Navistar International Corp.’s third-quarter profit rose 53%...

Navistar International Corp.’s third-quarter profit rose 53% from last year to $46.8 million, reflecting the strength of the market for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. However, earnings came below the expectations of several Wall Street analysts. The Chicago-based firm blamed production difficulties at new paint and foundry facilities, increased employee pension and medical benefit costs, and substantial increases in commodity costs, particularly for aluminum and steel.