Core Insights - CSX Corporation is a leading U.S.-based rail transportation company with a market cap of $65.8 billion, operating approximately 20,000 route miles across 26 states and parts of Canada [1][2] Company Overview - CSX provides freight and intermodal services, moving a variety of commodities including agricultural products, chemicals, coal, metals, industrial goods, and automobiles, thus playing a critical role in the North American supply chain [1][2] Stock Performance - CSX shares have decreased 5.1% from their 52-week high of $37.25, but have risen 8.3% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 5.3% increase during the same period [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, CSX shares have declined 3.3%, lagging behind the S&P 500's 14.2% rally, while year-to-date, CSX stock is up 9.6% compared to the S&P 500's 16.5% rise [4] Recent Earnings Report - On October 16, CSX released its third-quarter earnings, resulting in a 1.7% gain in shares the following trading session; the company reported an adjusted EPS of $0.44, exceeding analyst expectations, although revenue of $3.59 billion fell slightly short [5] - Freight volumes showed modest growth, primarily driven by sustained demand in the intermodal segment, which benefits from container and trailer movement across the rail network [5] Operating Income and Costs - Adjusted operating income declined to $1.25 billion due to higher operating costs and ongoing investments in infrastructure and service improvements, impacting near-term profitability despite solid underlying volume trends [6] - CSX stock has outperformed its rival, Union Pacific Corporation, which has seen a 1.7% increase year-to-date but a 5.5% decline over the past 52 weeks [6]