Giverny Capital Asset Management's first-quarter 2026 investor correspondence highlights its strategic decision to integrate American Express Company (AXP) into its portfolio. This move comes despite a broader market downturn, with the firm's model portfolio experiencing a 6.88% decline, contrasting with the S&P 500's 4.33% drop. The investment strategy emphasizes AXP's strong fundamentals and its focus on an affluent client base, suggesting a resilient business model less susceptible to economic fluctuations. The firm remains optimistic about its portfolio companies' ability to maintain strong earnings and healthy financial positions, prioritizing company-specific strengths over short-term market volatility.

In its Q1 2026 investor letter, Giverny Capital Asset Management formally announced American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) as a recent addition to its holdings. American Express, a prominent financial services entity, operates as an integrated payments provider. As of June 17, 2026, AXP's shares were valued at $340.74, marking a 9.98% return over the preceding month and a 14.95% increase over the past year. The company boasts a substantial market capitalization of $232.35 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the financial sector.

Giverny Capital acquired American Express shares in March at an average price of $294. The investment rationale centers on American Express's prestigious brand and its prime borrower demographic. Cardholders, often paying substantial annual fees for rewards, primarily use their cards for transactions rather than carrying revolving debt. This model allows Amex to generate significant revenue from transaction fees and annual dues, rather than relying heavily on interest income. The firm acknowledges prevailing concerns about economic inequality, government deficits, and the potential impact of AI on white-collar employment, and considers how these broader trends might affect the affluent customer base of American Express.

While American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) is a new position for Giverny Capital, it does not feature on Insider Monkey's list of the 40 most popular stocks among hedge funds as of early 2026. Data indicates that 83 hedge funds held AXP in their portfolios at the close of the first quarter, consistent with the previous quarter. Despite acknowledging AXP's investment potential, the firm suggests that certain AI stocks might offer superior upside with reduced downside risk, especially those poised to benefit from trade policies and domestic manufacturing trends.

Giverny Capital's decision to invest in American Express underscores a belief in the company's robust business model and its ability to attract and retain high-net-worth customers. The strategy appears to be a calculated move to capitalize on the stability offered by AXP's unique positioning within the financial services industry, focusing on a demographic less impacted by broader economic volatilities and more driven by premium services and rewards.