8-KOther Events

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP 8-K Report (Jan 28, 2004)

Filed January 28, 2004For Securities:NSC

Summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) filed an 8-K report on January 28, 2004, to disclose its fourth quarter and full-year 2003 financial results. The press release, attached as an exhibit, details net income and includes a non-GAAP financial measure. This non-GAAP measure excludes the impact of a voluntary separation program charge and an impairment charge for telecommunication assets. Management believes this adjusted figure provides a clearer view of ongoing operational performance compared to prior periods and industry peers. Investors should note that while the company is highlighting a non-GAAP measure for performance comparison, it is also reporting results prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The company intends to use this non-GAAP measure in future communications and at analyst meetings, emphasizing its usefulness for operational comparisons. This disclosure is important for understanding the underlying profitability trends of Norfolk Southern beyond the reported GAAP figures.

Key Highlights

  • 1NSC filed an 8-K on January 28, 2004, reporting fourth quarter and full-year 2003 results.
  • 2The report includes a press release detailing financial performance.
  • 3A non-GAAP financial measure is presented, excluding specific charges.
  • 4The excluded charges are for a voluntary separation program and impairment of telecommunication assets.
  • 5Management believes the non-GAAP measure offers a better indicator of operating results compared to prior periods.
  • 6This adjusted measure is intended for comparisons with other companies and future periods.
  • 7The company reaffirms its commitment to reporting GAAP-compliant financial information alongside the non-GAAP measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to report Norfolk Southern Corporation's fourth quarter and full-year 2003 financial results, as detailed in an accompanying press release.

The non-GAAP financial measure presented excludes an after-tax charge for a voluntary separation program and an after-tax charge recognizing the impaired value of certain telecommunication assets.

Norfolk Southern is using a non-GAAP measure because management believes it is more indicative of operating results and provides a better basis for comparison to prior periods and to other companies, especially after excluding one-time or non-operational charges.

No, investors should consider the non-GAAP measure in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the net income and other financial performance measures reported in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).