WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsGreen Dot Corporation (GDOT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 3129% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $2.07B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs -4.8%. GDOT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. 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

GDOT

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.26
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for GDOT.

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

GDOT2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.7x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

GDOT4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$626.25M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-11.2%2/10

ROE of -11.2% — below average capital efficiency

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 : GDOT

The strongest argument for GDOT centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.49 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 : GDOT

The primary concerns for GDOT are EPS Growth, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while GDOT is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

GDOT is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — 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 60/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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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Green Dot Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Green Dot Corporation is a banking and fintech holding company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Pasadena, California.

Visit Website →

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