AXP · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report

Acquisition / Partnership / Divestiture

AMERICAN EXPRESS CO · 2026-10-23 · Importance 53 · Surprise 60

American Express completed the Global Business Travel Group transaction in Q3 and recorded a gain of $1.11 per share from the sale of its investments. Management said two-thirds of the gain would flow to the bottom line, while a portion was used to fund the $336 million restructuring charge. The company also cited its Center acquisition as part of its effort to strengthen middle-market commercial capabilities, including expense-management platform Nova.

Key facts

• The Global Business Travel transaction closed in Q3 2026, and American Express is directing two-thirds of the gain to the bottom line.
• American Express acquired Center to improve its middle-market commercial growth and compete more effectively in that segment.
• American Express is pursuing network partnerships with smaller- to mid-size banks and specific entities rather than larger banks.
• The Global Business Travel Group investment sale generated a $1.11-per-share gain, and the Q3 restructuring charge was $0.37 per share; excluding both, EPS was $4.68, up 13% year over year.