American Express raises 2026 profit forecast as affluent customers keep spending
AXP•American Express raised its 2026 profit forecast to $18.30-$18.60 per share from $17.30-$17.90 after third-quarter adjusted profit rose to $4.68 per share. Billed business increased 8% to $454 billion and revenue rose 9% to $20.1 billion.
1. Forecast raised
American Express lifted its 2026 profit forecast to $18.30-$18.60 per share, up from its prior range of $17.30-$17.90. Third-quarter adjusted profit was $4.68 per share, compared with $4.14 a year earlier.
2. Spending and credit
Billed business, measuring spending on American Express-issued cards, rose 8% to $454 billion in the third quarter, while revenue climbed 9% to $20.1 billion. The company set aside $1 billion in provisions for credit losses, down from $1.3 billion a year earlier.
3. Customer momentum
CEO Stephen Squeri said the company continued to see strength in billings, new acquisitions and card-member retention, alongside excellent credit quality. American Express has invested in attracting younger consumers, including Gen Z and millennials, as it seeks to build long-term customer relationships and expand global market share.
