American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a top holding for Warren Buffett-led Berkshire Hathaway's massive equities portfolio. It has worked out well, especially recently, as shares of the card payment giant have risen 153% in the past five years (as of Nov.

Despite stagnation in US commercial services, American Express is executing the plan well. Click here to read why AXP stock is a Hold.

When you buy shares in a company, it's worth keeping in mind the possibility that it could fail, and you could