NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)

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


							Adjusted
							2023
	Adjusted						(non-GAAP)		2022
	2023						vs.		vs.
	(non-GAAP)		2022		2021		2022		2021
	($ in millions, except per share amounts)						(% change)


Income from railway operations	$	3,967	$	4,809	$	4,447	(18	%)	8	%


Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
Accounts receivable	()		()		()
Materials and supplies	()		()
Other current assets	()		()		()
Current liabilities other than debt
Other – net	()		()		()

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Property additions	()		()		()
Property sales and other transactions
Investment purchases	()		()		()
Investment sales and other transactions

Net cash used in investing activities	()		()		()

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends	()		()		()
Common Stock transactions			()
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock	()		()		()
Proceeds from borrowings
Debt repayments	()		()		()

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities			()		()

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			()		()

Cash and cash equivalents
At beginning of year

At end of year	$		$		$

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$		$		$
Income taxes (net of refunds)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss

Retained
Income

Total

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Balance at December 31, 2020

()

Comprehensive income:

Net income

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Dividends on Common Stock,

$ per share

()

Share repurchases

()

Stock-based compensation

()

Prior service effect of plan amendment

()

Amortization of net losses

()

Amortization of prior service benefit

Total recognized in other comprehensive income

()

Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income

()

Net gains arising during the year for both pension benefits and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to higher actual returns on plan assets offset by a decrease in discount rates.

The estimated net losses and prior service credits for the pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next year are $ million. The estimated net gains and prior service benefit for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit over the next year is $ million.

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% % %Future salary increases % % %Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate % % %Pension cost: Discount rate - service cost % % %Discount rate - interest cost % % %Return on assets in plans % % %Future salary increases % % %Other postretirement benefits cost:

Discount rate - service cost

% % %Discount rate - interest cost % % %Return on assets in plans % % %Health care trend rate % % %

To determine the discount rates used to measure our benefit obligations, we utilize analyses in which the projected annual cash flows from the pension and other postretirement benefit plans were matched with yield curves based on an appropriate universe of high-quality corporate bonds. We use the results of the yield curve analyses to select the discount rates that match the payment streams of the benefits in these plans.

We use a spot rate approach to estimate the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions

For measurement purposes at December 31, 2023, increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be % for 2024. We assume the rate will ratably decrease to an ultimate rate of % for 2030 and remain at that level thereafter.

Asset Management

investment firms manage our defined benefit pension plan’s assets under investment guidelines approved by our Benefits Investment Committee that is composed of members of our management. Investments are restricted to domestic and international equity securities, domestic and international fixed income securities, and unleveraged exchange-traded options and financial futures. Limitations restrict investment concentration and use of certain derivative investments. The target asset allocation for equity is % of the pension plan’s assets. Fixed income investments must consist predominantly of securities rated investment grade or higher. Equity investments must be in liquid securities listed on national exchanges. No investment is permitted in our securities (except through commingled pension trust funds).

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% %Debt securities % %International equity securities % %Cash and cash equivalents % %Total % %

The other postretirement benefit plan assets consist primarily of trust-owned variable life insurance policies with an asset allocation at December 31, 2023 of % in equity securities and % in debt securities compared with % in equity securities and % in debt securities at December 31, 2022. The target asset allocation for equity is between % and % of the plan’s assets.

The plans’ assumed future returns are based principally on the asset allocations and historical returns for the plans’ asset classes determined from both actual plan returns and, over longer time periods, expected market returns for those asset classes. For 2024, we assume an % return on pension plan assets.

Fair Value of Plan Assets

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets measured at fair value.

Common stock: Shares held by the plan at year end are valued at the official closing price as defined by the exchange or at the most recent trade price of the security at the close of the active market.

Common collective trusts: The readily determinable fair value is based on the published fair value per unit of the trusts. The common collective trusts hold equity securities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents.

Fixed income securities: Valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for the security at year end using observable market-based inputs.

Commingled funds: The readily determinable fair value is based on the published fair value per unit of the funds. The commingled funds hold equity securities.

Cash and cash equivalents: Short-term Treasury bills or notes are valued at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for the security at year end using observable market-based inputs; money market funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the funds are traded.

