UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE


SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Quarterly Period Ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016

2017


or


TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES


EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Transition Period from ____ to

____


Commission file number 1-7657


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


New York 13-4922250
 (State(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
200 Vesey Street, New York, New York 10285
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code                                         (212) 640-2000        


None

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


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      No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes      No

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

Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
                         Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes      No

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 OctoberJuly 18, 2016        2017
Common Shares (par value $0.20 per share) 915,255,379883,979,644 Shares



AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

FORM 10-Q

INDEX


Part I. Page No.
 Item 1.  
 1
  1
2
  2
3
  3
4
  4
5
  5
 6
 Item 2.  3228
 Item 3.  7059
 Item 4.  70
59
Part II. 
 Item 1.  7362
 Item 1A.  7562
 Item 2.  7663
 Item 5.  7764
 Item 6. 64
  77 
65
  78
Exhibit Index  E-1




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30 (Millions, except per share amounts)

   2016     2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

    

Non-interest revenues

    

Discount revenue

  $4,516    $4,778  

Net card fees

   747     679  

Other fees and commissions

   694     727  

Other

   483     504  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest revenues

           6,440             6,688  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

    

Interest on loans

   1,690     1,847  

Interest and dividends on investment securities

   34     38  

Deposits with banks and other

   40     19  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

   1,764     1,904  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense

    

Deposits

   150     125  

Long-term debt and other

   280     274  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   430     399  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

   1,334     1,505  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues net of interest expense

   7,774     8,193  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for losses

    

Charge card

   174     203  

Card Member loans

   319     309  

Other

   11     17  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provisions for losses

   504     529  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses

   7,270     7,664  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

    

Marketing and promotion

   930     847  

Card Member rewards

   1,566     1,763  

Card Member services and other

   278     269  

Salaries and employee benefits

   1,263     1,212  

Other, net

   1,498     1,635  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   5,535     5,726  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pretax income

   1,735     1,938  

Income tax provision

   593     672  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $1,142    $1,266  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per Common Share (Note 15):(a)

    

Basic

  $1.21    $1.24  

Diluted

  $1.20    $1.24  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:

    

Basic

   920     994  

Diluted

   923     997  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.32    $0.29  

 

 

       
Three Months Ended June 30 (Millions, except per share amounts)
 2017  2016 
Revenues      
Non-interest revenues      
Discount revenue $4,815  $4,824 
Net card fees  771   715 
Other fees and commissions  752   702 
Other  439   545 
Total non-interest revenues  6,777   6,786 
Interest income        
Interest on loans  1,947   1,818 
Interest and dividends on investment securities  23   34 
Deposits with banks and other  82   33 
Total interest income  2,052   1,885 
Interest expense        
Deposits  176   150 
Long-term debt and other  346   286 
Total interest expense  522   436 
Net interest income  1,530   1,449 
Total revenues net of interest expense  8,307   8,235 
Provisions for losses        
Charge card  163   153 
Card Member loans  404   285 
Other  17   25 
Total provisions for losses  584   463 
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  7,723   7,772 
Expenses        
Marketing and promotion  830   788 
Card Member rewards  1,926   1,766 
Card Member services and other  349   281 
Salaries and employee benefits  1,293   1,451 
Other, net  1,376   470 
Total expenses  5,774   4,756 
Pretax income  1,949   3,016 
Income tax provision  609   1,001 
Net income $1,340  $2,015 
Earnings per Common Share (Note 15): (a)
        
Basic $1.47  $2.11 
Diluted $1.47  $2.10 
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:        
Basic  890   938 
Diluted  893   941 
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.32  $0.29 
(a)Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $9$11 million and $10$17 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $21$19 million and $22 million for both the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015, respectively.2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


1

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30(Millions, except per share amounts)  2016   2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

    

Non-interest revenues

    

Discount revenue

  $        13,983    $        14,384  

Net card fees

   2,161     2,013  

Other fees and commissions

   2,076     2,162  

Other

   1,514     1,493  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest revenues

   19,734     20,052  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest income

    

Interest on loans

   5,446     5,418  

Interest and dividends on investment securities

   104     120  

Deposits with banks and other

   104     60  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest income

   5,654     5,598  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense

    

Deposits

   450     337  

Long-term debt and other

   841     886  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

   1,291     1,223  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

   4,363     4,375  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues net of interest expense

   24,097     24,427  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provisions for losses

    

Charge card

   496     542  

Card Member loans

   831     829  

Other

   74     45  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total provisions for losses

   1,401     1,416  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses

   22,696     23,011  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses

    

Marketing and promotion

   2,445     2,217  

Card Member rewards

   5,035     5,202  

Card Member services and other

   841     772  

Salaries and employee benefits

   4,052     3,767  

Other, net

   3,388     4,569  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

   15,761     16,527  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pretax income

   6,935     6,484  

Income tax provision

   2,352     2,220  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

  $4,583    $4,264  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per Common Share (Note 15): (a)

    

Basic

  $4.77    $4.16  

Diluted

  $4.76    $4.15  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:

    

Basic

   940     1,007  

Diluted

   943     1,011  

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $0.90    $0.84  

 

 

       
Six Months Ended June 30 (Millions, except per share amounts)
 2017  2016 
Revenues      
Non-interest revenues      
Discount revenue $9,334  $9,467 
Net card fees  1,519   1,414 
Other fees and commissions  1,465   1,382 
Other  848   1,031 
Total non-interest revenues  13,166   13,294 
Interest income        
Interest on loans  3,807   3,756 
Interest and dividends on investment securities  46   70 
Deposits with banks and other  142   64 
Total interest income  3,995   3,890 
Interest expense        
Deposits  325   300 
Long-term debt and other  640   561 
Total interest expense  965   861 
Net interest income  3,030   3,029 
Total revenues net of interest expense  16,196   16,323 
Provisions for losses        
Charge card  376   322 
Card Member loans  741   512 
Other  40   63 
Total provisions for losses  1,157   897 
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  15,039   15,426 
Expenses        
Marketing and promotion  1,530   1,515 
Card Member rewards  3,733   3,469 
Card Member services and other  670   563 
Salaries and employee benefits  2,557   2,789 
Other, net  2,783   1,890 
Total expenses  11,273   10,226 
Pretax income  3,766   5,200 
Income tax provision  1,189   1,759 
Net income $2,577  $3,441 
Earnings per Common Share (Note 15): (a)
        
Basic $2.81  $3.55 
Diluted $2.80  $3.54 
Average common shares outstanding for earnings per common share:        
Basic  895   949 
Diluted  898   952 
Cash dividends declared per common share $0.64  $0.58 
(a)Represents net income less (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards of $37$21 million and $32$28 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $61 million and $42$40 million for both the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015, respectively.2016.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2



AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 
   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Millions)

  2016  2015  2016  2015 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

  $1,142   $1,266   $4,583   $4,264  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

     

Net unrealized securities losses, net of tax of: 2016, $(9) and $(7); 2015, $(2) and $(13)

   (15  (7  (8  (27

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2016, $(24) and $37; 2015, $181 and $221

   11    (220  (115  (464

Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit gains, net of tax of: 2016, $7 and $36; 2015, $8 and $24

   7    7    39    36  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

   3    (220  (84  (455

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

  $    1,145   $    1,046   $    4,499   $    3,809  

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Millions) 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net income $1,340  $2,015  $2,577  $3,441 
Other comprehensive income (loss):                
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax     5   6   7 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax  33   (130)  349   (126)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax  9   6   1   32 
Other comprehensive income (loss)  42   (119)  356   (87)
Comprehensive income $1,382  $1,896  $2,933  $3,354 
3

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(Millions, except share data)

   
 
September 30,
2016
  
  
  
 
December 31,
2015
  
  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

   

Cash and due from banks

  $2,524   $2,935  

Interest-bearing deposits in banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements: 2016, $243; 2015, $41)

   22,988    19,569  

Short-term investment securities

   1,008    258  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

   26,520    22,762  

Card Member loans and receivables held for sale (includes gross loans and receivables available to settle obligations of consolidated variable interest entities: 2016, nil; 2015, $4,966)

       14,992  

Accounts receivable

   

Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2016, $5,485; 2015, $6,649), less reserves: 2016, $437; 2015, $462

   44,821    43,671  

Other receivables, less reserves: 2016, $48; 2015, $43

   2,510    3,024  

Loans

   

Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2016, $24,752; 2015, $23,559), less reserves: 2016, $1,114; 2015, $1,028

   59,504    57,545  

Other loans, less reserves: 2016, $30; 2015, $20

   1,157    1,254  

Investment securities

   3,728    3,759  

Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization: 2016, $4,995; 2015, $6,801

   4,301    4,108  

Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities: 2016, $612; 2015, $155)

   10,836    10,069  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $153,377   $161,184  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   

Liabilities

   

Customer deposits

  $53,500   $54,997  

Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products

   2,656    3,247  

Accounts payable

   11,372    11,822  

Short-term borrowings (includes debt issued by a consolidated variable interest entity: 2016, nil; 2015, $100)

   2,861    4,812  

Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities: 2016, $14,759; 2015, $13,602)

   44,894    48,061  

Other liabilities

   17,077    17,572  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   132,360    140,511  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)

   

Shareholders’ Equity

   

Preferred shares, $1.662/3 par value, authorized 20 million shares; issued and outstanding 1,600 shares as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

         

Common shares, $0.20 par value, authorized 3.6 billion shares; issued and outstanding 917 million shares as of September 30, 2016 and 969 million shares as of December 31, 2015

   184    194  

Additional paid-in capital

   12,790    13,348  

Retained earnings

   10,661    9,665  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   

Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax: 2016, $25; 2015, $32

   50    58  

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax: 2016, $(63); 2015, $(100)

   (2,159  (2,044

Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit losses, net of tax: 2016, $(188); 2015, $(223)

   (509  (548

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (2,618  (2,534

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   21,017    20,673  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $        153,377   $        161,184  

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

       
  June 30,  December 31, 
 (Millions, except share data) 2017  2016 
Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents      
Cash and due from banks $2,709  $3,278 
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks (includes securities purchased under resale agreements: 2017, $102; 2016, $115)  26,363   20,779 
Short-term investment securities  1,370   1,151 
Total cash and cash equivalents  30,442   25,208 
Accounts receivable        
Card Member receivables (includes gross receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2017, $7,949; 2016, $8,874), less reserves: 2017, $475; 2016, $467  48,930   46,841 
Other receivables, less reserves: 2017, $32; 2016, $45  2,832   3,232 
Loans        
Card Member loans (includes gross loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity: 2017, $24,521; 2016, $26,129), less reserves: 2017, $1,320; 2016, $1,223  64,651   64,042 
Other loans, less reserves: 2017, $54; 2016, $42  1,855   1,419 
Investment securities  3,360   3,157 
Premises and equipment, less accumulated depreciation and amortization: 2017, $5,596; 2016, $5,145  4,445   4,433 
Other assets (includes restricted cash of consolidated variable interest entities: 2017, $55; 2016, $38)  10,482   10,561 
Total assets $166,997  $158,893 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity        
Liabilities        
Customer deposits $57,726  $53,042 
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products  2,503   2,812 
Accounts payable  12,106   11,190 
Short-term borrowings  3,426   5,581 
Long-term debt (includes debt issued by consolidated variable interest entities: 2017, $16,002; 2016, $15,113)  51,945   46,990 
Other liabilities  18,116   18,777 
Total liabilities  145,822   138,392 
Contingencies (Note 8)        
Shareholders’ Equity        
Preferred shares, $1.662/3 par value, authorized 20 million shares; issued and outstanding 1,600 shares as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
      
Common shares, $0.20 par value, authorized 3.6 billion shares; issued and outstanding 885 million shares as of June 30, 2017 and 904 million shares as of December 31, 2016  177   181 
Additional paid-in capital  12,456   12,733 
Retained earnings  10,970   10,371 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss        
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax of: 2017, $8; 2016, $5  13   7 
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of: 2017, $(362); 2016, $24  (1,913)  (2,262)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax of: 2017, $(194); 2016, $(186)  (528)  (529)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss  (2,428)  (2,784)
Total shareholders’ equity  21,175   20,501 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $166,997  $158,893 
4

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30 (Millions)

   2016    2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

  

 

Net income

  $4,583   $4,264  

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

   

Provisions for losses

   1,401    1,416  

Depreciation and amortization

   810    780  

Deferred taxes and other

   (1,076  135  

Stock-based compensation

   190    200  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

   

Other receivables

   485    (203

Other assets

   115    1,864  

Accounts payable and other liabilities

   (1,028  (53

Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products

   (594  (579

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   4,886    7,824  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

   

Sales of available-for-sale investment securities

   51    12  

Maturities and redemptions of available-for-sale investment securities

   1,209    1,821  

Purchases of investments

   (1,355  (1,564

Net decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale (a)

   11,818    (1,292

Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales: 2016, $2; 2015, $32

   (975  (879

Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired

   (191  (122

Net increase in restricted cash

   (427  (683

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   10,130    (2,707

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

   

Net (decrease) increase in customer deposits

   (1,499  5,171  

Net decrease in short-term borrowings

   (2,040  (273

Issuance of long-term debt

   5,926    7,923  

Principal payments on long-term debt

   (9,349  (16,858

Issuance of American Express preferred shares

       841  

Issuance of American Express common shares

   78    169  

Repurchase of American Express common shares

   (3,477  (3,330

Dividends paid

   (892  (868

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

   (11,253  (7,225

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   (5  (242

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   3,758    (2,350

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   22,762    22,288  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $        26,520   $        19,938  

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30 (Millions)
 2017  2016 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities      
Net income $2,577  $3,441 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Provisions for losses  1,157   897 
Depreciation and amortization  615   536 
Deferred taxes and other  2   (852)
Stock-based compensation  152   133 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:        
Other receivables  832   293 
Other assets  181   (107)
Accounts payable and other liabilities  (902)  (697)
Travelers Cheques and other prepaid products  (330)  (444)
Net cash provided by operating activities  4,284   3,200 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities        
Sales of available-for-sale investment securities  1   45 
Maturities and redemptions of  available-for-sale investment securities  1,502   567 
Purchases of investments  (1,768)  (791)
Net (increase) decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale(a)
  (3,169)  13,002 
Purchase of premises and equipment, net of sales: 2017, $1; 2016, $2  (538)  (649)
Acquisitions/dispositions, net of cash acquired  (174)  (162)
Net (increase) decrease in restricted cash  (12)  126 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities  (4,158)  12,138 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities        
Net increase (decrease)  in customer deposits  4,666   (594)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings  (2,124)  (2,520)
Issuance of long-term debt  17,124   3,778 
Principal payments on long-term debt  (12,349)  (1,558)
Issuance of American Express common shares  44   75 
Repurchase of American Express common shares  (1,767)  (2,914)
Dividends paid  (620)  (601)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  4,974   (4,334)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  134   1 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  5,234   11,005 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  25,208   22,762 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $30,442  $33,767 
(a)Refer to Note 2 for additional information.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.Basis of Presentation

1.  Basis of Presentation

The Company


American Express Company (the Company) is a global services company that provides customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. The Company’s principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through the non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT(the GBT JV). The Company’s various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including direct mail, online applications, in-house and third-party sales forces and direct response advertising.

Effective for the first quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its segment presentation to reflect the organizational changes announced during the fourth quarter of 2015. Prior periods have been restated to conform to the new reportable operating segments, which are as follows:

U.S. Consumer Services (USCS), including the proprietary U.S. Consumer Card Services business and travel services in the United States;

International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS), including the proprietary International Consumer Card Services business, Global Network Services (GNS) business and travel services outside the United States;

Global Commercial Services (GCS), including the proprietary Global Corporate Payments (GCP) business, small business services businesses in the United States and internationally (collectively, Global Small Business Services), merchant financing products and foreign exchange services operations; and

Global Merchant Services (GMS), including the Global Merchant Services business and global loyalty coalition businesses.

Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other.

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 (the Annual Report). If not materially different, certain footnote disclosures included therein have been omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


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


The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These accounting estimates reflect the best judgment of management, but actual results could differ.

Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. During 2016, the Company determined that in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the comparative periods ended June 30, 2015, September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015, certain activities related to long-term debt repayments were misclassified between financing activities and operating activities.

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

There is no impact to the Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company has evaluated the effects of these misclassifications and concluded that none are material to any of its previously issued quarterly or annual Consolidated Financial Statements. Nevertheless, the Company has elected to revise prospectively the comparative periods mentioned above. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, this revision resulted in a $250 million decrease to both Net cash used in financing activities and Net cash provided by operating activities. In addition, travel commissions and fees, which were separately disclosed on the Consolidated Statements of Income historically, are now included within Other fees and commissions.



Recently Issued Accounting Standards


In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The guidanceaccounting standard establishes the principles to apply to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition, specifying the accounting for certain costs related to revenue, and requiring additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and related cash flows. The guidance, as amended, supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements, and is effective January 1, 2018, with early2018.
Upon adoption as of January 1, 2017, permitted.the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company anticipates using the full retrospective method, which applies the new standard to each prior reporting period presented. The Company has been working on the implementation of the standard since its issuance in 2014 and has made significant progress in evaluating the potential impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. There will be changes to the recognition timing and classification of revenues and expenses, including potential changes to the presentation of certain credit and charge card related costs that are currently netted against discount revenue. The Company does not intendexpect a significant impact to adoptpretax income upon adoption. The Company is also in the process of implementing changes to its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls to support the recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements under the new standard early and continues to evaluate the method of implementation and the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items.

standard.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2018, makes targeted changes to current GAAP, specifically to the classification and measurement of equity securities, and to certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes investments in non-public companies currently recognized under cost method accounting.  Under the new guidance, these investments will be prospectively adjusted for observable price changes upon identification of identical or similar transactions of the same issuer. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items.

as well as the impact the standard will have on its accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls.

6

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
In February 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on leases. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, requires virtually all leases to be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not intendcurrently anticipates adopting the standard effective January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach, which requires recording existing operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets upon adoption and in the comparative period. The Company is in the process of upgrading its existing lease administration software for new lease accounting functionality, business processes and internal controls in preparation for the implementation. Specifically, the Company is currently reviewing its lease portfolio and is evaluating and interpreting the requirements under the guidance, including the available accounting policy elections, in order to adoptdetermine the new standard early and continuesimpacts to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on itsCompany’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows among other items.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employee share-based payments. The guidance, which is effective January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted, simplifies various aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, accounting for award forfeitures, and classification on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Among other items, the guidance requires excess tax benefits and deficiencies, which under previous guidance would have been recorded within additional paid-in capital, to now be recognized in the income tax provision within the results of operations. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, among other items, but does not expect the impacts of the standard to be material upon adoption. The Company will adopt the standard, prospectively, effective January 1, 2017.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new accounting guidance for recognition of credit losses on financial instruments, which is effective January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The guidance introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which is based on expected losses, and differs significantly from the incurred loss approach used today. The CECL model requires measurement of expected credit losses not only based on historical experience and current conditions, but also by including reasonable and supportable forecasts incorporating forward-looking information and will likely result in earlier recognitioninformation. The guidance requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of credit reserves.the beginning of the reporting period of adoption. The Company does not intend to adopt the new standard early and is currently evaluating the impact the new guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows; however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in calculatingestimating credit losses on Card Member loans and receivables, among other financial instruments (e.g., investments in available-for-sale debt securities), and may result in material changesincreases to the Company’s credit reserves.

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

2.Business Events

reserves as the new guidance involves earlier recognition of expected losses for the life of the assets. The Company has established an enterprise-wide, cross-discipline governance structure to implement the new standard. The Company is currently identifying key interpretive issues, and is evaluating existing credit loss forecasting models and processes in relation to the new guidance to determine what modifications may be required.






2.  Business Events

During the fourth quarter of 2015, it was determined the Company would sell the Card Member loans and receivables related to its cobrand partnerships with JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) and Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) in the United States (the HFS portfolios). As a result, the HFS portfolios were presented as held for sale (HFS) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015.

During the first half of 2016, the Company completed the sales of substantially all of its outstanding Card Member loans and receivables held for sale (HFS)HFS and recognized gains, as an expense reduction, in Other expenses, of $127 million and $1.1 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, respectively. The impact of the sales, including the recognition of the proceeds received and the reclassification of the retained Card Member loans and receivables, is reported within the investing section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as a net decrease in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale.

HFS.


From the point of classification as HFS through the sale completion dates, the Company continued to recognize discount revenue, interest income, other revenues and expenses related to the HFS portfolios in the respective line items on the Consolidated Statements of Income, with changes in the valuation of the HFS portfolios recognized in Other expenses.


7

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

3.Loans and Accounts Receivable


 3.  Loans and Accounts Receivable

The Company’s lending and charge payment card products result in the generation of Card Member loans and Card Member receivables, respectively. This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015; the Company did not have any Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of September 30, 2016.


Card Member loans by segment and Other loans as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016 consisted of:

 

 

(Millions)

   2016     2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Services(a)

  $44,857    $43,495  

International Consumer and Network Services

   6,700     7,072  

Global Commercial Services

   9,061     8,006  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member loans

   60,618     58,573  

Less: Reserve for losses

   1,114     1,028  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member loans, net

  $        59,504    $        57,545  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other loans, net(b)

  $1,157    $1,254  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
U.S. Consumer Services(a)
 $48,348  $48,758 
International Consumer and Network Services  7,245   6,971 
Global Commercial Services  10,378   9,536 
Card Member loans  65,971   65,265 
Less: Reserve for losses  1,320   1,223 
Card Member loans, net $64,651  $64,042 
Other loans, net(b)
 $1,855  $1,419 
(a)Includes approximately $24.8$24.5 billion and $23.6$26.1 billion of gross Card Member loans available to settle obligations of a consolidated variable interest entity (VIE) as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.
(b)Other loans primarily represent merchantpersonal and commercial financing loans.products. Other loans are presented net of reserves for losses of $30$54 million and $20$42 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.


Card Member accounts receivable by segment and Other receivables as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 consisted of:

 

 

(Millions)

   2016     2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. Consumer Services (a)

  $10,101    $11,807  

International Consumer and Network Services

   5,551     5,599  

Global Commercial Services

   29,606     26,727  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member receivables (b)

   45,258     44,133  

Less: Reserve for losses

   437     462  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member receivables, net

  $        44,821    $        43,671  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other receivables, net (c)

  $2,510    $3,024  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
U.S. Consumer Services (a)
 $11,344  $12,302 
International Consumer and Network  Services  5,988   5,966 
Global Commercial Services  32,073   29,040 
Card Member receivables  49,405   47,308 
Less: Reserve for losses  475   467 
Card Member receivables, net $48,930  $46,841 
Other receivables, net (b)
 $2,832  $3,232 
(a)Includes $5.5$7.9 billion and $6.6$8.9 billion of gross Card Member receivables available to settle obligations of a consolidated VIE as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

(b)Includes approximately $12.9 billion and $11.9 billion of Card Member receivables outside the United States as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(c)
Other receivables primarily represent amounts related to (i) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, (ii) GNSGlobal Network Services (GNS) partner banks for items such as royalty and franchise fees, (ii) certain merchants for billed discount revenue, and (iii)(iii) loyalty coalition partners for points issued, as well as program participation and servicing fees. Other receivables are presented net of reservesreserves for losses of $48$32 million and $43$45 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.


8

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Card Member Loans and Card Member Receivables Aging

Generally, a Card Member account is considered past due if payment is not received within 30 days after the billing statement date. The following table presents the aging of Card Member loans and receivables as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 

 

2016(Millions)

   Current    

 

 

 

30-59

Days

Past

Due

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

60-89

Days

Past

Due

  

  

  

  

  
 
 
 
90+
Days
Past
Due
  
  
  
  
   Total  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member Loans:

       

U.S. Consumer Services

  $    44,367   $149   $105   $236    $44,857  

International Consumer and Network Services

   6,589    34    25    52     6,700  

Global Commercial Services

       

Global Small Business Services

   8,918    29    20    46     9,013  

Global Corporate Payments(a)

   (b  (b  (b  1     48  

Card Member Receivables:

       

U.S. Consumer Services

  $9,963   $51   $28   $59    $10,101  

International Consumer and Network Services

   5,470    25    17    39     5,551  

Global Commercial Services

       

Global Small Business Services

   13,605    77    44    83     13,809  

Global Corporate Payments(a)

   (b  (b  (b  124     15,797  

 

 
       

 

 

2015 (Millions)

   Current    

 

 

 

30-59

Days

Past

Due

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

60-89

Days

Past

Due

  

  

  

  

  
 
 
 
90+
Days
Past
Due
  
  
  
  
   Total  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Card Member Loans:

       

U.S. Consumer Services

  $43,063   $128   $94   $210    $    43,495  

International Consumer and Network Services

   6,961    34    25    52     7,072  

Global Commercial Services

       

Global Small Business Services

   7,867    26    18    40     7,951  

Global Corporate Payments(a)

   (b  (b  (b  1     55  

Card Member Receivables:

       

U.S. Consumer Services

  $11,646   $54   $32   $75    $11,807  

International Consumer and Network Services

   5,515    24    18    42     5,599  

Global Commercial Services

       

Global Small Business Services

   12,734    69    45    102     12,950  

Global Corporate Payments(a)

   (b  (b  (b  124     13,777  

 

 

2017 (Millions)
 Current  30-59 Days Past Due  60-89 Days Past Due  90+ Days Past Due  Total 
Card Member Loans:               
  U.S. Consumer Services $47,797  $155  $119  $277  $48,348 
  International Consumer and Network Services  7,124   38   25   58   7,245 
  Global Commercial Services                    
      Global Small Business Services $10,207  $35  $25  $57  $10,324 
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
 (b)  (b)  (b)  $  $54 
Card Member Receivables:                    
  U.S. Consumer Services $11,220  $42  $24  $58  $11,344 
  International Consumer and Network Services  5,903   25   16   44   5,988 
  Global Commercial Services                    
      Global Small Business Services $14,967  $75  $41  $102  $15,185 
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
 (b)  (b)  (b)  $136  $16,888 
                     
2016 (Millions)
 Current  30-59 Days Past Due  60-89 Days Past Due  90+ Days Past Due  Total 
Card Member Loans:                    
  U.S. Consumer Services $48,216  $156  $119  $267  $48,758 
  International Consumer and Network Services  6,863   32   24   52   6,971 
  Global Commercial Services                    
      Global Small Business Services $9,378  $34  $23  $49  $9,484 
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
 (b)  (b)  (b)  $  $52 
Card Member Receivables:                    
  U.S. Consumer Services $12,158  $45  $30  $69  $12,302 
  International Consumer and Network Services  5,888   22   15   41   5,966 
  Global Commercial Services                    
      Global Small Business Services $14,047  $77  $47  $102  $14,273 
      Global Corporate Payments(a)
 (b)  (b)  (b)  $135  $14,767 
(a)For GCPGlobal Corporate Payments (GCP) Card Member loans and receivables in GCS,Global Commercial Services (GCS), delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member loan and receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes. See also (b).

(b)Delinquency data for periods other than 90 days past billing is not available due to system constraints. Therefore, such data has not been utilized for risk management purposes. The balances that are current to 89 days past due can be derived as the difference between the Total and the 90+ Days Past Due balances.

10


9

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Credit Quality Indicators for Card Member Loans and Receivables

The following tables present the key credit quality indicators as of or for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:

 

 
  2016    2015  
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Net Write-Off Rate     Net Write-Off Rate   
 

 

 

   

 

 

  
  
 
Principal
Only(a)
  
  
  
 
 
Principal,
Interest &
Fees(a)
  
  
  
  
 
 
30+ Days
Past Due as a
% of Total
  
  
  
  
 
Principal
Only(a)
  
  
  
 
 
Principal,
Interest &
Fees(a)
  
  
  
  
 
 
30+ Days
Past Due as a
% of Total
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member Loans:

      

U.S. Consumer Services

  1.5  1.8  1.1  1.4  1.6  1.0

International Consumer and Network Services

  2.0  2.5  1.7  2.0  2.4  1.6

Global Small Business Services

  1.4  1.7  1.1  1.3  1.5  1.0

Card Member Receivables:

      

U.S. Consumer Services

  1.4  1.6  1.4  1.6  1.8  1.6

International Consumer and Network Services

  2.1  2.3  1.5  2.1  2.3  1.6

Global Small Business Services

  1.6  1.8  1.5  1.9  2.2  1.6

 

 
    

 

 
    2016    2015  
   

 

 

  

 

 

 
    
 
 
 
Net Loss
Ratio as a %
of Charge
Volume
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
90+ Days
Past Billing
as a % of
Receivables
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Net Loss
Ratio as a %
of Charge
Volume
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
90+ Days
Past Billing
as a % of
Receivables
  
  
  
  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member Receivables:

      

Global Corporate Payments

  

   0.09  0.8  0.09  0.7

 

 
   2017 2016 
   Net Write-Off Rate   Net Write-Off Rate   
   
Principal Only(a)
 
Principal, Interest & Fees(a)
 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total 
Principal Only(a)
 
Principal, Interest & Fees(a)
 30+ Days Past Due as a % of Total 
Card Member Loans:             
 U.S. Consumer Services 1.7%2.0%1.1%1.5%1.7%1.1%
 International Consumer and Network Services 2.0%2.5%1.7%2.0%2.4%1.7%
 Global Small Business Services 1.5%1.8%1.1%1.3%1.6%1.1%
Card Member Receivables:             
 U.S. Consumer Services 1.4%1.5%1.1%1.5%1.8%1.2%
 International Consumer and Network Services 2.0%2.2%1.4%2.2%2.4%1.4%
 Global Small Business Services 1.7%1.9%1.4%1.7%2.0%1.4%
               
       2017 2016 
       Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables Net Loss Ratio as a % of Charge Volume 90+ Days Past Billing as a % of Receivables 
Card Member Receivables:         
  Global Corporate Payments0.10%0.8%0.09%0.7%

(a)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 considers uncollectible interest and/or fees in estimating its reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented.


