American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: American Express Company (AXP) - **Event**: 2025 Conference - **Date**: November 12, 2025 Key Points Financial Performance - Revenue is projected to be approximately **9% to 10% higher** by the end of the year compared to the previous year [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) guidance is set between **$15.20 to $15.50** for the year, reflecting a significant increase [7][8] - Q3 billing growth accelerated by about **200 basis points**, indicating strong momentum [10] Product Strategy - The refresh of the **Platinum card** has been a major success, enhancing both the card and in-app experience [5][6] - American Express aims to maintain its leadership in the premium card space through continuous innovation and enhancement of its offerings [14][15] - The company has added new partnerships with brands like **Lululemon** and **YouTube**, which are crucial for the success of the Platinum product [16] Customer Engagement - Younger card members are more engaged, using their cards **25% more** than older cohorts, and have a **40% lower delinquency rate** compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers [28][30] - The company has focused on building relationships with younger demographics, anticipating their evolving needs as they grow older [32] Competitive Landscape - Competition in the premium card market is intense but has been beneficial for American Express, driving increased interest in premium products [15] - The company does not see significant risk from the proposed merchant concessions by Visa and MasterCard due to its unique business model [12][13] Small Business Segment - The small business segment has faced challenges, particularly in the middle market, where larger transactions are moving towards ACH and checks [36][37] - American Express is integrating an expense management solution through the acquisition of **Center** to address these challenges [38] International Growth - International operations have shown strong performance, with billing growth in double digits for the last **18 quarters** [45] - The company has renewed partnerships with major airlines, enhancing its international presence [48] Technological Innovation - American Express is leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, including the introduction of features like **Dining Companion**, which utilizes LLMs for personalized service [56][59] - The company is focused on improving operational efficiencies through technology, which is expected to support mid-teens EPS growth [68] Investment Outlook - The company emphasizes a clear strategy focused on premium products and membership, aiming for **double-digit revenue growth** and mid-teens EPS growth [63] - American Express is committed to maintaining its premium positioning, which supports sustainable earnings and credit performance [64] Conclusion - American Express is well-positioned for future growth, with a strong focus on innovation, customer engagement, and maintaining its leadership in the premium card market. The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues reached a record $17.9 billion, up 9% year over year [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) was $4.8, up 17% excluding last year's gain from the sale of Certify [5][14] - Total card member spending increased by 7%, consistent with previous patterns [6][15] - The company reaffirmed its full-year revenue growth and EPS guidance provided in January [6][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Billed business trends showed a 7% increase in spend, with goods and services spending growing at a similar pace [15][16] - Travel and entertainment (T&E) growth was slightly down, driven by softer airline and lodging spend, while restaurant spending was strong, up 8% FX adjusted [16] - The U.S. Consumer business saw millennial spend up 10% and Gen Z spend growing around 40% [17] - New card acquisitions totaled 3.1 million in Q2, with 1.5 million in the U.S. Consumer business [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International business continued to grow in double digits, up 12% FX adjusted [17] - The company reported strong credit performance, with delinquency rates flat to Q1 and write-off rates declining [20] - The Fed's CCAR results indicated the lowest projected credit card loss and highest profitability rates among all banks subject to the stress test [7][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on refreshing its U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum cards this fall to maintain leadership in the premium card space [7][12] - The strategy includes enriching value propositions with more benefits and offerings, attracting premier partners to enhance customer value [10][12] - The competitive landscape has shifted towards partner-rated value, access, experiences, and superior customer service [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the business model despite macroeconomic uncertainties [15][29] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the premium card segment, supported by a growing addressable market [12][29] - Management acknowledged the competitive environment but emphasized the importance of delivering value to maintain pricing power [49][50] Other Important Information - The company returned $2 billion of capital to shareholders, including $600 million in dividends and $1.4 billion in share repurchases [28] - The CET1 ratio was reported at 10.6%, within the target range of 10% to 11% [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company plan for spending trends in the intermediate term? - Management expects spending trends to remain consistent, with some softness in airline and lodging but resilience in goods and services [32][34] Question: How does the company view competition in the premium card space? - Management believes that competition has been beneficial for customers and that as long as value is delivered, pricing power will be maintained [48][50] Question: What is the outlook for international acceptance growth? - Management is optimistic about international growth, reporting double-digit growth and ongoing improvements in merchant acceptance [60][62] Question: How does the company address concerns about lounge access and overcrowding? - Management is expanding lounge space and introducing innovative solutions to manage demand effectively [77][78] Question: How does the company view the dynamics of net card fee growth? - Management expects some moderation in card fee growth rates in the second half of the year, with potential acceleration in 2026 [106] Question: How is the acquisition strategy evolving in the premium card space? - Management noted that increased competition has expanded demand for premium products, allowing for more marketing investment at attractive returns [101][102]