UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DCD.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 20202021

   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from ___________ to___________
 
Commission File Number: 1-8339
nsc-20210930_g1.jpg
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Virginia52-1188014
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Three Commercial Place650 West Peachtree Street NW23510-219130308-1925
Norfolk,Atlanta,VirginiaGeorgia
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(757)(855)629-2680667-3655
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
No ChangeThree Commercial Place,Norfolk,Virginia23510-2191
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock (Par Value $1.00)NSCNew York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).     Yes  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at September 30, 20202021
Common Stock ($1.00 par value per share)253,985,338243,344,509(excluding 20,320,777 shares held by the registrant’s
consolidated subsidiaries)




TABLE OF CONTENTS

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

  Page
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
Item 1. Financial Statements.Statements
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 2020201920202019
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating revenues$2,506 $2,841 $7,216 $8,606 
Railway operating expenses:    
Compensation and benefits578 682 1,786 2,121 
Purchased services and rents486 423 1,261 1,265 
Fuel126 226 399 730 
Depreciation293 286 867 853 
Materials and other183 228 500 610 
Loss on asset disposal385 
Total railway operating expenses1,666 1,845 5,198 5,579 
Income from railway operations840 996 2,018 3,027 
Other income – net39 22 110 88 
Interest expense on debt155 150 465 452 
Income before income taxes724 868 1,663 2,663 
Income taxes155 211 321 607 
Net income$569 $657 $1,342 $2,056 
Earnings per share:    
Basic$2.23 $2.50 $5.24 $7.76 
Diluted2.22 2.49 5.21 7.70 
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 2021202020212020
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating revenues$2,852 $2,506 $8,290 $7,216 
Railway operating expenses    
Compensation and benefits609 578 1,844 1,786 
Purchased services and rents432 486 1,254 1,261 
Fuel208 126 573 399 
Depreciation297 293 883 867 
Materials and other170 183 418 500 
Loss on asset disposal— — — 385 
Total railway operating expenses1,716 1,666 4,972 5,198 
Income from railway operations1,136 840 3,318 2,018 
Other income – net14 39 56 110 
Interest expense on debt164 155 481 465 
Income before income taxes986 724 2,893 1,663 
Income taxes233 155 648 321 
Net income$753 $569 $2,245 $1,342 
Earnings per share    
Basic$3.07 $2.23 $9.03 $5.24 
Diluted3.06 2.22 8.99 5.21 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2020201920202019
 ($ in millions)
Net income$569 $657 $1,342 $2,056 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:  
Pension and other postretirement benefits20 15 
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(1)
Other comprehensive income, before tax26 14 
Income tax expense related to items of
other comprehensive income(3)(1)(6)(4)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax20 10 
Total comprehensive income$573 $661 $1,362 $2,066 
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2021202020212020
 ($ in millions)
Net income$753 $569 $2,245 $1,342 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:  
Pension and other postretirement benefits10 31 20 
Other comprehensive income of equity investees— — — 
Other comprehensive income, before tax10 31 26 
Income tax expense related to items of other
comprehensive income(3)(3)(8)(6)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax23 20 
Total comprehensive income$760 $573 $2,268 $1,362 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2020
December 31,
2019
($ in millions)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,359 $580 
Accounts receivable – net883 920 
Materials and supplies247 244 
Other current assets90 337 
Total current assets2,579 2,081 
Investments3,566 3,428 
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,873 
and $11,982, respectively31,239 31,614 
Other assets795 800 
Total assets$38,179 $37,923 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$1,273 $1,428 
Income and other taxes257 229 
Other current liabilities386 327 
Current maturities of long-term debt89 316 
Total current liabilities2,005 2,300 
Long-term debt12,634 11,880 
Other liabilities1,701 1,744 
Deferred income taxes6,898 6,815 
Total liabilities23,238 22,739 
Stockholders’ equity:  
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares  
  authorized; outstanding 253,985,338 and 257,904,956 shares,  
  respectively, net of treasury shares255 259 
Additional paid-in capital2,246 2,209 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(471)(491)
Retained income12,911 13,207 
Total stockholders’ equity14,941 15,184 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$38,179 $37,923 
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
($ in millions)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,465 $1,115 
Accounts receivable – net945 848 
Materials and supplies235 221 
Other current assets77 134 
Total current assets2,722 2,318 
Investments3,684 3,590 
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,867 
and $11,985, respectively31,429 31,345 
Other assets769 709 
Total assets$38,604 $37,962 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$1,196 $1,016 
Income and other taxes272 263 
Other current liabilities384 302 
Current maturities of long-term debt558 579 
Total current liabilities2,410 2,160 
Long-term debt13,274 12,102 
Other liabilities1,944 1,987 
Deferred income taxes7,089 6,922 
Total liabilities24,717 23,171 
Stockholders’ equity:  
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares  
  authorized; outstanding 243,344,509 and 252,095,082 shares,  
  respectively, net of treasury shares244 254 
Additional paid-in capital2,224 2,248 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(571)(594)
Retained income11,990 12,883 
Total stockholders’ equity13,887 14,791 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$38,604 $37,962 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 First Nine Months
 20202019
 ($ in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income$1,342 $2,056 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation867 854 
Deferred income taxes78 225 
Gains and losses on properties(14)(4)
Loss on asset disposal385 
Impairment of investment99 
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:  
Accounts receivable36 34 
Materials and supplies(3)(59)
Other current assets55 40 
Current liabilities other than debt104 (72)
Other – net(182)(77)
Net cash provided by operating activities2,767 2,997 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Property additions(1,053)(1,494)
Property sales and other transactions291 282 
Investment purchases(6)(12)
Investment sales and other transactions(50)(99)
Net cash used in investing activities(818)(1,323)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Dividends(722)(705)
Common stock transactions53 21 
Purchase and retirement of common stock(960)(1,550)
Proceeds from borrowings – net of issuance costs784 1,404 
Debt repayments(325)(750)
Net cash used in financing activities(1,170)(1,580)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents,
and restricted cash
779 94 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:  
At beginning of year580 446 
At end of period$1,359 $540 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:  
Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$395 $392 
Income taxes (net of refunds)118 404 
 First Nine Months
 20212020
 ($ in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities  
Net income$2,245 $1,342 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation883 867 
Deferred income taxes158 78 
Gains and losses on properties(80)(14)
Loss on asset disposal— 385 
Impairment of investment— 99 
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:  
Accounts receivable(102)36 
Materials and supplies(14)(3)
Other current assets57 55 
Current liabilities other than debt294 104 
Other – net(128)(182)
Net cash provided by operating activities3,313 2,767 
Cash flows from investing activities  
Property additions(1,025)(1,053)
Property sales and other transactions135 291 
Investment purchases(5)(6)
Investment sales and other transactions48 (50)
Net cash used in investing activities(847)(818)
Cash flows from financing activities  
Dividends(764)(722)
Common stock transactions53 
Purchase and retirement of common stock(2,460)(960)
Proceeds from borrowings1,676 784 
Debt repayments(576)(325)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,116)(1,170)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents350 779 
Cash and cash equivalents  
At beginning of year1,115 580 
At end of period$1,465 $1,359 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information  
Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$391 $395 
Income taxes (net of refunds)468 118 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2019$259 $2,209 $(491)$13,207 $15,184 
Comprehensive income:
Net income381 381 
Other comprehensive income10 10 
Total comprehensive income391 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(242)(242)
Share repurchases(2)(21)(443)(466)
Stock-based compensation17 (1)17 
Balance at March 31, 2020258 2,205 (481)12,902 14,884 
Comprehensive income:
Net income392 392 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income398 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(240)(240)
Share repurchases(2)(10)(191)(203)
Stock-based compensation22 22 
Balance at June 30, 2020256 2,217 (475)12,863 14,861 
Comprehensive income:
Net income569 569 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income573 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(240)(240)
Share repurchases(1)(11)(279)(291)
Stock-based compensation40 (2)38 
Balance at September 30, 2020$255 $2,246 $(471)$12,911 $14,941 

