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.

Schneider National, CN, KCS improve Mexico Direct

Schneider National’s nonstop, borderless Mexico Direct intermodal service, launched in 2006, now offers a new steel-wheel interchange in Jackson, Miss., with CN and Kansas City Southern. It’s described as “a faster, more efficient option for shippers crossing the border.”

KCS names Selby short line, energy markets VP

Kansas City Southern has promoted Darin P. Selby to Vice President Energy Markets and Short Line Partner Relations, from his previous position as Assistant Vice President.

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.

Commentary

Mad Money’s Jim Cramer: KCS “my new favorite stock”

No need for me to say anything about Kansas City Southern. Jim Cramer, CNBC’s host of “Mad Money,” says it all in this segment on the railroad’s growth in Mexico.

KCS’s Haverty receives Syracuse University Salzberg Medallion

Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management recently presented Kansas City Southern Executive Chairman Mike Haverty with the prestigious Harry E. Salzberg Memorial Program Medallion, which recognizes achievements in supply chain management.

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.

KCS: Record 1Q revenue, operating ratio

Kansas City Southern has reported record first-quarter 2012 revenue of $548 million with carloads up 7% from first-quarter 2011.

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.

Kansas City Southern President and CEO David L. Starling named Railway Age Railroader of the Year

David L. Starling, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kansas City Southern, has been named 2012 Railroader of the Year by railroad industry trade journal Railway Age.