KCS

Mexico’s stalking railway horse impacting KCS

A railway reform bill that has been approved by the lower house of Mexico’s Congress and that would impose a form of open access has had a major impact on Kansas City Southern’s share price, according to analysts. KCS derives close to 50% of its revenue from its Mexican operation, KCSM; the company’s share price has declined about 15% in recent weeks, despite record revenues in 2013 and an improved operating ratio.

KCS sets record 1Q revenue; earnings beat Street

Kansas City Southern early Friday reported first-quarter revenue of $553 million, up 1% from the comparable quarter in 2012 and a record. Net income was $94 million, or 94 cents per diluted share, up 25% compared with $75 million, or 68 cents per diluted share, in the comparable 2012 quarter, and beating Wall Street consensus estimates by three cents.

Lines on a map do not a merger make

While the railroad world waits for the Canadian Pacific Railway board of directors to name a permanent chief executive to succeed acting CEO Steve Tobias, some railfans are whiling away the hours speculating on the good things that would come from a merger of CP and Kansas City Southern Railway.

To you I say: Do not hold your breath.

Standard & Poor’s upgrades KCS credit rating

Standard & Poor’s on Tuesday upgraded Kansas City Southern’s credit rating to B+ with a positive outlook, one level below an investment grade rating, which would further cut borrowing costs. The upgrade is based on stronger earnings along with lower debt and interest expenses.