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2020$254 $2,248 $(594)$12,883 $14,791 
Comprehensive income:
Net income673 673 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income681 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.99 per share(249)(249)
Share repurchases(3)(19)(569)(591)
Stock-based compensation12 (1)11 
Balance at March 31, 2021251 2,241 (586)12,737 14,643 
Comprehensive income:
Net income819 819 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income827 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.99 per share(247)(247)
Share repurchases(3)(28)(903)(934)
Stock-based compensation27 28 
Balance at June 30, 2021248 2,240 (578)12,407 14,317 
Comprehensive income:
Net income753 753 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income760 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.09 per share(268)(268)
Share repurchases(4)(31)(900)(935)
Stock-based compensation15 (2)13 
Balance at September 30, 2021$244 $2,224 $(571)$11,990 $13,887 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7



Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2018$269 $2,216 $(563)$13,440 $15,362 
Comprehensive income:
Net income677 677 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income680 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.86 per share(230)(230)
Share repurchases(3)(22)(475)(500)
Stock-based compensation19 (1)19 
Balance at March 31, 2019267 2,213 (560)13,411 15,331 
Comprehensive income:
Net income722 722 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income725 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.86 per share(228)(228)
Share repurchases(2)(22)(526)(550)
Stock-based compensation35 (2)33 
Balance at June 30, 2019265 2,226 (557)13,377 15,311 
Comprehensive income:
Net income657 657 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income661 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(247)(247)
Share repurchases(3)(21)(476)(500)
Stock-based compensation14 (1)13 
Balance at September 30, 2019$262 $2,219 $(553)$13,310 $15,238 



Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2019$259 $2,209 $(491)$13,207 $15,184 
Comprehensive income:
Net income381 381 
Other comprehensive income10 10 
Total comprehensive income391 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(242)(242)
Share repurchases(2)(21)(443)(466)
Stock-based compensation17 (1)17 
Balance at March 31, 2020258 2,205 (481)12,902 14,884 
Comprehensive income:
Net income392 392 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income398 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(240)(240)
Share repurchases(2)(10)(191)(203)
Stock-based compensation22 022 
Balance at June 30, 2020256 2,217 (475)12,863 14,861 
Comprehensive income:
Net income569 569 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income573 
Dividends on common stock,
$0.94 per share(240)(240)
Share repurchases(1)(11)(279)(291)
Stock-based compensation040 (2)38 
Balance at September 30, 2020$255 $2,246 $(471)$12,911 $14,941 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) and subsidiaries’ (collectively, NS, we, us, and our) financial position at September 30, 2020,2021, and December 31, 2019,2020, our results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in stockholders’ equity for the third quarters and first nine monthsof 20202021 and 2019,2020, and our cash flows for the first nine months of 20202021 and 20192020 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
 
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

1. Railway Operating Revenues

The following table disaggregates our revenues by major commodity group:
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2020201920202019
($ in millions)
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$521 $572 $1,570 $1,707 
Chemicals428 535 1,371 1,586 
Metals and construction337 377 997 1,131 
Automotive270 247 597 749 
Merchandise1,556 1,731 4,535 5,173 
Intermodal700 707 1,924 2,127 
Coal250 403 757 1,306 
Total$2,506 $2,841 $7,216 $8,606 

At the beginning of 2020, we combined the agriculture products and forest and consumer commodity groups. In addition, we also made changes in the categorization of certain other commodity groups within Merchandise. Specifically, certain commodities were shifted between agriculture, forest, and consumer products; chemicals; and, metals and construction. These changes were made as a result of organizational initiatives to better align with how we manage these commodities. Prior period railway operating revenues have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2021202020212020
($ in millions)
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$564 $521 $1,681 $1,570 
Chemicals504 428 1,457 1,371 
Metals and construction424 337 1,196 997 
Automotive218 270 664 597 
Merchandise1,710 1,556 4,998 4,535 
Intermodal812 700 2,332 1,924 
Coal330 250 960 757 
Total$2,852 $2,506 $8,290 $7,216 

We recognize the amount of revenuerevenues to which we expect to be entitled to for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. A performance obligation is created when a customer under a transportation contract or public tariff submits a bill of lading to NSus for the transport of goods. These performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination. As such, transportation revenue isrevenues are recognized proportionally as a shipment moves, and related expenses are recognized as incurred. These performance obligations are generally short-term in nature with transit days averaging approximately one week or less for each commodity group. The customer has an unconditional obligation to pay for the service once the service has been completed. Estimated revenuerevenues associated with in-process shipments at period-end isare recorded based on the estimated percentage of service completed. We had no material remaining performance obligations as ofat September 30, 2020 or2021 and December 31, 2019.2020.

RevenueWe may provide customers ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental activities, under their transportation contracts. These are distinct performance obligations that are recognized at a point in time when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. These revenues are included within each of the commodity groups and represent a percentage of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows: 7% for the third quarter of 2021, 6% for the first nine months of 2021, and 5% for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2020.

Revenues related to interline transportation services that involve another railroad isare reported on a net basis. Therefore, the portion of the amount that relates to another party is not reflected in revenue.revenues.

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Under the typical payment terms of our freight contracts, payment for services is due within fifteen days of billing the customer, thus there are no significant financing components. “Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes both customer and non-customer receivables as follows:
September 30,
2020
December 31, 2019
($ in millions)
Customer                                       $664 $682 
Non-customer219 238 
  Accounts receivable – net$883 $920 
September 30,
2021
December 31, 2020
($ in millions)
Customer$740 $629 
Non-customer205 219 
  Accounts receivable – net$945 $848 

Non-customer receivables include non-revenue-related amounts due from other railroads, governmental entities, and others. “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes non-current customer receivables of $23 million at both September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019.2020. We do 0tnot have any material contract assets or liabilities at September 30, 2020 or2021 and December 31, 2019.

We may provide customers ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental services, under their transportation contracts. These are distinct performance obligations that are recognized at a point in time when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. This revenue is included within each of the commodity groups and represents 5% of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarters and first nine months of 2020 and 2019.2020.

2.  Stock-Based Compensation
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2020201920202019
($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation expense$13 $10 $25 $46 
Total tax benefit10 39 34 
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2021202020212020
($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation expense$14 $13 $46 $25 
Total tax benefit10 28 39 

During 2020, a committee of nonemployee members of our Board of Directors (and the Chief Executive Officer when delegated authority by such committee)2021, we granted stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), as follows:

Third QuarterFirst Nine MonthsThird QuarterFirst Nine Months
GrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Stock optionsStock options$43,770 $52.05 Stock options— $— 42,770 $62.49 
RSUsRSUs10,230 211.90 177,770 210.13 RSUs2,490 258.14 179,345 239.01 
PSUsPSUs78,720 212.67 PSUs— — 50,060 240.69 


10


Stock Options
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2020201920202019
($ in millions)
Stock options exercised313,35855,155 998,996 677,072 
Cash received upon exercise$27 $$82 $47 
Related tax benefit realized24 16 
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2021202020212020
($ in millions)
Options exercised22,502313,358 363,982 998,996 
Cash received upon exercise$$27 $33 $82 
Related tax benefit realized13 24 

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs granted primarily have a four-year ratable restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Norfolk Southern common stock (Common Stock). Certain RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. 
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2020201920202019
($ in millions)
RSUs vested1,635 142 203,934 166,197 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholding1,630 102 145,342 119,346 
Related tax benefit realized$$$$
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2021202020212020
($ in millions)
RSUs vested1,100 1,635 260,227 203,934 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholding761 1,630 184,272 145,342 
Related tax benefit realized$— $— $$

Performance Share Units

PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. No PSUs were earned or paid out during the third quarters of 20202021 or 2019.2020.

First Nine MonthsFirst Nine Months
2020201920212020
($ in millions)($ in millions)
PSUs earnedPSUs earned235,935 331,099PSUs earned78,727 235,935
Common Stock issued net of tax withholdingCommon Stock issued net of tax withholding156,450 221,241Common Stock issued net of tax withholding49,967 156,450
Related tax benefit realizedRelated tax benefit realized$$Related tax benefit realized$$

3. Loss on Asset Disposal

In the first quarter of 2020, in connection with our initiatives to increase operational fluidity and asset utilization and improve labor and fuel efficiency, we committed to a plan to dispose of certainsold 703 locomotives deemed excess and no longer needed for railroad operations. When depreciable operating road and equipment assets are sold or retired in the ordinary course of business, the cost of the assets, net of sale proceeds or salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized in earnings. A retirement is considered abnormal if it does not occur in the ordinary course of business, if it relates to disposition of a large segment of an asset class and if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies, which inherently consider the impact of normal retirements on expected service lives and depreciation rates. We evaluated the

11


plannedthese locomotive retirements and concluded they were abnormal. Accordingly, we recorded a $385 million loss was recorded to adjust their carrying amount to their estimated fair value, which resulted in a $97 million tax benefit. During the first nine months, we sold 574 of 703 locomotives under the plan. The carrying amount of the remaining assets held for sale of $20 million is classified as “Other current assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2020.


