Yousif Capital Management LLC Lowers Holdings in American Express Company $AXP

Yousif Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 7.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 67,917 shares of the payment services company’s stock after selling 5,131 shares during the period. Yousif Capital Management LLC’s holdings in American Express were worth $22,559,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Briaud Financial Planning Inc acquired a new stake in American Express during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Access Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in American Express in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. 1 North Wealth Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Express during the 1st quarter worth approximately $37,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in shares of American Express during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the company’s stock.

American Express Stock Up 1.2%

AXP stock opened at $380.85 on Tuesday. American Express Company has a 52 week low of $220.43 and a 52 week high of $387.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $361.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $332.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $262.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.14.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported ($11.85) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. American Express had a return on equity of 33.41% and a net margin of 14.97%.The firm had revenue of ($17,139.00) million during the quarter. Equities analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American Express Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.82 per share. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. American Express’s payout ratio is presently 22.01%.

Insider Activity at American Express

In other American Express news, insider Douglas Tabish sold 2,515 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $355.61, for a total value of $894,359.15. Following the transaction, the insider owned 2,515 shares in the company, valued at approximately $894,359.15. This trade represents a 50.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of American Express stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total transaction of $18,010,500.00. Following the sale, the chief marketing officer directly owned 85,577 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,825,691.17. This trade represents a 36.88% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 57,515 shares of company stock valued at $20,658,509. 0.20% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of American Express from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their target price on shares of American Express from $371.00 to $394.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on American Express from $400.00 to $425.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wall Street Zen lowered American Express from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Sunday, November 9th. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on American Express from $336.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $335.55.

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.