UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.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 March 31,June 30, 2023

   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

nslogoq217a12.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.)
650 West Peachtree Street NW30308-1925
Atlanta,Georgia
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(855)667-3655
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
No change
(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 March 31,June 30, 2023
Common Stock ($1.00 par value per share)227,639,602227,015,277 (excluding 20,320,777 shares held by the registrant’s
consolidated subsidiaries)




TABLE OF CONTENTS

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Page
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
First Quarter Second QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022 2023202220232022
($ in millions, except per share amounts) ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating revenuesRailway operating revenues$3,132 $2,915 Railway operating revenues$2,980 $3,250 $6,112 $6,165 
Railway operating expensesRailway operating expenses  Railway operating expenses    
Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits690 619 Compensation and benefits693 614 1,383 1,233 
Purchased services and rentsPurchased services and rents496 437 Purchased services and rents506 481 1,002 918 
FuelFuel315 301 Fuel263 408 578 709 
DepreciationDepreciation321 302 Depreciation321 304 642 606 
Materials and otherMaterials and other212 171 Materials and other205 172 417 343 
Eastern Ohio incidentEastern Ohio incident387 — Eastern Ohio incident416 — 803 — 
Total railway operating expensesTotal railway operating expenses2,421 1,830 Total railway operating expenses2,404 1,979 4,825 3,809 
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations711 1,085 Income from railway operations576 1,271 1,287 2,356 
Other income (expense) – netOther income (expense) – net56 (5)Other income (expense) – net57 (14)113 (19)
Interest expense on debtInterest expense on debt175 168 Interest expense on debt170 170 345 338 
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes592 912 Income before income taxes463 1,087 1,055 1,999 
Income taxesIncome taxes126 209 Income taxes107 268 233 477 
Net incomeNet income$466 $703 Net income$356 $819 $822 $1,522 
Earnings per shareEarnings per share  Earnings per share    
BasicBasic$2.04 $2.94 Basic$1.56 $3.46 $3.61 $6.39 
DilutedDiluted2.04 2.93 Diluted1.56 3.45 3.60 6.37 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
First Quarter Second QuarterFirst Six Months
202320222023202220232022
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Net incomeNet income$466 $703 Net income$356 $819 $822 $1,522 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:  
Pension and other postretirement benefit (expense)Pension and other postretirement benefit (expense)(5)Pension and other postretirement benefit (expense)(6)(11)11 
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(1)
Other comprehensive income of equity investeesOther comprehensive income of equity investees— 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxOther comprehensive income (loss), before tax(6)12 Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax(5)(11)19 
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of otherIncome tax benefit (expense) related to items of otherIncome tax benefit (expense) related to items of other
comprehensive income (loss)comprehensive income (loss)(4)comprehensive income (loss)(1)(5)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxOther comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(4)Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(4)(8)14 
Total comprehensive incomeTotal comprehensive income$462 $711 Total comprehensive income$352 $825 $814 $1,536 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
March 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
June 30,
2023
December 31,
2022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
AssetsAssets  Assets  
Current assets:Current assets:  Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$552 $456 Cash and cash equivalents$556 $456 
Accounts receivable – netAccounts receivable – net1,170 1,148 Accounts receivable – net1,089 1,148 
Materials and suppliesMaterials and supplies262 253 Materials and supplies272 253 
Other current assetsOther current assets138 150 Other current assets114 150 
Total current assetsTotal current assets2,122 2,007 Total current assets2,031 2,007 
InvestmentsInvestments3,738 3,694 Investments3,673 3,694 
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $12,810 
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $13,024Properties less accumulated depreciation of $13,024 
and $12,592, respectivelyand $12,592, respectively32,240 32,156 and $12,592, respectively32,474 32,156 
Other assetsOther assets1,069 1,028 Other assets1,083 1,028 
Total assetsTotal assets$39,169 $38,885 Total assets$39,261 $38,885 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equityLiabilities and stockholders’ equity  Liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:  Current liabilities:  
Accounts payableAccounts payable$1,315 $1,293 Accounts payable$1,416 $1,293 
Short-term debtShort-term debt— 100 Short-term debt130 100 
Income and other taxesIncome and other taxes438 312 Income and other taxes243 312 
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities668 341 Other current liabilities792 341 
Current maturities of long-term debtCurrent maturities of long-term debt403 603 Current maturities of long-term debt405 603 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities2,824 2,649 Total current liabilities2,986 2,649 
Long-term debtLong-term debt14,585 14,479 Long-term debt14,594 14,479 
Other liabilitiesOther liabilities1,785 1,759 Other liabilities1,814 1,759 
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes7,248 7,265 Deferred income taxes7,227 7,265 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities26,442 26,152 Total liabilities26,621 26,152 
Stockholders’ equity:Stockholders’ equity:  Stockholders’ equity:  
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 sharesCommon stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares  Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares  
authorized; outstanding 227,639,602 and 228,076,415 shares,  
authorized; outstanding 227,015,277 and 228,076,415 shares, authorized; outstanding 227,015,277 and 228,076,415 shares,  
respectively, net of treasury shares respectively, net of treasury shares229 230  respectively, net of treasury shares228 230 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital2,155 2,157 Additional paid-in capital2,160 2,157 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(355)(351)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(359)(351)
Retained incomeRetained income10,698 10,697 Retained income10,611 10,697 
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity12,727 12,733 Total stockholders’ equity12,640 12,733 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equityTotal liabilities and stockholders’ equity$39,169 $38,885 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$39,261 $38,885 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 First Three Months First Six Months
 20232022 20232022
 ($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Cash flows from operating activitiesCash flows from operating activities  Cash flows from operating activities  
Net income$466 $703 Net income$822 $1,522 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation321 302 Depreciation642 606 
Deferred income taxes(15)48 Deferred income taxes(35)111 
Gains and losses on properties(4)(6)Gains and losses on properties(25)(37)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:  Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:  
Accounts receivable(22)(94)Accounts receivable57 (230)
Materials and supplies(9)(46)Materials and supplies(19)(71)
Other current assets12 21 Other current assets36 30 
Current liabilities other than debt480 83 Current liabilities other than debt460 75 
Other – net(56)(17)Other – net(92)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,173 994 Net cash provided by operating activities1,846 2,011 
Cash flows from investing activitiesCash flows from investing activities  Cash flows from investing activities  
Property additions(428)(389)Property additions(948)(837)
Property sales and other transactions20 36 Property sales and other transactions61 100 
Investment purchases— (1)Investment purchases(6)(7)
Investment sales and other transactions17 19 Investment sales and other transactions152 30 
Net cash used in investing activities(391)(335)Net cash used in investing activities(741)(714)
Cash flows from financing activitiesCash flows from financing activities  Cash flows from financing activities  
Dividends(307)(297)Dividends(615)(591)
Common stock transactions(10)(18)Common stock transactions(9)(14)
Purchase and retirement of common stock(163)(600)Purchase and retirement of common stock(303)(1,454)
Proceeds from borrowings594 989 Proceeds from borrowings724 1,732 
Debt repayments(800)(1)Debt repayments(802)(550)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(686)73 Net cash used in financing activities(1,005)(877)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents96 732 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents100 420 
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents  Cash and cash equivalents  
At beginning of year456 839 At beginning of year456 839 
At end of period$552 $1,571 At end of period$556 $1,259 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow informationSupplemental disclosures of cash flow information  Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information  
Cash paid during the period for:  Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$129 $114 Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$318 $294 
Income taxes (net of refunds)(1)Income taxes (net of refunds)315 321 

