UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
 SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2018

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period from ____ to ____

Commission file number 1-7657

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York
  
13-4922250
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
200 Vesey Street, New York, New York
  
10285
(Address of principal executive offices)
  
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code                                         (212) 640-2000        

None
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes       No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes       No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
         Large accelerated filer
                         Accelerated filer
         Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
                         Smaller reporting company
                         Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes       No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
    
Outstanding at April 18, 2018
Common Shares (par value $0.20 per share)
    
860,362,205 Shares
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
FORM 10-Q

INDEX
 
 
 
 
             
Part I.
  
Page No.
 
Item 1.
      
       
1
       
2
       
3
       
4
       
5
 
Item 2.
    
30
 
Item 3.
    
57
 
Item 4.
    
57
Part II.
    
 
Item 1.
    
60
 
Item 1A.
    
60
 
Item 2.
    
61
 
Item 5.
    
62
 
Item 6.
    
62
 
63
 
E-1
 
 
 
 
 


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions, except per share amounts)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Revenues
            
Non-interest revenues
            
Discount revenue
  
$
5,889
    
$
5,387
  
Net card fees
    
830
      
748
  
Other fees and commissions
    
781
      
711
  
Other
    
377
      
361
  
Total non-interest revenues
    
7,877
      
7,207
  
Interest income
                
Interest on loans
    
2,326
      
1,862
  
Interest and dividends on investment securities
    
21
      
23
  
Deposits with banks and other
    
115
      
60
  
Total interest income
    
2,462
      
1,945
  
Interest expense
                
Deposits
    
270
      
149
  
Long-term debt and other
    
351
      
294
  
Total interest expense
    
621
      
443
  
Net interest income
    
1,841
      
1,502
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
9,718
      
8,709
  
Provisions for losses
                
Charge card
    
242
      
213
  
Card Member loans
    
499
      
337
  
Other
    
34
      
23
  
Total provisions for losses
    
775
      
573
  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    
8,943
      
8,136
  
Expenses
                
Marketing and business development
    
1,345
      
1,285
  
Card Member rewards
    
2,347
      
2,061
  
Card Member services
    
409
      
317
  
Salaries and employee benefits
    
1,326
      
1,264
  
Other, net
    
1,434
      
1,370
  
Total expenses
    
6,861
      
6,297
  
Pretax income
    
2,082
      
1,839
  
Income tax provision
    
448
      
588
  
Net income
  
$
1,634
    
$
1,251
  
Earnings per Common Share (Note 15):(a)
                
Basic
  
$
1.86
    
$
1.36
  
Diluted
  
$
1.86
    
$
1.35
  
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:
                
Basic
    
859
      
899
  
Diluted
    
861
      
903
  
Cash dividends declared per common share
  
$
0.35
    
$
0.32
  
(a)
Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $13 million and $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $21 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
1
 


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Net income
  
$
1,634
    
$
1,251
  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                
Net unrealized debt securities (losses) gains, net of tax
    
(11
)
    
6
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
    
30
      
316
  
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax
    
28
      
(8
)
Other comprehensive income
    
47
      
314
  
Comprehensive income
  
$
1,681
    
$
1,565
  
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
2
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
March 31,
    
December 31,
  
 (Millions, except share data)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Assets
            
Cash and cash equivalents
            
Cash and due from banks
  
$
3,627
    
$
5,148
  
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements: 2018, $49; 2017, $48)
    
27,315
      
27,709
  
Short-term investment securities
    
150
      
70
  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    
31,092
      
32,927
  
Accounts receivable
                
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2018, $7,807; 2017, $8,919), less reserves: 2018, $565; 2017, $521
    
53,676
      
53,526
  
Other receivables, less reserves: 2018, $31; 2017, $31
    
3,194
      
3,209
  
Loans
                
Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2018, $24,058; 2017, $25,695), less reserves: 2018, $1,786; 2017, $1,706
    
71,034
      
71,693
  
Other loans, less reserves: 2018, $91; 2017, $80
    
2,872
      
2,607
  
Investment securities
    
3,388
      
3,159
  
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization: 2018, $5,732; 2017, $5,455
    
4,271
      
4,329
  
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities: 2018, $147; 2017, $62)
    
10,429
      
9,746
  
Total assets
  
$
179,956
    
$
181,196
  
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                
Liabilities
                
Customer deposits
  
$
66,665
    
$
64,452
  
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products
    
2,435
      
2,555
  
Accounts payable
    
14,038
      
14,657
  
Short-term borrowings
    
1,852
      
3,278
  
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities: 2018, $15,800; 2017, $18,560)
    
52,461
      
55,804
  
Other liabilities
    
22,892
      
22,189
  
Total liabilities
  
$
160,343
    
$
162,935
  
Contingencies (Note 8)
                
Shareholders’ Equity
                
Preferred shares, $1.662/3 par value, authorized 20 million shares; issued and outstanding 1,600 shares as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
    
―
      
―
  
Common shares, $0.20 par value, authorized 3.6 billion shares; issued and outstanding 860 million shares as of March 31, 2018 and 859 million shares as of December 31, 2017
    
172
      
172
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
12,225
      
12,210
  
Retained earnings
    
9,597
      
8,307
  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
                
Net unrealized debt securities losses, net of tax of: 2018, $(2); 2017, $1
    
(11
)
    
―
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2018, $(415); 2017,$(363)
    
(1,931
)
    
(1,961
)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax of: 2018, $(176); 2017, $(179)
    
(439
)
    
(467
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
    
(2,381
)
    
(2,428
)
Total shareholders’ equity
    
19,613
      
18,261
  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  
$
179,956
    
$
181,196
  
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31 (Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
            
Net income
  
$
1,634
    
$
1,251
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                
Provisions for losses
    
775
      
573
  
Depreciation and amortization
    
348
      
296
  
Deferred taxes and other
    
(254
)
    
18
  
Stock-based compensation
    
84
      
89
  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
                
Other receivables
    
122
      
786
  
Other assets
    
(85
)
    
351
  
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    
(431
)
    
(2,072
)
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products
    
(130
)
    
(132
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
    
2,063
      
1,160
  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities
    
886
      
860
  
Purchases of investments
    
(1,215
)
    
(1,294
)
Net decrease in Card Member receivables and loans(a)
    
348
      
1,450
  
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales: 2018, nil; 2017, nil
    
(237
)
    
(277
)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired
    
(475
)
    
(28
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    
(693
)
    
711
  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                
Net increase in customer deposits
    
2,206
      
735
  
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    
(1,489
)
    
(1,941
)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    
3,984
      
8,420
  
Payments of long-term borrowings
    
(7,203
)
    
(3,801
)
Issuance of American Express common shares
    
11
      
31
  
Repurchase of American Express common shares
    
(134
)
    
(926
)
Dividends paid
    
(324
)
    
(313
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    
(2,949
)
    
2,205
  
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    
(178
)
    
107
  
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
    
(1,757
)
    
4,183
  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
    
33,264
      
25,494
  
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
  
$
31,507
    
$
29,677
  
 
(a)  Refer to Note 2 for additional information.
 
 
Supplementary cash flow information
 
    Mar-18     Dec-17    
Mar-17
   
Dec-16
 
Cash and cash equivalents per Consolidated Balance Sheets
  
$
31,092
    
$
32,927
    
$
29,366
    
$
25,208
  
Restricted cash included in Other assets per Consolidated Balance Sheets
    
415
      
337
      
311
      
286
  
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
  
$
31,507
    
$
33,264
    
$
29,677
    
$
25,494
  
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.  Basis of Presentation

The Company

American Express Company is a global services company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Our principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through the non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (the GBT JV). Our various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including mobile and online applications, direct mail, in-house sales teams, third-party vendors and direct response advertising.

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the Annual Report). If not materially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The interim consolidated financial information in this report has not been audited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, which consist of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim period consolidated financial information, have been made. Results of operations reported for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year.

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.

Discount Revenue

Discount revenue primarily represents the amount we earn on transactions occurring at merchants that have entered into a card acceptance agreement with us, or a Global Network Services (GNS) partner or other third-party merchant acquirer, for facilitating transactions between the merchants and Card Members. The amount of fees charged, or merchant discount, varies with, among other factors, the industry in which the merchant conducts business, the merchant’s overall transaction volume, the timing and method of payment to the merchant, the method of submission of transactions and, in certain instances, the geographic scope of the card acceptance agreement signed with us (e.g., local or global) and the transaction amount. The merchant discount is generally deducted from the payment to the merchant and recorded as discount revenue at the time the Card Member transaction occurs.
The card acceptance agreements, which outline the agreed-upon terms for charging the merchant discount fee, vary in duration. Our contracts with small- and medium-sized merchants generally have no fixed contractual duration, while those with large merchants are generally for fixed periods, which typically range from three to seven years in duration. Our fixed-period agreements may include auto-renewal features, which may allow the existing terms to continue beyond the stated expiration date until a new agreement is reached.  We satisfy our obligations under these agreements over the contract term, often on a daily basis, through the processing of Card Member transactions and the availability of our payment network.

In cases where we are the card issuer and the merchant acquirer is a third party (which is the case, for example, under our OptBlue program, or with certain of our GNS partners), we receive a network rate fee in our settlement with the merchant acquirer, which is individually negotiated between us and that merchant acquirer and is recorded as discount revenue at the time the Card Member transaction occurs. In our role as the operator of the American Express network, we also settle with merchants on behalf of our GNS card issuing partners, who in turn receive an issuer rate that is individually negotiated between that issuer and us and is recorded as expense in Marketing and business development (see below) or as contra-revenue in Other revenue. In contrast with networks such as those operated by Visa Inc. and Mastercard Incorporated, there are no collectively set interchange rates or network rates on the American Express network, and no fees are agreed or due between the GNS partners on the network.

 
 

 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Net Card Fees

Net card fees represent revenue earned from annual card membership fees, which vary based on the type of card and the number of cards for each account. These fees, net of acquisition costs and a reserve for projected refunds for Card Member cancellations, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the twelve-month card membership period as Net Card Fees in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The unamortized net card fee balance is reported in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Other Fees and Commissions
Other fees and commissions includes certain fees charged to Card Members, including delinquency fees and foreign currency conversion fees, which are primarily recognized in the period in which they are charged to the Card Member. Other fees and commissions also includes Membership Rewards program fees, which are deferred and recognized over the period covered by the fee, typically one year, the unamortized portion of which is included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, Other fees and commissions includes loyalty coalition-related fees, travel commissions and fees and service fees earned from merchants, that are recognized when the service is performed, which is generally in the period the fee is charged. Refer to Note 13 for additional information.
Contra-revenue
Payments made through contractual arrangements with our merchants, GNS partners, and other customers are classified as expense where we receive goods, services or other benefits, for which the fair value is determinable and measurable. If these conditions are not met, the payment is classified as contra-revenue with the related revenue transaction (e.g., Discount revenue or Other revenue) and recorded when incurred.

Interest Income

Interest on Card Member loans is assessed using the average daily balance method. Unless the loan is classified as non-accrual, interest is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding, in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement, until the outstanding balance is paid, or written off.
Interest and dividends on investment securities primarily relate to our performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is recognized as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and discounts, fees and other payments, so that a constant rate of return is recognized on the investment security’s outstanding balance. Amounts are recognized until securities are in default or when it becomes likely that future interest payments will not be made as scheduled.
Interest on deposits with banks and other is recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash, in excess of near-term funding requirements, in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other interest-bearing demand and call accounts.

Interest Expense

Interest expense includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans and receivables, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is divided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) debt, which primarily relates to interest expense on our long-term debt and short-term borrowings, as well as the realized impact of derivatives used to hedge interest rate risk on our long-term debt.

 
 

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
Marketing and Business Development

As further described below under “Recently Adopted Accounting Standards,” effective January 1, 2018, in conjunction with the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, the previously disclosed “Marketing and Promotion” line on the Consolidated Statements of Income was changed to “Marketing and Business Development” to reflect the inclusion of certain reclassified costs from Contra-discount revenue and Other expenses. Marketing and business development provides a more comprehensive view of costs related to building and growing our business, including the reclassified costs.

Marketing and business development expense includes costs incurred in the development and initial placement of advertising, which are expensed in the year in which the advertising first takes place. Also included in Marketing and business development expense are Card Member statement credits for qualifying charges on eligible card accounts, corporate incentive payments earned on achievement of preset targets, and certain payments to GNS card issuing partners. These costs are generally expensed as incurred.

Card Member Rewards
We issue charge and credit cards that allow Card Members to participate in various rewards programs (e.g., Membership Rewards, cobrand and cash back). Rewards expense is recognized in the period Card Members earn rewards, generally by spending on their enrolled card products.  We record a Card Member rewards liability that represents the estimated cost of points earned that are expected to be redeemed. Card Member rewards liabilities are impacted over time by enrollment levels, attrition, the volume of points earned and redeemed, and the associated redemption costs. Changes in the Card Member rewards liabilities during the period are taken as a charge or release to the Card Member rewards line.
Effective January 1, 2018, in conjunction with the new revenue recognition standard, Card Member rewards also includes cash-back rewards, which were reclassified from contra discount revenue.
Classification of various items


Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation, including the reclassification of certain business development expenses from Other expenses to Marketing and business development, that were not directly attributable to the adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance.


Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on leases. The guidance, effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, requires virtually all leases to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We will adopt the standard effective January 1, 2019.  The new guidance currently requires a modified retrospective transition approach, which would cause us to record existing operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and in the comparative period. In January 2018, the FASB released an exposure draft that, if issued in its current form, would provide us with the option to adopt the provisions of the new guidance prospectively, without adjusting the comparative periods presented.  We are in the process of upgrading our lease administration software and changing business processes and internal controls in preparation for the adoption. Specifically, we are currently reviewing our lease portfolio and are evaluating and interpreting the requirements under the guidance, including the available accounting policy elections, in order to determine the impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows upon adoption.
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information. In addition, for available-for-sale debt securities, the new guidance replaces the other-than-temporary impairment model, and requires the recognition of an allowance for reductions in a security’s fair value attributable to declines in credit quality, instead of a direct write-down of the security when a valuation decline is determined to be other-than-temporary. The guidance also requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. We do not intend to adopt the new standard early and are currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows; however, it is expected that the CECL model will alter the assumptions used in estimating credit losses on Card Member loans and receivables, and may result in material increases to our credit reserves as the new guidance involves earlier recognition of expected losses for the life of the assets.  We have established an enterprise-wide, cross-discipline governance structure to implement the new standard, and continue to identify and conclude on key interpretive issues along with evaluating our existing credit loss forecasting models and processes in relation to the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required.

In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) to retained earnings. The optional guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating whether we will adopt the new guidance along with any impacts on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, none of which are expected to be material.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted new revenue recognition guidance issued by the FASB related to contracts with customers. The scope of the new guidance excludes financial instruments such as credit and charge card arrangements. We elected to adopt the standard using the full retrospective method, which we believe is most useful to our investors. Under the full retrospective method, we are applying the standard back to January 1, 2016. As shown below, the most significant impacts of adoption are changes to the classification of certain revenues and expenses, including certain credit and charge card related costs previously netted against discount revenue, such as Card Member cash-back reward costs and statement credits, corporate incentive payments, as well as payments to third-party GNS card issuing partners. Under the new revenue standard, these costs are not considered components of the transaction price of our card acceptance agreements with merchants and thus are not netted against discount revenue, but instead are recognized as expenses. Our payments to third-party GNS card issuing partners are presented net of related revenues earned from the partners.

The impact to the 2017 fiscal quarters and years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

 
Increase (Decrease)
  
 
Three months ended
  
Year Ended December
  
 (Millions)
December 31, 2017
  
September 30, 2017
  
June 30, 2017
  
March 31, 2017
  
2017
  
2016
  
Revenues
                        
Discount revenue
  
$
981
    
$
930
    
$
928
    
$
868
    
$
3,707
    
$
3,699
  
Other
    
(78
)
    
(71
)
    
(64
)
    
(65
)
    
(278
)
    
(253
)
Expenses
                                                
Marketing and business development
    
617
      
591
      
593
      
549
      
2,350
      
2,420
  
    Card Member rewards
  
$
286
    
$
268
    
$
271
    
$
254
    
$
1,079
    
$
1,026
  

In addition, the cumulative impact to our retained earnings on January 1, 2016 was an increase of $55.2 million.


