American Express Company (AXP) vs The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW)

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and The Charles Schwab Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs SCHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AXP +3740.6%SCHW +3906.2%SCHW compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,841$4,006
AXP SCHW

AXP vs SCHW: by the numbers

  • AXP is the larger company ($229.69B vs $184.30B market cap).
  • SCHW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (20.67 vs 28.05 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SCHW converts more revenue to profit (33.26% vs 10.77% net margin).
  • SCHW grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.85% vs 14.35% CAGR).
  • SCHW pays the higher dividend yield (1.13% vs 1.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPSCHW
P/E ratio28.0520.67
Forward P/E18.9916.02
P/S ratio2.946.44
P/B ratio0.743.71
PEG ratio2.460.38

Profitability

MetricAXPSCHW
Gross margin83.11%87.57%
Operating margin17.14%43.04%
Net margin10.77%33.26%
ROE2.71%19.14%
ROIC8.29%9.50%

Dividends

MetricAXPSCHW
Dividend yield1.02%1.13%
Payout ratio22.13%25.21%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPSCHW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.35%14.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%17.05%
Total return CAGR (5Y)15.82%10.74%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or SCHW?
SCHW has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 28.05 and SCHW at 20.67. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or SCHW?
Over the past five years, SCHW grew revenue faster — AXP at a 14.35% CAGR versus SCHW at 14.85%.
Does AXP or SCHW pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.02% and SCHW yields 1.13% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or SCHW more profitable?
SCHW runs the higher net margin — AXP at 10.77% versus SCHW at 33.26%.
How have AXP and SCHW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.43% and SCHW delivered 15.39% 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 28, 2026.