American Express Q4 2021 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
American Express reported a strong fourth quarter with a 30% increase in revenue to $12.1 billion. Earnings per share were $2.18, and the company raised its long-term aspiration with a new growth plan.
Delivered strong fourth-quarter and full-year results that exceeded expectations.
Reached record levels of Card Member spending.
Maintained customer retention and satisfaction above pre-pandemic levels.
Increased new Card acquisitions and grew loan balances.
American Express
American Express
Forward Guidance
American Express expects to generate elevated levels of revenue growth in 2022 in the range of 18 to 20 percent and earnings per share of $9.25 to $9.65. Longer term, as the economy reaches a steady state, their aspiration is to achieve revenue growth in excess of 10 percent and EPS growth in the mid-teens.
Positive Outlook
- Generate elevated levels of revenue growth in 2022 in the range of 18 to 20 percent.
- Earnings per share of $9.25 to $9.65.
- Achieve revenue growth in excess of 10 percent longer term.
- Achieve EPS growth in the mid-teens longer term.
- Increase the regular quarterly dividend on its common shares outstanding by approximately 20 percent, from 43 cents to 52 cents per share beginning with the first quarter 2022.
Challenges Ahead
- The extent and duration of the effect of the pandemic on the economy.
- Inflation, consumer confidence, consumer and business spending.
- Continued stress on businesses due to containment measures, operational changes, supply chain issues and staffing shortages.
- Impacts related to new or renegotiated cobrand and other partner agreements.
- Impact of regulation and litigation.