Norfolk Southern Corporation's Stock Analysis

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger Application Filed

Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation have filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board to merge, aiming to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. The merger is supported by a significant number of stakeholders, with 99% of shareholders voting in favor. The proposed combination is expected to enhance competition, improve service efficiency, and provide broad public benefits, including reduced congestion on roadways and improved access to global markets.

The merger is projected to streamline operations, allowing for faster single-line service across their combined networks and generating substantial cost savings. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern anticipate the creation of new jobs and have committed to maintaining all existing union positions. The transaction is pending review and approval by the Surface Transportation Board, with expectations for completion by early 2027.

Dec 19, 2025 17:00:10

Norfolk Southern Shareholders Approve Merger with Union Pacific

Norfolk Southern Corporation's shareholders approved the merger with Union Pacific Corporation during a special meeting held on November 14, 2025. Nearly 99% of the shares voted in favor of the merger agreement, which involves Norfolk Southern merging with Union Pacific's wholly owned subsidiaries. Shareholders will receive 1.0 share of Union Pacific common stock and $88.82 in cash for each share of Norfolk Southern they own. The transaction is expected to finalize by early 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Additionally, shareholders approved a non-binding advisory proposal regarding compensation for Norfolk Southern's executive officers related to the merger. The approval of this compensation proposal is not a requirement for the completion of the merger. Norfolk Southern plans to file the finalized voting results with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and further details about the merger can be found on their dedicated website.

Nov 17, 2025 08:00:19

Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Merger Agreement Details

Norfolk Southern Corporation has entered into a merger agreement with Union Pacific Corporation, which will result in Norfolk Southern becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific. The merger involves two stages: the first merger where Norfolk Southern merges with a Union Pacific subsidiary, followed by a second merger into another subsidiary. Union Pacific has filed a registration statement with the SEC, and both companies are set to hold special shareholder meetings on November 14, 2025, to discuss the merger.

In connection with the merger, three lawsuits have been filed challenging the agreement, alleging disclosure deficiencies in the joint proxy statement and prospectus. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern assert that these allegations are without merit and maintain that they have complied with all legal requirements. They plan to supplement the joint proxy statement with additional disclosures to address the claims without admitting any wrongdoing. Analysts have provided price targets for Norfolk Southern stock ranging from $174 to $300 per share, with a median target of $279, which could influence investor sentiment regarding the merger.

Nov 06, 2025 17:00:12

Norfolk Southern Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Norfolk Southern Corporation reported third-quarter revenue of $3.1 billion for 2025, with income from railway operations at $1.1 billion and a diluted earnings per share of $3.16. After adjusting for certain expenses, the adjusted income from railway operations remained at $1.1 billion, with an adjusted operating ratio of 63.3% and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.30. The company has raised its productivity target for the year to approximately $200 million, up from $175 million, reflecting ongoing productivity gains and service consistency.

The third quarter results included $15 million in merger-related expenses and $12 million in restructuring charges. Additionally, the company reported net expenses of $13 million related to the Eastern Ohio incident, a decrease from $159 million in the same quarter last year. Norfolk Southern executed a stock repurchase program, retiring 2.2 million shares at a total cost of $533 million in the first nine months of 2025, contrasting with no repurchases in the same period of 2024.

Oct 23, 2025 16:15:26

Norfolk Southern Grants Cash Retention Awards to Executives

Norfolk Southern Corporation's Compensation and Talent Management Committee has approved one-time cash retention awards for its named executive officers, totaling $13.25 million. This decision is part of a Transaction Bonus Program established to mitigate retention risks associated with the ongoing merger with Union Pacific Corporation. The awards are structured to vest in installments, with portions contingent on the executives' continued employment and the successful completion of the merger.

The retention awards are intended to ensure leadership stability during the merger process. Each executive's award will vest in three installments: 25% on April 28, 2026, and January 28, 2027, with the remaining 50% vesting upon the merger's closing. If an executive is terminated without cause before the merger closes, the next vesting portion will immediately become payable. The company aims to maintain focus on business operations and the merger's successful execution for the benefit of shareholders.

