10-Q 1 nsc-20240930.htm 10-Q nsc-20240930
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024

    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
For the transition period from ___________ to___________
 
Commission File Number: 1-8339

nslogoq217a12.jpg
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Virginia52-1188014
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
650 West Peachtree Street NW30308-1925
Atlanta,Georgia
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(855)667-3655
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
No change
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at September 30, 2024
Common Stock ($1.00 par value per share)226,239,662 (excluding 20,320,777 shares held by the registrant’s
consolidated subsidiaries)




TABLE OF CONTENTS

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  Page
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  
Item 1Financial Statements
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 2024202320242023
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating revenues$3,051 $2,971 $9,099 $9,083 
Railway operating expenses    
Compensation and benefits690 715 2,126 2,098 
Purchased services and rents497 517 1,541 1,519 
Fuel216 289 757 867 
Depreciation339 326 1,011 968 
Materials and other(188)205 200 622 
Restructuring and other charges60  156  
Eastern Ohio incident(159)163 368 966 
Total railway operating expenses1,455 2,215 6,159 7,040 
Income from railway operations1,596 756 2,940 2,043 
Other income – net34 40 69 153 
Interest expense on debt203 182 608 527 
Income before income taxes1,427 614 2,401 1,669 
Income taxes328 136 512 369 
Net income$1,099 $478 $1,889 $1,300 
Earnings per share    
Basic$4.86 $2.11 $8.35 $5.71 
Diluted4.85 2.10 8.34 5.70 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
 
 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2024202320242023
 ($ in millions)
Net income$1,099 $478 $1,889 $1,300 
Other comprehensive loss, before tax:  
Pension and other postretirement expense(2)(6)(15)(17)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees (1)1 (1)
Other comprehensive loss, before tax(2)(7)(14)(18)
Income tax benefit related to items of other
comprehensive loss 2 2 5 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(5)(12)(13)
Total comprehensive income$1,097 $473 $1,877 $1,287 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
($ in millions)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$975 $1,568 
Accounts receivable – net1,302 1,147 
Materials and supplies288 264 
Other current assets125 292 
Total current assets2,690 3,271 
Investments3,968 3,839 
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $13,855
 
and $13,265, respectively
35,390 33,326 
Other assets1,207 1,216 
Total assets$43,255 $41,652 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$1,614 $1,638 
Income and other taxes179 262 
Other current liabilities1,329 728 
Current maturities of long-term debt555 4 
Total current liabilities3,677 2,632 
Long-term debt16,644 17,175 
Other liabilities1,786 1,839 
Deferred income taxes7,363 7,225 
Total liabilities29,470 28,871 
Stockholders’ equity:  
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares
  
  authorized; outstanding 226,239,662 and 225,681,254 shares,
  
  respectively, net of treasury shares228 227 
Additional paid-in capital2,223 2,179 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(332)(320)
Retained income11,666 10,695 
Total stockholders’ equity13,785 12,781 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$43,255 $41,652 
 
 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 First Nine Months
 20242023
 ($ in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities  
Net income$1,889 $1,300 
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation1,011 968 
Deferred income taxes141 (53)
Gains and losses on properties(425)(34)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:  
Accounts receivable(156)(65)
Materials and supplies(24)(50)
Other current assets80 37 
Current liabilities other than debt774 538 
Other – net(189)(135)
Net cash provided by operating activities3,101 2,506 
Cash flows from investing activities  
Property additions(1,706)(1,491)
Acquisition of assets of CSR
(1,643)(5)
Property sales and other transactions527 62 
Investment purchases(318)(120)
Investment sales and other transactions349 160 
Net cash used in investing activities(2,791)(1,394)
Cash flows from financing activities  
Dividends(915)(920)
Common stock transactions15 (9)
Purchase and retirement of common stock (503)
Proceeds from borrowings1,051 2,303 
Debt repayments(1,054)(933)
Net cash used in financing activities(903)(62)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(593)1,050 
Cash and cash equivalents  
At beginning of year1,568 456 
At end of period$975 $1,506 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information  
Cash paid during the period for:  
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)$571 $451 
Income taxes (net of refunds)284 521 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6


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

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
 ($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2023$227 $2,179 $(320)$10,695 $12,781 
Comprehensive income:
Net income53 53 
Other comprehensive loss(2)(2)
Total comprehensive income51 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(305)(305)
Stock-based compensation9 9 
Balance at March 31, 2024227 2,188 (322)10,443 12,536 
Comprehensive income:
Net income737 737 
Other comprehensive loss(8)(8)
Total comprehensive income729 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(305)(305)
Stock-based compensation 20 (1)19 
Balance at June 30, 2024$227 $2,208 $(330)$10,874 $12,979 
Comprehensive income:
Net income1,099 1,099 
Other comprehensive loss(2)(2)
Total comprehensive income1,097 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(305)(305)
Stock-based compensation1 15 (2)14 
Balance at September 30, 2024$228 $2,223 $(332)$11,666 $13,785 









 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
7


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

Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Retained
Income
Total
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Balance at December 31, 2022$230 $2,157 $(351)$10,697 $12,733 
Comprehensive income:
Net income466 466 
Other comprehensive loss(4)(4)
Total comprehensive income462 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(307)(307)
Share repurchases(1)(6)(156)(163)
Stock-based compensation4 (2)2 
Balance at March 31, 2023229 2,155 (355)10,698 12,727 
Comprehensive income:
Net income356 356 
Other comprehensive loss(4)(4)
Total comprehensive income352 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(308)(308)
Share repurchases(1)(4)(135)(140)
Stock-based compensation9 9 
Balance at June 30, 2023$228 $2,160 $(359)$10,611 $12,640 
Comprehensive income:
Net income478 478 
Other comprehensive loss(5)(5)
Total comprehensive income473 
Dividends on common stock,
$1.35 per share
(305)(305)
Share repurchases(1)(9)(195)(205)
Stock-based compensation12  12 
Balance at September 30, 2023$227 $2,163 $(364)$10,589 $12,615 

