CSX Corp. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day

Nucor Corp. will release Q3 earnings on Oct. 27, likely updating progress on its WV mill, expected to complete this year. It plans a $60M expansion in Alabama. CSX Corp. reported Q3 net income of $1.05B, up from $694M YoY, driven by increased freight volumes. United Bankshares reported Q3 earnings of $128.7M, down from last year but up YoY for the first nine months.

CSX Corp reported Q3 earnings with EPS up 30% YoY to $0.57, revenue up 12%, and operating margin at 39.1%. Management highlighted record fuel efficiency, safety improvements, and raised 2026 revenue growth outlook to high single digits. Challenges include cost pressures and mixed merchandise performance.

CSX (CSX) stock rose 6.8% on October 22, 2026, after reporting Q3 2026 revenue of $4.02B, beating estimates. Half of the revenue growth came from fuel surcharges, while the other half was due to increased freight volume and pricing gains. Management raised its full-year revenue growth outlook to high single digits. Operating margin widened to 39.1% in Q3 2026, with nonfuel costs reduced by 3%.

CSX, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern reported record Q3 revenue due to high diesel prices shifting freight to rail. CSX saw $4B revenue (+12% YoY), Union Pacific $7.2B (+15%), and Norfolk Southern $3.5B (+14%). Intermodal volume grew significantly, but pricing benefits await 2027 contract resets. Fuel surcharges drove revenue growth, with diesel prices nearing all-time highs.

Evercore ISI raised its price target for CSX Corp. (NASDAQ:CSX) to $53, citing improved margin outlook. CSX's Q3 earnings beat estimates at $0.57 per share, with revenue driven by fuel surcharges. The firm expects significant margin expansion in Q4 2026 and full-year 2027. Other analysts also raised price targets, with UBS setting the highest at $60.

Raymond James raised its price target for CSX to $55, citing operational and cultural improvements. CSX's stock is up 47% over the past year, with a market cap of $89.2 billion. The company reported Q3 EPS of $0.57, beating estimates, and revenue of $4.02 billion. Multiple analysts have raised their price targets, with UBS setting the highest at $60.