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$ $ Common collective trusts: International equity securities Debt securities Domestic equity securities Fixed income securities:Government and agencies securities Corporate bonds Mortgage and other asset-backed securities Commingled funds Cash and cash equivalents Total investments$ $ $

December 31, 2022

Level 1

Level 2

Total

($ in millions)

Common stock

Common collective trusts:

International equity securities

Debt securities

Domestic equity securities

Fixed income securities:

Government and agencies securities

Corporate bonds

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities

Commingled funds

Cash and cash equivalents

Total investments

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for other postretirement benefit plan assets measured at fair value.

Trust-owned life insurance: Valued at our interest in trust-owned life insurance issued by a major insurance company. The underlying investments owned by the insurance company consist of a U.S. stock account and a U.S. bond account but may retain cash at times as well. The U.S. stock account and U.S. bond account are valued based on readily determinable fair values.

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million and $ million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are valued under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no level 1 or level 3 valued assets.

Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments

In 2024, we expect to contribute approximately $ million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $ million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits. We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2024.

$ 2025 2026 2027 2028 Years 2029 – 2033

Other Postretirement Coverage

Under collective bargaining agreements, Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries participate in a multi-employer benefit plan, which provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible craft employees. Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and totaled $ million, $ million, and $ million in 2023, 2022, 2021, respectively.

Section 401(k) Plans

Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries provide Section 401(k) savings plans for employees. Under the plans, we match a portion of employee contributions, subject to applicable limitations. Our matching contributions, recorded as an expense, totaled $ million, $ million, and $ million in 2023, 2022, 2021, respectively.

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shares of our Common Stock, of which remain available for future grants as of December 31, 2023.

The number of shares remaining for issuance under the LTIP is reduced (i) by for each award granted as a stock option or stock-settled SAR, or (ii) by for an award made in the form other than a stock option or stock-settled SAR. Under the Board-approved Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP), the Committee may grant stock options up to a maximum of shares of Common Stock. We use newly issued shares to satisfy any exercises and awards under the LTIP and the TSOP.

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$ $ $ RSUs PSUs

Recipients of certain RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP who retire prior to October 1st will forfeit awards received in the current year. Receipt of certain LTIP awards is contingent on the recipient having executed a non-compete agreement with the company.

We account for our grants of stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and dividend equivalent payments in accordance with FASB ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, all awards result in charges to net income while dividend equivalent payments, which are all related to equity classified awards, are charged to retained income. Compensation cost for the awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

$ $ Total tax benefit

Stock Options

Option exercise prices will be at least the higher of (i) the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the grant date, or (ii) the closing price of Common Stock on the grant date. All options are subject to a vesting period of at least , and the term of the option will not exceed . Holders of the options granted under the LTIP who remain actively employed receive cash dividend equivalent payments for in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.

For all years, options granted under the LTIP and the TSOP may not be exercised prior to the fourth and third anniversaries of the date of grant, respectively, or if the optionee retires or dies before that anniversary date, may not be exercised before the later of one year after the grant date or the date of the optionee’s retirement or death.

The fair value of each option awarded was measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Expected volatility is based on implied volatility from traded options on, and historical volatility of, Common Stock. Historical data is used to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. Historical exercise data is used to estimate the average expected option term. The average risk-free interest rate is

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was used for the LTIP options during the vesting period. For 2023, 2022, and 2021, a dividend yield of %, %, and %, respectively, was used for the vested period during the remaining expected option term for LTIP options.

% % %Average risk-free interest rate % % %Average expected option term years years years

$ Granted Exercised() Forfeited() Outstanding at December 31, 2023

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2023 was $ million with a weighted-average remaining contractual term of years. Of these options outstanding, were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $ million with a weighted-average exercise price of $ and a weighted-average remaining contractual term of years.

Total intrinsic value$ $ $ Cash received upon exercise Related tax benefits realized

At December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under the LTIP was $ million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately years.

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ratable restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. Certain RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. The fair value of each RSU was measured on the date of grant as the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the grant date, adjusted for the impact of dividend equivalent payments as applicable.

Common Stock issued net of tax withholding Related tax benefits realized$ $ $

A summary of changes in RSUs is presented below:


	RSUs	Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at December 31, 2022		$
Granted
Vested	()
Forfeited	()

Nonvested at December 31, 2023

At December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation related to RSUs was $ million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately years.

Performance Share Units

PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a 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.