 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
The adoption of the new guidance also resulted in changes to the recognition timing of certain revenues, the impact of which is not material to net income. Similarly, the adoption did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets or Statements of Cash Flows. We had no material contract assets, contract liabilities or deferred contract costs recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  Contracts assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. In adopting the guidance, we implemented changes to our accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls to support the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements under the new standard.  Such changes were not material.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities, which was effective and adopted by us as of January 1, 2018. The guidance makes targeted changes to GAAP; specifically to the classification and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial assets and liabilities. This applies to investments we make in non-public companies in the ordinary course of business, which historically were recognized under the cost method of accounting. These investments will be prospectively adjusted through earnings for observable price changes upon the identification of identical or similar transactions of the same company. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We implemented changes to our accounting policies, business processes and internal controls in support of the new guidance.  Such changes were not material.
In August 2017, the FASB issued new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities, effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted in any interim period or fiscal year before the effective date. The guidance introduces a number of amendments, several of which are optional, that are designed to simplify the application of hedge accounting, improve financial statement transparency and more closely align hedge accounting with an entity’s risk management strategies. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the guidance, with no material impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, along with associated changes to our accounting policies, business processes and internal controls in support of the new guidance.  Such changes were not material.



 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
 
2.  Business Events

During the first quarter of 2018, we acquired from Citibank, N.A. its existing Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. cobrand credit card loan portfolio (the acquired Hilton portfolio). The Hilton portfolio had an outstanding principal and interest balance of approximately $1 billion at acquisition. None of the credit card loans acquired were considered purchased credit impaired at acquisition date. The cash outflows related to this acquisition are reported within the investing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a net increase in Card Member receivables and loans.



 3.  Loans and Accounts Receivable

Our lending and charge payment card products result in the generation of Card Member loans and Card Member receivables, respectively.

Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
U.S. Consumer Services(a)
  
$
52,655
    
$
53,668
  
International Consumer and Network Services
    
8,667
      
8,651
  
Global Commercial Services
    
11,498
      
11,080
  
Card Member loans
    
72,820
      
73,399
  
Less: Reserve for losses
    
1,786
      
1,706
  
Card Member loans, net
  
$
71,034
    
$
71,693
  
Other loans, net(b)
  
$
2,872
    
$
2,607
  
(a)
Includes approximately $24.1 billion and $25.7 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The balance as of March 31, 2018 also includes the acquired Hilton portfolio (refer to Note 2).
(b)
Other loans primarily represent personal and commercial financing products. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $91 million and $80 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
U.S. Consumer Services (a)
  
$
11,659
    
$
13,143
  
International Consumer and Network Services
    
7,071
      
7,803
  
Global Commercial Services
    
35,511
      
33,101
  
Card Member receivables
    
54,241
      
54,047
  
Less: Reserve for losses
    
565
      
521
  
Card Member receivables, net
  
$
53,676
    
$
53,526
  
Other receivables, net (b)
  
$
3,194
    
$
3,209
  
(a)
Includes $7.8 billion and $8.9 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(b)
Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) GNS partners for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) tax-related receivables, (iii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iv) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program participation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of reserves for losses of $31 million and $31 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Card Member Loans and Card Member Receivables Aging
Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

2018  (Millions)
Current
  
30-59 Days Past Due
  
60-89 Days Past Due
  
90+ Days Past Due
  
Total
  
Card Member Loans:
                    
  U.S. Consumer Services
  
$
51,922
    
$
201
    
$
156
    
$
376
    
$
52,655
  
  International Consumer and Network Services
    
8,524
      
46
      
31
      
66
      
8,667
  
  Global Commercial Services
                                        
      Global Small Business Services
    
11,278
      
45
      
33
      
71
      
11,427
  
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
(b)
  
(b)
  
(b)
      
1
      
71
  
Card Member Receivables:
                                        
  U.S. Consumer Services
    
11,510
      
48
      
35
      
66
      
11,659
  
  International Consumer and Network Services
    
6,967
      
33
      
22
      
49
      
7,071
  
  Global Commercial Services
                                        
      Global Small Business Services
  
$
15,931
    
$
93
    
$
68
    
$
126
    
$
16,218
  
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
(b)
  
(b)
  
(b)
    
$
163
    
$
19,293
  
                                         
2017  (Millions)
Current
  
30-59 Days Past Due
  
60-89 Days Past Due
  
90+ Days Past Due
  
Total
  
Card Member Loans:
                                        
  U.S. Consumer Services
  
$
52,961
    
$
201
    
$
162
    
$
344
    
$
53,668
  
  International Consumer and Network Services
    
8,530
      
37
      
28
      
56
      
8,651
  
  Global Commercial Services
                                        
      Global Small Business Services
    
10,892
      
43
      
31
      
59
      
11,025
  
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
(b)
  
(b)
  
(b)
      
―
      
55
  
Card Member Receivables:
                                        
  U.S. Consumer Services
    
12,993
      
53
      
33
      
64
      
13,143
  
  International Consumer and Network Services
    
7,703
      
29
      
21
      
50
      
7,803
  
  Global Commercial Services
                                        
      Global Small Business Services
  
$
15,868
    
$
91
    
$
54
    
$
106
    
$
16,119
  
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
(b)
  
(b)
  
(b)
    
$
148
    
$
16,982
  
(a)
For Global Corporate Payments (GCP) Card Member loans and receivables in Global Commercial Services (GCS), delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if we initiate collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. See also (b).
(b)
Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Loans and Receivables
The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the three months ended March 31:
   
2018
    
2017
  
   
Net Write-Off Rate
          
Net Write-Off Rate
        
   
Principal Only(a)
    
Principal, Interest & Fees(a)
    
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total
    
Principal Only(a)
    
Principal, Interest & Fees(a)
    
30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total
  
Card Member Loans:
                                    
U.S. Consumer Services
    
2.0
%
    
2.4
%
    
1.4
%
    
1.7
%
    
2.0
%
    
1.2
%
International Consumer and Network Services
    
2.1
%
    
2.6
%
    
1.6
%
    
2.0
%
    
2.5
%
    
1.7
%
Global Small Business Services
    
1.6
%
    
1.9
%
    
1.3
%
    
1.6
%
    
1.8
%
    
1.2
%
Card Member Receivables:
                                                
U.S. Consumer Services
    
1.3
%
    
1.5
%
    
1.3
%
    
1.5
%
    
1.7
%
    
1.3
%
International Consumer and Network Services
    
2.0
%
    
2.2
%
    
1.5
%
    
2.1
%
    
2.3
%
    
1.5
%
Global Small Business Services
    
1.7
%
    
1.9
%
    
1.8
%
    
1.8
%
    
2.0
%
    
1.6
%
 
  2018   2017  
        
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume
  
90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables
  
Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume
  
90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables
  
Card Member Receivables:
                        
   Global Corporate Payments
    
0.10
%
    
0.8
%
    
0.11
%
    
0.7
%
(a)
We present a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because we consider uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.
 
 
Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables
Impaired Card Member loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. In certain cases, these Card Member loans and receivables are included in one of our various Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) modification programs.

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
The following tables provide additional information with respect to our impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS) as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017; therefore, this segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables.

 
As of March 31, 2018
  
                             
         
Accounts Classified as a TDR(c)
              
2018 (Millions)
Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest(a)
  
Non-Accruals(b)
  
In Program(d)
  
Out of Program(e)
  
Total Impaired Balance
  
Unpaid Principal Balance
  
Allowance for TDRs
  
Card Member Loans:
                            
U.S. Consumer Services
  
$
254
    
$
182
    
$
209
    
$
125
    
$
770
    
$
691
    
$
52
  
International Consumer and Network Services
    
66
      
―
      
―
      
―
      
66
      
65
      
―
  
Global Commercial Services
    
46
      
35
      
38
      
25
      
144
      
134
      
8
  
Card Member Receivables:
                                                        
U.S. Consumer Services
    
―
      
―
      
19
      
10
      
29
      
29
      
1
  
Global Commercial Services
    
―
      
―
      
48
      
21
      
69
      
69
      
3
  
Total
  
$
366
    
$
217
    
$
314
    
$
181
    
$
1,078
    
$
988
    
$
64
  

 
As of December 31, 2017
  
                             
         
Accounts Classified as a TDR(c)
              
2017 (Millions)
Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest(a)
  
Non-Accruals(b)
  
In Program(d)
  
Out of Program(e)
  
Total Impaired Balance
  
Unpaid Principal Balance
  
Allowance for TDRs
  
Card Member Loans:
                            
U.S. Consumer Services
  
$
233
    
$
168
    
$
178
    
$
131
    
$
710
    
$
639
    
$
49
  
International Consumer and Network Services
    
56
      
―
      
―
      
―
      
56
      
55
      
―
  
Global Commercial Services
    
38
      
31
      
31
      
27
      
127
      
118
      
8
  
Card Member Receivables:
                                                        
U.S. Consumer Services
    
―
      
―
      
15
      
9
      
24
      
24
      
1
  
Global Commercial Services
    
―
      
―
      
37
      
19
      
56
      
56
      
2
  
Total
  
$
327
    
$
199
    
$
261
    
$
186
    
$
973
    
$
892
    
$
60
  
(a)
Our policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). We establish reserves for interest that we believe will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR.
(b)
Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which we have ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR.
(c)
Accounts classified as a TDR include $15 million and $15 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $4 million and $5 million that are non-accruals as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(d)
In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program.
(e)
Out of Program TDRs include $137 million and $141 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $44 million and $45 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
The following table provides information with respect to our average balances and interest income recognized from impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three months ended March 31:
 
2018
  
2017
  
                 
     
Interest
      
Interest
  
 
Average
  
Income
  
Average
  
Income
  
(Millions)
Balance
  
Recognized
  
Balance
  
Recognized
  
Card Member Loans:
                
U.S. Consumer Services
  
$
740
    
$
21
    
$
616
    
$
16
  
International Consumer and Network Services
    
61
      
5
      
53
      
4
  
Global Commercial Services
    
136
      
5
      
116
      
4
  
Card Member Receivables:
                                
U.S. Consumer Services
    
27
      
―
      
18
      
―
  
Global Commercial Services
    
63
      
―
      
40
      
―
  
Total
  
$
1,027
    
$
31
    
$
843
    
$
24
  

Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs


The following table provides additional information with respect to the U.S. Consumer Services (USCS) and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures.

   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
  
   
Number of
  
Outstanding
  
Average Interest
    
Average Payment
  
   
Accounts
  
Balances(a)
  
Rate Reduction
    
Term Extensions
  
   
(in thousands)
  
($ in millions)
  
(% Points)
    
(# of Months)
  
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
                      
Card Member Loans
    
11
    
$
81
      
11
    
(b)
  
Card Member Receivables
    
1
      
29
    
(c)
      
28
  
Total
    
12
    
$
110
                  
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
  
   
Number of
  
Outstanding
  
Average Interest
    
Average Payment
  
   
Accounts
  
Balances(a)
  
Rate Reduction
    
Term Extensions
  
   
(in thousands)
  
($ in millions)
  
(% Points)
    
(# of Months)
  
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
                        
Card Member Loans
    
8
    
$
57
      
13
    
(b)
  
Card Member Receivables
    
2
      
28
    
(c)
      
22
  
Total     10     $ 85                  
 
(a)
Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principal balance.
(b)
For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions.
(c)
We do not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing.

 
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables.
 
2018
  
2017
  
 
Number of
Accounts
  
Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances
Upon Default(a)
  
Number of
Accounts
  
Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances
Upon Default(a)
  
 
(thousands)
  
(millions)
  
(thousands)
  
(millions)
  
Troubled Debt Restructurings That
               
Subsequently Defaulted:
                
Card Member Loans
    
2
    
$
9
      
2
    
$
11
  
    Card Member Receivables
    
1
      
2
      
1
      
1
  
Total
    
3
    
$
11
      
3
    
$
12
  
(a)
The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.



 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
4.  Reserves for Losses

Reserves for losses relating to Card Member loans and receivables represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in our outstanding portfolio of loans and receivables as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments.

Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses

The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Balance, January 1
  
$
1,706
    
$
1,223
  
Provisions(a)
    
499
      
337
  
Net write-offs(b)
                
Principal
    
(358
)
    
(272
)
Interest and fees
    
(71
)
    
(51
)
Other(c)
    
10
      
11
  
Balance, March 31
  
$
1,786
    
$
1,248
  
(a)
Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components.
(b)
Principal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $106 million and $100 million, and include net write-offs from TDRs of $7 million and $12 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were not significant.
(c)
Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $6 million and $7 million and other adjustments of $4 million and $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment
The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment(a)
  
$
397
    
$
367
  
Related reserves (a)
  
$
60
    
$
57
  
Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment(b)
  
$
72,423
    
$
73,032
  
Related reserves (b)
  
$
1,726
    
$
1,649
  
(a)
Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves.
(b)
Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses
The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the three months ended March 31:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Balance, January 1
  
$
521
    
$
467
  
Provisions(a)
    
242
      
213
  
Net write-offs(b)
    
(199
)
    
(194
)
Other(c)
    
1
      
5
  
Balance, March 31
  
$
565
    
$
491
  
(a)
Provisions for principal and fee reserve components.
(b)
Principal and fee write-offs are presented less recoveries of $88 million and $93 million, including net write-offs (recoveries) from TDRs of $(2) million and $6 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(c)
Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $10 million and $9 million and other adjustments of $(9) million and $(4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Card Member Receivables Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment
The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impairment, and related reserves, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment(a)
  
$
98
    
$
80
  
Related reserves (a)
  
$
4
    
$
3
  
Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment
  
$
54,143
    
$
53,967
  
Related reserves (b)
  
$
561
    
$
518
  
(a)
Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves.
(b)
The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

5.  Investment Securities

Investment securities principally include available-for-sale debt securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method.
Investment securities also include equity securities carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Effective January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income; prior to January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses were recorded in AOCI, net of income taxes.

The following is a summary of investment securities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 
2018
  
2017
  
     
Gross
  
Gross
  
Estimated
      
Gross
  
Gross
  
Estimated
  
     
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
  
Fair
      
Unrealized
  
Unrealized
  
Fair
  
Description of Securities (Millions)
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Value
  
Cost
  
Gains
  
Losses
  
Value
  
Available-for-sale debt securities:
                                
State and municipal obligations
  
$
1,122
    
$
8
    
$
(5
)
  
$
1,125
    
$
1,369
    
$
11
    
$
(3
)
  
$
1,377
  
U.S. Government agency obligations
    
10
      
―
      
―
      
10
      
11
      
―
      
―
      
11
  
U.S. Government treasury obligations
    
1,678
      
4
      
(21
)
    
1,661
      
1,051
      
3
      
(9
)
    
1,045
  
Corporate debt securities
    
29
      
―
      
―
      
29
      
28
      
―
      
―
      
28
  
Mortgage-backed securities (a)
    
63
      
2
      
(1
)
    
64
      
67
      
2
      
―
      
69
  
Foreign government bonds and obligations
    
451
      
―
      
―
      
451
      
581
      
―
      
―
      
581
  
Equity securities (b)
    
51
      
―
      
(3
)
    
48
      
51
      
―
      
(3
)
    
48
  
Total
  
$
3,404
    
$
14
    
$
(30
)
  
$
3,388
    
$
3,158
    
$
16
    
$
(15
)
  
$
3,159
  
(a)
Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.
(b)
Equity securities comprise investments in common stock and mutual funds.


 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
The following table provides information about our available-for-sale debt securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
2018
  
2017
  
 
Less than 12 months
  
12 months or more
  
Less than 12 months
  
12 months or more
  
     
Gross
      
Gross
      
Gross
      
Gross
  
Description of Securities (Millions)
Estimated Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Estimated Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Estimated Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
Estimated Fair Value
  
Unrealized Losses
  
State and municipal obligations
  
$
144
    
$
(4
)
  
$
―
    
$
―
    
$
157
    
$
(3
)
  
$
―
    
$
―
  
U.S. Government treasury obligations
    
811
      
(14
)
    
173
      
(7
)
    
650
      
(3
)
    
175
      
(6
)
Equity securities(a)
    
―
      
N/A
      
―
      
N/A
      
―
      
―
      
36
      
(2
)
Total
  
$
955
    
$
(18
)
  
$
173
    
$
(7
)
  
$
807
    
$
(6
)
  
$
211
    
$
(8
)

(a)
Effective January 1, 2018, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are no longer assessed for other-than-temporary impairment.


