WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 20163% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $349.97M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 9.3%. 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: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

MFIN

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.58

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$234.14B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.47B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

MFIN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.7x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
46.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.9%

PEG RatioValuation
0.778/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFIN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.5%4/10

2.5% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.584/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$250.27M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

EPS GrowthGrowth
-32.6%2/10

Earnings declined 32.6%

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 16.1% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.8% 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 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MFIN

The primary concerns for MFIN are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins and 12.8% 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 →

Medallion Financial Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

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

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?