EX-99.1 2 ex99_1.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 PRESS RELEASE ex99_1.htm

Exhibit 99.1
 
News     Release     News     Release     News     Release     News
 

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
Media Contact:
Marina H. Norville, marina.h.norville@aexp.com, +1.212.640.2832

Investors/Analysts Contacts:
Ken Paukowits, ken.f.paukowits@aexp.com, +1.212.640.6348
Rick Petrino, richard.petrino@aexp.com, +1.212.640.5574
 


AMERICAN EXPRESS FIRST QUARTER EPS OF $1.48, UP 11% FROM A YEAR AGO

HIGHER CARD MEMBER SPENDING AND LOANS DRIVE CORE PERFORMANCE

OPERATING EXPENSES REMAIN WELL CONTROLLED

(Millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

   
Quarters Ended
March 31,
   
Percentage
Inc/(Dec)
 
   
2015
   
2014
       
Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense
  $ 7,950     $ 8,173       (3 )%
Net Income
  $ 1,525     $ 1,432       6 %
Earnings Per Common Share – Diluted:
                       
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders1
  $ 1.48     $ 1.33       11 %
Average Diluted Common Shares Outstanding
    1,023       1,067       (4 )%
Return on Average Equity
    29.0 %     28.3 %        
 

 
New York – April 16, 2015 – American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) today reported first-quarter net income of $1.5 billion, up 6 percent from $1.4 billion a year ago.  Diluted earnings per share rose 11 percent to $1.48, from $1.33 a year ago.

Results for the quarter were negatively affected by the significant impact of a stronger U.S. dollar on international operations.
 
 
 


1 Represents net income less earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million and $12 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
 
 
-1-

 
 
 
 
News    Release    News    Release    News    Release     News
 
 
First-quarter consolidated total revenues net of interest expense decreased to $7.9 billion from $8.2 billion a year ago, down 3 percent (up 1 percent FX adjusted2). Excluding the business travel operations that were part of the company a year ago, adjusted revenues increased 5 percent on an FX adjusted basis3.  That increase was driven by higher Card Member spending and higher net interest income.

Consolidated provisions for losses totaled $420 million, down 13 percent from $485 million a year ago. The decrease primarily reflected a larger reserve release this quarter compared to last year.  Credit indicators continued to be at historically strong levels.

Consolidated expenses totaled $5.2 billion, down 5 percent (down 1 percent FX adjusted2) from $5.5 billion a year ago. Excluding business travel operations, adjusted expenses increased 5 percent on an FX adjusted basis3. That increase primarily reflected higher rewards costs and Card Member services, partially offset by lower operating expenses4.

The effective tax rate for the quarter was 34 percent, down from 35 percent a year ago.
 
The company's return on average equity (ROE) was 29.0 percent, up from 28.3 percent a year ago.

“First quarter results showed solid core performance and continued progress in expanding the American Express franchise despite an impact from several of the headwinds we’re confronting,” said Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer.

“Underlying performance reflected some familiar themes: higher Card Member spending (3 percent globally, 7 percent on an FX adjusted basis); a modest increase in loans; credit metrics near their historic lows; disciplined cost controls; and a strong balance sheet that allows us to return substantial amounts of capital to shareholders. These results came against the negative impact of a sharply stronger U.S. dollar, an uneven global economy, and the long-term renewal of several cobrand relationships that provide us with lower initial economics than the prior agreements. We also felt the impact from ending our relationship with Costco Canada, which expired at year end.

“During the quarter, we announced the launch of a new loyalty coalition business in the U.S. This business, named Plenti, leverages the success of similar programs in our international markets that are building business for merchants and delivering rewards to more than 60 million participating customers.  We also moved forward on initiatives that are gaining broader card acceptance among smaller merchants and aimed at capturing a greater share of U.S. consumers’ everyday spending.

“Separately, based on our strong outcome on the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test, we gained the flexibility to increase the quarterly dividend by 12 percent to 29 cents per share and repurchase up to $6.6 billion of common shares through second quarter of 2016.
 

2 As reported in this release, FX adjusted information assumes a constant exchange rate between the periods being compared for purposes of currency translations into U.S. dollars (i.e., assumes the foreign exchange rates used to determine results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 apply to the period(s) against which such results are being compared). Certain amounts included in the calculations of FX-adjusted revenues and expenses, which constitute non-GAAP measures, are subject to management allocations. The company believes the presentation of information on an FX adjusted basis is helpful to investors by making it easier to compare the company’s performance in one period to that of another period without the variability caused by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
 
3 Adjusted revenue growth and adjusted expense growth are non-GAAP measures and exclude the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and the company’s business travel operations in Q1’14 from total revenues net of interest expense and total expenses, respectively. Management believes these metrics are useful in evaluating the ongoing operating performance of the company. See Appendix V in the selected statistical tables for reconciliations to total revenues net of interest expense and total expenses on a GAAP basis.
 
4 Operating expenses reflect salaries and employee benefits, professional services, occupancy and equipment, communications and other, net.
 
 
 
-2-

 
 
 
 

News    Release    News    Release    News    Release    News
 

 
“As previously reported, we expect full year 2015 earnings will be flat to modestly down year-over-year with the headwinds we’re facing and as we ramp up investments to help offset the impact from ending our relationship with Costco in the U.S. next year.  Looking further ahead, we have a range of growth opportunities across the business and continue to be very positive about the moderate to long term outlook for our company.”

Segment Results

U.S. Card Services reported first-quarter net income of $934 million, up 7 percent from $876 million a year ago.

Total revenues net of interest expense increased 6 percent to $4.5 billion from $4.3 billion a year ago.  The increase reflected a 7 percent rise in Card Member spending and higher net interest income.
 
Provisions for losses totaled $296 million, down 13 percent from $342 million a year ago. The decrease primarily reflected a larger reserve release this quarter than last year.

Total expenses increased 9 percent to $2.7 billion from $2.5 billion a year ago.  The rise primarily reflected higher rewards and Card Member services expenses driven by increased Card Member spending volumes and additional costs related to renewing certain cobrand relationships.

