Berkshire Hathaway, the massive conglomerate run by investing legend Warren Buffett, sold a lot of shares in 2024. Berkshire significantly trimmed its stakes in two of its largest holdings, Apple and Bank of America, and the company hasn't been too interested in buying its own stock, repurchasing far fewer shares in 2024 than in prior years.Buffett and Berkshire historically have been excellent at buying high-quality companies at attractive prices and holding them for long periods. Berkshire runs a roughly ...

American Express Company (AXP) , a global integrated payments company, recently announced a 17% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it by 12 cents to 82 cents per share (or $3.28 annually). The higher dividend will be paid on May 9, 2025, to shareholders of record as of April 4.While this move reflects confidence in AmEx’s cash flow and growth prospects, its current dividend yield of 1.11% remains lower than the Financial – Miscellaneous Services industry average of 1.76%. This could be a drawback f ...

Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Performance and Strategy - In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway's stock performed well, with class B shares generating a 27% return, outperforming the broader market's 23% return [1] - Despite strong stock performance, Berkshire hoarded cash, was a net seller of stocks, and sold significant portions of its holdings in Apple and Bank of America, indicating a belief that the market is overvalued [2][5] - The combined positions in Apple and Bank of America accounted for 39% of Berkshire's portfolio at the end of 2024, raising questions about the company's future plans for these investments [5] Group 2: Investment in Apple - Berkshire first invested in Apple in 2016, building its position to around 40% of its $296 billion portfolio, with significant purchases made when Apple shares were below $50, now trading at $240 [3] - The decision to sell parts of the Apple position may reflect concerns about a potential market correction or economic downturn [6] Group 3: Investment in Bank of America - Berkshire invested $5 billion in Bank of America in 2011, acquiring preferred stock with a 6% annual dividend and warrants for 700 million shares at a strike price of $7.14, with the stock currently trading at about $44 [4] - Similar to Apple, the selling of Bank of America shares may indicate a strategy to realize profits amid market uncertainties [6] Group 4: American Express Investment - Berkshire has a long-standing relationship with American Express, first investing in 1991 and holding approximately 151.6 million shares by the end of 2024, which has not been sold in nearly 27 years [7][8][12] - American Express represents about 15% of Berkshire's portfolio and is unique due to its strong brand and credit card network, which provides a competitive moat [9][10][11]

Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway Overview - Berkshire Hathaway reported a 25.5% increase in stock value for the year, continuing its long-term performance of nearly 20% compounded annually since Warren Buffett became CEO [1][2] - The company’s investment portfolio is closely monitored by investors, with quarterly disclosures required for institutional investors with over $100 million in assets [2] Group 2: American Express - American Express has established itself as a premium credit card provider, attracting high-earning customers with exclusive offerings like the Centurion Card and the Platinum Card [4][5] - The company reported a 10% revenue growth to $74 billion and a 25% increase in earnings per share (EPS) to $14.02 last year [7] - Despite a recent stock decline due to earnings guidance, it is viewed as a buying opportunity for long-term investors [7] Group 3: Moody's Corporation - Moody's is the second largest credit rating agency in the U.S. and has been part of Berkshire's portfolio since its spin-off from Dun & Bradstreet in 2000 [8] - The company benefits from high barriers to entry in the credit rating industry and has a competitive advantage due to established reputations [9] - Moody's Analytics segment provides steady income through a subscription-based model, helping to offset weaknesses in its credit ratings business [11][12] Group 4: Chubb - Chubb is a multinational insurance company that has recently been added to Berkshire's portfolio, with 27 million shares acquired in late 2023 and early 2024 [13] - The company has a strong track record of underwriting profitability and has increased its dividend payout for 31 consecutive years [15] - Chubb's investment portfolio of $150 billion allows it to benefit from higher interest rates, resulting in a 20% increase in net investment income to $5.9 billion last year [16][17]

If you are looking for a profitable portfolio of stocks offering the best of value and growth investing, try the growth at a reasonable price or GARP strategy.The strategy helps investors gain exposure to undervalued stocks with impressive prospects. Unlike a blend strategy, a portfolio that uses GARP investing is expected to include stocks that offer the best value and growth investing. Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) , Cencora, Inc. (COR) and American Express (AXP) are some GARP stocks that hold promise.GARP ...

The latest trading session saw American Express (AXP) ending at $295.53, denoting a +0.04% adjustment from its last day's close. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.5%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.08%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 1.21%.Heading into today, shares of the credit card issuer and global payments company had lost 8.07% over the past month, lagging the Finance sector's loss of 0.28% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.47% in that time.The investment co ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K ☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File No. 1-7657 American Express Company (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New York 13-4922250 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporatio ...

Global integrated payments company American Express Company (AXP) closed 2024 performance on a high note, reporting impressive fourth-quarter results. Strong card member spending and fee growth fueled its performance alongside new customer acquisitions, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.Key Highlights From AmEx’s Q4EPS: $3.04, beating estimates by 0.33% and up 16% YoY.Network volumes: $464 billion, up 7% YoY.Commercial Services: Pre-tax income of $814 million rose 22% YoY.Revenue outlook: 8-10% growt ...

It’s probably a good sign when one of the greatest investors of all time holds a big stake in a stock that we’re considering for a portfolio addition.One of Warren Buffett’s long-held positions, American Express just delivered its fourth consecutive earnings beat. A Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, American Express continues to defy its skeptics.A global provider of credit card payment products and travel-related services, the company operates through four segments: US Consumer Services, Commercial Services, Inte ...

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett has sold over $134 billion worth of stocks from Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio, but he has no intention of selling three specific stocks that account for 28.4% of Berkshire's $303 billion portfolio, which may be worth considering for investors [1][2]. Group 1: American Express - American Express (AXP) represents 15.9% of Berkshire's portfolio and has been a long-term investment for Buffett since the 1960s, currently holding 21.5% of the company due to share repurchases [3][6]. - The company operates its own payment network, allowing it to control more of the transaction economics compared to traditional banks [4][5]. - In 2024, American Express generated $35.2 billion in discount revenue, with a 16% year-over-year increase in card fees contributing $8.5 billion to revenue [6][7]. - The stock has more than doubled in value over the last 15 months, but currently trades at a forward PE of 21, which is considered historically expensive [8]. Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola (KO) accounts for 8.4% of Berkshire's portfolio, with Buffett being a long-time fan since the late '80s [9]. - The brand's strength has allowed it to raise prices, achieving a 10% year-over-year price increase last quarter [10]. - Coca-Cola's scale provides advantages in supply chain control and distribution agreements, facilitating product expansion [11]. - The company paid Berkshire $776 million in dividends in 2024, with a history of 62 consecutive years of dividend increases [12]. - Coca-Cola trades at a forward PE of around 22, which aligns with its historical average [13]. Group 3: Occidental Petroleum - Occidental Petroleum (OXY) is a newer addition to Berkshire's portfolio, with Buffett investing $10 billion in preferred shares in 2019 [14]. - Berkshire currently holds approximately $8.5 billion in preferred shares and has acquired 28.2% of the common stock [15]. - The company is significantly exposed to oil prices, with its position in the Permian Basin providing low-cost oil production [16]. - CEO Vicki Hollub projects an additional $1 billion in free cash flow from a recent acquisition, assuming oil prices remain above $70 per barrel [17]. - The stock trades at an enterprise value of just 5.3 times analysts' estimates for 2025 EBITDA, making it an attractive consideration for investors [18].