Core Insights - CSX Corporation is a leading transportation company in the U.S. focused on rail-based freight transportation, operating an extensive rail network and competing with major rail companies like Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern [1] Financial Performance - CSX's Q3 2025 earnings report showed revenue of $3.59 billion, slightly missing year-over-year expectations but exceeding consensus estimates [3] - The adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for CSX was $0.44, surpassing estimates despite a $164 million goodwill impairment related to Quality Carriers; without this impairment, the adjusted EPS would have been approximately $0.51 [3] Market Position and Stock Performance - Cowen & Co. maintained a "Buy" rating for CSX, with the stock priced at approximately $36.84, and TD Cowen raised the price target from $38 to $39; the current stock price is $36.93, reflecting a 2.61% increase [2] - CSX's market capitalization is approximately $68.85 billion, with a trading volume of 4.41 million shares [4] Operational Efficiency - CSX has improved operational efficiency, with car miles per day increasing to 136.6 and enhanced fuel efficiency; the company has also expanded its intermodal services in the Northeast [4]

Core Insights - CSX Corporation reported mixed third-quarter 2025 results with earnings per share of 44 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents, but revenues of $3.59 billion missed expectations and declined 1% year over year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted operating income for the third quarter decreased significantly to $1.25 billion, with an adjusted operating margin of 34.9% [3]. - Total revenues of $3.59 billion narrowly missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, primarily due to lower export coal prices and a decline in merchandise volume [2]. - Merchandise revenues fell 1% year over year to $2.21 billion, while intermodal revenues increased 4% to $527 million [4]. - Coal revenues plummeted 11% year over year to $490 million, with coal volumes decreasing by 3% [5]. Segment Performance - Merchandise volumes decreased by 1% year over year to $660 million, while intermodal segment volumes increased by 5% [4]. - Trucking revenues totaled $207 million, down 3% year over year, while other revenues grew significantly by 38% to $155 million [5]. Liquidity and Guidance - CSX ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $602 million, down from $933 million at the end of 2024, while long-term debt remained flat at $18.5 billion [6]. - For 2025, CSX expects total volume growth and plans to focus on operational excellence and efficiency initiatives, with capital expenditures projected at $2.5 billion [7].

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Core Insights - U.S. stock futures are trading lower, indicating a cautious market sentiment ahead of key earnings reports [1] Company Earnings and Performance - Slb NV (NYSE:SLB) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.66 per share on revenue of $8.97 billion [2] - CSX Corp. (NASDAQ:CSX) reported third-quarter revenue of $3.59 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $3.58 billion, with adjusted earnings of $0.44 per share, beating expectations of $0.43 per share [2] - American Express Co. (NYSE:AXP) is anticipated to post quarterly earnings of $4.00 per share on revenue of $18.05 billion [2] - Truist Financial Corp. (NYSE:TFC) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.00 per share on revenue of $5.20 billion [2] Stock Movements - SLB shares fell 0.3% to $32.82 in after-hours trading [2] - CSX shares rose 2.3% to $36.80 in after-hours trading [2] - American Express shares gained 0.5% to $324.58 in after-hours trading [2] - Newsmax Inc. (NYSE:NMAX) shares increased by 1.5% to $10.99 after announcing a $5 million purchase of Bitcoin and Trump Coin [2] - Truist Financial shares gained 0.6% to $41.33 in after-hours trading [2]

CSX’s profits declined in the third quarter as intermodal growth could not offset an 11% decline in coal revenue. But the railroad’s key operating metrics all improved, even amid detours related to a pair of major construction projects, the Howard Street Tunnel clearance project in Baltimore and the rebuilding of the hurricane-damaged Blue Ridge Subdivision. “We’re encouraged by the progress made this quarter. Our team did a great job at working together, responding effectively to the tests faced earlier ...

Key Takeaways Markets Started in the Green, but Sank on Regional Bank IssuesCSX Misses on Top and Bottom Lines in Q3No Economic Data Expected FridayThursday, October 16, 2025Markets took a downward turn after a strong open today, edging lower through the afternoon but ultimately off session lows. The AI trade and strong Q3 earnings reports looked to be enough to placate market participants today, but a $50 million wrinkle at a regional bank was enough for traders to start questioning the bull market.The Dow ...

