Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE:NSC) had an impressive first-quarter 2017, reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenues. Both metrics also improved on a year-over-year basis. Volume growth aided the results. This upgrading in coal revenues is very encouraging. Further, revenues got enhanced at the company’s merchandise and intermodal units.
Norfolk Southern Logo
Maintaining an impressive profile, Norfolk Southern focuses on rewarding shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
In 2017, Norfolk Southern raised its quarterly cash dividend by 3% to 61 cents per share (annualized $2.44 per share).
Having paid dividends for 138 consecutive quarters, the company has shelled out $700 million in the said section and repurchased shares worth $800 million in 2016. It intends to buy back shares worth $800 million in full-year 2017 as well.
Norfolk Southern is making constant efforts to streamline operations and increase productivity. The company is looking to cut costs to drive the bottom line. To attain this objective, it wishes to curtail costs by an additional $100 million in 2017.
The company is on track to deliver annual savings to the tune of $650 million by 2020. Operating ratio of below 65% is also targeted by 2020.
NSF Stock’s Price Performance is Solid
Shares of Norfolk Southern gained 5.84% in last one month outperforming the Zacks categorized Transportation – Rail industry’s increase of 3.73% over same period.
The above positives substantiate Norfolk Southern’s Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Seems the time is ripe for investors to add this stock to their portfolio. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
3 Other Transportation Sector Stocks to Consider
Other favorably placed stocks worth considering in the transportation sector are CSX Corporation (NYSE:CSX), Alstom ADR (OTCMKTS:ALSMY) and Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP).
CSX sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Alstom and Union Pacific carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Shares of CSX, Alstom and Union Pacific gained over 50%, 28% and 6%, respectively, on a year-to-date basis.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look. See the pot trades we’re targeting>>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
CSX Corporation (CSX): Free Stock Analysis Report
Union Pacific Corporation (UNP): Free Stock Analysis Report
Norfolk Souther Corporation (NSC): Free Stock Analysis Report
Alstom ADR (ALSMY): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
