Document

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
 
(X)       ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2016
 
(   )      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the transition period from ___________ to___________ 
Commission file number 1-8339 

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NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
Virginia
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
52-1188014
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
Three Commercial Place
Norfolk, Virginia
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
23510-2191
Zip Code
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(757) 629-2680
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
 
 
Title of each Class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Norfolk Southern Corporation
 
 
Common Stock (Par Value $1.00)
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes (X)  No (  )
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes (  )  No (X)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant:  (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes (X)   No (  )
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes (X)   No (  )
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  (X)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of  “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer (X)        Accelerated filer (  )        Non-accelerated filer (  )        Smaller reporting company (  )
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes (  )   No (X)
 
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2016, was $24,959,609,647 (based on the closing price as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange on that date).
 
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, at January 31, 2017: 290,553,713 (excluding 20,320,777 shares held by the registrant’s consolidated subsidiaries).
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statements to be filed electronically pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

K 2


PART I
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item 1. Business and Item 2. Properties
 
GENERAL – Our company, Norfolk Southern Corporation, is a Norfolk, Virginia based company that owns a major freight railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR).  We were incorporated on July 23, 1980, under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Our common stock (Common Stock) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “NSC.”
 
Unless indicated otherwise, Norfolk Southern Corporation and its subsidiaries, including NSR, are referred to collectively as NS, we, us, and our. 
 
We are primarily engaged in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods primarily in the Southeast, East, and Midwest and, via interchange with rail carriers, to and from the rest of the United States.  We also transport overseas freight through several Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.  We offer the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern half of the United States.
 
We make available free of charge through our website, www.nscorp.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  In addition, the following documents are available on our website and in print to any shareholder who requests them:
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Charters of the Committees of the Board of Directors
The Thoroughbred Code of Ethics
Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Officers
Categorical Independence Standards for Directors
Norfolk Southern Corporation Bylaws


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RAILROAD OPERATIONS At December 31, 2016, our railroad operated approximately 19,500 miles of road in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
 
Our system reaches many manufacturing plants, electric generating facilities, mines, distribution centers, transload facilities, and other businesses located in our service area.
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Corridors with heaviest freight volume:
New York City area to Chicago (via Allentown and Pittsburgh)
Chicago to Macon (via Cincinnati, Chattanooga, and Atlanta)
Central Ohio to Norfolk (via Columbus and Roanoke)
Cleveland to Kansas City
Birmingham to Meridian
Memphis to Chattanooga


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The miles operated, which include major leased lines between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and an exclusive operating agreement for trackage rights over property owned by North Carolina Railroad Company, were as follows:
 
 
Mileage Operated at December 31, 2016
 
Miles
of
Road
 
Second
and
Other
Main
Track
 
Passing
Track,
Crossovers
and
Turnouts
 
Way and
Yard
Switching 
 
Total 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned
14,713

 
2,735

 
1,950

 
8,311

 
27,709

Operated under lease, contract or trackage
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


rights
4,756

 
1,916

 
398

 
836

 
7,906

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
19,469

 
4,651

 
2,348

 
9,147

 
35,615

 
The following table sets forth certain statistics relating to our railroads’ operations for the past five years:
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue ton miles (billions)
191

 
200

 
205

 
194

 
186

Revenue per thousand revenue ton miles
$
51.91

 
$
52.63

 
$
56.70

 
$
58.10

 
$
59.47

Revenue ton miles (thousands) per employee
6,838

 
6,645

 
7,054

 
6,517

 
6,078

Ratio of railway operating expenses to railway operating
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 revenues
68.9%

 
72.6%

 
69.2%

 
71.0%

 
71.7%


RAILWAY OPERATING REVENUES Total railway operating revenues were $9.9 billion in 2016.  Following is an overview of our three major market groups. See the discussion of merchandise revenues by commodity group, intermodal revenues, and coal revenues and tonnage in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
 
MERCHANDISE Our merchandise market group is composed of five major commodity groupings: 
Chemicals includes sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products (including crude oil), chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, and chemical wastes.  
Agriculture, consumer products, and government includes soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizer, livestock and poultry feed, food oils, flour, beverages, canned goods, sweeteners, consumer products, ethanol, transportation equipment, and items for the U.S. military.  
Metals and construction includes steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, sand, and minerals.
Automotive includes finished vehicles for BMW, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen, and auto parts for BMW, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Tesla, and Toyota.
Paper, clay and forest products includes lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, scrap paper, and clay.

Merchandise carloads handled in 2016 were 2.5 million, the revenues from which accounted for 63% of our total railway operating revenues.


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INTERMODAL Our intermodal market group consists of shipments moving in trailers, domestic and international containers, and RoadRailer® equipment.  These shipments are handled on behalf of intermodal marketing companies, international steamship lines, truckers, and other shippers.  Intermodal units handled in 2016 were 3.9 million, the revenues from which accounted for 22% of our total railway operating revenues.
 
COAL  Revenues from coal accounted for about 15% of our total railway operating revenues in 2016.  We handled 100 million tons, or 0.9 million carloads, in 2016, most of which originated on our lines from major eastern coal basins, with the balance from major western coal basins received via the Memphis and Chicago gateways.  Our coal franchise supports the electric generation market, serving approximately 78 coal generation plants, as well as the export, metallurgical and industrial markets, primarily through direct rail and river, lake, and coastal facilities, including various terminals on the Ohio River, Lamberts Point in Norfolk, Virginia, the Port of Baltimore, and Lake Erie.

FREIGHT RATES Our predominant pricing mechanisms, private contracts and exempt price quotes, are not subject to regulation. In general, market forces are the primary determinant of rail service prices.
 
In 2016, our railroad was found by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the regulatory board that has broad jurisdiction over railroad practices, to not be “revenue adequate” on an annual basis based on results for the year 2015.  The STB has not made its revenue adequacy determination for the year 2016 A railroad is “revenue adequate” on an annual basis under the applicable law when its return on net investment exceeds the rail industry’s composite cost of capital.  This determination is made pursuant to a statutory requirement. 
 
PASSENGER OPERATIONS Amtrak operates regularly scheduled passenger trains on our lines between the following locations:
Alexandria and Lynchburg, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia and New Orleans, Louisiana
Alexandria and Orange, Virginia
Petersburg and Norfolk, Virginia
Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina
Selma and Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois, and Porter, Indiana
Chicago, Illinois, and Cleveland, Ohio
Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
 
A consortium of two transportation commissions of the Commonwealth of Virginia operate commuter trains on our line between Manassas and Alexandria.
 
We lease the Chicago to Manhattan, Illinois, line to the Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority of Northeast Illinois (METRA). 

We operate freight service over lines with significant ongoing Amtrak and commuter passenger operations, and conduct freight operations over trackage owned or leased by:
Amtrak
New Jersey Transit
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
Metro-North Commuter Railroad Company
Maryland Department of Transportation
Michigan Department of Transportation

Amtrak and various commuter agencies conduct passenger operations over trackage owned by Conrail Inc. (Conrail) in the Shared Assets Areas (Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).   


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NONCARRIER OPERATIONS Our noncarrier subsidiaries engage principally in the leasing or sale of rail property and equipment; the development of commercial real estate; telecommunications; and the acquisition, leasing, and management of coal, oil, gas and minerals.  In 2016, no such noncarrier subsidiary or industry segment grouping of noncarrier subsidiaries met the requirements for a reportable business segment under relevant authoritative accounting guidance. 
 
RAILWAY PROPERTY
 
Our railroad infrastructure makes us capital intensive with net property of approximately $30 billion on a historical cost basis.

Property Additions Property additions for the past five years were as follows:
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Road and other property
$
1,292

 
$
1,514

 
$
1,406

 
$
1,421

 
$
1,465

Equipment
595

 
658

 
712

 
550

 
776

Delaware & Hudson acquisition

 
213

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,887

 
$
2,385

 
$
2,118

 
$
1,971

 
$
2,241


Our capital spending and replacement programs are and have been designed to assure the ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable rail transportation services.  For 2017, we have budgeted $1.9 billion of property additions. See further discussion of our planned capital spending and replacement programs in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under the subheading “Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources.”
 


K 7


Equipment At December 31, 2016, we owned or leased the following units of equipment:
 
 
Owned
 
Leased
 
Total
 
Capacity of
Equipment
Locomotives:
 

 
 

 
 

 
(Horsepower)

Multiple purpose
4,041

 

 
4,041

 
15,215,400

Auxiliary units
172

 

 
172

 

Switching
55

 

 
55

 
82,050

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total locomotives
4,268

 

 
4,268

 
15,297,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freight cars:
 

 
 

 
 

 
(Tons)
Gondola
27,964

 
2,653

 
30,617

 
3,353,749

Hopper
12,042

 

 
12,042

 
1,352,882

Covered hopper
10,065

 
85

 
10,150

 
1,122,115

Box
9,997

 
1,362

 
11,359

 
964,680

Flat
1,900

 
1,485

 
3,385

 
325,861

Other
1,718

 
12

 
1,730

 
80,050

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total freight cars
63,686

 
5,597

 
69,283

 
7,199,337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chassis
28,710

 

 
28,710

 
 
Containers
19,210

 
1,738

 
20,948

 
 
Work equipment
5,824

 
258

 
6,082

 
 
Vehicles
3,842

 

 
3,842

 
 
Miscellaneous
2,418

 
27

 
2,445

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total other
60,004

 
2,023

 
62,027

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


K 8


The following table indicates the number and year built for locomotives and freight cars owned at December 31, 2016:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2007-
2011
 
2002-
2006
 
2001 &
Before
 
Total
Locomotives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No. of units
66
 
8
 
83
 
50
 
60
 
259

 
536

 
3,206

 
4,268

% of fleet
2
%
 
1
%
 
2
%
 
1
%
 
1
%
 
6
%
 
12
%
 
75
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freight cars:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

No. of units
776

 
2,093

 
900

 

 
2,017

 
8,109

 
468

 
49,323

 
63,686

% of fleet
1
%
 
3
%
 
1
%
 
%
 
3
%
 
13
%
 
1
%
 
78
%
 
100
%

The following table shows the average age of our owned locomotive and freight car fleets at December 31, 2016, and information regarding 2016 retirements:
 
 
Locomotives
 
Freight Cars 
Average age – in service
24.1 years 
 
28.6 years 
Retirements
130 units 
 
7,894 units 
Average age – retired
37.2 years 
 
37.3 years 

Track Maintenance Of the approximately 35,600 total miles of track on which we operate, we are responsible for maintaining approximately 28,500 miles, with the remainder being operated under trackage rights from other parties responsible for maintenance.
 
Over 83% of the main line trackage (including first, second, third, and branch main tracks, all excluding rail operated pursuant to trackage rights) has rail ranging from 131 to 155 pounds per yard with the standard installation currently at 136 pounds per yard.  Approximately 43% of our lines, excluding rail operated pursuant to trackage rights, carried 20 million or more gross tons per track mile during 2016.
 
The following table summarizes several measurements regarding our track roadway additions and replacements during the past five years:
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Track miles of rail installed
518

 
523

 
507

 
549

 
509

Miles of track surfaced
4,984

 
5,074

 
5,248

 
5,475

 
5,642

New crossties installed (millions)
2.3

 
2.4

 
2.7

 
2.5

 
2.6


Traffic Control Of the approximately 16,400 route miles we dispatch, about 11,300 miles are signalized, including 8,500 miles of centralized traffic control (CTC) and 2,800 miles of automatic block signals.  Of the 8,500 miles of CTC, approximately 7,600 miles are controlled by data radio originating at 355 base station radio sites.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment is one of our principal goals.  To date, such compliance has not had a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity, or competitive position.  See “Personal Injury, Environmental, and Legal Liabilities” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;” and Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

K 9


EMPLOYEES The following table shows the average number of employees and the average cost per employee for wages and benefits: 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of employees
28,044

 
30,456

 
29,482

 
30,103

 
30,943

Average wage cost per employee
$
76,000

 
$
77,000

 
$
76,000

 
$
72,000

 
$
69,000

Average benefit cost per employee
$
35,000

 
$
32,000

 
$
35,000

 
$
40,000

 
$
38,000


Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. See the discussion of “Labor Agreements” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION In addition to environmental, safety, securities, and other regulations generally applicable to all business, our railroads are subject to regulation by the STB.  The STB has jurisdiction to varying extents over rates, routes, customer access provisions, fuel surcharges, conditions of service, and the extension or abandonment of rail lines.  The STB also has jurisdiction over the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of and by rail common carriers. 
 
The relaxation of economic regulation of railroads, following the Staggers Rail Act of 1980, included exemption from STB regulation of the rates and most service terms for intermodal business (trailer-on-flat-car, container-on-flat-car), rail boxcar shipments, lumber, manufactured steel, automobiles, and certain bulk commodities such as sand, gravel, pulpwood, and wood chips for paper manufacturing.  Further, all shipments that we have under contract are effectively removed from commercial regulation for the duration of the contract.  Approximately 90% of our revenues comes from either exempt shipments or shipments moving under transportation contracts; the remainder comes from shipments moving under public tariff rates.
 
Efforts have been made over the past several years to increase federal economic regulation of the rail industry, and such efforts are expected to continue in 2017.  The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 substantially balanced the interests of shippers and rail carriers, and encouraged and enabled rail carriers to innovate, invest in their infrastructure, and compete for business, thereby contributing to the economic health of the nation and to the revitalization of the industry.  Accordingly, we will continue to oppose efforts to reimpose increased economic regulation. 
 
Government regulations are discussed within Item 1A. “Risk Factors”  and the safety and security of our railroads are discussed within the “Security of Operations” section contained herein.
 
COMPETITION There is continuing strong competition among rail, water, and highway carriers.  Price is usually only one factor of importance as shippers and receivers choose a transport mode and specific hauling company. Inventory carrying costs, service reliability, ease of handling, and the desire to avoid loss and damage during transit are also important considerations, especially for higher-valued finished goods, machinery, and consumer products.  Even for raw materials, semi-finished goods, and work-in-progress, users are increasingly sensitive to transport arrangements that minimize problems at successive production stages.

Our primary rail competitor is CSX Corporation (CSX); both railroads operate throughout much of the same territory. Other railroads also operate in parts of the territory.  We also compete with motor carriers, water carriers, and with shippers who have the additional options of handling their own goods in private carriage, sourcing products from different geographic areas, and using substitute products.
 
Certain marketing strategies to expand reach and shipping options among railroads and between railroads and motor carriers enable railroads to compete more effectively in specific markets. 

SECURITY OF OPERATIONS – We continue to take measures to enhance the security of our rail system. Our comprehensive security plan is modeled on and was developed in conjunction with the security plan prepared by the

K 10


Association of American Railroads (AAR) post September 11, 2001.  The AAR Security Plan defines four Alert Levels and details the actions and countermeasures that are being applied across the railroad industry as a terrorist threat increases or decreases.  The Alert Level actions include countermeasures that will be applied in three general areas:  (1) operations (including transportation, engineering, and mechanical); (2) information technology and communications; and, (3) railroad police.  All of our Operations Division employees are advised by their supervisors or train dispatchers, as appropriate, of any change in Alert Level and any additional responsibilities they may incur due to such change.

Our plan also complies with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) security regulations pertaining to training and security plans with respect to the transportation of hazardous materials.  As part of the plan, security awareness training is given to all railroad employees who directly affect hazardous material transportation safety, and is integrated into hazardous material training programs.  Additionally, location-specific security plans are in place for certain metropolitan areas and each of the six port facilities we serve.  With respect to the ports, each facilitys security plan has been approved by the applicable Captain of the Port and remains subject to inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
 
Additionally, we continue to engage in close and regular coordination with numerous federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the USCG, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and various state Homeland Security offices.  Similarly, we follow guidance from DHS and DOT regarding rail corridors in High Threat Urban Areas (HTUA). Particular attention is aimed at reducing risk in HTUA by:  (1) the establishment of secure storage areas for rail cars carrying toxic-by-inhalation (TIH) materials; (2) the expedited movement of trains transporting rail cars carrying TIH materials; (3) substantially reducing the number of unattended loaded tank cars carrying TIH materials; and (4) cooperation with federal, state, local, and tribal governments to identify those locations where security risks are the highest.  

In 2016, through participation in the Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER) Program, we provided rail accident response training to approximately 5,573 emergency responders, such as local police and fire personnel. Our other training efforts throughout 2016 included participation in drills for local, state, and federal agencies.  We also have ongoing programs to sponsor local emergency responders at the Security and Emergency Response Training Course conducted at the AAR Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risks set forth in the following risk factors could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The information set forth in this Item 1A. Risk Factors should be read in conjunction with the rest of the information included in this annual report, including Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
  
Significant governmental legislation and regulation over commercial, operating and environmental matters could affect us, our customers, and the markets we serve. Congress can enact laws that could increase economic regulation of the industry. Railroads presently are subject to commercial regulation by the STB, which has jurisdiction to varying extents over rates, routes, customer access provisions, fuel surcharges, conditions of service, and the extension or abandonment of rail lines. The STB also has jurisdiction over the consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of and by rail common carriers. Additional economic regulation of the rail industry by Congress or the STB, whether under new or existing laws, could have a significant negative impact on our ability to determine prices for rail services and on the efficiency of our operations. This potential material adverse effect could also result in reduced capital spending on our rail network or abandonment of lines.


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Railroads are also subject to the enactment of laws by Congress and regulation by the DOT and the DHS (which regulate most aspects of our operations) related to safety and security. The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2015, and the implementing regulations promulgated by the FRA require us and each other Class I railroad to implement an interoperable positive train control system (PTC) on certain of our respective lines by December 31, 2018.

Full implementation of PTC in compliance with RSIA will result in additional operating costs and capital expenditures, and PTC implementation may result in reduced operational efficiency and service levels, as well as increased compensation and benefits expenses, and increased claims and litigation costs.

Our operations are subject to extensive federal and state environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions to the air; discharges to waterways or groundwater supplies; handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste and other materials; and the cleanup of hazardous material or petroleum releases. The risk of incurring environmental liability, for acts and omissions, past, present, and future, is inherent in the railroad business. This risk includes property owned by us, whether currently or in the past, that is or has been subject to a variety of uses, including our railroad operations and other industrial activity by past owners or our past and present tenants.

Environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, and we could incur environmental liabilities or costs, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time, with respect to one or more of these properties. Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.

Concern over climate change has led to significant federal, state, and international legislative and regulatory efforts to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on GHG emissions, including diesel exhaust, could significantly increase our operating costs, decrease the amount of traffic handled, and decrease the value of coal reserves we own.

In addition, legislation and regulation could negatively affect the markets we serve and our customers, including those related to GHGs. Even without legislation or regulation, government incentives and adverse publicity relating to GHGs could negatively affect the markets for certain of the commodities we carry and our customers that (1) use commodities that we carry to produce energy, including coal, (2) use significant amounts of energy in producing or delivering the commodities we carry, or (3) manufacture or produce goods that consume significant amounts of energy.

As a common carrier by rail, we must offer to transport hazardous materials, regardless of risk. Transportation of certain hazardous materials could create catastrophic losses in terms of personal injury and property (including environmental) damage, and compromise critical parts of our rail network. The cost of a catastrophic rail accident involving hazardous materials could exceed our insurance coverage. We have obtained insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements); however, insurance is available from a limited number of insurers and may not continue to be available or, if available, may not be obtainable on terms acceptable to us.

We may be affected by general economic conditions. Prolonged negative changes in domestic and global economic conditions could affect the producers and consumers of the commodities we carry. Economic conditions could also result in bankruptcies of one or more large customers.

Significant increases in demand for rail services could result in the unavailability of qualified personnel and locomotives. In addition, workforce demographics and training requirements, particularly for engineers and conductors, could have a negative impact on our ability to meet demand for rail service. Unpredicted increases in demand for rail services may exacerbate such risks.


K 12


We may be affected by energy prices. Volatility in energy prices could have a significant effect on a variety of items including, but not limited to: the economy; demand for transportation services; business related to the energy sector, including crude oil, natural gas, and coal; fuel prices; and fuel surcharges.

We face competition from other transportation providers. We are subject to competition from motor carriers, railroads and, to a lesser extent, ships, barges, and pipelines, on the basis of transit time, pricing, and quality and reliability of service. While we have used primarily internal resources to build or acquire and maintain our rail system, trucks and barges have been able to use public rights-of-way maintained by public entities. Any future improvements, expenditures, legislation, or regulation materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation in the regions in which we operate (such as granting materially greater latitude for motor carriers with respect to size or weight limitations or adoption of autonomous commercial vehicles) could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

The operations of carriers with which we interchange may adversely affect our operations. Our ability to provide rail service to customers in the U.S. and Canada depends in large part upon our ability to maintain collaborative relationships with connecting carriers (including shortlines and regional railroads) with respect to, among other matters, freight rates, revenue division, car supply and locomotive availability, data exchange and communications, reciprocal switching, interchange, and trackage rights. Deterioration in the operations of or service provided by connecting carriers, or in our relationship with those connecting carriers, could result in our inability to meet our customers’ demands or require us to use alternate train routes, which could result in significant additional costs and network inefficiencies. Additionally, any significant consolidations, mergers or operational changes among other railroads may significantly redefine our market access and reach.

We rely on technology and technology improvements in our business operations. If we experience significant disruption or failure of one or more of our information technology systems, including computer hardware, software, and communications equipment, we could experience a service interruption, a security breach, or other operational difficulties. Accordingly, we also face cybersecurity threats which may result in breaches of systems, or compromises of sensitive data, which may result in an inability to access or operate systems necessary for conducting operations and providing customer service, thereby impacting our efficiency and/or damaging our corporate reputation. Additionally, if we do not have sufficient capital to acquire new technology or we are unable to implement new technology, we may suffer a competitive disadvantage within the rail industry and with companies providing other modes of transportation service.

The vast majority of our employees belong to labor unions, and labor agreements, strikes, or work stoppages could adversely affect our operations. Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. If unionized workers were to engage in a strike, work stoppage, or other slowdown, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations. Additionally, future national labor agreements, or renegotiation of labor agreements or provisions of labor agreements, could significantly increase our costs for healthcare, wages, and other benefits.

We may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures. The nature of our business exposes us to the potential for various claims and litigation related to labor and employment, personal injury, commercial disputes, freight loss and other property damage, and other matters. Job-related personal injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads. FELA’s fault-based tort system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault worker’s compensation system. The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being very different from the liability recorded.

Any material changes to current litigation trends or a catastrophic rail accident involving any or all of freight loss property damage, personal injury, and environmental liability could have a material adverse effect on us to the extent not covered by insurance. We have obtained insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages (see Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements); however, insurance is available

K 13


from a limited number of insurers and may not continue to be available or, if available, may not be obtainable on terms acceptable to us.

Severe weather could result in significant business interruptions and expenditures. Severe weather conditions and other natural phenomena, including hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes, may cause significant business interruptions and result in increased costs, increased liabilities, and decreased revenues.

We may be affected by terrorism or war. Any terrorist attack, or other similar event, any government response thereto, and war or risk of war could cause significant business interruption. Because we play a critical role in the nation’s transportation system, we could become the target of such an attack or have a significant role in the government’s preemptive approach or response to an attack or war.

Although we currently maintain insurance coverage for third-party liability arising out of war and acts of terrorism, we maintain only limited insurance coverage for first-party property damage and damage to property in our care, custody, or control caused by certain acts of terrorism. In addition, premiums for some or all of our current insurance programs covering these losses could increase dramatically, or insurance coverage for certain losses could be unavailable to us in the future.

We may be affected by supply constraints resulting from disruptions in the fuel markets or the nature of some of our supplier markets. We consumed approximately 462 million gallons of diesel fuel in 2016. Fuel availability could be affected by any limitation in the fuel supply or by any imposition of mandatory allocation or rationing regulations. A severe fuel supply shortage arising from production curtailments, increased demand in existing or emerging foreign markets, disruption of oil imports, disruption of domestic refinery production, damage
to refinery or pipeline infrastructure, political unrest, war or other factors could impact us as well as our customers and other transportation companies.

Due to the capital intensive nature, as well as the industry-specific requirements of the rail industry, high barriers of entry exist for potential new suppliers of core railroad items, such as locomotives and rolling stock equipment. Additionally, we compete with other industries for available capacity and raw materials used in the production of locomotives and certain track and rolling stock materials. Changes in the competitive landscapes of these limited supplier markets could result in increased prices or significant shortages of materials.

The state of capital markets could adversely affect our liquidity. From time-to-time we rely on the capital markets to provide some of our capital requirements, including the issuance of long-term debt instruments and commercial paper, as well as the sale of certain receivables. Significant instability or disruptions of the capital markets, including the credit markets, or deterioration of our financial condition due to internal or external factors could restrict or eliminate our access to, and/or significantly increase the cost of, various financing sources, including bank credit facilities and issuance of corporate bonds. Instability or disruptions of the capital markets and deterioration of our financial condition, alone or in combination, could also result in a reduction in our credit rating to below investment grade, which could prohibit or restrict us from accessing external sources of short- and long-term debt financing and/or significantly increase the associated costs.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.

K 14


Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
On November 6, 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. On June 21, 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.


K 15


Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
Our executive officers generally are elected and designated annually by the Board of Directors at its first meeting held after the annual meeting of stockholders, and they hold office until their successors are elected.  Executive officers also may be elected and designated throughout the year as the Board of Directors considers appropriate.  There are no family relationships among our officers, nor any arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which the officer was selected.  The following table sets forth certain information, at February 1, 2017, relating to our officers.
 
Name, Age, Present Position
Business Experience During Past Five Years
 
 
James A. Squires, 55,
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Present position since October 1, 2015.
Served as CEO since June 1, 2015. Served as President since June 1, 2013. Served as Executive Vice President – Administration from August 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013. Served as Executive Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer from July 1, 2007 to August 1, 2012.  
 
 
Cynthia C. Earhart, 55,
Executive Vice President –
Administration and Chief Information Officer
Present position since October 1, 2015.
Served as Executive Vice President - Administration since June 1, 2013. Served as Vice President Human Resources from March 1, 2007 to June 1, 2013.
 
 
Alan H. Shaw, 49
Executive Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer
Present position since May 16, 2015.
Served as Vice President Intermodal Operations from
November 1, 2013 to May 15, 2015. Served as Group Vice President Industrial Products from November 16, 2009 to October 31, 2013.
 
 
Marta R. Stewart, 59,
Executive Vice President –
Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Present position since November 1, 2013.
Served as Vice President and Treasurer from April 1, 2009
to November 1, 2013. 
 
 
Michael J. Wheeler, 54,
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Present position since February 1, 2016.
Served as Senior Vice President Operations October 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016. Served as Vice President Engineering November 1, 2012 to September 30, 2015. Served as Vice President Transportation February 1, 2009 to October 31, 2012.
 
 
William A. Galanko, 60,
Senior Vice President –
Law and Corporate Communications
Present position since December 1, 2016.
Served as Vice President Law from April 1, 2006 to November 30, 2016.
 
 
Thomas E. Hurlbut, 52,
Vice President and Controller
Present position since November 1, 2013.
Served as Vice President Audit and Compliance from   
February 1, 2010 to November 1, 2013. 


K 16


PART II
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

STOCK PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
 
Common Stock is owned by 27,288 stockholders of record as of December 31, 2016, and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NSC.”   The following table shows the high and low sales prices as reported by Bloomberg L.P. on its internet-based service and dividends per share, by quarter, for 2016 and 2015.
 
 
Quarter
2016
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
Market Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
85.37

 
$
93.15

 
$
96.83

 
$
110.52

Low
66.41

 
78.93

 
83.89

 
90.77

Dividends per share
0.59

 
0.59

 
0.59

 
0.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
1st
 
2nd
 
3rd
 
4th
Market Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$
111.63

 
$
106.47

 
$
88.03

 
$
97.07

Low
100.14

 
87.24

 
73.57

 
77.19

Dividends per share
0.59

 
0.59

 
0.59

 
0.59

 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased(1)
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)
 
Total
Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(2)
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares (or Units)
that may yet be
Purchased under
the Plans or Programs(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 1-31, 2016
 
680,891

 
$
94.73

 
680,891

 
16,007,556

November 1-30, 2016
 
680,714

 
100.05

 
677,148

 
15,330,408

December 1-31, 2016
 
625,893

 
108.24

 
625,893

 
14,704,515

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
1,987,498

 
 

 
1,983,932

 
 

 
(1) 
Of this amount, 3,566 represents shares tendered by employees in connection with the exercise of stock options under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan.
(2) 
Our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program, pursuant to which up to 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2017.

K 17


Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 
FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Railway operating revenues
$
9,888

 
$
10,511

 
$
11,624

 
$
11,245

 
$
11,040

Railway operating expenses
6,814

 
7,627

 
8,049

 
7,988

 
7,916

Income from railway operations
3,074

 
2,884

 
3,575

 
3,257

 
3,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income – net
71

 
103

 
104

 
233

 
129

Interest expense on debt
563

 
545

 
545

 
525

 
495

Income before income taxes
2,582

 
2,442

 
3,134

 
2,965

 
2,758

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
914

 
886

 
1,134

 
1,055

 
1,009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

 
$
1,910

 
$
1,749

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PER SHARE DATA
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income     – basic
$
5.66

 
$
5.13

 
$
6.44

 
$
6.10

 
$
5.42

– diluted
5.62

 
5.10

 
6.39

 
6.04

 
5.37

Dividends
2.36

 
2.36

 
2.22

 
2.04

 
1.94

Stockholders’ equity at year end
42.73

 
40.93

 
40.26

 
36.55

 
31.08

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL POSITION
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total assets
$
34,892

 
$
34,139

 
$
33,033

 
$
32,259

 
$
30,135

Total debt
10,212

 
10,093

 
8,985

 
9,404

 
8,642

Stockholders’ equity
12,409

 
12,188

 
12,408

 
11,289

 
9,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Property additions
$
1,887

 
$
2,385

 
$
2,118

 
$
1,971

 
$
2,241

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of shares outstanding (thousands)
293,943

 
301,873

 
309,367

 
311,916

 
320,864

Number of stockholders at year end
27,288

 
28,443

 
29,575

 
30,990

 
32,347

Average number of employees:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Rail
27,856

 
30,057

 
29,063

 
29,698

 
30,543

Nonrail
188

 
399

 
419

 
405

 
400

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
28,044

 
30,456

 
29,482

 
30,103

 
30,943

 
See accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

K 18


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We are one of the nation’s premier transportation companies.  Our Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 miles of road in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.  We operate the most extensive intermodal network in the East and are a major transporter of coal, automotive and industrial products. 

Our 2016 results reflect our progress and commitment to achieving the goals set forth in our strategic plan. Through a disciplined cost-control focus, we achieved a record-setting railway operating ratio (a measure of the amount of operating revenues consumed by operating expenses) of 68.9% and delivered approximately $250 million of productivity savings, despite the economic challenges that continue to affect our industry. Operational improvements allowed us to maintain near all-time best service levels and achieve high levels of network fluidity, which improved train performance and asset utilization. In addition to these improvements, the implementation of multiple cost-control initiatives drove savings in operating expenses across all categories.

In 2017, we expect to maintain high levels of service and see continued improvement in our operating ratio. Railway operating revenues are expected to increase, driven by volume growth in our coal and intermodal markets, in addition to higher average revenue per unit, a result of pricing gains and fuel surcharge revenue increases largely driven by higher expected fuel prices. Railway operating expenses are expected to increase next year, driven in large part by medical and wage inflation as well as volume-related expenses, offset in part by the continuation of targeted expense reductions as we balance resources with the demand for our high-quality rail service. We continue to focus on executing our strategic plan and remain committed to maintaining our strong levels of rail service, generating higher returns on capital, and increasing the efficiency of our resources.

SUMMARIZED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ in millions, except per share amounts
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from railway operations
$
3,074

 
$
2,884

 
$
3,575

 
7
%
 
(19
%)
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

 
7
%
 
(22
%)
 
Diluted earnings per share
$
5.62

 
$
5.10

 
$
6.39

 
10
%
 
(20
%)
 
Railway operating ratio
68.9

 
72.6

 
69.2

 
(5
%)
 
5
%
 

The increase in net income for 2016, compared to 2015, was driven by higher income from railway operations, as railway operating expense decreases (down $813 million, or 11%) more than offset declines in railway operating revenues (down $623 million, or 6%). The decrease in net income for 2015, compared to 2014, reflected lower income from railway operations, driven by a sharp decline in railway operating revenues (down $1.1 billion, or 10%) offset in part by lower railway operating expenses (down $422 million, or 5%). The 2015 results include $93 million of costs associated with the restructuring of our Triple Crown Services (TCS) subsidiary and the closure of our Roanoke, Virginia corporate office, which reduced net income by $58 million, or $0.19 per diluted share.

K 19


DETAILED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Railway Operating Revenues

The following tables present a three-year comparison of revenues, volumes (units), and average revenue per unit by market group. 
 
Revenues
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ in millions
 
% change
 
Merchandise:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chemicals
$
1,648

 
$
1,760

 
$
1,863

 
(6
%)
 
(6
%)
 
Agr./consumer/gov’t.
1,548

 
1,516

 
1,498

 
2
%
 
1
%
 
Metals/construction
1,267

 
1,263

 
1,521

 
 
(17
%)
 
Automotive
975

 
969

 
1,004

 
1
%
 
(3
%)
 
Paper/clay/forest
744

 
771

 
794

 
(4
%)
 
(3
%)
 
Merchandise
6,182

 
6,279

 
6,680

 
(2
%)
 
(6
%)
 
Intermodal
2,218

 
2,409

 
2,562

 
(8
%)
 
(6
%)
 
Coal
1,488

 
1,823

 
2,382

 
(18
%)
 
(23
%)
 
Total
$
9,888

 
$
10,511

 
$
11,624

 
(6
%)
 
(10
%)
 

 
Units
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
in thousands
 
% change
 
Merchandise:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chemicals
475.7

 
527.6

 
502.6

 
(10
%)
 
5
%
 
Agr./consumer/gov’t.
601.2

 
609.0

 
603.8

 
(1
%)
 
1
%
 
Metals/construction
685.8

 
672.4

 
725.6

 
2
%
 
(7
%)
 
Automotive
440.5

 
429.3

 
410.1

 
3
%
 
5
%
 
Paper/clay/forest
284.0

 
299.9

 
303.2

 
(5
%)
 
(1
%)
 
Merchandise
2,487.2

 
2,538.2

 
2,545.3

 
(2
%)
 
 
Intermodal
3,870.4

 
3,861.0

 
3,845.2

 
 
 
Coal
902.1

 
1,079.7

 
1,284.4

 
(16
%)
 
(16
%)
 
Total
7,259.7

 
7,478.9

 
7,674.9

 
(3
%)
 
(3
%)
 

 
Revenue per Unit
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ per unit
 
% change
 
Merchandise:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chemicals
$
3,465

 
$
3,335

 
$
3,707

 
4
%
 
(10
%)
 
Agr./consumer/gov’t.
2,575

 
2,489

 
2,481

 
3
%
 
 
Metals/construction
1,847

 
1,879

 
2,096

 
(2
%)
 
(10
%)
 
Automotive
2,213

 
2,258

 
2,447

 
(2
%)
 
(8
%)
 
Paper/clay/forest
2,620

 
2,573

 
2,619

 
2
%
 
(2
%)
 
Merchandise
2,486

 
2,474

 
2,624

 
 
(6
%)
 
Intermodal
573

 
624

 
666

 
(8
%)
 
(6
%)
 
Coal
1,650

 
1,688

 
1,855

 
(2
%)
 
(9
%)
 
Total
1,362

 
1,405

 
1,515

 
(3
%)
 
(7
%)
 


K 20


Revenues decreased $623 million in 2016 and $1.1 billion in 2015.  As reflected in the table below, both declines resulted from lower average revenue per unit and reduced volume. In 2016, the effects of reduced fuel surcharges and changes in traffic mix more than offset price increases. Volume decreases were primarily driven by reductions in energy-related markets and the restructuring of our TCS subsidiary. For 2015, a large drop in fuel surcharge revenues more than offset pricing gains to drive average revenue per unit lower. The volume decline was driven by continued weakness in the coal markets.
 
Revenue Variance Analysis
(Decrease)
 
 2016 vs. 2015
 
 2015 vs. 2014
 
$ in millions
 
 
 
 
Revenue per unit
$
(315
)
 
$
(816
)
Volume (units)
(308
)
 
(297
)
 
 
 
 
Total
$
(623
)
 
$
(1,113
)
 
 
 
 
Fuel surcharge revenues
$
(241
)
 
$
(852
)
 
Most of our contracts include negotiated fuel surcharges, typically tied to either West Texas Intermediate Crude Oil (WTI) or On-Highway Diesel (OHD). Approximately 90% of our revenue base is covered by these negotiated fuel surcharges, with more than half tied to OHD. For 2016, contracts tied to OHD accounted for about 90% of our fuel surcharge revenue, as price levels were below most of our surcharge trigger points in contracts tied to WTI. Revenues associated with fuel surcharges totaled $236 million, $477 million, and $1,329 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

MERCHANDISE revenues decreased for both 2016 and 2015, compared with the years before. In 2016, the effects of lower volume were offset in part by a slight increase in average revenue per unit. Price increases were tempered by reduced fuel surcharge revenues (which lowered average revenue per unit by $31) and unfavorable changes in traffic mix. The 2015 decline reflected lower average revenue per unit, the result of lower fuel surcharge revenues (which reduced average revenue per unit by $185) that offset the effects of higher rates. Volume was relatively flat in 2015 compared to 2014.

For 2017, merchandise revenues are expected to increase, primarily the result of pricing gains and higher fuel surcharge revenues.

Chemicals revenues were lower year-over-year in 2016 and 2015. The 2016 decline was due to lower traffic volume, reflecting fewer shipments of crude oil originated from the Bakken oil fields, in addition to lower chlor-alkali and rock salt traffic, the result of market consolidations and softened demand. These declines were offset in part by higher average revenue per unit due to favorable mix, as increased volumes of higher-rated plastics more than offset reduced fuel surcharge revenues.
 
In 2015, the decline was the result of lower average revenue per unit, driven by reduced fuel surcharge revenues and negative mix resulting from increased shipments of lower-rated liquefied petroleum gas, which more than offset the effect of higher rates. Volumes increased for the year, largely driven by liquefied petroleum gas volume gains as well as strong demand for shipments of polypropylene due to lower feedstock prices. These volume increases were partially offset by fewer shipments of crude oil from the Bakken oil fields.
 
For 2017, chemicals revenues are anticipated to increase, as average revenue per unit is expected to be higher, largely the effect of favorable mix, driven by increased volumes of higher-rated plastics, and pricing gains. However, we expect these gains to be mitigated by lower shipments of crude oil from the Bakken oil fields and liquefied petroleum gas in the Utica Shale region.

K 21


One of our chemical customers, Sunbelt Chlor Alkali Partnership (Sunbelt), filed a rate reasonableness complaint before the STB alleging that our tariff rates for transportation of regulated movements are unreasonable. Since April 1, 2011, we have been billing and collecting amounts based on the challenged tariff rates. In 2014, the STB resolved this rate reasonableness complaint in our favor. In June 2016, the STB resolved petitions for reconsideration.  The matter remains decided in our favor; however, the findings are still subject to appeal. We believe the estimate of any reasonably possible loss will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. With regard to rate cases, we record adjustments to revenues in the periods if and when such adjustments are probable and reasonably estimable.

Agriculture, consumer products, and government revenues increased for both years, compared with the years before. The improvement in 2016 was driven by higher average revenue per unit primarily the result of pricing gains, offset in part by lower fuel surcharge revenues. Volumes decreased for the year driven by weaker demand for feed shipments and the effects of customer sourcing changes on corn volumes, offset in part by an increase in soybean export shipments and higher food oil volumes driven by service improvements.

The increase in 2015 was the result of more ethanol shipments due to higher gasoline consumption, offset in part by lower fuel surcharge revenues and fewer revenue shipments of empty rail cars as part of the conclusion of a hopper re-body program.

For 2017, agriculture, consumer products, and government revenues are expected to increase, driven by more shipments of corn and feed products, and by increased average revenue per unit, primarily a result of pricing gains.

Metals and construction revenues were up slightly in 2016 after falling in 2015, compared with the prior years. The increase in 2016 was driven by higher demand for aggregates and iron and steel shipments, and more coil steel traffic due to customer sourcing changes. These increases were offset in part by lower demand for materials used in natural gas and oil drilling as a result of depressed commodity prices. Average revenue per unit declined for the year, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenues and changes in traffic mix.

In 2015, the decline was driven by a drop in average revenue per unit, largely the result of lower fuel surcharge revenues partially offset by pricing gains, and a decrease in carloads. The volume decline was the result of lower demand for materials used in the construction of pipe for drilling activity, fewer shipments of fractionating sand and ceramic proppant used in natural gas drilling, and declines in scrap metal and coil shipments, resulting from declines in steel production due to global over-supply. These decreases were offset in part by increased shipments of aggregates as a result of higher demand in the Southeast for project work and strong highway and construction related markets.

For 2017, metals and construction revenues are expected to increase, as average revenue per unit is expected to be higher, primarily due to changes in the mix of traffic. We also expect volumes to increase next year, driven by growth in steel related products, in addition to higher cement shipments driven by increased construction activity.

Automotive revenues rose in 2016 after falling in 2015, compared with the prior years. For 2016, volumes increased as a result of higher automotive parts shipments and growth in the production of North American light vehicles. Average revenue per unit declined for the year, driven by lower fuel surcharge revenues offset in part by pricing gains.

The decline in 2015 reflected a drop in average revenue per unit primarily due to lower fuel surcharge revenues, offset in part by pricing gains. Volumes increased for the year, driven by gains in production of North American light vehicles.
 
For 2017, automotive revenues are expected to decrease as a result of volume declines related to extended retooling at several NS-served assembly plants and expected decreases in U.S. vehicle production, offset in part by higher average revenue per unit driven by pricing gains and higher fuel surcharge revenues.


K 22


Paper, clay and forest products revenues were down in both 2016 and 2015, compared to the prior years. The decline in 2016 reflected volume decreases in our pulpboard and woodchip markets due to customer sourcing changes, in addition to lower paper shipments as a result of decreased demand and further contraction of the paper market. Average revenue per unit increased for the year driven by pricing gains, offset in part by lower fuel surcharge revenues.

In 2015, both average revenue per unit and volumes decreased. The decline in average revenue per unit was driven primarily by lower fuel surcharge revenues and negative mix (fewer higher-rated kaolin shipments) offset by pricing gains. Volume changes reflected lower waste, kaolin, woodchip, and graphic paper volumes as a result of customer sourcing changes, softened demand, and mill closures, offset by higher carloads of pulpboard, lumber, and pulp due to continued recovery of the housing market.

For 2017, paper, clay, and forest products revenues are anticipated to increase, as we expect average revenue per unit to be higher, largely due to pricing gains. Additionally, we expect volume to increase next year, driven by growth in our miscellaneous waste and lumber markets as a result of higher construction activity, and increased pulp volumes driven by growth in consumer demand. These volume increases will be partially offset by lower pulpboard shipments due to customer sourcing changes, weaker export demand for kaolin shipments, and further contraction of the paper market.

INTERMODAL revenues decreased in both years, a result of lower average revenue per unit that more than offset small volume increases. In 2016, reduced fuel surcharge revenues and the effects of the TCS subsidiary restructuring (which together lowered average revenue per unit $57) offset the effects of price increases. Volume was up slightly for the year as growth in our domestic and international business offset the losses from the restructuring of our TCS subsidiary. In 2015, lower average revenue per unit was the result of lower fuel surcharges (which decreased average revenue per unit by $51). Volume gains in international shipments were almost fully offset by declines in domestic shipments.

For 2017, we expect higher intermodal revenues due to increased volumes and average revenue per unit, primarily driven by higher fuel surcharge revenues and pricing gains.

Intermodal units by market were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
units in thousands
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic (excluding Triple Crown)
2,348.7

 
2,250.4

 
2,277.7

 
4
%
 
(1
%)
 
Triple Crown
67.5

 
250.0

 
288.5

 
(73
%)
 
(13
%)
 
Total Domestic
2,416.2

 
2,500.4

 
2,566.2

 
(3
%)
 
(3
%)
 
International
1,454.2

 
1,360.6

 
1,279.0

 
7
%
 
6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
3,870.4

 
3,861.0

 
3,845.2

 
 
 


K 23


Total domestic volume decreased in both years, driven by the restructuring of our TCS subsidiary. In 2016, domestic volumes excluding TCS increased due to growth from new and existing accounts that exceeded the negative effects of increased trucking capacity. In 2015, volumes were also affected by ongoing service challenges during the first three quarters of the year, an increase in available trucking capacity, and weaker overall demand, all partially offset by growth from continued highway conversions.

For 2017, we expect higher domestic volumes driven from continued highway conversions and growth associated with new and existing customers.

International volume increased in both years reflecting increased demand from existing customers and market share gains.
 
For 2017, we expect continued growth in our international volume largely driven by more traffic from both new and existing customers.

COAL revenues decreased in each of 2016 and 2015, compared with the prior years. Both declines reflected lower carload volumes and decreased average revenue per unit, primarily due to reduced fuel surcharge revenues, which lowered average revenue per unit by $34 in 2016 and $134 in 2015.

For 2017, coal revenues are expected to increase driven largely by higher utility and export volumes, in addition to an improved average revenue per unit, primarily the result of pricing gains in our export market and higher fuel surcharges.

As shown in the following table, tonnage decreased in all markets both years.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
tons in thousands
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Utility
65,033

 
81,137

 
93,884

 
(20
%)
 
(14
%)
 
Export
14,608

 
16,193

 
23,218

 
(10
%)
 
(30
%)
 
Domestic metallurgical
13,884

 
14,450

 
16,130

 
(4
%)
 
(10
%)
 
Industrial
6,152

 
8,201

 
8,599

 
(25
%)
 
(5
%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
99,677

 
119,981

 
141,831

 
(17
%)
 
(15
%)
 

Utility coal tonnage in 2016 reflected residual stockpile overhang and limited coal burn due to milder weather and sustained lower natural gas prices. For 2015, the decline was driven by reduced coal burn as significantly lower natural gas prices caused utilities to shift away from coal generation. In addition, volumes were adversely affected by coal plant retirements and mild weather during the last half of 2015.

For 2017, we expect utility tonnage to increase driven by higher natural gas prices and weather-related normalization, in addition to market share gains.

Export coal tonnage also decreased both years, a result of strong competition faced by U.S. coal suppliers as excess coal supply, weak seaborne coal prices, and a strong U.S. dollar reduced demand for export coal. Volume through Norfolk was down 1.7 million tons, or 15%, in 2016, following a drop of 5.5 million tons, or 33%, in 2015. Volume through Baltimore was up slightly in 2016 but was down 1.5 million tons, or 23%, in 2015.
 
For 2017, we expect export coal tonnage to increase, as higher prices from a tightening of the international coal supply, a continued trend from the last quarter of 2016, is expected to drive incremental production increases.
 

K 24


Domestic metallurgical coal tonnage was down in both years, compared with the prior periods. The 2016 decline was largely driven by softness in the metallurgical market, offset in part by customer-specific gains. The 2015 decrease reflected volume losses related to plant curtailments and sourcing shifts resulting from steel producers looking for opportunities to reduce costs that were offset in part by market share gains.

