Q1 26 EPS
$0.43
Q1 26 Revenue
$3.48B
MISS 0.13%
Est. $3.49B
vs S&P Since Q1 26
+1.2%
BEATING MARKET
CSX +2.9% vs S&P +1.7%
Market Reaction
Did CSX Beat Earnings? Q1 2026 Results
CSX Corporation delivered a strong first quarter in 2026, posting diluted earnings per share of $0.43, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by 10.71%, even as revenue of $3.48 billion came in fractionally below expectations and rose 1.7% year-over… Read more CSX Corporation delivered a strong first quarter in 2026, posting diluted earnings per share of $0.43, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by 10.71%, even as revenue of $3.48 billion came in fractionally below expectations and rose 1.7% year-over-year. The standout story was a dramatic improvement in profitability: operating income surged 20% to $1.25 billion, lifting the operating margin to 36.0% from 30.4% a year ago, as total expenses fell 6% to $2.23 billion on the back of aggressive cost discipline, lower headcount, and the absence of prior-year disruption costs tied to the Howard Street Tunnel project. Intermodal volume led the growth story, rising 6% on domestic customer wins, while merchandise pricing gains also contributed to the top line. Analysts maintaining a "Moderate Buy" consensus on the stock have set a price target of $42.20, suggesting further upside. CEO Steve Angel signaled continued focus on cost discipline and profitable growth as CSX works toward what he described as best-in-class performance.
Key Takeaways
- • Higher merchandise pricing
- • Intermodal volume growth driven by domestic customer wins and new service offerings
- • Higher domestic coal revenue from increased utility plant shipments
- • Increased fuel surcharge revenue
- • Total expense decreased 6% driven by efficiency savings and property disposition gains
- • Operating margin expanded to 36.0% from 30.4% year-over-year
- • Train velocity improved 7% and dwell improved 7%
- • Lower headcount reduced labor costs, with average rail employees down 1,177 year-over-year
- • Absence of prior-year Howard Street Tunnel project-related network disruption costs
CSX Forward Guidance & Outlook
CEO Steve Angel expressed encouragement about the railroad's prospects for this year and over the long term, noting the company will remain disciplined on costs while taking advantage of opportunities for profitable growth as it works toward best-in-class performance.
CSX YoY Financials
Q1 2026 vs Q1 2025, source: SEC Filings
CSX Revenue by Segment
With YoY comparisons, source: SEC Filings
“CSX performed well this quarter by providing reliable and efficient service to our customers through changing market conditions, while improving our expense profile.”
— Steve Angel, Q1 2026 Earnings Press Release
CSX Earnings Trends
CSX vs Market 30 Day Price Reactions
30-day stock return vs benchmark after each earnings
CSX EPS Trend
Earnings per share: estimate vs actual
CSX Revenue Trend
Quarterly revenue: estimate vs actual
CSX Quarterly Results
5 quarters of earnings data
| Quarter | EPS Est. | EPS Act. | Surprise | Revenue | Rev. Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 26 | — | $0.43 | — | $3.48B | -0.13% |
| Q4 25 MISS FY | $0.42 | $0.39 | -7.65% | $3.51B | +31.26% |
| FY Full Year | $1.64 | $1.54 | -6.07% | $14.09B | -0.27% |
| Q3 25 BEAT | $0.42 | $0.44 | +3.63% | $3.59B | +0.48% |
| Q2 25 BEAT | $0.42 | $0.44 | +5.47% | $3.57B | -0.07% |
| Q1 25 MISS | $0.37 | $0.34 | -7.71% | $3.42B | -0.78% |