10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 14, 2002For Securities:AXP

Summary

American Express Company (AXP) reported a 15% increase in net income for the first quarter of 2002 compared to the same period in 2001, reaching $618 million or $0.46 per diluted share. This growth was driven by a combination of factors, including improved net revenues on a managed basis and effective expense management, though GAAP net revenues saw a more modest increase. The company benefited from higher cardmember lending spreads and balances, as well as increased revenues from its financial advisory arm. Notably, the adoption of SFAS No. 142 eliminated goodwill amortization, which positively impacted reported earnings compared to the prior year. Despite the overall positive trend in net income, Travel Related Services (TRS) experienced a slight decline in net income, primarily due to weaker discount revenue and travel commissions, reflecting ongoing economic challenges, particularly in the corporate travel sector. However, TRS saw significant growth in net finance charge revenue due to increased lending balances and improved yields. American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA) showed a substantial reported net income increase, largely due to the absence of significant losses incurred in the prior year from high-yield securities. Management expects over $1 billion in reengineering benefits for the full year 2002, with a portion to be reinvested for future growth.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 15% to $618 million in Q1 2002 compared to Q1 2001.
  • 2Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.46 in Q1 2002 from $0.40 in Q1 2001.
  • 3Consolidated net revenues on a managed basis increased by 3%, driven by cardmember lending and financial advisory services.
  • 4Travel Related Services (TRS) saw a slight decrease in net income, impacted by lower discount revenue and travel commissions, but experienced strong growth in net finance charge revenue.
  • 5American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA) reported a significant net income increase, benefiting from the absence of prior-year high-yield security losses.
  • 6The company adopted SFAS No. 142, eliminating goodwill amortization, which favorably impacted comparability with the prior year.
  • 7Management anticipates over $1 billion in reengineering benefits for the full year 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the 15% increase in net income were improved net revenues on a managed basis, particularly from cardmember lending and American Express Financial Advisors (AEFA), alongside effective expense management. The adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization, also made the year-over-year comparison more favorable.

TRS experienced a slight decrease in net income. While net revenues on a managed basis were relatively flat, lower discount revenue and travel commissions reflected economic weakness. However, net finance charge revenue grew significantly due to increased lending balances and better yields.

Effective January 1, 2002, American Express adopted SFAS No. 142. This standard requires that goodwill no longer be amortized but instead be tested annually for impairment. For the first quarter of 2002, this resulted in the elimination of goodwill amortization expense, which would have been $25 million (after-tax) in Q1 2001, positively impacting reported earnings and EPS compared to the prior year.

American Express expects to realize over $1 billion in reengineering-related benefits for the full year 2002, including approximately $605 million from restructuring plans initiated in the second half of 2001. A portion of these benefits will improve operating margins, while the remainder is planned to be reinvested in growth opportunities.