CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) today announced first-quarter net earnings of $398 million, or $0.40 per share, down from $462 million, or $0.45 per share in the same quarter of 2013. For the quarter, revenue grew 2 percent to $3.0 billion on volume increases of 3 percent, with strength in intermodal and merchandise markets more than offsetting declines in coal. However, operating income declined 16 percent to $739 million and the operating ratio increased 520 basis points to 75.5 percent, primarily due to the impact of harsh weather. CSX estimates that weather-related disruptions increased expenses by approximately six cents per share, and impacted revenue contribution by about two to three cents. "The company is indebted to the dedicated men and women of CSX who worked tirelessly through one of the worst winters on record to keep the network running as fluidly as possible," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Thanks to the hard work of our employees, service levels are gradually recovering, and we are capitalizing on an economy that continues to show positive momentum." Looking forward, CSX expects modest full-year earnings growth for 2014 on the strength of broad-based merchandise and intermodal gains and an improving domestic coal environment.  In addition, the company remains confident in its ability to sustain double-digit earnings growth and margin expansion for its shareholders in 2015 and beyond. The company expects to sustain a mid-60s operating ratio longer-term. CSX also announced that its Board of Directors approved a 7 percent increase in the company's quarterly dividend to $0.16 per share, payable on June 13, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 28, 2014. This announcement builds on 11 increases over the past 8 years, representing a 20 percent compound annual growth rate during that time.  It is consistent with CSX's view of the strength of the business and the company's approach to deploying cash within a balanced framework to support long-term value creation through investment, dividends, and share buybacks. CSX executives will conduct a quarterly earnings conference call with the investment community on April 16, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Investors, media and the public may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-EARN-CSX (888-327-6279) and asking for the CSX earnings call. Callers outside the U.S., dial 1-773-756-0199. Participants should dial in 10 minutes prior to the call. In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible and presentation materials will be posted on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com. Following the earnings call, an internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company website. This earnings announcement, as well as additional detailed financial information, is contained in the CSX Quarterly Financial Report available on the company's website at http://investors.csx.com and on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission.