American Express Company $AXP Shares Bought by Americana Partners LLC

Americana Partners LLC grew its holdings in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 23.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 10,046 shares of the payment services company’s stock after buying an additional 1,930 shares during the period. Americana Partners LLC’s holdings in American Express were worth $3,337,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Briaud Financial Planning Inc purchased a new position in American Express in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Access Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC lifted its position in American Express by 210.7% during the third quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 87 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Chung Wu Investment Group LLC purchased a new position in American Express during the second quarter worth approximately $37,000. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

American Express Stock Performance

NYSE:AXP opened at $352.02 on Wednesday. American Express Company has a 12 month low of $220.43 and a 12 month high of $387.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 1.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $242.49 billion, a PE ratio of 23.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.15. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $368.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $341.72.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported ($11.85) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($15.41). American Express had a return on equity of 33.41% and a net margin of 14.97%.The business had revenue of ($17,139.00) million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.91 billion. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share 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 paid a $0.82 dividend. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. American Express’s dividend payout ratio is currently 22.01%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total value of $18,010,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer directly owned 85,577 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $30,825,691.17. This trade represents a 36.88% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Douglas Tabish sold 2,515 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $355.61, for a total transaction of $894,359.15. Following the sale, the insider owned 2,515 shares in the company, valued at $894,359.15. This represents a 50.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $425.00 target price on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, January 12th. Evercore ISI set a $400.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Cowen reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of American Express in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. BTIG Research reissued a “sell” rating and issued a $328.00 price target on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, HSBC set a $295.00 price target on shares of American Express and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, American Express currently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $353.95.

About American Express

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.