For 2017, domestic metallurgical coal tonnage is expected to remain relatively flat as customer-specific gains will offset losses from sourcing shifts and supply issues driven by increased demand in export markets.

Industrial coal tonnage dropped in both years, compared with the prior periods. Both years reflected volume losses related to natural gas conversions and decreased coal burn, both of which accelerated in 2016. In addition, 2016 volumes were further affected by a partial plant closure that took place in the first half of the year.
 
For 2017, industrial coal tonnage is expected to decrease driven by continued pressure from natural gas conversions and customer sourcing changes.

Railway Operating Expenses

Railway operating expenses summarized by major classifications were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ in millions
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and benefits
$
2,743

 
$
2,911

 
$
2,897

 
(6
%)
 
 
Purchased services and rents
1,548

 
1,752

 
1,687

 
(12
%)
 
4
%
 
Fuel
698

 
934

 
1,574

 
(25
%)
 
(41
%)
 
Depreciation
1,026

 
1,054

 
951

 
(3
%)
 
11
%
 
Materials and other
799

 
976

 
940

 
(18
%)
 
4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
6,814

 
$
7,627

 
$
8,049

 
(11
%)
 
(5
%)
 

In 2016, we experienced decreases across all categories driven largely from cost-control initiatives, lower fuel expense, the absence of restructuring costs incurred in 2015, and service improvements. In 2015, decreases in fuel costs and incentive compensation were offset in part by costs associated with the TCS restructuring and closure of our Roanoke, Virginia corporate office, in addition to higher wage rates.


K 25


Compensation and benefits decreased in 2016, compared to 2015, reflecting changes in:
employee levels, including decreased overtime and trainees (down $184 million),
pension costs (down $38 million)
payroll taxes (down $27 million),
labor agreement payments in 2015 ($24 million),
pay rates (up $34 million),
health and welfare benefit costs for agreement employees (up $35 million), which reflected higher rates, offset in part by favorability from reduced headcount, and
bonus accruals (up $59 million).

In 2015, compensation and benefits increased slightly, a result of changes in:
pay rates (up $83 million),
payroll taxes (up $37 million),
labor agreement payments ($24 million),
employee levels, including overtime and increased trainees (up $21 million), and
incentive compensation (down $151 million).

Our employment averaged 28,044 in 2016, compared with 30,456 in 2015, and 29,482 in 2014. Looking forward to 2017, we expect higher compensation and benefit expenses, a result of wage increases, medical cost inflation and higher levels of incentive compensation. We anticipate that cost-control initiatives will keep employment levels flat notwithstanding expected volume increases.

Purchased services and rents includes the costs of services purchased from outside contractors, including the net costs of operating joint (or leased) facilities with other railroads and the net cost of equipment rentals.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ in millions
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased services
$
1,242

 
$
1,433

 
$
1,394

 
(13
%)
 
3
%
 
Equipment rents
306

 
319

 
293

 
(4
%)
 
9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,548

 
$
1,752

 
$
1,687

 
(12
%)
 
4
%
 

The 2016 decrease in purchased services expense reflected lower TCS operational costs, reduced repair and maintenance expenses, and decreased transportation activity costs, offset in part by higher volume-related costs in intermodal operations. The increase in 2015 reflected higher costs associated with intermodal operations, information technology, maintenance and repair, and the Roanoke, Virginia corporate office closure, partially offset by TCS restructuring-related savings.

Equipment rents, which includes our cost of using equipment (mostly freight cars) owned by other railroads or private owners less the rent paid to us for the use of our equipment, decreased in 2016 largely from improved network velocity, offset in part by higher rates and conventional intermodal volumes. The 2015 increase was principally due to higher automotive and intermodal rates and volumes.

Fuel expense, which includes the cost of locomotive fuel as well as other fuel used in railway operations, decreased in both 2016 and 2015 compared with the prior years. Both declines were principally the result of lower locomotive fuel prices (down 18% in 2016 and 40% in 2015). Locomotive fuel consumption decreased 5% in 2016 and 1% in 2015. We consumed approximately 462 million gallons of diesel fuel in 2016, compared with 487 million gallons in 2015 and 494 million gallons in 2014.

K 26


Depreciation expense decreased in 2016, but increased in 2015, compared to prior years, a result of the effects of the TCS restructuring. In 2015 we recognized $63 million in accelerated depreciation on TCS assets as a result of the restructuring. Both periods also reflect growth in our roadway and equipment capital base as we continue to invest in our infrastructure and rolling stock.

Materials and other expenses decreased in 2016 but increased in 2015, as shown in the following table.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
vs. 2015
 
vs. 2014
 
 
$ in millions
 
% change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Materials
$
364

 
$
469

 
$
470

 
(22
%)
 
 
Casualties and other claims
150

 
137

 
135

 
9
%
 
1
%
 
Other
285

 
370

 
335

 
(23
%)
 
10
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
799

 
$
976

 
$
940

 
(18
%)
 
4
%
 
 
In 2016, lower materials and other expenses more than offset higher costs for casualties and other claims. Material usage costs declined for the year primarily driven by lower locomotive, roadway and freight car repair costs associated with cost-control initiatives and improved asset utilization.

Casualties and other claims expenses include the estimates of costs related to personal injury, property damage, and environmental matters. The increase in 2016 was primarily driven by higher derailment expenses. The small rise in 2015 reflected less favorable personal injury reserve adjustments for prior years’ claim amounts, offset in part by reduced environmental remediation costs as a result of less unfavorable development for our environmental liability.

Other expense this year reflected $37 million of gains from the sale of operating land. Both year-over-year variances were affected by higher than normal expenses in 2015 relocating employees in connection with the closure of our Roanoke, Virginia office. The 2015 increase also included higher travel costs for train service employees and higher property taxes.
 
Income Taxes
 
The effective income tax rate was 35.4% in 2016, compared with 36.3% in 2015 and 36.2% in 2014. The decrease in 2016 reflects favorable tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation and higher returns from corporate-owned life insurance. All three years benefited from favorable reductions in deferred taxes for state tax law changes and certain business tax credits.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations have been completed for all years prior to 2013. We are not currently under audit by the IRS.


K 27


FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY, AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Cash provided by operating activities, our principal source of liquidity, was $3.0 billion in 2016 and $2.9 billion in both 2015 and 2014. The increase in 2016 was primarily the result of improved operating results. Lower cash from operations in 2015 compared with 2014 was offset by reduced tax payments. We had a working capital deficit of $48 million at December 31, 2016, compared with working capital of $281 million at December 31, 2015. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and were invested in accordance with our corporate investment policy.  The portfolio contains securities that are subject to market risk.  There are no limits or restrictions on our access to these assets.  We expect cash on hand combined with cash provided by operating activities will be sufficient to meet our ongoing obligations.

Contractual obligations at December 31, 2016, were comprised of interest on fixed-rate long-term debt, long-term debt (Note 8), unconditional purchase obligations (Note 16), operating leases (Note 9), long-term advances from Conrail and agreements with Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC) (Note 5), and unrecognized tax benefits (Note 3):
 
 
Total
 
2017
 
2018 -
2019
 
2020 -
2021
 
2022 and
Subsequent
 
Other
 
$ in millions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on fixed-rate long-term debt
$
13,403

 
$
533

 
$
955

 
$
832

 
$
11,083

 
$

Long-term debt principal
10,598

 
550

 
1,185

 
898

 
7,965

 

Unconditional purchase obligations
1,283

 
519

 
349

 
281

 
134

 

Operating leases
614

 
78

 
127

 
104

 
305

 

Long-term advances from Conrail
280

 

 

 

 
280

 

Agreements with CRC
276

 
37

 
74

 
74

 
91

 

Unrecognized tax benefits*
27

 

 

 

 

 
27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
26,481

 
$
1,717

 
$
2,690

 
$
2,189

 
$
19,858

 
$
27

 
* This amount is shown in the Other column because the year of settlement cannot be reasonably estimated.
 
Off balance sheet arrangements consist of obligations related to operating leases, which are included in the table of contractual obligations above and disclosed in Note 9.
 
Cash used in investing activities was $1.8 billion in 2016, compared with $2.1 billion in 2015, and $2.0 billion in 2014.  Both year-over-year comparisons reflected higher cash outflows for property additions in 2015, including approximately $215 million for the acquisition of the Delaware and Hudson Railway Co. line. In addition, 2015 included higher proceeds from corporate-owned life insurance investments.

Capital spending and track and equipment statistics can be found within the “Railway Property” section of Part I of this report on Form 10-K.

For 2017, we have budgeted $1.9 billion for property additions.  The anticipated spending includes $930 million for the normalized replacement of rail, ties, and ballast, the improvement or replacement of bridges and other maintenance of way items.  Planned equipment spending of $340 million includes new and rebuilt locomotives, mill gondolas, automobile multilevel recertifications, and covered hoppers. Investments in facilities and terminals are anticipated to be $170 million and include terminals and equipment to add capacity to our intermodal network, expanded bulk transfer facilities, improvements to vehicle distribution facilities, and upgrades and expansions of our mechanical service shops.  For 2017, we have budgeted $240 million for the continued implementation of PTC and expect post-2017 PTC-related property additions to total approximately $300 million.  Technology and other

K 28


investments of $110 million are planned for new or upgraded systems and computers. We also expect to spend $80 million on infrastructure improvements to increase mainline capacity and to accommodate business growth.

Cash used in financing activities was $1.3 billion in 2016, compared with $693 million in 2015, and $1.4 billion in 2014.  The increase in 2016 was driven primarily by higher debt repayments and lower proceeds from borrowing, partially offset by lower share repurchase activity.  The decrease in 2015 was driven primarily by higher proceeds from borrowings and lower debt repayments, partially offset by higher share repurchase activity. 

Share repurchases totaled $803 million in 2016, $1.1 billion in 2015, and $318 million in 2014 for the purchase and retirement of 9.2 million, 11.3 million, and 3.1 million shares, respectively.  On August 1, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2017, and 14.7 million shares remain under this authority as of December 31, 2016.  The timing and volume of future share repurchases will be guided by our assessment of market conditions and other pertinent factors.  Any near-term purchases under the program are expected to be made with internally generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings.
 
We discuss our credit agreement and our accounts receivable securitization program in Note 8 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, and we have authority from our Board of Directors to issue an additional $1.2 billion of debt or equity securities through public or private sale, all of which provide for access to additional liquidity should the need arise. Our debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 45.1% at December 31, 2016, compared with 45.3% at December 31, 2015.
 
Upcoming annual debt maturities are relatively modest (Note 8).  Overall, our goal is to maintain a capital structure with appropriate leverage to support our business strategy and provide flexibility through business cycles.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates and assumptions may require significant judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, and future events are likely to occur that may require us to make changes to these estimates and assumptions.  Accordingly, we regularly review these estimates and assumptions based on historical experience, changes in the business environment, and other factors we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  We regularly discuss the development, selection, and disclosures concerning critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
 
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
Accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefit plans requires us to make several estimates and assumptions (Note 11).  These include the expected rate of return from investment of the plans’ assets and the expected retirement age of employees as well as their projected earnings and mortality.  In addition, the amounts recorded are affected by changes in the interest rate environment because the associated liabilities are discounted to their present value.  We make these estimates based on our historical experience and other information that we deem pertinent under the circumstances (for example, expectations of future stock market performance).  We utilize an independent actuarial consulting firm’s studies to assist us in selecting appropriate actuarial assumptions and valuing related liabilities.
 
In recording our net pension benefit, we assumed a long-term investment rate of return of 8.25%, which was supported by the long-term total rate of return on plan assets since inception, as well as our expectation of future returns. A one-percentage point change to this rate of return assumption would result in a $21 million change in pension expense. We review assumptions related to our defined benefit plans annually, and while changes are likely to occur in assumptions concerning retirement age, projected earnings, and mortality, they are not expected to have

K 29


a material effect on our net pension expense or net pension liability in the future. The net pension liability is recorded at net present value using discount rates that are based on the current interest rate environment in light of the timing of expected benefit payments.  We utilize analyses in which the projected annual cash flows from the pension and postretirement benefit plans are matched with yield curves based on an appropriate universe of high-quality corporate bonds.  We use the results of the yield curve analyses to select the discount rates that match the payment streams of the benefits in these plans.
 
Properties and Depreciation
 
Most of our assets are long-lived railway properties (Note 6).  As disclosed in Note 1, the primary depreciation method for our asset base is group life.  Units of production is the principal method of depreciation for rail in high density corridors.  Remaining properties are depreciated generally using the straight-line method over the lesser of estimated service or lease lives. See Note 1 for a more detailed discussion of the assumptions and estimates in this area.
 
Depreciation expense for 2016 totaled $1.0 billion.  Our composite depreciation rates for 2016 are disclosed in
Note 6; a one-tenth percentage point increase (or decrease) in these rates would have resulted in a $39 million increase (or decrease) to depreciation expense.  For 2016, roadway depreciation rates ranged from 0.83% to 14.86% and equipment depreciation rates ranged from 1.38% to 30.18%.
 
Personal Injury, Environmental, and Legal Liabilities
 
Casualties and other claims expense, included in “Materials and other” in the Consolidated Statements of Income, consists primarily of our accrual for personal injury liabilities and environmental remediation costs.  
 
To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue during each period, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm.  The actuarial firm studies our historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. Our estimate is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events and as such the ultimate loss sustained may vary from the estimated liability recorded.
 
We are subject to various jurisdictions’ environmental laws and regulations.  We record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.  Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates. Additionally, our Environmental Policy Council (composed of senior managers) oversees and interprets our environmental policy.

We and/or certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations. When we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings.

For a more detailed discussion of the assumptions and estimates in accounting for personal injury and environmental matters see Note 16.

K 30


Income Taxes
 
Our net deferred tax liability totaled $9.1 billion at December 31, 2016 (Note 3).  This liability is estimated based on the expected future tax consequences of items recognized in the financial statements.  After application of the federal statutory tax rate to book income, judgment is required with respect to the timing and deductibility of expenses in our income tax returns.  For state income and other taxes, judgment is also required with respect to the apportionment among the various jurisdictions. A valuation allowance is recorded if we expect that it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. We have a $39 million valuation allowance on $628 million of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2016, reflecting the expectation that almost all of these assets will be realized.

OTHER MATTERS
 
Labor Agreements
 
Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.  Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, these agreements remain in effect until new agreements are reached, or until the bargaining procedures mandated by the Act are completed.  We largely bargain nationally in concert with other major railroads, represented by the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC).  Moratorium provisions in the labor agreements govern when the railroads and unions may propose changes to the agreements.

Beginning in late 2014, the NCCC and the various unions exchanged new proposals to begin the current round of national negotiations.  The unions have formed three separate bargaining coalitions and negotiations with each are ongoing with the assistance of mediators from the National Mediation Board.  Separately, in January 2015 we reached an agreement covering wages and work rules through 2019 with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), which represents approximately 20% of our union workforce.  Changes to the BLET benefit plan will be bargained nationally through the NCCC.
 
Market Risks
 
We manage overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by issuing both fixed- and floating-rate debt instruments. At December 31, 2016, debt subject to interest rate fluctuations totaled $200 million. A one-percentage point increase in interest rates would increase total annual interest expense related to all variable debt by approximately $2 million. We consider it unlikely that interest rate fluctuations applicable to these instruments will result in a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a detailed discussion of new accounting pronouncements, see Note 1.

Inflation
 
In preparing financial statements, GAAP requires the use of historical cost that disregards the effects of inflation on the replacement cost of property.  As a capital-intensive company, we have most of our capital invested in long-lived assets.  The replacement cost of these assets, as well as the related depreciation expense, would be substantially greater than the amounts reported on the basis of historical cost.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.  These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of

K 31


activity, performance, or our achievements or those of our industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements.  In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “consider,” “predict,” “potential,” “feel,” or other comparable terminology.  We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections.  While we believe these expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs, and projections are reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control.  These and other important factors, including those discussed in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors,” may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  Copies of our press releases and additional information about us is available at www.norfolksouthern.com, or you can contact Norfolk Southern Corporation Investor Relations Department by calling 757-629-2861.
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The information required by this item is included in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the heading “Market Risks.”
 

K 32


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

K 33


Report of Management
 
February 6, 2017
 
To the Stockholders
Norfolk Southern Corporation
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  In order to ensure that Norfolk Southern Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective, management regularly assesses such controls and did so most recently as of December 31, 2016.  This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, management has concluded that the Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.
 
KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Corporation’s financial statements and issued an attestation report on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.
 
/s/ James A. Squires
 
/s/ Marta R. Stewart
 
/s/ Thomas E. Hurlbut
James A. Squires
 
Marta R. Stewart
 
Thomas E. Hurlbut
Chairman, President and
 
Executive Vice President Finance
 
Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
and Chief Financial Officer
 
Controller

K 34


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Norfolk Southern Corporation:
 
We have audited Norfolk Southern Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Norfolk Southern Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Norfolk Southern Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 6, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.


/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Norfolk, Virginia
February 6, 2017

K 35


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Norfolk Southern Corporation:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016.  In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts as listed in Item 15(A)2. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Norfolk Southern Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Norfolk Southern Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 6, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Norfolk, Virginia
February 6, 2017

K 36


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Railway operating revenues
$
9,888

 
$
10,511

 
$
11,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
Railway operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 

Compensation and benefits
2,743

 
2,911

 
2,897

Purchased services and rents
1,548

 
1,752

 
1,687

Fuel
698

 
934

 
1,574

Depreciation
1,026

 
1,054

 
951

Materials and other
799

 
976

 
940

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total railway operating expenses
6,814

 
7,627

 
8,049

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from railway operations
3,074

 
2,884

 
3,575

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income – net
71

 
103

 
104

Interest expense on debt
563

 
545

 
545

 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
2,582

 
2,442

 
3,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
914

 
886

 
1,134

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
Per share amounts:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
5.66

 
$
5.13

 
$
6.44

Diluted
5.62

 
5.10

 
6.39




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
K 37


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
 

 
 

 
 

Pension and other postretirement benefits
(74
)
 
(76
)
 
(15
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees
5

 

 
(8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss, before tax
(69
)
 
(76
)
 
(23
)
Income tax benefit related to items of
 

 
 

 
 

other comprehensive loss
27

 
29

 
6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(42
)
 
(47
)
 
(17
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive income
$
1,626

 
$
1,509

 
$
1,983




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
K 38


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
At December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
956

 
$
1,101

Accounts receivable – net
945

 
946

Materials and supplies
257

 
271

Other current assets
133

 
194

Total current assets
2,291

 
2,512

 
 
 
 
Investments
2,777

 
2,572

Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,737 and
 

 
 

$11,478, respectively
29,751

 
28,992

Other assets
73

 
63

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
34,892

 
$
34,139

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
1,215

 
$
1,091

Short-term debt
100

 
200

Income and other taxes
245

 
203

Other current liabilities
229

 
237

Current maturities of long-term debt
550

 
500

Total current liabilities
2,339

 
2,231

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
9,562

 
9,393

Other liabilities
1,442

 
1,385

Deferred income taxes
9,140

 
8,942

Total liabilities
22,483

 
21,951

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

Common Stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares
 

 
 

authorized; outstanding 290,417,610 and 297,795,016 shares,
 

 
 

respectively, net of treasury shares
292

 
299

Additional paid-in capital
2,179

 
2,143

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(487
)
 
(445
)
Retained income
10,425

 
10,191

 
 
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
12,409

 
12,188

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
34,892

 
$
34,139



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
K 39


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

Reconciliation of net income to net cash
 

 
 

 
 

provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation
1,030

 
1,059

 
956

Deferred income taxes
227

 
320

 
294

Gains and losses on properties and investments
(46
)
 
(30
)
 
(13
)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
23

 
109

 
(31
)
Materials and supplies
42

 
(35
)
 
(13
)
Other current assets
82

 
192

 
(260
)
Current liabilities other than debt
158

 
(152
)
 
116

Other – net
(150
)
 
(111
)
 
(134
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
3,034

 
2,908

 
2,915

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Property additions
(1,887
)
 
(2,385
)
 
(2,118
)
Property sales and other transactions
130

 
63

 
114

Investment purchases
(123
)
 
(5
)
 
(104
)
Investment sales and other transactions
48

 
240

 
106

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,832
)
 
(2,087
)
 
(2,002
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Dividends
(695
)
 
(713
)
 
(687
)
Common Stock transactions
57

 
12

 
67

Purchase and retirement of Common Stock
(803
)
 
(1,075
)
 
(318
)
Proceeds from borrowings – net
694

 
1,185

 
200

Debt repayments
(600
)
 
(102
)
 
(645
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,347
)
 
(693
)
 
(1,383
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(145
)
 
128

 
(470
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 

 
 

 
 

At beginning of year
1,101

 
973

 
1,443

 
 
 
 
 
 
At end of year
$
956

 
$
1,101

 
$
973

 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the year for:
 

 
 

 
 

Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$
543

 
$
518

 
$
522

Income taxes (net of refunds)
593

 
386

 
1,102


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
K 40


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accum. Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Income
 
Total
 
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
310

 
$
2,021

 
$
(381
)
 
$
9,339

 
$
11,289

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
2,000

 
2,000

Other comprehensive loss
 

 
 

 
(17
)
 
 

 
(17
)
Total comprehensive income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,983

Dividends on Common Stock,
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

$2.22 per share
 

 
 

 
 

 
(687
)
 
(687
)
Share repurchases
(3
)
 
(20
)
 
 

 
(295
)
 
(318
)
Stock-based compensation,
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

including tax benefit of $37
3

 
147

 
 

 
(6
)
 
144

Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
310

 
2,148

 
(398
)
 
10,348

 
12,408

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,556

 
1,556

Other comprehensive loss
 

 
 

 
(47
)
 
 

 
(47
)
Total comprehensive income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,509

Dividends on Common Stock,
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

$2.36 per share
 

 
 

 
 

 
(713
)
 
(713
)
Share repurchases
(11
)
 
(75
)
 
 

 
(989
)
 
(1,075
)
Stock-based compensation,
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

including tax benefit of $14


 
70

 
 

 
(8
)
 
62

Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
299

 
2,143

 
(445
)
 
10,191

 
12,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,668

 
1,668

Other comprehensive loss
 

 
 

 
(42
)
 
 

 
(42
)
Total comprehensive income
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
1,626

Dividends on Common Stock,
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

$2.36 per share
 

 
 

 
 

 
(695
)
 
(695
)
Share repurchases
(9
)
 
(63
)
 
 

 
(731
)
 
(803
)
Stock-based compensation
2

 
99

 
 

 
(6
)
 
95

Other
 
 


 


 
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
292

 
$
2,179

 
$
(487
)
 
$
10,425

 
$
12,409


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
K 41


Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The following Notes are an integral part of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Description of Business
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) is a Virginia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating approximately 19,500 miles of road primarily in the East and Midwest. These consolidated financial statements include Norfolk Southern and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, NS, we, us, and our).  Norfolk Southern’s major subsidiary is NSR.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
NSR and its railroad subsidiaries transport raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods classified in the following commodity groups (percent of total railway operating revenues in 2016): intermodal (22%); chemicals (17%); agriculture/consumer products/government (16%); coal (15%); metals/construction (13%); automotive (10%); and, paper/clay/forest products (7%).  Although most of our customers are domestic, ultimate points of origination or destination for some of the products transported (particularly coal bound for export and some intermodal containers) may be outside the U.S.  Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  We periodically review our estimates, including those related to the recoverability and useful lives of assets, as well as liabilities for litigation, environmental remediation, casualty claims, income taxes and pension and other postretirement benefits.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Transportation revenue is recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination, and related expenses are recognized as incurred.  Refunds (which are primarily volume-based incentives) are recorded as a reduction to revenues on the basis of management’s best estimate of projected liability, which is based on historical activity, current shipment counts and the expectation of future activity.  We regularly monitor our contract refund liability and, historically, the estimates have not differed significantly from the amounts ultimately refunded.   Switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues are recognized when the services are performed.
 
Cash Equivalents
 
“Cash equivalents” are highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $4 million at December 31, 2016 and $3 million at December 31, 2015.  To determine our allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate historical loss experience (which has not been significant), the characteristics of current accounts, and general economic conditions and trends.


K 42


Materials and Supplies
 
“Materials and supplies,” consisting mainly of items for maintenance of property and equipment, are stated at the lower of average cost or market.  The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.”
 
Investments
  
Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over but do not control the entity are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of the acquisition plus our equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.
 
Properties
 
“Properties” are stated principally at cost and are depreciated using the group method whereby assets with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes and depreciated using a composite depreciation rate.  This methodology treats each asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We use approximately 75 depreciable asset classes.  The primary depreciation method for our asset base is group life.  Units of production is the principal method of depreciation for rail in high density corridors.  Remaining properties are depreciated generally using the straight-line method over the lesser of estimated service or lease lives. “Depreciation” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes both depreciation and depletion.

Depreciation expense is based on our assumptions concerning expected service lives of our properties as well as the expected net salvage that will be received upon their retirement.  In developing these assumptions, we utilize periodic depreciation studies that are performed by an independent outside firm of consulting engineers and approved by the STB.  Our depreciation studies are conducted about every three years for equipment and every six years for track assets and other roadway property.  The frequency of these studies is consistent with guidelines established by the STB.  We adjust our rates based on the results of these studies and implement the changes prospectively.  The studies may also indicate that the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by the study.  Any such deficiency (or excess) is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service lives of the affected class of property, as determined by the study. 
Key factors that are considered in developing average service life and salvage estimates include:

statistical analysis of historical retirement data and surviving asset records;
review of historical salvage received and current market rates;
review of our operations including expected changes in technology, customer demand, maintenance practices and asset management strategies;
review of accounting policies and assumptions; and
industry review and analysis.
 
The units of production depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross ton miles as compared to the total or ultimate capacity of rail in these corridors.  Our experience has shown that traffic density is a leading factor in determination of the expected service life of rail in high density corridors.  In developing the respective depreciation rate, consideration is also given to several rail characteristics including age, weight, condition (new or second hand) and type (curve or straight).  As a result, a composite depreciation rate is developed which is applied to the depreciable base.
 
We capitalize interest on major projects during the period of their construction.  Expenditures, including those on leased assets, that extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are capitalized.  Expenditures capitalized include those that are directly related to a capital project and may include materials, labor and equipment, in addition to an allocable portion of indirect costs that relate to a capital project. A significant portion of annual capital spending relates to the replacement of self-constructed assets. Removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement and are estimated based on an average percentage of time employees replacing assets spend on

K 43


removal functions. Costs related to repairs and maintenance activities that do not extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are expensed when such repairs are performed.
 
When depreciable operating road and equipment assets are sold or retired in the ordinary course of business, the cost of the assets, net of sale proceeds or salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized in earnings.  Actual historical cost values are retired when available, such as with most equipment assets.  The use of estimates in recording the retirement of certain roadway assets is necessary based on the impracticality of tracking individual asset costs.  When retiring rail, ties and ballast, we use statistical curves that indicate the relative distribution of the age of the assets retired.  The historical cost of other roadway assets is estimated using a combination of inflation indices specific to the rail industry and those published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The indices are applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired assets.  These indices are used because they closely correlate with the costs of roadway assets.  Gains and losses on disposal of operating land are included in “Materials and other” expenses. Gains and losses on disposal of nonoperating land and nonrail assets are included in “Other income – net” (Note 2) since such income is not a product of our railroad operations.
 
A retirement is considered abnormal if it does not occur in the ordinary course of business, if it relates to disposition of a large segment of an asset class and if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies, which inherently consider the impact of normal retirements on expected service lives and depreciation rates.  Gains or losses from abnormal retirements would be recognized in income from railway operations.
 
We review the carrying amount of properties whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows.  Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.
 
Required Accounting Changes
 
In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” We adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016. This update principally affected the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies and the cash flow classification of share-based compensation-related transactions. The requirement to recognize excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement was applied prospectively, with a benefit of $17 million recognized in the “Provision for income taxes” line item for the year ended December 31, 2016. The classification requirements on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the adoption of ASU 2016-09 resulted in a $34 million increase in operating activities and a corresponding decrease in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016. We retrospectively presented the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 to reflect $31 million and $63 million, respectively, increases in operating activities and corresponding decreases in financing activities.


In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, 
“Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than as separate current and noncurrent amounts. We retrospectively adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016 and presented the December 31, 2015, Consolidated Balance Sheet to reflect the reclassification of $121 million of deferred income tax assets from current assets to “Deferred income taxes” in the long-term liabilities section of the balance sheet.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”  This update will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and require an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new standard will be effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are still evaluating the effects

K 44


of ASU 2014-09, but we do not currently expect that adoption of the standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. There will be no change to our pattern of revenue recognition related to transportation revenue, which will continue to be recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination. Certain additional financial statement disclosure requirements are mandated by the new standard including disclosure of contract assets and contract liabilities as well as a disaggregated view of revenue, which we expect to be similar to our current disclosure within the “Railway Operating Revenues” section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We do not plan to adopt the standard early and we have not yet determined which transition method we will use.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” This update, effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, will replace existing lease guidance in GAAP and will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases greater than twelve months and disclose key information about leasing arrangements.  When implemented, lessees and lessors will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effects ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We currently disclose approximately $614 million in operating lease obligations in our lease commitments footnote (Note 9) and we will evaluate those contracts as well as other existing arrangements to determine if they qualify for lease accounting under the new standard. We do not plan to adopt the standard early.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. The new standard is effective as of January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019. Because credit losses associated from our trade receivables have historically been insignificant, we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements.


K 45


2.  Other Income – Net
 
“Other income – net” includes income and costs not part of rail operations and the income generated by the activities of our noncarrier subsidiaries as well as the costs incurred by those subsidiaries in their operations.

 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income
$
93

 
$
80

 
$
75

Corporate-owned life insurance – net
20

 
(1
)
 
24

Royalties from coal
10

 
19

 
33

Interest income
10

 
8

 
9

Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales)
9

 
55

 
13

Nonoperating depletion and depreciation
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Other interest expense – net
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
(12
)
Charitable contributions
(9
)
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
Taxes on nonoperating property
(11
)
 
(10
)
 
(9
)
External advisor costs
(20
)
 
(8
)
 

Other
(21
)
 
(22
)
 
(15
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
71

 
$
103

 
$
104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

K 46


3.  Income Taxes
 
Provisions for Income Taxes
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
Current:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
$
612

 
$
505

 
$
729

State
75

 
61

 
111

Total current taxes
687

 
566

 
840

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
206

 
292

 
299

State
21

 
28

 
(5
)
Total deferred taxes
227

 
320

 
294

 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
$
914

 
$
886

 
$
1,134


Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate
 
The “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal income tax at statutory rate
$
904

 
35.0

 
$
855

 
35.0

 
$
1,097

 
35.0

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect
70

 
2.8

 
72

 
3.0

 
88

 
2.8

Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation, net of federal tax effect
(17
)
 
(0.7
)
 

 

 

 

State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect
(7
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(14
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(20
)
 
(0.6
)
Other, net
(36
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(27
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(31
)
 
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
$
914

 
35.4

 
$
886

 
36.3

 
$
1,134

 
36.2



K 47


Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
 
Certain items are reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in recognition of these differences.  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 

Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits
$
464

 
$
430

Accruals, including casualty and other claims
102

 
108

Other
62

 
65

Total gross deferred tax assets
628

 
603

Less valuation allowance
(39
)
 
(35
)
 
 
 
 
Net deferred tax assets
589

 
568

 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 
 

Property
(9,301
)
 
(9,072
)
Other
(428
)
 
(438
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(9,729
)
 
(9,510
)
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
$
(9,140
)
 
$
(8,942
)

Except for amounts for which a valuation allowance has been provided, we believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.  The valuation allowance at the end of each year primarily relates to subsidiary state income tax net operating losses and state investment tax credits that may not be utilized prior to their expiration.  The total valuation allowance increased by $4 million in 2016 and $2 million in 2015.


K 48


Uncertain Tax Positions
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
25

 
$
61

 
 
 
 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
3

 
4

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 
(34
)
Settlements with taxing authorities

 
(5
)
Lapse of statutes of limitations
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
Balance at end of year
$
27

 
$
25

 
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016, are potential benefits of $19 million that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.  Unrecognized tax benefits are adjusted in the period in which new information about a tax position becomes available or the final outcome differs from the amount recorded.
 
IRS examinations have been completed for all years prior to 2013. We are not currently under audit by the IRS. State income tax returns generally are subject to examination for a period of three to four years after filing of the return.  In addition, we are generally obligated to report changes in taxable income arising from federal income tax examinations to the states within a period of up to two years from the date the federal examination is final.  We have various state income tax returns either under examination, administrative appeal, or litigation.   


K 49


4.  Fair Value
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements,” established a framework for measuring fair value and a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
 
Level 1
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.
 
 
Level 2
Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
 
•         quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
•         quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
•         inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
•         inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
 
 
If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
 
 
Level 3
Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
 
The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Other than those assets and liabilities described below that approximate fair value, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2016 or 2015.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
We have evaluated the fair values of financial instruments and methods used to determine those fair values.  The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable,” “Accounts payable,” and “Short-term debt” approximate carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.  The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance is recorded at cash surrender value and, accordingly, approximates fair value. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values for the remaining financial instruments, excluding investments accounted for under the equity method, consisted of the following at December 31:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments
$
186

 
$
211

 
$
162

 
$
190

Long-term debt, including current maturities
(10,112
)
 
(11,626
)
 
(9,893
)
 
(11,124
)

Underlying net assets and future discounted cash flows were used to estimate the fair value of investments.  The fair values of long-term debt were estimated based on quoted market prices or discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.


K 50


The following tables set forth the fair value of long-term investment and long-term debt balances disclosed above by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets or liabilities).

 
December 31, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments
$
74

 
$
137

 
$
211

Long-term debt, including current maturities
(11,427
)
 
(199
)
 
(11,626
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term investments
$
49

 
$
141

 
$
190

Long-term debt, including current maturities
(11,022
)
 
(102
)
 
(11,124
)
 
5.  Investments
 
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Long-term investments:
 

 
 

Equity method investments:
 

 
 

Conrail Inc.
$
1,199

 
$
1,147

TTX Company
471

 
445

Meridian Speedway LLC
274

 
274

Pan Am Southern LLC
155

 
153

Other
77

 
83

Total equity method investments
2,176

 
2,102

 
 
 
 
Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value
415

 
308

Other investments
186

 
162

 
 
 
 
Total long-term investments
$
2,777

 
$
2,572


K 51


Investment in Conrail
 
Through a limited liability company, we and CSX jointly own Conrail, whose primary subsidiary is CRC.  We have a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in the jointly owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests.  We are amortizing the excess of the purchase price over Conrail’s net equity using the principles of purchase accounting, based primarily on the estimated useful lives of Conrail’s depreciable property and equipment, including the related deferred tax effect of the differences in book and tax accounting bases for such assets, as all of the purchase price at acquisition was allocable to Conrail’s tangible assets and liabilities.
 
At December 31, 2016, based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $5 million.  This resulted in income of $5 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of less than $1 million.
 
At December 31, 2015, based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $3 million.  This resulted in income of $3 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of less than $1 million.
 
At December 31, 2016, the difference between our investment in Conrail and our share of Conrail’s underlying net equity was $524 million.  Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents” was $47 million for 2016, $42 million for 2015, and $39 million for 2014.
 
CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of NSR and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT).  The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage.  In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas. “Purchased services and rents” and “Fuel” include expenses payable to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $151 million in 2016, $154 million in 2015, and $144 million in 2014. Future minimum lease payments due to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements are as follows:  $37 million in each of 2017 through 2021 and $91 million thereafter. We provide certain general and administrative support functions to Conrail, the fees for which are billed in accordance with several service-provider arrangements and approximate $8 million annually.

“Accounts payable” includes $129 million at December 31, 2016, and $71 million at December 31, 2015, due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas.  “Other liabilities” includes $280 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2044, that bear interest at an average rate of 2.9%.

Investment in TTX

NS and eight other North American railroads jointly own TTX Company (TTX). NS has a 19.65% ownership interest in TTX, a railcar pooling company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal,
automotive, and general use railcars at stated rates.

Amounts paid to TTX for use of equipment are included in “Purchased services and rents.” This amounted to $229 million, $219 million, and $200 million of expense, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Our equity in the earnings of TTX, also included in “Purchased services and rents,” totaled $26 million for 2016, $21 million for 2015, and $19 million for 2014.

K 52


6.  Properties
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
Net Book
 
Depreciation
December 31, 2016
Cost
 
Depreciation
 
Value
 
Rate (1)
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land
$
2,330

 
$

 
$
2,330

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roadway:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rail and other track material
6,632

 
(1,997
)
 
4,635

 
2.46
%
Ties
5,011

 
(1,314
)
 
3,697

 
3.25
%
Ballast
2,559

 
(584
)
 
1,975

 
2.64
%
Construction in process
664

 

 
664

 

Other roadway
13,096

 
(3,361
)
 
9,735

 
2.51
%
Total roadway
27,962

 
(7,256
)
 
20,706

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Locomotives
5,525

 
(2,199
)
 
3,326

 
3.65
%
Freight cars
3,377

 
(1,345
)
 
2,032

 
2.51
%
Computers and software
552

 
(329
)
 
223

 
10.40
%
Construction in process
295

 

 
295

 

Other equipment
972

 
(329
)
 
643

 
4.71
%
Total equipment
10,721

 
(4,202
)
 
6,519

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other property
475

 
(279
)
 
196

 
0.83
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total properties
$
41,488

 
$
(11,737
)
 
$
29,751

 
 

 

K 53


 
 
 
Accumulated
 
Net Book
 
Depreciation
December 31, 2015
Cost
 
Depreciation
 
Value
 
Rate (1)
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land
$
2,327

 
$

 
$
2,327

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roadway:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rail and other track material
6,467

 
(1,944
)
 
4,523

 
2.46
%
Ties
4,846

 
(1,229
)
 
3,617

 
3.26
%
Ballast
2,468

 
(539
)
 
1,929

 
2.64
%
Construction in process
686

 

 
686

 

Other roadway
12,662

 
(3,225
)
 
9,437

 
2.54
%
Total roadway
27,129

 
(6,937
)
 
20,192

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Locomotives
5,291

 
(2,126
)
 
3,165

 
3.31
%
Freight cars
3,437

 
(1,422
)
 
2,015

 
2.87
%
Computers and software
500

 
(296
)
 
204

 
11.25
%
Construction in process
237

 

 
237

 

Other equipment
1,074

 
(421
)
 
653

 
6.09
%
Total equipment
10,539

 
(4,265
)
 
6,274

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other property
475

 
(276
)
 
199

 
0.95
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total properties
$
40,470

 
$
(11,478
)
 
$
28,992

 
 

 
(1) 
Composite annual depreciation rate for the underlying assets, excluding the effects of the amortization of any deficiency (or excess) that resulted from our depreciation studies.
 
Other property includes the costs of obtaining rights to natural resources of $336 million at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, with accumulated depletion of $199 million and $198 million, respectively.
 
Capitalized Interest
 
Total interest cost incurred on debt was $583 million in 2016, $566 million in 2015, and $564 million in 2014, of which $20 million, $21 million, and $19 million, respectively, was capitalized.

K 54


7.  Current Liabilities
 
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Accounts payable:
 
 
 
Accounts and wages payable
$
650

 
$
602

Casualty and other claims (Note 16)
192

 
174

Vacation liability
134

 
135

Due to Conrail (Note 5)
129

 
71

Other
110

 
109

 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,215

 
$
1,091

 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities:
 

 
 

Interest payable
$
119

 
$
123

Pension benefit obligations (Note 11)
16

 
16

Other
94

 
98

 
 
 
 
Total
$
229

 
$
237



K 55


8.  Debt
 
Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below:
 
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Notes and debentures:
 
 
 
6.34% maturing to 2021
$
2,632

 
$
3,132

4.36% maturing 2022 to 2031
3,346

 
2,746

4.88% maturing 2037 to 2046
3,190

 
3,190

6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111
1,328

 
1,328

Securitization borrowings and capital leases
202

 
202

Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs
(486
)
 
(505
)
Total debt
10,212

 
10,093

 
 
 
 
Less current maturities and short-term debt
(650
)
 
(700
)
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt
$
9,562

 
$
9,393

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2017 are as follows:
 
 
 
2018
 
 
$
600

2019
 
 
585

2020
 
 
314

2021
 
 
584

2022 and subsequent years
 
 
7,479

 
 
 
 

Total
 
 
$
9,562


During the second quarter of 2016, we issued $600 million of 2.9% senior notes due 2026.

We have in place a $350 million receivables securitization facility under which NSR sells substantially all of its eligible third-party receivables to a subsidiary, which in turn may transfer beneficial interests in the receivables to various commercial paper vehicles.  Amounts received under the facility are accounted for as borrowings. Under this facility, we received $100 million and repaid $100 million in both 2016 and 2015. The facility was renewed and amended in June 2016, extending it until June 2018.  
 
At December 31, 2016, the amount outstanding under the receivables securitization facility was $200 million (at an average variable interest rate of 2.47%). Our intent is to refinance $100 million of these borrowings on a long-term basis, which is supported by our $750 million credit agreement (see below). Accordingly, $100 million of the outstanding amount is included within “Long-term debt” and the remaining $100 million outstanding is included in “Short-term debt.” At December 31, 2015, the amount outstanding was $200 million (at an average variable interest rate of 1.48%) included in “Short-term debt” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the receivables included in “Accounts receivable – net” serving as collateral for these borrowings totaled $704 million and $653 million, respectively.


K 56


Credit Agreement and Debt Covenants
 
We have in place and available a $750 million, five-year credit agreement which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. In May 2016, we renewed our agreement, extending the facility until May 2021. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.

9.  Lease Commitments
 
We are committed under long-term lease agreements, which expire on various dates through 2067, for equipment, lines of road and other property.  The following amounts do not include payments to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements (Note 5).  Future minimum lease payments and operating lease expense are as follows:

Future Minimum Lease Payments
 
 
Operating
Leases
 
($ in millions)
 
 
2017
$
78

2018
71

2019
56

2020
54

2021
50

2022 and subsequent years
305

 
 
Total
$
614

 
Operating Lease Expense
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum rents
$
98

 
$
111

 
$
109

Contingent rents
73

 
84

 
92

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
171

 
$
195

 
$
201

 
Contingent rents are primarily comprised of usage-based rent paid to other railroads for joint facility operations.

K 57


10.  Other Liabilities
 
December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Net other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11)
$
346

 
$
347

Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11)
333

 
318

Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5)
280

 
280

Casualty and other claims (Note 16)
178

 
191

Deferred compensation
112

 
117

Other
193

 
132

 
 
 
 
Total
$
1,442

 
$
1,385



K 58


11.  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
We have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salaried employees. We also provide specified health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees; these plans can be amended or terminated at our option.  Under our self-insured retiree health care plan, for those participants who are not Medicare-eligible, a defined percentage of health care expenses is covered for retired employees and their dependents, reduced by any deductibles, coinsurance, and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies. Those participants who are Medicare-eligible are not covered under the self-insured retiree health care plan, but instead are provided with an employer-funded health reimbursement account which can be used for reimbursement of health insurance premiums or eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Postretirement
Benefits
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in millions)
Change in benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
2,372

 
$
2,429

 
$
536

 
$
571

Service cost
36

 
41

 
7

 
7

Interest cost
82

 
93

 
16

 
21

Actuarial losses (gains)
66

 
(64
)
 
14

 
(7
)
Plan amendments

 

 

 
(8
)
Benefits paid
(136
)
 
(127
)
 
(45
)
 
(48
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
2,420

 
2,372

 
528

 
536

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
2,040

 
2,167

 
189

 
262

Actual return on plan assets
152

 
(14
)
 
17

 
2

Employer contribution (reimbursement)1
17

 
14

 
21

 
(27
)
Benefits paid
(136
)
 
(127
)
 
(45
)
 
(48
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
2,073

 
2,040

 
182

 
189

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded status at end of year
$
(347
)
 
$
(332
)
 
$
(346
)
 
$
(347
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Balance Sheets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Noncurrent assets
$
2

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

Current liabilities
(16
)
 
(16
)
 

 

Noncurrent liabilities
(333
)
 
(318
)
 
(346
)
 
(347
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net amount recognized
$
(347
)
 
$
(332
)
 
$
(346
)
 
$
(347
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

loss (before tax):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net loss
$
940

 
$
904

 
$
30

 
$
16

Prior service cost (benefit)
3

 
3

 
(307
)
 
(331
)
1Norfolk Southern is eligible to receive reimbursement from the Norfolk Southern Corporation Post-Retirement Benefits Trust (Trust), and the Trust had an outstanding liability to Norfolk Southern of $13 million as of December 31, 2016 and $30 million at December 31, 2015.


K 59


Our accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans is $2.2 billion at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  Our unfunded pension plans, included above, which in all cases have no assets and therefore have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, had projected benefit obligations of $286 million at December 31, 2016 and $274 million at December 31, 2015, and had accumulated benefit obligations of $252 million at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components

 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
36

 
$
41

 
$
34

Interest cost
82

 
93

 
93

Expected return on plan assets
(173
)
 
(165
)
 
(151
)
Amortization of net losses
51

 
65

 
54

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cost (benefit)
$
(4
)
 
$
34

 
$
31

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other postretirement benefits:
 

 
 

 
 

Service cost
$
7

 
$
7

 
$
7

Interest cost
16

 
21

 
24

Expected return on plan assets
(17
)
 
(19
)
 
(18
)
Amortization of prior service benefit
(24
)
 
(24
)
 
(20
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net benefit
$
(18
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(7
)


K 60


Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
2016
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement 
Benefits
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Net loss arising during the year
$
87

 
$
14

Amortization of net losses
(51
)
 

Amortization of prior service benefit

 
24

 
 
 
 
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss
$
36

 
$
38

Total recognized in net periodic cost
 

 
 

and other comprehensive loss
$
32

 
$
20

 
Net actuarial losses arising during the year for pension and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to a decrease in our discount rate.

The estimated net losses for the pension benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next year are $52 million.  The estimated prior service cost for the pension benefit plans and the prior service benefit for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit over the next year are $1 million and $24 million, respectively.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions
 
Costs for pension and other postretirement benefits are determined based on actuarial valuations that reflect appropriate assumptions as of the measurement date, ordinarily the beginning of each year.  The funded status of the plans is determined using appropriate assumptions as of each year end.  A summary of the major assumptions follows: 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Pension funded status:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.05
%
 
4.30
%
 
3.95
%
Future salary increases
4.21
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
Other postretirement benefits funded status:
 

 
 

 
 
Discount rate
3.83
%
 
4.02
%
 
3.70
%
Pension cost:
 

 
 

 
 
Discount rate - service cost
4.64
%
 
3.95
%
 
4.60
%
Discount rate - interest cost
3.51
%
 
3.95
%
 
4.60
%
Return on assets in plans
8.25
%
 
8.25
%
 
8.25
%
Future salary increases
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.50
%
Other postretirement benefits cost:
 

 
 

 
 
Discount rate1 - service cost
4.36
%
 
3.70
%
 
3.90
%
Discount rate1- interest cost
3.15
%
 
3.70
%
 
3.90
%
Return on assets in plans
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
Health care trend rate
6.30
%
 
6.56
%
 
6.94
%
1 2014 other postretirement benefits cost was based on a discount rate of 4.65% prior to our retiree medical plan amendment in the first quarter of 2014, and 3.90% after the plan amendment.