Common Stock issued net of tax withholding Related tax benefits realized$ $ $

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$ Granted Earned() Unearned() Forfeited() Balance at December 31, 2023

At December 31, 2023, total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP was $ million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately years.

Shares Available and Issued

TSOP Issued: LTIP TSOP

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, with a cost of $ million at both dates.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

)$ $()$()Other comprehensive income of equity investees() ()Accumulated other comprehensive loss$()$ $()$()Year ended December 31, 2022 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$()$ $ $()Other comprehensive income of equity investees() ()Accumulated other comprehensive loss$()$ $ $()

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$()$ Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income() () Subtotal () Other comprehensive income of equity investees Other comprehensive income$ $()$ Year ended December 31, 2022 Net gain arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits$ $()$ Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income () Subtotal () Other comprehensive income of equity investees () Other comprehensive income$ $()$ Year ended December 31, 2021 Net gain arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits$ $()$ Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income () Subtotal () Other comprehensive income of equity investees () Other comprehensive income$ $()$

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million, million, and million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase programs in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, at a cost of $ million, $ billion, and $ billion, respectively, inclusive of excise taxes in 2023.

On March 29, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized a new program for the repurchase of up to $ billion of

billion remains authorized for repurchase. Our previous share repurchase program terminated on March 31, 2022.

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$ $ $ $ $ Dividend equivalent payments()()()()() Income available to common stockholders$ $ $ $ $ $ Weighted-average shares outstanding Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding Earnings per share$ $ $ $ $ $

million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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railcars, 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 contents of of the tank cars carrying vinyl chloride might polymerize, which would have posed the risk of a catastrophic explosion. As a

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derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. This procedure involved creating holes in the 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 been 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), operating a family assistance center to provide financial support to affected members of the East Palestine and surrounding communities, and committing additional financial support to the community.

Financial Impact

Although we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss with certainty, we recognized $ billion of expense in 2023 for costs directly attributable to the Incident (including amounts accrued for the probable and reasonably estimable liabilities for those environmental and non-environmental matters described below) which is presented in “Eastern Ohio incident” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The total expense recognized includes the impact of $ million in insurance recoveries received in 2023 from claims made under our insurance policies. We recorded a deferred tax asset (Note 4) of $ million related to the Incident expecting that certain expenses will be deductible for tax purposes in future periods or offset with insurance recoveries. During 2023, our cash expenditures attributable to the Incident, net of insurance proceeds received, were $ million, which are presented in “Net cash provided by operating activities” on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The difference between the recognized expense and cash expenditures during 2023 of $ million comprises primarily of our current estimates of probable and reasonably estimable liabilities principally associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings, which are discussed in further detail below.

Certain costs recorded in 2023 may be recoverable under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident or from third parties. To date, we have recognized $ million in insurance recoveries. Any additional amounts recoverable under our insurance policies or from third parties 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, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Columbiana County Health District 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 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 DEP, pursuant to the UAO and the directives issued thereunder. On October 18, 2023, the U.S. EPA issued a second unilateral order under Section 311(c) of the Clean Water Act (CWA), requiring preparation of additional environmental work

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million of expense during 2023, of which $ million was paid during 2023, related to probable obligations that are reasonably estimable, in accordance with FASB 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, the nature and extent of required future cleanup and removal activities (including those resulting from soil, water, sediment, and air assessment and investigative activities that are currently being, and will continue to be, conducted at the site), and the extent and duration of governmental oversight, amongst other factors. As clean-up efforts progress and more information is available, we will review these estimates and revise as appropriate.

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

•There is a consolidated putative class action pending in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) in which plaintiffs allege various claims, including negligence, gross negligence, strict liability, and nuisance, and seeking as relief compensatory and punitive damages, medical monitoring and business losses. The putative class is defined by reference to a class area covering a -mile radius. On July 12, 2023, we filed a third-party complaint bringing in multiple parties involved in the Incident. The court in the putative class action has established a fact discovery deadline of February 5, 2024. Another putative class action is pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania, brought by Pennsylvania school districts and students. On August 22, 2023, school districts voluntarily dismissed their actions, then individual lawsuits. On the same day, Pennsylvania school districts and students filed a putative class action lawsuit alleging negligence, strict liability, nuisance, and trespass, and seeking damages and health monitoring. On December 8, 2023, the school districts amended their complaint to add additional companies as defendants in the action. The putative class action and individual lawsuits are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Lawsuits. In accordance with FASB ASC 450, “Contingencies,” we have recognized a $ million loss during 2023 with respect to the Incident Lawsuits and related contingencies, of which $ million has been paid. At this time, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amounts accrued regarding the Incident Lawsuits. However, for the reasons set forth below, our estimated loss or range of loss with respect to the Incident Lawsuits may change from time to time, and it is reasonably possible that we will incur actual losses in excess of the amounts currently accrued and such additional amounts may be material. While we continue to

