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 July 29, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs MS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AXP +3777.7%MS +3541.6%AXP compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,878$3,642
AXP MS

AXP vs MS: by the numbers

  • MS is the larger company ($320.49B vs $226.19B market cap).
  • MS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.23 vs 28.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MS converts more revenue to profit (15.99% vs 10.77% net margin).
  • MS grew revenue faster over the past five years (18.41% vs 14.35% CAGR).
  • MS pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 1.01%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPMS
P/E ratio28.1517.23
Forward P/E19.0616.45
P/S ratio2.952.66
P/B ratio0.742.95
PEG ratio2.460.60

Profitability

MetricAXPMS
Gross margin83.11%59.72%
Operating margin17.14%20.70%
Net margin10.77%15.99%
ROE2.71%17.70%
ROIC8.29%1.69%

Dividends

MetricAXPMS
Dividend yield1.01%1.89%
Payout ratio22.13%38.68%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPMS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.35%18.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%9.56%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.05%20.91%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or MS?
MS has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 28.15 and MS at 17.23. 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 14.35% CAGR versus MS at 18.41%.
Does AXP or MS pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.01% and MS yields 1.89% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or MS more profitable?
MS runs the higher net margin — AXP at 10.77% versus MS at 15.99%.
How have AXP and MS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.55% and MS delivered 25.44% 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 29, 2026.