 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
TotalCommon
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
($ in millions, except per share amounts) ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2022Balance at December 31, 2022$230 $2,157 $(351)$10,697 $12,733 Balance at December 31, 2022$230 $2,157 $(351)$10,697 $12,733 
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:
Net incomeNet income466 466 Net income466 466 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss(4)(4)Other comprehensive loss(4)(4)
Total comprehensive incomeTotal comprehensive income462 Total comprehensive income462 
Dividends on common stock,Dividends on common stock,Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share$1.35 per share(307)(307)$1.35 per share(307)(307)
Share repurchasesShare repurchases(1)(6)(156)(163)Share repurchases(1)(6)(156)(163)
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation(2)Stock-based compensation(2)
Balance at March 31, 2023Balance at March 31, 2023$229 $2,155 $(355)$10,698 $12,727 Balance at March 31, 2023229 2,155 (355)10,698 12,727 
Comprehensive income:Comprehensive income:
Net incomeNet income356 356 
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss(4)(4)
Total comprehensive incomeTotal comprehensive income352 
Dividends on common stock,Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share$1.35 per share(308)(308)
Share repurchasesShare repurchases(1)(4)(135)(140)
Stock-based compensationStock-based compensation
Balance at June 30, 2023Balance at June 30, 2023$228 $2,160 $(359)$10,611 $12,640 

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2021$242 $2,215 $(402)$11,586 $13,641 
Comprehensive income:
Net income703 703 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income711 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.24 per share(297)(297)
Share repurchases(2)(19)(579)(600)
Stock-based compensation(1)
Balance at March 31, 2022$240 $2,203 $(394)$11,412 $13,461 

 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, 2021$242 $2,215 $(402)$11,586 $13,641 
Comprehensive income:
Net income703 703 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income711 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.24 per share(297)(297)
Share repurchases(2)(19)(579)(600)
Stock-based compensation(1)
Balance at March 31, 2022240 2,203 (394)11,412 13,461 
Comprehensive income:
Net income819 819 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income825 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.24 per share(294)(294)
Share repurchases(4)(29)(821)(854)
Stock-based compensation16 16 
Balance at June 30, 2022$236 $2,190 $(388)$11,116 $13,154 

See accompanying notes toconsolidatedfinancialstatements.
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 March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in stockholders’ equity for the second quarters and first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, and our cash flows for the first threesix months of 2023 and 2022 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:

First Quarter
20232022
($ in millions)
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$653 $573 
Chemicals541 498 
Metals and construction400 375 
Automotive284 226 
Merchandise1,878 1,672 
Intermodal814 854 
Coal440 389 
Total$3,132 $2,915 
Second QuarterFirst Six Months
2023202220232022
($ in millions)
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$627 $624 $1,280 $1,197 
Chemicals503 552 1,044 1,050 
Metals and construction415 420 815 795 
Automotive281 257 565 483 
Merchandise1,826 1,853 3,704 3,525 
Intermodal745 972 1,559 1,826 
Coal409 425 849 814 
Total$2,980 $3,250 $6,112 $6,165 

We recognize the amount of revenues to which we expect to be entitled 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 us for the transport of goods. These performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination. As such, transportation revenues 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 revenues associated with in-process shipments at period-end are recorded based on the estimated percentage of service completed. We had no material remaining performance obligations at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

We may provide customers ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental activities, under their transportation contracts. The revenues associated with these distinct performance obligations are recognized when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. These revenues are included within each of the commodity groups and represent approximately 6%4% and 7%6% of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 5% and 7% for the first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively.


9


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


8


Under the typical 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:

March 31,
2023
December 31, 2022June 30,
2023
December 31, 2022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
CustomerCustomer$919 $895 Customer$818 $895 
Non-customerNon-customer251 253 Non-customer271 253 
Accounts receivable – net Accounts receivable – net$1,170 $1,148  Accounts receivable – net$1,089 $1,148 

Non-customer receivables include non-revenue-related amounts due from other railroads, governmental entities, and others. We do not have any material contract assets or liabilities at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.


2.  Stock-Based Compensation

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
202320222023202220232022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation expenseStock-based compensation expense$11 $23 Stock-based compensation expense$11 $13 $22 $36 
Total tax benefitTotal tax benefit13 Total tax benefit17 

During the first quarter of 2023, we granted stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), as follows:

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
GrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Stock optionsStock options69,580 $77.60 Stock options— $— 69,580 $77.60 
RSUsRSUs173,221 237.70 RSUs20,150 199.33 193,371 233.71 
PSUsPSUs58,040 236.68 PSUs920 209.22 58,960 236.25 


910


Stock Options
First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
202320222023202220232022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
Options exercisedOptions exercised66,811119,343 Options exercised10,46139,546 77,272 158,889 
Cash received upon exerciseCash received upon exercise$$10 Cash received upon exercise$$$$14 
Related tax benefits realizedRelated tax benefits realizedRelated tax benefits realized— 

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. 
First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
202320222023202220232022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
RSUs vestedRSUs vested149,122 243,301 RSUs vested3,908 3,652 153,030 246,953 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholdingCommon Stock issued net of tax withholding104,608 172,364 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding2,811 2,612 107,419 174,976 
Related tax benefits realizedRelated tax benefits realized$$Related tax benefits realized$— $— $$

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 second quarters of 2023 and 2022.

First QuarterFirst Six Months
2023202220232022
($ in millions)($ in millions)
PSUs earnedPSUs earned58,599 86,420 PSUs earned58,599 86,420 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholdingCommon Stock issued net of tax withholding40,255 54,651 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding40,255 54,651 
Related tax benefits realizedRelated tax benefits realized$— $Related tax benefits realized$— $


1011


3.  Earnings Per Share

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

BasicDiluted BasicDiluted
First Quarter Second Quarter
2023202220232022 2023202220232022
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net incomeNet income$466 $703 $466 $703 Net income$356 $819 $356 $819 
Dividend equivalent paymentsDividend equivalent payments(1)— — — Dividend equivalent payments— (1)— (1)
Income available to common stockholdersIncome available to common stockholders$465 $703 $466 $703 Income available to common stockholders$356 $818 $356 $818 
Weighted-average shares outstandingWeighted-average shares outstanding227.7 239.3 227.7 239.3 Weighted-average shares outstanding227.5 236.7 227.5 236.7 
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awardsDilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  0.6 0.9 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  0.5 0.8 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstandingAdjusted weighted-average shares outstanding  228.3 240.2 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding  228.0 237.5 
Earnings per shareEarnings per share$2.04 $2.94 $2.04 $2.93 Earnings per share$1.56 $3.46 $1.56 $3.45 
BasicDiluted
First Six Months
2023202220232022
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net incomeNet income$822 $1,522 $822 $1,522 
Dividend equivalent paymentsDividend equivalent payments(1)(1)(1)(1)
Income available to common stockholdersIncome available to common stockholders$821 $1,521 $821 $1,521 
Weighted-average shares outstandingWeighted-average shares outstanding227.6 238.0 227.6 238.0 
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awardsDilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  0.5 0.9 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstandingAdjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 228.1 238.9 
Earnings per shareEarnings per share$3.61 $6.39 $3.60 $6.37 

During the second quarters and first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, 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. The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: 0.1 million in both the second quarters and first quarterssix months ended March 31,June 30, 2023 and 2022.


1112


4. 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 IncomeReclassification
Adjustments
Balance at
End of Period
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Net IncomeReclassification
Adjustments
Balance at
End of Period
($ in millions)    ($ in millions)
Three months ended March 31, 2023   
Six months ended June 30, 2023Six months ended June 30, 2023   
Pensions and other postretirement liabilitiesPensions and other postretirement liabilities$(319)$— $(4)$(323)Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(319)$— $(8)$(327)
Other comprehensive loss of equity investeesOther comprehensive loss of equity investees(32)— —  (32)Other comprehensive loss of equity investees(32)— —  (32)
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss$(351)$— $(4) $(355)Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(351)$— $(8) $(359)
Three months ended March 31, 2022   
Six months ended June 30, 2022Six months ended June 30, 2022   
Pensions and other postretirement liabilitiesPensions and other postretirement liabilities$(356)$— $$(352)Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(356)$— $$(348)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investeesOther comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(46)—  (42)Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(46)—  (40)
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss$(402)$$ $(394)Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(402)$$ $(388)

5.  Stock Repurchase Program
 
We repurchased and retired 0.61.3 million and 2.25.7 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase programs in the first threesix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively, at a cost of $163$303 million and $600 million.$1.5 billion.