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million in other expenses directly related to the Incident in 2023 pertaining to legal fees, community support, and other response-related activities. The amounts recorded by us in 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 the healthcare fund being developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, including the Ohio AG, for affected residents (given the preliminary nature of such discussions), which amount will impact our loss contingency analysis with respect to the Incident Lawsuits described above, or (ii) any fines or penalties (in excess of the liabilities 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, with the exception of amounts recognized during 2023, potential recoveries under our insurance coverage, which may apply to various Incident-related expenses or liabilities as more specifically set forth further below, have not yet been recorded (given the preliminary nature of discussions with our insurers). No amounts have been recorded related to potential recoveries

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include liabilities for other environmental exposures of $ million at December 31, 2023, and $ million at December 31, 2022, of which $ million is classified as a current liability at the end of both periods. At December 31, 2023, the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at known locations and projects compared with locations and projects at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, sites accounted for $ 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 ; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

At 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

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% 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. 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 remain actively engaged with our unions in voluntary local discussions (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. Our current liability insurance provides limits for approximately % of covered losses above $ million and below $ million per occurrence and/or policy year. In addition, we purchase insurance for damage to property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control. Our current property insurance provides limits for approximately % of covered losses above $ million and below $ million per occurrence and/or policy year.

Insurance coverage 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. Some (re)insurers have disputed certain payments we have made, for example, as part of our effort to respond to, mitigate, and compensate for the impact to the community and affected residents and businesses. We are pursuing coverage with respect to the Incident, and we have recognized $ million in insurance recoveries in 2023, principally from excess liability (re)insurers.

Purchase Commitments

At December 31, 2023, we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling $ billion through 2053 for locomotive modernizations, long-term technology support and development contracts, track material, and vehicles.

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 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), which was obtained in November 2023, and (ii) the receipt of regulatory approval from the U.S. Surface

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and clarified the impact of Cincinnati Voter Approval on the closing timeline. 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 approximately $ billion. The transaction is scheduled to close on March 15, 2024.

Change-In-Control Arrangements

We have compensation agreements with certain officers and key employees that become operative only upon a change in control of Norfolk Southern, as defined in those agreements. The agreements provide generally for payments based on compensation at the time of a covered individual’s involuntary or other specified termination and for certain other benefits.

Indemnifications

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) at December 31, 2023. Based on such evaluation, our officers have concluded that, at December 31, 2023, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to our ability to record, process, summarize, and report reliable financial data. We recognize that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.

Our Board of Directors, acting through its Audit Committee, is responsible for the oversight of our accounting policies, financial reporting, and internal control. The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is comprised of outside directors who are independent of management. The independent registered public accounting firm and our internal auditors have full and unlimited access to the Audit Committee, with or without management, to discuss the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, and any other matters which they believe should be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee.

We have issued a report of our assessment of internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an opinion on our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2023. These reports appear in Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the fourth 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 effect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Item 9B. Other Information

Director and Officer Trading Arrangements

None of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) or 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 fourth quarter of 2023.

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections

Not applicable.

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PART III

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 10, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A. The information regarding executive officers called for by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in Part I hereof beginning under “Information about our Executive Officers.”

Item 11. Executive Compensation

In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 11, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information on security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management called for by Part III, Item 12, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Equity Compensation Plan Information (at December 31, 2023)


Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights			Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (1)
	(a)		(b)			(c)
Equity compensation plans
approved by securities holders(2)	1,507,054	(3)	$	165.30	(5)	7,731,573

Equity compensation plans
not approved by securities holders	109,206	(4)	96.35			436,571	(6)

Total	1,616,260					8,168,144

(1)Excludes securities reflected in column (a).

(2)LTIP.

(3)Includes options, RSUs and PSUs granted under LTIP that will be settled in shares of Common Stock.

