American Express Raises Earnings Outlook

American Express Co. boosted its earnings guidance for the year as the credit card company reported stronger-than-expected earnings and revenue for the third quarter, driven by a rise in card member spending and net card fees.

Shares added 4.7% after hours to $64.15.

"Strong operating discipline and credit quality helped to keep us ahead" of the company's initial outlook, said Chief Executive Kenneth Chenault, adding loan growth remained healthy and net card fees rose 10%, reflecting strong performance across premium card portfolios.

The company now expects earnings, excluding restructuring charges, of $5.90 to $6 a share, up from its prior estimate for $5.40 to $5.70.

American Express has suffered from issues ranging from the loss of its 16-year exclusive relationship with warehouse-club retailer Costco Wholesale Corp., to heavy competition, to declines in corporate travel budgets.

The company, which earlier this year said it would cut $1 billion in costs, said its third-quarter expenses declined 3%.

In all, American Express reported a profit of $1.14 billion, or $1.20 a share, down from $1.27 billion, or $1.24 a share, a year earlier. Excluding restructuring charges, earnings were flat at $1.24 a share, beating analyst estimates for 97 cents a share, according to Thomson Reuters.

Revenue fell 5.1% to $7.78 billion. The top line increased 5%, however, excluding the impact of Costco-related revenue in the year earlier-period, reflecting a rise in card member spending, along with higher net interest income and net card fees.

Revenue growth at American Express has been in focus lately because it has fallen short of internal growth targets. Analysts were looking for $7.72 billion.

Write to Anne Steele at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 19, 2016 17:15 ET (21:15 GMT)

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