WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsCredit Acceptance Corporation (CACC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 5309% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $1.24B). CACC leads profitability with a 34.2% profit margin vs 16.2%. CACC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

CACC

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.67
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
CACCSignificantly Overvalued (-106.2%)

Margin of Safety

-106.2%

Fair Value

$247.72

Current Price

$443.91

$196.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $247.72Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

CACC4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
34.2%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.7%

Return on EquityProfitability
25.9%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CACC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.6%4/10

1.6% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-10.4%2/10

Earnings declined 10.4%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.672/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.171/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AXP

The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 17.5%. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : CACC

The strongest argument for CACC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.2% and operating margin at 46.7%. PEG of 1.15 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : CACC

The primary concerns for CACC are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while CACC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CACC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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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Credit Acceptance Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Credit Acceptance Corporation offers financing programs and related products and services to independent and franchised automobile dealerships in the United States. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan.

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