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Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) logo

Norfolk Southern Corporation

S&P 500
NSC|Industrials|Railroads|$312.01|P/E 26.3|MCap 70.1B|NYSE

Last update: May 9, 2026 at 09:32

Dividend Safety Rating

77/ 100Safe

NSC's dividend appears safe and well-supported. Strengths include a 45.5% earnings payout ratio & 26.3% cfo payout ratio. Areas of concern: 0.9x current ratio. The dividend has been growing at a 7.51% 5-year CAGR.

Based on 15 of 15 metrics

Strengths

  • Earnings Payout Ratio: 45.5%Low earnings payout ratio leaves room to grow the dividend.
  • CFO Payout Ratio: 26.3%Operating cash flow strongly supports the payout.
  • Operating Margin: 32.3%Healthy operating margin provides a wide buffer.

Risks

  • Current Ratio: 0.9xLimited short-term liquidity to meet obligations.

Payout & Coverage

Safe
Earnings Payout Ratio
45.5%Very Safe
FCF Payout Ratio
74.9%Caution
CFO Payout Ratio
26.3%Very Safe
Interest Coverage
5.6xSafe

Balance Sheet

Caution
Net Debt / Total Assets
34.9%Caution
Current Ratio
0.9xWarning
Debt-to-Equity
111.6Safe

Profitability

Safe
Return on Equity
17.6%Safe
Operating Margin
32.3%Very Safe
Gross Margin
34.5%Caution
Profit Margin Stability
StableSafe

Dividend Track Record

Very Safe
Dividend Streak
11+ yrsVery Safe
Dividend Cut
NoneVery Safe
5-Year Dividend CAGR
7.5%Safe
Earnings Stability
GrowingVery Safe

About Norfolk Southern Corporation

Norfolk Southern Corporation is a Class-I railroad operating in the Eastern United States, managing over 20,000 miles of track. The company specializes in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods, serving key sectors including agriculture, forestry, consumer products, chemicals, coal, intermodal traffic, automotive, metals, and industrial goods. Its merchandise segment handles commodities such as soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, lumber, pulp, paper, beverages, canned goods, sulfur, petroleum products, plastics, and industrial chemicals. Norfolk Southern Corporation transports coal for utilities and exports, intermodal containers and trailers, and automotive vehicles and parts. The company emphasizes operational efficiency through productivity initiatives, advanced inspection technologies like machine vision portals, and fuel-efficient locomotives, while prioritizing safety and service reliability. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Norfolk Southern Corporation plays a vital role in the North American freight rail network, connecting major economic regions and facilitating efficient supply chain logistics.

Dividend Overview

Dividend Yield

1.73%

Annual Dividend

$5.40

Frequency

Quarterly

Payout Ratio

45.49%

FCF Payout Ratio

74.91%

Stock Price

$312.01

52-Week Range

$220.02 $323.37

Dividend History (2016–2025)

NSC annual dividend per share and yield history

Earnings & Profitability

NSC earnings per share and net profit margin

Key Dates

Last Ex-Dividend Date

May 8, 2026

Next Payment Date

May 20, 2026

Dividend Growth

3-Year Dividend CAGR

2.87%

5-Year Dividend CAGR

7.51%

10-Year Dividend CAGR

8.63%

3-Year Total Growth

8.87%

5-Year Total Growth

43.62%

10-Year Total Growth

128.81%

Income Calculator

NSC Dividend Calculator

Total Investment

$31,201.00

Annual Income

$540.00

Quarterly Income

$135.00

Monthly Income

$45.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is NSC's current dividend yield?
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) currently has a dividend yield of 1.73%, based on a stock price of $312.01 and an annual dividend of $5.40.
When is NSC's next dividend payment date?
NSC's next ex-dividend date is 2026-05-08 and the next payment date is 2026-05-20. You must own the stock before the ex-dividend date to receive the upcoming payment.
How much does NSC pay in dividends per year?
Norfolk Southern Corporation paid $5.40 per share in annual dividends in 2025. The dividends are paid quarterly.
Has NSC been increasing its dividend?
Norfolk Southern Corporation has grown its dividend at a 5-year CAGR of 7.51% and a 10-year CAGR of 8.63%.
Is NSC's dividend safe?
Norfolk Southern Corporation has a payout ratio of 45.49%. Its free cash flow payout ratio is 74.91%. A payout ratio below 60% is generally considered sustainable.
How is NSC's Dividend Safety Rating calculated?
The Dividend Safety Rating evaluates Norfolk Southern Corporation's dividend sustainability across four categories: Payout & Coverage (30%), Balance Sheet (20%), Profitability (20%), and Dividend Track Record (30%). Each metric is rated from "Very Safe" to "Danger" based on industry-standard thresholds, with sector-specific adjustments for industrials companies. The overall score ranges from 0 to 100.

Want to understand how we rate dividend safety? Read our full methodology

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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Safety Rating, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.

Market data provided by Twelve Data.