10-Q 1 a45167.htm AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____ to ____

Commission File No. 1-6908

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

 

 

 

Delaware

 

11-1988350

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

One Christina Centre, 301 North Walnut Street
Suite 1002, Wilmington, Delaware

 

19801-2919

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (302) 594-3350


 

None


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)

THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION H(1)(a) AND (b) OF FORM 10-Q AND HAS THEREFORE OMITTED CERTAIN ITEMS FROM THIS REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT PERMITTED UNDER GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS H(2).

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 x    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer    o Non-accelerated filer x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o    No x

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 November 13, 2006



 

 

Common Stock (par value $.10 per share)

1,504,938 Shares



AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 


PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income and Retained Earnings – Three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

 

E-1

- 2 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(Millions)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 







 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 











 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount revenue earned from purchased cardmember receivables and loans

 

$

607

 

$

400

 

$

1,575

 

$

1,181

 

Finance charge revenue

 

 

11

 

 

16

 

 

35

 

 

52

 

Interest income from investments

 

 

58

 

 

31

 

 

155

 

 

96

 

Interest income from affiliates

 

 

138

 

 

97

 

 

378

 

 

283

 

Other

 

 

4

 

 

3

 

 

8

 

 

5

 















Total revenues

 

 

818

 

 

547

 

 

2,151

 

 

1,617

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for losses, net of recoveries (1)

 

 

181

 

 

148

 

 

396

 

 

432

 

Interest expense

 

 

334

 

 

238

 

 

936

 

 

696

 

Interest expense to affiliates

 

 

89

 

 

55

 

 

236

 

 

130

 

Other

 

 

33

 

 

3

 

 

59

 

 

13

 















Total expenses

 

 

637

 

 

444

 

 

1,627

 

 

1,271

 















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretax income

 

 

181

 

 

103

 

 

524

 

 

346

 

Income tax provision

 

 

21

 

 

11

 

 

71

 

 

55

 















Net income

 

 

160

 

 

92

 

 

453

 

 

291

 

Dividends

 

 

(100

)

 

 

 

(200

)

 

 

Retained earnings at beginning of period

 

 

3,273

 

 

3,064

 

 

3,080

 

 

2,865

 

 















Retained earnings at end of period

 

$

3,333

 

$

3,156

 

$

3,333

 

$

3,156

 















See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

(1)

Provision for losses are shown net of recoveries of $30 million and $45 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $117 million and $118 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

- 3 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Millions, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 







 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,924

 

$

1,051

 

Investment securities

 

 

1,903

 

 

2,996

 

Investment securities restricted

 

 

1,107

 

 

 

Cardmember receivables, less reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006, $695; 2005, $671

 

 

24,433

 

 

23,750

 

Cardmember loans, less reserves:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006, $9; 2005, $15

 

 

317

 

 

554

 

Loans and deposits with affiliates

 

 

9,336

 

 

8,254

 

Deferred charges and other assets

 

 

403

 

 

764

 









Total assets

 

$

39,423

 

$

37,369

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholder’s Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

 

$

7,150

 

$

7,939

 

Short-term debt with affiliates

 

 

8,266

 

 

8,043

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

2,937

 

 

2,300

 

Long-term debt

 

 

17,167

 

 

14,629

 

 

 



 



 

Total debt

 

 

35,520

 

 

32,911

 

Due to affiliates

 

 

93

 

 

1,021

 

Accrued interest and other liabilities

 

 

264

 

 

166

 









Total liabilities

 

 

35,877

 

 

34,098

 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholder’s Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized 3 million shares; issued and outstanding 1.5 million shares

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Capital surplus

 

 

161

 

 

161

 

Retained earnings

 

 

3,333

 

 

3,080

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized securities gains (losses), net of tax

 

 

6

 

 

(16

)

Net unrealized derivatives gains, net of tax

 

 

25

 

 

57

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

20

 

 

(12

)









Total accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

51

 

 

29

 









Total shareholder’s equity

 

 

3,546

 

 

3,271

 









Total liabilities and shareholder’s equity

 

$

39,423

 

$

37,369

 









See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 4 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Millions)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 







Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

453

 