Core Insights - CSX reported $3.59 billion in revenue for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 0.9% and an EPS of $0.44 compared to $0.46 a year ago, with a revenue surprise of -0.22% and an EPS surprise of +4.76% [1] Financial Performance - The operating margin was reported at 30.3%, significantly lower than the estimated 65.7% by analysts [4] - Revenue from intermodal services was $527 million, exceeding the average estimate of $517.94 million, representing a year-over-year increase of +3.5% [4] - Revenue from coal was $490 million, slightly above the average estimate of $488.06 million, but showing a year-over-year decline of -11.4% [4] Volume Metrics - Volume for merchandise chemicals was 164 thousand, slightly below the average estimate of 167.59 thousand [4] - Volume for agricultural and food products was 110 thousand, surpassing the average estimate of 107.91 thousand [4] - Volume for automotive merchandise was 99 thousand, closely matching the average estimate of 99.39 thousand [4] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from merchandise chemicals was $697 million, below the estimated $722.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -4.1% [4] - Revenue from agricultural and food products was $382 million, compared to the average estimate of $418.66 million, indicating a year-over-year change of -8.2% [4] - Revenue from automotive merchandise was $306 million, slightly below the average estimate of $310.08 million, but showing a year-over-year increase of +1.7% [4] - Revenue from forest products was $247 million, below the average estimate of $259.2 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -4.6% [4] - Revenue from metals and equipment was $224 million, exceeding the average estimate of $213.13 million, with a year-over-year increase of +7.7% [4] - Revenue from fertilizers was $126 million, below the average estimate of $139.15 million, but showing a year-over-year increase of +6.8% [4] Stock Performance - CSX shares have returned +10.6% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.9% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter reported operating income was $1.1 billion, and earnings per share was $0.37, including a $164 million impairment charge [17] - Adjusted revenue decreased by about $30 million, or 1%, due to unfavorable mix and coal pricing, while adjusted expenses increased by 3% [17][19] - Year-to-date free cash flow reached $1.1 billion, with over $850 million in cash outflows for the Blue Ridge project [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Merchandise revenue and volume were down 1%, with minerals volume and revenue up 8% and 12% respectively [11][12] - Coal revenue declined 11% for the quarter on a 3% lower total volume, while utility coal tonnage increased by 22% year over year [13][15] - Intermodal revenue was up 4% on a 5% increase in volume, benefiting from strong growth with key customers [10][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Business conditions are mixed, with customers facing uncertainty from shifting trade policies and weak global commodity prices [11] - The domestic coal market shows steady trends, while the chemical and forest product markets have faced challenges, with volume down 7% [12][70] - The intermodal market is expected to grow, particularly with the completion of the Howard Street Tunnel, which will enhance service offerings [11][80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be the best-performing railroad in North America, focusing on financial performance, safety, and customer service [4][5] - Completion of major infrastructure projects like the Howard Street Tunnel and Blue Ridge Subdivision is expected to enhance capacity and resiliency [10][11] - The company is actively pursuing strategic opportunities to create value for shareholders while maintaining strong customer relationships [25][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational performance and ability to navigate mixed economic conditions [25] - The company anticipates easing year-over-year headwinds into the fourth quarter, supported by strong operational execution and cost control [18] - There is optimism regarding the coal market and potential improvements in the chemical and forest product sectors as economic conditions stabilize [70] Other Important Information - The company has returned over $2 billion to shareholders year-to-date and remains committed to shareholder distributions [23] - The company expects to maintain its capital expenditure guidance of $2.5 billion for the full year, excluding the Blue Ridge project [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company position itself against peers pursuing mergers? - The company emphasizes running its operations effectively to create value and be prepared for strategic opportunities when they arise [31][32] Question: How will the completion of infrastructure projects impact the company? - The completion of the Blue Ridge and Howard Street projects is expected to enhance operational efficiency and cost reduction, setting the stage for growth [36][37] Question: What are the company's priorities moving forward? - The focus is on driving best-in-class performance, building a high-performance culture, and capitalizing on strategic opportunities [51] Question: How does the company view the current market conditions? - The company acknowledges mixed market conditions but remains optimistic about growth opportunities, particularly in intermodal and coal sectors [70][72] Question: What are the cash flow priorities for 2026? - The company plans to prioritize shareholder returns and may consider debt reduction, depending on cash flow performance [90]

Investors looked past a 22% drop in CSX’s third quarter earnings Thursday and focused on the direction the railroad’s new CEO might take it and the possibility of any strategic deals. CEO Steve Angel promised to focus on making CSX the best-performing railroad. Without promising a merger, Angel said he would consider any strategic opportunities that make sense for shareholders. He also reminded investors that he ran industrial gas supplier Praxair for a decade before the opportunity to merge with rival Li ...

CSX Corp. (NASDAQ: CSX) reported third quarter operating income of $1.09 billion and net earnings of $694 million, or $0.37 per share. Excluding a non-cash goodwill impairment of $164 million, adjusted operating income for the quarter was $1.25 billion and adjusted net earnings were $818 million, or $0.44 per share. Earnings for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based company beat analysts’ consensus forecast of $0.42 cents per share. It was the first earnings report under new chief executive Steve Angel, who succe ...