Impaired Card Member Loans and Receivables

Impaired Card Member loans and receivables are individual larger balance or homogeneous pools of smaller balance loans and receivables for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the Card Member agreement. In certain cases, these Card Member loans and receivables are included in one of the Company’s various Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) modification programs.

11

10

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following tables provide additional information with respect to the Company’s impaired Card Member loans and receivables. Impaired Card Member receivables are not significant for ICNSInternational Consumer and Network Services (ICNS) as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015;2016; therefore, thethis segment’s receivables are not included in the following tables.

 As of June 30, 2017 

                      
  As of September 30, 2016        
Accounts Classified as a TDR(c)
          
  

 

 

 
          Accounts Classified as a
TDR(c)
             
      

 

 

       
2016(Millions)        Over 90 days
Past Due &
Accruing
Interest(a)
   

Non-

Accruals(b)

   In Program(d)   Out of
    Program(e)
     Total Impaired
Balance
   Unpaid
    Principal
Balance
       Allowance
for TDRs
 

  

 

   

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
2017 (Millions)
 
Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest(a)
  
Non-Accruals(b)
  
In Program(d)
  
Out of Program(e)
  Total Impaired Balance  Unpaid Principal Balance  Allowance for TDRs 
Card Member Loans:                                   
U.S. Consumer Services  $156    $133     168    $124    $581    $532    $50   $175  $156  $153  $132  $616  $560  $47 
International Consumer and Network Services   52                    52     51         58            58   57    
Global Commercial Services   27     29     27     25     108     100     10    33   34   26   27   120   110   9 
Card Member Receivables:                                          
U.S. Consumer Services             9     5     14     14     6          10   8   18   18   4 
Global Commercial Services             24     8     32     32     18          25   15   40   40   9 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $235    $162     228    $162    $787    $729    $84   $266  $190  $214  $182  $852  $785  $69 

 
              

 
  As of December 31, 2015 
  

 

 

 
          Accounts Classified as a
TDR(c)
             
      

 

 

       
2015(Millions)  Over 90 days
Past Due &
Accruing
Interest(a)
   

Non-

Accruals(b)

   In Program(d)   Out of
Program(e)
   

Total

Impaired
Balance

   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Allowance
for TDRs
 

  

 

   

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
Card Member Loans:              
U.S. Consumer Services  $140    $124     149    $89    $502    $463    $44  
International Consumer and Network Services   52                    52     51       
Global Commercial Services   24     26     23     18     91     85     9  
Card Member Receivables:              
U.S. Consumer Services             11     3     14     14     8  
Global Commercial Services             16     3     19     19     12  
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $216    $150     199    $113    $678    $632    $73  

 


  As of December 31, 2016 
                      
        
Accounts Classified as a TDR(c)
          
2016 (Millions)
 
Over 90 days Past Due & Accruing Interest(a)
  
Non-Accruals(b)
  
In Program(d)
  
Out of Program(e)
  Total Impaired Balance  Unpaid Principal Balance  Allowance for TDRs 
Card Member Loans:                     
U.S. Consumer Services $178   139   165   129   611   558   51 
International Consumer and Network Services  52            52   51    
Global Commercial Services  30   30   26   26   112   103   9 
Card Member Receivables:                            
U.S. Consumer Services        11   6   17   17   7 
Global Commercial Services        28   10   38   38   21 
Total $260  $169  $230  $171  $830  $767  $88 
(a)The Company’s policy is generally to accrue interest through the date of write-off (typically 180 days past due). The Company establishes reserves for interest that it believes will not be collected. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR.

(b)Non-accrual loans not in modification programs primarily include certain Card Member loans placed with outside collection agencies for which the Company has ceased accruing interest. Amounts presented exclude Card Member loans classified as a TDR.

(c)Accounts classified as a TDR include $19$18 million and $20 million that are over 90 days past due and accruing interest and $14$7 million and $18$11 million that are non-accruals as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

(d)In Program TDRs include Card Member accounts that are currently enrolled in a modification program.

(e)Out of Program TDRs include $123$139 million and $84$132 million of Card Member accounts that have successfully completed a modification program and $39$43 million and $29$39 million of Card Member accounts that were not in compliance with the terms of the modification programs as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.



11

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following table provides information with respect to the Company’s average balances of, and interest income recognized from, impaired Card Member loans and the average balances of impaired Card Member receivables for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:

 
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 
(Millions) Average
Balance
 Interest
Income
Recognized
 Average
Balance
 Interest
Income
Recognized
  Average Balance  Interest Income Recognized  Average Balance  Interest Income Recognized 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member Loans:

                

U.S. Consumer Services

 $587   $14   $555   $38   $618  $16  $616  $32 

International Consumer and Network Services

  53    4    52    12    56   4   55   8 

Global Commercial Services

  111    4    102    10    120   4   117   8 

Card Member Receivables:

                    

U.S. Consumer Services

  13        13        18      18    

Global Commercial Services

  29        24        41      40    
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $793   $22   $746   $60   $853  $24  $846  $48 

                 
Three Months Ended
June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2016
 

 
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2015
 
(Millions)     Average
    Balance
 Interest
Income
Recognized
     Average
    Balance
 Interest
Income
Recognized
  Average Balance  Interest Income Recognized  Average Balance  Interest Income Recognized 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member Loans:

                    

U.S. Consumer Services

 $585   $13   $580   $34   $551  $12  $555  $24 

International Consumer and Network Services

 53   3   55   10    54   4   53   8 

Global Commercial Services

 108   3   105   9    102   3   103   6 

Card Member Receivables:

                    

U.S. Consumer Services

 11       14        13      12    

Global Commercial Services

 17       21        25      20    
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

 $774   $19   $775   $53   $745  $19  $743  $38 

 

13


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Card Member Loans and Receivables Modified as TDRs



The following table provides additional information with respect to the USCSU.S. Consumer Services (USCS) and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. The ICNS Card Member loans and receivables modifications were not significant; therefore, this segment is not included in the following TDR disclosures.

 

 
   

 

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 2016

  

 

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 2016

 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  Number of
Accounts
  (in thousands)
   Outstanding
Balances(a)
  ($ in millions)
   Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
  (% Points)
  Average
Payment Term
Extension
  (# of Months)
  Number of
Accounts
  (in thousands)
   Outstanding
Balances(a)
  ($ in millions)
   Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
  (% Points)
  Average
Payment Term
Extension
  (# of Months)
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings:

             

Card Member Loans

   8    $56     9    (b  23    $163     10    (b

Card Member Receivables

   2     29     (c  19    7     94     (c  17  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   10    $85       30    $257     

 

 
             

 

 
   

 

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 2015

  

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 2015

 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  Number of
Accounts
  (in thousands)
   Outstanding
Balances(a)
  ($ in millions)
   Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
  (% Points)
  Average
Payment Term
Extension
  (# of Months)
  Number of
Accounts
  (in thousands)
   Outstanding
Balances(a)
  ($ in millions)
   Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
  (% Points)
  Average
Payment Term
Extension
  (# of Months)
 

Troubled Debt Restructurings:

             

Card Member Loans

   10    $69     9    (b  31    $218     10    (b

Card Member Receivables

   3     37     (c  12    9     111     (c  12  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

    

Total

   13    $106       40    $329     

 

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30, 2017  June 30, 2017 
  
Number of Accounts (in thousands)
 
Outstanding Balances
($ in millions)(a)
  
Average Interest Rate Reduction
(% Points)
  
Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months)
  
Number of Accounts (in thousands)
 
Outstanding Balances
($ in millions)(a)
  
Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points)
  
Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings:                        
Card Member Loans  7  $46   10  (b)   15  $103   11  (b) 
Card Member Receivables  1   18  (c)   32   3   46  (c)   26 
Total  8  $64           18  $149         
                                 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30, 2016  June 30, 2016 
  
Number of Accounts (in thousands)
 
Outstanding Balances
($ in millions)(a)
  
Average Interest Rate Reduction
(% Points)
  
Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months)
  
Number of Accounts (in thousands)
 
Outstanding Balances
($ in millions)(a)
  
Average Interest Rate Reduction (% Points)
  
Average Payment Term Extension (# of Months)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings:                                
Card Member Loans  7  $50   10  (b)   15  $107   11  (b) 
Card Member Receivables  2   27  (c)   17   5   65  (c)   17 
Total  9  $77           20  $172         
(a)Represents the outstanding balance immediately prior to modification. The outstanding balance includes principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans and principal and fees on Card Member receivables. Modifications did not reduce the principal balance.
(b)For Card Member loans, there have been no payment term extensions.
(c)The Company does not offer interest rate reduction programs for Card Member receivables as the receivables are non-interest bearing.

12

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following table provides information with respect to the USCS and GCS Card Member loans and receivables modified as TDRs that subsequently defaulted within 12 months of modification, infor the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015.2016. A Card Member is considered in default of a modification program after one and up to two consecutive missed payments, depending on the terms of the modification program. For all Card Members that defaulted from a modification program, the probability of default is factored into the reserves for Card Member loans and receivables.

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 
  
Number of Accounts
(in thousands)
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
($ in millions)(a)
  
Number of Accounts
(in thousands)
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
($ in millions)(a)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:            
Card Member Loans  2  $10   4  $21 
Card Member Receivables  1   2   2   3 
Total  3  $12   6  $24 
                 
                 
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 
  
Number of Accounts
(in thousands)
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
($ in millions)(a)
  
Number of Accounts
(in thousands)
 
Aggregated Outstanding Balances Upon Default
($ in millions)(a)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:                
Card Member Loans  1  $9   2  $18 
Card Member Receivables  1   1   2   2 
Total  2  $10   4  $20 

  

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 2016

  

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 2016

 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  

Number of 
Accounts

  (in thousands)

  

Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances Upon
Default(a)

  ($ in millions)

  

Number of 
Accounts

  (in thousands)

  

Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances Upon
Default(a)

  ($ in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:

    

Card Member Loans

  3   $12    5   $30  

Card Member Receivables

  1    1    3    3  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  4   $13    8   $33  

 

 

 

 
  

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 2015

  

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 2015

 
 

 

 

  

 

 

 
  

Number of 
Accounts

(in thousands)

  

Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances Upon
Default(a)

($ in millions)

  Number of 
Accounts
(in thousands)
  Aggregated
Outstanding
Balances Upon
Default(a)
($ in millions)
 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings That Subsequently Defaulted:

    

Card Member Loans

  1   $14    6   $39  

Card Member Receivables

  1    1    3    3  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  2   $15    9   $42  

 

 

(a)The outstanding balances upon default include principal, fees and accrued interest on Card Member loans, and principal and fees on Card Member receivables.

4.Reserves for Losses



13

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 4.  Reserves for Losses

Reserves for losses relating to Card Member loans and receivables represent management’s best estimate of the probable inherent losses in the Company’s outstanding portfolio of loans and receivables as of the balance sheet date. Management’s evaluation process requires certain estimates and judgments.

This Note is presented excluding amounts associated with the Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of December 31, 2015; the Company did not have any Card Member loans and receivables HFS as of September 30, 2016.

15


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Changes in Card Member Loans Reserve for Losses


The following table presents changes in the Card Member loans reserve for losses for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:

 

 

(Millions)

   2016    2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

  $1,028   $1,201  

Provisions(a)

   831    829  

Net write-offs

   

Principal(b)

   (687  (733

Interest and fees(b)

   (128  (122

Other(c)

   70    (11

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, September 30

  $            1,114   $            1,164  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
Balance, January 1 $1,223  $1,028 
Provisions(a)
  741   512 
Net write-offs(b)
        
Principal  (557)  (437)
Interest and fees  (106)  (80)
Other(c)
  19   68 
Balance, June 30 $1,320  $1,091 
(a)Provisions for principal, interest and fee reserve components.

(b)Consists of principalPrincipal write-offs are presented less recoveries of $280$205 million and $320$179 million, includingand include net write-offs from TDRs of $24$21 million and $30$17 million, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. Recoveries of interest and fees were de minimis.

(c)Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of $(3)$10 million and $(18)$(2) million and other adjustments of $6$9 million and $7$3 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. The ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016 also includes reserves of $67$7 million in the first quarter and $60 million in the second quarter associated with $265$20 million and $245 million of retained Card Member loans, respectively, reclassified from HFS to held for investment during those periods as a result of retaining certain loans in connection with the first halfrespective sales of the year.JetBlue and Costco cobrand card portfolios.


Card Member Loans Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment

The following table presents Card Member loans evaluated individually and collectively for impairment and related reserves as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 

(Millions)

   2016     2015   2017  2016 

  

 

   

 

 

Card Member loans evaluated individually for impairment(a)

  $344    $279   $338  $346 

Related reserves(a)

  $60    $53   $56  $60 

 

Card Member loans evaluated collectively for impairment(b)

  $        60,274    $        58,294   $65,633  $64,919 

Related reserves(b)

  $1,054    $975   $1,264  $1,163 

 

(a)Represents loans modified as a TDR and related reserves.

(b)Represents current loans and loans less than 90 days past due, loans over 90 days past due and accruing interest, and non-accrual loans. The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of loans, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment.


14

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Changes in Card Member Receivables Reserve for Losses

The following table presents changes in the Card Member receivables reserve for losses for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:

 

 

(Millions)

   2016    2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, January 1

  $462   $465  

Provisions(a)

   496    542  

Net write-offs(b)

   (518  (544

Other(c)

   (3  (22

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, September 30

  $            437   $            441  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
Balance, January 1 $467  $462 
Provisions(a)
  376   322 
Net write-offs(b)
  (373)  (359)
Other(c)
  5   (2)
Balance, June 30 $475  $423 
(a)Provisions for principal and fee reserve components.

(b)Consists of principalPrincipal and fee components are presented less recoveries of $301$181 million and $302$202 million, including net write-offs from TDRs of $16$7 million and $49$16 million, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively.

(c)
Includes foreign currency translation adjustments of nil$14 and $(13)$(1) million and other adjustments of $(3)$(9) million and $(9)$(1) million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, respectively.

16


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Card Member Receivables Evaluated Individually and Collectively for Impairment

The following table presents Card Member receivables evaluated individually and collectively for impairment, and related reserves, as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 
(Millions)  2016   2015  2017  2016 

  

 

   

 

 

Card Member receivables evaluated individually for impairment(a)

  $46    $33   $58  $55 

Related reserves(a)

  $24    $20   $13  $28 

 

Card Member receivables evaluated collectively for impairment

  $        45,212    $        44,100   $49,347  $47,253 

Related reserves(b)

  $413    $442   $462  $439 

 

(a)Represents receivables modified as a TDR and related reserves.

(b)The reserves include the quantitative results of analytical models that are specific to individual pools of receivables, and reserves for internal and external qualitative risk factors that apply to receivables that are collectively evaluated for impairment.

5.Investment Securities


5.  Investment Securities

Investment securities principally include debt securities the Company classifies as available-for-sale and carries at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Lossaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI), net of income taxes. Realized gains and losses are recognized upon disposition of securities on a trade-date basis in the Consolidated Statements of Incomesecurities using the specific identification method.


The following is a summary of investment securities as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 

 
   2016   2015 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
Description of Securities(Millions)  Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Estimated
Fair

Value

   Cost   Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  

Estimated
Fair

Value

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

State and municipal obligations

  $        2,255    $            50    $            —   $        2,305    $        2,813    $85    $(5 $        2,893  

 

U.S. Government agency obligations

   12              12     2              2  

U.S. Government treasury obligations

   529     12         541     406     4     (1  409  

Corporate debt securities

   20     1         21     29     1         30  

Mortgage-backed securities(a)

   103     5         108     117     4         121  

Equity securities

   1              1     1                      —    1  
Foreign government bonds and obligations   682     10         692     250     6     (1  255  

Other(b)

   50          (2  48     50          (2  48  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $3,652    $78    $(2 $3,728    $3,668    $        100    $(9 $3,759  

 

 

  2017  2016 
     Gross  Gross  Estimated     Gross  Gross  Estimated 
     Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair     Unrealized  Unrealized  Fair 
Description of Securities (Millions)
 Cost  Gains  Losses  Value  Cost  Gains  Losses  Value 
State and municipal obligations $1,563  $20  $(2) $1,581  $2,019  $28  $(11) $2,036 
U.S. Government agency obligations  12         12   12         12 
U.S. Government treasury  obligations  1,114   9  ��(4)  1,119   465   3   (8)  460 
Corporate debt securities              19         19 
Mortgage-backed securities (a)
  79   2      81   92   3      95 
Equity securities  1         1   1         1 
Foreign government bonds and obligations  518   1   (1)  518   486   1   (1)  486 
Other (b)
  50      (2)  48   50      (2)  48 
Total $3,337  $32  $(9) $3,360  $3,144  $35  $(22) $3,157 
(a)Represents mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.

(b)Other comprises investments in various mutual funds.


15

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

The following table provides information about the Company’s investment securities with gross unrealized losses and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 
  2016 2015 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  2017  2016 
  Less than 12 months   12 months or more Less than 12 months 12 months or more  Less than 12 months  12 months or more  Less than 12 months  12 months or more 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     Gross     Gross     Gross     Gross 

Description of Securities

(Millions)

  Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Estimated Fair Value  Unrealized Losses  Estimated Fair Value  Unrealized Losses  Estimated Fair Value  Unrealized Losses  Estimated Fair Value  Unrealized Losses 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

State and municipal obligations

  $    $    $        $100    $(3 $13    $(2 $99  $(2) $  $  $153  $(11) $  $ 

U.S. Government treasury obligations

                     253     (1           366   (4)        298   (8)      

Foreign government bonds and obligations

                              —   99     (1                   —  

Other

             33     (1                   —   33     (2        32   (2)        32   (2)

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total

  $            —    $            —    $            33    $(1 $            452    $(5 $            46    $(4 $465  $(6) $32  $(2) $451  $(19) $32  $(2)

 


The following table summarizes the gross unrealized losses due to temporary impairments by ratio of fair value to amortized cost as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 

 
   Less than 12 months  12 months or more  Total 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ratio of Fair Value to

Amortized Cost

(Dollars in millions)

  Number of 
Securities
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Number of 
Securities
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
  Number of 
Securities
   Estimated
Fair Value
   Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

2016:

                

90%–100%

       $    $            —    6    $33    $            (1  6    $33    $            (1

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of September 30, 2016

       $    $    6    $33    $(1  6    $33    $(1

 

 

    

                

 

 

2015:

                

90%–100%

   52    $450    $(5  15    $            37    $(2  67    $            487    $(7

Less than 90%

   —                2       9       (2  2       9       (2

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total as of December 31, 2015

   52    $            450    $(5  17    $46    $(4  69    $496    $(9

 

 

  Less than 12 months  12 months or more  Total 
Ratio of Fair Value to       Gross        Gross        Gross 
Amortized Cost Number of  Estimated  Unrealized  Number of  Estimated  Unrealized  Number of  Estimated  Unrealized 
(Dollars in millions) Securities  Fair Value  Losses  Securities  Fair Value  Losses  Securities  Fair Value  Losses 
2017:                           
90%–100%  23  $465  $(6)  6  $32  $(2)  29  $497  $(8)
Total as of June 30, 2017  23  $465  $(6)  6  $32  $(2)  29  $497  $(8)
                                     
2016:                                    
90%–100%  33  $411  $(13)  6  $32  $(2)  39  $443  $(15)
Less than 90%  4   40   (6)           4   40   (6)
Total as of December 31, 2016  37  $451  $(19)  6  $32  $(2)  43  $483  $(21)

The gross unrealized losses are attributed to overall wider credit spreads for specific issuers, adverse changes in market benchmark interest rates, or a combination thereof, all compared to those prevailing when the investment securities were acquired.

Overall, for the investment securities in gross unrealized loss positions, (i) the Company does not intend to sell the investment securities, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (iii) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities. As a result, the Company recognized no other-than-temporary impairment during the periods presented.


Contractual maturities offor investment securities with stated maturities as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 were as follows:

 

 
(Millions)  Cost   Estimated
Fair Value
 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Due within 1 year

  $788    $789  

Due after 1 year but within 5 years

   347     352  

Due after 5 years but within 10 years

   399     418  

Due after 10 years

   2,067     2,120  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $            3,601    $            3,679  

 

 

     Estimated 
(Millions) Cost  Fair Value 
Due within 1 year $623  $623 
Due after 1 year but within 5 years  979   984 
Due after 5 years but within 10 years  294   298 
Due after 10 years  1,390   1,406 
Total $3,286  $3,311 

The expected payments on state and municipal obligations and mortgage-backed securities may not coincide with their contractual maturities because the issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations.

18


16

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

6.Asset Securitizations


6.  Asset Securitizations

The Company periodically securitizes Card Member loans and receivables arising from its card businesses including, prior to the sales discussed in Note 2, Card Member loans and receivables HFS, through the transfer of those assets to securitization trusts. The trusts then issue debt securities to third-party investors, collateralized by the transferred assets.

assets to third-party investors.


The following table provides information on the restricted cash held by the American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) and the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust, collectively the Trusts) as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, included in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Lending Trust

  $611    $153  

Charge Trust

   1     2  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $            612    $            155  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
Lending Trust $53  $35 
Charge Trust  2   3 
Total $55  $38 

These amounts relate to collections of Card Member loans and receivables to be used by the Trusts to fund future expenses and obligations, including interest on debt securities, credit losses and upcoming debt maturities.


American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (TRS), in its role as servicer of the Trusts, has the power to direct the activities that most significant activity ofsignificantly impact the Trusts,Trusts’ economic performance, which isare the collection of the underlying Card Member loans and receivables. In addition, TRS directly and indirectly (through its consolidated subsidiaries) holds all of the variable interests in both Trusts, with the exception of the debt securities issued to third-party investors.  As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, TRS’ direct and indirect ownership of variable interests was $13.3$9.8 billion for the Lending Trust and $2.0$6.5 billion for the Charge Trust. These variable interests held by TRS provide it with the right to receive benefits and the obligation to absorb losses, which could be significant to both the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust. Based on these considerations, TRS is the primary beneficiary of both Trusts and therefore consolidates both Trusts.


Under the respective terms of the Lending Trust and the Charge Trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering events associated with the performance of the assets of each Trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or, in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of debt securities. During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, no such triggering events occurred.

17

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

7.Customer Deposits

7.  Customer Deposits

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, customer deposits were categorized as interest bearing ornon-interest bearing as follows:

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S.:

    

Interest bearing

  $52,767    $54,102  

Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $297 million; 2015, $389 million)

   333     478  

Non-U.S.:

    

Interest bearing

   88     82  

Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2016, $297 million; 2015, $323 million)

   312     335  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total customer deposits

  $    53,500    $    54,997  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
U.S.:      
Interest bearing $57,012  $52,316 
Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $309 million; 2016, $331 million)  348   367 
Non-U.S.:        
Interest bearing  29   58 
Non-interest bearing (includes Card Member credit balances of: 2017, $325 million; 2016, $285 million)  337   301 
Total customer deposits $57,726  $53,042 

Customer deposits by deposit type as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 were as follows:

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. retail deposits:

    

Savings accounts – Direct

  $30,672    $29,023  

Certificates of deposit:

    

Direct

   290     281  

Third-party (brokered)

   12,879     13,856  

Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered)

   8,926     10,942  

Other retail deposits:

    

Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits

   139     183  

Card Member credit balances — U.S. and non-U.S.

   594     712  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total customer deposits

  $    53,500    $    54,997  

 

 

(Millions) 2017  2016 
U.S. retail deposits:      
Savings accounts – Direct $30,276  $30,980 
Certificates of deposit:(a)
        
Direct  285   291 
Third-party (brokered)  14,997   11,925 
Sweep accounts – Third-party (brokered)  11,454   9,120 
Other retail deposits:        
Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing deposits  80   110 
Card Member credit balances ― U.S. and non-U.S.  634   616 
Total customer deposits $57,726  $53,042 
(a)The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average interest rate at issuance on the total portfolio of U.S. retail certificates of deposit issued through direct and third-party programs were 46 months and 2.05 percent, respectively, as of June 30, 2017.
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 were as follows:

 
(Millions)  U.S.   Non-U.S.   Total  U.S.  Non-U.S.  Total 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

2016

  $1,416    $2    $1,418  

2017

   3,662     8     3,670   $2,400  $7  $2,407 

2018

   3,203          3,203    4,463   9   4,472 

2019

   2,336          2,336    3,447      3,447 

2020

   2,518          2,518    3,069      3,069 
2021  917      917 

After 5 years

   34          34    986      986 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total

  $    13,169    $    10    $    13,179   $15,282  $16  $15,298 

 


As of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more, in the aggregate, were as follows:

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S.

  $116    $105  

Non-U.S.

   1     1  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $        117    $        106  

 

 

20

(Millions) 2017  2016 
U.S. $103  $117 
Non-U.S.  5   7 
Total $108  $124 

18

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

8.Contingencies


8.  Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various claims, investigations, examinations, pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and other matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, legal proceedings). The Company discloses its material legal proceedings under Part II, Item 1. “Legal Proceedings” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report.



In addition to the matters disclosed under “Legal Proceedings,” the Company is being challenged in a number of countries regarding its application of value-added taxes (VAT) to certain of its international transactions, which are in various stages of audit, or are being contested in legal actions (collectively, VAT matters). While the Company believes it has complied with all applicable tax laws, rules and regulations in the relevant jurisdictions, the tax authorities may determine that the Company owes additional VAT. In certain jurisdictions where the Company is contesting the assessments, it was required to pay the VAT assessments prior to contesting.

The Company’s legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with millions of putative class members. These legal proceedings involve various lines of business of the Company and a variety of claims (including, but not limited to, common law tort, contract, application of tax laws, antitrust and consumer protection claims), some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. While some matters pending against the Company specify the damages claimed by the plaintiff or class, many seek an unspecified amount of damages or are at very early stages of the legal process. Even when the amount of damages claimed against the Company are stated, the claimed amount may be exaggerated and/or unsupported. As a result, some matters have not yet progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable the Company to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss, while other matters have progressed sufficiently such that the Company is able to estimate an amount of loss or a range of possible loss.


The Company has recorded reserves for certain of its outstanding legal proceedings. A reserve is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. There may be instances in which an exposure to loss exceeds the recorded reserve. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the reserve that has been previously recorded, or a revision to the disclosed estimated range of possible losses, as applicable.


For those disclosed material legal proceedings and VAT matters where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related reserve for legal or tax contingencies or where there is no such reserve, and for which the Company is able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $190$450 million in excess of any reserves related to those matters. This range represents management’s estimate based on currently available information and does not represent the Company’s maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such legal proceedings evolve, including the merchant claims described under “Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report, the Company may need to increase its range of possible loss or reserves for legal contingencies.

reserves.


Based on its current knowledge, and taking into consideration its litigation-related liabilities, the Company believes it is not a party to, nor are any of its properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

21


19

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

9.Derivatives and Hedging Activities


9.   Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (derivatives) to manage exposures to various market risks. These instruments derive their value from an underlying variable or multiple variables, including interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity index or price, and are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These instruments enable end users to increase, reduce or alter exposure to various market risks and, for that reason, are an integral component of the Company’s market risk management. The Company does not transact in derivatives for trading purposes.


In relation to the Company’s credit risk, under the terms of the derivative agreements it has with its various counterparties, the Company is not required to either immediately settle any outstanding liability balances or post collateral upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. Based on its assessment of the credit risk of the Company’s derivative counterparties as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, no credit risk adjustment to the Company does not have derivative positions that warrant credit valuation adjustments.

portfolio was required.


