Insider Selling: American Express (NYSE:AXP) CEO Sells $99,449,036.16 in Stock

American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) CEO Stephen Squeri sold 299,401 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $332.16, for a total transaction of $99,449,036.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 60,567 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $20,117,934.72. This trade represents a 83.17% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link.

American Express Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AXP opened at $321.02 on Monday. American Express Company has a twelve month low of $290.97 and a twelve month high of $387.49. The firm has a market cap of $215.26 billion, a PE ratio of 18.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 1.58 and a current ratio of 1.58. The business has a fifty day moving average of $316.22 and a 200-day moving average of $325.65.

American Express (NYSE:AXP) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 23rd. The payment services company reported $4.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.50 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $20.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $20.12 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 34.19% and a net margin of 15.80%. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $4.14 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.600-17.900 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that American Express Company will post 17.98 EPS for the current fiscal year.

American Express Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 9th will be given a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 9th. American Express’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.40%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on AXP. President Capital upped their target price on shares of American Express from $359.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 19th. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of American Express from $338.00 to $335.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 6th. Guggenheim initiated coverage on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, July 13th. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of American Express from $345.00 to $346.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Monday, November 2nd. Finally, William Blair reaffirmed an “outperform” rating on shares of American Express in a report on Friday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, American Express currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $365.22.

Key Headlines Impacting American Express

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

• Positive Sentiment: American Express has reduced its share count by 27% since 2016, while diluted earnings per share increased 352% from Q3 2016 to the latest quarter. The article credits its premium brand and network advantages—long-term strengths that have helped shareholders, rather than a new near-term development. Article: American Express Has Cut Its Share Count by 27% Since 2016
• Positive Sentiment: ETFs recorded $41.8 million in net purchases of AXP shares on Nov. 4, providing a modest signal of institutional demand. Article: American Express Sees $41.8 Million in Net ETF Buying
• Negative Sentiment: A report says American Express insider Laureen Seeger sold 69,860 shares. Insider sales can weigh on sentiment, although the provided report does not give context for the transaction. Article: Insider Laureen Seeger Sells 69,860 Shares
• Negative Sentiment: AXP also had a notable decline in the prior session, but the cited coverage does not specify what drove the move. This recent weakness may be weighing on near-term sentiment. Article: American Express Drops 3.5%

Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Express

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Archer Investment Corp acquired a new stake in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. 10Elms LLP increased its holdings in American Express by 71.7% during the third quarter. 10Elms LLP now owns 91 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in American Express by 78.8% during the third quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 93 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. John Boyer Inc. bought a new stake in American Express during the third quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC raised its position in American Express by 58.3% during the second quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 95 shares of the payment services company’s stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

American Express Company Profile

American Express Company is a global payments and financial services company that operates a card-issuing business and a payments network. Its products and services include consumer, small-business and corporate cards, payment processing, lending, travel services and expense-management solutions.

Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company expanded into financial services and became known for its charge cards and travel-related services. Today, it serves cardholders and businesses in the United States and markets around the world, connecting customers, merchants and financial institutions through its network.

Stephen J.