UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(☒) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023

OR

(☐) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 1-8022

CSX CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia						62-1051971
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
500 Water Street	15th Floor	Jacksonville	FL		32202	904	359-3200
(Address of principal executive offices)					(Zip Code)	(Telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class				Trading Symbol(s)		Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1 Par Value				CSX		Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes (X) No (  )

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes (  ) No (X)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes (X)   No (  )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).        

Yes (X) No (  )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Large Accelerated Filer (X)        Accelerated Filer (  )        Non-accelerated Filer (  ) Smaller reporting company (☐)

Emerging growth company (☐)

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ( )

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report (☒)

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. (□)

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). (□)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes (☐) No (X)

On June 30, 2023 (which is the last day of the second quarter and the required date to use), the aggregate market value of the Registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $68 billion (based on the close price as reported on the NASDAQ National Market System on such date).

There were 1,959,134,342 shares of Common Stock outstanding on January 31, 2024 (the latest practicable date that is closest to the filing date).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year with respect to its 2024 annual meeting of shareholders.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.1

CSX CORPORATION
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item No.			Page
PART I
1.	Business		3
	1A. Risk Factors		7
	1B. Unresolved Staff Comments		13
	1C. Cybersecurity		14
2.	Properties		16
3.	Legal Proceedings		20
4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		20
	Executive Officers of the Registrant		21
PART II
5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		23
6.	Reserved		25
7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		26
		·  Terms Used by CSX	26
		·  2023 Highlights	28
		·  Results of Operations	28
		·  Liquidity and Capital Resources	36
		·  Contractual Obligations, Other Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	41
		·  Labor Agreements	41
		·  Critical Accounting Estimates	42
		·  Forward-Looking Statements	46
7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		48
8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		49
9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		116
9A.	Controls and Procedures		116
9B.	Other Information		119
9C.	Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections		119
PART III
10.	Directors, Executive Officers of the Registrant and Corporate Governance		119
11.	Executive Compensation		119
12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		119
13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		119
14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services		119
PART IV
15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules		120
Signatures			124

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.2

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Item 1.  Business

CSX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries ("CSX" or the “Company”), based in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the nation's leading transportation companies. The Company provides rail-based freight transportation services including traditional rail service, the transport of intermodal containers and trailers, as well as other transportation services such as rail-to-truck transfers and bulk commodity operations. CSX and the rail industry provide customers with access to an expansive and interconnected transportation network that plays a key role in North American commerce and is critical to the long-term economic success and improved global competitiveness of the United States. In addition, freight railroads provide the most economical and environmentally efficient means to transport goods over land.

CSX Transportation, Inc.

CSX’s principal operating subsidiary, CSX Transportation, Inc. (“CSXT”), provides an important link to the transportation supply chain through its approximately 20,000 route-mile rail network and serves major population centers in 26 states east of the Mississippi River, the District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It has access to over 70 ocean, river and lake port terminals along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. This access allows the Company to meet the dynamic transportation needs of manufacturers, industrial producers, the automotive industry, construction companies, farmers and feed mills, wholesalers and retailers, and energy producers. The Company’s intermodal business links customers to railroads via trucks and terminals. CSXT also serves thousands of production and distribution facilities through track connections with other Class I railroads and more than 240 short-line and regional railroads. On June 1, 2022, CSX completed its acquisition of Pan Am Systems, Inc. (“Pan Am”), which is the parent company of Pan Am Railways, Inc. This acquisition expanded CSXT’s reach in the Northeastern United States. For further details, refer to Note 17, Business Combinations.

CSXT is also responsible for the Company's real estate sales, leasing, acquisition and management and development activities. Substantially all of these activities are focused on supporting railroad operations.

Other Entities

In addition to CSXT, the Company’s subsidiaries include Quality Carriers, Inc. ("Quality Carriers"), CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. (“CSX Intermodal Terminals”), Total Distribution Services, Inc. (“TDSI”), TRANSFLO Terminal Services, Inc. (“TRANSFLO”), CSX Technology, Inc. (“CSX Technology”) and other subsidiaries. Effective July 1, 2021, CSX acquired Quality Carriers, the largest provider of bulk liquid chemicals truck transportation in North America. For further details, refer to Note 17, Business Combinations. CSX Intermodal Terminals owns and operates a system of intermodal terminals, predominantly in the eastern United States, and also provides drayage services (the pickup and delivery of intermodal shipments) for certain customers. TDSI serves the automotive industry with distribution centers and storage locations. TRANSFLO connects non-rail served customers to the many benefits of rail by transferring products from rail to trucks. The biggest TRANSFLO markets are chemicals and agriculture, which includes shipments of plastics and ethanol. CSX Technology and other subsidiaries provide support services for the Company.

Operating Model

The Company is focused on developing and strictly maintaining a scheduled service plan with an emphasis on improving customer service, optimizing assets and increasing employee engagement. When this operating model is executed effectively, the Company competes for an increased share of the U.S. freight market. Further, this model leads to reduced costs and strong free cash flow generation.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.3

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Lines of Business

During 2023, the Company's services generated $14.7 billion of revenue and served four primary lines of business: merchandise, intermodal, coal and trucking.

•The merchandise business shipped 2.6 million carloads (43% of volume) and generated $8.7 billion in revenue (59% of revenue) in 2023. The Company’s merchandise business is comprised of shipments in the following diverse markets: chemicals, agricultural and food products, automotive, minerals, forest products, metals and equipment, and fertilizers.

•The intermodal business shipped 2.8 million units (45% of volume) and generated $2.1 billion in revenue (14% of revenue) in 2023. The intermodal business combines the superior economics of rail transportation with the flexibility of trucks and offers a cost and environmental advantage over long-haul trucking. Through a network of approximately 30 terminals, the intermodal business serves all major markets east of the Mississippi River and transports mainly manufactured consumer goods in containers, providing customers with truck-like service for longer shipments.

•The coal business shipped 755 thousand carloads (12% of volume) and generated $2.5 billion in revenue (17% of revenue) in 2023. The Company transports domestic coal, coke and iron ore to electricity-generating power plants, steel manufacturers and industrial plants as well as export coal to deep-water port facilities. Most of the export coal the Company transports is used for steelmaking, while the majority of domestic coal the Company ships is used for electricity generation.

•The trucking business generated $882 million, or 6%, of revenue in 2023. Trucking revenue includes revenue from the operations of Quality Carriers, which was acquired by CSX effective July 1, 2021.

Other revenue accounted for 4% of the Company’s total revenue in 2023. This category includes revenue from regional subsidiary railroads and incidental charges, including intermodal storage and equipment usage, demurrage and switching. Revenue from regional subsidiary railroads includes shipments by railroads that the Company does not directly operate. Intermodal storage represents charges for customer storage of containers at an intermodal terminal, ramp facility or offsite location beyond a specified period of time. Demurrage represents charges assessed when freight cars are held by a customer beyond a specified period of time. Switching represents charges assessed when a railroad switches cars for a customer or another railroad.

CSX's Committed Workforce

Most of the Company’s employees provide or support transportation services. The Company had more than 23,000 employees as of December 2023, which includes approximately 17,700 employees that are members of a rail labor union. As of December 2, 2022, all 12 rail unions at CSX that participated in national bargaining were covered by national agreements with the Class I railroads and CSX-specific agreements that will remain in effect through December 31, 2024. Collective agreements under the Railway Labor Act do not expire, but continue until amended, and formal notices to amend these agreements may be served as early as November 1, 2024.

CSX prioritizes workplace safety for employees and is committed to continued improvement through enhanced processes, training, technology, communication, and continuous collaboration with customers and peers across the railroad industry. Training programs and processes are focused on injury and accident prevention as well as emergency preparedness. The attainment of key safety targets is a component of management's annual incentive program. The FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index, a measure of the number of FRA-reportable injuries per 200,000 man-hours, was 0.89 in 2023 and 1.01 in 2022, improving year over year.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.4

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

The Compensation and Talent Management Committee of the Board of Directors is charged with oversight of CSX's workforce. The Company is committed to developing a culture that promotes workforce diversity and inclusion and encourages ethical behavior. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 23% of CSX's overall workforce and 37% of management was diverse, calculated as the percentage of males of color and all females. In 2023, CSX was recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities for a fifth consecutive year after receiving a top score on their disability equality index. The CSX Code of Ethics serves as a guiding standard for ethical behavior and covers many types of matters, including discrimination and harassment as well as safety. Annually, all management employees are required, and union employees are highly encouraged, to complete ethics training.

Company History

A leader in freight rail transportation for nearly 200 years, the Company’s heritage dates back to the early nineteenth century when The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company (“B&O”), the nation’s first common carrier, was chartered in 1827. Since that time, the Company has built on this foundation to create a railroad that could safely and reliably service the ever-increasing demands of a growing nation. Since its founding, numerous railroads have combined with the former B&O through merger and consolidation to create what has become CSX. Each of the railroads that combined into the CSX family brought new geographical reach to valuable markets, gateways, cities, ports and transportation corridors.

CSX Corporation was incorporated in 1978 under Virginia law. In 1980, the Company completed the merger of the Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries into CSX. The merger allowed the Company to connect northern population centers and Appalachian coal fields to growing southeastern markets. Later, the Company’s acquisition of key portions of Conrail, Inc. ("Conrail") allowed CSXT to link the northeast, including New England and the New York metropolitan area, with Chicago and midwestern markets as well as the growing areas in the Southeast already served by CSXT. This current rail network, which now includes the network acquired from Pan Am, allows the Company to directly serve every major market in the eastern United States with safe, dependable, environmentally responsible and fuel efficient freight transportation and intermodal service.

Competition

The business environment in which the Company operates is highly competitive. Shippers typically select transportation providers that offer the most compelling combination of service and price. Service requirements, both in terms of transit time and reliability, vary by shipper and commodity. As a result, the Company’s primary competition varies by commodity, geographic location and mode of available transportation and includes other railroads, motor carriers that operate similar routes across its service area and, to a less significant extent, barges, ships and pipelines.

CSXT’s primary rail competitor is Norfolk Southern Railway, which operates throughout much of the Company’s territory. Other railroads also operate in parts of the Company’s territory. Depending on the specific market, competing railroads and deregulated motor carriers may exert pressure on price and service levels. For further discussion on the risk of competition to the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.5

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Regulatory Environment

The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state, provincial (Canada) and local laws and regulations generally applicable to businesses operating in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., the railroad operations conducted by the Company's subsidiaries, including CSXT, are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”), and its sister agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation ("DOT"), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”). Together, FRA and PHMSA have broad jurisdiction over railroad operating standards and practices, including track, freight cars, locomotives and hazardous materials requirements. In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has regulatory authority with respect to matters that impact the Company's properties and operations. 

The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, has broad authority over railroad operating practices that may have homeland security implications. In Canada, the railroad operations conducted by the Company’s subsidiaries, including CSXT, are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Canadian Transportation Agency.

Although the Staggers Act of 1980 significantly deregulated the U.S. rail industry, the STB has broad jurisdiction over rail carriers. The STB regulates routes, fuel surcharges, conditions of service, rates for non-exempt traffic, acquisitions of control over rail common carriers and the transfer, extension or abandonment of rail lines, among other railroad activities. Any new rules from the STB regarding, among other things, competitive access or revenue adequacy could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity as well as its ability to invest in enhancing and maintaining vital infrastructure. For further discussion on regulatory risks to the Company, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Financial Information

Information regarding the Company's results of operations and financial position can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Other Information

CSX makes available on its website www.csx.com, free of charge, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on the CSX website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K. Additionally, the Company has posted its code of ethics on its website, which is also available to any shareholder who requests it. This Form 10-K and other SEC filings made by CSX are also accessible through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

CSX has included the certifications of its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“the Act”) as Exhibit 31, as well as Section 906 of the Act as Exhibit 32 to this Form 10-K report.

For additional information concerning business conducted by the Company during 2023, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.6

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

The risks set forth in the following risk factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Company's forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently does not deem to be material also may materially impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Regulatory, Legislative and Legal

New legislation, regulatory changes or other governmental actions could impact the Company's earnings or restrict its ability to independently negotiate prices.

Legislation passed by Congress, new regulations issued by federal agencies, or executive orders issued by the President of the United States could significantly affect the revenues, costs, including income taxes, and profitability of the Company's business. In addition, statutes or regulations that, among other things, impose price constraints or affecting rail-to-rail competition could adversely affect the Company's profitability.