The following table summarizes the total fair value, excluding interest accruals, of derivative assets and liabilities as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016
:

 

 
   Other Assets
Fair Value
  Other Liabilities
Fair Value
 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Millions)

   2016    2015    2016    2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

     

Interest rate contracts - Fair value hedges

  $330   $236   $   $9  

Foreign exchange contracts - Net investment hedges

   189    191    92    57  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

   519    427    92    66  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

     

Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives(a)

   201    117    149    135  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives, gross

   720    544    241    201  

Less: Cash collateral netting on interest rate contracts(b)

   (256  (155        

Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(c)

   (99  (107  (99  (107

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total derivatives, net(d)

  $        365   $        282   $        142   $          94  

 

 

  Other Assets Fair Value  Other Liabilities Fair Value 
(Millions) 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:            
Fair value hedges - Interest rate contracts(a)
 $39  $111  $  $69 
Net investment hedges - Foreign exchange contracts  28   347   265   35 
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments  67   458   265   104 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                
  Foreign exchange contracts, including certain embedded derivatives(b)
  144   308   170   176 
Total derivatives, gross  211   766   435   280 
Less: Cash collateral netting(c)(d)
  (20)  (54)  (1)  (68)
  Derivative asset and derivative liability netting(e)
  (73)  (157)  (73)  (157)
Total derivatives, net(f)
 $118  $555  $361  $55 
(a)(a)Effective January 2017, the Central Clearing Party (CCP) changed the legal characterization of variation margin payments for centrally cleared derivatives to be settlement payments, as opposed to collateral. As of June 30, 2017 centrally cleared derivatives are fully collateralized. The Company also maintained several bilateral interest rate contracts that are not subject to the CCP’s rule change and amounts related to such contracts are shown gross of any collateral exchanged.
(b)Includes foreign currency derivatives embedded in certain operating agreements.
(c)(b)RepresentsPrimarily represents the offsetting of derivativesbilateral interest rate contracts and the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from derivatives executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
(d)
The Company held no non-cash collateral as of June 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company received non-cash collateral from a counterparty in the form of security interests in U.S. Treasury securities, with a fair value of $24$18 million, as of September 30, 2016, none of which was sold or repledged.  Such non-cash collateral economically reduced the Company’s risk exposure to $341$537 million as of December 31, 2016, but did not reduce the net exposure on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company did not have any such non-cash collateral as of December 31, 2015. Additionally, the Company posted $144$170 million and $149$169 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, as initial margin on its centrally cleared interest rate swaps; such amounts are recorded within Other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the derivative balances.
(c)(e)Represents the amount of netting of derivative assets and derivative liabilities executed with the same counterparty under an enforceable master netting arrangement.
(d)(f)The Company has no individually significant derivative counterparties and therefore, no significant risk exposure to any single derivative counterparty. The total net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are presented within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

A majority of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 20152016 are subject to master netting agreements with its derivative counterparties. The Company has no derivative amounts subject to enforceable master netting arrangements that are not offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value Hedges

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk associated with its fixed-rate long-term debt. The Company usesdebt obligations. At the time of issuance, certain fixed-rate debt obligations are designated in fair value hedging relationships, using interest rate swaps, to economically convert certainthe fixed interest rate to a floating interest rate. The Company has $19.5 billion and $17.7 billion of fixed-rate debt obligations to floating-rate obligations at the time of issuance. The Company hedged $17.0 billion and $18.8 billion of its fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt using interest rate swapsdesignated in fair value hedging relationships as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

22

20

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


The following table summarizes the gains (losses) recognized in Other expenses associated with the Company’s fair value hedges for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Millions)

   2016    2015    2016    2015  

 

 

Interest rate derivative contracts

  $(123 $        108   $        103   $82  

Hedged items

           134    (114  (90          (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net hedge ineffectiveness

  $11   $(6 $13   $(3

 

 

  
Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(Millions)2017 2016 2017 2016 
Interest rate derivative contracts $6  $61  $(69) $226 
Hedged items  (25)  (53)  25   (224)
Net hedge ineffectiveness $(19) $8  $(44) $2 

The Company also recognized a net reduction in interest expense on long-term debt of $55$37  million and $73$59  million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $173$81 million and $214$118 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, primarily related to the net settlements (interest accruals) on the Company’s interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges.


Net Investment Hedges


The effective portion of the gain or loss on net investment hedges, net of taxes, recorded in AOCI as part of the cumulative translation adjustment, was a loss of $18$102 million and a gain of $384$135 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and gainsa loss of $25$331 million and $545a gain of $43 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, with any ineffective portion recognized in Other expenses during the period of change. Specifically, theperiod. The net hedge ineffectiveness recognized was nil for each of the three and a gain of $1 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015, respectively. 2016. Other amounts related to foreign exchange contracts reclassified from AOCI into Other expenses included nil and a gain of $5 million and nil for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no amounts related to foreign exchange contracts reclassified from AOCI into Other expenses during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 2015.

nil and a gain of $5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.


Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges


The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are intended to offset the related foreign exchange gains or losses of the underlying foreign currency exposures. The changes in the fair value of the derivatives and the related underlying foreign currency exposures resulted in a net lossesloss of $4 million and $3a net gain of $6 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and a net losslosses of $12$21 million and a net gain of $102$8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and are recognized in Other expenses.

Related to its derivatives not designated as hedges, the Company previously disclosed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2015, gains of $19 million and $15 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. These amounts should have been disclosed as gains of $8 million and $389 million, respectively, which are the amounts used to calculate the above-referenced net loss of $3 million and net gain of $102 million. These changes to the previously disclosed amounts have no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Income, Balance Sheets or Cash Flows.

The changes in the fair value of an embedded derivative resulted in a gainloss of $1$3 million and a loss of $4 millionnil for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and a gain of $7 million and a loss of $2 million and a gain of $6 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, andwhich are recognized in Card Member services and other expense.

23


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

10.Fair Values



10. Fair Values


Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Fair Value


The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, categorized by GAAP’s valuationfair value hierarchy, as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:

 

 
   2016   2015 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Millions)

   Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Assets:

                

Investment securities:(a)

                

Equity securities and other

  $49    $1    $48    $    $50    $1    $49    $  

Debt securities

   3,679     541     3,138          3,709     409     3,300       

Derivatives(a)

   720          720          544          544       

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

       4,448         542         3,906             —         4,303         410         3,893             —  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

                

Derivatives(a)

   241          241          201          201       

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  $241    $    $241    $    $201    $    $201    $  

 

 

  2017  2016 
(Millions) Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 
Assets:                        
Investment securities:(a)
                        
Equity securities and other $49  $1  $48  $  $49  $1  $48  $ 
Debt securities  3,311   1,119   2,192      3,108   460   2,648    
Derivatives(a)
  211      211      765      765    
Total Assets  3,571   1,120   2,451      3,922   461   3,461    
Liabilities:                                
Derivatives(a)
  435      435      280      280    
Total Liabilities $435  $  $435  $  $280  $  $280  $ 
(a)Refer to Note 5 for the fair values of investment securities and to Note 9 for the fair values of derivative assets and liabilities, on a further disaggregated basis.

24


21

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Carried at Other Than Fair Value
The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis, as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016. The fair values of these financial instruments are estimates based upon the market conditions and perceived risks as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, and require management’s judgment. These figures may not be indicative of future fair values, nor can the fair value of the Company be estimated by aggregating the amounts presented.

 Carrying  Corresponding Fair Value Amount 

 
  Carrying   Corresponding Fair Value Amount 
    

 

 

 

2016(Billions)

   Value       Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
2017 (Billions)
 Value  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Financial Assets:

                         

Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value

                         

Cash and cash equivalents(a)

  $27    $    27    $25    $2    $   $30  $30  $28  $2  $ 

Other financial assets(b)

   48     48          48         52   52      52    

Financial assets carried at other than fair value

                              

Loans, net(c)

   61     61               61    67   67         67 
                    

Financial Liabilities:

                              

Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value

   63     63          63         67   67      67    

Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value

                              

Certificates of deposit(d)

   13     13          13         15   15      15    

Long-term debt(c)

  $45    $46    $    $46    $   $52  $53  $  $53  $ 

                     
           Carrying  Corresponding Fair Value Amount 

 
  Carrying   Corresponding Fair Value Amount 
    

 

 

 

2015(Billions)

   Value       Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
2016 (Billions)
 Value  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3 

Financial Assets:

                              

Financial assets for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value

                              

Cash and cash equivalents(a)

  $23    $23    $22    $1    $   $25  $25  $22  $3  $ 

Other financial assets(b)

   47     47          47         51   51      51    

Financial assets carried at other than fair value

                              

Card Member loans and receivables HFS(e)

   15     15               15  

Loans, net(c)

   59     60               60    65   66         66 
                    

Financial Liabilities:

                              

Financial liabilities for which carrying values equal or approximate fair value

   67     67          67         67   67      67    

Financial liabilities carried at other than fair value

                              

Certificates of deposit(d)

   14     14          14         12   12      12    

Long-term debt(c)

  $48    $49    $    $49    $   $47  $48  $  $48  $ 

 

(a)Level 2 amounts reflect time deposits and short-term investments.

(b)Includes Card Member receivables (including fair values of Card Member receivables of $5.5$7.9 billion and $6.7$8.8 billion held by a consolidated VIE as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively), Other receivables, restricted cash and other miscellaneous assets.

(c)Balances include amounts held by a consolidated VIE for which the fair values of Card Member loans were $24.7$24.4 billion and $23.5$26.0 billion as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively, and the fair values of long-term debt were $14.8$16.1 billion and $13.6$15.2 billion as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, respectively.

(d)Presented as a component of customer deposits on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(e)Does not include any fair value associated with the Card Member account relationships. Refer to Note 2 for additional information.

25


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)


Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company has certain assets that are subject to measurement at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition is applicable if determined to be impaired.  During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and during the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any material assets that were measured at fair value due to impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded a $384 million impairment charge, consisting
22

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

11. Guarantees

The Company provides Card Member protection plans that cover losses associated with purchased products, as well as certain other guarantees and indemnifications in the ordinary course of business.

In relation to its


As of June 30, 2017, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability resulting from these arrangements were $1 billion and $50 million, respectively, and related primarily to the Company’s real estate and business dispositions. As of December 31, 2016, the maximum potential undiscounted future payments and related liability were $48 billion and $86 million, respectively. Amounts related to the Company’s Card Member protection plans were included as shownof December 31, 2016, in the table that follows,addition to its real estate and business dispositions.

To date the Company has not experienced any significant losses related to guarantees or indemnifications. The Company’s initial recognition of these instruments is at fair value. In addition, the Company establishes reserves when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

The following table provides information related to such guarantees and indemnifications as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 

 
   

Maximum potential
undiscounted future
payments(a)

(Billions)

   Related liability(b)
(Millions)
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Type of Guarantee

   2016     2015     2016     2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Return and Merchant Protection

  $42    $42    $41    $49  

Other(c)

   6     6     49     37  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $            48    $            48    $            90    $            86  

 

 

(a)Represents the notional amounts that could be lost under the guarantees and indemnifications if there were a total default by the guaranteed or indemnified parties. The maximum potential undiscounted future payments for Merchant Protection are measured using management’s best estimate of the maximum exposure, which is based on all eligible claims in relation to annual billed business volumes.

(b)Included in Other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(c)Primarily includes guarantees related to the Company’s purchase protection, real estate and business dispositions.

26


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

12.Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income



12. Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

AOCI is comprised of items that have not been recognized in earnings but may be recognized in earnings in the future when certain events occur. Changes in each component for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 20152016 were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions), net of tax

  
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investment
Securities
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Pension and Other
Postretirement
Benefit (Losses)
Gains
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of June 30, 2016

 $65   $(2,170 $(516 $(2,621

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized losses

  (14          (14

Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings

  (1          (1

Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations

      29        29  

Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations

      (18      (18

Pension and other postretirement benefit gains

          7    7  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (15  11    7    3  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of September 30, 2016

 $50   $(2,159 $(509 $(2,618

 

 
        

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 (Millions), net of tax

  
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investment
Securities
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Pension and Other
Postretirement
Benefit (Losses)
Gains
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of December 31, 2015

 $58   $(2,044 $(548 $(2,534

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized losses

  (5          (5

Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings

  (3          (3

Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations

      (140      (140

Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations

      25        25  

Pension and other postretirement benefit gains

          39    39  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (8  (115  39    (84

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of September 30, 2016

 $50   $(2,159 $(509 $(2,618

 

 

27

Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions), net of tax
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
Balances as of March 31, 2017 $13  $(1,946) $(537) $(2,470)
Net unrealized gains (losses)            
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings            
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations     135      135 
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations     (102)     (102)
Pension and other postretirement benefit        9   9 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss     33   9   42 
Balances as of June 30, 2017 $13  $(1,913) $(528) $(2,428)
                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 (Millions), net of tax
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
Balances as of December 31, 2016 $7  $(2,262) $(529) $(2,784)
Net unrealized gains  6         6 
Increase (decrease) due to amounts reclassified into earnings            
Net translation gain of investments in foreign operations(a)
     680      680 
Net losses related to hedges of investments in foreign operations     (331)     (331)
Pension and other postretirement benefit        1   1 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss  6   349   1   356 
Balances as of June 30, 2017 $13  $(1,913) $(528) $(2,428)

(a)    Includes $289 million of recognized tax benefits (Refer to Note 14).


23


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions), net of tax

  
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investment
Securities
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Pension and Other
Postretirement
Benefit (Losses)
Gains
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of June 30, 2015

 $76   $(1,743 $(487 $(2,154

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized losses

  (6          (6

Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings

  (1          (1

Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations

      (604      (604

Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations

      384        384  

Pension and other postretirement benefit gains

          7    7  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (7  (220  7    (220

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of September 30, 2015

 $69   $(1,963 $(480 $(2,374

 

 
        

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Millions), net of tax

  
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Gains (Losses) on
Investment
Securities
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Net Unrealized
Pension and Other
Postretirement
Benefit (Losses)
Gains
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
  
  
  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of December 31, 2014

 $96   $(1,499 $(516 $(1,919

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized losses

  (26          (26

Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings

  (1  (1      (2

Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations

      (1,009      (1,009

Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations

      546        546  

Pension and other postretirement benefit gains

          36    36  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (27  (464  36    (455

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balances as of September 30, 2015

 $69   $(1,963 $(480 $(2,374

 

 


Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions), net of tax
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
Balances as of March 31, 2016 $60  $(2,040) $(522) $(2,502)
Net unrealized gains  5         5 
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations     (265)     (265)
Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations     135      135 
Pension and other postretirement benefit        6   6 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss  5   (130)  6   (119)
Balances as of June 30, 2016 $65  $(2,170) $(516) $(2,621)
                 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 (Millions), net of tax
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investment Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Unrealized Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit (Losses) Gains Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income 
Balances as of December 31, 2015 $58  $(2,044) $(548) $(2,534)
Net unrealized gains  9         9 
Decrease due to amounts reclassified into earnings  (2)        (2)
Net translation loss of investments in foreign operations     (169)     (169)
Net gains related to hedges of investments in foreign operations     43      43 
Pension and other postretirement benefit        32   32 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss  7   (126)  32   (87)
Balances as of June 30, 2016 $65  $(2,170) $(516) $(2,621)

The following table shows the tax impact for the three and six months ended June 30 for the changes in each component of AOCI presented above:

 Tax expense (benefit) 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(Millions)2017 2016 2017 2016 
Investment securities $  $2  $3  $2 
Foreign currency translation adjustments(a)
  12   22   (179)  37 
Net investment hedges  (67)  78   (207)  24 
Pension and other postretirement benefits  1   10   (8)  29 
Total tax impact $(54) $112  $(391) $92 

(a)    Includes $289 million of tax benefits recognized in the six months ended June 30, 2017 (Refer to Note 14).


24

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The following table presents the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI and into the Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

 
      Gains (losses) recognized in earnings 
      Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
      Amount   Amount 

Description (Millions)

  Income Statement Line Item   2016     2015     2016    2015  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities

         

Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securities

  Other non-interest revenues  $1    $1    $5   $1  

Related income tax expense

  Income tax provision           —             —     (2          —  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities

     1     1     3    1  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

         

Reclassification of realized losses on translation adjustments and related net investments hedges

  Other expenses                 1  

Related income tax benefit

  Income tax provision                   

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Reclassification to net income related to foreign currency translation adjustments

                   1  

 

  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

  $1    $1    $3   $2  

 

 

28


AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

13.Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail

   Gains (losses) recognized in earnings 
   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
   Amount  Amount 
Description  (Millions)
Income Statement Line Item2017 2016 2017 2016 
Available-for-sale securities             
Reclassifications for previously unrealized net gains on investment securitiesOther non-interest revenues $  $  $  $4 
Related income tax expenseIncome tax provision           (2)
Reclassification to net income related to available-for-sale securities            2 
Total  $  $  $  $2 

13.  Non-Interest Revenue and Expense Detail

The following is a detail of Other fees and commissions:

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015   2016  2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign currency conversion fee revenue

  $207    $213    $610   $646  

Delinquency fees

   183     197     575    586  

Loyalty coalition-related fees

   106     100     304    279  

Travel commissions and fees

   89     87     256    271  

Service fees

   71     97     228    279  

Other(a)

   38     33     103    101  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Other fees and commissions

  $694    $727    $2,076   $2,162  

 

 

 

(a)    Other primarily includes revenues from fees related to Membership Rewards programs.

 

The following is a detail of Other revenues:

 

       

  

 

 
   

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015   2016  2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Global Network Services partner revenues

  $156    $156    $498   $474  

Gross realized gains on sale of investment securities

   1     1     5    1  

Other(a)

   326     347     1,011    1,018  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Other revenues

  $483    $504    $1,514   $1,493  

 

 

 

(a)    Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, Travelers Cheques-related revenues, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.

 

The following is a detail of Other expenses:

 

         

  

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
(Millions)  2016   2015   2016  2015 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Professional services

  $630    $687    $1,862   $1,966  

Occupancy and equipment

   429     523     1,332    1,372  

Communications

   68     84     231    257  

Card and merchant-related fraud losses

   67     64     182    247  

Gain on sale of HFS portfolios(a)

             (1,218    

Other(b)

   304     277     999    727  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Other expenses

  $1,498    $1,635    $3,388   $4,569  

 

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Millions) 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Delinquency fees $218  $192  $432  $392 
Foreign currency conversion fee revenue  212   207   411   403 
Loyalty coalition-related fees  114   104   216   198 
Travel commissions and fees  90   87   174   167 
Other(a)
  118   112   232   222 
Total Other fees and commissions $752  $702  $1,465  $1,382 
(a)Other primarily includes service fees and fees related to Membership Rewards programs.

The following is a detail of Other revenues:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30, 
(Millions)2017 2016 2017 2016 
Global Network Services partner revenues $150  $197  $306  $342 
Other(a)
  289   348   542   689 
Total Other revenues $439  $545  $848  $1,031 
(a)Other includes revenues arising from net revenue earned on cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, merchant-related fees, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, Prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenues, earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees.

The following is a detail of Other expenses:

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 
 June 30, June 30, 
(Millions)2017 2016 2017 2016 
Professional services $521  $628  $1,033  $1,232 
Occupancy and equipment  484   438   959   903 
Gain on sale of HFS portfolios(a)
     (1,091)     (1,218)
Other(b)
  371   495   791   973 
Total Other expenses $1,376  $470  $2,783  $1,890 
(a)Refer to Note 2 for additional information.
(b)Other expense primarily includes general operating expenses, Card and merchant-related fraud losses, communication expenses, foreign currency-related gains and losses, on sales of assets or businesses not classified as discontinued operations, regulatory and litigation-related costs, certain Card Member reimbursements, insurance costs, certain loyalty coalition-related expenses and foreign currency-related gains and losses (including the favorable impact from the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities in the nine months ended September 30, 2015).insurance costs. In addition, the nine months ended September 30,for 2016, Other expenses includes athe valuation allowance adjustment associated with loans and receivables HFS.


25

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

14.Income Taxes

14.  Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 34.231.2 percent and 34.733.2 percent for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and 33.931.6 percent and 34.233.8 percent for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. The changes in tax rates primarily reflected the geographic mix of business and the level of pretax income in relation to recurring permanent tax benefits andbenefits. In addition, the geographic mixeffective tax rate in the current year reflected the resolution of business.

certain prior years’ tax items.


The Company is under continuous examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities in other countries and states in which the Company has significant business operations. The tax years under examination and open for examination vary by jurisdiction.  In February 2017, the Company received notification that all matters outstanding with the IRS for tax years 1997-2007 were resolved.  The IRS has completed its field examinationresolution of such matters did not have a material impact on the Company’s federaleffective tax returns for years through 2007; however, refund claims for certain years continue to be reviewed by the IRS. In addition, therate.  The Company is currently under examination bywith the IRS for thetax years 2008 through 2014.

The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits could decrease within the next 12 months by as much as $527$133 million, principally as a result of potential resolutions of prior years’ tax items with various taxing authorities. The prior years’ tax items include unrecognized tax benefits relating to the deductibility of certain expenses or losses and the attribution of taxable income to a particular jurisdiction or jurisdictions.  Of the $527$133 million of unrecognized tax benefits, approximately $310$90 million relates to amounts that, if recognized, would be recordedimpact the effective tax rate in a future period. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $280 million. The decrease was primarily due to the resolution with the IRS of an uncertain tax position in January 2017, which resulted in the recognition of $289 million in shareholders’ equity, and would not impact the Company’s results of operations or its effective tax rate.

15.Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

specifically within AOCI.



15.  Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

The computations of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
(Millions, except per share amounts)  2016  2015  2016  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Numerator:

     

Basic and diluted:

     

Net income

  $1,142   $1,266   $4,583   $4,264  

Preferred dividends

   (21  (22  (61  (42

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income available to common shareholders

   1,121    1,244    4,522    4,222  

Earnings allocated to participating share awards(a)

   (9  (10  (37  (32

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to common shareholders

  $1,112   $1,234   $4,485   $4,190  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Denominator: (a)

     

Basic: Weighted-average common stock

   920    994    940    1,007  

Add: Weighted-average stock options(b)

   3    3    3    4  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

   923    997    943    1,011  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Basic EPS

  $1.21   $1.24   $4.77   $4.16  

Diluted EPS

  $1.20   $1.24   $4.76   $4.15  

 

 

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Millions, except per share amounts) 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Numerator:            
Basic and diluted:            
Net income $1,340  $2,015  $2,577  $3,441 
Preferred dividends  (19)  (19)  (40)  (40)
Net income available to common shareholders  1,321   1,996   2,537   3,401 
Earnings allocated to participating share awards(a)
  (11)  (17)  (21)  (28)
Net income attributable to common shareholders $1,310  $1,979  $2,516  $3,373 
Denominator: (a)
                
Basic: Weighted-average common stock  890   938   895   949 
Add: Weighted-average stock options (b)
  3   3   3   3 
Diluted  893   941   898   952 
Basic EPS $1.47  $2.11  $2.81  $3.55 
Diluted EPS $1.47  $2.10  $2.80  $3.54 
(a)The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, are considered participating securities. Calculations of EPS under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator.

(b)The dilutive effect of unexercised stock options excludes from the computation of EPS 3.21.2 million and 0.62.5 million of options for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and 2.21.2 million and 0.51.7 million of options for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, because inclusion of the options would have been anti-dilutive.



26

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

16.Reportable Operating Segments


16.  Reportable Operating Segments

The Company is a global services company that is principally engaged in businesses comprising four reportable operating segments: USCS, ICNS, GCS and GMS. Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other.


The following table presents certain selected financial information for the Company’s reportable operating segments and Corporate & Other:

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

(Millions, except where indicated)

  USCS   ICNS   GCS   GMS  

Corporate

& Other(a)

  Consolidated 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-interest revenues

  $1,849    $1,205    $2,240    $1,044   $102   $6,440  

Interest income

   1,178     231     282         73    1,764  

Interest expense

   125     55     98     (60  212    430  

Total revenues net of interest expense

   2,902     1,381     2,424     1,104    (37  7,774  

Net income (loss)

  $401    $155    $466    $359   $(239 $1,142  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets(billions)

  $79    $34    $47    $23   $(30 $153  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity (billions)

  $8    $3    $7    $2   $1   $21  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
          

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

(Millions, except where indicated)

  USCS   ICNS   GCS   GMS  Corporate
& Other(a)
  Consolidated 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-interest revenues

  $      5,947    $      3,587    $      6,710    $      3,172   $318   $19,734  

Interest income

   3,847     692     913     1    201    5,654  

Interest expense

   404     167     297     (180  603    1,291  

Total revenues net of interest expense

   9,390     4,112     7,326     3,353    (84  24,097  

Net income (loss)

  $2,162    $571    $1,527    $1,089   $(766 $4,583  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets(billions)

  $79    $34    $47    $23   $(30 $153  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity (billions)

  $8    $3    $7    $2   $1   $21  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
          

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015

(Millions, except where indicated)

  USCS   ICNS   GCS   GMS  Corporate
& Other(a)
  Consolidated 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-interest revenues

  $2,117    $1,141    $2,217    $1,123   $90   $6,688  

Interest income

   1,324     228     297         55    1,904  

Interest expense

   123     55     91     (46  176    399  

Total revenues net of interest expense

   3,318     1,314     2,423     1,169    (31  8,193  

Net income (loss)

  $542    $154    $468    $397   $(295 $1,266  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets(billions)

  $84    $35    $46    $23   $(34 $154  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity (billions)

  $7    $3    $7    $3   $1   $21  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
          

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015

(Millions, except where indicated)

  USCS   ICNS   GCS   GMS  Corporate
& Other(a)
  Consolidated 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Non-interest revenues

  $6,324    $3,449    $6,677    $3,323   $      279   $20,052  

Interest income

   3,849     710     864     1    174    5,598  

Interest expense

   358     176     271     (154  572    1,223  

Total revenues net of interest expense

   9,815     3,983     7,270     3,478    (119  24,427  

Net income (loss)

  $1,814    $544    $1,535    $1,135   $(764 $4,264  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets(billions)

  $84    $35    $46    $23   $(34 $154  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity (billions)

  $7    $3    $7    $3   $1   $21  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

                   
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Millions, except where indicated)
 USCS  ICNS  GCS  GMS  
Corporate & Other(a)
  Consolidated 
Non-interest revenues $1,999  $1,247  $2,368  $1,086  $77  $6,777 
Interest income  1,369   246   334   1   102   2,052 
Interest expense  171   60   129   (65)  227   522 
Total revenues net of interest expense  3,197   1,433   2,573   1,152   (48)  8,307 
Net income (loss) $440  $209  $500  $430  $(239) $1,340 
Total assets (billions)
 $87  $38  $51  $26  $(35) $167 
Total equity (billions)
 $7  $3  $7  $3  $1  $21 
                         
                         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
(Millions, except where indicated)
 USCS  ICNS  GCS  GMS  
Corporate & Other(a)
  Consolidated 
Non-interest revenues $3,856  $2,442  $4,639  $2,103  $126  $13,166 
Interest income  2,677   481   653   1   183   3,995 
Interest expense  317   113   238   (123)  420   965 
Total revenues net of interest expense  6,216   2,810   5,054   2,227   (111)  16,196 
Net income (loss) $909  $427  $918  $793  $(470) $2,577 
Total assets (billions)
 $87  $38  $51  $26  $(35) $167 
Total equity (billions)
 $7  $3  $7  $3  $1  $21 
                         
                         
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
(Millions, except where indicated)
 USCS  ICNS  GCS  GMS  
Corporate & Other(a)
  Consolidated 
Non-interest revenues $2,069  $1,242  $2,280  $1,087  $108  $6,786 
Interest income  1,278   234   310   1   62   1,885 
Interest expense  139   58   104   (61)  196   436 
Total revenues net of interest expense  3,208   1,418   2,486   1,149   (26)  8,235 
Net income (loss) $1,067  $228  $576  $373  $(229) $2,015 
Total assets (billions)
 $81  $35  $46  $24  $(26) $160 
Total equity (billions)
 $7  $3  $8  $2  $1  $21 
                         
                         
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
(Millions, except where indicated)
 USCS  ICNS  GCS  GMS  
Corporate & Other(a)
  Consolidated 
Non-interest revenues $4,098  $2,382  $4,470  $2,128  $216  $13,294 
Interest income  2,669   461   631   1   128   3,890 
Interest expense  279   112   199   (120)  391   861 
Total revenues net of interest expense  6,488   2,731   4,902   2,249   (47)  16,323 
Net income (loss) $1,761  $416  $1,061  $730  $(527) $3,441 
Total assets (billions)
 $81  $35  $46  $24  $(26) $160 
Total equity (billions)
 $7  $3  $8  $2  $1  $21 
(a)Corporate & Other includes adjustments and eliminations for intersegment activity.

27

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


Business Introduction


When we use the terms “American Express,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us,” we mean American Express Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, unless we state or the context implies otherwise.


We are a global services company that provideswith four reportable operating segments: U.S. Consumer Services (USCS), International Consumer and Network Services (ICNS), Global Commercial Services (GCS) and Global Merchant Services (GMS). Corporate functions and certain other businesses and operations are included in Corporate & Other. We provide our customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Our principal products and services are charge and credit payment card products and travel-related services offered to consumers and businesses around the world. Business travel-related services are offered through our non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (GBT JV). Our range of products and services includes:



•     Charge andcard, credit card and other payment and financing products

•     Network services

•     Merchant acquisition and processing, servicing and settlement, marketing and point-of-sale marketing and information products and services for merchants

Fee•     Other fee services, including fraud prevention services and the design and operation of customer loyalty and rewards programs

•     Expense management products and services

Other lending products, including merchant financing

•     Travel-related services

•     Stored-value/prepaid products



Our various products and services are sold globally to diverse customer groups, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations. These products and services are sold through various channels, including online applications, direct mail, online applications, in-house andteams, third-party sales forcesvendors and direct response advertising.

