Summary
This 8-K filing by American Express Company (AXP) provides updated delinquency and write-off statistics for its U.S. Card Services (USCS) operating segment for the months ending March 31, April 30, and May 31, 2014. The report aims to give investors a clearer picture of the credit quality within the company's lending portfolio by offering data beyond what is typically reported through securitized trusts. Key metrics such as 30-day past due loans as a percentage of total loans and net write-off rates (principal only) show relative stability over the three-month period. Total loans in the USCS portfolio grew modestly, while delinquency and net write-off rates remained within a tight range, indicating a steady credit environment for American Express during this period. The filing also provides comparative data for the American Express Credit Account Master Trust, highlighting potential differences in reporting and loan characteristics between the trust and the overall USCS portfolio.
Key Highlights
- 1USCS total loans increased from $55.8 billion in March to $57.5 billion in May 2014.
- 230-day past due loans as a percentage of total loans remained stable at 1.0% for April and May 2014, down from 1.1% in March.
- 3Net write-off rate (principal only) for USCS loans decreased from 1.8% in March to 1.6% in April and May 2014.
- 4The filing clarifies that USCS statistics include both securitized and non-securitized Card Member loans, offering a broader view than data from the Lending Trust alone.
- 5Data for the American Express Credit Account Master Trust shows a consistent annualized default rate (net of recoveries) of 1.7% to 1.8% over the comparable periods.
- 6The filing acknowledges potential differences in reporting methodologies and loan portfolio characteristics between the total USCS portfolio and the securitized Lending Trust.