CSX Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 4/6
CSX's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -5.2%, while the Transportation industry saw earnings declining at 2.2% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 2.5% per year. CSX's return on equity is 22.9%, and it has net margins of 22.2%.
Key information
-5.22%
Earnings growth rate
-0.93%
EPS growth rate
| Transportation Industry Growth | 15.63% |
| Revenue growth rate | 2.52% |
| Return on equity | 22.88% |
| Net Margin | 22.21% |
| Last Earnings Update | 30 Jun 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Sep 03
CSX: Future Intermodal Momentum Will Not Justify Current Optimism
CSX's updated fair value estimate rises from $36.43 to $40.36 as analysts lift price targets across the board, supported by strong Q2 results, improving intermodal trends, and expectations for continued cost and margin discipline. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX shows a clear tilt toward higher price targets and generally constructive ratings, anchored in strong Q2 results and improved volume trends.
Narrative Update • Aug 18
CSX: Intermodal Strength And Capacity Gains Will Support Future Earnings Power
The analyst price target for CSX is raised by $2 to $60, reflecting analysts' emphasis on recent Q2 earnings strength, broad-based volume and pricing support, and updated estimates that point to slightly higher margins and a modestly higher future P/E of 29.2x in the valuation framework. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research skews constructive on CSX, with a series of higher price targets and rating upgrades clustering around the latest Q2 report.
Narrative Update • Aug 04
CSX: Record Q2 Execution And Buybacks Will Support Rail Efficiency Story
The updated analyst price target for CSX now stands at $52.85, up from $47.30, as analysts factor in stronger Q2 results, higher medium term revenue growth assumptions, modestly improved profit margins, and a slightly richer future P/E multiple. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX points to a broadly constructive tone from Wall Street.Analysis Article • Jul 25
Analysts Have Made A Financial Statement On CSX Corporation's (NASDAQ:CSX) Second-Quarter Report
Investors in CSX Corporation ( NASDAQ:CSX ) had a good week, as its shares rose 4.9% to close at US$53.23 following the...Seeking Alpha • Jul 23
CSX Corporation: Growing Through New Management Strategies
Summary CSX Corporation delivered in-line Q2 results, with revenue up 10% and EPS up 23%, signaling operational strength and robust market demand. Management shifted guidance from low to high single-digit revenue growth, with margin expansion solidified at 350 bps and free cash flow growth over 80%. Truck-to-rail conversion and intermodal growth are central to CSX's strategy, leveraging infrastructure investments amid a tight trucking market. Despite bullish fundamentals, I rate CSX a hold due to a fully valued stock price and technical overbought signals, awaiting better entry points. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Jul 21
CSX: Intermodal Strength And Tighter Rail Capacity Will Support Earnings Power
The CSX fair value estimate has been raised from $55.00 to $58.00. This change reflects analysts' higher price targets across the rail sector, updated freight and intermodal assumptions, and ongoing expectations that operational initiatives and a tighter capacity backdrop support stronger modeled revenue and earnings.New Narrative • Jul 12
Efficiency Gains And Capital Demands Will Eventually Restrain Rail Earnings Potential
Catalysts About CSX CSX is a North American freight railroad that moves merchandise, intermodal containers and coal across its network. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Narrative Update • Jul 07
CSX: Buyback Support And Rail Efficiency Gains Will Temper Valuation Concerns
Analysts have nudged the CSX fair value estimate higher, with the target moving from about $46.25 to roughly $47.30 as they factor in updated price targets across the Street, slightly lower discount rate assumptions, modestly higher revenue growth and profit margin expectations, and a marginally higher future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent Street commentary on CSX reflects a mix of optimism around freight demand, operating progress, and capital returns, alongside fresh pockets of caution on valuation and positioning.New Narrative • Jun 28
Rail Capacity Expansion And Cost Efficiencies Will Support Stronger Long-Term Freight Opportunities
Catalysts About CSX CSX operates a major freight railroad network in the eastern United States, moving merchandise, intermodal containers and coal for industrial and consumer end markets. What are the underlying business or industry changes driving this perspective?Narrative Update • Jun 23
CSX: Buyback And Efficiency Plans Will Balance Stronger Volumes With Execution Risks
The analyst price target for CSX has been nudged higher to $46.25 from $45.89 as analysts point to stronger than previously modeled earnings contributions from rail volume trends, a steady profit margin outlook, and modestly higher future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX shows a mix of upbeat and more cautious views, providing a broader picture of how the stock is being framed on valuation, growth, and execution.Analysis Article • Jun 16
CSX (CSX) Stock Could Be 3.3% Overvalued After Buyback And Efficiency Push
Recent commentary on CSX (CSX) has turned to efficiency, after the company paired a new performance focused culture with a fresh US$5b share repurchase plan and executive changes aimed at sharpening operations. See our latest analysis for CSX. CSX stock has attracted fresh attention as investors react to the efficiency message from the new leadership team, with a 90 day share price return of 17.58% and a 1 year total shareholder return of 47.60% suggesting momentum has been building over both...Narrative Update • Jun 05
CSX: Buyback And Efficiency Plans Will Support Balanced Rail Cycle Outlook
CSX's fair value estimate edges up to $45.89 from $45.54 as analysts factor in a cluster of higher price targets, including BofA's move to $51 following the $5.0b buyback authorization, along with modest adjustments to the discount rate, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX reflects a mix of optimism around capital returns and execution, alongside a more cautious view from some firms that are reassessing risk and growth assumptions.Narrative Update • May 03
