Piedmont Capital Management LLC NC Acquires Shares of 7,012 American Express Company $AXP

Piedmont Capital Management LLC NC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund acquired 7,012 shares of the payment services company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,594,000. American Express makes up about 1.7% of Piedmont Capital Management LLC NC’s portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. 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 purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Joseph Group Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Sfam LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

American Express Trading Down 0.0%

NYSE:AXP opened at $325.37 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. American Express Company has a 12 month low of $286.15 and a 12 month high of $387.49. The company has a market cap of $222.01 billion, a PE ratio of 20.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $315.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $335.85.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, April 23rd. The payment services company reported $4.28 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.01 by $0.27. American Express had a net margin of 15.13% and a return on equity of 33.95%. The business had revenue of $14.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.60 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.64 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. Research analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 17.59 earnings per share for the current year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 2nd will be given a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 2nd. American Express’s payout ratio is 23.71%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on AXP shares. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of American Express from $323.00 to $322.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $360.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of American Express from $395.00 to $385.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of American Express from $375.00 to $325.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 9th. Finally, Loop Capital started coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Thursday, May 21st. They set a “buy” rating and a $389.00 target price for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, American Express currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $359.05.

American Express News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express and Delta Air Lines rolled out refreshed SkyMiles card benefits, updated card designs, and new welcome offers for card members, which could help support cardholder growth and spending. American Express Company (AXP) and Delta Refresh SkyMiles Card Benefits
• Positive Sentiment: CNBC’s “Final Trades” highlighted American Express as a top pick, which can add investor attention and reinforce confidence in the stock. American Express, Live Nation And A Health Care Stock: CNBC’s ‘Final Trades’
• Neutral Sentiment: Several recent writeups note that analysts remain cautious on American Express, with consensus ratings around “Hold,” suggesting the market may be waiting for clearer evidence of earnings momentum. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) Given Consensus Rating of “Hold” by Analysts
• Neutral Sentiment: Coverage also pointed to a cautious post-earnings tone, indicating investors are still assessing whether American Express can sustain growth after its recent results. American Express Draws Cautious Market Attention After Results
• Neutral Sentiment: News that American Express will break ground next month on its tower at Two World Trade Center is strategically important, but it is unlikely to be a near-term stock driver. American Express to break ground on tower next month at Two World Trade Center — major milestone for tragic site

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.