$

291

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for losses

 

 

513

 

 

550

 

Amortization and other

 

 

7

 

 

11

 

Deferred tax assets

 

 

7

 

 

27

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to affiliates

 

 

17

 

 

26

 

Other operating assets and liabilities

 

 

361

 

 

(71

)









Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

1,358

 

 

834

 









Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in cardmember receivables and loans

 

 

(958

)

 

(759

)

Purchase of investments

 

 

(2,404

)

 

 

Maturities of investments

 

 

2,419

 

 

179

 

Net increase in loans and deposits with affiliates

 

 

(656

)

 

(350

)

Net decrease in due to affiliates

 

 

(944

)

 

(859

)









Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(2,543

)

 

(1,789

)









Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase in short-term debt with affiliates with maturities of ninety days or less

 

 

222

 

 

2,681

 

Net decrease in short-term debt with maturities of ninety days or less

 

 

(1,333

)

 

(351

)

Issuance of debt

 

 

9,551

 

 

1,690

 

Redemption of debt

 

 

(6,182

)

 

(5,030

)

Dividends paid

 

 

(200

)

 

 









Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

2,058

 

 

(1,010

)









Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

873

 

 

(1,965

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

1,051

 

 

3,802

 









Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1,924

 

$

1,837

 









See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 5 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

 

 

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of American Express Credit Corporation, including its subsidiaries where appropriate (Credco), for the year ended December 31, 2005. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Significant accounting policies disclosed therein have not changed. Credco is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Company (American Express). American Express Overseas Credit Corporation Limited together with its subsidiaries (AEOCC), Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC), Credco Finance, Inc. together with its subsidiaries (CFI), American Express Canada Credit Corporation (AECCC), American Express Canada Finance Limited (AECFL), American Express Capital Australia (AECA), American Express Sterling Funding Limited Partnership (AESLP) together with its subsidiary and American Express Euro Funding Limited Partnership (AEELP) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Credco.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

 

 

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of the FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)” (SFAS No. 158), which requires the funded status of pension and other postretirement plans to be recorded on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, with a corresponding offset, net of tax effects, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholder’s equity. Effective for years ending after December 15, 2008, the measurement date for the benefit obligation and plan assets is required to align with a company’s fiscal year end.

 

 

 

As Credco participates in a multi-employer plan and recognizes the cost of pension expense based on contributions into the plan, the adoption of the provisions included in SFAS No. 158 is not expected to have any impact on Credco’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

 

 

SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 and 140” (SFAS No. 155), ends the temporary exemption of beneficial interests in securitized assets from the bifurcation requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 155 permits fair value remeasurement of any hybrid financial instrument that contains an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. Remeasurements of these hybrid financial instruments and bifurcated derivatives will be recorded in income after the adoption of this new standard. SFAS No. 155 applies to all financial instruments acquired or issued after December 31, 2006. Credco does not expect any impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

 

SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (SFAS No. 156), requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. Subsequent accounting may be elected under either the amortization method, which systematically amortizes the servicing asset or liability to income, or the fair value measurement method, which remeasures the servicing asset or liability at fair value with the changes recorded in income. Election of the fair value method is made on a class-by-class basis for each separately recognized servicing asset and liability. SFAS No. 156 applies to all financial instruments acquired or issued after December 31, 2006. Credco does not expect any impact to its Consolidated Financial Statements.

- 6 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

The FASB has also recently issued the following accounting standards, which are effective after December 31, 2006. Credco is currently evaluating the impact of these recently issued accounting standards on Credco’s Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), is an interpretation that clarifies the accounting for tax positions accounted for under FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of benefits associated with tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN 48 is applicable to all tax positions as of January 1, 2007. The initial effect of adoption will be recorded in income taxes payable (in other liabilities) with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings.

 

 

 

 

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157), establishes a framework for measuring fair value and applies broadly to financial and non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value under existing authoritative accounting pronouncements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used for financial instruments without active markets, and for non-financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 also expands disclosure requirements regarding methods used to measure fair value and the effects on earnings. SFAS No. 157 is effective as of the first quarter of 2008; earlier adoption is encouraged although Credco currently does not intend to adopt early.

