American Express Levels Up Restaurant Game: Tock and Rooam Acquisitions Boost Network
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 21 2024
0mins
Source: Benzinga
- American Express Acquires Tock: American Express agrees to buy Tock, a technology company specializing in reservation and event management solutions, from Squarespace for $400 million.
- Tock's Services: Tock offers reservation, table management, and event ticketing tools to around 7,000 restaurants, wineries, and bookable venues.
- Collaboration with Squarespace: American Express and Squarespace will work together to enhance benefits for small businesses using Amex Cards, including leveraging the Amex Offers program.
- Additional Acquisition: American Express also announces the acquisition of Rooam, a mobile payments technology firm for restaurants and entertainment venues.
- Statements from American Express Executives: Executives from American Express highlight the aim to connect premium customers with restaurants, provide more technology for businesses, and improve customer experiences.
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Analyst Views on AXP
Wall Street analysts forecast AXP stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
12 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 309.820
Low
280.00
Averages
379.06
High
425.00
Current: 309.820
Low
280.00
Averages
379.06
High
425.00
About AXP
American Express Company is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Its card-issuing, merchant-acquiring and card network businesses offer products and services to a broad range of customers, including consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies and large corporations around the world. Its range of products and services includes credit and charge cards and complementary products and services, including travel, dining, lifestyle and expense management products and services; banking and other payment and financing products and services, including deposits and non-card lending; merchant acquisition and processing, servicing and settlement, fraud prevention, and point-of-sale marketing and information products and services, and network services. These products and services are offered through various channels, including mobile and online applications, affiliate marketing, customer referral programs, third-party service providers, and business partners.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Lukewarm Market Reaction: Despite exceeding analyst expectations, investor response to American Express has been cautious, with the stock lagging behind the S&P 500 index, reflecting concerns about future economic conditions.
- Steady Management Guidance: The company maintains its revenue growth outlook of 9% to 10% through 2025, with earnings per share projected between $17.30 and $17.90, despite plans to increase spending on marketing and technology to sustain growth.
- Customer Base Advantage: American Express's affluent customer base is expected to continue strong spending patterns despite inflation and potential AI disruptions, indicating a likelihood of sustained double-digit growth.
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- FanCash Reward Mechanism: Cardholders will earn FanCash, a digital reward currency, with over $1 billion expected to be issued this year and approximately 97% anticipated to be redeemed, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and market penetration for Fanatics.
- Business Expansion Strategy: The credit card launch is part of Fanatics' strategy to expand its loyalty program, Fanatics ONE, which now boasts over 30 million users, aiming to enhance user engagement by offering additional benefits and elevated tier status.
- Market Partnership Opportunities: The collaboration with American Express will integrate the Fanatics credit card into the Amex network, deepening connections with sports fans while providing brands opportunities to reach this demographic, thus advancing both companies' market strategies.
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- American Express's Competitive Edge: While Berkshire has divested from Visa and Mastercard, its long-standing investment in American Express remains intact, with a current P/E ratio of 18 times and expectations for double-digit earnings growth, reflecting its deep economic moat in the payment network.
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- Diversity of Recipients: The 2026 grant recipients span various industries, including retail, food service, healthcare, and professional services, with funding enabling them to expand operations, invest in critical upgrades, and introduce new offerings, thereby driving local economic recovery and innovation.
- Community Impact: Grant recipients like Bill's Hamburgers and Don't Toss the Bouquet are enhancing their services and facilities to strengthen community ties, showcasing the vital role small businesses play in driving local economies and fostering a culture of innovation.
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- Credit Card Launch: Fanatics plans to launch its first credit card later this year on the American Express network, allowing fans to earn FanCash redeemable for apparel, tickets, and more, thereby enhancing fan engagement and loyalty.
- User Base Expansion: Since the launch of the Fanatics ONE loyalty program last year, it has grown to over 30 million users, with the credit card offering additional benefits and elevated tier status, increasing user engagement and brand loyalty.
- Revenue Growth Expectations: Fanatics expects to issue over $1 billion in FanCash this year, with an anticipated 97% redemption rate by fans, demonstrating effective business integration and strong market demand.
- Partnership Deepening: The collaboration with American Express will enhance Fanatics' presence at retail and online locations globally, further expanding its market share among sports fans and increasing brand recognition.
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