Business travel-related services are offered through our non-consolidated joint venture, American Express Global Business Travel (the GBT JV).


We compete in the global payments industry with charge, credit and debit card networks, issuers and acquirers, paper-based transactions (e.g., cash and checks), bank transfer models (e.g., wire transfers and ACH), as well as evolving and growing alternative payment and financing providers. As the payments industry continues to evolve, we face increasing competition from non-traditional players that leverage new technologies and customers’ existing accounts andcustomer relationships to create payment or other fee-basedfinancing solutions.

Our products and services generate the


The following types of revenue for the Company:

are generated from our various products and services:

Discount revenue, our largest revenue source, which represents fees generally charged to merchants when Card Members use theirfor accepting our cards to purchaseas payment for goods andor services at merchants on our network;sold;

Interest on loans, which principally represents interest income earned on outstanding balances;

Net card fees, which represent revenue earned from annual card membership fees;fees, which varies based on the type of card and the number of cards for each account;

Other fees and commissions, which are earned on card-relatedrepresent foreign currency conversion fees (such as latecharged to Card Members, Card Member delinquency fees, and assessments), foreign exchange conversions, loyalty coalition-related fees, travel commissions and fees, service fees and other service fees;fees related to our Membership Rewards program; and

Other revenue, whichprimarily represents revenues arising from contracts with partners of our Global Network Services (GNS) business (including commissions and signing fees), cross-border Card Member spending, insurance premiums earned from Card Member travel and other insurance programs, prepaid card-related revenues,Members, ancillary merchant-related fees, revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement, prepaid card and Travelers Cheque-related revenue and earnings from equity method investments (including the GBT JV) and other miscellaneous revenue and fees..

32




28

Effective for the first quarter


Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Measures


Certain of the statements in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Refer to the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” section. We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). However, certain information included within this Form 10-Q constituteconstitutes non-GAAP financial measures. Our calculations of non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the calculations of similarly titled measures by other companies.

Bank Holding Company


American Express Company is a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the Federal Reserve) is our primary federal regulator. As such, we are subject to the Federal Reserve’s regulations, policies and minimum capital standards.


Business Environment

During


Our results for the thirdsecond quarter we remained focused oncontinue to reflect solid progress against our key initiatives to acceleratecurrent priorities of accelerating revenue growth, optimize ouroptimizing investments and reset ourresetting the cost base.  Our results reflected progress on our cost reduction effortsBilled business and steady credit performance, partially offset by a higher levelrevenue for the second quarter increased slightly, while net income was down. The prior year quarter included revenues and expenses related to the Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) relationship in the U.S. that has since been discontinued, the gain from the sale of investment spendingthe related loan portfolio and a restructuring charge. Reported billed business, loans and revenues declined year-over-year primarily due toDuring the end of our relationship with Costco Wholesale Corporation in the United States (Costco) and the sales of the Card Member loans and receivables related to our cobrand partnerships with Costco and JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) (collectively, the HFS portfolios). However, we saw underlying growth in billed business, loans and revenues on an adjusted basis, as described further below. In addition,current quarter, our strong capitalbalance sheet position allowed us to continue to return a significant amount of capital to shareholders.

For the third quarter,shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.


Our worldwide billings adjusted for foreign currency exchange rates were down year-over-year, but were upincreased and, after excluding Costco-related billings from the prior year. Billings inyear, grew consistent with the first quarter, were also impacted by lower gas and airline ticket prices, which remained headwindsreflecting growth across our U.S. businesses.diverse customer segments and geographies. We continued to see differing trends betweenstrong performance from middle market and small business customers, while spending by large corporations which declined year-over-year, and spending by middle marketwas up only slightly compared to last year. Internationally, our consumer and small businesses, which grew versus the prior year after adjusting for the effects of Costco. Internationalbusiness billings continued to begrowth rates remained strong.


Revenues net of interest expense declinedincreased slightly year-over-year on a reported basis, reflecting lower billed business and a decline in Card Member loans. After excludingbasis. Excluding Costco-related revenues fromin the prior year and the effect of foreign currency exchange rates, adjusted revenues net of interest expense grew year-over-year resulting fromprimarily due to an increase in net interest income and higher adjusted billed business, and growth inas well as higher net card fees across our premium card portfolios.  NetOur net interest income also declinedyield increased year-over-year, ondue to a reported basis, reflectingmix shift towards non-cobrand lending products, where Card Members tend to revolve more of their loan balances, as well as a lower percentage of loans at introductory rates, specific pricing actions, and a benefit from increases in benchmark interest rates.

Card Member loan and receivable growth was strong year-over-year, as we continue to grow loans from existing customers, as well as through the acquisition of new Card Members. Provisions for losses increased, as expected, as a result of higher Card Member loans and receivables, as well as a slight increase in delinquencies and higher funding costsnet write-off rates. These rates increased, primarily due to the seasoning of loans related to newer Card Members and a shift towards non-cobrand lending products, which have slightly higher write-off rates. We expect, as a result of these trends, provisions for losses will continue to grow faster than loans during the balance of the year.

Spending on Card Member engagement (the aggregate of rewards, Card Member services and marketing and promotion expenses) increased year-over-year and primarily reflected the recent enhancements to rewards on our charge cardU.S. Platinum products, continued strong growth in our Delta cobrand portfolio due to an increaseand higher levels of engagement in interest rates versusmany of our premium services.  Operating expenses increased, primarily as a result of the Costco cobrand portfolio sale gain in the prior year.year, which was classified as an expense reduction in Other expenses.  Excluding Costco cobrand card-related activity fromthe gain and the restructuring charge in the prior year, adjusted net interest income grew year-over-year as a result of growth in adjusted Card Member loans.

33


Card Member loans declinedoperating expenses decreased reflecting the sales of the HFS portfoliosprogress against our cost reduction initiatives.


The momentum in the first half of the year. Adjusted Card Member loans grew year-over-year, after excluding fromyear reflects the prior year Card Member loans related to these portfolios. Provision expenses oninvestments we have made in a reported basis were also down year-over-year as the prior period included credit costs associated with the HFS portfolios. Provision expenses, adjusted for these credit costs, increased primarily as a resultvariety of growth in adjusted Card Member loans and seasoning of loans related to new Card Members. We expect that continued growth in adjusted loans and some modest upward pressure on our write-off rates, due primarily to this seasoning of loans related to new Card Members, will both contribute to an increase in provision expenses going forward.

Total expenses decreased versusopportunities over the prior year, reflecting a decline in rewards expense, partially offset by an increase in investment spending on growth initiatives. The decrease in rewards expense was driven by the Costco cobrand expenses included in the prior yearlast several years. Although competition remains intense and the continued shift in volumesregulatory environment is uncertain, we remain focused on delivering differentiated value to cash rebate products, for which the rewards costs are classified as contra-discount revenue. After adjusting for the Costco cobrand, we expect rewards expense, including costs associated with cash rebate products, to grow faster than billings as we continue to enhance our card product value propositions over time. In addition, we expect that our investment spending on growth initiatives, including marketing and promotion, during the fourth quarter will be significantly higher than in the third quarter.

Competition remains intense across our businesses, particularly in the U.S. While our businesses are global and diversified, to remain competitive we need to continue to demonstrate the value we deliver to merchants, customers and business partners, in all aspects of our relationships. More intense competition has and will continue to impact our cost of renewing and ability to win or extend cobrand and other relationships. Throughout our business, we are focused on those products, services and relationships that offer the best value to our customers while also providingdelivering appropriate returns to our business and shareholders.


See “Certain legislative, regulatory and other developments” in “Other Matters” for information on legislative and regulatory changes that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

34

29

American Express Company

Consolidated Results of Operations


Refer to the “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of certain key terms and related information appearing within this section.


Effective December 1, 2015, we transferred the Card Member loans and receivables related to our cobrand partnerships with Costco and JetBlue Airways Corporation (JetBlue) (collectively, the HFS portfoliosportfolios) to Card Member loans and receivables HFS on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On March 18, 2016 and June 17, 2016, we completed the sales of the JetBlue and Costco cobrand card portfolios, respectively. For the periods from December 1, 2015, through the sale completion dates, the primary impacts beyond the HFS classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were to provisions for losses and credit metrics, which do not reflect amounts related to these HFS loans and receivables, as credit costs were reported in Other expenses through a valuation allowance adjustment. Other, non-credit related metrics (i.e., billed business, cards-in-force, net interest yield) reflect amounts related to the HFS portfolios through the sale completion dates. Additionally, for periods after the sale completion dates, activities associated with these cobrand partnerships and the HFS portfolios are no longer included in our Consolidated Results of Operations. Specifically, these impacts include: Discount revenue from Costco in the U.S.United States for spend on all American Express cards and from other merchants for spend on the Costco cobrand card; Other fees and commissions and Interest income from Costco cobrand Card Members; and Card Member rewards expense related to the Costco cobrand card.

card, resulting in a lack of comparability between 2017 and 2016.

The discussions in both the Consolidated Results of Operations and Business Segment Results provide commentary on the variances for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2017 compared to same periods in the prior year, as presented in the accompanying tables.

Table 1: Summary of Financial Performance

 

 
   Three Months
Ended
September 30,
  

Change

  Nine Months Ended

 

September 30,

  Change 

(Millions, except percentages and per share amounts)

   2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015    2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total revenues net of interest expense

  $      7,774   $    8,193   $(419  (5)%  $      24,097   $    24,427   $(330  (1)% 

Provisions for losses

   504    529    (25  (5  1,401    1,416    (15  (1

Expenses

   5,535    5,726    (191  (3  15,761    16,527    (766  (5

Net income

   1,142    1,266    (124  (10  4,583    4,264    319    7  

Earnings per common share - diluted(a)

  $1.20   $1.24   $(0.04  (3)%  $4.76   $4.15   $0.61    15

Return on average equity(b)

   26.1  26.8    26.1  26.8  

 

 


  Three Months Ended        Six Months Ended       
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages and per share amounts) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Total revenues net of interest expense $8,307  $8,235  $72   1% $16,196  $16,323  $(127)  (1)%
Provisions for losses  584   463   121   26   1,157   897   260   29 
Expenses  5,774   4,756   1,018   21   11,273   10,226   1,047   10 
Net income  1,340   2,015   (675)  (33)  2,577   3,441   (864)  (25)
Earnings per common share - diluted(a)
 $1.47  $2.10  $(0.63)  (30)% $2.80  $3.54  $(0.74)  (21)%
Return on average equity(b)
  21.7%  26.4%          21.7%  26.4%        
(a)Earnings per common share - diluted was reduced by the impact of (i) earnings allocated to participating share awards and other items of $9$11 million and $10$17 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and $37$21 million and $32$28 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively, and (ii) dividends on preferred shares of $21$19 million and $22 million for both the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 and 2016, and 2015, respectively, and $61 million and $42$40 million for both the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015, respectively.2016.

(b)Return on average equity (ROE) is computed by dividing (i) one-year period net income ($5.54.5 billion and $5.7$5.6 billion for SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively) by (ii) one-year average total shareholders’ equity ($21.020.9 billion and $21.4$21.2 billion for SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively).


Table 2: Total Revenue Net of Interest Expense Summary

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   

Change

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Change 

(Millions, except percentages)

   2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015    2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Discount revenue

  $      4,516    $      4,778    $(262  (5)%  $      13,983    $    14,384    $(401  (3)% 

Net card fees

   747     679     68    10    2,161     2,013     148    7  

Other fees and commissions

   694     727     (33  (5  2,076     2,162     (86  (4

Other

   483     504     (21  (4  1,514     1,493     21    1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total non-interest revenues

   6,440     6,688     (248  (4  19,734     20,052     (318  (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total interest income

   1,764     1,904     (140  (7  5,654     5,598     56    1  

Total interest expense

   430     399     31    8    1,291     1,223     68    6  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Net interest income

   1,334     1,505     (171  (11  4,363     4,375     (12    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total revenues net of interest expense

  $7,774    $8,193    $(419  (5)%  $24,097    $24,427    $(330  (1)% 

 

 

35

  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Discount revenue $4,815  $4,824  $(9)  % $9,334  $9,467  $(133)  (1)%
Net card fees  771   715   56   8   1,519   1,414   105   7 
Other fees and commissions  752   702   50   7   1,465   1,382   83   6 
Other  439   545   (106)  (19)  848   1,031   (183)  (18)
Total non-interest revenues  6,777   6,786   (9)     13,166   13,294   (128)  (1)
Total interest income  2,052   1,885   167   9   3,995   3,890   105   3 
Total interest expense  522   436   86   20   965   861   104   12 
Net interest income  1,530   1,449   81   6   3,030   3,029   1    
Total revenues net of interest expense $8,307  $8,235  $72   1% $16,196  $16,323  $(127)  (1)%

30

Total Revenues Net of Interest Expense


Discount revenue decreased $262 million or 5 percent and $401 million or 3 percentwas flat for the three month period and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared todecreased slightly for the same periods in the prior year,six month period, primarily driven by the Costco-related revenue included in the prior year, as previously mentioned, as well as increases in contra-discount revenues, including higher cash rebate rewards, partiallysubstantially offset by lower discount revenue share with GNS issuing partners.

Billedbilled business growth across other card products in the current periods.

Worldwide billed business was flat for both the three and six month periods. U.S. billed business decreased 34 percent and increased 15 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods in the prior year. U.S. billed business decreased 9 percent and 1 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, primarily driven by Costco-related volumes in the prior year. Non-U.S. billed business increased 109 percent and 6 percent in the same respective periods.

The average discount rate was 2.47 percent and 2.4511 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively,six month periods, respectively. See Tables 5, 6 and 2.46 percent and 2.48 percent7 for more details on billed business performance.

The increase in the average discount rate for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The increase for the three-month period reflectssix month periods primarily reflected the absence of Costco merchant volumes in the current year, which were at a lower discount rate than the average. The decrease for the nine-month period was driven primarilyaverage, partially offset by a prior-year benefit related to certain merchant rebate accruals, growth of the OptBlue program andrate pressure from merchant negotiations, including those resulting from the recent European regulatory changes partially offset by the benefit to the discount rate from the decline in Costco merchant volumesaffecting competitor pricing in the current period.European Union, changes in industry and regional mix and the continued growth of the OptBlue program. We expect the average discount rate will likely decline over time due to further expansiona greater shift of existing merchants into OptBlue, overall changes in the mix of spending by locationmerchant negotiations and industry, merchant incentives and concessions,competition, volume related pricing discounts strategic investments,and certain pricing initiatives competition,mainly driven by pricing regulation (including regulation of competitors’ interchange rates) and other factors. See Tables 5, 6 and 7 for more details on billed business performance and the average discount rate.

.

Net card fees increased $68 million or 10 percent and $148 million or 7 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, primarily driven by growth in the Platinum Gold and Delta portfolios.

portfolios as well as growth in certain key international markets.

Other fees and commissions decreased $33 million or 5 percent and $86 million or 4 percentincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, primarily driven by Costco-related fees included in the prior year, partially offset by an increase in delinquency and loyalty coalition-related fees.

Other revenues decreased $21 million or 4 percent and increased $21 million or 1 percent forfees as a result of a change in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periodsdate on which late fees are assessed on our U.S. consumer charge cards, partially offset by Costco-related fees in the prior year. Both

Other revenues decreased for both the three and six month periods, reflect Costco-related revenues in the prior year and lower revenues related to the GBT JV transition services agreement in the current period, both of which were more than offset in the nine-month periodprimarily driven by a contractual payment from a GNS partner and revenues related to our Loyalty Edge business, both in the second quarter of 2016 and higher revenues from our Prepaid Services business.

prior year.

Interest income decreased $140 million or 7 percent and increased $56 million or 1 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year. Both periods reflect Costco-related interest income in the prior year, which was more than offset in the nine-month periodprimarily driven by modestly higher yields and an increasegrowth in average Card Member loans (including Card Member loans HFS).

and higher yields in the current year, partially offset by Costco cobrand-related interest income included in the prior year.

Interest expense increased $31 million or 8 percent and $68 million or 6 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, primarily driven by marginally higher average customer deposit balances, partially offset by lowerinterest rates and higher average long-term debt.

36



Table 3: Provisions for Losses Summary

 

 
   Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended     
   September 30,     Change    September 30,     Change  
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

(Millions, except percentages)

   2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015    2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Charge card

  $174    $203    $(29  (14)%  $496    $542    $(46  (8)% 

Card Member loans

   319     309     10    3    831     829     2      

Other

   11     17     (6  (35  74     45     29    64  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total provisions for losses(a)

  $    504    $529    $(25  (5)%  $    1,401    $1,416    $(15  (1)% 

 

 

  Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended   
  June 30, Change  June 30, Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016 2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016 2017 vs. 2016 
Charge card $163  $153  $10   7% $376  $322  $54   17%
Card Member loans  404   285   119   42   741   512   229   45 
Other  17   25   (8)  (32)  40   63   (23)  (37)
Total provisions for losses(a)
 $584  $463  $121   26% $1,157  $897  $260   29%
(a)Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the sale completion dates, does not reflect the HFS portfolios.


Provisions for Losses

Charge card provision for losses decreased $29 million or 14 percent and $46 million or 8 percentincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, primarily driven by lowergrowth in charge volume in the GCS segment and higher net write-offs and improved delinquencies.

write-offs.

Card Member loans provision for losses increased $10 million or 3 percent and remained flat for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, as the current year periods do not reflect credit costs associated with the HFS portfolios, as previously mentioned, which was offsetprimarily driven by strong momentum in our lending growth initiatives, resultingas well as a slight increase in delinquencies and higher loan balancesnet write-off rates, primarily due to the seasoning of loans related to newer Card Members and net write-offs.

a shift towards non-cobrand lending products, which have slightly higher write-off rates.

31

Other provision for losses decreased $6 million and increased $29 million for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year. The increase in the nine-month period was primarily driven by higher net write-offsimproving credit performance in the merchantcommercial financing loan portfolio as a result of historic growth, whereas the decrease in the three-month period was due to improving merchant financing loan credit performance.

portfolio.

Table 4: Expenses Summary

 

 
   Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended     
   September 30,     Change    September 30,     Change  
  

 

 

     

 

 

    

(Millions, except percentages)

   2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015    2016     2015     2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Marketing and promotion

  $930    $847    $83    10 $2,445    $2,217    $228    10

Card Member rewards

   1,566     1,763     (197  (11  5,035     5,202     (167  (3

Card Member services and other

   278     269     9    3    841     772     69    9  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other

   2,774     2,879     (105  (4  8,321     8,191     130    2  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Salaries and employee benefits

   1,263     1,212     51    4    4,052     3,767     285    8  

Other, net(a)

   1,498     1,635     (137  (8  3,388     4,569     (1,181  (26

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

Total expenses

  $5,535    $5,726    $(191  (3)%  $15,761    $16,527    $(766  (5)% 

 

 

  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Marketing and promotion $830  $788  $42   5% $1,530  $1,515  $15   1%
Card Member rewards  1,926   1,766   160   9   3,733   3,469   264   8 
Card Member services and other  349   281   68   24   670   563   107   19 
Total marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other  3,105   2,835   270   10   5,933   5,547   386   7 
Salaries and employee benefits  1,293   1,451   (158)  (11)  2,557   2,789   (232)  (8)
Other, net(a)
  1,376   470   906   #   2,783   1,890   893   47 
Total expenses $5,774  $4,756  $1,018   21% $11,273  $10,226  $1,047   10%
# Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent.
(a)Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the portfolio sale completion dates, includes the valuation allowance adjustment associated with the HFS portfolios.

Expenses

Marketing and promotion expenses increased $83marginally during the three month period and were relatively flat during the six month period.
Card Member rewards expenses increased for both the three and six month periods, primarily driven by an increase in Membership Rewards expense of $243 million or 10 percent and $228$472 million or 10 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,six month periods, respectively, compared topartially offset by a reduction in cobrand rewards expense of $84 million and $208 million for the same periodsrespective periods. The increases in the prior year, driven by higher levels of spending on growth initiatives, predominantly within the USCS and ICNS segments.

Card Member rewards expenses decreased $197 million or 11 percent and $167 million or 3 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decreasesMembership Rewards expense were primarily driven by lowerenhancements to U.S. Consumer and Small Business Platinum rewards and higher spending volumes. The decreases in cobrand rewards expense of $236 million and $289 million, in the same respective periods, primarily reflectingreflected Costco-related expenses in the prior year, as well as, in the current year, a shift in volumes to cash rebate products for which the rewards costs are classified as contra-discount revenue, partially offset in both periods by increased spending volumes across other cobrand card products. The lower cobrand rewards expense was partially offset by higher Membership Rewards expense of $38 million and $122 million,products in the same respective periods, primarily driven by an increase in new points earned as a result of higher spending volumes and a lower benefit in the weighted average cost per point (WAC).

37


current periods.

The Membership Rewards URRUltimate Redemption Rate (URR) for current program participants was 95 percent (rounded down) at Septemberboth June 30, 2016, compared to 95 percent (rounded up) at September 30, 2015.

2017 and 2016.

Card Member services and other expenses increased $9 million or 3 percent and $69 million or 9 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year,primarily driven by increasedhigher usage of cobrand travel-related benefits and the enhanced Platinum card benefits.

Salaries and employee benefits expenses increased $51 million or 4 percent and $285 million or 8 percentdecreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, reflecting restructuring charges in the prior year primarily driven by restructuringand benefits from our cost reduction initiatives in the current year.

Other expenses decreased $137 million or 8 percent and $1.2 billion or 26 percentincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared tosix month periods, primarily driven by the same periodsprior-year gain on the sale of the Costco HFS portfolio and, in the six month period, the gain on the sale of the JetBlue HFS portfolio, also in the prior year. The decreases in both periods reflected an impairment charge related to previously capitalized software development costs,increases were partially offset by lower technology-related costs and a litigation reserve release, bothbenefit in the current year from a change in the liability related to non-delivery of goods and services by merchants, as well as the HFS valuation allowance adjustment, Loyalty Edge-related costs and a contribution to the AXP Foundation in the prior year, and lower technology-related costs in the current year. The decrease in the nine-month period also reflected the gains on the sales of the HFS portfolios, partially offset by the benefit in the prior year from both the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities and other foreign exchange (FX) related activity.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 34.2 percent and 33.9 percentdecreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively,six month periods, primarily reflecting the geographic mix of business and 34.7 percent and 34.2 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The changes in tax rates primarily reflected the level of pretax income in relation to recurring permanent tax benefits andbenefits. In addition, the geographic mixeffective tax rates in the current year periods reflected the resolution of business.

38

certain prior years’ tax items in the six month period.


32

Table 5: Selected Card-Related Statistical Information

 

 
  As of or for the    Change    As of or for the    Change  
  Three Months Ended    2016    Nine Months Ended    2016  
  September 30,    vs.    September 30,    vs.  
 

 

 

   

 

 

  
  2016    2015    2015    2016    2015    2015  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card billed business:(billions)

      

United States

 $164.6   $180.4    (9)%  $526.0   $531.6    (1)% 

Outside the United States

  86.6    78.5    10    248.3    234.9    6  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Worldwide

 $251.2   $258.9    (3 $774.3   $766.5    1  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total cards-in-force:(millions)

      

United States

  47.1    56.4    (16  47.1    56.4    (16

Outside the United States

  61.7    59.4    4    61.7    59.4    4  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Worldwide

  108.8    115.8    (6  108.8    115.8    (6
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Basic cards-in-force: (millions)

      

United States

  37.0    43.6    (15  37.0    43.6    (15

Outside the United States

  51.1    49.0    4    51.1    49.0    4  
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Worldwide

  88.1    92.6    (5  88.1    92.6    (5
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Average basic Card Member spending:(dollars)(a)

      

United States

 $    4,937   $    4,503    10   $    13,732   $    13,432    2  

Outside the United States

  3,264    3,197    2    9,667    9,620      

Worldwide Average

  4,433    4,165    6    12,628    12,437    2  

Card Member loans: (billions)

      

United States

  53.9    62.1    (13  53.9    62.1    (13

Outside the United States

  6.7    6.8    (1  6.7    6.8    (1
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Worldwide

 $60.6   $68.9    (12 $60.6   $68.9    (12
 

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Average discount rate

  2.47  2.46   2.45  2.48 

Average fee per card(dollars)(a)

 $49   $39    26 $43   $39    10

 

 

  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
  2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Card billed business: (billions)
                  
United States $177.6  $185.1   (4)% $343.0  $361.4   (5)%
Outside the United States  92.0   84.2   9   178.9   161.7   11 
        Worldwide $269.6  $269.3     $521.9  $523.1    
Total cards-in-force: (millions)
                        
United States  48.9   47.0   4   48.9   47.0   4 
Outside the United States  63.3   61.2   3   63.3   61.2   3 
        Worldwide  112.2   108.2   4   112.2   108.2   4 
Basic cards-in-force: (millions)
                        
United States  38.6   37.0   4   38.6   37.0   4 
Outside the United States  52.6   50.5   4   52.6   50.5   4 
        Worldwide  91.2   87.5   4   91.2   87.5   4 
Average basic Card Member spending: (dollars)(a)
                        
United States $5,128  $4,672   10  $9,989  $8,941   12 
Outside the United States  3,468   3,319   4   6,752   6,404   5 
        Worldwide Average  4,633   4,313   7   9,022   8,280   9 
Card Member loans: (billions)
                        
United States  58.5   53.2   10   58.5   53.2   10 
Outside the United States  7.5   6.7   12   7.5   6.7   12 
        Worldwide $66.0  $59.9   10  $66.0  $59.9   10 
Average discount rate  2.44%  2.43%      2.44%  2.43%    
Average fee per card (dollars)(a)
 $49  $42   17% $49  $41   20%
(a)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 divided by average worldwide proprietary cards-in-force.

39


33

Table 6: Billed Business Growth

 

 
   Three Months Ended  
   September 30, 2016  
  

 

 

 
   

 
 

Percentage

Increase
(Decrease)

  

  
  

  
 
 
 
Percentage Increase
(Decrease) Assuming
No Changes in
FX Rates(a)
  
  
  
  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Worldwide(b)

   

Total billed business

   (3)%   (3)% 

Proprietary billed business

   (5  (5

GNS billed business(c)

   10    10  

Airline-related volume (8% of worldwide billed business)

   (6  (5

United States(b)

   

Billed business

   (9 

Proprietary consumer card billed business(d)

   (15 

Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)

   (1 

T&E-related volume (26% of U.S. billed business)

   (7 

Non-T&E-related volume

   (9 

Airline-related volume (7% of U.S. billed business)

   (11 

Outside the United States(b)

   

Billed business

   10    11  

Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia billed business

   22    16  

Latin America & Canada billed business

       7  

Europe, the Middle East & Africa billed business

   2    7  

Proprietary consumer card billed business(c)

   6    8  

Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)

   6  6

 

 

  Three Months Ended 
  June 30, 2017 
    Percentage Increase 
  Percentage  (Decrease) Assuming 
  Increase No Changes in 
  (Decrease) 
FX Rates(a)
 
Worldwide(b)
     
Total billed business %1%
Proprietary billed business (1)  
GNS billed business(c)
 5 5 
Airline-related volume (8% of worldwide billed business) 1 1 
United States(b)
     
Billed business (4)   
Proprietary consumer card billed business(d)
 (9)   
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
 4   
T&E-related volume (26% of U.S. billed business) (3)   
Non-T&E-related volume (74% of U.S. billed business) (4)   
Airline-related volume (7% of U.S. billed business) (1)   
Outside the United States(b)
     
Billed business 9 11 
     Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia (JAPA) billed business 12 13 
     Latin America & Canada (LACC) billed business 8 9 
     Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) billed business 7 10 
Proprietary consumer card billed business(c)
 9 12 
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
 8%10%
(a)The foreign currency adjusted information assumes a constant exchange rate between the periods being compared for purposes of currency translation into U.S. dollars (i.e., assumes the foreign exchange rates used to determine results for the current period apply to the corresponding prior year period against which such results are being compared).
(b)Captions in the table above not designated as “proprietary” or “GNS” include both proprietary and GNS data.

(c)Included in the ICNS segment.

(d)Included in the USCS segment.

(e)Included in the GCS segment.

