Amex Boosts Revenue Guidance, Keeps Earnings Outlook Steady

American Express raised its revenue guidance for this year, expecting a stronger top line than initially anticipated. The company's total revenue grew 10% year over year to $19.6 billion in the last quarter, pushing per-share income up from $4.08 to $4.53. American Express also increased its 2026 revenue guidance to 10% above last year's top line of just over $72.2 billion.

However, the company didn't raise its full-year earnings expectations in step with its upward-revised revenue guidance. CFO Christophe Le Caillec explained that spending on marketing could be up 10% in the second half of 2026 and that investments in new customer acquisition and technology development are being made to drive long-term growth.

These investments include the planned acquisition of online restaurant reservation and management platform TheFork. CEO Steve Squeri highlighted this potential driver of long-term growth as an example of American Express's intended investments. He added, 'There is no shortage of technology investments or enhancements or refreshes that need to occur.'