(4)TSOP.

(5)Calculated without regard to 872,863 outstanding RSUs and PSUs at December 31, 2023.

(6)Reflects shares remaining available for grant under TSOP.

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan

Established on June 28, 1983, and approved by our stockholders at their Annual Meeting held on May 10, 1984, LTIP was adopted to promote the success of our company by providing an opportunity for non-employee Directors, officers, and other key employees to acquire a proprietary interest in Norfolk Southern Corporation (the Corporation). The Board of Directors amended LTIP on January 23, 2015, which amendment was approved by shareholders on May 14, 2015, to include the reservation for issuance of an additional 8,000,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock.

The amended LTIP adopted a fungible share reserve ratio so that, for awards granted after May 13, 2010, the number of shares remaining for issuance under the amended LTIP will be reduced (i) by 1 for each award granted as an option or stock-settled SAR, or (ii) by 1.61 for an award made in the form other than an option or stock-settled SAR. Any shares of Common Stock subject to options, PSUs, restricted shares, or RSUs which are not issued as Common Stock will again be available for award under LTIP after the expiration or forfeiture of an award.

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Non-employee Directors, officers, and other key employees residing in the U.S. or Canada are eligible for selection to receive LTIP awards. Under LTIP, the Committee, or the Corporation’s chief executive officer to the extent the Committee delegates award-making authority pursuant to LTIP, may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, SARs, RSUs, restricted shares, PSUs and performance shares. In addition, dividend equivalent payments may be awarded for options, RSUs and PSUs. Awards under LTIP may be made subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances and the Committee may establish such other terms and conditions for the awards as provided in LTIP.

The option price is at least the higher of (i) the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the date of grant, or (ii) the closing price of Common Stock on the date of the grant. All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years. LTIP specifically prohibits option repricing without stockholder approval, except that adjustments may be made in the event of changes in our capital structure or Common Stock.

PSUs entitle a recipient to receive performance-based compensation at the end of a three-year cycle based on our performance during that period. For the 2023 PSU awards, corporate performance will be based directly on return on average capital invested, with total return to stockholders and revenue growth serving as modifiers, and will be settled in shares of Common Stock.

RSUs are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock at the end of a restriction period. During the restriction period, the holder of the RSUs has no beneficial ownership interest in the Common Stock represented by the RSUs and has no right to vote the shares represented by the units or to receive dividends (except for dividend equivalent payment rights that may be awarded with respect to the RSUs). The Committee at its discretion may waive the restriction period, but settlement of any RSUs will occur on the same settlement date as would have applied absent a waiver of restrictions, if no performance goals were imposed. RSUs will be settled in shares of Common Stock.

Norfolk Southern Corporation Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan

Our Board of Directors adopted TSOP on January 26, 1999, to promote the success of our company by providing an opportunity for management employees to acquire a proprietary interest in our company and thereby to provide an additional incentive to management employees to devote their maximum efforts and skills to the advancement, betterment, and prosperity of our company and our stockholders. Under TSOP there were 6,000,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock reserved for issuance. TSOP has not been and is not required to have been approved by our stockholders.

Active full-time management employees residing in the U.S. or Canada are eligible for selection to receive TSOP awards. Under TSOP, the Committee, or the Corporation’s chief executive officer to the extent the Committee delegates award-making authority pursuant to TSOP, may grant nonqualified stock options subject to such terms and conditions as provided in TSOP.

The option price may not be less than the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the date of the grant. All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years. TSOP specifically prohibits repricing without stockholder approval, except for capital adjustments.

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Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan

The Plan was adopted on January 1, 1994, and was designed to increase ownership of Common Stock by our non-employee Directors so as to further align their ownership interest in our company with that of our stockholders. The Plan has not been and is not required to have been approved by our stockholders.

Effective January 23, 2015, the Board amended the Plan to provide that no additional awards will be made under the Plan. Prior to that amendment, only non-employee Directors who are not and never have been employees of our company were eligible to participate in the Plan. Upon becoming a Director, each eligible Director received a one-time grant of 3,000 restricted shares of Common Stock. No additional shares may be granted under the Plan. No individual member of the Board exercised discretion concerning the eligibility of any Director or the number of shares granted.

