Corporate scorecard: Nestle & American Express

Nestle's sales below goal

Nestle SA, the world's biggest food company, reported nine-month sales that were below its full-year target rate. Revenue gained 4.4 per cent excluding acquisitions, divestments and currency swings, Nestle said.

American Express profit up

American Express Co reported a third-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates as customer spending climbed. Net income rose 9.3 per cent to $1.37 billion, or $1.25 a share, from $1.25 billion, or $1.09, in the same period a year earlier, the company said on Wednesday. Net revenue rose 5.6 per cent to $8.3 billion.