American Express Company (AXP)vsEncore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)
AXP
American Express Company
$310.66
+3.08%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $212.18B
ECPG
Encore Capital Group Inc
$81.46
+1.07%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 3617% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $1.85B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 16.0%. ECPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.17. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
ECPG
Exceptional Buy90
out of 100
Grade: A
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 38.7%
Earnings expanding 100.0% YoY
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : ECPG
The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 38.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : ECPG
The primary concerns for ECPG are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 3.90 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while ECPG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
ECPG is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECPG scores higher overall (90/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Visit Website →Encore Capital Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, offers debt recovery solutions and other related services to consumers in a variety of financial assets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?