High-quality clientele gives Amex an edge

Article Excerpt

Re-opening of the economy has spurred spending on travel and entertainment. It has also spurred American Express shares, which have recovered strongly from their pandemic low of $67. We still like the company’s long-term outlook, particularly as its focus on affluent clients helps keep credit losses low even as interest rates move higher. AMERICAN EXPRESS CO. $147 is a buy. The company (New York symbol AXP, Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 747.2 million; Market cap: $109.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.2; Dividend yield: 1.4%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.americanexpress.com) is one of the world’s largest issuers of payment cards. It issues two types of cards: traditional credit cards, which let users carry a balance; and charge cards, which have no pre-set spending limit, although cardholders must pay off their balances each month. Amex is also a bank that accepts deposits and makes loans. The company cuts its credit risk by catering to clients with above-average incomes and good credit histories. The company’s revenue rose 18.1%, from $36.88…