WallStSmart

Atlanticus Holdings Corp Preferred (ATLCP)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 10842% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $628.89M). ATLCP leads profitability with a 21.4% profit margin vs 16.3%. ATLCP trades at a lower P/E of 3.1x. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ATLCP

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.36

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATLCP6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
3.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
31.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
60.8%10/10

Revenue surging 60.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.2% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.4%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$228.84B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ATLCP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$619.02M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
9.231/10

Elevated debt levels

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.604/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ATLCP

The strongest argument for ATLCP centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.4% and operating margin at 31.0%. Revenue growth of 60.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : ATLCP

The primary concerns for ATLCP are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 9.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AXP

The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ATLCP profiles as a growth stock while AXP is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ATLCP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.

ATLCP is growing revenue faster at 60.8% — 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 59/100), 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.

Atlanticus Holdings Corp Preferred

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Atlanticus Holdings Corp Preferred (ATLCP) is a key player in the alternative finance sector, offering innovative credit solutions designed to improve financial access for underserved consumers. A subsidiary of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation, the company utilizes advanced technology and data analytics to address the limitations of traditional lending practices. With a diverse portfolio of lending platforms and strategic partnerships, ATLCP is firmly positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities while promoting responsible lending and financial inclusivity. Committed to sustainable value creation, Atlanticus not only empowers consumers with essential financial resources but also aims to deliver attractive returns for its investors.

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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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