American Express Q4 EPS Beats Estimates

Financial services giant American Express (NYSE:AXP) reported fourth quarter and full-year 2024 earnings on Friday, Jan. 24, that topped analysts' consensus estimates. AmEx announced an EPS of $3.04, just beating the projection of $3.03. Revenue reached $17.18 billion, also narrowly beating expectations and showing 8.7% growth year over year.

AmEx experienced a solid quarter, marked by record-setting revenue driven primarily by increased card spending and higher net income.

Source: American Express. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year.

American Express: A Business Overview and Contemporary Focus

Founded in 1850, American Express operates as a global services company focused on providing card payment and travel services. Its business model is based on an integrated payments platform, which allows the company to maintain direct relationships with both card members and merchants. This distinct model provides a powerful data analytics capability that aids in risk assessment, fraud prevention, and customer engagement. Through this platform, American Express can forge strategic partnerships, particularly co-brand relationships that offer unique customer benefits like travel perks.

In recent years, AmEx has ramped up its efforts in digital innovation and expanded its customer base significantly. American Express is leveraging its payments platform strategy by acquiring approximately 13 million new card members globally in 2024 and extending merchant locations. AmEx's focus on technology and innovation is evidenced by the Business Blueprint initiative, a digital cash flow management service aimed at enhancing the value proposition for small and medium enterprises.

Quarterly Performance Highlights

In the latest quarter, American Express saw several notable achievements. Strong revenue growth of 8.7% (9.8% when currency exchange adjusted) was driven by a robust increase in Card Member spending and net interest income, both integral to its spend-centric business model. The crucial segments of the company, like the Delta co-brand portfolio, are integral, significantly enhancing customer loyalty and spending through benefits like travel perks. The Delta co-brand portfolio alone accounts for around 10% of total network volumes.

Operationally, AmEx managed a 12.3% increase in net income, reaching $2.17 billion, supported by a continued focus on cost efficiency and strategic investments. AmEx increased its operating expenses to $13.1 billion, a rise of 11.1% from the previous year, to help it invest in technological advancements and marketing efforts.

AmEx has managed its credit loss provisions effectively. It reported a provision for credit losses at $5.2 billion for 2024, up from $4.9 billion from the prior year, reflecting increased card usage and the need to sustain reserves amid potential economic uncertainties. This indicates prudent management, ensuring the stability and reliability of the financial ecosystem it supports.

AmEx's board announced it would increase the company's dividend by 17%, reflecting confidence in its growth trajectory. This increase forms part of a broader strategic commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Looking Ahead: Expectations and Guidance

American Express' management expressed optimism for the future despite industry challenges. For the year ahead, it anticipates revenue growth of 8% to 10% and an EPS of between $15 and $15.50. This guidance reflects confidence in the company's strategic approach and the expected benefits from its ongoing investments in technology and customer engagement initiatives.

AmEx has highlighted millennial and Gen Z demographics, as significant focus areas for growth, emphasizing how the integration of technology in service offerings aligns with these consumer segments. Additionally, American Express plans to leverage its international markets further, aiming to expand its footprint and leverage growth opportunities outside the United States.

With a watchful eye on fintech competition and regulatory constraints, American Express aims to maintain its market position through continued innovation and risk management strategies. Investors will need to pay attention to these management strategies and the effects of broader economic conditions on consumer spending patterns in the quarters ahead. The effective implementation of its strategic initiatives could be key in navigating future challenges and seizing growth opportunities.

Where to invest $1,000 right now

When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 947% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 178% for the S&P 500.*

They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now…

Learn more »

*Stock Advisor returns as of January 21, 2025

American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JesterAI is a Foolish AI, based on a variety of Large Language Models (LLMs) and proprietary Motley Fool systems. All articles published by JesterAI are reviewed by our editorial team, and The Motley Fool takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this article. JesterAI cannot own stocks and so it has no positions in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.