K 61


To determine the discount rates used to measure our benefit obligations, we utilize analyses in which the projected annual cash flows from the pension and other postretirement benefit plans were matched with yield curves based on an appropriate universe of high-quality corporate bonds.  We use the results of the yield curve analyses to select the discount rates that match the payment streams of the benefits in these plans.

Effective January 1, 2016, we began using a spot rate approach to estimate the service cost and interest cost
components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefits plans rather than a single
weighted-average discount rate. This change in estimate did not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations, but it did result in a total reduction in service and interest cost of $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions
 
For measurement purposes at December 31, 2016, increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be 6.56% for 2017.  It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% for 2023 and remain at that level thereafter.
 
Assumed health care cost trend rates affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements.  To illustrate, a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have the following effects:
 
One-percentage point
 
Increase
 
Decrease
 
($ in millions)
Increase (decrease) in:
 
 
 
Total service and interest cost components
$
1

 
$
(1
)
Postretirement benefit obligation
11

 
(10
)

Asset Management
 
Ten investment firms manage our defined benefit pension plans’ assets under investment guidelines approved by our Benefits Investment Committee that is comprised of members of our management.  Investments are restricted to domestic and international equity securities, domestic and international fixed income securities, and unleveraged exchange-traded options and financial futures.  Limitations restrict investment concentration and use of certain derivative investments.  The target asset allocation for equity is 75% of the pension plans’ assets.  The fixed income portfolio is invested in the BlackRock Government/Credit Bond Index Fund. Equity investments must be in liquid securities listed on national exchanges.  No investment is permitted in our securities (except through commingled pension trust funds).  Investment managers’ returns are expected to meet or exceed selected market indices by prescribed margins.
 
Our pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows:
 
Percentage of plan
assets at December 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Domestic equity securities
51
%
 
50
%
International equity securities
24
%
 
23
%
Debt securities
23
%
 
25
%
Cash and cash equivalents
2
%
 
2
%
 
 
 
 
Total
100
%
 
100
%

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The other postretirement benefit plan assets consist primarily of trust-owned variable life insurance policies with an asset allocation at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 of 67% in equity securities and 33% in debt securities.  The target asset allocation for equity is between 50% and 75% of the plan’s assets.
 
The plans’ assumed future returns are based principally on the asset allocations and historical returns for the plans’ asset classes determined from both actual plan returns and, over longer time periods, expected market returns for those asset classes.  For 2017, we assume an 8.25% return on pension plan assets.

Fair Value of Plan Assets
 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets measured at fair value.
 
Common stock:  Shares held by the plan at year end are valued at the official closing price as defined by the exchange or at the most recent trade price of a security at the close of the active market.
 
Common collective trusts:  Valued at the net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the plan at year end. The readily determinable fair value is based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the trusts.  The common collective trusts hold equity securities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents.
 
Commingled funds:  Valued at the NAV of shares held by the plan at year end. The readily determinable fair value is based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the funds.  The commingled funds hold equity securities.
 
Interest bearing cash:  Short-term bills or notes are valued at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for the security at year end using observable market-based inputs; money market funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the funds are traded.
 
U.S. government and agencies securities:  Valued at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security at year end using observable market-based inputs.  Inflation adjusted instruments utilize the appropriate index factor.
 

 

K 63


The following table sets forth the pension plans’ assets by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets).
 
December 31, 2016
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
$
1,142

 
$

 
$
1,142

Common collective trusts:
 

 
 

 
 

Debt securities

 
481

 
481

International equity securities

 
324

 
324

Commingled funds

 
79

 
79

Interest bearing cash
43

 

 
43

U.S. government and agencies securities

 
4

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
1,185

 
$
888

 
$
2,073


 
December 31, 2015
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
$
1,119

 
$

 
$
1,119

Common collective trusts:
 

 
 

 
 

Debt securities

 
505

 
505

International equity securities

 
301

 
301

Commingled funds

 
77

 
77

Interest bearing cash
34

 

 
34

U.S. government and agencies securities

 
4

 
4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investments
$
1,153

 
$
887

 
$
2,040

 
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for other postretirement benefit plan assets measured at fair value.
 
Trust-owned life insurance:  Valued at our share of the net assets of trust-owned life insurance issued by a major insurance company.  The underlying investments of that trust consist of a U.S. stock account and a U.S. bond account but may retain cash at times as well. The U.S. stock account and U.S. bond account are valued based upon the aggregate market values of the underlying investments.
 
The other postretirement benefit plan assets consisted of trust-owned life insurance with fair values of $182 million and $189 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively, and are valued under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no level 1 or level 3 valued assets.
 
The methods used to value pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.  Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.


K 64


Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments
 
In 2017, we expect to contribute approximately $16 million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $44 million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits.  We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2017

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:
 
Pension
Benefits
 
Other
Postretirement 
Benefits
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
2017
$
139

 
$
44

2018
141

 
43

2019
142

 
42

2020
142

 
41

2021
143

 
40

Years 2022 – 2026
723

 
180

 
Other Postretirement Coverage
 
Under collective bargaining agreements, Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries participate in a multi-employer benefit plan, which provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible union employees.  Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and totaled $37 million in 2016, $32 million in 2015, and $36 million in 2014.
 
Section 401(k) Plans
 
Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries provide Section 401(k) savings plans for employees.  Under the plans, we match a portion of employee contributions, subject to applicable limitations.  Our matching contributions, recorded as an expense, under these plans were $21 million in both 2016 and 2015, and $20 million in 2014.

12.  Stock-Based Compensation
 
Under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Compensation Committee (Committee), which is made up of nonemployee members of the Board of Directors, or the Chief Executive Officer (when delegated authority by such Committee) may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted shares, performance share units (PSUs), and performance shares, up to a maximum of 104,125,000 shares of our Common Stock.  
 
The number of shares remaining for issuance under the LTIP is reduced (i) by 1 for each award granted as a stock option or stock-settled SAR, or (ii) by 1.61 for an award made in the form other than a stock option or stock-settled SAR.  Under the Board-approved Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP), the Committee may grant stock options up to a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock. We use newly issued shares to satisfy any exercises and awards under the LTIP and the TSOP. 

The LTIP also permits the payment, on a current or a deferred basis and in cash or in stock, of dividend equivalents on shares of Common Stock covered by stock options, RSUs, or PSUs in an amount commensurate with regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.  With respect to stock options, if employment of the participant is terminated for any reason, including retirement, disability, or death, we have no further obligation to make any dividend equivalent payments.  Regarding RSUs, if employment of the participant is terminated for any reason

K 65


other than retirement, disability, or death, we have no further obligation to make any dividend equivalent payments.  Should an employee terminate employment, they are not required to forfeit dividend equivalent payments already received.  Outstanding PSUs do not currently receive dividend equivalent payments.
 
During 2016, the Committee granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP.  Receipt of an award under the LTIP was made contingent upon the awardee’s execution of a non-compete agreement, and all awards under the LTIP were made subject to forfeiture in the event the awardee “engages in competing employment” for a period of time following retirement.
 
Accounting Method
 
We account for our grants of stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and dividend equivalent payments in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, all awards result in charges to net income while dividend equivalent payments, which are all related to equity classified awards, are charged to retained income. Related compensation costs were $42 million in both 2016 and 2015, and $44 million in 2014.  The total tax effects recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation expense were net benefits of $31 million (including $17 million of excess tax benefits) in 2016, $13 million in 2015, and $14 million in 2014.
 
Stock Options
 
Option exercise prices will be at least the higher of (i) the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the grant date, or (ii) the closing price of Common Stock on the grant date.  All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years. Holders of the options granted under the LTIP who remain actively employed receive cash dividend equivalent payments for four years in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. Dividend equivalent payments are not made on the TSOP options.

The options granted under the LTIP and TSOP for the last three years are shown in the following table:

 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
Options Granted
 
Weighted Avg. Exercise Price
 
Options Granted
 
Weighted Avg. Exercise Price
 
Options Granted
 
Weighted Avg. Exercise Price
LTIP
694,290
 
$
70.40

 
643,890
 
$
101.86

 
515,240
 
$
94.17

TSOP
302,320
 
70.32

 
181,320
 
104.23

 
181,070
 
94.17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
996,610
 
70.38

 
825,210
 
102.38

 
696,310
 
94.17


For all years, options granted under the LTIP and the TSOP may not be exercised prior to the fourth and third anniversaries of the date of grant, respectively, or if the optionee retires or dies before that anniversary date, may not be exercised before the later of one year after the grant date or the date of the optionee’s retirement or death.
 
The fair value of each option awarded in 2016, 2015, and 2014 was measured on the date of grant using a binomial lattice-based option valuation model.  Expected volatility is based on implied volatility from traded options on, and historical volatility of, Common Stock.  Historical data is used to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.  The average expected option life is derived from the output of the valuation model and represents the period of time that all options granted are expected to be outstanding, including the branches of the model that result in options expiring unexercised.  The average risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  A dividend yield of zero was used for the LTIP options during the vesting period.  For 2016, 2015, and 2014, a dividend yield of 3.37%, 2.27%, and 2.29%, respectively, was used for all vested LTIP options and all TSOP options.

K 66


The assumptions for the LTIP and TSOP grants for the last three years are shown in the following table:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average expected volatility
27
%
 
25
%
 
25
%
Average risk-free interest rate
2.00
%
 
1.83
%
 
2.79
%
Average expected option term LTIP
8.9 years

 
9.3 years

 
8.9 years

Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP
$
19.92

 
$
30.35

 
$
29.87

Average expected option term TSOP
8.6 years

 
9.1 years

 
8.8 years

Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP
$
14.75

 
$
24.71

 
$
24.38


A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below:
 
 
Stock
Options
 
Weighted Avg. 
Exercise Price 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
6,048,736

 
$
67.90

Granted
996,610

 
70.38

Exercised
(1,466,721
)
 
51.65

Forfeited
(24,571
)
 
82.74

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
5,554,054

 
72.57

 
The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2016, was $197 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 6.0 years.  Of these options outstanding, 3,195,174 were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $136 million with a weighted average exercise price of $65.50 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.4 years.

The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercised
1,466,721

 
589,081

 
2,009,461

Total intrinsic value
$
60

 
$
27

 
$
106

Cash received upon exercise
74

 
29

 
93

Related tax benefits realized
13

 
7

 
26

 
At December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under the LTIP and the TSOP was $10 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. Tax benefits realized in 2016 are recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” Tax benefits realized in 2015 and 2014 were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.”

K 67


Restricted Stock Units
 
RSU grants and grant-date fair values were 136,250 and $70.44 in 2016; 101,470 and $104.23 in 2015; and 113,505 and $94.17 in 2014.  RSUs granted in all three years have a five-year restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock.  The RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.  During 2016, 175,500 of the RSUs granted in 2011 vested, with 103,936 shares of Common Stock issued net of minimum withholding taxes.  A summary of the status of and changes in RSUs is presented below:
 
 
RSUs
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
688,725

 
$
78.14

Granted
136,250

 
70.44

Vested
(175,500
)
 
62.75

Forfeited
(3,830
)
 
82.20

 
 
 
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2016
645,645

 
80.68

 
At December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation related to RSUs was $7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.1 years.  The total related tax benefits realized in 2016 were $1 million and were recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” The total related tax benefits realized in 2015 and 2014 were $4 million and $6 million, respectively, and were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.”
 
Performance Share Units
 
PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. PSU grants were 1,042,628 in 2016 with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $52.75. PSU grants were 413,770 and 399,530 in 2015 and 2014, respectively; with weighted-average grant-date fair values of $71.66 and $72.24, respectively. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. During 2016, 406,038 of the PSUs granted in 2013 were earned, with 241,757 shares of Common Stock issued net of minimum withholding taxes.  A summary of the status of and changes in PSUs is presented below:
 
 
PSUs
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2015
1,361,050

 
$
71.09

Granted
1,042,628

 
52.75

Earned
(406,038
)
 
69.83

Unearned
(142,662
)
 
69.83

Forfeited
(5,970
)
 
56.62

 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
1,849,008

 
61.17

 

K 68


At December 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP was $4 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total related tax benefits realized were $3 million in 2016 which were recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” The total related tax benefits were $3 million in 2015 and $5 million in 2014 which were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.”

Shares Available and Issued
 
Shares of Common Stock available for future grants and issued in connection with all features of the LTIP and the TSOP at December 31, were as follows:
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Available for future grants:
 
 
 
 
 
LTIP
9,385,674

 
11,769,796

 
4,899,428

TSOP
544,217

 
832,676

 
998,896

Issued:
 

 
 

 
 

LTIP
1,511,645

 
708,059

 
2,168,641

TSOP
300,769

 
121,745

 
252,042

 

K 69


13. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Common Stock is reported net of shares held by our consolidated subsidiaries (Treasury Shares). Treasury Shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to 20,320,777, with a cost of $19 million at both dates.   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The components of “Other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
 
Balance
at Beginning
of Year
 
Net Income
(Loss)
 
Reclassification
Adjustments
 
Balance
at End
of Year
 
($ in millions)    
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pensions and other postretirement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
liabilities
$
(367
)
 
$
(64
)
 
$
17

(1) 
$
(414
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

of equity investees
(78
)
 
5

 

 
(73
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(445
)
 
$
(59
)
 
$
17

 
$
(487
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Pensions and other postretirement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
liabilities
$
(320
)
 
$
(72
)
 
$
25

(1) 
$
(367
)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of equity investees
(78
)
 

 

 
(78
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(398
)
 
$
(72
)
 
$
25

 
$
(445
)

(1) 
These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs.  See Note 11, “Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information.

K 70


Other Comprehensive Loss
 
“Other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income consisted of the following:
 
Pretax
Amount
 
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net-of-Tax
Amount
 
($ in millions)
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
 
 
 
 
 
  Pensions and other postretirement benefits
$
(101
)
 
$
37

 
$
(64
)
  Reclassification adjustments for costs
 

 
 

 
 

      included in net income
27

 
(10
)
 
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
       Subtotal
(74
)
 
27

 
(47
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income of equity investees
5

 

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
$
(69
)
 
$
27

 
$
(42
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 

 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
 

 
 

 
 

  Pensions and other postretirement benefits
$
(117
)
 
$
45

 
$
(72
)
  Reclassification adjustments for costs
 

 
 

 
 

      included in net income
41

 
(16
)
 
25

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
$
(76
)
 
$
29

 
$
(47
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
 

 
 

 
 

  Pensions and other postretirement benefits
$
(50
)
 
$
19

 
$
(31
)
  Reclassification adjustments for costs
 

 
 

 
 

      included in net income
35

 
(14
)
 
21

 
 
 
 
 
 
       Subtotal
(15
)
 
5

 
(10
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss of equity investees
(8
)
 
1

 
(7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss
$
(23
)
 
$
6

 
$
(17
)


K 71


14.  Stock Repurchase Program
 
We repurchased and retired 9.2 million, 11.3 million, and 3.1 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase program in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, at a cost of $803 million, $1.1 billion, and $318 million, respectively.  On August 1, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2017, and 14.7 million shares remain under this authority as of December 31, 2016.  The timing and volume of purchases is guided by our assessment of market conditions and other pertinent factors.  Any near-term share repurchases are expected to be made with internally generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings.  Since the beginning of 2006, we have repurchased and retired 160.3 million shares at a total cost of $10.3 billion.

15.  Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
Basic
 
Diluted
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

 
$
1,668

 
$
1,556

 
$
2,000

Dividend equivalent payments
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common stockholders
$
1,663

 
$
1,550

 
$
1,994

 
$
1,664

 
$
1,551

 
$
1,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
293.9

 
301.9

 
309.4

 
293.9

 
301.9

 
309.4

Dilutive effect of outstanding options
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

and share-settled awards
 

 
 

 
 

 
2.1

 
2.5

 
3.1

Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding
 

 
 

 
 

 
296.0

 
304.4

 
312.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
$
5.66

 
$
5.13

 
$
6.44

 
$
5.62

 
$
5.10

 
$
6.39

 
In each year, dividend equivalent payments were made to holders of stock options and RSUs.  For purposes of computing basic earnings per share, dividend equivalent payments made to holders of stock options and RSUs were deducted from net income to determine income available to common stockholders.  For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, we evaluate on a grant-by-grant basis those stock options and RSUs receiving dividend equivalent payments under the two-class and treasury stock methods to determine which method is the more dilutive for each grant.  For those grants for which the two-class method was more dilutive, net income was reduced by dividend equivalent payments to determine income available to common stockholders.  The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: 

Period
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
1st Quarter
 
1.5

 

 
0.7

 
2nd Quarter
 
1.5

 
0.7

 

 
3rd Quarter
 
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
4th Quarter
 
0.7

 
1.5

 

 

K 72


16.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
Lawsuits
 
We and/or certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations.  When we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings.  While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payment of such liability and claims.  However, the final outcome of any of these lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter.  Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known.

One of our chemical customers, Sunbelt, filed a rate reasonableness complaint before the STB alleging that our tariff rates for transportation of regulated movements are unreasonable. Since April 1, 2011, we have been billing and collecting amounts based on the challenged tariff rates. In 2014, the STB resolved this rate reasonableness complaint in our favor. In June 2016, the STB resolved petitions for reconsideration. The matter remains decided in our favor; however, the findings are still subject to appeal. We believe the estimate of any reasonably possible loss will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. With regard to rate cases, we record adjustments to revenues in the periods if and when such adjustments are probable and reasonably estimable.

On November 6, 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. On June 21, 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

Casualty Claims
 
Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs.  To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue with respect to such claims during the year, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm.  Job-related accidental injury and occupational claims are subject to the FELA, which is applicable only to railroads.  FELA’s fault-based system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault workers’ compensation system.  The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being different from the liability recorded.  While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payments of claims and is supported by the most recent actuarial study.  In all cases, we record a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and reasonably estimable.
 
Employee personal injury claims – The largest component of casualties and other claims expense is employee personal injury costs.  The independent actuarial firm engaged by us provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing our employee personal injury liability and estimating personal injury expense.  The actuarial firm studies our historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences.  The actuarial firm uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of liability. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. Our estimate of the liability is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations, or legislative changes. As a result, actual claim settlements may vary from the estimated liability recorded.

K 73


Occupational claims – Occupational claims (including asbestosis and other respiratory diseases, as well as conditions allegedly related to repetitive motion) are often not caused by a specific accident or event but rather allegedly result from a claimed exposure over time.  Many such claims are being asserted by former or retired employees, some of whom have not been employed in the rail industry for decades.  The independent actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims liability based upon our history of claim filings, severity, payments, and other pertinent facts.  The liability is dependent upon judgments we make as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the actuarial firm in the quarterly studies.  The actuarial firm’s estimate of ultimate loss includes a provision for those claims that have been incurred but not reported.  This provision is derived by analyzing industry data and projecting our experience. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  However, it is possible that the recorded liability may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims.  Adjustments to the recorded liability are reflected in operating expenses in the periods in which such adjustments become known.

Third-party claims – We record a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, automobile liability, property damage, and lading damage.  The actuarial firm assists us with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon our experience including the number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims, and legal defenses. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that the actual loss may differ from the estimated liability recorded.
 
Environmental Matters
 
We are subject to various jurisdictions’ environmental laws and regulations.  We record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be reasonably estimated. Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.  We have an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret our environmental policy.
 
Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for environmental exposures of $67 million at December 31, 2016, and $69 million at December 31, 2015 (of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both 2016 and 2015).  At December 31, 2016, the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 134 known locations and projects compared with 145 locations and projects at December 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2016, 18 sites accounted for $46 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.  We anticipate that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period. Operating expenses for environmental matters totaled $31 million in 2016, $40 million in 2015, and $45 million in 2014 and are included in “Materials and other” and “Purchased services and rents.”
 
At 10 locations, one or more of our subsidiaries in conjunction with a number of other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 or comparable state statutes that impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.  We calculate our estimated liability for these sites based on facts and legal defenses applicable to each site and not solely on the basis of the potential for joint liability.
 
With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by us or by the Environmental Protection Agency or comparable state authorities), estimates of our ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites can change over time because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, unpredictable contaminant recovery and reduction rates associated with available cleanup technologies, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant’s share of any estimated loss (and that participant’s ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.
 

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The risk of incurring environmental liability, for acts and omissions, past, present, and future, is inherent in the railroad business.  Some of the commodities we transport, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, pose special risks that we work diligently to reduce.  In addition, several of our subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale.  Because environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, there can be no assurance that we will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time.  Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.  The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
 
Based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we believe we have recorded the probable and reasonably estimable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which we are aware.  Further, we believe that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

Insurance
 
We obtain on behalf of ourself and our subsidiaries insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages.  We are currently self-insured up to $50 million and above $1.1 billion ($1.5 billion for specific perils) per occurrence and/or policy year for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and up to $25 million and above $200 million per occurrence and/or policy year for property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control.
 
Purchase Commitments
 
At December 31, 2016, we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $1.3 billion for locomotives, track material, long-term service contracts, track and yard expansion projects in connection with our capital programs as well as freight cars and containers through 2022.
 
Change-In-Control Arrangements
 
We have compensation agreements with certain officers and key employees that become operative only upon a change in control of Norfolk Southern, as defined in those agreements.  The agreements provide generally for payments based on compensation at the time of a covered individual’s involuntary or other specified termination and for certain other benefits.
 
Guarantees
 
In a number of instances, we have agreed to indemnify lenders for additional costs they may bear as a result of certain changes in laws or regulations applicable to their loans.  Such changes may include impositions or modifications with respect to taxes, duties, reserves, liquidity, capital adequacy, special deposits, and similar requirements relating to extensions of credit by, deposits with, or the assets or liabilities of such lenders.  The nature and timing of changes in laws or regulations applicable to our financings are inherently unpredictable, and therefore our exposure in connection with the foregoing indemnifications cannot be quantified.  No liability has been recorded related to these indemnifications.  

K 75


NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30 
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
($ in millions, except per share amounts)
2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Railway operating revenues
$
2,420

 
$
2,454

 
$
2,524

 
$
2,490

Income from railway operations
723

 
770

 
820

 
761

Net income
387

 
405

 
460

 
416

Earnings per share:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1.30

 
1.37

 
1.56

 
1.43

Diluted
1.29

 
1.36

 
1.55

 
1.42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Railway operating revenues
$
2,567

 
$
2,713

 
$
2,713

 
$
2,518

Income from railway operations
606

 
814

 
822

 
642

Net income
310

 
433

 
452

 
361

Earnings per share:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
1.01

 
1.43

 
1.50

 
1.21

Diluted
1.00

 
1.41

 
1.49

 
1.20


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Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, with the assistance of management, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act)) at December 31, 2016.  Based on such evaluation, our officers have concluded that, at December 31, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported, within the time period specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to our ability to record, process, summarize, and report reliable financial data.  We recognize that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal control.  Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.  Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.
 
In order to ensure that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, we regularly assess such controls and did so most recently as of December 31, 2016.  This assessment was based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).  Based on our assessment, we have concluded that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2016.
 
Our Board of Directors, acting through its Audit Committee, is responsible for the oversight of our accounting policies, financial reporting, and internal control.  The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors is comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent of management.  The independent registered public accounting firm and our internal auditors have full and unlimited access to the Audit Committee, with or without management, to discuss the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, and any other matters which they believe should be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee.
 
We have issued a report of our assessment of internal control over financial reporting, and our independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2016.  These reports appear in Part II, Item 8 of this report on Form 10-K.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we have not identified any changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.  Other Information
 
None.

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PART III
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
 
In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 10, is incorporated herein by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Election of Directors,” under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” under the caption “Corporate Governance and the Board,” under the caption “Committees of the Board,” under the caption “Shareholder Recommendations and Nominations,” and under the caption “The Thoroughbred Code of Ethics” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.  The information regarding executive officers called for by Item 401 of Regulation S-K is included in Part I hereof beginning under “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
 
In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 11, is incorporated herein by reference from the information:
under the caption “Corporate Governance and the Board”, including “Compensation of Directors” and “Non-Employee Director Compensation;”
appearing under the caption “Executive Compensation” for executives, including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the information appearing in the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “2016 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table, including the narrative to such tables, the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2016” and “Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2016” tables, and the tabular and narrative information appearing under the subcaptions “Retirement Benefits,” “Deferred Compensation,” and “Potential Payments Upon a Change in Control or Other Termination of Employment;” and
appearing under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Policy Risk Assessment,” and “Compensation Committee Report,”
 
in each case included in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 

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Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information on security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management called for by Item 403 of Regulation S-K, Part III, Item 12, is incorporated herein by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Beneficial Ownership of Stock” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information (at December 31, 2016)
 
Plan
Category
 
Number of
securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Weighted-
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans (1)
 
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
approved by securities holders(2)
 
7,241,217

(4) 
$
71.77

(5) 
9,385,674

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity compensation plans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
not approved by securities holders(3)
 
1,117,069

 
75.75

 
553,217

(6) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
8,358,286

 
 

 
9,938,891

 
 
(1) 
Excludes securities reflected in column (a).
(2) 
LTIP.
(3) 
TSOP and the Director’s Restricted Stock Plan.
(4) 
Includes options, RSUs and PSUs granted under LTIP that will be settled in shares of stock.
(5) 
Calculated without regard to 2,804,732 outstanding RSUs and PSUs at December 31, 2016.
(6) 
Of the shares remaining available for grant under plans not approved by stockholders, 9,000 are available for grant as restricted stock under the Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan.




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Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
 
Established on June 28, 1983, and approved by our stockholders at their Annual Meeting held on May 10, 1984, LTIP was adopted to promote the success of our company by providing an opportunity for non-employee Directors, officers, and other key employees to acquire a proprietary interest in the Corporation.  The Board of Directors amended LTIP on January 23, 2015, which amendment was approved by shareholders on May 14, 2015, to include the reservation for issuance of an additional 8,000,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock.
 
The amended LTIP adopted a fungible share reserve ratio so that, for awards granted after May 13, 2010, the number of shares remaining for issuance under the amended LTIP will be reduced (i) by 1 for each award granted as an option or stock-settled stock appreciation right, or (ii) by 1.61 for an award made in the form other than an option or stock-settled stock appreciation right.  Any shares of Common Stock subject to options, PSUs, restricted shares, or RSUs which are not issued as Common Stock will again be available for award under LTIP after the expiration or forfeiture of an award.
 
Non-employee Directors, officers, and other key employees residing in the United States or Canada are eligible for selection to receive LTIP awards.  Under LTIP, the Compensation Committee (Committee), or the Corporation’s chief executive officer to the extent the Committee delegates award-making authority pursuant to LTIP, may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, restricted shares, PSUs, and performance shares.  In addition, dividend equivalent payments may be awarded for options, RSUs, and PSUs.  Awards under LTIP may be made subject to forfeiture under certain circumstances and the Committee may establish such other terms and conditions for the awards as provided in LTIP.
 
For options granted after May 13, 2010, the option price will be at least the higher of (i) the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the date of grant, or (ii) the closing price of Common Stock on the date of the grant.  All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years.  LTIP specifically prohibits option repricing without stockholder approval, except that adjustments may be made in the event of changes in our capital structure or Common Stock.
 
PSUs entitle a recipient to receive performance-based compensation at the end of a three-year cycle based on our performance during that period.  For the regular 2016 PSU awards, corporate performance will be measured using two equally weighted standards established by the Committee:  (1) three-year average return on average capital invested and (2) total return to stockholders measured at the end of the three-year period.  For the 2016 PSU awards, PSUs will be settled in shares of Common Stock. In 2016, the committee also granted an “accelerated turnaround incentive” award in the form of a PSU with a three-year performance that is based on equally weighted standards established by the Committee for operating ratio and earnings per share.
 
RSUs are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock at the end of a restriction period.  During the restriction period, the holder of the RSUs has no beneficial ownership interest in the Common Stock represented by the RSUs and has no right to vote the shares represented by the units or to receive dividends (except for dividend equivalent payment rights that may be awarded with respect to the RSUs).  The Committee at its discretion may waive the restriction period, but settlement of any RSUs will occur on the same settlement date as would have applied absent a waiver of restrictions, if no performance goals were imposed. For the 2016 RSU awards, RSUs will be settled in shares of Common Stock.
 

K 80


Norfolk Southern Corporation Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP)
 
Our Board of Directors adopted TSOP on January 26, 1999, to promote the success of our company by providing an opportunity for nonagreement employees to acquire a proprietary interest in our company and thereby to provide an additional incentive to nonagreement employees to devote their maximum efforts and skills to the advancement, betterment, and prosperity of our company and our stockholders.  Under TSOP there were 6,000,000 shares of authorized but unissued Common Stock reserved for issuance.  TSOP has not been and is not required to have been approved by our stockholders.
 
Active full-time nonagreement employees residing in the United States or Canada are eligible for selection to receive TSOP awards.  Under TSOP, the Committee, or the Corporation’s chief executive officer to the extent the Committee delegates award-making authority pursuant to TSOP, may grant nonqualified stock options subject to such terms and conditions as provided in TSOP.
 
The option price may not be less than the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the date of the grant.  All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years.  TSOP specifically prohibits repricing without stockholder approval, except for capital adjustments.
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan (Plan)
 
The Plan was adopted on January 1, 1994, and is designed to increase ownership of Common Stock by our non-employee Directors so as to further align their ownership interest in our company with that of our stockholders.  The Plan has not been and is not required to have been approved by our stockholders.  A maximum of 66,000 shares of Common Stock may be granted under the Plan.  To make grants eligible to Directors, we purchase, through one or more subsidiary companies, the number of shares required in open-market transactions at prevailing market prices, or make such grants from Common Stock already owned by one or more of our subsidiary companies.
 
Effective January 23, 2015, the Board amended the Plan to provide that no additional awards will be made under the Plan. Prior to that amendment, only non-employee Directors who are not and never have been employees of our company were eligible to participate in the Plan.  Upon becoming a Director, each eligible Director received a one-time grant of 3,000 restricted shares of Common Stock.  No individual member of the Board exercised discretion concerning the eligibility of any Director or the number of shares granted.
 
The restriction period applicable to restricted shares granted under the Plan begins on the date of the grant and ends on the earlier of the recipient’s death or the day after the recipient ceases to be a Director by reason of disability or retirement.  During the restriction period, shares may not be sold, pledged, or otherwise encumbered.  Directors forfeit the restricted shares if they cease to serve as a Director of our company for reasons other than their disability, retirement, or death.
 

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Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 13, is incorporated herein by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Related Persons Transactions” and under the caption “Director Independence” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
In accordance with General Instruction G(3), information called for by Part III, Item 14, is incorporated herein by reference from the information appearing under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which definitive Proxy Statement will be filed electronically with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.


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PART IV
 
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
 
Page
(A)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedule:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following consolidated financial statement schedule should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedules other than the one listed above are omitted either because they are not required or are inapplicable, or because the information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
 
 
 
 
(i)(a)
 
The Restated Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s 10-K filed on March 5, 2001.
 
(i)(b)
 
An amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Norfolk Southern Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
(ii)
 
The Bylaws of Norfolk Southern Corporation, as amended November 28, 2016, are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(iii) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 29, 2016.
 
 
 
 
 


K 83


 
 
4
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures:
 
(a)
Indenture, dated as of January 15, 1991, from Norfolk Southern Corporation to First Trust of New York, National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-38595).
 
 
 
 
(b)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 19, 1997, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and First Trust of New York, National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $4.3 billion, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1(d) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 21, 1997.
 
 
 
 
(c)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated April 26, 1999, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1(c) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on April 30, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(d)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 6, 2001, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $1 billion, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2001.
 
 
 
 
(e)
Indenture, dated August 27, 2004, among PRR Newco, Inc., as Issuer, and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(1) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2004.
 
 
 
 
(f)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 27, 2004, among PRR Newco, Inc., as Issuer, and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of approximately $451.8 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(m) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 28, 2004.
 
 
 
 
(g)
Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 11, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $300 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2005.
 
 
 
 
(h)
Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $366.6 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005.
 
 
 
 
(i)
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 17, 2005, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $350 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 18, 2005.
 
 
 
 
(j)
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 26, 2010, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $250 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 26, 2010.
 


K 84


 
(k)
Indenture, dated as of April 4, 2008, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $600 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on April 9, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(l)
Indenture, dated as of January 15, 2009, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of$500 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(m)
Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2009, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(n)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 2009, between Norfolk Southern Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $500 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(o)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $400 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(p)
Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $595,504,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(q)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $4,492,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(r)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 17, 2011, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of two series of notes, one in the principal amount of $500 million and one in the principal amount of $100 million, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 17, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(s)
Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2012.
 
 
 
 
(t)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 15, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2012.
 
 
 
 
(u)
Indenture, dated as of August 20, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 21, 2012.
 
 
 
 
(v)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 7, 2012, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2012.

K 85


 
(w)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 13, 2013, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $500,000,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on August 13, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(x)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2013, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, related to the issuance of notes in the principal amount of $400,000,000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(y)
Indenture dated as of June 2, 2015, between Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015.
 
 
 
 
(z)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 2, 2015, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2015.
 
 
 
 
(aa)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2015, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2015.
 
 
 
 
(bb)
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 3, 2016, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2016.
 
 
In accordance with Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, copies of other instruments of Norfolk Southern Corporation and its subsidiaries with respect to the rights of holders of long-term debt are not filed herewith, or incorporated by reference, but will be furnished to the Commission upon request.
 
 
 
10
 
Material Contracts -
 
 
 
 
(a)
The Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX and CSX Transportation, Inc., Registrant, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, with certain schedules thereto, previously filed, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2003.
 
 
 
 
(b)
Amendment No. 1 dated as of August 22, 1998, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(c)
Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 1, 1999, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(d)
Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 1, 1999, and executed in April 2004, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(dd) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2004.
 
 
 


K 86


 
(e)
Amendment No. 5 to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2004.
 
 
 
 
(f)
Amendment No. 6 dated as of April 1, 2007, to the Transaction Agreement, dated June 10, 1997, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Conrail, Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, and CRR Holdings LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007.
 
 
 
 
(g)
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for North Jersey, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(h)
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(i)
Shared Assets Area Operating Agreement for South Jersey/Philadelphia, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 
 
(j)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 1, 2000, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001.
 
 
 
 
(k)
Amendment No. 2, dated as of January 1, 2001, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2002.
 
 
 
 
(l)
Amendment No. 3, dated as of June 1, 2001, and executed in May of 2002, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2003.
 
 
 
 
(m)
Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 1, 2005, and executed in late June 2005, to the Shared Assets Area Operating Agreements for North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among Consolidated Rail Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with exhibits thereto, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2005.
 
 
 
 
(n)
Monongahela Usage Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, by and among CSX Transportation, Inc., Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Pennsylvania Lines LLC, and New York Central Lines LLC, with exhibit thereto, is incorporated by reference from  -Exhibit 10.7 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 1999.
 
 
 

K 87


 
(o)
The Agreement, entered into as of July 27, 1999, between North Carolina Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(i) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 6, 2000.
 
 
 
 
(p)
First Amendment, dated March 19, 2007, to the Master Agreement dated July 27, 1999, by and between North Carolina Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007.
 
 
 
 
(q)
Second Amendment, dated December 28, 2009, to the Master Agreement dated July 27, 1999, by and between North Carolina Railroad Company and Norfolk Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(q) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2010 (Exhibits, annexes and schedules omitted.  The Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request).
 
 
 
 
(r)
The Supplementary Agreement, entered into as of January 1, 1987, between the Trustees of the Cincinnati Southern Railway and The Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company (the latter a wholly owned subsidiary of Norfolk Southern Railway Company) – extending and amending a Lease, dated as of October 11, 1881 – is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001.
 
 
 
 
(s)*
Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan, as approved by shareholders May 14, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-A to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2015.
 
 
 
 
(t)*
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended effective September 26, 2000, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(n) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2001.
 
 
 
 
(u)*

The Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Restricted Stock Plan, adopted January 1, 1994, and amended and restated effective as of January 23, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(v)*
Supplemental Benefit Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies, adopted June 1, 1982, and as amended and restated effective as of September 30, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(w)*
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Directors’ Charitable Award Program, as amended effective July 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 27, 2007.
 
 
 
 
(x)
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan, as amended effective July 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(y)*
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Life Insurance Plan, as amended and restated effective November 1, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(cc) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2010.
 
 
 
 
(z)
Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2004, by and among CSX Corporation, CSX Transportation, Inc., CSX Rail Holding Corporation, CSX Northeast Holdings Corporation, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, CRR Holdings LLC, Green Acquisition Corp., Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, New York Central Lines LLC, Pennsylvania Lines LLC, NYC Newco, Inc., and PRR Newco, Inc., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2004.
 
 
 
 
(aa)
Tax Agreement, dated as of August 27, 2004, by and among Green Acquisition Corp., Conrail Inc., Consolidated Rail Corporation, New York Central Lines LLC, and Pennsylvania Lines LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on September 2, 2004.
 
 
 
 

K 88


 
(bb)*
The description of Norfolk Southern Corporation’s executive physical reimbursement for non-employee directors and certain executives is incorporated by reference to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 28, 2005; but no reimbursements will be made for physical examinations performed for non-employee directors after July 30, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(cc)*, **
The Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, as approved by shareholders May 14, 2015, and as amended July 29, 2016 and November 29, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(dd)
The Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2005, by and among Norfolk Southern Corporation, The Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company, Kansas City Southern, and The Kansas City Southern Railway Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(II) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2006 (Exhibits, annexes, and schedules omitted.  The Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request).
 
 
 
 
(ee)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 17, 2006, by and among Norfolk Southern Corporation, The Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company, Kansas City Southern, and The Kansas City Southern Railroad , is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(mm) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 23, 2006.
 
 
 
 
(ff)
Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 1, 2006, to the Transaction Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2005, by and among Norfolk Southern Corporation, The Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company, Kansas City Southern, and The Kansas City Southern Railway Company is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2006.
 
 
 
 
(gg)
Limited Liability Agreement of Meridian Speedway, LLC, dated as of May 1, 2006, by and among the Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company and Kansas City Southern, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2006.
 
 
 
 
(hh)*,**
Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies effective June 1, 1982, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(ii)
Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2007.
 
 
 
 
(jj)
Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 19, 2009, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(kk)
Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 21, 2009, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 30, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(ll)
Amendment No. 4, dated as of October 22, 2009, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(mm)
Amendment No. 5, dated as of December 23, 2009, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xx) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 17, 2010.
 
 
 

K 89


 
(nn)
Amendment No. 6, dated as of August 30, 2010, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 29, 2010.
 
 
 
 
(oo)
Amendment No. 7, dated as of October 21, 2010, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2010.
 
 
 
 
(pp)
Amendment No. 8, dated as of October 20, 2011, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(qq)
Amendment No. 9, dated as of October 18, 2012, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 22, 2012.
 
 
 
 
(rr)
Amendment No. 10, dated as of October 17, 2013, to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(ss)
Dealer Agreement dated as of January 23, 2008, between the Registrant and J. P. Morgan Securities Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(tt)
Dealer Agreement dated as of January 23, 2008, between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(uu)
Omnibus Amendment, dated as of March 18, 2008, to the Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of November 8, 2007, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on April 23, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(vv)
Transaction Agreement (Pan Am Transaction Agreement), dated May 15, 2008, by and among Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Pan Am Railways, Inc., Boston and Maine Corporation, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2008 (Exhibits, annexes and schedules omitted.  The Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request).
 
 
 
 
(ww)
Letter Agreement, dated October 21, 2008, by and among Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Pan Am Railways, Inc., Boston and Maine Corporation, and Springfield Terminal Railway Company amending certain terms of the Pan Am Transaction Agreement, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(rrr) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 18, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(xx)*
Directors’ Deferred Fee Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation, adopted June 1, 1982 and as amended and restated effective October 3, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 22, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(yy)*
Norfolk Southern Corporation Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended effective June 26, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on July 24, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(zz)*
Amendment to Norfolk Southern Corporation Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.03 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2008.
 
 
 


K 90


 
(aaa)*
Norfolk Southern Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Plan, as amended effective January 1, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.05 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(bbb)
Amendment No. 1 to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of October 22, 2008, and effective as of October 23, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2006.
 
 
 
 
(ccc)*
Stock Unit Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation dated as of July 24, 2001, as amended on August 21, 2008, with an effective date of January 1, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on October 24, 2008.
 
 
 
 
(ddd)*
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement between Norfolk Southern Corporation and certain executive officers (including those defined as “named executive officers” and identified in the Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 annual Meeting of Stockholders), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aaaa) to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-K filed on February 18, 2009.
 
 
 
 
(eee)
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Pan Am Southern LLC, dated as of April 9, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on April 9, 2009 (exhibits, annexes, and schedules omitted – the Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request).
 
 
 
 
(fff)
Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2011.
 
 
 
 
(ggg)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for Outside Directors as approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(hhh)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for performance share units approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(iii)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for non-qualified stock options approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(jjj)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for restricted stock units approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(kkk)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Non-Compete Agreement Associated with Award Agreement, approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(lll)
Performance Criteria for bonuses payable in 2018 for the 2017 incentive year. On November 29, 2016, the Compensation Committee of the Norfolk Southern Corporation Board of Directors adopted the following performance criteria for determining bonuses payable in 2018 for the 2017 incentive year under the Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan: 50% based on operating income; 35% based on operating ratio; and 15% based on a composite of three transportation service measures, consisting of adherence to operating plan, connection performance, and train performance.
 
 
 
 
(mmm)
Omnibus Amendment, dated as of January 17, 2011, to Pan Am Transaction Agreement dated as of May 15, 2008, and Limited Liability Company Agreement of Pan Am Southern LLC dated as of April 9, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed on April 27, 2012.

K 91


 
 
(nnn)*
Form of Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreements between Norfolk Southern Corporation and the Corporation’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and each of the Corporation’s Executive Vice Presidents, to eliminate the excise tax gross-up provision in the Agreements, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2013.
 
 
 
 
(ooo)*
Form of Change in Control Agreement between Norfolk Southern Corporation and executive officers who did not enter into a change in control agreement before 2016.
 
(ppp)*,**
Form of Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan, Award Agreement for Performance Share Unit Incentive for Accelerated Five-Year Plan approved by the Compensation Committee on November 28, 2016.
 
 
 
 
(qqq)
Credit Agreement dated as of May 26, 2016, establishing a 5-year, $750 million, unsecured revolving credit facility of the Registrant, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on May 27, 2016.
 
(rrr)
Amendment No. 11 to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of October 16, 2014, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2014.
 
 
 
 
(sss)
Amendment No. 12 to Transfer and Administration Agreement dated as of June 3, 2016 (Schedules III and IV omitted. The Registrant will furnish supplementary copies of such materials to the SEC upon request), is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2016.
 
 
 
(ttt)*
Restricted Stock Unit Award for Marta R. Stewart, granted on January 23, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2017.
 
 
 
12**
Statement re:  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
 
21**
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
 
23**
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
31-A**
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-014(a) CEO Certification.
 
 
31-B**
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-014(a) CFO Certification.
 
 
32**
Section 1350 Certifications.
 
 
99**
Annual CEO Certification pursuant to NYSE Rule 303A.12(a).
 
 
 
101**
The following financial information from Norfolk Southern Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) includes:  (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income of each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014; (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2015; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014; and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
* Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
 
** Filed herewith.
 
 
 

K 92


(B)
Exhibits.
 
 
 
The Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K as listed in Item 15(A)3 are filed herewith or incorporated by reference.
 
 
(C)
Financial Statement Schedules.
 
 
 
Financial statement schedules and separate financial statements specified by this Item are included in Item 15(A)2 or are otherwise not required or are not applicable.
 
 
 
Exhibits 23, 31, 32, and 99 are included in copies assembled for public dissemination.  All exhibits are included in the 2016 Form 10-K posted on our website at www.nscorp.com under “Investors” and “SEC Filings” or you may request copies by writing to:
 
 
 
Office of Corporate Secretary
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Three Commercial Place
Norfolk, Virginia 23510-9219 


K 93


POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Each person whose signature appears on the next page under SIGNATURES hereby authorizes William A. Galanko and Marta R. Stewart, or any one of them, to execute in the name of each such person, and to file, any amendments to this report, and hereby appoints William A. Galanko and Marta R. Stewart, or any one of them, as attorneys-in-fact to sign on his or her behalf, individually and in each capacity stated below, and to file, any and all amendments to this report.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Norfolk Southern Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 6th day of February, 2017.

 
/s/ James A. Squires
By:
James A. Squires
 
(Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer)


K 94


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on this 6th day of February, 2017, by the following persons on behalf of Norfolk Southern Corporation and in the capacities indicated.
 
Signature
Title
 
 
/s/ James A. Squires
(James A. Squires)
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
/s/ Marta R. Stewart
(Marta R. Stewart)
Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
/s/ Thomas E. Hurlbut
(Thomas E. Hurlbut)
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
/s/ Thomas D. Bell, Jr.
(Thomas D. Bell, Jr.)
Director
 
 
/s/ Erskine B. Bowles
(Erskine B. Bowles)
Director
 
 
/s/ Robert A. Bradway
(Robert A. Bradway)
Director
 
 
/s/ Wesley G. Bush
(Wesley G. Bush)
Director
 
 
/s/ Daniel A. Carp
(Daniel A. Carp)
Director
 
 
/s/ Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.
(Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr.)
Director
 
 
/s/ Marcela E. Donadio
(Marcela E. Donadio)
Director
 
 
/s/ Steven F. Leer
(Steven F. Leer)
Director
 
 
/s/ Michael D. Lockhart
(Michael D. Lockhart)
Director
 
 
/s/ Amy E. Miles
(Amy E. Miles)
Director
 
 
/s/ Martin H. Nesbitt
(Martin H. Nesbitt)
Director
 
 
/s/ John R. Thompson
(John R. Thompson)
Director


K 95


Schedule II
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years ended December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016
($ in millions)
 
 
 
 
Additions charged to:
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Expenses
 
Other
Accounts 
 
Deductions 
 
Ending
Balance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance (included net in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
deferred tax liability) for deferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
tax assets
$
32

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$
33

Casualty and other claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
included in other liabilities
214

 
71

(1) 

 
86

(3) 
199

Current portion of casualty and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
other claims included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
accounts payable
166

 
19

 
132

(2) 
130

(4) 
187

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance (included net in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
deferred tax liability) for deferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
tax assets
$
33

 
$
2

 
$

 
$

 
$
35

Casualty and other claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
included in other liabilities
199

 
66

(1) 

 
74

(3) 
191

Current portion of casualty and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
other claims included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
accounts payable
187

 
19

 
119

(2) 
151

(4) 
174

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance (included net in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
deferred tax liability) for deferred
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
tax assets
$
35

 
$
4

 
$

 
$

 
$
39

Casualty and other claims
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
included in other liabilities
191

 
68

(1) 

 
81

(3) 
178

Current portion of casualty and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
other claims included in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
accounts payable
174

 
25

 
101

(2) 
108

(4) 
192

 
(1) 
Includes adjustments for changes in estimates for prior years’ claims.
(2) 
Includes revenue refunds and overcharges provided through deductions from operating revenues and transfers  
from other accounts.
(3) 
Payments and reclassifications to/from accounts payable.
(4) 
Payments and reclassifications to/from other liabilities.

