WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsCognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A (CTSH)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 217% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $21.11B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 10.6%. CTSH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. CTSH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (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

CTSH

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 2/9
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
CTSHUndervalued (+63.1%)

Margin of Safety

+63.1%

Fair Value

$192.25

Current Price

$59.79

$132.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $192.25Overvalued

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

CTSH3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
13.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.1% YoY

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

CTSH2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : CTSH

The strongest argument for CTSH centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.02 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 : CTSH

The primary concerns for CTSH are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — 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

CTSH scores higher overall (71/100 vs 66/100). AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. 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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Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp Class A

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Cognizant is an American multinational technology company that provides business consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. It is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey, United States.

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