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

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to incorporate information into Norfolk Southern Corporation's (NSC) Form S-3 Registration Statement and to formally file Exhibit 12.1, which details the company's Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

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 that measures a company's ability to cover its fixed financial obligations (like interest expenses and preferred dividends) with its earnings. A higher ratio generally indicates a stronger ability to meet these obligations, which is a positive sign for investors regarding financial stability and risk.

Does this filing contain any new financial performance updates beyond the ratio calculation?

No, this filing does not announce any new material events or provide detailed financial performance updates beyond the submission of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. The primary function is to make this specific financial data available as part of the Registration Statement.

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

The actual computation of the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges is provided in Exhibit 12.1, which is filed as part of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

NSC 8-K SEC Disclosure — May 22, 2017

Summary

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on May 22, 2017, primarily to incorporate information into its Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-202023). The main purpose of this filing was to submit Exhibit 12.1, which contains the computation of the company's Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. This ratio is a key financial metric for investors as it indicates the company's ability to cover its fixed financial obligations, such as interest and lease payments, with its earnings.

Key Highlights

1The 8-K filing incorporates information into NSC's existing Form S-3 Registration Statement.
2The primary purpose of the filing is to submit Exhibit 12.1, the 'Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges'.
3This exhibit provides historical data on the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, and the five fiscal years ending December 31, 2016.
4The filing is informational and does not announce new material events or financial results outside of the provided ratio calculation.
5Investors can use the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges to assess NSC's financial leverage and its capacity to meet its debt obligations.

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP 8-K Report, Corporate Update (May 22, 2017)

Summary

Key Highlights

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