CSX announces decrease in earnings for 2025

CSX Transportation faced a challenging year in 2025, with CEO Stephen Angel highlighting subdued demand and limited growth opportunities as contributing factors to the company’s net income decreasing by 17% to $2.89 billion. The fourth quarter specifically saw a 2% decline in net income to $720 million, as stated in the quarterly and annual earnings report released after the stock markets closed on Thursday.

Angel acknowledged the difficult industrial demand environment and outlined the actions taken to adjust the company’s cost structure in response to these challenges. Despite the setbacks, CSX remains confident in its operational foundation and is optimistic about delivering improved financial performance in 2026. The focus for the upcoming year will be on driving productivity, cost control, and capital discipline while maintaining its commitment to providing safe and reliable services.

In examining the coal segment of CSX’s business, revenues in the fourth quarter decreased by 5% to $472 million when compared to the same period in 2024. The full-year results showed a 15% decline in coal revenues, totaling $1.9 million. Tonnage figures also revealed some interesting trends, with domestic shipments increasing by 6% in the fourth quarter to 10.2 million tons, while export shipments experienced a 3% decrease, with an equivalent amount of 10.2 million tons. For the entire year, domestic tonnage saw a 4% increase to 40.6 million tons, while export tonnage dropped by 8% to 40.6 million tons.

CSX’s earnings report attributed the rise in domestic coal shipments to higher deliveries to utility plants, offsetting the lower shipments to steel manufacturing locations and lake terminals that contributed to the decline in export tonnage. Looking ahead, the company is committed to maintaining its competitive edge through strategic adjustments aimed at optimizing its operational efficiency and cost structure.

Despite the challenges faced in 2025, CSX remains focused on leveraging its strong operational capabilities to navigate the shifting market dynamics and emerging industry trends. The company’s resilience and commitment to excellence position it well for sustained growth and improved financial performance in the coming year. By prioritizing productivity, cost control, and capital discipline while upholding its reputation for safety and reliability, CSX is poised to overcome the obstacles and emerge stronger than ever in 2026.