Government regulation and compliance risks may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results.

The Company is subject to the jurisdiction of various regulatory agencies, including the STB, FRA, PHMSA, TSA, EPA and other state, provincial, local and federal regulatory agencies for a variety of economic, health, safety, labor, environmental, tax, legal, cybersecurity and other matters. New or modified rules or regulations by these agencies could increase the Company's operating costs, adversely impact revenue or reduce operating efficiencies and affect service performance. Noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations could erode public confidence in the Company and can subject the Company to fines, penalties and other legal or regulatory sanctions.

CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, is required by law to transport hazardous materials and could be adversely impacted by non-compliance with applicable regulations or from regulatory and legislative changes.

CSXT is required to comply with regulations regarding the handling of hazardous materials and has a legal obligation to transport certain hazardous materials under the common carrier mandate. Applicable rules issued by the TSA place significant security and safety requirements on passenger and freight railroad carriers, rail transit systems and facilities that ship hazardous materials by rail. Noncompliance with these rules can subject the Company to significant penalties and could be a factor in litigation arising out of a train accident. Finally, legislation preventing the transport of hazardous materials through certain cities could result in network congestion and increase the length of haul for hazardous substances, which could increase operating costs, reduce operating efficiency or increase the risk of an accident involving the transport of hazardous materials.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.7

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

The Company may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures.

As part of its railroad and other operations, the Company is subject to various claims and lawsuits related to disputes over commercial practices, labor and unemployment matters, occupational and personal injury claims, property damage or freight damage, environmental and other matters. The Company may experience material judgments or incur significant costs to defend existing and future lawsuits. Although the Company maintains insurance to cover some of these types of claims and establishes reserves when appropriate, final amounts determined to be due on any outstanding matters may exceed the Company's insurance coverage or differ materially from the recorded reserves. Additionally, the Company could be impacted by adverse developments not currently reflected in the Company's reserve estimates.

Operational, Safety and Business Disruption

An epidemic or pandemic and the initiatives to reduce its transmission could adversely affect the Company's business.

The Company could be materially and adversely affected by a public health crisis, including a widespread epidemic or pandemic. During a health crisis, policies and initiatives may be instituted by the public and private sector to reduce transmission, such as closures of businesses and manufacturing facilities, the promotion of social distancing, the adoption of working from home by companies and institutions, and travel restrictions. These policies or initiatives could adversely affect demand for the commodities and products that the Company transports, including import and export volume.

In addition, initiatives to reduce transmission could result in supply chain disruptions, which could impact volumes and make it more difficult for the Company to serve its customers. Moreover, operations are negatively affected when a significant number of employees are quarantined as the result of exposure to a contagious illness. To the extent a public health crisis adversely affects the Company's business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein.

The Company relies on the security, stability and availability of its technology systems to operate its business.

The Company relies on information technology in all aspects of its business. The security, stability and availability of the Company’s and its key third-party vendors’ information technology systems are critical to its ability to operate safely and effectively and to compete within the transportation industry. A successful data breach, cyber-attack, or the occurrence of any similar incident that impacts the Company’s or its key third-party vendors’ information technology systems could result in a service interruption, train accident, misappropriation of confidential or proprietary information (including personal information), process failure, or other operational difficulties. A disruption or compromise of the Company’s or its key third-party vendors' information technology systems, even for short periods of time, and any resulting theft or compromise of Company confidential or proprietary information (including personal information), could adversely affect the Company’s business or reputation, create significant legal, regulatory or financial exposure and have a material adverse impact on CSX’s business, financial condition or operations.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.8

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

The Company, its third-party vendors and other companies in the rail and transportation industries have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, data breaches, cyber-attacks and other similar incidents. These incidents may include, among other things, malware, ransomware, distributed denial of service attacks, social engineering, phishing, theft, malfeasance or improper access by employees or third-party vendors, software bugs, server malfunctions, software or hardware failures, human error, fraud, or other modes of attack or disruption. Attacks of these nature are increasing in frequency, levels of persistence, intensity and sophistication, including by nation-state threat actors or those associated with nation-states. Further, the Company may be at increased risk of experiencing a cyber-attack as a result of being a component of the critical U.S. infrastructure. If such an event takes place, the Company may be required to incur significant expenses in excess of existing cybersecurity insurance coverage. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities, data breaches, cyber-attacks or other similar incidents. The Company or its third-party vendors may also experience cybersecurity incidents as a result of employees, third-party vendors and other third parties with which they interact working remotely on less secure systems and environments.

Despite the Company’s efforts to protect its information technology systems, it may not be able to prevent or anticipate all data breaches, cyber-attacks or other similar incidents, detect or react to such incidents in a timely manner or adequately remediate any such incident. Due to applicable laws, rules and regulations or contractual obligations, CSX may be held responsible for data breaches, cyber-attacks or other similar incidents attributed to its third-party vendors as they relate to the information CSX shares with them.

Additionally, if CSX is unable to successfully acquire, develop or implement new technology, including artificial intelligence, it may suffer a competitive disadvantage within the rail industry and with companies providing other modes of transportation services.

Network or supply chain constraints could have a negative impact on service, operating efficiency or volume of shipments.

CSXT could experience rail network difficulties related to: (i) locomotive or crew shortages; (ii) labor shortages or other service disruptions in the supply chain affecting trucking, ports, handling facilities, customer facilities or other railroads; (iii) unpredictable increases in demand; (iv) extreme weather conditions; (v) regulatory changes resulting in forced access or impacting where and how fast CSXT can transport freight or maintain routes; (vi) reductions in availability of pooled equipment, including chassis; (vii) impacts from changes in network capacity or structure; or (viii) increased passenger activities, which could impact CSXT's operational fluidity, leading to deterioration of service, asset utilization and overall efficiency.

CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, transports hazardous materials, which could expose the Company to significant costs and claims in the event of a train accident.

A train accident involving the transport of hazardous materials could result in significant costs and claims arising from personal injury, property or natural resource damage, environmental penalties and remediation obligations. Such claims, if insured, could exceed existing insurance coverage or insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Under federal regulations, CSXT is required to transport certain hazardous materials under the legal duty referred to as the common carrier mandate regardless of risk or potential exposure to loss.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.9

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Future acts of terrorism, war or regulatory changes to combat the risk of terrorism may cause significant disruptions in the Company's operations.

Terrorist attacks, along with any government response to those attacks, may adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. CSXT's rail lines, other key infrastructure and information technology systems may be targets or indirect casualties of acts of terror or war. This risk could cause significant business interruption and result in increased costs and liabilities and decreased revenues. In addition, premiums charged for some or all of the insurance coverage currently maintained by the Company could increase dramatically, or the coverage may no longer be available.

Furthermore, in response to the heightened risk of terrorism, federal, state and local governmental bodies are proposing and, in some cases, have adopted legislation and regulations relating to security issues that impact the transportation industry. For example, the Department of Homeland Security adopted regulations that require freight railroads to implement additional security protocols when transporting hazardous materials. Complying with these or future regulations could continue to increase the Company's operating costs and reduce operating efficiencies.

Severe weather or other natural occurrences could result in significant business interruptions and expenditures in excess of available insurance coverage.

The Company's operations may be affected by external factors such as severe weather and other natural occurrences, including floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. As a result, the Company's rail network may be damaged, its workforce may be unavailable, fuel costs may rise and significant business interruptions could occur. In addition, the performance of locomotives and railcars could be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions. Hurricanes as well as storm and flooding events have impacted the Company's network in the past, leading to interrupted service and damage to track and equipment. Changes in weather patterns caused by climate change are expected to increase the frequency, severity or duration of certain adverse weather conditions.

Insurance maintained by the Company to protect against loss of business and other related consequences resulting from these natural occurrences is subject to coverage limitations, depending on the nature of the risk insured. This insurance may not be sufficient to cover all of the Company's damages or damages to others, and this insurance may not continue to be available at commercially reasonable rates. Even with insurance, if any natural occurrence leads to a catastrophic interruption of service, the Company may not be able to restore service without a significant interruption in operations.

Competitive, Economic and Financial

The Company faces competition from other transportation providers.

The Company experiences competition in pricing, service, reliability and other factors from various transportation providers including railroads and motor carriers that operate similar routes across its service area and, to a less significant extent, barges, ships and pipelines. Other transportation providers generally use public rights-of-way that are built and maintained by governmental entities, while CSXT and other railroads must build and maintain rail networks largely using internal resources. Any future improvements or expenditures materially increasing the quality or reducing the cost of alternative modes of transportation such as through the use of automation, autonomy or electrification, or legislation providing for less stringent size or weight restrictions on trucks, could negatively impact the Company's competitive position. Additionally, any future consolidation in the rail industry could materially affect the regulatory and competitive environment in which the Company operates.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.10

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Global economic conditions could negatively affect demand for commodities and other freight.

A decline or disruption in general domestic and global economic conditions that affects demand for the commodities and products the Company transports, including import and export volume, could reduce revenues or have other adverse effects on the Company's cost structure and profitability. For example, slower rates of economic growth in Asia, contraction of European economies, and changes in the global supply of seaborne coal or price of seaborne coal have adverse impacts on U.S. export coal volume and result in lower coal revenue for CSX. Additionally, embargoes or changes to trade agreements or policies could result in reduced import and export volumes due to increased tariffs and lower consumer demand. If the Company experiences significant declines in demand for its transportation services with respect to one or more commodities and products or continues to experience the impacts of inflation, the Company may experience reduced revenue and increased operating costs, workforce adjustments, and other related activities, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets could negatively impact profitability.

Over time, changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets, including the impacts of regulation and alternative fuel sources, have resulted in lower energy production from coal-fired power plants in CSX's service territory. Changes in natural gas prices, or other factors impacting demand for electricity, could impact future power generation at coal-fired plants, which would affect the Company's coal volumes and revenues.

Weaknesses in the capital and credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s access to capital.

The Company regularly relies on capital markets for the issuance of long-term debt instruments, commercial paper and bank financing from time to time. Instability or disruptions of the capital markets, including credit markets, significant increases in interest rates, or the deterioration of the Company’s financial condition due to internal or external factors, could restrict or prohibit access and could increase financing costs. A significant deterioration of the Company’s financial condition could also reduce credit ratings and could limit or affect its access to external sources of capital and increase the costs of short and long-term debt financing.

Availability of Critical Supplies and Labor

The unavailability of critical resources could adversely affect the Company’s operational efficiency and ability to meet demand.

Marketplace conditions for resources like locomotives as well as the availability of qualified personnel, including engineers and conductors as well as other skilled professional or technical employees, could each have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to meet demand for rail service. Although the Company strives to maintain adequate resources and personnel for the current business environment, unpredictable increases in demand for rail services or extreme weather conditions may exacerbate such risks, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s operational efficiency and otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular period.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.11

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Disruption to a key railroad industry supplier could negatively affect operating efficiency and increase costs.

The capital intensive and unique nature of core rail equipment (including rail, ties, freight cars and locomotives) limits the number of railroad equipment suppliers. If any of the current manufacturers stops production or experiences a supply shortage, CSXT could experience a significant cost increase or material shortage. In addition, a few critical railroad suppliers are foreign and, as such, adverse developments in international relations, new trade regulations, disruptions in international shipping or increases in global demand could make procurement of these supplies more difficult or increase CSXT's costs. Additionally, if a fuel supply shortage were to arise, the Company would be negatively impacted.

Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages.

Most of CSX's employees are represented by labor unions and are covered by collective bargaining agreements. These agreements are either bargained for nationally by the National Carriers Conference Committee or locally between CSX and the union. Such agreements are negotiated over the course of several years and previously have not resulted in any extended work stoppages. Under the Railway Labor Act's procedures (which include mediation, cooling-off periods and the possibility of an intervention by the President of the United States), during negotiations neither party may take action until the procedures are exhausted. If, however, CSX is unable to negotiate acceptable agreements, the employees covered by the Railway Labor Act could strike, which could result in loss of business and increased operating costs as a result of higher wages or benefits paid to union members. 

Climate Change and Environmental

The Company’s operations and financial results could be negatively impacted by climate change and regulatory and legislative responses to climate change.

There is potential for operational impacts from changing weather patterns or rising sea levels in the Company's operational territory, which could impact the Company's network or other assets.