 

 

 

2.

Investment Securities

 

 

 

The following is a summary of investment securities at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-Sale

 

2006

 

2005

 


(Millions)

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 


American Express Credit Account Master Trust Class C Notes

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

19

 

$

 

$

 

$

19

 

U.S. Treasury and government agency securities

 

 

1,895

 

 

9

 

 

(1

)

 

1,903

 

 

3,001

 

 

 

 

(24

)

 

2,977

 

U.S. Treasury and government agency securities - restricted

 

 

1,106

 

 

3

 

 

(2

)

 

1,107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



























Total

 

$

3,001

 

$

12

 

$

(3

)

$

3,010

 

$

3,020

 

$

 

$

(24

)

$

2,996

 



























During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, Credco purchased $2.4 billion of U.S. Treasury and government agency securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, $19 million of Class C Notes and $2.4 billion of U.S. Treasury securities matured, respectively. All of Credco’s investment securities are Available-for-Sale. There were no realized gains or losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

In conjunction with its liquidity investment portfolio, Credco entered into securities lending agreements in June 2006 with financial institutions. Under these agreements, certain investment securities are loaned on an overnight basis to financial institutions, and are secured by collateral equal to at least 102 percent of the fair market value of the investment securities lent. Collateral received by Credco can be in the form of cash or marketable U.S. Treasury or government agency securities. Credco may only retain or sell these securities in the event of a borrower default. Credco’s loaned investment securities are considered restricted and pledged assets and, therefore, have been reclassified as investment securities restricted on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The marketable securities received as collateral are not recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheet, as Credco is not permitted to sell or repledge these securities absent a borrower default. Fees received from the securities lending

- 7 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

 

 

 

transactions are recorded as interest income from investments. At September 30, 2006, approximately $1.1 billion of investment securities were loaned under these agreements.

 

 

3.

Comprehensive Income

 

 

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the aggregate change in shareholder’s equity, excluding changes in ownership interests. The components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, were as follows:


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

(Millions)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

 

Net income

 

$

160

 

$

92

 

$

453

 

$

291

 

 

Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax

 

 

26

 

 

2

 

 

22

 

 

3

 

 

Net unrealized derivatives (losses) gains, net of tax

 

 

(52

)

 

31

 

 

(32

)

 

66

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments (gains (losses))

 

 

17

 

 

(3

)

 

32

 

 

(7

)

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

$

151

 

$

122

 

$

475

 

$

353

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

4.

Taxes

 

 

 

The taxable income of Credco is included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of American Express. Under an agreement with TRS, taxes are recognized on a separate company basis. If benefits for all future tax deductions, foreign tax credits and net operating losses cannot be recognized on a separate company basis, such benefits are then recognized based upon a share, derived by formula, of those deductions and credits that are recognizable on a TRS consolidated reporting basis.

 

 

 

American Express is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which American Express has significant business operations. The tax years under examination vary by jurisdiction. Credco routinely assesses the likelihood of additional assessments in each of the taxing jurisdictions resulting from these examinations. Tax reserves have been established that Credco believes to be adequate in relation to the potential for additional assessments. Once established, reserves are adjusted when more information becomes available, a change in circumstance occurs or an event occurs necessitating a change to the reserves.

- 8 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

American Express Credit Corporation (Credco) was incorporated in Delaware in 1962 and was acquired by American Express Company (American Express) in December 1965. On January 1, 1983, Credco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express. Credco is primarily engaged in the business of financing most non-interest-bearing cardmember receivables arising from the use of the American Express® card, the American Express® Gold card, Platinum card® and Corporate card issued in the United States, and in designated currencies outside the United States. Credco also purchases certain interest-bearing and discounted revolving loans and extended payment plan receivables comprised of American Express credit cards, Sign & Travel® and Extended Payment Option receivables. American Express cards and American Express credit cards are collectively referred to herein as the card.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

Revenues and Expenses

Credco’s consolidated net income rose 56 percent to $453 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the increase of discount revenue earned on purchased cardmember receivables and loans and the interest income from affiliates, offset by the increase of interest expense to affiliates and others.