The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 
Less than 12 months
  
12 months or more
  
Total
  
Ratio of Fair Value to
        
Gross
          
Gross
          
Gross
  
Amortized Cost
Number of
  
Estimated
  
Unrealized
  
Number of
  
Estimated
  
Unrealized
  
Number of
  
Estimated
  
Unrealized
  
(Dollars in millions)
Securities
  
Fair Value
  
Losses
  
Securities
  
Fair Value
  
Losses
  
Securities
  
Fair Value
  
Losses
  
2018:
                                    
90%–100%
    
30
    
$
955
    
$
(18
)
    
5
    
$
173
    
$
(7
)
    
35
    
$
1,128
    
$
(25
)
Total as of March 31, 2018
    
30
    
$
955
    
$
(18
)
    
5
    
$
173
    
$
(7
)
    
35
    
$
1,128
    
$
(25
)
                                                                         
2017:
                                                                        
90%–100%
    
34
    
$
807
    
$
(6
)
    
13
    
$
211
    
$
(8
)
    
47
    
$
1,018
    
$
(14
)
Total as of December 31, 2017
    
34
    
$
807
    
$
(6
)
    
13
    
$
211
    
$
(8
)
    
47
    
$
1,018
    
$
(14
)

The gross unrealized losses for available-for-sale debt securities are attributed to wider credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were purchased.

Overall, for the available-for-sale debt securities in gross unrealized loss positions, (i) we do not intend to sell the securities, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (iii) we expect that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the securities. As a result, we recognized no other-than-temporary impairment during the periods presented.

Contractual maturities for investment securities with stated maturities as of March 31, 2018 were as follows:

         
Estimated
  
(Millions)
  
Cost
   
Fair Value
  
Due within 1 year
  
$
465
    
$
465
  
Due after 1 year but within 5 years
    
1,653
      
1,639
  
Due after 5 years but within 10 years
    
218
      
214
  
Due after 10 years
    
1,017
      
1,022
  
Total
  
$
3,353
    
$
3,340
  

The expected payments on state and municipal obligations and mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because the issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
6.  Asset Securitizations

We periodically securitize Card Member loans and receivables arising from our card businesses through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts, American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) and American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust and together with the Lending Trust, the Trusts). The Trusts then issue debt securities collateralized by the transferred assets to third-party investors.

We perform the servicing and key decision making for the Trusts, and therefore have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trusts’ economic performance, which are the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, we hold all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors. As of March 31, 2018, our ownership of variable interests was $9.2 billion for the Lending Trust and $7.1 billion for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by us provide us with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Based on these considerations, we are the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidate both Trusts.

The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Lending Trust
  
$
145
    
$
55
  
Charge Trust
    
2
      
7
  
Total
  
$
147
    
$
62
  


These amounts relate to collections of Card Member loans and receivables to be used by the Trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest on debt securities, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities.

Under the respective terms of the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering events associated with the performance of the assets of each Trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or, in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of debt securities.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, no such triggering events occurred.

 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
7.  Customer Deposits

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, customer deposits were categorized as interest bearing or non-interest bearing as follows:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
U.S.:
            
Interest bearing
  
$
65,913
    
$
63,666
  
Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2018, $319 million; 2017, $358 million)
    
353
      
395
  
Non-U.S.:
                
Interest bearing
    
42
      
34
  
Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2018, $344 million; 2017, $344 million)
    
357
      
357
  
Total customer deposits
  
$
66,665
    
$
64,452
  

Customer deposits by deposit type as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
U.S. retail deposits:
            
Savings accounts – Direct
  
$
34,544
    
$
31,915
  
Certificates of deposit:(a)
                
Direct
    
325
      
290
  
Third-party (brokered)
    
16,453
      
16,684
  
Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered)
    
14,591
      
14,777
  
Other deposits:
                
U.S. non-interest bearing deposits
    
34
      
37
  
Non-U.S. deposits
    
55
      
47
  
Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S.
    
663
      
702
  
Total customer deposits
  
$
66,665
    
$
64,452
  
(a)
The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average interest rate at issuance on the total portfolio of U.S. retail certificates of deposit issued through direct and third-party programs were 39 months and 2.16 percent, respectively, as of March 31, 2018.
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of March 31, 2018 were as follows:
(Millions)
  
U.S.
    
Non-U.S.
    
Total
  
2018
  
$
4,984
    
$
16
    
$
5,000
  
2019
    
4,610
      
11
      
4,621
  
2020
    
3,693
      
―
      
3,693
  
2021
    
1,317
      
―
      
1,317
  
2022
    
2,149
      
―
      
2,149
  
After 5 years
    
25
      
―
      
25
  
Total
  
$
16,778
    
$
27
    
$
16,805
  

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
U.S.
  
$
126
    
$
114
  
Non-U.S.
    
17
      
11
  
Total
  
$
143
    
$
125
  

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
8.  Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are subject to various pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings). We disclose our material legal proceedings under Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report.


In addition to the matters disclosed under “Legal Proceedings,” we are being challenged in a number of countries regarding our application of value-added taxes (VAT) to certain of our international transactions, which are in various stages of audit, or are being contested in legal actions (collectively, VAT matters). While we believe we have complied with all applicable tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, the tax authorities may determine that we owe additional VAT. In certain jurisdictions where we are contesting the assessments, we were required to pay the VAT assessments prior to contesting.

Our legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, application of tax laws, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against us specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff or class, many seek an unspecified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against us are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable us to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that we are able to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss.

We have recorded reserves for certain of our outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.

For those disclosed material legal proceedings and VAT matters where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related reserve for legal or tax contingencies or where there is no such reserve, and for which we are able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $420 million in excess of any reserves related to those matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently available information and does not represent our maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such legal proceedings evolve, we may need to increase our range of possible loss or reserves.

Based on our current knowledge, and taking into consideration our litigation-related liabilities, we believe we are not a party to, nor are any of our properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, could have a material impact on our results of operations.

 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
9.   Derivatives and Hedging Activities

We use derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity index or price, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of our market risk management. We do not transact in derivatives for trading purposes.

In relation to our credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements we have with our various counterparties, we are not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on our assessment of the credit risk of our derivative counterparties as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no credit risk adjustment to the derivative portfolio was required.

The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

   
Other Assets Fair Value
    
Other Liabilities Fair Value
  
(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018
    
2017
  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                        
Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts(a)
  
$
3
    
$
11
    
$
95
    
$
34
  
Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts
    
71
      
117
      
167
      
89
  
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    
74
      
128
      
262
      
123
  
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                
Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives(b)
    
77
      
82
      
117
      
95
  
Total derivatives, gross
    
151
      
210
      
379
      
218
  
Less: Cash collateral netting(c)(d)
    
―
      
(6
)
    
(94
)
    
(45
)
Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(e)
    
(85
)
    
(80
)
    
(85
)
    
(80
)
Total derivatives, net
  
$
66
    
$
124
    
$
200
    
$
93
  
(a)
For centrally cleared derivatives, variation margin payments are legally characterized as settlement payments as opposed to collateral. Accordingly, the amounts disclosed for centrally cleared derivatives are based on gross assets and gross liabilities, net of variation margin. We also maintained several bilateral interest rate contracts that are shown gross of any collateral exchanged.
(b)
Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements.
(c)
Represents the offsetting of the fair value of bilateral interest rate contracts and certain foreign exchange contracts with the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral.
(d)
We posted $125 million and $146 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, as initial margin on our centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances.
(e)
Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
A majority of our derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are subject to master netting agreements with our derivative counterparties. We have no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Fair Value Hedges
We are exposed to interest rate risk associated with our fixed-rate long-term debt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships, using interest rate swaps, to economically convert the fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate. We have $23.4 billion and $23.8 billion of fixed-rate debt obligations designated in fair value hedging relationships as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
The following table represents the total amounts of income and expense line items associated with the fair value hedges of our fixed-rate long-term debt on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31:

 
Gains (losses)
  
(Millions)
2018
  
2017
  
 
Interest expense(a)
  
Other expenses
  
Hedged items
  
$
210
    
$
50
  
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
    
(191
)
    
(75
)
Total
  
$
19
    
$
(25
)
(a)
We adopted new accounting guidance providing targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities effective January 1, 2018. In compliance with the standard, amounts previously recorded in Other expenses have been prospectively recorded in Total interest expense. Refer to Note 1 for additional information.
 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
The carrying values of the hedged liabilities, recorded within Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $22.9 billion and $23.6 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, including offsetting amounts of $392 million and $182 million for the respective periods, related to the cumulative amount of fair value hedging adjustments.
We recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $14 million and $44 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on our interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges.

Net Investment Hedges

The losses on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, were $162 million and $229 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Accumulated gains within AOCI of $1 million and nil for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were reclassified into Other expenses upon investment sales or liquidations.

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges

The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in net losses of $21 million and $17 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses.
The changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative resulted in a loss of $2 million and a gain of $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and are recognized in Card Member services expense.



10. Fair Values


Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value

The following table summarizes our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s fair value hierarchy, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

 
2018
  
2017
  
(Millions)
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Total
  
Level 1
  
Level 2
  
Level 3
  
Assets:
                                
Investment securities:(a)
                                
Equity securities
  
$
48
    
$
1
    
$
47
    
$
―
    
$
48
    
$
1
    
$
47
    
$
―
  
Debt securities
    
3,340
      
1,661
      
1,679
      
―
      
3,111
      
1,045
      
2,066
      
―
  
Derivatives(a)
    
151
      
―
      
151
      
―
      
210
      
―
      
210
      
―
  
Total Assets
    
3,539
      
1,662
      
1,877
      
―
      
3,369
      
1,046
      
2,323
      
―
  
Liabilities:
                                                                
Derivatives(a)
    
379
      
―
      
379
      
―
      
218
      
―
      
218
      
―
  
Total Liabilities
  
$
379
    
$
―
    
$
379
    
$
―
    
$
218
    
$
―
    
$
218
    
$
―
  
(a)
Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.

 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value
 
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of our financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost, and not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can our fair value be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.
   
Carrying
    
Corresponding Fair Value Amount
  
2018 (Billions)
  
Value
    
Total
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
  
Financial Assets:
                              
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
                              
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
  
$
31
    
$
31
    
$
30
    
$
1
    
$
―
  
Other financial assets(b)
    
57
      
57
      
―
      
57
      
―
  
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
                                        
Loans, net(c)
    
74
      
75
      
―
      
―
      
75
  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                        
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
    
77
      
77
      
―
      
77
      
―
  
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
                                        
Certificates of deposit(d)
    
17
      
17
      
―
      
17
      
―
  
    Long-term debt(c)
  
$
52
    
$
53
    
$
―
    
$
53
    
$
―
  
 
   
Carrying
    
Corresponding Fair Value Amount
  
2017 (Billions)
  
Value
    
Total
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
  
Financial Assets:
                              
Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
                              
Cash and cash equivalents(a)
  
$
33
    
$
33
    
$
32
    
$
1
    
$
―
  
Other financial assets(b)
    
57
      
57
      
―
      
57
      
―
  
Financial assets carried at other than fair value
                                        
Loans, net(c)
    
74
      
75
      
―
      
―
      
75
  
                                         
Financial Liabilities:
                                        
Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value
    
76
      
76
      
―
      
76
      
―
  
Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value
                                        
Certificates of deposit(d)
    
17
      
17
      
―
      
17
      
―
  
    Long-term debt(c)
  
$
56
    
$
57
    
$
―
    
$
57
    
$
―
  
(a)
Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments.
(b)
Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $7.8 billion and $8.9 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets.
(c)
Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $23.9 billion and $25.6 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $15.7 billion and $18.6 billion as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
(d)
Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
We have certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if they are determined to be impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017, we did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment. Equity investments previously held at cost that are adjusted through earnings for observable price changes are not material.

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 

 
11. Guarantees

As of March 31, 2018, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability resulting from guarantees and indemnifications provided by us in the ordinary course of business were $1 billion and $46 million, respectively, and related primarily to our real estate and business dispositions. As of December 31, 2017, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability were $1 billion and $52 million, respectively.

To date we have not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications. Our recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, we establish reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.



12. Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

2018 (Millions), net of tax
  
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Debt Securities
    
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
    
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses)
    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
  
Balances as of December 31, 2017
  
$
―
    
$
(1,961
)
  
$
(467
)
  
$
(2,428
)
Net unrealized losses
    
(13
)
    
―
      
―
      
(13
)
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations
    
―
      
192
      
―
      
192
  
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations
    
―
      
(162
)
    
―
      
(162
)
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    
―
      
―
      
28
      
28
  
Other(a)
    
2
      
―
      
―
      
2
  
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    
(11
)
    
30
      
28
      
47
  
Balances as of March 31, 2018
  
$
(11
)
  
$
(1,931
)
  
$
(439
)
  
$
(2,381
)
 
                         
2017 (Millions), net of tax
  
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities
    
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
    
Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Gains (Losses)
    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
  
Balances as of December 31, 2016
  
$
7
    
$
(2,262
)
  
$
(529
)
  
$
(2,784
)
Net unrealized gains
    
6
      
―
      
―
      
6
  
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations
    
―
      
545
      
―
      
545
  
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations
    
―
      
(229
)
    
―
      
(229
)
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    
―
      
―
      
(8
)
    
(8
)
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    
6
      
316
      
(8
)
    
314
  
Balances as of March 31, 2017
  
$
13
    
$
(1,946
)
  
$
(537
)
  
$
(2,470
)
(a)
Represents unrealized gains and losses pertaining to equity securities moved from AOCI to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, due to the prospective adoption of the financial instruments guidance effective January 1, 2018 (refer to Note 1).

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 

 
The following table shows the tax impact for the three months ended March 31 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above:

   
Tax expense (benefit)
  
(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Investment securities
  
$
(3
)
  
$
3
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    
2
      
(191
)
Net investment hedges
    
(54
)
    
(140
)
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    
3
      
(9
)
Total tax impact
  
$
(52
)
  
$
(337
)

The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

    
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings
     
Amount
Description  (Millions)
Income Statement Line Item
2018
  
2017
Foreign currency translation adjustments
          
Reclassification of translation adjustments and related hedges
Other expenses
    
1
    
―
    Related income tax
Income tax provision
    
(1
)
  
―
    Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments
      
―
    
―
Total
    
$
―
  
$
―


 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
 
13.  Other Fees and Commissions, Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions for the three months ended March 31:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Fees charged to Card Members:
            
Delinquency fees
  
$
242
    
$
214
  
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue
    
225
      
199
  
Other customer fees:
                
Loyalty coalition-related fees
    
111
      
102
  
Travel commissions and fees
    
99
      
90
  
Service fees and other(a)
    
104
      
106
  
Total Other fees and commissions
  
$
781
    
$
711
  
(a)
Other includes Membership Rewards program fees that are not related to contracts with customers.

The following is a detail of Other revenues for the three months ended March 31:
(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Global Network Services partner revenues
  
$
79
    
$
94
  
Other(a)
    
298
      
267
  
Total Other revenues
  
$
377
    
$
361
  
(a)
Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.

Revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to contracts that have an original expected duration of one year or less and contracts with variable consideration (e.g. discount revenue) are not required to be disclosed. Non-interest revenue expected to be recognized in future periods through remaining contracts with customers is not material.

The following is a detail of Other expenses for the three months ended March 31:

(Millions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Occupancy and equipment
  
$
520
    
$
474
  
Professional services
    
457
      
501
  
Other(a)
    
457
      
395
  
Total Other expenses
  
$
1,434
    
$
1,370
  
(a)
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, other expense includes the loss on a transaction involving the operations of our prepaid reloadable and gift card business and gains on the re-measurement of certain equity investments previously carried at cost. For both periods, other expense also includes general operating expenses, Card and merchant-related fraud losses, communication expenses, foreign currency-related gains and losses and insurance costs.