Climate change and other emissions-related laws and regulations have been proposed and, in some cases adopted, on the federal, state, provincial and local levels. These final and proposed laws and regulations take the form of restrictions, caps, taxes or other controls on emissions as well as requirements to disclose information relating to climate change. In particular, the EPA has issued various regulations and may issue additional regulations targeting emissions, including rules and standards governing emissions from certain stationary sources and from vehicles. Any of these pending or proposed laws or regulations, could adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results by, among other things: (i) reducing coal-fired electricity generation due to mandated emission standards; (ii) reducing the consumption of coal as a viable energy resource in the United States and Canada; (iii) increasing the Company's fuel, capital and other operating costs and negatively affecting operating and fuel efficiencies; and (iv) making it difficult for the Company's customers in the U.S. and Canada to produce products in a cost competitive manner. Any of these factors could reduce the amount of shipments the Company handles and have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. In addition, CSX may become subject to legal requirements to disclose climate change related information and may become subject to demands or expectations by its supply chain partners, customers or other stakeholders to disclose information relating to climate risk or set related targets or goals. The Company's current practices with respect to climate risk disclosure may fail to meet these developing legal requirements or stakeholder demands or expectations. In addition, legislative or regulatory uncertainties and change regarding climate-related risks, including inconsistent perspectives or requirements, are likely to result in higher regulatory, compliance, credit, reputational and other risks and costs.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.12

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that may result in significant costs.

The Company is subject to wide-ranging federal, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things, emissions into the air, ground and water; the handling, storage, use, generation, transportation and disposal of waste and other materials; the clean-up of hazardous material and petroleum releases and the health and safety of our employees. If the Company violates or fails to comply with these laws and regulations, CSX could be fined or otherwise sanctioned by regulators. The Company can also be held liable for consequences arising out of human exposure to any hazardous substances for which CSX is responsible. In certain circumstances, environmental liability can extend to formerly owned or operated properties, leased properties, adjacent properties and properties owned by third parties or Company predecessors, as well as to properties currently owned, leased or used by the Company.

The Company has been, and may in the future be, subject to allegations or findings to the effect that it has violated, or is strictly liable under, environmental laws or regulations, and such violations can result in the Company's incurring fines, penalties or costs relating to the cleanup of environmental contamination. Although the Company believes it has appropriately recorded current and long-term liabilities for known and reasonably estimable future environmental costs, it could incur significant costs that exceed reserves or require unanticipated cash expenditures as a result of any of the foregoing. The Company also may be required to incur significant expenses to investigate and remediate known, unknown or future environmental contamination.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.13

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Item 1C.  Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

Strong performance and reliability of the Company's technology systems are critical to operating safely and effectively, and protecting personal and customer data is essential to maintaining stakeholder trust. The Company has implemented processes designed to assess, identify, and manage material cybersecurity risks, as described further below. CSX maintains a cybersecurity framework that is integrated across the organization through people, processes and technology to help protect the personal information of its customers, its contractors and its suppliers as well as protect the integrity of its own operations. Cybersecurity is also integrated into the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) program. The Company equips CSX systems with various cybersecurity tools, conducts vulnerability scans and provides critical cybersecurity information to application users, as appropriate. The Company also takes proactive measures to advise CSX employees of how they can assist the Company in its cybersecurity practices. CSX informs employees on cybersecurity best practices, including how to identify cyber-related suspicious activity, how to report such activity and, as appropriate, proactive measures employees can take to safeguard company information and devices. The Company also provides cybersecurity awareness training to employees and conducts cybersecurity testing exercises to help maintain cybersecurity vigilance. With the assistance of third-party consultants, the Company conducts an annual cybersecurity exercise, which is often a "tabletop" scenario involving a cross-functional group responding to a hypothetical cybersecurity threat.

The Company considers its material cybersecurity-related risks, as described in more detail below and at Item 1A. Risk Factors, and applies various frameworks to establish controls that are reasonably designed to identify, protect, detect, respond to, and recover from significant cybersecurity incidents. The Company also tests its cybersecurity program to assess whether enhancements to cybersecurity measures are appropriate, such as additional detection and prevention capabilities. These tests may include the use of internal or third-party external risk assessments, and penetration testing. The Company also conducts periodic cybersecurity assessments, as appropriate, pursuant to its annual risk assessment process. Third party resources may also be used for these assessments.

As part of its cybersecurity program, CSX partners with a third-party to provide a managed service that is designed to enable continuous monitoring at its Security Operation Center ("SOC"). The SOC has established processes to identify, address, and remediate cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities. This includes the engagement, where necessary, of third-party experts, advisors, and other cybersecurity professionals that have been retained by the Company to assist in responding to cybersecurity incidents or threats. Company processes also include various procedures for notifying members of the company's cybersecurity department, Chief Information Security Officer ("CISO"), legal department, accounting department, and others as applicable.

The Company has processes designed to provide reasonable oversight for the identification of cybersecurity risks associated with certain third-party service providers. As appropriate, the Company requires certain third-party providers to complete a cybersecurity questionnaire, to provide Service Organization Control assessment results, if such results exist, or to agree to contractual language regarding cybersecurity and incident notification obligations in agreements with the company. CSX also has processes that help monitor risks associated with its key third-party vendors’ technology systems, including, where appropriate, performing security assessments of cyber incidents through dashboard alerting for reported events. CSX’s internal cybersecurity processes and disclosure protocols consider cybersecurity incidents involving key applications provided by third-parties.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.14

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

The Company, its third-party vendors and other companies in the rail and transportation industries have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, data breaches, cyber-attacks and other similar incidents as discussed in more detail in Item 1A. Risk Factors. In light of the numerous cybersecurity risks that CSX faces, it is reasonably likely that any of the related risks, individually or collectively, if significant, could materially affect the Company’s operations, including but not limited to service interruption, train accident or derailment, misappropriation of confidential or proprietary information (including personal information), process failure, or other operational difficulties.

Cybersecurity Governance

The cybersecurity program and related risks at CSX are managed by the VP Technology and CISO. The Company's CISO is a Certified Information Systems Auditor with over 30 years of industry experience including information security leadership positions at multiple publicly-traded companies.

The CISO is notified of cybersecurity events as needed based on the Company’s processes for addressing cybersecurity incidents and threats. The CISO is supported by a team that includes the SOC, which consists of the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer and other cybersecurity professionals as well as a team of third-party contractors. The SOC, with the assistance of outside third-parties as needed, analyzes, evaluates and remediates cybersecurity incidents and provides investigative information to the CISO. Depending on the significance of any specific cybersecurity incident or threat, and/or relation to prior incidents, the CISO will escalate relevant information, as appropriate, and the Company’s legal and accounting groups, with assistance from other company departments and third parties, will assist in assessing potential SEC disclosure obligations. The CISO coordinates disclosure to other agencies, when necessary, including requirements under the Transportation Security Administration directives.

More significant cybersecurity incidents or threats may result in notifications to senior leadership and, if necessary, to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors. Additionally, a cybersecurity governance briefing takes place quarterly with leaders from the Company's technology, operations, commercial, legal, and accounting departments to discuss cybersecurity risks, threats, and incidents, including updates from the SOC and an assessment of ways to mitigate and remediate any threats or incidents the Company may be facing.

The Company's Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the Company's cybersecurity risk, mitigation strategies and overall resiliency of the Company’s technology infrastructure. Such risk is managed as part of the Company’s overall risk management and business continuity processes and is included in the ERM program, which is also overseen by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee periodically reviews assessments of information security controls and procedures, any incidents that could have a potentially significant impact on the company’s network, as well as potential cybersecurity risk disclosures. The Company's senior leadership team briefs the Audit Committee and Board of Directors at least annually on information technology and cybersecurity matters, including more frequent updates as circumstances warrant. Such annual updates include significant findings or updates by internal or external evaluations. The Audit Committee is apprised annually on emerging risks to the Company, including education on cybersecurity-related matters as needed. CSX has a cybersecurity expert on the Board and its Audit Committee to provide expanded oversight of the Company’s cybersecurity and technology systems.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.15

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Item 2.  Properties

The Company’s properties primarily consist of track and its related infrastructure, locomotives, and freight cars and equipment. These categories and the geography of the network are described below.

Track and Infrastructure

Serving 26 states, the District of Columbia, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, the CSXT rail network serves, among other markets, New York, Philadelphia and Boston in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, the southeast markets of Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans, and the midwestern markets of St. Louis, Columbus and Chicago.

CSXT’s track structure includes mainline track, connecting terminals and yards, track within terminals and switching yards, sidings used for passing trains, track connecting CSXT's track to customer locations and turnouts that divert trains from one track to another. Total track miles, which reflect the size of CSXT’s network that connects markets, customers and western railroads, are greater than CSXT’s approximately 20,000 route miles. At December 2023, the breakdown of track miles was as follows:

	Track
	Miles
Single Mainline Track	19,671
Other Mainline Track	5,652
Terminals and Switching Yards	9,270
Passing Sidings and Turnouts	896
Total	35,489

In addition to its physical track structure, the Company operates numerous yards and terminals for rail and intermodal service. These serve as points of connectivity between the Company and its local customers and as sorting facilities where railcars and intermodal containers are received, classed for destination and placed onto outbound trains, or arrive and are delivered to the customer. The Company’s largest yards and terminals based on 2023 volume (number of railcars or intermodal containers processed) are listed below.

Yards and Terminals	Annual Volume
Waycross, GA	930,651
Bedford Park Intermodal Terminal (Chicago)	926,845
Nashville, TN	645,352
Cincinnati, OH	644,478
Selkirk, NY	625,308
Avon, IN (Indianapolis)	597,169
Walbridge, OH (Toledo)	378,869
Fairburn, GA Intermodal Terminal (Atlanta)	362,767
Louisville, KY	356,740
Chicago, IL	307,588

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.16

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Network Geography

CSXT’s operations are primarily focused on four major transportation networks and corridors that are defined geographically and by commodity flows below.

Interstate 90 (I-90) Corridor – This CSXT corridor links Chicago and the Midwest to metropolitan areas in New York and New England. This route, also known as the “waterlevel route,” has minimal hills and grades and nearly all of it has two main tracks (referred to as double track). These engineering attributes permit the corridor to support high-speed service across intermodal, automotive and merchandise commodities. This corridor is a primary route for import traffic coming from the far east through western ports moving eastward across the country, through Chicago and into the population centers in the Northeast. The I-90 Corridor is also a critical link between ports in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and consumption markets in the Midwest. This route carries goods from all three of the Company’s major rail markets – merchandise, intermodal and coal.

Interstate 95 (I-95) Corridor – The CSXT I-95 Corridor connects Charleston, Jacksonville, Miami and many other cities throughout the Southeast with the heavily populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. CSXT primarily transports food and consumer products, as well as metals and chemicals along this line. It is the leading rail corridor along the eastern seaboard south of the District of Columbia and provides access to major eastern ports.

Southeastern Corridor – This critical part of the network runs between CSXT’s western gateways of Chicago, St. Louis and Memphis through the cities of Nashville, Birmingham, and Atlanta and markets in the Southeast. The Southeastern Corridor is the premier rail route connecting these key cities, gateways, and markets and positions CSXT to efficiently handle projected traffic volumes of intermodal, automotive and general merchandise traffic. 

Coal Network – The CSXT coal network connects the coal mining operations in the Appalachian mountain region and Illinois basin with industrial areas in the Southeast, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, as well as many river, lake, and deep water port facilities. The domestic coal market has declined significantly over the last decade and export coal remains subject to volatility. CSXT’s coal network remains well positioned to supply utility markets in both the Northeast and Southeast and to transport coal shipments for export outside of the U.S. Most of the export coal the Company transports is used for steelmaking, while the majority of domestic coal the Company ships is used for electricity generation.

