BMO Capital downgrades CSX stock rating to Market Perform amid merger uncertainty

Published 18/08/2025, 06:26
BMO Capital downgrades CSX stock rating to Market Perform amid merger uncertainty

Investing.com - BMO Capital downgraded CSX (NASDAQ:CSX) from Outperform to Market Perform on Monday, while maintaining a price target of $38.00. The stock, currently trading at $36.32, is approaching its 52-week high of $37.10, having delivered a strong year-to-date return of 13.5%.

The downgrade comes amid increasing speculation about potential rail mergers that could significantly impact the sector’s short to medium-term outlook.

BMO Capital noted that while investors might typically favor acquisition targets in merger scenarios, there remains "significant uncertainty surrounding key details of any potential deal involving CSX."

The research firm pointed to CSX’s recent stock performance as a key factor in the rating change, highlighting that shares have appreciated approximately 20% since merger speculation began.

Given this price movement, BMO Capital now views CSX’s risk/reward profile as "more balanced," prompting the downgrade to Market Perform.

In other recent news, CSX Corporation reported its second-quarter earnings, revealing an earnings per share of $0.44, which exceeded estimates by two cents due to reduced operating expenses. The company’s network is showing improvement after challenging weather conditions in the first quarter, although it has not yet returned to the performance levels of the previous year. Additionally, CSX is exploring potential rail consolidation options with Goldman Sachs, following a significant merger in the industry. This exploration may or may not lead to a transaction, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Benchmark has raised its price target for CSX to $40, maintaining a Buy rating, highlighting network improvements and upcoming project completions. Similarly, Raiffeisen increased its price target to $39, citing the ongoing execution of CSX’s ONECSX initiatives, which are expected to drive further operational and cultural enhancements. Furthermore, CSX announced that its Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Kevin Boone, will speak at Deutsche Bank’s 2025 Transportation Conference in New York. The address will be available via webcast on CSX’s investor relations website. These developments reflect the company’s ongoing strategic initiatives and market positioning.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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