WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 40% more annual revenue ($96.36B vs $68.81B). JNJ leads profitability with a 21.8% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

JNJ

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 9.0Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.64
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.

JNJSignificantly Overvalued (-38.5%)

Margin of Safety

-38.5%

Fair Value

$160.72

Current Price

$221.32

$60.60 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.72Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

JNJ5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$535.63B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.8%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.47B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

JNJ3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

PEG RatioValuation
2.922/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.9%2/10

Earnings declined 52.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : JNJ

The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.8% and operating margin at 27.4%.

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 : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are P/E Ratio, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% 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.

Visit Website →

Johnson & Johnson

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is ranked No. 36 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's most valuable companies, and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA, higher than that of the United States government.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?