10-KPeriod: FY2017

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2017

Filed February 16, 2018For Securities:AXP

Summary

American Express Company's (AXP) 2017 10-K filing, covering the period ending December 30, 2017, reveals a company navigating a dynamic financial landscape. The report details the company's core business operations, including its credit card services, network services, and merchant services, highlighting competitive dynamics and the stringent regulatory environment in which it operates. Investors should note the emphasis on the company's strategies for growth and risk management, particularly in light of evolving consumer behaviors and macroeconomic conditions. The filing provides a comprehensive overview of AXP's financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) offers crucial insights into the drivers of financial performance, segment-specific results, and the company's capital resources. Investors will find detailed information on risk factors, legal proceedings, and corporate governance, all of which are essential for a thorough understanding of the company's operational health and future prospects.

Financial Highlights

42 data points
Beta

Revenue

$24.78B

Net Income

$2.75B

11.1% Net Margin

Total Assets

$181.00B

Cash & Equivalents

$33.26B

Free Cash Flow

$12.48B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$24.78B
Operating Income$2.74B
Interest Expense$2.11B
Net Income$2.75B
Shares Outstanding (Basic)883.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)886.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1The 10-K filing covers the business operations of American Express, including its credit card, network, and merchant services, in a competitive and regulated industry.
  • 2Key sections include Risk Factors, detailing potential challenges and uncertainties facing the company.
  • 3Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides in-depth insights into the company's financial performance, strategy, and results of operations for 2017.
  • 4Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity sections offer information on AXP's financial stability and ability to meet its obligations.
  • 5The report details risk management strategies and critical accounting estimates used by the company.
  • 6Information on market risk disclosures (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures) is provided, essential for understanding exposure to market fluctuations.
  • 7The filing includes comprehensive financial statements, management's report on internal controls, and the independent auditor's report.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the filing doesn't detail specific segment financial performance within the provided table of contents, American Express's core businesses typically include Card Services (issuing cards and providing services to card members), Global Commercial Services (serving businesses of all sizes), and Network Services (operating the American Express network for transactions made on its cards by other issuers).

The 'Risk Factors' section (Item 1A) typically outlines potential risks such as competition, economic conditions, regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, credit risk, and operational risks that could materially affect the company's business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Detailed financial information, including consolidated results of operations, segment results, capital resources, liquidity, and critical accounting estimates, can be found in 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' (Item 7) and the 'Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data' (Item 8).

This section (part of Item 1, Business) is crucial for investors as it describes the regulatory framework under which American Express operates. Changes in regulations or compliance issues can significantly impact the company's business model, costs, and profitability.