Parnassus Fund Comments on American Express - May 09, 2016

American Express (NYSE:AXP), a global credit card company, saw its stock drop from $69.55 to $61.40, for a loss of 57 basis points. While the company beat earnings expectations this quarter, forward guidance for 2016 and 2017 were lowered. The company is facing a major headwind because of the loss of its co-branded Costco credit card portfolio to Citigroup. The company has also pointed more broadly to the increased competition in co-branded credit cards. To address these challenges, American Express is actively shifting its strategy to focus more on its lending business. Longer term, we believe the company will be able to continue to grow earnings by improving operational efficiency, buying back stock and finding a new avenue of growth through its lending focus.

From the Parnassus Fund first quarter 2016 shareholder letter.

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First Eagle Investments Comments on American Express - May 02, 2016

American Express (NYSE:AXP) illustrates the negative supply consequences of easy monetary policy. Zero -percent interest rates have generally compressed banks’ net interest margins, but not in the consumer credit card business, where margins have remained wide. This has become an especially bright spot in the financial sector, and banks have committed more capital to credit cards. As a result, American Express has faced a period of heightened competition, which has put pressure on its stock. We believe American Express has remained a very well-entrenched franchise, and in a world where many banks are earning single-digit return on equity (ROE), American Express has earned a 25% ROE.2 Its balance sheet is solid by comparison, and it has been able to buy back stock rather than needing to issue stock. We have remained committed to American Express, but we acknowledge that its environment has become somewhat more challenging.

From First Eagle's Global Value Fund first quarter 2016 commentary.

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Dodge & Cox Comments on American Express - Feb 02, 2016

American Express (NYSE:AXP)—the largest new purchase in the Fund during 2015—provides charge and credit card products and travel-related services to consumers and businesses worldwide. The company is the number one credit/charge card issuer and merchant acquirer in the United States measured by billed business, and its network is the second largest after Visa. Historically, American Express has generated attractive returns due to its vertical integration and strong value proposition for high-spending customers.

In 2015, American Express’ stock declined 24%(c) due to concerns that the company’s business model is under pressure: Costco U.S. and JetBlue terminated their exclusive relationships with the card company and the Department of Justice questioned American Express’ ability to enforce rules prohibiting merchants from steering customers to other credit cards. As a result, American Express’ valuation relative to the market is at a historically low level (13 times forward estimated earnings(d)). We initiated a position in the company because we believe these near-term concerns have obscured a long-term investment opportunity. The company has an attractive business model that produces high returns on capital by encouraging more affluent and creditworthy customers to use the company’s credit and charge cards. American Express’ highly perceived rewards program, customer service, and strong brand recognition help attract and retain wealthier customers. The company should benefit from a continued industry shift from paper to plastic payments and growth in its third-party issued cards business. We believe American Express will be able to maintain its strong return on equity and improve profitability in the long run. On December 31, American Express was a 1.4% position in the Fund.

From Dodge & Cox Stock Fund annual commentary for 2015.

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GAMCO Investors Comments on American Express - Dec 22, 2015

American Express Co. (NYSE:AXP) (2.2% of net assets as of September 30, 2015) (AXP – $74.13 – NYSE) is the largest closed loop credit card company in the world. The company operates its eponymous premiere branded payment network and lends to its largely affluent customer base. American Express has 114 million cards in force and over $68 billion in loans, while its customers charged nearly $1.0 trillion of spending on their cards in 2014. The company’s strong consumer brand has allowed American Express to enter the deposit gathering market as an alternate source of funding, while the company’s affluent customers have picked up spending. Longer term, American Express should capitalize on its higher spending customer base and continue to expand into other payment related businesses, such as corporate purchasing, while also growing in emerging markets. Similarly, the company is looking at the growing success of social media as an opportunity to expand its product base and payment options.

From the Gabelli Dividend Growth Fund third quarter 2015 commentary.

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Davis Funds Comments on American Express - Sep 14, 2015

American Express (NYSE:AXP) is another representative holding in the Portfolio. This global financial services firm combines a strong, upscale charge card brand with ownership of the underlying payment network to create a unique business model. The company attracts some of the most desirable cardholders whose affluence leads to average spending about three times as great as ordinary bank cards. American Express reinforces this higher charge card spending with a market-leading cardholder rewards program, creating a virtuous circle of higher spending and higher rewards. The company earns much of its revenue from the transaction or interchange fees it charges merchants that accept its card. Because its payment network is wholly owned, American Express avoids sharing this important revenue source, generating significantly better economics than the payment networks of its competitors whose interchange fees are shared with banks. Recently, American Express announced it will not renew its exclusive arrangement as the only credit card accepted at U.S. Costco stores. While this move will slow the company’s earnings growth over the short term, we admire the strong capital allocation discipline of the American Express management team in walking away from an arrangement offering inadequate shareholder returns. We expect American Express will take steps to overcome this loss of business and once again deliver double-digit earnings growth for shareholders in the years ahead.

From the Davis Financial Fund semi-annual review 2015.

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Bill Nygren Comments on American Express Co - Jul 09, 2015

American Express (AXP - $27)(AXP)

American Express is a payments company with one of the best brands in the world. Despite strong earnings growth over the past few years, the strength of the franchise was called into question recently when revenue growth slowed. Skepticism increased in February when Costco announced it would not renew its co-brand partnership with American Express. We believe this will cause earnings growth to slow for two years while American Express invests in marketing efforts to replace Costco co-brand customers, but we believe the company’s financial fundamentals remain very healthy. Card member spending is growing 7% per year (f/x adjusted), ROE is well above its 25% target and robust capital levels are allowing management to increase share repurchases. Despite what we believe is favorable secular growth and superior economics, American Express is trading at a large discount to the market and its historical multiples. Our long-term view allows us to look past the short-term disappointment of the Costco announcement and see the potential lucrative long-term value of American Express’ global payment network and growing customer base.

From Bill Nygren (Trades, Portfolio)'s Oakmark Fund Second Quarter 2015 Commentary.

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