CSX: Heavy Rail Assets And Locomotive Upgrades Will Support Balanced Freight Cycle Outlook
CSX's fair value estimate has been lifted by about $3.44 to $45.54, as analysts adjust price targets higher on the back of updated expectations for revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples, despite some recent downgrades. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX reflects a mix of optimism and caution, with several firms lifting price targets while others trim estimates or move to more neutral stances.Narrative Update • Apr 18
CSX: Heavy Rail Assets And Upgrades Will Support Freight Cycle Recovery Potential
CSX's updated analyst price target edges higher to $42.10 from $41.15, reflecting analysts' recent mix of target increases and a few downgrades as they factor in slightly higher revenue growth assumptions, a modestly higher future P/E, and ongoing sector level reassessments across transportation and rail names. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX reflects a split view, with several firms lifting price targets while a smaller group trims expectations or ratings.Narrative Update • Apr 02
CSX: Heavy Rail Assets And Locomotive Upgrades Will Offset Volume And Cycle Risks
The updated analyst price target for CSX has shifted modestly higher to reflect a new fair value estimate of $41.15. This is supported by recent Street research that points to steady revisions in discount rates, revenue growth assumptions, profit margins, and future P/E expectations.Narrative Update • Mar 18
CSX: Heavy Asset Rail Franchise Will Balance Volume Softness And Safety Events
CSX's updated analyst price target edges higher by about $0.50 to $40.81. The change reflects slightly adjusted assumptions on growth, margins, and future P/E as analysts weigh mixed rail volume trends, ongoing transportation sector updates, and the view that rail networks remain hard to replicate infrastructure assets.Narrative Update • Mar 04
CSX: Heavy Asset Rail Recovery Will Balance Trucking Headwinds And Safety Risks
The analyst price target for CSX has been lifted modestly, with the fair value estimate moving from $39.85 to $40.31, as analysts increasingly highlight the company as a core heavy-asset rail exposure in a freight cycle they view as progressing along a recovery path. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX points to a mixed but generally constructive view, with several firms adjusting price targets and framing the stock as a key way to get exposure to rail and broader freight trends.Narrative Update • Feb 18
CSX: Fair Outlook Weighs New Locomotive Spend Against Rail And Trucking Risks
Narrative Update: CSX Analyst Price Target Reset The CSX analyst price target has been fine tuned, with modest upward and downward $1 moves across several firms. These are offset by a higher $43 target from JPMorgan and a $40 target from TD Cowen, as analysts factor in recent transportation sector research, updated discount rate assumptions and a slightly higher future P/E input.Narrative Update • Feb 03
CSX: Fair Outlook Balances Rail Volume Risks And Trucking Headwinds
The analyst price target for CSX has moved slightly higher to about US$39.85, with analysts citing adjusted Q4 estimates, mixed expectations for Eastern rail volumes, and updated P/E assumptions across the transportation group as they recalibrate for what they describe as another year of consistent uncertainty. Analyst Commentary Recent research on CSX reflects a mix of optimism about the company’s positioning and caution around the broader transportation group, especially as Q4 and early year seasonality play out.Narrative Update • Jan 20
CSX: Fair Outlook Balances Higher Freight Uncertainty And Leadership Transition
Narrative Update Analysts have nudged their price expectations for CSX higher, with the blended target rising by about $0.29 to just under $40. This reflects modestly updated views on fair value and profitability, even as they flag softer Eastern rail volumes and uneven transport demand ahead.Narrative Update • Jan 06
CSX: New Leadership And ONECSX Execution Will Shape Rail Network Future
Analysts have nudged the CSX price target higher to around US$41 to US$42 from about US$39 to US$40, citing a recent Q3 beat, one-off restructuring charges, and continued progress on the ONECSX and operational improvement initiatives as key supports for this shift. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates show a cluster of price target revisions for CSX toward the low US$40s after the Q3 report, with analysts pointing to the earnings outcome, one off restructuring charges, and ongoing ONECSX initiatives as key drivers of their views.Analysis Article • Jan 04
Here's Why CSX (NASDAQ:CSX) Has A Meaningful Debt Burden
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Narrative Update • Dec 16
CSX: New Leadership And Consolidation Optionality Will Shape Rail Network Future
Our CSX fair value estimate has inched higher to approximately $39.54 per share. This reflects analysts modestly higher price targets in the low $40s, driven by solid Q3 execution, improving margins, and rising confidence in both operational initiatives and potential strategic outcomes.Narrative Update • Dec 02
CSX: New CEO Appointment And Rail Corridor Upgrade Will Drive Future Performance
CSX’s analyst price target has edged higher, with recent updates reflecting upward revisions of $1 to $4 per share. Analysts cited strong quarterly performance, improving operational trends, and growing confidence in the company’s leadership and strategic direction.Narrative Update • Nov 18
CSX: Leadership Changes And New Rail Partnership Will Drive Momentum
CSX's analyst price target has edged up to $39.29 from $39.20, as analysts highlight stronger operational execution, improving fundamentals, and increased optimism following recent management and strategic developments. Analyst Commentary Recent research reports reflect a dynamic landscape of analyst opinion regarding CSX, with price targets shifting alongside evolving management strategies and industry developments.Narrative Update • Nov 03
