NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) Stock Fundamental Analysis
USA - New York Stock Exchange - NYSE:NSC - US6558441084 - Common Stock
293.65 USD
+1.56 (+0.53%)
NSC gets a fundamental rating of 5 out of 10. The analysis compared the fundamentals against 43 industry peers in the Ground Transportation industry. NSC scores excellent on profitability, but there are concerns on its financial health. NSC has a decent growth rate and is not valued too expensively.
1. Profitability
1.1 Basic Checks
In the past year NSC was profitable.
In the past year NSC had a positive cash flow from operations.
In the past 5 years NSC has always been profitable.
Each year in the past 5 years NSC had a positive operating cash flow.
1.2 Ratios
Looking at the Return On Assets, with a value of 6.64%, NSC is in the better half of the industry, outperforming 76.74% of the companies in the same industry.
NSC has a Return On Equity of 19.54%. This is amongst the best in the industry. NSC outperforms 83.72% of its industry peers.
NSC has a better Return On Invested Capital (8.30%) than 79.07% of its industry peers.
The Average Return On Invested Capital over the past 3 years for NSC is above the industry average of 6.88%.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | 6.64% | ||
| ROE | 19.54% | ||
| ROIC | 8.3% |
ROA(3y)6.26%
ROA(5y)6.38%
ROE(3y)19.41%
ROE(5y)18.77%
ROIC(3y)9.15%
ROIC(5y)8.93%
1.3 Margins
NSC has a Profit Margin of 24.19%. This is amongst the best in the industry. NSC outperforms 88.37% of its industry peers.
In the last couple of years the Profit Margin of NSC has declined.
Looking at the Operating Margin, with a value of 35.39%, NSC belongs to the top of the industry, outperforming 93.02% of the companies in the same industry.
In the last couple of years the Operating Margin of NSC has remained more or less at the same level.
With a decent Gross Margin value of 50.03%, NSC is doing good in the industry, outperforming 62.79% of the companies in the same industry.
In the last couple of years the Gross Margin of NSC has grown nicely.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| OM | 35.39% | ||
| PM (TTM) | 24.19% | ||
| GM | 50.03% |
OM growth 3Y-1.82%
OM growth 5Y1.35%
PM growth 3Y-7.11%
PM growth 5Y-2.12%
GM growth 3Y-0.74%
GM growth 5Y1.7%
2. Health
2.1 Basic Checks
NSC has a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), which is below the Cost of Capital (WACC), which means it is destroying value.
The number of shares outstanding for NSC has been increased compared to 1 year ago.
Compared to 5 years ago, NSC has less shares outstanding
NSC has a better debt/assets ratio than last year.
2.2 Solvency
An Altman-Z score of 2.32 indicates that NSC is not a great score, but indicates only limited risk for bankruptcy at the moment.
NSC has a Altman-Z score of 2.32. This is comparable to the rest of the industry: NSC outperforms 53.49% of its industry peers.
NSC has a debt to FCF ratio of 8.14. This is a slightly negative value and a sign of low solvency as NSC would need 8.14 years to pay back of all of its debts.
NSC's Debt to FCF ratio of 8.14 is fine compared to the rest of the industry. NSC outperforms 72.09% of its industry peers.
A Debt/Equity ratio of 1.09 is on the high side and indicates that NSC has dependencies on debt financing.
The Debt to Equity ratio of NSC (1.09) is worse than 74.42% of its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 1.09 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 8.14 | ||
| Altman-Z | 2.32 |
ROIC/WACC0.82
WACC10.1%
2.3 Liquidity
A Current Ratio of 0.86 indicates that NSC may have some problems paying its short term obligations.
NSC has a Current ratio of 0.86. This is in the lower half of the industry: NSC underperforms 69.77% of its industry peers.
NSC has a Quick Ratio of 0.86. This is a bad value and indicates that NSC is not financially healthy enough and could expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
NSC has a worse Quick ratio (0.78) than 72.09% of its industry peers.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.86 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.78 |
3. Growth
3.1 Past
The Earnings Per Share has been growing slightly by 5.93% over the past year.
Measured over the past 5 years, NSC shows a small growth in Earnings Per Share. The EPS has been growing by 2.93% on average per year.
NSC shows a small growth in Revenue. In the last year, the Revenue has grown by 0.48%.
Measured over the past years, NSC shows a small growth in Revenue. The Revenue has been growing by 1.42% on average per year.
EPS 1Y (TTM)5.93%
EPS 3Y-0.78%
EPS 5Y2.93%
EPS Q2Q%1.54%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)0.48%
Revenue growth 3Y2.85%
Revenue growth 5Y1.42%
Sales Q2Q%1.7%
3.2 Future
Based on estimates for the next years, NSC will show a small growth in Earnings Per Share. The EPS will grow by 7.96% on average per year.
