JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) today announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Diana Sorfleet will retire from the company. Riz Chand is appointed Chief Human Resources Officer, effective February 23, 2026, and will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Angel. Sorfleet retires after nearly 15 years of distinguished service at CSX, during which she played a central role in shaping the company’s people strategy a ...

Core Viewpoint - Susquehanna has raised its price target for CSX Corporation to $39, indicating a focus on fundamental improvements under new CEO Steve Angel, which may enhance long-term strategic flexibility [1] Financial Performance - CSX's fourth-quarter results were mixed, with revenue of $3.50 billion falling short of the expected $3.54 billion, and both revenue and profit missing expectations due to weaker industrial demand and lower export coal volumes [2][4] - The operating margin for the quarter was reported at 31.6%, an increase of 30 basis points from the previous year [4] Management Strategy - CEO Steve Angel highlighted the need for productivity, cost control, and capital discipline, with plans to focus on these areas more intensively in 2026 [3] - Management anticipates an operating margin expansion of 200 to 300 basis points in 2026 compared to adjusted 2025 levels, which positively impacted stock performance, lifting it by approximately 3.2% in extended trading [3]

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corp. reported fourth quarter 2025 operating income of $1.11 billion and net earnings of $720 million, reflecting a challenging industrial demand environment and cost structure adjustments [1][8]. Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights - Revenue for the fourth quarter totaled $3.51 billion, a decrease of 1% year-over-year, impacted by lower merchandise volume and reduced export coal revenue, despite higher pricing in merchandise and intermodal [8]. - Operating income was $1.11 billion, with an operating margin of 31.6%, compared to 31.3% in the previous year [8]. - Earnings per share (EPS) was $0.39, down from an adjusted EPS of $0.42 in the prior year [8]. - The fourth quarter results included approximately $50 million in severance and technology rationalization expenses, affecting EPS by $0.02 [1][8]. Full Year 2025 Financial Highlights - Total revenue for 2025 was $14.09 billion, with operating income of $4.52 billion [8]. - Adjusted operating income, excluding a $164 million goodwill impairment charge, was $4.69 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 32.1% and an adjusted operating margin of 33.2% [8]. - Full year EPS was reported at $1.54, with an adjusted EPS of $1.61 [8]. Management Commentary - The CEO emphasized the company's strong operational foundation and commitment to improving financial performance in 2026 through productivity, cost control, and capital discipline [1].

Core Insights - eDreams ODIGEO (eDO) has confirmed its guidance for FY26, projecting a 29% year-on-year growth in Adjusted EBITDA to reach a record €172.9 million [1][3][6] Strategic Growth Plan - The company aims to increase its Prime subscriber base from 7.7 million to over 13 million by 2030, representing a 40% increase above market consensus [2][16] - To facilitate this growth, eDO will introduce monthly and quarterly installment options for Prime subscriptions, which have shown to generate 13% higher Lifetime Value (LTV) and a 10% increase in customer satisfaction (NPS) [2][5] - The shift to an installment-based payment model will impact cash collection timing, affecting KPIs sensitive to cash timing, such as Cash EBITDA [2][5] Operational Performance - eDO is entering a period of investment supported by its strongest operational performance to date, with a projected Adjusted EBITDA increase of 29% year-on-year to €172.9 million in FY26 [3][6] - Even with a conservative forecast regarding limited access to Ryanair content, the company anticipates an Adjusted EBITDA of €155.6 million pre-investments for FY27 [4] Investment Focus - The company is positioned to execute its strategic roadmap, focusing on high-return investments in new product categories like Rail and expanding into new international markets [5][7] - Most of these investments will be expensed rather than capitalized, with extensive testing providing confidence in their value creation potential [5][7] Long-term Vision - eDO is committed to sustainable long-term value creation, aiming for a significantly enlarged Prime membership base and a more diversified, profitable business by 2030 [8][9]

Core Insights - CSX has designated the 365-acre Westgate Super Site in Dothan, Alabama, as a Platinum CSX Select Site, marking a significant milestone for the region and the state [1][3] Group 1: CSX Select Site Program - The Select Site program, introduced in 2012, aims to serve new and existing customers by designating development-ready properties along the CSX network, which reduces construction time for industrial facilities [2][3] - To achieve Platinum status, sites must meet stringent criteria, including infrastructure availability, environmental reviews, zoning, air quality permitting, rail serviceability, and proximity to highways [4][5] Group 2: Economic Impact - The Select Sites program has attracted numerous manufacturers, with projected capital investments reaching $16.2 billion and nearly 13,000 new jobs created since its inception [4] - The Westgate Super Site is the fifth site in Alabama to receive the Platinum designation, contributing to the region's competitiveness as a manufacturing corridor [5] Group 3: Community and Leadership Perspectives - Local leaders, including the Mayor of Dothan and the Chairman of the Houston County Commission, expressed gratitude for the designation, highlighting its potential to create quality jobs and stimulate long-term economic growth in the Wiregrass region [6]

