What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to incorporate the company's Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, as of September 30, 2011, and for prior periods, into an existing Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-158240). It also serves to formally file this important financial computation as an exhibit.

What is the 'Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges' and why is it important?

The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges is a financial metric used to assess a company's ability to meet its interest and other fixed financing charges from its earnings. A higher ratio generally indicates a stronger ability to service debt, which is a key consideration for investors and creditors when evaluating a company's financial health and risk.

Does this filing announce any new business developments or financial results?

No, this specific 8-K filing does not announce new operational developments, significant business events, or unaudited/audited financial results. Its focus is purely on providing and incorporating the calculation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for regulatory and disclosure purposes related to the company's outstanding registration statement.

Where can I find the detailed calculation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges?

The detailed computation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the specified periods is provided as Exhibit 12.1 to this Form 8-K filing.

NSC 8-K SEC Disclosure — Nov 14, 2011

Summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) filed a Form 8-K on November 14, 2011, primarily for administrative purposes related to its existing Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-158240). The key purpose of this filing was to incorporate the report into the registration statement and to file an important exhibit: the computation of the company's Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. This ratio is a crucial metric for assessing a company's ability to meet its debt obligations.

Key Highlights

1The 8-K filing is primarily for the purpose of incorporating information into an existing Form S-3 Registration Statement.
2Exhibit 12.1, the Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, is being filed with this report.
3The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges covers the nine-month period ended September 30, 2011.
4Historical data for the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges is also provided for the five fiscal years ended December 31, 2010.
5This filing does not contain new operational or strategic announcements, but rather focuses on financial covenant information.
6Investors can use the filed ratio to assess NSC's financial leverage and its capacity to service its debt.

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Nov 14, 2011)

Summary

Key Highlights

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