American Express Company (AXP) vs Wells Fargo & Company (WFC)

A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Wells Fargo & Company 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 WFC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AXP +484.1% (+19.3%/yr)WFC +156.6% (+9.9%/yr)AXP compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$584$257
AXP WFC

AXP vs WFC: by the numbers

  • WFC is the larger company ($272.95B vs $219.27B market cap).
  • WFC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.02 vs 19.64 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • WFC converts more revenue to profit (17.54% vs 13.61% net margin).
  • AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.23% vs 9.78% CAGR).
  • WFC pays the higher dividend yield (2.06% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAXPWFC
P/E ratio19.6413.02
Forward P/E18.4012.38
P/S ratio2.612.11
P/B ratio6.401.51

Profitability

MetricAXPWFC
Gross margin84.35%64.50%
Operating margin17.14%21.17%
Net margin13.61%17.54%
ROE33.39%12.57%

Dividends

MetricAXPWFC
Dividend yield1.10%2.06%
Payout ratio21.42%26.70%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAXPWFC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)16.23%9.78%
EPS CAGR (5Y)32.53%72.38%
Total return CAGR (5Y)16.52%17.97%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or WFC?
WFC has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 19.64 and WFC at 13.02. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AXP or WFC?
Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 16.23% CAGR versus WFC at 9.78%.
Does AXP or WFC pay a bigger dividend?
AXP yields 1.10% and WFC yields 2.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AXP or WFC more profitable?
WFC runs the higher net margin — AXP at 13.61% versus WFC at 17.54%.
How have AXP and WFC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 18.90% and WFC delivered 9.26% 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.