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.
AXP
American Express Company
$323.44Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$568.67Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT
Total return — AXP vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAXP +462.8% (+18.9%/yr)MA +502.8% (+19.7%/yr)MA compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | AXP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.57 | 31.28 |
| Forward P/E | 18.33 | 28.50 |
| P/S ratio | 2.60 | 14.22 |
| P/B ratio | 6.37 | 88.89 |
Profitability
| Metric | AXP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 84.35% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 17.14% | 59.84% |
| Net margin | 13.61% | 46.34% |
| ROE | 33.39% | 289.73% |
Dividends
| Metric | AXP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.09% | 0.59% |
| Payout ratio | 21.42% | 18.54% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AXP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
American Express P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioAmerican Express dividend yieldMastercard dividend yieldAmerican Express ROEMastercard ROEAmerican Express operating marginMastercard operating marginAmerican Express revenue growthMastercard revenue growth
American Express & Mastercard appear in these rankings
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.