 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
8


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) and subsidiaries’ (collectively, NS, we, us, and our) financial position at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in stockholders’ equity for the third quarters and first nine months of 2024 and 2023, and our cash flows for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 in conformity with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
 
These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

1.  Railway Operating Revenues

The following table disaggregates our revenues by major commodity group:

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2024202320242023
($ in millions)
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$624 $611 $1,875 $1,891 
Chemicals543 498 1,602 1,542 
Metals and construction420 417 1,290 1,232 
Automotive274 274 861 839 
Merchandise1,861 1,800 5,628 5,504 
Intermodal763 737 2,250 2,296 
Coal427 434 1,221 1,283 
Total$3,051 $2,971 $9,099 $9,083 

We recognize the amount of revenues to which we expect to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. A performance obligation is created when a customer under a transportation contract or public tariff submits a bill of lading to us for the transport of goods. These performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination. As such, transportation revenues are recognized proportionally as a shipment moves, and related expenses are recognized as incurred. These performance obligations are generally short-term in nature with transit days averaging approximately one week or less for each commodity group. The customer has an unconditional obligation to pay for the service once the service has been completed. Estimated revenues associated with in-process shipments at period-end are recorded based on the estimated percentage of service completed. We had no material remaining performance obligations at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

We may provide customers ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental activities, under their transportation contracts. The revenues associated with these distinct performance obligations are recognized when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. These revenues are included within each of the commodity groups and represent approximately 4% of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 5% for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023.


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

Under the typical terms of our freight contracts, payment for services is due within fifteen days of billing the customer, thus there are no significant financing components. “Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes both customer and non-customer receivables as follows:

September 30,
2024
December 31, 2023
($ in millions)
Customer$817 $882 
Non-customer485 265 
  Accounts receivable – net$1,302 $1,147 

Non-customer receivables include non-revenue-related amounts due from other railroads, governmental entities, insurers, and others. We do not have any material contract assets or liabilities at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

2.  Stock-Based Compensation

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2024202320242023
($ in millions)
Stock-based compensation expense$(5)$10 $27 $32 
Total tax benefit (expense)(1)2 7 11 

During 2024, we granted stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), as follows:

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
GrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair ValueGrantedWeighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Stock options28,510 $70.14 100,940 $77.27 
RSUs19,873 247.86 246,382 235.68 
PSUs850 255.22 58,870 258.97 


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Stock Options
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2024202320242023
($ in millions)
Options exercised142,8339,934 257,807 87,206 
Cash received upon exercise$20 $1 $31 $7 
Related tax benefits realized3  6 3 

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs granted primarily have a four-year ratable restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Norfolk Southern common stock (Common Stock). Certain RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. 
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
2024202320242023
($ in millions)
RSUs vested1,836 2,587 170,981 155,617 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholding1,391 1,734 118,657 109,153 
Related tax benefits realized$ $ $ $1 

Performance Share Units

PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. No PSUs were earned or paid out during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023.

First Nine Months
20242023
($ in millions)
PSUs earned41,580 58,599 
Common Stock issued net of tax withholding26,056 40,255 
Related tax benefits realized$ $ 

3. Sales of Railway Lines

On September 5, 2024, we consummated a transaction with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) to sell a railway line (“Manassas Line”) to support the expansion of passenger rail service in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The total purchase price to be paid by the VPRA is $357 million and we received $315 million in cash proceeds at closing. The remainder of the proceeds are expected to be received by the end of 2027. The total gain recognized as a result of the transaction was $323 million. Additionally, the VPRA also agreed to exchange a railway line (“V-Line”) in consideration for the land and above ground assets described as the “Seminary Passage.” This transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.


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On September 6, 2024, we consummated an agreement with the City of Charlotte to sell a railway line between Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, NC in exchange for $74 million. The cash proceeds from the transaction were received at closing and the transaction resulted in a gain of $57 million.

Gains on the disposal of the operating land included as part of the railway line sales discussed above are included in “Materials and other” expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. The gains from these transactions are reflected in “Gains and losses on properties” and cash proceeds are included in “Property sales and other transactions” on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

4.  Restructuring and Other Charges

During the third quarter of 2024, we made strategic decisions to rationalize certain software development projects that had not been placed into service and which resulted in a write-down of these assets. Additionally, we discontinued the use of our Triple Crown Road Railer assets, and, with a planned disposition of the entire asset class, we incurred expenses to reflect these assets at their net realizable value. As a result, “Restructuring and other charges” includes $60 million of expenses related to these efforts for both the third quarter and the first nine months of 2024.

In the first quarter of 2024, we commenced voluntary and involuntary separation programs to reduce our management workforce. Through these programs, approximately 350 management employees were separated from service by May 2024. “Restructuring and other charges” reflects separation payments and other benefits to the impacted management employees and amounted to $61 million for the first nine months of 2024. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of these separation programs on our pension and other postretirement benefit plans, as further discussed in Note 12.

In March 2024, we appointed John Orr as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. “Restructuring and other charges” in the first nine months also includes $35 million of costs related to this appointment, including an agreement with his previous employer, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), that resulted in a $25 million payment and certain commercial considerations to CPKC in exchange for a waiver of his non-compete provisions.

5. Income Taxes

During the first nine months of 2024, we recorded a $27 million deferred income tax benefit as a result of a subsidiary restructuring.