K 96
Exhibit


Exhibit 10cc

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
AS APPROVED BY SHAREHOLDERS MAY 14, 2015,
AS AMENDED JULY 29, 2016 AND NOVEMBER 29, 2016


The terms of this amended plan, as set forth below, were approved by the separate vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation at which a quorum was present for the proposal on May 14, 2015. The Board of Directors of the Corporation subsequently amended the Plan on July 29, 2016 to clarify that an Award may include conditions such as continued employment, passage of time, the provisions of a Retention Agreement, attainment of age and/or service requirements, and/or the achievement of Performance Goals, and amended the Plan on July 29, 2016 and November 29, 2016 to revise the definition of “Retirement” with respect to a Participant who is not eligible to participate in a retirement plan of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company.

Section 1.     PURPOSE

The purpose of the Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Plan”), as amended, is to promote the success of Norfolk Southern Corporation (the “Corporation”) and to provide an opportunity for non-employee directors, officers and other employees of the Corporation and its Subsidiary Companies (as hereinafter defined) to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in the Corporation and thereby to provide an additional incentive to devote their maximum efforts and skills to the advancement, betterment, and prosperity of the Corporation and its stockholders. The Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance share units, performance shares, restricted shares, and restricted stock units, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below. The Corporation intends that the Plan comply with the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) and applicable treasury regulations thereunder and intends that compensation paid under the Plan qualify as performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Corporation reserves the right to pay compensation under the Plan that does not qualify as performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m), as circumstances may warrant. The Plan, as amended, is intended, and shall be construed, to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

Section 2.     DEFINITIONS

The terms used herein shall have the following meanings unless otherwise specified or unless a different meaning is clearly required by the context:

Award
Any one or more of the following: Incentive Stock Option; Non-qualified Stock Option; Stock Appreciation Right; Restricted Shares; Restricted Stock Units; Performance Share Units; and Performance Shares.



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Award Agreement

A written agreement, made in a form approved by the Committee and consistent with the terms of the Plan, that specifies the terms, conditions and limitations of each Award.
 
Award Date

The later of the date on which the Committee or the chief executive officer (to the extent as may be delegated by the Committee) grants an Award or, if granted during a blackout period, the first day of the subsequent trading window during which officers of the Corporation and Subsidiary Companies are permitted to trade in Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock under the Corporation’s insider trading policy.

Beneficiary
The person or persons designated in writing by the Participant as his Beneficiary in respect of Awards or, in the absence of such a designation or if the designated person or persons predecease the Participant, the person or persons who shall acquire the Participant’s rights in respect of Awards by bequest or inheritance in accordance with the applicable laws of descent and distribution. In order to be effective, a Participant’s designation of a Beneficiary must be on file with the Corporation before the Participant’s death. Any such designation may be revoked and a new designation substituted for the revoked designation by the Participant at any time before his death without the consent of the previously designated Beneficiary.

Board of
Directors

The Board of Directors of the Corporation.
Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock Appreciation Rights settled in cash.
Code
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Committee
The Compensation Committee or any other committee of the Board of Directors which is authorized to grant Awards under this Plan. It is intended that each member of the Committee shall qualify as (a) a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (b) an “outside director” under Code Section 162(m), and (c) an “independent director” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange. If it is later determined that one or more members of the Committee do not qualify as a “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, actions taken by the Committee prior to such determination shall be valid despite such failure to qualify.

Common Stock
The Common Stock of the Corporation.



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Disability
A disability that has enabled the Participant to receive a disability benefit under the Long-Term Disability Plan of the Corporation or a long-term disability plan of a Subsidiary Company (whichever is applicable), as amended from time to time, for a period of at least three months.

For a Participant who is a non-employee director, “Disability” means any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to result in death or to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months and which prevents a Participant from continuing to serve as a non-employee director.

Dividend Equivalent
An amount equal to the regular quarterly dividend paid in accordance with the Corporation’s normal dividend payment practice as may be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, and granted pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan.

Executive Officers
Officers designated by the Board of Directors as “Executive Officers” for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Exercise Gain Shares
With respect to a Stock Appreciation Right, all of the shares of Common Stock received upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right. With respect to an Option, the portion of the shares of Common Stock received upon exercise of the Option equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value, as of the exercise date, over the Option price, multiplied by the number of shares purchased under the Option on the exercise date, divided by such Fair Market Value, and rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares.

Fair Market Value
The value of Common Stock on a particular date as measured by the mean of the high and low prices at which it is traded on such date as reported in the Composite Transactions for such date by Bloomberg L.P., or its successor, on its internet-based service, or, if Common Stock was not traded on such date, on the next preceding day on which Common Stock was traded.

Incentive Stock Option
An Option that complies with the terms and conditions set forth in Section 422(b) of the Code and is designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.

Non-Qualified Stock Option

An Option granted under the Plan other than an Incentive Stock Option.
Option
Any option to purchase Common Stock granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 or Section 7 of the Plan.

Optionee
A Participant who is the holder of an Option.

Participant
A person eligible to participate in the Plan who is granted and accepts an Award under the Plan.

Performance Cycle
The period of time, designated by the Committee but not less than one year, over which Performance Shares may be earned.



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Performance Criteria
One or more, or any combination, of the following business criteria, selected by the Committee, which may be applied on a corporate, department or division level, and which may be measured on an absolute or relative basis, or established as a measure of growth: earnings measures (including net income, earnings per share, income from continuing operations, income before income taxes, income from railway operations); return measures (including net income divided by total assets, return on shareholder equity, return on average invested capital); cash flow measures (including operating cash flow and free cash flow); productivity measures (including total operating expense per thousand gross ton miles or revenue ton miles, total operating revenue per employee, total operating expense per employee, gross ton miles or revenue ton miles per employee, carloads per employee, revenue ton miles per mile of road operated, total operating expense per carload, revenue ton miles per carload, gross ton miles or revenue ton miles per train hour, percent of loaded-to-total car miles, network performance); fair market value of shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock; revenue measures; expense measures; operating ratio measures; customer satisfaction measures; working capital measures; cost control measures; total shareholder return measures; economic value added measures; and safety measures.

Performance Criteria Weighting Percentage

The percentage weighting accorded to each Performance Criterion (or each combination thereof) selected by the Committee. The total of the Performance Criteria Weighting Percentages for any type of Award shall equal one hundred percent (100%).

Performance Goal
The specific target set by the Committee for each selected Performance Criterion (or each combination thereof) the outcome of which must be substantially uncertain at the time it is established. A Performance Goal may be set solely with respect to the Corporation’s performance, or as compared to the performance of a published or special index deemed applicable by the Committee, including but not limited to the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index or an index based on a group of comparative companies. If a Performance Goal is based on the Corporation’s common stock, then in the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, exchange, combination, or reclassification of shares, merger, consolidation, reorganization, or other change in or affecting the capital structure or capital stock of the Corporation (other than a normal cash dividend), the Committee shall make or provide for such adjustments in performance goals as the Committee in its sole discretion may in good faith determine to be equitably required in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants.


Performance Shares
Shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan, which may be made subject to the restrictions and other terms and conditions prescribed in Section 11 of the Plan.

Performance Share Units
Contingent rights to receive Performance Shares pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan.

Restricted Shares
Shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 9 of the Plan and subject to the restrictions and other terms and conditions set forth therein.



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Restricted Stock Unit
Contingent rights, granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan, to receive Restricted Stock Unit Shares or cash payment for the Fair Market Value of shares of Common Stock, subject to the restrictions and other conditions set forth herein. Each Restricted Stock Unit shall equal the Fair Market Value of one share of Common Stock.

Restricted Stock Unit Shares
Shares of Common Stock issued as payment for Restricted Stock Units pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan, which may be made subject to the restrictions and other terms and conditions prescribed in Section 10 of the Plan.

Restriction Period
A period of time of not less than thirty-six (36)months for officers or employees, or not less than twelve (12) months for non-employee directors, in either case to be determined within those limits by the Committee in its sole discretion, commencing on the Award Date, during which the restrictions imposed by paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 9 or paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 10 of the Plan shall apply. At the time that the Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units are granted, the Committee shall impose a Restriction Period and determine the length of the Restriction Period. Such Restriction Period, if any, shall be incorporated in the Award Agreement setting forth the grant. Under Sections 9 and 10 of this Plan, the Committee may, in its discretion, specify when the Award is granted that the Restriction Period shall expire upon the earlier achievement of Performance Goals.

Retention Agreement

An agreement entered into pursuant to Section 12 of the Plan.

Retirement
Retirement from the Corporation and all Subsidiary Companies pursuant to the provisions of the Retirement Plan of the Corporation or a defined benefit retirement plan of a Subsidiary Company (whichever is applicable), as amended from time to time.

For a Participant who is employed by the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company but who is not eligible to participate in the Corporation’s Retirement Plan or a defined benefit retirement plan of a Subsidiary Company, “Retirement” means the Participant’s voluntary termination of employment from the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or involuntary termination of employment if the Participant is offered severance under the Norfolk Southern Corporation Severance Pay Plan, in either case after the participant: (a) attains age 55 and has been employed with the Corporation and/or a Subsidiary Company for 10 years, or (b) attains age 60 and has been employed with the Corporation and/or a Subsidiary Company for 5 years, or (c) attains age 62.

For a Participant who is a non-employee director, “Retirement” means termination of service as a director of the Corporation.

Stock Appreciation Right
The right, granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 8 of the Plan, to receive Exercise Gain Shares or a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the exercise date over the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Award Date, as specified in Section 8 of the Plan.



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Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock Appreciation Rights paid out in Exercise Gain Shares.
Subsidiary Company
A corporation of which at least fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

Section 3.     ADMINISTRATION

The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which, subject to the limitations set forth herein, shall have the full and complete authority and sole discretion, except as may be delegated to the Corporation’s chief executive officer as provided herein, to construe and interpret the Plan; to select the Participants who shall be granted Awards under the Plan; to determine the type, size, terms, and conditions of the Award or Awards to be granted to each such Participant; to authorize the grant of such Awards pursuant to the Plan; in connection with the merger or consolidation of the Corporation (and subject to any applicable requirements of Code Section 409A), to give a Participant an election to surrender an Award in exchange for the grant of a new Award; to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; and to make all other determinations and take all other actions it may deem necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Plan.

If the Committee makes an Award to non-employee directors in a calendar year, and after such Award is made and in the same year an individual is elected by the Board to be a non-employee director of the Corporation, then the newly appointed director shall automatically be granted an Award under the same terms as was granted to the other non-employee directors earlier that year. The Award granted to the newly appointed director shall be prorated based on the number of days remaining in the calendar year of the individual’s appointment as a director, and effective as of the date the individual became a director or, if the individual became a director during a blackout period, effective on the first day of the subsequent trading window during which officers of the Corporation and Subsidiary Companies are permitted to trade in Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock under the Corporation’s insider trading policy.

The Committee in its sole discretion may delegate authority to the Corporation’s chief executive officer to select as Participants the officers and employees who shall be granted Awards under the Plan (provided, however, that only the Committee shall grant Awards to the chief executive officer and Executive Officers); to determine the type, size, terms, and conditions of the Award or Awards to be granted to each such Participant; and to authorize the grant of such Awards pursuant to the Plan.

The Committee, or the chief executive officer to the extent as may be delegated by the Committee (hereinafter, the term “Committee” shall include reference to the chief executive officer to the extent of any such delegation), may authorize the grant of more than one type of Award, and Awards subject to differing terms and conditions, to any eligible Participant. The Committee’s decision to authorize the grant of an Award to a Participant at any time shall not require the Committee to authorize the grant of an Award to that Participant at any other time or to any other Participant at any time; nor shall its determination with respect to the size, type, or terms and conditions of the Award to be granted to a Participant at any time require it to


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authorize the grant of an Award of the same type or size or with the same terms and conditions to that Participant at any other time or to any other Participant at any time. The Committee shall not be precluded from authorizing the grant of an Award to any eligible Participant solely because the Participant previously may have been granted an Award of any kind under the Plan.

The grant, retention, vesting and/or settlement of any Award shall be subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee and specified in the Award Agreement, which may include conditions based on continued employment, passage of time, the provisions of a Retention Agreement, attainment of age and/or service requirements, and/or the achievement of Performance Goals.

All determinations of the Committee shall be by a majority of its members and shall be final, conclusive and binding. Each member of the Committee, while serving as such, shall be considered to be acting in his capacity as a director of the Corporation, and no member of the Committee shall be liable for any action taken or decision made in good faith with respect to the implementation or administration of the Plan.

Section 4.     ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to be a Participant in the Plan, an individual must on the date on which the Award is made be a full-time nonagreement officer or employee who is a participant in the Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan or Management Incentive Plan, or a full-time nonagreement employee of the Corporation or of a Subsidiary Company who can make an appreciable contribution to the attainment of the Corporation’s overall business objectives as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee, and must reside in the United States or Canada. A non-employee director shall be eligible to participate in the Plan if he or she is a director of the Corporation and is not a full-time salaried employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company.

Section 5.     SHARES AVAILABLE

Since the Plan’s establishment in 1983, up to a maximum of 82,978,604 shares of Common Stock have been authorized for issuance under the Plan. Subject to approval of the Plan, as hereby amended, by the separate vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, at which a quorum for the proposal is present, an additional 8,000,000 shares of Common Stock are approved for issuance pursuant to the Plan as of May 14, 2015. Awards that are made in a form other than Options or Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights and that are granted under the Plan after May 13, 2010, shall be counted against the share limit set forth in the previous sentence as 1.61 shares for every one share issued in connection with such Award. Such shares shall be provided from shares of Common Stock authorized but not issued. Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights shall be counted in full against the number of shares available for award under the Plan, regardless of the number of Exercise Gain Shares issued upon settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right.

If any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an Award otherwise terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to


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the Participant (including by reason of such Award being settled in cash), the shares with respect to such Award shall, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, termination or expiration, again be available for Awards under the Plan; provided, however, in the case of a stock-based Award that is not an Option or Stock Appreciation Right and that was made after May 13, 2010, 1.61 shares for each share underlying such Award shall again be available for Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shares of Common Stock may not again be made available for award under the Plan: (i) shares of Common Stock not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right or Option; (ii) shares of Common Stock used to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes related to an outstanding award, or (iii) shares of Common Stock repurchased on the open market with proceeds of an Option exercise.

Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, no Participant may be awarded a grant in any one year, which, when added to any other grant of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units in the same year, shall exceed 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock. A Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an option is treated as a single Award for purpose of the preceding sentence. If an Option is canceled, the canceled Option continues to count against the maximum number of shares for which Options may be granted to a Participant in any year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the aggregate grant date fair value of shares of Common Stock that may be granted during any year to any non-employee director shall not exceed $500,000.

Section 6.     INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS

(a)     General – The Committee may authorize the grant of Incentive Stock Options subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 6. The grant of an Incentive Stock Option shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement between the Corporation and the Optionee, setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option evidenced thereby and the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable thereto. The issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Incentive Stock Option also shall be subject to the provisions of any Retention Agreement that may be required by the Committee under Section 12 of the Plan.
Except for adjustments pursuant to Section 15 of the Plan, the Option Price for any outstanding Option granted under the Plan may not be decreased after the date the Option is granted, nor may an outstanding Option be modified or replaced if the effect would be to reduce the Option Price, nor may an outstanding Option be cancelled in exchange for cash or another Award, unless such repricing, modification or replacement is approved by the vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation at which a quorum is present.

(b)     Option Price - The Committee shall determine the Option price for each share of Common Stock purchased under an Option, but, subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the Plan, in no event shall the Option price be less than the greater of (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Award Date, or (ii) the price at which the Corporation’s Common Stock was last sold in the principal United States market for such Common Stock on the Award Date.
  


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(c)     Duration of Options - The Committee shall fix the term or duration of Options, provided that such term shall not exceed ten (10) years from the Award Date, and that such term shall be subject to earlier termination pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (g) of this Section 6.

(d)     Non-Transferability of Options - Options may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee only by him, and following his death only by his Beneficiary. If a Beneficiary dies after the Optionee, but before the Option is exercised and before such rights expire, such rights shall become assets of such Beneficiary’s estate. Except as provided in this paragraph, Options may not be assigned or alienated, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

(e)     Exercise of Options - The Committee shall determine the time or times at which Options may be exercised; provided that such time or times shall not occur before the latest of:
(i) the first anniversary of the Award Date; and
(ii) the effectiveness of any registration statement required to be filed under the Securities Act of 1933 for the registration of the Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Option.

(f)     Payment of Option Price - The purchase price of Common Stock upon exercise of an Option shall be paid in full to the Corporation at the time of the exercise of the Option in cash or, at the discretion of the Committee and subject to any limitations or requirements that the Committee may adopt, by the surrender to the Corporation of shares of previously acquired Common Stock, which have been held by the Optionee for at least six (6) months and which shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the date that the Option is exercised, or, at the discretion of the Committee, by a combination of cash and such Common Stock.

(g)     Termination of Options - No Option shall be exercisable after it expires. Each Option shall expire upon the earliest of:
(i) the expiration of the term for which the Option was granted;
(ii)    (A) Except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the Award Agreement, in the case of an Optionee whose employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated due to Retirement, Disability or death, the expiration of the term for which the Option was granted, or
(B) in the case of an Optionee whose employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, or death, at the close of business on the last day of active service by the Optionee with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or
(C) in the case of an Optionee who is granted a leave of absence, if the Optionee’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence, at the close of business on the last day of employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or
(iii) in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Corporation, with the Optionee’s consent, the grant of a new Award to replace the Option.

(h)     Limitation on Exercisability - The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the Award Date) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (granted


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on or after January 1, 1987) are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000, as adjusted under Code Section 422(d)(1) and corresponding Treasury Regulations.

Section 7.     NON-QUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS
    
The Committee may authorize the grant of Non-Qualified Stock Options subject to the terms and conditions specified in this Section 7. The grant of a Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement between the Corporation and the Optionee, setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Non-Qualified Stock Option evidenced thereby and the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable thereto. Non-Qualified Stock Options granted pursuant to the provisions of this Section 7 shall be subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (g) of Section 6 of the Plan. The limitations set forth in paragraph (h) of Section 6 of the Plan shall not apply to Non-Qualified Stock Options. The issuance of shares of Common Stock pursuant to a Non-Qualified Stock Option also shall be subject to the provisions of any Retention Agreement that may be required by the Committee under Section 12 of the Plan.

Section 8.     STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

(a)     General - The Committee may grant a Stock Appreciation Right to a Participant in connection with an Option, or portion thereof, or on a stand alone basis, as determined by the Committee, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 8. If granted in connection with an Option, the Stock Appreciation Right may be granted at the time of grant of the related Option and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the related Option, except as this Section 8 may otherwise provide. If granted in connection with an Option, the Stock Appreciation Right shall be evidenced by provisions in the Award Agreement evidencing or identifying the related Option, specifying the number of shares of Common Stock subject thereto and setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Stock Appreciation Right. If granted on a stand alone basis, the Stock Appreciation Right shall be evidenced by provisions of a written Award Agreement between the Corporation and the Participant. The Committee may grant Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights or Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights as shall be set forth in an Award Agreement.

Except for adjustments pursuant to Section 15 of the Plan, the terms of an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of the Stock Appreciation Right, nor may an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right be modified or replaced if the effect would be to reduce the exercise price, nor may an outstanding Stock Appreciation Right be cancelled in exchange for cash or another Award, unless such repricing, modification or replacement is approved by the vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock present or represented and entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation at which a quorum is present.

(b)     Exercise Price and Duration - The Committee shall determine the exercise price for any Stock Appreciation Right granted on a stand alone basis but, subject to the provisions of Section 15 of the Plan, in no event shall the exercise price be less than the greater of (i) one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Award Date, or (ii) the price at which the Corporation’s Common Stock was last sold in the principal United States market for such Common Stock on the Award Date. The Committee shall fix the term or


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duration of Stock Appreciation Rights, provided that such term shall not exceed ten (10) years from the Award Date, and that such term shall be subject to earlier termination pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (e) of this Section 8.

(c)    Exercise – If granted in connection with an Option, a Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable only at such time or times, to such extent, and by such persons, as the Option to which it relates shall be exercisable. If granted on a stand alone basis, a Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable only at such time or times, to such extent, and by such persons, as shall be set forth in the Award Agreement.
Stock Appreciation Rights shall be subject to the following restrictions:
(i) the Stock Appreciation Right may not be exercised before the expiration of one (1) year from the Award Date; provided, however, that this subparagraph (i) shall not apply if the death or Disability of the Optionee occurs within one (1) year after the Award Date; and,
(ii) a Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an Incentive Stock Option may not be exercised on any date on which the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock is less than or equal to the Option price per share under the related Incentive Stock Option.
A Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercised by providing the Corporation with a written notice in such form and containing such information (including the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is being exercised) as the Committee may specify. If the Stock Appreciation Right was granted in connection with an Option, the Participant must surrender the related Option, or the portion thereof pertaining to the shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised, and the date on which the Corporation receives such notice shall be the date on which the related Option, or portion thereof, shall be deemed surrendered and the Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised.

(d)     Payment - Upon the proper exercise of a Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Right granted on a stand alone basis, a Participant shall be entitled to receive Exercise Gain Shares equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the exercise price for the Stock Appreciation Right established on the Award Date, multiplied by the number of Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights surrendered in connection with the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right.
Upon the proper exercise of a Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an Option, an Optionee shall be entitled to receive Exercise Gain Shares equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the Option price per share of the related Option, multiplied by the number of shares covered by the related Option, or portion thereof, surrendered in connection with the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right. The Exercise Gain Shares shall be subject to the provisions of any Retention Agreement that may be required by the Committee under Section 12 of the Plan.
Upon the proper exercise of a Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Right granted on a stand alone basis, a Participant shall be entitled to receive cash equal to the value of the number of shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the exercise


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date equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the exercise price for the Stock Appreciation Right established on the Award Date, multiplied by the number of Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights surrendered for settlement.
Upon the proper exercise of a Cash-Settled Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an Option, an Optionee shall be entitled to receive cash equal to the value of the number of shares of Common Stock that have an aggregate Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date exceeds the Option price per share of the related Option, multiplied by the number of shares covered by the related Option, or portion thereof, surrendered in connection with the exercise of the Stock Appreciation Right.

(e)     Termination of Right - A Stock Appreciation Right granted in connection with an Option shall expire, unless previously exercised or canceled, upon the expiration of an Option to which it relates, or upon such time as may be set forth in an Award Agreement. A Stock Appreciation Right granted on a stand alone basis shall be subject to the termination provisions set forth in paragraph (g) of Section 6 for Options and shall expire, unless previously exercised or cancelled, at such time as may be set forth in an Award Agreement.

(f)     Effect of Exercise - A Stock Appreciation Right shall be canceled when, and to the extent that, it or a related Option is exercised, and an Option shall be canceled when, and to the extent that, the Option is surrendered to the Corporation upon the exercise of a related Stock Appreciation Right.

Section 9.     RESTRICTED SHARES

(a)     General - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may from time to time authorize the grant of Restricted Shares to a Participant pursuant to an Award Agreement. A certificate or certificates representing the number of Restricted Shares granted shall be registered in the name of the Participant or held in uncertificated form through a direct registration system or the number of Restricted Shares shall be delivered by electronic delivery to a brokerage account established for the Participant’s benefit at a financial/brokerage firm selected by the Corporation. Until the expiration of the Restriction Period or the lapse of restrictions in the manner provided in paragraph (g) of this Section 9, any certificate or certificates shall be held by the Corporation for the account of the Participant, and any Restricted Shares held through direct registration or in a brokerage account shall be blocked from sale or transfer. Restricted Shares shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may establish in the Award Agreement (including, without limitation, any limitation on the right to vote Restricted Shares or the right to receive any dividend or other right), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise, as the Committee may deem appropriate; provided that dividends on Restricted Shares subject to a specified Performance Goal or Goals shall be payable only to the extent the Performance Goal(s) are achieved with respect to such Restricted Shares.

(b)     Performance Goal Requirement – The Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, that a Participant’s entitlement to Restricted Shares shall be subject to achievement of a specified Performance Goal or Goals during the Restriction Period. If so, the Committee shall select the Performance Criterion or each combination thereof, the Performance Goal for


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each Performance Criterion or each combination thereof, and the Performance Criteria Weighting Percentage for each Performance Criterion or each combination thereof within ninety (90) days of the commencement of the Restriction Period. The Committee may also determine that the Restriction Period shall expire upon achievement of established Performance Goals prior to the established end of the Restriction Period. In determining whether Performance Goals have been achieved, special charges, restructuring charges and unusual or infrequent accounting adjustments which are significant, and restatements or reclassifications, all as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which would have the effect of reducing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be excluded, and which would have the effect of increasing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be included, unless the Committee, in its discretion, determines otherwise. At such time as the Committee certifies that the Performance Goals have been achieved, the Committee shall authorize delivery of Restricted Shares (or such percentage of the Restricted Shares as equal the Percentage of Performance Goals that have been achieved) for which the Restriction Period has expired. If the Restricted Shares are subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, such Restricted Shares shall be forfeited to the extent Performance Goals are not achieved before the established end of the Restriction Period.
        
(c)     Restrictions – Until the expiration of the Restriction Period or the lapse of restrictions in the manner provided in paragraph (g) of this Section 9, Restricted Shares shall be subject to the following restrictions and any additional restrictions that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may from time to time deem desirable in furtherance of the objectives of the Plan:
(i) the Participant shall not be entitled to receive the certificate or certificates representing the Restricted Shares, or exercise any ownership over any Restricted Shares held through direct registration or in a brokerage account;
(ii) the Restricted Shares may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of; and
(iii) the Restricted Shares may be forfeited as provided in paragraphs (b) or (e) of this Section 9, subject to the provisions of paragraph (f) and (g) of this Section 9.

(d)     Distribution of Restricted Shares – If a Participant to whom Restricted Shares have been granted remains in the continuous employment of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company during the entire Restriction Period, or, in the case of a Participant who is a non-employee director, who remains a non-employee director during the entire Restriction Period, upon the expiration of the Restriction Period all restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares shall lapse. When the restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares lapse, either:
(i) the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Common Stock that were earned pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 9 shall be delivered to the Participant or,
(ii) if the shares were delivered by electronic delivery to a brokerage account established for the Participant’s benefit or by direct registration and held in uncertificated form, the restrictions on the sale or transfer of any shares that were earned pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 9 shall lapse.

(e)     Termination of Employment - If the employment of a Participant is terminated for any reason other than the Retirement, Disability, or death of the Participant in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Restricted Shares shall be forfeited immediately and all


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rights of the Participant with respect to such shares shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not forfeit any rights with respect to any Restricted Shares subject to the Restriction Period, unless the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, or death, at which time the shares shall be forfeited immediately and all rights of the Participant with respect to such shares shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company.

(f)    Retirement, Disability or Death - Except with respect to continued employment requirements or as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant before the expiration of the Restriction Period and no Performance Goals have been imposed, the restrictions on the Restricted Shares shall lapse upon the expiration of the Restriction Period and delivery of the Restricted Shares shall be made to the Participant, as described in paragraph (d) of this Section 9; provided, however, that if the Participant dies after Retirement or Disability and before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Shares shall lapse and delivery shall be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary. If the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Participant’s death in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Shares shall lapse and delivery of the Restricted Shares shall be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary. Except with respect to continued employment requirements or as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement, Disability, or death of the Participant before the expiration of the Restriction Period and Performance Goals have been imposed, the restrictions on the Restricted Shares shall lapse upon the expiration of the Restriction Period and to the extent that the Committee certifies that Performance Goals have been achieved and delivery of the Restricted Shares shall be made to the Participant, or the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death, in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (d) of this Section 9.

(g)     Waiver of Restrictions - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive any or all restrictions with respect to Restricted Shares.

Section 10.     RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

(a)     General - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may from time to time authorize the grant of Restricted Stock Units (“Units”) to a Participant pursuant to an Award Agreement. Such Units shall be recorded in individual memorandum accounts maintained by the Committee or its agent. The grant of Restricted Stock Units shall entitle the Participant to payment in Restricted Stock Unit Shares or cash, as provided for in the Award Agreement. The Participant shall have no beneficial ownership interest in the Common Stock represented by the Units prior to expiration of the Restriction Period and achievement of any Performance Goals. The Participant shall have no right to vote the Common Stock represented by the Units or to receive dividends (except for any Dividend Equivalents which may be awarded by the Committee in connection with such Units) on the Common Stock represented by the Units. The grant of Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement between the Corporation or Subsidiary Company and the Participant, identifying the number of Units awarded, and setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Units.


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(b)     Performance Goal Requirement – The Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, that a Participant’s entitlement to payment in cash or Restricted Stock Unit Shares for Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to achievement of a specified Performance Goal or Goals over the duration of the Restriction Period. If so, the Award shall specify when it is granted that the Participant’s entitlement to payment is subject to the achievement of the Performance Goal or Goals, and the Committee shall select the Performance Criterion or each combination thereof, the Performance Goals for each Performance Criterion or each combination thereof, and the Performance Criteria Weighting Percentage for each Performance Criterion or each combination thereof within ninety (90) days after the commencement of the Restriction Period.
The Committee may specify, when the Award is granted, that the Restriction Period shall expire upon achievement of the established Performance Goals prior to the established end of the Restriction Period. In determining whether Performance Goals have been achieved, special charges, restructuring charges and unusual or infrequent accounting adjustments which are significant, and restatements or reclassifications, all as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which would have the effect of reducing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be excluded, and which would have the effect of increasing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be included, unless the Committee, in its discretion, determines otherwise. For Restricted Stock Units subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, the Committee shall certify in writing the extent to which the Performance Goals have been achieved, and shall authorize settlement of Units in cash or Restricted Stock Unit Shares. The Units shall be settled within two and one half months after the end of the year in which the Performance Goals are achieved. Such settlement shall be based on the Fair Market Value on the date all applicable restrictions lapse (or such percentage of the value of the Restricted Stock Units as equal the percentage of Performance Goals that have been achieved) for which the Restriction Period has expired. If the settlement of Restricted Stock Units is subject to the achievement of Performance Goals, such Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited to the extent Performance Goals are not achieved before the established end of the Restriction Period.

(c)     Restrictions - Until the expiration of the Restriction Period and the lapse of any Retention Agreement provided in Section 12, Units shall be subject to the following restrictions and any additional restrictions that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may from time to time deem desirable in furtherance of the objectives of the Plan:
(i) the grant of Units to a Participant shall not entitle a Participant to receive cash payment or Restricted Stock Unit Shares;
(ii) the Units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, hypothecated, or otherwise disposed of; and,
(iii) all or a portion of the Units may be forfeited immediately as provided in paragraph (b) or (e) of this Section 10, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this Section 10.
    
(d)     Distribution of Restricted Stock Units - If a Participant to whom Units have been granted remains in the continuous employment of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company during the entire Restriction Period or, in the case of a Participant who is a non-employee director, who remains a non-employee director during the entire Restriction Period, upon the


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expiration of the Restriction Period and the further expiration of any Retention Agreement applicable to such Units, all restrictions applicable to the Units shall lapse, and the Units shall be settled in cash or in Restricted Stock Unit Shares, based on Fair Market Value on the later of the date all applicable restrictions lapse or any Retention Agreement lapses. Settlement in cash in a single sum or issuance of Restricted Stock Unit Shares shall be made within thirty (30) days following the later of the expiration of the Restriction Period or any Retention Agreement applicable to such Units. The Participant may not, directly or indirectly, designate the taxable year of the settlement.

(e)     Termination of Employment - If the employment of a Participant is terminated for any reason other than the Retirement, Disability, or death of the Participant in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Units shall be forfeited immediately and all rights of the Participant with respect to such Units shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not forfeit all rights with respect to any Units subject to the Restriction Period, unless the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, or death, at which time all rights of the Participant with respect to such Units shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company.

(f)    Retirement, Disability or Death – Except with respect to continued employment requirements or as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant before the expiration of the Restriction Period and no Performance Goals have been imposed, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse upon the expiration of the Restriction Period and settlement of Restricted Stock Units shall be made at the end of the Restriction Period to the Participant as described in paragraph (d) of this Section 10; provided, however, if the Participant dies after Retirement or Disability and before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse and delivery shall be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary. If the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Participant’s death in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse and delivery of the Restricted Stock Units shall be made to the Participant’s Beneficiary. Settlement of the Restricted Stock Units shall be made within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Restriction Period. The Participant or Beneficiary may not, directly or indirectly, designate the taxable year of the settlement.

Except with respect to continued employment requirements or as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement, Disability, or death of the Participant before the expiration of the Restriction Period and Performance Goals have been imposed, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse if the Committee certifies that Performance Goals have been achieved, and settlement of the Restricted Stock Units shall be made to the Participant, or the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death, in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (d) of this Section 10.

(g)     Waiver of Restrictions - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive any or all restrictions with respect to Units. If no Performance Goals have been imposed, settlement of


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the Units shall be made on the same settlement date that would have applied absent the waiver of restrictions. If Performance Goals have been imposed, settlement of the Units shall be made within two and one half months after the end of the year in which all restrictions are either waived or satisfied.

Section 11.     PERFORMANCE SHARES

(a)     General - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may from time to time authorize the grant of Performance Share Units to a Participant pursuant to an Award Agreement. Performance Share Units shall entitle the Participant to Performance Shares (or cash in lieu thereof) upon the achievement of Performance Goals. The Committee shall select the Performance Criteria, set the Performance Goals and assign Performance Criteria Weighting Percentages to each Performance Criterion or each combination thereof within ninety (90) days of the commencement of the Performance Cycle. Performance Share Units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, or hypothecated.

After the end of the Performance Cycle, the Committee shall certify in writing to what extent the Performance Goals have been achieved. In determining whether Performance Goals have been achieved, special charges, restructuring charges and unusual or infrequent accounting adjustments which are significant, and restatements or reclassifications, all as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which would have the effect of reducing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be excluded, and which would have the effect of increasing the percentage of Performance Goals achieved shall be included, unless the Committee, in its discretion, determines otherwise. The Committee shall thereafter authorize the payment of such percentage of the value of the Performance Share Units as equal the percentage of Performance Goals that have been achieved to the Participant, or the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death after the end of the Performance Cycle, of (i) cash in lieu of Performance Shares, or (ii) either (1) the issuance of Performance Shares registered in the name of the Participant or (2) the electronic delivery of Performance Shares to a brokerage account established for the Participant’s benefit at a financial/brokerage firm selected by the Corporation, subject to the provisions of any Retention Agreement that may be required by the Committee under Section 12 of the Plan, or (iii) both. Settlement in cash or issuance of Performance Shares shall be made within two and one half months after the end of the year in which the Performance Goals are achieved.

(b)     Distribution or Forfeiture of Performance Shares - If the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated before the end of a Performance Cycle for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, or death, the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle. If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the end of a Performance Cycle, the Participant shall not forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle, unless the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence, at which time the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle. Except with respect to continued employment requirements or as otherwise specified in the Award Agreement, ifthe Participant’s employment is terminated before the end of a Performance Cycle by reason of Retirement, Disability, or death, the Participant’s rights with respect to any Performance Shares being earned during the Performance Cycle shall, subject to the other provisions of this Section 11,


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continue as if the Participant’s employment had continued through the end of the Performance Cycle.

Section 12.     RETENTION AGREEMENTS

(a)     General - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may require as a condition of a grant, exercise, settlement or payment with respect to any Award under the Plan that the Participant and the Corporation enter into a Retention Agreement, which shall provide, (1) with respect to an Award of Restricted Stock Units, that the settlement of the Restricted Stock Units in Restricted Stock Unit Shares or cash shall not occur until the event specified in the Retention Agreement that is part of the Award, or (2) with respect to any portion of any Exercise Gain Shares, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Unit Shares, or Performance Shares, that (i) the certificate or certificates representing any such Awards, when issued, shall be held by the Secretary of the Corporation for the benefit of the Participant until such time as the retention period specified by the Retention Agreement has expired or has been waived by the Committee, whichever occurs first, or (ii) that any such Award, when delivered by electronic delivery to a brokerage account established for the Participant’s benefit at a financial/brokerage firm selected by the Corporation or by direct registration and held in uncertificated form, shall not be permitted to be transferred or sold until such time as the retention period specified by the Retention Agreement has expired or has been waived by the Committee, whichever occurs first.

Any dividends payable on shares subject to a Retention Agreement shall be paid to the Participant in cash on the date declared by the Board of Directors. Each Retention Agreement may include some or all of the terms, conditions and restrictions set forth in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this Section 12.

(b)     Retention Period - Shares that are subject to the Retention Agreement may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of within such period of time of not less than twenty-four (24) months following the exercise date (in the case of Exercise Gain Shares) or the date of issuance (in the case of Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Unit Shares, or Performance Shares), as shall be prescribed by the Committee.

(c)     Termination of Employment - If a Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated for any reason other than Retirement, Disability, or death, shares subject to the Retention Agreement shall continue to be held, following the Participant’s termination of employment, until the expiration of the retention period specified by the Retention Agreement. If the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of Retirement or Disability, shares then held subject to the Retention Agreement shall continue to be held until the expiration of the applicable retention period following termination of employment, but any such retention period shall cease upon the earlier of the Participant’s attainment of age 65 or the expiration of two (2) years after the Participant’s Retirement or Disability, if either of those events occurs before the expiration of the applicable retention period. If the Participant dies while shares are subject to a retention period under the Retention Agreement, such retention period shall expire immediately at the time of death.

(d)     Leave of Absence - If a Participant is granted a leave of absence, shares subject to the Retention Agreement shall continue to be held during the leave of absence, until the expiration of the retention period specified by the Retention Agreement.


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(e)     Change in Control - Upon a Change in Control, the retention periods specified by all Retention Agreements shall immediately expire; provided, however, that any such waiver shall not accelerate the settlement of any Restricted Stock Units in a manner that would violate the requirements of Code Section 409A.
A Change in Control shall occur if:
(i) any person, other than the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored by the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, shall become the beneficial owner of, or obtain voting control over, 20% or more of the Corporation’s outstanding Common Stock;
(ii) (A) any consolidation or merger of the Corporation occurs in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of Common Stock would be converted into cash, securities, or other property, other than a merger of the Corporation in which holders of Common Stock immediately prior to the merger have the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger as immediately before, or (B) any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all or substantially all the assets of the Corporation occurs; or
(iii) there shall have been a change in the composition of the Board of Directors such that within any period of two (2) consecutive years or less individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted such Board, together with any new directors whose election, or nomination for election by the Corporation’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then in office who were directors at the beginning of such period, shall for any reason no longer constitute a majority of the directors of the Corporation.
        
(g)     Waiver of Requirements - The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive any or all retention periods or other restrictions in the Share Retention Agreement, provided that the waiver of restrictions does not accelerate the payment of any Restricted Stock Units in a manner that would violate the requirements of Code Section 409A.

(f)     Distribution of Shares and Restricted Stock Units - The Corporation shall cause the shares subject to a Retention Agreement to be distributed to the Participant, or the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death, upon expiration of the retention period or other termination or waiver of the restrictions under this Section 12. The Corporation shall cause the Restricted Stock Units subject to a Retention Agreement to be distributed to the Participant upon the expiration of the retention period or to the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death.

Section 13.     DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT PAYMENTS

The Committee may authorize the immediate payment, in cash or in Common Stock, of Dividend Equivalents on some or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, as specified in the Award Agreement required under Section 6(a), Section 7 or Section 8(a) of the Plan. Dividend Equivalents payable on options may be paid in cash or Common Stock, at the discretion of the Committee.



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The Committee may authorize the immediate or deferred payment of Dividend Equivalents on some or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by Restricted Stock Units that are not subject to Performance Goals, as specified in the Award Agreement required under Section 10 of the Plan. Dividend Equivalents payable on Restricted Stock Units may be paid in cash or converted to additional Restricted Stock Units, at the discretion of the Committee and as specified in the Award Agreement.

The Committee may authorize the deferred payment of Dividend Equivalents on some or all of the shares of Common Stock covered by Restricted Stock Units that are subject to Performance Goals, or by Performance Share Units, as specified in the Award Agreement described in Sections 10 or 11 of the Plan. Deferred Dividend Equivalents shall be paid only to the extent Performance Goals are achieved with respect to such Performance Share Units or Restricted Stock Units, and shall be distributed at the same time as the underlying Performance Shares, Restricted Stock Unit Shares, or cash equivalents thereto. Deferred Dividend Equivalents payable on Performance Share Units or on Restricted Stock Units that are subject to a Performance Goal may be paid in cash, or converted to additional Performance Shares or Restricted Stock Unit Shares (as applicable), at the discretion of the Committee and as specified in the Award Agreement.

Notwithstanding the above, Dividend Equivalents shall not be made or accumulated during a Participant’s leave of absence. If Dividend Equivalents provided under this section are to be paid immediately, the Dividend Equivalents shall be paid in cash on the date declared by the Board of Directors for the payment of dividends on Common Stock. If Dividend Equivalents provided under this section are to be deferred, the deferred Dividend Equivalents shall be paid or forfeited when the underlying Award is paid or forfeited.

Section 14.     NON-COMPETE COVENANT

The Committee, in its sole discretion, may require as a condition of a grant of any Award under the Plan that the Participant execute a non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreement, which agreement shall require that such individual (i) not Engage in Competing Employment (as defined in this Section 14 of the Plan) nor solicit any employee of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company to Engage in Competing Employment for a specified term following termination of employment (including Retirement), (ii) not solicit customers of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company for a specified term following termination of employment (including Retirement), and (iii) maintain the Corporation’s and each Subsidiary Company’s confidential information in strict confidence, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may further require as a condition of a grant, exercise, settlement or payment with respect to any Award under the Plan that the Award shall be subject to immediate forfeiture, and all rights of the Participant to such Award shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company, if the Participant Engages in Competing Employment for a specified period of time following termination of employment. The terms of such a non-compete covenant shall be as set forth in the agreement or grant providing the terms of an Award and are incorporated herein by reference. A non-compete covenant shall not apply to the settlement or payment of any Option (although it may apply to the grant or exercise of an Option). Settlement or payment of any other Award that is subject to a non-compete covenant shall occur upon the expiration of the Restriction Period, Performance Cycle, Retention Agreement, or other date upon which the Award would be settled and paid if the Participant had not terminated employment.


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For purposes of the provision, “Engages in Competing Employment” shall mean to work for or provide services for any Competitor, on the Participant’s own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, owner, officer, partner, joint venturer, or employee, at any time during the specified period commencing on the date of his or her termination of employment (including Retirement). “Competitor” shall mean any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes, including, but not limited to, any North American Class I rail carrier, any other rail carrier competing with the Corporation (including without limitation a holding or other company that controls or operates or is otherwise affiliated with any rail carrier competing with the Corporation), and any other provider of transportation services competing with Corporation, including motor and water carriers.

Section 15.     CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS

In the event of a recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend, exchange, combination, or reclassification of shares, merger, consolidation, reorganization, or other change in or affecting the capital structure or capital stock of the Corporation, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Committee, may make appropriate adjustments in the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for the Plan and in the annual limitation imposed by Section 5 of this Plan; and the Committee may make appropriate adjustments in the number of shares subject to outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, or Performance Share Unit grants, and in the Option price of any then outstanding Options, as it deems equitable, in its absolute discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants.

Section 16.     REGULATORY APPROVALS

The exercise of each Option and Stock Appreciation Right, and the grant or distribution of Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares, shall be subject to the condition that if at any time the Corporation shall determine in its discretion that the satisfaction of withholding tax or other tax liabilities, or the listing, registration, or qualification of any shares of Common Stock upon any securities exchange or under any Federal or state law, or the consent or approval of any regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, such exercise, grant, or distribution, then in any such event such exercise, grant, or distribution shall not be effective unless such liabilities have been satisfied or such listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval shall have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Corporation.

Section 17.     TERM OF THE PLAN

Awards may be granted from time to time under the terms and conditions of the Plan, but no Incentive Stock Option may be granted after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date of adoption of the Plan, as amended on May 14, 2015, by the Board of Directors; provided, that any future amendment to the Plan that is approved by the stockholders of the Corporation in the manner provided under Section 18 of this Plan shall be regarded as creating a new Plan, and an Incentive Stock Option may be granted under such new Plan until the expiration of ten (10) years from the earlier of the approval by the Board of Directors, or the approval by the


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stockholders of the Corporation, of such new Plan. Incentive Stock Options theretofore granted may extend beyond the expiration of that ten-year period, and the terms and conditions of the Plan shall continue to apply thereto and to shares of Common Stock acquired upon the subsequent exercise of an Incentive Stock Option or related Stock Appreciation Right.

Section 18.     AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

The Corporation may at any time and from time to time alter or amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of the Plan, or may at any time suspend or terminate the Plan, through resolution of its Board of Directors, provided that no change in any Awards theretofore granted to any Participant may be made which would impair or diminish the rights of the Participant without the Participant’s consent, and provided further, that no alteration or amendment may be made without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Common Stock then outstanding and entitled to vote if (a) such stockholder approval is necessary to comply with the requirements of any rules promulgated under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or such other Federal or state laws or regulations as may be applicable, (b) the amendment materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, (c) materially increases the number of securities that may be issued under the Plan, or (d) materially modifies the requirements for participation in the Plan.

Section 19.     FORFEITURE AND RECOUPMENT EVENTS

The Committee may specify in an Award Agreement that the Participant’s rights, payments, and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award.

Any Award to a Participant under this Plan is subject to reduction, forfeiture, or recoupment to the extent provided under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or as may be provided under any other applicable law.

Section 20.    MISCELLANEOUS

(a)     Fractional Shares - The Corporation shall not be required to issue or deliver any fractional share of Common Stock upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, the award of Performance Shares, the payment of a dividend equivalent in Common Stock pursuant to Section 13 of the Plan or the withholding of shares of Common Stock for payment of taxes required to be withheld, but may pay, in lieu thereof, an amount in cash equal to the Fair Market Value of such fractional share.

(b)     Withholding - The Corporation and its Subsidiary Companies shall have the right, to the extent permitted by law, to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to a Participant any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to Awards under the Plan, and to the extent any such withholding requirements are not satisfied, each Participant shall pay to the Corporation any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to Awards under the Plan. The Corporation shall have the right to withhold shares of Common Stock, including fractional shares, from payment


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as necessary to satisfy any withholding obligations, but may only withhold the minimum number of shares necessary to do so. If fractional shares are withheld, any remaining fractional shares shall be paid in cash to the Participant as provided under paragraph (a) of this Section 20. The Participant or Beneficiary shall remain responsible at all times for paying any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind with respect to Awards under the Plan. In no event shall the Corporation or the Committee be liable for any interest or penalty that a Participant or Beneficiary incurs by failing to make timely payments of tax.

(c)     Acceleration of Payments to Avoid Conflicts of Interest - To the extent permitted by Code Section 409A and not prohibited by Section 6(a) of the Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion and with the consent of a Participant or Beneficiary, accelerate the time or schedule of a payment under the Plan, or make a substitute cash payment upon cancellation of a Participant’s Award, in either case to the extent reasonably necessary for a Participant or Beneficiary to avoid the violation of an applicable Federal, state, local or foreign ethics law or conflicts of interest law (including where such payment is reasonably necessary to permit the Participant or Beneficiary to participate in activities in the normal course of his or her position in which the Participant or Beneficiary would otherwise not be able to participate under an applicable rule). The Corporation’s chief executive officer may exercise the authority granted to the Committee in this paragraph with respect to any Participant or Beneficiary who is neither a current or former director of the Corporation nor a current Executive Officer of the Corporation.

