May Department Stores Co.: The St. Louis-based...

May Department Stores Co.: The St. Louis-based retailer said third-quarter profit from continuing operations rose 18% to $97 million. Sales from continuing operations totaled $2.3 billion, up 9% from the same period a year ago. Total net income, however, declined 44% to $74 million. Last year’s results were bolstered by a one-time gain of $29 million from the sale of discontinued operations, and this year’s were weakened by a $23-million charge associated with disposal of discontinued operations.