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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 20y
AXP +740.5%MA +13438.1%MA compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10k100kStart $10020102014201820222026$841$13,538
AXP MA

AXP vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($510.00B vs $227.50B market cap).
  • AXP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (27.73 vs 32.60 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MA converts more revenue to profit (45.88% vs 10.77% net margin).
  • MA grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.05% vs 14.35% CAGR).
  • AXP pays the higher dividend yield (1.03% vs 0.58%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPMA
P/E ratio27.7332.60
Forward P/E18.7728.68
P/S ratio2.9014.82
P/B ratio0.7374.84
PEG ratio2.461.83

Profitability

MetricAXPMA
Gross margin83.11%82.96%
Operating margin17.14%59.40%
Net margin10.77%45.88%
ROE2.71%231.63%
ROIC8.29%48.63%

Dividends

MetricAXPMA
Dividend yield1.03%0.58%
Payout ratio22.13%19.70%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.35%17.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%20.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.43%8.33%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or MA?
AXP has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 27.73 and MA at 32.60. 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, MA grew revenue faster — AXP at a 14.35% CAGR versus MA at 17.05%.
Does AXP or MA pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.03% and MA yields 0.58% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or MA more profitable?
MA runs the higher net margin — AXP at 10.77% versus MA at 45.88%.
How have AXP and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.43% and MA delivered 20.16% 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 July 30, 2026.