Core Viewpoint - CSX reported mixed Q4 results with revenues missing consensus estimates while earnings met expectations, indicating challenges in revenue generation despite stable earnings performance [1][3][4] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue was $3.54 billion, down 4% year-over-year, with a 1% increase in volume offset by a 5% decline in average revenue per unit [3] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.42, while GAAP earnings were impacted by a one-time goodwill impairment charge, resulting in a bottom line of $0.38 [1][4] - The operating ratio worsened by 140 basis points to 65.7%, contributing to a 7% decline in earnings per share [4] Market Reaction - Following the Q4 results announcement, CSX stock dropped 4%, underperforming the S&P 500 index, which increased by 28% since the beginning of 2024 [2][5] - Historical stock performance has shown volatility, with returns of 26% in 2021, -17% in 2022, 14% in 2023, and -6% in 2024 [5] Future Outlook - The company is expected to face ongoing challenges in coal freight, which has seen a significant decline in both exports and domestic demand [3][4] - Current stock valuation at around $33 reflects an 18x expected earnings of $1.85 per share in 2025, suggesting limited growth potential [7]

Core Points - CSX Corporation has appointed Ann Begeman to its board of directors, enhancing its leadership team with her extensive industry expertise [1][2] - Begeman has over three decades of experience in public service, particularly in transportation policy, and has contributed to significant legislation [2][5] - Her previous roles include serving as a member of the Surface Transportation Board (STB) from 2011 to 2021, where she held leadership positions and improved the board's accountability and efficiency [3][4] Company Overview - CSX is a premier transportation company based in Jacksonville, Florida, providing rail, intermodal, and rail-to-truck transload services across various markets [6] - The company has played a critical role in the economic expansion and industrial development of the United States for nearly 200 years, connecting major metropolitan areas and rural communities [6]

Group 1 - The article discusses the investment outlook for CSX Corp, highlighting a buy recommendation based on expected volume growth and the impact of the Baltimore Bridge incident [1] - The author emphasizes a fundamentals-based approach to value investing, focusing on companies with long-term durability and robust balance sheets rather than just low multiples [1] - It is noted that while investing in successful companies carries risks, the potential for significant growth can make immediate price considerations less critical [1]

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corporation reported disappointing fourth-quarter 2024 results, with both earnings and revenues falling short of expectations, indicating challenges in revenue generation and operational efficiency [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share were 42 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by one cent and reflecting a 6.6% year-over-year decline due to lower revenues [1]. - Total revenues amounted to $3.53 million, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.58 million, and decreased by 3.8% year over year, primarily due to lower fuel recovery and coal revenue [2]. - Operating income for the fourth quarter decreased by 16% year over year to $1.11 billion, while total expenses rose by 3% to $2.43 billion [3]. Segmental Performance - Merchandise revenues increased by 0.4% year over year to $2.19 billion, but fell short of the estimate of $2.24 billion, with merchandise volumes rising by 0.3% [4]. - Intermodal revenues decreased by 5% year over year to $526 million, also below the estimate of $531.2 million, despite a 4% increase in segmental volumes [4]. - Coal revenues plummeted by 20% year over year to $499 million, significantly lower than the estimate of $529.7 million, with coal volumes down by 7% [5]. Liquidity and Cash Flow - CSX ended the fourth quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $933 million, a decrease from $1.64 billion at the end of the previous quarter, while long-term debt was reported at $17.89 billion [6]. - The company generated $1.38 billion in cash from operating activities during the reported quarter [6]. 2025 Guidance - For 2025, CSX anticipates total volume growth in the low to mid-single digits, with intermodal and merchandise momentum expected to be supported by conversions and industrial development [7]. - Coal volumes are projected to decline due to facility shutdowns and mine production issues, impacting overall revenue [7]. - Full-year revenues are likely to be influenced by lower coal benchmarks, diesel prices, and volume mix, particularly in the first half of the year [7]. Operational Focus - CSX plans to continue focusing on efficiency initiatives and labor productivity, with hurricane recovery and the Howard Street Tunnel project expected to affect operating income [8]. - Capital expenditures are expected to remain roughly flat year over year, excluding spending related to hurricane rebuilding [8]. Market Performance - CSX currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating a negative outlook in the market [9]. - Over the past six months, CSX shares have gained only 0.2%, underperforming the industry average increase of 2.7% [10].

