Shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) have earned an average rating of “Hold” from the twenty-three brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $352.9524.
Several equities analysts have commented on AXP shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of American Express from $400.00 to $425.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Evercore set a $393.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. UBS Group reiterated a “neutral” rating and set a $395.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. BTIG Research dropped their target price on American Express from $328.00 to $285.00 and set a “sell” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 16th. Finally, Barclays upped their target price 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.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AXP
American Express Trading Down 2.3%
American Express (NYSE:AXP – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported $3.53 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $3.54 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of ($17,139.00) million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.91 billion. American Express had a net margin of 15.00% and a return on equity of 33.49%. American Express’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.04 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that American Express will post 15.33 EPS for the current year.
American Express Increases Dividend
The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, April 3rd will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. This is a positive change from American Express’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 2nd. American Express’s payout ratio is currently 21.31%.
Insider Transactions at American Express
In related news, insider Ravikumar Radhakrishnan sold 15,000 shares of American Express stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.58, for a total transaction of $5,348,700.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 8,945 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,189,608.10. The trade was a 62.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Anna Marrs sold 27,425 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the sale, the insider owned 20,394 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,138,103.94. This trade represents a 57.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 73,944 shares of company stock worth $26,114,366. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.
Institutional Inflows and Outflows
Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AXP. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 153.3% during the third quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 76 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in American Express by 6,600.0% during the fourth quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. now owns 67 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Joseph Group Capital Management purchased a new stake in American Express in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Sfam LLC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, Manning & Napier Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in American Express during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.33% of the company’s stock.
Key Headlines Impacting American Express
Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:
- Positive Sentiment: AXP is pushing new product and technology initiatives — the company rolled out a 2% cash-back Graphite card and is expanding AI-driven tools aimed at deepening engagement with business customers, which could support spend and revenue growth over time. American Express Bets Big on AI, Cash Back in 2026 Push
- Positive Sentiment: Investor-focused coverage highlights sustained demand for premium cards and membership services, which supports higher-margin revenue streams and customer loyalty—one of the reasons long-term thesis holders remain constructive. 3 Things Every American Express Investor Needs to Know
- Neutral Sentiment: Analysis argues AXP is not materially threatened by rapid AI disintermediation of commerce today — management and analysts point to AmEx’s network, data, and premium customer base as defenses vs. “agentic AI” threats. This is more a reassurance than a near-term catalyst. Why American Express Doesn’t Fear an Agentic AI Shop-ocalypse
- Neutral Sentiment: Industry moves and competitor developments (Bread Financial, Clear Secure, travel rental players) are shaping the competitive and travel-spend backdrop; these stories can shift relative sentiment toward card issuers but are not direct AXP catalysts. BFH Stock Near 52-Week High: A Signal for Investors to Hold Tight? Hertz Stock and Other Shutdown Winners Slump as TSA Funding Truce Signals End to Travel Chaos
- Negative Sentiment: Market headlines note AXP declined more than the broader market today; short-term price pressure appears driven by recent share-price weakness and investor rotation away from higher-beta financials. Why American Express (AXP) Dipped More Than Broader Market Today
- Negative Sentiment: Investors remain sensitive to recent fundamental signals — AXP’s latest quarter showed only a very small EPS miss and management set FY‑2026 EPS guidance that the market will closely scrutinize; lingering valuation concerns and the stock’s YTD weakness keep downside risk elevated. Is It Time To Revisit American Express (AXP) After Recent Share Price Weakness?
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.
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