TravelCenters Reports Third-Quarter Profit

Truck stop chain TravelCenters of America Monday reported a third-quarter profit, compared with a loss a year ago, citing an improved margin in fuel price per gallon.

Net income was $4.5 million, or 26 cents a share, compared with a loss of $12.24 million, or 73 cents, a year ago.

Revenue rose to $1.51 billion from $1.21 billion a year ago, TA said in a statement. Same-site fuel sales rose 5.6% from a year ago.

“The fuel margin per gallon TA achieved in the 2010 third quarter was a key factor” in the improved results, the company said.

Nonfuel sales for the rose “largely due to an increased number of customers in TA’s travel centers as a result of increased trucking activity,” it said.