Wells Fargo analyst Allison Poliniak-Cusic initiated coverage of Norfolk Southern with a Market Perform rating and $216 price target. In a research note to investors, the analyst says railroad shares have fared well despite a challenging economic backdrop, with the shares on average performing in line with the S&P 500. Valuations are currently reflecting the near-term optimism on the efficiency gains that railroads have made and, as a result, she looks to be more selective in this environment. She says execution remains "solid" and would expect for most rails that improvement could be more moderate at current levels. Looking beyond that, Poliniak-Cusic expects that traffic trends will continue to be challenged, further putting pressure on earnings and results.

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that it has determined a change in leadership at Norfolk Southern Corporation is necessary. Tony Cardwell, President of BMWED-IBT, commented: "The BMWED-IBT, after more than a year of non-committal hedging on reasonable, needed changes and untenable shakiness in management at Norfolk Southern, has determined that a change in leadership is needed for the freight rail carrier and its employees. Following yesterday's earnings call and a reasonably constructive meeting with a potential new leadership team, our Brotherhood has determined that a change at the top would be the best course of action for BMWED-IBT members. For many months since East Palestine, the BMWED has not been able to get assurances from the current leadership to implement needed policy and procedural changes to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. At this juncture, seeing no path forward, we see no reason to support the current administration at Norfolk Southern."

UBS analyst Thomas Wadewitz lowered the firm's price target on Norfolk Southern to $294 from $302 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Norfolk Southern's Q1 was in like with the pre-report, reflecting weak revenue and margin pressure, the analyst tells investors in a research note.