 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
14.  Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 21.5 percent and 32.0 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The change in tax rates primarily reflects the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act. The tax rates in both periods also reflect the resolution of certain prior years’ tax items. In 2017, we recorded an estimated net discrete tax charge of $2.6 billion related to the Tax Act that was accounted for as a provisional charge under SAB 118. There were no material changes to these estimates for the current period. We continue to analyze the impacts of the Tax Act; therefore, the 2017 charge continues to be provisional.

We are under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which we have significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction. The resolution of such matters did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate. We are currently under examination with the IRS for tax years 2008 through 2014.
We believe it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $319 million, principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions. Of the $319 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $291 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate in a future period.


15.  Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

The computations of basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31 were as follows:

(Millions, except per share amounts)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Numerator:
            
Basic and diluted:
            
Net income
  
$
1,634
    
$
1,251
  
        Preferred dividends
    
(21
)
    
(21
)
Net income available to common shareholders
  
$
1,613
    
$
1,230
  
        Earnings allocated to participating share awards(a)
    
(13
)
    
(10
)
        Net income attributable to common shareholders
  
$
1,600
    
$
1,220
  
Denominator:(a)
                
Basic: Weighted-average common stock
    
859
      
899
  
    Add: Weighted-average stock options (b)
    
2
      
4
  
    Diluted
    
861
      
903
  
                 
Basic EPS
  
$
1.86
    
$
1.36
  
Diluted EPS
  
$
1.86
    
$
1.35
  
(a)
Our unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator.
(b)
The dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 0.6 million and 1.2 million of options for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.

 
 
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



16.  Reportable Operating Segments

We are a global services company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, ICNS, GCS and Global Merchant Services (GMS). Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other. Effective January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology used to allocate certain corporate overhead costs and interest income and expense to the operating segments. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.

The following table presents certain selected financial information for our reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other as of or for the three months ended March 31:

                           
Corporate &
        
(Millions, except where indicated)
  
USCS
    
ICNS
    
GCS
    
GMS
    
Other(a)
    
Consolidated
  
2018
                                    
Total non-interest revenues
  
$
2,294
    
$
1,551
    
$
2,838
    
$
1,110
    
$
84
    
$
7,877
  
     Revenue from contracts with customers(b)
    
1,799
      
1,093
      
2,495
      
1,110
      
84
      
6,581
  
Interest income
    
1,656
      
294
      
377
      
―
      
135
      
2,462
  
Interest expense
    
253
      
78
      
171
      
(63
)
    
182
      
621
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
3,697
      
1,767
      
3,044
      
1,173
      
37
      
9,718
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
640
    
$
291
    
$
552
    
$
472
    
$
(321
)
  
$
1,634
  
Total assets (billions)
  
$
94
    
$
42
    
$
58
    
$
29
    
$
(43
)
  
$
180
  
2017
                                                
Total non-interest revenues
  
$
2,118
    
$
1,400
    
$
2,603
    
$
1,021
    
$
65
    
$
7,207
  
     Revenue from contracts with customers(b)
    
1,657
      
1,009
      
2,297
      
1,021
      
63
      
6,047
  
Interest income
    
1,310
      
235
      
319
      
―
      
81
      
1,945
  
Interest expense
    
161
      
54
      
123
      
(43
)
    
148
      
443
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
3,267
      
1,581
      
2,799
      
1,064
      
(2
)
    
8,709
  
Net income (loss)
  
$
494
    
$
252
    
$
409
    
$
357
    
$
(261
)
  
$
1,251
  
Total assets (billions)
  
$
85
    
$
36
    
$
52
    
$
26
    
$
(38
)
  
$
161
  
(a)
Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.
(b)
Includes discount revenue, certain other fees and commissions and other revenues from customers.

 

17.  Subsequent Event

Effective April 1, 2018, American Express Centurion Bank and American Express Bank, FSB were merged to become American Express National Bank, regulated, supervised and examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The merger did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Business Introduction
When we use the terms “American Express,” “we,” “our” or “us,” we mean American Express Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless we state or the context implies otherwise.
We are a global services company with four operating segments used for financial reporting in the first quarter: U.S. Consumer Services (USCS), International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS), Global Commercial Services (GCS) and Global Merchant Services (GMS). Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other.

During the first quarter of 2018, we announced organizational changes that combined our U.S. and International consumer businesses into a global consumer services organization, and combined our merchant and network-related businesses, among other changes. Our financial disclosures will reflect these organizational changes starting in the second quarter of 2018, which is consistent with when our executives will begin to review financial information aligned to the new segments. Our reportable operating segments will be as follows:
•
Global Consumer Services Group, including our U.S. and International Consumer Card Services businesses;
•
Global Merchant and Network Services, including our Global Merchant Services business, the Global Network Services business, and our Loyalty Coalition programs; and
•
Global Commercial Services, including our Global Corporate Payments business and our small business services.
We provide our customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Our principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Our range of products and services includes:
•     Charge card, credit card and other payment and financing products
•     Merchant acquisition and processing, servicing and settlement, and point-of-sale marketing and information products and services for merchants
•
Network services
•     Other fee services, including fraud prevention services and the design and operation of customer loyalty programs
•     Expense management products and services
•     Travel-related services
•     Stored-value/prepaid products

Our various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including mobile and online applications, direct mail, in-house sales teams, third-party vendors and direct response advertising. Business travel-related services are offered through our non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (the GBT JV).
We compete in the global payments industry with charge, credit and debit card networks, issuers and acquirers, paper-based transactions (e.g., cash and checks), bank transfer models (e.g., wire transfers and ACH), as well as evolving and growing alternative payment and financing providers. As the payments industry continues to evolve, we face increasing competition from non-traditional players that leverage new technologies and customer relationships to create payment or financing solutions.
 
 

 

The following types of revenue are generated from our various products and services:
•
Discount revenue, our largest revenue source, represents fees generally charged to merchants for accepting our cards as payment for goods or services sold;
•
Interest on loans, principally represents interest income earned on outstanding balances;
•
Net card fees, represent revenue earned from annual card membership fees, which varies based on the type of card and the number of cards for each account;
•
Other fees and commissions, represent Card Member delinquency fees, foreign currency conversion fees charged to Card Members, loyalty coalition-related fees, travel commissions and fees, service fees and fees related to our Membership Rewards program; and
•
Other revenue, primarily represents revenues arising from contracts with partners of our Global Network Services (GNS) business (including commissions and signing fees less issuer rate payments), cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Members, ancillary merchant-related fees, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenue and earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV).
Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted new revenue recognition guidance using the full retrospective method, which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented, starting January 1, 2016. The adoption changed the recognition timing and classification of certain revenues and expenses, including changes to the presentation of certain credit and charge card related costs that were previously netted against discount revenue. The adoption did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position, net income, equity or cash flows. Refer to Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information. In addition, we reclassified certain business development expenses, from other expenses to marketing and business development, which was not directly attributable to the adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance.
Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Measures
Certain of the statements in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” section. We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, certain information included within this Form 10-Q constitutes non-GAAP financial measures. Our calculations of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculations of similarly titled measures by other companies.
 
Bank Holding Company
American Express is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) is our primary federal regulator. As such, we are subject to the Federal Reserve’s regulations, policies and minimum capital standards.

Business Environment
Our results for the first quarter reflect a solid start to the year as we continue to invest across our four key focus areas – strengthening our leadership position with premium consumers, extending our strong position in the commercial payments space, making American Express an essential part of our customers’ digital lives and strengthening our global, integrated network. The increase in earnings per share versus the prior year reflected growth across our businesses as well as a lower tax provision due to the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act).
Our worldwide billed business increased 12 percent over the prior year, reflecting growth across all of our customer segments and geographies. Our U.S. and international proprietary consumer card issuing businesses saw a sequential improvement in billings growth. U.S. billings growth benefited from the acquisition from Citibank, N.A. of the portion of the Hilton cobrand portfolio that we did not previously own (the acquired Hilton portfolio), growth from existing customers and strong growth in our Platinum portfolios, which was driven by prior year investments.  Commercial billings growth also accelerated driven by growth from large and global commercial customers, as well as middle market and small business customers. As anticipated, Global Network Services billed business grew at a slower rate than our proprietary business due to the impact of the evolving regulatory environment in Europe and Australia.
 
 
 
Revenues net of interest expense grew, reflecting higher Card Member spending, loans and fee income, partially offset by a decline in the average discount rate.  We are focused on driving discount revenue growth, not on maximizing the average discount rate, which has led us to selectively adjust such rate in order to drive higher volume growth and overall economics.  Our net interest yield increased year-over-year, primarily related to a shift in mix over time towards non-cobrand lending products that generally attract more revolving loan balances, a lower percentage of total loans at introductory interest rates and specific pricing actions.  We continue to expect net interest yield to stabilize sequentially.
Card Member loans grew year-over-year as we continued to expand our lending relationships with existing customers and acquired new Card Members, including the previously mentioned acquired Hilton portfolio.   Provisions for losses increased as a result of higher Card Member loans and receivables and increases in lending delinquencies and net write-off rates.  The increases in the delinquencies and net write-off rates were in line with our expectations and primarily due to the seasoning of recent loan vintages and a shift in mix over time towards non-cobrand lending products, which have higher write-off rates but also drive higher net interest yields.  We expect these trends relating to lending write-off rates, delinquencies and provisions for losses to continue.
Spending on customer engagement (the aggregate of rewards, Card Member services and marketing and business development expenses) increased year-over-year, driven in part by growth in rewards, which reflects the growth in billings, and continued higher levels of usage across many of our premium travel services. Marketing and business development expense increased due to partner payments related to our recent cobrand agreements and higher corporate client incentives. We expect marketing and business development expenses to be higher over the balance of the year due to increased investments.  Operating expense increased year-over-year, reflecting the impact of foreign currency exchange rate changes and a number of discrete items, including a loss on a transaction related to our prepaid business operations and gains on the re-measurement of certain equity investments previously held at cost.
As previously announced, we have suspended our share buyback program for the first half of 2018 in order to rebuild our capital, and as a result, we saw our capital ratios improve during the first quarter.  We continued to return capital to shareholders through our dividend distributions.
While we continue to see some headwinds from a rising interest rate environment, regulation in countries around the world and intense competition, we remain focused on delivering differentiated value to our merchants, customers and business partners, while delivering appropriate returns to our shareholders.
See “Certain legislative, regulatory and other developments” in “Other Matters” for information on certain matters that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 

 
 
American Express Company
Consolidated Results of Operations

Refer to the “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of certain key terms and related information appearing within this section.

The discussions in both the Consolidated Results of Operations and Business Segment Results provide commentary on the variances for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to same period in the prior year, as presented in the accompanying tables. Effective January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology used to allocate certain corporate overhead costs and interest income and expense to the operating segments. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.

Table 1: Summary of Financial Performance

   
Three Months Ended
              
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages and per share amounts)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
  
$
9,718
    
$
8,709
    
$
1,009
      
12
%
Provisions for losses
    
775
      
573
      
202
      
35
  
Expenses
    
6,861
      
6,297
      
564
      
9
  
Pretax income
    
2,082
      
1,839
      
243
      
13
  
Income tax provision
    
448
      
588
      
(140
)
    
(24
)
Net income
    
1,634
      
1,251
      
383
      
31
  
Earnings per common share — diluted(a)
  
$
1.86
    
$
1.35
    
$
0.51
      
38
%
Return on average equity(b)
    
15.2
%
    
24.9
%
                
Effective tax rate
    
21.5
%
    
32.0
%
                
(a)
Earnings per common share — diluted was reduced by the impact of (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards and other items of $13 million and $10 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $21 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
(b)
Return on average equity (ROE) is computed by dividing (i) one-year period net income ($3.1 billion and $5.2 billion for March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively) by (ii) one-year average total shareholders’ equity ($20.5 billion and $20.8 billion for March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively).
 

Table 2: Total Revenue Net of Interest Expense Summary
   
Three Months Ended
        
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Discount revenue
  
$
5,889
    
$
5,387
    
$
502
      
9
%
Net card fees
    
830
      
748
      
82
      
11
  
Other fees and commissions
    
781
      
711
      
70
      
10
  
Other
    
377
      
361
      
16
      
4
  
Total non-interest revenues
    
7,877
      
7,207
      
670
      
9
  
Total interest income
    
2,462
      
1,945
      
517
      
27
  
Total interest expense
    
621
      
443
      
178
      
40
  
Net interest income
    
1,841
      
1,502
      
339
      
23
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
  
$
9,718
    
$
8,709
    
$
1,009
      
12
%

Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense

Discount revenue increased, primarily due to growth in billed business, partially offset by a decrease in the average discount rate. Worldwide billed business increased by 12 percent, driven by 10 percent and 17 percent increases in U.S. and non-U.S. billed business, respectively. See Tables 5 and 6 for more details on the average discount rate and billed business performance.
The decrease in the average discount rate primarily reflected rate reductions from merchant negotiations, including those resulting from the recent regulatory changes affecting competitor pricing in certain international markets, the continued growth of the OptBlue program, and changes in industry and geographic mix. We expect the average discount rate will continue to decline over time due to a greater shift of existing merchants into OptBlue, merchant negotiations and competition, volume related pricing discounts, certain pricing initiatives mainly driven by pricing regulation (including regulation of competitors’ interchange rates) and other factors.
 
 
 
Net card fees increased, primarily driven by growth in certain key international countries as well as growth in the Platinum and Delta portfolios.
Other fees and commissions increased, primarily driven by increases in delinquency fees, due to a change in the late fee assessment date for certain U.S. charge cards, foreign exchange conversion revenue and loyalty coalition-related fees.
Other revenues increased, primarily driven by an increase in the profit distribution from the GBT JV.
Interest income increased, primarily reflecting higher average Card Member loans and higher yields. The growth in average Card Member loans was primarily driven by expanding relationships with existing customers, as well as the inclusion of the acquired Hilton portfolio. The increase in yields was primarily driven by a greater percentage of loans at higher rate buckets, specific pricing actions, and a mix shift over time towards non-cobrand lending products, where Card Members tend to revolve more of their loan balances.
Interest expense increased, primarily driven by higher interest rates and higher average deposits and long-term debt, partially offset by fair value hedge ineffectiveness previously reported in Other expense.

Table 3: Provisions for Losses Summary

 
Three Months Ended
      
 
March 31,
  
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
2018
  
2017
  
2018 vs. 2017
  
Charge card
  
$
242
    
$
213
    
$
29
      
14
%
Card Member loans
    
499
      
337
      
162
      
48
  
Other
    
34
      
23
      
11
      
48
  
Total provisions for losses
  
$
775
    
$
573
    
$
202
      
35
%

Provisions for Losses

Charge card provision for losses increased, primarily driven by growth in receivables due to increased billed business.

Card Member loans provision for losses increased, driven by continued strong loan growth and higher delinquencies and write-offs due to the seasoning of recent loan vintages and a shift in mix over time towards non-cobrand products.

Other provision for losses increased, primarily due to growth in the non-card lending portfolio.

Table 4: Expenses Summary

   
Three Months Ended
        
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Marketing and business development(a)
  
$
1,345
    
$
1,285
    
$
60
      
5
%
Card Member rewards
    
2,347
      
2,061
      
286
      
14
  
Card Member services
    
409
      
317
      
92
      
29
  
Total marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services
    
4,101
      
3,663
      
438
      
12
  
Salaries and employee benefits
    
1,326
      
1,264
      
62
      
5
  
Other, net(a)
    
1,434
      
1,370
      
64
      
5
  
Total expenses
  
$
6,861
    
$
6,297
    
$
564
      
9
%
(a)
Includes reclassification of certain business development expenses from Other expenses to Marketing and business development that are not directly attributable to the adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance. The prior period has been conformed to the current period presentation.

 
 
 
 
Expenses
Marketing and business development expenses increased, primarily due to higher cobrand partner payments as a result of recent cobrand agreements, and increased corporate client incentives driven by higher volumes, partially offset by lower spending on growth initiatives.
Card Member rewards expenses increased, primarily due to increases in Membership Rewards expense of $141 million and cobrand rewards expense of $127 million, both of which were primarily driven by higher spending volumes.
The Membership Rewards Ultimate Redemption Rate (URR) for current program participants was 95 percent (rounded down) at both March 31, 2018 and 2017.
Card Member services expenses increased, primarily driven by higher usage of travel-related benefits and the enhanced Platinum card benefits.
Salaries and employee benefits expenses increased, primarily driven by increases in payroll costs and incentive compensation.
Other expenses increased, primarily driven by a loss on a transaction involving the operations of our prepaid reloadable and gift card business, partially offset by gains on the re-measurement of certain equity investments previously carried at cost.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate decreased, primarily reflecting the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.
 
