Summary
In 2009, American Express (AXP) faced a challenging economic environment, reporting a 14% decrease in total revenues net of interest expense to $24.5 billion and a 26% decline in income from continuing operations to $2.1 billion. Diluted earnings per share also saw a significant drop. Despite these headwinds, AXP demonstrated resilience, with spending volumes turning positive in Q4 2009, indicating a potential recovery. The company continued to execute its "spend-centric" business model, leveraging its strong brand and closed-loop network as competitive advantages. Strategic organizational changes were implemented in late 2009 to focus on growth opportunities and streamline operations, including the creation of an Enterprise Growth Group and a Global Services Group aimed at cost savings and improved efficiency.
Financial Highlights
42 data points| Revenue | $24.52B |
| Operating Income | $2.84B |
| Interest Expense | $2.21B |
| Net Income | $2.13B |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.54 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.54 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.17B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.17B |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues net of interest expense decreased by 14% to $24.5 billion in 2009 compared to 2008.
- 2Income from continuing operations decreased by 26% to $2.1 billion in 2009.
- 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) based on income from continuing operations fell to $1.54 in 2009, down from $2.47 in 2008.
- 4Return on average equity decreased to 14.6% in 2009 from 22.3% in 2008.
- 5Cardmember spending volumes turned positive in the fourth quarter of 2009, a positive sign after a challenging year.
- 6AXP implemented organizational changes in October 2009, including the formation of an Enterprise Growth Group and a Global Services Group to drive new revenue streams and cost efficiencies.
- 7The company emphasized its "spend-centric" business model and strong brand as key competitive advantages.