CareLine Inc.: The Santa Ana ambulance service...

CareLine Inc.: The Santa Ana ambulance service company, which plans to merge with Toronto-based Laidlaw Inc., reported a loss of $2.2 million, or 14 cents a share, for the second quarter, compared with earnings of $962,000, or 7 cents a share, in the same period last year. CareLine’s revenue for the recent quarter rose 113.5% to $56 million from $26.2 million last year.

The company blamed the recent loss on several factors, including an increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts, and charges associated with terminated projects. The company said Laidlaw was aware of the results for the recent quarter when it struck its merger agreement with CareLine.

The company lost $652,000, or 4 cents a share, in the first half, compared with net income of $1.8 million, or 13 cents a share, for the same period last year. Six-month revenue was up 143% to $111.9 million from $46.1 million last year.