American Express Company (AXP)vsFortinet Inc (FTNT)
AXP
American Express Company
$310.66
+1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $212.18B
FTNT
Fortinet Inc
$149.67
-3.25%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $109.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 868% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $7.11B). FTNT leads profitability with a 27.5% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
FTNT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+45.4%
Fair Value
$265.15
Current Price
$149.67
$115.48 discount
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
Every $100 of equity generates 197 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 31.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Revenue surging 20.1% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 28.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 110.9x book value
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 : FTNT
The strongest argument for FTNT centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.5% and operating margin at 31.3%. Revenue growth of 20.1% 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 : FTNT
The primary concerns for FTNT are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 57.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while FTNT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
FTNT is growing revenue faster at 20.1% — 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 67/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. FTNT offers better value entry with a 45.4% 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.
Visit Website →Fortinet Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. It develops and sells cybersecurity solutions, including but not limited to physical products such as firewalls, plus software and services such as anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention systems and endpoint security components.
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