Baxter Bros Inc. Makes New Investment in American Express Company $AXP

Key Points

• Baxter Bros Inc. acquired 82,605 American Express shares worth approximately $27.9 million, making AXP its seventh-largest holding and representing about 3.2% of its portfolio. Institutional investors collectively own 84.33% of the company.
• Analysts maintain a generally positive outlook, with a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating and an average price target of $373.32. Recent targets range from $364 to $400, though Morgan Stanley and Barclays rated the stock “equal weight.”
• American Express exceeded quarterly EPS expectations, reporting $4.53 versus the $4.41 consensus, while revenue rose 10% year over year to $14.99 billion. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.95 per share, equivalent to a 1.1% annualized yield.

Baxter Bros Inc. acquired a new stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 82,605 shares of the payment services company's stock, valued at approximately $27,941,000. American Express makes up approximately 3.2% of Baxter Bros Inc.'s portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of AXP. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in American Express by 24.4% during the fourth quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,481 shares of the payment services company's stock worth $1,924,000 after buying an additional 1,273 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in American Express by 13.0% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,738 shares of the payment services company's stock worth $554,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the period. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. acquired a new position in American Express during the second quarter worth approximately $428,000. Howland Capital Management LLC raised its stake in American Express by 4.2% in the second quarter. Howland Capital Management LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the payment services company's stock valued at $707,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Finally, HUB Investment Partners LLC raised its stake in American Express by 19.9% in the second quarter. HUB Investment Partners LLC now owns 2,898 shares of the payment services company's stock valued at $924,000 after buying an additional 481 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.33% of the company's stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently commented on AXP. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on American Express from $385.00 to $382.00 and set an "equal weight" rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 27th. Barclays boosted their price objective on American Express from $322.00 to $364.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a report on Tuesday, July 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on American Express from $360.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 28th. Loop Capital started coverage on American Express in a report on Thursday, May 21st. They set a "buy" rating and a $389.00 price target for the company. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on American Express from $360.00 to $375.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $373.32.

American Express Stock Down 0.1%

NYSE AXP opened at $342.27 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $290.97 and a 1-year high of $387.49. The company has a 50 day moving average of $341.33 and a 200-day moving average of $327.33. The company has a market cap of $231.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.77, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.04.

American Express (NYSE:AXP - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 earnings per share (EPS) 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 business had revenue of $14.99 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.70 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $4.08 earnings per share. The firm's quarterly revenue 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, equities research analysts expect that American Express Company will post 17.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 2nd. American Express's dividend payout ratio is 23.06%.

American Express News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: Expanded virtual-card capabilities: AXP is making American Express Virtual Cards available through its @ Work platform for U.S. corporate customers. The products offer adjustable spending limits, enhanced fraud protection and easier expense management, potentially increasing commercial-payment volumes and customer retention. American Express expands virtual cards for US commercial customers
• Positive Sentiment: Premium travel ecosystem strengthened: American Express added 350 luxury hotels across 116 countries to the Platinum Card travel program. More curated booking options could improve the value proposition of its premium cards, support spending and help justify annual fees. American Express adds 350 luxury hotels to Platinum Card travel program
• Positive Sentiment: Evidence of loyalty-driven spending: United Airlines’ results highlighted how American Express perks can help capture premium travel spending, even without a United co-branded card. The example supports AXP’s broader strategy of using travel benefits and partnerships to attract affluent customers. Popular legacy airline captures premium spend because of American Express perks
• Positive Sentiment: Constructive analyst outlook: Piper Sandler forecast meaningful appreciation potential for AXP shares, providing a positive signal following the company’s recent earnings beat and continued revenue growth. Piper Sandler Forecasts Strong Price Appreciation for American Express Stock
• Neutral Sentiment: Capital structure update: AXP issued Series E preferred shares and announced full redemption of Series D preferred shares. The move may improve funding flexibility, but it also adds preferred financing obligations and has limited direct impact on common-share earnings. American Express Issues New Series E Preferred Shares
• Neutral Sentiment: Mixed analyst sentiment: Coverage of AXP showed differing views, suggesting valuation and expectations remain areas of debate despite the company’s strong operating trends. Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on American Express

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.

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