CSX Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: CSX Corporation (NasdaqGS:CSX) - **Date of Conference**: September 17, 2025 - **Speakers**: Joe Hinrichs (President and CEO), Sean Pelkey (CFO), Matt Korn (Head of Strategy) Key Points Industry Position and Network - CSX is recognized as the best-run railroad in the East and arguably in North America, emphasizing operational discipline and efficiency [3][4] - The network spans from Chicago to New York, down the I-95 corridor, and includes recent acquisitions like Pan Am Railways, enhancing reach into New England and Florida [4] - CSX is actively pursuing partnerships with other railroads to leverage its competitive position [4] Business Segments Performance - The merchandise segment has outperformed industrial production growth in 2023 and 2024, marking the first such outperformance in over a decade [5] - The intermodal business is experiencing growth, supported by a new partnership with BNSF [5] - Domestic coal volumes are holding up better than expected due to increased electrical generation needs, despite a flat outlook for the segment [6][21] - Export coal has declined due to global conditions and specific issues on the network, but recovery is anticipated [7] Industrial Development - There is a notable increase in inquiries from customers looking to expand or build new facilities along CSX's network, aligning with the U.S. government's push for domestic manufacturing [7][8] - CSX expects 1% to 2% growth over the next couple of years, driven by diversified merchandise segments [9] Infrastructure and Technology Investments - The Howard Street Tunnel project, which will allow for double-stack clearance, is nearing completion and is expected to enhance volume and efficiency [10] - CSX is investing in technology to improve real-time operations and decision-making, which is crucial for maintaining network fluidity [28][30] Cost Management and Efficiency - CSX has achieved significant margin improvements, with a 550 basis point increase from Q1 to Q2 [14] - Restructuring efforts have been completed, with some associated costs expected in Q3 [15][19] - The company is focused on driving efficiency gains and managing costs effectively [15] Labor Relations - CSX's proactive approach to labor negotiations has fostered a collaborative environment, allowing for quicker recovery and operational improvements [34][36] Partnerships and M&A Considerations - CSX is exploring non-merger partnerships to enhance efficiency and service offerings, particularly in light of potential mergers in the industry [39][40] - The company is focused on solving inefficiencies in interchanges and improving service levels through collaboration with other railroads [40][41] Customer Feedback and Market Dynamics - Customers are increasingly looking for reliable and efficient rail services, with a preference for partnerships that enhance service quality [56][57] - CSX is committed to maintaining competitive solutions for customers, regardless of potential industry consolidations [70][73] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued performance improvements and growth opportunities, particularly in intermodal and merchandise segments [63][64] - CSX is optimistic about the potential for new solutions and partnerships that will enhance service offerings and operational efficiency [61][62] Additional Insights - The focus on technology and innovation is seen as critical for the future of the rail industry, with CSX aiming to leverage data and AI for operational improvements [30][31] - The collaborative spirit among railroads is shifting from competition for market share to a focus on growing the overall market and improving customer service [40][54]

Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: Norfolk Southern - **Industry**: Freight Transportation, specifically Railroads Key Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Announcement**: Norfolk Southern announced a proposed merger with Union Pacific, which is expected to be transformative for freight transportation, comparable to the impact of the interstate highway system in the 1950s [3][4][5] 2. **Optimism and Engagement**: The company has been engaging with various stakeholders, including shippers and labor unions, and has received positive feedback regarding the merger [4][21] 3. **Regulatory Process**: Norfolk Southern is working on filing the S-4 and STB application, with expectations to complete these processes within three to six months [17][19] 4. **Market Environment**: The company is experiencing a mixed volume environment, with some sectors showing growth while others, like intermodal, are facing challenges due to inventory distortions from tariffs [22][30] 5. **Automotive Segment Success**: Norfolk Southern has achieved multiple monthly records in its automotive segments, indicating strong performance in this area [28] 6. **Coal Market Dynamics**: Domestic utility demand for coal is strong, but export markets are weak, creating a mixed outlook for the coal segment [25][30] 7. **Service Product Improvement**: The company has improved its service product significantly, which is crucial for regaining market share from trucking [42][76] 8. **Volume and Revenue Challenges**: Year-to-date volume growth is only about 1%, which is below expectations, and the company may need a significant rebound in the last quarter to meet its revenue guidance of 2-3% growth [52][55] 9. **Economic Outlook**: There is a belief that the U.S. economy will rebound, which could lead to increased demand for rail services, particularly if mortgage rates decrease and housing starts increase [60][71] 10. **Industry Challenges**: The railroad industry has historically struggled with service reliability, leading to a loss of market share to trucking. The focus is now on delivering consistent service to regain customer trust [72][76] Other Important Content 1. **Integration Planning**: The merger process includes detailed integration planning to ensure a smooth transition and avoid service disruptions [20][92] 2. **Feedback from Stakeholders**: Positive feedback from customers and administration indicates a general understanding of the value created by the merger [21] 3. **Tariff Distortions**: The impact of tariffs on inventory and demand is a significant factor affecting current market conditions [25][36] 4. **Operational Focus**: Management is balancing time between merger obligations and maintaining operational efficiency to avoid service setbacks [88][92] 5. **Long-term Strategy**: The proposed transcontinental network is expected to enhance competition and improve Norfolk Southern's market position over time [5][64]

