Plato Investment Management Ltd Invests $7.70 Million in American Express Company $AXP

Plato Investment Management Ltd acquired a new stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund acquired 22,911 shares of the payment services company’s stock, valued at approximately $7,704,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of AXP. Bell Investment Advisors Inc purchased a new stake in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $152,000. AMG National Trust Bank purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $8,375,000. Simplicity Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $12,671,000. Baxter Bros Inc. acquired a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,941,000. Finally, Uniting Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the second quarter valued at approximately $400,000. Hedge funds and other 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: 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 Price Performance

American Express stock 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. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $341.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $327.33. The stock has a market cap of $231.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.04. American Express Company has a 12-month low of $290.97 and a 12-month high of $387.49.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last posted its earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 analyst estimates of $19.70 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $4.08 earnings per share. American Express’s revenue for the quarter 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. Equities analysts expect that American Express Company will post 17.67 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 10th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 2nd were issued a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 2nd. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. American Express’s dividend payout ratio is presently 23.06%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have commented on AXP. Guggenheim started coverage on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, July 13th. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. Morgan Stanley lowered 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. TD Cowen upped their price target on American Express from $330.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 7th. Bank of America lifted their price objective on American Express from $387.00 to $391.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, July 9th. Finally, Benchmark started coverage on American Express in a research report on Monday, July 13th. They set a “buy” rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $373.32.

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.