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

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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs GS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +455.9% (+18.7%/yr)GS +633.0% (+22.0%/yr)GS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$556$733
AXP GS

AXP vs GS: by the numbers

  • GS is the larger company ($303.62B vs $219.27B market cap).
  • GS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (15.89 vs 19.64 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • GS converts more revenue to profit (17.78% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.23% vs 13.76% CAGR).
  • GS pays the higher dividend yield (1.77% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPGS
P/E ratio19.6415.89
Forward P/E18.4014.65
P/S ratio2.612.57
P/B ratio6.402.47

Profitability

MetricAXPGS
Gross margin84.35%47.48%
Operating margin17.14%24.81%
Net margin13.61%17.78%
ROE33.39%17.09%

Dividends

MetricAXPGS
Dividend yield1.10%1.77%
Payout ratio21.42%27.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPGS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%13.76%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%15.75%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.52%23.33%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or GS?
GS has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.64 and GS at 15.89. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or GS?
Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus GS at 13.76%.
Does AXP or GS pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.10% and GS yields 1.77% 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 17.78%.
How have AXP and GS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 18.90% and GS delivered 22.22% 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 September 10, 2026.