American Express Company (AXP) vs Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Capital One Financial Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs COF

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +495.0% (+19.5%/yr)COF +274.7% (+14.1%/yr)AXP compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$595$375
AXP COF

AXP vs COF: by the numbers

  • AXP is the larger company ($226.90B vs $133.68B market cap).
  • COF trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.48 vs 20.33 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AXP converts more revenue to profit (13.61% vs 13.38% net margin).
  • COF grew revenue faster over the past five years (20.29% vs 16.23% CAGR).
  • COF pays the higher dividend yield (1.38% vs 1.05%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPCOF
P/E ratio20.3313.48
Forward P/E19.0410.66
P/S ratio2.711.72
P/B ratio6.651.19

Profitability

MetricAXPCOF
Gross margin84.35%47.33%
Operating margin17.14%3.29%
Net margin13.61%13.38%
ROE33.39%9.24%

Dividends

MetricAXPCOF
Dividend yield1.05%1.38%
Payout ratio22.97%74.44%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPCOF
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%20.29%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%-4.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)17.45%7.18%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or COF?
COF has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 20.33 and COF at 13.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or COF?
Over the past five years, COF grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus COF at 20.29%.
Does AXP or COF pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.05% and COF yields 1.38% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or COF more profitable?
AXP runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus COF at 13.38%.
How have AXP and COF total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.38% and COF delivered 14.21% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 23, 2026.