6.  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 the jointly-owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Our investment in Conrail was $1.6 billion at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

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 expenses payable to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $45$39 million and $38$36 million for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $84 million and $74 million for the first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our equity in Conrail’s earnings, net of amortization, was $16$19 million and $14$11 million for the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $35 million and $25 million for the first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts partially offset the costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas and are included in “Purchased services and rents.”

“Other liabilities” includes $534 million at both March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing in 2050 that bear interest at an average rate of 1.31%.


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Investment in TTX

We and sevensix other North American railroads collectively own TTX Company (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 19.78% ownership interest in TTX.

Expenses incurred for use of TTX equipment are included in “Purchased services and rents.” These expenses amounted to $69 million and $66 million for the second quarters of 2023 and $642022, respectively, and $135 million and $130 million for the first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our equity in TTX’s earnings partially offsets these costs and totaled $9$12 million and $10$11 million for the firstsecond quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively.respectively, and $21 million in both the first six months of 2023 and 2022.

7.  Debt

In FebruaryMay 2023, we issued $500 million of 4.45% senior notes due 2033.

We have in place anrenewed our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 millionmillion. Amounts under our accounts receivable securitization program are borrowed and arepaid from time to time in the ordinary course for general corporate and cash management purposes. The term thatof our accounts receivable securitization program was extended in the second quarter and now expires in May 2023.2024. Amounts received under this facility are accounted for as borrowings. WeAt June 30, 2023, we had no amounts$130 million (at an average variable interest rate of 5.81%) outstanding under this program at March 31, 2023which is included within “Short-term debt” and our available borrowing capacity was $400$270 million. At December 31, 2022, we had $100 million (at an average variable interest rate of 5.05%) outstanding which is included within “Short-term debt” and our available borrowing capacity was $300 million. Our accounts receivable securitization program was supported by $916$840 million and $883 million in receivables at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, which are included in “Accounts receivable – net”.

In February 2023, we issued $500 million of 4.45% senior notes due 2033.

8.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering eligible employees. We also provide specified health care 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. Eligible 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 were as follows:

Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
First Quarter Second Quarter
2023202220232022 2023202220232022
($ in millions) ($ in millions)
Service costService cost$$10 $$Service cost$$10 $$
Interest costInterest cost27 17 Interest cost27 17 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(52)(53)(3)(3)Expected return on plan assets(52)(54)(3)(3)
Amortization of net lossesAmortization of net losses12 — — Amortization of net losses12 — — 
Amortization of prior service benefitAmortization of prior service benefit— — (6)(6)Amortization of prior service benefit— — (7)(7)
Net benefitNet benefit$(18)$(14)$(4)$(6)Net benefit$(18)$(15)$(4)$(6)

 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 First Six Months
 2023202220232022
 ($ in millions)
Service cost$12 $20 $$
Interest cost54 34 
Expected return on plan assets(104)(107)(6)(6)
Amortization of net losses24 — — 
Amortization of prior service benefit— — (13)(13)
Net benefit$(36)$(29)$(8)$(12)

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The service cost component 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 (expense) – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

9.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable – net,” “Accounts payable,” and “Short-term debt,” 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 March 31,June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consist of the following:

 March 31, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
 ($ in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities$(14,988)$(13,889)$(15,082)$(13,846)
 June 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
 ($ in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities$(14,999)$(13,817)$(15,082)$(13,846)


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10.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Eastern Ohio Incident

Summary

On February 3, 2023, a train we operated derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The derailed equipment included 38 railcars, 11 of which were non-Company-owned tank cars containing hazardous materials. Fires associated with the derailment threatened certain of the tank cars. There was concern about the risk that the contentcontents of five of the tank cars carrying vinyl chloride might polymerize, which would have posed the risk of a catastrophic explosion. As a consequence, on February 6, 2023, the local incident commander—in consultation with the incident command that included, among others, federal, state and local officials and Norfolk Southern—opted to conduct a controlled vent and burn of five derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. This procedure involved creating holes in the five tank cars to drain the vinyl chloride into adjacent trenches that had been dug into the ground where such vinyl chloride was then burned, with any material remaining after burning of the vinyl chloride being remediated. The February 3rd derailment, the associated fire, and the resulting vent and burn of the tank cars containing vinyl chloride on February 6th is hereinafter referred to as the “Incident.”

In response to the Incident, we have workedbeen working to clean the site safely and thoroughly, including those activities described in the Environmental Matters section below with respect to potentially impacted air, soil and water and to monitor for any impact on public health and the environment. We are working with federal, state, and local officials to mitigate impacts from the Incident, including, among other efforts, conducting environmental monitoring and clean-up activities (as more fully described below), and establishingoperating a family assistance center to provide financial support to affected members of the East Palestine and surrounding communities.

Financial Impact

Although we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss with certainty, during the first six months of 2023, we have recognized $387$803 million of expense for costs directly attributable to the Incident ($416 million of which was recognized in the second quarter), which is presented in “Eastern Ohio incident” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the first quarter,six months of 2023, our cash expenditures attributable to the Incident were $55$287 million, which are presented in “Net cash provided by operating activities” on the Consolidated StatementStatements of Cash Flows. The remainder, $332difference between the recognized expense and cash expenditures during the first six months of 2023, $516 million, is primarily comprised of our current estimates of

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probable and reasonably estimable liabilities principally associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings, which are discussed in further detail below.

While certain costs recorded induring the first quartersix months of 2023 may be recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident, no estimate of potential recoveries has yet been recorded. Any amounts recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies will be reflected in future periods in which recovery is considered probable. For additional information about our insurance coverage, see “Insurance” below.

Environmental Matters – In response to the Incident, we have been working with federal, state, and local officials such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ohio EPA, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to conduct environmental response and remediation activities, including but not limited to, air monitoring, indoor air quality screenings, municipal water and private water well testing, residential, commercial, and agricultural soil sampling, surface water and groundwater sampling, re-routing a local waterway around the affected site, capturing and shipping stormwater that enters the impacted derailment site to proper disposal facilities, and excavating and disposing of potentially affected soil at hazardous waste landfills or incinerators. The U.S. EPA issued a Unilateral Administrative Order (UAO) on February 21, 2023, containing various requirements, including the submission of numerous work plans to assess and remediate various environmental media and

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performance of certain removal actions at the affected site. On February 24, 2023, we submitted to the U.S. EPA our Notice of Intent to Comply with the UAO and are currently cooperating with U.S. EPA as well as the Ohio EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,DEP, pursuant to the UAO and the directives issued thereunder.

We are also subject to the following legal proceedings that principally relate to the environmental impact of the Incident:

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. EPA filed a civil complaint (the DOJ Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) seeking injunctive relief, cost recovery and civil penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act and seeking cost recovery under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); and

. The Ohio Attorney General (AG) also filed a CERCLA lawsuit (the Ohio Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) requestingseeking statutory damages for a variety of tort and environmental claims under CERCLA.CERCLA and various state laws. The DOJ and Ohio AG cases have been consolidated for discovery purposes. We have filed an answer, and on June 30, 2023, we filed a third-party complaint bringing in numerous parties involved in the Incident.

