Sears' flagship store on State Street in Chicago. (PRNewsFoto/Sears Holdings Corporation)

Sears Holdings Corp. projected fourth-quarter earnings that topped analysts’ expectations because of a lower tax rate, sending shares of the retailer higher.

However, the company also reported its domestic same-store sales declined during December due to continued weakness at its U.S. Sears stores, particularly in consumer electronics.

The retailer has struggled as it continues losing business to rivals and worries remain that consumers are keeping a tight grip on their wallets amid economic uncertainty and high unemployment. Get the full story »