
Norfolk Southern (NSC) Stock Forecast & Price Target
Norfolk Southern (NSC) Analyst Ratings
Bulls say
Norfolk Southern is projected to experience merchandise volume growth of +3% in both 2025 and 2026, which is favorable compared to the anticipated increases in US Industrial Production of +1.2% and +1.4%, respectively. The railroad's intermodal estimates also show a potential recovery, with projections improving from -3% to -1% for the back half of 2026, aligning with market expectations of overall revenue growth. Increased revenues have been supported by higher revenue per unit (RPU), indicating a positive trajectory in its financial performance despite recent challenges in safety metrics.
Bears say
Norfolk Southern's revenue growth estimate for the full year has been revised downward to +1.3%, reflecting a significant deterioration in expectations due to unanticipated factors such as a large land sale in Q3. The company's intermodal traffic is projected to decline by 1% in 2025 amid challenges like excess truck capacity and a weak macroeconomic environment, further compounded by competitive pressures from the proposed Union Pacific merger. Additionally, Q3 core earnings fell short of consensus expectations, leading to a reduction in 2026 EPS estimates to $12.28, indicating ongoing operational difficulties and customer losses that necessitated the withdrawal of revenue and margin guidance.
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
Start investing in Norfolk Southern (NSC)
Order type
Buy in
Order amount
Est. shares
0 shares