Aluminum Co. of America posted a loss...

Aluminum Co. of America posted a loss of $91.2 million for the second quarter due to special charges. However, Pittsburgh-based Alcoa said its operating profits were the strongest in three years, $95.6 million versus $53.3 million for the year-ago quarter. The special charges included a writedown of $141.8 million due to a reduction of shipping, refining and fabricating assets, and a charge of $23.9 million due to the early retirement of debt. The company said improvements in operating results is consistent with improving conditions in the industry.