Clayton Financial Group LLC Makes New $1.22 Million Investment in American Express Company $AXP

Clayton Financial Group LLC bought a new position in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 3,683 shares of the payment services company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,223,000. American Express makes up about 0.9% of Clayton Financial Group LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest holding.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Access Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the second quarter valued at $26,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in American Express during the second quarter valued at $37,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new position in American Express during the second quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Solstein Capital LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter worth about $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the company’s stock.

American Express Stock Performance

AXP stock opened at $382.75 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $364.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $333.35. American Express Company has a 12 month low of $220.43 and a 12 month high of $387.49. The company has a market capitalization of $263.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported ($11.85) earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of ($17,139.00) million for the quarter. American Express had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 33.41%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. American Express’s payout ratio is currently 22.01%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on AXP shares. DZ Bank raised American Express from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and set a $340.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of American Express from $343.00 to $355.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of American Express from $330.00 to $340.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, December 8th. They set a “peer perform” rating on the stock. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on American Express from $330.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock an “in-line” rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, American Express currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $335.55.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Denise Pickett sold 5,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.73, for a total value of $1,753,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 7,726 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,709,739.98. The trade was a 39.29% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total value of $18,010,500.00. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer directly owned 85,577 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $30,825,691.17. The trade was a 36.88% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 57,515 shares of company stock valued at $20,658,509 over the last quarter. Insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.

American Express 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.