American Express Company $AXP Stock Holdings Increased by ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc.

Key Points

• ZWJ Investment Counsel increased its American Express stake by 3.1% in the third quarter, adding 4,939 shares for a total of 163,278 shares valued at approximately $50.1 million. Institutional investors collectively own 84.33% of AXP.
• American Express shares opened at $306.57, down 1.1%, below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” consensus with an average price target of $365.63.
• The company reported quarterly EPS of $4.53, exceeding the $4.41 consensus estimate, while revenue increased 10% year over year. American Express also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.95, equivalent to a 1.2% annual yield.

ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc. increased its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP - Free Report) by 3.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 163,278 shares of the payment services company's stock after purchasing an additional 4,939 shares during the period. American Express accounts for about 1.4% of ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc.'s portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest position. ZWJ Investment Counsel Inc.'s holdings in American Express were worth $50,120,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Flputnam Investment Management Co. acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the second quarter worth about $12,879,000. State Street Corp boosted its position in American Express by 40.2% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 40,967,262 shares of the payment services company's stock valued at $13,857,176,000 after buying an additional 11,739,541 shares during the last quarter. Evolve Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the second quarter valued at approximately $5,172,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners increased its holdings in American Express by 14.9% in the 2nd quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 41,480 shares of the payment services company's stock worth $14,030,000 after buying an additional 5,365 shares during the period. Finally, OMERS ADMINISTRATION Corp acquired a new position in American Express in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $11,642,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the company's stock.

American Express Trading Down 1.1%

Shares of American Express stock opened at $306.57 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $322.25 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $325.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 1.55. American Express Company has a fifty-two week low of $290.97 and a fifty-two week high of $387.49. The company has a market cap of $207.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 1.08.

American Express (NYSE:AXP - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 firm had revenue of $14.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $19.70 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $4.08 EPS. The company'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. As a group, equities analysts predict that American Express Company will post 17.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

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

Key Headlines Impacting American Express

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

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have issued reports on AXP. Loop Capital reduced their price target on shares of American Express from $389.00 to $386.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of American Express from $400.00 to $410.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Monday, July 6th. BMO Capital Markets began coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Thursday, October 8th. They issued an "outperform" rating and a $380.00 price objective on the stock. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of American Express from $387.00 to $391.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, HSBC raised their target price on shares of American Express from $312.00 to $329.00 and gave the stock a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, July 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus 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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