ARQ Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 2,436 shares of the payment services company’s stock, valued at approximately $809,000.
A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. raised its stake in American Express by 153.3% during the third quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 76 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Guerra Advisors Inc bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of American Express by 210.7% during the 3rd quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 87 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.
Insiders Place Their Bets
In other American Express news, insider Anna Marrs sold 27,425 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $350.01, for a total transaction of $9,599,024.25. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 20,394 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,138,103.94. This represents a 57.35% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Denise Pickett sold 23,385 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.91, for a total transaction of $8,346,340.35. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 7,754 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,767,480.14. This trade represents a 75.10% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 73,944 shares of company stock valued at $26,114,366 in the last ninety days. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.
American Express Price Performance
American Express (NYSE:AXP – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported $3.53 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.54 by ($0.01). American Express had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 15.00%.The business had revenue of ($17,139.00) million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.91 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.04 earnings per share. The business’s revenue was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current year.
American Express Increases Dividend
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 3rd will be paid a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. This is a boost from American Express’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 2nd. American Express’s payout ratio is presently 24.69%.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
Several equities analysts recently issued reports on AXP shares. Weiss Ratings raised shares of American Express from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and set a $395.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Morgan Stanley set a $395.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an “outperform” rating on shares of American Express in a report on Monday. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on American Express from $355.00 to $367.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Nine 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 company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $354.86.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on American Express
More American Express News
Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Bank of America reiterated a Buy on AXP after February operating results, trimming its price objective slightly to $381 — the reiteration of a Buy from a major bank supports investor confidence. Bank of America Sees Stable Credit Trends in American Express (AXP) Update
- Positive Sentiment: Several bullish pieces argue AXP is an attractive “dip buy,” pointing to resilient consumer spending, steady earnings growth and the company’s premium franchise — these narratives can attract buy-the-dip flows. American Express Is An Attractive Dip Buy As Growth Continues
- Positive Sentiment: Company credit metrics were reported as broadly stable (only modest deterioration in some consumer/small-business cohorts), which reduces near-term credit concerns for investors focused on card receivables. American Express Reports Stable Credit Metrics Amid Modest Decline
- Neutral Sentiment: Valuation debate continues: Zacks notes AXP trades at a premium to peers but below its own five‑year median — important context for investors weighing multiple vs. growth outlooks. Is American Express a Buy Now Despite its Premium Valuation?
- Neutral Sentiment: Industry tech shifts: Visa’s tokenization and digital credentialing trends underscore ongoing payments innovation; this is a sector tailwind but requires execution from AXP to fully benefit. Visa’s Token Strategy: A Quiet Shift Powering Future Payments
- Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: traders bought ~43,272 put contracts in one day (≈140% above normal daily put volume), signaling short-term hedging or bearish speculation that can pressure sentiment.
- Negative Sentiment: BTIG cut its price target to $285 and placed a Sell rating — a visible sell-side downgrade that can trigger tactical selling by funds that follow such calls. BTIG Lowers Price Target on American Express
- Negative Sentiment: Competitive pressure: Robinhood’s forthcoming platinum credit card rollout is a potential threat to premium card market share and rewards-driven customer acquisition. Did Robinhood Just Say “Checkmate” to American Express?
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.
Further Reading
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