See the following page for a map of the CSX Rail Network. Also included on the map, "CSX Operating Agreement" indicates areas within which CSX can operate through trackage rights beyond the CSX network.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.17

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

CSX Rail Network

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.18

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Locomotives

As of December 2023, CSXT owns or long-term leases more than 3,500 locomotives. From time to time, the Company also short-term leases locomotives based on business needs. Freight locomotives are used primarily to pull trains while switching locomotives are used in yards. Auxiliary units are typically used to provide extra traction for heavy trains in hilly terrain. Of owned locomotives, approximately 68% were in active service as of December 31, 2023, and the remainder were in storage to be utilized as needed. Storing locomotives and equipment allows the Company to quickly adjust its active fleet based on demand and other factors while avoiding delays due to supply limitations or excessive lead times to acquire additional equipment. As of December 2023, CSXT’s fleet of owned or long-term leased locomotives consisted of the following types:

	Locomotives	%		Average Age (in Years)
Freight	3,160	89	%	23
Switching	234	6	%	46
Auxiliary Units	175	5	%	30
Total Locomotives	3,569	100	%	25

Equipment

The Company owns or long-term leases rail equipment, including several types of freight cars and intermodal containers. Of total owned and long-term leased equipment, approximately 89% was in active service as of December 31, 2023, and the remainder were in storage to be utilized as needed. As of December 2023, the Company’s owned and long-term leased equipment consisted of the following:

Equipment	Number of Units	%
Gondolas	18,978	41	%
Multi-level Flat Cars	11,095	24	%
Open-top Hoppers	6,215	13	%
Covered Hoppers	6,088	13	%
Box Cars	3,059	7	%
Flat Cars	575	1	%
Other Cars	586	1	%
Subtotal Freight Cars	46,596	100	%
Containers	19,230
Total Equipment	65,826

At any time, approximately two-thirds of the railcars on the CSXT system are not owned or leased by the Company. Examples of these include railcars owned by other railroads (which are utilized by CSXT), shipper-furnished or private cars (which are generally used only in that shipper’s service), multi-level railcars used to transport automobiles (which are shared between railroads) and double-stack railcars, or well cars (which are industry pooled), that allow for two intermodal containers to be loaded one above the other.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.19

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

    The Company’s revenue-generating equipment, either owned or long-term leased, primarily consists of freight cars and containers as described below.

Gondolas – Support CSXT’s metals markets and provide transport for woodchips and other bulk commodities.  Some gondolas are equipped with special hoods for protecting products like coil and sheet steel.

Multi-level flat cars – Transport finished automobiles and are differentiated by the number of levels: bi-levels for large vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs and tri-levels for sedans and smaller automobiles.

Covered hoppers – Have a permanent roof and are segregated based upon commodity density. Lighter bulk commodities such as grain, fertilizer, flour, salt, sugar, clay and lime are shipped in large cars called jumbo covered hoppers. Heavier commodities like cement, ground limestone and industrial sand are shipped in small cube covered hoppers.

Open-top hoppers – Transport heavy dry bulk commodities such as coal, coke, stone, sand, ores and gravel that are resistant to weather conditions.

Box cars – Include a variety of tonnages, sizes, door configurations and heights to accommodate a wide range of finished products, including paper, auto parts, appliances and building materials.  Insulated box cars deliver food products, canned goods, beer and wine.

Flat cars – Used for shipping intermodal containers and trailers or bulk and finished goods, such as lumber, pipe, plywood, drywall and pulpwood.

Other cars – Primarily slab steel cars.

Containers – Weather-proof boxes used for bulk shipment of freight, primarily in intermodal service.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

    For further details, please refer to Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.20

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Executive officers of the Company are elected by the CSX Board of Directors and generally hold office until the next annual election of officers. There are no family relationships or any arrangement or understanding between any officer and any other person pursuant to which such officer was elected. As of the date of this filing, the executive officers’ names, ages and business experience are:

Name and Age	Business Experience During Past Five Years
Joseph R. Hinrichs, 57 President and Chief Executive Officer	Hinrichs, a leader with more than 30 years of experience in the global automotive, manufacturing, and energy sectors, was named President and Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. Hinrichs previously worked at Ford Motor Company from 2000 to 2020, most recently serving as President of Ford's global automotive business. In that role, he led the company’s automotive operations, overseeing Ford’s global business units and the Ford and Lincoln brands. He also led Ford’s automotive skill teams, overseeing product development, purchasing, manufacturing, labor affairs, marketing and sales, government affairs, information technology, sustainability, safety and environmental engineering. Other positions he held at Ford include President of Global Operations, President of the Americas, President of Asia Pacific and Africa, Chairman and CEO of Ford China, and Chairman & CEO of Ford Canada. Over the four years prior to joining CSX, Hinrichs also served in multiple advisory and board roles of various companies.
Sean R. Pelkey, 44 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	Pelkey was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2022. In this role, he guides all of the finance activities for the Company including accounting, financial planning, investor relations, procurement, tax and treasury. Prior to this role, Pelkey held the role of Vice President Finance & Treasury since 2017. Prior to 2017, he has held the positions of AVP Capital Markets and Director Performance Analysis. During his 18 years with CSX, Mr. Pelkey has held a variety of other roles, including financial planning and technology finance.
Kevin S. Boone, 46 Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer	Boone has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer since June 2021. In his current role, he is responsible for developing and implementing the Company's commercial strategy and oversees functions including sales, marketing, customer solutions, real estate and industrial development. Mr. Boone has more than 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, mergers and acquisitions, and transportation performance analysis. He joined CSX in September 2017 as Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Investor Relations Officer and was later named Vice President, Marketing and Strategy leading research and data analysis to advance growth strategies for CSX. In May 2019 he was named Chief Financial Officer. Before joining CSX in 2017, Mr. Boone worked as a Senior Equity Research Analyst at Janus Capital. He also served as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley in equity research and an associate at Merrill Lynch in the mergers and acquisitions group.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.21

CSX CORPORATION

PART I

Name and Age	Business Experience During Past Five Years
Michael A. Cory, 61 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer	Cory was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in September 2023. In this role, he is responsible for transportation, network operations including terminals, mechanical, engineering and labor relations. Mr. Cory is a seasoned railroad executive with approximately 40 years of operations experience, working at the Canadian National Railway Company ("CN") from 1981 to 2019. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at CN. He also held positions including Vice President of Network Operations, Senior Vice President of Network Operations, Senior Vice President of the Eastern Region and Senior Vice President for the Western Region during his time at CN. After Mr. Cory's retirement from CN in 2019, he continued to provide transportation consulting services as well as serving as the President of Pacific National, Australia's largest private railroad, in 2021.
Stephen Fortune, 54 Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer	Fortune was named CSX's Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer in April 2022. In this role, he is responsible for leading the Company's technology strategy development and all aspects of CSX's information technology systems operations, including cybersecurity. Prior to joining CSX with nearly 20 years of information technology experience, he spent 30 years at BP, most recently as Chief Information Officer of the global BP group.
Nathan D. Goldman, 66 Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer	Goldman has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of CSX since November 2017. In this role, he directs the Company’s legal affairs, government relations, risk management, public safety, environmental, and audit functions. During his 20 years with the Company, Mr. Goldman has previously served as Vice President of Risk Compliance and General Counsel and has overseen work in compliance, risk management and safety programs.
Diana B. Sorfleet, 59 Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer	Sorfleet was named Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer in July 2018. In this role, her responsibilities include human resources, people systems and analytics, total rewards, facilities and aviation. During her 12 years with the Company, Ms. Sorfleet has previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to joining CSX, she worked in human resources for 20 years.
Angela C. Williams, 49 Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer	Williams has served as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of CSX since March 2018. She is responsible for financial and regulatory reporting, freight billing and collections, payroll, accounts payable and various other accounting processes. During her 20 years with the Company, she previously served as Assistant Vice President - Assistant Controller and in other various accounting roles. With more than 25 years of experience, Williams held various accounting and auditing positions prior to joining CSX. Ms. Williams is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.22

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

CSX’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which is its principal trading market, and is traded over-the-counter and on exchanges nationwide. The official trading symbol is “CSX.” 

Description of Common and Preferred Stock

A total of 5.4 billion shares of common stock are authorized, of which 1,958,427,685 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Each share is entitled to one vote in all matters requiring a vote of shareholders. There are no preemptive rights, which are privileges extended to select shareholders that would allow them to purchase additional shares before other members of the general public in the event of an offering. At January 31, 2024, the latest practicable date that is closest to the filing date, there were 21,547 common stock shareholders of record. The weighted average of common shares outstanding, which was used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, was 2,013 million as of December 31, 2023. (See Note 2, Earnings Per Share.) A total of 25 million shares of preferred stock is authorized, none of which is currently outstanding.

    The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated, the dividends declared on CSX common stock.

	Quarter
	1st		2nd		3rd		4th		Year
2023	$	0.11	$	0.11	$	0.11	$	0.11	$	0.44
2022	$	0.10	$	0.10	$	0.10	$	0.10	$	0.40

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.23

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Stock Performance Graph

The cumulative shareholder returns, assuming reinvestment of dividends, on $100 invested at December 31, 2018 are illustrated on the graph below. The Company references the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500 ®”), and the Dow Jones U.S. Transportation Average Index, which provide comparisons to a broad-based market index and other companies in the transportation industry. This performance graph shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities under that Section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of CSX Corp. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.24

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

CSX Purchases of Equity Securities

During November 2023, the share repurchase program announced in July 2022 was completed and the Company began repurchasing shares under the $5 billion share repurchase program approved on October 17, 2023. Total repurchase authority remaining as of December 31, 2023 was $4.8 billion. For more information about share repurchases, see Note 2, Earnings Per Share. Share repurchase activity of $581 million for the fourth quarter 2023 was as follows:

CSX Purchases of Equity Securities for the Quarter
Fourth Quarter	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Beginning Balance					$	371,411,668
October 1 - October 31, 2023	10,791,515	$	30.53	10,791,515		41,950,017
November 1 - November 30, 2023	6,756,749		30.66	6,756,749		4,834,766,702
December 1 - December 31, 2023	1,326,238		33.45	1,326,238		4,790,399,073
Ending Balance	18,874,502	$	30.78	18,874,502	$	4,790,399,073

Item 6.  Reserved

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.25

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

TERMS USED BY CSX

When used in this report, unless otherwise indicated by the context, these terms are used to mean the following:

Car hire - A charge paid by one railroad for its use of cars belonging to another railroad or car owner.

Class I freight railroad - One of the largest line haul freight railroads as determined based on operating revenue; the exact revenue required to be in each class is periodically adjusted for inflation by the Surface Transportation Board. Smaller railroads are classified as Class II or Class III.

Common carrier mandate - A federal mandate that requires U.S. railroads to accommodate reasonable requests from shippers to carry any freight, including hazardous materials.

Demurrage - A charge assessed by railroads for the use of rail cars by shippers or receivers of freight beyond a specified free time.

Department of Transportation ("DOT") - A U.S. government agency with jurisdiction over matters of all modes of transportation.

Depreciation study - Conducted by a third-party specialist and analyzed by management, a periodic statistical analysis of fixed asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation, and other factors for group assets along with a comparison of similar asset groups at other companies.

Double-stack - Stacking containers two-high on specially equipped cars.

Economic Profit (CSX Cash Earnings or CCE) - A non-GAAP measure designed to incentivize strategic investments earning more than the required return. Economic Profit is calculated as CSX’s gross cash earnings (after-tax adjusted EBITDA) minus the capital charge (long-term average cost of capital) on gross operating assets.

Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) - A U.S. government agency that has regulatory authority with respect to environmental law.

Federal Railroad Administration ("FRA") - The branch of the DOT that is responsible for developing and enforcing railroad safety regulations, including safety standards for rail infrastructure and equipment.

Free cash flow - The calculation of a non-GAAP measure by using net cash provided by operating activities and adjusting for property additions and certain other investing activities. Free cash flow is a measure of cash available for paying dividends, share repurchases and principal reduction on outstanding debt.

Group-life depreciation - A type of depreciation in which assets with similar useful lives and characteristics are aggregated into groups. Instead of calculating depreciation for individual assets, depreciation is calculated as a whole for each group.

Incidental charges - Charges for switching, demurrage, storage, etc.

Intermodal - A flexible way of transporting freight over highway, rail and water without being removed from the original transportation equipment, namely a container or trailer.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.26

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Mainline - The main track thoroughfare, exclusive of terminals, yards, sidings and turnouts.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) - An agency within the DOT that, together with the FRA, has broad jurisdiction over railroad operating standards and practices, including hazardous materials requirements. 

Positive Train Control ("PTC") - An interoperable train control system designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work-zone limits, and train diversions onto another set of tracks.

Revenue adequacy - The achievement of a rate of return on investment over time at least equal to the industry cost of investment capital, as measured by the STB.

Shipper - A customer shipping freight via rail.

Siding - Track adjacent to the mainline used for passing trains.

Staggers Act of 1980 - Congressional law that significantly deregulated the rail industry, replacing the regulatory structure in existence since the 1887 Interstate Commerce Act. Where previously rates were controlled by the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Staggers Act allowed railroads to establish their own rates for shipments, enhancing their ability to compete with other modes of transportation.

