-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:
After digesting Q1 2026 results, we increase our 12-month price target by $14 to $60, using an average of a forward P/E of 25.8x our 2027 EPS view of $2.21 ($57) and our DCF model, assuming a terminal growth rate of 2.5%, WACC of 6.2%, and 10-year FCFF CAGR of 12.0% ($63). We raise our 2026 EPS estimate to $1.94 from $1.86 and increase 2027's to $2.21 from $2.07. Our sales projections are $14.8 billion for 2026 and $15.5 billion for 2027. CSX's recent share price increase and bump in valuation is justified by strong operational improvements. The company has started 2026 well, with higher volumes and revenue alongside lower costs. First quarter metrics showed Y/Y gains in train speed, dwell times, and cars online, plus record Q1 fuel efficiency of 0.97 gallons per 1,000 gross ton miles. The Middle East conflict presents both opportunities and risks: rising energy prices benefit some CSX customers but could dampen consumer sentiment if inflation accelerates. Shares yield 1.2%.