Applied Materials Inc (AMAT)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)
AMAT
Applied Materials Inc
$435.44
+6.04%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $325.89B
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 144% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $28.21B). AMAT leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AMAT
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 39 in profit
Earnings expanding 75.2% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 15.9x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Revenue declined 2.1%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AMAT
The strongest argument for AMAT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 29.9%.
Bull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AMAT
The primary concerns for AMAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AMAT profiles as a declining stock while AXP is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AMAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.65 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Applied Materials Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Applied Materials, Inc. is an American corporation that supplies equipment, services and software for the manufacture of semiconductor (integrated circuit) chips for electronics, flat panel displays for computers, smartphones and televisions, and solar products. The company also supplies equipment to produce coatings for flexible electronics, packaging and other applications. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, in Silicon Valley.
Visit Website →American Express Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
The American Express Company is a multinational financial services corporation headquartered at 200 Vesey Street in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
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