American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) released its earnings results on Friday. The payment services company reported $4.53 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.41 by $0.12, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $14.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $19.70 billion. American Express had a net margin of 15.13% and a return on equity of 33.95%. The firm’s revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $4.08 EPS. American Express updated its FY 2026 guidance to 17.300-17.900 EPS.
Here are the key takeaways from American Express’ conference call:
- American Express posted 10% revenue growth and $4.53 EPS in Q2, and management raised full-year revenue growth guidance to 10% while keeping EPS guidance at $17.30-$17.90.
- The company said its Platinum refresh is driving strong momentum, with U.S. consumer spend up 11.4%, the Platinum portfolio now the fastest-growing in the U.S. consumer business, and retention remaining very high.
- Credit quality remained a standout, with delinquency and write-off rates still below 2019 levels and provision expense benefiting from a $191 million reserve release due to further portfolio strength.
- Management plans to reinvest better-than-expected results into customer acquisition, technology, and the planned TheFork acquisition rather than flow all upside to EPS, which supports long-term growth but keeps near-term earnings guidance unchanged.
- Card fee growth is expected to accelerate in Q3 and exit the year in the high teens, while the sale of two small business co-brand portfolios will create a modest year-end headwind to spend and NII that was already built into guidance.
American Express Stock Performance
American Express stock opened at $325.86 on Friday. 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 firm has a market capitalization of $222.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.04. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $288.34 and a 1-year high of $387.49. The company’s 50-day moving average is $332.50 and its 200 day moving average is $330.33.
American Express Dividend Announcement
Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Express
Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Sfam LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Express during the fourth quarter valued at $26,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in American Express in the fourth quarter worth approximately $28,000. Wilkerson Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in American Express during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Swiss RE Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the 4th quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors own 84.33% of the company’s stock.
Trending Headlines about American Express
Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:
- Positive Sentiment: American Express beat Q2 EPS estimates with $4.53 per share and reported 10% year-over-year revenue growth, showing resilient demand from cardmembers. AmEx raises 2026 revenue growth forecast as affluent cardholders keep spending
- Positive Sentiment: The company raised its 2026 revenue growth forecast and guided full-year EPS to $17.30-$17.90, signaling confidence that premium card spending on travel and dining remains strong. American Express Reports Second-Quarter 2026 Financial Results
- Positive Sentiment: Management said cardmember spending stayed healthy, with strong travel and entertainment demand and continued strength among affluent customers, which supports revenue momentum. American Express Sales, Profit Rise on Higher Card Member Spending
- Neutral Sentiment: Analysts and market commentary suggest the stock reaction is being driven by an earnings-quality debate: investors liked the beat, but the market is questioning whether growth can continue while expenses rise. Why American Express Stock Fell 6.5% Friday Morning
- Negative Sentiment: Revenue came in below some Wall Street expectations, and reports highlighted softer net interest income and rising operating costs, which helped trigger selling despite the profit beat. American Express shares slip despite earnings beat as revenue falls short of forecasts
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades
Several research analysts recently weighed in on AXP shares. Evercore began coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, July 13th. They issued a “neutral” rating for the company. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of American Express from $425.00 to $415.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 9th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of American Express from $322.00 to $364.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 7th. Jefferies Financial Group raised American Express from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, July 13th. Finally, HSBC upped their price objective on American Express from $312.00 to $329.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, July 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $374.11.
View Our Latest Stock Report on AXP
American Express Company 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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