Companies /Industrials

CSX Corp

NASDAQ: CSX Railroads
$51.28
▼ $0.26 (−0.50%) today
Markets closed · 11:18pm ET

Q1 2026 Earnings

Reported Apr 22, 2026, 4:01pm ET · SEC source
$0.43
Beat +10.71%
EPS · est. $0.39
$3.5B
Miss −0.13%
Revenue · est. $3.5B
−5.0%
Trailing market
CSX vs S&P since report
2 quarters
Consecutive EPS beats

Market Reaction

% change · around the report
0+3%+6%+9%Apr 22Apr 23report 4:01pm ETearnings−0.3%+7.1%
0+3%+6%+9%Apr 22Apr 23earnings−0.3%+7.1%
CSX +7.1%S&P 500 −0.3%
0+3%+6%+9%Apr 22Apr 23report 4:01pm ETearnings−0.1%+7.1%
0+3%+6%+9%Apr 22Apr 23earnings−0.1%+7.1%
CSX +7.1%NASDAQ −0.1%
−6%−3%0Apr 21Apr 30report 4:01pm ETearnings+1.3%−1.6%
−6%−3%0Apr 21Apr 30earnings+1.3%−1.6%
CSX −1.6%S&P 500 +1.3%
−6%−3%0Apr 21Apr 30report 4:01pm ETearnings+2.0%−1.6%
−6%−3%0Apr 21Apr 30earnings+2.0%−1.6%
CSX −1.6%NASDAQ +2.0%
+6.95%
Day of report
−1.67%
Next session
−1.62%
One week
+0.93%
30 days

S&P 500 over the same 30 days: +5.95%.

Did CSX Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results

CSX Corporation delivered a strong first quarter in 2026, posting diluted earnings per share of $0.43, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by 10.71%, even as revenue of $3.48 billion came in fractionally below expectations and rose 1.7% year-over-year. The standout story was a dramatic improvement in profitability: operating income surged 20% to $1.25 billion, lifting the operating margin to 36.0% from 30.4% a year ago, as total expenses fell 6% to $2.23 billion on the back of aggressive cost discipline, lower headcount, and the absence of prior-year disruption costs tied to the Howard Street Tunnel project. Intermodal volume led the growth story, rising 6% on domestic customer wins, while merchandise pricing gains also contributed to the top line. Analysts maintaining a "Moderate Buy" consensus on the stock have set a price target of $42.20, suggesting further upside. CEO Steve Angel signaled continued focus on cost discipline and profitable growth as CSX works toward what he described as best-in-class performance.

Key Takeaways
  • Higher merchandise pricing
  • Intermodal volume growth driven by domestic customer wins and new service offerings
  • Higher domestic coal revenue from increased utility plant shipments
  • Increased fuel surcharge revenue
  • Total expense decreased 6% driven by efficiency savings and property disposition gains
  • Operating margin expanded to 36.0% from 30.4% year-over-year
  • Train velocity improved 7% and dwell improved 7%
  • Lower headcount reduced labor costs, with average rail employees down 1,177 year-over-year
  • Absence of prior-year Howard Street Tunnel project-related network disruption costs

“CSX performed well this quarter by providing reliable and efficient service to our customers through changing market conditions, while improving our expense profile.”

CSX CEO, on the earnings call

Forward Guidance & Outlook

CEO Steve Angel expressed encouragement about the railroad's prospects for this year and over the long term, noting the company will remain disciplined on costs while taking advantage of opportunities for profitable growth as it works toward best-in-class performance.

CSX YoY Financials

Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025 · SEC filings Q1 2025 Q1 2026
$0$1.0B$2.0B$3.0B$3.4B$3.5BRevenue$1.0B$1.3BOperating Income$646.0M$807.0MNet Income
$0$1.0B$2.0B$3.0BRevenueOperating IncomeNet Income

CSX Revenue by Segment

Total Merchandise$2.2B+2.0%
Chemicals$722.0M+3.0%
Intermodal$518.0M+5.0%
Coal$458.0M−1.0%
Agricultural and Food Products$409.0M+0.2%
Automotive$275.0M+1.0%
Forest Products$229.0M−8.0%
Metals and Equipment$220.0M+5.0%

Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.