Sears, Roebuck & Co.: The Chicago-based retailer...

Sears, Roebuck & Co.: The Chicago-based retailer said its third-quarter earnings fell 16% because of a one-time deferred tax charge at its Allstate insurance division and slumping sales and inventory losses in its retailing unit.

The company’s Dean Witter financial services group remained a bright performer with a 61% gain in income.

Sears reported net income of $150.3 million, or 43 cents a share, for the three months ended Sept. 30, compared to $179.2 million, or 53 cents a share, for the same period a year earlier.

Earnings, D6