The effective tax rate was 37 percent compared to 38 percent a year ago.

International Card Services reported first-quarter net income of $134 million, down 16 percent from $159 million a year ago. The decline reflected the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar.

Total revenues net of interest expense decreased 8 percent (up 4 percent FX adjusted2) to $1.2 billion.

Provisions for losses totaled $76 million, down 13 percent from $87 million a year ago.

Total expenses decreased 8 percent (up 1 percent FX adjusted2) to $1 billion. The decrease primarily reflected lower marketing, promotion and rewards costs.

The effective tax rate was 27 percent compared to 22 percent a year ago.

Global Commercial Services reported first-quarter net income of $180 million, down from $184 million a year ago.  The decline reflected the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar.

Total revenues net of interest expense decreased 31 percent (27 percent FX adjusted2) to $827 billion from $1.2 billion. Year-ago revenues included the company’s business travel operations.
 
 
 
 
-3-

 

 
News    Release   News    Release    News    Release    News
 
 
Total expenses decreased 42 percent (39 percent FX adjusted2) to $508 million from $871 million a year ago. Year-ago expenses included the company’s business travel operations.

Global Network & Merchant Services reported first-quarter net income of $444 million, flat from a year ago.  Results were negatively impacted by the stronger U.S. dollar.
 
Total revenues net of interest expense decreased 2 percent (up 3 percent FX adjusted2) to $1.3 billion. The negative impact of foreign exchange rates was partially offset by an increase in global Card Member spending.

Total expenses decreased 2 percent to $635 million (up 2 percent FX adjusted2) from $647 million a year ago. The decrease reflected lower marketing, promotion and rewards costs in the current quarter.
 
Corporate and Other reported first-quarter net loss of $167 million, compared with net loss of $230 million in the year-ago period.
 
# # #

About American Express
 
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.  Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services:  charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services,  corporate card and business travel

The 2015 First Quarter Earnings Supplement will be available today on the American Express website at http://ir.americanexpress.com. An investor conference call will be held at 5:00 p.m. (ET) today to discuss first-quarter earnings results. Live audio and presentation slides for the investor conference call will be available to the general public at the same website. A replay of the conference call will be available later today at the same website address.

This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the company’s expected business and financial performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including those described in the 2015 First Quarter Earnings Supplement of American Express Company furnished today as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the company’s other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
 
 
 
 
-4-

 



 
 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Millions, except percentages and per share amounts)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
Revenues
                                   
Non-interest revenues
                                   
Discount revenue (A)
  $ 4,660     $ 4,961     $ 4,889     $ 4,919     $ 4,620       1  
Net card fees
    667       671       680       687       674       (1 )
Travel commissions and fees
    89       91       104       500       423       (79 )
Other commissions and fees
    619       624       642       624       618       0  
Other
    468       1,310       593       585       501       (7 )
Total non-interest revenues
    6,503       7,657       6,908       7,315       6,836       (5 )
Interest income
                                               
Interest on loans
    1,795       1,769       1,753       1,696       1,711       5  
Interest and dividends on investment securities
    41       43       45       45       46       (11 )
Deposits with banks and other
    21       17       17       18       19       11  
Total interest income
    1,857       1,829       1,815       1,759       1,776       5  
Interest expense
                                               
Deposits
    103       97       91       91       94       10  
Long-term debt and other
    307       308       329       352       345       (11 )
Total interest expense
    410       405       420       443       439       (7 )
Net interest income
    1,447       1,424       1,395       1,316       1,337       8  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    7,950       9,081       8,303       8,631       8,173       (3 )
Provisions for losses
                                               
Charge card
    174       198       196       183       215       (19 )
Card Member loans
    235       341       265       282       250       (6 )
Other
    11       43       27       24       20       (45 )
Total provisions for losses
    420       582       488       489       485       (13 )
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    7,530       8,499       7,815       8,142       7,688       (2 )
                                                 
Expenses
                                               
Marketing and promotion (A)
    609       887       783       959       587       4  
Card Member rewards
    1,640       1,881       1,695       1,773       1,582       4  
Card Member services and other
    261       203       205       192       222       18  
Salaries and employee benefits
    1,305       1,607       1,290       1,658       1,540       (15 )
Professional services
    624       768       731       817       692       (10 )
Occupancy and equipment
    434       446       432       467       462       (6 )
Communications
    88       98       91       101       93       (5 )
Other, net
    253       384       342       (137 )     302       (16 )
Total
    5,214       6,274       5,569       5,830       5,480       (5 )
Pretax income
    2,316       2,225       2,246       2,312       2,208       5  
Income tax provision
    791       778       769       783       776       2  
Net income
  $ 1,525     $ 1,447     $ 1,477     $ 1,529     $ 1,432       6  
Net income attributable to common shareholders (B)
  $ 1,514     $ 1,436     $ 1,466     $ 1,517     $ 1,420       7  
Effective tax rate
    34.2 %     35.0 %     34.2 %     33.9 %     35.1 %        
                                                 
Earnings Per Common Share
                                               
                                                 
BASIC
                                               
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders
  $ 1.49     $ 1.40     $ 1.41     $ 1.44     $ 1.34       11  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 1.49     $ 1.40     $ 1.41     $ 1.44     $ 1.34       11  
Average common shares outstanding
    1,019       1,028       1,041       1,052       1,060       (4 )
DILUTED
                                               
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 1.48     $ 1.39     $ 1.40     $ 1.43     $ 1.33       11  
Average common shares outstanding
    1,023       1,033       1,047       1,058       1,067       (4 )
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.26     $ 0.26     $ 0.26     $ 0.26     $ 0.23       13  

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-5-

 
American Express Company
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Billions, except percentages, per share amounts and where indicated)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
Assets
                                   
Cash & cash equivalents
  $ 24     $ 22     $ 21     $ 18     $ 21       14  
Accounts receivable
    46       47       47       49       47       (2 )
Investment securities
    4       4       5       5       5       (20 )
Loans
    67       70       66       66       63       6  
Other assets
    14       16       15       14       15       (7 )
Total assets
  $ 155     $ 159     $ 154     $ 152     $ 151       3  
                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
                                               
