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CSX stock split: what it means for traders

CSX has adjusted its share structure several times throughout its history, with stock splits forming a notable part of that pattern. Exploring when these actions occurred, and why, helps place the company’s latest performance and outlook in context.
By Dan Mitchell
Containers
Photo: Shutterstock

CSX Corporation (CSX) is one of the largest freight rail operators in the US, with a long history of corporate actions designed to support liquidity and accessibility in its shares. Stock splits have been part of that approach, often coinciding with extended periods of share-price strength. As of early December 2025, CSX continues to trade in the mid-$30s, near its one-year high, with no announced plans for another split in 2026.

This article outlines what stock splits are, the details of CSX’s past actions, the company’s recent financial results and the operational developments shaping its near-term outlook.

CSX (CSX) live share price

As of 8 December 2025, CSX shares trade around the mid-$36 level, close to its 52-week high just above $37. This places the company near the upper end of its recent trading range and reflects steady investor interest in a major US freight operator.

Prices can vary across trading venues and during the course of the day. For the latest figures and chart data, you’ll need a live market feed or a trading platform.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

What is a stock split?

A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of a company’s outstanding shares while reducing the share price proportionally. The company’s overall market value remains the same at the point the split takes effect, and shareholders’ economic exposure does not change.

For example, in a 3-for-1 split, each investor receives three shares for every one they previously owned. Although the total share count increases, the price adjusts so that the value of the holding is unchanged. Companies may use stock splits to support liquidity, bring the share price in line with peers or make the stock appear more accessible to a wider range of market participants.

CSX’s 3-for-1 stock split (2021)

CSX most recently completed a stock split in June 2021, when its board approved a 3-for-1 action. Shareholders of record received two additional shares for each one held. The stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis shortly afterwards.

This split underpins the share-price and volume data used by most providers today. It continued CSX’s longer pattern of adjusting its share structure during phases of sustained price appreciation.

Why did CSX conduct a share split?

When announcing the 2021 split, CSX explained that the decision aimed to make the stock more affordable and widen participation among retail investors and employees. Adjusting the share price also supported liquidity by placing the stock within a range commonly associated with higher-volume trading in the US.

Like other capital-intensive industrial operators, CSX uses share splits selectively. Although a split does not change the company’s underlying fundamentals, it can help align the stock with the board’s objectives for market accessibility and engagement.

Will CSX split again in 2026?

As of 8 December 2025, CSX has not announced any plans for another stock split in 2026. Regulatory filings and investor-relations materials do not reference any upcoming corporate actions of this type.

Whether the board chooses to pursue another split in future will depend on factors such as share-price performance, overall market conditions and broader capital-markets strategy. Any decision would normally be disclosed through an official press release.

CSX stock split history

CSX has conducted several splits over the past few decades, typically during extended periods of valuation growth. The most widely cited splits include:

Date Split ratio Description
29 June 2021 3-for-1 CSX issued two additional shares for each one held, aiming to make the share price more accessible and support liquidity.
16 June 2011 3-for-1 The company increased its share count through a 3-for-1 adjustment, continuing its practice of keeping the stock within a widely traded price range.
16 August 2006 2-for-1 A 2-for-1 split doubled the number of outstanding shares, reflecting CSX’s approach to maintaining a manageable share price during periods of appreciation.
22 December 1995 2-for-1 CSX completed a 2-for-1 split as part of earlier efforts to broaden share accessibility and adjust the stock’s trading range.

Aggregated market data sources commonly reference five historical splits in total, with the four above forming the core of the company’s contemporary pricing record.

Latest earnings: CSX 2025 results

CSX’s latest results, covering Q3 2025, show stable profitability despite mixed conditions across freight categories.

CSX continues to pay quarterly dividends, with the forward yield sitting in the low- to mid-1% range based on late-2025 prices. The company’s approach to dividends reflects a long-standing capital-allocation framework focused on consistency and balance.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Outlook and upcoming developments (do not include analyst commentary)

CSX’s near-term outlook is shaped more by operational initiatives than by corporate actions such as stock splits. In 2025, management emphasised several projects intended to improve long-term capacity and efficiency.

