CSX Corp. (CSX) Tops Q2 EPS by 3c

CSX Corp. (NYSE: CSX) reported Q2 EPS of $0.56, $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of $0.53. Revenue came in at $3.06 billion, versus the consensus at $3.12 billion.

Revenue declined 6 percent, as pricing gains were more than offset by the impact of lower fuel recovery, a 1 percent volume decline and changing business mix. At the same time, continued low fuel prices and savings from efficiency initiatives reduced expenses by 9 percent. As a result, CSX delivered record operating income of more than $1 billion for the quarter and a record-low operating ratio of 66.8 percent.

"While we saw challenges in a number of markets, CSX employees delivered an even safer, more reliable and more differentiated service product this quarter," said Michael J. Ward, chairman and chief executive officer. "We expect the momentum in network performance we saw in the second quarter to accelerate, continuing to create value for our customers and shareholders."

CSX expects to deliver mid-to-high single digit earnings per share growth for 2015, although the upper end of that range has become more challenging given the current energy environment. With low natural gas prices and high inventory levels continuing to reduce utility coal demand, CSX now expects domestic coal volume to decline by approximately 10 percent for 2015 and the outlook for export coal volume remains approximately 30 million tons for the year. The company also expects meaningful margin expansion as it progresses towards a full-year operating ratio in the mid-60s longer term.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on CSX Corp. (CSX) click here.

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