Earnings roundup: Sears, Beazer, Staples

Among the earnings stories for Tuesday, Dec. 2, from AP Financial News:

Top stories:

CHICAGO (AP) _ Hefty charges and poor results at its U.S. stores led Sears Holdings Corp. to post a bigger-than-expected loss for the third quarter on Tuesday, and the retailer withdrew its operating profit outlook because of the nation's recession.

ATLANTA (AP) _ Homebuilder Beazer Homes USA Inc. said Tuesday its fiscal fourth-quarter loss more than tripled as revenue plunged and its income tax provision ballooned.

CHICAGO (AP) _ Staples Inc., the world's largest office supplier, said Tuesday that its third-quarter profit sank 43 percent because of charges from restructuring and the acquisition of European rival Corporate Express.

Other stories:

ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. said Tuesday its fiscal second-quarter loss narrowed on fewer charges and that it is suspending expansion work on its Biloxi, Miss. resort until economic conditions steadily improve.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ America's Car-Mart Inc said Tuesday its profit rose 12 percent in its fiscal second quarter, as more credit-strapped customers moved into the used-car market.