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corp experienced a significant decline in early trading following disappointing fourth-quarter revenues, which were reported at approximately $3.54 billion, a decrease of 3.8% year-on-year despite a 1% increase in volume [1][2]. Financial Performance - The adjusted earnings per share were reported at 42 cents, aligning with expectations but including a tax benefit of $26 million, or 1.5 cents per share [3]. - The decline in revenues was attributed to lower fuel revenues, an unfavorable mix, decreased coal commodity prices, and the impact of hurricanes [2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - BMO Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating but reduced the price target from $40 to $38 [2]. - RBC Capital Markets kept a Sector Perform rating while lowering the price target from $34 to $33, citing operational issues affecting results [4]. - Raymond James reaffirmed an Outperform rating with a reduced price target from $38 to $37, noting a 7% year-on-year decline in adjusted earnings [7]. - Stephens maintained an Overweight rating with a price target of $38, indicating that estimates may need further downward revision [9]. Future Outlook - Management warned of a significant year-on-year decline in operating income due to various costs, including lower export coal benchmarks and construction project expenses [5]. - Analysts expect challenges in the first half of 2025, with a projected unfavorable impact of $300 million from lower coal pricing and additional operating income losses from construction projects [11]. - Despite the headwinds, there is optimism that CSX's ONECSX initiatives could lead to improved revenues and earnings in the future [8][10]. Stock Performance - At the time of publication, CSX shares had declined by 2.88% to $32.70 [12].

Core Insights - BAD BEAT Investing, led by Quad 7 Capital, has been providing investment opportunities for nearly 12 years, focusing on both long and short trades [1] - The team is recognized for their February 2020 recommendation to sell everything and go short, maintaining an average position of 95% long and 5% short since May 2020 [1] - The investment strategy emphasizes short- and medium-term investments, income generation, special situations, and momentum trades [1] Group 1 - The company comprises a team of 7 analysts with diverse expertise in business, policy, economics, mathematics, game theory, and sciences [1] - BAD BEAT Investing aims to educate investors to become proficient traders through a comprehensive playbook, providing in-depth research with clear entry and exit targets [1] - The firm has a proven track record of success in their investment strategies [1] Group 2 - Benefits of BAD BEAT Investing include understanding market dynamics, executing well-researched trade ideas weekly, and access to multiple chat rooms [2] - Subscribers receive daily summaries of key analyst upgrades and downgrades, along with education on basic options trading and extensive trading tools [2]

Core Insights - CSX Corp. reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter, with earnings of 42 cents per share meeting analyst expectations, but revenue of $3.54 billion falling short of the $3.57 billion consensus and down from $3.68 billion in the same quarter last year [1][2]. Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings per share were 42 cents, aligning with analyst consensus [1]. - Quarterly revenue was $3.54 billion, missing the analyst consensus estimate of $3.57 billion and representing a decrease from $3.68 billion in the previous year's fourth quarter [1]. Management Commentary - CEO Joe Hinrichs expressed pride in the team's response to challenges in 2024, including impacts from major hurricanes and the Key Bridge outage, while emphasizing a focus on customer satisfaction [2]. Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, CSX shares increased by 1.3%, closing at $33.67 [2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Baird analyst Benjamin Hartford maintained an Outperform rating on CSX but lowered the price target from $39 to $38 [4]. - Citigroup analyst Ariel Rosa maintained a Buy rating on CSX and reduced the price target from $40 to $39 [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics - No specific financial data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - No specific business line data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics - No specific market data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - No specific company strategy or industry competition details mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - No specific management commentary on the operating environment or future outlook mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4] Other Important Information - The earnings call presentation is available on the company's website [4] Q&A Session - No Q&A session details provided in the content [1][2][3][4]

Core Insights - CSX reported $3.54 billion in revenue for the quarter ended December 2024, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 3.8% and an EPS of $0.42, down from $0.45 a year ago [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.58 billion by 1.24%, and the EPS also missed the consensus estimate of $0.43 by 2.33% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Operating Margin was reported at 31.3%, significantly lower than the estimated 64.5% by analysts [4] - Revenue per unit for Intermodal was $705, compared to the average estimate of $713.29 [4] - Volume for Merchandise - Chemicals was 171 thousand, slightly above the average estimate of 169.92 thousand [4] - Volume for Merchandise - Agricultural and Food Products was 116 thousand, below the average estimate of 123.2 thousand [4] - Revenue from Coal was $499 million, below the average estimate of $510.69 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 19.5% [4] - Revenue from Intermodal was $526 million, slightly above the average estimate of $525.77 million, with a year-over-year decline of 4.7% [4] - Revenue from Merchandise - Fertilizers was $125 million, below the average estimate of $130.32 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 7.4% [4] - Revenue from Merchandise - Chemicals was $708 million, slightly below the average estimate of $710.15 million, with a year-over-year increase of 7.1% [4] - Revenue from Merchandise - Automotive was $296 million, below the average estimate of $308.92 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 5.7% [4] - Revenue from Merchandise - Minerals was $189 million, above the average estimate of $180.92 million, with a year-over-year increase of 5.6% [4] - Revenue from Merchandise - Forest Products was $257 million, in line with the average estimate of $257.67 million, showing a year-over-year increase of 2.4% [4] - Total Merchandise revenue was $2.19 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $2.22 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 0.4% [4] Stock Performance - CSX shares returned +2.1% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

CSX (CSX) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.42 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.43 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.45 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -2.33%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this freight railroad would post earnings of $0.48 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.46, delivering a surprise of -4.17%.Over the last four quarters, the company has ...