 
 
 
 
Table 5: Selected Card-Related Statistical Information
   
As of or for the
    
Change
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
2018
  
   
March 31,
    
vs.
  
   
2018
    
2017
    
2017
  
Card billed business: (billions)
                  
United States
  
$
182.5
    
$
165.4
      
10
%
    Outside the United States
    
101.3
      
86.9
      
17
  
        Worldwide
  
$
283.8
    
$
252.3
      
12
  
Proprietary
  
$
236.9
    
$
208.9
      
13
  
    Global Network Services
    
46.9
      
43.4
      
8
  
        Worldwide
  
$
283.8
    
$
252.3
      
12
  
Total cards-in-force: (millions)
                        
United States
    
51.3
      
48.2
      
6
  
    Outside the United States
    
62.9
      
63.0
      
―
  
        Worldwide
    
114.2
      
111.2
      
3
  
Proprietary
    
66.4
      
62.2
      
7
  
    Global Network Services
    
47.8
      
49.0
      
(2
)
        Worldwide
    
114.2
      
111.2
      
3
  
Basic cards-in-force: (millions)
                        
United States
    
40.4
      
38.1
      
6
  
    Outside the United States
    
52.4
      
52.2
      
―
  
        Worldwide
    
92.8
      
90.3
      
3
  
Average basic Card Member spending: (dollars)(a)
                        
United States
  
$
5,015
    
$
4,859
      
3
  
Outside the United States
    
3,869
      
3,283
      
18
  
        Worldwide Average
  
$
4,677
    
$
4,387
      
7
  
Card Member loans: (billions)
                        
United States
  
$
63.9
    
$
56.6
      
13
  
    Outside the United States
    
8.9
      
7.0
      
27
  
        Worldwide
  
$
72.8
    
$
63.6
      
14
  
Average discount rate(b)
    
2.37
%
    
2.43
%
        
Average fee per card (dollars)(a)
  
$
51
    
$
48
      
6
%
(a)
Average basic Card Member spending and average fee per card are computed from proprietary card activities only.  Average fee per card is computed based on net card fees divided by average worldwide proprietary cards-in-force.
(b)
Effective January 1, 2018, we began including billings volumes related to certain business-to-business products in the calculation of the average discount rate to reflect our expanding business to business product offerings.  Prior period rates have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.
 
 
 
 
Table 6: Billed Business Growth
   
Three Months Ended
  
   
March 31, 2018
  
         
Percentage Increase
  
   
Percentage
   
(Decrease) Assuming
  
   
Increase
    
No Changes in
  
   
(Decrease)
    
FX Rates(a)
  
Worldwide(b)
            
Total billed business
    
12
%
    
10
%
Proprietary billed business
    
13
      
11
  
GNS billed business(c)
    
8
      
3
  
Airline-related volume (9% of worldwide billed business)
    
10
      
6
  
United States(b)
                
Billed business
    
10
          
Proprietary consumer card billed business(d)
    
11
          
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
    
10
          
T&E-related volume (27% of U.S. billed business)
    
8
          
Non-T&E-related volume (73% of U.S. billed business)
    
11
          
Airline-related volume (8% of U.S. billed business)
    
7
          
Outside the United States(b)
                
Billed business
    
17
      
9
  
     Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia (JAPA) billed business
    
16
      
10
  
     Latin America & Canada (LACC) billed business
    
12
      
11
  
     Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) billed business
    
20
      
7
  
Proprietary consumer card billed business(c)
    
25
      
16
  
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
    
23
%
    
14
%
(a)
The foreign currency adjusted information assumes a constant exchange rate between the periods being compared for purposes of currency translation into U.S. dollars (i.e., assumes the foreign exchange rates used to determine results for the current period apply to the corresponding prior year period against which such results are being compared).
(b)
Captions in the table above not designated as “proprietary” or “GNS” include both proprietary and GNS data.
(c)
Included in the ICNS segment.
(d)
Included in the USCS segment.
(e)
Included in the GCS segment.
 
 

 
Table 7: Selected Credit-Related Statistical Information
   
As of or for the
    
Change
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
2018
  
   
March 31,
    
vs.
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2017
  
Worldwide Card Member loans:
                  
Total loans (billions)
  
$
72.8
    
$
63.6
      
14
%
Loss reserves:
                        
Beginning balance
  
$
1,706
    
$
1,223
      
39
  
Provisions (a)
    
499
      
337
      
48
  
Net write-offs — principal only (b)
    
(358
)
    
(272
)
    
32
  
Net write-offs — interest and fees (b)
    
(71
)
    
(51
)
    
39
  
Other
    
10
      
11
      
(9
)
Ending balance
  
$
1,786
    
$
1,248
      
43
  
Ending reserves — principal
  
$
1,691
    
$
1,179
      
43
  
Ending reserves — interest and fees
  
$
95
    
$
69
      
38
  
% of loans
    
2.5
%
    
2.0
%
        
% of past due
    
174
%
    
158
%
        
Average loans (billions)
  
$
72.7
    
$
63.9
      
14
  
Net write-off rate — principal only (c)
    
2.0
%
    
1.7
%
        
Net write-off rate — principal, interest and fees (c)
    
2.4
%
    
2.0
%
        
30+ days past due as a % of total (c)
    
1.4
%
    
1.2
%
        
                         
Worldwide Card Member receivables:
                        
Total receivables (billions)
  
$
54.2
    
$
47.6
      
14
  
Loss reserves:
                        
Beginning balance
  
$
521
    
$
467
      
12
  
Provisions (a)
    
242
      
213
      
14
  
Net write-offs (b)
    
(199
)
    
(194
)
    
3
  
Other
    
1
      
5
      
(80
)
Ending balance
  
$
565
    
$
491
      
15
%
% of receivables
    
1.0
%
    
1.0
%
        
Net write-off rate — principal only (c)
    
1.6
%
    
1.7
%
        
Net write-off rate — principal and fees  (c)
    
1.8
%
    
2.0
%
        
30+ days past due as a % of total  (c)
    
1.5
%
    
1.5
%
        
Net loss ratio as a % of charge volume — GCP
    
0.10
%
    
0.11
%
        
90+ days past billing as a % of total — GCP
    
0.8
%
    
0.7
%
        
(a)
Reflects provisions for principal, interest and/or fees on Card Member loans and receivables.
(b)
Write-offs, less recoveries.
(c)
We present a net write-off rate based on principal losses only (i.e., excluding interest and/or fees) to be consistent with industry convention. In addition, because we consider uncollectible interest and/or fees in our reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. The net write-off rates and 30+ days past due as a percentage of total for Card Member receivables relate to USCS, ICNS and Global Small Business Services (GSBS) Card Member receivables.
 
 
 
 

 
Table 8: Net Interest Yield on Average Card Member Loans
   
Three Months Ended
  
   
March 31,
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Net interest income
  
$
1,841
    
$
1,502
  
Exclude:
                
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio (a)
    
302
      
247
  
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio (b)
    
(213
)
    
(130
)
Adjusted net interest income (c)
  
$
1,930
    
$
1,619
  
Average Card Member loans (billions)
  
$
72.7
    
$
63.9
  
Net interest income divided by average Card Member loans(c)
    
10.1
%
    
9.4
%
Net interest yield on average Card Member loans (c)
    
10.8
%
    
10.3
%
(a)
Primarily represents interest expense attributable to maintaining our corporate liquidity pool and funding Card Member receivables.
(b)
Primarily represents interest income attributable to Other loans, interest-bearing deposits and our Travelers Cheque and other stored-value investment portfolio.
(c)
Adjusted net interest income and net interest yield on average Card Member loans are non-GAAP measures. Refer to “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of these terms. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it represents the interest expense and interest income attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio and is a component of net interest yield on average Card Member loans, which provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio. Net interest yield on average Card Member loans reflects adjusted net interest income divided by average Card Member loans, computed on an annualized basis. Net interest income divided by average Card Member loans, computed on an annualized basis, a GAAP measure, includes elements of total interest income and total interest expense that are not attributable to the Card Member loan portfolio, and thus is not representative of net interest yield on average Card Member loans.
 
 
 

 
Business Segment Results

U.S. Consumer Services


Table 9: USCS Selected Income Statement Data

   
Three Months Ended
              
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Revenues
                        
Non-interest revenues
  
$
2,294
    
$
2,118
    
$
176
      
8
%
Interest income
    
1,656
      
1,310
      
346
      
26
  
    Interest expense
    
253
      
161
      
92
      
57
  
Net interest income
    
1,403
      
1,149
      
254
      
22
  
Total revenues net of  interest expense
    
3,697
      
3,267
      
430
      
13
  
Provisions for losses
    
423
      
294
      
129
      
44
  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    
3,274
      
2,973
      
301
      
10
  
Expenses
                                
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services
    
1,771
      
1,564
      
207
      
13
  
    Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    
690
      
671
      
19
      
3
  
Total expenses
    
2,461
      
2,235
      
226
      
10
  
Pretax segment income
    
813
      
738
      
75
      
10
  
Income tax provision
    
173
      
244
      
(71
)
    
(29
)
Segment income
  
$
640
    
$
494
    
$
146
      
30
%
Effective tax rate
    
21.3
%
    
33.1
%
                

USCS issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards and provides services to consumers in the United States, including travel services.
 
 
Non-interest revenues increased, primarily driven by discount revenue, which increased $142 million, or 9 percent, reflecting an increase in billed business of 11 percent. Net card fees and other fees and commissions increased, driven primarily by growth in the Platinum and Delta portfolios and higher delinquency fees, respectively.
Net interest income increased, primarily driven by growth in average Card Member loans and higher yields, partially offset by higher interest expense, primarily driven by higher cost of funds. The growth in average Card Member loans was primarily driven by expanding relationships with existing customers, as well as the inclusion of the acquired Hilton portfolio. The increase in yields was primarily driven by a greater percentage of loans at higher rate buckets, specific pricing actions, and a mix shift over time towards non-cobrand lending products, where Card Members tend to revolve more of their loan balances.
Provision for losses increased, driven by Card Member loan provision, which increased by $136 million primarily due to strong lending growth and higher delinquencies and write-offs due to continued seasoning of recent loan vintages and a shift in mix over time towards non-cobrand products.
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services expenses increased across all expense categories. Card Member rewards expense increased $132 million, driven by increased spending volumes across both proprietary and cobrand portfolios. Card Member services expenses increased, driven by higher usage of travel-related benefits and enhanced Platinum card benefits. Marketing and business development expenses increased, driven by higher cobrand partner payments, partially offset by lower spending on growth initiatives.
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses increased, primarily driven by higher technology and other servicing-related costs, partially offset by gains on the re-measurement, in the current period, of certain equity investments previously carried at cost and prior period hedge ineffectiveness now included in Interest expense.
The effective tax rate decreased, primarily reflecting the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.
 
 

 

Table 10: USCS Selected Statistical Information

   
As of or for the
    
Change
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
2018
  
   
March 31,
    
vs.
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2017
  
Card billed business (billions)
  
$
86.0
    
$
77.5
      
11
%
Total cards-in-force
    
36.1
      
33.2
      
9
  
Basic cards-in-force
    
25.8
      
23.7
      
9
  
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  
$
3,371
    
$
3,297
      
2
  
Total segment assets (billions)
  
$
93.8
    
$
85.3
      
10
  
Card Member loans:
                        
Total loans (billions)
  
$
52.7
    
$
46.7
      
13
  
Average loans (billions)
  
$
52.9
    
$
47.2
      
12
  
Net write-off rate – principal only (a)
    
2.0
%
    
1.7
%
        
Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees (a)
    
2.4
%
    
2.0
%
        
    30+ days past due loans as a % of total
    
1.4
%
    
1.2
%
        
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Average Card Member loans:
                        
Net interest income
  
$
1,403
    
$
1,149
          
Exclude:
                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  (b)
    
37
      
34
          
    Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  (c)
    
(38
)
    
(18
)
        
Adjusted net interest income (d)
  
$
1,402
    
$
1,165
          
Average Card Member loans (billions)
  
$
52.9
    
$
47.2
          
Net interest income divided by average Card Member loans (d)
    
10.6
%
    
9.7
%
        
    Net interest yield on average Card Member loans(d)
    
10.7
%
    
10.0
%
        
Card Member receivables:
                        
Total receivables (billions)
  
$
11.7
    
$
10.9
      
7
%
Net write-off rate – principal only (a)
    
1.3
%
    
1.5
%
        
Net write-off rate – principal and fees (a)
    
1.5
%
    
1.7
%
        
    30+ days past due as a % of total
    
1.3
%
    
1.3
%
        
(a)
Refer to Table 7 footnote (c).
(b)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).
(c)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (b).
(d)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (c).


 

International Consumer and Network Services


Table 11: ICNS Selected Income Statement Data

   
Three Months Ended
              
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Revenues
                        
Non-interest revenues
  
$
1,551
    
$
1,400
    
$
151
      
11
%
Interest income
    
294
      
235
      
59
      
25
  
Interest expense
    
78
      
54
      
24
      
44
  
Net interest income
    
216
      
181
      
35
      
19
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
1,767
      
1,581
      
186
      
12
  
Provisions for losses
    
108
      
66
      
42
      
64
  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    
1,659
      
1,515
      
144
      
10
  
Expenses
                                
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services
    
857
      
726
      
131
      
18
  
    Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    
432
      
441
      
(9
)
    
(2
)
Total expenses
    
1,289
      
1,167
      
122
      
10
  
Pretax segment income
    
370
      
348
      
22
      
6
  
Income tax provision
    
79
      
96
      
(17
)
    
(18
)
Segment income
  
$
291
    
$
252
    
$
39
      
15
%
Effective tax rate
    
21.4
%
    
27.6
%
                

ICNS issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards outside the United States and enters into partnership agreements with third-party card issuers and acquirers, licensing the American Express brand and extending the reach of the global network. It also provides travel services outside the United States.
Non-interest revenues increased, primarily driven by discount revenue, which increased $98 million, due to an increase in proprietary billed business and the impact of changes in the foreign exchange rates. Net card fees and other fees and commissions increased, primarily driven by growth in cards-in-force and higher delinquency fees, respectively. Total billed business increased, reflecting higher proprietary cards-in-force and average spend per card. Refer to Tables 6, 7 and 12 for additional information on billed business.
Net interest income increased for the three month period, primarily driven by higher average loan balances, partially offset by higher cost of funds.
Provisions for losses increased due to strong growth in both Card Member receivables and loans resulting in higher delinquencies and write-offs.

Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services expenses increased, primarily driven by Card Member rewards expense, which increased $83 million, due to higher spending volumes, and marketing and business development expense primarily due to increased investment levels in our proprietary business.

Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses decreased, primarily driven by lower technology and other servicing-related costs.
The effective tax rate decreased, primarily reflecting the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.
 
