CSX Corporation (CSX) is currently mired in multiple headwinds, which, we believe, have made it an unimpressive investment option.Let’s delve deeper.Southward Earnings Estimate Revision: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-quarter earnings has moved 8.8% south in the past 90 days. For the current year, the consensus mark for earnings has been revised 9.8% downward in the same time frame. The unfavorable estimate revisions indicate brokers’ lack of confidence in the stock.Dim Price Performance:  The com ...

Core Insights - CSX Corporation is participating in the Wolfe Research 18th Annual Global Transportation & Industrials Conference, indicating its engagement with industry stakeholders and investors [1] - The company is optimistic about its future, discussing challenges faced in recent quarters and strategies to address them as it looks ahead to 2026 and 2027 [3] Company Overview - Kevin Boone, Chief Commercial Officer, and Matthew Korn, Head of Investor Relations, are representing CSX at the conference, highlighting the importance of their leadership in investor communications [2] - The company acknowledges the changing policies and trade flows impacting the industry, suggesting a proactive approach to adapting to these changes [3] Industry Context - The conference serves as a platform for discussing recent volume trends and broader industry dynamics, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement [4]

CSX FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: CSX Corporation - **Date of Conference**: May 20, 2025 Key Industry Insights - **Volume Trends**: CSX reported a volume increase of over 3% quarter to date, with intermodal being a significant bright spot. Anticipation of increased volume due to a 90-day tariff relief on imports from China is expected to impact the third quarter positively [4][5][6]. - **Market Performance**: - **Aggregates**: Strong performance, particularly in the Southeast due to road infrastructure activity [6]. - **Grain**: Improved performance noted, with additional opportunities anticipated [7]. - **Coal**: Domestic demand is increasing, with a mid-single-digit volume increase reported. The company expects further growth as two mines come back online [19][21][23]. - **Chemicals**: Experienced some volatility, but recovery is expected as a major customer's production resumes [9]. - **Forest Products**: Noted near-term weakness due to maintenance outages, but optimism remains for the latter half of the year [10]. Financial Performance and Projections - **Volume Growth**: CSX maintains a positive outlook for volume growth, contingent on macroeconomic stability and service improvements. The company expects to build momentum into 2026, with quarter-over-quarter improvements anticipated [15][16][66]. - **Coal Market Dynamics**: The domestic coal market is expected to remain strong through the end of the year, influenced by weather conditions and inventory levels [23][24]. - **Pricing and Yield**: The company aims to exceed cost inflation in pricing, with expectations for improved pricing dynamics as the trucking market stabilizes [50][58]. Strategic Initiatives - **Infrastructure Projects**: Significant investments are being made in infrastructure, including the Howard Street Tunnel project, which is on track for completion in Q4 2025. This project is expected to enhance capacity and operational efficiency [36][39]. - **Network Improvements**: CSX is focusing on improving network fluidity and service metrics, with expectations for sequential improvement as projects are completed [40][46][64]. Challenges and Risks - **Service Metrics**: The company faced challenges in service metrics due to weather-related disruptions and ongoing construction projects. However, improvements are being implemented to enhance service delivery [40][41][48]. - **Market Volatility**: The company is cautious about potential volatility in international intermodal volumes and the impact of macroeconomic factors on demand [12][14]. Conclusion CSX is positioned for growth with a focus on improving service metrics, leveraging infrastructure investments, and capitalizing on favorable market conditions in coal and intermodal sectors. The company remains optimistic about achieving volume growth and improving financial performance as it moves into 2026 and beyond [66][68].

Core Viewpoint - CSX shares have increased by approximately 13.1% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500, but there are concerns about whether this positive trend will continue or if a pullback is imminent [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Market Reaction - The most recent earnings report indicates that estimates for CSX have trended downward over the past month, with a consensus estimate shift of -7.77% [2] - Investors and analysts are reacting to the downward trend in estimates, which suggests a cautious outlook for the stock [1] Group 2: VGM Scores and Investment Strategy - CSX has an average Growth Score of C and a similar score for momentum, while it received a grade of D for value, placing it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for CSX is D, indicating a lack of focus on any particular investment strategy [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - The downward trend in estimates suggests a negative outlook for CSX, reflected in its Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [4]

Core Insights - CSX Corporation is facing significant headwinds in 2025 due to ongoing projects such as the Blue Ridge Subdivision rebuild and the Howard Street Tunnel project, yet it is experiencing high volume levels and operational improvements [3]. Group 1: Company Performance - The company reported that volumes are reaching some of the highest levels of the year, indicating a positive trend in operational capacity [3]. - The impact of Hurricane Helene last year led to significant outages, particularly affecting the Blue Ridge rebuild project [4]. Group 2: Conference Highlights - The conference call featured Sean Pelkey, EVP and CFO of CSX, who emphasized the importance of the ongoing projects and their implications for future growth [3]. - The conference marks CSX's 17th consecutive appearance, showcasing the company's commitment to engaging with investors and stakeholders [1].

