(NSC) Norfolk Southern - Ratings and Ratios

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a leading rail transportation company in the United States, operating a network that spans over 19,100 route miles across 22 states and the District of Columbia. The company specializes in hauling a diverse range of commodities, including agricultural products like soybeans, wheat, and corn, as well as forest products such as lumber and wood pulp. NSC also transports chemicals, metals, and construction materials, playing a critical role in the supply chains of multiple industries.

One of NSCs key strengths is its exposure to intermodal freight, which combines rail and trucking services to move goods more efficiently. The company also handles significant volumes of automotive parts and finished vehicles, as well as coal, which remains a major part of its business despite the sectors decline in recent years. NSCs strategic access to major Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports positions it as a key player in the movement of international freight.

From a financial perspective, NSC has a market capitalization of approximately $56.4 billion, reflecting its size and scale in the rail industry. The stock currently trades at a P/E ratio of 21.55, with a forward P/E of 18.80, suggesting expectations of future growth. Its price-to-book ratio of 3.94 indicates a premium valuation relative to its book value, while the price-to-sales ratio of 4.63 highlights its revenue generation capabilities. These metrics make NSC an important consideration for investors and fund managers evaluating opportunities in the transportation sector.