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6.  Earnings Per Share

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

 BasicDiluted
 Third Quarter
 2024202320242023
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net income$1,099 $478 $1,099 $478 
Dividend equivalent payments (1) (1)
Income available to common stockholders$1,099 $477 $1,099 $477 
Weighted-average shares outstanding226.2 226.4 226.2 226.4 
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  0.3 0.6 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding  226.5 227.0 
Earnings per share$4.86 $2.11 $4.85 $2.10 
 BasicDiluted
 First Nine Months
 2024202320242023
($ in millions, except per share amounts,
shares in millions)
Net income$1,889 $1,300 $1,889 $1,300 
Dividend equivalent payments(2)(2)(2)(2)
Income available to common stockholders$1,887 $1,298 $1,887 $1,298 
Weighted-average shares outstanding226.0 227.2 226.0 227.2 
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards  0.3 0.6 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 226.3 227.8 
Earnings per share$8.35 $5.71 $8.34 $5.70 

During the third quarters and first nine months of 2024 and 2023, dividend equivalent payments were made to certain holders of stock options and RSUs.  For purposes of computing basic earnings per share, dividend equivalent payments made to holders of stock options and RSUs were deducted from net income to determine income available to common stockholders. For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, we evaluate on a grant-by-grant basis those stock options and RSUs receiving dividend equivalent payments under the two-class and treasury stock methods to determine which method is more dilutive for each grant. For those grants for which the two-class method was more dilutive, net income was reduced by dividend equivalent payments to determine income available to common stockholders. The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: 0.1 million in the third quarters and first nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.


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7.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
Net IncomeReclassification
Adjustments
Balance at
End of Period
 ($ in millions)
Nine months ended September 30, 2024     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(292)$(7)$(6)$(305)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees(28)1   (27)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(320)$(6)$(6) $(332)
Nine months ended September 30, 2023     
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities$(319)$ $(13)$(332)
Other comprehensive loss of equity investees(32)   (32)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss$(351)$ $(13) $(364)

8.  Stock Repurchase Program
 
We did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase program in the first nine months of 2024, while we repurchased and retired 2.2 million shares of Common Stock at a cost of $508 million in the first nine months of 2023, inclusive of excise taxes.

9.  Investments

Investment in Conrail
 
Through a limited liability company, we and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC). We have a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in the jointly-owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests. Our investment in Conrail was $1.7 billion at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT). The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage. In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas. “Purchased services and rents” and “Fuel” include expenses payable to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $44 million and $39 million for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $146 million and $123 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our equity in Conrail’s earnings, net of amortization, was $19 million and $15 million for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $62 million and $50 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. These amounts partially offset the costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas and are included in “Purchased services and rents.”

“Other liabilities” includes $534 million at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing in 2050 that bear interest at an average rate of 1.31%.


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Investment in TTX

We and six other North American railroads collectively own TTX Company (TTX), a railcar pooling company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive, and general use railcars at stated rates. We have a 19.78% ownership interest in TTX.

Expenses incurred for use of TTX equipment are included in “Purchased services and rents.” These expenses amounted to $72 million and $66 million for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $220 million and $201 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our equity in TTX’s earnings partially offsets these costs and totaled $13 million for both the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 and $40 million and $34 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

10.  Acquisition of Assets of Cincinnati Southern Railway

On March 15, 2024, we completed the acquisition of a 337 mile railway line that extends from Cincinnati, Ohio to Chattanooga, Tennessee from the Cincinnati Southern Railway (CSR) for $1.7 billion (of which $0.1 billion was paid in 2023). We previously operated this line subject to an operating lease agreement, which was terminated upon the close of the transaction. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired in the transaction. The asset purchase is reflected in “Properties less accumulated depreciation” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and is distinctly identified in the “Cash flows from investing activities” section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The lease expense recognized pursuant to the previous operating lease agreement was $7 million in the third quarter of 2023, and $5 million and $19 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

11.  Debt

In June 2024, we entered into an agreement that provides us the ability to issue up to $800 million of unsecured commercial paper and is backed by our credit agreement. The unsecured short-term commercial paper program provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes covenants. At September 30, 2024, we had no outstanding commercial paper.

In May 2024, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization program with a maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million. Amounts under our accounts receivable securitization program are borrowed and repaid from time to time in the ordinary course for general corporate and cash management purposes. The term of our accounts receivable securitization program expires in May 2025. Amounts received under this facility are accounted for as borrowings. We had no amounts outstanding under this program and our available borrowing capacity was $400 million at both September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023. Our accounts receivable securitization program was supported by $836 million and $903 million in receivables at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which are included in “Accounts receivable – net”.

In January 2024, we renewed and amended our $800 million credit agreement. The amended agreement expires in January 2029, and provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at either September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023, and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.

In January 2024, we entered into a term loan credit agreement that established a 364-day, $1.0 billion, unsecured delayed draw term loan facility under which we can borrow for general corporate purposes. The term loan credit agreement provides for borrowing at prevailing rates and includes covenants that align with the $800 million credit agreement. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at September 30, 2024. During July 2024, we extended the availability period of the term loan agreement. The term loan expired undrawn on October 22, 2024.



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

Pension and postretirement benefit cost components were as follows:

 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 Third Quarter
 2024202320242023
 ($ in millions)
Service cost$7 $7 $ $1 
Interest cost26 27 4 4 
Expected return on plan assets(51)(53)(2)(2)
Amortization of net losses4 1  (1)
Amortization of prior service benefit  (6)(6)
Net benefit$(14)$(18)$(4)$(4)

 Pension BenefitsOther Postretirement Benefits
 First Nine Months
 2024202320242023
 ($ in millions)
Service cost$20 $19 $2 $3 
Interest cost80 81 11 13 
Expected return on plan assets(153)(157)(8)(8)
Amortization of net losses12 3  (1)
Amortization of prior service benefit  (18)(19)
Curtailment gain  (20) 
Net benefit$(41)$(54)$(33)$(12)

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

During the first quarter of 2024, we commenced voluntary and involuntary separation programs to reduce our management workforce. Through these programs, approximately 350 management employees were separated from service by May 2024. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) Topic 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits,” we evaluated whether a curtailment of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans had occurred. While the reduction in our workforce did not result in

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a curtailment to our pension benefit plans, a curtailment to our other postretirement benefit plan did occur as the future years of service of plan participants were reduced in excess of 10%. As a result, we remeasured the other postretirement benefit obligation using a discount rate of 5.74% and recorded an $11 million reduction to the obligation. Additionally, we recognized a curtailment gain of $20 million in the second quarter of 2024, the period in which the employees departed the Company, for the impacted portion of the prior service benefit previously recorded within accumulated other comprehensive loss.

