Company Overview - Union Pacific (UNP) is anticipated to report a year-over-year earnings increase driven by higher revenues for the quarter ended June 2025, with a consensus outlook suggesting a positive earnings picture [1][2] - The earnings report is scheduled for release on July 24, and the actual results will significantly influence the stock price depending on whether they meet or exceed expectations [2] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts quarterly earnings of $2.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.5% [3] - Expected revenues for the quarter are $6.11 billion, which is a 1.7% increase from the same quarter last year [3] Estimate Revisions - Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.22%, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Union Pacific is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.50%, suggesting a bullish outlook from analysts [12] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [10] - Union Pacific currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, which, along with the positive Earnings ESP, suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Union Pacific was expected to post earnings of $2.73 per share but delivered $2.70, resulting in a surprise of -1.10% [13] - Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times [14] Industry Context - In comparison, CSX (CSX), another player in the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry, is expected to report earnings of $0.42 per share for the same quarter, indicating a year-over-year decline of 14.3% [18] - CSX's revenues are projected to be $3.58 billion, down 3.2% from the previous year, with a negative Earnings ESP of -0.21%, making it challenging to predict an earnings beat [19]

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yiel ...

CSX (CSX) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the o ...

Core Insights - CSX Corporation is facing significant challenges including rising expenses, weak liquidity, and declining demand, making it an unattractive investment option [1] Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CSX's current-quarter earnings has been revised downward by 16.3% over the past 90 days, with a 9.8% decrease for the current year [2] - CSX's share price has increased by only 18.6% in the past 90 days, compared to a 28.8% growth in the transportation-rail industry [3] Earnings and Liquidity - CSX has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) and has a history of disappointing earnings surprises, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters with an average miss of 3.13% [5] - Operating expenses have risen from $8.8 billion in 2022 to $9.1 billion in 2023, and are projected to reach $9.3 billion in 2024, with a 1.6% increase in Q1 2025 [6][9] - The current ratio has declined from 1.73 in 2021 to 0.88 in Q1 2025, indicating ongoing liquidity pressures [7][8] Market Challenges - Coal revenues have decreased by 27% year over year, with a 9% drop in volumes in Q1 2025, exacerbated by rail network issues such as crew shortages and service disruptions [9] - CSX is facing elevated capital expenditures projected at $2.5 billion for 2025, adding to financial strain [9]

Group 1 - COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd. Unsponsored ADR (CICOY) is part of the Transportation sector, which includes 122 companies and ranks 4 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - CICOY currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CICOY's full-year earnings has increased by 17.6% in the past quarter, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [4] Group 2 - CICOY has returned 7.7% year-to-date, outperforming the average loss of 3.7% in the Transportation group [4] - CICOY belongs to the Transportation - Shipping industry, which consists of 38 companies and ranks 31 in the Zacks Industry Rank; this industry has seen a loss of about 5.6% this year [6] - Another outperforming stock in the Transportation sector is Central Japan Railway Co. (CJPRY), which is up 19.7% year-to-date and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5][7]

Company Overview - Canadian National (CNI) is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and operates in the Transportation sector [3] - The stock has experienced a price change of 1.81% since the beginning of the year [3] Dividend Information - CNI currently pays a dividend of $0.65 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.51% [3] - The Transportation - Rail industry's average yield is 0.76%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.58% [3] - The company's annualized dividend of $2.59 has increased by 5.7% from the previous year [4] - Over the past five years, CNI has raised its dividend three times, achieving an average annual increase of 7.97% [4] - The current payout ratio for CNI is 47%, indicating that it pays out 47% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4] Earnings Growth Expectations - For the fiscal year, CNI anticipates solid earnings growth, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 at $5.65 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.07% [5] Investment Considerations - CNI is considered a compelling investment opportunity due to its strong dividend profile and current Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [7]

