Wal-Mart's 3Q profit up 9 pct

WAL-MART'S THIRD QUARTER: Wal-Mart reported a 9 percent increase in third-quarter net income, but its revenue came in short of analysts' estimates.

BEHIND THE FIGURES: The company's U.S. business began rebounding late last year after grappling with a slump for more than a year. But its sales momentum has slowed amid an uncertain global economy.

THE FORECAST: For the fourth quarter, it forecasts earnings between $1.53 per share and $1.58 per share. Analysts had expected $1.59 per share.