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On Thursday, Evercore ISI analyst Jonathan Chappell adjusted the price target for CSX Corporation (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:CSX) stock, reducing it to $33.00 from the previous $35.00 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The adjustment follows CSX’s first-quarter earnings for 2025, which matched Evercore ISI’s conservative estimate but fell short of the broader market expectation. The stock currently trades at $27.35, near its 52-week low of $26.22, with a P/E ratio of 15.28. According to InvestingPro analysis, CSX appears undervalued based on its Fair Value calculations, despite 19 analysts recently revising their earnings expectations downward.
CSX reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.34 for the first quarter of 2025, aligning with Evercore ISI’s projection, which was the lowest among Wall Street estimates. However, this figure was below the average forecast of $0.37. The company’s financial performance was affected by a series of challenges, including $350 million in costs associated with commodity price fluctuations and infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, CSX incurred $45 million in extra costs due to severe winter weather and related network disruptions. Despite these challenges, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains impressive gross profit margins of 48.65%, demonstrating operational efficiency even in difficult conditions.
The rail operator also faced revenue losses from these events, though the exact amount has not been disclosed. While most of the financial impact was contained within the first quarter, some effects are expected to extend into the second quarter. A key re-routing line experienced a flood-related outage last week, which will likely contribute to ongoing challenges.
The year 2025 was already anticipated to be difficult for CSX, with the company navigating unique network initiatives that reduced its flexibility to manage unforeseen events. The current economic uncertainty, stagnant coal prices, and a sluggish truckload market add to the headwinds the company must contend with.
In light of these factors, Evercore ISI has revised its EPS estimate for CSX in 2025 to $1.70, down from $1.75. Nevertheless, the firm anticipates that the majority of the issues CSX is facing will be confined to 2025. This outlook suggests that CSX is positioned to achieve stronger top-line growth and improved cost efficiency in 2026. Consequently, Evercore ISI’s EPS estimate for 2026 has been slightly reduced by $0.02 to $2.05, and the firm reaffirms its Outperform rating on CSX stock with a revised price target of $33, aligning with the broader analyst consensus that remains optimistic about the company’s prospects.
In other recent news, CSX Corporation reported disappointing financial results for the first quarter of 2025, missing analyst expectations. The company announced an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.34, falling short of the projected $0.38, and revenue of $3.42 billion, which was below the anticipated $3.51 billion. The decline in revenue was attributed to increased expenses and a significant drop in coal revenue by 27%. Analysts from TD Cowen and Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James have both adjusted their price targets for CSX, with TD Cowen lowering it to $31 while maintaining a Hold rating, and Raymond James reducing it to $33 but reiterating an Outperform rating. Despite the challenges, Raymond James remains optimistic about CSX’s strategic initiatives, which include internal growth through industrial development and external expansion via mergers and acquisitions. CSX’s leadership, particularly CEO Hinrichs, has been noted for a focus on customer service and employee experience, which is expected to positively impact the company’s future financial outcomes. The company’s strategic initiatives aim to improve network fluidity and address ongoing operational challenges, such as infrastructure projects and macroeconomic uncertainties.
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