Global 500

Rank
315
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American Express

American Express Credit Card Illustrations After Posting Third-Quarter Profit
American Express Co. chip credit cards are arranged for a photograph in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. American Express surged the most in more than seven years after posting third-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates and raising its full-year profit forecast. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAndrew Harrer — Bloomberg via Getty Images
  • Previous Rank
    302
  • Revenues ($M)
    33823
  • Revenue Percent Change
    -1.8
  • Profits ($M)
    5408
  • Profits Percent Change
    4.7
  • Assets ($M)
    158893
  • Employees
    56400

One of the most storied brands in the financial services industry, American Express fell on hard times of late. In 2015, the company announced that it would end its 16-year exclusive relationship with mega-retailer Costco, a big hit considering 1 in 10 Amex cards were issued by the wholesaler. The firm also reduced its prices to small merchants and beefed up the rewards it offers its customers to hold its own in a highly competitive credit card landscape. Nonetheless, American Express has been able to rebound. Its adjusted revenues (excluding Costco and foreign exchange) were up 5% in 2016, grew worldwide spending on its cards by 8%, and added more than a million new merchant locations in the U.S. in a bid to compete more aggressively with Visa and MasterCard.

Company Information

CEOKenneth I. Chenault
SectorFinancials
IndustryDiversified Financials
HQ LocationNew York, NY
Websitewww.americanexpress.com
Years on Global 500 List23
Employees56,400

Key Financials (Last Fiscal Year)

Revenues ($M)$33,823
Profits ($M)$5,408
Assets ($M)$158,893
Total Stockholder Equity ($M)$20,501

Profit Ratios

Profit as % of Revenues16%
Profits as % of Assets3.4%
Profits as % of Stockholder Equity26.4%