13.  Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable – net,” and “Accounts payable,” approximate carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance (COLI) is recorded at cash surrender value and, accordingly, approximates fair value. There are no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consist of the following:

 September 30, 2024December 31, 2023
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
 ($ in millions)
Long-term debt, including current maturities$(17,199)$(16,654)$(17,179)$(16,631)

14.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Eastern Ohio Incident

Summary

On February 3, 2023, a train operated by us derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The derailed equipment included 38 railcars, 11 of which were non-Company-owned tank cars containing hazardous materials. Fires associated with the derailment threatened certain tank cars. There was concern that the pressure inside of the tank cars carrying vinyl chloride was rising and that the pressure relief devices were no longer functioning properly, which would have posed the risk of a catastrophic explosion. As a consequence, on February 6, 2023, the local incident commander (the East Palestine Fire Chief)—in consultation with the incident command that included, among others, federal, state and local officials and Norfolk Southern—opted to conduct a controlled vent and burn of five derailed tank cars, all of which contained vinyl chloride. This procedure involved creating holes in the five tank cars to drain the vinyl chloride into adjacent trenches that had been dug into the ground where the vinyl chloride was ignited and burned. Any remaining materials released from the derailment or during the vent and burn have been or are 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.


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Financial Impact

Although we cannot predict the final outcome or estimate the reasonably possible range of loss related to the Incident with certainty, we have accrued amounts for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities for those environmental and non-environmental matters described below. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, our probable and reasonably estimable liabilities principally associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings were $800 million and $464 million, respectively, which are discussed in further detail below. These amounts represent the difference between the recognized expense and cash expenditures (net of insurance recoveries) related to the Incident as of each respective date. From the inception of the Incident, we have recognized a total of $1.5 billion in net expenses directly attributable to the Incident, which included $653 million of insurance recoveries from claims made under our insurance policies. We have also recorded a deferred tax asset of $197 million and $249 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, related to the Incident expecting that certain expenses will be deductible for tax purposes in future periods or offset with insurance recoveries.

Certain costs incurred thus far and related to the Incident may be recoverable under our insurance policies in effect at the date of the Incident or from third parties. 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, some of which have concluded and some which are continuing, including but not limited to, excavating and disposing of potentially affected soil (based on sampling results), 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, and capturing and shipping stormwater that enters the impacted derailment site to proper disposal facilities. 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. We continue to conduct environmental assessment and remediation activities pursuant to the UAO and the directives issued thereunder, including sampling and excavating soil (if needed based on sampling results) at the affected site, including areas beneath our tracks. 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 plans to address local waterways. We timely submitted our Notice of Intent to Comply with the CWA order and continue to complete environmental assessment and remediation as required by the U.S. EPA, as well as state agencies, in compliance with the CWA order. Once approved by the court, the proposed Consent Decree (discussed below) will supersede the UAO and CWA Order.

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

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil complaint on behalf of the U.S. EPA (the DOJ Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties for alleged violations of the CWA and cost recovery under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Ohio Attorney General (AG) also filed a lawsuit (the Ohio Complaint) in the Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division) seeking damages for a variety of common law and environmental statutory claims under CERCLA and various state laws. The DOJ and Ohio AG cases have been consolidated for discovery purposes. We have filed an answer, and discovery is ongoing in the Ohio AG case. On

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June 30, 2023, we filed third-party claims against certain railcar defendants and shippers involved in the Incident. The Court dismissed the third party claims on March 6, 2024, and on March 26, 2024, we filed a motion requesting the Court to enter partial final judgment as to the third party claims. On May 23, 2024, DOJ and the Company reached a settlement to resolve all of the government’s civil claims against the Company related to the Incident, and jointly lodged a proposed Consent Decree with the court. As proposed, the Consent Decree will require the Company to pay for the federal government’s oversight costs of $57 million through November 30, 2023 as well as additional oversight costs from December 1, 2023 until the remediation is complete. The proposed Consent Decree also requires the Company to pay a civil penalty of $15 million for alleged violations of the CWA. Other provisions of the proposed Consent Decree relate to injunctive relief for safety, community support, and environmental support, which provisions, if approved by the court, will be in effect between five years to twenty years. The proposed Consent Decree was subject to a mandatory public comment period, which ended on August 2, 2024, and DOJ filed a motion on October 10, 2024 seeking entry of the Consent Decree. The Ohio AG did not join this settlement and its claims remain outstanding and are proceeding.

In accordance with FASB ASC 410-30 “Environmental Liabilities,” as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had recognized probable and reasonably estimable liabilities in connection with the foregoing environmental matters of $264 million and $319 million, respectively, and which are primarily included in “Other current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. We recognized $51 million and $118 million of expense during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $164 million and $699 million during the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. We made $52 million and $164 million in payments during the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $219 million and $372 million during the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively, related to these matters. 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 proposed DOJ Consent Decree (including civil penalties related to alleged violations of the CWA). 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, and sediment remediation 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. Since the date of the Incident, we have recognized a total of $1.0 billion in expenses related to environmental matters, of which $736 million has been paid.

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) (the Ohio Class Action) 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 30-mile radius. On July 12, 2023, we filed a third-party complaint bringing in multiple parties involved in the Incident. Fact discovery ended on February 5, 2024. The Court denied in part and granted in part all motions to dismiss, as to the plaintiffs’ case and as to our third-party complaint, on March 13, 2024. On April 9, 2024, we announced that we reached an agreement in principle to settle the Ohio Class Action for $600 million. The settlement agreement does not resolve, and expressly preserves, our third-party claims in the third-party complaint. The court granted final approval of the settlement on September 27, 2024, which was subsequently appealed to the Sixth Circuit. The settlement agreement will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and, for those residents who choose to participate, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius from the derailment. We made a partial payment of the

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settlement on October 11, 2024 in the amount of $310 million and the remaining balance could be paid as early as November 8, 2024; however, that payment, including timing, is dependent upon resolution of any appeals to the settlement.

