US Steel 2Q loss narrows; sees 3Q profit

NEW YORK (AP) - United States Steel Corp. says its second-quarter loss narrowed from a year earlier as sales more than doubled.

It expects to post a third-quarter profit, but the company, based in Pittsburgh, says operating results will fall from the second quarter because of declines in orders from spot market customers.

The company, which makes steel products for use in everything from appliances to cars, said Tuesday it posted a loss of $25 million, or 17 cents per share. That compares with a loss of $392 million, or $2.92 per share, a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, it reported operating income of $198 million.

Sales more than doubled to $4.68 billion.

Results also improved from the first-quarter, on better volume and prices.