10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2024

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2024

Filed April 19, 2024For Securities:AXP

Summary

American Express Company (AXP) reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2024, with net income increasing by 34% year-over-year to $2.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share rising 39% to $3.33. This performance was driven by robust revenue growth, with total revenues net of interest expense up 11% to $15.8 billion. The company saw broad-based increases in billed business across its U.S. Consumer Services and International Card Services segments, which grew 8% and 11% respectively (13% FX-adjusted). Net interest income also saw a significant increase of 26%, primarily due to growth in revolving loan balances and higher interest rates. The company maintained a strong credit profile, with net write-off and delinquency rates described as best-in-class, supported by its premium customer base and disciplined risk management. Provisions for credit losses increased primarily due to higher net write-offs, though this was partially offset by a lower net reserve build. American Express continued to return capital to shareholders, with $1.6 billion returned through share repurchases and dividends, including a 17% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend. The company also announced an agreement to sell its subsidiary Accertify Inc., anticipating a significant pre-tax gain upon closing in the second quarter of 2024.

Financial Highlights

38 data points
Beta

Revenue

$9.34B

Net Income

$2.44B

26.1% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$3.33

Total Assets

$269.26B

Cash & Equivalents

$54.21B

Free Cash Flow

$5.16B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$9.34B
Interest Expense$2.01B
Net Income$2.44B
EPS (Basic)$3.34
EPS (Diluted)$3.33
Shares Outstanding (Basic)721.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)722.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased 34% to $2.4 billion, with diluted EPS up 39% to $3.33.
  • 2Total revenues net of interest expense grew 11% to $15.8 billion.
  • 3Billed business increased 6% overall, with strong growth in U.S. Consumer Services (8%) and International Card Services (11%).
  • 4Net interest income rose 26%, driven by higher loan balances and interest rates.
  • 5Provisions for credit losses increased 20% due to higher net write-offs, but credit quality metrics remain strong.
  • 6Returned $1.6 billion to shareholders via share repurchases ($1.1 billion) and dividends ($0.5 billion), increasing the quarterly dividend by 17%.
  • 7Agreement reached to sell fraud prevention solutions provider Accertify Inc., expecting a significant pre-tax gain.

Frequently Asked Questions

American Express reported a significant increase in total revenues net of interest expense, up 11% year-over-year to $15.8 billion. This growth was driven by higher billed business across key segments, a 15% increase in net card fees, and a 26% rise in net interest income due to increased loan balances and higher interest rates.

The company highlighted that its net write-off and delinquency rates remain best-in-class, supported by its premium customer base and strong risk management. Provisions for credit losses increased by 20% primarily due to higher net write-offs, but the overall credit portfolio is performing well relative to industry standards.

American Express returned $1.6 billion to shareholders in the first quarter of 2024 through $1.1 billion in share repurchases and $0.5 billion in common stock dividends. The company also announced a 17% increase in its quarterly common stock dividend, signaling confidence in its ongoing capital generation and return strategy.

Yes, American Express announced an agreement to sell its subsidiary Accertify Inc., a fraud prevention solutions provider. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024 and is anticipated to result in a substantial pre-tax gain, which the company plans to reinvest back into its business.