American Express Company (AXP) vs Morgan Stanley (MS)
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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AXP
American Express Company
$327.78Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MS
Morgan Stanley
$206.60Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — AXP vs MS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yAXP +462.8% (+18.9%/yr)MS +797.5% (+24.5%/yr)MS compounded faster over this window
AXP MS
AXP vs MS: by the numbers
- •MS is the larger company ($325.87B vs $221.35B market cap).
- •MS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.82 vs 19.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MS converts more revenue to profit (15.99% vs 13.61% net margin).
- •MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 16.23% CAGR).
- •MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.94% vs 1.09%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AXP | MS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 19.83 | 16.82 |
| Forward P/E | 18.57 | 16.02 |
| P/S ratio | 2.63 | 2.58 |
| P/B ratio | 6.46 | 2.95 |
Profitability
| Metric | AXP | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 84.35% | 59.72% |
| Operating margin | 17.14% | 20.70% |
| Net margin | 13.61% | 15.99% |
| ROE | 33.39% | 18.32% |
Dividends
| Metric | AXP | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.09% | 1.94% |
| Payout ratio | 21.42% | 33.79% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AXP | MS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.23% | 18.41% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 32.53% | 9.56% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 16.80% | 19.36% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or MS?
- MS has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.83 and MS at 16.82. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AXP or MS?
- Over the past five years, MS grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus MS at 18.41%.
- Does AXP or MS pay a bigger dividend?
- AXP yields 1.09% and MS yields 1.94% 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 15.99%.
- How have AXP and MS total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.05% and MS delivered 24.53% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
American Express P/E ratioMorgan Stanley P/E ratioAmerican Express dividend yieldMorgan Stanley dividend yieldAmerican Express ROEMorgan Stanley ROEAmerican Express operating marginMorgan Stanley operating marginAmerican Express revenue growthMorgan Stanley revenue growth
American Express & Morgan Stanley 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.