Shareholders of Norfolk Southern (NSC) approve directors, pay plan and KPMG
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Norfolk Southern Corporation reported the results of its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 7, 2026. Shareholders elected twelve directors, each receiving over 148 million votes in favor, with broker non-votes of 29,538,903 recorded for each nominee.
Shareholders also ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026, with 173,549,280 votes for and 10,296,435 against. In addition, the advisory resolution on executive compensation received 145,144,991 votes in favor and 8,525,943 against, indicating overall support for the company’s pay programs.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
8-K Event Classification
Item 5.07 — Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
1 item
Item 5.07
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Governance
Results of a shareholder vote on proposals at an annual or special meeting.
Key Figures
Highest director votes for: 153,454,635 votes
Lowest director votes for: 148,653,437 votes
Broker non-votes on director elections: 29,538,903 shares
+4 more
7 metrics
Highest director votes for
153,454,635 votes
Votes for Christopher T. Jones election as director
Lowest director votes for
148,653,437 votes
Votes for John C. Huffard, Jr. election as director
Broker non-votes on director elections
29,538,903 shares
Broker non-votes recorded for each director nominee
KPMG ratification votes for
173,549,280 votes
Ratification of KPMG LLP as 2026 independent auditor
KPMG ratification votes against
10,296,435 votes
Votes against ratifying KPMG LLP as auditor
Say on Pay votes for
145,144,991 votes
Advisory approval of executive compensation resolution
Say on Pay votes against
8,525,943 votes
Votes against advisory executive compensation resolution
Key Terms
Broker Non-Votes, independent registered public accounting firm, Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation, Say on Pay, +1 more
5 terms
Broker Non-Votes financial
"Votes For | | Votes Against | | Abstentions | | Broker Non-Votes"
Broker non-votes occur when a brokerage firm is unable to vote on a shareholder’s behalf during a company election or decision because the shareholder has not given specific voting instructions, and the broker is not allowed or chooses not to vote on certain matters. They are important because they can affect the outcome of votes, especially when the results are close, by effectively reducing the total number of votes cast.
independent registered public accounting firm financial
"ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm"
An independent registered public accounting firm is an outside accounting company officially registered with the government regulator to examine and report on a public company's financial records and controls. Investors treat its reports like an impartial inspector’s certificate — they add credibility to financial statements, help spot errors or misleading claims, and reduce the risk that shareholders are relying on unchecked or biased numbers.
Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation financial
"Proposal 3 – Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation (“Say on Pay”)"
Say on Pay financial
"Proposal 3 – Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation (“Say on Pay”)"
Say on pay is a shareholder vote—typically nonbinding—on a company’s executive compensation package, allowing investors to approve or reject how top managers are paid. Think of it as a public performance review: widespread disapproval can signal poor governance, prompt changes to pay practices, attract activist investors, and influence investor confidence and share value. It matters because it gives owners a direct way to influence compensation that affects company incentives and long-term performance.
FAQ
Which firm will audit Norfolk Southern’s (NSC) financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2026?
KPMG LLP will serve as Norfolk Southern’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026. Shareholders ratified KPMG’s appointment with strong majority support, based on the disclosed vote totals, continuing the company’s relationship with this external audit firm.