Kansas City Southern posts $35.7 million profit in 4th quarter

Kansas City Southern posts $35.7 million profit in 4th quarter Kansas City Southern said Tuesday that its fourth quarter profit surged, led by price increases and volume growth, especially for coal.
   The railroad's net income available to common shareholders in the quarter was $35.7 million, compared with $2.3 million during the same period a year ago. Operating income for the fourth quarter was a record $88.2 million, up 85 percent over $47.7 million last year.
   Revenue for the quarter rose 14 percent to $442.4 million, with all of KCS's business units recording strong gains except automotive, 'reflecting a continued sluggish North American automobile market.'
   For the full year, KCS's net income dropped 2.2 percent to $89.4 million, compared with $91.4 million in 2005. Operating income soared 388 percent to $304.3 million, from $62.3 million. Annual revenue increased 23 percent to $1.66 billion to $1.35 billion.