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American Express (AXP) Competitors

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$324.64 +3.93 (+1.22%)
Closing price 09/11/2026 03:58 PM Eastern
Extended Trading
$325.04 +0.41 (+0.13%)
As of 09/11/2026 07:57 PM Eastern
Extended trading is trading that happens on electronic markets outside of regular trading hours. This is a fair market value extended hours price provided by Massive. Learn more.

AXP vs. PYPL, BAC, BRK.A, BRK.B, and KO

Should you buy American Express stock or one of its competitors? American Express's main competitors and comparable companies include PayPal (PYPL), Bank of America (BAC), Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A), Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), and CocaCola (KO). Companies are selected based on similarities in market, industry, and size.

How does American Express compare to PayPal?

PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) and American Express (NYSE:AXP) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, valuation, risk, dividends, profitability, media sentiment and analyst recommendations.

68.3% of PayPal shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.3% of American Express shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.6% of PayPal shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of American Express shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

PayPal presently has a consensus price target of $56.03, suggesting a potential upside of 4.30%. American Express has a consensus price target of $373.32, suggesting a potential upside of 14.99%. Given American Express' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe American Express is more favorable than PayPal.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
PayPal
4 Sell rating(s)
34 Hold rating(s)
9 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.11
American Express
1 Sell rating(s)
10 Hold rating(s)
12 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.54

American Express has a net margin of 15.07% compared to PayPal's net margin of 14.36%. American Express' return on equity of 34.12% beat PayPal's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
PayPal14.36% 24.39% 6.06%
American Express 15.07%34.12%3.77%

PayPal has a beta of 1.28, meaning that its stock price is 28% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, American Express has a beta of 1.05, meaning that its stock price is 5% more volatile than the broader market.

PayPal pays an annual dividend of $0.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. American Express pays an annual dividend of $3.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. PayPal pays out 10.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Express pays out 23.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. American Express has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. American Express is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

In the previous week, PayPal had 19 more articles in the media than American Express. MarketBeat recorded 46 mentions for PayPal and 27 mentions for American Express. American Express' average media sentiment score of 1.02 beat PayPal's score of 0.60 indicating that American Express is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
PayPal
22 Very Positive mention(s)
7 Positive mention(s)
9 Neutral mention(s)
3 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
American Express
21 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

American Express has higher revenue and earnings than PayPal. PayPal is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Express, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
PayPal$33.17B1.39$5.23B$5.2910.16
American Express$75.95B2.89$10.83B$16.4819.70

Summary

American Express beats PayPal on 15 of the 20 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does American Express compare to Bank of America?

American Express (NYSE:AXP) and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, media sentiment, analyst recommendations, risk and dividends.

84.3% of American Express shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 70.7% of Bank of America shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of American Express shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Bank of America shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

American Express presently has a consensus price target of $373.32, suggesting a potential upside of 14.99%. Bank of America has a consensus price target of $64.08, suggesting a potential upside of 2.27%. Given American Express' higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe American Express is more favorable than Bank of America.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
American Express
1 Sell rating(s)
10 Hold rating(s)
12 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.54
Bank of America
0 Sell rating(s)
6 Hold rating(s)
21 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.78

Bank of America has higher revenue and earnings than American Express. Bank of America is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Express, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
American Express$75.95B2.89$10.83B$16.4819.70
Bank of America$191.57B2.29$30.51B$4.3614.37

American Express has a beta of 1.05, suggesting that its stock price is 5% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Bank of America has a beta of 1.15, suggesting that its stock price is 15% more volatile than the broader market.

American Express pays an annual dividend of $3.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. Bank of America pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. American Express pays out 23.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank of America pays out 29.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. American Express has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years and Bank of America has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years. Bank of America is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Bank of America has a net margin of 17.56% compared to American Express' net margin of 15.07%. American Express' return on equity of 34.12% beat Bank of America's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
American Express15.07% 34.12% 3.77%
Bank of America 17.56%12.20%0.98%

In the previous week, Bank of America had 25 more articles in the media than American Express. MarketBeat recorded 52 mentions for Bank of America and 27 mentions for American Express. American Express' average media sentiment score of 1.02 beat Bank of America's score of 0.86 indicating that American Express is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
American Express
21 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Bank of America
29 Very Positive mention(s)
9 Positive mention(s)
9 Neutral mention(s)
2 Negative mention(s)
3 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Summary

American Express and Bank of America tied by winning 10 of the 20 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does American Express compare to Berkshire Hathaway?

