CSX Continues To Expect Strong Earnings Growth In Q1 - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - CSX Corp. (CSX) said that it continues to expect strong earnings growth in the first quarter as merchandise and intermodal customers see growth opportunities and recognize the value and efficiency of freight rail service. By leveraging price and efficiency gains combined with expected volume increases, the company continues to target double-digit earnings growth for the full-year 2015, though achieving that goal will be more challenging with the expected decline in coal movements.

CSX Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson today discussed the drivers of a decade of strong financial performance for the company, updated its first-quarter market outlook and discussed earnings expectations for 2015 at the JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Industrials Conference in New York City.

Eliasson indicated that CSX's domestic coal volume is now expected to decline at least 5 percent, reflecting the relatively mild winter weather and low natural gas prices. He also noted that as oil prices remain low, the company expects growth in crude oil shipments to be more moderate than originally expected.

Eliasson also reinforced the foundation of the company's strategy for creating superior shareholder value is delivering service excellence for its customers. That allows CSX to maximize its three key value levers: growing its merchandise and intermodal business faster than the economy, pricing above inflation and driving efficiency in operations.