Continental Reports $17-Million Loss

Continental Airlines Inc. posted a second-quarter loss of $17 million because of higher fuel costs and increased competition from low-fare carriers.

The net loss was 26 cents a share, compared with net income of $79 million, or $1.10, a year earlier, which included U.S. aid for security costs, Continental said. Sales rose 13% to $2.51 billion.

The Houston-based company’s shares rose 56 cents, or 5.9%, to $10.08 on the NYSE.