WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsNational Grid PLC ADR (NGG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 289% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $17.69B). NGG leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. NGG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.00. 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

NGG

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.20

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$212.18B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 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

NGG3 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

Market CapQuality
$80.25B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NGG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Price/BookValuation
8.2x4/10

Trading at 8.2x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.193/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : NGG

The strongest argument for NGG centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 32.6%. PEG of 1.00 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 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NGG

The primary concerns for NGG are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while NGG is a value 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 62/100), 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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National Grid PLC ADR

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

National Grid plc transmits and distributes electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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