Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, railroad operator Norfolk Southern (NSC 1.95%) has earned a respected four-star ranking.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Norfolk Southern and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.
Norfolk Southern facts
|
Headquarters (founded) |
Norfolk, Va. (1883) |
|
Market Cap |
$18.7 billion |
|
Industry |
Railroads |
|
Trailing-12-Month Revenue |
$11.2 billion |
|
Management |
Chairman/CEO Charles Moorman CFO John Rathbone |
|
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) |
16.3% |
|
Cash / Debt |
$708.0 million / $8.6 billion |
|
Dividend Yield |
3.3% |
|
Competitors |
Canadian National Railway (CNI 1.56%) CSX (CSX 1.07%) Union Pacific (UNP 4.99%) |
Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.
Just yesterday, one of our CAPS members, All-Star buffalonate, tapped Norfolk Southern as a particularly solid bargain opportunity:
This stock has crashed because coal use has dropped in this country recently. World coal use is expected to increase 50% over the next generation so if we don't use the coal some other country will gladly take it. Get in while everybody else is scared.
If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, Norfolk Southern may not be your top choice.
If that's the case, we've compiled a special free report for investors called "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," which uncovers several other juicy income opportunities. The report is 100% free, but it won't be around forever, so click here to access it now.
Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.
