Susquehanna analyst Bascome Majors upgraded CSX (CSX) to Positive from Neutral with a price target of $87, up from $74. The analyst remains constructive on the rails, saying 2019's cost cutting "passes the baton" to a broader-based volume recovery by Q4 of 2020. This should drive stocks in the space higher "ahead of a brighter 2021," Majors tells investors in a research note. The analyst calls CSX his top value pick, and he remains a buyer of both Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Union Pacific (UNP).

Ancora Holdings Group, which owns a large equity stake in Norfolk Southern Corporation, announced that its seven candidates for election to the company's 13-member Board of Directors have received support from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The BLET Teamsters represent locomotive engineers, conductors, brakemen, firemen, switchmen, hostlers and other train service employees at Norfolk Southern. The BLET Teamsters is the second major labor union in as many days to support the Shareholder Slate and its management team, following the announcement of support from the BMWED Teamsters on April 25th. Regarding the BLET Teamsters' decision, proposed CEO Jim Barber stated: "It's a privilege to receive support from the BLET Teamsters, who believe in our plan to improve performance, safety and employee relations at Norfolk Southern. Jamie Boychuk and I had an extremely productive conversation with the Brotherhood about the issues the railroad faces today under current management. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the BLET Teamsters to build a more efficient, safer and sustainable railroad."

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that it has determined a change in leadership at Norfolk Southern Corporation is necessary. Tony Cardwell, President of BMWED-IBT, commented: "The BMWED-IBT, after more than a year of non-committal hedging on reasonable, needed changes and untenable shakiness in management at Norfolk Southern, has determined that a change in leadership is needed for the freight rail carrier and its employees. Following yesterday's earnings call and a reasonably constructive meeting with a potential new leadership team, our Brotherhood has determined that a change at the top would be the best course of action for BMWED-IBT members. For many months since East Palestine, the BMWED has not been able to get assurances from the current leadership to implement needed policy and procedural changes to prevent such tragedies from reoccurring. At this juncture, seeing no path forward, we see no reason to support the current administration at Norfolk Southern."

Reports Q1 revenue $6.03B, consensus $5.98B. "Our team delivered strong financial results in the first quarter as we navigated a challenging freight market and normal winter conditions," said Jim Vena, Union Pacific CEO. "These results build on the momentum we established as we exited 2023 and provide further proof of what's possible as we strive to be the best in safety, service, and operational excellence. This is a great start to the year, but we understand there's work to be done to achieve our goals and meet our stakeholders' expectations."

UBS analyst Thomas Wadewitz lowered the firm's price target on Norfolk Southern to $294 from $302 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. Norfolk Southern's Q1 was in like with the pre-report, reflecting weak revenue and margin pressure, the analyst tells investors in a research note.