Lazard Asset Management LLC Cuts Stake in American Express Company $AXP

Lazard Asset Management LLC lessened its stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 13.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 226,878 shares of the payment services company’s stock after selling 33,834 shares during the quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC’s holdings in American Express were worth $68,626,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new position in American Express in the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,464,215,000. Capital World Investors lifted its position in shares of American Express by 46.7% during the fourth quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 7,515,675 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $2,780,424,000 after purchasing an additional 2,393,340 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund boosted its stake in shares of American Express by 350.0% in the first quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 1,236,438 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $373,998,000 after purchasing an additional 961,698 shares during the period. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA grew its holdings in American Express by 73.8% during the 1st quarter. Pictet Asset Management Holding SA now owns 1,451,606 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $438,975,000 after purchasing an additional 616,498 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in American Express by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,850,298 shares of the payment services company’s stock valued at $2,904,218,000 after purchasing an additional 558,533 shares in the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

American Express Price Performance

Shares of AXP stock opened at $335.63 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $229.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a current ratio of 1.63 and a quick ratio of 1.62. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $288.34 and a 1-year high of $387.49. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $332.96 and a two-hundred day moving average of $329.64.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 24th. The payment services company reported $4.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.41 by $0.12. American Express had a net margin of 15.07% and a return on equity of 34.12%. The company had revenue of $14.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.70 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $4.08 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that American Express Company will post 17.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 2nd will be issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 2nd. American Express’s payout ratio is currently 23.06%.

American Express News Roundup

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $4.53 per share, ahead of the $4.41 consensus estimate, while revenue increased 10% year over year. Management maintained its 2026 earnings outlook of $17.30–$17.90 per share. American Express Just Reported Its Second Quarter
• Positive Sentiment: Management raised or reaffirmed its 2026 revenue-growth outlook at approximately 10%, with analysts viewing planned investment in customers, technology and strategic capabilities as constructive for sustaining long-term growth. One analyst retained a $415 price target. AXP Q2 Earnings Call Highlights Reinvestment Strategy
• Positive Sentiment: Strong card-fee performance and spending by premium customers suggest American Express continues to benefit from affluent borrowers, supporting its differentiated business model. Warren Buffett’s long-term ownership was also highlighted as a sign of the company’s compounding potential. Meet the Dividend Growth Stock That Warren Buffett Held for Decades
• Neutral Sentiment: Several research reports describe AXP as a high-quality franchise with durable revenue momentum, but valuation has become a key consideration after the stock’s strong performance. American Express: A Strong Business Model That Delivers
• Negative Sentiment: Investors were concerned that operating expenses are rising as American Express reinvests for growth. Although earnings exceeded expectations, reported sales of roughly $14.99 billion were below consensus, and analysts trimmed forecasts after the quarter. Analysts Cut Forecasts Following Q2 Earnings
• Negative Sentiment: BTIG Research lowered its price target from $324 to $315 and assigned a sell rating, reinforcing concerns that the shares may be fully valued and that near-term expense growth could weigh on earnings.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, July 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on American Express from $360.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised American Express from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating and increased their price target for the company from $328.00 to $400.00 in a report on Monday, July 13th. Freedom Capital upgraded American Express from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, May 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on American Express from $425.00 to $415.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $372.95.

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.