Discount Revenue Earned on Purchased Cardmember Receivables and Loans

Discount revenue increased 33 percent or $394 million to $1.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to an increase in both volume of receivables purchased and discount rates. Volume of receivables purchased for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was 10 percent higher than the same period a year ago primarily due to an increase in cardmember spending. Discount rates, which vary over time due to changes in market interest rates or changes in the collectibility of cardmember receivables, increased an average of approximately 13 basis points compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005.

Interest Income from Investments

Interest income from investments increased 61 percent or $59 million to $155 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-over-year increase is due to a higher interest rate environment as well as the replacement of matured U.S. Treasury securities primarily with higher yielding government agency securities. The average interest rate on the total investment portfolio increased approximately 127 basis points for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the same nine month period a year ago.

Interest Income from Affiliates

Interest income from affiliates increased 34 percent or $95 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-over-year increase is primarily due to an increase in the volume of loans and deposits with affiliates. The average rate charged to affiliates during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was 28 basis points higher than the average rate charged to affiliates in the same nine month period a year ago, primarily due to the floating rate interest-bearing borrowings with affiliates.

- 9 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

Provision for Losses, Net of Recoveries

The provision for losses, net of recoveries decreased 8 percent or $36 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The year-over-year decrease, reflects a lower loss rate and improved results from collection activities.

Interest Expense and Interest Expense to Affiliates

Interest expense and interest expense to affiliates increased 34 percent and 82 percent, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, as compared to the same period a year ago. The increase is primarily due to higher effective cost of funds and higher debt funding levels. The average rate due to affiliates during the nine months ended September 30, 2006, was 110 basis points higher than the same period a year ago, primarily due to the floating rate interest-bearing borrowings due to affiliates.

The following is an analysis of the changes attributable to the increase (decrease) in key revenue and expense accounts for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006, compared with the nine month period ended September 30, 2005, (millions):

 

 

 

 

 

Discount revenue earned on purchased cardmember receivables and loans:

 

 

 

 

Volume of receivables purchased

 

$

122

 

Discount rates

 

 

272

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

394

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance charge revenue:

 

 

 

 

Volume of loans purchased

 

$

(13

)

Interest rates

 

 

(4

)

 

 



 

Total

 

$

(17

)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income from investments:

 

 

 

 

Average investments outstanding

 

$

(6

)

Interest rates

 

 

65

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

59

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income from affiliates:

 

 

 

 

Average loans and deposits with affiliates

 

$

71

 

Interest rates

 

 

24

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

95

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for losses, net of recoveries:

 

 

 

 

Volume of receivables purchased

 

$

55

 

Provision rates and volume of recoveries

 

 

(91

)

 

 



 

Total

 

$

(36

)

 

 



 

 

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

Average debt outstanding

 

$

52

 

Interest rates

 

 

188

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

240

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense to affiliates:

 

 

 

 

Average debt outstanding

 

$

24

 

Interest rates

 

 

82

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

106

 

 

 



 

- 10 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

Income Taxes

Credco’s effective tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006, was 14 percent compared with 16 percent during the nine month period ended September 30, 2005. The effective tax rate was lower in 2006 as compared to 2005 primarily as a result of higher tax expense in 2005 due to uncertainty regarding Credco’s ability to obtain certain tax benefits attributable to foreign subsidiaries partially offset by a decrease in 2006 in the proportion of foreign subsidiary pretax income to total pretax income.

Cardmember Receivables

At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco owned $25.1 billion and $24.4 billion, respectively, of cardmember receivables and participation interests in cardmember receivables, representing 99 percent and 98 percent of the total cardmember receivables and loans owned at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively.

Credco generally purchases, without recourse, cardmember receivables and cardmember loans arising from the use of the card throughout the world pursuant to agreements with TRS and certain of its subsidiaries that issue the card. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco purchased $207.6 billion and $200.3 billion of cardmember receivables, respectively.

