Continental Airlines today reported 2006 net income of $343 million ($3.30 diluted earnings per share), a substantial improvement over the 2005 net loss of $68 million. 2006 net income includes a $92 million gain on the sale of a portion of the company's investment in Copa Airlines and a net charge from other special items of $53 million. Excluding special items, Continental's net income for the full year was $304 million ($2.95 diluted earnings per share), a substantial improvement over the 2005 net loss of $205 million excluding special items.
In spite of fuel price increases costing over $510 million year-over-year, 2006 net income improved on strong revenue growth, which was up 17.1 percent year-over-year, and continued cost reduction initiatives.
In spite of fuel price increases costing over $510 million year-over-year, 2006 net income improved on strong revenue growth, which was up 17.1 percent year-over-year, and continued cost reduction initiatives.