American Express Company (AXP) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Target 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.
Different business models: AXP is classified in Financial Services; TGT is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
AXP
American Express Company
$336.63Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AXP vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAXP +3657.2%TGT +3345.1%AXP compounded faster
AXP TGT
AXP vs TGT: by the numbers
- •AXP is the larger company ($229.69B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 28.05 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AXP converts more revenue to profit (10.77% vs 3.24% net margin).
- •AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.35% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 1.02%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AXP | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 28.05 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 18.99 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 2.94 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 0.74 | 3.90 |
| PEG ratio | 2.46 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | AXP | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 83.11% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 17.14% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 10.77% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 2.71% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 8.29% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | AXP | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.02% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 22.13% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AXP | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.35% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 32.53% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 15.82% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 28.05 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AXP or TGT?
- Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 14.35% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does AXP or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- AXP yields 1.02% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AXP or TGT more profitable?
- AXP runs the higher net margin — AXP at 10.77% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have AXP and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.43% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
American Express P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioAmerican Express dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldAmerican Express ROETarget ROEAmerican Express operating marginTarget operating marginAmerican Express revenue growthTarget revenue growthAmerican Express free cash flowTarget free cash flow
American Express & Target appear in these rankings
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.