In connection with the foregoing items, we recognized $317$581 million of expense during the first quarter,six months of 2023 ($264 million of which $31was recognized in the second quarter), of which $208 million was paid during the first six months of 2023, related to probable obligations that are reasonably estimable, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 410-30, “Environmental Obligations.” Our current estimate includes ongoing and future environmental cleanup activities and remediation efforts, governmental oversight costs (including those incurred by the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA), and other related costs, including those in connection with the DOJ Complaint (including potential civil penalties related to violations of the Clean Water Act). Our current estimates of future environmental cleanup and remediation liabilities related to the Incident may change over time due to various factors, including but not limited to, when activities at the success of current cleanup techniques,site transition from extensive soil and water disposal and air monitoring activities to additional assessment and investigative efforts, the nature and extent of required future cleanup activities (including those resulting from additional assessment and investigative activities that will be conducted at the site), the extent and duration of governmental oversight, and the success of current cleanup techniques, amongst other factors. As clean-up efforts progress and more information is available, including any federal and state requirements, we will review these estimates and revise as appropriate.

Legal Proceedings and Claims (Non-Environmental) – To date, numerous non-environmental legal actions have been filedcommenced with respect to the Incident, including those more specifically set forth below.

There are currently numerousis a consolidated putative class action and individual lawsuits that have been filed, primarily consolidatedpending in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division). The putative class

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action complaints currently allege numerous alleging various claims, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, and nuisance, trespass, and seeking as relief compensatory and punitive damages, medical monitoring and seek as relief, among other things, compensatory and punitive damages.business losses. The putative classes are currently defined by reference to a class areas ranging fromarea covering a 30-mile radius. The court in the evacuation zone up to 100 miles away.putative class action has established a fact discovery deadline in January 2024. Additional multi-plaintiff lawsuits are also pending in the same court and others, such as additional lawsuits pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania brought by three local school districts and including claims such as negligence, nuisance, trespass, and future health monitoring. No responsive pleadings have yet been filed with respect to these matters (collectivelyThe putative class action and individual lawsuits are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Lawsuits).Lawsuits. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies,” we have recognized a $12$105 million probable loss induring the first quartersix months of 2023 with respect to the Incident Lawsuits ($77 million of which is in additionwas recognized during the second quarter based on updated information and related discussions, including currently estimated liabilities related to $16tailored property value and drinking water protection programs being negotiated with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohio AG, to assist affected residents and businesses). We have made $25 million in amounts paidpayments during the first quartersix months of 2023 with respect to these matters.

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Securities litigation and demands, including a securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed in the Southern District of Ohio alleging multiple securities law violations, for which no responsive pleading has yet beena securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Act of 1933 filed as well asin the Southern District of New York alleging misstatements in association with our debt offerings, and multiple shareholder document and litigation demand letters that we have received (collectively, the Shareholder Lawsuits)Matters). No responsive pleadings have been filed yet, although we are seeking to transfer the matter filed in the Southern District of Ohio to the Northern District of Georgia.

If and when we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it will be accrued through a charge to earnings and, if material, disclosed. Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known. Because the final outcome of any of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter. For legal proceedings 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.

In addition to the costs associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings and claims, we incurred other expenses directly related to the Incident of $117 million during the first six months of 2023 ($75 million of which was recognized in the second quarter) pertaining to legal fees, community support, and other response-related activities. The reserves established by us during the first quartersix months of 2023 do not include any estimate of loss for the following additional items, for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for the reasons noted: (i) the overall cost to us for programsthe healthcare fund being developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohio Attorney GeneralAG, for affected residents and businesses,(given the preliminary nature of such discussions), which amountsamount will impact our loss contingency analysis with respect to the Incident Lawsuits described above, namely a healthcare fund, tailored protection for property owners, and programs to protect drinking water over the long term (given the preliminary nature of such discussions), or (ii) any fines or penalties (in excess of the reserves established for Clean Water Act-related civil penalties) that may be imposed as a result of the Incident Inquiries and Investigations, as more specifically set forth and defined below (the outcome of which are uncertain at this time). Additionally, as noted above, amounts recognized during the first quartersix months of 2023 do not include potential recoveries from third parties, including but not limited to the impact of our insurance coverage, which may apply to various Incident-related expenses or liabilities, as more specifically set forth further below (given the preliminary nature of any related discussions with our insurers).

Inquiries and Investigations

As set forth above, we are subject to inquiries and investigations by numerous federal, state, and local government authorities and regulatory agencies regarding the Incident, including but not limited to, the DOJ and the U.S. EPA, the Ohio EPA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Ohio Attorney General,AG, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General.AG. Further details regarding the NTSB and FRA investigations are set forth below. We are cooperating with all inquiries and investigations, including responding to civil and criminal subpoenas and other requests for information (the aforementioned inquiries and investigations, as well as the civil and criminal subpoenas are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Inquiries and Investigations). The outcome of any current or future Incident Inquiries and Investigations is uncertain at this time, including any related fines, penalties or settlements. Therefore, our expenses for the first quarter expensessix months of 2023 do not include estimates of the total amount that we may incur for any such fines, penalties or settlements.

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Subsequent to the Incident, investigators from the NTSB examined railroad equipment and track conditions; reviewed data from the signal system, wayside defect detectors, local surveillance cameras, and the lead locomotive’s event recorder and forward-facing and inward-facing image recorders; and completed certain interviews (the NTSB Investigation). The NTSB issued a preliminary report indicating that one of the cars involved

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in the derailment appeared to have a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment. Their preliminary report also indicates that the rail crew was operating the train within our rules; the rail crew operated the train below the track speed limit, the wayside heat detectors were operating as designed; and once the rail crew was alerted by the wayside detector, they immediately began to stop the train. The NTSB conducted a subsequent investigative field hearing in East Palestine, Ohio on June 22 and 23, 2023. The NTSB’s investigation remains ongoing. We expect the NTSB to issue a final report, with a probable cause determination and safety recommendations, in 2024.

Concurrent with the NTSB Investigation, the FRA is also investigating the Incident. Similar in scope to the NTSB Investigation, the FRA is examining railroad equipment, track conditions, hazardous materials train placement and routing, and emergency response (the FRA Incident Investigation). The FRA Incident Investigation may result in the assessment of civil penalties. In addition to the FRA Incident Investigation, the FRA announced on March 7, 2023 that it would conductrecently completed a 60-day supplemental safety assessment (the FRA Safety Assessment). The FRA Safety Assessment willincluded a review of findings from a previously completed 2022 system audit and assessan assessment of operational elements including, but not limited to: track, signal, and rolling stock maintenance, inspection and repair practices; protection of employees; communications between transportation departments and mechanical and engineering staff; operation control center procedures and dispatcher training. The overall scope of the FRA Safety Assessment iswas to examine our safety culture. At the conclusion ofWe expect the FRA Safety Assessment, the FRA willto issue a public report which will includein early August including its findings and recommended corrective actions. The FRA Incident Investigation and the FRA Safety Assessment remainremains ongoing.

Other 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 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 loss 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

17


state laws and federal antitrust laws. On January 3, 2023, the court granted summary judgment to us on all of the compensatory claims but denied summary judgment for all equitable relief claims. On January 18, 2023, the court dismissed the federal equitable relief claims, leaving the state equitable relief claims as the sole remaining issue under consideration. On April 19, 2023, the court disposed of all remaining state equitable relief claims. These rulings may be appealed. If appealed, weA notice

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of appeal was filed on May 16, 2023. We will continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit and, although it is reasonably possible we could incur a loss in the case, we believe that we will prevail. However, given that litigation is inherently unpredictable and subject to uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the final outcome of the litigation (including anythe related appeal) will not be material. Until such appeal is final, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss associated with this matter.

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-related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads. The variability inherent in FELA’s fault-based tort system 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 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 – Other than Incident-related matters noted above, 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. The 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.  Our 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 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.


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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.  

In addition to environmental claims associated with the Incident, our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for other environmental exposures of $61$60 million at March 31,June 30, 2023 and $66 million at December 31, 2022, of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both periods. At March 31,June 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 8582 known locations and projects.projects compared with 85 locations and projects at December 31, 2022. At March 31,June 30, 2023, twentynineteen sites accounted for $49 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material. We anticipate that most of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

At eight locations, one or more of our subsidiaries in conjunction with a number of other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties under CERCLA or comparable state statutes that impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.  We 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.

