Norfolk Southern Corporation
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, livestoc…
What to know about NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation is a large Industrials company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on size and profitability, but growth is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider NSC?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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Norfolk Southern Corporation is a large-cap Industrials company with a mixed overall financial profile — it ranks near the bottom of Industrials stocks (57 of 75).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.02%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Volatility is close to the S&P 500 average — typical market swings, nothing unusual.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how NSC compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 25.28 | Above avg |
| Forward P/E | 22.15 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 4.55 | Below avg |
| Price to Sales | 5.53 | Average |
| Price to Book | 4.26 | Average |
| EV/EBITDA | 15.41 | Average |
| Earnings Yield | 3.96% | Above avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 45.85% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 32.26% | Top 25% |
| Net Profit Margin | 21.91% | Top 25% |
| Return on Equity | 17.61% | Above avg |
| Return on Invested Capital | 5.89% | Above avg |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 0.20% | Below avg |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | -1.50% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -26.60% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | 29.08% | Top 25% |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.91 | Average |
| Debt to Equity | 1.12 | Average |
| Interest Coverage | 5.63 | Average |
| Altman Z-Score | 2.35 | Average |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.74% | Average |
| Payout Ratio | 45.49% | Average |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -8.28% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | 2.40% | Average |
| OCF to Sales | 30.82% | Above avg |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 1.27 | Below avg |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 25.26% | Above avg |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 3.64% | Average |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.55 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 11.87% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 67.4B | Above avg |
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