The Kaipher Editorial Team 
American Express shares soared to a record closing price of $336.00 on Tuesday, marking a 2.74% gain for the day and representing a 26.27% increase over the past year. The stock peaked intraday at $332.56, reflecting sustained investor confidence in the company’s premium card strategy and robust financial performance amid a mixed analyst outlook.
The milestone comes as American Express continues to outperform expectations, driven by strong card member engagement and strategic premium product offerings. Trading volume reached 3.6 million shares on Tuesday, well above the company’s 2.2 million average, underscoring heightened market interest ahead of its next earnings report on October 17, 2025.
Strong Earnings Drive Stock Performance
American Express posted impressive second-quarter 2025 results, beating analyst estimates across multiple metrics. The company reported earnings per share of $4.08, surpassing the consensus estimate of $3.89, while revenue climbed to $17.86 billion, topping expectations of $17.72 billion (Investor Relations).
Adjusted for the divestiture of Accertify last year, EPS grew 17% year-over-year, and quarterly revenue reached a record $17.9 billion, up 9% from the prior year. Net card fees rose 20% on a foreign-exchange–adjusted basis, and American Express added 3.1 million new cards during the quarter, highlighting the success of its marketing initiatives and member loyalty programs.
Conflicting Analyst Views Create Market Tension
Despite strong fundamentals, analysts remain divided on American Express’s valuation. Freedom Capital Markets downgraded the stock from Hold to Sell, citing concerns over its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.5x and setting a price target of $280 (Investing.com).
In contrast, Wells Fargo maintained an Overweight rating and raised its price target to $375 from $350, calling American Express its “Top Pick” and citing the upcoming refresh of the U.S. Platinum card as a key catalyst (Sharewise). The divergent views reflect broader questions about whether the stock’s premium rating can be sustained as economic conditions evolve.
Market Dynamics and Valuation Concerns
American Express trades at a forward P/E ratio of 21.43, substantially higher than the industry average of 13.04, prompting some investors to question whether the company’s growth prospects justify its valuation. With a market capitalization of approximately $233 billion, American Express remains one of the largest financial services firms globally.
The company’s next earnings release is scheduled for October 17, 2025, with analysts forecasting EPS of $3.98 and revenue of $18.03 billion (MLQ.ai). Investors will be watching closely to see if American Express can maintain its growth momentum and deliver further upside in its premium-centric business model.