As set forth above, with respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by us or by the U.S. EPA 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.
 
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. Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements. We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee.


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The latest round of national bargaining concluded in December 2022, when agreements were either ratified or enacted through legislative action for all twelve of our unions. We are currently participating in additional

19


discussions (none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) with several of our unions to conclude the implementation of these national agreements. With the conclusion of national bargaining, neither party can compel mandatory bargaining around any new proposals until November 1, 2024.

In addition, we understand the imperative to continue improving quality of life for our craft employees and areremain actively engaged with our unions in voluntary local discussions with our unions(none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) on this important issue.

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 $800 million (or up to $1.1 billion for specified types of pollution releases) 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 82% of potential losses above $75 million and below $275 million per occurrence and/or policy year.

Our ability to recoup any of the foregoing amounts under our insurance coverage, including any amounts that may be recoverable with respect to the Incident, is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to our insurers’ reservation of rights to further investigate and contest coverage, the express restrictions and sub-limits of coverage, and various policy exclusions, including those for some governmental fines or penalties, as well as potential coverage disputes over payments we make as part of our effort to mitigate the impact to the community and affected residents. We are working with our insurers to confirm applicable coverage with respect to the Incident, but no estimate for potential insurance recovery has been accrued at this time.

Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement

In November 2022, we entered into an asset purchase and sale agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway to purchase approximately 337 miles of railway line that extends from Cincinnati, Ohio to Chattanooga, Tennessee which we currently operate under a lease agreement. The agreement is conditioned upon the following, among other items: (i) approval by the voters of the City of Cincinnati (Cincinnati Voter Approval), and (ii) the receipt of regulatory approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB). On June 28, 2023, we entered into an amended and restated asset purchase and sale agreement which increased the purchase price by $500,000 and clarified the impact of Cincinnati Voter Approval on the closing timeline. If Cincinnati Voter Approval is obtained in November 2023, the transaction will close on the later of the date that is five days after all conditions have been satisfied (including potential STB regulatory approval) or March 15, 2024. Following the June 2023 amendment, the total purchase price for the line and other associated real and personal property included in the transaction is expected to be between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion.

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 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, 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 in 22 states and the District of Columbia. We are a major transporter of industrial products, including agriculture, forest and consumer products, chemicals, and metals and construction materials. In addition, in the East we serve every major container port and operate the most extensive intermodal network. We are also a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

Our first quartersecond-quarter results were impacted byreflect declines in income from railway operations, net income and diluted earnings per share as we continued our response efforts to a February 2023 derailment of 38 railcars in Eastern Ohio. The derailment consisted of 38 railcars and resultedDuring the quarter, we recognized $416 million in the release of certain chemicals that were being transported for our customers. Following the Incident (as defined and as further described in Note 10 in the Notesadditional expenses related to Consolidated Financial Statements), we have worked to clean the derailment site safely and thoroughly and to monitor for any impact on public health and the environment. Expenses recognized in the first quarter amounted to $387 million and relate to our initial response costs, ongoing cleanup efforts and estimates associated with environmental remediation and legal proceedings. Our current estimates of future environmental cleanup and remediation liabilities related toefforts, legal proceedings resulting from the Incident, may change over time due to various factors, and the final outcome of any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. Thus, unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter. This amount does not include any estimate of loss for specific items for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for the reasons noted. In addition, this amount does not include any amounts that may be recoverable from third parties, including expenses or liabilities that may be recovered under our insurance policies and for which such amounts will be reflected in future periods when reimbursement is considered probable. Please see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of these estimates and exclusions.other Incident-related costs. We continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to mitigate impacts from the Incident and to provide support to affected members of the community. Please see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed discussion of the Incident.

Revenue growth over the prior yearFurther impacting our second-quarter 2023 financial results was driven by highera decline in railway operating revenues. The reduction in revenue was due to a decline in volumes, as service challenges and a weaker demand environment restricted our ability to grow, and a lower average revenue per unit, as our volumes for the quarter were flat.driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue. In addition to the costs recognized from the Incident, our operating expenses were also slightly higher, driven by inflationary pressures, higher service-related costs and service-related costs.increased headcount, though mostly offset by the impact of lower fuel expense. As we continue to make progress in response to the derailment and support the impacted community, we areremain committed to our strategy — a balanced approach of delivering safe, reliable and resilient service, smart and sustainable growth, and continuous productivity improvement.


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SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change20232022% change20232022% change
($ in millions, except per share amounts)($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$711 $1,085 (34%)Income from railway operations$576 $1,271 (55%)$1,287 $2,356 (45%)
Net incomeNet income$466 $703 (34%)Net income$356 $819 (57%)$822 $1,522 (46%)
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$2.04 $2.93 (30%)Diluted earnings per share$1.56 $3.45 (55%)$3.60 $6.37 (43%)
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)77.3 62.8 23%Railway operating ratio (percent)80.7 60.9 33%78.9 61.8 28%

First-quarterResults for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 included $416 million and $803 million, respectively, of expenses included in income from railway operations included $387 million of expenses arising from the Incident, which reduced net income by $293$317 million and $610 million, respectively, and diluted earnings per share by $1.28.$1.39 and $2.67, respectively. For more information see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. FirstSecond quarter and the first six months income from railway operations, net income, and diluted earnings per share were further impacted by the factors set forth further below.

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The following tabletables adjusts our 2023 GAAP financial results for the second quarter and the first six months to exclude the effects of the Incident. The income tax effecteffects of this non-GAAP adjustment waswere 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 provides useful supplemental information to investors to facilitate making period-to-period comparisons by excluding the 2023 costs arising from the Incident. 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 First Quarter 2023
ReportedEastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted
(non-GAAP)
Non-GAAP Reconciliation for the Second Quarter
($ in millions, except per share amounts)Reported 2023 (GAAP)Eastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$711 $387 $1,098 Income from railway operations$576 $416 $992 
Net incomeNet income$466 $293 $759 Net income$356 $317 $673 
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$2.04 $1.28 $3.32 Diluted earnings per share$1.56 $1.39 $2.95 
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)77.3 (12.4)64.9 Railway operating ratio (percent)80.7 (14.0)66.7 

In the table below, references to the results for the second quarter of 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.
Second Quarter
Adjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
2022Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP)
vs. 2022
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Income from railway operations$992 $1,271 (22%)
Net income$673 $819 (18%)
Diluted earnings per share$2.95 $3.45 (14%)
Railway operating ratio (percent)66.7 60.9 10%


Non-GAAP Reconciliation for First Six Months
Reported 2023 (GAAP)Eastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Income from railway operations$1,287 $803 $2,090 
Net income$822 $610 $1,432 
Diluted earnings per share$3.60 $2.67 $6.27 
Railway operating ratio (percent)78.9 (13.1)65.8 


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In the table below, references to the results for the first six months of 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the table above.


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First QuarterFirst Six Months
Adjusted
2023
(non-GAAP)
2022Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP)
vs. 2022
Adjusted
2023
(non-GAAP)
2022Adjusted 2023 (non-GAAP)
vs. 2022
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Income from railway operationsIncome from railway operations$1,098 $1,085 1%Income from railway operations$2,090 $2,356 (11%)
Net incomeNet income$759 $703 8%Net income$1,432 $1,522 (6%)
Diluted earnings per shareDiluted earnings per share$3.32 $2.93 13%Diluted earnings per share$6.27 $6.37 (2%)
Railway operating ratio (percent)Railway operating ratio (percent)64.9 62.8 3%Railway operating ratio (percent)65.8 61.8 6%

On a non-GAAP basis excluding the impact of the Incident, income from railway operations increaseddecreased in both periods due to higherlower railway operating revenues. Revenue growth was driven by higher fuel surcharge revenues and pricing gains, asincreased operating expenses. Railway operating revenues declined in both periods due to decreased volumes remained flatand lower intermodal storage revenues compared to the same period last year. The riseyear, while the second quarter also experienced a larger decline in revenues was partially offset by increasedfuel surcharge revenue. Increased railway operating expenses in both periods were primarily driven by inflationary pressures, higher service-related costs and service-related costs.increased headcounts which, during the second quarter, were mostly offset by lower fuel expense.



