Who Owns American Express? Top Shareholders and Recent Insider Trades

American Express Company (NYSE: AXP), founded by William Fargo, is one of the most recognized financial brands worldwide, known for its premium cardmembers, closed loop network, and strong spending engagement. Shares recently traded near $385, giving the company a market value of roughly $258.7B.

As spending momentum remains solid and earnings continue to expand, looking at who owns American Express and how insiders are trading provides a clear view of how major investors see the company’s long term earnings power and cash flow durability.

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American Express Largest Shareholders

American Express is primarily owned by long term institutions. Berkshire Hathaway remains the anchor, offering rare stability among mega cap financials. Passive giants made small adjustments, while some active managers leaned in more aggressively.

• Berkshire Hathaway Inc.: 151,610,700 shares (22.01%), ~$58.35B. No position change.
• The Vanguard Group: 45,759,382 shares (6.64%), ~$17.61B. Cut 418,902 shares (0.91%).
• State Street Investment Management: 29,094,901 shares (4.22%), ~$11.19B. Cut 347,805 shares (1.18%).
• BlackRock Institutional Trust Company: 25,647,154 shares (3.72%), ~$9.87B. Cut 45,219 shares (0.18%).
• JP Morgan Asset Management: 15,292,540 shares (2.22%), ~$5.89B. Added 1,478,981 shares (10.71%).
• Wellington Management: 12,972,534 shares (1.88%), ~$4.99B. Cut 1,920,427 shares (12.89%).
• Geode Capital Management: 12,693,368 shares (1.84%), ~$4.89B. Cut 793,948 shares (5.89%).
• Fisher Investments: 8,881,546 shares (1.29%), ~$3.42B. Added 146,586 shares (1.68%).
• Fidelity Management: 8,077,222 shares (1.17%), ~$3.11B. Cut 73,045 shares (0.90%).

The ownership picture shows American Express is anchored by long term holders while active managers selectively adjusted positions, and for investors this signals steady institutional confidence supported by a durable business model and predictable cash generation.

Hedge Fund Highlights

One highlight from last quarter is Millennium Management, which increased its American Express position by 431.68%, now holding about 347.41k shares worth roughly $115.40M. This move suggests the firm sees improving upside in AXP’s spending trends and premium cardmember engagement.

Another notable shift comes from Jefferies Financial Group, which lifted its stake by 244.18% to 35.33k shares, valued at $11.73M. The increase may reflect growing optimism that American Express can continue expanding fee income and benefits driven loyalty.

A third highlight is Heard Capital, which raised its holdings by 123.7%, bringing its position to 863.48k shares worth about $286.81M. The size of the increase implies meaningful conviction in American Express’s multi year earnings trajectory.

A fourth move comes from Gotham Asset Management, which increased its position by 26.76% to 21.49k shares, now valued at $7.14M. Gotham may be leaning toward American Express’s strong brand moat and disciplined credit performance.

These combined moves show hedge funds are leaning more positive on American Express, and for investors this tilt toward accumulation highlights rising confidence in its long term earnings power and spending resilience.

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American Express Recent Insider Trades

Insider filings for American Express include several small sales and what appear to be award related entries. None of the transactions are large enough to signal a strong directional view, and most appear administrative in nature.

• Douglas Buckminster (Officer): Sold 13,800 shares on 12/3/25.
• Stephen J. Squeri (Officer and Director): Sold 10,688 shares on 11/2/25 and recorded 224,551 shares on 10/30/25.
• Laureen E. Seeger (DIR): Recorded 52,395 shares on 10/30/25.
• Monique Herena (DIR): Recorded 52,395 shares on 10/30/25.
• Anna Marrs (DIR): Recorded 67,365 shares on 10/30/25.
• Denise Pickett (DIR): Recorded 52,395 shares on 10/30/25.
• Howard M. Grosfield (DIR): Recorded 52,395 shares on 10/30/25.
• Elizabeth Rutledge (Officer): Multiple transactions on 10/30/25, including sales of 50,000, 8,984, 15,196, 15,532, 4,234, 4,971, and 1,083 shares, plus a 50,000 recorded entry at $65.43.
• Raymond Joabar (DIR): Recorded 67,365 shares on 10/30/25.

Insider activity appears measured and primarily administrative, and for investors this suggests no clear shift in sentiment from leadership and reinforces that institutional behavior is the better indicator to monitor.

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What the Ownership & Insider Trade Data Tell Us

American Express remains strongly supported by long term institutional holders, with Berkshire Hathaway serving as a major stabilizing force. Passive institutions trimmed modestly, while hedge funds showed a meaningful tilt toward accumulation. Insider trading activity remains quiet and does not indicate a significant directional view.

For investors the combined picture points to steady confidence in American Express as a durable earnings compounder with a premium customer base and consistent cash flow generation.

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