(d)    Stockholder Rights - No person shall have any rights of a stockholder by virtue of an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, or Performance Share Unit except with respect to shares of Common Stock actually issued to him, and the issuance of shares of Common Stock shall confer no retroactive right to dividends. A Participant’s right to receive Dividend Equivalents shall not, by itself, confer upon the Participant the rights or privileges of a stockholder.

(e)     No Contract of Employment - This Plan shall not be deemed to be an employment contract between the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company and any Participant or other employee. Nothing contained herein, or in any agreement, certificate or other document evidencing, providing for, or setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to any Awards shall be deemed to confer upon any Participant or other employee a right to continue in the employment of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company, or to interfere with the right of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company to terminate the employment of such Participant or employee at any time.

(f)     Unfunded Plan - Except as may otherwise be provided in the Plan, the Plan shall be unfunded. Neither the Corporation nor any Subsidiary Company shall be required to segregate any assets that may be represented by Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Share Units, or Restricted Stock Units, and neither the Corporation nor any Subsidiary Company shall be deemed to be a trustee of any amounts to be paid under an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Performance Share Unit, or Restricted Stock Unit. Any liability of the Corporation to pay any Participant or Beneficiary with respect to an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Performance Share Unit, or Restricted Stock Unit shall be based solely upon any contractual obligations created pursuant to the provisions of the Plan; no such obligation shall be deemed to be secured by any pledge or encumbrance on any property of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company.



23





(g)     Applicable Law - The Plan, its validity, interpretation, and administration, and the rights and obligations of all persons having an interest therein, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, except to the extent that such laws may be preempted by Federal law.

(h)     Gender and Number - Wherever used in the Plan, words in the masculine form shall be deemed to refer to females as well as to males, and words in the singular or plural shall be deemed to refer also to the plural or singular, respectively, as the context may require.

(i)    Code Section 409A - The Plan is intended, and shall be construed, to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. The Corporation does not warrant that the Plan will comply with Code Section 409A with respect to any Participant or with respect to any payment, however. In no event shall the Corporation or the Committee be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalty incurred by a Participant or Beneficiary as a result of the Plan’s failure to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, or as a result of the Plan’s failure to satisfy any other applicable requirements for the deferral of tax.




24

Exhibit

Exhibit 10ggg

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
Award Agreement for Outside Directors

This AGREEMENT dated as of <Date> (Award Date), between NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Corporation), a Virginia corporation, and «Full_Name» (Participant), a director of the Corporation who is not an officer of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

1.Award Contingent Upon Execution of this Agreement. This Award made to the Participant on the Award Date is contingent upon the Participant’s execution and return to the Corporate Secretary of this Agreement.

2.Terms of Plan Govern. Each Award made hereunder is made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long‑Term Incentive Plan (Plan), all the terms and conditions of which are deemed to be incorporated in this Agreement and which forms a part of this Agreement. The Participant agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Plan and by all determinations of the Committee thereunder. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.

3.Award of Restricted Stock Units. The Corporation hereby grants to the Participant on Award Date «RSUs» Restricted Stock Units. Each whole Restricted Stock Unit is a contingent right to receive a Restricted Stock Unit Share, granted pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan, subject to the restrictions and other terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement.

(a)Memorandum Account. The Participant’s Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be recorded in a memorandum account.

(b)Restriction and Retention Period. The Restricted Stock Units are subject to a one-year Restriction Period which terminates on <Date>. In addition, the Restricted Stock Units are subject to a Retention Period. The Retention Period shall expire upon the Participant’s Separation from Service (within the meaning of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations thereunder) (a “Separation From Service”) or death. Restricted Stock Units shall not be settled in Restricted Stock Unit Shares pursuant to Section 5 hereof until the expiration of the Restriction Period and the Retention Period.

(c)Restrictions. Until the expiration of the Restriction Period and the Retention Period, Restricted Stock Units granted under this Award shall be subject to the following restrictions:

i.
the Participant shall not be entitled to (A) receive the Restricted Stock Unit Shares to which the Participant may have a contingent right to receive in the future, (B) vote the Common Stock represented by the Restricted Stock Units or (C) receive dividends thereon; and

ii.
the Restricted Stock Units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, hypothecated, used to exercise options or otherwise disposed of.

4.Crediting of Dividend Equivalents. On each dividend payment date for the Corporation, the Corporation shall credit the memorandum account of each Participant who holds Restricted Stock Units as of the declared record date with additional Restricted Stock Units and fractions thereof equivalent to the dividend paid on the Corporation’s Common Stock based on the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the dividend payment date. Each credited dividend equivalent shall be equal to the amount of



the regular quarterly dividend paid in accordance with the Corporation’s normal dividend payment practice as may be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. The Participant’s memorandum account will be credited with additional Restricted Stock Units, including fractions thereof, pursuant to this section until all Restricted Stock Units that were credited to the Participant are distributed.

5.Distribution of Restricted Stock Units. The Restricted Stock Units credited hereunder shall be distributed in accordance with an irrevocable election previously made by the Participant.

Each Participant who has not previously received a grant of Restricted Stock Units under the Plan shall elect a form of distribution with respect to any Restricted Stock Units credited to the Participant hereunder and with respect to any Restricted Stock Units that may be credited to the Participant in the future. The Participant may elect to receive such Stock Units in a single distribution or in 10 annual installments upon the Participant’s Separation From Service. The Participant’s election is irrevocable.

If the Participant has elected to receive the Restricted Stock Units in a single distribution, upon the expiration of the Retention Period: (a) whole shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units for which the Restriction Period has expired shall be delivered to the Participant; and (b) thereafter, as any subsequent Restriction Period expires, whole shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units for which the Restriction Period has expired plus the number of additional Restricted Stock Units credited under Section 4 shall be delivered to the Participant. Any remaining fraction of a single Restricted Stock Unit that remains in the Participant’s memorandum account upon the final distribution of any whole shares of Common Stock from the account shall be distributed in cash concurrent with the final stock distribution.

If the Participant has elected to receive the Restricted Stock Units in 10 annual installments upon the Participant’s Separation From Service, following the expiration of the Retention Period, the first distribution will be made in January following the year of the Participant’s Separation From Service, and subsequent installments will be distributed on the anniversary of the first installment. Whole shares of Common Stock shall be delivered to the Participant upon distribution of each annual installment. The first such installment will be equal to the number of whole Restricted Stock Unit Shares that equal one tenth of the total number of the Restricted Stock Units in the memorandum account for which the Restriction Period has expired at the time of the distribution; the second installment, one ninth of the remaining total number for which the Restriction Period has expired at the time of the distribution; and so forth, until all remaining Restricted Stock Units are distributed as whole Restricted Stock Unit Shares upon distribution of the tenth installment. Any remaining fraction of a single Restricted Stock Unit that was credited to the Participant’s memorandum account upon the distribution of the tenth installment shall be distributed in cash concurrent with the distribution of the tenth installment.

If the Participant dies at any time, then any Restricted Stock Units credited to the Participant’s memorandum account will be distributed as whole Restricted Stock Unit Shares to the Participant’s beneficiary within thirty (30) days following the Participant’s death.. Any remaining fraction of a single Restricted Stock Unit that remains in the memorandum account upon the distribution of any whole shares of Common Stock from the account will be distributed to the Participant’s beneficiary in cash concurrent with the stock distribution. The beneficiary may not, directly or indirectly, designate the taxable year of the settlement.

6.Governing Law. The Participant agrees that this Award shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. The Participant consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The Participant agrees that any and all initial judicial actions related to this Award shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City



of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Participant at the time of such action.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Corporation by its officer thereunto duly authorized, and by the Participant, in acceptance of the above‑mentioned Award, subject to the terms of the Plan and of this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.

    
By: _____________________________________________
«Full_Name»

By: _____________________________________________
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

Exhibit

Exhibit 10hh



RETIREMENT PLAN

OF

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

AND

PARTICIPATING SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

Effective June 1, 1982

Reflecting amendments adopted to and including January 1, 2016





                            









RETIREMENT PLAN

OF

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

AND PARTICIPATING SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

INDEX

    Page

ARTICLE I.
INTRODUCTION
1
ARTICLE II.
DEFINITIONS
1
ARTICLE III.
MEMBERSHIP
8
ARTICLE IV.
CREDITABLE SERVICE
9
ARTICLE V.
RETIREMENT
12
ARTICLE VI.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
13
ARTICLE VII.
LIMITATION ON BENEFITS
22
ARTICLE VIII.
SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS AND OPTIONS
26
ARTICLE IX.
VESTING AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
33
ARTICLE X.
FUNDING
35
ARTICLE XI.
ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN AND TRUST PROVISIONS
36
ARTICLE XII.
MANAGEMENT OF FUND
40
ARTICLE XIII.
CERTAIN RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF NSC AND THE PARTICIPATING SUBSIDIARIES

40
ARTICLE XIV.
NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS
42
ARTICLE XV.
REFUND OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS
42
ARTICLE XVI.
AMENDMENTS
43
ARTICLE XVII.
PARTICIPATION BY SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES -- JOINT ADMINISTRATION OF OTHER PLANS

43
ARTICLE XVIII.
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION
43
ARTICLE XIX.
CONSTRUCTION
44
ARTICLE XX.
CANADIAN MEMBERS
44
ARTICLE XXI.
TOP HEAVY PROVISIONS
47
ARTICLE XXII.
NW PLAN FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PENSIONS
49
ARTICLE XXIII.
RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS
49
ARTICLE XXIV.
MILITARY SERVICE
54
ARTICLE XXV.
DISABILITY BENEFIT
54
ARTICLE XXVI.
MISCELLANEOUS
56
Schedule A.
Additional Retirement Benefits
57
Schedule B.
Additional Retirement Benefits
58
Schedule C.
Reduction in Retirement Benefits
59
Schedule D.
Retirement Benefits for Retirees, Beneficiaries and Deferred Vested Participants Under the AW&W Plan


67




1

ARTICLE I.    INTRODUCTION.

Norfolk Southern Corporation has established this Retirement Plan ("Plan") effective June 1, 1982 ("Effective Date"), and last amended effective January 1, 2016, for its employees and employees of each subsidiary and affiliated company which adopts the Plan and is approved for participation in the Plan as provided in Article XVII. This Plan is the successor to and supersedes, as of the Effective Date, the following retirement plans:

Retirement Plan of Norfolk and Western Railway Company
Southern Railway System Retirement Plan
Retirement Plan of Chesapeake Western Railway
Kentucky & Indiana Terminal Railroad Company Retirement Plan
Retirement Plan of Norfolk, Franklin and Danville Railway Company
Pocahontas Land Corporation Plan for Supplemental Pensions
Virginia Holding Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan
Retirement Plan of Lambert's Point Docks, Incorporated

This Plan also is the successor to and supersedes the Norfolk and Western Railway Company Plan for Supplemental Pensions and the Des Moines Union Railway Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Trust, effective December 31, 1988, and February 28, 1989, respectively.


ARTICLE II.    DEFINITIONS.

AC&Y Plan
The Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad Company Pension and Insurance Plan.

AW&W Plan
Algers, Winslow & Western Railway Company Salaried Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Accrued Benefit
As of any date for any Member the retirement benefit payable at Normal Retirement Age.

Additional Retirement Benefit
The additional monthly retirement benefit provided under Article VI as set forth in Schedule A or Schedule B of the Plan.

Agreement Service
Service in a position for which the rates of pay are governed by the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.
Agreement Trainee
An Employee in training for a position that is not a Nonagreement Position.





2


Average Final Compensation
For a Post-2015 Member, average monthly Compensation paid to a Member during the 60 consecutive months out of the 120 months of Creditable Service ending with the last month in which the Member was employed in a Nonagreement Position (or, if less than 120, of the actual number of months of Creditable Service), which will produce the highest average monthly Compensation. In the case of a Member who has not served for 60 consecutive months during his last 120 (or less) months of Creditable Service, such average shall be computed by aggregating those 60 months which would be consecutive if breaks in service were disregarded. In the case of a Member retired with less than 60 months of Creditable Service, the average monthly Compensation during his total months of Creditable Service shall be used.


For a Pre-2016 Member, average monthly Compensation paid to a Member during any five Compensation Years out of the 120 months of Creditable Service ending with the last month in which the Member was employed in a Nonagreement Position (or, if less than 120, of the actual number of months of Creditable Service), which will produce the highest average monthly Compensation. In the case of a Member who has not served five Compensation Years during his last 120 (or less) months of Creditable Service, such average shall be computed by disregarding breaks in service for the purpose of determining Compensation Years. In the case of a Member retired with less than 60 months of Creditable Service, the average monthly Compensation during his total months of Creditable Service shall be used.

Benefits Investment Committee
Pursuant to Article XII, the Committee that is charged with duties relating to the investment or management of the Plan’s assets.

Board of Directors
Board of Directors of NSC.

Board of Managers
Pursuant to Article XI, the Board that acts as trustee and is charged with administering the Plan.

Bonus
A payment made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Annual Bonus Program, Norfolk Southern Corporation Management Incentive Plan, Norfolk Southern Corporation Executive Management Incentive Plan or NS Stock Unit Plan.

Break in Service
A twelve-month period, measured from the date of employment or anniversaries thereof, in which an Employee is not credited with more than 500 Hours of Service.

Code
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.





3


Compensation
Remuneration in the form of salary for nonagreement service paid to an Employee in a Nonagreement Position (increased by the amount of the Member's salary that is not includible in the gross income of the Member because it is contributed by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary pursuant to the Member’s salary reduction agreement and which is not includible in the gross income of the Member under (i) Section 402(e)(3) of the Code, as a Pre-Tax Contribution to the Thrift and Investment Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies, (ii) Section 125 of the Code, to provide benefits under the Norfolk Southern Corporation ChoicePlus Benefits Plan, or (iii) Section 132(f)(4) of the Code, to provide benefits under the Pre-Tax Transportation Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies), vacation pay paid to a former Employee for service in a Nonagreement Position (including payments for unused vacation made following the Employee’s severance from employment, provided that such payment is made within 2½ months after such severance from employment), Bonus for nonagreement service paid to an Employee in a Nonagreement Position, or differential wage payments as defined in Section 414(u)(12) of the Code (to the extent required by Section 414(u)(12) and the guidance issued thereunder), each as reported to the Internal Revenue Service for Federal income tax purposes. Severance payments, temporary locality payments, or special award payments (such as payments made under recruitment, safety, quality and retention programs) shall not be included within this definition. Annual compensation in excess of the limit provided in Section 401(a)(17)(B) of the Code shall not be included within this definition, except as otherwise permitted by law. For purposes of determining benefit accruals in a Compensation Year beginning on or after January 1, 2002, compensation for any Compensation Year beginning before January 1, 2002 shall be limited to $200,000.

Compensation Year
Any twelve consecutive month period of monthly Compensation ending on the last day of the same month as the last month in which the Member was employed in a Nonagreement Position.

Conrail
Consolidated Rail Corporation.

Conrail Plan
Supplemental Pension Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation.

Creditable Service
A Member's creditable service, as defined in Article IV, for purposes of the Plan.

CW Plan
Retirement Plan of Chesapeake Western Railway.





4


Disability Benefit
The monthly disability benefit not to exceed the amount of the Normal Retirement Benefit the Member would receive if the Member separated from service at age 65 (taking into account any additional Creditable Service the Member would have earned if he had continued to work for Norfolk Southern Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary until age 65).

Disability Benefit Compensation
A Member's basic monthly salary (not to exceed the monthly equivalent of the annual compensation limit prescribed by Section 401(a)(17) of the Code).

Disability Service

A period during which the Member is receiving benefits under the LTD Plan on account of the Member’s total disability.

DMU Plan
Des Moines Union Railway Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Trust.

Eligible Child or Children
A Member’s natural or adopted children (unless such natural or adopted children have been legally adopted by other individuals), who at the date of the Member’s death are unmarried and under the age of 21 or who are totally and permanently disabled. An Eligible Child shall cease to be such as of the earlier of the last day of the month in which the child marries or attains the age of 21, or, if later, the last day of the month in which the child ceases to be totally and permanently disabled.

Eligible Parent or Parents
A Member’s natural mother or father or, if the Member was legally adopted, the adoptive parents in lieu of the natural parents.

Employee
A person who is employed as an employee by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary on a full-time basis, or who is employed by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary on a regular part-time basis and is designated as an Employee by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary and, in each instance, who receives compensation directly from NSC or a Participating Subsidiary for services rendered as an employee in the United States. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the term “Employee” shall not include (i) a person who is covered by a contract or agreement that specifies that such person is not eligible to participate in the Plan; (ii) a person who has terminated from employment with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, unless designated as an Employee by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary; (iii) a person who is a “Leased Employee” within the meaning of Section 414(n) of the Code or whose basic compensation for services on behalf of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary is not paid directly by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary; or (iv) a person who is classified as a special status employee or an independent contractor. An employee that NSC or a Participating Subsidiary mistakenly but in good faith classifies as other than an Employee shall be deemed to be an Employee as of the date on which NSC or a Participating Subsidiary reclassifies him or her as an Employee.





5


Entry Date
January 1st or July 1st coincident with or following the date that an Employee has satisfied the membership requirements of Article III of the Plan.

Fund
The assets held from time to time under the Plan.

Highly Compensated Employee
Any Employee who,(i) was at any time during the current year or preceding year a Five Percent Owner; or (ii) during the preceding year (A) received compensation from the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary in excess of $80,000(as adjusted under Code Section 415(d))and (B) in the case of an Employee of any Participating Subsidiary not treated as a single employer together with the Corporation under Sections 414(b), 414(c), 414(m), 414(n), or 414(o) of the Code. For purposes of this definition, the term “compensation” means compensation within the meaning of Section 415(c)(3). For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, “compensation” shall include elective amounts that are not includible in the gross income of the employee by reason of Section 132(f)(4) of the Code. Highly compensated former employees (as defined in Code Section 414(q)(9)) shall be treated as Highly Compensated Employees for all relevant purposes. For purposes of this definition, Employees who are nonresident aliens and who receive no earned income from the Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary which constitutes income from sources within the United States shall not be treated as Employees. The determination of who is a Highly Compensated Employee, including the determinations of the number and identity of Employees in the top paid group, the number of Employees treated as officers and the compensation that is taken into account, shall be made in accordance with Code Section 414(q) and the regulations thereunder.

Hour of Service
Each hour for which an Employee is paid, or entitled to payment for the performance or nonperformance of duties, or each hour for which back pay, regardless of mitigation of damages, is either awarded or agreed to by the employer. An Hour of Service shall be computed and credited in accordance with DOL Regulation 2530.200b.

K&IT Plan
Kentucky & Indiana Terminal Railroad Company Retirement Plan.

Leased Employee
Any person (other than employee of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary) who pursuant to an agreement between the recipient and any other person (“leasing organization”) has performed services for the recipient (or for the recipient and related persons determined in accordance with section 414(n)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code) on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least one year, and such services are performed under primary direction or control of the recipient.

LPD Plan
Retirement Plan of Lambert's Point Docks, Incorporated.





6


LTD Plan
The Long-Term Disability Plan of Norfolk Southern and Participating Subsidiary Companies or any successor plan.

Member
A person entitled to participate in the Plan.

Month of Service
Any calendar month in which an Employee is paid, or entitled to payment, for the performance or nonperformance of duties. A Month of Service shall be treated as the equivalent of 190 Hours of Service in accordance with DOL Regulation 2530.200b-3.

NF&D Plan
Retirement Plan of Norfolk, Franklin and Danville Railway Company.

Nonagreement Position
A position for which the rates of pay are not governed by the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, excluding those employees who perform service on positions as relief yardmasters/supervisors.

Normal Retirement Age
Age 65.


Normal Retirement Benefit
The greater of the early retirement benefit under the Plan or the benefit commencing under the Plan at Normal Retirement Date.

Normal Retirement Date
First day of the month next succeeding the month in which the Member attains Normal Retirement Age.


NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Virginia Corporation.

NW
Norfolk and Western Railway Company, a Virginia Corporation.

NW Plan
Retirement Plan of Norfolk and Western Railway.

NW Supplemental Plan
Norfolk and Western Railway Company Plan for
Supplemental Pensions.
Participating Subsidiary
Each subsidiary or affiliated company of NSC which adopts the Plan and is approved for participation in the Plan as provided for in Article XVII.

Plan
Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies.

Plan Year
Calendar Year.

PLC Plan
Pocahontas Land Corporation Plan for Supplemental Pensions.





7


Post-retirement Survivor Annuity
A benefit that is payable in monthly installments for the Member’s life, commencing with the calendar month following the month in which the Member retires and ending with the month immediately prior to the month in which the Member dies, and thereafter at least 50% of which is paid in monthly installments to the Member’s Surviving Spouse, commencing in the month of the Member’s death and ending with the month immediately prior to the month of the Surviving Spouse’s death.
 
 
Post-2015 Member
A person who becomes a Member of the Plan after December 31, 2015.
 
 
Pre-2016 Member
A person who becomes a Member of the Plan before January 1, 2016.

Projected Normal Retirement Benefit
The Member’s projected accrued benefit under the Plan at Normal Retirement Age assuming the Member’s Average Final Compensation at Normal Retirement Age equals his Average Final Compensation as measured on the last day in which the Member was an Employee and taking into account any additional Creditable Service the Member would have earned if he had continued to work at Norfolk Southern Corporation or a Participating Subsidiary until Normal Retirement Age.

Service Ratio
Effective as of January 1, 2002, a fraction (not exceeding 1) the numerator of which is the Member’s Creditable Service and the denominator of which is the Creditable Service the Member would have if he served until Normal Retirement Age.

Southern
Formerly, Southern Railway Company, a Virginia Corporation, name changed to Norfolk Southern Railway Company, effective December 31, 1990.

Southern Plan
Southern Railway System Retirement Plan.

Surviving Spouse
A deceased Member's lawful surviving spouse who was married to the Member on the date of retirement or date of death before retirement.

VHC Plan
Virginia Holding Corporation Supplemental Pension Plan.

Year of Service
Any twelve consecutive month period, as measured from the date of employment or anniversaries thereof, in which an Employee has not less than six Months of Service.


Wherever used in the Plan, words in the masculine form shall be deemed to refer to females as well as males, and words referring to the singular or plural shall include the plural or singular, as the case may be.




8




ARTICLE III.    MEMBERSHIP

1.    Every person who is a member of the NW Plan, Southern Plan, CW Plan, K&IT Plan, NF&D Plan, PLC Plan or VHC Plan on the Effective Date shall become a Member on such date. Every person who is a member of the LPD Plan shall become a Member on January 1, 1984. Every person who is a member of the NW Supplemental Plan or the DMU Plan shall become a Member on December 31, 1988, and February 28, 1989, respectively. However, a Member who is a member of the NW Supplemental Plan on December 31, 1988, and does not perform service for Compensation in a Nonagreement Position on or after December 31, 1988, shall be governed solely by the provisions of Article XXII of the Plan.

2.    (a)    Before July 1, 2014, every other Employee became a Member on the first day he performed service for Compensation in a Nonagreement Position on or after the Effective Date. Effective February 1, 1999, however, any Employee who begins to perform service as an Agreement Trainee on or after that date and was not previously a Member of the Plan will not be a Member of the Plan unless and until the Employee subsequently performs service in a Nonagreement Position other than that of Agreement Trainee.

(b)    Effective July 1, 2014, an Employee who is performing service for Compensation in a Nonagreement Position shall become a Member on the first Entry Date following the date on which the Employee both reaches age 21 and completes one Year of Service. However, any Employee who begins to perform service as an Agreement Trainee, and who was not previously a Member of the Plan, will not be a Member of the Plan unless and until the Employee subsequently performs service in a Nonagreement Position other than that of Agreement Trainee.

3.    (a)    Unless a Member's rights in the Plan have vested under Article IX, his membership in the Plan shall terminate at the time he shall cease to be an Employee for any reason other than retirement or Disability Service.

(b)    If an Employee terminates service before completing a Year of Service and attaining age 21, and the Employee subsequently is reemployed by and performs service for Compensation in a Nonagreement position before incurring a Break in Service, then the Employee’s pre-termination Year of Service (and Months of Service during any Year of Service computation period) will be included in determining when the Employee becomes a Member.

(c)    If an Employee terminates service after completing a Year of Service and attaining age 21 but before the Employee’s Entry Date, and the Employee subsequently is reemployed by and performs service for Compensation in a Nonagreement position, then the Employee will become a Member as of the later of (i) the Entry Date the Employee would have become a Member had he not ceased to be an Employee, or (ii) the Employee’s rehire date; provided, however, that if the Employee has incurred five consecutive one-year Breaks in Service, then any Years of Service (or fraction thereof) prior to the Employee’s termination shall be disregarded for




9


purposes of determining participation in the Plan, and the Employee will become a Member as specified in Article III, section 2(b).

(d)    If a Member terminates service before the Member’s rights in the Plan have vested under Article IX, and he subsequently is reemployed as an Employee and performs service for Compensation in a Nonagreement position before incurring a Break in Service, then the Employee will again be a Member for purposes of determining participation in the Plan as of the rehire date.

(e)    If a Member terminates service before the Member’s rights in the Plan have vested under Article IX, and he subsequently is reemployed as an Employee and performs service for Compensation in a Nonagreement position after incurring a Break in Service, then the Employee will again become a Member for purposes of determining participation in the Plan as of the rehire date; provided, however, that if the Employee has incurred five consecutive one-year Breaks in Service, then any Years of Service (or fraction thereof) prior to the Member’s termination shall be disregarded for purposes of determining participation in the Plan, and the Employee will become a Member as specified in Article III, section 2(b).


ARTICLE IV.    CREDITABLE SERVICE

1.    Creditable Service shall consist of:

(a)    Each Year of Service (or fraction thereof) with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary in a Nonagreement Position commencing on and measured from the later of the first day a Member performs service for Compensation or the Member's 1982 anniversary of his date of employment, except that if the Member is first assigned to perform services outside of the United States on or after November 10, 2011, Creditable Service shall not include any period of time during which the Member is performing services in such foreign country;

(b)    Service creditable as a member under the NW Plan, Southern Plan, AC&Y Plan, CW Plan, K&IT Plan, NF&D Plan, PLC Plan, or VHC Plan measured to the 1982 anniversary of the Member's date of employment (or the Member's employment termination date, if earlier), without regard to whether such 1982 anniversary date was before or after the Effective Date;

(c)    Service creditable as a member under the LPD Plan prior to January 1, 1984, as measured from the Member's date of employment;

(d)    Service (other than service creditable under the Conrail Plan as a result of the terms or provisions of any change-in-control agreement, employment agreement, severance agreement or other similar agreement) creditable to a member under the Conrail Plan beginning on April 1, 1976;

(e)    The following periods of Agreement Service not credited under subparagraph (a) or (b) above:




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(i)     Agreement Service, prior to the Effective Date, of a Member (on the Effective Date) hired prior to the Effective Date with NW, Norfolk, Franklin and Danville Railway Company, The Virginian Railway Company, The New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Company, Wabash Railroad Company, New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois Railroad Company, The Pittsburgh & West Virginia Railway Company, and The Lake Erie and Fort Wayne Railroad Company;

(ii)     Agreement Service, prior to the Effective Date, of a Member who was a member of the Southern Plan on or after July 22, 1980, with a "System Company" as defined in the Southern Plan, but only if such Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) for five or more years, whether or not consecutive;

(iii) Agreement Service after the Effective Date of a Member with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary where followed by service in a Nonagreement Position, but only if such Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) for (A) five or more years, whether or not consecutive, for a Pre-2016 Member, or (B) ten or more years, whether or not consecutive, for a Post-2015 Member; and

(iv) Agreement Service with Conrail on or after April 1, 1976, of a Member, but only if such Member has been employed by NSC in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) for (A) five or more years, whether or not consecutive, after March 7, 1997, for a Pre-2016 Member, or (B) ten or more years, whether or not consecutive, for a Post-2015 Member;

(f)    Service creditable as a member under the DMU Plan prior to March 1, 1989, as measured from the Member's date of employment;

(g)    Each Year of Service (or fraction thereof), as defined under this Plan, with Virginia Railway Association, for Members who are Employees on December 31, 2004 and who retire on or after January 1, 2005;

(h)    Each Year of Service (or fraction thereof) in a Nonagreement Position, as defined under this Plan, with Illinois Terminal Railroad Company, for Members who are Employees on December 31, 2004, and who retire on or after January 1, 2005; and

(i)    Service by a Member as a relief yardmaster/supervisor for NSC or a Participating Subsidiary where followed by service in a Nonagreement Position, but only if such Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) for (A) five or more years, whether or not consecutive, for a Pre-2016 Member, or (B) ten or more years, whether or not consecutive, for a Post-2015 Member.

2.    Creditable Service shall also include the following periods that are not credited under Section 1 of this Article:

(a)    Periods of absence because of illness or injury;




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(b)    Periods of Disability Service except that a Member shall be credited with one Month of Service hereunder for each two months of any such Disability Service;

(c)    Periods of service not in excess of the longer of a total of 60 months or the period of absence permitted for the purpose of establishing entitlement to reemployment rights under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 ("USERRA") in the uniformed services of the United States, as defined in USERRA, or the armed forces of Canada, if the Member was a Member of the Plan (or a predecessor plan) immediately prior to such service and returned to employment within 90 days after release from such armed forces or within the time fixed by law for retention of employment rights, whichever is greater, except that if the Member dies during such period of qualified military service, Creditable Service shall be determined as if the Member returned to employment on the day preceding the day of the Member’s death and terminated employment on the actual date of death; and

(d)    Periods of leave of absence, under rules of the Board of Managers uniformly applicable to all similarly situated Members, to accept, at the request of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, employment by a subsidiary company, to attend educational institutions, to accept employment by a government or government agency, or to carry out other activities approved by the Board of Managers.

3.    (a)    During a period of absence for which Creditable Service is granted under Paragraphs 2(a), (b), and (d) or during a period of service in the armed forces of Canada for which Creditable Service is granted under Paragraph 2(c), the Member shall be deemed to have earned the greater of Compensation at the regular monthly or annual rate in effect immediately preceding such absence or at the regular monthly or normal rate payable to the Member for services rendered to his employer during such leave of absence.

(b)    During a period of service in the uniformed service of the United Sates for which Creditable Service is granted under Paragraph 2(c) of Article IV, the Member’s monthly Compensation for each month during each such period shall be deemed to be either (a) the monthly Compensation the Member would have earned during the period of military service if he or she had not been on leave for such service; or (b) if this amount is not reasonably certain, the average monthly Compensation for the 12 months preceding the beginning of each such period of military service.

4.    (a)     If a Pre-2016 Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position for less than five years, then, for purposes of computing the benefit under section 1 of Article VI, Creditable Service shall be the sum of a Member’s Creditable Service under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this Article IV plus the sum of:

(i)    Twenty percent (20%) multiplied by the number of years (or fraction thereof) that the Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) times Agreement Service, prior to the Effective Date, of a Member who was a member of




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the Southern Plan on or after July 22, 1980, with a "System Company" as defined in the Southern Plan; and

(ii)    Twenty percent (20%) multiplied by the number of years (or fraction thereof) that the Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) multiplied by the sum of Agreement Service and service as a relief yardmaster/supervisor after the Effective Date of a Member with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary where followed by service in a Nonagreement Position; and

(iii) Twenty percent (20%) multiplied by the number of years (or fraction thereof) that the Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) after March 7, 1997, times Agreement Service of a Member with Conrail on or after April 1, 1976.

After the Pre-2016 Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position for five or more years, then Creditable Service for purposes of computing the benefit under Section 1 of Article VI shall be equal to the Member’s Creditable Service under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this Article IV, and this subsection 4(a) shall no longer apply.

(b)    If a Post-2015 Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position for less than ten years, then, for purposes of computing the benefit under section 1 of Article VI, Creditable Service shall be the sum of a Member’s Creditable Service under Sections 1, 2 and 3 of this Article IV plus the sum of:

(i) Ten percent (10%) multiplied by the number of years (or fraction thereof) that the Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) multiplied by the sum of Agreement Service and service as a relief yardmaster/supervisor after the Effective Date of a Member with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary where followed by service in a Nonagreement Position; and

(ii) Ten percent (10%) multiplied by the number of years (or fraction thereof) that the Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position (not including Disability Service) after March 7, 1997, times Agreement Service of a Member with Conrail on or after April 1, 1976.

After the Post-2016 Member has been employed in a Nonagreement Position for ten or more years, then Creditable Service for purposes of computing the benefit under Section 1 of Article VI shall be equal to the Member’s Creditable Service under Section 1, 2 and 3 of this Article IV, and this subsection 4(b) shall no longer apply.


ARTICLE V.    RETIREMENT

1.    A Member shall retire not later than the end of the month in which he attains Normal Retirement Age, effective Normal Retirement Date, except where:





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(a)    The provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, or of any other applicable law, prohibit the mandatory retirement of such Member; or

(b)    The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, requests a Member whose compensation is fixed by the Board of Directors to continue in service following the Member's Normal Retirement Date for such period of time as may be determined by the Board of Directors.

2.    A Member who is actively employed or on Disability Service may retire at the end of any month, effective the first day of the following month, between attainment of ages 62 and 65.

3.    A Member who is actively employed or on Disability Service may retire at the end of any month, effective the first day of the following month, between attainment of ages 60 and 62 if he is vested at the time of such retirement.

4.    An otherwise eligible Member between attainment of ages 55 and 60 who is vested under Article IX and who is actively employed in a Nonagreement Position or on Disability Service can elect benefits as follows:

(a)     A Pre-2016 Member with not less than 10 Years of Service (including not less than 5 years of Creditable Service) may retire at the end of any month, effective the first day of the following month, with a temporary early retirement benefit, until the Member attains age 60, equal to the lesser of:

(i)    the Tier I Railroad Retirement or Social Security benefit that would be paid at earliest eligibility age, or

(ii)
$500 per month.

Notwithstanding the above, if the Member is currently receiving any benefit under Railroad Retirement or Social Security the Member may retire under this provision but is not eligible for the temporary early retirement benefit.

(b) A Pre-2016 Member with not less than 10 Years of Service (including not less than five years of Creditable Service) may retire at the end of any month effective the first day of the following month and receive the benefit provided by Section 2(a)(ii) of Article VI. A Post-2015 Member with not less than 10 years of Creditable Service may retire at the end of any month effective the first day of the following month and receive the benefit provided by Section 2(b)(ii) of Article VI.

ARTICLE VI.    RETIREMENT BENEFITS

1.    The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 1 or 2 of Article V shall be, subject to the provisions of Article VIII, the sum of:





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(a)    A monthly benefit equal to his Average Final Compensation multiplied by 1.5% times the number of years of his Creditable Service (or fraction thereof), but not in excess of 60% of such Average Final Compensation, except as provided in Section 4 of this Article VI;

(b)    A monthly benefit equal to 1/120th of the Member's accumulated and unrefunded contributions to the NW Supplemental Plan (including interest to the date of retirement), if any;

(c)    A monthly Additional Retirement Benefit, if any, applicable to the Member as contained in Schedule A of the Plan, effective January 1, 1996, provided that the Internal Revenue Service subsequently issues a favorable determination letter approving such Additional Retirement Benefit; and

(d)    A monthly Additional Retirement Benefit, if any, applicable to the Member as contained in Schedule B of the Plan, beginning January 1, 2005;

Less the sum of:

(e)    70% of the monthly Railroad Retirement annuity or 66 2/3% of the monthly Social Security annuity (described in Section 3 of this Article VI), whichever is applicable, assuming that such annuity commenced at the earliest eligibility age following retirement;

(f)    The amount of any regular monthly annuity attributable to contributions by The Virginian Railway Company payable to the Member by the Plan for Pension Payments under Group Annuity Contract GR‑130 between The Virginian Railway Company and The Travelers Insurance Company;

(g)    The amount of any monthly benefit payable to the Member under Article XXII if the Member's Agreement Service was used to calculate a benefit under this Article VI;

(h)    The amount of any monthly benefit payable to the Member under the Merged Employees Pension Plan of Norfolk and Western Railway Company;

(i)    The amount of any monthly benefit payable to the Member under the AC&Y Plan;

(j)    For Members who were participants in the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation, and who first became Members after August 26, 1999, the amount of any monthly benefit payable to the Member under the Conrail Plan (excluding any benefit described in Article 14 of the Conrail Plan as in effect on or after August 1, 1998) under the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation, and under any qualified defined benefit pension plan maintained by any other entity whose service is credited under the Conrail Plan and/or under the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation, with such amounts determined as if the Member had retired under the Conrail Plan and/or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation on the date of commencement of retirement benefits under this Plan; and




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(k)    The amount, if any, applicable to the Member as contained in Schedule C of the Plan, beginning January 1, 2005.

The offsets described in paragraphs (e) through (k) of this Section 1 shall begin as of the date the amounts described in such paragraph first become payable, or are assumed to have become payable, to the Member. If the Member’s benefit under any other plan is paid in a form that does not provide monthly payments, the offsets described in paragraphs (e) through (k) shall be determined as if the Member’s benefit under such other plan had been paid as a single life annuity.

If a Member remains employed after Normal Retirement Age, or defers receipt of the Member’s benefit after Normal Retirement Age, the Member’s benefit will be the greater of (1) the Member’s benefit calculated as of the Normal Retirement Date and actuarially adjusted to reflect the delay in the benefits past the Member’s Normal Retirement Date, or (2) the Member’s accrued benefit under the Plan as of his actual retirement date.

2.    The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 3 or 4(b) of Article V shall be computed as follows:

(a)     The retirement benefit of a Pre-2016 Member who retires under Section 3 or 4(b) of Article V shall be computed as follows:
            
(i) The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 3 of Article V shall be the benefit calculated under Section 1 of this Article VI; provided, however, that, if his Creditable Service at the time of retirement is less than 10 years, the amounts determined under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of said Section 1 shall be reduced by 1/180th for each calendar month the Member is under age 62 at the time of his retirement, and this benefit will be further reduced by the amounts under paragraphs (e) through (k) of Section 1 when such amounts are payable to the Member; and provided further that a Member whose benefit is computed under this Section 2 of Article VI may elect in writing to defer receipt of his retirement benefit under the Plan to the first day of any month following his 60th birthday up to the first day of the month following attainment of age 62 and if the Member so elects, the 1/180th reduction shall only be made for each month, if any, by which the commencement of the Member's retirement benefit precedes his attaining age 62. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 1/180th reduction shall not apply if a Member has not less than five years of Creditable Service and not less than ten Years of Service.

(ii)    The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 4(b) of Article V shall be the benefit calculated under Section 1 of this Article VI; provided, however, that the sum of the amounts determined under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of said Section 1 shall be reduced by 1/360th for each calendar month the Member is under age 60 at the time of his retirement, and this benefit will be further reduced by the amounts under paragraphs (e) through (k) of Section 1 when such amounts are payable to the Member.

(b) The retirement benefit of a Post-2015 Member who retires under Section 3 or 4(b) of Article V shall be computed as follows:




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            (i)     The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 3 of Article V shall be the benefit calculated under Section 1 of this Article VI; provided, however that:

(A)    if the Member’s Creditable Service at the time of retirement is less than 10 years, the amounts determined under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of said Section 1 shall be reduced by 1/180th for each calendar month the Member is under age 62 at the time of his retirement, or

(B)    if the Member’s Creditable Service at the time of retirement is 10 or more years but less than 30 years, the amounts determined under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of said Section 1 shall be reduced by 1/360th for each calendar month the Member is under age 62 at the time of his retirement,

and the benefit under this Section 2(b)(i) will be further reduced by the amounts under paragraphs (e) through (k) of Section 1 when such amounts are payable to the Member; and provided further that a Member whose benefit is computed under this Section 2 of Article VI may elect in writing to defer receipt of his retirement benefit under the Plan to the first day of any month following his 60th birthday up to the first day of the month following attainment of age 62 and if the Member so elects, the 1/180th or 1/360th reduction shall only be made for each month, if any, by which the commencement of the Member's retirement benefit precedes his attaining age 62. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the 1/180th nor the 1/360th reduction shall apply if a Member has not less than 30 years of Creditable Service.

(ii)    The retirement benefit of a Member who retires under Section 4(b) of Article V shall be the benefit calculated under Section 1 of this Article VI; provided, however, that the sum of the amounts determined under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of said Section 1 shall be reduced:

(A) if the Member’s Creditable Service at the time of retirement is 10 or more years but less than 30 years, by the sum of 1/360th for each calendar month (not to exceed 24 months) the Member is under age 62 at the time of his retirement, and 1/180th for each calendar month the Member is under age 60 at the time of his retirement, or

(B) if the Member’s Creditable Service at the time of retirement is 30 or more years, by the sum of 1/360th for each calendar month (not to exceed 24 months) the Member is under age 60 at the time of his retirement and 1/180th for each calendar month the Member is under age 58 at the time of his retirement,

and the benefit under this Section 2(b)(ii) will be further reduced by the amounts under paragraphs (e) through (k) of Section 1 when such amounts are payable to the Member.

(c)    The delay in reducing the benefit for the amount described in Article VI, Section 1, paragraph (e), between the Member’s retirement date under this Plan and the date as of which the amount described in Article VI, Section 1, paragraph (e) becomes payable, or is assumed to become




17


payable, is intended to meet the requirements of a qualified supplement (“QSUPP”) as provided in final regulations under Code Section 401(a)(4).  Such temporary early retirement benefit shall be vested in accordance with Article IX and shall be a protected benefit subject to the anti-cutback provisions of Section 411(d)(6) of the Code.

3.    For purposes of calculating the retirement benefit under this Article VI:

(a)    The monthly Railroad Retirement annuity shall mean the monthly annuity payable under the Railroad Retirement Act computed on the basis of total railroad service multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total months of Creditable Service and the denominator of which is such total railroad service. (Such annuity shall exclude the supplemental annuity payable under Title I of Public Law 89‑699 or any corresponding or successor legislation);

(b)    The monthly Social Security annuity shall mean the Primary Insurance Annuity computed under the Social Security Act on the basis of creditable compensation under the Act applicable to Creditable Service under the Plan; and

(c)    The monthly Railroad Retirement annuity or Social Security annuity shall be computed as of the actual retirement date, the commencement date of last Disability Service not followed by a return to active service, or the date of final termination of service prior to age 60, whichever is earliest. In the case of a Member of the Plan on August 1, 1997, who retires after the Member’s Normal Retirement Date, the Member’s benefit shall be no less than the Member’s benefit computed under this Article VI as of August 1, 1997, but using the Normal Retirement Date to determine the monthly Railroad Retirement or Social Security annuity.

4.    In computing the retirement benefit of a Member under this Article VI, who was a member of the NW Plan or PLC Plan and who has more than 40 years of Creditable Service as of the Effective Date, such Member shall for purposes of Section 1(a) of this Article VI have his Average Final Compensation multiplied by 1.5% times the number of years of his Creditable Service on the Effective Date, without limitation.

5.    (a)    The retirement benefit of a Member, who was a member of the NW Supplemental Plan, computed under this Article VI shall not be less than his benefit computed under Article XXII solely on the basis of service and compensation creditable through April 30, 1965, or the date on which the Member is first in a Nonagreement Position, whichever is later; and

(b)    The retirement benefit of a Member, who was a member of the NW Supplemental Plan, computed under this Article VI shall not be less than a benefit equal to 1/120th of the Member's accumulated and unrefunded contributions (including interest to date of retirement), if any, to the NW Supplemental Plan, reduced in accordance with Section 2 of this Article VI, if such reduction is applicable.

6.    The retirement benefit of a Member who was a member of the Southern Plan on July 21, 1980, shall be the greater of the amount computed under Section 1 of this Article VI or computed as follows:




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(a)    A monthly benefit equal to 45% of the Member's Average Final Compensation plus 1/4 of 1% of Average Final Compensation for each year that the Member's Creditable Service at the time of retirement exceeds 30 years, but in no event shall such additional benefit exceed 2 1/2% of Average Final Compensation, plus any applicable Additional Retirement Benefit, reduced by:

(i)     63% of the monthly Railroad Retirement annuity or 60% of the monthly Social Security annuity (described in Section 3 of this Article VI), whichever is applicable, assuming that such annuity commenced at the earliest eligibility age following retirement;

(ii)     1/180th for each month by which the Member's retirement precedes the attainment of age 65 if the Member has less than 20 years of Creditable Service; and

(iii) 1/180th for each month by which the Member's Creditable Service is less than 15 years.

(b)    A Member whose retirement benefit is computed under paragraph (a) of this Section 6 may elect in writing to defer receipt of his retirement benefit under the Plan to the first day of any month following his 60th birthday up to Normal Retirement Date. If the Member so elects, the reduction to be made pursuant to paragraph 6(a)(ii) shall only be made for each month, if any, by which the commencement of payment of the Member's retirement benefit precedes his attaining age 65.

7.    The retirement benefit of a Member who was a member of the DMU Plan on February 28, 1989, shall be the greater of the amount computed under Section 1 of Article VI or computed as follows:

(a)    A monthly benefit commencing at Normal Retirement Age equal to 1.5% of Average Final Compensation multiplied by years of Creditable Service, minus 7.8% of the Primary Insurance Amount (for Social Security purposes) for each year of Creditable Service, with a maximum offset of 78%, plus any applicable Additional Retirement Benefit, reduced by

(i)    an amount which is actuarially equivalent to the amount of any benefit the Member is eligible to receive under any qualified pension or profit sharing plan of an owner company of the Des Moines Union Railway Company based on the same period of service, and

(ii)    for a Member who terminates after completing 15 Years of Service and after attaining age 60, 1/180th for each full month by which his early retirement precedes his Normal Retirement Age.

8.    If an individual became a Member on or before August 26, 1999, and the Member was previously a participant in the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation and accrued a benefit that was transferred to the Plan, the Member’s retirement benefit shall be the greater of (i) the amount computed under this Article VI, or (ii) the Member’s benefit




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he accrued under the Conrail Plan (excluding any benefit described in Article 14 of the Conrail Plan as in effect on or after August 1, 1998) or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation.

9.    Except as provided in the following sentence, in Section 6(b) of this Article VI, or in Section 8 or 9 of Article VIII, every retirement benefit shall be payable in monthly installments for life commencing with the calendar month immediately following the month in which the Member retires and ending with the month immediately prior to the month in which the Member or, if a survivorship election is in effect, his survivor dies or ceases to be eligible for survivor benefits. If the present value (determined, for this purpose only, using the “applicable interest rate” as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(C) for November of the year preceding the Plan Year and the "applicable mortality table," as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code) of a retirement benefit payable under this Article VI or under Article IX, or a survivorship benefit payable pursuant to Article VIII, does not exceed $5,000, such benefit will be paid as soon as administratively feasible in a lump sum distribution, (i) to a vested Member upon the earlier of retirement or termination of his employment with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary; (ii) to the Surviving Spouse of such vested Member; (iii) to an “alternate payee,” as defined in Section 414(p)(8) of the Code; (iv) if the Member, Surviving Spouse, or alternate payee, as the case may be, so elects in writing, to the trustee of an "eligible retirement plan," as defined in Section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Code or, to a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code; or, (v) to the extent permitted under Section 402(c)(11) and related guidance issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, if a non-spouse beneficiary (within the meaning of Section 401(a)(9)(E) of the Code) so elects in writing, to the trustee of an individual retirement account described in Section 408(a) of the Code, an individual retirement annuity described in Section 408(b) of the Code, or to a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code that both is established to receive such distribution and will be treated as an “inherited IRA” for the beneficiary. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, no distribution may be made unless the Member and his Spouse, or if the Member has died his Surviving Spouse, consent in writing to such payment. Effective with respect to any mandatory distribution that is greater than $1,000 but that does not exceed $5,000, if the Member does not elect to have such distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the Member in a direct rollover or to receive the distribution directly in a lump sum distribution, then the Plan administrator will pay the distribution in a direct rollover to an individual retirement plan designated by the Plan administrator. If a Member who has received a lump sum distribution of the present value of his retirement benefit is subsequently rehired by the Corporation, he shall again participate in the Plan as of his date of re‑employment and his prior period of service shall be restored for purposes of Article IX, except that his prior period of Creditable Service shall not be counted for purposes of determining his Accrued Benefit on his subsequent retirement or other termination of employment.

