Kansas City Southern’s 4Q Profit Grows

Kansas City Southern said it earned $51.8 million, or 50 cents a share, in its fourth quarter, compared with $32.3 million, or 34 cents, the previous year.

The railroad’s revenue increased 17.6% to $478.6 million from $406.8 million a year ago, it said Thursday.

Volumes increased 24%. Revenue grew in all commodity groups, led by a 41% gain in automotive.

Profit in 2010 jumped to $169.2 million, or $1.67 per share, from $56.1 million, or 60 cents, in 2009. Revenue gained 22.6% over the previous year to $1.8 billion, from $1.5 billion.