10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2011

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2011

Filed November 2, 2011For Securities:AXP

Summary

American Express reported its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 29, 2011. The company demonstrated resilience in a challenging economic environment, with key performance indicators showing steady progress. Investors should note the company's focus on maintaining strong credit quality and managing expenses effectively. The filing provides detailed insights into revenue streams, operating segments, and the company's financial condition, offering a comprehensive view of its performance and strategic direction.

Financial Statements
Beta
Operating Income$1.24B
Interest Expense$575.00M
Net Income$1.24B
EPS (Basic)$1.04
EPS (Diluted)$1.03
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.18B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.18B

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated Statements of Income show performance for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, compared to prior periods, providing insight into revenue and profit trends.
  • 2Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2011, and December 31, 2010, offer a snapshot of the company's assets, liabilities, and equity.
  • 3Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, detail the company's cash generation and usage from operating, investing, and financing activities.
  • 4Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provide crucial details on various aspects, including Acquisitions, Fair Values, Accounts Receivable and Loans, and Reserves for Losses, which are critical for understanding credit risk and asset valuation.
  • 5Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) offers management's perspective on the company's financial condition and results of operations, crucial for understanding the narrative behind the numbers.
  • 6Reportable Operating Segments (Note 16) allow investors to understand the performance and contribution of different business units within American Express.
  • 7Information on Derivatives and Hedging Activities (Note 9) and Market Risk (Item 3) is important for assessing the company's exposure to financial market fluctuations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The filing includes Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2011, which would detail revenue figures compared to the same period in 2010. Investors should refer to this section for specific revenue growth or decline.

Note 4 (Accounts Receivable and Loans) and Note 5 (Reserves for Losses) of the financial statements provide critical information on the composition of the company's receivables and the adequacy of its reserves for potential loan losses. The MD&A section would also likely discuss credit quality trends.

Note 16 (Reportable Operating Segments) breaks down the company's performance by its different operating segments. This allows investors to understand which parts of the business are driving growth and profitability.

The Consolidated Balance Sheets provide a view of assets, liabilities, and equity as of September 30, 2011. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows detail the movement of cash, which is essential for assessing liquidity and the ability to fund operations and investments.