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CSX (CSX)
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CSX (CSX) AI Stock Analysis

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CSX

CSX

(NASDAQ:CSX)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$41.00
▲(13.89% Upside)
CSX's strong cash flow and operational improvements are significant strengths, contributing to a solid financial performance score. Technical indicators suggest positive momentum, while valuation metrics indicate fair pricing. Despite challenges in coal revenue and mixed market conditions, the company's strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects position it well for future growth.
Positive Factors
Operational Improvements
Improved train velocity and compliance metrics indicate enhanced operational efficiency, which can lead to better service quality and cost savings, supporting long-term growth.
Infrastructure Projects
Completing major infrastructure projects ahead of schedule enhances capacity and network resiliency, positioning CSX for sustained operational strength and competitive advantage.
Cash Flow Generation
Strong cash flow generation provides financial flexibility for investments and debt management, supporting long-term strategic initiatives and shareholder value.
Negative Factors
Leadership Instability
Leadership changes can disrupt strategic direction and operational continuity, potentially affecting long-term business stability and stakeholder confidence.
Coal Revenue Decline
Declining coal revenue impacts a significant revenue stream, posing challenges for diversification and growth in other segments to offset this decline.
High Leverage
High leverage increases financial risk, potentially limiting flexibility in capital allocation and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns.

CSX (CSX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

CSX Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCSX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides rail-based freight transportation services. The company offers rail services; and transportation of intermodal containers and trailers, as well as other transportation services, such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations. It transports chemicals, agricultural and food products, automotive, minerals, forest products, fertilizers, and metals and equipment; and coal, coke, and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers, and industrial plants, as well as exports coal to deep-water port facilities. The company also offers intermodal transportation services through a network of approximately 30 terminals transporting manufactured consumer goods in containers; and drayage services, including the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments. It serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations, as well as connects non-rail served customers through transferring products, such as plastics and ethanol from rail to trucks. The company operates approximately 19,500 route mile rail network, which serves various population centers in 23 states east of the Mississippi River, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as owns and leases approximately 3,500 locomotives. It also serves production and distribution facilities through track connections. CSX Corporation was incorporated in 1978 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyCSX generates revenue primarily through freight transportation services, charging customers for moving goods across its rail network. The company has several key revenue streams, including coal, intermodal, and merchandise freight. Coal transportation remains a significant part of CSX's business, while intermodal services, which involve transporting shipping containers and trailers on the railway, have seen growth due to increased demand for efficient logistics solutions. Additionally, CSX benefits from long-term contracts and partnerships with major industries, which provide a steady revenue flow. The company also invests in technology and infrastructure improvements to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs, contributing to overall profitability.

CSX Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Highlights revenue from different business segments, showing which areas drive growth and profitability, and indicating strategic focus or potential vulnerabilities.
Chart InsightsCSX's merchandise revenue shows resilience and growth, driven by improved service levels, while coal and intermodal segments face revenue declines due to pricing pressures and operational challenges. The earnings call highlights operational recovery and infrastructure projects that promise future capacity enhancements, particularly for intermodal. Despite a year-over-year revenue dip, sequential improvements and strong customer engagement signal potential for volume growth. The completion of key projects by Q4 could alleviate network constraints, boosting CSX's competitive edge in the long term.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

CSX Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 16, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 15, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
CSX demonstrated strong operational improvements and completed major infrastructure projects ahead of schedule, contributing to increased efficiency and capacity. However, the company faced challenges in coal revenue, mixed business conditions across various segments, and significant restructuring and network disruption costs. Despite these challenges, the operational gains and project completions position CSX well for future growth.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Operational Performance Improvements
Train velocity was the fastest since early 2021, and on-time performance hit its lowest point since mid-2023. Average daily cars online were the lowest since 2020. Intermodal trip plan compliance rose to 93% from 90%, and carload TPC climbed to 83% from 75%.
Completion of Major Infrastructure Projects
The Howard Street Tunnel and Blue Ridge subdivision projects were completed slightly ahead of schedule, providing full network access and positioning CSX for greater capacity and resiliency.
Intermodal Business Growth
Intermodal revenue was up 4% with a 5% increase in volume. The international business benefited from strong growth with key customers.
Safety Improvements
Through September, CSX saw a solid reduction in moderate and severe injuries, with fewer cases requiring employees to miss work. Human factor accidents are down 16% year to date.
Negative Updates
Coal Revenue Decline
Coal revenue declined 11% for the quarter on 3% lower total volume. Export tonnage was down 11% due to reduced production associated with mine fires.
Mixed Business Conditions
Revenue and volume in merchandise were down 1%, and RPU was flat as core pricing gains were offset by lower fuel surcharge and unfavorable mix. Broader market softness and tariffs impacted forest product and chemical markets.
Restructuring and Network Disruption Costs
CSX incurred $35 million in restructuring, severance, and regulatory advisory expenses, and approximately $25 million of network disruption costs related to recently completed projects.
Company Guidance
During the Q3 2025 CSX Corporation Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance highlighting several key metrics. CSX reported an adjusted operating income of $1.1 billion, with an earnings per share of $0.37, excluding a goodwill impairment charge. The company achieved a 1% volume growth, despite a 1% revenue decrease due to unfavorable coal pricing. Operationally, CSX saw improvements with train velocity reaching its fastest pace since early 2021, and carload trip plan compliance improving to 83% from 75%. Safety metrics showed positive trends, with a reduction in moderate and severe injuries. Looking ahead, CSX expects full-year volume growth and maintained its CapEx guidance at $2.5 billion, excluding the Blue Ridge project. The successful completion of the Howard Street Tunnel and Blue Ridge projects, slightly ahead of schedule, positions CSX for enhanced capacity and resiliency in future operations.

