Stocks for the Long Run: American Express vs. the S&P 500

Investing isn't easy. Even Warren Buffett councils that most investors should invest in a low-cost index like the S&P 500. That way, "you'll be buying into a wonderful industry, which in effect is all of American industry," he says.

But there are, of course, companies whose long-term fortunes differ substantially from the index. In this series, we look at how members of the S&P 500 have performed compared with the index itself.

Step on up, American Express (NYS: AXP) .

American Express shares have simply crushed the S&P 500 over the last three decades:

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

Since 1980, shares returned an average of 14.1% a year, compared with 11.1% a year for the S&P (both include dividends). That difference adds up fast. One thousand dollars invested in the S&P in 1980 would be worth $29,400 today. In American Express, it'd be worth $68,000.

Dividends accounted for a lot of that gain. Compounded since 1980, dividends have made up 64.5% of American Express' total returns. For the S&P, dividends account for 41.5% of total returns.

And now have a look at how American Express' earnings compare with S&P 500 earnings:

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

Again, significant outperformance. Since 1995, American Express' earnings per share have grown by an average of 8.5% a year, compared with 6% a year for the broader index. That's testament to the power of the company's brand, it's wise and (mostly) level-headed management, and -- for better or worse -- a decades-long boom in consumer credit and spending.

That earnings-growth dynamic has led to above average valuations. American Express has traded for an average of 22.7 times earnings since 1980, compared with 21.3 times for the S&P.

The company has been, without a doubt, an above-average performer historically.

The question is whether that can continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks American Express with a four-star rating (out of five). Do you disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add American Express to My Watchlist.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributor Morgan Housel doesn't own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article. Follow him on Twitter @TMFHousel. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended creating a write covered strangle position in American Express. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

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