarter was $3.33B. Gross margin was 47.1%. Operating income came in at $5.01B.
In FY 2025, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP reported revenue of $12.18B and earnings per share (EPS) of $12.76. Net income for the quarter was $2.87B. Revenue grew 0.5% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $4.36B.
In Q3 2025, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP reported revenue of $3.10B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.16. Net income for the quarter was $711M. Gross margin was 47.1%. Revenue grew 1.7% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $1.10B.
In Q2 2025, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP reported revenue of $3.11B and earnings per share (EPS) of $3.41. Net income for the quarter was $768M. Revenue grew 2.2% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $1.18B.
Over the past 8 quarters, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $3.04B to $12.26B. Investors analyzing NSC stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.
NSC Dividend Yield and Income Analysis
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) currently pays a dividend yield of 1.8%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in NSC stock would generate approximately $$180.00 in annual dividend income. With a net margin of 27.2%, the dividend appears well-covered by earnings, suggesting sustainable payouts going forward.
NSC Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) has a momentum factor score of 52/100, reflecting neutral trend characteristics. The stock is neither significantly outperforming nor underperforming the broader market on a momentum basis. The investment factor score is 33/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 8/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.
NSC vs Competitors — Industrials Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison
Within the Industrials sector, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) ranks #156 out of 752 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places NSC in the top quartile of all Industrials stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include South Bow Corp (SOBO) with a score of 56.5/100, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LTD (TEN) with a score of 61.4/100, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock CORP (GLDD) with a score of 56.7/100, Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (TPH) with a score of 57.3/100, and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (CCO) with a score of 52.2/100.
Comparing NSC against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full NSC vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.
NSC Next Earnings Date
No upcoming earnings date has been announced for NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.
Should You Buy NSC? — Investment Thesis Summary
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP presents a balanced picture with arguments on both sides. The value score of 64/100 suggests attractive pricing relative to fundamentals. Low volatility (stability score 88/100) reduces downside risk.
In summary, NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) earns a Hold rating with a composite score of 50.5/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on NSC stock.
Related Resources for NSC Investors
Explore more research and tools: NSC vs S&P 500 comparison, top Industrials stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare NSC head-to-head with peers: NSC vs SOBO, NSC vs TEN, NSC vs GLDD.