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DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Railway Operating Revenues

The following tables present a comparison of revenues ($ in millions), units (in thousands), and average revenue per unit ($ per unit) by commodity group.
First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
RevenuesRevenues20232022% changeRevenues20232022% change20232022% change
Merchandise:Merchandise:Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer productsAgriculture, forest and consumer products$653 $573 14%Agriculture, forest and consumer products$627 $624 —%$1,280 $1,197 7%
ChemicalsChemicals541 498 9%Chemicals503 552 (9%)1,044 1,050 (1%)
Metals and constructionMetals and construction400 375 7%Metals and construction415 420 (1%)815 795 3%
AutomotiveAutomotive284 226 26%Automotive281 257 9%565 483 17%
MerchandiseMerchandise1,878 1,672 12%Merchandise1,826 1,853 (1%)3,704 3,525 5%
IntermodalIntermodal814 854 (5%)Intermodal745 972 (23%)1,559 1,826 (15%)
CoalCoal440 389 13%Coal409 425 (4%)849 814 4%
TotalTotal$3,132 $2,915 7%Total$2,980 $3,250 (8%)$6,112 $6,165 (1%)
UnitsUnitsUnits
Merchandise:Merchandise:Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer productsAgriculture, forest and consumer products187.7 177.6 6%Agriculture, forest and consumer products187.7 183.6 2%375.4 361.2 4%
ChemicalsChemicals136.1 129.4 5%Chemicals126.7 140.0 (10%)262.8 269.4 (2%)
Metals and constructionMetals and construction153.4 148.0 4%Metals and construction161.7 163.9 (1%)315.1 311.9 1%
AutomotiveAutomotive88.1 81.2 8%Automotive90.6 85.7 6%178.7 166.9 7%
MerchandiseMerchandise565.3 536.2 5%Merchandise566.7 573.2 (1%)1,132.0 1,109.4 2%
IntermodalIntermodal916.8 956.5 (4%)Intermodal925.4 1,016.5 (9%)1,842.2 1,973.0 (7%)
CoalCoal173.8 165.6 5%Coal165.5 166.1 —%339.3 331.7 2%
TotalTotal1,655.9 1,658.3 —%Total1,657.6 1,755.8 (6%)3,313.5 3,414.1 (3%)
Revenue per UnitRevenue per UnitRevenue per Unit
Merchandise:Merchandise:Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer productsAgriculture, forest and consumer products$3,477 $3,228 8%Agriculture, forest and consumer products$3,342 $3,398 (2%)$3,410 $3,314 3%
ChemicalsChemicals3,979 3,850 3%Chemicals3,966 3,941 1%3,973 3,897 2%
Metals and constructionMetals and construction2,607 2,535 3%Metals and construction2,569 2,560 —%2,587 2,548 2%
AutomotiveAutomotive3,226 2,776 16%Automotive3,102 3,007 3%3,164 2,894 9%
MerchandiseMerchandise3,323 3,118 7%Merchandise3,222 3,233 —%3,273 3,177 3%
IntermodalIntermodal887 893 (1%)Intermodal805 955 (16%)846 925 (9%)
CoalCoal2,533 2,347 8%Coal2,470 2,562 (4%)2,502 2,455 2%
TotalTotal1,891 1,758 8%Total1,798 1,851 (3%)1,845 1,806 2%


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Railway operating revenues increased $217decreased $270 million in the second quarter and $53 million for the first six months compared with the same periodperiods last year. The table below reflects the components of the revenue change by major commodity group ($ in millions).

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
MerchandiseIntermodalCoalMerchandiseIntermodalCoalMerchandiseIntermodalCoal
Increase (Decrease)Increase (Decrease)
VolumeVolume$91 $(35)$19 Volume$(21)$(87)$(2)$72 $(121)$19 
Fuel surcharge revenueFuel surcharge revenue84 29 18 Fuel surcharge revenue(35)(96)(3)49 (67)15 
Rate, mix and otherRate, mix and other31 (34)14 Rate, mix and other29 (44)(11)58 (79)
TotalTotal$206 $(40)$51 Total$(27)$(227)$(16)$179 $(267)$35 
 
Approximately 95% of our revenue base is covered by contracts that include negotiated fuel surcharges. Revenues associated with these surcharges totaled $375$287 million and $244$421 million in the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $662 million and $665 million for the first quarterssix months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increasedecrease in fuel surcharge revenues is driven by higherlower fuel commodity prices.

For the remainder of 2023, we expect that revenue growth will be a challenge, as there is substantial economic uncertainty. We expect revenue headwinds resulting fromdecline compared to 2022 driven by lower fuel prices, softening coal pricing, and declining storage service charges.charges, and softening coal pricing.

Merchandise

Merchandise revenues decreased during the second quarter but increased during the first six months. The decrease during the second quarter was due to lower volume and lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by increased pricing. The increase during the first six months was primarily due to higher average revenue per unit, driven by increased pricing and higher fuel surcharge revenue, and increased pricing, as well as higher volumes in all commodity groups.volume.

Agriculture, forest and consumer products volume increased in both periods as the shipment demand forincreases in corn, soybeans,fertilizers, food oils, ethanol feed, and lumber,wheat more than offset the declines in pulpboard.pulpboard, graphic paper and woodchips. Volume gains in corn, fertilizers, food oils, ethanol feed and lumberwheat were driven by increased market demand. Higher soybean volume was due to an extended export season. The decline in pulpboard wasand graphic paper were due to higher inventories slowing downwhich lowered the demand for shipments.shipments, while the decline in woodchips was due to a customer mill closing.

Chemicals volume rosedeclined in both periods as growth inreduced shipments of sand, petroleum products,crude oil, plastics, natural gas liquids, and solid wasteorganic and inorganic chemicals, more than the offset increases in sand and solid waste. Volume declines for crude oil were driven by production outages and soft demand in plastics,the energy markets. Plastics, natural gas liquids and organic chemicals and natural gas liquids.volume declined as a result of lower demand, while the decline in inorganic chemicals was driven by reduced production. Volume gains forin sand were driven by current market demand, while the volume increases for petroleum andincrease in solid waste were both driven bywas due to growth with existing customers. Plastics volumes declined due to lower demand as a result of decreased activity in the housing market, while organic chemicals volumes declined as a result of production delays due to weather events. Natural gas liquid volumes were down due to decreased demand.

Metals and construction volume decreased during the second quarter but increased during the first six months. The decline in the second quarter was due to lower volumes of kaolin and construction materials. The volume decline in kaolin was largely driven by higher inventories which lowered demand, while the decline in construction materials was due to extended cycle times and local service challenges. The increase during first six months was largely driven by increased demand for aggregates, scrap metal and scrap metal.cement, which more than offset declines in kaolin and construction materials.


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Automotive volume was higher in both periods due to an increase in production of vehicles partially offset by elongated cycle times.higher finished vehicle inventory levels available for rail transportation.

Intermodal
 
Intermodal revenues decreased driven by lower volumes, andin both periods the result of lower average revenue per unit, a result of decreaseddriven by lower fuel surcharge revenue and storage service charges, partially offset by higher fuel surcharge revenue.and decreased volume.


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Intermodal units (in thousands) by market were as follows:
First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change20232022% change20232022% change
DomesticDomestic587.7 653.4 (10%)Domestic577.0 670.4 (14%)1,164.7 1,323.8 (12 %)
InternationalInternational329.1 303.1 9%International348.4 346.1 1%677.5 649.2 %
TotalTotal916.8 956.5 (4%)Total925.4 1,016.5 (9%)1,842.2 1,973.0 (7 %)

Domestic volume declined in both periods due to a decrease in freight demand as a result of reduced consumer consumption combined with high inventories and increased truck availability resulting in strong over-the-road competition.inventories. International volume increased in both periods, driven by ocean carriers favoring inland point intermodal traffic.traffic, partially offset by a decrease in imports.

