CSX Corporation (CSX)
NASDAQIndustrialsRailroadsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$49.41+0.86%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQIndustrialsRailroadsSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · CSX
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within industrials on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks CSX against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Met or beat guidance 0% of the last 1 guided quarters · -11.4% avg surprise
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Focus on increasing total volume across merchandise, intermodal, and coal segments to drive revenue growth.
Stated as a priority in 7 of last 7 quarters. Volume grew from 1.52 million units in 2025-Q1 to 1.68 million units in 2026-Q2, a 6% increase year-over-year in the latest quarter. Management has consistently emphasized full-year volume growth and the trajectory is delivering with steady volume increases.
“Volume increased 6% with broad-based growth across markets led by 9% intermodal growth”
“Total volume of 1.56 million units for the quarter was 3% higher compared to first quarter 2025”
“CSX expects to deliver full-year volume growth”
“Volume totaled 1.61 million units for the quarter, up 1% compared to third quarter 2024”
“Total volume of 1.58 million units for the quarter was flat compared to second quarter 2024”
“Total volume of 1.52 million units for the quarter was 1% lower compared to first quarter 2024”
“Total volume of 1.59 million units for the quarter was 3% higher compared to third quarter 2023”
Maintain disciplined cost control and improve operational efficiency to enhance profitability and margins.
Stated as a priority in 5 of last 5 quarters. Operating margin improved from 35.9% in 2025-Q2 to 38.3% in 2026-Q2, and operating income increased from $1.28 billion to $1.51 billion over the same period. Management’s focus on cost control and productivity is reflected in improving profitability, indicating progress delivering this priority.
“CSX performed well this quarter by providing reliable and efficient service... while improving our expense profile”
“We are positioned to deliver improved financial performance in 2026 as we focus on driving productivity, cost control, and capital discipline”
“The skill and commitment of CSX’s railroaders enabled us to deliver significant sequential improvements in network fluidity and cost efficiency”
“Delivered significant sequential improvements in network fluidity and cost efficiency”
“Taking targeted actions to address network constraints and remain committed to safely and reliably serving customers”
Execute share repurchase program with $5 billion incremental authorization to return capital to shareholders.
Newly stated in 2026-Q2 with Board authorization of $5 billion incremental share repurchase authority. Prior program had approximately $989 million remaining as of 2026-Q1. This capital allocation priority is recent and management has begun execution with formal authorization.
“Board authorized a new share repurchase program, providing $5 billion of incremental authority”
“Approximately $989 million remaining under the existing share repurchase program as of March 31, 2026”
Improve network fluidity and productivity to support service reliability and cost efficiency.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management emphasized operational improvements and network fluidity enhancements in 2025-Q1 through 2025-Q3. While no direct quantitative metrics were provided, the focus on operational efficiency aligns with improving service and cost outcomes, indicating ongoing progress.
“Operational performance reflects dedication and commitment to running the best railroad in North America”
“Delivered significant sequential improvements in network fluidity and cost efficiency”
“Taking targeted actions to address network constraints posed by two major ongoing infrastructure projects”
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 3 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Industrials names rated strong grew net income 67% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=6958).
Over the trailing year it converted 1.58x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Industrials names rated neutral grew net income 59% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=6654).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, Fed net liquidity, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates (low R² over the window).
12 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Industrials names rated neutral grew net income 58% of the time over the next year (vs 56% for the rest of the cohort, n=3431).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.