Norfolk Southern (NSC) has faced challenges since the pandemic, with supply chain disruptions, volatile freight demand, and inflation. The major train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, added hundreds of millions of costs, including a $600 million settlement. A proxy battle with Ancora Holdings has also brought pressure for significant change. Despite these headwinds, NSC remains a core holding for the author due to its growth potential. The appointment of a new chief operating officer and aggressive operational targets suggest that improvements are underway. Analysts forecast significant EPS growth in the coming years, and the current valuation presents potential upside if NSC achieves its goals.