American Express Company (AXP)vsMoodys Corporation (MCO)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
MCO
Moodys Corporation
$428.05
-0.10%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $76.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 768% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $7.72B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 16.2%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. MCO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MCO
Strong Buy71
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
+33.1%
Fair Value
$639.76
Current Price
$428.05
$211.71 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
Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.1%
Earnings expanding 57.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 18.7x book value
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 : MCO
The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 42.1%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MCO
The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.44 — expect wider price swings.
MCO is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MCO scores higher overall (71/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 31.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. 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 →Moodys Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.
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