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New York • American Express Co. said Wednesday its net income climbed about 9 percent in the third quarter, as spending by cardholders increased.
Even so, the New York-based credit card issuer's revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations.
Spending by U.S. holders of American Express cards grew 9 percent during the July-September period. Loan balances rose 5 percent.
Management noted that revenue continues to rise at a steady pace, but is growing below company's long-term target.
All told, American Express reported that net income rose to $1.47 billion, or 1.40 per share, for the three months ended Sept. 30. That compares with net income of $1.35 billion, or $1.25 per share, a year earlier.
The average estimate of analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.38 per share.
Revenue net of interest expense was $8.33 billion, up slightly from $8.3 billion a year earlier. That fell short of Wall Street's forecasts, which called for revenue of $8.37 billion, according to Zacks.
Shares in American Express ended regular trading down $1.81, or 2.2 percent, and declined another 45 cents to $80.48 in late trading.
The stock is down nearly 11 percent since the beginning of the year. By comparison, the Standard & Poor's 500 index has risen nearly 1 percent.