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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAXP vs SCHW

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +465.3% (+18.9%/yr)SCHW +296.7% (+14.8%/yr)AXP compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$565$397
AXP SCHW

AXP vs SCHW: by the numbers

  • AXP is the larger company ($219.27B vs $186.52B market cap).
  • SCHW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.50 vs 19.64 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SCHW converts more revenue to profit (33.62% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.23% vs 13.03% CAGR).
  • SCHW pays the higher dividend yield (1.15% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPSCHW
P/E ratio19.6419.50
Forward P/E18.4016.51
P/S ratio2.616.21
P/B ratio6.403.74

Profitability

MetricAXPSCHW
Gross margin84.35%86.67%
Operating margin17.14%43.49%
Net margin13.61%33.62%
ROE33.39%20.24%

Dividends

MetricAXPSCHW
Dividend yield1.10%1.15%
Payout ratio21.42%22.36%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPSCHW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%13.03%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%17.05%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.52%9.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or SCHW?
SCHW has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.64 and SCHW at 19.50. 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, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus SCHW at 13.03%.
Does AXP or SCHW pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.10% and SCHW yields 1.15% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or SCHW more profitable?
SCHW runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus SCHW at 33.62%.
How have AXP and SCHW total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 18.90% and SCHW delivered 14.73% 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.