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4.  Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

BasicDiluted BasicDiluted
Third Quarter Third Quarter
2020201920202019 2021202020212020
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net incomeNet income$569 $657 $569 $657 Net income$753 $569 $753 $569 
Dividend equivalent paymentsDividend equivalent payments(2)(1)(1)Dividend equivalent payments(1)(2)— (1)
Income available to common stockholdersIncome available to common stockholders$567 $656 $568 $657 Income available to common stockholders$752 $567 $753 $568 
Weighted-average shares outstandingWeighted-average shares outstanding254.6 262.1 254.6 262.1 Weighted-average shares outstanding245.3 254.6 245.3 254.6 
    
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awardsDilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  1.5 2.2 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  1.1 1.5 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstandingAdjusted weighted-average shares outstanding  256.1 264.3 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding  246.4 256.1 
Earnings per shareEarnings per share$2.23 $2.50 $2.22 $2.49 Earnings per share$3.07 $2.23 $3.06 $2.22 
BasicDiluted BasicDiluted
First Nine Months First Nine Months
2020201920202019 2021202020212020
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net incomeNet income$1,342 $2,056 $1,342 $2,056 Net income$2,245 $1,342 $2,245 $1,342 
Dividend equivalent paymentsDividend equivalent payments(3)(4)(2)Dividend equivalent payments(2)(3)— (2)
Income available to common stockholdersIncome available to common stockholders$1,339 $2,052 $1,340 $2,056 Income available to common stockholders$2,243 $1,339 $2,245 $1,340 
Weighted-average shares outstandingWeighted-average shares outstanding255.7 264.6 255.7 264.6 Weighted-average shares outstanding248.5 255.7 248.5 255.7 
    
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awardsDilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  1.5 2.3 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  1.2 1.5 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstandingAdjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 257.2 266.9 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 249.7 257.2 
Earnings per shareEarnings per share$5.24 $7.76 $5.21 $7.70 Earnings per share$9.03 $5.24 $8.99 $5.21 


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During the third quarters and first nine months of 20202021 and 2019, we made2020, dividend equivalent payments were made to certain holders of stock options and RSUs.  For purposes of computing basic earnings per share, dividend equivalent payments made to holders of stock options and RSUs were deducted from net income to determine income available to common stockholders. For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, we evaluate on a grant-by-grant basis those stock options and RSUs receiving dividend equivalent payments under the two-class and treasury stock methods to determine which method is more dilutive for each grant. For those grants for which the two-class method was more dilutive, net income was reduced by dividend equivalent payments to determine income available to common stockholders. There are 0 awards outstanding that were antidilutiveoptions excluded from the dilution calculations due to exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock for the third quarters and first nine months ended September 30, 20202021 and 2019.2020.


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5. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Net Income
(Loss)
Reclassification
Adjustments
Balance at
End of Period
 ($ in millions)    
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(421)$$14 $(407)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity
investees(70) (64)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(491)$$14  $(471)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(497)$$11 $(486)
Other comprehensive loss of equity investees(66)(1) (67)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(563)$(1)$11  $(553)
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Net IncomeReclassification
Adjustments
Balance at
End of Period
 ($ in millions)    
Nine months ended September 30, 2021     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(526)$— $23 $(503)
Other comprehensive loss of equity investees(68)— —  (68)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(594)$— $23  $(571)
Nine months ended September 30, 2020     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(421)$— $14 $(407)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(70)—  (64)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(491)$$14  $(471)

6.  Stock Repurchase Program
 
We repurchased and retired 5.39.4 million and 8.45.3 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase program during the first nine months of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, at a cost of $2.5 billion and $960 million, and $1.6 billion, respectively.

7.  Investments

Investment in Conrail
 
Through a limited liability company, we and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC). We have a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in Conrail,the jointly-owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Our investment in Conrail was $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at both September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019.2020, respectively.

CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT). The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage. In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas. “Purchased services and rents” and “Fuel” include amountsexpenses payable to CRC for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $32$37 million and $37$32 million for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and 2019,$108 million and $97 million for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our equity in Conrail’s earnings, net of amortization, was $14 million and $17 million for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $42 million and $39 million for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts offset the costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas and are included in “Purchased services and rents.”

“Other liabilities” includes $534 million at both September��30, 2021, and December 31, 2020 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing in 2050 that bear interest at an average rate of 1.31%.


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respectively, and $97 million and $112 million for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents,” which offsets the costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas, was $17 million and $13 million for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $39 million and $36 million for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively.

“Other liabilities” includes $280 million at both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2044, that bear interest at an average rate of 2.9%.

Investment in TTX

NSWe and 8 other North American railroads jointlycollectively own TTX Company (TTX).  NS has a 19.65% ownership interest in TTX,, a railcar pooling company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive, and general use railcars at stated rates. We have a 19.65% ownership interest in TTX.

Amounts paid to TTXExpenses incurred for use of TTX equipment are included in “Purchased services and rents” andrents.” This amounted to $67$59 million and $61$67 million of expense for the third quarters of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and $185$183 million and $183$185 million for the first nine months of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. Our equity in theTTX’s earnings of TTX, which offsets thethese costs and are also included in “Purchased services and rents,” totaled $21$12 million and $19$21 million for the third quarters of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and $35$43 million and $44$35 million for the first nine months of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.

Impairment of Investment

During the third quarter of 2020, we recorded an other-than-temporary impairment of $99 million related to the carrying value of an equity method investment. This non-cash impairment charge is recorded in “Purchased services and rents” on the 2020 Consolidated Statements of Income and had a $74 million impact on net income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2020.

8.  Debt

In May 2020,August 2021, we issued $800$600 million of 3.05%2.90% senior notes due 2050, resulting in $790 million in net proceeds.2051.

In May 2020,2021, we also issued $800$500 million of 3.155%2.30% senior notes due 2055 in exchange for $5542031 and $600 million of previously issued4.10% senior notes ($450 million at 5.1% due 2118, $42 million at 6% due 2111, $29 million at 7.9% due 2097, $26 million at 6% due 2105, and $7 million at 7.05% due 2037). As part of the debt exchange, a $4 million loss on extinguishment was recognized in “Other income – net.”2121.

In May 2020,2021, we renewed, amended and amendedrestated our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million and a term expiringthat expires in May 2021.2022. We had 0no amounts outstanding at both September 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019,under this program and our available borrowing capacity was $400 million and $429 million, respectively.

In March 2020, we renewed and amended our five-year credit agreement. We increased the program’s borrowing authority from $750 million to $800 million. The amended agreement expires in 2025 and provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had 0 amounts outstanding under this facility at both September 30, 2020,2021 and December 31, 2019.2020.

The “Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash” line item on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes restricted cash of $88 million in 2019, reflecting deposits held by a third-party bond agent as collateral for certain debt obligations, which matured on October 1, 2019.


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9.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salariedeligible employees. We also provide specified health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees; these plans can be amended or terminated at our option.  Under our self-insured retiree health care plan, for those participants who are not Medicare-eligible, certain health care expenses are covered for retired employees and their dependents, reduced by any deductibles, coinsurance, and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies.  ThoseEligible retired participants and their spouses who are Medicare-eligible are not covered under the self-insured retiree health care plan, but instead are provided with an employer-funded health reimbursement account which can be used for reimbursement of health insurance premiums or eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.

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Pension and postretirement benefit cost components for the third quarter and first nine months were as follows:
   Other Postretirement
 Pension BenefitsBenefits
 Third Quarter
 2020201920202019
 ($ in millions)
Service cost$10 $$$
Interest cost19 24 
Expected return on plan assets(48)(45)(4)(4)
Amortization of net losses13 11 
Amortization of prior service benefit(6)(6)
Net benefit$(6)$(1)$(5)$(4)
   Other Postretirement
 Pension BenefitsBenefits
 Third Quarter
 2021202020212020
 ($ in millions)
Service cost$10 $10 $$
Interest cost14 19 
Expected return on plan assets(48)(48)(3)(4)
Amortization of net losses16 13 — — 
Amortization of prior service benefit— — (6)(6)
Net benefit$(8)$(6)$(7)$(5)

  Other Postretirement   Other Postretirement
Pension BenefitsBenefits Pension BenefitsBenefits
First Nine Months First Nine Months
2020201920202019 2021202020212020
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Service costService cost$30 $26 $$Service cost$32 $30 $$
Interest costInterest cost56 70 13 Interest cost41 56 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(143)(134)(10)(11)Expected return on plan assets(144)(143)(9)(10)
Amortization of net lossesAmortization of net losses39 33 Amortization of net losses49 39 — 
Amortization of prior service benefitAmortization of prior service benefit(19)(18)Amortization of prior service benefit— — (19)(19)
Net benefitNet benefit$(18)$(5)$(15)$(11)Net benefit$(22)$(18)$(18)$(15)

The service cost componentscomponent of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost are reported within “Compensation and benefits” and all other components of net benefit cost are presented in “Other income – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.


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10.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable – net,” and “Accounts payable,” approximate carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance is recorded at cash surrender value and, accordingly, approximates fair value. There are no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 20202021 or December 31, 2019.2020. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consistedconsist of the following:

 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
 ($ in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities$(12,723)$(16,582)$(12,196)$(14,806)
 September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
 ($ in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities$(13,832)$(17,034)$(12,681)$(16,664)

11.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Lawsuits
 
We and/or certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations.  When we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings.earnings and, if material, disclosed below. While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payment of such liability and claims. However, the final outcome of any of these lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter. Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known. For lawsuits and other claims where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or is probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established but the matter, if potentially material, is disclosed below. We routinely review relevant information with respect to our lawsuits and other claims and update our accruals, disclosures and estimates of reasonably possible losses based on such reviews.

In 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. In 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. On October 10, 2017, the District Court denied class certification. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals on August 16, 2019. Since that decision, various individual cases have been filed in multiple jurisdictions and also consolidated in the District of Columbia. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against one of our subsidiaries by the minority owner in a jointly-owned terminal railroad company in which our subsidiary has the majority ownership. The lawsuit alleged violations of various state laws and federal antitrust laws. It is reasonably possible that we could incur a loss in the case; however, we intend to vigorously defend the case and believe that we will prevail. The potential range of loss cannot be estimated at this time.

Casualty Claims

Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs.  To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue with respect to such claims during the year, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm.  Job-relatedJob-

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related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the FederalFederal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads.  FELA’s fault-based tort system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault workers’ compensation system.  The variability inherent in this system

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could result in actual costs being different from the liability recorded.  While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future claim payments of claims and is supported by the most recent actuarial study.  In all cases, we record a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and reasonably estimable.

Employee personal injury claims – The largest component of claims expense is employee personal injury costs.  The independent actuarial firm we engage provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing our employee personal injury liability and estimating personal injury expense.  The actuarial firm studies our historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences.  The actuarial firm uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of liability. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. OurThe accuracy of our estimate of the liability is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations, or legislative changes. As a result, actual claim settlements may vary from the estimated liability recorded.

Occupational claims – Occupational claims include injuries and illnesses alleged to be caused by exposures which occur over time as opposed to injuries or illnesses caused by a specific accident or event. Types of occupational claims commonly seen allege exposure to asbestos and other claimed toxic substances resulting in respiratory diseases or cancer. Many such claims are being asserted by former or retired employees, some of whom have not been employed in the rail industry for decades.  The independent actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims liability based upon our history of claim filings, severity, payments, and other pertinent facts.  The liability is dependent upon judgments we make as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the actuarial firm in the quarterly studies.  The actuarial firm’s estimate of ultimate loss includes a provision for those claims that have been incurred but not reported.  This provision is derived by analyzing industry data and projecting our experience. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  However, it is possible that the recorded liability may not be adequate to cover the future claim payments.payment of claims.  Adjustments to the recorded liability are reflected in operating expenses in the periods in which such adjustments become known.

Third-party claims – We record a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, property damage, and lading damage.  The actuarial firm assists us with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon our experience including the number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims, and legal defenses. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that the actual loss may differ from the estimated liability recorded.

Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to various jurisdictions’ environmental laws and regulations.  We record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and reasonably estimable. Environmental specialists regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.  

Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for environmental exposures of $55 million and $56$52 million at September 30, 20202021 and $54 million at December 31, 2019, respectively,2020, of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both dates.periods. At September 30, 2020,2021, the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 10597 known locations and projects compared with 110100 locations and projects at December 31, 2019.2020. At September 30, 2020, 172021, 19 sites accounted for $41$40 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material. We anticipate that muchmost of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.


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At 118 locations, one or more of our subsidiaries in conjunction with a number of other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 or comparable state statutes that impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.  We

17


calculate our estimated liability for these sites based on facts and legal defenses applicable to each site and not solely on the basis of the potential for joint liability.

With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by us or by the Environmental Protection Agency or comparable state authorities), estimates of our ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites can change over time because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, unpredictable contaminant recovery and reduction rates associated with available cleanup technologies, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant’s share of any estimated loss (and that participant’s ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.

The risk of incurring environmental liability for acts and omissions, past, present, and future, is inherent in the railroad business.  Some of the commodities we transport, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, pose special risks that we work diligently to reduce.  In addition, several of our subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale.  Because environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, there can be no assurance that we will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time.  Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.  The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
 
Based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we believe we have recorded the probable and reasonably estimable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which we are aware.  Further, we believe that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
Insurance
 
We purchase insurance covering legal liabilities for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. This insurance provides coverage above $75 million and below $1.1 billion$800 million ($1.51.1 billion for specific perils) per occurrence and/or policy year. In addition, we purchase insurance covering damage to property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control. This insurance covers approximately 85%87% of damagepotential losses above $75 million and below $275 million per occurrence and/or policy year.

12. New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2020,2021, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, “Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaced the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. Historically, losses associated from the inability to collect on accounts receivable have been insignificant, with little divergence in collection trends through varying economic cycles. Short-term and long-term financial assets, as defined by the standard, are impacted by immediate recognition of estimated credit losses in the financial statements, reflecting the net amount expected to be collected. There was no material impact to the financial statements upon adoption.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which adds new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes, changes the accounting for certain income tax transactions, and makes other minor changes. The new standard is effective as of January 1, 2021, and early adoption is permitted for any interim period for whichThere was no material impact to the financial statements have not been issued. We do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements. We will not adopt the standard early.upon adoption.


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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.Operations
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We are one of the nation’s premier transportation companies.companies, moving goods and materials that help drive the U.S. economy.  We connect customers to markets and communities to economic opportunity with safe, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions. Our Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.Columbia. We are a major transporter of industrial products, including agriculture, forest and consumer products, chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, in the East we serve every major container port and operate the most extensive intermodal network in the East andnetwork. We are also a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic disruption and continuesWe continued to influence the demand for our services, as evidenced by the volume declines compared to prior year experienced across most of our major commodity groups in the third quarter. However, we have seenproduce year-over-year improvement in underlying demand. Overall volumesprofitability in the third quarter were down 7% compared to last year, marking aof 2021. Revenue growth well exceeded increased operating expenses and drove significant improvement relativein net income and diluted earnings per share. Comparisons to the 26% year-over-year decline experiencedprior year were aided in part by the second quarter. While substantial uncertainty remains with respectabsence of last year’s $99 million impairment charge related to customer demand as a resultan equity method investment.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the U.S. and global economies and has resulted in ongoing supply chain challenges. We are monitoring and reacting to the evolving nature of the pandemic we continue to execute on operational initiatives to improve efficiencies and lower our cost structure.

COVID-19 is generating significant uncertainty in the economy and our outlook as we conclude 2020. We continue to monitor the impact of the pandemicits impacts on our employees’business. Our compliance with the federal contractor vaccine mandate, which requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by December 8, 2021, unless legally entitled to an accommodation, could lead to employee absences, resignations, labor disputes or work stoppages. Significant employee availability which has not been adversely affectedissues could have a material impact on our operations, resulting in a significant manner this year.material adverse impact on our financial results, financial position and liquidity. We remain committed to protecting our employees, operating safely, and providing excellent transportation service products for our customers.

SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months20212020% change20212020% change
20202019% change20202019% change($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$840 $996 (16%)$2,018 $3,027 (33%)Income from railway operations$1,136 $840 35%$3,318 $2,018 64%
Net incomeNet income$569 $657 (13%)$1,342 $2,056 (35%)Net income$753 $569 32%$2,245 $1,342 67%
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$2.22 $2.49 (11%)$5.21 $7.70 (32%)Diluted earnings per share$3.06 $2.22 38%$8.99 $5.21 73%
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)66.5 64.9 2%72.0 64.8 11%Railway operating ratio (percent)60.2 66.5 (9%)60.0 72.0 (17%)

Decreases in railway operating revenues exceeded operating expense declines, resulting in reduced incomeIncome from railway operations and increased operating ratios. Railway operating revenues declined in both periods, as lower customer demand resulted in volume declines. Additionally, negative mix led to lower revenue per unit. Notwithstandingprimarily a result of higher railway operating revenues. Overall volumes remained flat for the charges noted below,third quarter but were up 8% for the first nine months. In both periods, railway operating expenses decreasedincluded increases due to declines inhigher fuel price and consumption, reduced employment levels, lower volumescompensation and operational efficiency improvements.benefits costs. These increases were partially offset by higher gains on the sale of operating properties.

Third-quarterOur third-quarter 2020 results were adversely impacted byincluded a $99 million impairment charge related to an equity method investment. Additionally, the comparison of our current-year results for the first nine months of 2020 were adverselywas impacted by a $385 million loss on asset disposal of $385 millionin 2020 related to locomotives sold or designated as held-for-sale. For more information on the impact of these charges, see Notes 7 and 3.3, respectively.


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The following tables adjust our 2020 GAAP financial results for the third quarter and first nine months to exclude the effects of these charges. The income tax effects of these non-GAAP adjustments were calculated based on the applicable tax rates to which the non-GAAP adjustment related. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally and believe this information

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provides useful supplemental information to investors to facilitate making period-to-period comparisons by excluding the 2020 charges. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation for the Third QuarterNon-GAAP Reconciliation for the Third Quarter of 2020
Reported 2020 (GAAP)2020 Investment ImpairmentAdjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
ReportedInvestment ImpairmentAdjusted
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expensesRailway operating expenses$1,666 $(99)$1,567 Railway operating expenses$1,666 $(99)$1,567 
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$840 $99 $939 Income from railway operations$840 $99 $939 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes$724 $99 $823 
Income taxesIncome taxes$155 $25 $180 
Net incomeNet income$569 $74 $643 Net income$569 $74 $643 
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$2.22 $0.29 $2.51 Diluted earnings per share$2.22 $0.29 $2.51 
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)66.5 (4.0)62.5 Railway operating ratio (percent)66.5 (4.0)62.5 

In the table below, references to the third quarter of 2020 results and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.

Third Quarter
Adjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
2019Adjusted 2020 (non-GAAP)
vs. 2019
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$1,567 $1,845 (15%)
Income from railway operations$939 $996 (6%)
Net income$643 $657 (2%)
Diluted earnings per share$2.51 $2.49 1%
Railway operating ratio (percent)62.5 64.9 (4%)


Third Quarter
2021Adjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
2021 vs. Adjusted 2020 (non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$1,716 $1,567 10%
Income from railway operations$1,136 $939 21%
Income before income taxes$986 $823 20%
Income taxes$233 $180 29%
Net income$753 $643 17%
Diluted earnings per share$3.06 $2.51 22%
Railway operating ratio (percent)60.2 62.5 (4%)


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Non-GAAP Reconciliation for First Nine MonthsNon-GAAP Reconciliation for First Nine Months of 2020
Reported 2020 (GAAP)First Quarter Loss on Asset DisposalThird Quarter Investment ImpairmentAdjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
ReportedLoss on Asset DisposalInvestment ImpairmentAdjusted
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expensesRailway operating expenses$5,198 $(385)$(99)$4,714 Railway operating expenses$5,198 $(385)$(99)$4,714 
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$2,018 $385 $99 $2,502 Income from railway operations$2,018 $385 $99 $2,502 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes$1,663 $385 $99 $2,147 
Income taxesIncome taxes$321 $97 $25 $443 
Net incomeNet income$1,342 $288 $74 $1,704 Net income$1,342 $288 $74 $1,704 
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$5.21 $1.12 $0.29 $6.62 Diluted earnings per share$5.21 $1.12 $0.29 $6.62 
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)72.0 (5.3)(1.4)65.3 Railway operating ratio (percent)72.0 (5.3)(1.4)65.3 

In the table below, references and comparisons to the 2020 results for the first nine months of 2020 results and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.

First Nine Months
Adjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
2019Adjusted 2020 (non-GAAP)
vs. 2019
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$4,714 $5,579 (16%)
Income from railway operations$2,502 $3,027 (17%)
Net income$1,704 $2,056 (17%)
Diluted earnings per share$6.62 $7.70 (14%)
Railway operating ratio (percent)65.3 64.8 1%
First Nine Months
2021Adjusted 2020
(non-GAAP)
2021 vs. Adjusted 2020 (non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$4,972 $4,714 5%
Income from railway operations$3,318 $2,502 33%
Income before income taxes$2,893 $2,147 35%
Income taxes$648 $443 46%
Net income$2,245 $1,704 32%
Diluted earnings per share$8.99 $6.62 36%
Railway operating ratio (percent)60.0 65.3 (8%)



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DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Railway Operating Revenues

The following tables present a comparison of revenues ($ in millions), volumes (units inunits (in thousands), and average revenue per unit ($ per unit) by commodity group.

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
Revenues20212020% change20212020% change
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$564 $521 8%$1,681 $1,570 7%
Chemicals504 428 18%1,457 1,371 6%
Metals and construction424 337 26%1,196 997 20%
Automotive218 270 (19%)664 597 11%
Merchandise1,710 1,556 10%4,998 4,535 10%
Intermodal812 700 16%2,332 1,924 21%
Coal330 250 32%960 757 27%
Total$2,852 $2,506 14%$8,290 $7,216 15%
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
Revenues20202019% change20202019% change
UnitsUnits
Merchandise:Merchandise:Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer productsAgriculture, forest and consumer products$521 $572 (9%)$1,570 $1,707 (8%)Agriculture, forest and consumer products181.3 176.4 3%547.3 523.7 5%
ChemicalsChemicals428 535 (20%)1,371 1,586 (14%)Chemicals138.3 111.9 24%399.0 366.3 9%
Metals and constructionMetals and construction337 377 (11%)997 1,131 (12%)Metals and construction179.2 157.2 14%510.5 448.2 14%
AutomotiveAutomotive270 247 9%597 749 (20%)Automotive81.5 105.7 (23%)257.5 233.2 10%
MerchandiseMerchandise1,556 1,731 (10%)4,535 5,173 (12%)Merchandise580.3 551.2 5%1,714.3 1,571.4 9%
IntermodalIntermodal700 707 (1%)1,924 2,127 (10%)Intermodal1,021.0 1,068.8 (4%)3,100.0 2,908.3 7%
CoalCoal250 403 (38%)757 1,306 (42%)Coal160.5 147.7 9%500.2 422.8 18%
TotalTotal$2,506 $2,841 (12%)$7,216 $8,606 (16%)Total1,761.8 1,767.7 —%5,314.5 4,902.5 8%
Revenue per Unit
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$3,113 $2,953 5%$3,072 $2,998 2%
Chemicals3,647 3,827 (5%)3,651 3,742 (2%)
Metals and construction2,360 2,145 10%2,342 2,226 5%
Automotive2,679 2,548 5%2,579 2,558 1%
Merchandise2,946 2,822 4%2,915 2,886 1%
Intermodal796 655 22%752 662 14%
Coal2,057 1,698 21%1,919 1,791 7%
Total1,619 1,418 14%1,560 1,472 6%

Units
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products176.4 191.7 (8%)523.7 583.0 (10%)
Chemicals111.9 148.2 (24%)366.3 446.9 (18%)
Metals and construction157.2 182.5 (14%)448.2 529.0 (15%)
Automotive105.7 99.5 6%233.2 299.4 (22%)
Merchandise551.2 621.9 (11%)1,571.4 1,858.3 (15%)
Intermodal1,068.8 1,059.9 1%2,908.3 3,179.4 (9%)
Coal147.7 218.7 (32%)422.8 713.3 (41%)
Total1,767.7 1,900.5 (7%)4,902.5 5,751.0 (15%)

Revenue per Unit
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$2,953 $2,984 (1%)$2,998 $2,928 2%
Chemicals3,827 3,609 6%3,742 3,549 5%
Metals and construction2,145 2,066 4%2,226 2,138 4%
Automotive2,548 2,480 3%2,558 2,502 2%
Merchandise2,822 2,783 1%2,886 2,784 4%
Intermodal655 668 (2%)662 669 (1%)
Coal1,698 1,842 (8%)1,791 1,831 (2%)
Total1,418 1,495 (5%)1,472 1,496 (2%)

At the beginning of 2020, we combined the agriculture products and forest and consumer commodity groups. In addition, we also made changes in the categorization of certain other commodity groups within Merchandise.