40


34

Table 7: Billed Business Growth

 

 
   Nine Months Ended  
   September 30, 2016  
  

 

 

 
   

 
 

Percentage

Increase
(Decrease)

 

  
  

  
 
 
 
Percentage Increase
(Decrease) Assuming
No Changes in
FX Rates(a)
  
  
  
  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Worldwide(b)

   

Total billed business

   1  2

Proprietary billed business

       1  

GNS billed business(c)

   7    11  

Airline-related volume (8% of worldwide billed business)

   (5  (3

United States(b)

   

Billed business

   (1 

Proprietary consumer card billed business(d)

   (4 

Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)

   3   

T&E-related volume (26% of U.S. billed business)

   (3 

Non-T&E-related volume

   (1 

Airline-related volume (7% of U.S. billed business)

   (8 

Outside the United States(b)

   

Billed business

   6    10  

Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia billed business

   14    14  

Latin America & Canada billed business

   (8  6  

Europe, the Middle East & Africa billed business

   3    7  

Proprietary consumer card billed business(c)

   4    8  

Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)

   2  5

 

 

  Six Months Ended 
  June 30, 2017 
    Percentage Increase 
  Percentage  (Decrease) Assuming 
  Increase No Changes in 
  (Decrease) 
FX Rates(a)
 
Worldwide(b)
     
Total billed business %%
Proprietary billed business (1) (1) 
GNS billed business(c)
 6 6 
Airline-related volume (9% of worldwide billed business) 1 2 
United States(b)
     
Billed business (5)   
Proprietary consumer card billed business(d)
 (11)   
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
 3   
T&E-related volume (26% of U.S. billed business) (4)   
Non-T&E-related volume (74% of U.S. billed business) (6)   
Airline-related volume (8% of U.S. billed business) (3)   
Outside the United States(b)
     
Billed business 11 12 
     Japan, Asia Pacific & Australia billed business 14 14 
     Latin America & Canada billed business 9 9 
     Europe, the Middle East & Africa billed business 7 11 
Proprietary consumer card billed business(c)
 8 12 
Proprietary small business and corporate services billed business(e)
 11%12%
(a)Refer to Note (a) in Table 6.
(b)Captions in the table above not designated as “proprietary” or “GNS” include both proprietary and GNS data.
(c)Included in the ICNS segment.
(d)Included in the USCS segment.
(e)Included in the GCS segment.

41


35


Table 8: Selected Credit-Related Statistical Information

  
   As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
   Three Months Ended  2016  Nine Months Ended  2016 
   September 30,  vs.  September 30,  vs. 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)  2016  2015  2015  2016  2015  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Worldwide Card Member receivables:(a)

       

Total receivables(billions)

  $45.3   $44.3    2 $45.3   $44.3    2

Loss reserves:

       

Beginning balance

  $423   $420    1   $462   $465    (1

Provisions (b)

   174    203    (14  496    542    (8

Net write-offs (c)

   (159  (174  (9  (518  (544  (5

Other

   (1  (8  (88  (3  (22  (86
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Ending balance

  $437   $441    (1 $437   $441    (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

% of receivables

   1.0  1.0   1.0  1.0 

Net write-off rate — principal only (d)

   1.4    1.8     1.6    1.8   

Net write-off rate — principal and fees(d)

   1.6    2.0     1.8    2.1   

30+ days past due as a % of total(d)

   1.4    1.6     1.4    1.6   

Net loss ratio as a % of charge volume — GCP

   0.11    0.08     0.09    0.09   

90+ days past billing as a % of total — GCP

   0.8  0.7   0.8  0.7 

Worldwide Card Member loans:(a)

       

Total loans(billions)

  $60.6   $68.9    (12 $60.6   $68.9    (12

Loss reserves:

       

Beginning balance

  $1,091   $1,132    (4 $1,028   $1,201    (14

Provisions (b)

   319    309    3    831    829      

Net write-offs — principal only (c)

   (250  (231  8    (687  (733  (6

Net write-offs — interest and fees (c)

   (48  (37  30    (128  (122  5  

Other(e)

   2    (9  #    70    (11  #  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Ending balance

  $    1,114   $    1,164    (4 $    1,114   $    1,164    (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Ending reserves — principal

  $1,050   $1,114    (6 $1,050   $1,114    (6

Ending reserves — interest and fees

  $64   $50    28   $64   $50    28  

% of loans

   1.8  1.7   1.8  1.7 

% of past due

   160  164   160  164 

Average loans(billions)(a)

  $60.3   $69.0    (13)%  $58.9   $68.3    (14)% 

Net write-off rate — principal only (d)

   1.7  1.3   1.6  1.4 

Net write-off rate — principal, interest and fees (d)

   2.0    1.6     1.8    1.7   

30+ days past due as a % of total (d)

   1.1  1.0   1.1  1.0 
  

#Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent.

  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Worldwide Card Member loans: (a)
                  
Total loans (billions)
 $66.0  $59.9   10  $66.0  $59.9   10 
Loss reserves:                        
Beginning balance $1,248  $1,012   23  $1,223  $1,028   19 
Provisions (b)
  404   285   42   741   512   45 
Net write-offs — principal only (c)
  (285)  (223)  28   (557)  (437)  27 
Net write-offs — interest and fees (c)
  (55)  (40)  38   (106)  (80)  33 
Other  (d)
  8   57   (86)  19   68   (72)
Ending balance $1,320  $1,091   21  $1,320  $1,091   21 
Ending reserves — principal $1,247  $1,037   20  $1,247  $1,037   20 
Ending reserves — interest and fees $73  $54   35  $73  $54   35 
% of loans  2.0%  1.8%      2.0%  1.8%    
% of past due  167%  160%      167%  160%    
Average loans (billions)(a)
 $65.1  $58.8   11% $64.6  $58.2   11%
Net write-off rate — principal only (e)
  1.8%  1.5%      1.7%  1.5%    
Net write-off rate — principal, interest and fees (e)
  2.1   1.8       2.1   1.8     
30+ days past due as a % of total (e)
  1.2%  1.1%      1.2%  1.1%    
                         
Worldwide Card Member receivables: (a)
                        
Total receivables (billions)
 $49.4  $45.2   9% $49.4  $45.2   9%
Loss reserves:                        
Beginning balance $491  $446   10  $467  $462   1 
Provisions (b)
  163   153   7   376   322   17 
Net write-offs (c)
  (179)  (173)  3   (373)  (359)  4 
Other     (3)  #   5   (2)  # 
Ending balance $475  $423   12  $475  $423   12 
% of receivables  1.0%  0.9%      1.0%  0.9%    
Net write-off rate — principal only (e)
  1.5   1.6       1.6   1.7     
Net write-off rate — principal and fees  (e)
  1.7   1.8       1.8   2.0     
30+ days past due as a % of total  (e)
  1.3   1.3       1.3   1.3     
Net loss ratio as a % of charge volume — GCP  0.10   0.09       0.10   0.09     
90+ days past billing as a % of total — GCP  0.8%  0.7%      0.8%  0.7%    
# Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent.
(a)Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the sale completion dates, does not reflect the HFS portfolios.
(b)Provisions on principal and fee reserve components on Card Member receivables andReflects provisions for principal, interest and/or fees on Card Member loans.loans and receivables. Refer to Table 3 footnote (a).
(c)Write-offs, less recoveries.
(d)Includes reserves associated with Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investment. Refer to Changes in Card Member loans reserve for losses under Note 4 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(e)We present 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 we consider uncollectible interest and/or fees in our reserves for credit losses, a net write-off rate including principal, interest and/or fees is also presented. The net write-off rates and 30+ days past due as a percentage of total for Card Member receivables relate to USCS, ICNS and Global Small Business Services (GSBS) Card Member receivables.
(e)Includes reserves associated with Card Member loans reclassified from HFS to held for investment. Refer to Changes in Card Member loans reserve for losses under Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

42


36


Table 9: Net Interest Yield on Card Member Loans

  
   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)  2016  2015  2016  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest income

  $1,334   $1,505   $4,363   $4,375  

Exclude:

     

Interest expense not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   261    232    746    726  

Interest income not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   (104  (89  (309  (266
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted net interest income (a)

  $1,491   $1,648   $4,800   $4,835  

Average loans including HFS loan portfolios (billions)

  $60.3   $69.0   $66.6   $68.3  

Net interest income divided by average loans

   8.8  8.7  8.7  8.5

Net interest yield on Card Member loans (a)

   9.8  9.5  9.6  9.5
  

  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2017  2016 
Net interest income $1,530  $1,449  $3,030  $3,029 
Exclude:                
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  302   247   554   485 
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  (155)  (102)  (285)  (205)
Adjusted net interest income (a)
 $1,677  $1,594  $3,299  $3,309 
Average loans  including HFS loan portfolios (billions)(b)
 $65.1  $67.6  $64.6  $69.2 
Net interest income divided by average loans  9.4%  8.6%  9.4%  8.8%
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (a)
  10.3%  9.5%  10.3%  9.6%
(a)Adjusted net interest income and net interest yield on Card Member loans are non-GAAP measures. Refer to “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for definitions of these terms. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans, which provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio.

(b)
43Beginning December 1, 2015 through to the sale completion dates, for the purposes of the calculation of net interest yield on Card Member loans, average loans included the HFS loan portfolios.

37

Business Segment Results


U.S. Consumer Services



Table 10: USCS Selected Income Statement Data

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 

(Millions, except percentages)

   2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015    2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenues

         

Non-interest revenues

  $1,849   $2,117   $(268  (13)%  $5,947   $6,324    (377  (6)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest income

   1,178    1,324    (146  (11  3,847    3,849    (2    

Interest expense

   125    123              2    2    404    358    46    13  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net interest income

   1,053    1,201    (148  (12  3,443    3,491    (48  (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total revenues net of interest expense

       2,902        3,318    (416  (13      9,390        9,815    (425  (4

Provisions for losses

   275    294    (19  (6  702    730    (28  (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses   2,627    3,024    (397  (13  8,688    9,085    (397  (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Expenses

         
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other   1,274    1,396    (122  (9  3,991    3,972    19      
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses   738    768    (30  (4  1,297    2,273    (976  (43
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total expenses

   2,012    2,164    (152  (7  5,288    6,245    (957  (15
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Pretax segment income

   615    860    (245  (28  3,400    2,840    560    20  

Income tax provision

   214    318    (104  (33  1,238    1,026    212    21  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Segment income

  $401   $542   $(141  (26)%  $2,162   $1,814    348    19
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Effective tax rate

   34.8  37.0    36.4  36.1  

 

 


  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Revenues                        
Non-interest revenues $1,999  $2,069  $(70)  (3)% $3,856  $4,098   (242)  (6)%
Interest income  1,369   1,278   91   7   2,677   2,669   8    
Interest expense  171   139   32   23   317   279   38   14 
Net interest income  1,198   1,139   59   5   2,360   2,390   (30)  (1)
Total revenues net of interest expense  3,197   3,208   (11)     6,216   6,488   (272)  (4)
Provisions for losses  345   237   108   46   639   427   212   50 
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  2,852   2,971   (119)  (4)  5,577   6,061   (484)  (8)
Expenses                                
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other  1,469   1,369   100   7   2,766   2,717   49   2 
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses  714   (96)  810   #   1,442   559   883   # 
Total expenses  2,183   1,273   910   71   4,208   3,276   932   28 
Pretax segment income  669   1,698   (1,029)  (61)  1,369   2,785   (1,416)  (51)
Income tax provision  229   631   (402)  (64)  460   1,024   (564)  (55)
Segment income $440  $1,067  $(627)  (59)% $909  $1,761   (852)  (48)%
Effective tax rate  34.2%  37.2%          33.6%  36.8%        

# Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent.


USCS issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards and provides services to consumers in the United States, including consumer travel services.



Non-interest revenues decreased $268 million or 13 percent and $377 million or 6 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year. The decreases in both periods were primarily due to lower discount revenue, which decreased $266$124 million or 17and $325 million for the three and six month periods, respectively, reflecting decreases in billed business of 9 percent and $413 million or 911 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, respectively. The decreases in the prior year, reflecting Costco-related revenues in the prior yearboth discount revenue and higher cash rebate rewards in the current year, for which the rewards costs are classified as contra-discount revenue. Billedbilled business decreased 15 percent and 4 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarilywere driven by Costco-related volumes included in the prior year. The decreasedecreases in discount revenue waswere partially offset, in both the three and six month periods, by an increase in net card fees, resultingprimarily from growth in the Platinum Gold and Delta portfolios.

portfolios, as well as higher delinquency fees.

Net interest income decreased $148 million or 12 percent and $48 million or 1 percentincreased for the three month period and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared towas relatively flat for the same periods in the prior year,six month period, primarily driven by Costco-relatedgrowth in average Card Member loans and higher yields in the current year, offset (partially in the case of the three month period) by Costco cobrand-related interest income included in the prior year and higher interest expense in the current year, partially offset inprimarily driven by higher cost of funds.
Provisions for losses increased for both the nine-month periodthree and six month periods, primarily driven by modestly higher yields and an increase in average Card Member loans (including Card Member loans HFS).

Overall, provisions for losses decreased $19provision, which increased $97 million or 6 percent and $28$177 million or 4 percent forin the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,six month periods, respectively, compareddue to the same periods in the prior year, as the current year periods do not reflect credit costs associated with the HFS portfolios, as previously mentioned, which was partially offset by strong momentum in our lending growth initiatives, resultingas well as slight increases in delinquencies and higher loan balancesnet write-off rates primarily due to the seasoning of loans related to newer Card Members and net write-offs.

a shift towards non-cobrand lending products, which have slightly higher write-off rates.

38

Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other expenses decreased $122increased for both the three and six month periods, reflecting higher marketing and promotion and Card Member services and other expenses in both periods, partially offset in the six month period by a decrease in Card Member rewards expenses. Marketing and promotion expenses increased $59 million or 9 percent and was relatively flat$38 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,six month periods, respectively, compareddue to continued spending on growth initiatives. Card Member services and other expenses increased $37 million and $56 million for the samethree and six month periods, in the prior year. Both periods reflect lowerrespectively, driven by higher usage of cobrand travel-related benefits and enhanced Platinum card benefits.  Card Member rewards expense due toincreased $4 million for the three month period and decreased $45 million for the six month period, reflecting Costco-related expenses in the prior year, which waswere more than offset in the nine-monththree month period by an increase in marketingenhancements to Platinum rewards and promotion expense, driven by higher levels ofincreased spending on growth initiatives, and an increase in Card Member services expense, driven by increased usage of new benefits.

volumes.

Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses decreased $30 million or 4 percent and $976 million or 43 percentincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year. The decrease in the three-month period was primarily driven by lower operating expenses,the prior-year gain on the sale of the Costco HFS portfolio, partially offset by restructuringlower technology and other servicing-related costs in the current year. year and the prior year HFS valuation allowance adjustment and restructuring charges.
The decreaseeffective tax rate was lower for both the three and six month periods, primarily reflecting the level of pretax income in relation to recurring permanent tax benefits and the resolution of certain prior years’ tax items in the nine-month period primarily reflects the gains on the salessix month period.

39


Table 11: USCS Selected Statistical Information

 

 
   As of or for the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
  As of or for the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
 

(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)

  2016  2015  2015  2016  2015  2015 

Card billed business (billions)

  $78.6   $92.3    (15)%  $261.0   $271.6    (4)% 

Total cards-in-force

   32.3    40.0    (19  32.3    40.0    (19

Basic cards-in-force

   22.9    28.0    (18  22.9    28.0    (18

Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)

  $    3,452   $    3,337    3   $    9,878   $    9,969    (1

Total segment assets (billions)(a)

  $79.4   $84.0    (5 $79.4   $84.0    (5

Segment capital (billions)

  $7.5   $7.3    3   $7.5   $7.3    3  

Return on average segment capital (b)

   37.4  30.1   37.4  30.1 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member receivables: (c)

       

Total receivables (billions)

  $10.1   $10.5    (4 $10.1   $10.5    (4

Net write-off rate – principal only (d)

   1.1  1.5   1.4  1.6 

Net write-off rate – principal and fees (d)

   1.3  1.7   1.6  1.8 

30+ days past due as a % of total

   1.4  1.6   1.4  1.6 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member loans: (c)

       

Total loans (billions)

  $44.9   $52.2    (14)%  $44.9   $52.2    (14)% 

Average loans (billions)

  $44.8   $52.1    (14)%  $43.7   $51.4    (15)% 

Net write-off rate – principal only (d)

   1.6  1.3   1.5  1.4 

Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees (d)

   1.9  1.5   1.8  1.6 

30+ days past due loans as a % of total

   1.1  1.0   1.1  1.0 

Calculation of Net Interest Yield on

       

Card Member loans:

       

Net interest income

  $1,053   $1,201    $3,443   $3,491   

Exclude:

       

Interest expense not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   20    18     59    53   

Interest income not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   (6  (5   (16  (11 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted net interest income (e)

  $1,067   $1,214    $3,487   $3,533   

Average loans including HFS loan portfolios(billions)

  $44.8   $52.1    $50.1   $51.4   

Net interest income divided by average loans

   9.4  9.2   9.2  9.1 

Net interest yield on Card Member loans(e)

   9.5  9.2   9.3  9.2 

 

 


  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Card billed business (billions)
 $84.8  $93.4   (9)% $162.2  $182.4   (11)%
Total cards-in-force  33.8   31.8   6   33.8   31.8   6 
Basic cards-in-force  24.2   22.6   7   24.2   22.6   7 
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
 $3,538  $3,417   4  $6,837  $6,523   5 
Total segment assets (billions)
 $86.8  $81.3   7  $86.8  $81.3   7 
Segment capital (billions)
 $7.1  $6.8   4  $7.1  $6.8   4 
Return on average segment capital (a)
  23.3%  38.9%      23.3%  38.9%    
Card Member loans: (b)
                        
Total loans (billions)
 $48.3  $44.6   8  $48.3  $44.6   8 
Average loans (billions)
 $47.7  $43.5   10  $47.6  $43.1   10 
Net write-off rate – principal only (c)
  1.8%  1.5%      1.7%  1.5%    
Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees (c)
  2.1%  1.7%      2.0%  1.7%    
30+ days past due loans as a % of total  1.1%  1.1%      1.1%  1.1%    
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on                        
Card Member loans:                        
Net interest income $1,198  $1,139      $2,360  $2,390     
Exclude:                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  28   20       51   39     
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  (23)  (5)      (41)  (10)    
Adjusted net interest income (d)
 $1,203  $1,154      $2,370  $2,419     
                         
Average loans including HFS loan portfolios (billions)(e)
 $47.7  $50.8      $47.6  $52.3     
                         
Net interest income divided by average loans  10.0%  9.0%      9.9%  9.1%    
Net interest yield on Card Member loans(d)
  10.1%  9.1%      10.0%  9.3%    
Card Member receivables: (b)
                        
Total receivables (billions)
 $11.3  $10.6   7% $11.3  $10.6   7%
Net write-off rate – principal only (c)
  1.2%  1.3%      1.4%  1.5%    
Net write-off rate – principal and fees (c)
  1.4%  1.6%      1.5%  1.8%    
30+ days past due as a % of total  1.1%  1.2%      1.1%  1.2%    
(a)Effective September 30, 2015, certain intercompany balances have been reclassified between operating segments as a result of system enhancements.
(b)Return on average segment capital is calculated by dividing (i) one-year period segment income ($2.71.7 billion and $2.3$2.8 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively) by (ii) one-year average segment capital ($7.27.1 billion and $7.6$7.3 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively).
(c)(b)Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).
(d)(c)Refer to Table 8 footnote (d)(e).
(e)(d)Adjusted net interest income and net interest yield on Card Member loans are non-GAAP measures. Refer to “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of these terms. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans, which provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio.

(e)
46Refer to Table 9 footnote (b).


40

International Consumer and Network Services



Table 12: ICNS Selected Income Statement Data

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 

(Millions, except percentages)

   2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015    2016    2015    2016 vs. 2015  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Revenues

          

Non-interest revenues

  $1,205   $1,141   $64     6 $3,587   $3,449   $    138    4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest income

   231    228    3     1    692    710    (18  (3

Interest expense

   55    55             167    176    (9  (5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net interest income

   176    173    3     2    525    534    (9  (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total revenues net of interest expense

       1,381        1,314            67     5        4,112        3,983    129    3  

Provisions for losses

   84    77    7     9    233    223    10    4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses   1,297    1,237    60     5    3,879    3,760    119    3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Expenses

          
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other   554    504    50     10    1,535    1,433    102    7  
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses   535    532    3     1    1,608    1,608          
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total expenses

   1,089    1,036    53     5    3,143    3,041    102    3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Pretax segment income

   208    201    7     3    736    719    17    2  

Income tax provision

   53    47    6     13    165    175    (10  (6
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Segment income

  $155   $154   $1     1 $571   $544   $27    5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Effective tax rate

   25.5  23.4     22.4  24.3  

 

 


  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Revenues                        
Non-interest revenues $1,247  $1,242  $5   % $2,442  $2,382  $60   3%
Interest income  246   234   12   5   481   461   20   4 
Interest expense  60   58   2   3   113   112   1   1 
Net interest income  186   176   10   6   368   349   19   5 
Total revenues net of interest expense  1,433   1,418   15   1   2,810   2,731   79   3 
Provisions for losses  84   78   6   8   150   149   1   1 
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  1,349   1,340   9   1   2,660   2,582   78   3 
Expenses                                
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other  561   500   61   12   1,066   981   85   9 
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses  513   567   (54)  (10)  1,027   1,073   (46)  (4)
Total expenses  1,074   1,067   7   1   2,093   2,054   39   2 
Pretax segment income  275   273   2   1   567   528   39   7 
Income tax provision  66   45   21   47   140   112   28   25 
Segment income $209  $228  $(19)  (8)% $427  $416  $11   3%
Effective tax rate  24.0%  16.5%          24.7%  21.2%        


ICNS issues a wide range of proprietary consumer cards outside the United States and enters into partnership agreements with third-party card issuers and acquirers, licensing the American Express brand and extending the reach of the global network. It also provides travel services to consumers outside the United States.

Non-interest revenues increased $64 million or 6 percent and $138 million or 4 percentwere flat for the three month period and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared toincreased for the same periods in the prior year,six month period, primarily driven by higher discount revenue in both periods, due to an increase in both proprietary and non-proprietary (i.e., GNS) billed business, andas well as higher net card fees. The increasefees, offset in the nine-monththree month period also reflectedby a prior-year contractual payment from a GNS partner in the second quarter of 2016.partner. Total billed business increased, 8 percent and 6 percent for both the three and ninesix months, ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, primarily due to increased proprietary and GNSreflecting higher cards-in-force and average spend per card. Refer to Tables 6, 7 and 713 for additional information on billed business by region.

Interestbusiness.

Net interest income was relatively flat and decreased $18 million or 3 percentincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, reflecting the impact of changes in FX rates year-over-year. FX-adjusted interest income increased 8 percent and 7 percent, in the same respectivesix month periods, primarily driven by higher average FX-adjusted loan balances.1

1 The foreign currency adjusted information assumes a constant exchange rate between the periods being compared for purposes of currency translation into U.S. dollars (i.e., assumes the foreign exchange rates used to determine results for the current period apply to the corresponding period against which such results are being compared). FX-adjusted revenues and expenses constitute non-GAAP measures. We believe the presentation of information on a foreign currency adjusted basis is helpful to investors by making it easier to compare our performance in one period to that of another period without the variability caused by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

47


Interest expense was relatively flat and decreased $9 million or 5 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, reflecting the impact of changes in FX rates year-over-year. FX-adjusted interest expense increased 6 percent for both periods driven by higher funding costs.2

Provisions for losses increased $7 million or 9 percent and $10 million or 4 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year, driven by higher net write-offs.

Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other expenses increased $50 million or 10 percent and $102 million or 7 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year, primarily driven by higher levels ofCard Member rewards expense due to higher spending on growth initiatives.

volumes.

Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses were relatively flatdecreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,six month periods, primarily driven by lower salaries and increased 3 percent for both periods on an FX-adjusted basis, compared to the same periodsemployee benefits costs, including restructuring charges in the prior year, primarily drivenpartially offset by restructuring in the current year.2

higher technology and other servicing-related costs.

The effective tax rate in all periods reflects the impact of recurring permanent tax benefit relatedbenefits both in relation to the segment’s ongoing funding activities outside the United States, which is allocated to ICNS under the Company’sour internal tax allocation process.process, and on varying levels of pretax income. The effective tax raterates for 2016the prior year periods also reflects the allocated share of tax benefits related to the resolution of certain prior years’ items. In addition, the effective tax rate in eachitems.

41


Table 13: ICNS Selected Statistical Information

    As of or for the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
  As of or for the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)  2016  2015  2015  2016  2015  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card billed business (billions)

       

Proprietary

  $26.6   $25.1    6 $77.8   $75.0    4

GNS

   44.8    40.8    10    129.1    121.0    7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

  $71.4   $65.9    8   $206.9   $196.0    6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total cards-in-force

       

Proprietary

   14.8    14.5    2    14.8    14.5    2  

GNS

   48.1    46.3    4    48.1    46.3    4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Total

   62.9    60.8    3    62.9    60.8    3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Proprietary basic cards-in-force

   10.3    9.9    4    10.3    9.9    4  

Average proprietary basic Card Member spending(dollars)

  $    2,596   $    2,547    2   $    7,665   $    7,591    1  

Total segment assets (billions)(a)

  $34.4   $34.5       $34.4   $34.5      

Segment capital (billions)

  $2.7   $3.1    (13 $2.7   $3.1    (13

Return on average segment capital(b)

   26.4  21.9   26.4  21.9 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member receivables:(c)

       

Total receivables (billions)

  $5.6   $5.2    8   $5.6   $5.2    8  

Net write-off rate – principal only(d)

   2.0  2.3   2.1  2.1 

Net write-off rate – principal and fees(d)

   2.2  2.5   2.3  2.3 

30+ days past due as a % of total

   1.5  1.6   1.5  1.6 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member loans:(c)

       

Total loans (billions)

  $6.7   $6.7       $6.7   $6.7      

Average loans (billions)

  $6.7   $6.9    (3)%  $6.8   $7.0    (3)% 

Net write-off rate – principal only(d)

   2.1  1.8   2.0  2.0 

Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees(d)

   2.6  2.3   2.5  2.4 

30+ days past due loans as a % of total

   1.7  1.6   1.7  1.6 

Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Card Member loans:

       

Net interest income

  $176   $173    $525   $534   

Exclude:

       

Interest expense not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   12    14     33    42   

Interest income not attributable to the Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

       (6)     (7)    (15)   
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted net interest income (e)

  $188   $181    $551   $561   

Average loans (billions)

  $6.7   $6.9    $6.8   $7.0   

Net interest income divided by average loans

   10.5  10.1   10.4  10.1 

Net interest yield on Card Member loans(e)

   11.2  10.5      10.9  10.7    


  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Card billed business (billions)
                  
Proprietary $28.9  $26.5   9% $55.5  $51.2   8%
GNS  45.8   43.8   5   89.2   84.3   6 
  Total $74.7  $70.3   6  $144.7  $135.5   7 
Total cards-in-force                        
Proprietary  15.4   15.0   3   15.4   15.0   3 
GNS  49.2   48.0   3   49.2   48.0   3 
  Total  64.6   63.0   3   64.6   63.0   3 
Proprietary basic cards-in-force  10.6   10.3   3   10.6   10.3   3 
Average proprietary basic Card Member spending (dollars)
 $2,726  $2,609   4  $5,269  $5,066   4 
Total segment assets (billions)
 $37.6  $35.0   7  $37.6  $35.0   7 
Segment capital (billions)
 $2.8  $2.6   8  $2.8  $2.6   8 
Return on average segment capital (a)
  25.2%  25.5%      25.2%  25.5%    
Card Member loans: (b)
                        
Total loans (billions)
 $7.2  $6.6   9  $7.2  $6.6   9 
Average loans (billions)
 $7.1  $6.8   4  $7.0  $6.8   3%
Net write-off rate – principal only  (c)
  2.0%  2.1%      2.0%  2.0%    
Net write-off rate – principal, interest and fees (c)
  2.5%  2.5%      2.5%  2.4%    
30+ days past due loans as a % of total  1.7%  1.7%      1.7%  1.7%    
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Card Member loans:                        
Net interest income $186  $176      $368  $349     
Exclude:                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  14   10       24   21     
Interest income not attributable to our Card Member loan portfolio  (3)  (4)      (6)  (7)    
Adjusted net interest income (d)
 $197  $182      $386  $363     
                         
Average loans (billions)
 $7.1  $6.8      $7.0  $6.8     
                         
Net interest income divided by average loans  10.5%  10.4%      10.5%  10.3%    
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (d)
  11.2%  10.8%      11.1%  10.8%    
Card Member receivables: (b)
                        
Total receivables (billions)
 $6.0  $5.6   7% $6.0  $5.6   7%
Net write-off rate – principal only (c)
  1.9%  2.2%      2.0%  2.2%    
Net write-off rate – principal and fees(c)
  2.0%  2.3%      2.2%  2.4%    
30+ days past due as a % of total  1.4%  1.4%      1.4%  1.4%    
(a)Effective September 30, 2015, certain intercompany balances have been reclassified between operating segments as a result of system enhancements.

(b)Return on average segment capital is calculated by dividing (i) one-year period segment income ($712666 million and $627$711 million for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively) by (ii) one-year average segment capital ($2.72.6 billion and $2.9$2.8 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively).

(c)(b)Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).

(d)(c)Refer to Table 8 footnote (d)(e).

(e)(d)Adjusted net interest income and net interest yield on Card Member loans are non-GAAP measures. Refer to “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of these terms. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans, which provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio.