Another putative class action is pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania, brought by Pennsylvania school districts and students. On August 22, 2023, six 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. On February 23, 2024, we and the other defendants filed motions to dismiss and those motions are fully briefed and currently pending before the court. Combined with the Ohio Class Action, these lawsuits are collectively referred to herein as the Incident Lawsuits.

In accordance with FASB ASC 450, “Contingencies, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had accruals for probable and reasonably estimable liabilities principally associated with the Incident Lawsuits and related contingencies of $688 million and $82 million, respectively. 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 work with parties with respect to potential resolution, no assurance can be given that we will be successful in doing so and we cannot predict the outcome of these matters.

We have received securities and derivative litigation and multiple shareholder document and litigation demand letters, including a securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) initially filed in the Southern District of Ohio alleging multiple securities law violations but since transferred to the Northern District of Georgia, a securities class action lawsuit under the Securities Act of 1933 (Securities Act) filed in the Southern District of New York alleging misstatements in association with our debt offerings, and six shareholder derivative complaints filed in Virginia state court asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duties, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment in connection with safety of the Company’s operations, among other claims (collectively, the Shareholder Matters). On February 2, 2024, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in the Securities Act lawsuit, and on July 26, 2024, the magistrate judge issued a Report and Recommendation to the district judge, recommending that the defendants’ motion to dismiss be granted in part and denied in part. Defendants’ objections to the Report and Recommendation were filed on August 9, 2024, and plaintiffs’ response to defendants’ objections were filed on August 23, 2024. A decision on the motion to dismiss remains pending. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the Exchange Act lawsuit on April 25, 2024, and the defendants filed a motion to dismiss on June 24, 2024. A decision on the motion to dismiss remains pending. No responsive pleadings have been filed yet with respect to the other Shareholder Matters.

We are also named as a defendant in various other Incident-related litigation involving other potentially affected third parties. We do not currently believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

With respect to the Incident-related litigation and regulatory matters, we record a liability for loss contingencies through a charge to earnings when we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated and disclose such liability if we conclude it to be material. Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known. Because the final outcome of any of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, developments related to the progress of such legal proceedings or other unfavorable or unexpected developments or outcomes could result in additional costs or new or additionally accrued amounts that could be material to our results of operations in a particular

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year or quarter. In addition, if it is reasonably possible that we will incur Incident-related losses in excess of the amounts currently recorded as a loss contingency, we disclose the potential range of loss, if reasonably estimable, or we disclose that we cannot reasonably estimate such an amount at this time. For Incident-related litigation and regulatory matters where a loss may be reasonably possible, but not probable, or probable but not reasonably estimable, no accrual is established but the matter, if potentially material, is disclosed.

Our estimates of probable losses and reasonably possible losses are based upon currently available information and involve significant judgement and a variety of assumptions, given that (1) certain legal and regulatory proceedings are in early stages; (2) discovery may not be completed; (3) damages sought in these legal and regulatory proceedings can be unsubstantiated or indeterminate; (4) there are often significant facts in dispute; and/or (5) there is a wide range of possible outcomes. Accordingly, our estimated range of loss with respect to these matters may change from time to time, and actual losses may exceed current estimates. At this time, we are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss in excess of the amounts accrued with respect to the matters described above.

The amounts recorded do not include any estimate of loss for which we believe a loss is either not probable or not reasonably estimable for any fines or penalties (in excess of the liabilities established for CWA-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).

Inquiries and Investigations

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

Subsequent to the Incident, investigators from the NTSB examined railroad equipment and track conditions; reviewed data from the signal system, wayside defect detectors, local surveillance cameras, and the lead locomotive’s event recorder and forward-facing and inward-facing image recorders; and completed certain interviews (the NTSB Investigation). The NTSB concluded its investigation and adopted a final investigative report on June 25, 2024, then issued the final public report on July 12, 2024. The NTSB found that the probable cause of the derailment was the failure of a bearing which overheated and caused the axle to separate, derailing the train and leading to a post-derailment fire. The NTSB issued over 30 recommendations, of which four were issued to Norfolk Southern. The NTSB continues to work on a safety culture investigation, and a report on this part of the investigation is expected to be issued by the spring of 2025.

Concurrent with the NTSB Investigation, the FRA also investigated the Incident. Similar in scope to the NTSB Investigation, the FRA examined railroad equipment, track conditions, hazardous materials train placement and routing, and emergency response (the FRA Incident Investigation). The FRA Incident Investigation will likely result in the assessment of civil penalties, though the amount and materiality of these penalties cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. In addition to the FRA Incident Investigation, the FRA completed a 60-day supplemental safety assessment (the FRA Safety Assessment). The FRA Safety Assessment included a review of findings from a previously completed 2022 system audit and an assessment of operational elements including, but not limited to: track, signal, and rolling stock maintenance, inspection and repair practices; protection of employees;

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communications between transportation departments and mechanical and engineering staff; operation control center procedures and dispatcher training. The overall scope of the FRA Safety Assessment was to examine our safety culture. The FRA issued a public report in early August 2023 which included its findings and related corrective actions. We have launched initiatives to implement all of these items, and will monitor progress on these initiatives going forward.