The restriction period applicable to restricted shares granted under the Plan begins on the date of the grant and ends on the earlier of the recipient’s death or the day after the recipient ceases to be a Director by reason of disability or retirement. During the restriction period, shares may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise encumbered. Directors forfeit the restricted shares if they cease to serve as a Director of our company for reasons other than their disability, retirement, or death.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 13, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, Atlanta, GA, Auditor Firm ID: .

In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 14, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

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PART IV

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


			Page
(A)	The following documents are filed as part of this report:

	1.	Index to Financial Statements

		Report of Management	K 40
		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	K 41
		Consolidated Statements of Income, Years ended December 31, 202 3 , 202 2 , and 202 1	K 45
		Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021	K 46
		Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 202 3 and 202 2	K 47
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021	K 48
		Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021	K 49
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	K 50

	2.	Financial Statement Schedules:

		The following consolidated financial statement schedule should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements:

		Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

		Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	K 104

		Schedules other than the one listed above are omitted either because they are not required or are inapplicable, or because the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

	3.	Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Description
2.1		Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., CSX Rail Holding Corporation, CSX Northeast Holdings Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, CRR Holdings LLC, Green Acquisition Corp., Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, New York Central Lines LLC, Pennsylvania Lines LLC, NYC Newco, Inc., and PRR Newco, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2004. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

3		Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws –

(i)(a)		The Restated Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s 10-K filed on March 5, 2001. (SEC File No. 001-08339)
(i)(b)		An amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2010. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(i)(c)		An amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 29, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)
(ii)		The Bylaws of Norfolk Southern Corporation, as amended July 25, 2023, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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4						Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures:

(a)						Indenture, dated as of January 15, 1991, from Norfolk Southern Corporation to First Trust of New York, National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-38595).

(b)						First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 19, 1997, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and First Trust of New York, National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $4.3 billion, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1(d) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 21, 1997. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(c)						Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2001, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $1 billion, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2001. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(d)						Indenture, dated August 27, 2004, among PRR Newco, Inc., as Issuer, and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(1) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2004. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(e)						First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 27, 2004, among PRR Newco, Inc., as Issuer, and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of approximately $451.8 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(m) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2004. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(f)						Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 11, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $300 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2005. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(g)						Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $366.6 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(h)						Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $350 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(i)						Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 26, 2010, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $250 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2010. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(j)						Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2009, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2009. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(k)						Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $400 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2011. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(l)						Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $595,504,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2011. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(m)						Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $4,492,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2011. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(n)						Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of two series of notes, one in the principal amount of $500 million and one in the principal amount of $100 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2011. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(o)						Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2012. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(p)						Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 7, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2012. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(q)						Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2013, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $500,000,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 13, 2013. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(r)						Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2015, between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(s)						First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2015, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(t)						Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2015, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2015. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(u)						Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 3, 2016, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2016. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(v)						Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 31, 2017, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed May 31, 2017. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(w)						Indenture, dated as of August 15, 2017, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed August 15, 2017. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(x)						Indenture, dated as of February 28, 2018 between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. The Indenture is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed February 28, 2018. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(y)						First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 28, 2018, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. The Indenture is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed February 28, 2018. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(z)						Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 2, 2018, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. The Indenture is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed August 2, 2018. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(aa)						Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 8, 2019, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2019 (SEC File No. 001-08339).

(bb)						Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 4, 2019, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(cc)						Description of the Registrant’s Common Stock Registered Under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(hh) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-K filed on February 6, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(dd)						Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 11, 2020, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ee)						Indenture dated as of May 15, 2020, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ff)						Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2021, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2021. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(gg)						Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 25, 2021, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2021. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(hh)						Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2022, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2022. (SEC F ile No. 001-08339)

(ii)						Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated June 13, 2022, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 15, 2022 . (SEC File N o. 001-08339).

(jj)						Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 2, 2023, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(kk)						Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 2, 2023, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 2, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ll)						Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 22, 2023, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as trustee is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

						In accordance with Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of other instruments of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its subsidiaries with respect to the rights of holders of long-term debt are not filed herewith, or incorporated by reference, but will be furnished to the Commission upon request.