49


42

Global Commercial Services



Table 14: GCS Selected Income Statement Data

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
(Millions, except percentages)  2016  2015  2016 vs. 2015  2016  2015  2016 vs. 2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
Revenues         
Non-interest revenues  $    2,240   $    2,217   $    23    1 $    6,710   $    6,677   $    33    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Interest income   282    297    (15  (5  913    864    49    6  
Interest expense   98    91    7    8    297    271    26    10  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Net interest income   184    206    (22  (11  616    593    23    4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense   2,424    2,423    1        7,326    7,270    56    1  
Provisions for losses   134    148    (14  (9  433    435    (2    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses   2,290    2,275    15    1    6,893    6,835    58    1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Expenses         
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other   808    826    (18  (2  2,415    2,358    57    2  
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses   753    712    41    6    2,078    2,074    4      
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total expenses   1,561    1,538    23    1    4,493    4,432    61    1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Pretax segment income   729    737    (8  (1  2,400    2,403    (3    
Income tax provision   263    269    (6  (2  873    868    5    1  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Segment income  $466   $468   $(2   $1,527   $1,535   $(8  (1)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Effective tax rate   36.1  36.5          36.4  36.1        


  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Revenues                        
Non-interest revenues $2,368  $2,280  $88   4% $4,639  $4,470  $169   4%
Interest income  334   310   24   8   653   631   22   3 
Interest expense  129   104   25   24   238   199   39   20 
Net interest income  205   206   (1)     415   432   (17)  (4)
Total revenues net of interest expense  2,573   2,486   87   3   5,054   4,902   152   3 
Provisions for losses  154   139   15   11   362   299   63   21 
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  2,419   2,347   72   3   4,692   4,603   89   2 
Expenses                                
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other  949   841   108   13   1,887   1,607   280   17 
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses  697   596   101   17   1,402   1,325   77   6 
Total expenses  1,646   1,437   209   15   3,289   2,932   357   12 
Pretax segment income  773   910   (137)  (15)  1,403   1,671   (268)  (16)
Income tax provision  273   334   (61)  (18)  485   610   (125)  (20)
Segment income $500  $576  $(76)  (13)% $918  $1,061  $(143)  (13)%
Effective tax rate  35.3%  36.7%          34.6%  36.5%        

GCS issues a wide range of proprietary corporate and small business cards and provides payment and expense management services globally. In addition, GCS provides commercial financing products for qualified merchants.

products.

Non-interest revenues were relatively flatincreased for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, comparedsix month periods, primarily driven by higher discount revenue due to the same periodsincreases in the prior year, with billed business, increasing 1 percent and 3 percent over the same respective periods,partially offset by Costco-related revenues in the prior year.

year and increased contra-discount revenue in the current year, driven by higher client incentives due to increased billed business. The increase in non-interest revenues was also driven by higher net card fees for both the three and six month periods, primarily due to growth in the U.S. small business Platinum portfolio.

Net interest income decreased $22 million or 11 percent and increased $23 million or 4 percentwas relatively flat for the three month period and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared todecreased for the same periodssix month period, primarily driven by higher interest expense, reflecting an increase in the prior year. Both periods reflect Costco-related revenuescost of funds, and Costco cobrand interest income in the prior year, which were more thansubstantially offset in the nine-month period by an increase in average Card Member loans (includingand higher net interest yield.
Provisions for losses increased for both the three and six month periods due to strong growth in both Card Member receivables and loans, HFS), partially offset by higher interest expense.

Provisions for losses decreased $14 million or 9 percent and remained relatively flat for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periodsimproving credit performance in the prior year. The decrease in the three-month period was primarily due to improving merchantcommercial financing loan credit performance.

portfolio.

Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other expenses decreased $18increased for both the three and six month periods, driven by higher Card Member rewards expenses, which increased $119 million or 2 percent and increased $57$246 million or 2 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, comparedsix month periods, respectively. The higher Card Member rewards expenses were primarily driven by enhancements to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in the three-month period was primarily drivenPlatinum rewards and higher spending volumes, partially offset by Costco-related expenses in the prior year, partially offset by higher investment spendingyear. Marketing and promotion expenses decreased in the current year. The increasethree month period, but increased in thenine-month six month period was primarily driven by higher Card Member rewards expense, due to higherreflecting spending volumes, and increased marketing and promotion expense.

50


on growth initiatives.



Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses increased $41 million or 6 percent and remained relatively flat for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared tosix month periods, primarily driven by the same periodsprior-year gain on the sale of the Costco HFS portfolio, partially offset by lower technology-related expenses and the HFS valuation allowance in the prior year.
The increaseeffective tax rate was lower for both the three and six months, primarily reflecting the geographic mix of business and the resolution of certain prior years’ tax items in the three-month period was primarily due to a restructuring charge in the current quarter, and higher operating expenses, including technology development and professional fees. In the nine-month period, these increases were offset by the gains on the salessix month period.

43


Table 15: GCS Selected Statistical Information

 

 
   As of or for the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
  As of or for the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)  2016  2015  2015  2016  2015  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card billed business (billions)

  $100.1   $99.5    1 $302.8   $295.4    3

Total cards-in-force

   13.6    15.0    (9  13.6    15.0    (9

Basic cards-in-force

   13.6    15.0    (9  13.6    15.0    (9

Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)

  $    7,386   $    6,711    10   $    20,857   $    19,999    4  

Total segment assets (billions)(a)

  $46.8   $45.9    2   $46.8   $45.9    2  

Segment capital (billions)

  $7.3   $6.8    7   $7.3   $6.8    7  

Return on average segment capital (b)

   28.0  34.1   28.0  34.1 

Card Member receivables (billions)

  $29.6   $28.6    3   $29.6   $28.6    3  

Card Member loans (billions)

  $9.1   $10.0    (9 $9.1   $10.0    (9

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member receivables:(c)

       

Total receivables - GCP (billions)

  $15.8   $15.7       $15.8   $15.7      

90+ days past billing as a % of total - GCP(d)

   0.8  0.7   0.8  0.7 

Net loss ratio (as a % of charge volume) - GCP

   0.11  0.08   0.09  0.09 

Total receivables - GSBS (billions)

  $13.8   $12.9    7   $13.8   $12.9    7  

Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS(e)

   1.3  1.8   1.6  1.9 

Net write-off rate (principal and fees) - GSBS(e)

   1.5  2.0   1.8  2.2 

30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS

   1.5  1.6   1.5  1.6 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Card Member loans:(c)

       

Total loans - GSBS (billions)

  $9.0   $10.0    (10 $9.0   $10.0    (10

Average loans - GSBS (billions)

  $8.8   $9.9    (11)%  $8.4   $9.8    (14)% 

Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS(e)

   1.5  1.3   1.4  1.3 

Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) - GSBS(e)

   1.8  1.5   1.7  1.5 

30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS

   1.1  1.0   1.1  1.0 

Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Card Member loans:

       

Net interest income

  $184   $206    $616   $593   

Exclude:

       

Interest expense not attributable to the

       

Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   79    71     231    213   

Interest income not attributable to the

       

Company’s Card Member loan portfolio

   (28  (24   (85  (65 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

Adjusted net interest income(f)

  $235   $253    $762   $741   

Average loans including HFS loan portfolios(billions)

  $8.8   $10.0    $9.8   $9.8   

Net interest income divided by average loans

   8.3  8.3   8.4  8.1 

Net interest yield on Card Member loans(f)

   10.6  10.0   10.4  10.1 

 

 


  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Card billed business (billions)
 $109.0  $104.3   5% $211.9  $202.8   4%
Total cards-in-force  13.8   13.4   3   13.8   13.4   3 
Basic cards-in-force  13.8   13.4   3   13.8   13.4   3 
Average basic Card Member spending (dollars)
 $7,920  $7,060   12  $15,455  $13,592   14 
Total segment assets (billions)
 $51.0  $46.2   10  $51.0  $46.2   10 
Segment capital (billions)
 $7.4  $7.7   (3) $7.4  $7.7   (3)
Return on average segment capital (a)
  24.2%  28.1%      24.2%  28.1%    
Card Member loans (billions)
 $10.4  $8.7   20  $10.4  $8.7   20 
Card Member receivables (billions)
 $32.1  $29.1   10  $32.1  $29.1   10 
Card Member loans: (b)
                        
Total loans - GSBS (billions)
 $10.3  $8.6   20  $10.3  $8.6   20 
Average loans - GSBS (billions)
 $10.1  $8.5   19  $9.8  $8.3   18 
Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS (c)
  1.5%  1.3%      1.5%  1.3%    
Net write-off rate (principal, interest and fees) - GSBS (c)
  1.8%  1.6%      1.8%  1.6%    
30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS  1.1%  1.1%      1.1%  1.1%    
Calculation of Net Interest Yield on Card Member loans:                        
Net interest income $205  $206      $415  $432     
Exclude:                        
Interest expense not attributable to our Card  Member loan portfolio  99   80       182   152     
Interest income not attributable to our Card  Member loan portfolio  (27)  (29)      (54)  (57)    
Adjusted net interest income(d)
 $277  $257      $543  $527     
                         
Average loans including HFS loan portfolios (billions)(e)
 $10.2  $10.0      $10.0  $10.1     
                         
Net interest income divided by average loans  8.0%  8.2%      8.3%  8.5%    
Net interest yield on Card Member loans (d)
  10.9%  10.3%      11.0%  10.5%    
Card Member receivables: (b)
                        
Total receivables - GCP (billions)
 $16.9  $15.3   10  $16.9  $15.3   10 
90+ days past billing as a % of total - GCP (f)
  0.8%  0.7%      0.8%  0.7%    
Net loss ratio (as a % of charge volume) - GCP  0.10%  0.09%      0.10%  0.09%    
Total receivables - GSBS (billions)
 $15.2  $13.7   11% $15.2  $13.7   11%
Net write-off rate (principal only) - GSBS (c)
  1.6%  1.6%      1.7%  1.7%    
Net write-off rate (principal and fees) - GSBS (c)
  1.8%  1.9%      1.9%  2.0%    
30+ days past due as a % of total - GSBS  1.4%  1.4%      1.4%  1.4%    
(a)Effective September 30, 2015, certain intercompany balances have been reclassified between operating segments as a result of system enhancements.

(b)(a)Return on average segment capital is calculated by dividing (i) one-year period segment income ($2.01.8 billion and $2.4$2.0 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively) by (ii) one-year average segment capital ($7.27.3 billion and $7.0$7.2 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively).

(c)(b)Refer to Table 8 footnote (a).

(d)For GCP Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if the Company initiates collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.

(e)(c)Refer to Table 8 footnote (d)(e).

(f)(d)Adjusted net interest income and net interest yield on Card Member loans are non-GAAP measures. Refer to “Glossary of Selected Terminology” for the definitions of these terms. We believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans, which provides a measure of profitability of our Card Member loan portfolio.

(e)Refer to Table 9 footnote (b).
(f)52For GCP Card Member receivables, delinquency data is tracked based on days past billing status rather than days past due. A Card Member account is considered 90 days past billing if payment has not been received within 90 days of the Card Member’s billing statement date. In addition, if we initiate collection procedures on an account prior to the account becoming 90 days past billing, the associated Card Member receivable balance is classified as 90 days past billing. These amounts are shown above as 90+ Days Past Due for presentation purposes.


44

Global Merchant Services



Table 16: GMS Selected Income Statement Data

 

 
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
(Millions, except percentages)  2016  2015  2016 vs. 2015  2016  2015  2016 vs. 2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
Revenues         
Non-interest revenues  $        1,044   $        1,123   $        (79  (7)%  $      3,172   $        3,323   $      (151  (5)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Interest income                   1    1          
Interest expense   (60  (46  (14  30    (180  (154  (26  17  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Net interest income   60    46    14    30    181    155    26    17  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense   1,104    1,169    (65  (6  3,353    3,478    (125  (4
Provisions for losses   8    8            21    22    (1  (5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses   1,096    1,161    (65  (6  3,332    3,456    (124  (4
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Expenses         
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other   55    78    (23  (29  171    210    (39  (19
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses   470    449    21    5    1,422    1,440    (18  (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Total expenses   525    527    (2      1,593    1,650    (57  (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Pretax segment income   571    634    (63  (10  1,739    1,806    (67  (4
Income tax provision   212    237    (25  (11  650    671    (21  (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Segment income  $359   $397   $(38  (10)%  $1,089   $1,135   $(46  (4)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  
Effective tax rate   37.1  37.4    37.4  37.2  

 

 


  Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change  June 30,  Change 
(Millions, except percentages) 2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016  2017  2016  2017 vs. 2016 
Revenues                        
Non-interest revenues $1,086  $1,087  $(1)  % $2,103  $2,128  $(25)  (1)%
Interest income  1   1         1   1       
Interest expense  (65)  (61)  (4)  7   (123)  (120)  (3)  3 
Net interest income  66   62   4   6   124   121   3   2 
Total revenues net of interest expense  1,152   1,149   3      2,227   2,249   (22)  (1)
Provisions for losses     5   (5)  #   3   13   (10)  (77)
Total revenues net of interest expense after provisions for losses  1,152   1,144   8   1   2,224   2,236   (12)  (1)
Expenses                                
Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other  37   58   (21)  (36)  69   116   (47)  (41)
Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses  435   489   (54)  (11)  908   952   (44)  (5)
Total expenses  472   547   (75)  (14)  977   1,068   (91)  (9)
Pretax segment income  680   597   83   14   1,247   1,168   79   7 
Income tax provision  250   224   26   12   454   438   16   4 
Segment income $430  $373  $57   15% $793  $730  $63   9%
Effective tax rate  36.8%  37.5%          36.4%  37.5%        

# Denotes a variance greater than 100 percent.


GMS operates a global payments network that processes and settles proprietary and non-proprietary card transactions. GMS acquires merchants and provides multi-channel marketing programs and capabilities, services and data analytics, leveraging the Company’sour global closed-loop network. GMS also operates loyalty coalition businesses in certain countries around the world.



Non-interest revenues decreased $79 million or 7 percent and $151 million or 5 percentwere relatively flat for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, comparedsix month periods, primarily due to the same periods in the prior year, as a result of Costco-relatedlower discount revenue driven by Costco cobrand-related revenues in the prior year as well as higher contra-revenues in the current year.

Net interest income increased $14 million or 30 percentyear, offset by billed business growth across other card products and $26 million or 17 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periodsan increase in the prior year, reflecting a higher interest expense credit relating to internal transfer pricing and funding rates, which resulted in a net benefit for GMS due to its merchant payables.

loyalty coalition revenues.

Marketing, promotion, rewards, Card Member services and other expenses decreased $23 million or 29 percent and $39 million or 19 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, reflecting higher levels of spending on growth initiatives in the prior year, primarily driven by higher marketing and promotion expenses related to our loyalty coalition business in the prior year.


Salaries and employee benefits and other operating expenses increased $21 million or 5 percent and decreased $18 million or 1 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the samesix month periods, in the prior year. The increase in the three-month period was primarily driven by a litigation reserve releasebenefit in prior year. In the nine-month period, this increase was more than offsetcurrent year from a change in the liability related to non-delivery of goods and services by merchants and growth of the OptBlue program, which does not entail merchant acquirer payments.

53



45

Table 17: GMS Selected Statistical Information

 

 
   As of or for the
Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
  As of or for the
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change
2016
vs.
 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated)  2016  2015  2015  2016  2015  2015 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loyalty Coalition revenue

  $106   $100    6 $304   $279    9

Average discount rate

   2.47  2.46   2.45  2.48 

Total segment assets (billions)(a)

  $        23.2   $        23.3     $        23.2   $        23.3    

Segment capital(billions)

  $2.3   $2.6    (12)%  $2.3   $2.6    (12)% 

Return on average segment capital(b)

   59.9  66.9   59.9  66.9 

 

 


  As of or for the  Change  As of or for the  Change 
  Three Months Ended  2017  Six Months Ended  2017 
  June 30,  vs.  June 30,  vs. 
(Millions, except percentages and where indicated) 2017  2016  2016  2017  2016  2016 
Loyalty Coalition revenue $114  $104   10% $216  $198   9%
Average discount rate  2.44%  2.43%      2.44%  2.43%    
Total segment assets (billions)
 $25.5  $24.1   6% $25.5  $24.1   6%
Segment capital (billions)
 $2.7  $2.4   13% $2.7  $2.4   13%
Return on average segment capital (a)
  59.8%  61.9%      59.8%  61.9%    
(a)Effective September 30, 2015, certain intercompany balances have been reclassified between operating segments as a result of system enhancements.

(b)Return on average segment capital is calculated by dividing (i) one-year period segment income ($1.5 billion for both the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015)2016) by (ii) one-year average segment capital ($2.42.5 billion and $2.2$2.4 billion for the twelve months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively).


Corporate & Other


Corporate functions and certain other businesses, including our Prepaid Services business and other operations, are included in Corporate & Other.

Corporate & Other net expense decreasedincreased to $239 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016,month period, compared to $295$229 million in the same period a year ago and decreased to $470 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, and increased to $766 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,six month period compared to $764$527 million forin the nine months ended September 30, 2015.same period a year ago. The decrease for the three-monthsix month period was primarily driven by the impairment charge related to previously capitalized software development costs in the prior year, partially offset byprior-year restructuring in the current year. In the nine-month period, this decrease, combined with higher income from our Prepaid Services business, was more than offset by the benefit in the first quarter of 2015 from both the reassessment of the functional currency of certain UK legal entities and otherFX-related activity.

charges.

Results for both periods disclosed included net interest expense related to maintaining the liquidity poolrequirements discussed in “Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity – Liquidity Management”,Management,” as well as interest expense related to other corporate indebtedness.

54


Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity



CONSOLIDATED CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Our balance sheet management objectives are to maintain:


A solid and flexible equity capital profile;


A broad, deep and diverse set of funding sources to finance our assets and meet operating requirements; and


Liquidity programs that enable us to continuously meet expected future financing obligations and business requirements for at least a twelve-month period, even in the event we are unable to continue to raise new funds under our traditional funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions.


46

Transitional Basel III


The following table presents our regulatory risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratios and those of our significant bank subsidiaries, American Express Centurion Bank (AECB)(Centurion Bank) and American Express Bank, FSB (FSB)(American Express Bank), as well as additional ratios widely utilized in the marketplace, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.

2017.

Table 18: Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Leverage Ratios


Basel IIIRatios as of
   

Basel III
        Standards
2016(a)


 

Ratios as of 
September 30,
2016Standards
 

June 30, 

  

2017(a)
2017 

Risk-Based Capital

Common Equity Tier 1

5.1

American Express

13.6

AECB

17.0

FSB

17.5

Tier 1

6.6

American Express

14.9

AECB

17.0

FSB

17.5

Total

8.6

American Express

16.6

AECB

18.3

FSB

18.7

Tier 1 Leverage

4.0

American Express

11.9

AECB

15.9

FSB

13.6

Supplementary Leverage Ratio(b)

3.0

American Express

10.3

AECB

12.5

FSB

     
 11.5Common Equity Tier 15.8% 
   American Express Company12.3%
   American Express Centurion Bank16.9
   American Express Bank, FSB13.9
Tier 17.3
   American Express Company13.5
   American Express Centurion Bank16.9
   American Express Bank, FSB13.9
Total9.3
   American Express Company15.2
   American Express Centurion Bank18.2
   American Express Bank, FSB15.2
Tier 1 Leverage4.0
   American Express Company11.0
   American Express Centurion Bank16.5
   American Express Bank, FSB12.0
Supplementary Leverage Ratio(b)
3.0%
   American Express Company9.4
   American Express Centurion Bank12.7
   American Express Bank, FSB9.9%

(a)Transitional Basel III minimum capital requirement and additional capital conservation buffer as defined by the Federal Reserve for calendar year 20162017 for Advanced Approachesadvanced approaches institutions.

(b)The minimum supplementary leverage ratio (SLR) requirement of 3 percent is effective January 1, 2018.

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Table 19: Regulatory Risk-Based Capital Components and Risk Weighted Assets

($ in Billions)

   
 
September 30,
2016
  
  

Risk-Based Capital

  

Common Equity Tier 1

  $16.8  

Tier 1 Capital

   18.4  

Tier 2 Capital(a)

   2.1  

Total Capital

   20.5  

Risk Weighted Assets

   123.6  

Average Total Assets to calculate the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio

   154.2  

Total Leverage Exposure to calculate SLR

  $178.7  

American Express Company June 30, 
($ in Billions) 2017 
Risk-Based Capital   
Common Equity Tier 1 $16.4 
Tier 1 Capital  18.0 
Tier 2 Capital(a)
  2.3 
Total Capital  20.3 
     
Risk-Weighted Assets  133.5 
Average Total Assets to calculate the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio  164.2 
Total Leverage Exposure to calculate SLR $190.4 
(a)Tier 2 capital is the sum of the allowance for receivableloan and loanreceivable losses (limited to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets) and $600 million of subordinated notes adjusted for capital held by insurance subsidiaries.


We seek to maintain capital levels and ratios in excess of the minimum regulatory requirements and finance such capital in a cost efficient manner; failure to maintain minimum capital levels could affect our status as a financial holding company and cause the regulatory agencies with oversight of American Express, AECBCenturion Bank and FSBAmerican Express Bank to take actions that could limit our business operations.


Our primary source of equity capital has been the generation of net income. Historically, capital generated through net income and other sources, such as the exercise of stock options by employees, has exceeded the annual growth in our capital requirements. To the extent capital has exceeded business, regulatory and rating agency requirements, we have historically returned excess capital to shareholders through our regular common share dividend and share repurchase program.

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We maintain certain flexibility to shift capital across our businesses as appropriate. For example, we may infuse additional capital into subsidiaries to maintain capital at targeted levels in consideration of debt ratings and regulatory requirements. These infused amounts can affect the capital profile and liquidity levels at the American Express parent company level. We do not currently intend or foresee a need to shift capital from non-U.S. subsidiaries with permanently reinvested earnings to a U.S. parent company.


The following are definitions for our regulatory risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratio, which are calculated as per standard regulatory guidance:


Risk-Weighted Assets — Assets are weighted for risk according to a formula used by the Federal Reserve to conform to capital adequacy guidelines. On- and off-balance sheet items are weighted for risk, with off-balance sheet items converted to balance sheet equivalents, using risk conversion factors, before being allocated a risk-adjusted weight. Off-balance sheet exposures comprise a minimal part of the total risk-weighted assets.


Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio— Calculated as Common Equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”)(CET1), divided by risk-weighted assets. CET1 is the sum of common shareholders’ equity, adjusted for ineligible goodwill and intangible assets, certain deferred tax assets, as well as certain other comprehensive income items as follows: net unrealized gains/losses on securities and derivatives, and net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefit/losses, all net of tax and subject to transition provisions.


Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio — Calculated as Tier 1 capital divided by risk-weighted assets. Tier 1 capital is the sum of CET1, our perpetual preferred stock and third-party non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries adjusted for capital to be held by insurance subsidiaries and deferred tax assets from net operating losses not deducted from CET1.

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The minimum requirement for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio is 1.5 percent higher than the minimum for the CET1 risk-based capital ratio. We have $1.6 billion of preferred shares outstanding to help address a portion of the Tier 1 capital requirements in excess of common equity requirements.


Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio — Calculated as the sum of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital, divided by risk-weighted assets. Tier 2 capital is the sum of the allowance for receivableloan and loanreceivable losses (limited to 1.25 percent of risk-weighted assets), a portion of the unrealized gains on equity securities and $600 million of subordinated notes, adjusted for capital held by insurance subsidiaries.


Tier 1 Leverage RatioThe Tier 1 leverage ratio is calculatedCalculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by our average total consolidated assets for the most recent quarter. Average total consolidated assets as of September 30, 2016 were $154.2 billion.


Supplementary Leverage RatioThe supplementary leverage ratio is calculatedCalculated by dividing Tier 1 capital by total leverage exposure under Basel III. Leverage exposure, which reflects average total consolidated assets with adjustments for Tier 1 capital deductions, average off-balance sheet derivatives exposures, securities purchased under agreements to resell and credit equivalents of undrawn commitments that are both conditionally and unconditionally cancellable. Total leverage exposure for supplementary leverage ratio purposes as of September 30, 2016 was $178.7 billion.


Fully Phased-in Basel III

Basel III, when fully phased-in,phased in, will require bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries to maintain more capital than prior requirements, with a greater emphasis on common equity. The following table presents our estimates for our regulatory risk-based capital ratios and leverage ratios had Basel III been fully phased-inphased in as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2017. These ratios are calculated using the Standardized Approachstandardized approach for determining risk-weighted assets. As noted previously, weWe are currently taking steps toward Basel III Advanced Approachesadvanced approaches implementation in the United States. We believe the presentation of these ratios is helpful to investors by showing the impact of future regulatory capital standards on our capital and leverage ratios.


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Table 20: Estimated Fully Phased-in Basel III Capital and Leverage Ratios

($ in Billions)

   
 
September 30,
2016
  
  

Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III(a)

   13.1

Estimated Tier 1 Capital Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III(a)

   14.3  

Estimated Tier 1 Leverage Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III(b)

   11.6  

Estimated Supplementary Leverage Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III

   10.0

Estimated Risk-Weighted Assets under Fully Phased-In Basel III(c)

  $124.7  

Estimated Average Total Assets to calculate the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(b)

   154.0  

Estimated Total Leverage Exposure to calculate SLR under Fully Phased-In Basel III(d)

  $178.4  


  June 30, 
($ in Billions) 2017 
Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III(a)
  12.0%
Estimated Tier 1 Capital Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III (a)
  13.1 
     
Estimated Tier 1 Leverage Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III(b)
  10.8 
Estimated Supplementary Leverage Ratio under Fully Phased-In Basel III  9.3%
     
Estimated Risk-Weighted Assets under Fully Phased-In Basel III(c)
 $135.0 
Estimated Average Total Assets to calculate the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio(b)
  164.0 
Estimated Total Leverage Exposure to calculate SLR under Fully Phased-In Basel III (d)
 $190.2 
(a)The Fully Phased-in Basel III Common Equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios, non-GAAP measures, are calculated as Common Equity Tier 1 or Tier 1 capital under Fully Phased-in Basel III rules, as applicable, divided by risk-weighted assets under Fully Phased-in Basel III rules. Refer to Table 21 for a reconciliation of Common Equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 capital under Fully Phased-in Basel III rules to Common Equity Tier 1 and Tier 1 capital under Transitional Basel III rules.

(b)The Fully Phased-in Basel III Tier 1 and supplementary leverage ratios, non-GAAP measures, are calculated by dividing Fully Phased-in Basel III Tier 1 capital by our average total assets and Fully Phased-in total leverage exposure for supplementary leverage ratio purposes under Fully Phased-in Basel III, respectively.

(c)Estimated Fully Phased-in Basel III risk-weighted assets, a non-GAAP measure, reflect our Basel III risk-weighted assets, with all transition provisions fully phased in. This includes incremental risk weighting applied to deferred tax assets and significant investments in unconsolidated financial institutions, as well as exposures to past due accounts, equities and sovereigns.

(d)Estimated Fully Phased-in Basel III Leverage Exposure, a non-GAAP measure, reflects average total consolidated assets with adjustments for Tier 1 capital deductions on a fully phased-in basis, off-balance sheet derivatives, undrawn conditionally and unconditionally cancellable commitments and other off-balance sheet liabilities.

The Basel capital standards establish minimum requirements for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratios that are 1.5 percent higher than the minimum requirements for CET1 risk-based capital ratios. This difference between Tier 1 capital, which includes common equity and qualifying preferred securities, and CET1 is also present in the minimum capital requirements within Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR).

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We issued $1.6 billion of preferred shares to help finance a portion of the Tier 1 capital requirements in excess of common equity requirements.

Our $750 million of subordinated debentures, which prior to 2014, were fully included in Tier 2 capital (but not in Tier 1 capital), do not meet the requirements of Tier 2 capital under Basel III and thus were redeemed for cash on September 1, 2016 at 100 percent of the principal amount outstanding. As previously mentioned, we issued $600 million of subordinated notes, which qualify as Tier 2 capital under Basel rules.


The following table presents a comparison of our Common Equity Tier 1CET1 and Tier 1 risk-based capital under Transitional Basel III rules to our estimated Common Equity Tier 1CET1 and Tier 1 risk-based capital under Fully Phased-in Basel III rules as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016.

2017.


Table 21: Transitional Basel III versus Fully Phased-in Basel III

 

 

(Billions)

   CET 1    Tier 1  

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Risk-Based Capital under Transitional Basel III

  $16.8   $18.4  

Adjustments related to:

   

AOCI

   (0.2  (0.2

Transition provisions for intangible assets

   (0.3  (0.3

Other

         

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
Estimated Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) and Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital under Fully Phased-in Basel III  $          16.3   $          17.9  

 

 


(Billions) CET1  Tier 1 
Risk-Based Capital under Transitional Basel III $16.4  $18.0 
Adjustments related to:        
AOCI  (0.1)  (0.1)
Transition provisions for intangible assets  (0.2)  (0.2)
Other      
Estimated CET1 and Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital under Fully Phased-in Basel III $16.1  $17.7 

Fully Phased-in Basel III Risk-Weighted Assets — Reflects our Basel III risk-weighted assets, with all transition provisions fully phased in. This includes incremental risk weighting applied to deferred tax assets and significant investments in unconsolidated financial institutions, as well as exposures to past due accounts, equities and sovereigns.