Surface Transportation Board ("STB") - An independent governmental adjudicatory body administratively housed within the DOT, responsible for the economic regulation of interstate surface transportation within the United States.

Switching - Putting cars in a specific order, placing cars for loading, retrieving empty cars or adding or removing cars from a train at an intermediate point. 

Terminal - A facility, typically owned by a railroad, for the handling of freight and for the breaking up, making up, forwarding and servicing of trains.

Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) - A component of the Department of Homeland Security with broad authority over railroad operating practices that may have homeland security implications.

TTX Company ("TTX") - A company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive and general use railcars at time and mileage rates. CSX owns about 20 percent of TTX's common stock, and the remainder is owned by the other leading North American railroads and their affiliates.

Turnout - A track that diverts trains from one track to another. 

Yard - A system of tracks, other than main tracks and sidings, used for making up trains, storing cars and other purposes.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.27

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

2023 HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenue of $14.7 billion decreased $196 million or 1% versus the prior year.

• Expenses of $9.1 billion increased $266 million or 3% year over year.

• Operating income of $5.6 billion decreased $462 million or 8% year over year.

• Operating ratio of 62.1% increased 260 basis points from 59.5%.

• Earnings per diluted share of $1.85 decreased $0.10 or 5% year over year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following section generally discusses the Company's results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. A discussion regarding results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, can be found in Part II, Item 7 of CSX's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2023.

2023 vs. 2022 Results of Operations

	Years Ended
	2023			2022			$ Change		% Change
(Dollars in Millions)
Revenue	$	14,657		$	14,853		$	(196)	(1)	%
Expense
Labor and Fringe	3,024			2,861			(163)		(6)
Purchased Services and Other	2,764			2,685			(79)		(3)
Depreciation and Amortization	1,611			1,500			(111)		(7)
Fuel	1,377			1,626			249		15
Equipment and Other Rents	354			396			42		11
Gains on Property Dispositions	(34)			(238)			(204)		(86)
Total Expense	9,096			8,830			(266)		(3)
Operating Income	5,561			6,023			(462)		(8)
Interest Expense	(809)			(742)			(67)		(9)
Other Income - Net	139			133			6		5
Income Tax Expense	(1,176)			(1,248)			72		6
Net Earnings	$	3,715		$	4,166		$	(451)	(11)
Earnings Per Diluted Share	$	1.85		$	1.95		$	(0.10)	(5)	%
Operating Ratio	62.1		%	59.5		%			(260)		bps

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.28

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Volume and Revenue (Unaudited)
Volume (Thousands of Units); Revenue (Dollars in Millions); Revenue Per Unit (Dollars)
	Volume				Revenue						Revenue Per Unit
	2023	2022	% Change		2023		2022		% Change		2023		2022		% Change
Chemicals	642	641	—	%	$	2,599	$	2,584	1	%	$	4,048	$	4,031	—	%
Agricultural and Food Products	468	481	(3)	%	1,657		1,664		—	%	3,541		3,459		2	%
Automotive	388	338	15	%	1,219		1,054		16	%	3,142		3,118		1	%
Minerals	358	337	6	%	733		658		11	%	2,047		1,953		5	%
Metals and Equipment	284	267	6	%	917		828		11	%	3,229		3,101		4	%
Forest Products	282	291	(3)	%	1,012		996		2	%	3,589		3,423		5	%
Fertilizers	199	203	(2)	%	516		455		13	%	2,593		2,241		16	%
Total Merchandise	2,621	2,558	2	%	8,653		8,239		5	%	3,301		3,221		2	%
Intermodal	2,766	2,963	(7)	%	2,060		2,306		(11)	%	745		778		(4)	%
Coal	755	697	8	%	2,484		2,434		2	%	3,290		3,492		(6)	%
Trucking	—	—	—	%	882		966		(9)	%	—		—		—	%
Other	—	—	—	%	578		908		(36)	%	—		—		—	%
Total	6,142	6,218	(1)	%	$	14,657	$	14,853	(1)	%	$	2,386	$	2,389	—	%

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.29

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Revenue

Total revenue decreased by $196 million in 2023, or 1%, when compared to the previous year primarily due to decreases in other revenue, lower fuel recovery, pricing declines in export coal due to the impact of lower benchmark rates and declines in intermodal volume. These declines were partially offset by pricing and volume gains in merchandise and higher coal volumes.

Merchandise Volume

Chemicals - Increased shipments of export plastics, waste, and sand were offset by lower shipments of materials used in making plastics.

Agricultural and Food Products – Decreased primarily due to lower shipments of ethanol and export grain.

Automotive - Increased due to higher North American vehicle production as well as new business wins.

Minerals - Increased due to higher shipments of aggregates and cement driven by increased road construction and other infrastructure-related activities.

Metals and Equipment - Increased due to higher steel and scrap shipments, as well as stronger equipment shipments.

Forest Products – Decreased primarily due to lower shipments of pulpboard, paper, and lumber, partially offset by higher shipments of other building products.

Fertilizers - Decreased due to declines in short-haul shipments, which were partially offset by increases in long-haul potash and phosphate shipments.

Intermodal Volume

Lower volume was due to decreased international shipments driven by high inventory levels and lower imports. Domestic shipments increased due to growth with key customers as well as the prior year impact of supply-side constraints.

Coal Volume

Export coal increased due to higher shipments of metallurgical and thermal coal. Domestic coal decreased due to lower shipments of coal to northern utility plants.

Trucking Revenue

Trucking revenue decreased $84 million versus the prior year due to lower fuel and capacity surcharges.

Other Revenue

Other revenue was $330 million lower, primarily resulting from lower intermodal storage and equipment usage.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.30

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Expense

In 2023, total expenses increased $266 million, or 3%, compared to prior year. Descriptions of each expense category as well as significant year-over-year changes are described below.

Labor and Fringe expenses include employee wages and related payroll taxes, health and welfare costs, pension, other post-retirement benefits and incentive compensation. These expenses increased $163 million due to the following items:

•An increase of $144 million was driven by inflation.

•An increase of $89 million was due to the impacts of higher headcount and union employee vacation and sick benefits.

•Incentive compensation costs decreased $34 million primarily due to lower expected payouts as well as the impacts of accelerated expense for eligible employees in the prior year.

•Prior year amounts included $32 million of out-of-period labor and benefit costs due to the agreement reached with labor unions.

•Other costs decreased by $4 million due to non-significant items.

Purchased Services and Other expenses consist primarily of contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment, terminal and pier services, purchased trucking and other transportation, and professional services. This category also includes costs related to materials, travel, casualty claims, environmental remediation, train accidents, property and sales tax, utilities and other items. Total purchased services and other expenses increased $79 million driven by the following:

•An increase of $101 million was due to higher operating support costs, which were primarily due to inflation and higher repair and maintenance costs. These increases were partially offset by lower volume and reduced congestion in intermodal operations.

•A decrease of $54 million was due to insurance recoveries in the current year.

•All other costs increased $32 million as higher technology spending, inflation and other increases were partially offset by lower trucking expenses and other non-significant items.

Depreciation expense primarily relates to recognizing the costs of capital assets, such as locomotives, railcars and track structure, over their respective useful lives, which are reviewed periodically as part of depreciation studies. This expense is impacted primarily by the capital expenditures made each year. Depreciation expense increased $111 million primarily due to the impacts of a 2022 equipment depreciation study as well as a larger net asset base.

Fuel expense includes locomotive diesel fuel as well as non-locomotive fuel. This expense is largely driven by the market price and locomotive consumption of diesel fuel. Fuel expense decreased $249 million primarily due to a 19% decrease in locomotive fuel prices, partially offset by higher fuel consumption.

Equipment and Other Rents expense includes rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received by CSXT for use of its equipment. This category of expenses also includes expenses for short-term and long-term leases of locomotives, railcars, containers, tractors and trailers, offices and other rentals. These expenses decreased $42 million primarily due to lower car hire costs from improved car cycle times, partially offset by costs related to higher automotive volume.

Gains on Property Dispositions decreased to $34 million in 2023 from $238 million in 2022 primarily due to the inclusion of $144 million of gains in 2022 from the sale of property rights to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.31

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Interest Expense

Interest Expense includes interest on long-term debt and related fair value hedges, equipment obligations and finance leases. Interest expense increased $67 million primarily as a result of higher average debt balances and higher effective interest rates.

Other Income - Net

Other Income - Net includes investment gains, losses, interest income, components of net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit cost and other non-operating activities. Other income increased $6 million primarily due to higher interest income and other non-significant items, partially offset by a decrease in net pension benefit credits.

Income Tax Expense

Income Tax Expense decreased $72 million primarily due to lower earnings before income taxes, partially offset by prior year favorable state legislative changes.

Net Earnings and Earnings per Diluted Share

Net Earnings decreased $451 million to $3.7 billion, and earnings per diluted share decreased $0.10 to $1.85, due to the factors mentioned above. Average shares outstanding was lower as a result of share repurchase activity during the year and had a favorable impact on earnings per diluted share.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.32

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited)

CSX reports its financial results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). CSX also uses certain non-GAAP measures that fall within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation G and Regulation S-K Item 10(e), which may provide users of the financial information with additional meaningful comparison to prior reported results. Non-GAAP measures do not have standardized definitions and are not defined by GAAP. Therefore, CSX’s non-GAAP measures are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as superior to the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to corresponding GAAP measures are below.

Economic Profit

Management believes Economic Profit (CSX Cash Earnings or CCE) provides additional perspective to investors about financial returns generated by the business by representing a profit generated over and above the cost of capital used by the business to generate that profit. Economic Profit is designed to incentivize strategic investments that earn more than the required return. Increases in Economic Profit indicate that the Company is effectively allocating capital and rewarding shareholders by generating growth in excess of the incremental cost of capital associated with reinvestment in the business. This measure should be considered in addition to, rather than a substitute for, net income. This measure is defined by the Company as gross cash earnings minus the capital charge on gross operating assets. Gross cash earnings is calculated as Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"), less an assumed 15% cash tax. The capital charge uses a long-term average cost of capital of 8% multiplied by the gross operating assets. CSX's gross operating assets include gross properties and other non-cash assets, net of non-interest bearing liabilities.

The following table reconciles net income (GAAP measure) to Economic Profit (non-GAAP measure).

	Years Ended
(Dollars in Millions)	2023		2022
Net Income	$	3,715	$	4,166
Add: Income Tax Expense	1,176		1,248
Remove: Other Income - Net	(139)		(133)
Add: Interest Expense	809		742
Add: Depreciation, Amortization, and Operating Lease Expense	1,720		1,609
Remove: Unusual Items (a)	—		(144)
Adjusted EBITDA	7,281		7,488
15% Assumed Cash Tax	(1,092)		(1,123)
Gross Cash Earnings	6,189		6,365
Current Assets (Less Cash and Short-term Investments)	(1,908)		(1,843)
Gross Properties	(49,212)		(47,471)
Other Assets	(3,896)		(3,862)
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities	10,873		10,640
Gross Operating Assets (b)	(44,143)		(42,536)
8% Capital Charge	(3,531)		(3,403)
Economic Profit (Non-GAAP)	$	2,658	$	2,962

(a) Unusual items are defined by management as unique events with greater than $100 million full year operating income impact, consistent with the terms of the Company's long-term incentive plan agreements. Gains from the Virginia transaction of $144 million were excluded for 2022.

(b) Gross operating assets reflects an average of reported balance sheet figures.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.33

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Free Cash Flow

Management believes free cash flow is useful to investors as it is important in evaluating the Company’s financial performance. More specifically, free cash flow measures cash generated by the business after reinvestment. This measure represents cash available for both equity and bond investors to be used for dividends, share repurchases or principal reduction on outstanding debt. Free cash flow is calculated by using net cash from operations and adjusting for property additions and proceeds from property dispositions. This measure should be considered in addition to, rather than a substitute for, cash provided by operating activities. Free cash flow before dividends decreased $412 million year-over-year to $3.3 billion primarily due to lower proceeds and advances from property dispositions, mostly attributable to the sale of property rights to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the prior year, as well as higher property additions and less cash from operating activities. Cash from operating activities includes lower cash-generating net earnings and the impact of $168 million of higher payments for retroactive wages and bonuses, and associated taxes, related to finalized labor agreements as well as the offsetting impact of $381 million of postponed federal estimated tax payments, which were extended until first quarter 2024 under an Internal Revenue Service tax relief announcement for those impacted by Hurricane Idalia.

