Summary
American Express Company (AXP) reported its first-quarter 2020 results, which were significantly impacted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the latter half of March. While the first two months of the quarter showed solid growth, the latter half saw a dramatic decline in business volumes. Total revenues net of interest expense decreased by 1% year-over-year. A substantial increase in provisions for credit losses, driven by a significant reserve build reflecting the deteriorating macroeconomic outlook due to COVID-19, led to a sharp decline in pretax income and net income. Net income fell by 76% to $367 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to $1.55 billion, or $1.80 per diluted share, in the prior year. The company highlighted a 6% decrease in worldwide billed business for the quarter, with a significant 25% decline in March alone. Travel and entertainment (T&E) spending experienced a particularly sharp drop. Despite these challenges, American Express emphasized its strong balance sheet, capital, and liquidity position, and outlined a framework of four principles to navigate the uncertain environment: supporting colleagues, protecting customers and the brand, structuring for future growth, and remaining financially strong. The company also suspended share repurchases to preserve financial strength.
Financial Highlights
37 data points| Revenue | $6.30B |
| Interest Expense | $716.00M |
| Net Income | $367.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.41 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.41 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 807.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 808.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Revenue declined by 1% to $10.31 billion, primarily impacted by a 6% decrease in discount revenue due to a sharp drop in billed business in March.
- 2Provisions for credit losses surged by 224% to $2.62 billion, reflecting a significant reserve build due to the worsening macroeconomic outlook from COVID-19.
- 3Net income plummeted by 76% to $367 million ($0.41/share) from $1.55 billion ($1.80/share) in the prior year.
- 4Worldwide billed business decreased by 6%, with a stark contrast between positive growth in January-February and a 25% decline in March, largely driven by travel restrictions.
- 5Commercial billed business experienced a more rapid decline (6%) compared to consumer (3%), heavily impacted by reduced corporate T&E spending.
- 6The company maintained strong capital and liquidity positions, with Cash and cash equivalents increasing to $36.1 billion.
- 7Share repurchases were suspended to conserve capital amidst the uncertain economic environment.