Key developments include:

  • Network modernisation: Continued upgrades to key rail corridors to support more reliable service and long-term volume growth.
  • Howard Street Tunnel clearance programme: A multi-year construction effort designed to enable double-stack intermodal shipping through a critical freight route, with completion targeted around 2026.
  • Intermodal expansion: Enhancements to terminal capacity to accommodate growing container flows in regions undergoing industrial development.
  • Coal-market headwinds: Ongoing adjustments to fluctuating coal demand, balanced by opportunities across merchandise and intermodal freight.

Management has continued to reference core priorities: improving service reliability, supporting volume growth over time and using infrastructure investment to unlock operational gains as conditions allow. Capital allocation remains focused on dividends, disciplined investment and periodic share repurchases, with no stated plans to pursue a stock split in 2026.

Summary

  • CSX last completed a 3-for-1 stock split in 2021 and has not announced another for 2026.
  • As of 8 December 2025, CSX trades in the mid-$36 range, close to its 52-week high.
  • Q3 2025 results show consistent profitability supported by operational efficiency.
  • Outlook themes include network upgrades, intermodal growth and ongoing responses to coal-market softness.
  • Stock splits remain a potential tool for the future, but they’re not part of current company guidance.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

FAQ

When did CSX stock split?

CSX most recently carried out a 3-for-1 stock split in 2021. Earlier splits took place in 1995, 2006 and 2011, along with an additional split recorded in the 1980s. The 2021 action is the most relevant for today’s split-adjusted price history and share count.

When did the CSX stock split take effect?

The 2021 split took effect at the end of June 2021. New shares were distributed after the market closed on 28 June, and CSX began trading on a split-adjusted basis before markets opened on 29 June.

Did CSX have a stock split before?

Yes. In addition to the 2021 split, CSX has conducted several stock splits throughout its modern trading history. These include 2-for-1 splits in 1995 and 2006, and another 3-for-1 split in 2011, following earlier actions in the 1980s.

How many times has CSX stock split?

Historical data sets list five stock splits for CSX. These include one split in the 1980s, 2-for-1 splits in 1995 and 2006, and 3-for-1 splits in 2011 and 2021. The 2021 split shapes the current adjusted pricing and share-count data.

How much was CSX stock after the split?

Around the time of the 2021 split, CSX traded at roughly $94.68 before adjustment and about $31.56 once the 3-for-1 ratio was applied. Since then, the stock has traded on a split-adjusted basis, reaching the mid-$36 range as of 8 December 2025. Prices fluctuate and can change throughout the trading day.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Why did CSX split its stock?

CSX stated that the 2021 split was intended to make its shares more accessible to a broader group of investors and employees. By lowering the price per share while keeping the company’s market value unchanged, the split helped support liquidity and kept the share price within a range familiar to many retail market participants.

Will CSX split again?

As of 8 December 2025, CSX has not announced plans for another stock split. Any future decision would depend on the board’s assessment of share-price levels, market conditions and capital-markets strategy. If a new split were approved, the company would communicate it through official investor-relations channels.

What was the most recent CSX stock split date?

The most recent split took place on 29 June 2021. Shareholders of record on 18 June received two additional shares for each share held as part of the 3-for-1 adjustment.

Can you trade CSX via CFDs on Capital.com?

You can trade CSX share CFDs on Capital.com. CFDs let you speculate on short-term price movements without owning the underlying shares. You can go long or short, depending on your outlook. Contracts for difference (CFDs) are traded on margin – leverage amplifies both profits and losses. Understand how CFDs work and how to use risk-management tools such as take-profit and stop-loss orders before opening a position. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future results.*

*Standard stop-loss orders are not guaranteed. Guaranteed stop-loss orders incur a fee if activated.

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