10						Material Contracts -

(a)						The Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX and CSX Transportation, Inc., Registrant, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, with certain schedules thereto, previously filed, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2003. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(b)						Amendment No. 1 dated as of August 22, 1998, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(c)						Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 1, 1999, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(d)						Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 1, 1999, and executed in April 2004, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(dd) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2004. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(e)						Amendment No. 5 to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2004. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(f)						Amendment No. 6 dated as of April 1, 2007, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(g)						Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for North Jersey, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(h)						Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(i)						Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for South Jersey/Philadelphia, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(j)						Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 1, 2000, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(k)						Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 1, 2001, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2002. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(l)						Amendment No. 3, dated as of June 1, 2001, and executed in May of 2002, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2003. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(m)						Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 1, 2005, and executed in late June 2005, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(n)						Monongahela Usage Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Pennsylvania Lines LLC, and New York Central Lines LLC, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from -Exhibit 10.7 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(o)						The Agreement, entered into as of July 27, 1999, between North Carolina Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 6, 2000. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(p)						Second Amendment, dated December 28, 2009, to the Master Agreement dated July 27, 1999, by and between North Carolina Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2010 (Exhibits, annexes and schedules omitted. The Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request). (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(q)						The Supplementary Agreement, entered into as of January 1, 1987, between the Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway and The Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company (the latter a wholly owned subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway Company) – extending and amending a Lease, dated as of October 11, 1881 – is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(r),*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan, as approved by shareholders May 14, 2015, and as amended effective March 27, 2018, November 17, 2020, and November 17, 2023.

(s)*						The Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, adopted January 1, 1994, and amended and restated effective as of January 23, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 25, 2017. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(t),*						Supplemental Benefit Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies, adopted June 1, 1982, as amended and restated effective as of December 31, 2023.

(u)*						The Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Charitable Award Program, as amended effective July 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(v)						The Norfolk Southern Corporation Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan, as amended effective July 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(w)*						The Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Life Insurance Plan, as amended and restated effective November 30, 2022 and executed as of February 21, 20 23, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 .1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-Q filed on April 26, 2023 . (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(x),*						The Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as approved by shareholders May 14, 2015, and as amended July 29, 2016, November 29, 2016, November 28, 2017, November 27, 2018, and November 19, 2019, November 17, 2023, and December 20, 2023.

(y)						Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 28, 2021. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(z)						Amendment No. 1 dated as of May 27, 2022, to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 on Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2022. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(aa)						Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 30, 2022, to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 26, 2022. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(bb)						Commitment Termination Date Extension Request effective as of May 26, 2023 to the Amended and Restated Transfer and Administrative Agreement dated as of May 28, 2021 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 on the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(cc)						Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated November 21, 2022, by and among the Registrant as purchaser, the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company, and the Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway as seller is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 on Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2022. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(dd)						First Amended and Restated Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of June 28, 2023 between Board of Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and The Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 on the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ee)*						Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation, adopted June 1, 1982 and as amended and restated effective December 1, 2019, is incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 10(xx) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 6, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ff)*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(ww) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-K filed on February 8, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(gg)*						Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for Outside Directors for R estricted S tock U nits and deferral election form as approved by the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee on November 18, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 10-K filed on February 4, 2022. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(hh),*						Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for Non-Qualified Stock Options approved by the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee on November 16, 2023.

(ii),*						Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for R estricted S tock U nits approved by the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee on November 1 6 , 2023.

(jj),*						Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for P erformance S hare U nits approved by the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee on January 22 , 202 4 .

(kk)*						Form of Change in Control Agreement between Norfolk Southern Corporation and executive officers who entered into a change in control agreement after 2015 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 29, 2020. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ll)						Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2024, establishing a 5 -year, $800 million unsecured revolving credit facility of the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 26 , 202 4 . (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(mm)*						Offer Letter for Mark R. George, dated August 26, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(nn)*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan Inducement Award Agreement for Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(oo)*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan Inducement Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Units is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(pp)*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan Inducement Award Agreement for Non-Qualified Stock Options is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 28, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(qq)						A Lease Agreement, dated March 1, 2019, between NSRC and BA Leasing BSC, LLC. This Agreement is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed March 5, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(rr)						A Participation Agreement, dated March 1, 2019, between NSRC, BA Leasing BSC, LLC, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and each of the Rent Assignees listed on Schedule II thereto. This Agreement is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.3 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed March 5, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