Customer deposits
  $ 45     $ 44     $ 43     $ 42     $ 43       5  
Short-term borrowings
    2       3       3       3       3       (33 )
Long-term debt
    55       58       56       55       54       2  
Other liabilities
    31       33       32       32       31       -  
Total liabilities
    133       138       134       132       131       2  
                                                 
Shareholders' Equity
    22       21       20       20       20       10  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 155     $ 159     $ 154     $ 152     $ 151       3  
                                                 
Selected Statistical Information
                                               
                                                 
Return on average equity (C)
    29.0 %     29.1 %     28.8 %     28.8 %     28.3 %        
Return on average common equity (C)
    29.3 %     29.0 %     28.6 %     28.5 %     28.1 %        
Return on average tangible common equity (C)
    36.2 %     35.9 %     35.6 %     35.8 %     35.4 %        
Common shares outstanding (millions)
    1,016       1,023       1,035       1,046       1,059       (4 )
Book value per common share (dollars)
  $ 21.49     $ 20.21     $ 19.54     $ 19.32     $ 18.87       14  
Shareholders' equity
  $ 21.8     $ 20.7     $ 20.2     $ 20.2     $ 20.0       9  

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-6-

 

American Express Company
Financial Summary
(Millions)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
                                     
Total revenues net of interest expense
                                   
U.S. Card Services
  $ 4,525     $ 4,594     $ 4,501     $ 4,451     $ 4,264       6  
International Card Services
    1,241       1,355       1,394       1,391       1,352       (8 )
Global Commercial Services
    827       1,585       900       1,269       1,194       (31 )
Global Network & Merchant Services
    1,344       1,477       1,450       1,455       1,365       (2 )
      7,937       9,011       8,245       8,566       8,175       (3 )
Corporate & Other
    13       70       58       65       (2 )     #  
                                                 
CONSOLIDATED TOTAL REVENUES NET OF INTEREST EXPENSE
  $ 7,950     $ 9,081     $ 8,303     $ 8,631     $ 8,173       (3 )
                                                 
Pretax income (loss)
                                               
U.S. Card Services
  $ 1,480     $ 1,083     $ 1,411     $ 1,200     $ 1,406       5  
International Card Services
    184       1       176       69       203       (9 )
Global Commercial Services
    284       949       309       865       285       (0 )
Global Network & Merchant Services
    698       670       670       578       702       (1 )
      2,646       2,703       2,566       2,712       2,596       2  
Corporate & Other
    (330 )     (478 )     (320 )     (400 )     (388 )     (15 )
                                                 
PRETAX INCOME
  $ 2,316     $ 2,225     $ 2,246     $ 2,312     $ 2,208       5  
                                                 
Net income (loss)
                                               
U.S. Card Services
  $ 934     $ 665     $ 889     $ 770     $ 876       7  
International Card Services
    134       33       142       77       159       (16 )
Global Commercial Services
    180       594       204       561       184       (2 )
Global Network & Merchant Services
    444       417       427       373       443       0  
      1,692       1,709       1,662       1,781       1,662       2  
Corporate & Other
    (167 )     (262 )     (185 )     (252 )     (230 )     (27 )
                                                 
NET INCOME
  $ 1,525     $ 1,447     $ 1,477     $ 1,529     $ 1,432       6  

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-7-

 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Selected Statistical Information (continued)
(Billions, except percentages and where indicated)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
Card billed business (D):
                                   
United States
  $ 169.2     $ 182.5     $ 173.0     $ 173.4     $ 159.2       6  
Outside the United States
    76.4       86.0       85.1       84.7       78.9       (3 )
Total
  $ 245.6     $ 268.5     $ 258.1     $ 258.1     $ 238.1       3  
Total cards-in-force (E) (millions):
                                               
United States
    54.8       54.9       54.5       54.1       53.5       2  
Outside the United States
    57.4       57.3       56.6       55.8       54.7       5  
Total
    112.2       112.2       111.1       109.9       108.2       4  
Basic cards-in-force (E) (millions):
                                               
United States
    42.4       42.6       42.2       42.0       41.5       2  
Outside the United States
    47.3       47.0       46.3       45.6       44.6       6  
Total
    89.7       89.6       88.5       87.6       86.1       4  
                                                 
Average discount rate (A) (F)
    2.49 %     2.44 %     2.48 %     2.48 %     2.51 %        
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars) (G)
  $ 4,008     $ 4,377     $ 4,223     $ 4,288     $ 3,991       0  
Average fee per card (dollars) (G)
  $ 39     $ 39     $ 40     $ 41     $ 40       (3 )
Average fee per card adjusted (dollars) (G)
  $ 44     $ 44     $ 45     $ 45     $ 45       (2 )
                                                 
Worldwide Card Member receivables:
                                               
Total receivables
  $ 43.7     $ 44.9     $ 45.1     $ 45.3     $ 44.7       (2 )
Loss reserves (millions):
                                               
Beginning balance
  $ 465     $ 432     $ 413     $ 414     $ 386       20  
Provisions (H)
    174       198       196       183       215       (19 )
Net write-offs (I)
    (199 )     (156 )     (168 )     (182 )     (170 )     12  
Other (J)
    (11 )     (9 )     (9 )     (2 )     (17 )     10  
Ending balance
  $ 429     $ 465     $ 432     $ 413     $ 414       4  
% of receivables
    1.0 %     1.0 %     1.0 %     0.9 %     0.9 %        
Net write-off rate (principal only) - USCS/ICS (K)
    2.1 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.8 %     1.8 %        
Net write-off rate (principal and fees) - USCS/ICS (K)
    2.3 %     1.7 %     1.8 %     2.0 %     2.0 %        
30 days past due as a % of total - USCS/ICS
    1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.5 %     1.7 %        
Net loss ratio (as a % of charge volume) - GCS
    0.10 %     0.08 %     0.09 %     0.09 %     0.09 %        
90 days past billing as a % of total - GCS
    0.7 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.7 %     0.7 %        
                                                 
Worldwide Card Member loans:
                                               
