Empowered Funds LLC Buys 39,326 Shares of American Express Company $AXP

Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 188.5% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 60,190 shares of the payment services company’s stock after buying an additional 39,326 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC’s holdings in American Express were worth $18,206,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of American Express by 6,600.0% during the 4th quarter. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. now owns 67 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management bought a new stake in American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Sfam LLC bought a new stake in American Express in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in American Express during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in American Express during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

AXP has been the subject of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on American Express from $385.00 to $382.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group raised American Express from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, July 13th. UBS Group increased their target price on American Express from $340.00 to $386.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 7th. Loop Capital began coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Thursday, May 21st. They issued a “buy” rating and a $389.00 price target for the company. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of American Express from $360.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 24th. One investment 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 issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, American Express has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $372.95.

American Express Trading Up 0.3%

Shares of American Express stock opened at $336.51 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $227.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.04. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $333.51 and a 200 day simple moving average of $329.35. American Express Company has a 12-month low of $288.34 and a 12-month high of $387.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.41 by $0.12. American Express had a return on equity of 34.12% and a net margin of 15.07%.The business had revenue of $14.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $19.70 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $4.08 EPS. The business’s 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, sell-side analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 17.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Shareholders 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 dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.06%.

More American Express News

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

American Express Profile

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.