Key Takeaways AmEx trades above its 5-year median P/E while remaining below the industry average.AXP reports 11% revenue growth and 9% network volume gains in Q3 2025.AmEx sees strong Gen Z and Millennial spending and rising 2025-2026 earnings estimates.American Express Company (AXP) , also known as AmEx, has entered a valuation zone attracting increased attention, as shares now trade above their long-term averages. With forward 12-month earnings (P/E) of 21.17X, AXP appears quite high compared to its 5-yea ...

Key Takeaways American Express posted a Q3 2025 ROE of 35.9%, up from 33.9% a year earlier.AXP's expenses climbed 10% in 2023, 6% in 2024 and 10% year over year in Q3 2025.American Express is using AI, fraud detection and personalized offers to support growth amid rising costs.American Express Company (AXP) has been a standout in the payments world for consistently delivering a high return on equity (ROE), benefiting from its premium customer base, robust fee income and a closed-loop network that allows for ...

Core Insights - Berkshire Hathaway has taken a $4.3 billion position in Alphabet, surprising many observers as Warren Buffett has not traditionally been a tech investor [1][2] - Alphabet is now among Berkshire's top 10 holdings, indicating Buffett's approval of the investment [2] - The future of Alphabet as a "forever stock" remains uncertain, as Buffett defines such stocks as those that are successful in their core businesses and have become essential global brands [3] Group 1: Forever Stocks in Berkshire's Portfolio - Coca-Cola is the first "forever stock," with Berkshire owning about 9% of its outstanding shares; the company has a strong economic moat and generates predictable cash flows [5][6] - American Express is the second stock, with Berkshire owning over 20% of its shares; it has a closed-loop network that allows it to capture full economic profit from credit card payments [7][8] - Occidental Petroleum is the third stock, with Berkshire owning more than 26% of its shares; despite concerns about its economic moat, the company is improving its balance sheet [9][10]

If you’ve ever wondered whether a single welcome bonus offer can unlock a first class experience, the answer is yes, at least with Amex Membership Rewards.The Platinum Card® from American Express is currently offering a massive welcome bonus as high as 175,000 points:Apply and find out if you're eligible for as high as 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.This huge haul of points can go further than mos ...

The 2025 Q3 earnings cycle is nearly over, with the period remaining positive on the back of strong growth and a solid number of companies exceeding consensus expectations.So far, several companies – American Express (AXP) , Palantir (PLTR) , and Roku (ROKU) – have posted robust results, reflecting positive business momentum. Let’s take a closer look at what drove the strong results. RokuRoku posted a double-beat concerning our headline expectations, with adjusted EPS tripling alongside a 14% sales increase ...

Core Insights - Fintech is significantly enhancing financial access for underserved populations in emerging markets, presenting substantial growth opportunities as AI technology evolves [1][2] Group 1: SoFi Technologies - SoFi Technologies has transitioned from a student loan refinancer to a comprehensive digital bank, offering various financial products, which increases customer lifetime value [3][4] - As of Q3 2025, SoFi's member base reached over 12.6 million, with total products exceeding 18.6 million, marking a 35% year-over-year increase in members and a 36% increase in products [4] - SoFi was granted a national bank charter in 2022, allowing it to utilize low-cost member deposits for lending, providing a competitive edge over fintechs reliant on third-party funding [6] - Shares of SoFi have risen approximately 60% over the past year, reflecting investor enthusiasm for its financial performance and market potential [7] Group 2: American Express - American Express targets higher-income consumers, benefiting from loyalty and high retention rates, which allows for annual fee increases while maintaining profitability [8] - Unlike Visa and Mastercard, American Express operates as both card issuer and payment processor, generating revenue from merchant fees and interest payments, providing income stability [9] - In Q3, American Express reported a 16% year-over-year profit increase to $2.9 billion, with total revenue growing 11% to $18.4 billion, driven by a 9% increase in card member spending [11] - The company has a strong balance sheet and a history of returning capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, maintaining dividend payments even during economic downturns [12]