Core Insights - Canadian National Railway (CNI) is experiencing positive momentum from its sustainability initiatives and shareholder-friendly actions, but it faces challenges with high operating expenses and weak liquidity [2][8]. Factors Favoring CNI - CNI has made significant progress in sustainability, achieving a 4% reduction in total Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions and reaching 27% of its 2030 target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions [3]. - The company has improved operational safety, evidenced by an 8% decrease in the accident rate, although there is an 8% increase in personal injury frequency, indicating a need for ongoing focus on worker safety [3]. - CNI launched its first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan with 16 measurable commitments, distributing over $15 billion in economic value and making $3.5 billion in capital investments [4]. - The Falcon Premium intermodal service received the Silver Container Award for sustainable cross-border transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% [5]. - CNI's 2025 capital investment program includes a planned $85 million investment in Michigan and approximately $295 million across various U.S. states, focusing on infrastructure modernization and network efficiency [6]. Shareholder Initiatives - CNI has consistently rewarded shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, paying C$2.00 billion in dividends and repurchasing shares worth C$4.71 billion in 2022, with similar figures in subsequent years [7]. Financial Challenges - Operating costs have risen from $10.27 billion in 2022 to $10.8 billion in 2024, with a 3.3% year-over-year increase noted in Q1 2025 [8][9]. - CNI's current ratio, a measure of liquidity, has remained below 1.0 for several years, indicating insufficient short-term assets to cover liabilities, dropping from 0.84 in 2022 to 0.62 in Q1 2025 [11]. - The combination of rising costs and weak liquidity poses significant challenges for CNI, contributing to an 11.4% decline in share value year-over-year, contrasting with a 1% growth in the Transportation - Rail industry [12].

Company Overview - Central Japan Railway Co. (CJPRY) is currently ranked 13 in the Zacks Sector Rank within the Transportation group, which consists of 122 companies [2] - CJPRY has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions [3] Performance Metrics - Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CJPRY's full-year earnings has increased by 9%, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [4] - Year-to-date, CJPRY has returned 14.1%, significantly outperforming the average return of -7.4% for Transportation companies [4] Industry Context - CJPRY is part of the Transportation - Rail industry, which includes 9 companies and is currently ranked 52 in the Zacks Industry Rank; this industry has gained about 2% year-to-date [6] - In contrast, Copa Holdings (CPA), another strong performer in the Transportation sector, has returned 18.1% year-to-date and belongs to the Transportation - Airline industry, which is ranked 41 and has declined by -10.7% this year [5][6] Investment Outlook - Both Central Japan Railway Co. and Copa Holdings are expected to continue their solid performance, making them noteworthy for investors interested in Transportation stocks [7]

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corporation is facing multiple challenges that have negatively impacted its investment appeal, including downward earnings revisions, poor stock performance, and operational issues [1][2][6]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-quarter earnings has decreased by 8.8% over the past 90 days, while the estimate for the current year has been revised down by 9.8%, indicating a lack of confidence from brokers [1]. - For the second quarter of 2025, CSX's earnings are expected to decline by 16.3% year over year, and for the full year 2025, a decline of 9.8% is anticipated [7]. Stock Performance - CSX shares have lost 14.2% in value over the past six months, significantly underperforming the transportation-rail industry, which saw a decline of 6.5% [2]. Zacks Rank and Style Score - CSX currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) and has a Value Score of D, reflecting its unattractiveness as an investment option [6]. Earnings Surprise History - The company has a disappointing earnings surprise history, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average miss of 3.13% [6]. Revenue Challenges - The soft coal market is a primary factor hurting CSX's prospects, with coal revenues falling by 27% year over year in Q1 2025 and coal volumes decreasing by 9% year over year [7]. Operational Issues - CSX is facing significant rail network challenges, including locomotive and crew shortages, which are likely to adversely affect service levels and operational efficiency [8]. Capital Expenditures - Elevated capital expenditures are a concern, with management expecting capex to be approximately $2.5 billion in 2025, adding to the company's financial pressures [9].

Core Viewpoint - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) shares have increased by approximately 11.7% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but estimates have trended downward recently, indicating potential challenges ahead [1][2][4]. Company Performance - The most recent earnings report for Canadian Pacific Kansas City showed a positive trend in share price, but the stock has received a downward revision in estimates over the past month [1][2]. - The stock currently holds an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of F, and a Value Score of D, placing it in the bottom 40% for the value investment strategy, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of F [3]. Outlook - The overall trend of downward estimate revisions suggests a potential decline in performance, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [4]. Industry Comparison - Canadian Pacific Kansas City is part of the Zacks Transportation - Rail industry, where competitor CSX has seen an 11.8% increase in share price over the same period [5]. - CSX reported revenues of $3.42 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 7%, with EPS dropping from $0.46 to $0.34 [5]. - For the current quarter, CSX is projected to report earnings of $0.41 per share, a decrease of 16.3% compared to the previous year, and holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [6].