CSX Q1 results missed expectations, CEO says

CSX yesterday reported first-quarter 2025 net income fell 27% to $646 million, or 34 cents per diluted share, while revenue dropped 7% to $3.4 billion compared to results posted in the same quarter a year ago.

Revenue fell as declines in coal revenue, fuel surcharge and merchandise volume were only partially offset by the effects of higher merchandise pricing and growth in intermodal volume. Total volume of 1.52 million units for the quarter was 1% lower compared to Q1 2024, according to a CSX press release.

“CSX faced operational challenges to start the year, which contributed to first quarter results that did not meet our expectations,” said CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs. "We are taking targeted actions to address the network constraints posed by two major ongoing infrastructure projects, and we remain committed to safely and reliably serving our customers.”

The two major infrastructure projects cited are the Howard Street Tunnel reconstruction in Baltimore to enable the passage of double-stack trains, and the rebuild of the Blue Ridge Subdivision in North Carolina following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in fall 2024. 

The company continues to expect overall volume growth for the year as demand remains fairly stable, Hinrichs told analysts according to a transcript of the call.

"However, the near-term effects of rapidly changing trade and tariff policies are uncertain. This makes it difficult to project a reasonable range," he said.

Still, Q1 2025 is expected to be a "trough" for the company's profitability for the year as the company continues to improve network fluidity, drive greater efficiency and deliver on labor productivity, he said.