The following table reconciles cash provided by operating activities (GAAP measure) to free cash flow (non-GAAP measure).

	Years Ended
	2023		2022
(Dollars in Millions)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	5,549	$	5,619
Property Additions	(2,281)		(2,133)
Proceeds and Advances from Property Dispositions	52		246
Free Cash Flow, before Dividends (Non-GAAP)	$	3,320	$	3,732

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.34

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

OPERATING STATISTICS (Estimated)

Certain operating statistics are estimated and can continue to be updated as actuals settle. The methodology for calculating train velocity, dwell, cars online and trip plan performance differs from that used by the Surface Transportation Board. The Company will continue to report these metrics to the Surface Transportation Board using the prescribed methodology.

	Fiscal Years
	2023		2022		Improvement/ (Deterioration)
Operations Performance (a)
Train Velocity (Miles per hour)	18.0		16.1		12	%
Dwell (Hours)	9.4		11.3		17	%
Cars Online	125,580		138,074		9	%
On-Time Originations	77	%	60	%	28	%
On-Time Arrivals	71	%	52	%	37	%
Carload Trip Plan Performance	84	%	64	%	31	%
Intermodal Trip Plan Performance	95	%	90	%	6	%
Fuel Efficiency	1.02		0.99		(3)	%
Revenue Ton-Miles (Billions)
Merchandise	128.0		126.0		2	%
Coal	37.4		33.8		11	%
Intermodal	28.3		30.0		(6)	%
Total Revenue Ton-Miles	193.7		189.8		2	%
Total Gross Ton-Miles (Billions)	381.3		375.5		2	%
Safety (b)
FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index	0.89		1.01		12	%
FRA Train Accident Rate	3.32		3.37		1	%

(a) Beginning second quarter 2023, all operations performance metrics include results from the network acquired from Pan Am. The impact of including Pan Am data was insignificant.

(b) Safety metrics do not include results from the network acquired from Pan Am. These metrics will be updated to include the Pan Am network results as integration completes.

Key Performance Measures Definitions:

Train Velocity - Average train speed between origin and destination in miles per hour (does not include locals, yard jobs, work trains or passenger trains). Train velocity measures actual train miles and times of a train movement on CSX's network.

Dwell - Average amount of time in hours between car arrival to and departure from the yard.

Cars Online - Average number of active freight rail cars on lines operated by CSX, excluding rail cars that are being repaired, in storage, those that have been sold, or private cars dwelling at a customer location more than one day.

On-Time Originations - Percent of scheduled road trains that depart the origin yard on-time or ahead of schedule.

On-Time Arrivals - Percent of scheduled road trains that arrive at the destination yard on-time to within two hours of scheduled arrival.

Carload Trip Plan Performance - Percent of measured cars (excludes unit trains and other non-scheduled service as well as empty automotive shipments) destined for a customer that complete their scheduled plan at or ahead of the original estimated time of arrival or interchange (as applicable).

Intermodal Trip Plan Performance - Percent of measured containers (excludes port shipments along with empty containers and other non-scheduled service) destined for a customer that complete their scheduled plan at or ahead of the original estimated time of arrival, notification or interchange (as applicable).

Fuel Efficiency - Gallons of locomotive fuel per 1,000 gross ton-miles.

Revenue Ton-Miles (RTM's) - The movement of one revenue-producing ton of freight over a distance of one mile.

Gross Ton-Miles (GTM's) - The movement of one ton of train weight over one mile. GTM's are calculated by multiplying total train weight by distance the train moved. Total train weight is comprised of the weight of the freight cars and their contents.

FRA Personal Injury Frequency Index - Number of FRA-reportable injuries per 200,000 man-hours.

FRA Train Accident Rate - Number of FRA-reportable train accidents per million train-miles.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.35

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

The Company is committed to continuous improvement in safety and service performance through training, innovation and investment. Training and safety programs are designed to prevent incidents that can adversely impact employees, customers and communities. Technological innovations that can detect and avoid many types of human factor incidents are designed to serve as an additional layer of protection for the Company's employees. Continued capital investment in the Company's assets, including track, bridges, signals, equipment and detection technology also supports safety performance.

The Company remains focused on safety, service, and controlling costs. Velocity and dwell improved 12% and 17%, respectively, relative to 2022. Carload trip plan performance improved to 84% compared to 64% while intermodal trip plan performance improved to 95% compared to 90%, relative to 2022. CSX has seen an improvement in service metrics throughout 2023.

From a safety perspective, the FRA personal injury index improved by 12% and the train-accident rate improved by 1% compared to prior year. Safety is a guiding principle at CSX and the Company remains focused on its strong safety culture, including instilling the importance of safety in new hires. CSX is committed to reducing risk and enhancing the overall safety of its employees, customers and communities in which the Company operates.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity is a company’s ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to meet both current and future needs for obligations as they mature and to provide for planned capital expenditures, including those to address regulatory and legislative requirements. To have a complete picture of a company’s liquidity, its sources and uses of cash, balance sheet and external factors should be reviewed.

Significant Cash Flows

The following charts highlight the operating, investing and financing components of the change in cash and cash equivalents for operating, investing and financing activities for full years 2023 and 2022.

In 2023, the Company generated $5.5 billion of cash from operating activities, which was $70 million less than prior year primarily driven by lower cash-generating net earnings and $168 million higher payments for retroactive wages and bonuses, including the associated taxes, related to finalized labor agreements. This decrease was partially offset by the impact of $381 million of postponed federal estimated tax payments mentioned above. Net cash used in investing activities was $2.3 billion, an increase in net spend of $156 million from the prior year primarily due to lower proceeds from property dispositions and higher property additions, partially offset by decreased acquisition spending. Cash used in financing activities was $3.9 billion, which represents an increase in net spend of $98 million from the prior year primarily due to lower proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt, partially offset by lower share repurchases.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.36

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Sources of Cash and Liquidity

The Company has multiple sources of liquidity, including cash generated from operations and financing sources. The Company filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC on February 16, 2022, which may be used to issue debt or equity securities at CSX’s discretion, subject to market conditions and CSX Board authorization. While CSX seeks to give itself flexibility with respect to cash requirements, there can be no assurance that market conditions would permit CSX to sell such securities on acceptable terms at any given time, or at all. In 2023, CSX issued $600 million of long-term debt. See Note 10, Debt and Credit Agreements for more information.

CSX has access to a $1.2 billion five-year unsecured revolving credit facility backed by a diverse syndicate of banks that expires in February 2028. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding balances under this facility. The Company also has a commercial paper program, backed by the revolving credit facility, under which the Company may issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $1.0 billion outstanding at any one time. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding debt under the commercial paper program.

Uses of Cash

CSX uses current cash balances for general corporate purposes, which may include capital expenditures, working capital requirements, reduction or refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, redemptions and repurchases of CSX common stock, dividends to shareholders, acquisitions and other business opportunities, and contributions to the Company's qualified pension plan.

In 2023, CSX continued to invest in its business to create long-term value for shareholders. The Company is committed to maintaining and improving its existing infrastructure and to positioning itself for long-term, profitable growth through optimizing network and terminal capacity. Funds used for property additions are further described below.

	Years Ended
Capital Expenditures (Dollars in Millions)	2023		2022
Track	$	1,007	$	1,000
Bridges, Signals and Other	693		673
Total Infrastructure	1,700		1,673
Strategic Projects and Commercial Facilities	304		251
Freight Cars	136		75
Locomotives	117		104
Regulatory (including PTC)	24		30
Total Capital Expenditures	$	2,281	$	2,133

Planned capital investments for 2024 are expected to be approximately $2.5 billion. Spending to sustain core infrastructure with a focus on safety and reliability will be a top priority. In addition, management is committed to investments that promote profitable growth, including projects supporting service enhancements and productivity initiatives, including investments in locomotives and freight cars. CSX intends to fund capital investments primarily through cash generated from operations.

CSX is continually evaluating market and regulatory conditions that could affect the Company’s ability to generate sufficient returns on capital investments. CSX may revise its future estimates for capital spending as a result of changes in business conditions, tax legislation or the enactment of new laws or regulations, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial performance in the future (see Risk Factors under Item 1A of this Form 10-K).

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.37

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

CSX is committed to returning cash to shareholders. Capital structure, capital investments and cash distributions, including dividends and share repurchases, are reviewed at least annually by the Board of Directors. On February 14, 2024, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a 9% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.12 per common share effective March 2024. Management's assessment of market conditions and other factors guides the timing and volume of repurchases. Future share repurchases are expected to be funded by cash on hand, cash generated from operations and debt issuances.

Material Changes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Working Capital

CSX's balance sheet reflects its strong capital base and the impact of CSX's balanced approach in deploying capital for the benefit of its shareholders, which includes investments in infrastructure, dividend payments and share repurchases. Further, CSX is well positioned from a liquidity standpoint. The Company ended the year with $1.4 billion of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

Total assets as well as total liabilities and shareholders' equity increased $496 million from prior year end. The increase in total assets was primarily due to a $693 million increase in net properties consistent with planned capital expenditures, a $113 million increase in net pension assets for qualified pension plans, a $105 million increase in materials and supplies and a $105 million increase in investments in affiliates and other companies. These increases were partially offset by a $605 million decrease in cash as noted above.

Total liabilities increased $988 million from prior year end primarily due to the issuance of $600 million in long-term debt, a $414 million increase in income and other taxes payable largely related to postponed federal estimated tax payments, a $177 million increase in deferred income taxes and a $107 million increase in accounts payable. These increases were partially offset by payouts of accrued retroactive wages and bonuses totaling $238 million and debt repayments of $153 million. Total shareholders' equity decreased $492 million from prior year end primarily driven by share repurchases of $3.5 billion and dividends paid of $882 million, partially offset by net earnings of $3.7 billion.

Working capital is considered a measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term needs. CSX had a working capital surplus of $160 million at December 2023 and $1.4 billion at December 2022. This decrease of $1.2 billion since year end is primarily due to cash paid for share repurchases of $3.5 billion, property additions of $2.3 billion and dividend payments of $882 million, as well as a $558 million of long-term debt maturing in 2024. These decreases were partially offset by cash earned from operations of $5.5 billion and $600 million in cash received from debt issued.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.38

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

The Company’s working capital balance varies due to factors such as the timing of scheduled debt payments and changes in cash and cash equivalent balances. Although the Company currently has a surplus, a working capital deficit is not unusual for CSX or other companies in the industry and does not indicate a lack of liquidity. The Company continues to maintain adequate current assets to satisfy current liabilities and maturing obligations when they come due. Furthermore, CSX has sufficient financial capacity, including its revolving credit facility, commercial paper program and shelf registration statement to manage its day-to-day cash requirements and any anticipated obligations. The Company from time to time accesses the credit markets for additional liquidity.

Completed Transactions

Acquisition of Pan Am Systems, Inc.

On June 1, 2022, CSX completed its acquisition of Pan Am. The closing price of $600 million was funded through a combination of common stock valued at $422 million and cash totaling $178 million. Total cash consideration paid to acquire the business includes a $30 million deposit paid in fourth quarter 2020. For further details, refer to Note 17, Business Combinations.

Acquisition of Quality Carriers, Inc.

On July 1, 2021, CSX acquired Quality Carriers, Inc. for a purchase price of $544 million in cash. This transaction was funded by cash on hand. For further details, refer to Note 17, Business Combinations.

Sale of Property Rights to the Commonwealth of Virginia

On March 26, 2021, the Company entered into a comprehensive agreement to sell certain property rights in three CSX-owned line segments to the Commonwealth of Virginia (“Commonwealth”) over three phases. Over the course of the transaction, which was completed in 2022, total proceeds of $525 million were collected and total gains of $493 million were recognized. This includes $125 million of proceeds collected and $144 million of gains recognized in 2022. For further details, refer to Note 6, Properties.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.39

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings reflect an independent agency’s judgment on the likelihood that a borrower will repay a debt obligation at maturity. The ratings reflect many considerations, such as the nature of the borrower’s industry and its competitive position, the size of the company, its liquidity and access to capital and the sensitivity of a company’s cash flows to changes in the economy. The two largest rating agencies, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), use alphanumeric codes to designate their ratings. The highest quality rating for long-term credit obligations is AAA and Aaa for S&P and Moody’s, respectively. A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency.