 

 

Table 12: ICNS Selected Statistical Information

   
As of or for the
    
Change
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
2018
  
   
March 31,
    
vs.
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2017
  
Card billed business (billions)
                  
Proprietary
  
$
33.3
    
$
26.6
      
25
%
    GNS
    
47.0
      
43.4
      
8
  
       Total
  
$
80.3
    
$
70.0
      
15
  
Total cards-in-force
                        
Proprietary
    
16.2
      
15.3
      
6
  
    GNS
    
47.8
      
49.0
      
(2
)
       Total
    
64.0
      
64.3
      
―
  
Proprietary basic cards-in-force
    
11.3
      
10.5
      
8
  
Average proprietary basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  
$
3,001
    
$
2,542
      
18
  
Total segment assets (billions)
  
$
42.0
    
$
36.1
      
16
  
Card Member loans:
                        
Total loans (billions)
  
$
8.7
    
$
6.8
      
28
  
Average loans (billions)
  
$
8.6
    
$
6.9
      
25
  
Net write-off rate – principal only  (a)
    
2.1
%
    
2.0
%
        
Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees (a)
    
2.6
%
    
2.5
%
        
30+ days past due loans as a % of total
    
1.6
%
    
1.7
%
        
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Average Card Member loans:
                        
Net interest income
  
$
216
    
$
181
          
Exclude:
                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio (b)
    
21
      
12
          
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio(c)
    
(4
)
    
(4
)
        
Adjusted net interest income (d)
  
$
233
    
$
189
          
Average Card Member loans (billions)
  
$
8.6
    
$
6.9
          
Net interest income divided by average Card Member loans (d)
    
10.0
%
    
10.5
%
        
Net interest yield on average Card Member loans (d)
    
10.9
%
    
11.1
%
        
Card Member receivables:
                        
Total receivables (billions)
  
$
7.1
    
$
5.5
      
29
%
Net write-off rate – principal only (a)
    
2.0
%
    
2.1
%
        
Net write-off rate – principal and fees(a)
    
2.2
%
    
2.3
%
        
30+ days past due loans as a % of total
    
1.5
%
    
1.5
%
        
(a)
Refer to Table 7 footnote (c).
(b)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).
(c)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (b).
(d)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (c).
 
 

 
 
Global Commercial Services


Table 13: GCS Selected Income Statement Data

   
Three Months Ended
              
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Revenues
                        
Non-interest revenues
  
$
2,838
    
$
2,603
    
$
235
      
9
%
Interest income
    
377
      
319
      
58
      
18
  
Interest expense
    
171
      
123
      
48
      
39
  
Net interest income
    
206
      
196
      
10
      
5
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
3,044
      
2,799
      
245
      
9
  
Provisions for losses
    
240
      
208
      
32
      
15
  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    
2,804
      
2,591
      
213
      
8
  
Expenses
                                
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services
    
1,373
      
1,290
      
83
      
6
  
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    
714
      
684
      
30
      
4
  
Total expenses
    
2,087
      
1,974
      
113
      
6
  
Pretax segment income
    
717
      
617
      
100
      
16
  
Income tax provision
    
165
      
208
      
(43
)
    
(21
)
Segment income
  
$
552
    
$
409
    
$
143
      
35
%
Effective tax rate
    
23.0
%
    
33.7
%
                

GCS issues a wide range of proprietary corporate and small business cards and provides payment and expense management services globally. In addition, GCS provides commercial financing products.
Non-interest revenues increased, primarily driven by discount revenue, which increased $203 million, due to growth in billed business. The increase in non-interest revenues was also driven by higher other fees and commissions and higher net card fees, primarily due to higher delinquency fees and growth in the U.S. small business Platinum portfolio, respectively.
Net interest income increased, primarily driven by higher average loan balances, partially offset by higher cost of funds and higher average debt.
Provisions for losses increased, primarily due to the charge portfolio.
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services expenses increased, primarily driven by increases in Card Member rewards expense, due to higher spending volumes.


Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses increased, primarily driven by higher technology costs, partially offset by prior-period hedge ineffectiveness now included in interest expense.
The effective tax rate decreased, primarily reflecting the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Table 14: GCS Selected Statistical Information

   
As of or for the
    
Change
  
   
Three Months Ended
    
2018
  
   
March 31,
    
vs.
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2017
  
Card billed business (billions)
  
$
115.7
    
$
102.8
      
13
%
Total cards-in-force
    
14.1
      
13.7
      
3
  
Basic cards-in-force
    
14.1
      
13.7
      
3
  
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  
$
8,233
    
$
7,533
      
9
  
Total segment assets (billions)
  
$
57.8
    
$
51.5
      
12
  
Card Member loans (billions)
  
$
11.5
    
$
10.0
      
15
  
Card Member receivables (billions)
  
$
35.5
    
$
31.2
      
14
  
Card Member loans:
                        
Total loans - GSBS (billions)
  
$
11.4
    
$
10.0
      
14
  
Average loans - GSBS (billions)
  
$
11.1
    
$
9.6
      
16
  
Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS (a)
    
1.6
%
    
1.6
%
        
Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) - GSBS (a)
    
1.9
%
    
1.8
%
        
30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS
    
1.3
%
    
1.2
%
        
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Average Card Member loans:
                        
Net interest income
  
$
206
    
$
196
          
Exclude:
                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio (b)
    
126
      
96
          
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio (c)
    
(36
)
    
(27
)
        
Adjusted net interest income(d)
  
$
296
    
$
265
          
Average Card Member loans (billions)
  
$
11.2
    
$
9.7
          
Net interest income divided by average Card Member loans(d)
    
7.4
%
    
8.1
%
        
Net interest yield on average Card Member loans (d)
    
10.7
%
    
11.1
%
        
Card Member receivables:
                        
Total receivables - GCP (billions)
  
$
19.3
    
$
16.6
      
16
  
90+ days past billing as a % of total - GCP (e)
    
0.8
%
    
0.7
%
        
Net loss ratio (as a % of charge volume) - GCP
    
0.10
%
    
0.11
%
        
Total receivables - GSBS (billions)
  
$
16.2
    
$
14.6
      
11
%
Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS (a)
    
1.7
%
    
1.8
%
        
Net write-off rate (principal and fees) - GSBS (a)
    
1.9
%
    
2.0
%
        
30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS
    
1.8
%
    
1.6
%
        
(a)
Refer to Table 7 footnote (c).
(b)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).
(c)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (b).
(d)
Refer to Table 8 footnote (c).
(e)
For Global Corporate Payments (GCP) Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if we initiate collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.
 
 
 
 
 

 
Global Merchant Services


Table 15: GMS Selected Income Statement Data

   
Three Months Ended
              
   
March 31,
    
Change
  
(Millions, except percentages)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018 vs. 2017
  
Revenues
                        
Non-interest revenues
  
$
1,110
    
$
1,021
    
$
89
      
9
%
Interest expense
    
(63
)
    
(43
)
    
(20
)
    
47
  
Net interest income
    
63
      
43
      
20
      
47
  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    
1,173
      
1,064
      
109
      
10
  
Provisions for losses
    
5
      
3
      
2
      
67
  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    
1,168
      
1,061
      
107
      
10
  
Expenses
                                
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services
    
74
      
71
      
3
      
4
  
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    
440
      
432
      
8
      
2
  
Total expenses
    
514
      
503
      
11
      
2
  
Pretax segment income
    
654
      
558
      
96
      
17
  
Income tax provision
    
182
      
201
      
(19
)
    
(9
)
Segment income
  
$
472
    
$
357
    
$
115
      
32
%
Effective tax rate
    
27.8
%
    
36.0
%
                

GMS operates a global payments network that processes and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GMS acquires merchants and provides multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data analytics, leveraging our global integrated network. GMS also operates loyalty coalition businesses in certain countries around the world.


Non-interest revenues increased, primarily driven by an increase in discount revenue, which reflected growth in billed business, partially offset by a decline in the average discount rate.
Net interest income increased, reflecting a higher interest expense credit relating to internal transfer pricing, which results in a net benefit for GMS due to its merchant payables.
Marketing, business development, rewards, Card Member services expenses increased, reflecting higher levels of spending on growth initiatives, partially offset by a reduction in external sales agent commissions.

Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses increased, primarily driven by increased payroll costs.
The effective tax rate decreased, primarily reflecting the reduction in the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the Tax Act.


Table 16: GMS Selected Statistical Information

 
As of or for the
  
Change
  
 
Three Months Ended
  
2018
  
 
March 31,
  
vs.
  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
2018
  
2017
  
2017
  
Loyalty Coalition revenue
  
$
111
    
$
102
      
9
%
Average discount rate(a)
    
2.37
%
    
2.43
%
        
Total segment assets (billions)
  
$
29.3
    
$
25.9
      
13
%
(a)
Effective January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology used to calculate the average discount rate. Prior period rates have been revised to conform to the current period presentation.


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Corporate & Other

Corporate functions and certain other businesses, including our Prepaid Services business, are included in Corporate & Other.
Corporate & Other net expense was $321 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $261 million in the same period a year ago. The increase was primarily driven by a loss on a transaction involving the operations of our prepaid reloadable and gift card business, partially offset by gains on the re-measurement of certain equity investments previously carried at cost.


 
 

 

 
CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Our balance sheet management objectives are to maintain:

•
A solid and flexible equity capital profile;

•
A broad, deep and diverse set of funding sources to finance our assets and meet operating requirements; and

•
Liquidity programs that enable us to continuously meet expected future financing obligations and business requirements for at least a twelve-month period, even in the event we are unable to continue to raise new funds under our traditional funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions.

Basel III

The following table presents our regulatory risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratios and those of our significant bank subsidiaries, American Express Centurion Bank and American Express Bank, FSB, as of March 31, 2018.  Effective April 1, 2018, American Express Centurion Bank and American Express Bank, FSB were merged to become American Express National Bank.

Table 17: Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Leverage Ratios

   
Basel III
    
Ratios as of
  
   
Standards
    
March 31,
  
   
2018(a)
    
2018
  
Risk-Based Capital
            
Common Equity Tier 1
    
6.4
%
      
   American Express Company
            
9.4
%
   American Express Centurion Bank
            
14.2
  
   American Express Bank, FSB
            
12.3
  
Tier 1
    
7.9
          
   American Express Company
            
10.5
  
   American Express Centurion Bank
            
14.2
  
   American Express Bank, FSB
            
12.3
  
Total
    
9.9
          
   American Express Company
            
12.2
  
   American Express Centurion Bank
            
15.4
  
   American Express Bank, FSB
            
13.6
  
Tier 1 Leverage
    
4.0
          
   American Express Company
            
8.8
  
   American Express Centurion Bank
            
10.8
  
   American Express Bank, FSB
            
10.8
  
Supplementary Leverage Ratio(b)
    
3.0
%
        
   American Express Company
            
7.6
  
   American Express Centurion Bank
            
8.6
  
   American Express Bank, FSB
            
8.9
%
(a)
Basel III minimum capital requirement and additional transitional capital conservation buffer as defined by the Federal Reserve for calendar year 2018 for advanced approaches institutions.
(b)
We became subject to the minimum supplementary leverage ratio (SLR) requirement of 3 percent effective January 1, 2018.

Table 18: Regulatory Risk-Based Capital Components and Risk Weighted Assets
American Express Company
  
March 31,
  
($ in Billions)
  
2018
  
Risk-Based Capital(a)
      
Common Equity Tier 1
  
$
13.9
  
Tier 1 Capital
    
15.5
  
Tier 2 Capital(b)
    
2.4
  
Total Capital
    
17.9
  
         
Risk-Weighted Assets
    
147.4
  
Average Total Assets to calculate the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
    
175.0
  
Total Leverage Exposure to calculate supplementary leverage ratio
  
$
204.4
  
(a)
Regulatory capital adjustments and deductions have been fully transitioned effective January 1, 2018.
(b)
Tier 2 capital is the sum of the allowance for loan and receivable losses (limited to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets) and $600 million of subordinated notes adjusted for capital held by insurance subsidiaries.
 
 
 
 

 
We seek to maintain capital levels and ratios in excess of the minimum regulatory requirements and finance such capital in a cost efficient manner; failure to maintain minimum capital levels could affect our status as a financial holding company and cause the regulatory agencies with oversight of American Express and American Express National Bank to take actions that could limit our business operations.

Our primary source of equity capital has been the generation of net income. Capital generated through net income and other sources, such as the exercise of stock options by employees, is used to maintain a strong balance sheet, support asset growth and engage in acquisitions, with excess available for distribution to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. We currently expect that the portion of generated capital we allocate to support asset  growth will be greater going forward than it has been historically due to projected asset growth.
We maintain certain flexibility to shift capital across our businesses as appropriate. For example, we may infuse additional capital into subsidiaries to maintain capital at targeted levels in consideration of debt ratings and regulatory requirements. These infused amounts can affect the capital profile and liquidity levels at the American Express parent company level.

The following are definitions for our regulatory risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratio, which are calculated as per standard regulatory guidance:

Risk-Weighted Assets — Assets are weighted for risk according to a formula used by the Federal Reserve to conform to capital adequacy guidelines. On- and off-balance sheet items are weighted for risk, with off-balance sheet items converted to balance sheet equivalents, using risk conversion factors, before being allocated a risk-adjusted weight. Off-balance sheet exposures comprise a minimal part of the total risk-weighted assets.

Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio — Calculated as Common Equity Tier 1 capital (CET1), divided by risk-weighted assets. CET1 is the sum of common shareholders’ equity, adjusted for ineligible goodwill and intangible assets, certain deferred tax assets, as well as certain other comprehensive income items as follows: net unrealized gains/losses on securities and derivatives, and net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit/losses, all net of tax.

Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio — Calculated as Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital is the sum of CET1, our perpetual preferred stock and third-party non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries adjusted for capital held by insurance subsidiaries and deferred tax assets from net operating losses not deducted from CET1. The minimum requirement for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 1.5 percent higher than the minimum for the CET1 risk-based capital ratio. We have $1.6 billion of preferred shares outstanding to help address a portion of the Tier 1 capital requirements in excess of common equity requirements.

Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio — Calculated as the sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital, divided by risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 capital is the sum of the allowance for loan and receivable losses (limited to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets), a portion of the unrealized gains on equity securities and $600 million of subordinated notes, adjusted for capital held by insurance subsidiaries.

Tier 1 Leverage Ratio — Calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by our average total consolidated assets for the most recent quarter.

Supplementary Leverage Ratio — Calculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by total leverage exposure under Basel III. Leverage exposure, which reflects average total consolidated assets with adjustments for Tier 1 capital deductions, average off-balance sheet derivatives exposures, securities purchased under agreements to resell and credit equivalents of undrawn commitments that are both conditionally and unconditionally cancellable.

Share Repurchases and Dividends
We return capital to common shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The share repurchases reduce common shares outstanding and more than offset the issuance of new shares as part of employee compensation plans.

We decided to suspend our share buyback program for the first half of 2018 in order to rebuild our capital levels and ratios. We intend to continue our quarterly dividends during the first half of 2018 at the current level.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we returned $0.3 billion to our shareholders in the form of common stock dividends. These dividends represent approximately 19 percent of total capital generated during the quarter.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authorization for share repurchases and dividends beginning in the second half of 2018 was submitted as part of our capital plan within the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) 2018 process as discussed below.

In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, we had $750 million of non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares (the Series B Preferred Shares) and $850 million of non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares (the Series C Preferred Shares) outstanding. Dividends declared and paid on Series C Preferred Shares during the first quarter of 2018 were $21 million.

Bank holding companies with $50 billion or more in total consolidated assets, including us, are required to develop and maintain a capital plan, and to submit the capital plan to the Federal Reserve for review under its CCAR process. All such bank holding companies were required to submit their capital plans and stress testing results to the Federal Reserve by April 5, 2018. The Federal Reserve is expected to publish the decisions for all the bank holding companies participating in CCAR 2018, including the reasons for any objection to capital plans, by June 30, 2018. In addition, the Federal Reserve will separately publish the results of its supervisory stress test under both the supervisory severely adverse and adverse scenarios. The information to be released will include, among other things, the Federal Reserve’s projection of company-specific information, including post-stress capital ratios and the minimum value of these ratios over the planning horizon.

Funding Strategy
Our principal funding objective is to maintain broad and well-diversified funding sources to allow us to meet our maturing obligations, cost-effectively finance current and future asset growth in our global businesses as well as to maintain a strong liquidity profile.

