American Express Company (AXP)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$134.10
-0.97%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $37.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 136% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $28.38B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 13.5%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
HIG
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$300.24
$212.50 discount
Margin of Safety
+77.2%
Fair Value
$623.84
Current Price
$134.10
$489.74 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
No major concerns identified
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : HIG
The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.12 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 : HIG
No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while HIG 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
HIG scores higher overall (79/100 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.
Visit Website →Hartford Financial Services Group
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., usually known as The Hartford, is a United States-based investment and insurance company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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