Sep 29, 2025 17:00:04

Norfolk Southern to Merge with Union Pacific in Major Deal

Norfolk Southern Corporation has entered into a merger agreement with Union Pacific Corporation, where Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern in a stock-and-cash transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Norfolk Southern will receive one share of Union Pacific common stock and $88.82 in cash for each share they own. The merger involves two stages: the first merger will see Norfolk Southern become a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific, followed by a second merger into another subsidiary of Union Pacific.

The completion of the merger is contingent on several conditions, including shareholder approvals from both companies and regulatory approvals from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. The agreement also outlines termination rights and the potential for a $2.5 billion termination fee under certain circumstances. Following the merger, Norfolk Southern's stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, and its common stock will be deregistered under federal securities laws. Additional information regarding the merger process will be made available through a registration statement and joint proxy statement to be filed with the SEC.

Jul 29, 2025 17:27:44

Norfolk Southern Reports Q2 2025 Earnings and Merger Agreement

Norfolk Southern Corporation reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with revenue reaching $3.1 billion and a net income increase of 4%, translating to a diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.41. The company also noted an operating ratio of 62.2% and highlighted recoveries from an incident in Eastern Ohio, which exceeded incremental costs during the quarter. Adjusted figures showed a 7% improvement in net income and an 8% increase in EPS after excluding certain charges.

In a significant development, Norfolk Southern announced a merger agreement with Union Pacific, where shareholders will receive 1.0 share of Union Pacific common stock and $88.82 in cash for each share of Norfolk Southern. This transaction implies a total enterprise value of approximately $85 billion for Norfolk Southern, based on Union Pacific's stock price as of July 16, 2025. A joint investor conference call was scheduled to discuss the merger details, and Norfolk Southern will not hold a separate earnings call for the quarter.

Jul 29, 2025 08:10:55

Union Pacific to Acquire Norfolk Southern in Major Merger

Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation have announced a merger agreement, where Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern in a stock and cash transaction valuing Norfolk Southern at $320 per share. This represents a 25% premium over Norfolk Southern's average stock price prior to the announcement, suggesting an enterprise value of $85 billion for Norfolk Southern and creating a combined enterprise worth over $250 billion. The merger aims to create America's first transcontinental railroad, enhancing connectivity across 50,000 route miles and linking 100 ports nationwide.

The merger is expected to improve freight services by reducing delays, expanding intermodal offerings, and lowering transit times on key rail corridors. Both companies emphasize their commitment to preserving union jobs and enhancing safety and operational excellence. The transaction is subject to approvals and may involve legal proceedings, which could impact the timeline and costs associated with the merger. Investors are encouraged to review forthcoming documents related to the transaction for further details.

Jul 29, 2025 07:18:39

Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in Merger Discussions

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Union Pacific Corporation have confirmed that they are in advanced discussions regarding a potential business combination. There is no assurance that an agreement will be reached or what the terms of any potential transaction may be. Both companies have indicated that they will not provide further comments unless disclosure is deemed necessary or appropriate.

Norfolk Southern operates a significant freight transportation network across 22 states and is committed to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions through rail shipping. The company handles approximately 7 million carloads annually, serving a wide range of industries and connecting to major container ports on the Atlantic coast, Gulf Coast, and Great Lakes.

Jul 24, 2025 09:10:16

Norfolk Southern Appoints Richard Anderson as Board Chair

Norfolk Southern Corporation has appointed Richard H. Anderson as the independent chair of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Anderson, who has a background in leadership roles at Delta Air Lines, Amtrak, and Northwest Airlines, has been on the board since May 2024. He will also chair the Executive Committee and the Strategy & Planning Committee. Additionally, Jack Huffard has been appointed as chair of the Compensation and Talent Management Committee, and the board has agreed to reduce its size to 12 members while maintaining existing committee chairs in their roles.

Mark George, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern, expressed confidence in Anderson's ability to further the company's strategic priorities and deliver value to shareholders. Anderson remarked on the company's progress in safety and efficiency, emphasizing the board's commitment to stakeholder value. Norfolk Southern operates a vast freight transportation network across 22 states and is focused on sustainability, helping to reduce carbon emissions through rail shipping.

Jun 13, 2025 08:00:18