By Pietro Lombardi

Credit Agricole SA's net profit fell less than expected in the third quarter despite the impact of provisions for potential credit losses.

Net profit for the period fell roughly 19% on year to 977 million euros ($1.15 billion), beating analysts' expectations of EUR747 million, according to a consensus provided by FactSet.

Revenue was up 2.4% to EUR5.15 billion, the French bank said Wednesday.

Credit Agricole set aside EUR605 million for potential loan losses, almost 81% more than a year earlier but less than it stowed away in the second quarter.

Like some of its European peers, the bank's market operations had a positive quarter, with fixed-income up almost 27%.

The bank's core Tier 1 ratio--a key measure of capital strength--rose to 12.4% at the end of September from 12% in June.

Write to Pietro Lombardi at pietro.lombardi@dowjones.com; @pietrolombard10

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-04-20 0120ET