CSX second-quarter net income up 39%

CSX second-quarter net income up 39%    Jacksonville-based CSX Corp. Wednesday reported second-quarter net income of $165 million, up 39 percent from $119 million for the same period in 2004.
   CSX’s operating income for surface transportation in the second quarter was $422 million, up 50 percent compared to the $280 million posted in the prior-year quarter. On a consolidated basis, operating revenue was up 8 percent to $2.2 billion from $2 billion.
   CSX said the increase in revenue was helped by increases in coal revenues (22 percent) and merchandise revenues (up 7 percent.)
   “This was our sixth consecutive quarter of core earnings growth,” said Michael J. Ward, CSX chairman and chief executive officer. “In the foreseeable future, we expect a continuation of favorable economic conditions, industry growth and a strong pricing environment.”