Other Commitments and Contingencies

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

In 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. In 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. On October 10, 2017, the District Court denied class certification. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeals on August 16, 2019. Since that decision, various individual cases have been filed in multiple jurisdictions and also consolidated in the District of Columbia. We intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against one of our subsidiaries by the minority owner in a jointly-owned terminal railroad company in which our subsidiary has the majority ownership. The lawsuit alleged violations of various state laws and federal antitrust laws. On January 3, 2023, the court granted summary judgment to us on all of the compensatory claims but denied summary judgment for all equitable relief claims. On January 18, 2023, the court dismissed the federal equitable relief claims, leaving the state equitable relief claims as the sole remaining issue under consideration. On April 19, 2023, the court disposed of all remaining state equitable relief claims. On August 29, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the opinion of the lower court. We will continue to vigorously defend the lawsuit and, although it is reasonably possible we could incur a loss in the case, we believe that we will prevail. However, given that litigation is inherently unpredictable and subject to uncertainties, there can be no assurances that the final outcome of the litigation (including the related appeal) will not be material. Until such appeal is final, we cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss associated with this matter.

Casualty Claims

Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs.  To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue with respect to such claims during the year, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm.  Job-related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads. The variability inherent in FELA’s fault-based tort system could result in actual

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to environmental claims associated with the Incident, our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for other environmental exposures of $57 million at September 30, 2024 and $60 million at December 31, 2023, of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both periods. At September 30, 2024, the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 75 known locations and projects compared with 81 locations and projects at December 31, 2023. At September 30, 2024, twenty-one sites accounted for $47 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material. We anticipate that most of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.

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

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

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

The risk of incurring environmental liability for acts and omissions, past, present, and future, is inherent in the railroad business.  Some of the commodities we transport, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, pose special risks that we work diligently to reduce.  In addition, several of our subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale.  Because environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, there can be no assurance that we will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time.  Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.  The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
 
Based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we believe we have recorded the probable and reasonably estimable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which we are aware.  Further, we believe that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
 
Labor Agreements

Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA), these agreements remain in effect until new agreements are reached, or until the bargaining procedures mandated by the RLA 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.

Under current moratorium provisions, neither party can serve notice to compel a new round of mandatory collective bargaining until November 1, 2024. That said, over the past several months, we engaged in voluntary local discussions with our labor unions and, as a result, reached local tentative agreements with a majority of our unions prior to the opening of the national bargaining round. These new tentative agreements are subject to ratification by union membership. If ratified, they will take effect January 1, 2025, and will foreclose the parties from serving new notices to compel mandatory bargaining until November 1, 2029.

We will continue local discussions with the unions with whom we have not yet reached agreement. If no local agreement has been reached with one or more of these unions when the moratoriums in their contracts expire on November 1, 2024, the parties will exchange bargaining notices and commence mandatory direct negotiations as prescribed under the RLA. Even if the parties are unable to reach voluntary agreement during this first phase of RLA-bargaining, self-help (e.g., a strike or other work stoppage) related to this collective bargaining process remains prohibited by law until a lengthy series of additional procedures mandated by the RLA, including federal mediation, are exhausted.

Insurance
 
We purchase insurance covering legal liabilities for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Our current

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liability insurance provides limits for approximately 93% of covered losses above $75 million and below $734 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 82% of covered losses above $75 million and below $275 million per occurrence and/or policy year. With respect to the Incident, our insurance in effect at such time provided coverage above $75 million and below $800 million (or up to $1.1 billion for specified types of pollution releases) per occurrence and/or policy year, and with respect to property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control, our insurance covered approximately 82% of potential losses above $75 million and below $275 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 questioned 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 $653 million in insurance recoveries (including $288 million and $552 million during the third quarter and first nine months of 2024, respectively, and $25 million during the third quarter and first nine months of 2023), principally from excess liability (re)insurers. At September 30, 2024, $223 million was outstanding and is included in “Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets while no amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2023.

With the exception of amounts that have been recognized, potential recoveries under our insurance coverage have not yet been recorded (given the insurers ongoing evaluation of our claims). In addition, no amounts have been recorded related to potential recoveries from other third parties, which may reduce amounts payable by our insurers under our applicable insurance coverage.

15. New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This update requires additional reportable segment disclosures, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We did not early adopt the standard and are currently evaluating the effect on our financial statement disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This update requires additional disclosures including greater disaggregation of information in the reconciliation of the statutory rate to the effective rate and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We will not early adopt the standard and are currently evaluating the effect on our financial statement disclosures.


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

Our focus on providing high-quality service to our customers and delivering on productivity initiatives throughout the organization resulted in improved operating margins and financial results. We are driving improvements in our operational performance while handling additional volumes. We also completed the sale of two railway lines that resulted in significant gains and cash proceeds and executed on further strategic rationalization efforts, primarily aimed at technology projects. Additionally, insurance recoveries related to the Eastern Ohio Incident (as defined further and described in Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) outpaced incremental expenses further impacting our financial results. In the third quarter, we achieved an operating ratio (a measure of the amount of operating revenues consumed by operating expenses) of 47.7%, and an adjusted operating ratio of 63.4% (see our non-GAAP reconciliations beginning on page 27). Our margin improvement demonstrates our commitment to being a more productive, resilient, and efficient railroad with industry-competitive margins.


SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20242023% change20242023% change
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating revenues$3,051 $2,971 3%$9,099 $9,083 —%
Railway operating expenses$1,455 $2,215 (34%)$6,159 $7,040 (13%)
Income from railway operations$1,596 $756 111%$2,940 $2,043 44%
Net income$1,099 $478 130%$1,889 $1,300 45%
Diluted earnings per share$4.85 $2.10 131%$8.34 $5.70 46%
Railway operating ratio (percent)47.7 74.6 (36%)67.7 77.5 (13%)

Income from railway operations increased in both periods, primarily as a result of lower railway operating expenses, including $380 million of gains on railway line sales and lower net costs related to the Eastern Ohio Incident, with insurance recoveries exceeding incremental Incident-related expenses in the third quarter. Our financial results in both periods also reflect higher railway operating revenues, driven by increased volumes that were partially offset by an adverse mix of traffic, lower fuel surcharge revenues, and decreased pricing. Our net income and diluted earnings per share were up significantly in the third quarter and first nine months.

