Aristotle Atlantic Partners LLC Grows Stock Holdings in Norfolk Southern Corporation $NSC

Aristotle Atlantic Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) by 2.5% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 116,670 shares of the railroad operator’s stock after acquiring an additional 2,853 shares during the period. Norfolk Southern accounts for about 1.6% of Aristotle Atlantic Partners LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Aristotle Atlantic Partners LLC’s holdings in Norfolk Southern were worth $33,484,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Norfolk Southern during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Meeder Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Norfolk Southern by 239.3% during the fourth quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 95 shares of the railroad operator’s stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas purchased a new position in Norfolk Southern during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Financial Life Planners purchased a new position in Norfolk Southern during the first quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Bayban bought a new stake in Norfolk Southern in the 4th quarter valued at $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.10% of the company’s stock.

Norfolk Southern Trading Up 0.9%

Shares of NYSE NSC opened at $351.69 on Friday. Norfolk Southern Corporation has a 1-year low of $268.23 and a 1-year high of $358.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The business’s 50 day moving average is $317.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $306.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $78.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.01, a PEG ratio of 6.41 and a beta of 1.27.

Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $3.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.38 billion. Norfolk Southern had a return on equity of 18.21% and a net margin of 21.02%.The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 12.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.29 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Norfolk Southern Corporation will post 12.42 EPS for the current year.

Norfolk Southern Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 20th. Investors of record on Friday, August 7th will be given a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 7th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.5%. Norfolk Southern’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 46.08%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

NSC has been the subject of several research reports. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $337.00 to $360.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on Norfolk Southern from $350.00 to $310.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, April 6th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Norfolk Southern from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Friday. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Norfolk Southern from $330.00 to $360.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, July 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Norfolk Southern from $316.00 to $338.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Friday. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and sixteen have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $344.35.

Norfolk Southern News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Norfolk Southern this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Norfolk Southern beat Q2 expectations, posting $3.52 in EPS and revenue above estimates, with revenue up 12.5% year over year and record quarterly sales. Reuters article
• Positive Sentiment: Wells Fargo raised its price target to $385 and reiterated an overweight rating, signaling confidence that the stock still has room to run. Benzinga article
• Positive Sentiment: Citigroup lifted its target to $376, reflecting a more constructive view after the earnings release, even though it kept a neutral rating. Benzinga article
• Neutral Sentiment: JPMorgan raised its target to $338 but maintained a neutral rating, suggesting valuation looks less compelling after the recent move higher. Benzinga article
• Neutral Sentiment: Some commentary noted lower profitability and margin pressure despite the revenue beat, which may temper enthusiasm if cost pressures persist. Seeking Alpha article
• Negative Sentiment: Profitability was held back by higher fuel costs and lower efficiency, showing that cost inflation remains a headwind even as demand improves. TipRanks article

Norfolk Southern Profile

Norfolk Southern Corporation is a major U.S. freight railroad company that provides rail transportation and related logistics services. As a Class I carrier, the company operates an extensive network across the eastern United States and offers scheduled freight service for a broad range of industries. Its core operations include long-haul and regional rail freight transportation, intermodal services that move containers and trailers between rail and other modes, and terminal and switching services that support efficient rail shipments for industrial and port customers.

The company transports a variety of commodities, serving sectors such as coal and energy, automotive and automotive parts, chemicals, agriculture, metals and construction materials, and consumer goods.