Unlocking Q3 Potential of CSX (CSX): Exploring Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast a decline in CSX's quarterly earnings and revenues, indicating potential challenges for the company in the upcoming earnings report [1][2]. Earnings and Revenue Estimates - CSX is expected to report earnings of $0.43 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 6.5% [1]. - Revenue is anticipated to be $3.61 billion, showing a decrease of 0.4% compared to the same quarter last year [1]. Revisions and Analyst Sentiment - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.6% lower over the past 30 days, indicating a reevaluation of initial estimates by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock price movements [3]. Key Revenue Metrics - Revenue from Coal is projected at $489.25 million, down 11.5% year-over-year [5]. - Revenue from Intermodal is expected to reach $518.62 million, up 1.9% year-over-year [5]. - Revenue from Merchandise-Fertilizers is estimated at $139.15 million, indicating a significant increase of 17.9% year-over-year [5]. - Revenue from Merchandise-Chemicals is forecasted at $722.80 million, reflecting a slight decline of 0.6% year-over-year [6]. Volume and Operating Metrics - Revenue per unit for Intermodal is expected to be $694.28, slightly down from $697.00 reported in the same quarter last year [7]. - Volume for Merchandise-Automotive is projected at 98.67 thousand, up from 98.00 thousand year-over-year [7]. - Volume for Merchandise-Minerals is expected to be 95.05 thousand, down from 96.00 thousand reported last year [8]. - Volume for Coal is anticipated to be 184.66 thousand, down from 190.00 thousand year-over-year [8]. - Volume for Merchandise-Fertilizers is projected at 50.24 thousand, up from 45.00 thousand last year [9]. - Volume for Merchandise-Metals and Equipment is expected to be 66.49 thousand, up from 64.00 thousand year-over-year [9]. - Volume for Merchandise-Agricultural and Food Products is projected at 110.94 thousand, down from 118.00 thousand reported last year [10]. Market Performance - CSX shares have returned +9.3% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.4% change [11]. - With a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), CSX is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future [11].