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Specifically, certain commodities were shifted between: agriculture, forest, and consumer products; chemicals; and, metals and construction. These changes were made as a result of organizational initiatives to better align with how we manage these commodities. Prior period railway operating revenues, units, and revenue per unit have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Railway operating revenues decreased $335increased $346 million in the third quarter and $1.4$1.1 billion for the first nine months compared with the same periods last year. The table below reflects the components of the revenue change by major commodity group ($ in millions).

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
Increase (Decrease)Increase (Decrease)Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
MerchandiseIntermodalCoalMerchandiseIntermodalCoal
MerchandiseIntermodalCoalMerchandiseIntermodalCoalIncrease (Decrease)
VolumeVolume$(197)$$(131)$(799)$(181)$(532)Volume$82 $(31)$22 $412 $127 $139 
Fuel surcharge revenueFuel surcharge revenue(34)(35)(2)(64)(93)(11)Fuel surcharge revenue43 54 37 106 
Rate, mix and otherRate, mix and other56 22 (20)225 71 (6)Rate, mix and other29 89 56 14 175 63 
TotalTotal$(175)$(7)$(153)$(638)$(203)$(549)Total$154 $112 $80 $463 $408 $203 
 
Approximately 90% of our revenue base is covered by contracts that include negotiated fuel surcharges. Revenues associated with these surcharges totaled $75$174 million and $146$75 million in the third quarters of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively, and $275$419 million and $443$275 million for the first nine months of 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively. The decreasesincrease in fuel surcharge revenues is driven by higher fuel commodity prices and, for the first nine months, increased volumes.
Merchandise
Merchandise revenues increased in the third quarter and first nine months are driven by lower fuel commodity pricesdue to increased volume and volume declines.
Merchandise
Merchandise revenue decreased in both periods as lower volumes were partially offset by higher average revenue per unit driven by pricing gains. Volumes fellhigher fuel surcharge revenue and increased pricing. With the exception of Automotive in mostthe third quarter, volumes increased in all merchandise commodity groups, due toreflecting continued economic recovery following the impactonset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has continued to cause many industries to suspend production which persists in negatively impacting customers’ needs for materials and shipping of finished and semi-finished goods.

Agriculture, forest and consumer products volume decreasedincreased in both periods across almost all markets as the economy has improved since the early months of the pandemic in 2020. The markets with the largest gains in both periods were ethanol, pulpboard, and woodchips, which more than offset declines in soybeans and pulp. The first nine months also included gains in corn, lumber, and food industry products.

Chemicals volume rose in both periods due to economic and production recovery since the continued impactbeginning of COVID-19 on ethanol demand, food service, and building, industrial and commercial activities.

Chemicals volume decreased in both periods due to the continued impact from COVID-19 andpandemic, despite ongoing disruptionschallenges in the energy market. OilThe markets with the largest gains were solid waste, industrial chemicals, and petroleum shipments continued to be negatively impacted due to reductions in gasoline/jet fuel demand and consumer travel. The pandemic created an overabundance of productssand. Additionally, crude oil volumes increased in the market as companies reduced stockpiles before requiring more products.third quarter.

Metals and construction volume fellincreased in both periods largely the result of weakened demandacross almost all markets due to reductions ineconomic improvement since the beginning of the pandemic. The markets serving the metal production industry, including coil, iron and domestic vehicle production. Low coal power generationsteel, and scrap metal, experienced the largest gains.

Automotive volumes declined in the third quarter weakened scrubber stone demand, which negatively affected aggregates volumes. The pandemic caused industriesdue to suspendplant shutdowns as a result of the global microchip shortage. Automotive volumes were higher in the first nine months due primarily to prior-year pandemic-induced production which heavily impacted customers’ needs for materialsshutdowns and shipping of finished and semi-finished goods.increased retail demand.

Automotive volume increased in the third quarter, but decreasedMerchandise revenues for the first nine months. The third-quarter volume strength was driven by increased demand which partially offsetremainder of the first-half 2020 unplanned automotive plant shutdowns, primarilyyear are expected to be higher due to the COVID-19 pandemic.increased average revenue per unit, due to higher fuel surcharge revenue and pricing gains, and volume growth.


23


MerchandiseIntermodal
Intermodal revenues forincreased in both periods, the remainderresult of the year are expected to decline as decreased volumes will be partially offset by increasedhigher average revenue per unit driven by pricing gains.

Intermodal
Intermodal revenue declined in both periods. The third-quarter decline is a result of lower revenue per unit driven by decreasedincreased storage service charges, higher fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by positive mix and increased volumes. The declinepricing gains. In addition, for the first nine months, resulted from decreased volumes and lower revenue per unit, a result of lower fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by improved price and mix.volume growth contributed to the overall increase in revenues.

Intermodal units (in thousands) by market were as follows:
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20202019% change20202019% change
Domestic699.9 643.2 9%1,864.8 1,935.3 (4%)
International368.9 416.7 (11%)1,043.5 1,244.1 (16%)
Total1,068.8 1,059.9 1%2,908.3 3,179.4 (9%)
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20212020% change20212020% change
Domestic656.6 699.9 (6%)1,957.5 1,864.8 5%
International364.4 368.9 (1%)1,142.5 1,043.5 9%
Total1,021.0 1,068.8 (4%)3,100.0 2,908.3 7%

Domestic volumes increasedvolume declined in the third quarter but decreaseddue to limited chassis availability, labor and capacity constraints, and overall supply chain congestion, which more than offset strong consumer demand. Domestic volumes grew in the first nine months drivendue to strong consumer demand which was partially offset by a strong third-quarter recovery fromchassis availability issues and overall supply chain disruptions related to COVID-19.congestion. International volumes fellvolume declined in both periods,the third quarter as supply chain constraints with warehousing, drayage, terminals, ports, labor, and rail equipment more than offset strong consumer demand. International volume rose in the first nine months, the result of continued strong import demand partially offset by various supply chain disruptions from COVID-19.constraints.

Intermodal revenues for the remainder of the year are expected to increase primarily due to volume gains partially offsetrise, driven by lowerincreased average revenue per unit due to decreasedhigher storage service charges, increased fuel surcharge revenue.revenue, and pricing gains that should more than offset volume declines.

Coal

Coal revenues decreasedincreased in both periods, primarilyperiods. The increases are due to increased volumes and higher average revenue per unit driven by significant volume declines.pricing gains and positive mix.

