By Nicholas G. Miller

American Express posted higher fourth-quarter revenue and profit and said it would boost its shareholder dividend as its card members continued to spend.

The credit-card company reported net income of $2.46 billion, or $3.53 a share, up from $2.17 billion, or $3.04 a share, the year prior. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected $3.54 a share.

Revenue rose 10% to $18.98 billion, driven by higher card member spending, card fee growth and increased net interest income due to growth in revolving loan balances. Wall Street had expected $18.92 billion.

Card member spending increased 9%, while net card fee revenues grew by double digits.

The company's expenses rose 10% to $14.5 billion, largely due to higher variable customer engagement costs from increased customer spending and the release of its new Platinum cards.

The company guided for 2026 revenue growth of 9% to 10% and earnings of $17.30 to $17.90 a share. Analysts see 2026 earnings of $17.43 a share.

American Express also said it would increase its dividend by 16% to 95 cents a share, beginning in the first quarter.

The company has previously said that its customer base, which mostly consists of higher-income consumers, has continued to spend and pay its bills even as broader consumer confidence has fallen. American Express goes after wealthier consumers who are willing to pay a premium fee for a credit card that offers access to perks and benefits.

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at nicholas.miller@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 30, 2026 07:00 ET (12:00 GMT)

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