American Express Company (AXP) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +462.8% (+18.9%/yr)MA +502.8% (+19.7%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$563$603
AXP MA

AXP vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($498.74B vs $218.42B market cap).
  • AXP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.57 vs 31.28 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (46.34% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.23% vs 16.09% CAGR).
  • AXP pays the higher dividend yield (1.09% vs 0.59%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPMA
P/E ratio19.5731.28
Forward P/E18.3328.50
P/S ratio2.6014.22
P/B ratio6.3788.89

Profitability

MetricAXPMA
Gross margin84.35%100.00%
Operating margin17.14%59.84%
Net margin13.61%46.34%
ROE33.39%289.73%

Dividends

MetricAXPMA
Dividend yield1.09%0.59%
Payout ratio21.42%18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%20.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.80%11.03%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or MA?
AXP has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.57 and MA at 31.28. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or MA?
Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does AXP or MA pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.09% and MA yields 0.59% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or MA more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have AXP and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.05% and MA delivered 19.91% 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 13, 2026.