American Express (NYSE:AXP) and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, media sentiment, profitability and analyst recommendations.

Berkshire Hathaway has higher revenue and earnings than American Express. Berkshire Hathaway is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Express, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
American Express$75.95B2.89$10.83B$16.4819.70
Berkshire Hathaway$438.31B2.49$66.97B$59.66 thousand12.82

Berkshire Hathaway has a net margin of 22.30% compared to American Express' net margin of 15.07%. American Express' return on equity of 34.12% beat Berkshire Hathaway's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
American Express15.07% 34.12% 3.77%
Berkshire Hathaway 22.30%6.62%3.87%

In the previous week, American Express had 10 more articles in the media than Berkshire Hathaway. MarketBeat recorded 27 mentions for American Express and 17 mentions for Berkshire Hathaway. American Express' average media sentiment score of 1.02 beat Berkshire Hathaway's score of 0.25 indicating that American Express is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
American Express
21 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
Berkshire Hathaway
6 Very Positive mention(s)
1 Positive mention(s)
6 Neutral mention(s)
4 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral

American Express has a beta of 1.05, suggesting that its share price is 5% more volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, Berkshire Hathaway has a beta of 0.6, suggesting that its share price is 40% less volatile than the broader market.

American Express currently has a consensus price target of $373.32, suggesting a potential upside of 14.99%. Berkshire Hathaway has a consensus price target of $787,337.00, suggesting a potential upside of 2.94%. Given American Express' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe American Express is more favorable than Berkshire Hathaway.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
American Express
1 Sell rating(s)
10 Hold rating(s)
12 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.54
Berkshire Hathaway
1 Sell rating(s)
1 Hold rating(s)
1 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.00

84.3% of American Express shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 23.0% of Berkshire Hathaway shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of American Express shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Berkshire Hathaway shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

American Express beats Berkshire Hathaway on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does American Express compare to Berkshire Hathaway?

Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B) and American Express (NYSE:AXP) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, media sentiment, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends and profitability.

39.3% of Berkshire Hathaway shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.3% of American Express shares are held by institutional investors. 6.1% of Berkshire Hathaway shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of American Express shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Berkshire Hathaway has higher revenue and earnings than American Express. Berkshire Hathaway is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Express, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
Berkshire Hathaway$371.44B2.94$66.97B$39.7712.84
American Express$75.95B2.89$10.83B$16.4819.70

In the previous week, American Express had 10 more articles in the media than Berkshire Hathaway. MarketBeat recorded 27 mentions for American Express and 17 mentions for Berkshire Hathaway. American Express' average media sentiment score of 1.02 beat Berkshire Hathaway's score of 0.22 indicating that American Express is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
Berkshire Hathaway
6 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
8 Neutral mention(s)
3 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Neutral
American Express
21 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Berkshire Hathaway has a beta of 0.61, suggesting that its stock price is 39% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, American Express has a beta of 1.05, suggesting that its stock price is 5% more volatile than the broader market.

Berkshire Hathaway has a net margin of 22.30% compared to American Express' net margin of 15.07%. American Express' return on equity of 34.12% beat Berkshire Hathaway's return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
Berkshire Hathaway22.30% 6.62% 3.87%
American Express 15.07%34.12%3.77%

Berkshire Hathaway currently has a consensus price target of $542.50, suggesting a potential upside of 6.28%. American Express has a consensus price target of $373.32, suggesting a potential upside of 14.99%. Given American Express' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe American Express is more favorable than Berkshire Hathaway.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
Berkshire Hathaway
0 Sell rating(s)
2 Hold rating(s)
1 Buy rating(s)
0 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.33
American Express
1 Sell rating(s)
10 Hold rating(s)
12 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.54

Summary

American Express beats Berkshire Hathaway on 10 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

How does American Express compare to CocaCola?

CocaCola (NYSE:KO) and American Express (NYSE:AXP) are related large-cap companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, media sentiment, valuation, profitability, earnings, risk, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations.

CocaCola has a beta of 0.34, suggesting that its share price is 66% less volatile than the broader market. Comparatively, American Express has a beta of 1.05, suggesting that its share price is 5% more volatile than the broader market.

CocaCola currently has a consensus target price of $95.76, indicating a potential upside of 8.42%. American Express has a consensus target price of $373.32, indicating a potential upside of 14.99%. Given American Express' higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe American Express is more favorable than CocaCola.