The following tables adjust our GAAP financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2024 and 2023 to exclude gains on railway line sales, restructuring and other charges (including the curtailment gain on our other

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postretirement benefit plan which is included in “Other income net” in the first nine months), the effects of the Incident, shareholder advisory costs, and a deferred income tax adjustment. The income tax effects of these non-GAAP adjustments were calculated based on the applicable tax rates to which the non-GAAP adjustments related. We use these non-GAAP financial measures internally and believe this information provides useful supplemental information to investors to facilitate making period-to-period comparisons by excluding these items. While we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant to be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the related financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be the same as similar measures presented by other companies.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation for Third Quarter 2024
Reported 2024 (GAAP)Gains on Railway Line SalesRestructuring and Other ChargesEastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted 2024
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expenses$1,455 $380 $(60)$159 $1,934 
Income from railway operations$1,596 $(380)$60 $(159)$1,117 
Net income$1,099 $(287)$45 $(120)$737 
Diluted earnings per share$4.85 $(1.27)$0.20 $(0.53)$3.25 
Railway operating ratio (percent)47.7 12.5 (2.0)5.2 63.4 

Non-GAAP Reconciliation for Third Quarter 2023
Reported 2023 (GAAP)Eastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expenses$2,215 $(163)$2,052 
Income from railway operations$756 $163 $919 
Net income$478 $123 $601 
Diluted earnings per share$2.10 $0.55 $2.65 
Railway operating ratio (percent)74.6 (5.5)69.1 

In the table below, references to the results for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliations in the tables above.

Third Quarter
Adjusted 2024
(non-GAAP)
Adjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
Adjusted 2024
vs. Adjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$1,934 $2,052 (6%)
Income from railway operations$1,117 $919 22%
Net income$737 $601 23%
Diluted earnings per share$3.25 $2.65 23%
Railway operating ratio (percent)63.4 69.1 (8%)

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Non-GAAP Reconciliation for First Nine Months 2024
Reported 2024 (GAAP)Gains on Railway Line SalesRestructuring and Other ChargesEastern Ohio IncidentShareholder Advisory CostsDeferred Income Tax AdjustmentAdjusted 2024
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expenses$6,159 $380 $(156)$(368)$— $— $6,015 
Income from railway operations$2,940 $(380)$156 $368 $— $— $3,084 
Net income$1,889 $(287)$104 $279 $38 $(27)$1,996 
Diluted earnings per share$8.34 $(1.27)$0.46 $1.23 $0.17 $(0.12)$8.81 
Railway operating ratio (percent)67.7 4.2 (1.7)(4.1)— — 66.1 

Non-GAAP Reconciliation for First Nine Months 2023
Reported 2023 (GAAP)Eastern Ohio IncidentAdjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Railway operating expenses$7,040 $(966)$6,074 
Income from railway operations$2,043 $966 $3,009 
Net income$1,300 $733 $2,033 
Diluted earnings per share$5.70 $3.22 $8.92 
Railway operating ratio (percent)77.5 (10.6)66.9 

In the table below, references to the results for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023 and related comparisons use the adjusted, non-GAAP results from the reconciliation in the tables above.
First Nine Months
Adjusted 2024
(non-GAAP)
Adjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
Adjusted 2024
vs. Adjusted 2023
(non-GAAP)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)% change
Railway operating expenses$6,015 $6,074 (1%)
Income from railway operations$3,084 $3,009 2%
Net income$1,996 $2,033 (2%)
Diluted earnings per share$8.81 $8.92 (1%)
Railway operating ratio (percent)66.1 66.9 (1%)

On an adjusted basis, income from railway operations increased in both the third quarter and first nine months. The increase in both periods was primarily driven by lower adjusted railway operating expenses. The decline in adjusted railway operating expenses in both periods reflects lower fuel prices and higher gains on operating property sales, partly offset by increased depreciation on our higher asset base. Third quarter adjusted railway operating expenses also decreased due to lower employee activity levels and a decline in purchased services spend. Additionally,

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adjusted income from railway operations increased in both periods as a result of higher railway operating revenues, driven by an increase in volume but partially offset by an adverse mix of traffic, lower fuel surcharge revenues, and decreased pricing.

DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Railway Operating Revenues

The following tables present a comparison of revenues ($ in millions), units (in thousands), and average revenue per unit ($ per unit) by commodity group.
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
Revenues 20242023% change20242023% change
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$624 $611 2%$1,875 $1,891 (1%)
Chemicals543 498 9%1,602 1,542 4%
Metals and construction420 417 1%1,290 1,232 5%
Automotive274 274 —%861 839 3%
Merchandise1,861 1,800 3%5,628 5,504 2%
Intermodal763 737 4%2,250 2,296 (2%)
Coal427 434 (2%)1,221 1,283 (5%)
Total$3,051 $2,971 3%$9,099 $9,083 —%
Units
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products186.3 175.6 6%551.6 551.0 —%
Chemicals128.9 124.0 4%389.5 386.8 1%
Metals and construction160.8 164.3 (2%)489.3 479.4 2%
Automotive87.9 91.2 (4%)273.4 269.9 1%
Merchandise563.9 555.1 2%1,703.8 1,687.1 1%
Intermodal1,052.2 965.4 9%3,044.5 2,807.6 8%
Coal185.3 166.7 11%515.3 506.0 2%
Total1,801.4 1,687.2 7%5,263.6 5,000.7 5%
Revenue per Unit
Merchandise:
Agriculture, forest and consumer products$3,351 $3,479 (4%)$3,399 $3,432 (1%)
Chemicals4,210 4,013 5%4,112 3,986 3%
Metals and construction2,611 2,535 3%2,636 2,569 3%
Automotive3,114 3,003 4%3,149 3,109 1%
Merchandise3,299 3,241 2%3,303 3,262 1%
Intermodal726 764 (5%)739 818 (10%)
Coal2,306 2,602 (11%)2,370 2,535 (7%)
Total1,694 1,760 (4%)1,729 1,816 (5%)


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Railway operating revenues increased $80 million in the third quarter and $16 million for the first nine months compared with the same periods last year. The table below reflects the components of the revenue change by major commodity group ($ in millions).

