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Investing.com - Jefferies downgraded Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) from Buy to Hold on Friday, while maintaining its $300 price target for the railroad operator. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a "GOOD" overall financial health score and has consistently paid dividends for 44 consecutive years.
The investment firm cited limited upside potential after Norfolk Southern’s shares have risen approximately 18% year-to-date and over 22% in the past three months. This strong performance has pushed the stock near its 52-week high of $288.11, with technical indicators suggesting overbought conditions.
Jefferies believes the current share price has largely priced in a potential acquisition premium, suggesting limited room for further appreciation from current levels.
Despite the downgrade, Jefferies expressed that it remains "very constructive" on Norfolk Southern’s underlying business fundamentals.
The firm recommended investors hold existing positions rather than initiate new ones, citing regulatory uncertainty and the risk of a failed acquisition bid as factors in its more cautious stance.
In other recent news, Norfolk Southern Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share, continuing its long-standing tradition of consistent dividend payments. Additionally, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) are in advanced discussions about a potential business combination, though the companies have not disclosed specific terms or confirmed that an agreement will be reached. Analyst firms Bernstein and BofA Securities have both raised their price targets for Norfolk Southern to $305. Bernstein maintains an Outperform rating, citing potential value in the possible transaction with Union Pacific, while BofA Securities continues with a Buy rating. BofA’s adjustment reflects a new valuation model based on 2026 earnings estimates. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett has denied any involvement of Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRKa)’s BNSF with Goldman Sachs in a railroad takeover deal. These developments highlight significant activity and interest around Norfolk Southern in the financial community.
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