Total loans
  $ 66.8     $ 70.4     $ 66.1     $ 66.3     $ 64.0       4  
Loss reserves (millions):
                                               
Beginning balance
  $ 1,201     $ 1,146     $ 1,170     $ 1,191     $ 1,261       (5 )
Provisions (H)
    235       341       265       282       250       (6 )
Net write-offs - principal (I)
    (259 )     (237 )     (245 )     (267 )     (280 )     (5 )
Net write-offs - interest and fees (I)
    (43 )     (40 )     (40 )     (42 )     (42 )     2  
Other (J)
    (4 )     (9 )     (4 )     6       2       -  
Ending balance
  $ 1,130     $ 1,201     $ 1,146     $ 1,170     $ 1,191       (5 )
Ending reserves - principal
  $ 1,074     $ 1,149     $ 1,093     $ 1,114     $ 1,135       (5 )
Ending reserves - interest and fees
  $ 56     $ 52     $ 53     $ 56     $ 56       -  
% of loans
    1.7 %     1.7 %     1.7 %     1.8 %     1.9 %        
% of past due
    163 %     167 %     165 %     171 %     159 %        
Average loans
  $ 67.6     $ 67.7     $ 66.4     $ 65.2     $ 64.5       5  
Net write-off rate (principal only) (K)
    1.5 %     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.7 %        
Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) (K)
    1.8 %     1.6 %     1.7 %     1.9 %     2.0 %        
30 days past due loans as a % of total
    1.0 %     1.0 %     1.1 %     1.0 %     1.2 %        
Net interest income divided by average loans (L)
    8.6 %     8.4 %     8.5 %     8.1 %     8.4 %        
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (L)
    9.6 %     9.3 %     9.3 %     9.2 %     9.5 %        

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-8-

 
U.S. Card Services
(Preliminary)
Selected Income Statement Data
(Millions, except percentages)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
                                     
Revenues
                                   
Non-interest revenues (A)
  $ 3,148     $ 3,253     $ 3,188     $ 3,196     $ 2,991       5  
Interest income
    1,529       1,490       1,465       1,408       1,423       7  
Interest expense
    152       149       152       153       150       1  
Net interest income
    1,377       1,341       1,313       1,255       1,273       8  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    4,525       4,594       4,501       4,451       4,264       6  
Provisions for losses
    296       399       316       339       342       (13 )
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    4,229       4,195       4,185       4,112       3,922       8  
Expenses
                                               
Marketing, promotion, rewards, (A) Card Member services and other
    1,733       2,038       1,764       1,839       1,556       11  
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    1,016       1,074       1,010       1,073       960       6  
Total
    2,749       3,112       2,774       2,912       2,516       9  
Pretax segment income
    1,480       1,083       1,411       1,200       1,406       5  
Income tax provision
    546       418       522       430       530       3  
Segment income
  $ 934     $ 665     $ 889     $ 770     $ 876       7  
Effective tax rate
    36.9 %     38.6 %     37.0 %     35.8 %     37.7 %        
                                                 
Selected Statistical Information
                                               
(Billions, except percentages and where indicated)
                                               
                                                 
Card billed business
  $ 132.5     $ 145.0     $ 136.2     $ 136.5     $ 124.3       7  
Total cards-in-force (millions)
    45.9       45.6       45.2       44.7       44.1       4  
Basic cards-in-force (millions)
    34.2       34.0       33.7       33.3       32.8       4  
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  $ 3,875     $ 4,281     $ 4,069     $ 4,133     $ 3,805       2  
                                                 
U.S. Consumer Travel:
                                               
Travel sales (millions)
  $ 988     $ 817     $ 956     $ 1,027     $ 974       1  
Travel commissions and fees/sales
    6.6 %     7.5 %     7.4 %     7.4 %     6.5 %        
                                                 
Total segment assets
  $ 107.7     $ 113.2     $ 103.3     $ 101.1     $ 98.9       9  
Segment capital (M)
  $ 10.8     $ 10.4     $ 9.9     $ 9.9     $ 9.7       11  
Return on average segment capital (N)
    32.1 %     32.5 %     35.5 %     35.3 %     35.6 %        
Return on average tangible segment capital (N)
    33.2 %     33.6 %     36.6 %     36.5 %     36.9 %        
                                                 
Card Member receivables:
                                               
Total receivables
  $ 21.5     $ 22.5     $ 21.3     $ 21.2     $ 20.7       4  
30 days past due as a % of total
    1.7 %     1.7 %     1.6 %     1.5 %     1.8 %        
Average receivables
  $ 21.3     $ 21.8     $ 21.4     $ 21.3     $ 20.6       3  
Net write-off rate (principal only) (K)
    2.2 %     1.4 %     1.5 %     1.8 %     1.8 %        
Net write-off rate (principal and fees) (K)
    2.4 %     1.6 %     1.7 %     2.0 %     2.0 %        
                                                 
Card Member loans:
                                               
Total loans
  $ 59.9     $ 62.6     $ 58.0     $ 57.7     $ 55.8       7  
30 days past due loans as a % of total
    1.0 %     1.0 %     1.0 %     0.9 %     1.1 %        
Average loans
  $ 60.4     $ 59.7     $ 58.0     $ 56.8     $ 56.1       8  
Net write-off rate (principal only) (K)
    1.5 %     1.3 %     1.4 %     1.6 %     1.7 %        
Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) (K)
    1.7 %     1.5 %     1.6 %     1.8 %     1.9 %        
Net interest income divided by average loans (L)
    9.1 %     9.0 %     9.1 %     8.9 %     9.2 %        
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (L)
    9.5 %     9.1 %     9.2 %     9.1 %     9.4 %        

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-9-

 
International Card Services
(Preliminary)
Selected Income Statement Data
(Millions, except percentages)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
                                     
Revenues
                                   
Non-interest revenues
  $ 1,061     $ 1,166     $ 1,206     $ 1,208     $ 1,157       (8 )
Interest income
    244       260       273       275       277       (12 )
Interest expense
    64       71       85       92       82       (22 )
Net interest income
    180       189       188       183       195       (8 )
Total revenues net of interest expense
    1,241       1,355       1,394       1,391       1,352       (8 )
Provisions for losses
    76       95       98       90       87       (13 )
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    1,165       1,260       1,296       1,301       1,265       (8 )
Expenses
                                               
