Kansas CitySouthern KSU second-quarter 2017 earnings of $1.33 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.26 per share. The bottom line expanded 9.02% on a year-over-year basis. Results were aided by higher revenues.The company reported revenues of $656.4 million, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $620.6 million. Revenues improved 15.46% on a year-over-year basis. The results were aided by a 6% rise in overall carload volumes.In the quarter, operating income increased 9% to $239 million. Kansas City Southern reported operating ratio of 63.5%, reflecting a deterioration of 220 basis points on a year-over-year basis.Kansas City Southern Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Kansas City Southern Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Kansas City Southern QuoteSegment ResultsThe Chemical & Petroleum segment generated revenues of $138.8 million, up 13% year over year. Volumes improved 6% year over year. Revenues per carload also improved 7% from the prior-year quarter.The Industrial & Consumer Products segment generated revenues of $148.6 million, up 9% year over year. While business volumes increased 4%, revenues per carload climbed 5% year over year.The Agriculture & Minerals segment revenues totaled $123.4 million, up 7% year over year. While business volumes declined 3%, revenues per carload were up 10%, both on a year-over-year basis.The Energy segment generated revenues of $70.5 million, up 90% year over year. Impressive performance of Utility Coal boosted the segment’s results. Business volumes improved 41% year over year, while revenues per carload rose 35%.Intermodal revenues were $90.6 million, down 1% year over year. While business volumes slipped 1%, revenues per carload improved 1% in the reported quarter.The Automotive segment accounted for $57.5 million of the total revenue, up 29% year over year. While business volumes improved 23%, revenues per carload increased 4%.Other revenues totaled $27 million, up 24% year over year.Upcoming ReleasesInvestors interested in the railroad space also keenly await second-quarter earnings reports from key players like Canadian National Railway Company CNI, Norfolk Southern Corp. NSC and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. GWR in the coming days. While Canadian National and Norfolk Southern are scheduled to report on Jul 25 and Jul 26, respectively, Genesee & Wyoming will report on Aug 1.Zacks RankCurrently, Kansas City Southern holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Will You Make a Fortune on the Shift to Electric Cars?Here's another stock idea to consider. Much like petroleum 150 years ago, lithium power may soon shake the world, creating millionaires and reshaping geo-politics. Soon electric vehicles (EVs) may be cheaper than gas guzzlers. Some are already reaching 265 miles on a single charge.With battery prices plummeting and charging stations set to multiply, one company stands out as the #1 stock to buy according to Zacks research.It's not the one you think.See This Ticker Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Kansas City Southern (KSU): Free Stock Analysis Report Canadian National Railway Company (CNI): Free Stock Analysis Report Norfolk Souther Corporation (NSC): Free Stock Analysis Report Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. (GWR): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research