Q4 2024 EARNINGS CALL January 29, 2025 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS / NON-GAAP MEASURES This presentation and the related materials contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements relate to future events or future performance of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) ("Norfolk Southern," "NS," the "Company," "we," "our," or "us") and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, an ...

Financial Performance - Total railway operating revenues for Q4 2024 were $3,024 million, a decrease of 1.6% from $3,073 million in Q4 2023[2] - Net income for 2024 was $2,622 million, representing a 43.6% increase compared to $1,827 million in 2023[2] - Earnings per share (diluted) increased to $11.57 in 2024, up 44.5% from $8.02 in 2023[2] - Total railway operating expenses decreased to $1,893 million in Q4 2024, down 16.4% from $2,265 million in Q4 2023[2] Cash Flow and Assets - Cash flows from operating activities for 2024 were $4,052 million, an increase of 27.5% from $3,179 million in 2023[6] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2024 were $1,641 million, an increase from $1,568 million at the end of 2023[6] - Total assets increased to $43,682 million at the end of 2024, up from $41,652 million at the end of 2023[4] Restructuring and Incidents - The company recognized $183 million in restructuring and other charges during 2024, with $27 million recognized in Q4 2024[8] - The Eastern Ohio incident resulted in expenses of $325 million in 2024, significantly lower than $1.1 billion in 2023[9] Share Repurchase - The company did not repurchase any shares in 2024, compared to repurchasing 2.8 million shares for $627 million in 2023[12]

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation reported solid financial performance for Q4 and full-year 2024, with a focus on productivity initiatives and operational efficiency [1][4][7] Financial Performance Summary - Q4 2024 revenue was $3.0 billion, with income from railway operations at $1.1 billion and an operating ratio of 62.6% [1][7] - Full-year 2024 revenue totaled $12.1 billion, with income from railway operations at $4.1 billion and an operating ratio of 66.4% [1][7] - Adjusted Q4 income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, reflecting a 40% increase compared to Q4 2023 [7] - Adjusted full-year income from railway operations was $4.1 billion, a 43% increase compared to 2023 [7] Adjusted Financial Metrics - Adjusted Q4 operating ratio was 64.9%, improving by 390 basis points from the adjusted Q4 2023 [7] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 were $3.04, a 7% increase compared to adjusted Q4 2023 [7] - Full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share were $11.85, up 1% compared to adjusted 2023 [8][15] Operational Highlights - The company experienced a 3% volume growth in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023, despite a 2% decline in railway operating revenues [7] - Insurance recoveries related to the Eastern Ohio incident exceeded incremental costs for the third consecutive quarter [3] - The company emphasized its commitment to safety, productivity, and operational excellence, positioning itself for long-term value creation [4]

Core Insights - Norfolk Southern Corporation has appointed Lori J. Ryerkerk to its Board of Directors, expanding the board to 14 members [1][2] - Ryerkerk brings over 30 years of global leadership experience in the energy, manufacturing, and chemical industries, which is expected to enhance Norfolk Southern's operational capabilities [2][4] - The appointment aligns with Norfolk Southern's strategic vision to improve operational excellence and service delivery to customers [2][3] Company Overview - Norfolk Southern operates a freight transportation network across 22 states, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy by moving goods and materials [6] - The company is committed to sustainability, helping customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by utilizing rail transport [6] - Norfolk Southern delivers around 7 million carloads each year, serving a diverse range of industries from agriculture to consumer goods [6] Lori J. Ryerkerk's Background - Ryerkerk previously served as chairman, CEO, and president of Celanese Corp., where she led significant growth and transformative acquisitions [3][4] - Her experience includes senior leadership roles at Shell, Hess Corp., and ExxonMobil, focusing on refining, chemicals, and global operations [4][5] - Ryerkerk holds a degree in chemical engineering and currently serves on the board of Eaton Corp., further enhancing her qualifications for the role at Norfolk Southern [5]

Core Viewpoint - Norfolk Southern (NSC) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings despite a decline in revenues for the quarter ending December 2024, with the actual results being crucial for the stock's near-term price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for January 29, 2025, and could positively influence the stock if the results exceed expectations, while a miss could lead to a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $2.95 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +4.2%, while revenues are projected at $3.03 billion, down 1.4% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 1.22%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the consensus, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +0.80%, indicating a bullish outlook from analysts [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with a positive Earnings ESP being a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [6][8]. - Historical performance shows that Norfolk Southern has beaten consensus EPS estimates in two out of the last four quarters, with a recent surprise of +4.84% [12][13]. Conclusion - Norfolk Southern is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors beyond earnings results when making investment decisions [14][16].

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Norfolk Southern (NSC) . This company, which is in the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.When looking at the last two reports, this railroad has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 6.10%, on average, in the last two quarter ...

The Zacks Transportation - Rail industry’s participants are being weighed down by challenges like inflation-induced elevated interest rates, concerns pertaining to supply-chain disruptions and the slowdown of economic growth. Most industry players are looking to drive their bottom line amid the headwinds through cost reduction.Partly due to these headwinds, the industry has declined 8.2% over the past year against the S&P 500 Index’s 26.2% appreciation. The broader Zacks Transportation sector has plunged 3. ...

Core Viewpoint - Norfolk Southern's Q3 2024 earnings report showed a positive earnings beat, but revenue fell short of expectations, indicating mixed performance ahead of the next earnings release [2][3]. Financial Performance - Q3 2024 earnings per share were $3.25, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.10, and reflecting a 22.6% year-over-year increase due to lower costs [2]. - Railway operating revenues reached $3.05 billion, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.09 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [2]. - Overall volumes increased by 7%, while total revenue per unit decreased by 4% year over year [3]. Cost Management - Income from railway operations more than doubled to $1.6 billion, while railway operating expenses fell by 34% year over year to $1.45 billion, primarily due to a significant reduction in fuel costs [3]. - The operating ratio improved to 63.4% from 69.1% year over year, indicating better cost management [4]. Segment Performance - Merchandise revenues rose by 3% year over year to $1.86 billion, although below the estimate of $1.9 billion, with volumes and revenue per unit both increasing by 2% [5]. - Intermodal revenues improved by 4% year over year to $763 million, also falling short of projections, with segment volumes up by 9% but revenue per unit down by 5% [5]. - Coal revenues were $427 million, down 2% year over year, but exceeded projections, with coal volumes improving by 11% and revenue per unit declining by 11% [6]. Liquidity and Debt - At the end of Q3, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $975 million, down from $1.56 billion at the end of 2023, with long-term debt decreasing to $16.6 billion from $17.2 billion [7]. Share Repurchase - The company did not engage in any share repurchases during Q3 2024 [8]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for the stock have shown a downward trend, indicating a shift in market sentiment [9]. - Norfolk Southern currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [12]. VGM Scores - The company has an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of D, and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy [10][11].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024 ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ___________ to___________ Commission File Number: 1-8339 NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Virginia 52-1188014 (State ...

For the quarter ended September 2024, Norfolk Southern (NSC) reported revenue of $3.05 billion, up 2.7% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $3.25, compared to $2.65 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.09 billion, representing a surprise of -1.41%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +4.84%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $3.10.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall St ...