Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd raised its holdings in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 34.1% in the fourth quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 139,887 shares of the payment services company’s stock after acquiring an additional 35,533 shares during the quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd’s holdings in American Express were worth $51,751,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Gratus Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 0.8% in the third quarter. Gratus Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,712 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $1,233,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp lifted its stake in American Express by 10.0% in the third quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp now owns 308 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 2.4% in the fourth quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,214 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $465,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Lantz Financial LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 3.6% in the fourth quarter. Lantz Financial LLC now owns 808 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $299,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in American Express by 2.1% in the third quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,378 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $458,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Insider Buying and Selling at American Express
In other news, insider Howard Grosfield sold 8,134 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $346.73, for a total value of $2,820,301.82. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 9,433 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,270,704.09. This represents a 46.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.14% of the company’s stock.
American Express Stock Down 0.1%
American Express (NYSE:AXP – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 23rd. The payment services company reported $4.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.01 by $0.27. The firm had revenue of $14.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $18.60 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 33.95% and a net margin of 15.13%.The company’s revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.64 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. Equities analysts expect that American Express Company will post 17.59 earnings per share for the current year.
American Express Increases Dividend
The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 3rd were given a $0.95 dividend. This is a positive change from American Express’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 2nd. American Express’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 23.71%.
Analyst Ratings Changes
A number of analysts have issued reports on AXP shares. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of American Express from $425.00 to $415.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $415.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research note on Friday, April 10th. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $381.00 to $387.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, April 24th. Evercore set a $345.00 target price on American Express in a research report on Wednesday, April 29th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group set a $328.00 target price on American Express in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $357.47.
View Our Latest Analysis on American Express
Trending Headlines about American Express
Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Warren Buffett publicly praised Greg Abel, reinforcing the market’s view that Berkshire’s leadership remains constructive on high-quality financial names like American Express. Warren Buffett: “I’d rather have Greg handling my money than any of the top investment advisors or any of the top CEOs of the United States.”
- Positive Sentiment: Multiple articles highlighted American Express as a Berkshire favorite and one of Buffett’s best value ideas for 2026, which can support sentiment around AXP as a durable, cash-generating franchise. American Express (AXP) – Among the 10 Best Value Stocks to Buy in 2026 According to Warren Buffett
- Positive Sentiment: American Express’ move to sell its remaining stake in American Express Global Business Travel for about $1.5 billion was described as helping the company refocus on its core card business, which investors often view favorably. American Express Exit From GBT Refocuses Capital On Core Card Engine
- Positive Sentiment: American Express also launched an AI upskilling initiative for small businesses, a potentially positive long-term move that could deepen customer relationships and strengthen its small-business ecosystem. American Express Uses AI Upskilling To Deepen Small Business Relationships
- Neutral Sentiment: Shareholders reaffirmed the board, executive pay, and auditor at the annual meeting, removing a potential governance overhang but likely not a major near-term stock catalyst. American Express Shareholders Reaffirm Board, Pay and Auditor
- Neutral Sentiment: Articles comparing AXP with other value stocks or peers are generally informational and do not appear to be driving the move on their own. INTR vs. AXP: Which Stock Should Value Investors Buy Now?
American Express Company Profile
American Express is a global financial services company primarily known for its payment card products, travel services and merchant network. Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company evolved through the 20th century into a payments and travel-focused organization. Its core activities include issuing consumer and commercial charge and credit cards, operating a global card acceptance and processing network, and providing travel-related services and customer loyalty programs.
American Express issues a range of products for individuals, small businesses and large corporations, including personal cards, business and corporate cards, and co‑brand partnerships with airlines, hotels and retailers.
Further Reading
- Five stocks we like better than American Express
- 3 Companies Quietly Essential to Data Center and AI Operations
- Beyond NVIDIA: Picks-and-Shovels AI Plays with Strong Momentum
- Quantum Earnings Season Is Ramping Up—What to Watch From 2 Major Players
- Flutter Sees Post-Earnings Boost as FanDuel Shows Signs of Recovery
Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AXP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American Express Company (NYSE:AXP – Free Report).
Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
