H&R Block posts 3rd-qtr loss

NEW YORK, March 5 (Reuters) - H&R Block Inc (HRB.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the largest U.S. tax preparer, on Wednesday posted a quarterly loss, due to discontinued operations and staff reduction expenses.

The Kansas City, Missouri-based company reported a $47.4 million loss, or 14 cents per share, for the fiscal third quarter ended Jan. 31. That compared with a loss of $60.3 million, or 18 cents per share, a year earlier.

Excluding results from its former Option One Mortgage Corp unit, Block reported earnings from continuing operations of $25 million, or 8 cents per share.

Revenue from continuing operations rose 4.4 percent to $972.6 million.

(Reporting by Yinka Adegoke)