We meet our funding needs through a variety of sources, including direct and third-party distributed deposits and debt instruments, such as senior unsecured debentures, asset securitizations, borrowings through secured borrowing facilities and a long-term committed bank borrowing facility. While we diversify our funding sources by maintaining scale and relevance in unsecured debentures, asset securitizations and deposits, we currently expect that the Personal Savings High Yield Savings Account direct retail deposit program will become a larger proportion over time.
Summary of Consolidated Debt
We had the following consolidated debt and customer deposits outstanding as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

Table 19: Summary of Consolidated Debt and Customer Deposits

(Billions)
  
March 31, 2018
    
December 31, 2017
  
Short-term borrowings
  
$
1.8
    
$
3.3
  
Long-term debt
    
52.5
      
55.8
  
Total debt
    
54.3
      
59.1
  
Customer deposits
    
66.7
      
64.5
  
Total debt and customer deposits
  
$
121.0
    
$
123.6
  

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we issued (i) $2.0 billion of asset-backed securities from the American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) consisting of $1.0 billion of two year Class A Certificates at a fixed rate of 2.67 percent, $500 million of five year Class A Certificates at a fixed rate of 3.01 percent and $500 million of five year Class A Certificates at a floating rate of 1-month LIBOR plus 32 basis points, and (ii) $2.0 billion of senior unsecured notes from American Express Company consisting of $1.6 billion of five year notes at a fixed rate of 3.40 percent and $400 million of five year notes at a floating rate of  3-month LIBOR plus 65 basis points.
Our equity capital and funding strategies are designed, among other things, to maintain appropriate and stable unsecured debt ratings from the major credit rating agencies: Moody’s Investor Services (Moody’s), Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and Dominion Bond Rating Services (DBRS). Such ratings help support our access to cost-effective unsecured funding as part of our overall funding strategy. Our asset securitization activities are rated separately.

 
 

 
Table 20: Unsecured Debt Ratings

Credit Agency
American Express Entity
Short-Term Ratings
Long-Term Ratings
  
Outlook
DBRS
All rated entities
R-1 (middle)
A (high)
  
Stable
Fitch
All rated entities
F1
     A 
 
Stable
Moody’s
TRS and rated operating subsidiaries (a)
Prime 1
    
A2
  
Stable
Moody's
American Express Company
Prime 2
    
A3
  
Stable
S&P
TRS  (a)
N/A
    
A-
  
Stable
S&P
Other rated operating subsidiaries
A-2
    
A-
  
Stable
S&P
American Express Company
A-2
    BBB+
  
Stable
(a)
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Downgrades in the ratings of our unsecured debt or asset securitization program securities could result in higher funding costs, as well as higher fees related to borrowings under our unused lines of credit. Declines in credit ratings could also reduce our borrowing capacity in the unsecured debt and asset securitization capital markets. We believe our funding mix, including the proportion of U.S. retail deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), should reduce the impact that credit rating downgrades would have on our funding capacity and costs.

Liquidity Management
We incur liquidity risk that arises in the course of offering our products and services. Our liquidity objective is to maintain access to a diverse set of on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources. We seek to maintain liquidity sources, even in the event we are unable to raise new funds under our regular funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions, in amounts sufficient to meet our expected future financial obligations and business requirements for liquidity for a period of at least twelve months. Our liquidity risk policy sets out our objectives and approach to managing liquidity risk.


The liquidity risks that we are exposed to could arise from a wide variety of scenarios. Our liquidity management strategy thus includes a number of elements, including, but not limited to:


•
Maintaining diversified funding sources (refer to the “Funding Strategy” section for more details);
•
Maintaining unencumbered liquid assets and off-balance sheet liquidity sources;
•
Projecting cash inflows and outflows under a variety of economic and market scenarios;
•
Establishing clear objectives for liquidity risk management, including compliance with regulatory requirements; and
•
Incorporating liquidity risk management as appropriate into our capital adequacy framework.


The amount and type of liquidity resources we maintain can vary over time, based upon the results of stress scenarios required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other various regulatory liquidity requirements, such as the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), as well as additional stress scenarios required under our liquidity risk policy.

The investment income we receive on liquidity resources, such as cash, is less than the interest expense on the sources of funding for these balances. The net interest costs to maintain these resources have been substantial. The level of future net interest costs depends on the amount of liquidity resources we maintain and the difference between our cost of funding these amounts and their investment yields.

Securitized Borrowing Capacity
As of March 31, 2018, we maintained our committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility, with a maturity date of July 15, 2020, which gives us the right to sell up to $3.0 billion face amount of eligible AAA notes from the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust). We also maintained our committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility, with a maturity date of September 15, 2020, which gives us the right to sell up to $2.0 billion face amount of eligible AAA certificates from the Lending Trust. Both facilities are used in the ordinary course of business to fund seasonal working capital needs, as well as to further enhance our contingent funding resources. As of March 31, 2018, no amounts were drawn on the Charge Trust or Lending Trust facilities.



 

Federal Reserve Discount Window
As an insured depository institution, American Express National Bank may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, subject to the amount of qualifying collateral that they may pledge. The Federal Reserve has indicated that both credit and charge card receivables are a form of qualifying collateral for secured borrowings made through the discount window. Whether specific assets will be considered qualifying collateral and the amount that may be borrowed against the collateral, remain at the discretion of the Federal Reserve.

We had approximately $70.1 billion as of March 31, 2018 in U.S. credit card loans and charge card receivables that could be sold over time through our securitization trusts or pledged in return for secured borrowings to provide further liquidity, subject in each case to applicable market conditions and eligibility criteria.

Committed Bank Credit Facility
In addition to the secured borrowing facilities described earlier in this section, we maintained a committed syndicated bank credit facility as of March 31, 2018 of $3.5 billion, which expires on October 16, 2020. As of March 31, 2018, no amounts were drawn on this facility.


Unused Credit Outstanding
As of March 31, 2018, we had approximately $289 billion of unused credit outstanding as part of established lending product agreements. Total unused credit does not represent potential future cash requirements, as a significant portion of this unused credit will likely not be drawn. Our charge card products generally have no pre-set limit, and therefore are not reflected in unused credit available to Card Members.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the three months ended March 31:

Table 21: Cash Flows

(Billions)
  
2018
    
2017
  
Total cash (used in) provided by:
            
Operating activities
  
$
2.0
    
$
1.2
  
Investing activities
    
(0.7
)
    
0.7
  
Financing activities
    
(2.9
)
    
2.2
  
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    
(0.2
)
    
0.1
  
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
  
$
(1.8
)
  
$
4.2
  


Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities primarily include net income adjusted for (i) non-cash items included in net income and (ii) changes in the balances of operating assets and liabilities, which can vary significantly in the normal course of business due to the amount and timing of payments.

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the current period was driven by net income adjusted for non-cash items, including changes in provisions for losses, depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes and stock-based compensation, and changes in operating assets and liabilities, primarily accounts payable and other liabilities as a result of normal business operations.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Our cash flows from investing activities primarily include changes in Card Member loans and receivables, as well as changes in our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio.

The increase in net cash used in investing activities was primarily driven by a net increase in the investment securities portfolio.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Our cash flows from financing activities primarily include changes in long-term debt, short-term borrowings and customer deposits as well as our regular common share dividend and share repurchase program.

The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily driven by a net decrease in long-term debt and short-term borrowings, partially offset by an increase in customer deposits.
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER MATTERS

Certain Legislative, Regulatory and Other Developments
We are subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision in jurisdictions around the world, and the costs of compliance are substantial. In recent years, the financial services industry has been subject to rigorous scrutiny, high regulatory expectations, and a stringent and unpredictable regulatory enforcement environment.
Please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the 2017 Form 10-K) for further information.
Payments Regulation
Legislators and regulators in various countries in which we operate have focused on the operation of card networks, including through antitrust actions, legislation and regulations to change certain practices or pricing of card issuers, merchant acquirers and payment networks, and, in some cases, to establish broad and ongoing regulatory oversight regimes for payment systems.
The European Union, Australia and other jurisdictions have focused on the fees merchants pay to accept cards, including the way bankcard network members collectively set the “interchange” (that is, the fee paid by the bankcard merchant acquirer to the card issuer in “four party” networks like Visa and MasterCard), as well as the rules, contract terms and practices governing merchant card acceptance. Even where we are not directly regulated, regulation of bankcard fees can significantly negatively impact the discount revenue derived from our business, including as a result of downward pressure on our discount rate from decreases in competitor pricing in connection with caps on interchange fees. In some cases, such regulation extends to certain aspects of our business. For more information on the European Union and Australian payments regulation, as well as the potential impacts on our results of operations and business, please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the 2017 Form 10-K.
Broad regulatory oversight over payment systems can also include, in some cases, requirements for international card networks to localize aspects of their operations, such as processing infrastructure, which could increase our costs and diminish the value of our closed loop. The development and enforcement of payment system regulatory regimes generally continue to grow and may adversely affect our ability to compete effectively and maintain and extend our global network.
Surcharging
In certain countries, such as certain Member States in the European Union and Australia, merchants are permitted by law to surcharge card purchases. While surcharging continues to be actively considered in certain jurisdictions, the benefits to customers have not been apparent in countries that have allowed it, and in some cases regulators are addressing concerns about excessive surcharging by merchants. For example, the Reserve Bank of Australia amended its rules to limit surcharging in Australia to the actual cost of card acceptance paid to the merchant acquirer.
Surcharging, particularly where it disproportionately impacts American Express Card Members, which is known as differential surcharging, as well as other steering practices that are permitted by regulation in some countries, could have a material adverse effect on us if it becomes widespread. As revisions to the Payment Services Directive in the European Union are transposed into national law by each Member State, there may be increased instances of differential surcharging of our cards, customer and merchant confusion as to which transactions may be surcharged and Card Member dissatisfaction. In addition, the laws of a number of states in the United States that prohibit surcharging are being challenged in litigation brought by merchant groups.
For more information on the potential impacts of surcharging and other actions that could impair the Card Member experience, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the 2017 Form 10-K.


 
 
 

 
 
Consumer Financial Products Regulation


In the United States, our marketing, sale and servicing of consumer financial products and our compliance with certain federal consumer financial laws are supervised and examined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has broad rulemaking and enforcement authority over providers of credit, savings and payment services and products and authority to prevent “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices. In addition, a number of U.S. states have significant consumer credit protection, disclosure and other laws (in certain cases more stringent than U.S. federal laws). U.S. federal law also regulates abusive debt collection practices, which along with bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, can affect our ability to collect amounts owed to us or subject us to regulatory scrutiny.
Internal and regulatory reviews to assess compliance with such laws and regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, changes to our practices, products and procedures, substantial restitution to our Card Members and increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination. Such reviews may also result in additional regulatory actions, including civil money penalties. These types of reviews will be a continuing focus for the CFPB and regulators more broadly, as well as for the Company itself.
For more information on consumer financial products regulation, as well as the potential impacts on our results of operations and business, please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the 2017 Form 10-K.
Antitrust Litigation
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and certain states’ attorneys general brought an action against us in 2010 alleging that the provisions in our card acceptance agreements with merchants that prohibit merchants from engaging in various actions to discriminate against our card products violate the U.S. antitrust laws. We continue to vigorously defend this and similar antitrust claims initiated by merchants in other court and arbitration proceedings. See Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings” below and the “Legal Proceedings” section in our 2017 Form 10-K for descriptions of the DOJ and related cases. It is possible that significantly increased merchant steering or other actions impairing the Card Member experience, or the resolution of one or any combination of these merchant claims for damages, could have a material adverse effect on our business. For more information on the potential impacts of an adverse decision in the merchant litigations on our business, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the 2017 Form 10-K.
Privacy, Data Protection, Information and Cyber Security
Regulatory and legislative activity in the areas of privacy, data protection and information and cyber security continues to increase worldwide. We have established and continue to maintain policies that provide a framework for compliance with applicable laws, meet evolving customer expectations and support and enable business innovation and growth. Global financial institutions like us have experienced a significant increase in information and cyber security risk in recent years and will likely continue to be the target of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks, including computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, ransomware, social engineering attacks (including phishing and impersonation), hacking, denial-of-service attacks and other attacks and similar disruptions from the unauthorized use of or access to computer systems. For more information on privacy, data protection and information and cyber security regulation and the potential impacts of a major information or cyber security incident on our results of operations and business, please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the 2017 Form 10-K.
 

 

 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Refer to the Recently Issued Accounting Standards section of Note 1 to the “Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Glossary of Selected Terminology

Adjusted net interest income — A non-GAAP measure that represents net interest income attributable to our Card Member loans (which includes, on a GAAP basis, interest that is deemed uncollectible), excluding the impact of interest expense and interest income not attributable to our Card Member loans. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it represents the interest expense and interest income attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio and it is a component of net interest yield on average Card Member loans.
Asset securitizations — Asset securitization involves the transfer and sale of loans or receivables to a special-purpose entity created for the securitization activity, typically a trust. The trust, in turn, issues securities, commonly referred to as asset-backed securities that are secured by the transferred loans and receivables. The trust uses the proceeds from the sale of such securities to pay the purchase price for the underlying loans or receivables. The loans and receivables of our Lending Trust and Charge Trust (collectively, the Trusts) securitized are reported as assets and the securities issued by the Trusts are reported as liabilities on our “Consolidated Balance Sheets.”
Average discount rate — This calculation is generally designed to reflect pricing at merchants accepting general purpose American Express cards. It represents the percentage of billed business (generated from both proprietary and GNS Card Member spending) retained by us from merchants we acquire, or for merchants acquired by a third party on our behalf, net of amounts retained by such third party.
Basic cards-in-force — Proprietary basic consumer cards-in-force includes basic cards issued to the primary account owner, (i.e., not including additional supplemental cards issued on accounts). Proprietary basic small business and corporate cards-in-force includes both basic and supplemental cards issued. Non-proprietary basic cards-in-force includes cards that are issued and outstanding under network partnership agreements, except for supplemental cards and retail cobrand Card Member accounts which have had no out-of-store spending activity during the prior twelve-month period.
Billed business — Includes activities (including cash advances) related to proprietary cards, cards issued under network partnership agreements (non-proprietary billed business), corporate payment services and certain insurance fees charged on proprietary cards. In-store spending activity within retail cobrand portfolios in GNS, from which we earn no revenue, is not included in non-proprietary billed business. Card billed business is included in the United States or outside the United States based on where the issuer is located.
Capital ratios — Represents the minimum standards established by the regulatory agencies as a measure to determine whether the regulated entity has sufficient capital to absorb on- and off-balance sheet losses beyond current loss accrual estimates. Refer to the Capital Strategy section under “Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity” for further related definitions under Basel III.
Card Member — The individual holder of an issued American Express-branded charge, credit and certain prepaid cards.
Card Member loans — Represents the outstanding amount due from Card Members for charges made on their American Express credit cards, as well as any interest charges and card-related fees. Card Member loans also include revolving balances on certain American Express charge card products.
Card Member receivables — Represents the outstanding amount due from Card Members for charges made on their American Express charge cards, as well as any card-related fees, other than revolving balances on certain American Express charge cards with Pay Over Time features.  Such revolving balances are included within Card Member loans.
Charge cards — Represents cards that generally carry no pre-set spending limits and are primarily designed as a method of payment and not as a means of financing purchases. Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. No finance charges are assessed on charge cards. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics reflecting a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. Some charge card accounts have additional Pay Over Time feature(s) that allow revolving of certain charges.
Cobrand cards — Cards issued under cobrand agreements with selected commercial firms. Pursuant to the cobrand agreements, we make payments to our cobrand partners, which can be significant, based primarily on the amount of Card Member spending and corresponding rewards earned on such spending and, under certain arrangements, on the number of accounts acquired and retained. In some cases, the partner is liable for providing rewards to the Card Member under the cobrand partner’s own loyalty program.
 
 
 
Credit cards — Represents cards that have a range of revolving payment terms, grace periods, and rate and fee structures.

Discount revenue — Represents revenue earned from fees generally charged to merchants who have entered into a card acceptance agreement. The discount fee generally is deducted from our payment for Card Member purchases.

Interest expense — Includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans and receivables, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is divided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) debt, which primarily relates to interest expense on our long-term financing and short-term borrowings, (e.g., commercial paper, federal funds purchased, bank overdrafts and other short-term borrowings), as well as the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk on our long-term debt.