Summary of the Conference Call on America's First Transcontinental Railroad Industry and Companies Involved - **Industry**: Rail Transportation - **Companies**: Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation Core Points and Arguments 1. **Historic Merger Announcement**: The call announced the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, creating America's first transcontinental railroad valued at over CAD 250 billion, which is expected to generate significant value for stakeholders and the nation [5][6][14]. 2. **Economic Impact**: The merger aims to enhance the U.S. supply chain and transportation landscape, making freight rail transportation more cost-effective and efficient, thereby supporting American manufacturing and economic growth [9][12][22]. 3. **Operational Efficiency**: The combined network will reduce transit times by 24 to 48 hours for approximately 1 million carloads, improving service reliability and reducing costs for customers [20][21][78]. 4. **Environmental Benefits**: The merger is projected to remove over 550 trucks from highways per intermodal train, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing highway congestion [11][12]. 5. **Job Security**: All union employees from both companies will retain their jobs post-merger, with the expectation of job creation due to business growth [13]. 6. **Financial Projections**: The combined company is projected to have revenues of $36.4 billion and EBITDA of approximately $18 billion, with an operating ratio of 62.1% [28]. 7. **Synergy Estimates**: The merger is expected to unlock $2.75 billion in annualized synergies by the third year post-close, with $1.75 billion from revenue growth and $1 billion from cost efficiencies [31][32]. 8. **Capital Investment**: An estimated $5.6 billion will be invested in capital improvements by 2025 to support safety and operational efficiency [21]. 9. **Regulatory Approval**: The transaction is subject to review by the Surface Transportation Board and requires approval from both companies' shareholders [36][38]. Additional Important Content 1. **Cultural Alignment**: Both companies emphasize their shared commitment to safety, performance, and operational excellence, which is crucial for a successful integration [41][42]. 2. **Technological Advancements**: The merger will leverage state-of-the-art technology from both companies to enhance safety and efficiency, improving customer experience through better shipment visibility [27]. 3. **Market Competitiveness**: The combined network will enhance competition against other transportation modes, particularly trucks, by providing a more efficient and reliable service [22][23]. 4. **Long-term Vision**: The merger is seen as a step towards reversing the trend of rail losing market share to trucks, with a focus on capturing long-haul freight business [58][115]. 5. **Integration Strategy**: The companies plan to use the review period to prepare for a seamless integration, ensuring minimal disruption to services [85][86]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the conference call regarding the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, highlighting the anticipated benefits, financial projections, and strategic plans for integration.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Union Pacific reported second quarter earnings per share of $3.15, with adjusted earnings per share at $3.30, reflecting a 12% increase compared to last year's adjusted results [4][10] - Operating revenue reached $6.2 billion, a 2% improvement year-over-year, while freight revenue set a record at $5.8 billion, increasing by 4% [6][10] - The adjusted operating ratio improved to 58.1%, a 230 basis point enhancement from last year's adjusted results [4][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bulk segment revenue increased by 10% with an 11% rise in volume, driven by strong coal demand and export shipments [16][20] - Industrial segment revenue rose by 4% on a 3% increase in volume, with solid rock shipments and industrial chemicals, although forest products remained soft [18][20] - Premium revenue decreased by 4% despite a 1% increase in volume, attributed to a mix of increased international intermodal shipments and lower fuel surcharges [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 30% surge in coal and renewable shipments, demonstrating its operational agility [25][30] - Intermodal volumes showed year-over-year growth, although automotive volumes declined due to reduced OEM production [19][20] - The company anticipates continued softness in the autos market and lower asset sales impacting other revenue in the third quarter [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Union Pacific is focused on maintaining operational excellence, safety, and service quality while exploring growth opportunities across its diverse franchise [13][20] - The company reaffirmed its three-year targets introduced in September, aiming for high single to low double-digit EPS growth [13][34] - The capital deployment strategy remains unchanged, with a commitment to delivering value for stakeholders [13][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to handle volume growth while improving safety and service performance [5][10] - The company expects volume to moderate in the second half of 2025, with a focus on operational improvements and cost control [12][13] - Management highlighted the importance of adapting to market changes and leveraging technology for efficiency [30][31] Other Important Information - Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are engaged in advanced discussions regarding a potential business combination, with no further comments until an agreement is reached [35][36] - The company announced a 3% dividend increase, marking the nineteenth consecutive year of annual increases [11] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Why consider a potential business combination now? - Management emphasized the importance of adapting to technological changes and maintaining operational efficiency, suggesting that the discussions are part of a broader strategy to enhance capabilities [39][41] Question: Thoughts on reciprocal switching and open access for shippers? - Management reiterated the commitment to providing high-level service and innovative solutions to meet diverse customer needs, regardless of regulatory changes [48][52] Question: Feedback from shippers regarding consolidation? - Management stated that negotiations are private and emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during discussions [84][88] Question: Progress on automation and regulatory changes? - Management noted positive momentum in discussions with the FRA regarding automation and safety technologies, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency [112][115] Question: Long-term outlook for revenue growth and intermodal partnerships? - Management expressed optimism about the intermodal business, citing strong service products and competitive positioning in the market [136][138]