Kansas City Southern posts record Q3 results

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief
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Kansas City Southern reports Q4 2020 and Full-Year 2020 earnings results.
David C. Lester

Third Quarter 2019 Results

  • Record revenues of $747.7 million, an increase of 7% from prior year on flat volumes
  • Operating income of $282.0 million. Record adjusted operating income of $294.0 million up 15% overprior year, excluding restructuring charges related to Precision Scheduled Railroading (“PSR”)initiatives and a gain on insurance recoveries related to hurricane damage a year ago
  • Reported operating ratio of 62.3%. Adjusted operating ratio of 60.7%, compared to 63.4% in the prioryear
  • Reported diluted earnings per share of $1.81. Record adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.94, 24% higher than a year ago

Kansas City Southern reported record revenues of $747.7 million, an increase of 7% from third quarter 2018. Overall, carload volumes were flat compared to prior year.

Revenue growth for the third quarter of 2019 was led by a 21% increase in Chemicals and Petroleum due primarily to increased refined fuel products and liquid petroleum gas shipments to Mexico. Agriculture and Minerals revenues grew 15%, driven primarily by improved cycle times. Industrial and Consumer Products and Intermodal revenues also increased by 2% and 1%, respectively. These increases were partially offset by revenue declines in the remaining two commodity groups. Energy revenues declined by 11%, as increased Utility Coal shipments were more than offset by declines in Frac Sand and Crude Oil; Automotive revenues declined by 2%.

In the third quarter of 2019, reported operating expenses were $465.7 million. Excluding restructuring charges related to PSR initiatives and a gain on insurance recoveries related to hurricane damage a year ago, adjusted operating expenses were $453.7 million, 2% higher than 2018. Adjusted operating income was $294.0 million, 15% higher than a year ago. KCS reported an adjusted third quarter operating ratio of 60.7%, a 2.70 point improvement over third quarter 2018.

Reported net income in the third quarter of 2019 was $180.6 million, or $1.81 per diluted share, compared with $174.0 million, or $1.70 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2018. As presented in the following reconciliations, adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.94, 24% higher than a year ago.

“Kansas City Southern posted all-time record financial results in the third quarter 2019, including adjusted operating income growth of 15% and an adjusted operating ratio of 60.7%” stated President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick J. Ottensmeyer. “These results are a testament to our employees’ hard work, and dedication to improving operational performance and customer service.

“We are very pleased with our progress towards implementing PSR principles. Notwithstanding this exceptional performance, we expect to continue optimizing our cost profile while delivering superior customer service and shareholder value.”

A Kansas City Southern news release.  kcsouthern.com.

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