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other
    437       555       532       577       496       (12 )
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    544       704       588       655       566       (4 )
Total
    981       1,259       1,120       1,232       1,062       (8 )
Pretax segment income
    184       1       176       69       203       (9 )
Income tax provision/(benefit)
    50       (32 )     34       (8 )     44       14  
Segment income
  $ 134     $ 33     $ 142     $ 77     $ 159       (16 )
Effective tax rate
    27.2 %     #       19.3 %     -11.6 %     21.7 %        
                                                 
Selected Statistical Information
                                               
(Billions, except percentages and where indicated)
                                               
                                                 
Card billed business
  $ 28.7     $ 34.0     $ 33.9     $ 34.1     $ 31.9       (10 )
Total cards-in-force (millions)
    14.9       15.7       15.8       15.7       15.7       (5 )
Basic cards-in-force (millions)
    10.4       11.0       10.9       10.9       10.9       (5 )
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  $ 2,729     $ 3,109     $ 3,100     $ 3,137     $ 2,942       (7 )
                                                 
International Consumer Travel:
                                               
Travel sales (millions)
  $ 334     $ 353     $ 362     $ 354     $ 353       (5 )
Travel commissions and fees/sales
    7.2 %     7.4 %     6.9 %     6.8 %     6.2 %        
                                                 
Total segment assets
  $ 29.0     $ 30.7     $ 31.1     $ 31.6     $ 30.4       (5 )
Segment capital (M)
  $ 3.2     $ 3.0     $ 3.0     $ 3.0     $ 3.0       8  
Return on average segment capital (N)
    12.7 %     13.6 %     15.8 %     15.7 %     20.0 %        
Return on average tangible segment capital (N)
    22.3 %     24.6 %     28.9 %     28.8 %     36.8 %        
                                                 
Card Member receivables:
                                               
Total receivables
  $ 6.4     $ 7.7     $ 7.3     $ 7.5     $ 7.2       (11 )
30 days past billing as a % of total
    1.6 %     1.3 %     1.4 %     1.3 %     1.4 %        
Net write-off rate (principal only) (K)
    1.9 %     1.8 %     1.9 %     1.9 %     1.9 %        
Net write-off rate (principal and fees) (K)
    2.0 %     1.9 %     2.1 %     2.0 %     2.0 %        
                                                 
Card Member loans:
                                               
Total loans
  $ 6.8     $ 7.7     $ 8.0     $ 8.6     $ 8.2       (17 )
30 days past due loans as a % of total
    1.8 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.6 %     1.7 %        
Average loans
  $ 7.2     $ 7.9     $ 8.3     $ 8.3     $ 8.3       (13 )
Net write-off rate (principal only) (K)
    2.0 %     1.9 %     1.9 %     2.0 %     2.2 %        
Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) (K)
    2.5 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.4 %     2.7 %        
Net interest income divided by average loans (O)
    10.0 %     9.6 %     9.1 %     8.8 %     9.5 %        
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (O)
    10.9 %     10.5 %     9.9 %     9.6 %     10.1 %        

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-10-

 


Global Commercial Services
(Preliminary)
Selected Income Statement Data
(Millions, except percentages)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
                                     
Revenues
                                   
Non-interest revenues
  $ 871     $ 1,635     $ 957     $ 1,332     $ 1,249       (30 )
Interest income
    4       4       4       3       4       -  
Interest expense
    48       54       61       66       59       (19 )
Net interest expense
    (44 )     (50 )     (57 )     (63 )     (55 )     (20 )
Total revenues net of interest expense
    827       1,585       900       1,269       1,194       (31 )
Provisions for losses
    35       50       49       43       38       (8 )
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    792       1,535       851       1,226       1,156       (31 )
Expenses
                                               
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other
    164       178       161       177       166       (1 )
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    344       408       381       184       705       (51 )
Total
    508       586       542       361       871       (42 )
Pretax segment income
    284       949       309       865       285       (0 )
Income tax provision
    104       355       105       304       101       3  
Segment income
  $ 180     $ 594     $ 204     $ 561     $ 184       (2 )
Effective tax rate
    36.6 %     37.4 %     34.0 %     35.1 %     35.4 %        
                                                 
Selected Statistical Information
                                               
(Billions, except percentages and where indicated)
                                               
                                                 
Card billed business
  $ 45.3     $ 47.1     $ 46.5     $ 47.6     $ 45.5       (0 )
Total cards-in-force (millions)
    6.9       6.9       6.9       7.0       7.1       (3 )
Basic cards-in-force (millions)
    6.9       6.9       6.9       7.0       7.1       (3 )
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
  $ 6,567     $ 6,817     $ 6,691     $ 6,781     $ 6,429       2  
                                                 
Total segment assets
  $ 19.6     $ 18.5     $ 20.6     $ 20.8     $ 21.6       (9 )
Segment capital (M)
  $ 4.1     $ 3.8     $ 3.8     $ 3.8     $ 3.8       9  
Return on average segment capital (N)
    39.9 %     40.9 %     30.3 %     32.0 %     23.2 %        
Return on average tangible segment capital (N)
    70.6 %     74.4 %     56.0 %     60.3 %     44.4 %        
                                                 
Card Member receivables:
                                               
Total receivables
  $ 15.7     $ 14.6     $ 16.4     $ 16.5     $ 16.6       (5 )
90 days past billing as a % of total
    0.7 %     0.8 %     0.8 %     0.7 %     0.7 %        
Net loss ratio (as a % of charge volume)
    0.10 %     0.08 %     0.09 %     0.09 %     0.09 %        

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references

 
-11-

 
Global Network & Merchant Services
(Preliminary)
Selected Income Statement Data
(Millions, except percentages)
   
Quarters Ended
   
% Change
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31, 2015 vs.
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
Mar 31, 2014
 