Company Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score
CocaCola
0 Sell rating(s)
3 Hold rating(s)
14 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.89
American Express
1 Sell rating(s)
10 Hold rating(s)
12 Buy rating(s)
1 Strong Buy rating(s)
2.54

CocaCola has a net margin of 28.56% compared to American Express' net margin of 15.07%. CocaCola's return on equity of 39.38% beat American Express' return on equity.

Company Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets
CocaCola28.56% 39.38% 13.18%
American Express 15.07%34.12%3.77%

CocaCola pays an annual dividend of $2.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.4%. American Express pays an annual dividend of $3.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.2%. CocaCola pays out 63.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Express pays out 23.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. CocaCola has increased its dividend for 64 consecutive years and American Express has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. CocaCola is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

CocaCola has higher earnings, but lower revenue than American Express. American Express is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CocaCola, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

CompanyGross RevenuePrice/Sales RatioNet IncomeEarnings Per SharePrice/Earnings Ratio
CocaCola$50.13B7.58$13.11B$3.3326.52
American Express$75.95B2.89$10.83B$16.4819.70

70.3% of CocaCola shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.3% of American Express shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.9% of CocaCola shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.1% of American Express shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

In the previous week, CocaCola had 32 more articles in the media than American Express. MarketBeat recorded 59 mentions for CocaCola and 27 mentions for American Express. American Express' average media sentiment score of 1.02 beat CocaCola's score of 0.95 indicating that American Express is being referred to more favorably in the news media.

Company Very Positive Positive Neutral Negative Very Negative Overall Sentiment
CocaCola
33 Very Positive mention(s)
9 Positive mention(s)
11 Neutral mention(s)
3 Negative mention(s)
1 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive
American Express
21 Very Positive mention(s)
0 Positive mention(s)
5 Neutral mention(s)
1 Negative mention(s)
0 Very Negative mention(s)
Positive

Summary

CocaCola beats American Express on 12 of the 19 factors compared between the two stocks.

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New MarketBeat Followers Over Time

This chart shows the number of new MarketBeat users adding AXP and its top 5 competitors to their watchlist. Each company is represented with a line over a 90 day period.
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Media Sentiment Over Time

This chart shows the average media sentiment of NYSE and its competitors over the past 90 days as caculated by MarketBeat. The averaged score is equivalent to the following: Very Negative Sentiment <= -1.5, Negative Sentiment > -1.5 and <= -0.5, Neutral Sentiment > -0.5 and < 0.5, Positive Sentiment >= 0.5 and < 1.5, and Very Positive Sentiment >= 1.5.
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AXP vs. The Competition

MetricAmerican ExpressConsumer Finance IndustryFinance SectorNYSE Exchange
Market Cap$216.58B$7.16B$13.99B$23.20B
Dividend Yield1.18%12.66%5.94%3.56%
P/E Ratio19.709.0025.6728.71
Price / Sales2.8968.63506.9194.45
Price / Cash17.4611.5340.1633.82
Price / Book6.662.592.754.74
Net Income$10.83B$442.63M$1.32B$1.07B
7 Day Performance-0.45%-1.84%-1.17%-2.00%
1 Month Performance-5.66%-2.06%0.25%-2.69%
1 Year Performance-0.26%7.72%9.27%10.45%

American Express Competitors List

CompanyMarketRankShare PriceAnalysts' Price Target1Y Price PerformanceMarket CapRevenueP/E RatioEmployee CountIndicator(s)
AXP
American Express
4.4841 of 5 stars
$324.64
+1.2%
$373.32
+15.0%
-1.5%$216.58B$75.95B19.7076,800
PYPL
PayPal
3.8122 of 5 stars
$52.40
-0.5%
$56.03
+6.9%
-20.1%$44.83B$33.17B9.9123,800
BAC
Bank of America
4.5578 of 5 stars
$61.97
+0.0%
$64.08
+3.4%
+23.5%$433.34B$191.57B14.21213,000
BRK.A
Berkshire Hathaway
1.4866 of 5 stars
$753,400.00
-0.4%
$787,337.00
+4.5%
+2.7%$1.08T$371.44B12.63372,000
BRK.B
Berkshire Hathaway
1.8737 of 5 stars
$502.22
-0.4%
$542.50
+8.0%
+2.7%$1.08T$438.31B12.63387,800

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This page (NYSE:AXP) was last updated on 9/12/2026 by MarketBeat.com Staff.
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