American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) Short Interest Up 14.3% in February

American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) saw a significant increase in short interest in February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 9,850,572 shares, an increase of 14.3% from the February 12th total of 8,616,704 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,723,051 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days. Approximately 1.4% of the company’s shares are short sold. Approximately 1.4% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 4,723,051 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 2.1 days.

American Express Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of AXP stock traded up $1.96 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $300.16. 3,614,858 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,719,295. American Express has a fifty-two week low of $220.43 and a fifty-two week high of $387.49. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $342.37 and its 200-day moving average is $348.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. The company has a market cap of $206.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.15.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported $3.53 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates 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 analyst estimates of $18.91 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.04 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. Analysts predict that American Express will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal 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 issued a $0.95 dividend. This is a boost from American Express’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.82. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 2nd. American Express’s dividend payout ratio is 21.31%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have issued reports on AXP shares. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of American Express from $420.00 to $400.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 2nd. BTIG Research dropped their price objective on shares of American Express from $328.00 to $285.00 and set a “sell” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of American Express from $400.00 to $425.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on American Express from $385.00 to $375.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and set a $395.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $354.86.

American Express News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Analysts / investors calling AXP a dip-buy — coverage highlighting resilient card spending, continued member growth and long‑run EPS targets, supporting a view that current weakness is a buying opportunity. American Express Is An Attractive Dip Buy As Growth Continues
• Positive Sentiment: Card member benefits expansion in New York/New Jersey and Atlanta could support engagement and spend per card, a tactical positive for revenue and loyalty. American Express Company (AXP) Expands Card Member Benefits in NY/NJ and Atlanta
• Positive Sentiment: Credit metrics described as stable in recent company updates and by research outlets, which reduces near‑term credit risk concerns tied to card portfolios. American Express Reports Stable Credit Metrics Amid Modest Decline
• Neutral Sentiment: Valuation debate continues — AXP trades above industry multiples but remains near its historical median, so upside depends on continued earnings growth justifying the premium. Is American Express a Buy Now Despite its Premium Valuation?
• Neutral Sentiment: Several media pieces revisit AXP’s long‑term wealth-creation case and recent share decline in 2026; these are more narrative than catalytic but shape sentiment. Is American Express Stock a Millionaire Maker?
• Negative Sentiment: BTIG cut its price target to $285 and moved to a sell rating, adding a new bearish voice that can pressure sentiment given BTIG’s distribution. Benzinga Report on BTIG Downgrade
• Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: a large spike in put buying (43,272 puts) signals some traders are hedging or betting on further downside, raising short‑term volatility risk.
• Negative Sentiment: Competitive pressure: Robinhood’s upcoming platinum credit card rollout is being discussed as a potential long‑term competitive threat to card share and growth. Did Robinhood Just Say “Checkmate” to American Express?

Insider Transactions at American Express

In other American Express news, insider Howard Grosfield sold 8,134 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $346.73, for a total transaction 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 $3,270,704.09. The trade was a 46.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Ravikumar Radhakrishnan sold 15,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.58, for a total value of $5,348,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 8,945 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $3,189,608.10. This represents a 62.64% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 73,944 shares of company stock valued at $26,114,366. Company insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Express

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in American Express by 6,600.0% in the fourth quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. now owns 67 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Sfam LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in American Express during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Valley Wealth Managers Inc. lifted its holdings in American Express by 153.3% in the third quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 76 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the period. 84.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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.