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSX Corp. (NASDAQ: CSX) Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Kevin Boone, will address the Wolfe Research 18th Annual Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York on Tuesday, May 20, at 8:35 a.m. Eastern time. This address will be broadcast live via webcast at http://investors.csx.com. A replay will be available following the conclusion of this event. This announcement, as well as additional financial information, is availa ...

Summary of CSX Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Company**: CSX Corporation - **Industry**: Rail Transportation Key Points and Arguments 1. **Operational Challenges**: CSX faced significant headwinds in 2025 due to the Blue Ridge subdivision rebuild and the Howard Street Tunnel project, impacting performance in the first quarter [19][22][27] 2. **Volume Recovery**: Despite challenges, CSX reported some of the highest volume levels of the year, with improvements in operations and network fluidity [19][23][28] 3. **Revenue Miss**: In the first quarter, CSX missed approximately $100 million in revenue opportunities due to operational inefficiencies [30] 4. **Capacity and Growth**: CSX anticipates low to mid-single-digit volume growth over the next three years without significant new infrastructure investments [32][89] 5. **Tariff Impacts**: The recent pause in reciprocal tariffs with China is expected to lead to a surge in preshipping, although an air pocket in freight volumes is anticipated in the short term [8][34][36] 6. **Market Outlook**: CSX remains optimistic about the second half of 2025 and 2026, driven by strong industrial development opportunities and new business wins [26][38] 7. **Coal and Fertilizer Demand**: Coal volumes increased by 6% quarter-to-date, driven by both domestic demand and export opportunities, while fertilizer volumes rose by 12% due to recovery from previous disruptions [53][60] 8. **Intermodal Growth**: Intermodal services have shown double-digit growth year-to-date, attributed to international demand and strong service performance [62][64] 9. **Employee Efficiency**: CSX is focusing on maintaining flat employee levels while improving efficiency, with a current workforce of 23,000 [93] 10. **Cost Management**: The company is managing labor inflation effectively, with overall labor costs running below 3% due to cost-sharing models in health benefits [47][71] Additional Important Insights 1. **Service Improvements**: CSX has improved trip plan compliance to over 80%, up from the 60% range earlier in the year, indicating better operational performance [25] 2. **Technology Investments**: The company is investing in advanced analytics and AI to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities [81] 3. **Long-term Projects**: The Howard Street Tunnel and Blue Ridge projects are on track, with expected completion in late 2025, which will enhance capacity and operational efficiency [66][68] 4. **Pricing Environment**: CSX is experiencing stable pricing dynamics, with pricing growth exceeding inflation, particularly in the chemicals and merchandise sectors [71][73] 5. **Future Projections**: CSX anticipates a significant reduction in costs related to rerouting and weather impacts as projects are completed, setting the stage for improved margins and earnings growth in 2026 [95][96]

Core Points - CSX Corporation has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen covering approximately 3,400 locomotive engineers, marking a significant milestone as the first Class I freight railroad to do so with BLET [1][2] - The agreement includes competitive pay, improved healthcare, and work rule changes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for locomotive engineers, reflecting similar wage increases and benefits from agreements with 13 other unions [2][3] - Locomotive engineers represent about 20% of CSX's frontline workforce, and if ratified, nearly 75% of CSX's unionized workers will be covered by new agreements reached in the last nine months [3] Company Overview - CSX is a premier transportation company based in Jacksonville, Florida, providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products [5] - The company has been integral to the economic expansion and industrial development of the nation for nearly 200 years, connecting major metropolitan areas in the eastern United States and linking over 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ports [5]

Group 1 - CSX Corporation is a key player in the American railroad industry, operating a network that spans the eastern United States and connects major industrial regions with over 70 ports [1] - The company plays a critical role in facilitating transportation and logistics across the eastern U.S., which is vital for various industries [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of well-researched commentary and insights into different industries and asset classes, aiming to assist readers in navigating complex global markets [1]

Company Overview - CSX Corp. is a premier transportation company based in Jacksonville, Florida, providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products [3] - The company has been integral to the economic expansion and industrial development of the United States for nearly 200 years, connecting major metropolitan areas in the eastern U.S. and linking over 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ports [3] Upcoming Event - Sean Pelkey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CSX, will address the Bank of America Industrials, Transportation & Airlines Key Leaders Conference in New York on May 13 at 8 a.m. Eastern time [1] - The address will be broadcast live via webcast, with a replay available after the event [2]