Coal tonnage (in thousands) by market was as follows:

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20202019% change20202019% change 20212020% change20212020% change
UtilityUtility9,867 14,124 (30%)24,465 47,008 (48%)Utility8,234 9,867 (17%)25,343 24,465 4%
ExportExport3,585 5,403 (34%)13,323 18,417 (28%)Export5,650 3,585 58%18,923 13,323 42%
Domestic metallurgicalDomestic metallurgical2,379 3,649 (35%)6,993 10,431 (33%)Domestic metallurgical3,074 2,379 29%8,886 6,993 27%
IndustrialIndustrial864 1,125 (23%)2,592 3,528 (27%)Industrial940 864 9%2,710 2,592 5%
TotalTotal16,695 24,301 (31%)47,373 79,384 (40%)Total17,898 16,695 7%55,862 47,373 18%
 
In both periods, low natural gas prices and reduced demand in global and domestic manufacturing due to COVID-19 negatively impacted each market. Utility coalCoal tonnage was challengedrose in both periods driven by low natural gas prices, high stockpiles,increased export and diminished industrial and commercial electricity demand.domestic metallurgical volumes. Export coal tonnage declined in both periods as a result of continued COVID-19 relatedvolumes increased due to improved global disruptions, weakeconomic conditions, higher seaborne pricing, and import restrictions.strong global demand. Domestic metallurgical volumes were higher resulting from strong recovery in the steel market. Utility tonnage decreased in the third quarter due primarily to coal supply challenges and coke tonnage fell in both periods due to continued reduced domestic steel demand which led to idled customer facilities and lower production. Industrial coal tonnagemine outages. For the first nine months,

24


decreased in both periods as a result of customer sourcing changes and continued pressure fromutility volumes increased due to higher natural gas conversions.prices, reduced stockpiles, and improved industrial electricity demand.

Coal revenues are expected to decline in each market for the remainder of the year being negatively impacted by decreased volumes resulting from COVID-19.are expected to rise, primarily a result of increased demand.

Railway Operating Expenses

Railway operating expenses summarized by major classifications were as followsfollow ($ in millions):

Third QuarterFirst Nine MonthsThird QuarterFirst Nine Months
20202019% change20202019% change20212020% change20212020% change
Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits$578 $682 (15%)$1,786 $2,121 (16%)Compensation and benefits$609 $578 5%$1,844 $1,786 3%
Purchased services and rentsPurchased services and rents486 423 15%1,261 1,265 —%Purchased services and rents432 486 (11%)1,254 1,261 (1%)
FuelFuel126 226 (44%)399 730 (45%)Fuel208 126 65%573 399 44%
DepreciationDepreciation293 286 2%867 853 2%Depreciation297 293 1%883 867 2%
Materials and otherMaterials and other183 228 (20%)500 610 (18%)Materials and other170 183 (7%)418 500 (16%)
Loss on asset disposalLoss on asset disposal— — 385 — Loss on asset disposal— — —%— 385 (100%)
TotalTotal$1,666 $1,845 (10%)$5,198 $5,579 (7%)Total$1,716 $1,666 3%$4,972 $5,198 (4%)

Compensation and benefits expense decreasedincreased in both periods as follows:

employment levels (down $76incentive and stock-based compensation (up $43 million for the quarter and $250 million for the first nine months),
health and welfare benefits for agreement employees (down $22 million for the quarter and $61 million for the first nine months),
stock-based and incentive compensation (down $15 million for the quarter and $48$104 million for the first nine months),
overtime and recrews (down $11(up $10 million for the quarter and $48$36 million for the first nine months),
increased pay rates (up $10 million for the quarter and $40$31 million for the first nine months),
lower capitalized labor (additional expense of $18health and welfare benefits for craft employees (down $2 million for the quarter and $41$17 million for the first nine months),
employee activity levels (down $40 million for the quarter and $121 million for the first nine months), and
other (down $8(up $10 million for the quarter and $9$25 million for the first nine months).

Average rail headcount for the quarter was down by approximately 4,400over 1,400 compared with the third quarter of 2019.2020.

Purchased services and rents decreased in both periods as follows ($ in millions):

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 20212020% change20212020% change
Purchased services$355 $419 (15%)$1,025 $1,042 (2%)
Equipment rents77 67 15%229 219 5%
Total$432 $486 (11%)$1,254 $1,261 (1%)

Purchased services decreased in both periods due to a $99 million impairment in the prior year related to an equity method investment. This was partially offset in both periods by higher technology, Conrail-related, and drayage costs. The first nine months also includes higher volume-related intermodal expenses. Equipment rents increased in the third quarter primarily due to greater volume-related general use time and mileage expense. For the first nine months, equipment rents were higher as an increase in volume-related general use time and mileage expense was partially offset by higher equity in TTX earnings and lower intermodal costs.

25


Purchased services and rents increased in the third quarter but decreased slightly for the first nine months as follows ($ in millions):

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 20202019% change20202019% change
Purchased services$419 $355 18%$1,042 $1,048 (1%)
Equipment rents67 68 (1%)219 217 1%
Total$486 $423 15%$1,261 $1,265 —%

The increase in purchased services for the third quarter was due to a $99 million impairment related to an equity method investment. Both periods reflect volume-related decreases.

Fuel expense, which includes the cost of locomotive fuel as well as other fuel used in railway operations, decreasedincreased due to lowerhigher locomotive fuel prices (down 34%(up 58% in the third quarter and 32%35% in the first nine months), and reducedincreased consumption (down 17%(up 5% in the third quarter and 21%6% in the first nine months).

Materials and other expenses decreased in both periods as follows ($ in millions):  

Third QuarterFirst Nine MonthsThird QuarterFirst Nine Months
20202019% change20202019% change 20212020% change20212020% change
MaterialsMaterials$72 $85 (15%)$206 $254 (19%)Materials$71 $72 (1%)$193 $206 (6%)
ClaimsClaims59 48 23%141 147 (4%)Claims56 59 (5%)137 141 (3%)
OtherOther52 95 (45%)153 209 (27%)Other43 52 (17%)88 153 (42%)
TotalTotal$183 $228 (20%)$500 $610 (18%)Total$170 $183 (7%)$418 $500 (16%)

Materials costsexpense decreased in both periods,for the first nine months due primarily to lower maintenance requirementscosts as a result of fewer locomotives and freight cars in service. Claims expenses increasedexpense declined in the third quarter as a result of derailments. Claims expense declined inlower costs associated with personal injuries. For the first nine months, driven by lower costs related to environmental remediation mattersassociated with personal injuries were partially offset by increased derailment costs.costs related to derailments. Other expense decreased in both periods primarily due to a prior year write offhigher gains from sales of a $32 million receivable as a result of a legal dispute as well as reduced travel.operating property. Gains from operating property sales included in Other, totaled $15$5 million and $21$2 million for the third quarters of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $76 million and $15 million in the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, and 2019, respectively. In addition, third-quarter other expense decreased due to lower property taxes.

Other income – net

Other income – net increased $17decreased $25 million in the third quarter and $22$54 million for the first nine months. Both periods experienced highermonths due to lower net returns on corporate-owned life insuranceinsurance.

Income taxes
The third-quarter effective tax rate was 23.6% compared with 21.4% in the same period last year due to lower tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and lower pensioncorporate-owned life insurance.

The effective tax rates were 22.4% and postretirement benefit expenses.19.3% for the first nine months of 2021 and 2020, respectively. The first nine months reflectof 2020 includes a $19 million reduction of taxes from the impact of a prior year impairment loss on our natural resource assets and lower 2020 non-operating property sales. Coal royalties were lower in both periods due to the saleresolution of our natural resource assets2012 amended federal return, while the current year includes a $23 million reduction in the first quarter of 2020. Full-year 2019 coal royalties totaled $24 million.deferred taxes associated with a state tax law change. The effective rate for 2021 also reflects lower tax benefits on stock-based compensation and returns on corporate-owned life insurance.



26


Income taxes
The third-quarter effective tax rate was 21.4% compared with 24.3% for the same period last year. Both periods were aided by tax benefits on stock-based compensation while the current quarter reflects increased tax benefits from higher returns on corporate-owned life insurance. The effective tax rates were 19.3% and 22.8% for the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Both periods reflect tax benefits on stock-based compensation, while the effective rate for the first nine months includes a $19 million reduction of taxes upon the resolution of our 2012 amended federal return.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
 
Cash provided by operating activities, our principal source of liquidity, was $2.8$3.3 billion for the first nine months of 2020,2021, compared with $3.0$2.8 billion for the same period of 2019.2020, primarily due to improved operating results. We had working capital of $574$312 million and $158 million at September 30, 2020,2021 and negative working capital of $219 million at December 31, 2019.2020, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.4$1.5 billion at September 30, 2020.2021.

Cash used in investing activities was $818$847 million for the first nine months of 2020,2021, compared with $1.3 billion$818 million for the same period last year. The decreaseincrease was primarily driven by lower proceeds from property additions in 2020.sales, partially offset by reduced corporate-owned life insurance policy loan repayments and lower property additions.

