WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsMedallion Financial Corp (MFIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 19687% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $347.76M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 10.3%. MFIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.77. 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

MFIN

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.0

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

MFIN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
45.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.0%

PEG RatioValuation
0.778/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

MFIN3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$230.39M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.4%2/10

Revenue declined 6.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-60.0%2/10

Earnings declined 60.0%

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 : MFIN

The strongest argument for MFIN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. PEG of 0.77 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 : MFIN

The primary concerns for MFIN are Market Cap, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while MFIN is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 63/100), 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.

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Medallion Financial Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Medallion Financial Corp. The company is headquartered in New York City, New York.

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