Fully Phased-in Basel III Tier 1 Leverage Ratio — Calculated by dividing Fully Phased-in Basel III Tier 1 capital by our average total consolidated assets.


Fully Phased-in Basel III Supplementary Leverage Ratio— Calculated by dividing Fully Phased-in Basel III Tier 1 capital by our Fully Phased-in total leverage exposure for supplementary leverage ratio purposes under Fully Phased-in Basel III.


Share Repurchases and Dividends

We return capital to common shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The share repurchases reduce common shares outstanding and more than offset the issuance of new shares as part of employee compensation plans.


During the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, we returned $0.9$1.1 billion and $4.2$2.3 billion, respectively, to our shareholders in the form of common stock dividends ($0.3 billion and $0.8$0.6 billion, respectively) and share repurchases ($0.60.8 billion and $3.4$1.7 billion, respectively). We repurchased 8.811 million common shares at an average price of $64.39$79.72 in the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2017. These dividend and share repurchase amounts collectively represent approximately 7583 percent and 9287 percent of total capital generated during the three and nine-monthsix-month periods, respectively.

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In addition, during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, we had $750 million of non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares (the “Series B Preferred Shares”) and $850 million of non-cumulative perpetual preferred shares (the “Series C Preferred Shares”) outstanding. Dividends declared and paid on Series CB Preferred Shares during the second quarter of 2017 were $19 million.

On June 28, 2017, we were informed that the Federal Reserve did not object to our capital plan to return capital to shareholders through share repurchases of up to $4.4 billion during the period beginning with the third quarter of 2016 were $21 million.

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2017 through and including the second quarter of 2018, as well as an increase in our quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share, from $0.32 per share, beginning with the third quarter 2017 dividend declaration, subject to approval by our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of common shares purchased under our authorized capital plan will depend on various factors, including our business plans, financial performance and market conditions. To facilitate repurchases, we may, from time to time, make purchases pursuant to one or more trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which allows us to repurchase common shares during periods when we might otherwise be prevented from doing so under applicable law or because of self-imposed trading blackout periods.


Funding Strategy

Our principal funding objective is to maintain broad and well-diversified funding sources to allow us to meet our maturing obligations, cost-effectively finance current and future asset growth in our global businesses as well as to maintain a strong liquidity profile.

Summary of Consolidated Debt

We had the following consolidated debt and customer deposits outstanding as of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017 and December 31, 2015:

2016:


Table 22: Summary of Consolidated Debt

 

 

(Billions)

   
 
September 30,
2016
  
  
   
 
December 31,
2015
  
  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term borrowings

  $2.9    $4.8  

Long-term debt

   44.9     48.1  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

   47.8     52.9  

Customer deposits

   53.5     55.0  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt and customer deposits

  $101.3    $107.9  

 

 

and Customer Deposits


(Billions) June 30, 2017  December 31, 2016 
Short-term borrowings $3.4  $5.6 
Long-term debt  51.9   47.0 
Total debt  55.3   52.6 
Customer deposits  57.7   53.0 
Total debt and customer deposits $113.0  $105.6 

Management does not currently expect to make any significant changes to our funding programs in order to satisfy Basel III’s Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) standard based upon our current understanding of the requirements, which may be subject to change as we receive additional clarification and implementation guidance from regulators relating to the requirements and as the interpretation of requirements evolves over time.

During the three months ended June 30, 2017, we issued (i) $3.3 billion of asset-backed securities from the American Express Credit Account Master Trust (the Lending Trust) consisting of $1.7 billion of three year Class A Certificates at a fixed rate of 1.77%, and $1.6 billion of two year Class A Certificates at a fixed rate of 1.64%, and (ii) $4.0 billion of senior unsecured notes from American Express Credit Corporation consisting of $1.5 billion of two year notes at a fixed rate of 1.88%, $500 million of two year notes at a  floating rate of  3-month LIBOR plus 33 basis points, and $2.0 billion of ten year notes at a fixed rate of 3.30%.
Our equity capital and funding strategies are designed, among other things, to maintain appropriate and stable unsecured debt ratings from the major credit rating agencies: Moody’s Investor Services (Moody’s), Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Fitch Ratings (Fitch) and Dominion Bond Rating Services (DBRS). Such ratings help support our access to cost-effective unsecured funding as part of our overall funding strategy. Our asset-backedasset securitization activities are rated separately.



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Table 23: Unsecured Debt Ratings


Credit Agency

 American Express Entity Short-Term Ratings Long-Term Ratings Outlook

DBRS

  All rated entities  R-1 (middle) A (high) Stable

Fitch

  All rated entities  F1 A Negative

Moody’s

 
TRS and rated operating subsidiaries (a)
 Prime 1 A2 Stable

Moody’s

Moody's
  American Express Company  Prime 2 A3 Stable

S&P

 
TRS and (a)
N/AA-Stable
S&POther rated operating subsidiaries (a) (b) A-2 A- Stable

S&P

  American Express Company  A-2 BBB+ Stable

(a)American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

(b)S&P does not provide a rating for TRS short-term debt.


Downgrades in the ratings of our unsecured debt or asset securitization program securities could result in higher funding costs, as well as higher fees related to borrowings under our unused lines of credit. Declines in credit ratings could also reduce our borrowing capacity in the unsecured debt and asset securitization capital markets. We believe our funding mix, including the proportion of U.S. retail deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), should reduce the impact that credit rating downgrades would have on our funding capacity and costs.

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Deposit Programs

We held the following deposits as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

Table 24: Customer Deposits

 

 
   September 30,     December 31,  

(Billions)

   2016     2015  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. retail deposits:

    

Savings accounts — Direct

  $30.7    $29.0  

Certificates of deposit:(a)

    

Direct

   0.3     0.3  

Third-party (brokered)

   12.9     13.9  

Sweep accounts — Third-party (brokered)

   8.9     10.9  

Other retail deposits:

    

Non-U.S. deposits and U.S. non-interest bearing

   0.1     0.2  

Card Member credit balances - U.S. and non-U.S.

   0.6     0.7  

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total customer deposits

  $53.5    $55.0  

 

 

(a)The weighted average remaining maturity and weighted average rate at issuance on the total portfolio of U.S. retail CDs, issued through direct and third-party programs, were 23.8 months and 1.93 percent, respectively, as of September 30, 2016.

Asset Securitization Programs

We periodically securitize Card Member loans and receivables arising from our card business, as the securitization market provides us with cost-effective funding. Securitization of Card Member loans and receivables is accomplished through the transfer of those assets to a trust, which in turn issues securities collateralized by the transferred assets to third-party investors. The proceeds from issuance are distributed to us, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, as consideration for the transferred assets.

The loans and receivables being securitized are reported as Card Member loans and receivables on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the related securities issued to third-party investors are reported as long-term debt.

Under the respective terms of the securitization trust agreements, the occurrence of certain triggering events associated with the performance of the assets of each trust could result in payment of trust expenses, establishment of reserve funds, or in a worst-case scenario, early amortization of debt securities. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, no such triggering events occurred.


Liquidity Management

We incur liquidity risk that arises in the course of offering our products and services. Our liquidity objective is to maintain access to a diverse set of on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources. We seek to maintain liquidity sources, even in the event we are unable to raise new funds under our regular funding programs during a substantial weakening in economic conditions, in amounts sufficient to meet our expected future financial obligations and our businesses’business requirements for liquidity for a period of at least twelve months. Our liquidity risk policy sets out our objectives and approach to managing liquidity risk.



The liquidity risks that we are exposed to could arise from a wide variety of scenarios. Our liquidity management strategy thus includes a number of elements, including, but not limited to:



Maintaining diversified funding sources (refer to the “Funding Strategy” section for more details);

Maintaining unencumbered liquid assets and off-balance sheet liquidity sources;

Projecting cash inflows and outflows under a variety of economic and market scenarios;

Establishing clear objectives for liquidity risk management, including compliance with regulatory requirements;

Incorporating liquidity risk management as appropriate into our capital adequacy framework.

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The amount and type of liquidity resources we maintain can vary over time, based upon the results of stress scenarios required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) and other various regulatory measures of liquidity requirements, such as the LCR, as well as additional stress scenarios required under our liquidity risk policy. The Company was in compliance with the liquidity requirements to which it is subject, including the LCR, for the three months ended September 30, 2016.


The investment income we receive on liquidity resources, such as cash, is less than the interest expense on the sources of funding for these balances. The net interest costs to maintain these resources have been substantial. The level of future net interest costs depends on the amount of liquidity resources we maintain and the difference between our cost of funding these amounts and their investment yields.


Securitized Borrowing Capacity

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, we maintained our committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility, with a maturity date of July 15,16, 2018, that gives us the right to sell up to $3.0 billion face amount of eligible AAA notes from the American Express Issuance Trust II (the Charge Trust.Trust). On July 14, 2017, we extended the Charge Trust’s $3.0 billion facility by two years to mature on July 15, 2020. We also maintained our committed, revolving, secured borrowing facility, with a maturity date of September 17, 2018, that gives us the right to sell up to $2.0 billion face amount of eligible AAA certificates from the Lending Trust. On September 12, 2016, we extended the Lending Trust’s $2.0 billion facility by one year to mature on September 17, 2018. Both facilities are used in the ordinary course of business to fund seasonal working capital needs, as well as to further enhance our contingent funding resources. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016, $2.2 billion was2017, no amounts were drawn on the Charge Trust facility. No amounts were drawn on theor Lending Trust facility.

facilities.



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Federal Reserve Discount Window

As insured depository institutions, the BanksCenturion Bank and American Express Bank may borrow from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, subject to the amount of qualifying collateral that they may pledge. The Federal Reserve has indicated that both credit and charge card receivables are a form of qualifying collateral for secured borrowings made through the discount window. Whether specific assets will be considered qualifying collateral and the amount that may be borrowed against the collateral, remain at the discretion of the Federal Reserve.


We had approximately $54.9$61.1 billion as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 in U.S. credit card loans and charge card receivables that could be sold over time through our securitization trusts or pledged in return for secured borrowings to provide further liquidity, subject in each case to applicable market conditions and eligibility criteria.


Committed Bank Credit Facilities

Facility

In addition to the secured borrowing facilities described earlier in this section, we maintained a committed syndicated bank credit facility as of SeptemberJune 30, 20162017 of $3.0 billion, which expires on December 9, 2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, no amounts were drawn on this facility.

Certain Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements



Unused Credit Outstanding
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017, we had approximately $239$259 billion of unused credit available to Card Membersoutstanding as part of established lending product agreements. Total unused credit available to Card Members does not represent potential future cash requirements, as a significant portion of this unused credit will likely not be drawn. Our charge card products generally have no pre-set limit, and therefore are not reflected in unused credit available to Card Members.

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Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flow activity for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30:


Table 25:24: Cash Flows

 

 

(Billions)

          2016            2015  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cash provided by (used in):

  

Operating activities

 $4.9   $7.8  

Investing activities

  10.1    (2.7

Financing activities

  (11.2  (7.3
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents and other      (0.2

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 $3.8   $(2.4

 

 


(Billions) 2017  2016 
Total cash provided by (used in):      
Operating activities $4.3  $3.2 
Investing activities  (4.2)  12.1 
Financing activities  5.0   (4.3)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents  0.1    
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $5.2  $11.0 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our cash flows from operating activities primarily include net income adjusted for (i) non-cash items included in net income and (ii) changes in the balances of operating assets and liabilities, which can vary significantly in the normal course of business due to the amount and timing of payments.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net


Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.9 billion and $7.8 billion, respectively, driven by net income of $4.6$2.6 billion and $4.3$3.4 billion for the current and prior periods, respectively, adjusted for non-cash items including changes in provisions for losses, depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, and stock-based compensation. The currentprior period net income includes thegains of $1.2 billion gain on the sales of the HFS portfolios, which isare presented in Net (increase) decrease (increase) in Card Member receivables and loans, including held for sale, within cash flows from investing activities. The decreaseincrease during the periods of comparison was also driven primarily by impacts from movements in Other assets and Accounts payablereceivables and Other liabilitiesassets as a result of normal business operating activities.


Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Our cash flows from investing activities primarily include changes in Card Member receivables and loans, including Card Member loans and receivables HFS, along with gains on sales related thereto, as well as changes in our available for sale investment securities portfolio.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015,


The decrease in net cash provided by (used in) investing activities was $10.1 billion and $(2.7) billion, respectively. The increaseprimarily reflected the sale of the HFS portfolios in the prior period as well as growth in Card Member loans in the current period, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was primarily driven by the salesperiod.

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Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Our cash flows from financing activities primarily include issuing and repaying debt, changes in customer deposits, issuing and repurchasing our common shares, and paying dividends.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and 2015, net cash used in financing activities was $11.2 billion and $7.3 billion, respectively.


The increase in the current period, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015,net cash provided by financing activities primarily resulted from a higher net decreaseincrease in short-term borrowings and customer deposits partially offset by lowerand higher net repayments of long-term debt issuances in the current year as compared to the same periodwell as higher share repurchases in the prior year.

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period.


53

OTHER MATTERS


Certain Legislative, Regulatory and Other Developments

As a participant

We are subject to comprehensive government regulation and supervision in jurisdictions around the world, and the costs of compliance are substantial. In recent years, the financial services industry and as a bank holding company, we arehas been subject to comprehensive examinationrigorous scrutiny, high regulatory expectations, and supervision bya stringent and unpredictable regulatory enforcement environment.
Please see the Federal Reserve“Supervision and to a range of lawsRegulation” and regulations that impact our business and operations. In light“Risk Factors” sections of the current environment of additional regulation, enhanced supervision efforts and increased regulatory investigations and enforcement, compliance requirements and expenditures have risenAnnual Report on Form 10-K for financial services firms, including us, and we expect compliance requirements and expenditures will continue to rise in the future.

In addition, legislatorsyear ended December 31, 2016 (the 2016 Form 10-K) for further information.

Payments Regulation
Legislators and regulators in various countries in which we operate have focused on the operation of card networks, including through antitrust actions, legislation and rulesregulations to change certain practices or pricing of card issuers, merchant acquirers and payment networks, and, in some cases, to establish broad and ongoing regulatory oversight regimes for payment systems. Regulators
The European Union, Australia and legislatorsother jurisdictions have focused on the fees merchants pay to accept cards, including the way bankcard network members collectively set the “interchange” (that is, the fee paid by the bankcard merchant acquirer to the card issuer in payment“four party” networks like Visa and MasterCard), as well as the rules, contract terms and practices governing merchant card acceptance. Although, unlikeEven where we are not directly regulated, regulation of bankcard fees can significantly negatively impact the Visa and MasterCard networks,discount revenue derived from our business, including as a result of downward pressure on our discount rate from decreases in competitor pricing in connection with caps on interchange fees. In some cases, such regulation extends to certain aspects of our business. For example, the American Express network does not have interchange fees or collectively set fees or rules, antitrust actions and governmentEU regulation relating to merchant pricing or terms of merchant rules and contracts could affect all networks directly or indirectly ,might apply price caps as well as adversely impact consumersother regulatory measures in circumstances where three-party networks issue cards with a cobrand partner or through an agent. We have brought a legal challenge and merchants. Among other things, lower interchange and/or merchant discount revenue may lead card issuersseek a ruling from the EU Court of Justice to look for other sourcesclarify the interpretation and validity of revenue from consumers suchthat part of the regulation. As a precursor to the Court’s final ruling, an advisory opinion was issued on July 6, 2017 advising the Court that (a) the case should be declared inadmissible and (b) if the Court determines to treat the case as higher annual card fees or interest charges,admissible, the law should be considered valid and applicable. The advisory opinion is not binding on the Court and there can be no assurance as to the outcome of our legal challenge. For more information on the European Union payments legislation, our related legal challenge and the Australia payments regulation, as well as to reduce costs by scaling back or eliminating rewards, services or benefits to cardholdersthe potential impacts on our results of operations and merchants. business, please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the 2016 Form 10-K.
Broad regulatory oversight over payment systems can also include, in some cases, requirements for international card networks to localize aspects of their operations, such as processing infrastructure, which could increase our costs and diminish the value of our closed loop. The development and enforcement of payment system regulatory regimes generally continue to grow and may adversely affect our ability to compete effectively and maintain and extend our global network.

Surcharging
In certain countries, such as Australia and certain Member States in the EU,European Union and Australia, merchants are permitted by law to surcharge card purchases. While surcharging continues to be actively considered in certain jurisdictions, the benefits to customers have not been apparent in countries that have allowed it, and in some cases regulators are addressing concerns about excessive surcharging by merchants. For example, the Reserve Bank of Australia amended its rules to limit surcharging in Australia to the actual cost of card acceptance paid to the merchant acquirer.
Surcharging, particularly where it disproportionately impacts American Express Card Members, which is known as differential surcharging, as well as other steering practices that are permitted by regulation in some countries, could have a material adverse effect on us if it becomes widespread. The Reserve Bank of Australia allows us and other networks to limit a merchant’s right to surcharge to “the reasonable cost of card acceptance.” As discussed below, the Reserve Bank of Australia recently amended its rules to limit surcharging in Australia to the merchant’s actual cost of card acceptance. In the EU, in those Member States that permit surcharging, the Consumer Rights Directive prohibits merchants from surcharging card purchases more than the cost of acceptance.

On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” which has caused and may continue to cause significant volatility in capital and currency markets worldwide. The full impact of Brexit, however, remains uncertain. A process of negotiation, which is likely to take two years or longer, will determine the future terms of the U.K.’s relationship with the European Union. It is unclear at this stage what financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union would have and how such withdrawal would affect us.

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European Union Payments Legislation

In 2015, the European Union adopted legislation in two parts, covering a wide range of topics across the payments industry. The first part was an EU-wide regulation on interchange fees (the Interchange Fee Regulation); the second consisted of revisions to the Payment Services Directive (the PSD2).

The Interchange Fee Regulation was formally adopted in April 2015. The substantive terms as adopted include the following:

Price caps – Interchange fees on consumer card transactions in the EU are capped as of December 2015, generally at 20 basis points for debit and prepaid cards and 30 basis points for credit and charge cards, with the possibility of lower caps in some instances. Although we do not have interchange fees and “three party” networks such as American Express are exempt from the application of the caps, the regulation provides that “three party” networks should be treated as “four party” networks (such as Visa and MasterCard, which have interchange fees) when they license third-party providers to issue cards and/or acquire merchants or when they issue cards with a cobrand partner or through an agent. This means, for example, the caps will apply to elements of the financial arrangements agreed to between us and each of our GNS partners in the EU, which may undermine our ability to attract and retain GNS partners. While the discount rates we agree to with merchants are not capped, the interchange caps have exerted, and will likely continue to exert, downward pressures on merchant fees across the industry, including our discount rates. We have brought a legal challenge and seek a ruling from the EU Court of Justice to invalidate the application of price caps in circumstances where three party networks issue cards with a cobrand partner or through an agent. The Interchange Fee Regulation excludes commercial card transactions from the scope of the caps.

Card acceptance terms –“Anti-steering” and honor-all-cards rules across all card networks, including non-discrimination and honor-all-cards provisions in our card acceptance agreements, are prohibited with some exceptions. Removal of these provisions creates significant risk of customer confusion and Card Member dissatisfaction, which would result in harm to the American Express brand. The prohibition on “anti-steering rules” took effect immediately upon effectiveness of the regulation; the prohibition on honor-all-cards rules took effect in June 2016.

Network licensing – In December 2015, the geographic scope of the network licenses that we agree to with our GNS partners in the EU was amended to cover the entire EU in order to meet the requirements of the regulation. This allows GNS partners to actively pursue their American Express business throughout the EU, including countries where we or other GNS partners are present, and may undermine the value of licenses granted to some GNS partners to date, which have been subject to varying levels of exclusivity to incentivize development of the American Express business in relation to a particular country.

Separation of network processing – From June 2016, card networks are required to separate their network processing functions (in which transactions between different issuers and acquirers are processed for authorization, clearing and settlement). This provision does not generally apply to “three party” payment networks, such as American Express, but may be deemed applicable, for example, where a different GNS issuer and acquirer is involved in a transaction, which represent a very small percentage of transactions on our network.

Co-badging of cards – From June 2016, a single card may bear the brand of multiple networks and be used to process transactions on any of those networks. Merchants may install automatic mechanisms in point-of-sale equipment to prioritize selection of a particular network, subject to override by the cardholder. These provisions may harm the American Express brand insofar as GNS issuing partners will be able to offer multiple networks on a single card and merchants may program their point-of-sale equipment to prioritize selection of another network on such cards.

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The PSD2 was adopted on November 25, 2015, and was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on December 23, 2015. Eachare transposed into national law by each Member State, has until January 2018 to transpose the PSD2 into national law.

Among other terms, the published text of PSD2 includes provisions that will (i) further regulate surcharging so that transactions falling in scope of the interchange caps could notthere may be surcharged, but transactions falling outside the scope of the caps could be surcharged up to cost, subject potentially to the decision of an individual Member State to prohibit surcharging altogether; and (ii) require all networks, including “three party” payment networks that operate with licensing arrangements, such as our GNS business, to establish objective, proportionate and non-discriminatory criteria under which a financial institution may access the network, for example, as a licensed issuer or acquirer. The potential surcharging regulation may increaseincreased instances of differential surcharging of our cards, prompt customer and merchant confusion as to which transactions may be surcharged and lead to Card Member dissatisfaction. The access requirements will undermineOn July 19, 2017, the flexibility and discretion we have had to date in deciding with whom to partner in our GNS business and, together with requirementsU.K. indicated it would ban surcharging on consumer cards starting January 2018. In addition, the laws of a number of states in the Interchange Fee Regulation, may undermineUnited States that prohibit surcharging are being challenged in litigation brought by merchant groups.

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For more information on the valuepotential impacts of our GNS business in Europe.

Australia Payments Regulation

Following a formal reviewsurcharging and other actions that could impair the Card Member experience, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the regulatory framework for card payments in Australia,2016 Form 10-K.

Consumer Financial Products Regulation


In the Reserve BankUnited States, our marketing and sale of Australia adopted new regulations on May 26, 2016, including the following:

Interchange caps – as of July 1, 2017, the interchange fee paid on Visaconsumer financial products and MasterCard credit transactions must not exceed a weighted-average benchmark of 0.50 percent across all transactions, with a maximum interchange fee cap of 0.80 percent for each individual credit card transaction.

The inclusion of our GNS business in Australia under interchange regulation, which subjects GNS payments to bank partners to the same interchange caps and regulations that apply to Visa and MasterCard credit card transactions in Australia, effective July 1, 2017.

Broadening the definition of interchange fees to include any fees paid by networks to card-issuing banks as incentives to issue cards, as well as any other net payments made to card issuers.

Increasing the frequency of periodic weighted-average benchmark calculations from every three years to quarterly to confirm compliance with the interchange caps. In determining compliance, all transactions at Australian merchants (including commercial card transactions, but excluding those on foreign-issued cards) will be taken into consideration.

Changing the rules on merchant surcharging to limit surcharging to the actual cost of card acceptance paid to the merchant acquirer, as recorded on the merchant statement issuedcertain federal consumer financial laws are supervised and examined by the merchant acquirer; the changes took effect as of September 1, 2016 for large merchants and will take effect September 1, 2017 for other merchants.

The inclusion of our GNS business under interchange regulation may undermine our ability to attract and retain GNS partners. While the discount rates we agree to with merchants do not include an interchange component and are therefore not capped, the interchange caps, once effective, will likely exert downward pressure on merchant fees across the industry, including our discount rates.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

Dodd-Frank contains a wide array of provisions intended to govern the practices and oversight of financial institutions and other participants in the financial markets. Among other matters, the law created an independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the CFPB)(CFPB), which has broad rulemaking and enforcement authority over providers of credit, savings and payment services and other consumer financial products and services with respectauthority to certain federal consumer financial laws. Moreover, the CFPB has examination and enforcement authority with respect to certain federal consumer financial laws for providers of consumer financial products and services, including certain of our subsidiaries. The CFPB is directed to prohibitprevent “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices. In addition, a number of U.S. states have significant consumer credit protection and disclosure laws (in certain cases more stringent than U.S. federal laws). U.S. federal law also regulates abusive debt collection practices, which along with bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, can affect our ability to ensure that all consumers have accesscollect amounts owed to fair, transparentus.

Internal and competitive markets for consumer financial products and services.

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The review of products and practicesregulatory reviews to assess compliance with such laws and prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive conductregulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, changes to our practices, products and procedures, substantial restitution to our Card Members and increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination. Such reviews may also result in additional regulatory actions, including civil money penalties.

These types of reviews will be a continuing focus offor the CFPB and regulators more broadly, as well as our own internal reviews. Forfor the company itself. As an example, federal banking regulators have recently announced they are conducting horizontal reviews of banking sales practices and we are cooperating with regulators in those reviews. InternalAlso, in prior years, certain cards issued in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and regulatory reviews have resultedother U.S. Territories, largely through our international business, did not uniformly carry the same terms, conditions and features as the cards we offered to Card Members in the continental U.S. We conducted an internal review beginning in 2012, voluntarily provided customer remediation in prior periods and are likely to continue to result in, changesreported this matter to our practices, productsregulators. We have been cooperating with the CFPB’s review as to whether this discontinued practice complied with applicable laws and procedures. Such reviews are also likely to continue to result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, and additional restitution toregulations. We do not believe this matter will have a material adverse impact on our Card Members and may result in additional regulatory actions, including civil money penalties.

operations or results.

On May 5, 2016,July 10, 2017, the CFPB issued a proposedfinal rule that, if enacted, would, among other changes, require that ourwould prohibit providers of certain consumer financial products and services from using a pre-dispute arbitration clause notagreement to bar consumers from filing or participating in a class action. The rule would apply to cases filed in court as class actions, unless and until class certification is denied or the class claims are dismissed. The CFPB has set a 90-day period for comment, with the rule becoming effective 211 days after enactment and applying to all agreements entered into on or after that date.

On July 28, 2016,March 19, 2018. As a result of the CFPB outlined proposals under consideration that would set forth additional requirements forthird-party debt collection agencies, whichrule, we use in the ordinary course. This proposal is part of a rulemaking process that may not result in a final rule, if any, becoming effective before 2018.

As of March 1, 2017, regulations implementing Dodd-Frank’s margin requirements would result in us collectingface increased class claims and remitting cash and/or securities collateral relativetherefore be subject to the valuecomplexities and costs associated with class action litigation. Given the inherent uncertainties involved in litigation, and the very large or indeterminate damages sought in some class action matters, there is significant uncertainty as to the ultimate impact of certain uncleared derivative transactions (variation margin), which may create or increase collateral posting requirements for us.

this rule.

For more information on consumer financial products regulation, as well as the potential impacts on our results of operations and business, please see the “Supervision and Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections of the 2016 Form 10-K.
Antitrust Litigation

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and certain states’ attorneys general brought an action against us in 2010 alleging that the provisions in our card acceptance agreements with merchants that prohibit merchants from engaging in various actions to discriminate against our card products violate the U.S. antitrust laws. The trial court had ruled that the challenged provisions violate U.S. antitrust laws and issued an injunction. We appealedFollowing our appeal of this judgment, and on September 26, 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the trial court decision and directed the trial court to enter a judgment for American Express.Express, which occurred on January 25, 2017. We continue to vigorously defend similar antitrust claims initiated by merchants in other court and arbitration proceedings. See Part II, Item 1.the “Legal Proceedings” section in our 2016 Form 10-K for a descriptiondescriptions of the DOJ case and Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the 2015 Form 10-K) for descriptions of the related cases. It is possible that significantly increased merchant steering or other actions impairing the Card Member experience, or the resolution of one or any combination of these merchant claims for damages, could have a material adverse effect on our business. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in the 2015 Form 10-K forFor more information on the potential impacts of an adverse decision in the merchant litigations on our business.

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business, please see the “Risk Factors” section of the 2016 Form 10-K.


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Recently Issued Accounting Standards


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


Glossary of Selected Terminology


Adjusted net interest income — A non-GAAP measure that represents net interest income attributable to our Card Member loans and loans HFS (which includes, on a GAAP basis, interest that is deemed uncollectible), excluding the impact of interest expense and interest income not attributable to our Card Member loans. The Company believesWe believe adjusted net interest income is useful to investors because it is a component of net interest yield on Card Member loans.

Asset securitizations — Asset securitization involves the transfer and sale of loans or receivables to a special-purpose entity created for the securitization activity, typically a trust. The trust, in turn, issues securities, commonly referred to as asset-backed securities that are secured by the transferred loans orand receivables. The trust uses the proceeds from the sale of such securities to pay the purchase price for the underlying loans or receivables. The loans and receivables of our Lending Trust and Charge Trust (together, the Trusts) being securitized are reported as assets and the securities issued by the Trusts are reported as liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Average discount rate —This calculation is generally designed to reflect pricing at merchants accepting general-purpose American Express cards. It represents the percentage of billed business (generated from both proprietary and GNS Card Member spending) retained by us from merchants we acquire, or for merchants acquired by a third party on our behalf, net of amounts retained by such third party.

