TD Cowen cuts CSX stock price target to $31, maintains hold

Published 17/04/2025, 11:52
TD Cowen cuts CSX stock price target to $31, maintains hold

On Thursday, TD Cowen analysts adjusted their outlook on CSX Corporation (NASDAQ:CSX) shares, lowering the price target from $32.00 to $31.00, while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. The decision follows CSX’s performance in the first quarter, which fell short of both TD Cowen’s forecasts and the consensus. According to InvestingPro data, the stock is currently trading near its 52-week low of $26.22, with a year-to-date decline of 14.9%.

CSX reported lower-than-expected margins, which underperformed even the reduced estimates. Despite maintaining impressive gross profit margins of 48.65%, the company’s revenues declined as expenses increased, a situation compounded by an increasingly uncertain macroeconomic outlook. Challenges such as construction, weather, and operational execution have hindered network fluidity, presenting near-term difficulties for the company. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company remains undervalued relative to its Fair Value, suggesting potential upside despite current challenges.

The analysts noted, "CSX missed our forecast and consensus in 1Q as margins underperformed already lowered estimates. Revenues fell as expenses grew, and the macro outlook appears increasingly uncertain." They pointed out that CSX is facing an uphill battle in maintaining service levels due to various disruptions. However, InvestingPro data reveals the company’s strong dividend profile, having maintained payments for 45 consecutive years with an 18.18% dividend growth in the last twelve months.

Despite the lowered price target, TD Cowen reiterated their Hold rating on CSX shares. The analysts’ commentary underscores the challenges faced by the company in the current economic environment, as well as the hurdles to achieving network fluidity in the near term.

Investors and market watchers will be keeping a close eye on CSX’s efforts to navigate these challenges and improve its financial performance in the coming quarters. The new price target set by TD Cowen reflects a cautious outlook on the company’s stock, taking into account the factors that have affected its recent quarter results.

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, which fell short of the projected $0.38, and reported revenue of $3.42 billion, missing the anticipated $3.51 billion. Revenue declined by 7% year-over-year, with a significant 27% drop in coal revenue contributing to the shortfall. Despite these challenges, CSX saw a 2% increase in intermodal volumes. The company attributed some of its operational difficulties to ongoing infrastructure projects and severe weather impacts. In related developments, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James analyst Patrick Tyler Brown lowered the price target for CSX to $33 from $34, while maintaining an Outperform rating, citing the company’s strategic initiatives and leadership under CEO Joe Hinrichs as positive factors. Brown emphasized CSX’s potential for long-term earnings growth through its ONECSX initiatives and industrial development strategies. These recent developments highlight the challenges and opportunities facing CSX as it navigates operational and market conditions.

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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