November 14, 2025 a 12:38 pm
NSC: Analysts Ratings - Norfolk Southern Corporation
The Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) has seen stability in its stock analyst ratings over recent months. While the number of analysts recommending the stock as a 'Hold' has remained consistently high, there have been few changes in the sentiment regarding 'Buy' and 'Strong Buy' ratings. This reflects a cautious but stable outlook from analysts towards the company's performance in the rail transportation sector.
Historical Stock Grades
| Recommendation | Count | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Buy | 1 | |
| Buy | 6 | |
| Hold | 16 | |
| Sell | 0 | |
| Strong Sell | 0 |
Sentiment development
Over the months, the sentiment regarding Norfolk Southern Corporation's stock shows a noticeable trend towards maintaining a 'Hold' position. While 'Strong Buy' recommendations have decreased over the year, the increase in 'Hold' ratings suggests a conservative view by analysts on near-term growth potential.
- The 'Strong Buy' ratings have decreased from 5 to 1 within the last year.
- While 'Buy' ratings have remained relatively stable, 'Hold' ratings have seen a marked increase.
- The total number of analyst recommendations has remained constant, suggesting steady interest and coverage among analysts.
Percentage trends
Analyzing the percentage distribution of ratings indicates a shift towards more neutral stances, with increased 'Hold' and decreased 'Strong Buy' ratings. This reflects a possible realization of current market challenges or a shift in growth strategies of Norfolk Southern Corporation.
- 'Strong Buy' ratings were 20% a year ago, now down to 5%.
- 'Hold' ratings have grown from 40% to 80% over the past year.
- The stability in 'Buy' ratings suggests confidence, but with restrained optimism.
Latest Analyst Recommendations
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-24 | Buy | Buy | TD Cowen |
| 2025-10-24 | Buy | Buy | UBS |
| 2025-10-24 | Market Perform | Market Perform | BMO Capital |
| 2025-10-24 | Sector Perform | Sector Perform | RBC Capital |
| 2025-10-24 | Neutral | Neutral | Citigroup |
Analyst Recommendations with Change of Opinion
| Date | New Recommendation | Last Recommendation | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-30 | Hold | Buy | Benchmark |
| 2025-07-30 | In Line | Outperform | Evercore ISI Group |
| 2025-07-30 | Neutral | Overweight | JP Morgan |
| 2025-07-25 | Hold | Buy | Jefferies |
| 2025-07-21 | Buy | Hold | TD Cowen |
Interpretation
The analyst sentiment towards Norfolk Southern Corporation is marked by caution, as reflected in the dominant 'Hold' ratings. The transition of several ratings from 'Buy' to 'Hold' indicates a period of reevaluation among analysts. Despite these shifts, there remains a consistent base of 'Buy' recommendations, underscoring a perspective of stability rather than volatility. Signs of increased analyst caution might point to macroeconomic uncertainties affecting the sector. However, the absence of 'Strong Sell' ratings suggests the overall assessment remains favorable.
Conclusion
Norfolk Southern Corporation's stock has witnessed a significant increase in 'Hold' ratings over the past year, reflecting a cautious but not unfavorable outlook by analysts. This trend suggests a perception of stable but limited growth prospects. Analyzing the trends, the stock might not be poised for immediate high growth but is considered relatively stable. The strategic focus on maintaining competitive services in rail transportation appears to be well-regarded by analysts, despite broader industry uncertainties.