American Express (Amex) reported in-line fourth-quarter results, but its 2026 outlook exceeded expectations. EPS came in at $3.53, nearly matching the $3.54 consensus. Revenue rose 9% to $18.98 billion, slightly above analyst estimates. The positive outlook and strong performance suggest Amex is managing well in a competitive market.

Revenue growth was fueled by increased card member spending, higher net interest income, and solid card fee growth. Amex is also raising its quarterly dividend by approximately 16% to $0.95 per share, starting in Q1 2026. This signals confidence in future earnings and the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders.

Credit loss provisions for the quarter increased to $1.4 billion. Expenses increased by 10% year-over-year, mainly due to higher customer engagement costs related to increased spending and the U.S. Platinum Card refresh. Investors will be watching how Amex manages credit risk and expenses going forward.

Looking ahead, the company forecasts 9-10% revenue growth for 2026. The financial services sector is constantly evolving, with digital payment platforms and fintech companies vying for market share. Amex's ability to maintain strong growth will be key to its continued success.