WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsNelnet Inc (NNI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 4663% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $1.49B). NNI leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 16.1%. NNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

NNI

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$219.27B10/10

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

NNI4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
20.3%9/10

Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

AXP2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NNI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.873/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-30.5%2/10

Revenue declined 30.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-62.8%2/10

Earnings declined 62.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : NNI

The strongest argument for NNI centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 18.2%. PEG of 0.46 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AXP

The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NNI

The primary concerns for NNI are Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.87 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while NNI is a declining 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 (70/100 vs 56/100), 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.

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Nelnet Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Nelnet, Inc. is engaged in the loan management, communications and educational technology, services and payment processing businesses globally. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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