Participation interests in cardmember receivables represent undivided interests in the cash flows of the non-interest-bearing cardmember receivables and are purchased without recourse by Credco Receivables Corporation (CRC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credco. During May 2005, TRS established the American Express Issuance Trust (AEIT), which is used to securitize cardmember receivables originated by TRS. AEIT is a non-qualifying special purpose entity that is consolidated by American Express Receivables Financing Corporation V LLC (RFC V). RFC V, in turn, is consolidated by TRS. Beginning in May 2005, CRC purchased participation interests without recourse held by AEIT from RFC V. Prior to May 2005, CRC purchased participation interests without recourse from American Express Receivables Financing Corporation (RFC). These participation interests represented undivided interests in cardmember receivables transferred to American Express Master Trust (AEMT) by TRS, which originated the receivables. AEMT was a non-qualifying special purpose entity that was consolidated by TRS. AEMT was dissolved during the third quarter of 2005. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, CRC owned approximately $6.9 billion and $8.6 billion of participation interests purchased from RFC V, respectively.

The following table summarizes selected information related to the cardmember receivables portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for nine months ended (Millions, except percentages)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

September 30,
2005

 









Total cardmember receivables

 

$

25,128

 

$

24,421

 

$

22,186

 

90 days past due as a % of total

 

 

2.6

%

 

1.7

%

 

1.9

%

Loss reserves

 

$

695

 

$

671

 

$

617

 

as a % of receivables

 

 

2.8

%

 

2.7

%

 

2.8

%

as a % of 90 days past due

 

 

107

%

 

159

%

 

150

%

Write-offs, net of recoveries

 

$

374

 

$

460

 

$

400

 

Net write-off rate (1)

 

 

0.18

%

 

0.23

%

 

0.21

%

Average life of cardmember receivables (in days) (2)

 

 

32

 

 

32

 

 

32

 













 

 

(1)

Credco’s write-offs, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the volume of cardmember receivables purchased by Credco in each of the periods indicated.

 

 

(2)

Represents the average life of cardmember receivables owned by Credco, based upon the ratio of the average amount of both billed and unbilled receivables owned by Credco at the end of each month, during the periods indicated, to the volume of cardmember receivables purchased by Credco.

Cardmember receivables increased $707 million from December 31, 2005, as a result of higher corporate and small business cardmember receivables purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The cardmember

- 11 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

receivables purchased for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, increased approximately 10 percent from the cardmember receivables purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2005, due to overall business growth.

Cardmember Loans

At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco owned cardmember loans totaling $0.3 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, representing 1 percent and 2 percent of all interests in cardmember receivables and loans owned by Credco at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. These loans consist of certain interest-bearing and discounted extended payment plan receivables comprised principally of American Express credit card, Sign & Travel® and Extended Payment Option receivables and lines of credit and loans to American Express Bank Ltd. customers. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco purchased $888 million and $941 million of cardmember loans, respectively.

The following table summarizes selected information related to the cardmember loans portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of and for nine months ended (Millions, except percentages)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

September 30,
2005

 

 








 

 

Total cardmember loans

 

 

$

326

 

 

 

$

569

 

 

 

$

558

 

 

 

Past due cardmember loans as a % of total:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30-89 days

 

 

 

5.7

%

 

 

 

4.9

%

 

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

90+ days

 

 

 

2.2

%

 

 

 

1.4

%

 

 

 

1.5

%

 

 

Loss reserves

 

 

$

9

 

 

 

$

15

 

 

 

$

18

 

 

 

as a % of cardmember loans

 

 

 

2.7

%

 

 

 

2.6

%

 

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

as a % of past due

 

 

 

35

%

 

 

 

41

%

 

 

 

51

%

 

 

Write-offs, net of recoveries

 

 

$

6

 

 

 

$

14

 

 

 

$

17

 

 

 

Net write-off rate (1)

 

 

 

1.94

%

 

 

 

3.33

%

 

 

 

3.80

%

 

 

















 


 

 

(1)

Credco’s write-offs, net of recoveries, expressed as a percentage of the average amount of cardmember loans owned by Credco at the beginning of the year and at the end of each month in each of the periods indicated.

Cardmember loans decreased $243 million from December 31, 2005 and $232 million from September 30, 2005, due primarily to the sale of certain Hong Kong and New Zealand loan portfolios, as well as a decline in lending business volume and foreign exchange rates.

