Taking it higher; Penney's, Kohl's, Nordstrom post better gains

Mid-price department store powerhouses J.C. Penney Co. and Kohl'sCorp. turned in solid profits that beat analysts' expectations, evenas their middle-class consumers struggle with high gasoline pricesand a weak housing market.

Kohl's said earnings jumped 15.9 percent to $269.2 million, or 83cents per share, and officials said the back-to-school season wasoff to a good start. Analysts had expected 82 cents per share.

Total sales rose 8.7 percent, to $3.60 billion. Same-store salesrose just 1.3 percent at Kohl's, based in Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Penney's profit edged up nearly 2 percent to $182 million, or 81cents per share in the quarter ended Aug. 4. Earnings …