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
MerchandiseIntermodalCoalMerchandiseIntermodalCoal
Increase (Decrease)
Volume$28 $66 $49 $54 $194 $24 
Fuel surcharge revenue(1)(9)(79)(56)(17)
Rate, mix and other34 (31)(57)149 (184)(69)
Total$61 $26 $(7)$124 $(46)$(62)
 
Approximately 95% of our revenue base is covered by contracts that include negotiated fuel surcharges. Revenues associated with these surcharges totaled $238 million and $247 million in the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $757 million and $909 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in fuel surcharge revenues is driven by lower fuel commodity prices.

For the remainder of 2024, we expect that revenue will decline compared to 2023, as the impacts of lower fuel surcharge revenue, decreased pricing, and adverse traffic mix will offset increased volume.

Merchandise

Merchandise revenues increased in both periods due to higher average revenue per unit, driven by increased pricing partially offset by lower fuel surcharge revenue, and increased volume.

Agriculture, forest and consumer products volume increased in the third quarter and was flat for the first nine months. Both periods had higher volume in corn, soybeans, and feed. Increased corn and feed volumes were the result of customers shifting from truck to rail service to meet market demands. Soybean volume increased due to spot opportunities. The first nine months were offset by a decline in fertilizer volume due to lower potash shipments due to customer operational issues.

Chemicals volume increased in both the third quarter and first nine months. Both periods saw increased volume in organic chemicals, plastics, and solid waste due to stronger demand. Petroleum products and crude oil volume decreased in both periods. Volume declines in petroleum were related to the conclusion of a spot opportunity handled last year to support a customer during a refinery outage, while declines in crude oil were due to a market share shift.

Metals and construction volume decreased in the third quarter but increased for the first nine months. The third quarter decreased due to lower coil steel and aggregates shipments. Coil steel volume decreased due to lower demand and aggregates volume decreased due to inclement weather impacting paving operations and construction sites in the southeast market. The first nine months increased due to higher demand in aggregates, iron and steel, kaolin, and miscellaneous construction.

Automotive volumes decreased in the third quarter but increased in the first nine months. The third quarter decreased due to reduced production, quality holds at the manufacturers and extended plant shutdowns. The first nine months increased due to improvements in equipment availability and their cycle time paired with higher demand, partially offset by reduced production and quality holds at the manufacturers and extended plant shutdowns.

30


Intermodal
 
Intermodal revenues increased in the third quarter but decreased for the first nine months. The third quarter increased due to higher volumes partially offset by lower average revenue per unit, driven by decreased pricing, adverse mix, and lower fuel surcharge revenue. The decline in the first nine months was driven by lower average revenue per unit, driven by decreased pricing, lower fuel surcharge revenue, adverse mix, and declines in storage service charges, partially offset by higher volume.

Intermodal units (in thousands) by market were as follows:
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20242023% change20242023% change
Domestic637.7 583.1 9%1,844.4 1,747.8 %
International414.5 382.3 8%1,200.1 1,059.8 13 %
Total1,052.2 965.4 9%3,044.5 2,807.6 %

Domestic volume increased in both periods due to growth in existing customers and improved service, partially offset by reduced demand for premium shipments. International volume rose in both periods, driven by increased demand, growth in existing customers, and increased movements of empty containers.

Coal

Coal revenues decreased in both periods. Both periods decreased due to lower average revenue per unit driven by pricing, and for the first nine months, lower fuel surcharge revenue. The decrease in average revenue per unit in both periods was partially offset by increased volume.

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

 Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 20242023% change20242023% change
Utility8,272 7,342 13%22,846 22,404 2%
Export8,816 7,563 17%24,812 23,466 6%
Domestic metallurgical2,706 2,906 (7%)7,472 8,296 (10%)
Industrial991 913 9%2,640 2,484 6%
Total20,785 18,724 11%57,770 56,650 2%
 
Utility tonnage increased in both periods primarily due to customer outages in the prior year. Export tonnage increased in both periods due to growth with our customers and increased production in the third quarter. These items, which more than offset the temporary closure of the Baltimore port which limited export opportunities through that location in the second quarter, impacted the first nine months volumes. Industrial coal tonnage increased in both periods due to higher demand. Domestic metallurgical tonnage decreased in both periods as a result of reduced customer demand.

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Railway Operating Expenses

Railway operating expenses summarized by major classifications follow ($ in millions):
Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
20242023% change20242023% change
Compensation and benefits$690 $715 (3%)$2,126 $2,098 1%
Purchased services and rents497 517 (4%)1,541 1,519 1%
Fuel216 289 (25%)757 867 (13%)
Depreciation339 326 4%1,011 968 4%
Materials and other(188)205 (192%)200 622 (68%)
Restructuring and other charges60 — 156 — 
Eastern Ohio incident(159)163 (198%)368 966 (62%)
Total$1,455 $2,215 (34%)$6,159 $7,040 (13%)

Compensation and benefits expense decreased in the third quarter but increased in the first nine months as follows:

employee activity levels (down $35 million for the quarter and $10 million for the first nine months),
overtime (down $12 million for the quarter and $26 million for the first nine months),
incentive compensation (up $11 million for the quarter and $31 million for the first nine months),
pay rates (up $25 million for the quarter and $66 million for the first nine months), and
other (down $14 million for the quarter and $33 million for the first nine months).

Average rail headcount for the quarter was down by 560 compared with the third quarter of 2023 due to lower train and engine and management headcount, partially offset by hiring of additional non-train and engine craft employees.

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

Third QuarterFirst Nine Months
 20242023% change20242023% change
Purchased services$405 $426 (5%)$1,244 $1,232 1%
Equipment rents92 91 1%297 287 3%