American Express Company (AXP) vs The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

AXP leads on 7 of 13 compared metrics, though GS is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — AXP vs GS

growth of $100 · last 27y
AXP +728.5%GS +1410.0%GS compounded faster
05001k2kStart $10020042009201420192024$829$1,510
AXP GS

AXP vs GS: by the numbers

  • GS is the larger company ($313.52B vs $222.06B market cap).
  • GS trades at the lower earnings multiple (19.41 vs 20.30 P/E).
  • GS converts more revenue to profit (16.31% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.35% vs 12.83% CAGR).
  • GS pays the higher dividend yield (1.60% vs 1.05%).

Which is better, AXP or GS?

Metric tally: AXP 7 · GS 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueGS(lower P/E)
GrowthAXP(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeGS(higher dividend yield)
QualityAXP(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPGS
P/E ratio20.3019.41
Forward P/E16.1517.89
P/S ratio2.712.95
P/B ratio6.572.67
PEG ratio2.430.61

Profitability

MetricAXPGS
Gross margin83.50%55.55%
Operating margin20.70%20.48%
Net margin13.61%16.31%
ROE33.00%14.72%
ROIC8.29%1.92%

Dividends

MetricAXPGS
Dividend yield1.05%1.60%
Payout ratio22.13%32.72%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPGS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)17.35%12.83%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%15.75%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.01%25.96%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AXP or GS?
It depends on your goal. value: GS (lower P/E); growth: AXP (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: GS (higher dividend yield); quality: AXP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AXP leads 7 to 6.
Is AXP or GS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GS is cheaper: AXP trades at a 20.30 P/E and GS at 19.41.
Which has grown faster, AXP or GS?
Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 17.35% CAGR versus GS at 12.83%.
Does AXP or GS pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.05% and GS yields 1.60% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or GS more profitable?
GS runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus GS at 16.31%.
Which has been the better investment, AXP or GS?
Over the past 10-year, GS delivered the higher annualized total return — AXP at 19.13% versus GS at 24.15%. 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 June 14, 2026.