NSC is expected to show a small growth in Revenue. In the coming years, the Revenue will grow by 3.76% yearly.
EPS Next Y3.94%
EPS Next 2Y6.01%
EPS Next 3Y7.6%
EPS Next 5Y7.96%
Revenue Next Year1.03%
Revenue Next 2Y2.14%
Revenue Next 3Y2.87%
Revenue Next 5Y3.76%
3.3 Evolution
The EPS growth rate is accelerating: in the next years the growth will be better than in the last years.
When comparing the Revenue growth rate of the last years to the growth rate of the upcoming years, we see that the growth is accelerating.
4. Valuation
4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio
With a Price/Earnings ratio of 23.84, NSC is valued on the expensive side.
NSC's Price/Earnings ratio is a bit cheaper when compared to the industry. NSC is cheaper than 69.77% of the companies in the same industry.
When comparing the Price/Earnings ratio of NSC to the average of the S&P500 Index (26.31), we can say NSC is valued inline with the index average.
With a Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 22.07, NSC is valued on the expensive side.
65.12% of the companies in the same industry are more expensive than NSC, based on the Price/Forward Earnings ratio.
Compared to an average S&P500 Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 36.56, NSC is valued a bit cheaper.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 23.84 | ||
| Fwd PE | 22.07 |
4.2 Price Multiples
The rest of the industry has a similar Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio as NSC.
76.74% of the companies in the same industry are more expensive than NSC, based on the Price/Free Cash Flow ratio.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| P/FCF | 31.39 | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 14.22 |
4.3 Compensation for Growth
The high PEG Ratio(NY), which compensates the Price/Earnings for growth, indicates NSC does not grow enough to justify the current Price/Earnings ratio.
NSC has a very decent profitability rating, which may justify a higher PE ratio.
PEG (NY)6.05
PEG (5Y)8.15
EPS Next 2Y6.01%
EPS Next 3Y7.6%
5. Dividend
5.1 Amount
NSC has a Yearly Dividend Yield of 1.86%.
Compared to an average industry Dividend Yield of 1.72, NSC pays a better dividend. On top of this NSC pays more dividend than 81.40% of the companies listed in the same industry.
Compared to an average S&P500 Dividend Yield of 2.32, NSC has a dividend comparable with the average S&P500 company.
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% |
5.2 History
On average, the dividend of NSC grows each year by 8.41%, which is quite nice.
NSC has paid a dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
NSC has not decreased its dividend for at least 10 years, so it has a reliable track record of non decreasing dividend.
Dividend Growth(5Y)8.41%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years23
5.3 Sustainability
NSC pays out 41.16% of its income as dividend. This is a bit on the high side, but may be sustainable.
The dividend of NSC is growing, but the earnings are growing slower. This means the dividend growth is not sustainable.
DP41.16%
EPS Next 2Y6.01%
EPS Next 3Y7.6%
NYSE:NSC (12/1/2025, 11:10:08 AM)
293.65
+1.56 (+0.53%)
Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorIndustrials
GICS IndustryGroupTransportation
GICS IndustryGround Transportation
Earnings (Last)
Earnings (Next)
Inst Owners80.6%
Inst Owner Change2.62%
Ins Owners0.02%
Ins Owner Change0.49%
Market Cap65.89B
Revenue(TTM)12.23B
Net Income(TTM)2.96B
Analysts70
Price Target317.97 (8.28%)
Short Float %2.55%
Short Ratio4.43
Dividend
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% |
Yearly Dividend5.4
Dividend Growth(5Y)8.41%
DP41.16%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years23
Ex-Date
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)1
Avg EPS beat(2)0.55%
Min EPS beat(2)-1.39%
Max EPS beat(2)2.49%
EPS beat(4)2
Avg EPS beat(4)0.51%
Min EPS beat(4)-1.39%
Max EPS beat(4)2.49%
EPS beat(8)4
Avg EPS beat(8)0.52%