10.    Except as otherwise provided herein, no benefit shall be payable to a Member under the Plan until retirement, or to his Surviving Spouse until death of the Member, except such benefit as may be payable in accordance with the applicable requirements of a qualified domestic relations order as that term is defined in Section 414(p) of the Code. The Board of Managers shall establish reasonable procedures to determine the qualified status of domestic relations orders and to administer distributions under such qualified orders. No benefit shall be payable to a Member during any period in which he engages in active service as an Employee, except as provided in Article VIII, Section 8.




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11.    Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Member's Accrued Benefit under the Plan shall not be less than the Member's accrued benefit under the NW Plan, Southern Plan, CW Plan, K&IT Plan, NF&D Plan, PLC Plan or VHC Plan on the Effective Date, the LPD Plan on December 31, 1983, or the DMU Plan on February 28, 1989, and in no event shall his retirement benefit under this Article VI be less than such Accrued Benefit.

12.    (a)    A member who retired under the NW Plan and was paid a retirement benefit for the month of December 1985 and who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987, or the Surviving Spouse of a deceased Member who retired prior to January 1, 1986, who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987 pursuant to a survivorship election by such Member, as the case may be, shall receive an increase in such retirement benefit beginning with the retirement benefit payable for the month of January 1987, such increase in retirement benefit to be ¼ of 1% for each month of the Member's retirement from January 1, 1980, to January 1, 1986, plus an additional 3% for a Member who retired prior to January 1, 1980, with a maximum increase of 21%.

(b)    A Member who retired under the Southern Plan and was paid a retirement benefit for the month of December 1985 and who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987, or the Surviving Spouse of a deceased Member who retired prior to January 1, 1986, who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987 pursuant to a survivorship election by such Member, as the case may be, shall receive an increase in such retirement benefit beginning with the retirement benefit payable for the month of January 1987, such increase in retirement benefit to be ¼ of 1% for each month of the Member's retirement from January 1, 1979, to January 1, 1986, plus an additional 3% for a Member who retired prior to January 1, 1980, with a maximum increase of 24%.

(c)    A Member who retired under the Plan and was paid a retirement benefit for the month of December 1985 and who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987, or the Surviving Spouse of a deceased Member who retired prior to January 1, 1986, who is entitled to a retirement benefit for the month of January 1987 pursuant to a survivorship election by such Member, as the case may be, shall receive an increase in such retirement benefit beginning with the retirement benefit payable for the month of January 1987, such increase in retirement benefit to be ¼ of 1% for each month of the Member's retirement from June 1, 1982, to January 1, 1986, with a maximum increase of 10¾%.

13.    Anything in this Article VI to the contrary notwithstanding, the monthly retirement benefit of a Member shall not be less than the greatest of the amounts described in (a) through (e), below, with the amount determined under (b) through (e) reduced by the charge for any optional pre-retirement survivor annuity elected by the Member under section 2(b) of Article VIII:

(a)
$8.34, but only if the Member had accrued an Hour of Service on or before December 31, 2007;





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(b)
The Member’s Projected Normal Retirement Benefit times the Member’s Service Ratio. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the retirement benefit described in this Section 13(e) shall be reduced in the same manner as described in Section 2 of this Article or in Article IX, as applicable;

(c)
The Member’s accrued retirement benefit under this Article VI as measured on April 30, 2005;

(d)
The Member’s Average Final Compensation that is not in excess of $4,167, multiplied by 1.25% times the number of years of his Creditable Service (or fraction thereof) that is not in excess of five years. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the retirement benefit described in this Section 13(d) shall be actuarially reduced, based on mortality for employees as shown in Exhibit A and interest at the rate of 7.5% per year compounded annually if the Member’s benefit commences before Normal Retirement Date; or

(e)
The Member's Projected Normal Retirement Benefit times the Member's Service Ratio, calculated as if the Member's employment had terminated on December 31, 2009. For purposes of this paragraph, the Service Ratio with respect to benefits accrued between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2009 shall be equal to a fraction (not exceeding 1) the numerator of which is the Member’s Months of Service and the denominator of which is the number of Months of Service the Member would have if he served until Normal Retirement Age. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the retirement benefit described in this Section 13(e) shall be reduced in the same manner as described in Section 2 of this Article or in Article IX, as applicable.

14.    The AW&W Plan was merged into the Plan effective as of December 31, 2007. As of that date, the liabilities of the AW&W Plan became liabilities of the Plan and the AW&W Plan ceased to exist. Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, benefits shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of Schedule D. In the event of a spinoff or termination of the Plan within five years following the merger of the AW&W Plan into the Plan, assets will be allocated first for the benefit of the AW&W Plan participants to the extent of their benefits on a termination basis just prior to the merger.
    
15.    Any distribution under the Plan to a Member shall commence not later than the "required beginning date" as defined in Section 401(a)(9) of the Code, and shall satisfy the incidental benefit requirement in Section 401(a)(9)(G) of the Code and any regulations promulgated thereunder. For a Member who is not a 5% owner and who attains age 70½, the term "required beginning date" shall mean April 1 of the calendar year following the later of (a) the calendar year the Member attains age 70½ or (b) the calendar year in which the Member retires. If a Member retires under the Plan after the calendar year in which the member attains age 70½, the Member's benefit computed under this Article VI shall be actuarially increased to take into account the period after age 70½ in which the Member was not receiving any benefits under the Plan.
 




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ARTICLE VII.    LIMITATION ON BENEFITS

1.    Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the annual benefit accrued by or payable in any form to any Member shall not exceed such amount as may be authorized under Section 415 of the Code, determined on a calendar year basis, and such rules are hereby incorporated by reference. For purposes of applying the benefit accrual limits, the definition of compensation shall be compensation as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.415(c)‑2(d)(3), or successor regulation, excluding foreign compensation.

2.    Any adjustments to the benefit amounts authorized under Section 415(d) by the Commissioner shall be effective from January 1 of the year for which the adjustment is made and shall apply to all Members regardless of whether the Member retired prior to such adjustment.

3.    Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, if the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a Plan Year is less than 80 percent (or would be less than 80 percent to the extent described in Section 3(b) below) but is not less than 60 percent, then the limitations set forth in this Section 3 apply.

(a)
A Member or beneficiary is not permitted to elect, and the Plan shall not pay, a single sum payment or other optional form of benefit that includes a prohibited payment with an annuity starting date on or after the applicable Code section 436 measurement date, and the Plan shall not make any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits or any other payment or transfer that is a prohibited payment, unless the present value of the portion of the benefit that is being paid in a prohibited payment does not exceed the lesser of:

i.
50 percent of the present value of the benefit payable in the optional form of benefit that includes the prohibited payment; or

ii.
100 percent of the PBGC maximum benefit guarantee amount (as defined in section 1.436-1(d)(3)(iii)(C) of the Treasury Regulations).

The limitation set forth in this Section 3(a) does not apply to any payment of a benefit which under Code section 411(a)(11) may be immediately distributed without the consent of the Member. If an optional form of benefit that is otherwise available under the terms of the Plan is not available to a Member or beneficiary as of the annuity starting date because of the application of the requirements of this Section 3(a), the Member or beneficiary is permitted to elect to bifurcate the benefit into unrestricted and restricted portions (as described in section 1.436-1(d)(3)(iii)(D) of the Treasury Regulations). The Member or beneficiary may also elect any other optional form of benefit otherwise available under the Plan at that annuity




23


starting date that would satisfy the 50 percent/PBGC maximum benefit guarantee amount described in this Section 3(a), or may elect to defer the benefit in accordance with any general right to defer commencement of benefits under the Plan.

(b)
No amendment to the Plan that has the effect of increasing liabilities of the Plan by reason of increases in benefits, establishment of new benefits, changing the rate of benefit accrual or changing the rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable shall take effect in a Plan Year if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year is:

i.
Less than 80 percent; or

ii.
80 percent or more, but would be less than 80 percent if the benefits attributable to the amendment were taken into account in determining the adjusted funding target attainment percentage.

The limitation set forth in this Section 3(b) does not apply to any amendment to the Plan that provides a benefit increase under a plan formula that is not based on compensation, provided that the rate of such increase does not exceed the contemporaneous rate of increase in the average wages of Members covered by the amendment.

4.    Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, if the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for a Plan Year is less than 60 percent (or would be less than 60 percent to the extent described in Section 4(b) below), then the limitations in this Section 4 apply.

(a)
A Member or beneficiary is not permitted to elect, and the Plan shall not pay, a single sum payment or other optional form of benefit that includes a prohibited payment with an annuity starting date on or after the applicable Code section 436 measurement date, and the Plan shall not make any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits or any other payment or transfer that is a prohibited payment. The limitation set forth in this Section 4(a) does not apply to any payment of a benefit which under Code section 411(a)(11) may be immediately distributed without the consent of the Member.

(b)
An unpredictable contingent event benefit with respect to an unpredictable contingent event occurring during a Plan Year shall not be paid if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year is:

i.
Less than 60 percent; or





24


ii.
60 percent or more, but would be less than 60 percent if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage were redetermined applying an actuarial assumption that the likelihood of occurrence of the unpredictable contingent event during the Plan Year is 100 percent.

(c)
Benefit accruals under the Plan shall cease as of the applicable Code section 436 measurement date. In addition, if the Plan is required to cease benefits under this Section 4(c), then the Plan is not permitted to be amended in a manner that would increase liabilities of the Plan by reason of an increase in benefits or the establishment of new benefits.

5.    Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, a Member or beneficiary is not permitted to elect, and the Plan shall not pay, a single sum payment or other optional form of benefit that includes a prohibited payment with an annuity starting date that occurs during any period in which NSC is a debtor in a case under title 11, United States Code, or similar Federal or State law, except for payments made within a Plan Year with an annuity starting date that occurs on or after the date on which t the Plan’s enrolled actuary certifies that the Plan’s adjusted funding target attainment percentage for that Plan Year is not less than 100 percent. In addition, during such period in which NSC is a debtor, the Plan shall not make any payment for the purchase of an irrevocable commitment from an insurer to pay benefits or any other payment or transfer that is a prohibited payment, except for payments that occur on a date within a Plan Year that is on or after the date on which the Plan’s enrolled actuary certifies that the Plan’s adjusted funding target percentage for that Plan Year is not less than 100 percent. The limitation set forth in this Section 5 does not apply to any payment of a benefit which under Code section 411(a)(11) may be immediately distributed without the consent of the Member.

6.
(a)    If a limitation on prohibited payments under Sections 3(a), 4(a) or Section 5 applied to the Plan as of a Code section 436 measurement date, but that limit no longer applies to the Plan as of a later Code section 436 measurement date, then that limitation does not apply to benefits with annuity starting dates that are on or after that later Code section 436 measurement date.

(b)
If a limitation on benefit accruals under Section 4(c) applied to the Plan as of a Code section 436 measurement date, but that limitation no longer applies to the Plan as of a later Code section 436 measurement date, then benefit accruals shall resume prospectively and that limitation does not apply to benefit accruals that are based on service on or after that later Code section 436 measurement date, except as otherwise provided under the Plan. The Plan shall comply with the rules relating to partial years of participation and prohibition on double proration under Department of Labor regulation 29 CFR § 2530.204-2(c) and (d).

In addition, benefit accruals that were not permitted to accrue because of the application of Section 4(c) shall be restored when that limitation ceases to




25


apply if the continuous period of the limitation was 12 months or less and the Plan’s enrolled actuary certifies that the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year would not be less than 60 percent taking into account any restored benefit accruals for the prior Plan Year.

(c)
If an unpredictable contingent event benefit with respect to an unpredictable contingent event that occurs during the Plan Year is not permitted to be paid after the occurrence of the event because of the limitation of Section 4(b), but is permitted to be paid later in the same Plan Year (as a result of additional contributions or pursuant to the enrolled actuary’s certification of the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year that meets the requirements of section 1.436-1(g)(5)(ii)(B) of the Treasury Regulations), then that unpredictable contingent event benefit shall be paid, retroactive to the period that benefit would have been payable under the terms of the Plan (determined without regard to Section 4(b)). If the unpredictable contingent event benefit does not become payable during the Plan Year in accordance with the preceding sentence, then the Plan is treated as if it does not provide for that benefit.

(d)
If a plan amendment does not take effect as of the effective date of the amendment because of the limitation of Section 3(b) or Section 4(c), but is permitted to take effect later in the same Plan Year (as a result of additional contributions or pursuant to the enrolled actuary’s certification of the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year that meets the requirements of section 1.436-1(g)(5)(ii)(C) of the Treasury Regulations), then the plan amendment must automatically take effect as of the first day of the Plan Year or, if later, the original effective date of the amendment. If the plan amendment cannot take effect during the same Plan Year, then it shall be treated as if it were never adopted, unless the plan amendment provides otherwise.

7.    In the event the Plan becomes subject to a limitation described in Section 3(a), Section 4 or Section 5 of this Article VII, the Plan shall provide written notice to Members and beneficiaries in accordance with the requirements of Section 101(j) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).

8.    At its discretion, NSC may use one or more of the methods described in Code section 436 and the applicable regulations thereunder to avoid or terminate the application of the limitations set forth in Sections 3 through 5 of this Article VII for a Plan Year.

9.    (a) For any period during which a presumption under Code section 436(h) and section 1.436-1(h) of the Treasury Regulations applies to the Plan, the limitations under Sections 3 through 5 of this Article VII shall be applied to the Plan as if the adjusted funding target attainment percentage for the Plan Year were the presumed adjusted funding target attainment percentage determined under the rules of Code section 436(h) and sections 1.436-1(h)(1), (2) or (3) of the Treasury Regulations.




26



10.    The definitions in the following Treasury Regulations apply for purposes of Sections 3 through 9 of this Article VII: section 1.436-1(j)(1) defining adjusted funding target attainment percentage; section 1.436-1(j)(2) defining annuity starting date; section 1.436-1(j)(6) defining prohibited payment; section 1.436-1(j)(8) defining section 436 measurement date; and section 1.436-1(j)(9) defining an unpredictable contingent event and an unpredictable contingent event benefit.

11.    The rules in Sections 3 through 10 of this Article VII are effective for Plan Years beginning after December 31, 2007.


ARTICLE VIII.    SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS AND DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS

1.    (a) The normal form of benefit computed under Article VI for a Post-2015 Member who is not married when the Member retires, and who retires under Article V or Article IX, shall be a retirement benefit payable in monthly installments for the Member’s life, commencing with the calendar month immediately following the month in which the Member retires and ending with the month immediately prior to the month in which the Member dies.

(b) The normal form of benefit computed under Article VI for a Post-2015 Member who is married when the Member retires, and who retires under Article V or Article IX, shall be a Post-retirement Survivor Annuity that is the actuarial equivalent of the benefit set forth in Section 1 of this Article VIII, under which 50% of the Member’s retirement benefit shall be payable in monthly installments to the Member’s Surviving Spouse. For this purpose, actuarial equivalence shall be based on mortality as shown in Exhibit C and interest at the rate of 6.0% per year compounded annually. The portion of the benefit attributable to the amount described in Article VI, Section 1(e), that may be payable prior to the Member’s earliest eligibility age for a Railroad Retirement annuity or Social Security annuity, is not subject to this actuarial adjustment. An election by a Member who is married when the Member retires to receive a retirement benefit in a form other than provided in this paragraph or in Section 3 of this Article VIII shall not be effective unless the Member’s spouse consents to the election as provided in this Article.

    (c)    The normal form of benefit computed under Article VI for a Pre-2016 Member who is married when the Member retires, and who retires under Article V or Article IX, shall be a Post-retirement Survivor Annuity under which 50% of the Member’s retirement benefit shall be payable to the Member’s Surviving Spouse.

(d)    The normal form of benefit computed under Article VI for a Pre-2016 Member who is unmarried when the Member retires, and who retires under Article V or Article IX, shall be a joint and survivor annuity payable to him during life and after his death to his Eligible Surviving Child or Children, for as long as the Eligible Surviving Child or Children remain eligible, in an amount equal to 50% of the retirement benefit payable to the Member. Each payment shall be divided equally among the Eligible Surviving Children at the time of each payment. The benefit payable to the Eligible Surviving Children shall commence on the first day of the calendar month




27


in which the death of the retired Member occurs unless the Member elected a temporary early retirement benefit under Section 4(a) of Article V and dies prior to attaining age 60, in which case the survivor benefit payable under this section will be an amount equal to one‑half of the temporary early retirement benefit paid to the Member, not to exceed $250 per month, payable until the Member would have attained age 60, and thereafter, an amount equal to 50% of the retirement benefit payable to the Member.

(e)    If an individual became a Member on or before August 26, 1999, and the Member was previously a participant in the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation and accrued a benefit that was transferred to the Plan and the Member is unmarried, has no Eligible Surviving Child or Children, and retires under Article V or Article IX, unless he elects otherwise under Section 4 of this Article VIII, the Member shall receive the benefit he accrued under the Conrail Plan (excluding any benefit described in Article 14 of the Conrail Plan as in effect on or after August 1, 1998) or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation in the form of a joint and survivor annuity payable to him during life and after his death to his Eligible Surviving Parent or Parents for life in an amount equal to 50% of the Conrail Plan benefit payable to the Member. This survivor’s benefit is not available for the portion of the Member’s retirement benefit computed under Article VI in excess of the benefit he accrued under the Conrail Plan. The survivor’s benefit shall be payable jointly to the Eligible Surviving Parent or Parents for as long as either or both parents shall live. In lieu of the Eligible Surviving Parent or Parents benefit described in the preceding sentence, a Member may elect to provide a designated Eligible Surviving Parent with the full amount of the survivor’s benefit for the parent’s life, with the full amount of the survivor’s benefit continued thereafter for the life of the other Eligible Surviving Parent. The benefit payable to the Eligible Surviving Parents shall commence on the first day of the calendar month in which the death of the retired Member occurs unless the Member elected a temporary early retirement benefit under Section 4(a) of Article V and dies prior to attaining age 60, in which case the survivor benefit payable under this section will not commence until the first calendar month in which the Member would have attained age 60.

    (f)    In the case of a Pre-2016 Member who is married and dies prior to retirement after attaining age 60, his Surviving Spouse shall be entitled to a survivor annuity equal to 50% of the retirement benefit that would have been payable to such Member assuming he had retired on the last day of the month in which he dies, without the 1/180th reduction in the benefit for each calendar month the Member is under age 62 at the time of his death as provided under Section 2 of Article VI. In the case of a Post-2015 Member who is married and dies prior to retirement after attaining age 60, his Surviving Spouse shall be entitled to a survivor annuity equal to 50% of the retirement benefit that would have been payable to such Member assuming he had retired on the last day of the month in which he dies and applying any early retirement reduction for each calendar month the Member was under age 62 at the time of his death as provided under Section 2 of Article VI.

2.    (a)    A Member who is vested under Article IX and who dies prior to age 60, shall have a benefit payable to his Surviving Spouse in the form of a preretirement survivor annuity. The benefit payable to such Surviving Spouse shall be an amount payable monthly for life equal to 50% of the benefit the deceased Member would have been eligible to receive assuming he had separated




28


from service on the earlier of his date of death or his termination of service, survived to age 60, retired and died on the day after attaining age 60. The benefit payable shall not be reduced by 1/180th for any calendar month which a Pre-2016 Member is under age 62 at the time of his death, as provided under Section 2 of Article VI. The benefit payable shall be reduced by any early retirement reduction for each calendar month which the Post-2015 Member was under age 62 at the time of his death as provided under Section 2 of Article VI. In all events, this benefit will be reduced by the amounts under paragraphs (e) through (k) of Section 1 of Article VI, when such amounts would have been payable to the Member.

A Surviving Spouse of a Member who is vested under Article IX and who dies prior to attaining age 60 may elect to commence the preretirement survivor annuity at an earlier date provided the Member could have retired and commenced his benefit on the earlier date. The benefit payable to such Surviving Spouse shall be an amount payable monthly for life equal to 50% of the benefit the deceased Member would have been eligible to receive under the normal form of benefit described in Section 1(b) or 1(c) of this Article VIII, as applicable, had he separated from service on the earlier of his actual separation date or his date of death, retired on the early retirement date and died on the day after early retirement.

The provisions of this Section 2(a) shall be applicable in the case of any Member who has at least one Hour of Service under the Plan on or after August 23, 1984.

(b)    A Member who is vested under Article IX may elect in writing, at any time, to have a benefit payable to his Surviving Spouse if he dies in active service, or during a period of Disability Service, after attaining age 35 and prior to attaining age 60. The benefit payable to such Surviving Spouse shall be equal to 50% of the benefit the deceased Member would have been eligible to receive assuming he had reached age 60 and retired on the last day of the month in which he dies, having elected the normal form of payment described in Section 1(b) or 1(c) of this Article VIII, as applicable, and without the reduction in benefit for commencement prior to age 62 at the time of his death as provided under Section 2 of Article VI. The benefit at the Member's death shall be an amount payable monthly to the Surviving Spouse for life following the Member's death. This option shall not become effective until six months after the election is made or upon furnishing proof of health satisfactory to the Board of Managers. If the Member's spouse dies or is divorced from the Member, or if the Member's service is terminated for any reason prior to his death, or when the Member attains age 60, his election shall be automatically terminated. A Member may revoke in writing, at any time, an election made under this Section 2(b). A Member electing this option shall have his retirement benefit reduced by an amount equal to 1/144th of 1% per month for each month that the election is in effect from and including age 35 through age 49 and 1/72nd of 1% per month for each month that the election is in effect from and including age 50 through age 59, computed as of the time that the election terminates or is revoked, in order to reflect the actuarial cost of the protection.

(i)    If a Pre-2016 Member has elected a benefit under this Section 2(b), retires under Section 4(a) of Article V and dies prior to attaining age 60, his Surviving Spouse shall be entitled to receive a monthly survivor benefit equal to the greater of one‑half of the temporary monthly early retirement benefit paid to the Member or the benefit otherwise payable under this




29


Section 2(b), to include the actuarial reduction provided for in this Section 2(b) for the period from the Member's retirement to his death.

(c)    Any Member who separated from service prior to August 23, 1984, but subsequent to December 31, 1975, with a vested benefit shall be entitled to the preretirement survivor annuity benefit provided by Section 2(a) of this Article VIII, if:

(i)    The Member had at least one Hour of Service on or after January 1, 1976,

(ii)    The provisions of Section 2(a) of this Article VIII would not (but for this paragraph) have applied to such Member,
(iii)    Such Member was alive and had not attained age 60 on or before August 23, 1984.

(d)    If a Member who is married and retires under Section 4(a) of Article V dies prior to attaining age 60, his Surviving Spouse shall be entitled to a survivor benefit equal to one‑half of the temporary early retirement benefit paid to the Member, not to exceed $250 per month payable until the Member would have attained age 60. Thereafter, the Surviving Spouse is entitled to a survivor annuity equal to 50% of the retirement benefit payable to the Member in accordance with Section 1(c) of this Article VIII, reduced for any benefit payable under Section 4 of this Article VIII.

3.    A Member may elect in writing not more than 90 days before retirement to receive his retirement benefit computed under Article VI in the form of a Post-retirement Survivor Annuity payable as a reduced retirement benefit to him during life and after his death to his Surviving Spouse during life at the option of the Member, in an amount

(a)
equal to, or

(b)    75% of

the reduced retirement benefit payable to the Member. Such election shall become inoperative if the Member’s spouse dies before the Member's retirement, or if the Member's marriage is dissolved before the Member’s retirement, or if the Member revokes his election within the 90-day period before the Member’s retirement. A Member whose election becomes inoperative for any of such reasons may make a new election. A Member electing an option under this Section 3 shall have his retirement benefit reduced by a percentage computed on the basis of actuarial values to reflect the actuarial cost of this protection in excess of the standard survivor annuity, which is provided in Section 1(c) of this Article VIII for Pre-2016 Members and which is provided in Section 1(a) of this Article VIII for Post-2015 Members. For this purpose, the actuarial values shall be based on mortality as shown in Exhibit C and interest at the rate of 6.0% per year compounded annually. In addition, for purposes of determining the actuarial adjustment for a Member who retires after December 31, 2015, the portion of the benefit attributable to the amount described in Article VI,




30


Section 1(e), that may be payable prior to the Member’s earliest eligibility age for a Railroad Retirement annuity or Social Security annuity, is not subject to this actuarial adjustment.

A Member shall have only one opportunity while the Member is in active service or during Disability Service to elect a Post-retirement Survivor Annuity that provides a 100% survivor annuity or a 75% survivor annuity pursuant to the preceding paragraph. If such annuity does not commence as of the Member’s retirement, either because the Member revokes his election or because the Member does not retire, the Member may not elect a similar annuity option until after the Member’s termination of employment.

A Member whose employment has terminated shall have only one opportunity to revoke his election of a particular retirement date. The second time a Member elects a retirement date after his termination of employment, the Member’s benefit shall be required to commence as of the retirement date the Member has elected, although the Member may revoke his election of a particular form of payment during the 90-day period preceding the Member’s retirement, as provided above.

4.    If an individual became a Member on or before August 26, 1999, and the Member was previously a participant in the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation and accrued a benefit that was transferred to the Plan, and has not retired, then the Member may elect with spousal consent (or without spousal consent if there is no spouse) in writing not more than 90 days before the Member’s retirement to receive the benefit he accrued under the Conrail Plan (excluding any benefit described in Article 14 of the Conrail Plan as in effect on or after August 1, 1998) or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation in the form of a joint and survivor annuity payable as a reduced retirement benefit to him during life and after his death to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries during life, in an amount

(a)
equal to,

(b)
75% of,

(c)
50% of, or

(d)
1% of

the reduced Conrail Plan benefit payable to the Member. The portion of the Member’s retirement benefit computed under Article VI in excess of the benefit he accrued under the Conrail Plan will be payable in the form of an annuity for life.


5.    A Member may cause any of the options provided in Sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Article VIII to be applicable to him (with spousal consent, where required), and his retirement benefit shall be actuarially reduced to reflect the protections of such options.





31


6.    Elections made by a Member prior to the Effective Date under any plan merged into or now forming a part of this Plan or the plan of a Participating Subsidiary shall be effective for the Plan.

7.    The benefit payable to a Surviving Spouse or Eligible Child of a retired Member shall commence on the first day of the calendar month in which the death of the retired Member occurs. The benefit payable to a Surviving Spouse under the provisions of Sections 1(f) or 2(b) of this Article VIII shall commence on the first day of the calendar month following the month in which the death of the Member occurs. The benefit payable to a Surviving Spouse under the provisions of Section 2(a) of this Article VIII shall commence with the first calendar month in which the Member would have attained age 60, unless the Surviving Spouse elects otherwise under Section 2(a) of this Article VIII.

8.    If the present value of the retirement benefit payable under this Article VIII is greater than $5,000 but less than or equal to $9,000, the Pre-2016 Member may elect with spousal consent (or without spousal consent if there is no spouse) distribution of his benefit upon retirement or termination of the Member’s employment with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary in (a) lump sum, (b) an immediate annuity, (c) a combination of partial lump sum and a partial immediate annuity or (d) a combination of partial lump sum or partial immediate annuity and a partial deferred benefit to be paid in the form permitted under this Article VIII. If the present value of the retirement benefit payable under this Article VIII is greater than $5,000 but less than or equal to $9,000, the Post-2015 Member may elect with spousal consent (or without spousal consent if there is no spouse) distribution of his benefit upon retirement or termination of the Member’s employment with NSC or a Participating Subsidiary in (a) lump sum, (b) an immediate annuity, or (c) a deferred benefit to be paid in the form permitted under this Article VIII. For purposes of this section, the present value of the lump sum benefit for a Pre-2016 Member shall be calculated based on (a) mortality as shown in Exhibit C and interest at the rate of 6.0% per year compounded annually, or (b) the "applicable mortality table," as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code, and the “applicable interest rate” as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(C) for November of the year preceding the Plan Year, whichever will provide the greater lump sum to the Member. For purposes of this section, the present value of the lump sum benefit for a Post-2015 Member shall be calculated based on the "applicable mortality table," as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code, and the “applicable interest rate” as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(C) for November of the year preceding the Plan Year. The lump sum distribution will be paid as soon as administratively feasible to the Member or, if the Member so elects in writing, to the trustee of an "eligible retirement plan", as defined in Section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Code or to a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code. If a Member who has received a lump sum distribution of the present value of his retirement benefit is subsequently rehired by the Corporation, he shall again participate in the Plan as of his date of re‑employment and his prior period of service shall be restored for purposes of Article IX, except that his prior period of Creditable Service shall not be counted for purposes of determining his Accrued Benefit on his subsequent retirement or other termination of employment.
  
9. If the present value of the benefit that becomes payable on account of a Member’s death prior to commencement of benefits is greater than $5,000 but less than or equal to $9,000, the Surviving Spouse may elect distribution of the benefit be made in a lump sum. For purposes of this




32


section, the present value of the lump sum benefit for a Pre-2016 Member shall be calculated based on (a) mortality as shown in Exhibit C and interest at the rate of 6.0% per year compounded annually, or (b) the "applicable mortality table," as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code, and the “applicable interest rate” as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(C) for November of the year preceding the Plan Year, whichever will provide the greater lump sum to the Surviving Spouse. For purposes of this section, the present value of the lump sum benefit for a Post-2015 Member shall be calculated based on the "applicable mortality table," as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(B) of the Code, and the “applicable interest rate” as defined in Section 417(e)(3)(C) for November of the year preceding the Plan Year. The lump sum distribution will be paid as soon as administratively feasible to the Surviving Spouse. If the Surviving Spouse so elects in writing, the lump sum distribution will be paid to the trustee of an "eligible retirement plan" as defined in Section 402(c)(8)(B) of the Code or to a Roth IRA described in Section 408A of the Code.

10.    A Member shall make a written application to receive his benefit under the Plan in the manner and on the form specified by the Board of Managers.

11.    (a) A Member shall be provided with a written notice that includes (i) a general description of the material features of each form of distribution available under the Plan, including the terms and conditions of the Post-retirement Survivor Annuity, (ii) an explanation of the financial effect of electing each form of distribution available under the Plan, (iii) the Member’s right to make and effect of an election to waive the Post-retirement Survivor Annuity, (iv) the rights of the Participant’s spouse, (v) the right to withdraw a previous election to waive the Post-retirement Survivor Annuity, (vi) an explanation of the Member’s right to defer receipt of the distribution until the Member’s Normal Retirement Date and the consequences of failing to do so, and (vii) if the distribution is payable as a lump sum distribution, an explanation of the Member’s right to make a direct rollover.

     (b) This written explanation shall be provided to the Member no more than 180 and no less than 30 days before the Member’s retirement date, subject to the following exception:

(i) The written explanation may be provided less than 30 days before the Member’s retirement date provided that the Member is given a specified period of at least 30 days to make the election (and that other Plan requirements are satisfied); and

(ii) A Member may affirmatively elect, with spousal consent, to waive the minimum 30-day election period. The waiver of the minimum 30-day period will be effective only if:

(A) the Member and the Member’s spouse have been informed of the right to have a minimum 30-day election period to consider whether to waive the Post-retirement Survivor Annuity;

(B) the distribution begins at least 7 days after the date that the written explanation is provided; and





33


(C) the Member is permitted to revoke an election, and the spouse is permitted to revoke a consent, until the later of the date the Member’s benefits commence or the expiration of the 7-day period that begins the day after the written explanation is provided.
 

12. Any spousal consent that is required to waive the Post-retirement Survivor Annuity must be in writing and shall not be effective if the Member is married unless:

(a) the Member’s spouse consents to the election in writing, and such consent (i) acknowledges the Participant’s selection of an alternative form of benefit, (ii) acknowledges the effect of the election, and (iii) is witnessed by a notary public; or

(b) it is established to the satisfaction of the Board of Managers or its designee that the spouse’s consent cannot be obtained because (i) the Member has no spouse, or (ii) the Member’s spouse cannot be located, or (iii) one of the conditions prescribed in Treasury regulations is satisfied.
13. Proof of the Member’s death and of eligibility under this Article VIII satisfactory to the Administrator must be furnished before benefits shall be paid to any survivor hereunder.


ARTICLE IX.    VESTING AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

1.    A Member who has completed 5 Years of Service or 60 Months of Service (including, solely for this purpose, the periods described in Section 6 of this Article IX), attained age 62, or is otherwise vested shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100% of his Normal Retirement Benefit under the Plan.

2.    A Pre-2016 Member whose service terminates after 10 years of Creditable Service, and before attainment of age 60, shall be eligible to receive his retirement benefit beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which he attains age 60 calculated pursuant to Section 1 of Article VI. A Post-2015 Member whose service terminates after 10 years of Creditable Service and before attainment of age 60 shall be eligible to receive his unreduced retirement benefit beginning on the last day of the calendar month following his Normal Retirement Date. A Member whose service terminates after 10 years of Creditable Service, may elect to receive his Normal Retirement Benefit, actuarially reduced based on mortality for employees as shown in Exhibit A and interest at the rate of 7.5% per year compounded annually, beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which he attains age 55. The actuarial reduction under this Section 2 shall consist of adjusting the Normal Retirement Benefit to an actuarially equivalent constant benefit amount (if it is not already a constant benefit amount during the Member’s lifetime), and then actuarially reducing the constant benefit amount for commencement at the earlier age. For purposes of all actuarial adjustments determined under this Section 2, all calculations will be determined based upon a benefit amount payable in a constant amount over the Member’s lifetime with no survivor benefits payable.

3.    A Pre-2016 Member who is vested, and whose service terminates prior to 10 years of Creditable Service and before attainment of age 60, shall be eligible to receive his retirement




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benefit calculated pursuant to Section 1 of Article VI beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which he attains age 62; provided, however, that the Member may elect to receive his retirement benefit beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the Member’s attainment of age 60, in which case the Member’s retirement benefit shall be reduced in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(a)(i) of Article VI. A Post-2015 Member who is vested, and whose service terminates prior to 10 years of Creditable Service and on or after attainment of age 55 but before attainment of age 60, shall be eligible to receive his retirement benefit calculated pursuant to Section 1 of Article VI beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the calendar month in which he attains age 62; provided, however, that the Member may elect to receive his retirement benefit beginning on the last day of the calendar month following the Member’s attainment of age 60, in which case the Member’s retirement benefit shall be reduced in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(b)(i)(A) of Article VI. A Post-2015 Member who is vested, and whose service terminates prior to 10 years of Creditable Service and prior to attainment of age 55, shall be eligible to receive his unreduced retirement benefit beginning on the last day of the calendar month following his Normal Retirement Date; provided, however, he may elect to receive his retirement benefit at any time upon his attainment of age 60, actuarially reduced from the age when the Member’s Normal Retirement Benefit becomes payable based on mortality for employees as shown in Exhibit A and interest at the rate of 7.5% per year compounded annually. For a Post-2015 Member, the actuarial reduction under this Section 3 shall consist of actuarially reducing the constant benefit amount for commencement at the earlier age. For purposes of all actuarial adjustments determined under this Section 3, all calculations will be determined based upon a benefit amount payable in a constant amount over the Member’s lifetime with no survivor benefits payable.

4.    A Pre-2016 Member with not less than 20 years of Creditable Service who is employed in a Nonagreement Position at age 50, may separate from service on or after attaining age 50, and prior to attaining age 55, and subsequently be eligible to receive his retirement benefit between attainment of ages 55 and 60. The retirement benefit shall be calculated as if the Member retired under Section 4(b) of Article V.

5.    If an individual became a Member on or before August 26, 1999, and the Member was previously a participant in the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation and accrued a benefit that was transferred to the Plan, the Member’s retirement benefit shall be determined in accordance with this Section 5.

(a)    If the Member had a least 3 years of vesting service (as determined under the Conrail Plan) on his transfer date, but less than 5 Years of Service, the vested percentage of the Member’s benefit shall be the greater of the percentage determined under the vesting provisions of the Conrail Plan (taking into account the Member’s service both before and after the transfer) and the percentage determined under the vesting provisions in Section 1 of this Article IX. If the Member receives a lump-sum distribution at a time when he is less than fully vested and the Member is subsequently re-employed, the Member’s prior period of Creditable Service shall be counted for purposes of determining his Accrued Benefit if the Member repays the full amount distributed to him, plus interest thereon, computed from the date of distribution to the date of repayment at the rate prescribed by Section 411(c)(2)(C) of the Code. Such repayment must be made by the earlier




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of (i) five years after the Member’s re-employment or (ii) the end of a period of five consecutive one-year breaks in service following the date of distribution.

(b)    The Member’s retirement benefit shall be the greater of (i) the amount computed under Sections 1 through 4 of this Article IX, and (ii) the Member’s vested benefit under the Conrail Plan (excluding any benefit described in Article 14 of the Conrail Plan as in effect on or after August 1, 1998) or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation. The benefit may commence on any date when the Member would have been eligible to receive the benefit under the Conrail Plan or the Retirement Plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation; provided, however, that the benefit computed under clause (i) shall be the actuarial equivalent of the single-life annuity commencing at age 65, based on mortality for employees as shown in Exhibit A and mortality for beneficiaries as shown in Exhibit B, and interest at the rate of 7.5% per year compounded annually.

6.    For the purpose of Section 1 of this Article IX, Years of Service and Months of Service shall consist of employment (including Disability Service, "qualified military service," as defined by section 414(u) of the Code, and leave provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act) by NSC, any Participating Subsidiary, any predecessor or constituent company of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, any corporation which is merged into NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, any railroad corporation substantially all of the assets of which are leased by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, Consolidated Rail Corporation (after April 1, 1976), or of any corporation 80% or more of the stock of which is owned by NSC or a Participating Subsidiary either directly or through subsidiaries.

7.    Each Member and each Surviving Spouse of a Member under the Plan shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100% of his Normal Retirement Benefit under the Plan as of the date of a Qualified Transfer (as defined in Section 1(j) of Article XXIII) in the same manner that would be required under Section 1 of Article XIII if the Plan were terminated immediately prior to the Qualified Transfer. Each former Member who separated from service during the one‑year period ending on the date of a Qualified Transfer shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100% of his Normal Retirement Benefit under the Plan as of the date of his separation from service in the same manner that would be required under Section 1 of Article XIII if the Plan were terminated immediately prior to his separation from service.

8.    If a member applies for benefits under this Article IX after the earliest date the Member would have been eligible to receive an unreduced benefit, the Plan shall pay to such Member, as soon as administratively feasible, all monthly benefit payments the Member would have received if his or her benefits had commenced on such date. In all events, the Member’s benefit as determined under this Section shall be calculated on the basis of the Member's Average Final Compensation, Creditable Service and the retirement benefit provisions of the Plan in effect for the Member on the date of the Member's termination of service.

ARTICLE X.    FUNDING

1.    The benefits under the Plan shall be financed by contributions made to the Fund by NSC or the Participating Subsidiaries and those assets which have been accumulated in the Fund.




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No contributions shall be required of Members. NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries intend to make contributions in such amounts and at such times as may be required to maintain the Plan in a sound actuarial condition consistent with the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Accordingly, a "funding standard account" shall be established and maintained for the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 412 of the Code.

2.    Any forfeitures shall be used to reduce the contributions of NSC or the Participating Subsidiaries and shall not be applied to increase the benefits any Member would otherwise receive under the Plan.

3.    The Fund shall be held in trust and shall be used to pay the benefits provided by the Plan and expenses not paid directly by NSC or the Participating Subsidiaries. No part of the corpus or income of the Fund shall be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of participants in or beneficiaries of the Plan prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan with respect thereto, and no person shall have any interest or right in the Fund except as expressly provided in the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Excess Pension Assets" (as defined in Section 1(e) of Article XXIII) of the Fund may be allocated to the "Medical Benefits Account" (as defined in Section 1(f) of Article XXIII) under the Plan pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 of Article XXIII and Sec. 420 of the Code.


ARTICLE XI.    ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN AND TRUST PROVISIONS

1.    The general administration of the Plan and the responsibility for carrying out its provisions shall be in a Board of Managers of not less than three persons appointed from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer to serve at the pleasure of the Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Managers and the Benefits Investment Committee shall each be a named fiduciary for its respective fiduciary duties under the Plan.

2.    Any person appointed a member of the Board of Managers shall signify his acceptance by filing written acceptance with the Secretary of NSC. Any member of the Board of Managers may resign by delivering his written resignation to the Secretary of NSC.

3.    The members of the Board of Managers shall appoint a Chairman, a Comptroller and a Secretary. The Comptroller, who shall not be a member of the Board of Managers, shall have access to all books, records, securities and accounts of the Fund and shall make such examinations thereof as he deems necessary. The Secretary, who may be but need not be a member of the Board of Managers, shall keep minutes of all meetings of the Board of Managers and all data, records and documents for the administration of the Plan. The Board of Managers may appoint from its members such committees with such powers as it shall determine, may authorize one or more of its members or any agent to execute or deliver any instrument or make any payment in its behalf, and may employ and suitably compensate counsel, agents and persons performing such clerical, accounting and actuarial services as it may require in administering the Plan.





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4.    The Board of Managers shall hold meetings upon such notice, at such place or places, and at such time or times as it may from time to time determine.

5.    Any act authorized or required to be performed by the Board of Managers may be done by a majority of its members. The action of such majority expressed from time to time by a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting shall constitute the action of the Board of Managers and shall have the same effect for all purposes as if assented to by all members of the Board of Managers.

6.    Subject to the limitations of the Plan, the Board of Managers from time to time shall establish rules for the administration of the Plan and the transaction of its business. The determination of the Board of Managers as to any disputed question shall be conclusive.

7.    The Board of Managers from time to time shall adopt service and mortality tables for use in all actuarial calculations required in connection with the Plan, shall establish the rates of contribution, and shall establish the rate of regular interest which shall be used in all actuarial calculations required in connection with the Plan. As an aid to the Board of Managers in adopting tables and in fixing the rates of contribution under the Plan, the actuary designated by the Board of Managers shall make annual actuarial valuations of the assets and liabilities of the Plan, and shall certify to the Board of Managers the tables and rates which he recommends for use by the Board of Managers. The Board of Managers shall be entitled to rely upon all tables, valuations, certificates and reports furnished by such actuary and upon all opinions given by counsel (who may be counsel for NSC) selected by the Board of Managers, and the Board of Managers shall be fully protected in respect of any action taken by it in good faith in reliance upon any such material or opinions.

8.    The Board of Managers shall maintain records showing the fiscal transactions of the Plan and shall keep in convenient form such data as may be necessary for actuarial valuations of the Plan. The Board of Managers shall prepare annually a report showing in reasonable detail the assets and liabilities of the Plan and giving a brief account of its operation for the past year. In preparing such report, the Board of Managers shall be entitled to rely on any statement of assets submitted to it by a trustee or custodian of the Fund and shall be under no obligation to check or verify any such statement. Such report shall be submitted to the Board of Directors and a copy thereof shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of the Board of Managers, where it shall be open to inspection of any Member.

9.    The Board of Managers has the authority to determine the amount and timing of any benefit paid under the Plan. The Board of Managers delegates to the staff of the Human Resources Department the authority to conduct the day-to-day operations of the Plan, including but not limited to making an initial determination regarding: the eligibility of a person to participate in the Plan; whether a Member, Surviving Spouse, or alternate payee is entitled to benefits under the Plan; and the amount of any benefit payment. If a Member, Surviving Spouse, or alternate payee receives a benefit overpayment, including an overpayment as a result of a benefit commencing earlier or in a larger amount than provided for under the terms of the Plan, then future benefit payments may be offset, in a nondiscriminatory manner, to recoup the overpayment.





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10.    The Board of Managers shall have the absolute and exclusive right in its discretion to interpret the Plan (excluding Article XXV, for which the LTD Plan’s Board of Managers has this exclusive right, as provided in Section 3 of that Article) and to decide all matters arising hereunder, including but not limited to resolving issues relating to a Participant’s eligibility for Plan benefits and the nature, amount, conditions and duration of any Plan benefit, and the right to remedy possible ambiguities, inconsistencies, or omissions.

In the event of a claim by a claimant with respect to benefits or denial of benefits hereunder, such claimant shall, not later than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the events giving rise to such claim, present the reason for his or her claim in writing to the Secretary of the Board of Managers. The Secretary of the Board of Managers shall, within ninety (90) days after receipt of such written claim, send a written notification to the claimant as to the disposition of the claim or, if the claim concerns the right of a person to a Disability Benefit under Article XXV, refer the claim to the Secretary of the Board of Managers of the LTD Plan for resolution pursuant to this section. In the event the claim is wholly or partially denied, such written notification shall (a) state the specific reason or reasons for the denial, (b) make specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based, (c) provide a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and (d) set forth the procedure by which the claimant may appeal the denial of his or her claim, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 following a denial on review.

In the event a claimant wishes to appeal the denial of his or her claim, he or she may request a review of such denial by making application in writing to the Board of Managers within sixty (60) days after receipt of such denial. Such claimant (or his or her duly authorized legal representative) may, upon written request to the Secretary of the Board of Managers (or, with respect to a claim for a Disability Benefit, upon written request to the Secretary of the Board of Managers for the LTD Plan), review without charge any documents, records, or other information pertinent to his or her claim, and submit in writing issues and comments in support of his or her position. The Board of Managers’ review shall take into account all information submitted by the Employee relating to the claim, without regard to whether the information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination. Within sixty (60) days after receipt of a written appeal (unless special circumstances, such as the need to hold a hearing, require an extension of time, but in no event more than one hundred twenty (120) days after such receipt), the Board of Managers shall notify the claimant of the final decision. If an extension of time is required, the Secretary of the Board of Managers shall provide the claimant with a written notice within the initial 60-day period explaining the circumstances that require the extension and the date by which the Board of Managers expects to reach a final decision. The final decision shall be in writing. If the decision is adverse, it shall include the specific reasons for the decision, written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant; specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based; a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all information relevant to the claim; and a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.





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Notwithstanding any provision in this section to the contrary, a claim for a Disability Benefit under Article XXV shall be made to the Secretary of the Board of Managers of the LTD Plan, and any appeal concerning such Disability Benefit shall be made to, and decided by, the LTD Plan's Board of Managers, in accordance with the time frames and procedures for claims and appeals under the LTD Plan.