The cost and availability of unsecured financing are materially affected by CSX's long-term credit ratings. CSX's credit ratings improved during 2023 following an upgrade by Moody's from a long-term rating Baa1 (Stable) as of December 2022 to A3 (Stable) as of December 2023. S&P's long-term rating for CSX remains consistent at BBB+ (Stable) for both December 2022 and December 2023. Ratings of BBB- and Baa3 or better by S&P and Moody’s, respectively, reflect ratings on debt obligations that fall within a band of credit quality considered to be investment grade. If CSX's credit ratings were to decline to below investment-grade levels, the Company could experience significant increases in its interest cost for new debt. In addition, a decline in CSX’s credit ratings to below investment grade levels could adversely affect the market’s demand, and thus the Company’s ability to readily issue new debt. The Company is committed to maintaining an investment-grade credit profile.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.40

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, OTHER COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Contractual Obligations

CSX is party to contractual arrangements that obligate the Company to make future cash payments. These obligations impact the Company’s liquidity and capital resource needs. The Company’s contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and related interest payments, purchase commitments, leases, other-post employment benefits and agreements with Conrail.

•As of December 31, 2023, the Company had outstanding fixed-rate notes with varying maturities. See Note 10, Debt and Credit Agreements, for additional information related to future debt payments. Future interest payments associated with outstanding debt total $14.3 billion, with $804 million payable in 2024.

•Purchase commitments consist of CSX’s long-term locomotive maintenance program and other commitments to purchase technology, communications, railcar maintenance and other services. See Note 8, Commitments and Contingencies, for additional information about future payments related to purchase commitments.

•Capital expenditures include investments related to public-private partnerships. These partnership investments are typically for projects that are partially or wholly reimbursed to CSX through government awards or other funding sources. Project contribution commitments that are not reimbursable total $55 million as of December 31, 2023.

•The Company’s leases include property, equipment, and line leases. See Note 7, Leases, for additional information about future payments related to leases.

•Other post-employment benefits include estimated other post-retirement medical and life insurance payments and payments under non-qualified pension plans that are unfunded. See Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information about future payments under such plans.

•Conrail owns rail infrastructure and operates for the joint benefit of CSX and Norfolk Southern Corporation ("NS"). This is known as the shared asset area. Conrail charges fees for right-of-way usage, equipment rentals and transportation, switching and terminal service charges in the shared asset area. See Note 15, Investment in Affiliates and Related-Party Transactions, for additional information about future payments related to agreements with Conrail.

Other Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other commitments total $187 million and primarily consist of guarantees, letters of credit and surety bonds, none of which are individually significant. These off-balance sheet arrangements are not reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

LABOR AGREEMENTS

Approximately 17,700 of the Company's approximately 23,000 employees are members of a rail labor union. As of December 2, 2022, all 12 rail unions at CSX that participated in national bargaining were covered by national agreements with the Class I railroads and CSX-specific agreements that will remain in effect through December 31, 2024. Collective agreements under the Railway Labor Act do not expire, but continue until amended, and formal notices to amend these agreements may be served as early as November 1, 2024.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.41

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires that management make estimates in reporting the amounts of certain assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and certain revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. These estimates and assumptions are discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on a regular basis. Significant estimates using management judgment are made for the following areas:

•personal injury and environmental reserves;

•pension plan accounting; and

•depreciation policies for assets under the group-life method

Personal Injury and Environmental Reserves

Personal Injury

Personal Injury reserves of $128 million and $126 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively, represent liabilities for employee work-related and third-party injuries. CSXT retains an independent actuary to assist management in assessing the value of personal injury claims. The methodology used by the actuary includes a development factor to reflect growth or reduction in the value of these personal injury claims. It is based largely on CSXT's historical claims and settlement experience. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation. For additional details, including a description of our related accounting policies, see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, in the consolidated financial statements.

Environmental

Environmental reserves were $154 million and $161 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company is a party to various proceedings related to environmental issues, including administrative and judicial proceedings involving private parties and regulatory agencies. The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party at approximately 230 environmentally impaired sites. The Company reviews its potential liability with respect to each site identified, giving consideration to a number of factors such as:

•type of clean-up required;

•nature of the Company’s alleged connection to the location (e.g., generator of waste sent to the site or owner or operator of the site);

•extent of the Company’s alleged connection (e.g., volume of waste sent to the location and other relevant factors); and

•number, connection and financial viability of other named and unnamed potentially responsible parties at the location.

Conditions that are currently unknown could, at any given location, result in additional exposure, the amount and materiality of which cannot presently be reasonably estimated. For additional details, including a description of our related accounting policies, see Note 5, Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves, in the consolidated financial statements.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.42

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued    

Pension Plan Accounting

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans principally for salaried, management personnel. For employees hired prior to 2003, the plans provide eligible employees with retirement benefits based predominantly on years of service and compensation rates near retirement. For employees hired between 2003 and 2019, benefits are determined based on a cash balance formula, which provides benefits by utilizing interest and pay credits based upon age, service and compensation. Beginning in 2020, the CSX Pension Plan was closed to new participants. As of December 2023, the projected benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans was $2.3 billion. For information related to the funded status of the Company's pension plans, see Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans.

The accounting for these plans is subject to the guidance provided in the Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). This rule requires that management make certain assumptions relating to the following:

•discount rates used to measure future obligations and interest expense;

•long-term rate of return on plan assets; and

•other assumptions.

The Company engages independent actuaries to compute the amounts of liabilities and expenses relating to these plans subject to the assumptions that the Company determines are appropriate based on historical trends, current market rates and future projections. These amounts are reviewed by management.

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Discount Rates

Discount rates affect the amount of liability recorded and the service and interest cost components of pension expense. Discount rates reflect the rates at which pension benefits could be effectively settled, or in other words, how much it would cost the Company to buy enough high quality bonds to generate cash flow equal to the Company's expected future benefit payments. The Company determines the discount rate based on the market yield as of year-end for high quality corporate bonds whose maturities match the plans' expected benefit payments.

The Company measures the service and interest cost components of the net pension benefits expense by using individual spot rates matched with separate cash flows for each future year. Under the spot rate approach, individual spot discount rates along the same high quality corporate bonds yield curve used to measure the pension benefit liabilities are applied to the relevant projected cash flows at the relevant maturity.

The weighted average discount rate used by the Company to value its pension obligations was 4.82% and 5.02% as of December 2023, and December 2022, respectively. As of December 2023, the estimated duration of pension benefits is approximately 9 years.

Each year, the discount rate is reevaluated and adjusted using the current market interest rates for high quality corporate bonds to reflect the best estimate of the current effective settlement rates. In general, if interest rates decline or rise, the assumed discount rate will change.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.43

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets

The expected long-term average rate of return on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested, or to be invested, to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. In estimating that rate, the Company gives appropriate consideration to the returns being earned by the plan assets in the funds and the rates of return expected to be available for reinvestment as well as the current and projected asset mix of the funds. Management, with the assistance of an outsourced investment manager, balances market expectations obtained from various investment managers with both market and actual plan historical returns to develop a reasonable estimate of the expected long-term rate of return on assets. As this assumption is long term, the annual review may result in less frequent adjustment than other assumptions used in pension accounting. The long-term rate of return on plan assets used by the Company to value its benefit cost for the subsequent plan year was 6.75% in both 2023 and 2022.

Other Assumptions

The calculations made by the actuaries also include assumptions relating to mortality rates, turnover, retirement age and salary inflation rates. These assumptions are based upon historical data, recent plan experience and industry trends and are determined by management.

2024 Estimated Pension Expense

Net periodic pension benefit expense for 2024 is expected to be a credit of $22 million. Net periodic pension benefit expense for 2024 is expected to include service cost expense of $23 million. Service cost expense is included in labor and fringe on the consolidated income statement and all other components of net pension expense are included in other income - net. Net periodic pension expense in 2023 was a credit of $1 million. The net increase in the expected credit is primarily due to impacts from recent favorable pension asset experience.

The following sensitivity analysis illustrates the effects of a 1% change in certain assumptions on the 2024 estimated pension expense:

(Dollars in Millions)	Pension Expense
Discount Rate	$	12
Long-term Rate of Return	$	25

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.44

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Critical Accounting Estimates, continued

Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method

The depreciable assets of the Company are depreciated using either the group-life or straight-line method of accounting, which are both acceptable depreciation methods in accordance with GAAP. The Company depreciates its railroad assets, including main-line track, locomotives and freight cars, using the group-life method of accounting. Assets depreciated under the group-life method comprise 84% of total fixed assets of $50.3 billion on a gross basis at December 31, 2023. The remaining depreciable assets of the Company, including non-railroad assets and assets under finance leases, are depreciated using the straight-line method on a per asset basis. Land is not depreciated.

Management performs a review of depreciation expense and useful lives on a regular basis. Under the group-life method, the service lives and salvage values for each group of assets are determined by completing periodic depreciation studies and applying management’s methods to determine the service lives of its properties. There are several factors taken into account during the depreciation study and they include:

•statistical analysis of historical life and salvage data for each group of property;

•statistical analysis of historical retirements for each group of property;

•evaluation of current operations;

•evaluation of technological advances and maintenance schedules;

•previous assessment of the condition of the assets;

•management's outlook on the future use of certain asset groups;

•expected net salvage to be received upon retirement; and

•comparison of assets to the same asset groups with other companies.

The STB requires depreciation studies be performed every three years for equipment assets (e.g., locomotives and freight cars) and every six years for road and track assets (e.g., bridges, signals, rail, ties, and ballast). The Company completed a depreciation study for its road and track assets in 2020 and for equipment assets in 2022, both of which resulted in changes to accumulated depreciation, service lives, salvage values, and other related factors for certain assets. The 2022 equipment study resulted in an increase in annual depreciation expense of approximately $80 million primarily due to deferred losses on assets depreciated using the group-life method. A depreciation study was not performed in 2023.

A 1% change in the average estimated useful life of all group-life assets would result in an approximate $13 million change to the Company’s annual depreciation expense. There were no significant changes to the Company's asset lives as a result of the 2022 and 2020 studies. For additional details, including a more detailed description of our related accounting policies, see Note 6, Properties, in the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Policy

    See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies under the caption “New Accounting Pronouncements.”

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.45

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements in this report and in other materials filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made by the Company, are forward-looking statements. The Company intends for all such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act may contain, among others, statements regarding:

•projections and estimates of earnings, revenues, margins, volumes, rates, cost-savings, expenses, taxes or other financial items;

•expectations as to results of operations and operational initiatives;

•expectations as to the effect of claims, lawsuits, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, labor negotiations or agreements on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity;

•management's plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, capital expenditures, workforce levels, dividends, share repurchases, safety and service performance, proposed new services and other matters that are not historical facts, and management's expectations as to future performance and operations and the time by which objectives will be achieved; and

•future economic, industry or market conditions or performance and their effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "will," "should," “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “preliminary” and similar expressions. The Company cautions against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect its good faith beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to it as of the date the forward-looking statement is made.  Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the timing when, or by which, such performance or results will be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual performance or results could differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. If the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement or any other forward-looking statements.

The following important factors, in addition to those discussed in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by any forward-looking statements:

•legislative, regulatory or legal developments involving transportation, including rail or intermodal transportation, the environment, hazardous materials, taxation, international trade and initiatives to further regulate the rail industry;

•the outcome of litigation, claims and other contingent liabilities, including, but not limited to, those related to fuel surcharge, environmental matters, taxes, shipper and rate claims subject to adjudication, personal injuries and occupational illnesses;

•changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those affecting the transportation industry (such as the impact of industry competition, conditions, performance and consolidation, as well as the impact of international trade agreements and tariffs) and the level of demand for products carried by CSXT;

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.46

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

•natural events such as severe weather conditions, including floods, fire, hurricanes and earthquakes, a pandemic crisis affecting the health of the Company's employees, its shippers or the consumers of goods, or other unforeseen disruptions of the Company's operations, systems, property, equipment or supply chain;

•competition from other modes of freight transportation, such as trucking, and competition and consolidation or financial distress within the transportation industry generally;

•the cost of compliance with laws and regulations that differ from expectations as well as costs, penalties and operational and liquidity impacts associated with noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations;

•the impact of increased passenger activities in capacity-constrained areas, including potential effects of high speed rail initiatives, or regulatory changes affecting when CSXT can transport freight or service routes;

•unanticipated conditions in the financial markets that may affect timely access to capital markets and the cost of capital, as well as management's decisions regarding share repurchases;

•changes in fuel prices, surcharges for fuel and the availability of fuel;

•the impact of natural gas prices on coal-fired electricity generation;

•the impact of global supply and price of seaborne coal on CSX's export coal market;

•availability of insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates or insufficient insurance coverage to cover claims or damages;

•the inherent business risks associated with safety and security, including the transportation of hazardous materials or a cybersecurity attack which would threaten the availability and reliability of information technology;

•adverse economic or operational effects from actual or threatened war or terrorist activities and any governmental response;

•loss of key personnel or the inability to hire and retain qualified employees;

•labor and benefit costs and labor difficulties, including stoppages affecting either the Company's operations or customers' ability to deliver goods to the Company for shipment;

•the Company's success in implementing its strategic, financial and operational initiatives, including acquisitions;

•the impact of conditions in the real estate market on the Company's ability to sell assets;

•changes in operating conditions and costs, including the impacts of inflation, or commodity concentrations;

•the impacts of a public health crisis and any policies or initiatives instituted in response; and

•the inherent uncertainty associated with projecting economic and business conditions.