Basic cards-in-force — Proprietary basic consumer cards-in-force includes basic cards issued to the primary account owner, (i.e., not including additional supplemental cards issued on accounts). Proprietary basic small business and corporate cards-in-force includes both basic and supplemental cards issued. Non-proprietary basic cards-in-force includes cards that are issued and outstanding under network partnership agreements, except for supplemental cards and retail cobrand Card Member accounts which have had no out-of-store spending activity during the prior twelve-month period.

Billed business— Includes activities (including cash advances) related to proprietary cards, cards issued under network partnership agreements (non-proprietary billed business), corporate payment services and certain insurance fees charged on proprietary cards. In-store spending activity within retail cobrand portfolios in GNS, from which we earn no revenue, is not included in non-proprietary billed business. Card billed business is included in the United States or outside the United States based on where the issuer is located.

Capital ratios — Represents the minimum standards established by the regulatory agencies as a measure to determine whether the regulated entity has sufficient capital to absorb on- and off-balance sheet losses beyond current loss accrual estimates. Refer to the Capital Strategy section under “Consolidated Capital Resources and Liquidity” for further related definitions under Transitional Basel III and Fully Phased-in Basel III.

Card Member— The individual holder of an issued American Express-branded charge, credit and certain prepaid cards.

Card Member loans — Represents the outstanding amount due from Card Members for charges made on their American Express credit cards, as well as any interest charges and card-related fees. Card Member loans also include revolving balances on certain American Express charge card products.

Card Member loans and receivables HFS— Beginning as of December 1, 2015 and continuing until a sale isthe sales were completed, represents Card Member loans and receivables related to our cobrand partnerships with Costco in the United States and JetBlue. The JetBlue and Costco portfolio sales were completed on March 18 and June 17, 2016, respectively.

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Card Member receivables — Represents the outstanding amount due from Card Members for charges made on their American Express charge cards, as well as any card-related fees.

Charge cards — Represents cards that generally carry no pre-set spending limits and are primarily designed as a method of payment and not as a means of financing purchases. Charge Card Members generally must pay the full amount billed each month. No finance charges are assessed on charge cards. Each charge card transaction is authorized based on its likely economics reflecting a Card Member’s most recent credit information and spend patterns. Some charge card accounts have an additional lending-on-charge feature“Pay Over Time” feature(s) that allowsallow revolving of certain balances.

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Cobrand cards — Cards issued under cobrand agreements with selected commercial firms. Pursuant to the cobrand agreements, we make payments to our cobrand partners, which can be significant, based primarily on the amount of Card Member spending and corresponding rewards earned on such spending and, under certain arrangements, on the number of accounts acquired and retained. In some cases, the partner is liable for providing rewards to the Card Member under the cobrand partner’s own loyalty program.
Credit cards — Represents cards that have a range of revolving payment terms, grace periods, and rate and fee structures.


Discount revenue — Represents revenue earned from fees generally charged to merchants who have entered into a card acceptance agreement. The discount fee generally is deducted from our payment for Card Member purchases. Discount revenue is reduced by incentive payments made to merchants, payments to third-party card issuing partners, cash-back reward costs and statement credits, corporate incentive payments and other similar items.


Interest expense— Includes interest incurred primarily to fund Card Member loans and receivables, general corporate purposes and liquidity needs, and is recognized as incurred. Interest expense is divided principally into two categories: (i) deposits, which primarily relates to interest expense on deposits taken from customers and institutions, and (ii) debt, which primarily relates to interest expense on our long-term financing and short-term borrowings, (e.g., commercial paper, federal funds purchased, bank overdrafts and other short-term borrowings), as well as the realized impact of derivatives hedging interest rate risk on our long-term debt.

Interest income— Includes (i) interest on loans, (ii) interest and dividends on investment securities and (iii) interest income on deposits with banks and other.

Interest on loans— Assessed using the average daily balance method for Card Member loans and loans HFS. Unless the loan is classified as non-accrual, interest is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding in accordance with the terms of the applicable account agreement until the outstanding balance is paid or written off.

Interest and dividends on investment securities— Primarily relates to our performing fixed-income securities. Interest income is recognized as earned using the effective interest method, which adjusts the yield for security premiums and discounts, fees and other payments, so a constant rate of return is recognized on the outstanding balance of the related investment security throughout its term. Amounts are recognized until securities are in default or when it is likely that future interest payments will not be made as scheduled.

Interest income on deposits with banks and other — Recognized as earned, and primarily relates to the placement of cash in excess of near-term funding requirements in interest-bearing time deposits, overnight sweep accounts, and other interest-bearing demand and call accounts.

Liquidity Coverage Ratio— Represents the proposed minimum standards being established by the regulatory agencies as a measure to determine whether the regulated entity has sufficient liquidity to meet liquidity needs in periods of financial and economic stress.

Merchant acquisition — Represents our process of entering into agreements with merchants to accept American Express-branded cards.

Net card fees — Represents the card membership fees earned during the period. These fees are recognized as revenue over the covered card membership period (typically one year), net of the provision for projected refunds for Card Membership cancellation and deferred acquisition costs.

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Net interest yield on Card Member loans —A non-GAAP measure that is computed by dividing adjusted net interest income by average loans, computed on an annualized basis. Reserves and net write-offs related to uncollectible interest are recorded through provisions for losses, and are thus not included in the net interest yield calculation. The Company believesWe believe net interest yield on Card Member loans is useful to investors because it provides a measure of profitability of the Company’sour Card Member loan portfolio.

Net loss ratio — Represents the ratio of GCP charge card write-offs, consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions) and fee components, less recoveries, on Card Member receivables expressed as a percentage of gross amounts billed to corporate Card Members.

Net write-off rate principal only — Represents the amount of proprietary consumer or small business  Card Member loans or receivables written off, consisting of principal (resulting from authorized transactions), less recoveries, as a percentage of the average loan or receivables balance during the period.

Net write-off rate principal, interest and fees— Includes, in the calculation of the net write-off rate, amounts for interest and fees in addition to principal for Card Member loans and fees in addition to principal for Card Member receivables.

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Operating expenses — Represents salaries and employee benefits, professional services, occupancy and equipment, and other expenses.

Return on average equity — Calculated by dividing one-year period net income by one-year average total shareholders’ equity.

Return on average segment capital— Calculated by dividing one-year period segment income by one-year average segment capital.

Segment capital — Represents the capital allocated to a segment based upon specific business operational needs, risk measures, and regulatory capital requirements.

Total cards-in-force —Represents the total number of charge and credit cards that are issued and outstanding.outstanding and accepted on our network. Non-proprietary cards-in-force includes all charge and credit cards that are issued and outstanding under network partnership agreements, except for retail cobrand Card Member accounts which have no out-of-store spending activity during the prior twelve-month period.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Market risk is the risk to earnings or asset and liability values resulting from movements in market prices. Our market risk exposures include (i) interest rate risk due to changes in the relationship between the interest rates on our assets (such as loans, receivables and investment securities) and the interest rates on our liabilities (such as debt and deposits); and (ii) foreign exchange risk related to earnings, transactions, funding, investments and investmentsearnings in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. There were no material changes in these market risks since December 31, 2015.

2016.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our 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, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


There have not been any changes in our 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, our internal control over financial reporting.



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements, which address our expected business and financial performance, among other matters, contain words such as “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “likely,” and similar expressions. 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. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following:

our ability to grow in the future, which will depend in part on the following: revenues growing consistently with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, the factors identified in the subsequent bullet; the level of spend in bonus categories on rewards-based and/or cash-back cards and redemptions of Card Member rewards and offers; the impact of any future contingencies, including, but not limited to, litigation-related settlements, judgments or expenses, the imposition of fines or civil money penalties, an increase in Card Member reimbursements, restructurings, impairments and changes in reserves; write-downs of deferred tax assets as a result of tax law or other changes; credit performance remaining consistent with current expectations; the ability to continue to realize benefits from restructuring actions and operating leverage at levels consistent with current expectations; the amount we spend on Card Member engagement and our ability to drive growth from such investments; changes in interest rates beyond current expectations (including the impact of hedge ineffectiveness and deposit rate increases); the impact of regulation and litigation, which could affect the profitability of our business activities, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, require changes to business practices or alter our relationships with partners, merchants and Card Members; our tax rate remaining in line with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, our geographic mix of income being weighted more to higher tax jurisdictions than expected, changes in tax laws and regulation and unfavorable tax audits and other unanticipated tax items; the impact of accounting changes and reclassifications; and our ability to continue executing the share repurchase program;
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our ability to grow revenues net of interest expense, which could be impacted by, among other things, weakening economic conditions in the United States or internationally, a decline in consumer confidence impacting the willingness and ability of Card Members to sustain and grow spending, a further decline in airfare and gas prices, a further strengtheningcontinued growth of the U.S. dollar,Card Member loans, a greater erosion of the average discount rate than expected, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, a greater impact on discount revenue from cash back GNS volumes and cobrand partner and client incentive payments, more cautious spending by large and global corporate Card Members, the willingness of Card Members to pay higher card fees, and lower spending on new cards acquired than estimated; and will depend on factors such as our success in addressing competitive pressures and implementing our strategies and business initiatives, including growing profitable spending from newexisting  and existingnew Card Members, increasing penetration among middle market and small business clients, expanding our international footprint and increasing merchant acceptance;
changes in the levelsubstantial and increasing worldwide competition in the payments industry, including competitive pressure that may impact the prices we charge merchants that accept our cards, competition for cobrand relationships and the success of spend in bonus categories on rewards-based and/marketing, promotion or cash-back cardsrewards programs;
rewards expense and redemptionscost of Card Member rewards and offers; the impact of any future restructuring charges or other contingencies, including, but not limited to, litigation-related settlements, judgments or expenses, impairments, the imposition of fines or civil money penalties, an increaseservices growing inconsistently from expectations, which will depend in part on Card Member reimbursementsbehavior as it relates to their spending patterns and changesactual usage and redemption of rewards, as well as the degree of interest of Card Members in reserves; credit performance remaining consistent with current expectations;

the value proposition we offer; increasing competition, which could result in greater rewards offerings; our ability to enhance card products and services to make them attractive to Card Members; and the amount we spend on the promotion of enhanced services and rewards categories and the success of such promotion;

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continued growth of Card Member loans; the ability to continue to realize benefits from restructuring actions and operating leverage at levels consistent with current expectations; the amount we spend on growth initiatives and our ability to drive growth from such investments; changes in interest rates beyond current expectations; the impact of regulation and litigation, which could affect the profitability of our business activities, limit our ability to pursue business opportunities, require changes to business practices or alter our relationships with partners, merchants and Card Members; our tax rate remaining in line with current expectations, which could be impacted by, among other things, our geographic mix of income being weighted more to higher tax jurisdictions than expected, changes in tax laws and regulation (including final and temporary Treasury regulations under Section 385 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code) and unfavorable tax audits and other unanticipated tax items; the impact of accounting changes and reclassifications; and our ability to continue executing the share repurchase program;

the actual amount to be spent on growth initiatives, including on marketing and promotion, as well as the timing of any such spending, which will be based in part on management’s assessment of competitive opportunities; overall business performance; prior commitments;performance and changes in macroeconomic conditions; the actual amount of advertising and Card Member acquisition costs; competitive pressures that may require additional expenditures; our ability to continue to shift Card Member acquisition to digital channels; contractual obligations with business partners and other fixed costs relative to revenue levels;and prior commitments; management’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities and make such investments, which could be impacted by business, regulatory or legal complexities; and our ability to realize efficiencies, optimize investment spending and control expenses to fund such spending;

rewards expense, including costs associated with cash rebate products, growing at a different rate than current expectations, which will depend in part on Card Member behavior as it relates to their spending patterns, spending volumes and redemption behaviors, as well as the degree of interest of Card Members in the value proposition we offer; our ability to enhance card products and services to make them attractive to Card Members; and the amount we spend on the promotion of enhanced card products and rewards categories and the success of such promotion;

our ability to reduce our overall cost base, which will depend in part on the timing and financial impact of reengineering plans, which could be impacted by factors such as our inability to mitigate the operational and other risks posed by potential staff reductions, our inability to develop and implement technology resources to realize cost savings and underestimating hiring and other employee needs; our ability to reduce annual operating expenses, which could be impacted by, among other things, the factors identified below; and our ability to optimize and lower marketing and promotion expenses, which could be impacted by higher advertising and Card Member acquisition costs, competitive pressures that may require additional expenditures or limit our ability to reduce costs, an inability to shift acquisition to digital channels, the availability of opportunities to invest at a higher level due to favorable business results and changesfactors identified in macroeconomic conditions;the preceding bullet;

the ability to reduce annual operating expenses, which could be impacted by increases inthe need to increase significant categories of operating expenses, such as consulting or professional fees, including as a result of increased litigation, compliance or regulatory-related costs, technology costs, or fraud costs; our ability to develop, implement and achieve substantial benefits from reengineering plans; higher than expected employee levels; the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on costs; the payment of civil money penalties, disgorgement, restitution, non-income tax assessments and litigation-related settlements; impairments of goodwill or other assets; management’s decision to increase or decrease spending in such areas as technology, business and product development and sales forces depending on overall business performance;forces; greater than expected inflation or merit increases;inflation; our ability to balance expense control and investments in the business; the impact of accounting changes and reclassifications; and the level of M&A activity and related expenses;

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our lendingdelinquency and write-off rates and provision expensegrowth of provisions for losses being higher than current expectations, which will depend in part on changes in the level of loan balances delinquency rates,and delinquencies, mix of loan balances, loans and receivables related to new Card Members and other borrowers performing as expected, credit performance of new and enhanced lending products, unemployment rates, the volume of bankruptcies and recoveries of previously written-off loans;

our ability to execute against our lending strategy andto grow loans, which may be affected by increasing competition, brand perceptions and reputation, our ability to manage risk in a growing Card Member loan portfolio, and the behavior of Card Members and their actual spending and borrowing patterns, which in turn may be driven by our ability to issue new and enhanced card products, offer attractive non-card lending products, capture a greater share of existing Card Members’ spending and borrowings, reduce Card Member attrition and attract new customers;

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the possibility that we will not fully execute on our plans for OptBlue to significantly increase merchant coverage, which will depend in part on the success of OptBlue merchant acquirers in signing merchants to accept American Express, which could be impacted by the pricing set by the merchant acquirers, the value proposition offered to small merchants and the efforts of OptBlue merchant acquirers to sign merchants for American Express acceptance, as well as the awareness and willingness of Card Members to use American Express cards at small merchants and of those merchants to accept American Express cards;

changes affecting our ability or desire to return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, which will depend on factors such as approval of our capital plans by our primary regulators, the amount we spend on acquisitions of companies and our results of operations and capital needs and economic environment in any given period;

deposit rates increasing faster or slower than current expectations due to changes in our funding mix, market pressures, regulatory constraints or changes in benchmark interest rates, which could affect net interest yield and our funding costs;
net interest yield on Card Member loans remaining consistent with current expectations, which will be influenced by, among other things, interest rates, changes in consumer behavior that affect loan balances, such as paydown rates, Card Member acquisition strategy, product mix, cost of funds, credit actions, including line size and other adjustments to credit availability, potential pricing changes and deposit rates, which could be impacted by, among other things, the factors identified in the preceding bullet;
changes in global economic and business conditions, consumer and business spending, the availability and cost of capital, unemployment rates, geopolitical conditions (including potential impacts resulting from the U.S. Administration and the proposed exit of the U.K.United Kingdom from the European Union), foreign currency rates and interest rates, all of which may significantly affect demand for and spending on American Express cards, delinquency rates, loan balances and other aspects of our business and results of operations;

changes in capital and credit market conditions, including sovereign creditworthiness, which may significantly affect our ability to meet our liquidity needs, expectations regarding capital and liquidity ratios, access to capital and cost of capital, including changes in interest rates; changes in market conditions affecting the valuation of our assets; or any reduction in our credit ratings or those of our subsidiaries, which could materially increase the cost and other terms of our funding, restrict our access to the capital markets or result in contingent payments under contracts;

legal and regulatory developments, wherever we do business, including with regard to broad payment system regulatory regimes, such as in Europe and Australia, consumer financial product protection actions by the CFPB and other regulators and the stricter regulation of large, interconnected financial institutions, which could require us to make fundamental changes to many of our business practices, including our ability to continue certain GNS and other partnerships; exert further pressure on the average discount rate and GNS volumes; result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, litigation-related settlements, judgments or expenses, restitution to Card Members or the imposition of fines or civil money penalties; materially affect our capital or liquidity requirements, results of operations or ability to pay dividends or repurchase our stock; or result in harm to the American Express brand;
potential actions by the FDIC and credit rating agencies applicable to securitization trusts, which could impact our ABSasset securitization program; or
potential changes to the taxation of our businesses, the allowance of deductions for significant expenses, or the incidence of consumption taxes on our transactions, products and services;

changes in the substantial and increasing worldwide competition in the payments industry, including competitive pressure that may impact the prices we charge merchants that accept our cards, competition for cobrand relationships and the success of marketing, promotion or rewards programs;

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changes in the financial condition and creditworthiness of our business partners, such as bankruptcies, restructurings or consolidations, involvingincluding merchants that represent a significant portion of our business, such as the airline industry, or our partners in GNS or financial institutions that we rely on for routine funding and liquidity, which could materially affect our financial condition or results of operations; and

factors beyond our control such as fire, power loss, disruptions in telecommunications, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health pandemics, terrorism, cyber attackscyberattacks or fraud, all of which could significantly affect demand for and spending on American Express cards, delinquency rates, loan balances and travel-related spendingother aspects of our business and results of operations or disrupt our global network systems and ability to process transactions.

A further description of these uncertainties and other risks can be found in the 20152016 Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are subject to various claims, investigations, examinations, pending and potential legal actions, arbitration proceedings, claims, investigations, examinations, information gathering requests, subpoenas, inquiries and other matters relating to compliance with laws and regulations (collectively, “legal proceedings”)legal proceedings).
We do not believe we have meritorious defenses to each of these legal proceedings and intend to defend them vigorously. Some of these proceedings are at preliminary stages and seek an indeterminate amount of damages.

We believe we are not a party to, nor are any of our properties the subject of, any legal proceeding that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or liquidity. However, in light of the uncertainties involved in such matters, including the fact that some pending legal proceedings are at preliminary stages or seek an indeterminate amount of damages, it is possible that the outcome of legal proceedings, including the possible resolution of merchant claims, described in our 2015 Form 10-K, could have a material impact on our results of operations. In addition, it is possible that significantly increased merchant steering or other actions impairing the Card Member experience could have a material adverse effect on our business. Certain legal proceedings involving us or our subsidiaries are further described in this section and others, for which there have been no subsequent material developments since the filing of our 20152016 Form 10-K, are described in such report.

For those legal proceedings described in this section and in the 2015 Form 10-K where a loss is reasonably possible in future periods, whether in excess of a related reserve for legal contingencies or where there is no such reserve, and for which we are able to estimate a range of possible loss, the current estimated range is zero to $190 million in excess of any reserves related to those matters. This range represents our estimate based on currently available information and does not represent our maximum loss exposure; actual results may vary significantly. As such proceedings evolve, including the merchant claims, we may need to increase our range of possible loss or reserves for legal contingencies. For additional information, see Note 8 to our Consolidated“Consolidated Financial Statements.

In 2010, the DOJ, along with Attorneys General from Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii (Hawaii has since withdrawn its claim), Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Vermont filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York against us, MasterCard International Incorporated and Visa, Inc., alleging a violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act (the “DOJ case”)DOJ case). The complaint included allegations that provisions in our merchant agreements prohibiting merchants from steering a customer to use another network’s card or another type of general-purpose card (“anti-steering” and “non-discrimination” contractual provisions) violate the antitrust laws. The complaint sought a judgment permanently enjoining us from enforcing our non-discrimination contractual provisions. The complaint did not seek monetary damages.
Following a non-jury trial in the DOJ case, the trial court found that the challenged provisions were anticompetitive and on April 30, 2015, the court issued a final judgment entering a permanent injunction.

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Following our appeal of this judgment, on September 26, 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reversed the trial court decision and directed the trial court to enter a judgment for American Express.

Following denial of rehearing en banc by the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the trial court entered judgment for American Express on January 25, 2017. On November 6, 2015, a putative representative action, captioned PeopleJune 2, 2017, the DOJ announced it would not petition the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Second Circuit’s decision in favor of American Express. At the same time, 11 of the State of California, ex. rel. Dennis Herrera v. American Express Co. et al., was filed in California state court on behalf of17 states that are party to the People of California by the San Francisco City Attorney for the benefit of California merchants that accept American Express cards. The complaint alleges that certain terms in our merchant agreements violate California law and seeks relief in the form of: (1) a declaratory judgment; (2) an injunction preventing us from enforcing those terms; (3) statutory civil penalties in an amount to be determined by the court; (4) restitution for alleged overcharges; and (5) attorney’s fees and cost of suit. On October 7, 2016, the San Francisco City Attorneycase filed a stipulation dismissing this action without prejudice.

We are a defendant in a class action captionedKaufman v. American Express Travel Related Services, which was filed on February 14, 2007, and is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Plaintiffs’ principal allegation is that our gift cards violated consumer protection statutes because consumers allegedly had difficulty spending small residual amounts on the gift cards prior to the imposition of monthly service fees. The Court preliminarily certified a settlement class consisting of (with some exceptions) “all purchasers, recipients and holders of all gift cards issued by American Express from January 1, 2002 through the date of preliminary approval of the settlement.” On March 2, 2016, the court granted final approval of the class-wide settlement. Notices of appeal have been filed.

On July 30, 2015, plaintiff Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 137 Pension Fund, on behalf of themselves and other purchasers of American Express stock, filed a suit, captionedPlumbers and Steamfitters Local 137 Pension Fund v. American Express Co., Kenneth I. Chenault and Jeffrey C. Campbell, for violation of federal securities law, alleging that the Company deliberately issued false and misleading statements to, and omitted important information from, the public relating to the financial importance of the Costco cobrand relationship to the Company, including, but not limited to, the decision to accelerate negotiations to renew the cobrand agreement. The plaintiff seeks damages and injunctive relief. The Company moved to dismiss the amended complaint on March 21, 2016.

On October 16, 2015, a putative class action, captionedHoussain v. American Express Company, et al., was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) relating to disclosures of the Costco cobrand relationship. On May 10, 2016, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint naming certain officers of the Company as defendants and alleging that the defendants violated certain ERISA fiduciary obligations by, among other things, allowing the investment of American Express Retirement Savings Plan (Plan) assets in American Express common stock when American Express common stock was not a prudent investment and misrepresenting and failing to disclose material facts to Plan participants in connectionpetition with the administration of the Plan. The amended complaint seeks, among other remedies, an unspecified amount of damages. The defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint on May 31, 2016.

On March 8, 2016, plaintiffs B&R Supermarket, Inc. d/b/Supreme Court seeking such a Milam’s Market and Grove Liquors LLC, on behalf of themselves and others, filed a suit, captionedB&R Supermarket, Inc. d/b/a Milam’s Market, et al. v. Visa Inc., et al., for violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, California’s Cartwright Act and unjust enrichment in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, against American Express Company, other credit and charge card networks, other issuing banks and EMVCo, LLC. Plaintiffs allege that the defendants, through EMVCo, conspired to shift liability for fraudulent, faulty and otherwise rejected consumer credit card transactions from themselves to merchants after the implementation of EMV chip payment terminals. Plaintiffs seek damages and injunctive relief. On June 24, 2016, the court granted our motion to transfer to the Southern District of New York the claims brought against us by merchants who accept American Express cards. The court also granted plaintiffs’ leave to file an amended complaint and, on September 30, 2016, denied our motion to dismiss as to claims brought by merchants who do not accept American Express cards.

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In October 2009, a putative class action, captionedLopez, et al. v. American Express Bank, FSB and American Express Centurion Bank, was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The amended complaint sought to certify a class of California American Express Card Members whose interest rates were changed from fixed to variable in or around August 2009 or otherwise increased. On August 20, 2014, plaintiffs filed an amended nationwide complaint and an unopposed motion for preliminary approval of a settlement of the claims alleged in that complaint. The settlement provides for certain relief to class members, attorneys’ fees and costs of up to $6 million. On October 17, 2016, the court granted final approval of the settlement.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

review.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of our risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of the 20152016 Form 10-K. There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in the 20152016 Form 10-K. However, the risks and uncertainties that we face are not limited to those set forth in the 20152016 Form 10-K. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business and the trading price of our securities.

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62


ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

(c)ISSUER PURCHASES OF SECURITIES


(c)   ISSUER PURCHASES OF SECURITIES

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases of the Company’sour common stock made by or on behalf of the Companyus during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.

 

 
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
  Average Price
Paid Per Share
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(c)
   Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

July 1-31, 2016

       

Repurchase program(a)

   2,511,954    $62.98     2,511,954     56,217,857  

Employee transactions(b)

   34    $59.48     N/A     N/A  

August 1-31, 2016

       

Repurchase program(a)

   3,799,200    $65.13     3,799,200     52,418,657  

Employee transactions(b)

   63,497    $64.46     N/A     N/A  

September 1-30, 2016

       

Repurchase program(a)

   2,538,136    $64.69     2,538,136     149,648,176  

Employee transactions(b)

   (221  $53.39     N/A     N/A  

Total

       

Repurchase program(a)

   8,849,290    $64.39     8,849,290     149,648,176  

Employee transactions(b)

   63,310    $64.50     N/A     N/A  

 

 

2017.

  Total Number of Shares Purchased  Average Price Paid Per Share  
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(c)
  Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 
             
April 1-30, 2017            
Repurchase program(a)
  2,360,576  $78.69   2,360,576   122,161,288 
Employee transactions(b)
        N/A   N/A 
                 
May 1-31, 2017                
Repurchase program(a)
  2,983,000  $77.62   2,983,000   119,178,288 
Employee transactions(b)
  25,353  $79.25   N/A   N/A 
                 
June 1-30, 2017                
Repurchase program(a)
  5,266,678  $81.36   5,266,678   113,911,610 
Employee transactions(b)
  1,018  $76.85   N/A   N/A 
                 
Total                
Repurchase program(a)
  10,610,254  $79.72   10,610,254   113,911,610 
Employee transactions(b)
  26,371  $79.16   N/A   N/A 
(a)On September 26, 2016, the Company announcedBoard of Directors authorized the authorization to repurchase of up to 150 million shares of common stock from time to time, in accordance with the capital distribution plans approved by the Federal Reserve and subject to market conditions. Theconditions and the Federal Reserve’s non-objection to our capital plans. This authorization replaced the prior repurchase authorization and does not have an expiration date.
(b)Includes: (i) shares surrendered by holders of employee stock options who exercised options (granted under the Company’sour incentive compensation plans) in satisfaction of the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligation of such holders and (ii) restricted shares withheld (under the terms of grants under the Company’sour incentive compensation plans) to offset tax withholding obligations that occur upon vesting and release of restricted shares. The Company’sOur incentive compensation plans provide that the value of the shares delivered or attested to, or withheld, be based on the price of the Company’sour common stock on the date the relevant transaction occurs.
(c)Share purchases under publicly announced programs are made pursuant to open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions (including employee benefit plans) as market conditions warrant and at prices the Company deemswe deem appropriate.

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63

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) to the Exchange Act, an issuer is required to disclose in its annual or quarterly reports, as applicable, whether it or any of its affiliates knowingly engaged in certain activities, transactions or dealings relating to Iran or with individuals or entities designated pursuant to certain Executive Orders. Disclosure is generally required even where the activities, transactions or dealings were conducted outside the United States by non-U.S. affiliates in compliance with applicable law, and whether or not the activities are sanctionable under U.S. law.

During the third quarter of 2016, American Express Travel & Lifestyle Services obtained two visas from Iranian embassies in connection with certain travel arrangements on behalf of clients. In addition,


American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) and certain entities that may be considered affiliates of GBT have informed us that during the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 they2017 approximately 95 visas were obtained approximately 80 visas from Iranian embassies and consulates around the world in connection with certain travel arrangements on behalf of clients. WeGBT had negligible gross revenues and net profits attributable to these transactions and intendintends to continue to engage in these activities on a limited basis so long as such activities are permitted under U.S. law.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS



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.

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64

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 COMPANY

   (Registrant)
Date: October 25, 2016 
      Date: July 25, 2017 By 

/s/ Jeffrey C. Campbell

   Jeffrey C. Campbell
   Executive Vice President and
   Chief Financial Officer
Date: October 25, 2016 
      Date: July 25, 2017 By 

/s/ Linda Zukauckas

   Linda Zukauckas
   Executive Vice President and
   Corporate Controller
   (Principal Accounting Officer)

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65

EXHIBIT INDEX


The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report:


Exhibit
Exhibit

Description

3.1American Express Company By-Laws, as amended through September 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-7657), dated September 26, 2016).
12
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 E-1






E-1