Interest income — Includes (i) interest on loans, (ii) interest and dividends on investment securities and (iii) interest income on deposits with banks and other.
Interest on loans — Assessed using the average daily balance method for Card Member loans. Unless the loan is classified as non-accrual, interest is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement until the outstanding balance is paid or written off.
Interest and dividends on investment securities — Primarily relates to our performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is recognized as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and discounts, fees and other payments, so a constant rate of return is recognized on the outstanding balance of the related investment security throughout its term. Amounts are recognized until securities are in default or when it is likely that future interest payments will not be made as scheduled.
Interest income on deposits with banks and other — Recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash in excess of near-term funding requirements in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other interest-bearing demand and call accounts.
Liquidity Coverage Ratio — Represents the minimum standards established by regulatory agencies as a measure to determine whether the regulated entity has sufficient liquidity to meet liquidity needs in periods of financial and economic stress.
Merchant acquisition — Represents our process of entering into agreements with merchants to accept American Express-branded cards.
Net card fees — Represents the card membership fees earned during the period. These fees are recognized as revenue over the covered card membership period (typically one year), net of the provision for projected refunds for Card Membership cancellation and deferred acquisition costs.
Net interest yield on average Card Member loans —A non-GAAP measure that is computed by dividing adjusted net interest income by average Card Member loans, computed on an annualized basis. Reserves and net write-offs related to uncollectible interest are recorded through provisions for losses, and are thus not included in the net interest yield calculation. We believe net interest yield on average Card Member loans is useful to investors because it provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio.
Net loss ratio — Represents the ratio of GCP charge card write-offs, consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries, on Card Member receivables expressed as a percentage of gross amounts billed to corporate Card Members.
Net write-off rate — principal only — Represents the amount of proprietary consumer or small business Card Member loans or receivables written off, consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions), less recoveries, as a percentage of the average loan or receivables balance during the period.
Net write-off rate — principal, interest and fees — Includes, in the calculation of the net write-off rate, amounts for interest and fees in addition to principal for Card Member loans and fees in addition to principal for Card Member receivables.
Operating expenses — Represents salaries and employee benefits, professional services, occupancy and equipment, and other expenses.
Return on average equity — Calculated by dividing one-year period net income by one-year average total shareholders’ equity.
Total cards-in-force — Represents the total number of charge and credit cards that are issued and outstanding and accepted on our network. Non-proprietary cards-in-force includes all charge and credit cards that are issued and outstanding under network partnership agreements, except for retail cobrand Card Member accounts which have no out-of-store spending activity during the prior twelve-month period.
 
 
 


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. Our market risk exposures include (i) interest rate risk due to changes in the relationship between the interest rates on our assets (such as loans, receivables and investment securities) and the interest rates on our liabilities (such as debt and deposits); and (ii) foreign exchange risk related to transactions, funding, investments and earnings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. There were no material changes in these market risks since December 31, 2017.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements, which address our expected business and financial performance, among other matters, contain words such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” and similar expressions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
our ability to grow in the future, which will depend in part on the following: revenues growing consistently with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, the factors identified in the subsequent bullet; credit performance remaining consistent with current expectations; the impact of any future contingencies, including, but not limited to, litigation-related settlements, judgments or expenses, the imposition of fines or civil money penalties, an increase in Card Member reimbursements, restructurings, impairments and changes in reserves; the ability to control operating expense growth; the amount we spend on customer engagement and our ability to drive growth from such investments; changes in interest rates beyond current expectations (including the impact of hedge ineffectiveness and deposit rate increases); a greater impact from certain cobrand agreements than expected, which could be affected by volumes and Card Member engagement; the impact of regulation and litigation, which could affect the profitability of our business activities, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, require changes to business practices or alter our relationships with partners, merchants and Card Members; our tax rate remaining in line with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, changes to the fourth quarter 2017 provisional tax charge due to changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made as well as actions we may take as a result of the Tax Act, our geographic mix of income, further changes in tax laws and regulation, unfavorable tax audits and other unanticipated tax items; and the impact of accounting changes and reclassifications;
•
our ability to grow revenues net of interest expense, which could be impacted by, among other things, weakening economic conditions in the United States or internationally, a decline in consumer confidence impacting the willingness and ability of Card Members to sustain and grow spending, continued growth of Card Member loans, a greater erosion of the average discount rate than expected, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, more cautious spending by large and global corporate Card Members, the willingness of Card Members to pay higher card fees, lower spending on new cards acquired than estimated; and our ability to address competitive pressures and implement our strategies and business initiatives, including within the premium consumer segment, commercial payments, the global network and digital environment;
 
 
 
 
 
•
changes in the substantial and increasing worldwide competition in the payments industry, including competitive pressure that may impact the prices we charge merchants that accept our cards, competition for cobrand relationships, competition from new and non-traditional competitors and the success of marketing, promotion or rewards programs;
•
the erosion of the average discount rate by a greater amount than anticipated, including as a result of changes in the mix of spending by location and industry, merchant negotiations (including merchant incentives, concessions and volume-related pricing discounts), competition, pricing regulation (including regulation of competitors’ interchange rates in the European Union and elsewhere), a greater shift of existing merchants into the OptBlue program and other factors;
•
our delinquency and write-off rates and growth of provisions for losses being higher or lower than current expectations, which will depend in part on changes in the level of loan and receivable balances and delinquencies, mix of balances, loans and receivables related to new Card Members and other borrowers performing as expected, credit performance of new and enhanced lending products, unemployment rates, the volume of bankruptcies, collections capabilities and recoveries of previously written-off loans and receivables;
•
our ability to continue to grow loans and receivables, which may be affected by increasing competition, brand perceptions and reputation, our ability to manage risk, the behavior of Card Members and their actual spending and borrowing patterns, and our ability to issue new and enhanced card products, offer attractive non-card lending products, capture a greater share of existing Card Members’ spending and borrowings, reduce Card Member attrition and attract new customers;
•
our net interest yield on average Card Member loans not remaining consistent with current levels, which will be influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changes in consumer behavior that affect loan balances, such as paydown rates, Card Member acquisition strategy, product mix, cost of funds, credit actions, including line size and other adjustments to credit availability, potential pricing changes and deposit rates, which could be impacted by, among other things, changes in benchmark interest rates, competitive pressure and regulatory constraints;
•
rewards expense and cost of Card Member services growing inconsistently from expectations, which will depend in part on Card Member behavior as it relates to their spending patterns, including the level of spend in bonus categories, and the redemption of rewards and offers, as well as the degree of interest of Card Members in the value proposition we offer; increasing competition, which could result in greater rewards offerings; our ability to enhance card products and services to make them attractive to Card Members; and the amount we spend on the promotion of enhanced services and rewards categories and the success of such promotion;
•
the actual amount to be spent on marketing and business development, which will be based in part on management’s assessment of competitive opportunities; overall business performance and changes in macroeconomic conditions; the actual amount of advertising and Card Member acquisition costs; our ability to continue to shift Card Member acquisition to digital channels; contractual obligations with business partners and other fixed costs and prior commitments; management’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities and make such investments, which could be impacted by business, regulatory or legal complexities; and our ability to realize efficiencies, optimize investment spending and control expenses to fund such spending;
•
our ability to control operating expense growth, which could be impacted by the need to increase significant categories of operating expenses, such as consulting or professional fees, including as a result of increased litigation, compliance or regulatory-related costs, or fraud costs; continuing to implement and achieve benefits from reengineering plans, which could be impacted by factors such as an inability to mitigate the operational and other risks posed by potential staff reductions and underestimating hiring and other employee needs; higher than expected employee levels; an ability to innovate efficient channels of customer interactions, such as chat supported by artificial intelligence, or customer acquisition; the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on costs; the payment of civil money penalties, disgorgement, restitution, non-income tax assessments and litigation-related settlements; impairments of goodwill or other assets; management’s decision to increase or decrease spending in such areas as technology, business and product development and sales forces; greater-than-expected inflation; and the level of M&A activity and related expenses;
•
our ability to satisfy our commitments to certain of our cobrand partners as part of the ongoing operations of the business, which will be impacted in part by competition, brand perceptions and reputation, and our ability to develop and market value propositions that appeal to current cobrand Card Members and new customers and offer attractive services and rewards programs, which will depend in part on ongoing investment in marketing and promotion expenses, new product innovation and development, Card Member acquisition efforts and enrollment processes, including through digital channels, and infrastructure to support new products, services and benefits;
 
 
 
 
 
•
changes affecting our plans regarding the return of capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, which will depend on factors such as the pace at which we are able to rebuild our capital levels and regulatory ratios, including from earnings and a lower effective tax rate; changes in the stress testing and capital planning process and the approval of our capital plans by our primary regulators in 2018; the amount we spend on acquisitions of companies; and our results of operations and the economic environment in any given period;
•
implementation of legislation and additional guidance or context from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Treasury Department, state and foreign taxing authorities, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or others regarding the Tax Act, and any future changes or amendments to that legislation;
•
a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems, processes or infrastructure, or those of third parties, including as a result of cyber attacks, which could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, privacy and/or security of data, disrupt our operations, reduce the use and acceptance of our cards and lead to regulatory scrutiny, litigation, remediation and response costs, and reputational harm;
•
our deposit rates increasing faster or slower than current expectations and changes affecting our ability to accept, maintain or grow Personal Savings deposits due to market demand, changes in benchmark interest rates or regulatory restrictions on our ability to obtain deposit funding or offer competitive interest rates, which could affect our net interest yield and ability to fund our businesses;
•
changes in global economic and business conditions, consumer and business spending generally, the availability and cost of capital, unemployment rates, geopolitical conditions, trade policies, foreign currency rates and interest rates, all of which may significantly affect demand for and spending on American Express cards, delinquency rates, loan and receivable balances and other aspects of our business and results of operations;
•
changes in capital and credit market conditions, including sovereign creditworthiness, which may significantly affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs, expectations regarding capital and liquidity ratios, access to capital and cost of capital, including changes in interest rates; changes in market conditions affecting the valuation of our assets; or any reduction in our credit ratings or those of our subsidiaries, which could materially increase the cost and other terms of our funding or restrict our access to the capital markets;
•
legal and regulatory developments, including with regard to broad payment system regulatory regimes, actions by the CFPB and other regulators and the stricter regulation of financial institutions, which could require us to make fundamental changes to many of our business practices, including our ability to continue certain GNS and other partnerships; exert further pressure on the average discount rate and GNS volumes; result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, litigation-related settlements, judgments or expenses, restitution to Card Members or the imposition of fines or civil money penalties; materially affect our capital or liquidity requirements, results of operations or ability to pay dividends or repurchase our stock; or result in harm to the American Express brand;
•
uncertainty relating to the ultimate outcome of the antitrust lawsuit filed against us by the U.S. Department of Justice and certain state attorneys general, including the review of the case by the U.S. Supreme Court and the impact on existing private merchant cases and potentially additional litigation and/or arbitrations;
•
our funding plan being implemented in a manner inconsistent with current expectations, which will depend on various factors such as future business growth, the impact of global economic, political and other events on market capacity, demand for securities we offer, regulatory changes, ability to securitize and sell receivables and the performance of receivables previously sold in securitization transactions;
•
changes in the financial condition and creditworthiness of our business partners, such as bankruptcies, restructurings or consolidations, including merchants that represent a significant portion of our business, such as the airline industry, or our partners in GNS or financial institutions that we rely on for routine funding and liquidity, which could materially affect our financial condition or results of operations; and
•
factors beyond our control such as fire, power loss, disruptions in telecommunications, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health pandemics or terrorism, any of which could significantly affect demand for and spending on American Express cards, delinquency rates, loan and receivable balances and other aspects of our business and results of operations or disrupt our global network systems and ability to process transactions.
A further description of these uncertainties and other risks can be found in the 2017 Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to various pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings).
We do not believe we are a party to, nor are any of our properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, including the fact that some pending legal proceedings are at preliminary stages or seek an indeterminate amount of damages, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, could have a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, it is possible that significantly increased merchant steering or other actions impairing the Card Member experience could have a material adverse effect on our business. Certain legal proceedings involving us or our subsidiaries are described in this section and others, for which there have been no subsequent material developments since the filing of our 2017 Form 10-K, are described in such report. For additional information, see Note 8 to our “Consolidated Financial Statements.”
 In 2010, the DOJ, along with Attorneys General from Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii (Hawaii has since withdrawn its claim), Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Vermont filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against us alleging a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The complaint included allegations that provisions in our merchant agreements prohibiting merchants from steering a customer to use another network’s card or another type of general-purpose card (“anti-steering” and “non-discrimination” contractual provisions) violate the antitrust laws. The complaint sought a judgment permanently enjoining us from enforcing our non-discrimination contractual provisions. The complaint did not seek monetary damages.
Following a non-jury trial, the trial court found that the challenged provisions were anticompetitive and on April 30, 2015, the court issued a final judgment entering a permanent injunction. Following our appeal of this judgment, on September 26, 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the trial court decision and judgment in favor of American Express was entered on January 25, 2017. Eleven of the 17 states that are party to the case filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a review of the Second Circuit’s decision. On October 16, 2017, the Supreme Court granted certiorari and oral argument was held on February 26, 2018 in the case, now captioned Ohio v. American Express Co.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of our risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the 2017 Form 10-K. There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in the 2017 Form 10-K. However, the risks and uncertainties that we face are not limited to those set forth in the 2017 Form 10-K. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business and the trading price of our securities.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(c)   ISSUER PURCHASES OF SECURITIES

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases of our common stock made by or on behalf of us during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

   
Total Number of Shares Purchased
    
Average Price Paid Per Share
    
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(c)
    
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
  
                         
January 1-31, 2018
                        
Repurchase program(a)
    
―
      
―
      
―
      
85,002,419
  
Employee transactions(b)
    
―
      
―
      
N/A
      
N/A
  
                                 
February 1-28, 2018
                                
Repurchase program(a)
    
―
      
―
      
―
      
85,002,419
  
Employee transactions(b)
    
841,343
    
$
99.39
      
N/A
      
N/A
  
                                 
March 1-31, 2018
                                
Repurchase program(a)
    
―
      
―
      
―
      
85,002,419
  
Employee transactions(b)
    
43
    
$
97.98
      
N/A
      
N/A
  
                                 
Total
                                
Repurchase program(a)
    
―
      
―
      
―
      
85,002,419
  
Employee transactions(b)
    
841,386
    
$
99.39
      
N/A
      
N/A
  
(a)
On September 26, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 150 million shares of common stock from time to time, subject to market conditions and the Federal Reserve’s non-objection to our capital plans. This authorization replaced the prior repurchase authorization and does not have an expiration date.  See "MD&A – Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity" for additional information regarding share repurchases.
(b)
Includes: (i) shares surrendered by holders of employee stock options who exercised options (granted under our incentive compensation plans) in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligation of such holders and (ii) restricted shares withheld (under the terms of grants under our incentive compensation plans) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting and release of restricted shares. Our incentive compensation plans provide that the value of the shares delivered or attested to, or withheld, be based on the price of our common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs.
(c)
Share purchases under publicly announced programs are made pursuant to open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions (including employee benefit plans) as market conditions warrant and at prices we deem appropriate.



 
 
 
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) to the Exchange Act, an issuer is required to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports, as applicable, whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran or with individuals or entities designated pursuant to certain Executive Orders. Disclosure is generally required even where the activities, transactions or dealings were conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. affiliates in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law.

American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and certain entities that may be considered affiliates of GBT have informed us that during the quarter ended March 31, 2018, approximately 40 visas were obtained from Iranian embassies and consulates around the world in connection with certain travel arrangements on behalf of clients and reservations were booked at two hotels that may be owned, directly or indirectly, or may otherwise be affiliated with, the Government of Iran. GBT had negligible gross revenues and net profits attributable to these transactions and intends to continue to engage in these activities on a limited basis so long as such activities are permitted under U.S. law.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The list of exhibits required to be filed as exhibits to this report are listed on page E-1 hereof, under “Exhibit Index” which is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
 
 
 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

             
 
 
  
 
AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
 
 
  
 
  
 
(Registrant)
       
      Date: April 25, 2018
 
  
 
By
 
/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell
 
 
  
 
  
 
Jeffrey C. Campbell
 
 
  
 
  
 
Executive Vice President and
 
 
  
 
  
 
Chief Financial Officer
       
      Date: April 25, 2018
 
  
 
By
 
/s/ Richard Petrino
 
 
  
 
  
 
Richard Petrino
 
 
  
 
  
 
Executive Vice President and
Corporate Controller
 
 
  
 
  
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report. The exhibit numbers preceded by an asterisk (*) indicate exhibits electronically filed herwith. All other exhibit numbers indicate exhibits previously filed and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Exhibit 
Description 
10.1
 
10.2
 
*10.3
 
*12
 
*31.1
 
*31.2
 
*32.1
 
*32.2
 
*101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
*101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
*101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
*101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
*101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
*101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document


E-1