
Norfolk Southern (NSC) Stock Forecast & Price Target
Norfolk Southern (NSC) Analyst Ratings
Bulls say
Norfolk Southern's positive outlook is supported by projected merchandise volume growth of 3% for both 2025 and 2026, which exceeds forecasts for U.S. Industrial Production during the same periods. The anticipated modest recovery in intermodal traffic, with adjusted estimates improving from -3% to -1%, further reinforces the company's revenue growth potential, aligning with broader market expectations. Despite a slight increase in the rate of train accidents, the overall revenue has been bolstered by higher revenue per unit, indicating potential efficiency improvements in operations.
Bears say
Norfolk Southern's stock outlook is negatively impacted by a downward revision in full-year revenue growth estimates from 1.9% to 1.3% and an increase in the operating ratio estimate to 65%, indicating deteriorating financial performance. The company's intermodal shipments are projected to decline by 1% for 2025 due to persistent headwinds, such as heightened competition from the proposed Union Pacific merger and sluggish macroeconomic conditions. Additionally, core Q4 earnings fell short of expectations, leading to lowered earnings per share estimates for 2026, now anticipated at $12.28, which contrasts with market consensus and reflects ongoing challenges in volume and profitability.
This aggregate rating is based on analysts' research of Norfolk Southern and is not a guaranteed prediction by Public.com or investment advice.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) Analyst Forecast & Price Prediction
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