We recently published a list of 10 Best Roth IRA Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) stands against other best Roth IRA stocks to buy according to analysts.
A Roth IRA, or individual retirement account, is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed for retirement. Unlike employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s, a Roth IRA is managed independently. This means the account is opened directly with a financial provider, contributions are arranged personally, and investment choices—whether selecting assets individually or working with an investment manager—are entirely up to the account holder. Roth IRAs are accessible only to individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $165,000 for single filers. The annual contribution limit is set at $7,000, with an increased cap of $8,000 for those aged 50 and older. For individuals earning more than $150,000, contribution limits gradually phase out.
Roth IRAs are not just popular among retirees; they are also gaining traction among young investors. Data from the US Federal Reserve, analyzed by Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research (CRR), shows that the share of households led by individuals in their 20s who own a Roth IRA has surged, rising from 6.6% in 2016 to 19.2% in 2022. Surya Kolluri, head of the TIAA Institute, has highlighted the Roth IRA as one of the most effective tools for retirement savings. He noted that the potential for tax-free growth over several decades could have a significant impact on long-term wealth.
According to an analysis by the Center for Retirement Research (CRR), the increase in Roth IRA adoption has been most pronounced among the highest-earning third of households. The organization attributes this trend in part to fintech platforms like Robinhood, which have made financial instruments more accessible in recent years.
Another contributing factor has been the investment activity of younger households, particularly those with higher incomes. Many were able to invest substantial amounts during the pandemic, relative to their previous financial positions. Research from the Federal Reserve indicated that inflation-adjusted wealth for Americans under 40 surged by an impressive 80% between the first quarter of 2019 and the third quarter of 2023, largely driven by stock market gains. Evan Potash, executive wealth management advisor at TIAA, made the following comment about it:
“During the pandemic, people had more time on their hands, stimulus checks, and took an opportunity on the market decline. This is complemented by the fact that younger people starting out in their careers, who tend to make less than those further on in their career cycle, haven’t phased out yet for Roth IRA contributions.”
While the rise in Roth IRA participation is beneficial for higher earners, those with lower incomes have not experienced the same level of growth. Research from the CRR found that in 2022, only 4% of households led by individuals in their twenties from the lowest third of the income distribution were investing in a Roth IRA. Although this marks an increase from 2% in 2016, it remains far below the 41% participation rate among those in the top third of earners.
Additional studies indicate that the wealth gap between the richest and poorest young individuals continues to widen. Research published by the University of Chicago Press shows that the wealthiest 10% of millennials hold 20% more wealth than the richest baby boomers did at the same age. In contrast, those at the lower end of the income scale have either seen little to no growth in their wealth or, in some cases, a decline.
When building a Roth IRA portfolio, it is essential to focus on diversification to maximize long-term growth while managing risk. A well-balanced portfolio can include a mix of various asset classes that cater to different investment goals and risk tolerances. According to analysts, it may be beneficial to maintain a well-rounded portfolio that includes index funds, such as those tracking the broader market, along with dividend-paying and value stocks. In addition, investors might consider target-date funds or a combination of stocks, bonds, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) to enhance diversification. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best Roth IRA stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
For this article, we selected companies that have long-term growth catalysts, dividend growth history, solid business fundamentals, and positive analyst coverage. From that group, we further refined our selection criteria by identifying stocks with a projected upside potential of over 7% based on analyst price targets, as of March 23. The stocks are ranked according to their upside potential.
At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with hedge funds. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A close-up view of a payment terminal, capturing the sophistication of a payment network.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
Analysts Upside Potential: 18.04%
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is a New York-based financial services company that specializes in payment cards. In the fourth quarter of 2024, generated over $17 billion in revenue, reflecting a 9% year-over-year increase. Net income rose 12% from the previous year, exceeding $2.1 billion. The company saw record highs in annual Card Member spending, net card fee revenues, and new card acquisitions, issuing 13 million new cards throughout the year. It also expanded its global presence by adding millions of new merchant locations. Growth remained strong by year-end, with fourth-quarter billings climbing 8%, driven by higher consumer and business spending during the holiday season.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is well known for its highly rewarding Membership Rewards program, which offers attractive perks and bonuses without requiring excessive spending. Unlike many competitors, the company both issues its own cards and processes transactions, giving it valuable insights into customer behavior. This allows it to tailor rewards, making its cards more appealing. As a result, many cardholders remain loyal, often using their American Express cards for years or even decades. In the past 12 months, the stock has surged by nearly 20%.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), one of the best Roth IRA stocks, is also a solid dividend payer. In January, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 17.1% to $0.82 per share. This represents Amex’s fourth straight year of dividend increases and its most significant raise in more than ten years. The steady growth in dividends highlights management’s confidence in the company’s long-term financial stability. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.21%, as of March 23.
Overall, AXP ranks 5th on our list of best Roth IRA stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of AXP as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued dividend stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued dividend stock that is more promising than AXP but that trades at 10 times its earnings and grows its earnings at double digit rates annually, check out our report about the dirt cheap dividend stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.