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.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs MS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +462.8% (+18.9%/yr)MS +797.5% (+24.5%/yr)MS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$563$897
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

MetricAXPMS
P/E ratio19.8316.82
Forward P/E18.5716.02
P/S ratio2.632.58
P/B ratio6.462.95

Profitability

MetricAXPMS
Gross margin84.35%59.72%
Operating margin17.14%20.70%
Net margin13.61%15.99%
ROE33.39%18.32%

Dividends

MetricAXPMS
Dividend yield1.09%1.94%
Payout ratio21.42%33.79%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPMS
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.

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.