Coal

Coal revenues decreased for the second quarter but increased for the first six months. The second quarter decline was the result of lower average revenue per unit, driven by lower pricing and decreased fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by favorable traffic mix. The increase in the first six months was due to increased volume and higher average revenue per unit, driven by traffic mix and higher fuel surcharge revenue and increased export coal volumes.partially offset by declining prices.

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

First Quarter Second QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change 20232022% change20232022% change
UtilityUtility8,210 8,961 (8%)Utility6,852 8,267 (17%)15,062 17,228 (13%)
ExportExport8,206 6,414 28%Export7,697 6,514 18%15,903 12,928 23%
Domestic metallurgicalDomestic metallurgical2,331 2,430 (4%)Domestic metallurgical3,059 2,782 10%5,390 5,212 3%
IndustrialIndustrial689 803 (14%)Industrial882 1,083 (19%)1,571 1,886 (17%)
TotalTotal19,436 18,608 4%Total18,490 18,646 (1%)37,926 37,254 2%
 
Coal tonnage increased due to increaseddeclined during the second quarter but rose for the first six months. Both periods saw increases in export volume, partially offset by decreased volumesand domestic metallurgical tonnage with declines in all other market groups.utility and industrial tonnage. Export and domestic metallurgical tonnage was higher due to increased demand and coal supply, and metal production.supply. Utility tonnage decreased as a result of low natural gas prices, high stockpiles, and mild winter weather. Domestic metallurgical and industrialIndustrial coal tonnage decreased due to reduced coal shipments related to idled customer facilities.sourcing changes.


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Railway Operating Expenses

Railway operating expenses summarized by major classifications follow ($ in millions):

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change20232022% change20232022% change
Compensation and benefitsCompensation and benefits$690 $619 11%Compensation and benefits$693 $614 13%$1,383 $1,233 12%
Purchased services and rentsPurchased services and rents496 437 14%Purchased services and rents506 481 5%1,002 918 9%
FuelFuel315 301 5%Fuel263 408 (36%)578 709 (18%)
DepreciationDepreciation321 302 6%Depreciation321 304 6%642 606 6%
Materials and otherMaterials and other212 171 24%Materials and other205 172 19%417 343 22%
Eastern Ohio incidentEastern Ohio incident387 — Eastern Ohio incident416 — 803 — 
TotalTotal$2,421 $1,830 32%Total$2,404 $1,979 21%$4,825 $3,809 27%

Compensation and benefits expense increased in both periods as follows:

increased pay rates (up $49 million)$54 million for the quarter and $103 million for the first six months),
employee activity levels (up $36 million)$30 million for the quarter and $66 million for the first six months),
stock-basedincentive compensation (down $12 million)million for the quarter and $22 million for the first six months), and
other (down $2 million)(up $7 million for the quarter and $3 million for the first six months).

Average rail headcount for the quarter was up by over 1,400 compared with the firstsecond quarter of 2022 primarily due to the hiring of additional train and engine craft employees.

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

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change 20232022% change20232022% change
Purchased servicesPurchased services$399 $349 14%Purchased services$407 $387 5%$806 $736 10%
Equipment rentsEquipment rents97 88 10%Equipment rents99 94 5%196 182 8%
TotalTotal$496 $437 14%Total$506 $481 5%$1,002 $918 9%

Purchased services primarily increasedrose in both periods due to inflationary pressures which resulted in higher intermodal-related expenses, increased operational and transportation expenses as well asand higher technology-related costs.expenses. In addition, the first six months were impacted by higher intermodal-related expenses. Equipment rents increased in both periods as lower network fluidity led to greater time-and-mileage expenses and increased intermodal equipment expenses and greater time-and-mileage expenses. We also incurred higher freight car lease costs.

Fuel expense, which includes the cost of locomotive fuel as well as other fuel used in railway operations, increaseddecreased in both periods due to lower locomotive fuel prices (down 36% in the second quarter and 19% in the first six months) partially offset by slightly higher locomotive fuel prices (5%). Locomotive fuel consumption was flat compared to(up 1% in both the same period last year.second quarter and first six months).

Depreciation expense increased in both periods due to our higher asset base and the impact of the results of our periodic roadway study.


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

First QuarterSecond QuarterFirst Six Months
20232022% change 20232022% change20232022% change
MaterialsMaterials$91 $62 47%Materials$88 $70 26%$179 $132 36%
ClaimsClaims54 49 10%Claims60 64 (6%)114 113 1%
OtherOther67 60 12%Other57 38 50%124 98 27%
TotalTotal$212 $171 24%Total$205 $172 19%$417 $343 22%

Materials expense increased in both periods due to increased locomotive and freight car materials costs. Claims expense decreased in the second quarter, but slightly increased in the first six months of 2023. Both periods experienced lower costs associated with personal injury claims and environmental matters unrelated to the Incident. Claims expense for the first six months increased as a result of higher costs associated with derailments not relatedunrelated to the Incident. Other expense increased in both periods due to higher travel-related expenses.expenses and lower gains from operating property sales. Gains from operating property sales, included in Other, totaled $3$19 million and $6$28 million for the second quarter in 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $22 million and $34 million in the first six months of 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Eastern Ohio incident

During the second quarter and the first quarter,six months of 2023, we recorded $387$416 million and $803 million, respectively, for costs primarily associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings. The expense recorded in the first quartersix months does not include any estimates for amounts that may be recovered from third parties or under our insurance policies. For further details regarding the Incident, see Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other income (expense) – net

Other income increased $61$71 million due toin the second quarter and $132 million for the first six months, as both periods reflect higher returns on corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) and increased interest income..

Income taxes
 
The first-quarter effective tax rate was 21.3%rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2023 were 23.1% and 22.1%, compared with 22.9%24.7% and 23.9%, respectively, for the same periodperiods last year. The effectiveBoth periods in 2023 reflect higher returns on COLI slightly offset by lower tax benefits on stock-based compensation, while the year-to-date rate for 2023also includes the recognitionbenefit of certain business tax credits and tax benefits on stock-based compensation.recognized in the first quarter.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY
 
Cash provided by operating activities, our principal source of liquidity, was $1.2$1.8 billion for the first threesix months of 2023, compared with $1.0$2.0 billion for the same period of 2022. The increase reflected changes in working capital,decrease reflects lower operating results, offset in part by lower operating results.changes in working capital. We had negative working capital of $702$955 million and $642 million at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $552$556 million at March 31,June 30, 2023.

Cash used in investing activities was $391$741 million for the first threesix months of 2023, compared with $335$714 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by higher property additions.additions and lower proceeds from

30


property sales, partially offset by COLI investment activity. For 2023, we expect property additions will be approximately $2.2 billion.

Cash used in financing activities was $686 million$1.0 billion for the first threesix months of 2023, while cash provided by financing activities was $73compared with $877 million for the same period last year, reflectingyear. The increase reflects lower proceeds from borrowing and higher debt repayments, and decreased proceeds from borrowing. Partially offsetting this activity waspartially offset by lower repurchases of Common Stock. We repurchased $163$303 million of Common Stock in the first threesix months of 2023 compared to $600 million$1.5 billion in the same period last year. The timing and volume of future share repurchases will be guided by our assessment of market conditions and other pertinent factors. Repurchases may be executed in the open market, through derivatives, accelerated repurchase and other negotiated transactions and through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1(c)

28


and Rule 10b-18 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Any near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally-generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings.