Cash used in financing activities was $1.2$2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2020,2021, compared with $1.6$1.2 billion in the same period last year, reflecting lowerhigher repurchases of Common Stock and debt repayments, partially offset by reduced borrowing proceeds.increased proceeds from borrowing. We repurchased $960 million$2.5 billion of Common Stock in the first nine months of 20202021 compared to $1.6 billion$960 million in the same period last year.  The timing and volume of future share repurchases will be guided by our assessment of market conditions, cash flow and other pertinent factors.  Any near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally-generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings. 

Our total-debt-to-totaldebt-to-total capitalization ratio was 46.0%49.9% at September 30, 2020,2021, and 44.5%46.2% at December 31, 2019.2020.

In August 2021, we issued $600 million of 2.90% senior notes due 2051.

In May 2020,2021, we issued $800$500 million of 3.05%2.30% senior notes due 2050, resulting2031 and $600 million of 4.10% senior notes due 2121. The net proceeds of the 2.30% senior notes due 2031 will be allocated to existing or future investments in $790 million inprojects that provide environmental benefits. The net proceeds.proceeds of the notes due 2121 will be used for general corporate purposes.

In May 2020, we also issued $800 million of 3.155% senior notes due 2055 in exchange for $554 million of our previously-issued notes ($450 million at 5.1% due 2118, $42 million at 6% due 2111, $29 million at 7.9% due 2097, $26 million at 6% due 2105, and $7 million at 7.05% due 2037). As part of the debt exchange, a $4 million loss on extinguishment was recognized in “Other income – net.”

In May 2020,2021, we renewed, amended and amendedrestated our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million and amillion. The term expiringexpires in May 2021.2022. We had no amounts outstanding at September 30, 2020, or December 31, 2019,under this program and our available borrowing capacity was $400 million and $429 million, respectively. In addition, we have investments in general purpose corporate-owned life insurance policies and had the ability to borrow up to $750 million against these policies at both September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020.

InWe also have in place and available an $800 million credit agreement expiring in March 2020, we renewed and amended our five-year credit agreement. We increased the program’s borrowing authority from $750 million to $800 million. The amended agreement expires in 2025, andwhich provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at September 30, 2020,2021 or December 31, 2019,2020. In addition, we have investments in general purpose corporate-owned life insurance policies and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.had the ability to borrow against these policies up to $720 million and $750 million at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

We expect cash on hand combined with cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to meet our ongoing obligations. In addition, we believe our currently-available borrowing capacity, access to additional financing, and ability to reduce or defer expenditures on property additions and decrease shareholder distributions, including share repurchases, provide additional flexibility to meet our ongoing obligations. Nonetheless, we are monitoring the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could lead to a further decline of cash inflows from operations. There have been no material changes to the information on future contractual obligations contained in our Form 10-K for the

27


year ended December 31, 2019,2020, with the exception of additional senior notes (see Note 8) and $150 million of unconditional purchase obligations, which extend through 2021..

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions may require judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are

27


likely to occur that may require us to make changes to these estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, we regularly review these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment, and other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  There have been no significant changes to the application of the critical accounting policies contained in our Form 10-K at December 31, 2019.2020. 

OTHER MATTERS
 
Labor Agreements

Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.  Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, these agreements remain in effect until new agreements are reached, or until the bargaining procedures mandated by the Railway Labor Act are completed.  We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National CarriersCarriers’ Conference Committee.  Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements. The current round of bargaining commenced on November 1, 2019, with both management and the unions serving their formal proposals for changes to the collective bargaining agreements.agreements, and negotiations are ongoing.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 12.

Inflation

In preparing financial statements, GAAP requires the use of historical cost that disregards the effects of inflation on the replacement cost of property.  As a capital-intensive company, we have most of our capital invested in long-lived assets.  The replacement cost of these assets, as well as the related depreciation expense, would be substantially greater than the amounts reported on the basis of historical cost.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.  These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or our achievements or those of our industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “consider,” “predict,” “potential,” “feel,” or other comparable terminology.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections. While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control.  These and other important factors, including the risks and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic and those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our latest Form 10-K, as well as our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking

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statements.  The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Additional Information

Investors and others should note that we routinely use the Investor Relations and Sustainability sections of our website (www.norfolksouthern.com/content/nscorp/en/investor-relations.html & www.nscorp.com/content/nscorp/en/about-ns/sustainability.html) to post presentations to investors and other important information, including

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information that may be deemed material to investors. Information about us, including information that may be deemed material, may also be announced by posts on our social media channels, including Twitter (www.twitter.com/nscorp) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/norfolk-southern). We may also use our website and social media channels for the purpose of complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. As a result, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in Norfolk Southern to review the information posted on our website and social media channels. The information posted on our website and social media channels is not incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.Risk
 
The information required by this item is included in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Financial Condition and Liquidity.”
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) at September 30, 2020.2021.  Based on such evaluation, our officers have concluded that, at September 30, 2020,2021, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information required to be included in our periodic filings under the Exchange Act.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During the third quarter of 2020,2021, we have not identified any changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 



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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.Proceedings
 
In 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. In 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. On October 10, 2017, the District Court denied class certification. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals on August 16, 2019. Since that decision, various individual cases have been filed in multiple jurisdictions and also consolidated in the District of Columbia. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against one of our subsidiaries by the minority owner in a jointly-owned terminal railroad company in which our subsidiary has the majority ownership. The lawsuit alleged violations of various state laws and federal antitrust laws. It is reasonably possible that we could incur a loss in the case; however, we intend to vigorously defend the case and believe that we will prevail. The potential range of loss cannot be estimated at this time.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.Factors
 
The risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in our 20192020 Form 10-K could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Those risks remain unchanged and are incorporated herein by reference and are updated to include the following risk.reference.

The COVID-19 pandemic could impact us, our customers, our supply chain and our operations. The pandemic has negatively impacted the economy and continues to generate significant economic uncertainty. It has had a significant adverse impact on our results of operations, and may have material adverse impacts on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. The magnitude and duration of the pandemic, and its impact on our customers and general economic conditions will influence the demand for our services and affect our revenues. In addition, COVID-19 could affect our operations and business continuity if a significant number of our essential employees, overall or in a key location, are quarantined from contraction of or exposure to the disease or if governmental orders prevent our operating employees or critical suppliers from working. To the extent COVID-19 adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in the risk factors included in our 2019 Form 10-K.


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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.Proceeds 

(a) Total
Number
of Shares
(or Units)
(b) Average
Price Paid
per Share
(c) Total
Number of
Shares
(or Units)
Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
(d) Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares (or Units)
that may yet be
purchased under
the Plans or
Period
Purchased (1)
(or Unit)
Programs (2)
Programs (2)
July 1-31, 2020370,977  $181.20 370,532  23,814,662  
August 1-31, 2020463,900  207.56 459,832  23,354,830  
September 1-30, 2020602,751  214.44 601,940  22,752,890  
Total1,437,628   1,432,304    
Period
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units)
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be purchased under the Plans or Programs (2)
July 1-31, 20211,083,372  $262.34 1,081,820  13,896,044  
August 1-31, 20211,267,526  260.88 1,267,526  12,628,518  
September 1-30, 20211,300,073  246.32 1,300,073  11,328,445  
Total3,650,971   3,649,419    
 
(1)Of this amount, 5,3241,552 represent shares tendered by employees in connection with the exercise of options under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(2)On September 26, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2020, 22.82021, 11.3 million shares remain authorized for repurchase.

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Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibits
 
1.1
4.1
31-A*
31-B*
32*
101*
The following financial information from Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2020,2021, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarter and first nine months of 20202021 and 2019;2020; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the third quarter and first nine months of 20202021 and 2019;2020; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 20202021 and December 31, 2019;2020; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the first nine months of 20202021 and 2019;2020; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the third quarter and first nine months of 20202021 and 2019;2020; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*  Filed herewith.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
Registrant
Date:October 28, 202027, 2021/s/ Clyde H. Allison, Jr.
Clyde H. Allison, Jr.
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature)
Date:October 28, 202027, 2021/s/ Denise W. Hutson
Denise W. Hutson
Corporate Secretary (Signature)


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