All determinations of the Board of Managers with respect to any matter under this Plan shall be conclusive and binding on all persons, except that all determinations of the LTD Plan’s Board of Managers shall be conclusive and binding as to the right of any person to a Disability Benefit under Article XXV. Unless and until a claimant has exhausted the administrative review procedure set forth in this section with respect to every issue deemed relevant by the claimant, a claimant may not file in any court:

(a)
a claim or action to recover benefits allegedly due under the provisions of the Plan or by reason of any law, nor
 
(b)
a claim or action to enforce rights under the Plan, nor
 
(c)
a claim or action to clarify rights to future benefits under the Plan, nor
 
(d)
any other claim or action that (i) relates to the Plan and (ii) seeks a remedy, ruling, or judgment of any kind against the Plan, the Plan Administrator, a Plan fiduciary, or a party in interest with respect to the Plan.

11.    The Board of Managers shall have authority to incur such expenses and liabilities and to have the same discharged out of the Fund as in its judgment may be in the interest of the Plan.

12.    The Board of Managers shall exercise such authority and responsibility as it deems appropriate in order to comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and governmental regulations issued thereunder relating to records of Members' service; accrued benefits and the percentage of such benefits which are nonforfeitable under the Plan; notifications to Members; annual reports to the Internal Revenue Service; annual reports to the Department of Labor; and reports to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

13.    A trust ("Trust") is hereby created hereunder for the purpose of holding and administering the assets constituting the Fund. The Fund shall be held and administered by the Board of Managers as trustee, in accordance with the terms of the Plan and related Trust. By execution of this Agreement, or by separate written acknowledgment, each member of the Board of Managers hereby accepts the Trust created hereunder, and agrees to perform all duties specified herein.

The chief financial officer, with approval of the Board of Managers, may enter into one or more trusts or custodial arrangements with responsible trust companies or other financial institutions to serve as trustees or custodians of the Fund.




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ARTICLE XII.    MANAGEMENT OF FUND

1.    A Benefits Investment Committee comprised of the chief financial officer, chief legal officer and chief administrative officer shall establish such policies for the investment of the Fund as it shall from time to time deem advisable. Such policies need not limit investment of the Fund to assets which are customarily denominated legal investments. The chief financial officer, subject to such investment policies and reporting requirements as may from time to time be established by the Benefits Investment Committee, shall be authorized to make such investments, exchanges or sales, whether of stocks, bonds, notes or other forms of securities, as he may deem in the interest of the Plan.

2.    The chief financial officer, with approval of the Benefits Investment Committee, may enter into such contracts, trust agreements or other arrangements as it deems desirable with investment managers, banks or financial institutions to invest or manage the investment of the Fund. Any expense incurred for services in connection with the foregoing shall be a proper charge against the Fund.

3.    For convenience in effecting transfers of securities, the chief financial officer may execute powers of assignment or other necessary papers or may hold such securities in the name of a nominee, provided that the books and records of the Fund at all times reflect actual ownership. Shares of stock may be voted by general proxy executed by a member of the Benefits Investment Committee or by a general proxy executed by a nominee in accordance with instructions given by the Benefits Investment Committee or a member thereof who has been duly authorized to give such instructions by a general resolution of the Benefits Investment Committee.

4.    The Benefits Investment Committee shall hold meetings upon such notice, at such place or places, and at such time or times as it may from time to time determine. The chief financial officer shall serve as Chairman of the Benefits Committee. Any act authorized or required to be performed by the Benefits Investment Committee may be done by a majority of its members. The action of such majority expressed from time to time by a vote at a meeting or in writing without a meeting shall constitute the action of the Benefits Investment Committee and shall have the same effect for all purposes as if assented to by all members of the Benefits Investment Committee.


ARTICLE XIII.    CERTAIN RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF NSC AND THE PARTICIPATING SUBSIDIARIES

1.    The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan or reduce, discontinue or suspend contributions thereto at any time for any reason. In the event of termination or partial termination of the Plan or discontinuance or suspension of contributions to the Plan, the rights of all affected Members to benefits accrued to the date of such termination, discontinuance or suspension shall be nonforfeitable.





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2.    In the event of termination of the Plan, the assets of the Fund shall be used for the exclusive benefit of Members, retired Members, and their survivors receiving benefits under the Plan, except that any such assets not required to satisfy all liabilities of the Plan for benefits because of erroneous actuarial calculations shall be returned to NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries.

3.    In the event the Plan is terminated, the Board of Managers shall allocate the assets of the Fund among the Members, retired Members and their survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan in the following order:

(a)    First, among Members, retired Members or their survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan having unrefunded contributions together with interest at such rate as the Board of Managers may determine (not in excess of the aggregate increment actually earned thereon).

(b)    Second, among Members, retired Members or their survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan who:

(i)    were receiving benefits three years prior to termination, but limited to the lesser of the lowest benefit level in that period or the lowest benefit level that would have been paid under the provisions of the Plan as in effect during the five years prior to termination; or

(ii)    were eligible to retire and receive benefits three years prior to termination, but limited to the lowest benefit level that would have been paid under the provisions of the Plan as in effect during the five years prior to termination.

(c)    Third, among Members, retired Members or their survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan whose benefits are guaranteed under Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

(d)    Fourth, among Members, retired Members or their survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan having other vested benefits under the Plan.

(e)    Fifth, among Members having other benefits under the Plan.

If the assets of the Fund applicable to any of the above categories are insufficient to satisfy in full the described benefits for all individuals in such group, the assets shall be allocated pro rata among such individuals on the basis of the present value (as of the termination date) of their respective benefits.

4.    The Board of Managers shall determine on the basis of actuarial valuation the share of the assets allocable to each retired or deceased Member and each of Member’s survivors entitled to benefits under the Plan and to each active Member in the order specified in Section 3 of this Article XIII. The Board of Managers may, subject to Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, distribute such shares in cash or may apply shares to the purpose of immediate or deferred annuities or other periodic payments, as it shall in its sole discretion determine.





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5.    The establishment and existence of the Plan shall not be construed as conferring any legal rights upon any Employee to a continuation of employment, nor shall it interfere with the right of NSC or any Participating Subsidiary to discharge any Employee and to treat him without regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him as a Member of the Plan. No Member, and no Surviving Spouse of any Member, even after payment of any benefit under the Plan shall have been approved, shall be entitled to have any part of the capital or income or other property of the Fund set aside for his or her benefit. All sums of money distributable as benefits shall be paid only from the Fund.


ARTICLE XIV.    NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS

To the extent permitted by applicable law, no benefit under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt so to do shall be void, except as specifically provided in the Plan; nor shall any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the person entitled to such benefit.


ARTICLE XV.    REFUND OF EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONS

Members' unrefunded contributions, with interest at such rate as the Board of Managers may determine (not in excess of the aggregate increment actually earned thereon), shall be refunded, provided that the Member's Agreement Service constituted Creditable Service under Article IV:

1.    To the Member upon his request.

2.    To the Member upon his resignation or dismissal from service, except that if the Member has met the conditions of Article IX the refund shall be made only upon his request.

3.    Upon a Member's death before retirement, to a person designated by a writing filed with the Secretary prior to the death of such Member, or, in the absence of such designation or in the event of the death or disability of the person designated, in accordance with law.

4.    Upon a Member's death after retirement (unless a spouse's pension is payable under Article VIII), any part of the amount which has been contributed by such Member and which has not been disbursed to him and his spouse as a retirement benefit under paragraph (b) of Section 1 of Article VI, to a person designated in writing filed with the Secretary.

5.    Upon retirement under the Railroad Retirement Act on account of disability without relinquishment of rights to return to the service of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary, to the Member but the refund shall be made only upon his request.







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ARTICLE XVI.    AMENDMENTS

NSC reserves the right at any time and from time to time to modify or amend in whole or in part, and retroactively if deemed necessary or appropriate, any or all of the provisions of the Plan in any manner; provided that no such modification or amendment, may be made (unless required in order to preserve the qualified status of the Plan under Section 401(a) or any comparable section of the Code, or as may be required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) which would deprive any retired Member or the Surviving Spouse of a retired or deceased Member, without the consent of such person, of any benefits under the Plan to which he would otherwise be entitled; and in no event shall any modification or amendment make it possible for any part of the assets of the Fund to be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than for the exclusive benefit of participants in and beneficiaries of the Plan prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities under the Plan with respect thereto. No amendment may be made that causes the elimination or reduction of any Plan benefit that would be prohibited under the provisions of Code Section 411(d)(6). The Plan may be amended by any proper officer of the Corporation to effect changes which are, in his or her sole judgment and discretion, ministerial, substantively administrative, or necessary to comply with statutory or other legally mandated requirements, and the implementation of which does not result in a material cost to the Corporation or to the Plan. All other amendments to the Plan shall be made by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.


ARTICLE XVII.    PARTICIPATION BY SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES ‑ JOINT ADMINISTRATION OF OTHER PLANS

Conditional upon prior approval by NSC, any company which is a subsidiary of or affiliated with NSC may adopt and participate in this Plan as a Participating Subsidiary. Each Participating Subsidiary shall make, execute and deliver such instruments as NSC and/or the Board of Managers shall deem necessary or desirable, and shall constitute NSC and/or the Board of Managers as its agents to act for it in all transactions in which NSC and/or the Board of Managers believe such agency will facilitate the administration of this Plan.

Any company which is a subsidiary of or affiliated with NSC and which adopts a plan for the benefit of its employees may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, enter into an agreement with the Board of Managers to administer such plan.


ARTICLE XVIII.    MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION

The Plan may not be merged or consolidated with, or its assets may not be transferred to any other plan, unless each participant in the Plan would (if the Plan then terminated) receive a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation or transfer of assets which is equal to or greater than the benefit he would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation or transfer of assets (if the Plan had then terminated).






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ARTICLE XIX.    CONSTRUCTION

The Plan and the rights and obligations of all persons having an interest therein shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ARTICLE XX.    CANADIAN MEMBERS

Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, effective January 1, 1987, the Plan shall comply with the requirements of the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, of Canada (hereinafter called the Pension Act) and applicable regulations thereunder, and shall be administered by NSC, but only with respect to Members or Former Members protected thereby. A Former Member is any person who has ceased membership in the Plan or has retired from the Plan. The following sections of this Article XX are included in compliance with requirements of the Pension Act for certain explicit provisions or statements in the Plan and shall apply with respect to Members or Former Members protected by the Pension Act notwithstanding anything to the contrary or inconsistent therewith in the Plan. An employee protected by the Pension Act can choose not to be a Member of this Plan because of his religious beliefs. Whenever used herein, words in the masculine form shall be deemed to refer to females as well as males. The gender of a Member or Former Member or spouse does not determine the amount of any benefit to which the Member, Former Member or spouse may be entitled under the Plan.

1.    For Members who become a Member of the Plan on or after April 1, 2000, the retirement benefit of a Member protected by the Pension Act shall be calculated and payable in Canadian dollars, and such benefit shall be reduced by 66-2/3% of any pension payable under the Canada Pension Plan or a provincial pension plan as defined in section 3 of the Canada Pension Plan on the basis of service under the Canada Pension Plan applicable to Creditable Service under the Plan, assuming that such pension commenced at the earliest eligibility age following retirement. This reduction shall be in addition to any applicable offset described in paragraphs (e) through (k) of section 1 of Article VI.

2.    Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, a Member or Former Member protected by the Pension Act may retire ten years prior to the ages specified in Sections 1 through 3 of Article V; provided, however, that the Creditable Service requirements in Article VI are met; and provided further that the Member's or Former Member's retirement benefit shall be the actuarial present value of the retirement benefit which would have been payable to the Member or Former Member pursuant to Article VI calculated on the basis of actual Creditable Service and Average Final Compensation at the time of retirement.

3.    The provisions of Article IX shall apply with respect to Members protected by the Pension Act; provided, however, any Member who has completed 2 Years of Service as defined in Section 6 of Article IX shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100% of his accrued retirement benefit under the Plan. A Member or Former Member who has vested under this Section 3 and has terminated service shall be entitled to all applicable benefits under the Plan.





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4.    (a)    Notwithstanding any provisions of Article VIII to the contrary, a Member or Former Member protected by the Pension Act who has a spouse at the time his retirement benefit commences shall receive such retirement benefit in the form of a joint and survivor annuity payable to him during life and after his death to his spouse during life in an amount equal to 60% of the amount payable to the Member or Former Member. The initial amount of the retirement benefit shall be reduced 3% unless there is no spouse entitled to receive a benefit upon the Member's or Former Member's death. For purposes of this Section 3 of Article XX, the term "spouse" means: (1) if there is no person described in clause (2), a person who is married to the Member or Former Member or who is a party to a void marriage with the Member or Former Member or (2) a person of the opposite sex who is cohabitating with the Member or Former Member in a conjugal relationship at the relevant time, having so cohabitated for at least one year.

(b)    Where a Member (or Former Member with an accrued vested benefit remaining in the Plan) dies prior to becoming eligible for an early retirement benefit pursuant to Section 1 of this Article XX, the surviving spouse, if any, is entitled to receive, when the surviving spouse attains the requisite age specified in Section 1 of this Article XX, that portion of the Member's or Former Member's accrued vested benefit, to which the Member would have been entitled on his date of death if the Member had terminated employment on that day and had not died.

(c)    A Member or Former Member who is vested under Section 2 of this Article XX may elect in writing to have a retirement benefit immediately payable to his spouse pursuant to the provisions of Section 2(b) of Article VIII; provided, however, such benefit shall be equal to 60% of the benefit the deceased Member or Former Member would have been eligible to receive assuming he had retired on the last day of the month in which he dies.

(d)    A Member who dies after becoming eligible for an early retirement benefit pursuant to Section 1 of this Article XX, but prior to the commencement of such benefit, shall be deemed to have retired on the date of his death for purposes of the survivor benefit provided in subsection (a) hereof.

5.    Except as otherwise provided in the next paragraph, no benefit under the Plan of any Member or Former Member protected by the Pension Act is capable of being assigned, charged, anticipated or given as security or confers on a Member or Former Member, that person's personal representative or dependent or other person, any right or interest therein that is capable of being assigned, charged, anticipated or given as security. Once vested, no benefit is capable of being surrendered or commuted during the lifetime of the Member or Former Member or that person's spouse or confers on a Member or Former Member, that person's personal representative or dependent or other person, any right or interest therein that is capable of being surrendered or commuted during the lifetime of the Member or Former Member or that person's spouse. The provisions of this paragraph notwithstanding, where the annual pension benefit payable under the Plan is less than 2% of the "Year's Maximum Pensionable Earnings" (as that term is defined in the Pension Act) for the calendar year in which a Member ceases to be a member of the Plan or dies, the Member's accrued vested benefit may be paid to the Member or surviving spouse. No benefit under the Plan of any Member or Former Member protected by the Pension Act shall be subject in any manner to surrender or commutation during the lifetime of such Member or Former Member;




46


provided, however, that pursuant to an agreement between the spouses or a court order, a Member or Former Member may assign all or part of his accrued vested benefit to his spouse, effective as of divorce, annulment or separation, subject to applicable provincial property law. In the event of such an assignment, the spouse shall, in respect of the assigned portion of the pension benefit, be deemed to be a Former Member of the Plan as of the effective date of such assignment, provided, however, that a subsequent spouse of the assigned spouse is not entitled to any benefits under the Plan in respect of the assigned pension benefit.

6.    When the employment of a Member protected by the Pension Act is terminated for any reason (including death) prior to the Member's eligibility to retire pursuant to Section 1 of this Article XX, the actuarial present value of the Member's accrued vested benefit shall be computed in accordance with the Act or applicable regulations. The Member, or the surviving spouse (defined in Section 3 of this Article XX), as the case may be, is entitled, within 90 days, to transfer such actuarial present value to another pension plan, if that other plan permits, or to a life income fund or a locked-in registered retirement savings plan or to use such actuarial present value to purchase an immediate or deferred life annuity.

7.    To the extent and so long as required by the Pension Act or applicable regulations thereunder, NSC or the Participating Subsidiaries shall make contributions currently in amounts sufficient to pay current service costs of the Plan with respect to Members protected by the Pension Act and liquidate any unfunded liabilities or experience deficiencies with respect to such Members over the period of time set forth in such Pension Act or applicable regulations.

8.    Any portion of the Fund which is earmarked with respect to Members protected by the Pension Act shall be invested only as prescribed by the Pension Act or applicable regulations thereunder.

9.    Each Member of the Plan and each employee who is eligible to join the Plan and that person's spouse will be given a written explanation of the provisions of the Plan and any applicable amendments thereto within 6 months after the establishment of the Plan or after any amendment thereto. Each Member and the Member's spouse will be given, within 6 months after the end of each Plan year, a written statement showing the pension benefits to which the Member is entitled under the Plan at the end of that year, the funded ratio of the Plan, where applicable, and such other information as is prescribed. Each Member and the Member's spouse may, once in each year of operation of the Plan, either in person or by an agent authorized in writing for that purpose, examine documents filed with the Superintendent at such place as is agreed to by the Plan administrator and the person requesting the documents and order, in writing, a photocopy of any such documents. Where a Member retires from the Plan, ceases to be a Member or dies or where the whole or part of the Plan is terminated, the Plan administrator shall give to that Member (or, in the case of termination, each Member) and to the Member's spouse (and, in the case of the Member's death, the Member's legal representative) a written statement, in prescribed form, of the Member's pension benefits and other benefits payable under the Plan, within 30 days after the date of the retirement, cessation of membership, death or termination.





47


10.    Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, no Member shall be eligible for benefits under this Article XX after November 10, 2011 unless such Member was performing services for Compensation for NSC or a Participating Subsidiary in a Nonagreement position in Canada as of November 10, 2011.


ARTICLE XXI.    TOP HEAVY PROVISIONS

1.    In the event that the Plan is determined to be Top Heavy (as defined in Section 2 of this Article XXI), the following
provisions shall apply to the Plan for any Plan Year for which the Plan is deemed to be Top Heavy:

(a)    Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1 of Article IX, a Member who has completed 3 years of service (as defined in Section 6 of Article IX), or who has attained Normal Retirement Age, shall have a nonforfeitable right to 100% of his Accrued Benefit under the Plan;

(b)    Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1 of Article VI, the Accrued Benefit of any Member who is not a key employee, when expressed as an annual retirement benefit payable in the form of a single life annuity at Normal Retirement Age, shall not be less than the product of the average annual compensation of such Member for the period of five years during which such Member had the highest aggregate compensation multiplied by:

(i)    2% for each year of service; or

(ii)    20%,

whichever is less; provided however that in determining average annual compensation and years of service, years of service which begin in a Plan Year after the last Plan Year in which the Plan was Top Heavy, years of service which end in a Plan Year before January 1, 1984, and years of service when the Plan benefits (within the meaning of section 410(b) of the Code) no key employee or former key employee, shall be disregarded.

2.    The Plan will be deemed to be Top Heavy if as of the last day of the preceding Plan Year:

(a)    The present value of cumulative accrued benefits under the Plan for key employees exceeds 60% of the present value of the cumulative accrued benefits under the Plan for all Members; or

(b)    The Plan is part of a Required Aggregation Group (within the meaning of Sec. 416(g) of the Code) and the Required Aggregation Group is one in which the sum of:

(i)    the present value of the cumulative accrued benefits for key employees under all defined benefit plans included in the Aggregate Group; and





48


(ii)the aggregate of the accounts of key employees under all defined contribution plans included in such Aggregate Group, exceeds 60% of a similar sum for all employees, provided however, that the Plan shall not be deemed to be Top Heavy for any Plan Year in which the Plan is part of a Required Aggregation Group or permissive Aggregation Group (within the meaning of Sec. 416(g) of the Code) which is not Top Heavy. The present value of accrued benefits will be computed using the published UP‑1984 Table, with interest at 6% compounded annually.

(c) The present value of an employee’s cumulative accrued benefit or account shall be increased by the distributions made to the employee under the Plan and any plan in the Aggregate Group during the one-year period prior to the determination date. In the case of a distribution made for reason other than separation from service, death or disability, this provision shall be applied by substituting a five-year period for one-year period.

(d)    The accrued benefits and accounts of any individual who has not performed services for the employer during the one-year period ending on the determination date shall not be taken into account.
 
3.    Any employee, or former employee, and the beneficiary of such employee shall be deemed to be a key employee for purposes of this Article XXI if at any time during the Plan Year such Member is:

(a)    An officer of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary who receives compensation (within the meaning of Section 414(q)(4) of the Code) from NSC or a Participating Subsidiary of more than one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) per year (as adjusted under section 416(i)(1) of the Code for Plan Years after December 31, 2002), provided that no more than fifty (50) Members (or, if lesser, the greater of three (3) or 10 percent (10%) of all employees of the Corporation and Participating Subsidiaries) shall be considered as officers for purposes of this subsection 3(a) of Article XXI;

(b)    An owner of 5% of the stock of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary; or

(c)    An owner of 1% of the stock of NSC or a Participating Subsidiary who receives compensation (within the meaning of Section 414(q)(4) of the Code) from NSC or a Participating Subsidiary of more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) per year.

4.    Required Aggregation Group as used in Section 2 of this Article XXI shall mean the Plan along with all other plans of the Corporation or any Participating Subsidiary in which a key employee participates or any other plan which enables the Plan to meet the requirements of Section 401(a) or Section 410 of the Code for the purpose of determining whether the Plan is Top Heavy.

5.    For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, the definition of compensation in Paragraphs 1(b), 3(a), and 3(c) of this Article XXI shall include elective amounts that are not includible in the gross income of the employee by reason of Section 132(f)(4) of the Code.





49



ARTICLE XXII.    NW PLAN FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PENSIONS

Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding, effective December 31, 1988, a Member who was a member of the NW Supplemental Plan on December 31, 1988, shall receive or be eligible to receive only those retirement benefits to which he would otherwise have been entitled under the terms of the NW Supplemental Plan.


ARTICLE XXIII.    RETIREE MEDICAL BENEFITS

1.
Definitions. For purposes of this Article XXIII, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)Benefit Maintenance Period. The term Benefit Maintenance Period shall mean the period of 5 taxable years beginning with the taxable year in which a Qualified Transfer occurs.

(b)    Eligible Dependent. The term "Eligible Dependent" shall mean a person who, by reason of his relationship to an Eligible Retiree and pursuant to the terms of the Medical Benefits Plan, is or may become entitled to Qualified Benefits under the Medical Benefits Plan, provided that such person is a "dependent" within the meaning of Sec. 152 of the Code.

(c)    Eligible Individual. The term "Eligible Individual" shall mean an Eligible Retiree or an Eligible Dependent.

(d)    Eligible Retiree. The term "Eligible Retiree" shall mean any Member or Former Member:

(i)    who (A) is entitled to retirement benefits under the Plan or (B) has received a lump sum distribution of his benefit under the Plan pursuant to Section 8 of Article VI;

(ii)    who is or may become entitled to receive Qualified Benefits under the Medical Benefits Plan; and

(iii)    who is not a Key Employee (as defined in Sec. 416(I)(1) of the Code) at any time during the Plan Year and has not been a Key Employee at any time during any previous Plan Year for which contributions were made for such individual's benefit to the Medical Benefits Account.

(e)    Establishment Date. The term "Establishment Date" shall mean January 1, 1991, the date as of which the Medical Benefits Account shall be effective.

(f)    Excess Pension Assets. The term "Excess Pension Assets" shall mean the excess, if any, of the following (determined as of the most recent valuation date of the Plan preceding the date of the Qualified Transfer):




50



(i)    the lesser of (A) the fair market value of the Plan's assets or (B) the value of the Plan's assets as determined in accordance with Sec. 412(c)(2) of the Code, over

(ii)    the greater of:

(A)    the lesser of (I) the applicable percentage as determined under Sec. 412(c)(7)(f) of the Code of current liability (including the expected increase in current liability due to benefits accruing during the Plan Year)or (II) the accrued liability (including normal cost) under the Plan (determined under the entry age normal funding method if such accrued liability cannot be directly calculated under the funding method used for the Plan), or

(B)    125% of the Plan's current liability (as defined in Sec. 412(c)(7)(B) of the Code).

(g)    Medical Benefits Account or Account. The term "Medical Benefits Account" or "Account" shall mean the separate record keeping account established pursuant to this Article XXIII to account for contributions (and any Excess Pension Assets allocated thereto) to fund benefits payable under this Article XXIII.

(h)    Medical Benefits Plan. The term "Medical Benefits Plan" shall mean the Norfolk Southern Corporation Comprehensive Benefits Plan as in effect on the Establishment Date and as amended from time to time thereafter, or any successor plan.

(i)    Qualified Benefits. The term "Qualified Benefits" shall mean the benefits that are provided pursuant to Paragraphs A(1), A(2), A(3), and A(4) of Article IV and Appendices H, I, J, and K of the Medical Benefits Plan pursuant to the terms of such provisions as in effect on the Establishment Date and as amended from time to time thereafter.

(j)    Qualified Current Retiree Health Liabilities. The term "Qualified Current Retiree Health Liabilities" shall have the meaning provided by Sec. 420(e)(i) of the Code

(k)    Qualified Transfer. The term "Qualified Transfer" shall mean an allocation of Excess Pension Assets to the Medical Benefits Account pursuant to Section 9 of this Article XXIII.

(l)    Service Provider or Service Providers. The term "Service Provider" or "Service Providers" shall mean one or more persons or organizations that the plan administrator may employ in connection with the administration of the Medical Benefits Plan and the Medical Benefits Account, including, but not limited to, an actuary, consultant, accountant, attorney, specialist, or adviser (including an investment adviser).

2.    Establishment of Separate Account. A Medical Benefits Account shall be maintained with respect to contributions from NSC or the Participating Subsidiaries and any Excess Pension Assets that are allocated to fund the benefits payable under this Article XXIII. The assets allocated




51


to the Medical Benefits Account shall be accounted for separately from all other assets of the Plan. The assets allocated to the Medical Benefits Account may be invested together with the other assets of the Plan without identification of which assets of the Plan are allocable to the Medical Benefits Account and which are allocable to the remainder of the Plan. However, where assets are not so identified, the earnings on such assets shall be allocated in a reasonable manner between the Medical Benefits Account and the remainder of the Plan.

3.    No Diversion Prior to Satisfaction of All Liabilities. Except as provided in Subsection 9(c)(ii) of this Article XXIII, prior to the satisfaction of all liabilities under this Article XXIII to provide for the payment of Qualified Benefits, no part of the corpus or income of the Medical Benefits Account may be (within the taxable year or thereafter) used for, or diverted to, any purpose other than the providing of such benefits or the payment of any necessary or appropriate expenses attributable to the administration of the Medical Benefits Account.

4.    Reversion Upon Satisfaction of All Liabilities. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3 of this Article XXIII and except as provided in Subsection 9(c)(ii) of this Article XXIII, any amounts that remain in the Medical Benefits Account upon the satisfaction of all liabilities funded pursuant to this Article XXIII shall be returned to NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries.

5.    Forfeitures. If an Eligible Individual's interest in the Medical Benefits Account is forfeited prior to termination of the Plan, an amount equal to the amount of the forfeiture shall be applied as soon as possible to reduce any contributions of NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries to fund the Qualified Benefits.

6.
Benefits Payable Out of the Medical Benefits Account.

(a)    For each month after the Establishment Date or such other period as determined by the Board of Managers, there shall be paid out of the Medical Benefits Account, in the manner specified in Section 7 of this Article XXIII, the following amounts:

(i)    the aggregate amount of Qualified Benefits that are payable, directly or indirectly, during that period by NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries to Eligible Individuals, including the amount of any premiums that may be payable to an insurance company pursuant to any contract that may provide some or all of the Qualified Benefits to Eligible Individuals; and

(ii)    any necessary and appropriate administrative expenses attributable to the payment of Qualified Benefits from the Medical Benefits Plan and Medical Benefits Account, including any amount that may be payable to an insurance company or other person or organization pursuant to any contract for the provision of administrative services with respect to the payment of Qualified Benefits from the Medical Benefits Plan and the Medical Benefits Account and the amount of fees and expenses that may be owing to any Service Provider.

(b)    The Qualified Benefits and the administrative expenses related thereto that are payable pursuant to Section 6(a) of this Article XXIII shall be payable first out of the Medical Benefits Account to the extent of the amount in the Account, and if any such benefits remain unpaid




52


thereafter, may be payable out of any welfare benefit fund (as defined in Sec. 419(e)(1) of the Code) that NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries may have established to provide such benefits or as otherwise provided by the terms of the Medical Benefits Plan.

7.    Payment of Benefits.    (a) Payments from the Medical Benefits Account shall not exceed the amount in the Medical Benefits Account and may be made as follows:

(i)    to an insurance company or other person or organization with respect to any amounts that are payable pursuant to a contract for the provision of Qualified Benefits to Eligible Individuals or pursuant to a contract for the provision of administrative services with respect to the payment of Qualified Benefits from the Medical Benefits Plan and the Medical Benefits Account;

(ii)    to any Service Providers with respect to any fees and administrative expenses incurred by the Service Providers in connection with the payment of Qualified Benefits to Eligible Individuals from the Medical Benefits Plan and the Medical Benefits Account;

(iii)    to NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries with respect to any Qualified Benefits that NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries paid, directly or indirectly, to an Eligible Individual;

(iv)    to NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries with respect to any amounts that NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries paid to an insurance company or other person or organization pursuant to a contract for the provision of Qualified Benefits to an Eligible Individual or pursuant to a contract for the provision of administrative services, or with respect to any fees and expenses that NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries paid to any Service Providers; or

(v)    to an Eligible Individual to whom the Qualified Benefits are payable, or if such Eligible Individual is an Eligible Dependent of an Eligible Retiree, to such Eligible Retiree.
00
(b)    In no event shall payments to NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries in respect of an Eligible Individual or in respect of any amounts paid to an insurance company or a Service Provider exceed the amount paid to the Eligible Individual, the insurance company, or the Service Provider, or precede the payment by NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries to the Eligible Individual, the insurance company, or the Service Provider, and in no event shall the Plan provide any security to NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries in respect of such payments.

8.    Employer Contributions to the Medical Benefits Account. NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries shall have the sole discretion to determine the amount of any contributions to the Medical Benefits Account with respect to any Plan Year, subject to Subsection 9(f) of this Article XXIII. However, the amount of any such contribution, as determined by the Plan's actuary, shall be reasonable, and shall be reduced (but not below zero) as required so that the aggregate contributions actually made after the Establishment Date to the Medical Benefits Account and to




53


provide any life insurance benefits provided under the Medical Benefits Plan shall not exceed 25% of the total aggregate contributions (other than contributions to fund past service credits) actually made to the Plan after the Establishment Date (including contributions to the Medical Benefits Account). At the time NSC and/or the Participating Subsidiaries make a contribution to the Plan, they shall designate the portion, if any, that is allocable to the Medical Benefits Account.

9.    Qualified Transfers of Excess Pension Benefits. For each taxable year of NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries beginning after December 30, 1990, and before January 1, 2001, Excess Pension Assets under the Plan, if any, may be allocated to the Medical Benefits Account, in accordance with the following requirements:

(a)    Excess Pension Assets shall be allocated to the Medical Benefits Account only once during each taxable year.

(b)    The amount of Excess Pension Assets allocated to the Medical Benefits Account with respect to a taxable year shall not exceed the amount that is reasonably estimated to be the amount that NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries will pay (directly or through reimbursement) out of the Medical Benefits Account during the taxable year of the Qualified Transfer for Qualified Current Retiree Health Liabilities.

(c)    (i)    Any Excess Pension Assets allocated to the Medical Benefits Account pursuant to Section 9 of this Article XXIII (and any income allocable thereto) shall be used only to pay Qualified Current Retiree Health Liabilities for the taxable year of the allocation.

(ii)    Any Excess Pension Assets in the Medical Benefits Account (and any income allocable thereto) that are not used as provided in Subsection 9(c)(i) of this Article XXIII shall, at the end of the taxable year of the allocation, be reallocated from the Medical Benefits Account to the remainder of the Plan.

(d)    Any amount paid out of the Medical Benefits Account for the taxable year of a Qualified Transfer shall be treated as paid first out of any Excess Pension Assets allocated to the Medical Benefits Account for such taxable year and any income allocated thereon.

(e)    The accrued retirement benefits of the Members, their Surviving Spouses, and certain former Members under the Plan shall become nonforfeitable pursuant to Section 7 of Article IX.

(f)    NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries shall not contribute any amounts to the Medical Benefits Account or to a welfare benefit fund (as defined in Sec. 419(e)(1) of the Code) with respect to Qualified Current Retiree Health Liabilities that, pursuant to Subsection 9(c)(i) of this Article XXIII, must be provided by the Excess Pension Assets that have been allocated to the Medical Benefits Account.

(g)    As required by Sec. 420(c)(3) of the Code, Qualified Benefits provided under the Medical Benefits Plan during the Benefit Maintenance Period to each Eligible Retiree who has




54


retired prior to a Qualified Transfer of Excess Pension Assets shall be substantially the same as the highest level of Qualified Benefits available to such Eligible Retiree during the taxable year immediately preceding the taxable year of the Qualified Transfer. If an Eligible Retiree retires prior to a Qualified Transfer of Excess Pension Assets but is not eligible to receive Qualified Benefits during the taxable year immediately preceding the taxable year of the Qualified Transfer, Qualified Benefits provided under the Medical Benefits Plan during the Benefits Maintenance Period shall be substantially the same as the Qualified Benefits provided under the Medical Benefits Plan at the time the Eligible Retiree retires. No allocation of Excess Pension Assets to the Medical Benefits Account will be permitted unless the Medical Benefits Plan contains language implementing this provision.

10.    Documentation of Eligible Individual Status. Before making any payments to any individual pursuant to this Article XXIII, the Board of Managers may require such documentation as the Board of Managers, consistent with the other provisions of the Plan, reasonably deems necessary to demonstrate that such individual qualifies as an Eligible Individual.

11.    Limitation on Rights to Benefits. This Article XXIII and the establishment of the Medical Benefits Account shall not be construed as giving any Member or former Member the right to any payment of a benefit from the Medical Benefits Plan. The terms of the Medical Benefits Plan alone shall govern a Member's or former Member's entitlement to benefits thereunder. The Plan, this Article XXIII, and the Medical Benefits Account shall not be construed as granting or implying a promise to provide, currently or in the future, any health benefits (including Qualified Benefits) or a stated level of health benefits to any Member or former Member or their dependents, nor shall they be construed as in any way limiting or otherwise affecting the rights of NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries to alter, amend, change, or terminate the Medical Benefits Plan or this Article XXIII.


ARTICLE XXIV.    MILITARY SERVICE

Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to qualified military service will be provided in accordance with Section 414(u) of the Internal Revenue Code.


ARTICLE XXV.    DISABILITY BENEFIT
    
1.    A Member who is eligible to receive a benefit under the Long-Term Disability Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation and Participating Subsidiary Companies or any successor plan shall be eligible to receive a Disability Benefit under this Article until the earlier of (i) the date when the Member ceases to be entitled to benefits under the LTD Plan, or (ii) the date when the Member reaches age 65. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, the monthly Disability Benefit payable hereunder shall be an amount equal to 50% of the Member's monthly Disability Benefit Compensation. The Disability Benefit shall be reduced by the following amounts:





55


(a)    any amount paid or payable to the Member on account of his or her disability under any Workers' Compensation or Occupational or Non-Occupational Disease or Disability Act or Law, the Federal Employers' Liability Act, Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, Railroad Retirement Act, or the Federal Social Security program;

(b)    any retirement benefit which becomes payable under this Plan or any benefit which becomes payable under any pension plan of NSC or a subsidiary of NSC or Consolidated Rail Corporation or of any other entity whose service is credited under any pension plan of Consolidated Rail Corporation, at the earliest eligibility age without reduction for early retirement;

(c)    any amount paid or payable under the Railroad Retirement or Federal Social Security Acts to the spouse or dependents of the Member, but only if the total benefit from all sources exceeds 75% of the Member's basic monthly salary; and

(d)    any income which the Member receives for personal services or for any business or occupation in which the Member engages during the period for which benefits are payable, unless the Member is engaged in rehabilitative employment under a program of rehabilitation (as determined by the LTD Plan's Board of Managers under Section 2 of this Article).

If the reduction under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this Section 1 is determined after the Disability Benefit commences, the reduction shall be applied retroactively to the date the Disability Benefit commenced (or, if later, to the beginning of the period for which the benefit described in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) is paid). If a lump sum payment or periodic payments are made on account of such disability under any such Act, Law, or Plan, the monthly Disability Benefit shall be reduced by the actuarial equivalent of such lump sum settlement or periodic payments, stated as a monthly benefit paid over the same period the Disability Benefit is expected to be paid, as computed by an independent actuary.

2.    The Disability Benefit payable under this Article is an ancillary benefit that does not cause any reduction in the Normal Retirement Benefit or early retirement benefit otherwise payable to the Member. No election of a form of payment shall be permitted until the Member ceases to receive a Disability Benefit. If the Member dies while he is receiving a Disability Benefit, the benefit (if any) payable to his Surviving Spouse shall be determined under the preretirement survivor annuity provisions in Article VIII.

3.    The LTD Plan's Board of Managers shall have the exclusive right in its discretion to interpret this Article and to decide all matters arising hereunder, including the right to remedy possible ambiguities, inconsistencies, or omissions. All determinations of the LTD Plan's Board of Managers with respect to any matter under this Article shall be conclusive and binding on all persons.
    
The LTD Plan's Board of Managers shall make all determinations as to the right of any person to the Disability Benefit under this Article. Any denial by the LTD Plan's Board of Managers of a claim for benefits under this Article by an Employee or Member shall be stated in writing by the LTD Plan's Board of Managers and delivered or mailed to the Employee or Member, and such notice shall set forth the specific reasons for the denial, written in a manner that may be understood




56


by the Employee or Member. In addition, the LTD Plan's Board of Managers shall afford a reasonable opportunity to any Employee or Member whose claim for Disability Benefits has been denied for a review of the decision denying the claim.    


ARTICLE XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS

1.    This Plan shall not be deemed to be an employment contract between the Corporation or any Participating Subsidiary and any Member or other employee.

2.    Any person eligible to receive benefits hereunder shall furnish to the Managers any information or proof requested by the Managers and reasonably required for the proper administration of the Plan. Failure on the part of any person to comply with any such request within a reasonable period of time shall be sufficient grounds for delay in the payment of any benefits that may be due under the Plan until such information or proof is received by the Managers.

3.    Each Member and each Beneficiary entitled to receive a benefit under the Plan shall keep the Managers advised of his or her current address. If the Managers are unable to locate a Member or Beneficiary to whom a benefit is payable under the Plan for a period of twelve (12) months, or if the Member or Beneficiary to whom a benefit is payable under the Plan receives a check for payment of the benefit but does not present the check for payment within twelve (12) months, in either case commencing with the day on which such benefit first becomes payable, the total amount payable to such Member or Beneficiary shall be forfeited and shall be used to reduce future contributions by NSC and the Participating Subsidiaries as provided in Article X; provided, that if such Member or Beneficiary to whom a benefit is payable makes a claim in writing for such benefit after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, the forfeited shall be reinstated.

4.    The Corporation or any Participating Subsidiary shall have the right, to the extent permitted by law, to deduct from any payment or distribution to a Member or Beneficiary any Federal, state or local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld.




57



EXHIBIT A

EMPLOYEE MORTALITY ASSUMPTION
USED IN DEVELOPMENT OF ACTUARIAL EQUIVALENCE FACTORS

Employee    Annual Rate    Employee    Annual Rate    Employee    Annual Rate
Age     of Mortality     Age     of Mortality     Age         of Mortality

20    0.000411    50    0.004259    80    0.079994
21    0.000427    51    0.004721    81    0.088980
22    0.000445    52    0.005210    82    0.098503
23    0.000463    53    0.005727    83    0.108513
24    0.000485    54    0.006272    84    0.119079
                    
25    0.000508    55    0.006844    85    0.130175
26    0.000534    56    0.007444    86    0.141882
27    0.000562    57    0.008076    87    0.154275
28    0.000594    58    0.008747    88    0.167531
29    0.000628    59    0.009471    89    0.181694
                    
30    0.000666    60    0.010265    90    0.196968
31    0.000708    61    0.011150    91    0.209014
32    0.000754    62    0.012152    92    0.221755
33    0.000805    63    0.013305    93    0.235306
34    0.000860    64    0.014641    94    0.249791
                    
35    0.000923    65    0.016203    95    0.265356
36    0.000991    66    0.018034    96    0.282155
37    0.001066    67    0.019960    97    0.300359
38    0.001149    68    0.021877    98    0.320159
39    0.001242    69    0.023874    99    0.341754
                    
40    0.001343    70    0.026165    100    0.365359
41    0.001470    71    0.029253    101    0.391194
42    0.001639    72    0.032731    102    0.419496
43    0.001848    73    0.036536    103    0.452379
44    0.002094    74    0.040725    104    0.492096
                    
45    0.002376    75    0.045963    105    0.540899
46    0.002691    76    0.050642    106    0.601038
47    0.003038    77    0.056811    107    0.674766
48    0.003416    78    0.063794    108    0.764335
49    0.003824    79    0.071557    109    0.871996
110    1.000000





58


EXHIBIT B

BENEFICIARY MORTALITY ASSUMPTION
USED IN DEVELOPMENT OF ACTURIAL EQUIVALENCE FACTORS

Employee    Annual Rate    Employee    Annual Rate    Employee    Annual Rate
Age     of Mortality     Age     of Mortality     Age         of Mortality

20    0.000275    50    0.002367    80    0.063124
21    0.000290    51    0.002753    81    0.070445
22    0.000306    52    0.002798    82    0.078282
23    0.000323    53    0.003049    83    0.086449
24    0.000342    54    0.003324    84    0.095459

25    0.000362    55    0.003630    85    0.105185
26    0.000383    56    0.003976    86    0.115744
27    0.000406    57    0.004376    87    0.126922
28    0.000430    58    0.004839    88    0.139471
29    0.000457    59    0.005371    89    0.152845

30    0.000487    60    0.005978    90    0.167597
31    0.000518    61    0.006663    91    0.180685
32    0.000553    62    0.007428    92    0.194505
33    0.000591    63    0.008273    93    0.209559
34    0.000632    64    0.009196    94    0.226003

35    0.000677    65    0.010191    95    0.244005
36    0.000725    66    0.011255    96    0.263751
37    0.000780    67    0.012374    97    0.285445
38    0.000839    68    0.013662    98    0.309309
39    0.000903    69    0.015214    99    0.335583

40    0.000975    70    0.017162    100    0.364532
41    0.001056    71    0.019865    101    0.396444
42    0.001147    72    0.023001    102    0.431633
43    0.001251    73    0.026492    103    0.470647
44    0.001366    74    0.030321    104    0.515260

45    0.001494    75    0.034536    105    0.567251
46    0.001638    76    0.039190    106    0.628394
47    0.001795    77    0.044335    107    0.700464
48    0.001968    78    0.050109    108    0.785238
49    0.002158    79    0.056293    109    0.884492
110    1.000000





59



EXHIBIT C

MORTALITY ASSUMPTIONS
USED IN DEVELOPMENT OF OPTION FACTORS

Age
Annual Rate
of Mortality
Age
Annual Rate
of Mortality
Age
Annual Rate
of Mortality
Age
Annual Rate
of Mortality
15
0.000143
42
0.000775
69
0.014742
96
0.236930
16
0.000151
43
0.000826
70
0.016160
97
0.251111
17
0.000161
44
0.000885
71
0.017803
98
0.265340
18
0.000167
45
0.000940
72
0.019833
99
0.276338
19
0.000171
46
0.000994
73
0.021968
100
0.286390
20
0.000174
47
0.001054
74
0.024500
101
0.301731
21
0.000179
48
0.001130
75
0.027315
102
0.313092
22
0.000186
49
0.001215
76
0.030348
103
0.324542
23
0.000197
50
0.001323
77
0.034204
104
0.335529
24
0.000208
51
0.001423
78
0.038256
105
0.345501
25
0.000222
52
0.001570
79
0.042806
106
0.353906
26
0.000244
53
0.001764
80
0.047905
107
0.361363
27
0.000253
54
0.001990
81
0.053861
108
0.368721
28
0.000262
55
0.002346
82
0.060545
109
0.375772
29
0.000276
56
0.002818
83
0.067380
110
0.382309
30
0.000301
57
0.003243
84
0.075650
111
0.388123
31
0.000348
58
0.003706
85
0.084660
112
0.393008
32
0.000394
59
0.004206
86
0.094731
113
0.396754
33
0.000438
60
0.004803
87
0.106954
114
0.399154
34
0.000482
61
0.005576
88
0.119811
115
0.400000
35
0.000525
62
0.006405
89
0.133578
116
0.400000
36
0.000566
63
0.007444
90
0.148759
117
0.400000
37
0.000604
64
0.008410
91
0.162589
118
0.400000
38
0.000630
65
0.009508
92
0.178330
119
0.400000
39
0.000657
66
0.010866
93
0.193878
120
1.000000
40
0.000691
67
0.012108
94
0.207982
 
 
41
0.000729
68
0.013316
95
0.223718
 
 





60


Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation
and Participating Subsidiary Companies

Schedule A. Additional Retirement Benefits

The following Members, listed by confidential identification numbers maintained by the Plan Administrator, will receive the indicated monthly Additional Retirement Benefit, in accordance with Article VI of the Plan:

Schedule A

Additional
Identification         Retirement
Number     Benefit
1     $26.88
2     381.72
3     276.40
4     4,555.13
5     315.53
6     328.30
7     964.32
8     58.67
9     83.33
10     1,577.71
11     70.30
12     197.63
13     821.87
14     815.08
15     370.82
16     731.48
17     121.25
18     1,304.57
19     7,731.59
20     40.95
21     482.36
22     68.45
23     116.21
24     83.98
25     499.96
26     44.99
27     200.79
28     783.26




61


Schedule A continued

Additional
Identification         Retirement
Number     Benefit
29     33.59
30     67.84
31     21,388.96
32     1,371.51
33     147.65
34     487.99
35     127.44
36     769.73
37     188.72
38     1,548.04
39     1,194.37
40     158.08
41     3,411.23
42     833.34
43     5,556.86
44     183.18
45     671.52
46     615.62
47     1,104.12
48     327.24
49     41.75
50     942.45
51     935.30
52     387.31
53     3,322.86
54     791.16
55     744.92
56     182.28
57     5.95
58     8.25
59     1,023.05
60     1,087.63
61     5,407.87
62     69.21
63     1,155.57
64     108.99
65     4,558.49
66     146.78
67     504.39
68     94.28




62


Schedule A continued

Additional
Identification         Retirement
Number     Benefit
69     84.35
70     54.44
71     802.10
72     219.41
73     275.25
74     1,574.82
75     118.26
76     424.57
77     348.56
78     19.96
79     608.65
80     327.15
81     837.55
82     184.38
83     4.09
84     951.01
85     488.58
86     2,518.63
87     3,292.37
88     1,335.68
89     2,240.10
90     36.38
91     69.12
92     494.79
93     174.17
94     446.33
95     146.10
96     40.11
97     526.49
98     833.06
99     6.08
100     423.71
101     307.33
102     152.40
103     700.33
104     204.18
105     223.78
106     404.78
107     93.75




63


Schedule A continued

Additional
Identification         Retirement
Number     Benefit
108     6.33
109     675.25
110     542.69
111     328.30
112     274.99
113     295.00
114     1,859.62
115     381.74
116     301.07
117     365.04
118     168.74
119     603.48
120     616.62
121     97.56
122     356.81
123     502.83
124     1,411.62
125     907.19
126     571.81
127     17.65
128     131.68
129     45.88
130     40.14
131     96.65
132     2,489.98
133     1,706.36
134     59.66
135     24.14
136     1,033.44
137     184.46
138     414.57
139     25.72
140     33.74
141     132.75
142     55.67
143     210.00
144     124.95
145     482.39
146     682.86
147     184.46




64


Schedule A continued

Additional
Identification         Retirement
Number     Benefit
148     141.74
149     150.98
150     547.65
151     1,075.72
152     385.38
153     2,317.54
154     345.11
155     516.83
156     555.43
157     18,307.91
158     1,759.62
159     94.26
160     83.45
161     9.27
162     910.85
163     190.44
164     191.98
165     543.21
166     1,486.76
167     917.88
168     382.97
169     41.89
170     49.51
171     1,255.99
172     1,446.97
173     469.50
174     1,309.05
175     2,677.79
176     1,486.51
177     112.85
178     624.48
179     3,369.39
180     562.19
181     971.15
182     1,130.67




65


Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation
and Participating Subsidiary Companies

Schedule B. Additional Retirement Benefits

The following Members, listed by confidential identification numbers maintained by the Plan Administrator, will receive the indicated monthly Additional Retirement Benefit, in accordance with Section 1.(d) of Article VI of the Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005:
                    
                                


Identification
Number
Additional Retirement Benefit Before Offset Described in Section 1(e) of Article VI Is Applicable
Additional Retirement Benefit After Offset Described in Section 1(e) of Article VI is Applicable
 
 
 
1

$182.08


$2.61

2
 
95.38

3
 
175.27

4
1,352.10

726.15

5
 
101.82

6
 
84.18

7
 
216.58

8
 
81.42

9
217.66

 
10
388.16

 
11
378.31

 
12
 
152.21



                        









66


Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation
and Participating Subsidiary Companies

Schedule C. Reduction in Retirement Benefits

The retirement benefits otherwise payable to the following Members, listed by confidential identification numbers maintained by the Plan Administrator, will be reduced by the indicated monthly amount, in accordance with Section 1.(k) of Article VI of the Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005:

Identification Number
Reduction in Benefit
 
 
1
$34.18
2
25.00
3
25.00
4
25.00
5
25.00
6
25.00
7
25.00
8
25.00
9
25.00
10
25.00
11
25.00







67


Retirement Plan of Norfolk Southern Corporation
and Participating Subsidiary Companies

Schedule D

Retirement Benefits for Retirees, Beneficiaries and Deferred Vested Participants under the AW&W Plan

The Algers, Winslow and Western Railway Company (“AW&W”) established the AW&W Plan effective December 31, 1959. Effective March 23, 2007, Norfolk Southern Corporation acquired 100% of the stock in AW&W, and subsequently merged AW&W into Norfolk Southern Railway Company as of April 20, 2007. Due to the merger, Norfolk Southern Railway assumed the AW&W Plan and the obligations thereunder.

