Norfolk Southern Soars 8.15% on Buy Rating, Merger Hopes

On July 22, 2025, Norfolk Southern's stock surged by 8.15% in pre-market trading, reflecting a significant bullish sentiment among investors.

TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl has upgraded Norfolk Southern to a Buy rating, setting a price target of $323.00. This upgrade is driven by the increasing likelihood of East-West rail consolidation, which could significantly benefit the company's future prospects.

Seidl's decision to upgrade the stock from a Hold to a Buy rating on July 21, 2025, underscores a positive outlook for Norfolk Southern's future. The analyst's optimism is bolstered by the potential for a Union Pacific bid for NSC, which could result in substantial gains for shareholders.

Bernstein analyst David Vernon has also raised Norfolk Southern's price target to $305, citing potential merger optimism with Union Pacific. This move further supports the bullish sentiment surrounding the company, as analysts anticipate significant benefits from potential consolidation in the rail industry.