Revenues
                                   
Non-interest revenues
  $ 1,270     $ 1,399     $ 1,368     $ 1,366     $ 1,293       (2 )
Interest income
    20       17       14       11       10       #  
Interest expense
    (54 )     (61 )     (68 )     (78 )     (62 )     (13 )
Net interest income
    74       78       82       89       72       3  
Total revenues net of interest expense
    1,344       1,477       1,450       1,455       1,365       (2 )
Provisions for losses
    11       35       24       18       16       (31 )
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses
    1,333       1,442       1,426       1,437       1,349       (1 )
Expenses
                                               
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other
    147       185       201       277       156       (6 )
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses
    488       587       555       582       491       (1 )
Total
    635       772       756       859       647       (2 )
Pretax segment income
    698       670       670       578       702       (1 )
Income tax provision
    254       253       243       205       259       (2 )
Segment income
  $ 444     $ 417     $ 427     $ 373     $ 443       0  
Effective tax rate
    36.4 %     37.8 %     36.3 %     35.5 %     36.9 %        
                                                 
Selected Statistical Information
                                               
(Billions, except percentages and where indicated)
                                               
                                                 
Global Card billed business (P)
  $ 245.6     $ 268.5     $ 258.1     $ 258.1     $ 238.1       3  
                                                 
Global Network & Merchant Services:
                                               
Total segment assets
  $ 17.8     $ 18.1     $ 18.2     $ 18.7     $ 18.3       (3 )
Segment capital (M)
  $ 2.2     $ 2.0     $ 2.0     $ 2.0     $ 1.9       13  
Return on average segment capital (N)
    82.1 %     84.0 %     82.6 %     79.4 %     81.2 %        
Return on average tangible segment capital (N)
    90.6 %     92.9 %     91.3 %     87.8 %     89.7 %        
                                                 
Global Network Services:
                                               
Card billed business
  $ 39.1     $ 42.5     $ 41.6     $ 40.1     $ 36.6       7  
Total cards-in-force (millions)
    44.5       44.0       43.2       42.5       41.3       8  

# - Denotes a variance of more than 100 percent.
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-12-

 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Components of Return on Average Equity (ROE), Return on Average Common Equity (ROCE), and Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE)
Appendix I
(Millions, except percentages)
   
For the Twelve Months Ended
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
 
ROE
                             
Net income
  $ 5,978     $ 5,885     $ 5,746     $ 5,635     $ 5,511  
Average shareholders' equity
  $ 20,606     $ 20,254     $ 19,948     $ 19,591     $ 19,442  
Return on average equity (Q)
    29.0 %     29.1 %     28.8 %     28.8 %     28.3 %
                                         
Reconciliation of ROCE and ROTCE
                                       
Net income
  $ 5,978     $ 5,885     $ 5,746     $ 5,635     $ 5,511  
Preferred shares dividends and related accretion
    -       -       -       -       -  
Earnings allocated to participating share awards and other
    45       46       46       47       48  
Net income attributable to common shareholders
  $ 5,933     $ 5,839     $ 5,700     $ 5,588     $ 5,463  
                                         
Average shareholders' equity
  $ 20,606     $ 20,254     $ 19,948     $ 19,591     $ 19,442  
Average preferred shares
    350       114       -       -       -  
Average common shareholders' equity
  $ 20,256     $ 20,140     $ 19,948     $ 19,591     $ 19,442  
Average goodwill and other intangibles
    3,845       3,888       3,941       3,994       4,012  
Average tangible common shareholders' equity
  $ 16,411     $ 16,252     $ 16,007     $ 15,597     $ 15,430  
Return on average common equity (Q)
    29.3 %     29.0 %     28.6 %     28.5 %     28.1 %
Return on average tangible common equity (R)
    36.2 %     35.9 %     35.6 %     35.8 %     35.4 %
 
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-13-

 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Components of Return on Average Segment Capital (ROSC) and Return on Average Tangible Segment Capital (ROTSC)
Appendix II
(Millions, except percentages)
   
For the Twelve Months Ended
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
 
U.S. Card Services
                             
Segment income
  $ 3,258     $ 3,200     $ 3,399     $ 3,292     $ 3,265  
Average segment capital
  $ 10,148     $ 9,843     $ 9,580     $ 9,337     $ 9,180  
Average goodwill and other intangibles
    339       319       299       311       323  
Average tangible segment capital
  $ 9,809     $ 9,524     $ 9,281     $ 9,026     $ 8,857  
Return on average segment capital (S)
    32.1 %     32.5 %     35.5 %     35.3 %     35.6 %
Return on average tangible segment capital (S)
    33.2 %     33.6 %     36.6 %     36.5 %     36.9 %
                                         
International Card Services
                                       
Segment income
  $ 386     $ 411     $ 481     $ 481     $ 612  
Average segment capital
  $ 3,043     $ 3,020     $ 3,043     $ 3,063     $ 3,053  
Average goodwill and other intangibles
    1,311       1,350       1,376       1,394       1,389  
Average tangible segment capital
  $ 1,732     $ 1,670     $ 1,667     $ 1,669     $ 1,664  
Return on average segment capital (S)
    12.7 %     13.6 %     15.8 %     15.7 %     20.0 %
Return on average tangible segment capital (S)
    22.3 %     24.6 %     28.9 %     28.8 %     36.8 %
                                         
Global Commercial Services
                                       
Segment income
  $ 1,539     $ 1,543     $ 1,131     $ 1,188     $ 853  
Average segment capital
  $ 3,859     $ 3,771     $ 3,736     $ 3,707     $ 3,679  
Average goodwill and other intangibles
    1,678       1,696       1,715       1,736       1,759  
Average tangible segment capital
  $ 2,181     $ 2,075     $ 2,021     $ 1,971     $ 1,920  
Return on average segment capital (S)
    39.9 %     40.9 %     30.3 %     32.0 %     23.2 %
Return on average tangible segment capital (S)
    70.6 %     74.4 %     56.0 %     60.3 %     44.4 %
                                         
