CSX Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue

It's time to get ready for CSX CSX earnings! Don't be caught off-guard: The company releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, July 19, 2011.

No time to prep before Tuesday's announcement? Don't worry. Here is your everything-that-matters guide to CSX's second quarter earnings report.

Let's Do the Numbers:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of 44 cents per share and revenues of $2.99 billion. We'll have to wait for Tuesday to see if CSX falls in line with analyst expectations and reports an estimated increase in both EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Quarter	Q1	Q4	Q3	Q2
EPS Estimate	35 cents	37 cents	35 cents	32 cents
EPS Actual	35 cents	38 cents	36 cents	36 cents

Stock Performance:

As of July 13, 2011, CSX's current share price was $25.86. Shares are up 21.1% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 37.2%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for CSX is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how CSX compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Canadian National Railway (USA CNI: Hold with a $0.85 recent quarter EPS
• Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (USA CP: Hold with a $0.19 recent quarter EPS
• Kansas City Southern KSU: Moderate Buy with a $0.58 recent quarter EPS
• Norfolk Southern NSC: Moderate Buy with a $0.9 recent quarter EPS

The transportation-rail company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.1% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the main business areas of the company, in case you need a little refresher: CSX provides rail-based transportation services including traditional rail service and the transport of intermodal containers and trailers.

Take Action:

Now that you have reviewed all the numbers, be ready to move if the upcoming CSX earnings report has any surprises. Also, come back to Benzinga after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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