American Express Company (AXP) vs Morgan Stanley (MS)

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

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Morgan Stanley 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 MS

growth of $100 · last 30y
AXP +2361.7%MS +1578.7%AXP compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,462$1,679
AXP MS

AXP vs MS: by the numbers

  • MS is the larger company ($337.60B vs $222.06B market cap).
  • MS trades at the lower earnings multiple (19.46 vs 20.30 P/E).
  • MS converts more revenue to profit (15.13% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (17.47% vs 17.35% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.87% vs 1.05%).

Which is better, AXP or MS?

Metric tally: AXP 7 · MS 6

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueMS(lower P/E)
IncomeMS(higher dividend yield)
QualityAXP(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPMS
P/E ratio20.3019.46
Forward P/E16.1518.00
P/S ratio2.712.84
P/B ratio6.572.98
PEG ratio2.430.58

Profitability

MetricAXPMS
Gross margin83.50%57.99%
Operating margin20.70%19.48%
Net margin13.61%15.13%
ROE33.00%15.91%
ROIC8.29%1.69%

Dividends

MetricAXPMS
Dividend yield1.05%1.87%
Payout ratio22.13%38.68%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPMS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)17.35%17.47%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%9.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.01%22.22%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AXP or MS?
It depends on your goal. value: MS (lower P/E); income: MS (higher dividend yield); quality: AXP (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AXP leads 7 to 6.
Is AXP or MS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MS is cheaper: AXP trades at a 20.30 P/E and MS at 19.46.
Which has grown faster, AXP or MS?
Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — AXP at a 17.35% CAGR versus MS at 17.47%.
Does AXP or MS pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.05% and MS yields 1.87% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or MS more profitable?
MS runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus MS at 15.13%.
Which has been the better investment, AXP or MS?
Over the past 10-year, MS delivered the higher annualized total return — AXP at 19.13% versus MS at 27.20%. 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.