Saks Q3 profit plummets, but beats Street

New York City -- Saks Inc. reported Tuesday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 slid to $17.8 million from $36.3 million a year earlier, still beating Wall Street expectations. Last year’s results were boosted by a large tax reserve-related gain. Revenue rose 5% to $692.3 million from $658.8 million, surpassing analysts’ predictions of $690.6 million. Results were boosted by more full-price selling and fewer promotions.