KCS sees revenue increase

   Kansas City Southern ended the second quarter with revenues of $579 million, a 6 percent increase from the same period in 2012, propped up on a 3 percent uptick in carloads.
   Operating income for the railroad increased 12 percent, and the operating ratio rose 1.5 points.
   By sector, energy revenues increased by 26 percent and automotive rose by 20 percent. Intermodal revenues were up 13 percent, and chemicals and industrial revenues increased 11 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Due to the drought in the Midwest, agricultural revenues declined 18 percent.
   “In addition to the company’s solid topline performance during the second quarter, KCS took advantage of its recent upgrade to investment grade status and a historically low interest rate environment to refinance approximately $1.2 billion of corporate debt,” KCS David Starling said in a statement, adding that this gives the company enhanced financial flexibility in the future. – Jon Ross