American Express Company Stock Earnings Reports

American Express reported a very strong Q1 2026: revenue grew 11% (10% FX-adjusted) and EPS was $4.28, up 18% year-over-year. Card member spending accelerated to 10% growth (highest quarterly growth in three years), driven by strength across Goods & Services and T&E, with particularly robust performance in premium segments (U.S. Platinum, luxury retail, lodging and dining). International remained a fast-growing segment (ICS up double-digits), and new account acquisition remained fee-centric (over 70% of new accounts on fee-paying products). Credit metrics stayed excellent (delinquencies and write-offs below 2019 levels), provisioning included a modest reserve release, and total card balances increased ~7% y/y. Management said they will increase investments in marketing and technology given the strong start, while reaffirming full-year 2026 guidance: revenue growth of 9%–10% and EPS of $17.30–$17.90. Strategic highlights included expanded premium membership experiences (major sports partnerships including the NFL, lounge and hotel program expansions), an ambitious commercial-product roadmap (8 new/enhanced commercial offerings in 2026), and early-stage AI initiatives — notably the ACE developer kit and Amex Agent purchase protection. Capital returns remained strong: $2.3 billion returned in the quarter (dividends + buybacks), ROE was ~35%, and the company raised its dividend by 16%. Management expects the proposed Basel revisions to be neutral to modestly positive and does not anticipate material near-term changes to capital management. Management emphasized that while geopolitical/macro uncertainty exists, Amex’s premium, fee-centric model, strong portfolio quality, and closed-loop data position it well for continued growth.