Waste Industries USA reports a fourth-quarter net income gain of 36 percent.

Preliminary financial results showed Raleigh, N.C.-based Waste Industries USA experienced a fourth-quarter net income of $5.4 million, up from $4 million in 2005. Total revenue increased 1.9 percent to $81.1 million from $79.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.

For the year, net income increased 58.2 percent to $19.3 million from $12.2 million, and revenues increased 7.4 percent to $327.5 million from $305 million.

Company President and CEO Jim W. Perry said in a press release that he believes the company’s network of markets in six southeastern states is well-positioned to benefit from projected population and economic growth in 2007.