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CSX Corporation (CSX)
:CSX

CSX (CSX) AI Stock Analysis

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CS

CSX

(NASDAQ:CSX)

73Outperform
CSX demonstrates strong financial health and profitability, supported by efficient cash flow management. However, the company faces challenges with revenue growth and operational issues highlighted in the latest earnings call, which negatively impact sentiment. The stock shows mixed technical signals with some bullish momentum but overbought conditions, and its valuation appears fair with a moderate P/E ratio. Overall, CSX is a stable performer but needs to address growth and operational hurdles to enhance its stock potential.
Positive Factors
Labor Relations
CSX and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen agreed to a new 5-year tentative agreement covering approximately 3,400 locomotive engineers.
Long-term Growth
CSX is expected to achieve its three-year EPS CAGR target as infrastructure projects are completed and service improves.
Valuation
Analyst reiterates a Buy rating on CSX due to attractive relative valuation, with shares trading below the peer average.
Negative Factors
Earnings Performance
CSX reported a headline 7% earnings miss as weather, mix, and service challenges from network outages negatively impacted the quarter.
Market Visibility
Company sees comps getting easier in the second half, but sounded less confident in profit growth in the back half of the year due to limited visibility to volume trends.
Operational Challenges
CSX faced a tough first quarter, with severe winter weather, flooding, and yard congestion disrupting operations—compounded by infrastructure projects.

CSX (CSX) vs. S&P 500 (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 makes money primarily through the transportation of freight via its extensive rail network. The company's revenue streams are diversified across various industries, with significant contributions from sectors such as coal, intermodal (the transportation of shipping containers and truck trailers), chemicals, automotive, and agricultural products. CSX charges customers for the transportation of goods, leveraging its rail infrastructure to offer cost-effective and efficient logistics solutions. Additionally, the company may generate revenue through partnerships with other transportation providers and logistics services, enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach. Key factors contributing to CSX's earnings include its operational efficiency, strategic pricing, and investments in technology and infrastructure to improve service reliability and network capacity.

CSX Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue by Segment
Revenue by Segment
Highlights earnings from different business areas, providing insight into which segments drive growth and profitability, and where the company might face challenges or opportunities.
Chart InsightsCSX's revenue from the Merchandise segment shows a steady upward trend, indicating resilience and potential growth. However, Coal revenue is declining sharply, exacerbated by lower export prices and operational challenges. The Intermodal segment is gaining momentum with increased port traffic, aligning with the earnings call highlighting a 2% volume increase. Despite overall revenue declines due to network inefficiencies and severe weather, CSX is optimistic about future growth, focusing on new facilities and improved safety metrics. Investors should watch for how CSX navigates these operational challenges and capitalizes on intermodal growth.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

CSX Financial Statement Overview

Summary
CSX displays solid financial health with strong profitability and efficient cash flow management. While the company has maintained a stable balance sheet and high returns on equity, addressing revenue growth could enhance future performance.
Income Statement
82
Very Positive
CSX has maintained strong profitability with a Gross Profit Margin of 35.3% and EBIT Margin of 34.5% in TTM. The Net Profit Margin is also robust at 22.7%. However, there's a slight decline in revenue over the past year, indicating a need to address top-line growth.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company exhibits a solid balance sheet with a low Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.09, reflecting prudent financial leverage. The Return on Equity is impressive at 26.6%, indicating efficient equity utilization. However, the Equity Ratio of 28.2% shows limited asset funding through equity, which could be a concern if liabilities rise.
Cash Flow
85
Very Positive
CSX demonstrates strong cash flow management with a high Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio of 1.67 and a positive Free Cash Flow of $2.69 billion in TTM. The company's ability to convert net income into cash effectively supports its financial health.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
14.28B14.54B14.66B14.85B12.52B10.58B
Gross Profit
5.04B5.34B5.67B5.79B5.14B4.36B
EBIT
4.93B5.25B5.56B6.02B5.59B4.36B
EBITDA
6.72B7.07B7.34B7.39B6.65B5.76B
Net Income Common Stockholders
3.24B3.47B3.71B4.17B3.78B2.77B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
1.15B1.00B1.44B2.09B2.32B3.13B
Total Assets
43.20B42.76B42.41B41.91B40.53B39.79B
Total Debt
19.61B18.99B19.09B18.05B16.37B16.70B
Net Debt
18.48B18.06B17.74B16.09B14.13B13.58B
Total Liabilities
31.02B30.26B30.27B29.29B27.03B26.68B
Stockholders Equity
12.18B12.51B12.13B12.63B13.50B13.11B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.69B2.72B3.27B3.49B3.31B2.64B
Operating Cash Flow
5.42B5.25B5.55B5.62B5.10B4.26B
Investing Cash Flow
-2.75B-2.60B-2.29B-2.13B-1.88B-649.00M
Financing Cash Flow
-3.01B-3.06B-3.87B-3.77B-4.11B-1.44B