CSX Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CSX demonstrates strong profitability with stable margins and efficient operations. The balance sheet shows moderate leverage and a solid equity position, though there's a slight decline in return on equity. Cash flow remains stable despite a decline in free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
75
Positive
CSX has maintained stable profitability with a Gross Profit Margin of 34.54% and a Net Profit Margin of 21.91% over the TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months). Despite a slight revenue decline of 3% annually, the company shows efficient cost management reflected in an EBIT Margin of 33.79% and an EBITDA Margin of 39.86%.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects moderate leverage with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.09 in the TTM, significantly improved from previous years. The Equity Ratio stands at 28.83%, showing a solid equity position. However, the Return on Equity has slightly decreased to 25.06%, indicating potential risks in equity returns.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
CSX's cash flow shows a Free Cash Flow Growth Rate decline of 26.19% in the TTM, although the Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio remains strong at 1.60. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.65, indicating a solid ability to generate cash relative to net income despite the recent decline.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue15.00B14.54B14.66B14.85B12.52B10.58B
Gross Profit5.50B5.51B5.60B5.93B5.29B4.44B
EBITDA6.30B7.07B7.27B7.66B7.09B5.76B
Net Income2.88B3.47B3.67B4.17B3.78B2.77B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets43.28B42.76B42.21B41.91B40.53B39.79B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments618.00M1.00B1.44B2.09B2.32B3.13B
Total Debt19.64B18.99B19.02B18.54B16.84B17.16B
Total Liabilities30.52B30.26B30.23B29.29B27.03B26.68B
Stockholders Equity12.76B12.50B11.98B12.63B13.50B13.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.78B2.72B3.27B3.49B3.31B2.64B
Operating Cash Flow4.62B5.25B5.55B5.62B5.10B4.26B
Investing Cash Flow-3.03B-2.60B-2.29B-2.13B-1.88B-649.00M
Financing Cash Flow-2.62B-3.06B-3.87B-3.77B-4.11B-1.44B

CSX Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price36.00
Price Trends
50DMA
34.39
Positive
100DMA
34.14
Positive
200DMA
32.23
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.41
Positive
RSI
52.48
Neutral
STOCH
32.64
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CSX, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 36 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 35.93, above the 50-day MA of 34.39, and above the 200-day MA of 32.23, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.41 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 52.48 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 32.64 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for CSX.

CSX Risk Analysis

CSX disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. CSX reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

CSX Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
$67.28B23.4922.60%1.42%-3.80%-17.32%
$73.93B12.9734.96%7.34%0.94%9.62%
$28.61B26.5926.25%0.81%-5.54%-12.26%
$83.29B18.3921.83%2.64%0.63%-14.20%
$128.48B18.3941.62%2.47%1.06%8.21%
$62.94B21.4020.46%1.87%0.48%22.88%
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSX
CSX
35.68
2.94
8.98%
TSE:CNR
Canadian National Railway
132.66
-17.17
-11.46%
NSC
Norfolk Southern
281.64
34.66
14.03%
ODFL
Old Dominion Freight
136.09
-63.94
-31.97%
UNP
Union Pacific
218.23
-8.37
-3.69%
UPS
United Parcel
96.36
-29.94
-23.71%

CSX Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
CSX Completes $300 Million Notes Offering
Positive
Oct 23, 2025

On October 23, 2025, CSX Corporation successfully completed a public offering of $300 million in 5.050% Notes due 2035, expanding upon a previous issuance from March 2025. This strategic financial move is expected to enhance CSX’s capital structure and potentially strengthen its position in the market, providing additional resources for future growth and operational stability.

The most recent analyst rating on (CSX) stock is a Buy with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on CSX stock, see the CSX Stock Forecast page.

CSX Earnings Call: Operational Gains Amid Challenges
Oct 18, 2025

CSX Corporation’s latest earnings call revealed a mixed sentiment, showcasing strong operational improvements and the completion of major infrastructure projects ahead of schedule, which have contributed to increased efficiency and capacity. However, the company faced challenges with declining coal revenue, mixed business conditions across various segments, and significant restructuring and network disruption costs. Despite these hurdles, the operational gains and project completions position CSX well for future growth.

CSX Corporation Reports Mixed Q3 2025 Results
Oct 17, 2025

CSX Corporation, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is a leading transportation company providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across a variety of markets including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products sectors. With a network connecting major metropolitan areas in the eastern United States, CSX plays a vital role in the nation’s economic and industrial development.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
CSX Appoints Stephen Angel as New CEO
Positive
Sep 29, 2025

On September 28, 2025, CSX Corporation appointed Stephen Angel as the new President and CEO, succeeding Joseph R. Hinrichs. Angel, a seasoned executive with over 45 years of experience, is expected to drive CSX’s strategic priorities and enhance shareholder value. The company remains optimistic about its operational performance and anticipates full-year volume growth. Angel’s leadership is anticipated to build on the strong foundation laid by Hinrichs, focusing on safety, service reliability, and shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (CSX) stock is a Buy with a $39.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on CSX stock, see the CSX Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 26, 2025