American Express Company (AXP) vs PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and PayPal Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs PYPL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +465.3% (+18.9%/yr)PYPL +36.1% (+3.1%/yr)AXP compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$565$136
AXP PYPL

AXP vs PYPL: by the numbers

  • AXP is the larger company ($219.27B vs $45.96B market cap).
  • PYPL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.16 vs 19.64 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PYPL converts more revenue to profit (14.36% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.23% vs 7.43% CAGR).
  • AXP pays the higher dividend yield (1.10% vs 0.81%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPPYPL
P/E ratio19.6410.16
Forward P/E18.409.97
P/S ratio2.611.35
P/B ratio6.402.32

Profitability

MetricAXPPYPL
Gross margin84.35%45.75%
Operating margin17.14%18.78%
Net margin13.61%14.36%
ROE33.39%24.73%

Dividends

MetricAXPPYPL
Dividend yield1.10%0.81%
Payout ratio21.42%7.94%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPPYPL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%7.43%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%8.81%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.52%-28.73%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or PYPL?
PYPL has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.64 and PYPL at 10.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or PYPL?
Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus PYPL at 7.43%.
Does AXP or PYPL pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.10% and PYPL yields 0.81% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or PYPL more profitable?
PYPL runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus PYPL at 14.36%.
How have AXP and PYPL total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 18.90% and PYPL delivered 3.33% 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 10, 2026.