Global Network & Merchant Services
                                       
Segment income
  $ 1,661     $ 1,660     $ 1,642     $ 1,606     $ 1,645  
Average segment capital
  $ 2,024     $ 1,976     $ 1,989     $ 2,022     $ 2,026  
Average goodwill and other intangibles
    190       189       190       192       193  
Average tangible segment capital
  $ 1,834     $ 1,787     $ 1,799     $ 1,830     $ 1,833  
Return on average segment capital (S)
    82.1 %     84.0 %     82.6 %     79.4 %     81.2 %
Return on average tangible segment capital (S)
    90.6 %     92.9 %     91.3 %     87.8 %     89.7 %
 
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-14-

 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Net Interest Yield on Card Member Loans
Appendix III
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
   
Quarters Ended
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
 
                               
Net interest income
  $ 1,447     $ 1,424     $ 1,395     $ 1,316     $ 1,337  
Exclude:
                                       
Interest expense not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ 249     $ 250     $ 247     $ 259     $ 263  
Interest income not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ (95 )   $ (92 )   $ (90 )   $ (89 )   $ (88 )
                                         
Adjusted net interest income (T)
  $ 1,601     $ 1,582     $ 1,552     $ 1,486     $ 1,512  
                                         
Average loans (billions)
  $ 67.6     $ 67.7     $ 66.4     $ 65.2     $ 64.5  
Exclude:
                                       
Unamortized deferred card fees, net of direct acquisition costs of Card Member loans, and other (billions)
  $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )
                                         
Adjusted average loans (billions) (U)
  $ 67.4     $ 67.5     $ 66.2     $ 65.0     $ 64.3  
                                         
Net interest income divided by average loans (V)
    8.6 %     8.4 %     8.5 %     8.1 %     8.4 %
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (W)
    9.6 %     9.3 %     9.3 %     9.2 %     9.5 %
 
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-15-

 
U.S. Card Services and International Card Services
(Preliminary)
Net Interest Yield on Card Member Loans
Appendix IV
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)
   
Quarters Ended
 
   
Mar 31,
   
Dec 31,
   
Sep 30,
   
Jun 30,
   
Mar 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
   
2014
 
USCS:
                             
Net interest income
  $ 1,377     $ 1,341     $ 1,313     $ 1,255     $ 1,273  
Exclude:
                                       
Interest expense not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ 38     $ 39     $ 39     $ 40     $ 39  
Interest income not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ (3 )   $ (3 )   $ (3 )   $ (3 )   $ (3 )
                                         
Adjusted net interest income (T)
  $ 1,412     $ 1,377     $ 1,349     $ 1,292     $ 1,309  
Average loans (billions)
  $ 60.4     $ 59.7     $ 58.0     $ 56.8     $ 56.1  
Exclude:
                                       
Unamortized deferred card fees, net of direct acquisition costs of Card Member loans (billions)
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 0.1  
Adjusted average loans (billions) (U)
  $ 60.4     $ 59.7     $ 58.0     $ 56.8     $ 56.2  
Net interest income divided by average loans (V)
    9.1 %     9.0 %     9.1 %     8.9 %     9.2 %
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (W)
    9.5 %     9.1 %     9.2 %     9.1 %     9.4 %
                                         
ICS:
                                       
Net interest income
  $ 180     $ 189     $ 188     $ 183     $ 195  
Exclude:
                                       
Interest expense not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ 18     $ 26     $ 24     $ 21     $ 18  
Interest income not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio
  $ (8 )   $ (9 )   $ (10 )   $ (10 )   $ (10 )
                                         
Adjusted net interest income (T)
  $ 190     $ 206     $ 202     $ 194     $ 203  
Average loans (billions)
  $ 7.2     $ 7.9     $ 8.3     $ 8.3     $ 8.3  
Exclude:
                                       
Unamortized deferred card fees, net of direct acquisition costs of Card Member loans, and other (billions)
  $ (0.1 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )   $ (0.2 )
Adjusted average loans (billions) (U)
  $ 7.1     $ 7.7     $ 8.1     $ 8.1     $ 8.1  
Net interest income divided by average loans (V)
    10.0 %     9.6 %     9.1 %     8.8 %     9.5 %
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (W)
    10.9 %     10.5 %     9.9 %     9.6 %     10.1 %
 
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-16-

 
American Express Company
(Preliminary)
Revenue and Expense Reconciliation
Appendix V
(Millions, except percentages)
   
Quarters Ended
       
   
Mar 31,
   
Mar 31,
   
% Change
 
   
2015
   
2014
       
Consolidated:
                 
                   
Reported total revenues net of interest expense
  $ 7,950     $ 8,173       (3 )
Global Business Travel ("GBT") revenues net of interest expense
    -       339          
Adjusted total revenues net of interest expense
    7,950       7,834       1  
FX and GBT adjusted total revenues net of interest expense (X)
            7,570       5  
                         
Reported total expenses
    5,214       5,480       (5 )
GBT expenses
    -       336          
Adjusted total expenses
    5,214       5,144       1  
FX and GBT adjusted total expenses (X)
            4,975       5  
                         
Global Commercial Services:
                       
                         
Reported total revenues net of interest expense
    827       1,194       (31 )
GBT revenues net of interest expense
    -       339          
Adjusted total revenues net of interest expense
    827       855       (3 )
FX and GBT adjusted total revenues net of interest expense (X)
            821       1  
                         
Reported total expenses
    508       871       (42 )
GBT expenses
    -       336          
Adjusted total expenses
  $ 508     $ 535       (5 )
FX and GBT adjusted total expenses (X)
            519       (2 )

Note: GBT revenues and expenses represent operating performance as reported in Q1'14. Adjustments do not include other Global Business Travel-related items, including equity earnings from the joint venture and impacts related to a transition services agreement that will phase out over time.
 
 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-17-

 
Appendix VI
(Preliminary)
 
All Information in the preceding tables is presented on a basis prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise indicated.
(A)
In Q1’15, the Company changed the classification related to certain payments to co-brand partners reducing both marketing and promotion and discount revenue. The misclassification in prior periods has been conformed to the current period presentation. The discount rate for prior periods has also been revised accordingly, resulting in a reduction of between zero and one basis point in any period from what was originally reported.

