AmEx profits plunge as travel spending comes to standstill
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — American Express’ fourth-quarter profits dropped by 39%, the credit card giant said Friday, as the pandemic’s deep impacts on travel, entertainment and dining dramatically impacted the company’s results.
The New York-based company earned $1.07 billion, or $1.30 a share, down from $1.76 billion, or $2.08 per share, in the same period a year earlier. The results missed analysts’ forecasts, who were looking for AmEx to earn $1.39 a share, according to Zacks Investment Research.
While AmEx has not been as negatively impacted by defaults and delinquencies like other credit card companies, the company’s bottom line has been hit hard by its business model tied into the well-to-do traveling and dining out. Restaurants have been shuttered in many countries, and hotel and airfare usage has fallen to the point that many airlines have sought government help and hotels are facing bankruptcy.