Other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are specified elsewhere in this report and in CSX's other SEC reports, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and the Company's website at www.csx.com. The information on the CSX website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.47

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Changes in interest rates may impact the cost of future long-term debt issued by the Company, and as a result, represent interest rate risk to the Company. In an effort to manage this risk, CSX may use certain financial instruments such as interest rate forward contracts. The following information, together with information included in Note 10, Debt and Credit Agreements, and Note 13, Fair Value Measurements, describes the key aspects of such contracts and the related market risk to CSX.

Changes in interest rates could impact the fair value of the Company's forward starting interest rate swaps. In 2020, the Company executed two forward starting interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $500 million. These swaps were effected to hedge the benchmark interest rate associated with future interest payments related to the anticipated refinancing of notes due in 2027. In 2022, CSX settled a portion equal to $160 million notional value of the cash flow hedges. In 2023, CSX executed two partial settlements equal to $226 million notional value of the cash flow hedges. As of December 31, 2023, these cash flow hedges had an aggregate notional value of $114 million and an asset value of $48 million. As of December 31, 2023, the potential change in fair value of forward starting interest rate swaps resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not be material.

Changes in interest rates could impact the fair value of the Company's fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps. In 2023, CSX entered into two separate fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps classified as fair value hedges. The swaps are designed to hedge 10 years of interest rate risk associated with market fluctuations attributable to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") on a cumulative $250 million of fixed rate outstanding notes which are due in 2033. As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative fair value of these swaps was a $19 million asset. In 2022, CSX entered into five separate fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps classified as fair value hedges. The swaps are designed to hedge 10 years of interest rate risk associated with market fluctuations attributable to SOFR on a cumulative $800 million of fixed rate outstanding notes, which are due between 2036 and 2040. As of December 31, 2023, the cumulative fair value of these swaps was a $107 million liability. As of December 31, 2023, the potential change in fair value of fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates would not be material.

As of December 31, 2023, CSX has no floating rate notes outstanding. However, changes in interest rates could impact the fair value (but not the carrying value) of the Company's fixed rate long-term debt. The potential decrease in fair value of the Company's fixed rate long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical 10% increase in U.S. Treasury rates, or approximately 40 basis points, is estimated to be $730 million as of December 31, 2023, and $709 million as of December 31, 2022. The underlying fair values of the Company's long-term debt were estimated based on quoted market prices or on the current rates offered for debt with similar terms and maturities.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.48

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
		Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42)		50
CSX Corporation
Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	Herewith:
Consolidated Income Statements for the Years Ended:		52
	December 31, 2023
	December 31, 2022
	December 31, 2021
Consolidated Comprehensive Income Statements for the Years Ended:		53
	December 31, 2023
	December 31, 2022
	December 31, 2021
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of:		54
	December 31, 2023
	December 31, 2022
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for Years Ended:		55
	December 31, 2023
	December 31, 2022
	December 31, 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity:		56
	December 31, 2023
	December 31, 2022
	December 31, 2021
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		57

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.49

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of CSX Corporation

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSX Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 14, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosure to which it relates.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.50

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM, continued

	Depreciation Policies for Assets Utilizing the Group-Life Method
Description of the Matter	As of December 31, 2023, assets depreciated under the group-life method comprised 84% of total gross fixed assets of $50.3 billion. As discussed in Note 6 of the consolidated financial statements, the group-life method aggregates assets with similar lives and characteristics into groups and depreciates each of these groups as a whole. When using the group-life method, an underlying assumption is that each group of assets, as a whole, is used and depreciated to the end of the group’s recoverable life. The Company utilizes different depreciable asset categories to account for depreciation expense for the railroad assets that are depreciated under the group-life method. Under the group-life method, depreciation studies are conducted by a third-party specialist and analyzed by the Company’s management to review asset service lives, salvage values, accumulated depreciation and other factors related to group assets. Depreciation studies are performed every three years for equipment assets and every six years for road and track assets. In years when depreciation studies are not performed, annual data reviews are conducted by a third-party specialist and analyzed by the Company’s management to review the asset service lives. For road and track assets and equipment assets, the most recent depreciation studies were performed in 2020 and 2022, respectively. These studies were evaluated by the Company’s management in the current year through an annual data review. Auditing depreciation expense for assets subject to the group-life method was complex and required the involvement of specialists due to the nature of the methods used in the depreciation studies to determine the useful service lives and salvage values of the Company’s assets. These methods have a significant effect on depreciation expense.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s process related to the assessment of periodic depreciation studies and annual data reviews of its group-life assets. For example, we tested controls over management’s review of asset activity that could impact the estimated useful lives determined in the most recent depreciation studies of equipment and road and track assets. To test the estimated useful lives and salvage values of the Company’s group-life assets, we performed audit procedures that included, among others: obtaining the periodic depreciation studies and annual data reviews performed by the Company’s third-party specialist and reviewed by management; assessing the completeness and accuracy of the data provided by management to the third-party specialist; and including a specialist on our team to evaluate the methods used by the third-party specialist and reviewed by management in determining if any changes were necessary to the estimated useful lives and salvage values resulting from the annual data reviews. We compared the assumptions used by management to those used throughout the industry and within other depreciation studies. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates via retrospective review and independently recalculated the current year depreciation rates.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1981.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Jacksonville, Florida

February 14, 2024

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.51

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

(Dollars in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

	Years Ended
	2023		2022		2021
Revenue	$	14,657	$	14,853	$	12,522
Expense
Labor and Fringe	3,024		2,861		2,550
Purchased Services and Other	2,764		2,685		2,135
Depreciation and Amortization	1,611		1,500		1,420
Fuel	1,377		1,626		913
Equipment and Other Rents	354		396		364
Gains on Property Dispositions	(34)		(238)		(454)
Total Expense	9,096		8,830		6,928
Operating Income	5,561		6,023		5,594
Interest Expense	(809)		(742)		(722)
Other Income - Net (Note 14)	139		133		79
Earnings Before Income Taxes	4,891		5,414		4,951
Income Tax Expense (Note 12)	(1,176)		(1,248)		(1,170)
Net Earnings	$	3,715	$	4,166	$	3,781
Per Common Share (Note 2)
Net Earnings Per Share
Basic	$	1.85	$	1.95	$	1.68
Assuming Dilution	$	1.85	$	1.95	$	1.68
Average Common Shares Outstanding (Millions)
Basic	2,008		2,136		2,250
Assuming Dilution	2,013		2,141		2,255

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.52

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENTS

(Dollars in Millions)

	Years Ended
	2023		2022		2021
Net Earnings	$	3,715	$	4,166	$	3,781
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Net of Tax:
Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits	74		(66)		167
Interest Rate Derivatives	—		80		8
Other	2		6		15
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Note 16)	76		20		190
Comprehensive Earnings	$	3,791	$	4,186	$	3,971

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.53

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in Millions)

	December		December
	2023		2022
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1,353	$	1,958
Short-term Investments	83		129
Accounts Receivable - Net (Note 11)	1,393		1,313
Materials and Supplies	446		341
Other Current Assets	109		108
Total Current Assets	3,384		3,849
Properties	50,320		48,105
Accumulated Depreciation	(15,385)		(13,863)
Properties - Net (Note 6)	34,935		34,242
Investment in Affiliates and Other Companies (Note 15)	2,397		2,292
Right of Use Lease Asset (Note 7)	498		505
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Net (Note 18)	506		502
Other Long-term Assets	688		522
Total Assets	$	42,408	$	41,912
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	1,237	$	1,130
Labor and Fringe Benefits Payable	517		707
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)	144		144
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt (Note 10)	558		151
Income and Other Taxes Payable	525		111
Other Current Liabilities	243		228
Total Current Liabilities	3,224		2,471
Casualty, Environmental and Other Reserves (Note 5)	296		292
Long-term Debt (Note 10)	17,975		17,896
Deferred Income Taxes - Net (Note 12)	7,746		7,569
Long-term Lease Liability (Note 7)	491		488
Other Long-term Liabilities	543		571
Total Liabilities	30,275		29,287
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Stock, $1 Par Value (Note 3)	1,959		2,066
Other Capital	691		574
Retained Earnings	9,790		10,363
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Note 16)	(312)		(388)
Non-controlling Minority Interest	5		10
Total Shareholders' Equity	12,133		12,625
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	42,408	$	41,912

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.54

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENTS

(Dollars in Millions)

	Years Ended
	2023		2022		2021
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Earnings	$	3,715	$	4,166	$	3,781
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	1,611		1,500		1,420
Deferred Income Taxes	140		117		167
Gains on Property Dispositions	(34)		(238)		(454)
Other Operating Activities	(5)		(17)		12
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Accounts Receivable	(51)		(101)		(141)
Other Current Assets	(120)		(22)		(25)
Accounts Payable	83		140		128
Income and Other Taxes Payable	431		(39)		72
Other Current Liabilities	(221)		113		139
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	5,549		5,619		5,099
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Property Additions	(2,281)		(2,133)		(1,791)
Purchases of Short-term Investments	(104)		(59)		(75)
Proceeds from Sales of Short-term Investments	153		9		5
Proceeds and Advances from Property Dispositions	52		246		529
Business Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired (Note 17)	(31)		(227)		(541)
Other Investing Activities	(76)		33		(4)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(2,287)		(2,131)		(1,877)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Shares Repurchased	(3,482)		(4,731)		(2,886)
Dividends Paid	(882)		(852)		(839)
Long-term Debt Repaid	(153)		(186)		(426)
Long-term Debt Issued (Note 10)	600		2,000		—
Other Financing Activities	50		—		39
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(3,867)		(3,769)		(4,112)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(605)		(281)		(890)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	1,958		2,239		3,129
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1,353	$	1,958	$	2,239
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Issuance of Common Stock as Consideration for Acquisition	$	—	$	422	$	—
Interest Paid - Net of Amounts Capitalized	$	806	$	729	$	718
Income Taxes Paid	$	630	$	1,167	$	931

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CSX 2023 Form 10-K p.55

CSX CORPORATION

PART II

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES

IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in Millions)

	Common Shares Outstanding (Thousands)	Common Stock and Other Capital		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income(a)		Non- controlling Minority Interest		Total Shareholders' Equity
December 31, 2020	2,287,587	$	2,440	$	11,259	$	(598)	$	9	$	13,110
Comprehensive Earnings:
Net Earnings	—		—	3,781		—		—		3,781
Other Comprehensive Income (Note 16)	—		—	—		190		—		190
Total Comprehensive Earnings										3,971
Common stock dividends,$0.37 per share				(839)						(839)
Share Repurchases	(90,431)		(90)	(2,796)		—		—		(2,886)
Other	4,631		(82)	225		—		1		144
December 31, 2021	2,201,787		2,268	11,630		(408)		10		13,500
Comprehensive Earnings:
Net Earnings	—		—	4,166		—		—		4,166
Other Comprehensive Income (Note 16)	—		—	—		20		—		20
Total Comprehensive Earnings										4,186
Common stock dividends, $0.40 per share	—		—	(852)		—		—		(852)
Share Repurchases	(151,419)		(151)	(4,580)		—		—		(4,731)
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of Pan Am Systems, Inc.	13,173		422	—		—		—		422
Other	2,826