First Trust Advisors LP Acquires 141,242 Shares of American Express Company $AXP

First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 11.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,421,221 shares of the payment services company’s stock after purchasing an additional 141,242 shares during the quarter. First Trust Advisors LP’s holdings in American Express were worth $429,891,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management bought a new position in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Sfam LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC acquired a new stake in American Express in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Institutional investors own 84.33% of the company’s stock.

American Express Stock Down 0.3%

American Express stock opened at $351.01 on Wednesday. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $330.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $330.74. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The stock has a market cap of $239.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.90, a P/E/G ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.04. American Express Company has a twelve month low of $288.34 and a twelve month high of $387.49.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 23rd. The payment services company reported $4.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.01 by $0.27. American Express had a return on equity of 33.95% and a net margin of 15.13%.The company had revenue of $14.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $18.60 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.64 earnings per share. The business’s revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that American Express Company will post 17.67 EPS for the current year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 2nd will be paid a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 2nd. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. American Express’s payout ratio is 23.71%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities analysts have weighed in on AXP shares. TD Cowen boosted their price target on American Express from $330.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 7th. HSBC lifted their target price on American Express from $312.00 to $329.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research note on Monday, July 13th. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, July 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised American Express from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and raised their price target for the company from $328.00 to $400.00 in a report on Monday, July 13th. Finally, Loop Capital started coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Thursday, May 21st. They set a “buy” rating and a $389.00 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, American Express has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $374.11.

More American Express News

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express and Bottomline announced an expanded partnership to improve B2B payment connectivity through Buyer Initiated Payments, adding new payment and automated invoice reporting capabilities that could support long-term transaction growth. Bottomline and American Express Partner to Expand B2B Payment Connectivity Through Paymode
• Positive Sentiment: Amex said its new B2B payment feature and reporting tools are designed to make invoice-based payments easier for buyers and suppliers, which could strengthen customer retention and commercial payments usage. American Express Launches Intelligent Capabilities to Help Streamline Buyer and Supplier Payments
• Neutral Sentiment: Investors are also focused on AXP’s second-quarter 2026 earnings report due July 24, with consensus calling for $4.40 in EPS and $19.62 billion in revenue, making the stock sensitive to any guidance or performance surprise. Can AmEx Beat Q2 Earnings on Higher Network Volumes & Interest Income?
• Neutral Sentiment: KEO Capital also renewed its American Express licensing agreement in Mexico, reinforcing a long-running partnership and suggesting continued international commercial card activity. KEO Capital Renews American Express Licensing Agreement in Mexico
• Negative Sentiment: Some market commentary continues to compare AXP unfavorably with Visa, noting Visa’s asset-light model and AI/payment initiatives as potential reasons it may be viewed as the stronger long-term pick. Visa vs. American Express: Which Payments Giant Is the Better Pick?

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.