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Railroad operator CSX exceeds profit forecasts on higher volumes

CSX announced a second-quarter profit that was above analyst estimates on Wednesday. This was due to an increase in intermodal volumes.

Volumes of intermodal shipping, which includes two or more modes of transport for goods, and will account for 14% in its total revenue by 2024, increased 2% during the third quarter.

CSX Chief Executive Joe Hinrichs stated on Wednesday that despite the continued uncertainty in certain industrial markets, the firm remained focused to complete two major infrastructure projects which will "strengthen [our] position to execute many profitable growth opportunities that lie ahead."

In extended trading, shares of the Jacksonville-based Florida company rose by 2%.

According to reports, the railroad operator has been in talks with financial advisers about exploring strategic options. This is amid speculation that BNSF Railway owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway could merge with its West Coast counterpart.

According to reports, Union Pacific, the larger rival, is looking at a possible acquisition of Norfolk Southern. This could create a coast-to-coast railroad network worth $200 billion and reshape U.S. Freight Industry.

According to its website, CSX has a fleet that includes more than 3500 locomotives as well as 51,000 freight vehicles.

Surface Transportation Board is a regulator that oversees the railroads. Any merger must be approved by this body.

According to LSEG, the adjusted profit per share was 44 cents, which is higher than the average analyst estimate of 42 cents.

The company's revenue for the quarter ending June 30 was $3.57 billion, which fell short of expectations of $3.58.

The operating margin for the company was 35.9%, down 320 basis points compared to last year.

(source: Reuters)