(B)
Represents net income, less earnings allocated to participating share awards of $11 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, $11 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, $11 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, $12 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and $12 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

(C)
Refer to Appendix I for components of return on average equity, return on average common equity and return on average tangible common equity, a non-GAAP measure.

(D)
Card billed business includes activities (including cash advances) related to proprietary cards, cards issued under network partnership agreements (non-proprietary billed business), and certain insurance fees charged on proprietary cards. In-store spend activity within retail co-brand portfolios in Global Network Services, from which the Company earns no revenue, is not included in non-proprietary billed business. Card billed business is reflected in the United States or outside the United States based on where the issuer is located.

(E)
Total cards-in-force represents the number of cards that are issued and outstanding. Proprietary basic consumer cards-in-force includes basic cards issued to the primary account owner and does not include additional supplemental cards issued on that account. Proprietary basic small business and corporate cards-in-force include basic and supplemental cards issued to employee Card Members. Non-proprietary cards-in-force includes all cards that are issued and outstanding under network partnership agreements, except for retail co-brand Card Member accounts that have no out-of-store spend activity during the prior 12 month period.

(F)
This calculation is designed to reflect pricing at merchants accepting general purpose American Express cards. It represents the percentage of billed business (both proprietary and Global Network Services) retained by the Company from merchants it acquires, prior to payments to third parties unrelated to merchant acceptance.

(G)
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, including the amortization of deferred direct acquisition costs divided by average worldwide proprietary cards-in-force. The adjusted average fee per card, which is a non-GAAP measure, is computed in the same manner, but excludes amortization of deferred direct acquisition costs. The amount of amortization excluded for these periods was $83 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, $79 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, $77 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, $77 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 and $73 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The Company presents adjusted average fee per card because the Company believes this metric presents a useful indicator of card fee pricing across a range of its proprietary card products.

(H)
Provisions for principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee reserve components.

(I)
Consists of principal (resulting from authorized transactions), interest and/or fees, less recoveries.

(J)
Beginning in first quarter 2014, reserves related for card-related fraud losses are reflected in Other liabilities. All periods include foreign currency translation adjustments and other items.

(K)
The Company presents 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 the Company's practice is to include uncollectible interest and/or fees as part of its total provision for losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. Q1’15 reflects a change in timing of charge-offs for loans in certain modification programs from 180 days past due to 120 days past due beginning January 2015. Excluding the impact of the change, the USCS/ICS Charge net write-off rate – principal only was 1.9% and the USCS Lending net write-off rate - principal only was 1.4%.

(L)
See Appendix III for quarterly calculations of net interest yield on Card Member loans, a non-GAAP measure, and net interest income divided by average loans, a GAAP measure, and the Company's rationale for presenting net interest yield on Card Member loans. For calculations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, please refer to Annex 3 of the Company’s 2014 Fourth Quarter/ Full Year Earnings Supplement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(M)
Segment capital represents capital allocated to a segment based upon specific business operational needs, risk measures, and regulatory capital requirements.

(N)
Refer to Appendix II for components of return on average segment capital and return on average tangible segment capital, a non-GAAP measure.

(O)
See Appendix IV for calculations of net interest yield on Card Member loans, a non-GAAP measure, and net interest income divided by average loans, a GAAP measure, and the Company's rationale for presenting net interest yield on Card Member loans.

(P)
Global Card billed business includes activities (including cash advances) related to proprietary cards, cards issued under network partnership agreements (non-proprietary billed business), and certain insurance fees charged on proprietary cards. In-store spend activity within retail co-brand portfolios in Global Network Services, from which the Company earns no revenue, is not included in non-proprietary billed business.

(Q)
Return on average equity and return on average common equity are calculated by dividing one year period net income/net income attributable to common shareholders by one year average total shareholders’ equity/average common shareholders' equity, respectively.

(R)
Return on average tangible common equity, a non-GAAP measure, is computed in the same manner as return on average common equity except the computation of average tangible common shareholders' equity, a non-GAAP measure, excludes from average common shareholders' equity, average goodwill and other intangibles. The Company believes that return on average tangible common equity is a useful measure of the profitability of its business.

(S)
Return on average segment capital is calculated by dividing one year period segment income by one year average segment capital. Return on average tangible segment capital, a non-GAAP measure, is computed in the same manner as return on average segment capital except the computation of average tangible segment capital, a non-GAAP measure, excludes average goodwill and other intangibles. The Company believes that return on average tangible segment capital is a useful measure of the profitability of its business.

(T)
Adjusted net interest income, a non-GAAP measure, represents net interest income allocated to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio excluding the impact of interest expense and interest income not attributable to the Company's Card Member loan portfolio. The Company believes adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans.

(U)
Adjusted average loans, a non-GAAP measure, represents average Card Member loans excluding the impact of deferred card fees, net of deferred direct acquisition costs of Card Member loans, and other. The Company believes adjusted average loans is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans.

(V)
This calculation 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 Card Member loans. The calculation includes interest income and interest expense attributable to investment securities and other interest-bearing deposits as well as to Card Member loans, and interest expense attributable to other activities, including Card Member receivables.

(W)
Net interest yield on Card Member loans, a non-GAAP measure, is computed by dividing adjusted net interest income by adjusted average loans, computed on an annualized basis. The calculation of net interest yield on Card Member loans includes interest that is deemed uncollectible. For all presentations of net interest yield on Card Member loans, reserves and net write-offs related to uncollectible interest are recorded through provisions for losses - Card Member loans; therefore, such reserves and net write-offs are not included in the net interest yield calculation. The Company believes net interest yield on Card Member loans is useful to investors because it provides a measure of profitability of the Company's Card Member loan portfolio.

(X)
Revenue net of interest expense and total expenses on an FX adjusted basis are a non-GAAP measures. FX adjusted information assumes a constant exchange rate between the periods being compared for purposes of currency translation into U.S. dollars (i.e., assumes Q1’15 foreign exchange rates apply to Q1'14 results). Country results used to calculate FX adjusted revenues and expenses, which constitute non-GAAP measures, are subject to management allocations. The Company’s calculations of non-GAAP measures may differ from the calculations of similarly titled measures of other companies.


 
See Appendix VI for footnote references
 
-18-