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Dec 31, 2023

CSX Q4 2023 Earnings Report

CSX's Q4 2023 financial performance declined compared to the prior year period.

Key Takeaways

CSX Corp. reported a decrease in operating income, net earnings, and diluted EPS for Q4 2023 compared to Q4 2022. Total volume increased slightly, driven by merchandise and coal volume growth, offset by declines in intermodal storage revenue, reduced fuel surcharge, and lower global benchmark coal prices.

Operating income for Q4 2023 was $1.32 billion, a 10% decrease year-over-year.

Net earnings for Q4 2023 were $886 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, compared to $1.02 billion, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

Revenue totaled $3.68 billion for the quarter, a 1% decrease year-over-year.

Total volume increased by 1% compared to the prior year, with Merchandise and Coal volume up 3%, and Intermodal volume flat.

Total Revenue
$3.68B
Previous year: $3.73B
-1.3%
EPS
$0.45
Previous year: $0.49
-8.2%
Gross Profit
$1.31B
Previous year: $1.4B
-6.6%
Cash and Equivalents
$1.44B
Previous year: $1.96B
-26.7%
Free Cash Flow
$809M
Previous year: $668M
+21.1%
Total Assets
$42.4B
Previous year: $41.7B
+1.7%

CSX

CSX

Forward Guidance

CSX anticipates building on its positive momentum with profitable growth in the coming year, focusing on customer service and leveraging its reliable network performance.

Positive Outlook

  • The railroad is running well.
  • The company has the right team and resources in place.
  • There is a focus on excellent customer service.
  • The company aims to build on positive momentum.
  • Anticipates profitable growth.

Challenges Ahead

  • Lower intermodal storage revenue.
  • Reduced fuel surcharge.
  • The effect of lower global benchmark coal prices.
  • A decline in trucking revenue.
  • Dynamic economic environment.