Strong Earnings from American Express and Charles Schwab, Bristol Myers’ Drug Trial Misses Endpoint

Key Takeaways:

  • American Express (AXP) reported robust Q2 2025 results, significantly surpassing analyst expectations for both revenue and EPS, driven by strong billed business growth and reaffirmed optimistic full-year guidance.
  • Charles Schwab (SCHW) also exceeded Q2 2025 estimates for adjusted EPS, net revenue, and daily average trades, though bank deposits fell short of forecasts.
  • Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) announced that its Phase 3 INDEPENDENCE trial for Reblozyl did not meet its primary endpoint, a setback for the drug in myelofibrosis-associated anemia.
  • Deutsche Bank raised its price target for Microsoft (MSFT) to $550 from $500, maintaining a Buy rating, signaling increased confidence in the tech giant.
  • American Express (AXP) delivered a strong performance in the second quarter of 2025, with revenue reaching $17.86 billion, exceeding the estimated $17.71 billion. The company's EPS came in at $4.08, significantly higher than the $3.87 consensus estimate. This robust growth was further supported by billed business climbing to $416.38 billion, surpassing the $412.79 billion estimate. American Express also reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance of $15 to $15.50 and revenue growth of +8% to +10%, indicating continued confidence in its financial outlook.

  • Charles Schwab (SCHW) reported a mixed but generally positive second quarter for 2025. The financial services firm posted adjusted EPS of $1.14, beating the estimated $1.09, and net revenue of $5.85 billion, above the $5.72 billion expectation. Daily average trades also exceeded forecasts at 7.57 million compared to an estimated 7.51 million. However, bank deposits were a notable miss, coming in at $233.1 billion against an estimated $238.22 billion. Despite the deposit shortfall, the overall earnings beat suggests resilience in its core brokerage and asset management businesses.

  • In pharmaceutical news, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) faced a setback as its Phase 3 INDEPENDENCE trial for Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt) in adult patients with myelofibrosis-associated anemia did not meet its primary endpoint. This outcome could impact the drug's expansion into new indications, despite previous successes in other blood disorders.

  • Microsoft (MSFT) received a positive analyst note from Deutsche Bank, which increased its price target for the tech giant to $550 from $500. Deutsche Bank maintained its Buy rating on the shares, reflecting continued optimism regarding Microsoft's growth trajectory and market position.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We are not financial professionals. The authors and/or site operators may hold positions in the companies or assets mentioned. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.
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