American Express Company $AXP Stock Holdings Increased by First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.

Key Points

• First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. increased its American Express stake by 158.7% in the third quarter, bringing its holdings to 15,865 shares valued at $4.825 million. Institutional investors collectively own 84.33% of AXP.
• American Express exceeded quarterly EPS expectations, reporting $4.53 versus the $4.41 consensus, while revenue grew 10% year over year. The company also issued FY 2026 EPS guidance of $17.30–$17.90.
• The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.95, or $3.80 annually, yielding about 1.2%. Analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average price target of $365.63, though regulatory concerns including a reported $350 million AML fine remain a risk.

First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. raised its holdings in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 158.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,865 shares of the payment services company's stock after acquiring an additional 9,732 shares during the period. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co.'s holdings in American Express were worth $4,825,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the second quarter valued at about $14,208,662,000. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 40.2% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 40,967,262 shares of the payment services company's stock worth $13,857,176,000 after buying an additional 11,739,541 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in American Express by 8.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,969,555 shares of the payment services company's stock valued at $2,695,702,000 after buying an additional 614,981 shares during the last quarter. Corient Private Wealth LP acquired a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $253,945,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,263,787,000. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

American Express News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express is developing an “Intent Intelligence” framework and “Proof of Intent” token to help ensure AI agents complete only authorized purchases. If adopted broadly, the technology could reduce fraud and disputes, support safer agentic commerce and increase payment volumes. American Express Publishes Intent Intelligence Framework for Trusted Agentic Commerce
• Positive Sentiment: Analysts cited in recent coverage see a consensus price target of approximately $365.63, implying upside from recent trading levels. Other commentary highlights double-digit growth and a below-average valuation multiple, while the company has raised its full-year revenue outlook. American Express Consensus Target Price
• Neutral Sentiment: American Express was named title sponsor of the inaugural Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix. The agreement may strengthen brand visibility and customer engagement, but its direct financial impact is likely limited. American Express Named Title Sponsor of Hong Kong Sail Grand Prix
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst views remain mixed: some see attractive growth at the current multiple, while others question whether the stock price fully reflects the returns generated by the business. This divergence could limit near-term momentum. Analysts Conflicted on American Express
• Negative Sentiment: A reported $350 million AML fine is weighing on the investment case. The penalty raises concerns about compliance costs, regulatory oversight and potential reputational damage, and is a key reason investors may view AXP as below fair value despite its earnings growth. American Express Stock May Sit Below Fair Value as AML Fine Lands

American Express Price Performance

Shares of AXP opened at $306.57 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $207.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.80, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. The company's fifty day simple moving average is $322.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $325.22. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $290.97 and a 1-year high of $387.49.

American Express (NYSE:AXP - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.41 by $0.12. American Express had a net margin of 15.07% and a return on equity of 34.12%. The company had revenue of $14.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.70 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.08 EPS. American Express's revenue for the quarter was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 17.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 9th will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 9th. American Express's dividend payout ratio is currently 23.06%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AXP has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Evercore set a $320.00 price target on American Express in a research report on Thursday, October 1st. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of American Express from $364.00 to $342.00 and set an "equal weight" rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 5th. DZ Bank raised shares of American Express from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating and set a $375.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 18th. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of American Express from $355.00 to $340.00 and set a "neutral" rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, September 30th. Finally, Guggenheim started coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, July 13th. They issued a "buy" rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average price target of $365.63.

American Express Profile

American Express Company NYSE: AXP is a global financial services company that provides payment, lending, travel and related products to consumers, small businesses and corporate customers. Its offerings include consumer and business charge and credit cards, payment solutions, commercial financing, deposit products and rewards programs.

American Express also operates a worldwide merchant network and provides businesses with payment acceptance services, transaction-processing capabilities and data-driven marketing solutions.

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