Reserves for Cardmember Receivables and Cardmember Loans

The following is an analysis of the reserves for cardmember receivables and cardmember loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended (Millions)

 

September 30,
2006

 

September 30,
2005

 

 

 

 






 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

 

 

$

686

 

 

 

$

610

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for losses

 

 

 

513

 

 

 

 

550

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts written-off

 

 

 

(497

)

 

 

 

(534

)

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

 

 

$

704

 

 

 

$

635

 

 

 

 

 












 

 

 

- 12 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

Loans and Deposits with Affiliates

Components of loans and deposits with affiliates were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Millions)

 

September 30,
2006

 

December 31,
2005

 

September 30,
2005

 


TRS Parent

 

$

531

 

$

750

 

$

 

TRS Subsidiaries:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Express Services Europe Limited

 

 

3,189

 

 

2,799

 

 

2,799

 

American Express Australia Limited

 

 

3,252

 

 

2,489

 

 

2,413

 

Amex Bank of Canada

 

 

2,209

 

 

1,797

 

 

1,760

 

American Express International, Inc.

 

 

155

 

 

419

 

 

205

 


Total

 

$

9,336

 

$

8,254

 

$

7,177

 


Credco’s loans with affiliates represent fixed and floating rate interest-bearing intercompany borrowings by other wholly-owned TRS subsidiaries and American Express. Of the $9.3 billion outstanding as of September 30, 2006, $6.4 billion is due to the transfer of cardmember receivables and cardmember loans with recourse and is collateralized by third-party assets owned by American Express or TRS and its subsidiaries. The average yield earned on these loans and deposits is approximately 5.7 percent and 5.3 percent for the period ended September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Loss reserves are determined for each of these intercompany borrowing arrangements on a specific identification basis. As of September 30, 2006, no loss reserves have been recorded and no amount of loans is 30 days or greater past due.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Financing Activities

Credco’s funding requirements are met primarily by the sale of commercial paper, the issuance of medium- and long-term notes, borrowings under long-term bank credit facilities in certain international markets and equity capital. Credco has readily sold the volume of commercial paper necessary to meet its funding needs as well as to cover the daily maturities of commercial paper issued. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, Credco had uninterrupted access to the commercial paper and capital markets to fund its business operations.

The commercial paper market represents the primary source of short-term funding for Credco. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco had $7.0 billion and $7.7 billion of commercial paper outstanding, respectively. Average commercial paper outstanding was $8.3 billion and $8.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. Credco currently manages the level of short-term debt outstanding such that its total back-up liquidity, including available bank credit facilities and term liquidity portfolio investment securities, is not less than 100 percent of net short-term debt. Net short-term debt, which consists of commercial paper and certain other short-term borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, was $5.2 billion at September 30, 2006. Based on the maximum available borrowings under bank credit facilities and term liquidity portfolio investment securities, Credco’s total back-up liquidity coverage of net short-term debt was 202 percent at September 30, 2006.

Credco raises term funding primarily through the issuance of medium- and long-term debt securities in the U.S. and international capital markets. Medium-term debt is generally defined as any debt with an original maturity greater than 12 months but less than 36 months. Long-term debt is generally defined as any debt with an original maturity greater than 36 months. At September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, Credco had an aggregate of $11.2 billion and $8.6 billion, respectively, of medium-term debt outstanding at fixed and floating rates, a portion of which can be extended by the holders up to an additional five years. Credco’s outstanding long-term debt at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, was $8.9 billion and $8.3 billion, respectively.

Credco also has the ability to issue debt securities under shelf registrations filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). During the second quarter of 2006, Credco filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC for an unspecified amount of debt securities to be issued from time to time. At September 30, 2006, Credco had $12.2 billion

- 13 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

of debt securities outstanding, issued under SEC registration statements. On October 30, 2006, Credco issued $1.0 billion of medium-term notes under this program. Additionally, on November 9, 2006, Credco issued $600 million of medium-term notes under this program.

