CSX Warns On Q3 EPS; Expects H2 To Be More Challenging - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Railroad operator CSX Corp (CSX) said that it continues to target flat earnings per share for the third quarter, but achieving that estimate will be more challenging given the weaker than expected volumes.

In addition, with the volume declines this quarter and ongoing challenges to coal that are expected to continue in the fourth quarter, CSX now expects full-year earnings per share growth in the mid-single digits.

That earnings growth will be delivered despite domestic coal revenue declines that may exceed $400 million for the year. As CSX continues to focus on its value drivers of growing merchandise and intermodal business, value pricing and efficiency savings, the company said it still expects to drive meaningful full-year margin expansion this year as it progresses towards its longer term goal of a mid-60s operating ratio.

CSX 's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fredrik Eliasson, formerly the company's Chief Financial Officer, reviewed performance to date and updated investors on the company's third quarter and full-year expectations at the Cowen and Company 8th Annual Global Transportation Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

The company noted that it delivered strong financial, service and efficiency improvements in the first six months of 2015, but expects the second half of the year to be more challenging given intensifying headwinds in its coal markets.

"In the third quarter, we see strong pricing that reflects the value of our service, and we continue to drive greater asset utilization and reduce costs as we match our resources with demand while improving our service product," Eliasson said. "At the same time, overall volume to date is down about two percent, with both our domestic coal and merchandise markets tracking slightly below the company's original third quarter expectations."