Norfolk Southern Corp. on July 27 posted record second-quarter financial results that beat the expectations of Wall Street analysts.

Norfolk Southern Corp. reported record fourth-quarter and full-year net income from railway operations and operating ratio when the Class I railroad released its results Jan. 26.

The Jan. 4 announcement appears to be a significant step in that direction. According to the governor’s office, the overall concept calls for $231.6 million in investment in rail projects “to upgrade economic development infrastructure in central and southern Alabama.”

United States Steel Corp., Norfolk Southern Corp. and The Greenbrier Cos. collaborated to create a new high-strength railcar, the companies announced Dec. 9.

Norfolk Southern Corp. on Dec. 3 announced a CEO succession plan, with current leader Jim Squires retiring and longtime company executive Alan Shaw stepping up to lead the Class I railroad.

Atlanta-based Class I railroad Norfolk Southern reported record third-quarter results on Oct. 27, exceeding Wall Street’s expectations, even as railroad officials said freight growth is being hampered by supply chain disruptions at seaports, intermodal facilities and in trucking.

Norfolk Southern Corp. saw its fourth-quarter revenue fall by 4% as freight volume fell in most of the commodities it moves.

Norfolk Southern Corp. carried 7% less freight in the third quarter, but the Class I railroad still beat Wall Street expectations when it reported third-quarter earnings Oct. 28.

Norfolk Southern beat Wall Street’s expectations when the Class I railroad reported second-quarter earnings July 29.

Norfolk Southern Corp. followed the trend of Class 1 railroads reporting record operating ratios, but net income and revenue dropped in the third quarter.