Pacer’s 2nd quarter profit up 215%

Pacer’s 2nd quarter profit up 215%    Concord, Calif.-based third-party logistics and freight transportation provider Pacer International Inc.’s second quarter net income soared 215 percent to $14.5 million, compared to $4.6 million in the same period last year.
   Operating income in the latest quarter rose 157 percent to $25.2 million, from $9.8 million a year earlier. Consolidated revenue lifted just 0.8 percent to $458.2 million.
   “The second quarter of 2006 was a strong quarter for Pacer with both operating segments showing improvement in operating income over last year,” said Don Orris, Pacer’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our retail segment showed solid quarter-over-quarter growth in operating income that we feel will continue in the future. And while that segment recorded reduced rail incentives, it succeeded in driving increased volumes to our Stacktrain unit. Our wholesale segment continues to be a strong growth engine for the company.”
   After six months, Pacer’s net income rose 78.6 percent to $28.4 million, from $15.9 million in the first half last year. Operating income improved 60.5 percent to $49.6 million, while consolidated revenue was up 1.4 percent to $972.2 million.