In May 2023, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million. Amounts under our accounts receivable securitization program are borrowed and repaid from time to time in the ordinary course for general corporate and cash management purposes. The term of our accounts receivable securitization program was extended in the second quarter and now expires in May 2024. We had $130 million outstanding under this program at June 30, 2023 and $100 million outstanding at December 31, 2022. Our available borrowing capacity was $270 million and $300 million at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

In February 2023, we issued $500 million of 4.45% senior notes due 2033.

Our debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 54.1%54.5% at March 31,June 30, 2023 and 54.4% at December 31, 2022. We have in place and available an $800 million credit agreement expiring in March 2025, which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at March 31,June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. We also have in place an accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million. The term expires in May 2023. We had no amounts outstanding under this program at March 31, 2023 and $100 million outstanding at December 31, 2022. Our available borrowing capacity was $400 million and $300 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

In addition, we have investments in general purpose COLI policies and had the ability to borrow against these policies up to $620$530 million and $610 million at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, 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 decrease shareholder distributions, including share repurchases, provide additional flexibility to meet our ongoing obligations. There have been no material changes to the information on future contractual obligations, including those that may have material cash requirements, contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, with the exception of additional senior notes (see Note 7).

In June 2023, we amended and restated our asset purchase and sale agreement with the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway to purchase approximately 337 miles of railway line that extends from Cincinnati, Ohio to Chattanooga, Tennessee which we currently operate under a lease agreement. Following this amendment, the total purchase price for the line and other associated real and personal property included in the transaction is expected to be between $1.6 billion and $1.7 billion. The agreement is conditioned upon the following, among other items: (i) Cincinnati Voter Approval, and (ii) the receipt of regulatory approval from the STB. If Cincinnati Voter Approval is obtained in November 2023, the transaction will close on the later of the date that is five days after all remaining conditions have been satisfied (including potential STB regulatory approval) or March 15, 2024.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
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

31


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.  In addition to the critical accounting estimates below, the remainder of our critical accounting estimates are contained in our December 31, 2022 Form 10-K.

Contingencies

We are currently involved in certain environmental response and remediation activities and subject to numerous legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries and investigations resulting from the Incident. As required, we have accrued estimates of the probable and reasonably estimable costs for the resolution of these matters. Our environmental estimates are based upon types of remediation efforts currently anticipated, the volume of contaminants in the impacted areas, and governmental oversight and other costs, amongst other factors. Estimates associated with the legal proceedings to which we are subject are based on information that is currently available, including but not limited to an assessment of the proceedings and the potential and likely results of such proceedings.

Our current estimates of future environmental cleanup and remediation liabilities related to the Incident may change over time due to various factors, including but not limited to, when activities at the success of current cleanup techniques,site transition from extensive soil and water disposal and air monitoring activities to additional assessment and investigative efforts, the nature and extent of required future cleanup activities (including those resulting from additional assessment and investigative activities that will be conducted at the site), the extent and duration of governmental oversight, and the success of current cleanup techniques, amongst other factors. Additionally, the final outcome of any of the legal proceedings and regulatory inquiries and investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in new or additional accruals that could be material. Furthermore, certain of these costs may be recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident. Any amounts that are recoverable from third parties or under our insurance policies will be reflected in periods in which we determine that such amounts are probable of recovery.

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See Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information as it pertains to these contingencies.

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. Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements. We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee.

The latest round of national bargaining concluded in December 2022, when agreements were either ratified or enacted through legislative action for all twelve of our unions. We are currently participating in additional discussions (none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) with several of our unions to conclude the implementation of these national agreements. With the conclusion of national bargaining, neither party can compel mandatory bargaining around any new proposals until November 1, 2024.

In addition, we understand the imperative to continue improving quality of life for our craft employees and areremain actively engaged with our unions in voluntary local discussions with our unions(none of which carry the risk of a work stoppage) on this important issue.


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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 those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our latest Form 10-K, as supplemented in Part II, Item 1 A1A of this Form 10-Q, 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 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.


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Additional Information

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

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under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) at March 31,June 30, 2023.  Based on such evaluation, our officers have concluded that, at March 31,June 30, 2023, 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 firstsecond quarter of 2023, 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
 
For information on our legal proceedings, see Note 10 “Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
The risks set forth in “Risk Factors” included in our 2022 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 are incorporated herein by reference and are updated to include the following risks.

INCIDENT RISKS

As defined and as further described in Note 10 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, there was an Incident that occurred in the first quarter that consisted of a February 3, 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that included 11 non-Company-owned tank cars containing hazardous materials, fires associated with the derailment that threatened certain of the tank cars, and a controlled vent and burn procedure conducted on February 6, 2023 on five of the derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. As a result of the Incident, we have become subject to numerous legal, regulatory, legislative and other proceedings related thereto, including but not limited to, the NTSB Investigation, the FRA Incident Investigation, the FRA Safety Assessment, the DOJ Complaint, the Ohio Complaint, the Incident Lawsuits, the Shareholder Lawsuits, and the Incident Inquiries and Investigations, in addition to other proceedings, actions, or potential changes in response to the Incident, including but not limited to those related to, among other items, train size, train length, train composition, or crew size (collectively, the “Incident Proceedings”). Set forth below are additional risks pertaining to an investment in the Company that are related to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings.

New or additional governmental regulation and/or operational changes resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may negatively impact us, our customers, the rail industry, or the markets we serve. The legislative, regulatory, operational or other actions taken, protocols adopted (including by us), or changes resulting from the Incident or any of the Incident Proceedings may, either individually or in the aggregate, negatively impact us, our customers, the rail industry, or the markets we serve. Our inability to comply with the requirements of any new or additional laws, regulations or operating protocols resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or operations.

The costs, liabilities, fines, penalties, and/or financial impact resulting from or related to the Incident or the Incident Proceedings may be significant, exceed expected or accrued amounts, or negatively affect our financial results. We have incurred and will continue to remain subject to incurring significant costs, liabilities, fines, and penalties related to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings, including amounts that may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

In addition, while we have provided estimates of probable and reasonably estimable liabilities with respect to the Incident and the Incident Proceedings, we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss with certainty and such estimates may change over time due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to those set forth in Note 10 hereto or other unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes which could result in our current estimates being insufficient. These estimated amounts also do not include any estimate of loss for specific items for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for the reasons set forth in Note 10 hereto. As a result, our currently accrued amounts of estimated liabilities may be insufficient, and any additional, new or updated accruals may potentially have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

position.

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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 
Period
(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)
(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
(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)
January 1-31, 2023491,282  $252.38 490,984  $7,365,890,306  
February 1-28, 2023157,502  245.64 157,194  7,327,270,905  
March 1-31, 2023—  — —  7,327,270,905  
Total648,784   648,178    
Period(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that may yet be purchased under the Plans or Programs (1)
April 1-30, 202314,773  $203.06 14,773  $7,324,271,033  
May 1-31, 202383,840  205.74 83,840  7,307,021,689  
June 1-30, 2023541,523  222.23 541,523  7,186,677,232  
Total640,136   640,136    
 
(1)Of this amount, 606 represent shares were tendered by employees in connection with the exercise of options under the stockholder-approved LTIP.
(2)On March 29, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a new program for the repurchase of up to $10.0 billion of Common Stock beginning April 1, 2022. As of March 31,June 30, 2023, $7.3$7.2 billion remains authorized for repurchase.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.Director and Officer Trading Arrangements

None of our directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the quarterly period covered by this report.


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Item 6. Exhibits
 
4.110.1*
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
31-A*
31-B*
32*
101*
The following financial information from Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the firstsecond quarter of 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2023 and 2022; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2023 and 2022; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31,June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the first threesix months of 2023 and 2022; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the second quarter and first quartersix months of 2023 and 2022; 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:April 26,July 27, 2023/s/ Claiborne L. Moore
Claiborne L. Moore
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer) (Signature)
Date:April 26,July 27, 2023/s/ Denise W. Hutson
Denise W. Hutson
Corporate Secretary (Signature)


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