KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)--Regional railroad operator Kansas City Southern says its third-quarter profits fell 47 percent as the economy continued to cut shipping volume.

The company on Thursday reported earning $25.8 million, or 27 cents per share, during the three-month period. By comparison, it earned $48.9 million, or 52 cents per share, during the same period a year ago.

Revenue during the quarter declined 21 percent to $386 million.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 24 cents per share on $392.5 million in revenue.

Kansas City Southern said total carloads decreased 9 percent during the quarter.