Norfolk Southern (NSC) Earnings Expected to Grow: What to Know Ahead of Next Week's Release

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$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].