American Express Company (AXP)vsEncore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)
AXP
American Express Company
$324.69
+1.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $219.27B
ECPG
Encore Capital Group Inc
$98.56
+0.63%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 3630% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $1.90B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 15.9%. ECPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.17. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).
AXP
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
ECPG
Exceptional Buy83
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 20.3%
Generating 4.5B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 16.1% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.8% 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 15.9% and operating margin at 38.0%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : ECPG
The primary concerns for ECPG are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.52 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ECPG scores higher overall (83/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 15.9% margins and 11.3% 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.
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