Continental posts $237 million 3rd quarter profit

Continental posts $237 million 3rd quarter profit    Houston-based Continental Airlines posted a net income of $237 million in the third quarter, which includes a $92 million gain on the sale of a portion of the company’s investment in Copa Airlines.
   The airline’s net income for the same quarter 2005 was $61 million.
   Continental’s operating income in the latest quarter jumped 76.1 percent to $192 million, from $109 million in the comparable year earlier period. Revenue was up 17.2 percent to $3.5 billion from $3 billion. Revenue from cargo improved 14.7 percent to $117 million from $102 million.
   After nine months, Continental reported a net income of $370 million, compared to a net deficit of $25 million after the first nine months of 2005. Operating income after three quarters was $448 million, compared to $55 million last year. Revenue was up 19.2 to $9.97 billion with cargo revenue increasing 12.8 percent to $336 million.