CSX Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price31.21
Price Trends
50DMA
28.97
Positive
100DMA
30.66
Positive
200DMA
32.32
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.67
Negative
RSI
69.04
Neutral
STOCH
95.70
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CSX, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 31.21 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 29.02, above the 50-day MA of 28.97, and below the 200-day MA of 32.32, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.67 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.04 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.70 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive 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 (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
FDFDX
80
Outperform
$54.99B14.4114.74%2.40%0.34%-8.45%
NSNSC
75
Outperform
$55.48B16.8124.52%2.19%0.70%135.08%
74
Outperform
$36.20B32.1126.59%0.62%-2.63%-6.12%
CSCSX
73
Outperform
$58.63B18.6626.13%1.56%-2.39%-7.80%
UPUPS
71
Outperform
$85.80B14.7835.96%6.44%1.30%-0.76%
68
Neutral
$14.69B26.8813.97%1.17%-3.82%-12.80%
64
Neutral
$4.44B11.995.16%249.23%4.01%-11.87%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CSX
CSX
31.21
-1.72
-5.22%
FDX
FedEx
226.12
-23.37
-9.37%
JBHT
JB Hunt
146.24
-16.12
-9.93%
NSC
Norfolk Southern
243.77
17.16
7.57%
ODFL
Old Dominion Freight
171.61
-6.35
-3.57%
UPS
United Parcel
99.11
-40.52
-29.02%

CSX Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 16, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 14.11%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 16, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with several operational challenges and a decline in key financial metrics. Despite these issues, there were positive signs in intermodal volume growth, safety improvements, and new business opportunities. However, the significant decline in revenue and earnings, along with the operational hurdles, weigh heavily on the sentiment.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Intermodal Volume Growth
Intermodal volumes increased by 2% in the first quarter due to an uptick in port traffic, despite an overall volume decline of 1% compared to last year.
Record Performance by Automotive Terminal Team
CSX Corporation's TDSI automotive terminal team set a record with four terminals winning the auto industry's premier awards for origin and destination operations.
Safety Improvements
The first quarter saw a third straight sequential decline in FRA injury rate, which also brought a year-over-year decrease, indicating positive results from the Safe CSX program.
New Facilities and Growth Opportunities
24 new facilities went live on the network in the first quarter, contributing to a positive outlook on growth. Up to 50 additional facilities are scheduled to start service over the next nine months.
Negative Updates
Revenue and Earnings Decline
Total revenue was $3.4 billion for the quarter, down 7% from the same period last year. Earnings per share decreased by 24%, reflecting reduced revenues and challenged network performance.
Operational Challenges
Severe weather, congestion, and major infrastructure projects led to operational challenges, resulting in inefficiencies and increased expenses.
Coal Revenue Decline
Coal revenue declined 27% on 9% lower volume due to lower export prices and operational challenges. Coal RPU declined 20% year over year.
Missed Market Opportunities
Operational disruptions led to missed opportunities in some key markets, particularly in the unit train side of the business.
Company Guidance
During the CSX Corporation's first quarter 2025 earnings call, the guidance provided highlighted several key metrics. Total volume decreased by 1% year-over-year, although intermodal volumes increased by 2%, driven by an uptick in port traffic. The company's total revenue for the quarter was $3.4 billion, representing a 7% decline compared to the same period last year, primarily due to the effects of lower benchmark coal prices and reduced fuel surcharges. Earnings per share decreased by 24%, reflecting the impact of reduced revenues and network performance challenges. Operational performance was impacted by severe weather and infrastructure projects, resulting in increased cars online and congestion. Safety metrics showed improvement, with a decline in the FRA injury rate and train accident rate. Looking forward, CSX expects overall volume growth for the full year, despite uncertainties related to changing trade policies, with a focus on improving network fluidity and customer service.

CSX Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
CSX Elects Board and Approves Executive Compensation
Neutral
May 12, 2025

On May 7, 2025, CSX Corporation held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders where twelve directors were elected to the board. Additionally, shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2025 and approved, on a non-binding basis, the compensation of CSX’s named executive officers.

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.

Spark’s Take on CSX Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, CSX is a Outperform.

CSX demonstrates strong financial health with solid profitability and cash flow management. However, recent earnings challenges, revenue decline, and bearish technical indicators weigh on the stock. The moderate valuation and positive corporate governance changes provide a balanced outlook.

To see Spark’s full report on CSX stock, click here.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.