EPS beat(12)5
Avg EPS beat(12)-0.06%
EPS beat(16)7
Avg EPS beat(16)0.66%
Revenue beat(2)0
Avg Revenue beat(2)-1.4%
Min Revenue beat(2)-1.61%
Max Revenue beat(2)-1.18%
Revenue beat(4)0
Avg Revenue beat(4)-1.06%
Min Revenue beat(4)-1.61%
Max Revenue beat(4)-0.43%
Revenue beat(8)0
Avg Revenue beat(8)-1.37%
Revenue beat(12)1
Avg Revenue beat(12)-1.29%
Revenue beat(16)5
Avg Revenue beat(16)-0.53%
PT rev (1m)0.21%
PT rev (3m)5.93%
EPS NQ rev (1m)-1.02%
EPS NQ rev (3m)-11.17%
EPS NY rev (1m)-1.53%
EPS NY rev (3m)-3.16%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)-0.36%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)-2.5%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-0.42%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-0.58%
Valuation
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PE | 23.84 | ||
| Fwd PE | 22.07 | ||
| P/S | 5.39 | ||
| P/FCF | 31.39 | ||
| P/OCF | 15.51 | ||
| P/B | 4.35 | ||
| P/tB | 4.35 | ||
| EV/EBITDA | 14.22 |
EPS(TTM)12.32
EY4.2%
EPS(NY)13.31
Fwd EY4.53%
FCF(TTM)9.35
FCFY3.19%
OCF(TTM)18.94
OCFY6.45%
SpS54.5
BVpS67.48
TBVpS67.48
PEG (NY)6.05
PEG (5Y)8.15
Graham Number136.76
Profitability
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ROA | 6.64% | ||
| ROE | 19.54% | ||
| ROCE | 10.54% | ||
| ROIC | 8.3% | ||
| ROICexc | 8.6% | ||
| ROICexgc | 8.6% | ||
| OM | 35.39% | ||
| PM (TTM) | 24.19% | ||
| GM | 50.03% | ||
| FCFM | 17.16% |
ROA(3y)6.26%
ROA(5y)6.38%
ROE(3y)19.41%
ROE(5y)18.77%
ROIC(3y)9.15%
ROIC(5y)8.93%
ROICexc(3y)9.43%
ROICexc(5y)9.19%
ROICexgc(3y)9.43%
ROICexgc(5y)9.19%
ROCE(3y)11.62%
ROCE(5y)11.33%
ROICexgc growth 3Y-2.05%
ROICexgc growth 5Y0.88%
ROICexc growth 3Y-2.05%
ROICexc growth 5Y0.88%
OM growth 3Y-1.82%
OM growth 5Y1.35%
PM growth 3Y-7.11%
PM growth 5Y-2.12%
GM growth 3Y-0.74%
GM growth 5Y1.7%
F-Score8
Asset Turnover0.27
Health
| Industry Rank | Sector Rank | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt/Equity | 1.09 | ||
| Debt/FCF | 8.14 | ||
| Debt/EBITDA | 2.89 | ||
| Cap/Depr | 155.57% | ||
| Cap/Sales | 17.58% | ||
| Interest Coverage | 250 | ||
| Cash Conversion | 74.41% | ||
| Profit Quality | 70.94% | ||
| Current Ratio | 0.86 | ||
| Quick Ratio | 0.78 | ||
| Altman-Z | 2.32 |
F-Score8
WACC10.1%
ROIC/WACC0.82
Cap/Depr(3y)212.64%
Cap/Depr(5y)178.37%
Cap/Sales(3y)22.6%
Cap/Sales(5y)19.25%
Profit Quality(3y)38.72%
Profit Quality(5y)63.1%
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)5.93%
EPS 3Y-0.78%
EPS 5Y2.93%
EPS Q2Q%1.54%
EPS Next Y3.94%
EPS Next 2Y6.01%
EPS Next 3Y7.6%
EPS Next 5Y7.96%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)0.48%
Revenue growth 3Y2.85%
Revenue growth 5Y1.42%
Sales Q2Q%1.7%
Revenue Next Year1.03%
Revenue Next 2Y2.14%
Revenue Next 3Y2.87%
Revenue Next 5Y3.76%
EBIT growth 1Y-2.13%
EBIT growth 3Y0.98%
EBIT growth 5Y2.8%
EBIT Next Year40.01%
EBIT Next 3Y16.85%
EBIT Next 5Y11.09%
FCF growth 1Y83.8%
FCF growth 3Y-78.42%
FCF growth 5Y-56.86%
OCF growth 1Y28.6%
OCF growth 3Y-1.62%
OCF growth 5Y0.81%
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP / NSC FAQ
What is the ChartMill fundamental rating of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) stock?
ChartMill assigns a fundamental rating of 5 / 10 to NSC.
What is the valuation status for NSC stock?
ChartMill assigns a valuation rating of 4 / 10 to NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC). This can be considered as Fairly Valued.
What is the profitability of NSC stock?
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) has a profitability rating of 7 / 10.
What are the PE and PB ratios of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) stock?
The Price/Earnings (PE) ratio for NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) is 23.84 and the Price/Book (PB) ratio is 4.35.
How sustainable is the dividend of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) stock?
The dividend rating of NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP (NSC) is 6 / 10 and the dividend payout ratio is 41.16%.