NSC and Norfolk Southern Railway merged the AW&W Plan into the Plan effective December 31, 2007.

Individuals who were participants in the AW&W Plan immediately before the AW&W Plan was merged into the Plan will receive the benefits they were entitled to under the AW&W Plan immediately before the merger under the Plan. As such, the provisions of the AW&W Plan are incorporated by reference into the Plan.

The following individuals, listed by confidential identification numbers maintained by the Plan Administrator, will be entitled to benefits under the Plan because of the merger. The individuals listed under identification numbers 1 through 6 are as of December 31, 2007 receiving the monthly benefit payments corresponding to their identification number in the form of payment corresponding to their identification number. The individuals listed under identification numbers 7 and 8 are deferred vested participants who are entitled to receive monthly benefit payments corresponding to their identification number in the form of a life annuity with 120 payments certain beginning on their normal retirement date under the AW&W Plan. These deferred vested participants may also be entitled to elect other forms of payment or other annuity starting dates in accordance with the provisions of the AW&W Plan as it existed immediately before the merger, or their beneficiaries may be entitled to pre-retirement survivor benefits in accordance with the provisions of the AW&W Plan as it existed immediately before the merger.




68



Identification Number
AW&W Retirement
Benefit
 
 
 
 
1
$ 363.95 life annuity
2
412.08 life annuity payable to surviving spouse
3
713.70 life annuity
4
108.05 life annuity
5
782.39 50% joint & survivor annuity
6
1,936.19 100% joint & survivor annuity
7
927.04 life annuity with 120 payments certain
8
648.38 life annuity with 120 payments certain





Exhibit



Exhibit 10hhh

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
Award Agreement

Performance Share Units

This AGREEMENT dated as of <Date> (Award Date), between NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Corporation), a Virginia corporation, and <Employee Name> (Participant), Employee ID No. <Emp_Id>.

1.Award Contingent Upon Execution of this Agreement and of Non-Compete. This Award is contingent upon the Participant’s execution of this Agreement and the associated non-compete agreement, which is a condition precedent to this Award. This Award shall be void, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any rights hereunder, unless the Participant executes the non-compete agreement on or before <Date>, and thereafter fully complies with its terms.

2.Terms of Plan Govern. Each Award made hereunder is made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long‑Term Incentive Plan (Plan), all the terms and conditions of which are deemed to be incorporated in this Agreement and which forms a part of this Agreement. The Participant agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Plan and by all determinations of the Committee thereunder. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.
 
3.Award of Performance Share Units. The Corporation hereby confirms an Award to the Participant on Award Date of <PSUs> Performance Share Units (PSUs). The award of PSUs shall entitle the Participant to receive shares of Common Stock of the Corporation upon the Corporation’s achievement over a Performance Cycle of performance goals established by the Committee at the time of grant for the following Performance Criteria equally weighted between (a) and (b):

(a)
The three-year total return to the Corporation’s stockholders as compared with the total return on the publicly traded stocks of North American Class I railroads (which, as of the Award Date, are Canadian National Railway Company, Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, CSX Corporation, Kansas City Southern and Union Pacific Corporation) and a specified minimum earnout if the three-year total return to the Corporation’s stockholders is greater than the median total return on all stocks comprising the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index determined as of the first trading day of <Year of Award>. The three-year total return shall be measured using the closing price per share of stock or equivalent on the New York Stock Exchange (or if unavailable, on another U.S. stock exchange) as determined during the 20 days on which stock is traded ending on and including December 31, <Year Preceding Year of Award Date> and December 31, <3 Years After > or, if a stock is not traded on December 31, <3 Years After >, on the most recent trading day immediately preceding such date. A company will be excluded from the ranking if it ceases to be publicly traded at any time during the three-year period as a result of the company’s being acquired by another company or going private, but included and ranked at the bottom of the group if the company ceases to be publicly traded as a result of becoming subject to a bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation proceeding.

(b)
The average of the Corporation’s annual after-tax returns on average invested capital for the three-year Performance Cycle.



1



Any PSUs earned at the end of the three-year Performance Cycle shall be distributed in whole shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, subject to tax withholding as provided in Section 5 of this Agreement. The value of PSUs earned, if any, shall be determined by the Fair Market Value of the Corporation’s Common Stock on the first day on which such stock is traded after a full trading day has elapsed following the release of the Corporation’s annual financial information for the last year of the Performance Cycle.

If the Participant’s employment is terminated for any reason other than the Participant’s Retirement, Disability, or death before the expiration of the Performance Cycle, all PSUs awarded hereunder shall be forfeited immediately and all the Participant’s rights to such shares shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the end of the Performance Cycle, the Participant shall not forfeit rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle, unless the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence and before the end of the Performance Cycle, at which time the Participant shall forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle.

If a Participant’s employment is terminated before the end of the Performance Cycle by reason of Retirement, Disability or death, the Participant’s rights with respect to any Performance Shares being earned during the Performance Cycle shall continue as if the Participant’s employment had continued through the end of the Performance Cycle.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant Engages in Competing Employment within a period of two years following Retirement or Disability and before the end of the Performance Cycle, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. A Participant “Engages in Competing Employment” if the Participant works for or provides services for any Competitor, on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, director, owner, officer, partner, joint venturer, or employee. For this purpose, a “Competitor” is any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes, including, but not limited to, any North American Class I rail carrier, any other rail carrier competing with the Corporation (including without limitation a holding or other company that controls or operates or is otherwise affiliated with any rail carrier competing with the Corporation), and any other provider of transportation services competing with Corporation, including motor and water carriers.

Moreover, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company if:
i.
the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant before the expiration of the Performance Cycle, and
ii.
it is determined that the Participant engaged in any of the following:
A.
the Participant engaged in an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with the Participant’s duties or in the course of the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or Subsidiary Company; or
B.
the Participant disclosed confidential information in violation of a confidentiality agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or otherwise in violation of the law.
A determination under this paragraph shall be made by the Committee with respect to a participant who was, at any time, employed at the level of Vice President or above, and this determination


2



shall be made by the Vice President Human Resources with respect to all other participants, and in either situation upon consultation with the Corporation’s chief legal officer.

Participant understands that nothing in this Agreement (1) prohibits or impedes Participant from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Congress, and any agency Inspector General), from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, or from receiving a monetary award from the SEC related to participation in an SEC investigation or proceeding, or (2) requires Participant to obtain prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures or to notify the Corporation of such reports or disclosures.

No dividend equivalent payments shall be made with respect to the award of Performance Share Units hereunder.

4.Savings Clause for Rules of Professional Responsibility. Nothing contained in this Agreement will operate or be construed to restrict a lawyer in the practice of law in contravention of Rule 5.6 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct or a similar professional conduct rule applicable to a lawyer who is an active member of any other state bar.

5.Tax Withholding. The minimum necessary tax withholding obligation with respect to an award of PSUs will be satisfied with shares of Common Stock of the Corporation upon distribution of such award.

6.Recoupment. The Participant acknowledges that the Corporation shall recover from any Participant who is a current or former executive officer all or any portion of any PSUs awarded to the extent required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law No. 111‑203, or as may otherwise be required by law. In addition, any Participant who at any time is a Board-elected officer at the level of Vice President or above agrees that he will, upon the demand of the Board of Directors, reimburse all or any portion of PSUs awarded if (a) financial results are restated due to the material noncompliance of the Corporation with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, (b) a lower PSU distribution would have been made to the officer based upon the restated financial results, and (c) the PSUs were distributed within the three-year period prior to the date the applicable restatement was disclosed. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Board of Directors or the Corporation may, without waiving any other legal remedy allowed by law, deduct the full amount of such repayment obligation from any amounts the Corporation then owes, or will in the future owe, to the Participant. Nothing in this Agreement shall waive the Committee’s, Board of Directors’ or Corporation’s rights to take any such other action as the Committee, Board of Directors or the Corporation may deem appropriate in view of all the facts surrounding the particular financial restatement.

7.Governing Law. The Participant agrees that this Award shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. The Participant consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The Participant agrees that any and all initial judicial actions related to this Award shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Participant at the time of such action.
    
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has executed this Agreement by his or her electronic acceptance hereof, in acceptance of the above‑mentioned Award, subject to the terms of the Plan and of this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.


3




                    

By:
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION


4

Exhibit

Exhibit 10iii

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
Award Agreement

Non-Qualified Stock Option

This AGREEMENT dated as of <Date> (Award Date), between NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Corporation), a Virginia corporation, and <Employee Name> (Participant), Employee ID No. <Emp_Id>.

1.Award Contingent Upon Execution of this Agreement and of Non-Compete. This Award is contingent upon the Participant’s execution of this Agreement and the associated non-compete agreement, which is a condition precedent to this Award. This Award shall be void, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any rights hereunder, unless the Participant executes the non-compete agreement on or before <Date>, and thereafter fully complies with its terms.

2.Terms of Plan Govern. Each Award made hereunder is made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long‑Term Incentive Plan (Plan), all the terms and conditions of which are deemed to be incorporated in this Agreement and which forms a part of this Agreement. The Participant agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Plan and by all determinations of the Committee thereunder. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.

3.Award of Non-Qualified Stock Option. The Corporation hereby grants to the Participant on Award Date a Non-Qualified Stock Option (NQSO) to purchase <#_of_NQSOs> shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock at a price of $<Share Price> per share.

(a)    Duration of Option. This Option (to the extent not earlier exercised) will expire at 11:59 p.m. on <Date>, being ten (10) years from the Award Date. However, this Option is subject to earlier termination if the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated for a reason other than Disability or death, as follows: (i) if the Participant’s employment is terminated because of the Participant’s Retirement, the Option shall expire on the earlier of 11:59 p.m. on <Date> or 11:59 p.m. on the date that is five years after date of the Participant’s Retirement; (ii) if the Participant’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the Option shall expire at the close of business on the last day of active service by the Participant with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company. If the Participant is granted a leave of absence and his or her employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence, the Option grant shall expire at the close of business on the last day of employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant Engages in Competing Employment within a period of two years following Retirement or Disability, the term of this Option shall terminate immediately, and all rights of the Participant to such Options shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. A Participant “Engages in Competing Employment” if the Participant works for or provides services for any Competitor, on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, director, owner, officer, partner, joint venturer, or employee. For this purpose, a “Competitor” is any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes, including, but not limited to, any North American Class I rail carrier, any other rail carrier competing with the Corporation (including without limitation a holding or other company that



controls or operates or is otherwise affiliated with any rail carrier competing with the Corporation), and any other provider of transportation services competing with Corporation, including motor and water carriers.

In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, term of this Option shall terminate immediately, and all rights of the Participant to such Options shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company, if:
i.
the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant, and
ii.
it is determined that the Participant engaged in any of the following:
A.
the Participant engaged in an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with the Participant’s duties or in the course of the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or Subsidiary Company; or
B.
the Participant disclosed confidential information in violation of a confidentiality agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or otherwise in violation of the law.
A determination under this paragraph shall be made by the Committee with respect to a participant who was, at any time, employed at the level of Vice President or above, and this determination shall be made by the Vice President Human Resources with respect to all other participants, and in either situation upon consultation with the Corporation’s chief legal officer.

Participant understands that nothing in this Agreement (1) prohibits or impedes Participant from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Congress, and any agency Inspector General), from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, or from receiving a monetary award from the SEC related to participation in an SEC investigation or proceeding, or (2) requires Participant to obtain prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures or to notify the Corporation of such reports or disclosures.

(b)    Exercise of Option. This Option may be exercised in whole or in part at any time or times prior to its expiration; provided that the first exercise of this Option shall not occur before the fourth anniversary of the date on which the Option was granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company is terminated by reason of the Participant’s Retirement or death before the fourth anniversary of the date on which the Option was granted, the Participant (or, in the case of death, the Participant’s Beneficiary) may first exercise this Option on the later of the first anniversary of the date on which this Option was granted or the effective date of the Participant’s Retirement or death. Notice of the exercise of all or any part of this Option shall be given in the manner prescribed by the Secretary of the Corporation. Such notice shall be irrevocable, shall specify the number of shares to be purchased and the purchase price to be paid therefore, and must be accompanied by the payment of the purchase price as provided in paragraph 3(c) herein. Upon the exercise of such Option, the Common Stock purchased will be distributed.

(c)    Payment of Option Price. The purchase price of Common Stock upon exercise of this Option shall be paid in full to the Corporation at the time of the exercise of the Option in cash or by the surrender to the Corporation of shares of previously acquired Common Stock which shall have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months and which shall be valued at Fair Market Value on the date the Option is exercised, or by a combination of cash and such Common Stock.

(d)    Non‑transferability. This Option may be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant, and following death only by the Participant’s Beneficiary. If a Beneficiary dies after the Participant dies but before the Option is exercised and before such rights expire, such rights



shall become assets of the Beneficiary’s estate. Except as provided in this paragraph, Options may not be assigned or alienated, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

4.Dividend Equivalent Payments. Except as otherwise provided herein, for a period of four (4) years from the date of this Agreement, the Corporation shall make to the Participant who holds an option under this Agreement on the declared record date a cash payment on the outstanding shares of Common Stock covered by this Option, payable on the tenth (10th) day of March, June, September and December, in an amount equal to dividends declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and paid on Common Stock. If the employment of the Participant is terminated for any reason, including Retirement, Disability or death, prior to the declared record date for any dividend, the Corporation shall have no further obligation to make any payments commensurate with dividends on shares of Common Stock covered by this Option.

Each dividend equivalent shall be equal to the amount of the regular quarterly dividend paid in accordance with the Corporation’s normal dividend payment practice as may be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. Dividend equivalent payments shall not be made during a Participant’s leave of absence.
 
5.Savings Clause for Rules of Professional Responsibility. Nothing contained in this Agreement will operate or be construed to restrict a lawyer in the practice of law in contravention of Rule 5.6 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct or a similar professional conduct rule applicable to a lawyer who is an active member of any other state bar.

6.Recoupment. The Participant acknowledges that the Corporation shall recover from any Participant who is a current or former executive officer all or any portion of any exercised Options to the extent required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law No. 111‑203, or as may otherwise be required by law.

7.Governing Law. The Participant agrees that this Award shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. The Participant consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The Participant agrees that any and all initial judicial actions related to this Award shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Participant at the time of such action.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has executed this Agreement by his or her electronic acceptance hereof, in acceptance of the above‑mentioned Award, subject to the terms of the Plan and of this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.


By:
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION

Exhibit



Exhibit 10jjj

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
Award Agreement

Restricted Stock Units

This AGREEMENT dated as of <Date> (Award Date), between NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Corporation), a Virginia corporation, and <Employee Name> (Participant), Employee ID No. <Emp_Id>.

1.Award Contingent Upon Execution of this Agreement and of Non-Compete. This Award is contingent upon the Participant’s execution of this Agreement and the associated non-compete agreement, which is a condition precedent to this Award. This Award shall be void, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any rights hereunder, unless the Participant executes the non-compete agreement on or before <Date>, and thereafter fully complies with its terms.

2.Terms of Plan Govern. Each Award made hereunder is made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long‑Term Incentive Plan (Plan), all the terms and conditions of which are deemed to be incorporated in this Agreement and which forms a part of this Agreement. The Participant agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Plan and by all determinations of the Committee thereunder. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.

3.Award of Restricted Stock Units. The Corporation hereby grants to the Participant on Award Date <#_of_RSUs> Restricted Stock Units. Each Restricted Stock Unit is a contingent right to receive a Restricted Stock Unit Share, subject to the restrictions and other terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and this Agreement. Each Restricted Stock Unit shall equal the Fair Market Value of one share of the Common Stock of the Corporation on the date all applicable restrictions lapse.

The Participant’s Award of Restricted Stock Units shall be recorded in a memorandum account. The Participant shall have no beneficial ownership interest in the Common Stock of the Corporation represented by the Restricted Stock Units awarded. The Participant shall have no right to vote the Common Stock represented by the Restricted Stock Units awarded or to receive dividends, except for Dividend Equivalent payments as set forth below.

(a)Restriction Period. The Restricted Stock Units are subject to a five-year Restriction Period which terminates on <Date>.

(b)Restrictions. Until the expiration of the Restriction Period or the lapse of restrictions in the manner provided in paragraph 3(c) of this Agreement, Restricted Stock Units shall be subject to the following restrictions:

i.the Participant shall not be entitled to receive the Restricted Stock Unit Shares to which the Participant may have a contingent right to receive in the future;

ii.the Restricted Stock Units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, conveyed, hypothecated, used to exercise options or otherwise disposed of; and



1



iii.the Restricted Stock Units may be forfeited immediately as provided in this Agreement and in the Plan.

(c)    Distribution of Restricted Stock Units.

i.If the Participant remains in the continuous employment of the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company during the entire Restriction Period, upon the expiration of the Restriction Period all restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse and whole shares of Common Stock of the Corporation equal to the Fair Market Value on the date all applicable restrictions of the awarded Restricted Stock Units have lapsed shall be distributed to the Participant, subject to tax withholding as provided in Section 6 of this Agreement.

ii.If the Participant’s employment is terminated for any reason other than the Retirement, Disability, or death of the Participant in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited immediately and all rights of the Participant with respect to such Restricted Stock Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company.

iii.If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the Participant shall not forfeit any rights with respect to any Restricted Stock Units subject to the Restriction Period, except for Dividend Equivalent Payments as provided in Section 4 of this Agreement, unless the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company terminates at any time during or at the end of the leave of absence and before the expiration of the Restriction Period, at which time all rights of the Participant with respect to such Restricted Stock Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company.

iv.If the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse upon the expiration of the Restriction Period. If the Participant dies before the expiration of the Restriction Period, the restrictions on the Restricted Stock Units shall lapse immediately. At such time, whole shares of Common Stock equal to the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock Units on the date all applicable restrictions of the Restricted Stock Units have lapsed shall be distributed to the Participant or the Participant’s Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death, subject to tax withholding as provided in Section 6 of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant in service before the expiration of the Restriction Period and the Participant Engages in Competing Employment within a period of two years following Retirement or Disability, and prior to expiration of the Restriction Period, then the Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited immediately and all rights of the Participant to such Units shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. A Participant “Engages in Competing Employment” if the Participant works for or provides services for any Competitor, on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, director, owner, officer, partner, joint venturer, or employee. For this purpose, a “Competitor” is any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes, including, but not limited to, any North American Class I rail carrier, any other rail carrier competing with the Corporation (including without limitation a holding or other company that controls or operates or is otherwise affiliated with any rail carrier competing with the Corporation), and any other provider of transportation services competing with Corporation, including motor and water carriers.



2



Moreover, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited immediately and all rights of the Participant to such Units shall terminate if:
A.
the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant before the expiration of the Restriction Period, and
B.
it is determined that the Participant engaged in any of the following:
1.
the Participant engaged in an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with the Participant’s duties or in the course of the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or Subsidiary Company; or
2.
the Participant disclosed confidential information in violation of a confidentiality agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or otherwise in violation of the law.
A determination under this paragraph shall be made by the Committee with respect to a participant who was, at any time, employed at the level of Vice President or above, and this determination shall be made by the Vice President Human Resources with respect to all other participants, and in either situation upon consultation with the Corporation’s chief legal officer.

Participant understands that nothing in this Agreement (1) prohibits or impedes Participant from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Congress, and any agency Inspector General), from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, or from receiving a monetary award from the SEC related to participation in an SEC investigation or proceeding, or (2) requires Participant to obtain prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures or to notify the Corporation of such reports or disclosures.

v.The Committee, in its sole discretion, may waive any or all restrictions with respect to Restricted Stock Units. Notwithstanding any waiver, any delivery of Restricted Stock Units to the Participant may not be made earlier than delivery would have been made absent such waiver of restrictions.

4.Dividend Equivalent Payments. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Corporation shall make to a Participant who holds Restricted Stock Units on the declared record date a cash payment on the number of shares of Common Stock represented by the Restricted Stock Units held by Participant on such date, payable on the tenth (10th) day of March, June, September, and December, equal to dividends declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation and paid on Common Stock.

Each dividend equivalent shall be equal to the amount of the regular quarterly dividend paid in accordance with the Corporation’s normal dividend payment practice as may be determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. Dividend equivalent payments shall not be made during a Participant’s leave of absence.

5.Savings Clause for Rules of Professional Responsibility. Nothing contained in this Agreement will operate or be construed to restrict a lawyer in the practice of law in contravention of Rule 5.6 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct or a similar professional conduct rule applicable to a lawyer who is an active member of any other state bar.

6.Tax Withholding. The minimum necessary tax withholding obligation with respect to an award of Restricted Stock Units will be satisfied with shares of Common Stock of the Corporation upon distribution of such award.
        


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7.Governing Law. The Participant agrees that this Award shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. The Participant consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The Participant agrees that any and all initial judicial actions related to this Award shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Participant at the time of such action.
        
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has executed this Agreement by his or her electronic acceptance hereof, in acceptance of the above‑mentioned Award, subject to the terms of the Plan and of this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.

                    

By:
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION


4

Exhibit



Exhibit 10kkk

Non-Compete Agreement Associated
With Award Agreement Under The
Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan

THIS AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is executed by and between <Employee Name> (“Employee”) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (“NS” or “Corporation”). Employee has received this Agreement in conjunction with an award agreement under the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP” or “Plan”). The term NS or Corporation includes NS’ subsidiaries and affiliated companies including, but not limited to, Norfolk Southern Railway Company and its rail subsidiaries.

WHEREAS, Employee is a participant in the LTIP and is eligible to receive an award under such Plan, subject to certain terms and conditions of that Plan; and

WHEREAS, execution of this Agreement is a condition precedent to Employee’s receipt of an award under the LTIP; and

WHEREAS, Employee is willing to enter into this Agreement and deliver same to NS to satisfy that condition in order to receive an award under the LTIP.

NOW THEREFORE the parties hereto do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1.NS agrees that, upon Employee executing this Agreement, Employee will be provided an award under the LTIP on the terms and conditions set forth in an Award Agreement and will continue to receive confidential NS business and operational information as required by the duties of his or her position.

2.Employee agrees that the LTIP award is consideration for entering into this Agreement and that in consideration of the award Employee will abide by the covenants and obligations contained in this Agreement.

3.From the last date of his or her employment with the Corporation and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, and irrespective of the reason for such separation, whether voluntary or involuntary, Employee will not, on his or her own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, owner, partner, joint venturer or employee:

(a)
work for or provide services to any “competitor” of the Corporation (i) “in a capacity involving substantially the same or similar work he or she performed for the Corporation” in the two (2) years preceding the last date of his or her employment with the Corporation, or (ii) as a director.

(b)
solicit, recruit, entice or persuade any employee of the Corporation to leave the
employment of the Corporation in order to work for or provide services for any “competitor” of the Corporation, “in a capacity involving substantially the same or similar work the employee performed for the Corporation” in the previous two (2) years.



1



(c)
solicit, contact, attempt to divert, or appropriate any “customer or account” of the Corporation for the purpose of “providing the same or similar services as provided by the Corporation”.

The term “competitor” is defined as any North American Class I rail carrier (including, without limitation, a holding or other company that controls or operates, or is controlled by or under common control with, any North American Class I rail carrier). The phrase “in a capacity involving substantially the same or similar work he or she performed for the Corporation”, in sub-paragraph (a) above, means being involved in the same work or closely related work to that which Employee performed for the Corporation and, if Employee occupied a position at the vice president level or above for the Corporation, includes, without limitation, any work at the vice president level or above for a competitor. The phrase “in a capacity involving substantially the same or similar work the employee performed for the Corporation”, in sub-paragraph (b) above, means being involved in the same work or closely related work to that which the employee performed for the Corporation and, if the employee occupied a position at the vice president level or above for the Corporation, includes, without limitation, any work at the vice president level or above for a competitor. The phrase “providing the same or similar services as provided by the Corporation”, in sub-paragraph (c) above, means being in the same or closely related line of business as the Corporation for or on behalf of a competitor of the Corporation. A “customer or account” is defined as any individual or entity with whom Employee worked on behalf of the Corporation within two (2) years of his or her last date of employment with the Corporation; provided, however, that any individual or entity that ceased its business relationship with Corporation during this two (2) year period, and did not thereafter resume such relationship, for reasons not related to the Employee, will not be considered a “customer” or “account.”

Nothing contained in this paragraph 3 will operate or be construed to restrict a lawyer in the practice of law in contravention of Rule 5.6 of the Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct or a similar professional conduct rule applicable to a lawyer who is an active member of any other state bar.

4.Employee covenants and agrees that any confidential or proprietary information acquired by him or her during his or her employment with the Corporation (including information of or concerning a customer of the Corporation) is the exclusive property of the Corporation, and Employee acknowledges that he or she has no ownership interest or right of any kind to said property. Except as otherwise required by law, Employee agrees that during his or her employment with the Corporation and after the termination of that employment, and irrespective of the reason for such separation, whether voluntary or involuntary, he or she will not, either directly or indirectly, use, access, disclose, or divulge to any unauthorized party, for his or her own benefit or to the detriment of the Corporation, any confidential or proprietary information of the Corporation which he or she may have acquired or been provided during his or her employment with the Corporation, whether or not developed or compiled by the Employee, and whether or not Employee was authorized to have access to such information. Nothing herein shall affect Employee’s obligations as set forth in the Patent Agreement between Employee and the Corporation.

For the purposes of the above, the term “confidential or proprietary information” includes, without limitation, the identity of or other facts relating to the Corporation, its customers and accounts, its marketing strategies, financial data, trade secrets, other intellectual property or any other information acquired by the Employee as a result of his or her employment with the Corporation such that if such information were disclosed, such disclosure could act to the prejudice of the Corporation. The term “confidential or proprietary information” does not include information that has become generally available to the public by the act of one who has the right to disclose such information without violating


2



any right of the Corporation. The term “unauthorized party” means any firm, entity (including governmental entities), or person (whether outsiders or employees of the Corporation), who is not specifically authorized by the Corporation to receive such confidential or proprietary information.

Employee agrees that if he or she believes that he or she is required by law or otherwise to reveal any confidential or proprietary information of the Corporation, he or she or his or her attorney, except as otherwise prohibited by law, will promptly contact NS’s Law Department prior to disclosing such information in order that the Corporation can take appropriate steps to safeguard the disclosure of such confidential and proprietary information.

Nothing in this paragraph or Agreement should be construed, either expressly or by implication, as limiting the maximum protections which may be available to the Corporation under appropriate state and federal common law or statute concerning the obligations and duties of the Employee to protect the Corporation’s property and/or confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to, under the federal Uniform Trade Secrets Act or the Virginia Uniform Trade Secrets Acts. Employee also acknowledges his or her duty to refrain from any action which would harm or have the potential to harm the Corporation, or the Corporation’s customers, including, but not limited to, breaching the fiduciary duties Employee owes the Corporation, both during the Employee’s employment and after the termination of that employment.

Employee understands that nothing in this Agreement (1) prohibits or impedes Employee from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Congress, and any agency Inspector General), from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, or from receiving a monetary award from the SEC related to participation in an SEC investigation or proceeding, or (2) requires Employee to obtain prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures or to notify the Corporation of such reports or disclosures.

5.Employee acknowledges and agrees that the breach of this Agreement, or any portion thereof, may result in irreparable harm to the Corporation, the monetary value of which could be difficult to establish. Employee therefore agrees and consents that the Corporation shall be entitled to injunctive relief or such other equitable relief as is necessary to prevent a breach by Employee of any of the covenants or provisions contained in this Agreement. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed as prohibiting the Corporation from pursuing any legal remedies available to the Corporation for such breach of this Agreement, including the recovery of damages from the Employee.

6.The parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. Employee consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The parties agree that any and all initial judicial actions instituted under this Agreement or relating to its enforceability shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Employee at the time of such action.

7.Each provision and sub-provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision or sub-provision of this Agreement shall be adjudged to be invalid under applicable law, the remainder of the Agreement is severable and shall


3



continue in full force and effect. Should a court of competent jurisdiction declare any of the provisions of paragraphs 3 or 4, or other paragraphs, invalid or unenforceable, the parties acknowledge and agree that the court may revise or reconstruct such invalid or unenforceable provisions to better effectuate the parties’ intent to reasonably restrict the activity of the Employee to the greatest extent afforded by law and needed to protect the business interests of the Corporation.

8.Employee understands and agrees that nothing in this Agreement creates a contract of employment for any specific duration. The obligations contained in this Agreement shall survive the termination of the Employee’s employment with the Corporation, however caused, and irrespective of the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Employee against the Corporation.

9.This Agreement is effective as of the date of the Employee’s electronic acceptance of both this Agreement and the corresponding Award Agreement(s) under LTIP. The terms of this Agreement (and all associated remedial provisions of this Agreement) shall continue until cancelled by a subsequent written agreement between the parties.




4

Exhibit



Exhibit 10ppp

Norfolk Southern Corporation Long-Term Incentive Plan
Award Agreement

Performance Share Unit Incentive For Accelerated Five-Year Plan

This AGREEMENT dated as of <Award Date> (Award Date), between NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (Corporation), a Virginia corporation, and <Employee Name> (Participant), Employee ID No. <Emp_Id>.

1.Award Contingent Upon Execution of this Agreement. This Award is contingent upon the Participant’s execution of this Agreement. This Award shall be void, and the Participant shall not be entitled to any rights hereunder, unless the Participant executes agreement on or before <Deadline Date>.

2.Governing Terms. Each Award made hereunder is made pursuant to the Norfolk Southern Corporation Long‑Term Incentive Plan (Plan), all the terms and conditions of which are deemed to be incorporated in this Agreement and which forms a part of this Agreement. The Participant agrees to be bound by all the terms and provisions of the Plan and by all determinations of the Committee thereunder, and that the provisions of this Agreement shall control in the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Plan or other Plan-related documents. Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the same meanings as in the Plan.
 
3.Award of Performance Share Units. The Corporation hereby confirms an Award to the Participant on Award Date of <PSUs> Performance Share Units (PSUs). The award of PSUs shall entitle the Participant who satisfies the employment requirements, as described in Section 4 hereof, to receive shares of Common Stock of the Corporation upon the Corporation’s achievement of Performance Goals established by the Committee at the time of grant for the following equally weighted Performance Criteria: (a) the Corporation’s operating ratio for 2018; and (b) the Corporation’s earnings per share for 2018.

4.Earnout of Performance Share Units. To the extent that the Performance Goals are achieved, the Corporation shall determine number of Performance Shares earned during the Performance Cycle by a ratio where the numerator is the number of months the Participant was in an active status and employed by the Corporation between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, and the denominator is 36.  For this purpose, if the Participant is employed in an active status on a single day within the month, then the Participant shall be deemed to be in an active status for the month. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant is in active status and employed by the Corporation but is demoted to a pay band level lower than the position the Participant held with the Corporation at the Award Date, then any month after the Participant’s demotion shall not be counted in the numerator.

Any Performance Shares earned at the end of the Performance Cycle on December 31, 2018, and for which the Participant has satisfied the preceding employment conditions shall be distributed in whole shares of Common Stock of the Corporation, subject to tax withholding as provided in this Agreement.

If the Participant is granted a leave of absence before the end of the Performance Cycle, the Participant shall not forfeit rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle; however, the leave of absence shall not be counted in determining whether the


1



Participant was employed by the Corporation in an active status in a month, unless the leave of absence was due to the Participant’s placement on Salary Continuance.

If the Participant’s employment is terminated before the end of the Performance Cycle by reason of Retirement, Disability or death, the Participant’s rights with respect to any Performance Shares being earned during the Performance Cycle shall continue until the end of the Performance Cycle; however, the number of Performance Shares earned shall be determined based on the number of months that the Participant was in active status and employed by the Corporation as provided above.

If the Participant’s employment is terminated for any reason other than the Participant’s Retirement, Disability, or death before the expiration of the Performance Cycle, all PSUs awarded hereunder shall be forfeited immediately and all the Participant’s rights to such shares shall terminate immediately without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Participant Engages in Competing Employment within a period of two years following Retirement or Disability and before the end of the Performance Cycle, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company. A Participant “Engages in Competing Employment” if the Participant works for or provides services for any Competitor, on the Participant’s own behalf or on behalf of others, including, but not limited to, as a consultant, independent contractor, director, owner, officer, partner, joint venturer, or employee. For this purpose, a “Competitor” is any entity in the same line of business as the Corporation in North American markets in which the Corporation competes, including, but not limited to, any North American Class I rail carrier, any other rail carrier competing with the Corporation (including without limitation a holding or other company that controls or operates or is otherwise affiliated with any rail carrier competing with the Corporation), and any other provider of transportation services competing with Corporation, including motor and water carriers.

Moreover, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall immediately forfeit all rights with respect to any Performance Shares that were being earned during the Performance Cycle without further obligation on the part of the Corporation or any Subsidiary Company if:
i.
the Participant’s employment is terminated by reason of the Retirement or Disability of the Participant before the expiration of the Performance Cycle, and
ii.
it is determined that the Participant engaged in any of the following:
A.
the Participant engaged in an act of fraud, embezzlement or theft in connection with the Participant’s duties or in the course of the Participant’s employment with the Corporation or Subsidiary Company; or
B.
the Participant disclosed confidential information in violation of a confidentiality agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary Company, or otherwise in violation of the law.
A determination under this paragraph shall be made by the Committee with respect to a participant who was, at any time, employed at the level of Vice President or above, and this determination shall be made by the Vice President Human Resources with respect to all other participants, and in either situation upon consultation with the Corporation’s chief legal officer.

Participant understands that nothing in this Agreement (1) prohibits or impedes Participant from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Congress, and any agency Inspector General), from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation, or from receiving a monetary award from the SEC related to participation in an SEC investigation or proceeding, or (2) requires Participant to obtain


2



prior authorization of the Corporation to make any such reports or disclosures or to notify the Corporation of such reports or disclosures.

No dividend equivalent payments shall be made with respect to the award of Performance Share Units hereunder.

5.Tax Withholding. The Participant acknowledges that any common stock distributed hereunder will be treated as ordinary compensation income for federal and state income and employment tax purposes, and that the Corporation will be required to withhold taxes on the distribution of any award. The minimum necessary tax withholding obligation with respect to an award of PSUs will be satisfied with shares of Common Stock of the Corporation upon distribution of such award.

6.Exclusion from Change in Control. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that, as a condition of receiving this Award, that this Award will be excluded from the calculation of any benefit to which the Participant may become entitled under any Change in Control Agreement between the Participant and the Corporation.

7.Recoupment. The Participant acknowledges that the Corporation shall recover from any Participant who is a current or former executive officer all or any portion of any PSUs awarded to the extent required by Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law No. 111‑203, or as may otherwise be required by law. In addition, any Participant who at any time is a Board-elected officer at the level of Vice President or above agrees that he will, upon the demand of the Board of Directors, reimburse all or any portion of PSUs awarded if (a) financial results are restated due to the material noncompliance of the Corporation with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, (b) a lower PSU distribution would have been made to the officer based upon the restated financial results, and (c) the PSUs were distributed within the three-year period prior to the date the applicable restatement was disclosed. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Board of Directors or the Corporation may, without waiving any other legal remedy allowed by law, deduct the full amount of such repayment obligation from any amounts the Corporation then owes, or will in the future owe, to the Participant. Nothing in this Agreement shall waive the Committee’s, Board of Directors’ or Corporation’s rights to take any such other action as the Committee, Board of Directors or the Corporation may deem appropriate in view of all the facts surrounding the particular financial restatement.

8.Governing Law. The Participant agrees that this Award shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to Virginia’s choice of law rules. The Participant consents to the personal jurisdiction of the federal and/or state courts serving the Commonwealth of Virginia and waives any defenses of forum non conveniens. The Participant agrees that any and all initial judicial actions related to this Award shall only be brought in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division or the appropriate state court in the City of Norfolk, Virginia regardless of the place of residence or work location of the Participant at the time of such action.

    
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has executed this Agreement by his or her electronic acceptance hereof, in acceptance of the above‑mentioned Award, subject to the terms of the Plan and of this Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.

                    

By:


3



NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION


4

Exhibit


Exhibit 12
Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EARNINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
taxes as reported
$
2,582

$
2,442

$
3,134

$
2,965

$
2,758

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Add (subtract):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total interest expenses (as detailed below)
 
602

 
584

 
592

 
576

 
546

Amortization of capitalized interest
 
12

 
12

 
11

 
12

 
10

Income of partially owned entities(1)
 
(61
)
 
(50
)
 
(46
)
 
(51
)
 
(45
)
Total earnings
$
3,135

$
2,988

$
3,691

$
3,502

$
3,269

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIXED CHARGES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense on debt
$
563

$
545

$
545

$
525

$
495

Interest expense on unrecognized tax benefit
 
1

 
(3
)
 
1

 
1

 
(1
)
Other interest expense
 
6

 
7

 
11

 
11

 
10

Calculated interest portion of rent expense(2)
 
32

 
35

 
35

 
39

 
42

Total interest expenses
 
602

 
584

 
592

 
576

 
546

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized interest
 
20

 
21

 
19

 
18

 
20

Total fixed charges
$
622

$
605

$
611

$
594

$
566

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
5.04

 
4.94

 
6.04

 
5.90

 
5.78


(1) Represents undistributed income of equity investees included in income from continuing operations before income taxes as reported.
(2) Interest component of leases includes one-third of rental expense which approximates the interest component of operating leases.



Exhibit


Exhibit 21
APPENDIX A
Page 1 of 2
CONSOLIDATED (MORE THAN 50% OWNED AND CONTROLLED) SUBSIDIARIES
OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND STATES OF INCORPORATION
AS OF JANUARY 31, 2017
 
STATE OR COUNTRY
OF INCORPORATION
Atlantic Investment Company
 
Delaware
 
General American Insurance Company
 
Vermont
 
General Security Insurance Company, Ltd.
 
Bermuda
 
Norfolk Southern Properties, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Norfolk Southern Railway Company
 
Virginia
 
NS Fiber Optics, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
PDC Timber LLC
 
Delaware
 
Pennsylvania Investment Company, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
PLC Timber LLC
 
Delaware
 
Pocahontas Development Corporation
 
Kentucky
 
Pocahontas Land Corporation
 
Virginia
 
Pocahontas Surface Interests, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
T-Cubed of North America, LLC
 
Delaware
 
Thoroughbred Technology and Telecommunications, LLC
 
Virginia
 

Norfolk Southern Railway Company Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Airforce Pipeline, Inc.
 
North Carolina
 
Alabama Great Southern LLC
 
Virginia
 
Alabama Great Southern Railroad Company, The
 
Alabama
 
BRF Investment, LLC
 
Virginia
 
Camp Lejeune Railroad Company
 
North Carolina
 
Carolina and Northwestern Railway Company
 
Delaware
 
Central of Georgia LLC
 
Virginia
 
Central of Georgia Railroad Company
 
Georgia
 
Chesapeake Western Railway
 
Virginia
 
Chicago Land Management, LLC
 
Virginia
 
Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway Company, The
 
Ohio
 
Citico Realty Company
 
Virginia
 
CNOTP LLC
 
Ohio
 
Georgia Southern and Florida Railway Company
 
Georgia
 
GSFR LLC
 
Georgia
 
High Point, Randleman, Asheboro and Southern Railroad Company
 
North Carolina
 
HPRASR LLC
 
North Carolina
 
Interstate Railroad Company
 
Virginia
 
Lamberts Point Barge Company, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Mobile and Birmingham Railroad Company
 
Alabama
 
Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company
 
Virginia
 
Norfolk Southern International, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Norfolk Southern - Mexico, LLC
 
Virginia
 
NorfolkSouthernMexicana, S. de R.L. de C.V.
 
Mexico
 
North Carolina Midland Railroad Company, The
 
North Carolina
 
NS Spectrum Corporation
 
Virginia
 
PLS Investment, LLC
 
Virginia
 





APPENDIX A
Page 2 of 2
 
STATE OR COUNTRY
OF INCORPORATION
Norfolk Southern Railway Company Subsidiaries (continued)
 
 
 
Rail Investment Company
 
Delaware
 
Reading Company, LLC [Delaware]
 
Delaware
 
Reading Company, LLC [Virginia]
 
Virginia
 
RIC LLC
 
Delaware
 
South Western Rail Road Company, The
 
Georgia
 
Southern Rail Terminals, Inc.
 
Georgia
 
Southern Rail Terminals of North Carolina, Inc.
 
North Carolina
 
Southern Region Materials Supply, Inc.
 
Georgia
 
State University Railroad Company
 
North Carolina
 
S-VA Corporation
 
Virginia
 
TCV, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway Company
 
Delaware
 
Tennessee Railway Company
 
Tennessee
 
Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services, Inc.
 
Pennsylvania
 
Thoroughbred Emissions Research, LLC
 
Virginia
 
Thoroughbred Funding, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Transworks Company
 
Indiana
 
Transworks Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Transworks of Indiana, Inc.
 
Indiana
 
Triple Crown Services Company
 
--
 
Virginia and Southwestern Railway Company
 
Virginia
 
Wheelersburg Terminal LLC
 
Virginia
 
Yadkin Railroad Company
 
North Carolina
 
Yadkin Railroad Investment LLC
 
North Carolina
 
 
Norfolk Southern Properties, Inc. Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Alexandria-Southern Properties, Inc.
 
Virginia
 
Arrowood-Southern Company
 
North Carolina
 
Charlotte-Southern Hotel Corporation
 
North Carolina
 
Lambert’s Point Docks, Incorporated
 
Virginia
 
Nickel Plate Improvement Company, Inc., The
 
Indiana
 
NS-Charlotte Tower Corporation
 
North Carolina
 
NS Transportation Brokerage Corporation
 
Virginia
 
Sandusky Dock Corporation
 
Virginia
 
Southern Region Industrial Realty, Inc.
 
Georgia
 
SRIR Timber LLC
 
Delaware
 
Virginia Holding Corporation
 
Virginia
 
Westlake Land Management, Inc.
 
Florida
 
 
In addition, NS owns direct or indirect equity interest in:
Conrail Inc.
Consolidated Rail Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries
CRR Holdings LLC
Delaware Otsego Corporation
DOCP Acquisition, LLC
Green Acquisition Corp.


Exhibit


Exhibit 23






Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Norfolk Southern Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in registration statement numbers 33-52031, 333-71321, 333-205880 and 333-207640 on Form S-8 and 333-202023 on Form S-3 of Norfolk Southern Corporation of our reports dated February 6, 2017, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Norfolk Southern Corporation as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016, and the related financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, which reports appear in the December 31, 2016 annual report on Form 10-K of Norfolk Southern Corporation.
 
/s/KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Norfolk, Virginia
February 6, 2017




Exhibit

Exhibit 31-A

 


CERTIFICATIONS


I, James A. Squires, certify that:
 

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Norfolk Southern Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: February 6, 2017
 
/s/ James A. Squires
 
James A. Squires
 
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit


Exhibit 31-B
 



CERTIFICATIONS


I, Marta R. Stewart, certify that:
 

1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Norfolk Southern Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: February 6, 2017
 
/s/ Marta R. Stewart
 
Marta R. Stewart
 
Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit


Exhibit 32



CERTIFICATIONS OF CEO AND CFO REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(b) OR RULE
15d-14(b) AND SECTION 1350 OF CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18 OF THE U.S. CODE



I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016, of Norfolk Southern Corporation fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Norfolk Southern Corporation.




Signed:
/s/ James A. Squires
 
James A. Squires
 
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation

Dated: February 6, 2017




I certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016, of Norfolk Southern Corporation fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Norfolk Southern Corporation.




Signed:
/s/ Marta R. Stewart
 
Marta R. Stewart
 
Executive Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer
 
Norfolk Southern Corporation

Dated: February 6, 2017


Exhibit


Exhibit 99
Form Last Updated by the NYSE on July 1, 2013


NYSE REGULATION



Domestic Company
Section 303A
Annual CEO Certification

As the Chief Executive Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC), and as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, I hereby certify that as of the date hereof I am not aware of any violation by the Company of NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards, other than has been notified to the Exchange pursuant to Section 303A.12(b) and disclosed on Exhibit H to the Company’s Domestic Company Section 303A Annual Written Affirmation.

This certification is:


 
 
[x]
 
Without qualification
 
 
 
 
or
 
 
[ ]
 
With qualification

By:
 
/s/ James A. Squires
Print Name:
 
James A. Squires
Title:
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
 
June 1, 2016

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