The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company Sells 21,023 Shares of American Express Company $AXP

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company decreased its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 4.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 420,655 shares of the payment services company’s stock after selling 21,023 shares during the quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company’s holdings in American Express were worth $127,239,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Joseph Group Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Sfam LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

American Express Stock Up 0.3%

NYSE:AXP opened at $336.51 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $227.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.55. The stock’s fifty day moving average price is $333.51 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $329.35. American Express Company has a 52-week low of $288.34 and a 52-week high of $387.49.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.41 by $0.12. American Express had a return on equity of 34.12% and a net margin of 15.07%.The company had revenue of $14.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.70 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.08 earnings per share. The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 17.67 EPS for the current year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 2nd will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 2nd. American Express’s dividend payout ratio is currently 23.06%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently issued reports on AXP. Piper Sandler downgraded shares of American Express from an “overweight” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, July 13th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of American Express from $425.00 to $415.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 9th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $322.00 to $364.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Freedom Capital raised American Express from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Thursday, May 14th. Finally, Guggenheim assumed coverage on American Express in a research report on Monday, July 13th. They set a “buy” rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, American Express presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $372.95.

Key Headlines Impacting American Express

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

• Positive Sentiment: Analyst support is improving. KBW and Deutsche Bank both assigned Buy ratings to AXP, helping reinforce the view that the recent pullback has created an attractive entry point. American Express Receives a Buy from KBW American Express Gets a Buy from Deutsche Bank
• Positive Sentiment: Card spending and revenue momentum remain healthy. American Express raised its 2026 revenue-growth outlook to 10%, citing continued spending strength. Management plans to reinvest operating gains in customers, technology and strategic capabilities, which analysts view as supportive of longer-term growth. AXP Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Reinvestment Strategy
• Positive Sentiment: Quarterly earnings exceeded expectations. AXP reported quarterly EPS of $4.53 versus the $4.41 consensus, while revenue increased 10% year over year. Analysts also highlighted resilient spending among premium cardholders and maintained optimistic long-term views. American Express Revenue Momentum Could Drive Higher Reinvestment
• Neutral Sentiment: Valuation opinions are mixed. One analysis found meaningful upside using an excess-returns model, supported by product changes and partnerships, but noted that AXP’s strong five-year performance has already priced in much of its business strength. Jefferies continues to rate the shares Hold. American Express Stock Still Looks Below Fair Value Today
• Negative Sentiment: Expenses and guidance quality remain concerns. Although earnings beat estimates, analysts cited weaker-than-expected sales and 2026 sales guidance slightly below consensus. Higher reinvestment and operating costs could limit near-term margin expansion. Analysts Cut Forecasts Following Q2 Earnings
• Negative Sentiment: Some analysts remain cautious. BTIG downgraded AXP to Sell and lowered its price target to $315, while separate commentary argued investors should wait for a better entry point. BTIG American Express Rating Update

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.