Core Insights - CSX Corp. reported third quarter operating income of $1.09 billion and net earnings of $694 million, or $0.37 per share, with adjusted operating income of $1.25 billion and adjusted net earnings of $818 million, or $0.44 per share after excluding a non-cash goodwill impairment of $164 million [1][4] - The company's operational performance reflects workforce dedication and a commitment to operational excellence, with a focus on leveraging strengths for long-term growth [4] Financial Performance - Adjusted operating income included $35 million in corporate restructuring, severance, and advisory expenses, impacting earnings per share by $0.01 [2] - Volume totaled 1.61 million units for the quarter, representing a 1% increase year-over-year and a 2% increase sequentially [4] - Revenue for the quarter was $3.59 billion, a decrease of 1% year-over-year, influenced by lower export coal prices and a decline in merchandise volume, partially offset by higher pricing in merchandise and intermodal volume growth [4] Company Overview - CSX is a premier transportation company providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products [8] - The company has a significant role in the economic expansion and industrial development of the United States, connecting major metropolitan areas and numerous short-line railroads and ports [8]

Core Insights - CSX has successfully reopened the Blue Ridge Subdivision, a critical freight corridor, nearly one year after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage [1][4] - The restoration of this 60-mile corridor enhances CSX's network resiliency and capacity, allowing for efficient freight movement across the country [2][4] Group 1: Restoration Details - The Blue Ridge Subdivision carries over 14 million tons of freight annually and connects Appalachian communities to the national freight network [1] - Key upgrades include the rebuilt Poplar Bridge with a modern ballast-deck design and the reconstruction of the Devil's Creek bridge, which crosses the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee [3][4] - The restoration project involved over 570,000 man hours, 1 million cubic yards of materials, and significant structural reinforcements [6] Group 2: Company Impact and Future Outlook - The reopening is seen as a testament to resilience and partnership, positioning CSX to better serve customers and the national economy [3][4] - CSX maintained strong service levels during the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene, demonstrating the network's resilience [4] - The restoration prioritizes safety, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring the Blue Ridge Subdivision remains a vital link in America's supply chain for the future [4]

Core Insights - The reopening of the Howard Street Tunnel represents a transformative $450+ million infrastructure project aimed at modernizing freight rail transportation along the East Coast, significantly benefiting Maryland's economy and the national supply chain [1][2]. Project Overview - The Howard Street Tunnel, originally built between 1890-95, has been a crucial part of America's transportation network for over 125 years. The completion of this project will alleviate a key bottleneck along the I-95 corridor, allowing double-stacked intermodal trains to operate through Baltimore [2][3]. - The project was a collaborative effort involving CSX, the State of Maryland, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, focusing on modernizing a historic tunnel to meet current freight demands [3]. Economic Impact - The project is expected to enhance the Port of Baltimore's business by approximately 160,000 containers annually and create over 13,000 new jobs, contributing to economic growth in Maryland and the East Coast [4][5]. - The upgrade will facilitate a more cost-effective method of transporting freight by rail, reducing congestion on the I-95 corridor and providing environmental benefits through lower emissions [4]. Key Project Statistics - Over 450,000 man hours have been worked on the project, with significant contributions from various contractors and staff [5]. - The project involved extensive construction efforts, including the installation of 1,128 dewatering wellpoints and over 4,000 cubic yards of concrete [5]. Leadership and Statements - CSX's leadership emphasized the project's role in driving commerce and growth, reinforcing the company's commitment to investing in profitable growth and maintaining strong performance despite ongoing infrastructure projects [2][4]. - Maryland's Governor and other state leaders highlighted the project's potential to transform the local economy and improve the competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore [4][8].

Group 1 - Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:CNI) is considered undervalued with a 2.7% yield and a low price-to-earnings multiple, making it an attractive investment option [1] - The company provides a range of services including rail, intermodal, trucking, and supply chain solutions, facilitating door-to-door transport and specialized cargo handling [1] - Canadian National is expected to benefit from increased freight volumes at Mexican and Canadian ports due to rising port fees for Chinese ships in the U.S. [1] Group 2 - Both Canadian National and CSX are well-positioned to take advantage of a tightening trucking market, as evidenced by rising tender rejections [1] - There are potential near-term risks for Canadian National, but its long-term valuation is considered favorable [1] - The article suggests that while CNI has investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside with less downside risk [1]

Group 1 - CSX Corp. will be represented by President and CEO Joe Hinrichs and CFO Sean Pelkey at J.P. Morgan's U.S. All Stars Conference in London on September 17, 2025 [1] - The address will be available for live streaming via webcast, with a replay accessible after the event [2] - CSX is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products [3] Group 2 - CSX has been integral to the economic expansion and industrial development of the United States for nearly 200 years [3] - The company's network connects major metropolitan areas in the eastern U.S., where approximately two-thirds of the nation's population resides, and links over 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ports [3]