Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) Operating Margin: 32.39%
Is Norfolk Southern Corporation’s operating margin high or low?
Norfolk Southern Corporation's operating margin of 32.39% is in line with its 5-year average of 33.01%, around the middle of its 5-year range (23.10%–39.18%).
As of Friday, June 12, 2026. 1.28% above its 12-month average of 31.98%.
NSC Operating Margin Chart
NSC Average Operating Margin Chart
NSC Current vs Average Operating Margin Chart
NSC Operating Margin Metrics
OPERATING MARGIN
32.39%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG TTM
31.98%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 3Y
31.05%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 5Y
33.01%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 10Y
32.63%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 15Y
31.47%
OPERATING MARGIN AVG 20Y
30.33%
CURRENT VS TTM AVG
+1.28%
CURRENT VS 3Y AVG
+4.32%
CURRENT VS 5Y AVG
-1.89%
CURRENT VS 10Y AVG
-0.73%
CURRENT VS 15Y AVG
+2.92%
CURRENT VS 20Y AVG
+6.81%
NSC Competitors' Operating Margin
| NAME | MARKET CAP | OPERATING MARGIN | TTM | 3Y | 5Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) | $69.72B | 32.39% | 31.98% | 31.05% | 33.01% |
| Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) | $72.22B | 26.42% | 26.55% | 25.49% | 24.82% |
| Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) | $64.90B | 15.69% | 12.54% | 9.81% | 8.67% |
| Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) | $62.52B | -33.20% | -40.77% | -54.59% | -89.77% |
| Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) | $77.05B | 19.96% | 17.42% | 17.53% | 16.97% |
| PACCAR Inc (PCAR) | $60.57B | 9.68% | 12.47% | 13.66% | 10.74% |
| 3M Company (MMM) | $81.35B | 19.60% | 19.18% | 16.68% | 18.27% |
| Fastenal Company (FAST) | $53.01B | 20.25% | 20.10% | 20.46% | 20.38% |
| Johnson Controls International plc (JCI) | $87.86B | 13.57% | 11.27% | 10.80% | 10.46% |
| CSX Corporation (CSX) | $88.01B | 33.45% | 34.49% | 36.59% | 38.09% |
Operating Efficiency
Gross Margin
45.3%
Operating Margin
32.4%
Norfolk Southern Corporation Operating Margin Formula & Definition
Operating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue
Operating margin is the percentage of revenue remaining after operating expenses, reflecting operating efficiency.
Expanded definitions: Investopedia, Wikipedia, Corporate Finance Institute
Norfolk Southern Corporation Operating Margin FAQ
- What is the operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The operating margin for NSC stock is 32.39%.
- Is Norfolk Southern Corporation's operating margin high or low?
- Norfolk Southern Corporation's operating margin of 32.39% is in line with its 5-year average of 33.01%, around the middle of its 5-year range (23.10%–39.18%).
- What is the TTM average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The TTM average operating margin for NSC stock is 31.98%.
- What is the 3Y average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The 3Y average operating margin for NSC stock is 31.05%.
- What is the 5Y average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The 5Y average operating margin for NSC stock is 33.01%.
- What is the 10Y average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The 10Y average operating margin for NSC stock is 32.63%.
- What is the 15Y average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The 15Y average operating margin for NSC stock is 31.47%.
- What is the 20Y average operating margin for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)?
- The 20Y average operating margin for NSC stock is 30.33%.
Norfolk Southern Corporation Operating Margin History
| DATE | OPERATING MARGIN |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-31 | 32.91% |
| 2024-12-31 | 31.05% |
| 2023-12-31 | 23.10% |
| 2022-12-31 | 37.14% |
| 2021-12-31 | 39.18% |
| 2020-12-31 | 34.70% |
| 2019-12-31 | 34.46% |
| 2018-12-31 | 34.55% |
| 2017-12-31 | 33.38% |
| 2016-12-31 | 31.05% |
| 2015-12-31 | 27.39% |
| 2014-12-31 | 30.71% |
| 2013-12-31 | 28.91% |
| 2012-12-31 | 28.24% |
| 2011-12-31 | 28.70% |
| 2010-12-31 | 28.05% |
| 2009-12-31 | 24.62% |
| 2008-12-31 | 28.93% |
| 2007-12-31 | 27.29% |
| 2006-12-31 | 27.18% |
| 2005-12-31 | 25.31% |
| 2004-12-31 | 23.28% |
| 2003-12-31 | 16.45% |
| 2002-12-31 | 18.47% |
| 2001-12-31 | 16.32% |
| 2000-12-31 | 10.28% |
| 1999-12-31 | 13.82% |
| 1998-12-31 | 24.92% |
| 1997-12-31 | 28.72% |
| 1996-12-31 | 25.09% |
Related Metrics
About Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC), operating through its various subsidiaries, is a prominent rail transport provider in the United States. The company's core business involves the conveyance of raw materials, semi-finished goods, and completed merchandise across the nation. Its extensive freight services cover a broad spectrum of commodities. This includes a variety of agricultural and forestry products like grains (e.g., soybeans, wheat, corn), fertilizers, animal feeds, and diverse foodstuffs such as oils, flour, sweeteners, beverages, and canned goods, alongside lumber and paper products. NSC also handles a wide range of chemicals, from sulfur and petroleum derivatives to chlorine compounds, plastics, industrial chemicals, and sand. Furthermore, the company moves metals and construction supplies, including steel, aluminum, heavy machinery, cement, aggregates, and specialized military equipment. Transportation of both finished motor vehicles and automotive components is a significant segment, as is the consistent shipment of coal. Beyond its principal freight operations, Norfolk Southern facilitates global trade by connecting with various Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports for overseas cargo. The corporation also manages an expansive intermodal network and offers commuter passenger rail services. As of the close of 2021, the company's vast railway infrastructure extended over roughly 19,300 route miles, serving 22 states and the District of Columbia. Norfolk Southern Corporation, originally incorporated in 1980, is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Sector
- Industrials
- Industry
- Railroads
- CEO
- Mark R. George