American Express vs BlackRock (AXP vs BLK)

American Express (AXP) vs BlackRock (BLK) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

American Express (AXP) and BlackRock (BLK) compete in financial services and payments. Here are American Express and BlackRock side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy American Express or BlackRock.

American Express vs BlackRock: the figures

American Express and BlackRock figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that American Express or BlackRock figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between American Express and BlackRock

1. Valuation: BlackRock trades at 27.9x its annual earnings and American Express at 18.7x; the market pays more for each dollar of BlackRock profit, usually because it expects more growth.
2. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, BlackRock keeps 24.2 as net profit and American Express keeps 16.8.
3. Growth: BlackRock grew sales +19.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +11.3% for American Express.

American Express or BlackRock: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: BlackRock is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): BlackRock pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: American Express has a less volatile share price, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: American Express trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither American Express nor BlackRock wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How American Express and BlackRock make money

American Express (AXP)

American Express issues cards and runs its own payment network. It earns discount fees from merchants on each purchase, annual fees on cards like Platinum and Gold, and interest on balances. Segments are U.S. Consumer Services, the largest, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Full American Express analysis.

BlackRock (BLK)

BlackRock is an asset manager that charges fees on money it manages for institutions and individuals. Its main source is iShares ETFs and index funds, alongside active strategies and private markets, expanded through GIP and HPS. It also earns technology services revenue by licensing Aladdin, its investment management platform. Full BlackRock analysis.

Frequently asked questions: American Express vs BlackRock

Is American Express or BlackRock the better stock?

Choosing between American Express and BlackRock depends on what you are looking for. BlackRock is growing faster right now, and American Express trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy American Express or BlackRock: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, American Express or BlackRock?

As of November 4, 2026, BlackRock yields 1.97% and American Express yields 1.17%. Also check how much of their profit American Express and BlackRock pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, American Express or BlackRock?

On P/E, BlackRock (27.9x) is more expensive than American Express (18.7x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both American Express and BlackRock?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as American Express and BlackRock, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying American Express or BlackRock.

More comparisons with American Express or BlackRock

• American Express vs Mastercard
• American Express vs Visa
• BlackRock vs Mastercard
• BlackRock vs Visa

More companies like American Express and BlackRock: financial services and payments stocks. Educational content about American Express and BlackRock, not investment advice.