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(ss)						Guaranty of NSRC’s obligations under the Participation Agreement, Construction Agency Agreement, Lease Agreement and related documents by Norfolk Southern Corporation. This Agreement is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.4 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed March 5, 2019. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(tt)						Consent and First Omnibus Amendment dated May 14, 2021 between NSRC, BA Leasing, BSC, LLC, Bank of America, N.A as Administrative Agent, and each of the Rent Assignees (the Registrant will furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request, a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule). (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(uu)						Consent and Second Omnibus Amendment dated September 10, 2021 between NSRC, BA Leasing, BSC, LLC, Bank of America, N.A as Administrative Agent, and each of the Rent Assignees (the Registrant will furnish supplementally to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request, a copy of any omitted exhibit or schedule). (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(vv)						Third Omnibus Amendment Agreement dated January 23, 2023 between NSRC, BA Leasing, BSC, LLC, Bank of America, N.A as Administrative Agent, and each of the Rent Assignees is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q files on April 26, 2023. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(ww)*						Norfolk Southern Executive Severance Plan as adopted on May 14, 2020, and as amended July 28, 2020, and November 17, 2022, is incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation's Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2022. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

(xx)						Term Loan Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2024, establishing a $1,000 million unsecured delayed draw term loan credit facility of the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2024. (SEC File No. 001-08339)

21**						Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

23**						Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

31-A**						Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-014(a) CEO Certification.

31-B**						Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-014(a) CFO Certification.

32**						Section 1350 Certifications.

97,*						Norfolk Southern Corporation Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy as adopted by Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee on November 17, 2023.

101**						The following financial information from Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

104**						Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

						* Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
						** Filed herewith.

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(B)						Exhibits.

						The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K as listed in Item 15(A)3 are filed herewith or incorporated by reference.

(C)						Financial Statement Schedules.

						Financial statement schedules and separate financial statements specified by this Item are included in Item 15(A)2 or are otherwise not required or are not applicable.

						Exhibits 23, 31, and 32 are included in copies assembled for public dissemination. All exhibits are included in the 2023 Form 10-K posted on our website at www.norfolksouthern.com under “Investors” “Financial Reports” and “SEC Filings” or you may request copies by writing to:

						Office of Corporate Secretary Norfolk Southern Corporation 650 West Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30308-1925

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Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears on the next page under SIGNATURES hereby authorizes Nabanita C. Nag and Mark R. George, or any one of them, to execute in the name of each such person, and to file, any amendments to this report, and hereby appoints Nabanita C. Nag and Mark R. George, or any one of them, as attorneys-in-fact to sign on her or his behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, and to file, any and all amendments to this report.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Norfolk Southern Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 5th day of February, 2024.


			/s/ Alan H. Shaw
By:			Alan H. Shaw
			(President and Chief Executive Officer)

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on this 5th day of February, 2024, by the following persons on behalf of Norfolk Southern Corporation and in the capacities indicated.


Signature			Title

/s/ Alan H. Shaw (Alan H. Shaw)			President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Mark R. George (Mark R. George)			Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ Claiborne L. Moore (Claiborne L. Moore)			Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Amy E. Miles (Amy E. Miles)			Independent Chair and Director

/s/ Thomas D. Bell, Jr. (Thomas D. Bell, Jr.)			Director

/s/ Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. (Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.)			Director

/s/ Philip S. Davidson (Philip S. Davidson)			Director

/s/ Francesca A. DeBiase (Francesca A. DeBiase)			Director

/s/ Marcela E. Donadio (Marcela E. Donadio)			Director

/s/ John C. Huffard, Jr. (John C. Huffard, Jr.)			Director

/s/ Christopher T. Jones (Christopher T. Jones)			Director

/s/ Thomas C. Kelleher (Thomas C. Kelleher)			Director

/s/ Steven F. Leer (Steven F. Leer)			Director

/s/ Michael D. Lockhart (Michael D. Lockhart)			Director

/s/ Claude Mongeau (Claude Mongeau)			Director

/s/ Jennifer F. Scanlon (Jennifer F. Scanlon)			Director

/s/ John R. Thompson (John R. Thompson)			Director

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Schedule II

$ $

(2)

$()

(3)

$ Casualty and other claimsincluded in other liabilities

(1)

()

(4)

Year ended December 31, 2022Current portion of casualty and

other claims included in

accounts payable$ $ $

(2)

(3)

$ Casualty and other claimsincluded in other liabilities

(1)

(4)

Year ended December 31, 2021Current portion of casualty andother claims included inaccounts payable$ $ $

(2)

(3)

$ Casualty and other claimsincluded in other liabilities

(1)

(4)

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

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NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)

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