BUZZ - Equifax shares rise after third-quarter profits exceed expectations

October 20 - ** Credit reporting company Equifax (EFX.N) shares rose 5% in pre-market trading, reaching $166.5

** If the pre-market gains are sustained, the stock will open at its highest price in over a month

** The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.26 for the third quarter, beating analysts' expectations of $2.20

** Third quarter revenue was $1.69 billion, in line with analysts' estimates, up 10% year-on-year

** Peers: Fair Isaac FICO.N rose 1.1%, TransUnion TRU.N rose 1.6%

** Currently, the average analyst rating for the stock is "Buy", with 18 "Strong Buy" or "Buy" ratings and 8 "Hold" ratings; median target price is $193 — LSEG data

** As of the previous trading day's close, the stock had fallen a total of 26.92% for the year

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