NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) Jan. 26, 2001-- Standard&Poor's today revised the outlook on its ratings for Norfolk Southern Corp. and its subsidiaries to negative from stable. The ratings on outstanding debt are affirmed (see list). The outlook revision reflects concerns that a slowing economy could stall even gradual improvements in the credit profile despite solid operational metrics and measures taken to improve liquidity, including a significant reduction in the dividend. For 2000, credit measures remained weak for the rating, with lease-adjusted EBITDA coverage around 2.6 times and funds flow to debt under 10%. Improvements are still anticipated in 2001, but are vulnerable if the economy weakens more than expected. Norfolk Southern Corp.'s ratings reflect a favorable
