KCS Reports Record Revenues for 1Q20

[Bob]

Kansas City Southern (KCS) reported record revenues of $731.7 million, an increase of 8% from first quarter 2019. Overall, carload volumes were up 4% compared to prior year.

The first-quarter revenues were primarily led by an 18% increase in Chemicals and Petroleum due primarily to increased refined fuel products and liquid petroleum gas shipments to Mexico. Intermodal revenues grew 11%, driven primarily by strong cross-border shipments. Agriculture and Minerals and Industrial and Consumer Products revenues also increased by 9% and 6%, respectively. These increases were partially offset by revenue declines in the remaining two commodity groups. Energy revenues declined by 13%, as increased Crude Oil shipments were more than offset by declines in Utility Coal and Frac Sand; Automotive revenues declined by 6%.

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KCS Reports Record Revenues for 1Q20 - Railway Age

Kansas City Southern (KCS) reported record revenues of $731.7 million, an increase of 8% from first quarter 2019. Overall, carload volumes were up 4% compared to prior year.

www.railwayage.com

 

[Sirfoldalot]

That's pretty impressive. I remember when the KCS did not have 2 nickels to rub together.

 

[Bob]

That's pretty impressive. I remember when the KCS did not have 2 nickels to rub together.

Indeed, they're doing really well and just keep getting better. I don't recall all of the details, but I think a lot of the growth has to do with improving connections to Mexico and snagging a lot of that traffic. Along with general improvements to the railroad and rolling stock.

Let's hope things improve soon so they can keep up the good work.

 

[Sirfoldalot]

On Another Note, My first wife and I rode the "Southern Belle" from K.C. to Shreveport about a month before the passenger service was dropped. It was the only "long distance" train ride I was able to make prior to Amtrak. Driving was MUCH faster!

 

[Bob]

The first-quarter revenues were primarily led by an 18% increase in Chemicals and Petroleum due primarily to increased refined fuel products and liquid petroleum gas shipments to Mexico.

Well, bet that's not going to look quite so good this quarter. Ouch.

 

[Burlington Bob]

I think the KCS has the best paint job of ANY current road, bar none!

 

[Bob]

On Another Note, My first wife and I rode the "Southern Belle" from K.C. to Shreveport about a month before the passenger service was dropped. It was the only "long distance" train ride I was able to make prior to Amtrak. Driving was MUCH faster!

LOL, but at least you can say you experienced it. I did manage to ride the Pennsylvania Railroad as a kid. It was just a commuter train, but it counts. The family story goes that my great grandfather took me into the station in Pittsburgh, I didn't want to get on. When we got home an hour or so later, I didn't want to get off! (Been that way ever since.)

Another kid story, when I was young, I rode on Allegheny Airways (Or, as we called them "Allegheny SCAREways" as those old planes of theirs were sketchy, and crashed once in a while). I recall being very upset that we were on prop planes, rather than a jet. As a result, I ended up flying on some Fairchild F27's and Convair 580's, cool old prop planes that I'm now glad I got a chance to ride.