Markel Group Inc. Grows Holdings in American Express Company $AXP

Markel Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 0.4% in the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 490,450 shares of the payment services company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,950 shares during the quarter. American Express makes up approximately 1.2% of Markel Group Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest position. Markel Group Inc. owned approximately 0.07% of American Express worth $148,351,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in AXP. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. increased its position 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 worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares during the period. Joseph Group Capital Management bought a new position in American Express in the fourth quarter worth approximately $26,000. Sfam LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter worth $26,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the fourth quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the fourth quarter worth about $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the company’s stock.

American Express Stock Up 1.1%

Shares of AXP stock traded up $3.80 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $350.52. 2,791,983 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,064,715. American Express Company has a 52-week low of $288.34 and a 52-week high of $387.49. The stock has a market cap of $239.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73, a current ratio of 1.57 and a quick ratio of 1.56. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $325.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $332.21.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 23rd. The payment services company reported $4.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.01 by $0.27. American Express had a net margin of 15.13% and a return on equity of 33.95%. The firm had revenue of $14.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.60 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.64 EPS. American Express’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. Equities analysts predict that American Express Company will post 17.67 EPS for the current year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Investors 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. American Express’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.71%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Evercore set a $380.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, July 6th. Loop Capital assumed coverage on shares of American Express in a research note on Thursday, May 21st. They set a “buy” rating and a $389.00 price objective on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on shares of American Express from $425.00 to $415.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 9th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of American Express from $340.00 to $386.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on American Express from $360.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, April 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $368.70.

American Express News Summary

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express is expanding AI across payments, including new tools and security features, which could improve customer experience, fraud prevention, and long-term growth prospects. Can AmEx’s AI Investments Unlock the Next Phase of Growth?
• Positive Sentiment: Bank of America raised its price target on AXP to $391 from $387 and kept a buy rating, signaling continued confidence in upside from current levels. American Express price target raised by Bank of America Corporation
• Positive Sentiment: Some recent commentary says the stock may be a bargain after its pullback this year, with upcoming second-quarter earnings viewed as a potential catalyst for a rebound. Is American Express Stock a Bargain?
• Neutral Sentiment: American Express also broke ground on its new global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center, a long-term strategic project that supports brand and operational growth but is not an immediate earnings driver. American Express Breaks Ground on New Headquarters at 2 World Trade Center
• Negative Sentiment: Recent articles note AXP has been under pressure this year and fell more sharply than the broader market in the latest session, reminding investors that sentiment is still somewhat fragile ahead of earnings. American Express (AXP) Sees a More Significant Dip Than Broader Market: Some Facts to Know

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.