Stifel cuts CSX stock price target to $33, maintains Buy rating

Published 17/04/2025, 14:12
Stifel cuts CSX stock price target to $33, maintains Buy rating

On Thursday, Stifel analysts revised the price target for CSX Corporation shares, marking a decrease from the previous figure. The target for the (NASDAQ:CSX) stock has been set at $33.00, down from $34.00, while the firm continues to endorse a Buy rating for the transportation company. Currently trading at $27.35, the stock has declined nearly 15% year-to-date, with InvestingPro data showing 19 analysts recently revising their earnings expectations downward.

The adjustment follows CSX’s recent earnings report, which Stifel’s Benjamin Nolan described as "sloppy." The quarter was impacted by a range of issues including the aftermath of severe weather events, operational difficulties with the Howard Street Tunnel, and volatile coal prices. Nolan noted that the company’s service quality was subpar and its operating ratio (OR) fell short of expectations. Despite these challenges, InvestingPro analysis reveals the company maintains impressive gross profit margins of 47.56% and has consistently paid dividends for 45 consecutive years.

Despite these setbacks, analysts at Stifel anticipate an improvement in the company’s performance throughout the year. Nolan mentioned that while current challenges may give way to broader economic headwinds, there is an expectation for conditions to get better.

Stifel’s analysis suggests that even with a forecasted moderate economic downturn, CSX’s stock is trading at valuations not observed since the lows of 2020. Nolan stated that although there is uncertainty regarding the exact timing or the catalyst for a turnaround, the current stock prices present an attractive risk/reward scenario for investors.

The report concluded with a lack of firm conviction on when or what might drive CSX’s improvement, but with an emphasis on the potential benefits for shareholders at the current stock valuation levels.

In other recent news, CSX Corporation reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, which fell short of analyst expectations. The company announced an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.34, missing the projected $0.38, and reported revenue of $3.42 billion, which was below the anticipated $3.51 billion. This shortfall was attributed to increased expenses and a decline in coal revenue by 27%, among other challenges. Analysts from Evercore ISI, TD Cowen, and Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James have since adjusted their price targets for CSX, with Evercore ISI and Raymond James setting it at $33 and TD Cowen at $31, while maintaining various ratings on the stock.

Evercore ISI’s Jonathan Chappell noted that CSX’s EPS matched their conservative estimate but missed the broader market expectation, leading to a revised EPS estimate for 2025. TD Cowen highlighted the company’s struggle with maintaining service levels amidst rising expenses and macroeconomic uncertainty. Raymond James remains optimistic about CSX’s strategic initiatives, emphasizing potential growth through internal development and mergers.

CSX’s operational challenges, such as infrastructure projects and weather-related disruptions, have been significant, impacting network fluidity and financial performance. Despite these hurdles, CSX maintains a focus on strategic initiatives aimed at long-term growth, with analysts expressing varied levels of optimism about the company’s future prospects.

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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