American Express Company (AXP) vs Walmart Inc. (WMT)
A side-by-side comparison of American Express Company and Walmart Inc. 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; WMT 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
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$113.10Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AXP vs WMT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAXP +3657.2%WMT +4540.3%WMT compounded faster
AXP WMT
AXP vs WMT: by the numbers
- •WMT is the larger company ($900.06B vs $229.69B market cap).
- •AXP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.05 vs 39.21 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AXP converts more revenue to profit (10.77% vs 3.13% net margin).
- •AXP grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.35% vs 5.20% CAGR).
- •AXP pays the higher dividend yield (1.02% vs 0.86%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AXP | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 28.05 | 39.21 |
| Forward P/E | 18.99 | 42.36 |
| P/S ratio | 2.94 | 1.23 |
| P/B ratio | 0.74 | 9.48 |
| PEG ratio | 2.46 | 3.29 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 21.35 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 1.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | AXP | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 83.11% | 24.98% |
| Operating margin | 17.14% | 4.16% |
| Net margin | 10.77% | 3.13% |
| ROE | 2.71% | 24.10% |
| ROIC | 8.29% | 11.87% |
Dividends
| Metric | AXP | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.02% | 0.86% |
| Payout ratio | 22.13% | 35.22% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AXP | WMT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 14.35% | 5.20% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 32.53% | 10.95% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -9.94% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 15.82% | 20.16% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AXP or WMT?
- AXP has the lower trailing P/E: AXP trades at 28.05 and WMT at 39.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, AXP or WMT?
- Over the past five years, AXP grew revenue faster — AXP at a 14.35% CAGR versus WMT at 5.20%.
- Does AXP or WMT pay a bigger dividend?
- AXP yields 1.02% and WMT yields 0.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AXP or WMT more profitable?
- AXP runs the higher net margin — AXP at 10.77% versus WMT at 3.13%.
- How have AXP and WMT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AXP delivered 19.43% and WMT delivered 18.43% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
American Express P/E ratioWalmart P/E ratioAmerican Express dividend yieldWalmart dividend yieldAmerican Express ROEWalmart ROEAmerican Express operating marginWalmart operating marginAmerican Express revenue growthWalmart revenue growthAmerican Express free cash flowWalmart free cash flow
American Express & Walmart appear in these rankings
25+ Year Dividend GrowersHighest FCF Yield StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return StocksLargest Companies by Market Cap
Related comparisons
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.