Credco, TRS, American Express Overseas Credit Corporation Limited (AEOCC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credco, American Express Centurion Bank (Centurion Bank), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TRS, and American Express Bank Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Express, have established a program for the issuance, outside the U.S., of debt instruments to be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. As of September 30, 2006, the maximum aggregate principal amount of debt instruments outstanding at any one time under the program may not exceed $10.0 billion. At September 30, 2006, $4.1 billion was outstanding under this program, including $1.3 billion issued by TRS. On November 1, 2006, Credco issued approximately $300 million of medium-term notes under this program.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, American Express Canada Credit Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Credco, issued a total of approximately $1.3 billion of fixed and floating medium-term notes from its $3.0 billion Canadian shelf registration statement. All notes issued under this shelf registration are guaranteed by Credco. At September 30, 2006, approximately $0.9 billion was available for issuance and $2.1 billion of total debt securities is outstanding under this program.

Credco paid cash dividends of $200 million to TRS during the nine months ended September 30, 2006. On November 10, 2006, Credco paid cash dividends of $100 million to TRS.

Liquidity Portfolio

During the normal course of business, funding activities may raise more proceeds than are necessary for immediate funding needs. These amounts are invested principally in short-term highly liquid securities.

Credco also maintains a term liquidity portfolio comprised of high credit quality, highly liquid securities. At September 30, 2006, Credco held $3.0 billion in U.S. Treasury and government agency securities in this portfolio. The invested amounts of the term liquidity portfolio provide back-up liquidity, primarily for Credco’s commercial paper program.

In conjunction with its liquidity portfolio, Credco entered into securities lending agreements in June 2006 with financial institutions to enhance investment income. At September 30, 2006, approximately $1.1 billion of investment securities were loaned under these agreements.

Bank Credit Facilities

At September 30, 2006, Credco could have borrowed a maximum amount of $10.7 billion (including amounts outstanding) under committed bank credit facilities, with a commensurate maximum $1.2 billion reduction in the amount available to American Express. These facilities expire as follows (billions): 2009, $3.2; 2010, $6.6; and 2011, $0.9. As of September 30, 2006, Credco had outstanding borrowings of $3.0 billion under these bank credit facilities related to the Australian credit facility.

The availability of the credit lines is subject to compliance with certain financial covenants by Credco, including the maintenance of a 1.25 ratio of earnings to fixed charges. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for Credco was 1.45 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for American Express for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was 2.93.

Forward-Looking Statements

Various statements have been made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may also be made in Credco’s other reports filed with the SEC and in other documents. In addition, from time to time,

- 14 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

Credco through its management may make oral forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those identified below, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “optimistic,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The factors described below are not exclusive. 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. Credco undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Credco’s forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

credit trends and the rate of bankruptcies, which can affect spending on card products and debt payments by individual and corporate customers;

 

 

 

 

Credco’s ability to accurately estimate the provision for losses in Credco’s outstanding portfolio of cardmember receivables and loans;

 

 

 

 

fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

 

 

 

 

negative changes in Credco’s credit ratings, which could result in decreased liquidity and higher borrowing costs;

 

 

 

 

the effect of fluctuating interest rates, which could affect Credco’s borrowing costs; and

 

 

 

 

the impact on American Express Company’s business resulting from continuing geopolitical uncertainty.

OTHER REPORTING MATTERS

Accounting Developments

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

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Credco’s management, with the participation of Credco’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of Credco’s 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, Credco’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, Credco’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There have not been any changes in Credco’s 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, Credco’s internal control over financial reporting.

- 15 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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.

- 16 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

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 CREDIT CORPORATION
(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

DATE: November 13, 2006

 

By 

/s/ Christopher S. Forno

 

 

 


 

 

 

Christopher S. Forno

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

DATE: November 13, 2006

 

By 

/s/ Susanne L. Miller

 

 

 


 

 

 

Susanne L. Miller

 

 

 

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

 

 

 

 

- 17 -


AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT CORPORATION

EXHIBIT INDEX

Pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

 

 

How Filed

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 12.1

 

Computation in Support of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges of American Express Credit Corporation.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 12.2

 

Computation in Support of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges of American Express Company.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

Certification of Christopher S. Forno, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

Certification of David L. Yowan, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

Certification of Christopher S. Forno, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

Certification of David L. Yowan, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Electronically filed herewith.

E-1