American Express Company (AXP)vsCPI Card Group Inc (PMTS)
AXP
American Express Company
$310.66
+3.08%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $212.18B
PMTS
CPI Card Group Inc
$17.05
-3.73%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $192.91M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 12017% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $567.88M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 2.1%. PMTS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.57. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
PMTS
Hold46
out of 100
Grade: D+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
19.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.1% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : PMTS
The strongest argument for PMTS centers on Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 19.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.57 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 : PMTS
The primary concerns for PMTS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while PMTS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
PMTS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
PMTS is growing revenue faster at 19.8% — 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 46/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →CPI Card Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
CPI Card Group Inc. is dedicated to the design, production, data personalization, packaging and fulfillment of financial payment cards. The company is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado.
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