In new CEO Stephen Squeri’s first full year on the job, the company known for its corporate credit cards climbed five spots in our rankings. AmEx grew revenues nearly 9% last year, a gain due in part to the amount of card fees it collected, which shot up about twice as much. Spending on its cards rose in 2019—but then, so did its costs, which resulted in a slight dip in profits for Amex. And the company is bracing for leaner times in 2020: In addition to its human toll, the coronavirus has left offices around much of the world largely empty and decimated business travel. All that means fewer charges on AmEx expense accounts.
Barry Brecheisen—Getty Images for American Express