Core Insights - The article compares Bread Financial Holdings (BFH) and American Express (AXP) to determine which stock is more attractive to value investors [1] Valuation Metrics - BFH has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision activity compared to AXP, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - BFH's forward P/E ratio is 6.65, significantly lower than AXP's forward P/E of 23.59, suggesting that BFH may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for BFH is 0.43, while AXP's PEG ratio is 1.64, indicating that BFH has a better valuation relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - BFH's P/B ratio is 0.93, compared to AXP's P/B of 7.73, further supporting the notion that BFH is undervalued [6] - Based on these metrics, BFH holds a Value grade of A, while AXP has a Value grade of C, making BFH a more attractive option for value investors [6]

Core Insights - American Express Company (AXP) is experiencing significant growth opportunities with younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly adopting AXP's premium, digital-first products [1][9] - The focus of Millennials and Gen Z on lifestyle choices aligns with AXP's offerings, which emphasize experiences over material possessions [2] - Digital onboarding and streamlined application processes have enhanced customer experience, making AXP's brand more aspirational [3] Consumer Trends - Millennials and Gen Z prioritize experiences, with AXP's airport lounges, dining rewards, and travel benefits catering to this preference [2][9] - Spending habits among these demographics are shifting towards wellness and subscription services, areas where AXP excels [3] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, U.S. Consumer Services billed business increased by 9% year-over-year, driven by strong spending from Millennials and Gen Z [4][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXP's 2025 earnings is projected at $15.43 per share, reflecting a 15.6% increase from the previous year [11] Competitive Landscape - Competitors like Mastercard and Visa are also enhancing their offerings to attract younger consumers through partnerships and innovative features [5][6][7] - Mastercard focuses on travel partnerships and digital identity tools, while Visa emphasizes digital security and seamless online experiences [6][7] Valuation Metrics - AXP shares have risen by 22.7% year-to-date, contrasting with a 7.1% decline in the industry [8] - AXP's forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 20.98X, below the industry average of 23.88X, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights eight dividend stocks that cater to various investment styles, emphasizing the importance of balancing current income with long-term growth in a diversified dividend strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Summaries - **American Express (AXP)**: Operates a closed-loop payments network with a yield of 0.87% and a payout ratio of 16%, indicating significant potential for dividend growth due to its affluent customer base and strong pricing power [3][4]. - **JPMorgan Chase (JPM)**: The largest U.S. bank by assets, offering a 2% yield and a 28% payout ratio, making it a solid choice for investors seeking both income and capital appreciation [5]. - **Costco (COST)**: Generates profit primarily from membership fees, with a low yield of 0.5% but a 27% payout ratio and a history of substantial special dividends, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns [6][7]. - **S&P Global (SPGI)**: Provides essential financial market services with a yield of 0.8% and a 28% payout ratio, boasting a 52-year history of dividend increases, reflecting its strong market position [9]. - **AbbVie (ABBV)**: A biopharmaceutical company with a 3% yield and a remarkable 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, supported by a robust pipeline and strategic acquisitions [10]. - **Pfizer (PFE)**: A major pharmaceutical company with a high yield of 6.7% but a payout ratio near 98%, appealing to income-focused investors despite earnings volatility risks [11]. - **Philip Morris International (PM)**: Offers a 3.8% yield with a payout ratio of nearly 78%, focusing on smoke-free products to differentiate itself and provide growth opportunities [12][13]. - **Nvidia (NVDA)**: A technology company with a minimal yield of 0.02% but a low payout ratio of 1%, indicating strong potential for future dividend growth driven by substantial free cash flow [15].

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis of major players in the payment processing industry, specifically focusing on Mastercard Inc, American Express Company, and Visa Inc Class A [1] - It highlights the competitive landscape and market positioning of these companies, emphasizing their financial performance and growth strategies [1] - The analysis includes insights into consumer spending trends and the impact of economic factors on transaction volumes for these companies [1] Group 2 - Mastercard Inc is noted for its innovative payment solutions and expanding global reach, which contribute to its strong market presence [1] - American Express Company is recognized for its premium customer base and focus on high-value transactions, which supports its revenue growth [1] - Visa Inc Class A is highlighted for its extensive network and partnerships, enabling it to maintain a leading position in the payment processing sector [1]