CSX: Operational Momentum And Leadership Changes Will Shape Railroad’s M&A Prospects
The analyst price target for CSX has increased modestly by $0.12 to $39.20. Analysts point to ongoing operational improvements, stronger-than-expected earnings, and increased confidence in the company’s future under new leadership.Narrative Update • Oct 20
Howard Street Tunnel And Blue Ridge Rebuild Will Drive Efficiency
The analyst price target for CSX has increased from $38.44 to $39.08. This change reflects analysts' growing confidence in the company's improving financial performance, operational progress, and strengthened outlook following recent quarterly results and management changes.Narrative Update • Oct 05
Howard Street Tunnel And Blue Ridge Rebuild Will Drive Efficiency
Analysts have modestly increased their fair value estimate for CSX to $38.44, citing rising price targets due to signs of improved fundamentals and anticipated M&A opportunities. Analyst Commentary Recent street research reflects a mix of optimism and caution regarding CSX's outlook.Narrative Update • Sep 08
Howard Street Tunnel And Blue Ridge Rebuild Will Drive Efficiency
CSX’s consensus price target has seen a slight downward revision as analysts, tempered by macro uncertainty and neutralizing after a strong rally, weigh mixed implications of the CSX-BNSF intermodal deal—viewed both as a volume opportunity and dampener on merger speculation—resulting in a marginal decrease in fair value from $37.92 to $37.60. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite the new CSX-BNSF intermodal service agreement as months in the making, likely delivering volume benefits and not ruling out potential future M&A activity.Seeking Alpha • Apr 18
CSX Corporation: Treasuries Look Better
Summary CSX's financial performance is uninspired, with declining revenue, net income, and operating income, indicating a period of slow growth. The dividend yield of 1.9% requires an unrealistic 17.7% CAGR to match the 10-Year Treasury Note, making CSX less attractive. Treasuries offer better risk-adjusted returns compared to CSX, with guaranteed cash returns and potential capital gains. I recommend avoiding CSX until the yield spikes or earnings improve and would consider buying if the stock trades in the low $20s. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How CSX makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 26 | 14,512 | 3,223 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 26 | 14,151 | 3,050 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 14,092 | 2,889 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 14,123 | 2,902 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 14,155 | 3,102 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 14,282 | 3,236 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 14,540 | 3,470 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 14,681 | 3,619 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 14,634 | 3,553 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 14,632 | 3,574 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 14,657 | 3,668 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 14,707 | 3,804 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 15,030 | 4,087 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 15,146 | 4,281 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 14,853 | 4,114 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 14,550 | 4,082 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 13,947 | 3,939 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 13,122 | 3,934 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 12,522 | 3,781 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 11,920 | 3,607 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 11,276 | 3,375 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 10,541 | 2,701 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 10,583 | 2,765 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 10,643 | 2,776 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 10,973 | 2,896 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 11,779 | 3,267 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 11,937 | 3,331 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 12,195 | 3,402 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 12,346 | 3,440 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 12,387 | 3,447 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 12,250 | 3,308 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 11,970 | 6,606 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 11,584 | 6,170 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 11,415 | 5,803 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 11,408 | 5,470 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 11,582 | 1,788 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 11,549 | 1,785 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 11,320 | 1,719 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Dec 16 | 11,069 | 1,713 | 0 | 0 |
| 23 Sep 16 | 10,813 | 1,721 | 0 | 0 |
| 24 Jun 16 | 11,042 | 1,772 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 Mar 16 | 11,402 | 1,881 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 Dec 15 | 11,811 | 1,967 | 0 | 0 |
| 25 Sep 15 | 12,222 | 1,992 | 0 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: CSX has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: CSX's current net profit margins (22.2%) are higher than last year (21.9%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: CSX's earnings have declined by 5.2% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: CSX's earnings growth over the past year (3.9%) exceeds its 5-year average (-5.2% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: CSX earnings growth over the past year (3.9%) exceeded the Transportation industry -3.1%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: Whilst CSX's Return on Equity (22.88%) is high, this metric is skewed due to their high level of debt.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/09 04:23 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/09 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
CSX Corporation is covered by 39 analysts. 21 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| John Eade | Argus Research Company |
| Daniel Moore | Baird |
| Garrett Chase | Barclays |